The men smiled at her easy concession. Only Argan had the nerve to mutter. “No matter. She will do it again.”
Miki shot him an ugly look that he ignored.
“Which is why my mate and I will have a long talk while you are gone.” Vaan’s pronouncement caused a feeling of dread for Mikayla. Those words did not bode well for her.
Tolan opened the gate and Wessel came in leading five of Miki’s hapfe. The bi-pedal creatures jumped eagerly when they scented Miki and pawed the air with their short forelegs.
“Closer, Vaan,” she demanded, not missing the look the men exchanged.
Vaan met Wessel half way. The animals tugged on the reins and stretched their long hairy necks toward her. Miki laughed and stroked their brown snouts. Short bristly hair pricked her fingers. The animal, farthest from her, rolled its third eye and Miki clapped Vaan’s shoulder.
“It’s Falal. I want to greet him, Vaan.” Her mate moved toward the animal she referred.
After several minutes of scratching and rubbing, Argan interrupted. “My lady, we must leave. Sometime today.” She didn’t miss his sarcasm.
Miki settled back in Vaan’s arms. “Of course. Be safe.”
The Warlords huffed a sigh but it was Balal who laughed. Miki leaned back in Vaan’s arms to see her mate’s face. “I should not say that either?”
He shook his head and Miki sighed. She’d never remember all the rules that governed them. They watched the battle party mount up. Tolan manned the gate and the four men under Argan took off, the hapfe always ready for a swift ride.
“You must rest, Mikayla.”
She hated to admit that she tired. Her knee also started to throb. At least she’d managed to greet everyone outside her bedroom. Almost everyone. Vaan’s long strides returned them to the main hall. “Where is Tesai? He hasn’t been to see me since my return.”
Balal hurried ahead and disappeared. Miki frowned searching for her friend. Vaan skipped the eating room and charged the stairs. “Vaan? Where is Tesai?”
He didn’t speak until he lay her on the bed and crossed the room to lock the door. “The Raasa received punishment.”
“What?” she shrieked. “Why, Vaan? What has he done?”
She knew Tesai’s behavior of late crossed the line, but she hoped he’d adapt with time. Perhaps the good memories of all they’d shared clouded her judgment.
Vaan leaned against the door and crossed his booted ankles. “He opened the gate for you.”
Miki made to stand. “What?” He couldn’t hold Tesai responsible.
“Sit,” Vaan boomed and she sat.
Vaan glared at Miki and she focused her attention on him. His lips flattened and his brows lowered to create a vee in the middle. “Your Raasa allowed you to leave.”
“But that’s my fault he shouldn’t be blamed.” Tesai shouldn’t take blame for her actions.
“His job is to man the gate. No one comes in or leaves without my permission. It is the first rule I set when you gave me charge of your people.”
Miki gasped and slammed her hand on the bed. “It’s unfair. I should receive punishment too.”
Vaan moved away from the door, his steps slow and steady, until he stood next to her. Miki held her breath. “Do you not think being attacked and almost raped punishment enough?”
Miki worried the sheet beneath her fingers. Vaan never frightened her but right now she experienced the first stirrings of fear from her mate. “But Tesai…” “Faced my punishment,“ he cut her off. “Rest. We will talk no more of this.”
Miki dropped back on the bed. “At least tell me what you did.” What would the Overlord consider sufficient punishment? Cleaning duty? Work in the hapfe stalls?
“He received five lashes from the whip.”
Miki sprang up, eyes wide and her stomach dropped. He did not say that. “Whip?”
Vaan reached out and cupped her jaw. His thumb brushed lightly over her bottom lip bumping her fangs. “I should have killed him for what could have happened to you.”
Miki‘s breath caught, unable to look away from the sincerity blazing in his eyes. “Vaan?”
He sighed and stepped back. Miki felt the absence of his touch immediately. “I will not discuss this further. My actions stand.”
Chapter 19
“You are sure it is wise to let him return to his post?”
Vaan thought on Kavan’s words. “I have Tolan watching him.”
Tesai moved stiffly, preparing for his shift on the gate. His punishment was nothing compared to what Vaan wanted to do. That one act of defiance could have cost him his mate’s life.
“Am I to face punishment for my actions as well, Overlord?”
Vaan shifted, eyeing the gate and the Raasa patrolling with their bow and arrows. His Warlords kept watch from various vantage points as they waited for a status from Argan and his battle party. “What are your actions, Kavan?”
His Warlord’s lips firmed and the tendons in his neck tightened. “I took her through the gate. I failed to confirm with you her permission to leave.”
Vaan ran a hand over his hair. The last two days strained him. Keeping Mikayla in bed while she fought her rest tasked him. Now the Warlord he entrusted to watch her questioned him. “You saved Mikayla’s life. You almost sacrificed your own for her safety. You gave her your coccar, not knowing if the transfer would work.”
Vaan let all that sink in before continuing. “You made amends for your action in the circle and I see no cause to discipline you.”
Kavan had no choice but to accept. “I will stand guard outside her door while she rests.”
“You will return to your bed Warlord and Balal will cover you this evening tide by keeping an eye on my mate. My mate who is alive because of you.”
Kavan started to protest, met Vaan’s scowl and left. Vaan eyed his slow passage to the hall. The Warlord’s injury, thankfully, was not fatal but his recovery would be slow. It amazed all of them that he managed to get to his feet and show for the daily meals.
***
Hours later, Vaan received a summons to the hall. Mikayla was up and determined to come to the lower level. By the time Vaan entered, his mate sat at the table chatting with servants, her leg propped on the seat beside her. Vaan bit off a curse and glared at Balal’s sheepish glance.
“Warlord, explain your actions.” For no one but Balal would have carried her down. His young Warlord had a soft spot in his heart for Mikayla. A soft spot, she exploited every chance she got.
Balal jerked upright. “Overlord. She…”
“I wanted to come down to see if there was word from Argan.” Mikayla’s tone dared him to argue. Enough was enough.
Vaan stormed over to the table. “No more, Mikayla. Eran stressed that you must rest your knee.”
“I am resting but I don’t have to lay in the bed to do it.” Her earnest expression appealed to him. Vaan wanted to be angry but he could not find a valid argument. For two days, she’d lain in their room miserable. At night, she curled into his side and cried from the nightmares. Seeing her smile and talking with her people warmed him. Perhaps sitting around others would improve her mood and speed her healing.
“I will allow it on one condition.”
Her head already nodded, her eyes glowing. Vaan bit his inner cheek. She’d no more listen to him than follow his directions. Argan had the right of it. His mate did what she wanted but Vaan found her actions adorable as long as she didn’t endanger herself.
“No walking and if you tire, you get in bed.”
“Agreed.”
He crossed his arms over his chest and lowered his chin. “Mikayla.”
“I vow it, Vaan. If I’m tired, I’ll return to bed immediately.”
It was the best he’d get. Now for his Warlord. “Another mistake on your part, Balal and I will administer a just punishment.”
“Yes, Overlord.” Balal looked at Mikayla in consternation but she smiled up at him innocently.
“Overlord, a rider ap
proaches!”
Tolan stood in the doorway with his announcement. Eyes wide and mouth set in a grim line, Vaan raced from the hall. Word spread quickly and the courtyard filled with the curious. In the middle, Hapani pawed the air restlessly. Vaan grasped the reins of the shaking hapfe, its rider bent over her back.
Ramar leaned over the animal’s heaving neck and lifted his head. “A trap,” he gasped. “Dakar is dead and Thenl comes.”
Calm settled over Vaan. The ending neared. He savored Ramar’s statement searching around for the others. “Where is Argan?”
“The others fight valiantly but one of the fallen attackers claimed Thenl comes from the east to ambush us with a troop of fifty warriors. Argan sent me ahead.”
“Man the gates, watchers load your arrows!” Vaan shouted.
Raasa ran across the top of the walkway on the gate to do his bidding. More climbed the ladders to assist, arrows loaded in the carriers on their back. This was what they prepared for.
“Incoming,” Tolan roared right before knocking Vaan to the side.
Flames shot over the wall on the tips of burning spears. Bundles of straw caught and ignited. Loud booms sounded and screams surrounded him. Vaan kept his feet and yelled at Tolan. “The gate. You must hold the gate.”
His Warlord turned to race back to his post. Both watched in horror as the latch slid down. Released from the top. The gate swung inward.
“No!”
Vaan wasn’t sure if it were he or Tolan who roared out the denial. The lone Raasa responsible scampered across the top, his back hunched and slow gait familiar.
Tolan drew his sword as warriors poured in and entered the grounds. Vaan unsheathed his sword and headed forward.
“Breach! We have a breach at the main gate,” he yelled and charged the nearest enemy to engage.
“Vaan!”
***
Miki managed to rest for all of five minutes. She started to rise to see if the kitchen needed help but Balal cocked a brow at her. Lowering her hip and resting her elbows on the table, Miki stuck her tongue out. He merely rolled his eyes and reached for the bowl of fruit. After carefully selecting one, he began to peel it one strip at a time.
“Balal,” she whined. Miki fluttered her eyes in his direction but he bit the fruit and licked the juices.
“We can…”
“No,” he calmly replied.
Miki stared in amazement. He never refused her. “I only wish to check out front.”
“The Overlord will handle it.”
They both heard the loud noise and Vaan’s voice raised in anger at the same time. Miki shot to her feet and bit her tongue at the searing pain in her knee. She pushed forward, Balal at her side.
Outside, her eyes took in the blazing fires and the sight of her mate in battle, his sword swinging and face covered in a fierce scowl. Another warrior approached him from behind.
“Vaan!”
“Mikayla, please.” Balal tried to force her inside.
***
Vaan’s head shot up to look behind him. Mikayla watched from the outer level stairs, struggling with Balal.
“Get her back inside, Balal.” Vaan roared. He needed his focus on fighting. His heart thudded as his Warlord finally reached to pick Mikayla up. She leaped away, her eyes widened in horror.
Neck tingling, Vaan brought his sword up and whirled in time to block the blade aimed for his head. The warrior grinned, his arm arched back as he attacked again. Vaan slashed and kicked out with a booted foot. The warrior stumbled but bounced back to his feet. Another wicked slash, this time aimed low, cutting into the warrior’s calf.
The scream of pain rewarded him.
“Behind you, Overlord.” Ramar’s warning came in time.
Vaan ducked low, his sword blocking the swing. More of Thenl’s warriors poured in only to be met by Vaan’s Warlords. Vaan laughed as Fenal began to ramp him up. Tingles of pleasure arched up his spine.
His adversary choked and halted sword in hand. “Overlord, you live.”
Vaan twirled his sword, sending the blade spinning and rocked side to side. “I live, warrior. Magan, is it not?” Vaan remembered the youth. Weak willed and not fit to fight with any of his Warlords. Pairing him with Thenl had proved a smart choice.
Magan’s hand trembled on the hilt but he set his legs apart and braced. “You would be wise to surrender, Overlord.”
Vaan raised a brow and circled the warrior. “Why would I do that when even you still recognize me as the supreme Warlord? I am Overlord to all Kaban and there is no other.”
The youth hesitated and it became his biggest mistake. Vaan swung his sword, slashed to the side and spun on his heel. When Vaan turned, Magan dropped to his knees. Blood dripped from his neck and the deadly wound Vaan served him.
“Hapani!” Mikayla’s terrified scream distracted Vaan.
Tolan tackled him from behind and the air whistled above Vaan’s head. His Warlord jumped up and battled the enemy. Mikayla hobbled down the stairs and gathered the trailing reigns of her favorite mount. From the side, Tesai approached her. Mikayla smiled up at her friend in relief. Tesai’s lips curled into a cruel grin. Vaan’s heart dropped into the pit of his stomach. The Raasa headed directly toward her.
Terror leaped in Vaan’s chest. “Mikayla, move. Now!”
She smacked her hand on the animal’s rump, sending it running away. Tesai raised his arm. Vaan ran in her direction, knowing he’d be too late.
Kavan arrived and jerked her back. The dagger in Tesai’s hand slashed empty air. Mikayla screamed, her leg buckling. Kavan lifted her into his arms and Balal launched himself at Tesai. Vaan continued toward them as Balal and Tesai fought. His Warlord easily subdued the Raasa while Kavan rushed inside with Mikayla.
Vaan changed direction, knowing Mikayla was safe and his Warlords would handle Tesai until Vaan could see to him.
“Overlord.”
Vaan jerked. Tolan ran to his side, chest rising with his exerted breath. “It is too late to close the gate against the invaders. Argan and the others come riding fast from the west.”
Vaan glanced around. Warriors littered the ground but Raasa fell as swiftly beneath the swords of the attackers. Battle worn faces of the enemy wore traces of burns where Raasa venom melted the flesh. His Warlords did their best to defend against the masses. The gate stood open and more warriors poured in. The numbers of those who could fight paled in comparison to the men brought by Thenl.
Luckily for Vaan, every other invading warrior received an arrow to the chest. He eyed the fighting Raasa. They lined the top of the gate, balanced on a knee as they aimed and fired. All of them held better than he expected. Vaan hefted his sword. “Death to them all,” he roared drawing attention. “Leave none standing. Your Overlord commands it.”
***
The battle wore on and while the Raasa held their own, matters did not look good. Each invading warrior hoped to gain favor with Thenl in this battle, though the sight of Vaan produced shocked gasps and awestruck stares.
Vaan fought unchecked. In a dim part of his mind, he knew he’d succumbed fully to Fenal and cared not. Warriors dropped beneath his sword and blood soaked the ground. The only reason he and his Warlords were not overrun was due to the coccar armor. It provided his Warlords with an added layer of defense since the numbers outweighed their own.
Balal joined the fray and Vaan faltered. He dispatched his opponent with a thrust to the gut and faced his Warlord. Concern for his mate colored his words. “Why are you here? Mikayla needs you.”
Balal eyed Vaan without fear. “Your mate is safe behind closed walls and Kavan is by her side. The battle is shifting, my Overlord. The tide is against us.”
The words held no meaning for Vaan. The blood pumped heavily through his veins and his heart pounded in its own rhythm.
Tolan came over and used his inner elbow to wipe the sweat from his brow. Around them the sounds of metal striking metal and screams of pain carried on the night. “Mo
re riders spotted, Overlord,” Tolan gasped.
“And Argan?” If death came to him this day, he preferred it with his best friend by his side, their swords in hand as they met their fate eagerly.
“Coming through the gate with the others now.”
Vaan turned and grinned at his Warlords sliding from the back of the hapfe, their swords unsheathed and already in motion. Fenal removed any traces of fear in him. He laughed and faced Tolan and Balal. “How many more riders approach?”
Tolan’s eyes glowed fiercely. He, too, was in the grips of battle rage. “Twenty.”
Twenty. Vaan surveyed the courtyard. There were a good thirty from the first wave of Thenl’s warriors still fighting. None of Vaan’s Warlords had fallen yet, leaving him with fourteen strong since Kavan was busy on the inside. “They do not get into the hall,” Vaan ordered. As long as Mikayla remained safe, he would not be distracted. “Only I get Thenl.”
Balal and Tolan smiled slowly. “The men know this. We will raise our cups tonight with victory on our shoulders.”
Pride filled him. “Victory on this side or on the other with the Blessed One.”
“Agreed,” they both replied and each ran off to fight.
Vaan raised his sword and headed for the center of the fray.
Chapter 20
Twenty warriors mounted on hapfe thundered through the open gate. Kaban warriors by the look of them. The odds eventually would shift. The skill of his men could not match the sheer numbers.
Vaan jerked at the shout behind him. When he turned, a warrior fell to the ground, an arrow protruding from his throat. The Raasa raise their fists and cheered from high upon the gate. Vaan gripped his sword, practically vibrating with energy. He braced his weight, prepared to meet this new wave when he spotted Thenl.
The Warlord grinned and curled his hand in Vaan’s direction. “It is true, you still walk the grounds of Taka. I thought for sure I sent you to the Hills.”
Vaan wasted no time on words and launched himself, sword leading toward Thenl. He hacked and slashed, sending Thenl backward.
Honor Bound Page 17