Dark Lord of Kismera: Knights of Kismera

by Tamara H Hartl

  Ki straightened a little. “What is a floozy?”

  “You don’t want to know,” Drace said.

  “Do not treat me as a child, Drace.” Ki fumed. “Well?”

  “An immoral woman—a trollop.” Drace volunteered, and glared at Cerise.

  “Oh, I see,” Ki said, and gave her attention to her ice cream

  “I thought you said both of us,” Drace commented.

  “You are a grown man and this is your place. You could have it packed with women and it’s none of my business. I’m sorry. I should have called first instead of just showing up.”

  “If I had wanted you to call first I never would have given you a key and an open invite. You were just concerned so forget it. I can’t speak for Ki, though.”

  “Tis fine. Cerise’s heart is in the right place. I would feel the same if it were Cearan.”

  “I just can’t believe you’re here.” Cerise gushed. “Drace described you, but I couldn’t get a picture in my mind. You’re so beautiful. Exotic. I’m just floored. Drace, I’m so happy for you.”

  Cerise turned her attention from Ki to Drace and caught the flash of pain in his eyes before he blinked at her. “What’s wrong, hon?” she asked.

  Ki felt the cold chill of her reality snake down her spine and her spoon clattered into her bowl. She knew that she might cry and would not do so in front of Drace or his kinswoman. “I think I will take a shower and go to bed. Cerise, it is very nice to meet you and I hope you will be with us for a long while.” She rose from the table, moving to take her bowl to the sink.

  “I’ll get it, hon. I’ll be in soon.”

  She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek then went into the bedroom. A moment later, he heard the bathroom door close and the shower start.

  Drace cleaned up and turned off all the lights except one on an end table. He sat on the sofa and Cerise sat across from him in the recliner, her feet tucked under her.

  Drace told her about Ki’s arrival from her world and then why Ki couldn’t stay.

  “Oh no,” Cerise exclaimed. “Is she okay?”

  “Right now she’s fine, but we don’t know how long she’s got. All I know is it won’t be long enough.

  “Oh D, I’m so sorry. Would you like for me to get a hotel room to give you two your privacy back?”

  “You don’t have to do that, Cerise. I’d like for you to get to know her better. I think you two could be friends.” He yawned. “What time you got?” he asked as he scratched lazily at his chest.

  “You know, you can afford a watch of your own,” she said, glancing at her wristwatch.

  “Yeah, but I always break ’em.”

  “It’s about midnight,” Cerise said.

  “I have to work tomorrow and we had a big day. I’m beat and Ki’s probably already asleep. “I’m going to turn in. Do you want to come with us in the morning?”

  Cerise rose and for guest room. “I’ve got my car. I’ll head over later.”

  “You drove?” Drace was surprised. Cerise usually flew and either used his truck or took a taxi when in town.

  “Yes. I said I’d help you move. Remember? And I have some things I wanted to investigate.”

  “You smell money?” Drace teased her as he turned off the lamp.

  “I always smell it. It’s just fun finding the source. Night D.”

  “Night.”

  Drace padded into his room. He stripped down to his underwear and slid into bed next to Ki. She lay on her side facing away from him, her loosely braided hair over her shoulders. He stretched until a joint popped then spooned himself behind her. She was asleep, but when his arm came around her, she sighed and he felt her relax further.

  Chapter Thirty

  KI WATCHED DRACE AND JOE as they worked on some new choreography for the mock swordfight routine. The men wore jeans, t-shirts with the hotel’s logo, and boots. Drace’s hair was pulled back in a short ponytail except for a few stray wisps. Joe’s hair was done up in similar fashion, although he never let his go beyond shoulder length.

  When they stopped to take a break Ki brought them bottled water and asked to see Joe’s sword. She looked it over with a critical eye. She turned to Drace with an amused expression. “Joe, may I borrow this for a moment?” Ki asked, her eyes not leaving Drace’s.

  “Sure. It’s pretty heavy. Don’t stick yourself with it.”

  “I will be careful. Do not worry.”

  Drace returned her smile. Ki lifted the blade and gave it a test swing, getting to know the blade’s weight and balance.

  Drace stood placidly but was anything but that. The only clue Ki gave him of her attack was a slight narrowing of her eyes.

  He brought his blade up to deflect her first attack then sparred for awhile. Ki spun easily out of range.

  “Would you like to make it interesting, my love?” she asked, barely breathing hard.

  “What do you have in mind, my Lady?” Drace replied, pushing a stray lock of hair back.

  “Let us say first blood, but I have nothing to wager.”

  “Oh, but you do,” Drace teased, moving the tip of his blade in a lazy circle.

  “What do you two mean by first blood?” Joe asked. Ki has some talent with a sword. Where did she say she’s from? he wondered.

  “Oh, do not worry. I will not hurt him much,” Ki quipped. “It will only be a scratch.”

  Drace moved towards her, an evil grin on his face. “I’m not the untutored student anymore. Remember, I’ve had the best of instructors.”

  “Really? Let us see then.”

  The way the two went at it, Joe was sure they were trying to kill each other. He stood back with his mouth open.

  Ki gave a little hiss of surprise as Drace pinked her on her upper arm and a tiny weal of blood appeared. Drace lowered his sword and Ki spun. With a move that would have made Jet Li proud, her booted foot caught him square in the gut.

  Drace staggered back a step, trying to suck in air. When he could breath, he wheezed, “Oh, you little cheater. I still won.”

  “I did not wish for you to get big headed in your victory.”

  “Damn!” Joe swore.

  “What?” Drace and Ki said in unison.

  “I’ve never seen fighting like that before in my life. It was awesome!”

  Drace was looking at the tiny cut on Ki’s arm. It had already stopped bleeding. She had cut herself worse shaving her legs just this morning.

  Ki looked at Joe over Drace’s arm. “Would you like to have a go?” she offered.

  “Sure, as long as you promise not to kick me like you did the big guy.”

  Ki nodded in agreement. She handed Joe his sword back and took Drace’s. It was heavier but the balance was exceptional although not as good as Gefa Slakh.

  “Go easy on him, hon. He’s a novice compared to what you’re use to,” Drace warned.

  “Ha, ha,” Joe sneered. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

  Ki did take it easier on Joe’s inexperience but in the end he wound up tripped and on his knees. When he tried to rise she came around behind him, dropping the sword as she stepped over his leg. Next thing he knew he was being held in a strangle hold.

  With his hand going to his throat, he cried out, “Uncle! I give!”

  Ki released her hold on Joe and the long tail of her braid fell into his lap.

  “Well, I’ll be damned,” Joe swore, realizing she’d wrapped her braid around his throat.

  As Ki moved from behind him, she tugged his hair playfully. “You did well.”

  Joe rose to his feet and, although he wasn’t hurt, he rubbed his throat. “What are you? Some kind of special forces?”

  Ki caught a look from Drace. “Something like that,” was all she offered.

  There was a burst of applause from the stands. All three people in the arena looked up to see Cerise in the stands.

  “That was wonderful!” she called as she made her way down to the arena floor.

  “Your boss caug
ht most of that,” Cerise informed when she reached them. “He asked to see Drace and Ki in his office in twenty minutes.”

  “Oh shit! That playing around got you into trouble. What are you going to do?” Joe asked.

  “Go see the man, of course. I’ve only got two weeks left. If I get fired, big deal. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about though since he also asked for Ki.”

  He handed his sword to Joe. “Will you stick that in my locker for me?”

  “Sure thing man. Let me know how it goes.”

  Drace took Ki by the hand. “Cerise, are you going to stay for the show?”

  “Absolutely. See you when you get back.

  They went to the main office and stopped at the receptionist desk. She put the phone down and looked at him with adoring, big brown eyes. “Hello Drace,” she greeted self consciously, a flush staining her cheeks. “What brings you up here?”

  Ki gave a discreet cough, which brought the young woman’s attention to her. Ki made it a point of putting a hand possessively on Drace’s arm.

  “Mr. Ashley asked to see us, Whitney. Would you let him know we’re here?”

  Whitney flashed Ki a guilty look then picked up the phone again. Drace steered Ki to a wall where pictures of the casino hung on display. Ki saw one of Drace’s shows with Joe and them headed for each other in the joust.

  “Why did you not introduce me to her?” Ki asked.

  “And have her know the identity of her killer? I don’t think so,” Drace said, amused.

  Ki gave a very unladylike snort.

  “Mr. Ashley will see you now, Drace. Go right in.” Whitney called from her desk.

  Drace put a hand on the small of Ki’s back and steered her into the large, opulent office.

  A handsome man of about forty greeted them with a firm handshake for them both. Ki took note of his black hair in a short, neat cut and his gray eyes. He wore an expensive charcoal gray suit.

  Mr. Ashley met Ki’s gaze with a steady one of his own. “Who is this lovely lady we have been seeing you with, MacKinnon?”

  “Mr. Ashley, this is Ki Lionblade of Oralia. Ki, Mr. John Ashley owner and manager of this fine establishment.”

  “I am most pleased to meet you,” Ki said after the introduction.

  “Lionblade. That’s an unusual name,” Mr. Ashley commented, motioning for the two of them to sit in chairs at the front of his desk.

  “It is an old clan name. Our lands go back to ancient times,” Ki returned, settling herself in one of the heavy chairs.

  “That is an interesting accent. Is Oralia in Europe?” Ashley asked.

  Since Ki had no idea where Europe was, she hesitated for a moment. She gave a slight nod. “My country is very insignificant to be of any concern to the rest of the world. We like it that way. It is very…,” Ki paused thoughtfully, “…quiet there.”

  Ashley laughed. “Quiet is not a word to describe Vegas. I can understand the allure of someplace that is.”

  Drace decided to head things off before Mr. Ashley asked a question Ki wouldn’t be able to answer. “Sir, you had asked to see us. Is there a problem?”

  “No, there’s no problem. I was watching your practice today. I do like the new choreography.

  “It will be ready for the last week’s shows,” Drace replied.

  Mr. Ashley turned his attention back to Ki. “I was very impressed, Miss Lionblade, at your swordsmanship.”

  “Thank you. It is a small hobby of mine.”

  “I don’t suppose, Drace, that I can talk you into extending your contract? Maybe we could incorporate the lovely lady into the show. I believe people would pay good money to see a woman warrior take on the boys.”

  “Thank you sir, for the offer but I think I’ll respectfully decline. I’m hoping the lady will join me in Virginia. I’ve got a farm to put back on the map,” Drace said. He felt Ki stiffen beside him, but when he glanced at her, she still wore a pleasant smile.

  “I had already counted on that as your answer but one can always hope for a change of heart. But,” Ashley leaned back in his chair and locked his fingers behind his head. “Let me run this idea by the two of you. I’m going to retire the Black Knight. I’ve a couple of new ideas for afterward. So, I’d like to send you out in style, bring in a crowd the last night.”

  “Sure, Mr. Ashley. What did you have in mind?”.

  Thirty minutes later Ki and Drace were back in the elevator on the way down from Ashley’s office.

  “Why did you react when I mentioned going to Virginia?” Drace asked Ki.

  Ki lowered her eyes to avoid his gaze.

  “Ki, what is it?” Drace pushed for an answer as the elevator doors opened and he once again guided her through the casino and back to the arena. They stopped outside the arena door and he put a hand on her arm. “You didn’t answer my question.”

  “I wish with all my heart that I could go with you to your Vir…”

  “Virginia,” Drace helped her with the word.

  “”Yes, Virginia. Even if it is only for a little while but….” She sighed. “I have to go back from the same location as when I came here. I have to be here, in this arena when my time comes. If I grow weak slowly I will still have time to make it back. I take it that it is a long ride to your Virginia?”

  “We could be back in a matter of hours by plane.” Drace informed her, taking her hand in his. Both shook a little.

  “You once told me of those. I could not ride in one of your planes,” Ki protested. Drace saw real fear in her eyes.

  “I don’t think I could get you on one of those anyway, hon. These days you have to have official identification so that mode of transportation is not an option.

  “I would like to see your homeland, Drace. Truly. I just do not know if I can.”

  “I don’t understand. When Nimbus sent me back here, I wasn’t anywhere close to the same place where I arrived in Kismera.”

  “Nimbus was right there when he sent you to this world. If he were here, he could send me back from anywhere. But for me to go at an undetermined time without him with me, it has to be here,” Ki insisted.

  Ki saw Drace swallow hard. She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in the crook of his shoulder.

  Drace held her tight for a moment. Finally, he took a deep breath. “Then I guess we stay here. I’ll send Pride to the farm after I’m done with the show then we’ll see what happens.”

  He gave her a gentle pat on the butt. “We have plenty of time before this evening’s show. Let’s find Cerise and go get something to eat.”

  They found Cerise a few minutes later in the stables. They went to an Italian restaurant for lunch. Ki sat savoring a slice of garlic bread. “Estelle would surely like this seasoning,” she murmured.

  Drace explained the meeting with John Ashley to Cerise. Drace had tickets for Cerise and two more guests for the final performance. Ki was given a small part in the finale and then Drace’s guests would be included in the party after the show. “I was thinking Penny and Autumn would like to go to the last performance and if Penny can find someone to watch Autumn afterwards, she might enjoy a night out.” Drace said

  Cerise gave a broad dimpled smile. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. You should see if the hotel has some sort of childcare service available.” Cerise turned her attention to Ki. “You know what this means, don’t you?”

  “I do not think that I do.”

  “Shopping, dear. You will need something for the show, a knockout formal dress for the party. And something for after the party as well,” she added with lewd grin.

  Ki smiled and blushed. She remembered Drace’s initial reaction to her new undergarments.

  “I see the idea has appeal,” Cerise laughed.

  Drace worked industriously on his meal, trying to ignore them, but the blush on his high cheekbones betrayed him.

  “It is very nice of Ashley to give you a suite for that night,” Cerise continued.

  Drac
e’s fork paused before he took another bite, “Ashley’s planning on making a lot of money the last night. He can afford to comp us a room.”

  “I think it’s romantic,” Cerise said.

  “I didn’t say it wasn’t. I’m just saying I will have earned it.”

  Cerise waved him off the subject with her fork. “Finish up, big boy. You still have tonight to get through.”

  Ki watched the two of them bicker affectionately and felt a stab of longing for Cearan. She missed him terribly. She gave her head a little shake to bring herself out of her melancholy. She would have a lifetime with Cearan later but for now she had Drace. Until her time with him was up she would not let anything distract from that.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  KI WATCHED the scenery pass by the truck’s windows as they traveled State Route 169 towards the Valley of Fire State Park. She leaned into the solid warmth of Drace next to her with a small sigh of contentment. He placed his right arm over the back of the seat and she laid head back against his arm and reflected on the past week. Most of her time had been spent with Drace at the casino. Yesterday, however, she had spent with Cerise, shopping. It pleased Drace that the two women were getting along so well.

  A finger gently probed the inner curve of her right ear causing her to jump.

  “Hey there,” Drace said, giving her shoulder a squeeze. “I asked you a question.”

  “I am sorry. I did not hear it.”

  What had you so enthralled?”

  “I was just thinking of the dress we bought. Cerise called it ‘a killer’.”

  “Hmmm. I hope it comes with an easy way out of it.”

  “I do believe, my love, you feel that way about anything I wear.”

  Drace gave her a quick glance. “Damn, you’ve figured me out.

  Drace stopped at the park entrance to pay for admittance, and then drove on until he found parking in front of the visitor center.

  They toured the exhibits on the early occupants of the area and then headed to the gift shop. Drace bought a book, several post cards, and some bottled water, knowing it would get hot during their hike. They left and drove to the loop that would take them to Atlatl and Arch Rocks. They hiked for a couple of hours, taking their time. Drace took several pictures with his camera phone. They explored Mouse’s Tank and stood for a few minutes looking at the petroglyphs left by the prehistoric Indians.