Honor Bound

by Michelle Howard

  Morid spit on the ground. “It’s too bad your Warlord fell to my men. He tried to protect the Raasa but your training failed, as you soon will.”

  Vaan laughed. “Warlord Kavan yet lives. I denied him permission to join the Blessed One. Like a well trained warrior, he is on his way with Warlord Tolan to our home.”

  Morid’s eyes widened. He parted his legs and gripped his sword with both arms at the hilt. “It is not possible that you all survived. I witnessed you fall in the hall while Thenl took over.”

  Vaan wanted to cut Morid down where he stood for what he did to Mikayla. Admitting to his presence that faithful evening reaffirmed his lack of honor. “Yet you did nothing as you watched your Overlord fall.”

  Morid’s wild eyes darted around. “Thenl had a new plan. Those of us prepared to make difficult decisions stood by his side.”

  Vaan bit back a curse. “Then you were all fools. Have you found the glory he promised under his reign? Where are your riches, Morid? Or do you still run about for Thenl as he bids you?” Vaan pointed a finger at Mikayla. “You lie in wait to attack a defenseless female as Thenl has commanded.” He shook his head and cast Morid a pitying glance. “That is where you are now, Warlord. I led you in battle to victory and Thenl has you fetching a reluctant female. What a mighty warrior you have become under Thenl’s rule.”

  The taunt based in truth proved too much. With a battle cry, Morid charged Vaan. He took the first strike on his blade. Vaan dipped low and turned the edge of his blade on the upswing. It made contact even as Vaan danced back from Morid’s next blow.

  “I am one of his best Warlords.” The nick on his upper arm dripped blood to his elbow.

  “No,” Vaan disavowed, taking a step back as Morid slashed at his mid-section. “The best Warlords are with me. They stood at my side while Thenl and my uncle sought to destroy me.”

  Morid stumbled. His chest rose rapidly, only the whites of his eyes visible. “What say you?”

  “Thenl summoned me and my top fifteen that eve as I am sure you recall.” Vaan attacked but Morid wheeled away and came swinging. Vaan adjusting his stance and went on the defensive. “The best Warlords fell by my side as true warriors that day. I hold no blame on the warriors. They looked to their Warlords for guidance and were told to stand down. But you were a Warlord, Morid and you snatched the easy battle.”

  Morid hesitated. “Tolan, Kavan and Ramar, I bear witness to seeing in these woods. You claim the others live?”

  Vaan used Morid’s distraction to strike but Morid leaped back.

  “They survived. All of us and Thenl will rue the day he attacked all that is mine.”

  Vaan chanced a glimpse at Mikayla but she leaned safely in Ramar’s embrace. He twirled his blade and moved forward in a quick two step, his feet silent on the cold ground beneath his boots. Morid side stepped his attack, proving he was still a worthy fighter despite his cowardice. Vaan half whirled, seeking an opening and his sword whistled through the air. Contact. Morid glared as blood welled from the diagonal cut on his chest.

  For the first time, Morid looked nervous. The air filled with the fresh scent of blood. Morid lowered his weapon, the point dipping to the ground. “I would plead mercy, Overlord.”

  Vaan snorted and knocked his sword against Morid’s. “Raise arms, Warlord. I plan to cut you down where you stand so that my mate can see with her eyes your death and rest easy this night.”

  The madness in Morid’s eyes flared. “You would kill me?”

  Vaan advanced, his arms moving overhead and slashing downward. Morid staggered back, his hand flying to his head as his ear flew through the air followed by a spray of blood.

  “I will slaughter you, Morid,” Vaan promised. “Your slights are one too many against your Overlord. I hold no trust with you.”

  “I did no lasting harm to your female.” The lackluster protest angered Vaan but he had to control the urge to kill Morid instantly. Fenal would not rule him in this moment. A quick and easy death was too kind for this hapfe dung.

  “You can lift your sword and attempt to save yourself or you can die defenseless but know this Morid, you will be dead when my mate closes her eyes this night to sleep.”

  Morid howled and raised arms. “I followed orders, Vaan,” he spat, dropping his title. “You would punish a Warlord for this?”

  “You chased my mate. Made her cry and forced her to beg for help while on her knees.” Steel met steel. “She resorted to her venom for defense.” Vaan finally realized what caused the burns on Morid’s face. His mate should not have needed to fight. She was to be safe at all times, surrounded by Vaan’s strength. He would never forgive himself this night.

  Morid slashed, whirled, scored Vaan on the forearm and danced out of reach.

  “Vaan!”

  Vaan heard Ramar soothe his mate but his eyes never left Morid’s. The Warlord moved warily around Vaan, maintaining the distance between them. Vaan feigned a weakness. Morid attacked but Vaan countered his approach. Their swords locked and Vaan let rage fuel his arms. He shoved hard and Morid stumbled but rolled to the side.

  Not letting the Warlord regain his balance, Vaan whirled his sword in the air and slashed. Morid tried to block the punishing blows to no avail. Vaan’s blade clashed again and again, finally breaking through Morid’s guard. The steel sliced through the downed Warlord’s throat.

  A gurgle escaped and blood poured from Morid’s mouth. His grip fell slack and his sword dropped with a clank. Vaan stepped on the hilt and crushed it beneath his boot. He knelt by the fallen warrior’s side. Morid’s chest heaved with each breath, a wheeze escaping on each exhale.

  Vaan drew the dagger from his calf and showed Morid. The Warlord’s eyes widened. His mouth moved but no words came forth. “I will give you the same mercy you intended to give my mate,” Vaan leaned over and whispered. “You planned to rape her. Force her to give you that which is mine only to touch.”

  More blood welled. Vaan laid the tip of his blade to Morid’s cheek where a vicious burn oozed. “I think the tarka wolves will enjoy their dinner this night.” Morid managed a groan but Vaan ignored him. He got to his feet and faced Mikayla. Ramar’s arms loosened and Mikayla stepped in his direction before crying out and crumbling to the ground.

  Vaan reached her side and pulled her into his arms. “Mikayla.” He buried his face in her hair and inhaled her sweet scent. “You are mine, she’ma. The Blessed One heard my prayers.”

  “Vaan. Vaan. Vaan,” she said his name in between cries. He lifted her onto his lap and nodded his thanks to Ramar. “Send for the others. Thenl comes. We must prepare.”

  Ramar took off running. Vaan rocked his mate in his arms. Mikayla entwined her arms around his neck and pressed her face into his throat. Hot tears soaked his neck. “All is well. Calm yourself.” She continued to cry and all he could do was keep his arms around her. His hands rubbed her back until she finally lifted her head.

  Her green eyes were swollen and puffy but the sight warmed him. She lived. Vaan pressed a kiss to her forehead. Mikayla’s hands moved from his neck and delved deep into his hair while she began to babble. “I didn’t know if you’d find me in time. Thenl sent warriors. Morid attacked and Warlord Kavan.” She blinked up at him and Vaan pulled her in close pushing her head back to his chest.

  “Kavan is well. Tolan rode ahead with him.”

  Mikayla’s lips moved against his chest. Vaan leaned lower. “Speak again, she’ma.”

  “He made amends, Vaan.” Her hands thread through his hair and tugged his face close. Her lips brushed his cheeks, his jaw before resting her head on his shoulder. “He saved me and fought all those men. I’ll never doubt your faith in him again.”

  And for that, the Warlord would always have Vaan’s gratitude. He’d hold Mikayla close until Ramar returned with the hapfe. With that thought in place, Vaan shifted her and buried his head in the hollow of Mikayla’s throat.

  His mate lived.

  Chapter 18

 
; “I’m fine. I feel well.” Mikayla screamed the words but Assa paid her no heed and shut the door behind her. Mikayla reached behind her head, grabbed a pillow and tossed it at the closed door. The muffled thump did nothing to ease her anger.

  The door opened instantly and the cause of her problems entered. “Mikayla, you will cease your stubborn behavior. You are upsetting everyone.”

  Miki pushed to her elbows as Vaan crossed the room to her side. He sat on the bed and brushed the hair back from her face. She hated when he spoke quietly while she went mad staying in bed.

  “Two days is enough. There’s so much to do. Thenl was spotted several hours away.”

  “And we will be ready. My Warlords can handle this.”

  She pouted and fell back on the bed. The ceiling looked the same as it had each time she stared at the view. “They need you at their side.”

  “My mate needs me more.”

  Miki bit her lip to keep from smiling. She never tired of hearing those tender words. Vaan said them several times to his Warlords, seeking to interrupt his care of her. “I think I love you, Vaan.”

  “Some day you will be the mother of my youngling. It is good you have strong feelings for me.”

  Miki’s mouth fell open. Vaan’s lips twitched and she swatted him on the thigh closest to her. “You jest.” He said no more and it was fine with Miki. The tremor in his arms as he held her after Morid’s attack was all the confirmation she needed that her Overlord cared for her.

  She rolled to her side and hid her wince when her leg bumped the mattress. She’d rested enough though. “Going to the lower level won’t hurt me. I promise I’ll sit and not move.”

  Vaan stared hard. His eyes showed doubt about the sincerity behind her statement. Sensing his weakness, Miki placed a hand on his chest. “You can have Kavan and Balal keep an eye on me.”

  He snorted and pushed the thin covering of the bed away. “The same Balal who has recovered from your sword practice? And the same Kavan who believed I gave permission for you to leave without checking with me?”

  Miki frowned, thinking of the events two days past.

  Vaan heaved a heavy sigh. “Come, mate. I will carry you to the main hall but you are not to put weight on your leg.”

  Miki would have agreed to anything to view something other than the four walls of her room. “Yes.”

  Vaan carefully scooped her up in his arms. Miki wore a knee length dress but nothing could hide the thick bandage around her knee. Vaan stared until Miki cleared her throat. She didn’t want him dwelling on what happened.

  Eran assured Vaan it was severe bruising and she’d recover once the swelling went down but her mate continued to force Miki to rest in their bed. Vaan took her injury seriously.

  “Kavan heals well?” She looped her arms around Vaan’s neck as he carried her downstairs. Kavan hadn’t been forced to his bed despite the severe nature of his injury.

  “Kavan is a Warlord.”

  Which did not explain why he got to leave his room for brief periods of time to eat while Miki was sentenced to time in bed.

  ***

  Vaan placed Miki carefully on a seat at the table beside her noan. The remnants of the afternoon meal had yet to be cleared. Sera and Vesa came over and hugged her about the shoulders. Assa smiled and headed to the kitchen.

  “I’m well. My leg is only slightly tender.” Miki accepted the greetings from the servants as they passed by. A few remaining Warlords gave her a pleased nod.

  Kavan sat across from her a half finished plate in front of him. His skin looked pale and pain lines bracketed his grim mouth. He wore his hair pulled back in a high tail. Layers of bandages lined his torso and were visible over the top half of the table. Miki considered his dark eyed stare. Something changed between them after their time together.

  Assa returned with a bowl of vegetables and Miki’s stomach growled. Miki smiled ruefully. “I’m sorry I yelled and left the food you prepared upstairs.”

  Assa accepted the apology and turned to Vaan. “Would you like anything more, Overlord?”

  Vaan frowned and Miki’s confused gaze met his. Was he angry with Assa?

  “You will tell Balal I want him with Mikayla until Kavan is fully recovered.”

  Assa twittered and hurried off to the kitchen. A short moment later, Balal exited the kitchen with a broad smile on his face. Vaan glared and the Warlord straightened his shoulders, a hint of red on his cheeks. “You have need of me, Overlord?”

  Vaan grunted and faced Miki. He bent one leg and squatted near her. One hand tentatively touched her injured knee. “Do not, I ask of you, move from this spot. If you tire, Balal can fetch me and I will carry you back to our room.”

  Miki grinned and leaned forward to kiss his temple. He rolled his eyes and got to his feet. To Balal he said, “Assa is not a distraction.”

  Balal lost his smile. “Never, Overlord.”

  Vaan left the hall and Argan, ever present, stepped to his side to follow. Balal took a seat next to her and pointed at her knee. “All is well?”

  Miki shrugged. The knee didn’t pain her right now and she considered that a good thing. “I needed to get up and move about.” Miki began to eat and realized she was starved.

  Balal stayed by her side throughout the entire meal. Warlords slowly took their leave, each bowing to Miki and murmuring. “My lady.” Their acknowledgment made her uncomfortable.

  When Miki finished, she faced Kavan who remained seated. “How are you Warlord Kavan?” There was so much she wanted to say but didn’t know where to start.

  “I will heal, my lady.”

  “I never thanked you for your actions. They saved my life.”

  Kavan frowned and rose to his feet. “Thanks are not expected. I gave my vows to the Overlord to protect and care for you. I stand by my word as a warrior and a Warlord.”

  “Oh,” Miki chewed her bottom lip. Kavan rounded the table and pushed on Balal’s shoulder.

  The young Warlord moved to the side allowing Kavan to come closer. His large hand reached for Miki. She jerked back, eyes flying to his.

  “But a moment.”

  Miki hesitated and then nodded. He pressed two fingers to her throat. Miki felt a pinch at her neck. “Ow.” Her hand flew to the spot but Kavan held a small bug in his hand. Miki’s eyes widened. The coccar.

  Kavan stepped back, his hand closed to form a fist before she could study it further. “You have no further need of this.”

  “T-thanks, Warlord Kavan,” she stammered again because if not for the armor, Morid would have severed her head from her shoulders. A gruesome thought.

  Kavan moved back. “You have leave to call me, Kavan.” He placed two sheaths on the table near her hand. His daggers. “I believe you have need of these more than I.” Kavan turned and headed for the stairs to the upper level, leaving Miki to stare dumbfounded at his back as he painstakingly made his way.

  Balal poked at her plate. “Are you finished?”

  Miki passed it to him, unable to fathom how he consumed so much food. All of the Warlords fostered large appetites but Balal seemed a never ending pit.

  “How long before Thenl reaches us?” Her thoughts strayed to the approaching Warlord’s attack.

  Balal finished her meal. “He is but hours away. The Overlord is sending riders to meet him half way. He will not allow the battle to start close to you.”

  “Vaan must lead.” She pushed up to her feet and flinched.

  Balal used a hand on her shoulder to make her take her seat again. “Please, I beg you. Sit or the Overlord will truly have my head.”

  Miki reached for Balal’s hand and grasped it tightly. “Vaan must lead them. He’s your Overlord.”

  Balal pulled his hand away gently. “All will be well. The Overlord sends Argan to lead the warriors. They will crush Thenl.”

  His words did not appease her. Based on rumors, Thenl fought with trickery. “Take me to Vaan.”

  Balal lowered his head and breathed de
eply. Miki knew he thought long and hard about his next action. When he lifted his head, she knew she’d won. “Ever do you get me in trouble. He will not be pleased.”

  Miki waved her hands and lifted her arms. The big warrior picked her up in his arms and carried her from the hall. Miki clasped his shoulders and held herself stiffly. Though he was careful, the movement jarred her knee with each step he took as they made their way outside.

  Standing next to Vaan, she found Argan, Ramar and three other Warlords whose names she did not recall. All of them turned at Balal’s presence. Vaan’s expression remained neutral but she sensed his anger.

  Balal must have also picked up on it and the Warlord cursed under his breath. His pace, thankfully, did not slow. When they neared, Argan unexpectedly laughed. The others joined in but Vaan did not.

  “She will never follow instruction well, Overlord.”

  “This I am learning,” her mate answered. His hand came out to caress her cheek.

  Miki loved his new found affection. She extended her arms, wanting Vaan to hold her. Without hesitation, Balal passed her over and Vaan eagerly accepted her weight with minimum jostling to her legs. He leaned down and nuzzled her head. “Are you in pain?”

  “No,” she lied and kissed his nose.

  Vaan sighed, recognizing her untruth. “Argan, stick with the tactic we outlined. Carog, Ramar, Eatan and Merik have ridden with Thenl in battles. They know his weaknesses.”

  Miki recognized the Warlords but never conversed with them. Now they planned to battle on her behalf. “Thank you.” She expressed her emotions with the grateful words.

  They frowned and Vaan stiffened. “They require no thanks, Mikayla.”

  “But they are helping me.”

  Vaan huffed and tightened his hold. “It is their sworn duty to help you. They took vows.”

  Miki fell silent. Gratitude was never wrong but these men took it for insults. She’d keep her thanks to herself going forward. “Agreed.”