Warlord's Flame (Krystile Warriors Book 2)

by Owner

  “Everything is for sale here.” He felt hurt from her. Puzzled, he stopped to analyze her reaction.

  Anger flashed in her eyes. “Even me.” Her voice was soft, but he felt a hardness from her that he had not noticed before.

  He felt her emotions then, her anger and fear, but – Var ignored her comment. The hurt was already done. He vowed to do better in the future.

  “The veil will help. You are doing well so far. Remember to keep your eyes lowered. I would know if you feel uncomfortable or if you think you may be in danger of projecting. You may touch my leg as a sign that you need to leave.”

  The gown she wore was deep blue with a full skirt that went to her ankles. A gauzy, silver fabric adorned the waistband and hem of the skirt. The sheer top had long sleeves that came down past her wrists to her knuckles and the top plunged in a v deep shape. It showed off her perfect breasts. Her nipples were pink and tantalizing through the thin fabric.

  Var had to turn away. He must stop wondering what those breasts would feel like in his hands, against his naked chest. He handed her a shawl that matched the dress. Now the indecent top was covered. He felt her relief when she sighed.

  Bess did not look up. “How gracious you are.”

  Yes, she hated him. Var took her elbow and escorted her from the room without another word. He knew his way around the castle, and guided her into the large dining area. Erik waited for them at the long rectangular table.

  After they were seated, Erik clapped his hands and the servants entered with food.

  “Your girl looks lovely tonight, Var.” Erik smiled.

  Except she was not his girl, not his anything, he reminded himself. An urge to protect her rose up within him when Erik took his time gazing at Bess. She was his. At least, his instinct told him she should belong to him. He should claim her, but surely she would want one of the other warlords. She would not want him. No one would ever want him. The primitive feeling of possession that took over his entire being when Erik admired her had him struggling not to do violence. He had not thought himself capable of jealousy.

  Bess brought out feelings within him that were frightening in their primal enmity. The only thing that came close to this feeling was something that happened to him in battle when the blood lust took him.

  Erik laughed, “You have it bad warlord.”

  To his credit, Erik kept his eyes off Bess for the remainder of the meal which left Var wondering how his friend had read him so easily.

  Servers moved around the table piling it high with food.

  Var got two plates. He set her plate before her, with a goblet of water. He noticed that Bess kept the shawl covering the front of the dress. She made no move to touch the food until Var told her to eat.

  Was that something she’d learned at the Facility, or was it because of her timidity. Whichever it was, her behavior was helpful in convincing Erik’s servants that she was destined to be a mate.

  Var turned his attention to their host, who found Bess’s behavior amusing.

  She ate only when Var reminded her.

  Erik’s dancing girls entertained while they ate. Most of the dancers had been headed to a life of slavery when Erik bought them and saved them from being sold to an uncertain future that contained certain horror. The girls performed tasks in return for their safety. Some cooked and some cleaned. Some did nothing while a handful slept with Erik.

  When the meal was over, they moved to a smaller room with a roaring fire and overstuffed furniture. Var took a love seat and pulled Bess down beside him. Erik took a chair across from Var.

  Var changed to the old language. While he trusted Erik implicitly, he did not know all of Erik’s staff.

  Erik indicated Bess with a nod of his head and also changed to the old language. “Is she one of those the Conglomerate seeks?”

  “She is,” Var answered.

  “Has she driven you mad with her touch?” Erik smiled.

  Var shook his head. “Not yet.”

  “I admit I am most curious about them. Everyone in the country is excited and hopeful that they’ll get to see one of the mystical creatures. The Conglomerate has lost control of them. Many see it as a sign that their power is failing fast. They have many problems.”

  “They deserve every problem they have,” Var said.

  Erik nodded, “Indeed, they cause their own trouble. I have also heard that the Trade Center was attacked and all the Traders are missing. No one knows where they are.”

  Var nodded once.

  “The Warlords of Kryst have been mentioned in regards to the destruction of the Trade Center.”

  Var nodded again.

  “I had no idea you planned to move against them so soon,” Erik continued. “And oddly enough, shortly after the Trade Center was destroyed, an arena that was owned by the Conglomerate was also attacked. Every person in the arena was killed — or so I’ve heard.”

  “I have heard that as well,” Var said.

  “The Conglomerate is desperate, friend. They run short on resources.”

  “They are their own worst enemy.”

  Erik nodded agreement and laughed. “That is true. However, we both know the Conglomerate has an abysmal track record when it comes to taking responsibility for their poor decisions.”

  Var looked at Bess. Her eyes were closed.

  “She is quite beautiful,” Erik said. “I take it you are having trouble since you need to cross my land.”

  “We are unable to call for pick up. Our com devices are not working and we have no idea how to stop whatever is jamming them. And they hunt us. She is of particular interest to them. This was supposed to be an easy in-and-out job. We should already be back in Kryst. Instead, we are dodging STS and skas and everybody else who wants the bounty on her.”

  “They all want her, friend. As for your com links, I have heard some rumors,” Erik said. “The Conglomerate has some sort of device in the vent of the dormant volcano on the North face of Mount Viticus. They were active up there for a long while with many workers and a lot of equipment and it was all hush-hush.”

  “It is not good that they can cripple our transmissions.”

  Erik smiled. “Dare will have that resolved in no time at all.”

  They were silent for a few moments.

  “Are you having any trouble being here, so close to where it happened?”

  “I am fine,” Var said. He knew Erik asked as a friend. Still, he had no desire to discuss that topic. The fact that Erik saw his discomfort was not a good thing. This girl was affecting him.

  “If I can help at all... “

  “You have done plenty by allowing us to cross your land. I hope to keep the girl as far from the STS and skas as possible.

  Eric grunted. “You have your job cut out for you, warlord. Professionals and amateurs hunt your girl. All are mad with the idea of becoming wealthy if they are lucky enough to get her to the STS for the reward.”

  “They have been on our heels every step of the way.”

  Erik studied the fire. “Be careful. Desperate people do desperate things. And everyone is desperate these days.”

  Var excused them after thanking Erik for all his help and hospitality. After rising to shake Erik’s hand, he helped Bess from her chair. He took her elbow and put his arm around her shoulder to walk her back to their room. When she stumbled, Var stopped and moved in front of her. He raised the veil and lifted her chin.

  Once again, she pulled away from him with a toss of her head.

  He captured her chin and held her more firmly. Dark circles were visible under her eyes.

  “You should have told me how tired you were,” he admonished.

  She did not answer.

  Inside their room, he handed her a gown the maid had left on the bed for her. “You did well tonight.” He removed her head covering. The clinking of the little pearls made a light, musical sound.

  She slipped into the changing room and out of the dress and pulled on the sleeping gown.
Bess hurried to get into the bed, turned to face the wall, and covered herself with the blanket.

  “There are guards on the other side of this door. I will be out for only a few minutes. You are safe here.”

  He thought she was already asleep and probably did not even hear him. Var watched her a few minutes before he slipped quietly out the door.

  When he returned later, she was sleeping on her side facing the wall. He lay down beside her. Every breath he took was filled her scent. When her nightmares came, Var held her close. With his hand on her skin, he saw her dreams.

  As soon as the menace in the nightmare was gone, she slept peacefully again. This happened several times through the night. Bess dreamed of being attacked and taken away by slavers, or of being surrounded by men who were going to hurt her. She dreamed of their host and saw him with some of his pleasure females in intimate moments.

  Finally, she dreamed of the boy, Rel. Her feelings toward him softened when he bought the boy to stop the beating. He smiled to see how relieved she had been when he stepped in. Buying the dog had earned him her esteem almost as much as buying the boy. It hurt her to see others abused. She was agitated at not being allowed to heal the boy. He suspected she was a stronger empath than she had admitted.

  Var could not guess what magic she possessed that allowed him to see her dreams, but he hoped to understand her better because he could see them. He was sure that he was seeing them while she dreamed them.

  He also realized what an advantage it offered, that she could see into the dreams and actions of others and share that through touch. Did the Facility realize her ability? Is that why they had sent the STS after her? She had not touched Erik, yet she dreamed of his actions. He was sure her dream was of a real scene Erik had experienced.

  Var recognized the danger the MX posed. No wonder they kept secrets. With that realization, he knew she would also have knowledge of him that he preferred her not to have.

  Var moved to the chair where he watched her sleep. Touching her felt too much like invading her privacy. Who knows what horrors she dreamed from his past? There were many to choose from. He hoped she did not see.

  ***

  Var looked out over the grassy fields. There were few trees here and vast open spaces where herds of animals could graze. These people had never fenced their property, but relied on the old-fashioned branding or tagging of livestock to identify the owners. They had bid farewell to their host early that morning, and were headed across his land with an extra horse to carry the provisions Var had bought in the little settlement.

  He relaxed, now that they had put some distance between themselves and the village where Erik lived. Erik had saved Var’s life when he and his mother had been sent here as slaves. Although he was unable to save his mother’s life, he gave Erik no fault in that.

  Var watched Bess closely. She had not looked him in the eye all morning. He wondered why. This morning she again asked for a chance to help the boy, Rel. Var refused her again. If he allowed it, people would notice. They did not need the unwanted attention. Besides, the boy’s injuries were not serious. Rel would heal in a few days and would be safer staying with Erik. Var left plenty of money to provide for the boy and his dog while they recovered.

  She refused to look at him or speak to him this morning. “I suppose you are angry with me because I would not let you help the boy,” he said.

  “And the dog,” she added.

  “It was too dangerous.”

  “If Erik is your good friend, why do you have so little trust in him?”

  “I trust Erik a great deal, but I do not trust his staff.”

  He felt her relax. Maybe she finally understood. The girl had no idea how careful everyone had to be. Conglomerate spies were everywhere. He had missed the opportunity to sweep in and get her out before anyone realized what was happening. Going the long route like this sent the danger up incrementally. He was careful.

  They crossed the grassy plains with as few stops as possible. Here and there a lone tree stood. Most of those were dead or dying. He did not want to be out in the open like this. In the late afternoon, he spotted a tree line in the distance. He hoped to be safely within the forest before nightfall.

  A low sound had him looking at the horizon. Not good. He pushed the horse to move a little faster. The disturbance began as low thunder in the earth. Sure enough, a cloud of dust was being kicked up by many hooves. They were not going to make it to the trees for cover.

  “Do not think of running.” Var kept his voice low, but let her hear the steel in it. He leaned forward, pushing her down low with his chest. Var moved his hands on the horse’s neck and the beast jumped forward. He heard Bess gasp at their speed as they galloped headlong toward the safety of the trees. Even though they were moving quickly, they would not make it to the tree line in time. He picked up the scent of her fear, but doubted she comprehended the level of danger they were in.

  The trees were too far to offer protection. The crazed animals were bearing down on them now. The herd came into view when they crested a hill. Bess let out a short scream. The wild buffalo were running at full speed. They were almost as tall as the horse he rode, but heavier. The thick chests and powerful legs closed the safety of the open field between them. Lethal horns curved out from each side of their massive heads. The sound of their hooves was an ominous thunder. He had no chance to give her any more instructions. There, just ahead was a lone tree that had been split by lightning.

  “What are they?” Bess did not keep the panic from her voice.

  “Stampede.”

  “What?” Although Var heard her, she was not able to hear him over the sound of the stampede.

  “Buffalo.”

  Var pulled the reins hard. The horse skidded and he swung to the ground. Var positioned them behind the dead tree. He put the pack horse beside their mount and left Bess in the saddle.

  He glanced over his shoulder into her wide eyes then leaned down to shout into her ear. “Stay on the horse, no matter what happens.”

  Var stood in front of the horses. Before the stampeding herd reached them, he split the air with his whip, driving the raging beasts apart. The crack of the whip was even louder than the cacophony of the maddened animals bearing down on them.

  The herd split, moving to either side. Var stood his ground, even when some of the wild-eyed buffalo grazed him. He held a long dagger ready, the blade pointing toward his elbow. Var used it to shove and stab some of the creatures as they went by. They were crazed, running too fast, and could do little more than swerve to avoid hitting him. The horses behind him, the dead tree, and his height, kept the animals from running him over. They separated as if he were a tree, or a boulder. The beasts crashed against each other. Many went down and were trampled. Soon he had a barricade of unfortunate animals between the herd and Bess.

  The clamor of snorts and bellows was barely audible over the deafening roar of the buffalo hooves as they hurled themselves over the plain. Choking dust filled the air. It stung his eyes. He kept his whip flying and snapping to separate the herd as far in front of them as possible. Var dared not glance over his shoulder to check on Bess. As long as she stayed on the horse, she should be safe.

  Finally, the stampede thinned out. Only the stragglers were left, and they had no trouble avoiding the obstacle Var had created. He had been backing up constantly. The dead and dying animals were now part of the barrier. When the danger was finally over, he glanced back to check on Bess. She was badly shaken, but had stayed where he’d put her.

  Var turned and began killing the fatally wounded animals to end their suffering. He cut off a piece of the bison meat. Bess’s terror was strong as he re-wound the whip and started toward her.

  “Don’t touch me with it!”

  Var wrapped the meat in a bag and hung it over the pack animal. She was really afraid of touching the meat. He mounted behind her.

  Dust covered the spots of freckles on her face, and coated her hair. It even dus
ted her eyelashes. He turned the horses and headed for the safety of the trees.

  “I thought — I thought we were...” Bess choked out, either on dirt or a sob. “They had h-horns. You killed the hurt ones.”

  Var touched her shoulder. “You are safe. I ended the suffering of the injured.” After a moment, he added, “You did well, mouse.”

  Her voice was shaking. “They could have killed you.”

  “They did not.” Var tried to make his voice gentle.

  When they reached the stream, he stopped the horses and dismounted, pulling Bess from the saddle. He checked the horses. The setting sun cast long shadows. Little rivulets of mud showed the tracks her tears had traveled down her cheeks.

  “We will wash here.” After removing his boots and clothes, he waded in waist deep and pulled Bess along with him. Looking up, he saw that Bess had her back to him. Again, he was stunned by her beauty.

  She bent to cup water in her hands. Every instinct within him urged him to mount her, to take her immediately. He realized with a start that she was looking over her shoulder at him. Great, she caught him lusting after her. Var finished bathing, but decided to stay in the stream for a while. He did not want her to see the evidence of her effect on him. He could not bear the revulsion his naked body would surely evoke in her eyes.

  “Take your clothes off and wash. Your hair too. The dust will be uncomfortable if you don’t get it off.”

  The girl washed her hair and herself, all with her back to him. He had to fight to resist looking at her luscious curves. Var reminded himself that his job was to get the little MX to safety. Though his body screamed that he should claim her, his first priority, his duty, was to deliver her safe and sound. She had a nice rear end. Beautiful shape. He shook his head. Where was his famous control?

  The empath had a right to decide who she would mate, and she would never choose him. He was scarred. Var knew he was unworthy. He could never redeem himself, even if he rescued a thousand helpless females.

  Bess left the cold water, covering herself with her arms. Her teeth chattered and she could not stop shaking. She collapsed in the shallow water. Tears streaked down her face.