Vengeance Born (The Light Blade #1)

by Kylie Griffin

A finger wagged at her. “We dispense with formality outside the Council Chamber. You can either call me Master Healer or Candra.”

  “Commander!” An urgent shout came from outside the tent.

  A Light Blade warrior Annika didn’t recognize pushed his way through the line of people waiting to be treated. Kalan excused himself a moment to step outside. The younger warrior’s face was flushed with exertion, as if he’d run a long distance, and he bent over at the waist as he delivered his message. A frown appeared on Kalan’s face the longer the conversation went on then he nodded and strode back into the tent.

  “I’m needed back at the compound,” he said, expression grim.

  “Bad news?” Candra inquired softly.

  “A Na’Reish scouting party has been spotted less than a day from the city.” He kept his voice low. “I need to meet with the Patrol that spotted them.”

  His news sent a cold shiver along Annika’s spine. She never thought her father would go to such lengths to get her back. No Patrol had ever been ordered this far into human territory. She moved closer to Kalan. “We can go now.”

  He shook his head, giving her a rueful smile. “I’m sorry our tour of the city has been cut short, but there’s no need for you to miss out on this. Stay with Candra. I’ll go on to the compound. Likely as not, I’ll be in a meeting when you return.”

  She bit her lip. “Are you sure?”

  “You’re in good hands here, Annika.” His smile became a grin. “Besides, the look in your eyes says you want to stay, so stay.”

  She nodded, strangely relieved that she wouldn’t have to miss out on the visit to the healers’ tent. “Go to your meeting and I’ll see you later.”

  “I’ll make sure she gets home safely, Commander,” Candra promised.

  Kalan left, accompanied by the warrior who’d brought him the message.

  “Well, let’s get to work, Annika.” The Master Healer clapped her hands and rubbed them together. “Time’s a-wasting.”

  With a last glance at the crowd where Kalan had disappeared, Annika followed the healer into the tent, eager to learn and show what she knew.

  “WHY wasn’t a meeting called to inform the Blade Council about the threat at our gates?”

  The booming voice of Councilor Davyn, and the angry sound of more than one pair of boot heels clicking on stone, came from behind the group gathered in the room.

  Kalan slowly straightened from where he leant over a map with his Light Blade warriors and met Arek’s gaze across the Council table. “How in Lady’s name did he find out about this?” he demanded, softly. “The news is barely two hours old.”

  His Second shrugged. “He might have retired as a Light Blade but that doesn’t mean he’s severed all ties with the Barracks.”

  Unimpressed, Kalan’s gaze narrowed. “In the future, I want it made clear to the warriors that reports are not for general conversation.”

  “Yes, Commander.”

  Kalan turned as the small contingent of Councilors reached the table. A swift survey showed the group consisted of Davyn, Yance, and Corvas accompanied by a smattering of prominent Guild-leaders from the city. Benth and Candra, the remaining two Councilors, were conspicuously absent. Their exclusion didn’t come as a surprise. In the past, they’d lent him support for many of the changes these people had opposed.

  Bracing himself for the coming interrogation, he leant a hip against the edge of the table, obscuring Davyn’s view of the map he was so keenly trying to see. “Councilors, Guild-members, what can I do for you?”

  His polite question seemed to be a signal. The questions came, fast and furious.

  “Is it true we have the Na’Hord camped outside our gates?” This came from the Weavers’ Guild-leader. “Are we under siege?”

  “How soon before they attack?” This from the portly Farmers’ representative. “Do we have time to call in the crofters closest to the city?”

  The head of the Business District raised her voice, “Are they here for the Na’Chi woman?”

  He let them talk, waiting for them to run down, his gaze drifting over the gathered delegation to settle on Davyn. The older warrior asked nothing himself. An air of quiet anticipation seemed to sur-round him and he listened, a gleam in his eye as the panic of the Guild-leaders rose.

  Interesting little power-play getting the others to take him on. When it became clear he wouldn’t answer them, the furor died.

  Kalan pinned each person with a look before speaking. “There is no threat to the city, Guild-members,” he stated, calmly. “Nor is there likely to be. The Na’Hord are not camped outside our gates.”

  “But your patrol has spotted something, hasn’t it?” Yance’s gaunt face was creased with worry. “Scouts? A party of Na’Reish?”

  “Once I know all the facts, Councilor, you will be informed.”

  “Are they here for the Na’Chi woman?” Corvas demanded, his cheeks ruddy.

  “I don’t know.”

  “So, there are demons this close to the city? Didn’t I tell you the Na’Chi woman was a threat? I warned you at the last meeting she’d only bring trouble.” As if addressing the room, Davyn turned rather than speaking to him. “If the Na’Rei wants her back then we should hand her over and be done with it.”

  That little speech set off the Guild-members again and sparked Kalan’s temper. Behind him, Arek snorted then appeared at his side.

  “Would you like me to remove this gaggle of geefans so that we can finish this meeting in peace?” the warrior asked in a low voice. “I’d be happy to start with my dear grandfather.”

  Kalan fixed the crowd with an icy stare as he shook his head. “Not yet.”

  A hush came over the clamoring crowd; anxious faces turned toward him as he pushed off the table and stepped toward them.

  “Guild-members, in the past you’ve relied on our Councilors to inform you of any movements my warriors might take to head off a Na’Reish threat. Storming the Council Chamber like a riotous mob has achieved nothing but waste your time and mine.

  “If a threat exists then be assured that the Councilors will be informed and you will be told the facts or of any decisions that might be made. Should you be unhappy with that arrangement then, by all means, express your concerns to the Councilor of your choice for inclusion at the next meeting and I’ll abolish that system and instigate another. Perhaps one where you elect a representative to attend the meetings.”

  The Councilors present shared a look. Their unease filled Kalan with a certain amount of satisfaction. Yance, Corvas, and Davyn knew he wanted the Guilds represented on the Council and had opposed his proposals unanimously. If they wanted a power-play Kalan was more than happy to give them one; something they’d best take into account if they intended to make a habit of stirring up the city-folk.

  “In the meantime, to avoid unnecessary worry and panic, think carefully about listening to gutter-gossip and half-truths, whatever their source. Now, if you’ll let my warriors and I get back to what we do best.”

  He nodded to Arek and he and three other warriors began herding the group toward the chamber doors. With a glare at his closest escort, Davyn ignored the hint to leave and closed the distance between them.

  “You refuse to acknowledge the danger of letting her stay,” he hissed. “She threatens all our lives. It’s in her nature to feed. She may claim to abstain from drinking human blood but the day will come when she won’t be able to control herself. Will it take the death of an innocent to convince you, Chosen?

  “And if that doesn’t, then consider what would happen if we engaged the Na’Hord in a direct confrontation. By your own words they outnumber us four to one. They’ll slaughter us!” His blue eyes flashed with aberrant fervor.

  Disquiet stirred in Kalan’s stomach. Davyn seemed agitated, more so than usual.

  “The Na’Rei has been waiting for the chance to invade, now you’ve given him the excuse. You know he’ll take it. Mark my words, once he crosses the border, he won�
��t stop until every human—man, woman, and child—is enslaved or dead.”

  A silence fell over the room.

  “Have a care, Davyn, that I don’t consider your words concerning Annika another slur against her character.” Kalan’s gaze narrowed as he regarded the silver-haired warrior with barely concealed dislike. He kept his stance relaxed but his tone hardened. “I’ll tolerate your ignorance once, but not twice.”

  The warrior’s mouth pulled down at the corners. “I’m only expressing the opinions of many, Chosen.”

  “Now that you’ve expressed them, leave.”

  “Councilor, if you please.” His Second took the man’s arm.

  Davyn shook himself free of the hold, his expression one of angry disgruntlement. “I expect a full briefing of this meeting before you retire tonight, Commander.”

  Kalan nodded sharply. “You’ll get it.”

  Spinning on his heel, Davyn strode from the chamber. Arek made sure the doors were closed once the contingent was gone. He returned to the table.

  “That was interesting,” he drawled, an amused twinkle in his eyes.

  The warriors gathered chuckled, and the tension of the last few minutes was relieved, but Kalan only grunted and turned back to the map. “Blood-kin or not, Arek, we deserve better. His hatred blinds him.”

  His friend took his place at the other side of the table, his expression sobering. “You know he has a point.” Arek’s eyes met his, his gaze steady. “And I’m not referring to Annika.”

  Briefly, Kalan closed his eyes and nodded. “I know we can’t afford an invasion by the Na’Hord.” Mother of Mercy, he hoped this was nothing that serious. He sighed. “We need more warriors.”

  “We could instigate another Search, bring in the potentials we identified during the last one.”

  “We’d be training children, Arek.”

  “If we engage in conflict with the Na’Reish it might come to that.”

  Kalan’s gut churned at the somber statement. There had to be some other solution to the possible threat of attack. “No, we need to confirm that these four scouts are a part of an advanced group invading from Na’Reish territory. Until that’s done, I want more frequent Patrols, and messengers sent to warn the Outposts.”

  He just prayed that the information the Patrol had given him was wrong. The uneasy feeling in his gut said differently.

  Chapter 22

  VARIAN allowed the ghost of a grin to curve his lips. Gaining access to the human city had proved easier than he thought. Timing it with the arrival of a large group of people, mid-afternoon, when the guards were at their least alert, and with everyone too busy herding animals along behind their carts, no one had noticed another figure cloaked against the cold weather slipping through the city gate with them.

  After some careful scouting and patience he’d found the temple, the one place Lisella believed there would be someone who knew about Annika seeing as one of the Lady’s Light Blades had brought her here.

  It was late. The last rays of sunlight had faded over an hour ago and most of the crowd drawn to the temple had gone with the light. From his vantage point between two buildings he watched the last visitor leave. Using the shadows, he slipped in through the wooden door before it closed. The familiar rush of adrenaline coursed through his veins as he scanned its interior.

  Thankfully the temple was open in design, no side chapels or areas where someone could hide. And after an earlier foray he knew it had three ground exits and one from the chime tower if you were prepared to climb onto the roof and escape down the side of an adjacent building. Darkness would give him the advantage over any human pursuing him should he need to leave in a hurry.

  The shadows were darkest where he stood. The smoky tang of extinguished candles lingered heavily in the cool air. The only ones still burning were those at the altar beneath the rectangular stained glass window. Surrounded by the tawny glow, a person knelt there in prayer.

  On silent feet he skirted the rows of benches, his gaze fixed on the human. The charcoal colored robe, while simple in style, was belted at the waist and he knew from his discussions with Hesia that this was one of the Lady’s Servants.

  The robe couldn’t hide the feminine curves of a human woman. With her back to him all he could see was her long, wavy, black hair brushing the middle of her back and fine-boned wrists and hands as she held them together in prayer. Alongside her lay a wooden staff. His gaze sharpened noting the potential weapon.

  With his time within the city limited, he needed to make the most of it to find out about Annika. Making sure the woman was the only one left in the temple, he avoided the last row of benches and came up behind her fast. Her head lifted sharply, as if she sensed him.

  “Is someone there?” Her soft, melodic voice sent a strange chill through him. He’d never heard any woman who had a voice so inherently feminine.

  Impressed by her skill in hearing his approach, Varian lengthened his stride and came alongside her just as she reached for the staff.

  He placed a boot on it. “You won’t need that, Handmaiden.”

  She jerked back from him. “You startled me. I didn’t realize anyone was still here.”

  As her head turned toward him he realized two things; she was beautiful and, most astonishingly, that she was blind. Her incredible emerald green eyes stared sightlessly toward him, too far left. He stared at her.

  The Na’Reish never let anyone with such an affliction live. There were no blind or injured among their ranks. Imperfection was seen as an aberration. This human woman not only lived but was also one of their most revered figureheads. If only he’d known she was blind he could’ve pretended to be human but he’d assumed all Servants would be able to see.

  He hesitated the merest fraction of a heartbeat, then bent down to grasp her arm and pulled her to her feet before he backpedaled her toward the side of the temple where the shadows were deepest. She was tall, almost eye to eye with him but no match for his enhanced strength.

  “What are you doing?” Alarm and fear mingled in her voice. Beneath his hands, she tensed and began to struggle. He pushed her against the wall and used his greater body mass to pin her there, then covered her mouth with his hand.

  “Not a sound, Handmaiden,” he murmured. “I won’t hurt you.”

  She took no notice of him and heaved against him. Knowing his words weren’t likely to calm her, he held her loosely as she struggled, letting her exhaust herself. Lush curves pressed into him and her scent filled his lungs. She smelt of honey and incense. His body tightened with need. He sucked in a deep breath shocked at the unsettling effect she had on him. Her struggling finally ceased and he felt her trembling. Beneath the forearm he had pressed against her chest her heart thudded erratically.

  “I won’t hurt you.” Taking advantage of her and her fear of him didn’t sit well. “Tell me your name.”

  He removed his hand from her mouth.

  “You expect me to cooperate with someone who attacks me?” She might’ve been terrified but her words were scathing. Brave considering he could easily snap her neck.

  “You cooperate, and I’ll let you live.”

  Her eyebrows arched high. “Oh, that’s a great incentive to cooperate.” She never raised her voice, just berated him in that calm, melodic voice of hers. “Why don’t you threaten to beat me while you’re at it?”

  “It’s a dangerous practice annoying your attacker.”

  “You come into a place of peace and expect me to help you?” She shoved against him again then slumped against the wall, her expression anything but submissive. “Your attack is cowardly and low.”

  Varian couldn’t help the smile twitching at his lips. Her courage and fiery nature appealed to him. “My apologies, but I had no choice but to approach you this way.”

  Her head cocked to one side. “You’re not from the city. Good, I’ll know to tell the Light Blades you’re from the farmlands.”

  “Hush.” He placed his hand over her mo
uth again. “Tell me about Annika, the Na’Chi woman. I know she’s here within the city.”

  The Handmaiden stilled. He only lifted his hand far enough so he could hear her speak.

  “I’ll tell you nothing about her!” she hissed. “She’s done nothing to harm anyone. I won’t see her hurt because of your blind hatred and prejudice.”

  Shock coursed through Varian’s veins. She believed he was here to harm Annika?

  Kymora wondered at her attacker’s sudden silence and while his hold never slackened, she thought her accusation had astonished him. For the first time she wished she could see.

  All she knew about him was that he was tall and incredibly strong. She was held in close to a warm, hard-muscled body. Almost as tall as any man, she’d felt like a child struggling against him and there was an aura of power surrounding him. It was deadly. Dangerous. Provoking him was foolhardy but she’d never liked being helpless and verbally attacking him had been the only option left to her.

  This close to him she detected a combined scent of an earthy muskiness and cold winter’s air, as if he spent a lot of time outside in the elements. The heat of his hands burned through her robe, and a tingling began in her skin where he touched her.

  Her chin lifted. “Why do you want to know about Annika?”

  “I ask the questions.” His voice was rich and deep. It resonated with confidence.

  “Then I won’t answer.” Now that her initial fright had subsided, Kymora wondered if his threats had been used only to ensure her compliance. He hadn’t hurt her. Even when she’d struggled he hadn’t harmed her. He hadn’t touched her inappropriately and while he still restrained her, the hold wasn’t painful. “It seems we’re at an impasse.”

  “If I let you go, will you cooperate?”

  She shook her head. “No.”

  He grunted. “At least you’re honest.”

  Suddenly she was released. One moment he was hard up against her, the next he was gone. His sudden move to free her was stunning given the circumstances. Curiosity rather than fear kept her stationary.

  “Is your staff a weapon?” His voice sounded farther away. She heard the slight scrape of wood on stone. She tilted her head toward the sound.