Emergence (Book 2)

by K. L. Schwengel

  "I made a grave mistake," Bolin said.

  Ciara held her breath, waiting for him to continue.

  "I took in some magic, most of which is now held in that crystal. I shouldn't have brought it here."

  "Most of it?" She swiveled to look at him, keeping hold of the door.

  He rubbed his left arm, just above the elbow, and fixed her with a bleak stare. "Most of it."

  "You can't get rid of it, however it is you do that?"

  "It's not--" He sucked in a breath and scrubbed his face. That usually meant the conversation had reached its end, but he went on. "I can't find it. It isn't like other magic and I don't know where it is, but somehow it's linked me to her."

  "Her?"

  "This Dominion witch. Donovan's new pet." His lip curled, and anger flashed in his eyes. "I've put everyone here in danger."

  "Anyone who travels with me is already in danger, aren't they?" Ciara desperately wanted to go to him, but she held her place, Konly's words ringing in her ears. Sometimes we just have to let them come to us. "You're right, you know. It probably would have been best to kill him. Donovan that is. Then we wouldn't have anything to worry about. But at least we know to watch out for him. We know to be prepared. And now you know about this witch, so we can be prepared for her as well."

  Bolin gave her a curious look, his brow furrowed.

  "What?"

  He shook his head. "Nothing. I want you to promise me something."

  Ciara took a deep breath. "I'll try."

  "Do more than try. From now until we reach Nisair, I need you to follow Garek's orders as my own."

  "You do realize what you're putting him in for?" Ciara smirked. "I don't often follow your orders very well at all."

  "You need to start."

  She sighed. "I'll try," she said again.

  "Good," he said. "Then go help Danya Nialyne."

  A thought occurred to her before she made it out the door. "You aren't going to sneak off without us, are you?"

  He slid his gaze to the window, then back. "Garek has me under house arrest."

  Ciara's eyes rounded. "He can do that?"

  "He apparently thinks he can."

  "I like Garek," she said, and left to find Nialyne.

  ***

  Dusk found the yard bustling with activity as the escort made ready. Garek moved among the men, issuing orders, checking ropes and knots on the supply cart, sharing a joke or an exchange of pleasantries here and there. Bolin watched the scene over Sandeen's back as he tightened the saddle's girth. Four soldiers remained out of the six that had accompanied Garek to Galys Auld. A small group could move with less notice, but could also be easily outnumbered. Bolin just wished he knew what Donovan was likely to throw at them.

  "Duff, get those extra mounts secured to the cart," Garek ordered, as he detached himself from the group and headed toward Bolin. He drew in a deep breath, nostrils flaring, and hooked his thumbs behind his belt. "A fine night for travel. Balmy breeze, no hint of rain, and the promise of stars to guide our steps." His gaze cut from the sky to Bolin. "Still sulking?"

  "I don't sulk."

  "Says you." He let out a low whistle, and Bolin turned to see what had caught his attention.

  Nialyne and Ciara were headed toward them and even Bolin had to do a double-take. He couldn't recall Nialyne ever wearing britches. They were loose and billowing, deep brown, and tucked into boots that came partway up her calves. Her green tunic, edged in gold, and belted at the waist, hung down to mid-thigh. From the belt hung a slim dagger and several leather pouches of various sizes. Her long hair had been pulled back into a single braid down her back, like Ciara's but much tidier. Ciara wore a similar outfit of russet, a color that complimented her hair and eyes. Eyes that landed ever so briefly on Bolin and then skittered away.

  "Now that's a sight will keep a man going for a good long while."

  Bolin opened his mouth for a reprimand, but Garek had already headed toward the women. He bowed low when he reached them, sweeping first Nialyne's and then Ciara's hand to his lips. He lingered with Ciara's, and even from a distance Bolin could see the slight curve of her lips as they pulled into a smile. He also didn't fail to notice how every one of the men had ceased moving, and were staring at her as if they'd never seen a woman before. Sully caught his narrowed gaze and hastily cleared his throat, which had the effect of breaking the spell and sending them all back to work. Or pretending to work, as much as furtive glances would allow.

  Nialyne approached him carrying something about half the size of his fist and wrapped in cloth. His lip curled in a visceral response he couldn't control. Even without touching the crystal, the black magic in its center caused bile to rise in his throat, and the familiar burn to crawl up his arm. He held out his hand without comment and Nialyne placed the crystal in his palm. Bolin suppressed a shudder. When he made to drop it into the bag off Sandeen's saddle, the grey shied sideways, his eye showing white as he craned his head to see behind him. Bolin secured the bag despite the stallion's obvious objection and turned back to Nialyne.

  "You're sure?" he asked.

  She nodded, and reached up to touch his cheek. "You may need me along the way. And when we reach Nisair, Ciara will definitely need me."

  "If we reach Nisair," Bolin corrected.

  "We will," she said with a certainty he wished he felt.

  Bolin led her to where a pair of stocky, bay mares stood waiting near the front of the column. "We'll get a few leagues under us tonight, then start out again late morning."

  Bolin held her stirrup as Nialyne swung easily onto the mare's back. He laid his hand on her knee as she gathered up her reins, and slipped into Galysian. "Alyne, promise me you'll keep yourself safe, above all else. If things go badly, turn and leave."

  She smiled down at him. "I am not as fragile as you like to believe. Save your worries for other matters." She indicated Ciara with a nod of her head.

  If only Nialyne knew how much Bolin already worried about Ciara. He turned and the men launched into a sudden flurry of motion. He'd forgotten what it was like to be among a group of randy soldiers, and his temper flared.

  "Mount up," he snapped.

  They flinched, but they moved, without question or delay. Bolin swung onto Sandeen's back, waiting for Garek to come alongside of him. They started out of Galys Auld, Bolin and Garek in the lead, Nialyne and Ciara behind them, the supply cart next, and the rest of the mounted men bringing up the rear.

  He felt Garek's eyes on him as they rode, a barely suppressed grin on the man's round face. "What is it you find you just can't contain, Garek?"

  "Oh, nothing." The Commander tried looking innocently at the trees and failed. "I'd just forgotten what a moody bastard you can be."

  "And you find humor in that?"

  "No, sir, not at all." He chuckled. "But I'm sure I will."

  ***

  There were no roads through the Greensward, but the gentle landscape made for easy travel regardless. The last rays of the setting sun filtered through the interlaced boughs overhead and flooded the forest in a soft, green glow that lingered even after the glimpses of sky became laced with stars. Having been raised in the Greensward, Bolin took the gentle glow for granted, though he heard the men marvel at it.

  Beside him, Garek gave an exaggerated shudder. "Spooky stuff. Don't know how you deal with it."

  The way Sandeen felt like a coiled spring beneath him, Bolin guessed the stallion had no appreciation for the much spookier stuff in his saddlebag. He tossed his head and pranced, and Garek's horse sidled sideways, ears pinned back.

  "What's got him all bothered?" Garek asked with a look Sandeen's way.

  Bolin reached out to stroke the stallion's neck. "My baggage."

  "That explains nothing."

  "You really don't want a more involved explanation."

  Garek caught his meaningful look, and rolled his eyes. "I'll not avoid it on this trip, will I?"

  "Not likely."

 
"Well, you can keep it." He dropped a hand to his sword. "Me and the lads will trust sinew and steel."

  "Let's hope those will suffice."

  Garek edged his horse as close to Sandeen as it cared to get, and leaned toward Bolin, lowering his voice. "Begging the General's pardon, you might want to consider how your mood will affect the morale on this trek. I can only spread so much cheer for so long before your dour countenance turns it to shit. The lads already have reason enough to worry. One man wounded, one man dead and his body missing, and a whole bunch of nasties likely waiting for us as soon as we cross the border. Sully and Berk I've no concerns about. They've plenty of grit, and see things for what they are. Salek and Duff are no slouches, but this is their first tour. They've got the image of a night attack and a torn out throat haunting them. I realize it's unnatural for you to actually smile, but for the love of the Goddess, Bolin, remember what you are."

  Bolin's jaw ticked. Sandeen gave a snort and bucked beneath him, and Bolin growled under his breath at the both of them.

  "I'm going to ride ahead," he said. "Sandeen needs to get some of this out of him, and I need to work past wanting to lay you out cold."

  Garek grunted. "You've tried that before. It hasn't gone well for you if I recall."

  Bolin glowered at him. "You're in charge, Commander. There's a good place to make camp about three leagues from here. Flat ground beside the river. Danya Nialyne knows where it is. I'll meet you there."

  That got him a jaunty salute. "Aye, General."

  Bolin shook his head. He had only to relax his hold on the reins and Sandeen leapt forward.

  ***

  Ciara coaxed her mare up next to Garek's horse. "Is something wrong?"

  "Nothing a cask won't cure," he said, frowning as he watched Bolin ride away.

  "Where's he going?"

  Garek turned to her, and a smile lit his face. "Away from me." He chuckled. "I have a habit of getting under his skin from time to time."

  "Then you and I have something in common," Ciara said. "It seems I'm a constant source of aggravation to him."

  "I can't imagine you being an aggravation to anyone," he said, his eyes sparkling.

  Ciara dipped her head to hide the blush that crept across her cheeks. "You haven't known me very long."

  "For certain," he said. "But I'm a fair judge of character. I see in you a determined, strong woman, with a gentleness of spirit such as only healers have."

  Ciara laughed out loud. "If 'determined' is a polite way of telling me I'm stubborn, then I'll know you've been talking to Bolin about me."

  "No such thing," Garek said. "I'm sure you've noticed he's not the grandest conversationalist."

  That was an understatement. "You've known him a long time haven't you?"

  Garek scratched as his beard. "Aye. Since I was a raw recruit. He took me under his wing for some reason, and we've been like brothers ever since. He taught me how to use a sword and sit a horse. I taught him how to drink. I'm not as good as him with a blade, though few are, and I stay in the saddle only through sheer grit. Yet he can drink me under the table. Not something many can do. Guess that makes me the better teacher."

  "Or him the better student," said Nialyne, coming up on Garek's other side.

  He guffawed at that. "True enough, Lady. True enough." He twisted in the saddle, rested his hand on his horse's rump, and surveyed the men behind him. "Berk, you and Sal see to the fire when we make camp. Sully, you and Duff have the horses."

  A round of acknowledgments filtered back. "How far tonight, Commander?"

  "Two, three leagues maybe." He turned back around and winked at Ciara. "Have to keep an eye on the lads, you know. Unruly lot if left to their own devices. Anyone of 'em gives either of you ladies any grief, you come straight to me."

  "Having been trained by you, Commander," Nialyne said, "I doubt there is a single bad manner amongst them."

  "Well, that's a fine compliment, Lady. In which case, I'll take credit for their gentlemanly ways, but no blame if they act a rogue."

  They rode the rest of the way in companionable silence. Ciara had just started to doze in the saddle when the scent of burning wood caught her nostrils, and she perked up. As they rounded a dense copse, an orange glow filtered through the trees, and the sharp snap and pop of a blazing fire carried to them on the breeze.

  "Well, looks like Bolin's got things in hand, then," Garek said, as they drew closer.

  Sandeen, already tied to a line stretched between two trees, craned his neck around and whickered a greeting to the other horses. Bolin tossed another log on the fire before coming to meet them. He held Nialyne's horse while she dismounted.

  "I don't suppose you've cooked us a late meal, General?" Garek asked, climbing off his horse with an audible groan and passing the reins to one of the soldiers. "Riding always works up my appetite."

  "Everything works up your appetite," Bolin replied, his tone flat. "You'll have to settle for cold rations or wait until morning."

  Garek nudged Ciara with his elbow and talked from behind his raised hand. "He's not much of a cook anyhow." He took the reins from Ciara and started toward the men. "All right, lads, let's get these beasts fed and watered. I'm sure they'd appreciate a rub down, too, and seeing as there's no need to build a fire, I think you've plenty of time. Somebody fetch those bed rolls for the ladies. Get to it now."

  Ciara started to object that she could see to her own horse, but Garek had already passed the mare to Berk and made for the supply cart.

  "The men will see to everything," Bolin said. "Enjoy the luxury while you have it."

  Ciara gave in and followed Nialyne to the fire, perching on a log within the ring of flickering light while Bolin went to help Garek. She sat sideways on the log, arms resting on her drawn up knees. It didn't take long for her to lay her head on her arms, staring into the firelight, the sounds of the activity around her fading to nothingness.

  He should not have brought it.

  Ciara startled. Andrakaos's dark shape replaced the fire in her vision. He stared off to her right, head up and alert, watching something.

  I do not like the feel of it.

  "The feel of what?" Ciara asked.

  The magic he has entrapped. It intends harm.

  Ciara followed his gaze to where Bolin helped Garek unhitch the cart horses. The scene wavered in her vision, the edges vignetted as though seeing it through a bubble. "What is it?"

  Andrakaos raised his muzzle. His nostrils flared as he sniffed like a hound questing the air. A light flickered in his eyes, lightning across the night sky. His shudder trickled through her.

  Evil.

  ***

  The whisper of a warm caress trailed across the back of Bolin's neck. He turned, seeking the source, and his eyes found Ciara, perched on a log, head on arms, staring into the fire. She appeared lost in thought, but within the flames, something turned his way.

  It is Darkness.

  Bolin sucked in a startled breath. He left Garek to finish on his own, and went to where Ciara sat. The closer he got to her, the stronger he felt her power.

  "Ciara." She didn't even blink. Bolin hunkered down in her line of vision, and laid a hand on her shoulder. "Ciara?"

  Her focus drew back as though from a great distance. Her eyes widened, and she pursed her lips, but didn't raise her head. "I didn't mean it."

  "What?"

  Her gaze slid away. "He just starts talking to me. I can't stop him. I don't ask him to. It's mostly when I'm tired." A flicker of fear crossed her face. "That's going to be a problem when we leave the Greensward, isn't it?"

  "It's a problem now."

  "Could you...how did you know?"

  He could have opted not to answer her. It might have been the wiser course of action. "I can feel when you call him."

  "I didn't call him."

  Bolin rested his forearms on his knees. "When he calls you, then, you mustn't answer. I know you can manage that. You're quite good at not listening wh
en people talk."

  She frowned. "He sneaks up on me."

  "Then turn away from him." She rolled her head on her arms, angling it away from him as she tried to avoid the conversation. Bolin laid his hand on her arm. "If you ever hope to control this power then you need to listen to me. You're the one in charge. You have to be. This is the first step. He doesn't get to decide that. You do."

  They were fools making this trip. He should send Ciara and Nialyne back to Galys Auld and go to the Emperor himself. Dain had been angry with him before. One more time wouldn't make much difference. They could leave the supply cart, take what they could on the horses, and ride hard for Nisair.

  Garek's loud laugh broke into Bolin's thoughts, and he canted his head in his friend's direction where he shared some joke with the men. The one flaw in an otherwise perfect plan: Garek would never allow it. Unlike Bolin, when the Emperor gave orders to the Commander, they were followed more or less to the letter.

  Bolin blew out a short chuckle. He and Ciara were more alike on that score than he cared to think. She found it as difficult to do what he told her, as he did to do what Dain told him.

  Ciara lifted her head and fixed him with an incredulous stare. "Did you just laugh?"

  "It has been known to happen from time to time," he said.

  "Can't say as I have that much experience with it, coming from you. So, are you going to share the joke?"

  "It's nothing."

  "Of course not." The spark of temper flickered in her eyes.

  "I was just thinking how you have a tendency to listen to me about as well as I listen to the Emperor."

  Her brows arched. "You argue with the Emperor?"

  "Like daytime argues with night," Garek's voice cut in as he came up to them. "Each equally valid in their own right, and each equally immovable." He laid a pile of furs over the log beside Ciara. "This ought to keep you warm tonight. You're not opposed to sleeping beside the fire are you? We shifted things around a bit and made room for the Lady in the cart. Didn't seem right for her to sleep on the ground. If you'd rather, I could have the lads unload the rest of it to squeeze you in beside her."