Dark Lord of Kismera: Knights of Kismera

by Tamara H Hartl

  Drace knocked, and opened the door to Ted’s office, coming face-to- surprised face with the man. Drace took a second to study him before speaking. Ted stood up when Drace entered, and Drace saw he barely topped five-nine and was slightly built, almost skinny. He was handsome with dark blonde hair and hazel eyes. He wore a blue oxford shirt, tan slacks, and spit-shined brown loafers.

  Judging from the immaculate way Maxwell’s short hair was combed and the carefully ironed creases in the man’s slacks, Drace could tell the smaller man was vain.

  Maxwell looked up at Drace, flashing a barely tolerant smile. “May I help you?”

  Drace returned the smile, and casually removed his coat, laying it over the back of the chair that faced the desk. “I think that you might be able to that.”

  His deep voice caused Maxwell to look closer at him. The smaller man swallowed as he took in the visitor’s physique, obvious in the worn jeans and form-fitting shirt.

  A corner of Drace’s mouth lifted and he crossed his arms over his chest tightening the shirt further over his chest and biceps. Maxwell went a tiny bit pale.

  “I’m a busy man with a meeting in fifteen minutes. What do you want?” he said with forced bravado, as he gathered up a small stack of papers off the desk and stuffed them in a briefcase.

  “I’m quite busy as well so I’ll come right to the point. I’m Drace MacKinnon—a friend of Maggie Shaffer—a very good friend. I know about you, Maxwell, and how you like to hit women. Does it make you feel like a man when you lay your hands on them?”

  Maxwell face paled further, although his expression changed to one of outrage.

  Drace uncrossed his arms, his hands casually slipped into the back pockets of his jeans. He looked relaxed but was anything but that. He wished Maxwell would try something. His palms almost itched with the desired to become fists and connect with the arrogant little bastard’s too pretty face.

  “Get out,” Maxwell growled, grabbing up a brown sport coat and tugging it on, his motions jerky. “Get out of my office before I call security. I don’t know who you think you are coming in here like this…,” he came to a sudden halt with a startled squeak as Drace put a big hand on Maxwell’s shoulder.

  “I’m someone who cares deeply for a woman you hurt once. I’d be willing to bet she hasn’t been the only one.” Drace squeezed hard enough to cause Maxwell to squirm under his hold. “But,” he leaned in until he was eyeball-to-eyeball with the now visibly sweating man. “If you ever lay hands on her, or any other woman for that matter, and I find out about it, I’ll find you and you’ll be begging me to kill you before I’m done with you. And that will be my pleasure.”

  Drace smiled, a purely malevolent smile as he straightened and carefully smoothed the material of Maxwell’s jacket. He picked up his own coat and turned to look at Maxwell one last time. “Have a wonderful day,” he said and let himself out.

  Behind him there was a muffled thud and the sound of the wheels of Maxwell’s desk chair as the man’s knees gave out and he sat suddenly. Drace grinned at the noise and headed back to the front of the museum. He gave the woman at the desk another heart stopping smile, and headed out onto the busy sidewalk once more, feeling Maggie’s safety a little more assured.

  The only memory Drace tried to shield was the last visit to his parents’ graves. He felt Nimbus touch his mind gently, sympathetically, and then release him. He hadn’t realized he had closed his eyes but opened them now with a gasp. He looked at his hands, ashamed of what he had felt for Maggie, but not knowing how to explain it.

  Nimbus studied him for a moment, looking thoughtful. Drace felt a slight tingle as some sort of magic went through him.

  Nimbus cocked his head, listening and then shifted his bulk under the tree. “This woman was to be your destiny, your mate, in that world. Your destiny changed, but she still was important. Arahtok works in mysterious ways as does your god. Maybe it was as important that she meet you as you had need of her.” Nimbus moved one front clawed foot in a thoughtful manner. “Now you each move forward into your new destinies. There will be someone new in hers. You chose the woman closest to your heart.”

  “Why do I feel so guilty? I feel like I cheated on Ki.”

  Nimbus was studious again. “I do not know your term of ‘cheated’.”

  “I feel I was unfaithful to her, although I didn’t…well, you know what I mean.”

  “I do not think Ki will judge you harshly. The ways here are different. Women have the choice of who they wish to mate with. Ki would understand, I believe. You did not know at that time that it was even possible to return. Ki would have wanted you to continue on with your life. I also think this Maggie may have saved you from Zakar. If you had lost the fight with him, you may have also lost the chance to return to us. Your Maggie is a very brave young woman.” Nimbus tapped one big claw lightly in the dirt. “You have more important things to think about now.”

  Drace looked up at the dragon and smiled “I am still so amazed. Somehow I knew with all my heart that Ki was pregnant, but to see her, to touch her—it’s so incredible.”

  “You are a good man, Drace MacKinnon. You will be a good father. Raise this child with affection as well as discipline, as yours did with you. Follow their example.”

  Nimbus rose. “When you have questions, ask them of me. Dragon children are not always so different from the children of men. But not just of children—of anything.”

  Drace rose as well and they began to walk back to the stronghold. “Remember the last time we walked like this?” Drace asked. “I was certain Ki had a death wish for me.”

  “Things have certainly changed since then, my friend,” Nimbus chuckled.

  “Now all I have to fear is her puking on me,” Drace commented with humor.

  Nimbus laughed, spooking a flock of birds. Dragon and man walked the rest of the way in silence.

  Ki sat in front of an open window in her sitting room, sewing a tiny outfit, Cerise sat by her side, sewing as well. They had been working for a couple of hours and Ki finally set hers down with a frustrated sigh. She hated such domestic endeavors even though she could perform them. Right then she felt as if her eyes would cross if she sewed another stitch and said as much to Cerise, who laughed.

  Ki gave Cerise a look that had Cerise wanting to squirm it was so direct. Making a decision, Ki stood and went to get her cloak. “Go and get your cloak. I have something for you to do.”

  Cerise hurried to gather her wrap from her chamber and not until she was leaving her room did she realized that Ki had spoken to her in her soft, firm way and as a command, not a request. That would normally irritate Cerise as she hated to be ordered around. Ki was such a natural leader that most did not question or hesitate to obey. The only ones Cerise had seen get away with protesting was Cearan and Drace and to some extent, Lexin, none of whom would do so in public.

  Cerise met Ki on the stairs, noting how carefully Ki was moving down them. “Is there anything wrong, Ki?” Cerise asked her, concerned.

  “If I cannot see the stairs for this child now, however will I manage when I am close to term?” she replied in frustration. Ki was now six months along and the baby was definitely present for all to see.

  Ki lead Cerise outside to where the warriors were on the practice field, getting a last hard work in before winter hit. So far the season had been mild but those who knew the ways of weather in Kismera were talking of snow and cold in two or three days.

  Ki went to the end where Drace sparred with Cearan and Lexin. All three men had stripped down to just breeches and boots. Ki waited for a break in the action to interrupt.

  Drace came to her and placed a gentle kiss on her lips, a change from the man who, a moment ago, was trying to bash Cearan on the head. “What brings you two lovely ladies out?” he asked, wiping his face with a big hand.

  Drace had confessed all about Maggie to Ki the night before, and had been prepared to spend the night in the barn. He had been surprised when Ki had
taken his story in good grace and understanding. She had admitted to being honored that he would stop before mating fully with another female, because of her. She absolved him of guilt, but had warned him that now he was with her again, she would geld him if he was unfaithful to her. Knowing that would never happen, Drace had proven his love to her all through the rest of the night.

  “I would have a word with Lexin,” Ki answered, interrupting his reflection.

  Hearing his name, Lexin came over to see what Ki wanted, Cearan behind him. “Cousin, you are looking rather round, I mean, well,” he teased. “How may I help you?”

  Ignoring the teasing, Ki said, “I would have you teach Cerise some weapons skill. To go unarmed in the stronghold she is safe but she will wish to travel past these walls and must be schooled.” Ki looked at Cerise. “To carry a weapon without knowledge of its use is more dangerous than to go without one at all. I would have you safe, sister.”

  “Why me, cousin?” Lexin asked, puzzlement on his face. “Cearan and Drace are better with a sword than I.”

  Ki smiled at his doubt of his ability. He might not be as good as my mate and brother but not by much. “You are better by far with a dagger. I would have her have some skill with a sword but I think she would be better to master a knife,” Ki explained.

  “Why can’t I master a sword?” Cerise asked, not understanding her restrictions.

  The other four had formed a loose circle around her. “Look at the height difference, C,” Drace pointed out. “For you to reach anyone of us you would have to use a sword too heavy for you to handle well.”

  “Okay, okay, I get it. I’m a shrimp next to you guys.” She turned to Lexin and gave a mocking bow. “Teach me of the force, oh great Obi-wan.”

  Lexin stood with his mouth open, thoroughly lost in her words. Cerise heard Drace’s smothered laugh behind her.

  Ki threaded her arm around Drace’s sweaty waist. “Take her to the armory and find her some weapons,” she directed to Lexin who made a face.

  Ki lifted her brows at him, but did not say a word. He grabbed up his shirt from where he had dropped it on the ground. With a jerk, he snatched it over his head and then put his arms in the sleeves. “Follow me, Lady Cerise, if you will,” he said and took off at a brisk walk, leaving her to hurry to keep up.

  After asking him to slow down, Cerise picked up a dirt clod and gave it a throw. It caught Lexin in the middle of his back. He paused a split second and then resumed his stride. When the small pebble bounced off the back of his head, he stopped and turned around, one side of his mouth pulled up in a snarl, canines flashing a warning

  Cerise heard him give a lion’s growl, but did not back down. She gave the next dirt clod a throw that caught Lexin right between the eyes. He staggered back a step, one hand going to the spot and then he charged at her with a roar.

  Cerise screamed and turned to flee but Lexin was on her, one arm snaking around her waist to drag her back against him.

  Oblivious of their audience, Lexin spun her and then slung her over his shoulder. Cerise pounded on his broad back with her fists and kicked at whatever she could reach of his front, fighting him all the way to the armory.

  “Well,” Drace said in disbelief once the pair disappeared inside the building. “Didn’t see that coming.”

  Cearan stood stunned for a moment and then moved as if he was off to save one of them, although he wasn’t sure which one that would be.

  “Hold, brother. Leave them to work it out on their own,” Ki ordered gently. “Come and wash. The evening meal is soon and I believe I am fair starved.”

  Later, after everyone had found their seats for supper, Ki leaned over to Drace casually. “I do believe I was wrong, my love,” she said softly.

  “What do you mean?” he asked as he buttered a thick slice of fresh bread and handed it to her.

  She gave an almost inconspicuous gesture with her head toward Cerise and Lexin. Drace let his gaze drift down the table and then back to Ki.

  Cerise sat looking sullen, stabbing at her food with her fork. Drace had not failed to notice the beard burn mark on her cheek. Lexin was sporting a red mark under his left eye that promised to be blue by morning.

  “I do not think Cerise is as helpless as I first thought,” Ki mused, accepting the bread and taking a bite.

  “It might not be wise to arm her if she is antagonistic towards our cousin, sister,” Cearan spoke up. “If she fights as boldly with a knife as she does her fists, poor Lexin may end a gelding.”

  Lexin visibly blanched although he tried to act as if he had not heard. Cerise, on the other hand, gave an evil grin and continued to eat.

  The meal continued in relative silence for some time, only to be broken by the arrival of six warriors who had come from the High kingdom.

  The lead warrior came to kneel before Ki and Drace. When bid to rise he produced a rolled parchment from the coat he wore over a chain mail shirt. “My Lady, my Lord, I have a message for Lord Lexin,” he announced.

  Ki indicated to Lexin who had stood at the other man’s words. The warrior handed the parchment to Lexin.

  “Please, seat yourself and your men and eat,” Ki invited the warrior while Lexin sat and began to read.

  “What is it, Lexin?” Ki inquired when he finished and had rerolled the letter.

  “Yeagar has demanded my return. There has been some raiding on the northern border.” He glanced at Cerise who looked pale and concerned. I must go and ready,” he said as he stood. “I will leave in the morning with Yeagar’s men.”

  Lexin left the table but not before he laid a big hand over one of Cerise’s. “I am leaving your lessons to my cousin, little one,” he said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. His lion’s eyes gave her a direct gaze and then he excused himself to pack his belongings.

  Cearan finished his meal quickly and excused himself as well to assist Lexin.

  Drace explained the closeness between the two men to Cerise who had been sitting silent after Lexin’s announcement.

  “I thought Lexin was one of the Oralian warriors. Why does he have to go?”

  Ki answered for him as Drace had never had that connection explained to him. “Lexin’s father, Ilsay, married to my mother’s sister, was Yeagar’s war chief. When he died a few years ago, Yeagar put Lexin in that position. Lexin can refuse that position at anytime, but he has not chosen to as of yet. His mother still resides there. She is a rather ambitious woman and has hopes to further Lexin’s standing with Yeagar.”

  “With Yeagar’s wife dead, she could marry him herself if he would have her.” Drace said, seeing that possibility.

  “This is true,” Ki confirmed. “If something were to happen to Cearan and I, Lexin would be next in line.”

  “Ah, political intrigue,” Cerise whispered. “But I don’t understand why Lexin didn’t go back with the rest of his men after the battles were over.”

  “To be with the part of the clan that needed him more. Drace had been returned to your world and I was rather, ah, well…,” Ki stumbled over the explanation. “And Cearan was nearly killed. Lexin wished to stay until both of us healed, both physically and in our hearts. Besides, Lexin does not get on well with his mother; her ambitions are not his own,” Ki answered her and then belched softly behind her hand.

  Drace laid a gentle hand on her belly. “Not enough room in there?” he teased with a smile, and then looked surprised when he felt the baby move.

  “Oh,” Ki breathed. “I have not felt him move so strongly before.”

  The baby responded with a series of healthy kicks, which had both parents looking at each other in wonder, Lexin and Yeagar forgotten. Neither heard Cerise leave the table to go to her chamber.

  Chapter Fifty-Five

  CERISE MOVED QUIETLY through the now dark hall and made her way to the tower stairs that led to Lexin’s quarters. She was dressed in her shift and a night robe. She had something to say to him after he had kissed her senseless in the armory. He had been
furious with her and the last thing she had expected when he carried her into the building was to be placed on her feet and pulled roughly against him.

  “I could snap your neck like a twig,” he had literally growled in her face. “But damn you, I find I think of this more often.” He had then expertly kissed her then until she thought she might go up in flames.

  Lexin had abruptly moved away from her then, going to a wall to survey swords hanging in racks. He picked one and checked its belt and sheath, and then moved to a cabinet containing daggers, his back rigid with emotion. After checking the balance of several, he grunted with decision on one, turning to shove the blades at her.

  Cerise remembered the fury in his expression, which had pissed her off. He kissed me not the other way around. Without thinking more on it, she’d balled up a fist and slugged him. Taking advantage of his shock at her striking him, Cerise had grabbed the weapons from him and bolted from the armory. Now she felt badly about hitting him.

  Arriving at Lexin’s chamber door, she knocked lightly and it swung open. Cerise gasped loudly when she saw him and one of the girls she recognized from the kitchen in a decidedly intimate position.

  Lexin turned his head with a growl, the redheaded girl under him squealing with surprise. When he saw Cerise in the dark, he abruptly stood, jerking his breeches up over his hips, fighting to put his manhood in order, difficult in its present state.

  “Wait!” he called as Cerise turned to flee. He caught her halfway down the stairs and when he grabbed her by the arm, she turned and slapped him hard across the cheek.

  Baring his teeth at her he caught her hand when she went to strike him again. “Hold woman!” he snarled. “Enough! Do not strike me again.”

  Cerise could tell by his tone he would retaliate the next time. The stairs were dark but she felt the presence of the other woman. “My Lord?” the kitchen servant questioned from behind him.