Vengeance Born (The Light Blade #1)

by Kylie Griffin

  “I know how to use it as one.”

  There was a deliberate boot step then she felt the cool length of it pressed into her hands. “I trust you’ll restrain from using it on me.”

  His tone was firm, slightly cold, as if warning her against the rash move of attacking him physically. A shiver ran down Kymora’s spine. She had little doubt he could defend himself.

  She curled her fingers around the smooth wood. “Are you hoping this will regain my trust?”

  “Is it working?” Just a hint of amusement colored his tone.

  Heart thumping, she drew herself up to her full height, incensed but perplexed by his gall. “Not in the least.”

  “I don’t intend harm to Annika.” His sigh was drawn out and she listened as he moved away from her then back again. Was he pacing? “I want to know if she’s safe.”

  “What?” Of all the reasons she’d envisaged for his attack on her this hadn’t been one of them.

  “I need to know if she’s safe.”

  “Why?” She couldn’t hide her confusion.

  Silence met her question. It lasted so long she began to worry he’d slipped away without her knowing.

  “Because if someone like her has been given sanctuary then there’s hope for me.” His quiet reply was so close to her that she flinched. She hadn’t heard or sensed him moving.

  His warm hand took one of hers and brought it to the side of his face. Beneath her fingertips she felt the hard angle of his stubbled jaw, the soft caress of his hair against the back of her hand then the slightest of raised textures on his skin. She frowned and brushed her fingers back and forth over the small, irregular shapes. They ran up to his temple, then down the side of his neck and disappeared under his shirt collar.

  Her breath caught.

  “Do you understand now?” he asked.

  “You’re Na’Chi?” Kymora felt him nod. A frisson of shock raced through her. The Lady’s words now made so much more sense. “Mother of Mercy, how many more of you are there?”

  He backed away from her so quickly her hand was left touching air. “I’m not telling you anything more until I know Annika is safe.”

  “She’s fine. She’s been granted sanctuary by the Lady’s Chosen.” Kymora tapped her way toward the sound of his voice. “Who are you? Are there other Na’Chi?”

  Again he remained silent. So many questions crowded her mind. How had he entered the city unnoticed? Why hadn’t Annika mentioned the existence of other Na’Chi? Why had they come to Sacred Lake? She could feel his tension and knew he was a hairbreadth away from leaving. Not that she blamed him, the risk of discovery drove him, but approaching her in the way he had spoke of a need too great to be ignored.

  “Before Annika arrived, the Lady spoke to me during a visitation. She said, Her presence is necessary. She threatens all we know but must be welcomed. As do those who come after her. My children must survive. Her words didn’t make sense then, but now they do. She predicted your arrival.” Her heart began beating twice as fast. “Our meeting isn’t by chance. She also told me to be prepared for my fourth Journey. I’ve little doubt that it involves you.”

  “Fourth Journey?”

  Kymora heard his confusion. “The decisions a person makes in their life determine the paths we take into the future. Everything you’ve done up until now has guided you to this meeting here. If I’m to help you, you need to claim sanctuary.”

  “Like Annika did with the Light Blade?” She nodded. “Will this protect me from death?”

  “Unless you harm someone, it will.”

  Kymora heard a ragged, indrawn breath. “Then I ask for sanctuary.”

  “And I’ll do everything I can to help you…” She smiled, liking the warmth that flowed through her. She doubted his trust had been easily given. “My name’s Kymora.”

  Another short hesitation then, “And I’m Varian.”

  “You won’t regret this, Varian.”

  “I hope not, because if there comes a time that I do, I’ll kill you.” She shivered, knowing he was a man of his word but the threat was delivered with such heavy reluctance she knew his regret was genuine.

  “Where do we head from here then?” she asked softly. “I’ll be guided by your needs, Varian.”

  There was another uneven inhalation. “I think it’s time we talked more about the Na’Chi and a human slave called Hesia.”

  The name was one Annika had mentioned in conversation before. She inclined her head. “Shall we sit down? I’ve a feeling this might take some time.”

  As Varian took her arm to guide her to the nearest bench, a soft breeze brushed her cheek and the scent of new fallen rain and fresh flowers filled her lungs. The familiar buildup of energy around her widened her smile.

  “MY CHILDREN HAVE ARRIVED, HANDMAIDEN.” The gentle voice in her mind was filled with joy. “YOUR JOURNEY HAS BEGUN, KYMORA. THE FUTURE OF ALL MUST BE MADE SECURE. TREAD THIS PATH WISELY BUT CONFIDENTLY.”

  Her presence faded. Her words gave Kymora hope and faith and assured her she’d made the right decision.

  Chapter 23

  “YOU shoulda seen Rinnel’s face when Master Healer Candra assigned him and me as your assistants!” Annika couldn’t help but smile as Rissa danced around her, a grin as wide as the corridor on her face. “His skin went the color of parchment. He was as helpful as I’ve ever seen him when you were healin’ those bad cases in the tent, and then when he saw the red color of your eyes… I swear he was gonna faint—”

  “You shouldn’t take pleasure in another’s discomfort, Rissa,” Annika chided her. “You heard me explain to him why my eyes changed color.”

  The young girl’s smile faded. “You mightna been about to feed off him but it’s jus’ that it was the first time I’ve ever seen him afraid.”

  “I didn’t frighten him on purpose, Rissa.”

  Ahead of them were the two Light Blades assigned to guard duty outside Kalan’s apartment. Another warrior, with greying hair, stood in the corridor talking to them.

  “Please don’t feel bad.” Rissa grasped her hand and squeezed. “I didn’t mean it in that way.”

  “I know you didn’t.”

  Her smile returned. “So, are you going to need to drink blood soon?”

  Annika rolled her eyes at the sparkle in Rissa’s eye, still astounded by the child’s fascination with her Na’Chi characteristics. “If Master Healer Candra wants me to help again tomorrow then I’ll have to feed in the next day or so.”

  The older warrior saw them approaching. He said something to the others then strode to meet them.

  “Annika, I’ve a message from the Commander for you.” His gaze flickered to Rissa then back to her. “He’s been in a meeting all day and has another this evening. He’s reporting to the Councilors his findings from the earlier meeting. He needs you to attend and asked that I take you there.”

  Annika tried to suppress the sick feeling in her stomach at this news. Another Council meeting? The first hadn’t fared well and Kalan wanted her to go to a second one?

  Rissa grimaced. “Guess our reading lesson might have to wait, eh?”

  “Come with me.” She smiled. “Perhaps it won’t go long and we can still have our lesson. Is that all right?”

  The Light Blade warrior shrugged. “I wasn’t told how long it would go.”

  Their guide escorted them back out into the compound but instead of heading to the Blade Council Chamber he directed them to the Councilors’ living quarters.

  “Where are we going?” Annika asked, tugging her cloak more tightly around her as the evening breeze swirled around them.

  “Councilor Davyn’s apartment.” The older warrior dipped his head to avoid the worst of the gust. “He’s offered the use of his household for the meeting.”

  Since returning from the market just after sunset, the purple hued twilight had darkened to the full black of night. Lights glowed in many of the windows of the buildings around them. The compound was almost deserted
and the various scents of cooking food in the air heralded it was mealtime for many.

  As they covered the remaining distance to the apartments, Annika caught sight of two figures leaving the temple. Staff in hand, Kymora was talking to her taller companion. Wasn’t she going to the meeting? With a hooded cloak Annika couldn’t see who her companion was but they were walking toward the Chosen’s apartments.

  “In here.” The Light Blade warrior held open a door for them. She and Rissa preceded him. She wondered if the Councilor knew she was coming. The idea of being in the same room as him again was daunting but Kalan wouldn’t have asked her to attend if it hadn’t been important.

  The sound of children’s laughter echoed along the brazier-lit corridor but this stretch was empty of anyone. The man knocked on another door at the end of the corridor. They heard a muffled voice grant them permission to enter.

  “Ah, Parnolli, I appreciate you escorting our Na’Chi guest here.” Davyn’s deep voice oozed insincere gratitude although the warrior did nothing other than nod his head. “Thank you, you may return to your duties.”

  A chill ran down Annika’s spine as she surveyed the large open apartment. It was almost identical to Kalan’s in structure but that was where the similarities ended. She eyed the collection of arms along Davyn’s wall. It was a morbid display of Na’Reish weapons and armor; a trophy room of the warrior’s past life.

  The room was cold and shadowed. Only a few braziers had been lit and the fireplace remained dark. While the lack of light didn’t bother Annika, the absence of warmth did.

  “Where are the others?” Rissa whispered, and moved closer to her. “I thought they’d be here.”

  “How convenient.” Davyn’s tone was as precise and ice cold as his expressionless features. His pale gaze sliced from her to Rissa and his lips curved into a polished smile. “You’ve brought a friend along.” The Councilor motioned to an adjoining door. “The others are in there, little healer. Why don’t you both go through?”

  Annika watched him warily as he rose from where he was seated at the large table in the room. Dressed all in black he presented an intimidating figure. As he stepped toward them a glint of silver at his waist caught her eye. The wavering light caught on the hilt of a sheathed dagger. It was the first time she’d seen a Councilor armed.

  Keeping hold of Rissa’s hand, Annika headed for the other room. As they passed the warrior, her nostrils flared at the dark scent emanating from him. It was the same one from before at the first Blade Council meeting. She saw something shadowy flicker through his gaze. Her skin crawled as Rissa dragged her into the room in her eagerness to be away from Davyn. The girl’s uneasiness reassured her she wasn’t the only one bothered by the warrior.

  “There isn’t anyone in here.” The girl’s soft statement held a thread of fear.

  The room was empty save a weaving hanging on one wall but the angle was such Annika couldn’t see what was on it. No furniture, no rugs, no shuttered window, only a lit candle on the floor in the middle of the room.

  Goose bumps peppered her skin. A boot step sounded behind her. Annika half-turned, determined to demand an explanation when a clenched fist connected with her cheek. Searing, white pain flared through her head. Rissa screamed as Annika staggered under the force of it. She tasted the heavy saltiness of blood in her mouth.

  “Annika!” The girl’s cry came as her sight returned.

  Davyn’s enraged face filled her vision. His fist descended again. More pain exploded in her head as it connected with the same cheek. Her knees buckled beneath her and she landed on all fours with a grunt.

  “I won’t have you threatening everything this Council has fought for, Na’Chi!” His hissed statement sounded close. Too close. “Nor shall I suffer your presence. You taint the memory of my daughter who died fighting your father.”

  His fist tangled in her hair. Annika gasped as her head was wrenched back. Candlelight flashed on metal. The dagger pierced her shoulder. She screamed, too late to deflect it as the blade sank deep into her flesh. Davyn jerked it free then kicked her backward onto the floor.

  Rissa scrambled toward her, her face pale, her expression terrified. Davyn stood over them, his stance wide, his chest heaving, the bloody dagger clenched in his hand. His pale eyes seemed to glow with a fanatical light.

  “No, Rissa, move.” Every breath hurt as Annika tried to push the child behind her, afraid that Davyn would attack again. The wound ached fiercely as she pressed her hand against it.

  The girl leapt to her feet. “Don’t kill her!”

  “I’m not going to kill her, child. That would defeat the purpose of this little exercise.” His deep chuckle filled the room. “I need the Na’Chi alive and hungry.”

  Davyn’s meaning sent a stab of fear into Annika’s heart. She pushed harder against the wound, desperate to stem the flow of blood welling from it. Her healer’s pouch lay on the floor at Davyn’s feet. He saw the direction of her gaze, bent to pick it up and tossed it into the other room. The muffled sound of breaking jars and items scattering across the floor made her wince.

  “Can’t have you healing yourself.” Madness tinged his laughter. “I see you understand your situation, Na’Chi. By the time either of you are missed, you’ll have proven the very point I’m about to address at the Council meeting. Animals can’t be trusted. Your nature won’t allow you to be anything other than what you’re born to be.”

  Davyn backed toward the door. Desperation drove Annika to her knees. “Mother of Light, I beg you, don’t leave the child in here. She’ll be defenseless.”

  “Grant the child mercy and feed from her now.” The malevolent smile returned. “I look forward to witnessing your death, demon. Kalan will have no choice but to kill you once he sees what you’ve become.”

  Annika shuddered as the door thudded shut and a metal bolt slid home. Panic clawed at her throat.

  “Councilor Davyn has an ugly blackness inside him.” Rissa’s quiet comment echoed in the empty room. “I could feel it. It was thick ’n vile.” The girl turned and knelt beside her, untying her cloak. The expression on her face was grim as she tore the cloth in two, wadded one piece and slipped it under her bloody hand then tied the other tightly around her shoulder to hold it in place. “You’ve lost a lot of blood.” Rissa’s gaze lifted to meet hers. “Your eyes are bright red.”

  Annika swallowed hard. “You can’t stay here. Check the door.”

  “He bolted it.”

  “Do it,” she said through gritted teeth.

  Rissa hurried over to the door. Annika slowly pushed to her feet, her anxiety increasing as her legs trembled with the effort. Even with both of them pushing, the thick wooden door remained unmoving.

  Rissa thumped the door with her fist in frustration. “Healer Danna will wonder where I am in ’bout an hour.”

  “Will she search for you?” Annika slid to the floor, her thoughts as flighty as her pulse.

  “She knows I’m tutorin’ you ’n if the other trainees aren’t muckin’ around she might look for me around bedtime.”

  In less than an hour the first signs of blood-fever would assault her. While her wound was bandaged, the blood flow had only been slowed not staunched. Other than the Light Blade warrior who had escorted them to Davyn’s room no one knew where to look for them. Any search would be a blind one.

  “Was what Davyn said true? Are you gonna drink my blood, Annika?”

  “No, I won’t do that.” Lady forgive her, Annika wasn’t certain if that was a promise she’d be able to keep but Rissa didn’t need to know that yet.

  “But he said you’d do it…” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “He said you’d become an animal.”

  Annika closed her eyes, hating the hint of fear in her voice. “I won’t lie to you, my hunger will grow the longer I go without feeding.”

  “Then why don’t you drink some of my blood now? Won’t that help?”

  Icy fingers of fear inched along Annika’s spine at her
suggestion. She clenched her teeth against the image of another child lying dead at her feet, his eyes glazed over in a death stare, his neck and wrists torn open. “No. I’ll fight the hunger and we’ll wait for Kalan to find us.”

  The first hunger pangs twinged in her stomach. She sucked in a harsh breath at the nauseating sensation. Rissa’s human scent sharpened as the need to feed enhanced her demon senses. Her mouth began to salivate.

  “Rissa,” she said calmly. “I’m going to move to the farthest corner of the room. No matter what happens, whatever you hear, or if I beg you to come to me, ignore me and promise me you’ll stay here and keep quiet. The only time you can make a noise is if you hear someone in that outer room. Call for help. Do you understand?”

  “Yes.” Rissa’s cold hand squeezed hers hard then let her go. “I’ll keep quiet.”

  Annika struggled to her feet again and using the wall for support made her way around the edge of the room until she’d reached the darkest corner. Shivering in the cold, she curled up into a ball on the ground knowing that the trembling would use up energy she couldn’t spare.

  To distract herself she began a prayer to the Lady for strength to resist the blood-fever and when she finished that she recited all Her scriptures, those she’d learned from other human-slaves and the ones Hesia had enjoyed quoting. Listing every known plant and herb, their uses and benefits followed. Then her lessons with Rissa.

  Glancing at the candle, a puddle of wax lay at its base and half of it was gone. Annika had no idea how long that had taken but it was the only marker of the passage of time.

  Beneath her the cold of the stone floor seeped slowly through the layers of her clothing. Across the room she could hear Rissa’s soft breathing and her human scent was strong in the cool air. Tempting, alluring. Annika licked her lips, almost able to imagine the warm, sweet flavor of human blood on her tongue. Her stomach cramped and she stifled a groan.

  Look at her! Who’d have thought she’d growl with hunger like a juvenile Vorc. Annika flinched as a voice from her past echoed in her mind. Hold the human near the door, see if she tries to grab him. Mocking laughter followed a child’s terrified scream.