by Diana Green
“I’ll still be glad to reach the temple.”
Jehan nodded. “All the more reason to get on our way and ride hard. It’s just possible we might reach the temple before sundown and not have to spend another night in the open.”
“I’d like that.”
They set out in the golden brilliance of dawn and didn’t stop except for quick breaks to water the horses and grab bites of food. The travel became less pleasant and more grueling, Saba’s earlier uneasiness increasing as the afternoon wore on. She couldn’t shake the feeling they were being watched, and not with friendly intent.
Heavy clouds piled up in the distance, moving swiftly closer on a prevailing wind. Soon their purple-gray mass covered the sky, bringing pelting hail and rain. Saba could only hope Mari’s book was packed well enough to stay dry.
Never one to complain, she rode silently hunched against the storm, wishing it would clear soon. Wind gusted between the mountainsides, sending rain lashing into their faces. Cold drips slid down Saba’s neck and back, her leggings drenched and plastered to her skin. She fell into a numb sort of misery, barely noticing when the downpour began to ease.
Suddenly the horses spooked. Saba’s mount snorted, jerking its head up and dancing sideways, its ears flicking wildly. She struggled to keep her seat as the mare’s hooves slid on the rain-slick stones. The animal loosed a shrill squeal as several pale shapes appeared out of the gloom.
Gahuhl! With the sun shrouded and their supply of torches wet, the timing couldn’t be worse.
“Make a run for it!” Jehan yelled, drawing her sword. “I’ll hold them off.”
“I can’t leave you!” Saba protested, still grappling with her frightened horse.
“Go! Now!” Jehan smacked the mare’s rump. It leapt forward, plunging up the slope, carrying Saba away. Behind her she heard the nightmarish howls of the gahuhl as they attacked.
Chapter Fourteen
“I won’t leave you!” Saba shouted, hauling on the horse’s reins. With all her strength she turned the animal, urging it back toward the melee.
Jehan fought like a madwoman—a martially skilled madwoman who found her life in peril. In some other situation Saba would have been awestruck by the Falcon’s ferocity and lethal grace, but now all she could think of was the danger they were both in.
Despite Jehan’s impressive efforts—plunging her horse through the gahuhl, swinging her sword with deadly precision—there were too many of the creatures. Like maggots on rotting fruit they crowded over and around the nearby boulders. They might soon pull Jehan from her steed, and all would be lost.
Not sure what else to do, Saba ripped one of the torches free from its binding on the rear of her saddle. There was no way to light the sodden thing, but at least she could use it as a club. Letting loose a desperate cry, she forced her horse forward into the fray.
This close the gahuhl appeared nightmarish, their wide mouths bristling with razor sharp teeth, their snouts and shoulders covered in needle-like spines. They resembled something from beyond the grave, surrounded by a carrion stink, their skin mottled and moldy, eyes the color of bile.
Despite looking half-dead, the monsters moved with surprising speed and agility. Saba swung the torch—at first ineffectively—finally striking a gahuhl’s head with a sickening thud. Three more of the creatures flanked her, ducking away from the makeshift weapon. As their claws closed around her ankles Sallizahn’s warding activated.
Blinding light seared Saba’s eyes, and for an instant she perceived the sorcerer’s face blazoned across her inner sight. A pulse of intense magic exploded outward, killing the three gahuhl who had grabbed her. Their bodies flew backwards, crackling and smoking. The remaining creatures screamed, doubling over and covering their pale eyes.
This prey was too formidable. Horses they had seen before, and even swords. But humans wielding magic brighter than the sun, they could not withstand.
Gahuhl ran in all directions, quickly disappearing into the rocky landscape. Saba urged her horse next to Jehan’s and reached out taking the Falcon’s hand. Both women were shaking.
“Are you wounded?” Saba asked, noting blood on Jehan’s clothing.
“Just a few scratches…nothing serious. And you?”
“As soon as the gahuhl touched my ankles the warding triggered. They didn’t have a chance to hurt me.”
Jehan’s eyebrows rose. “Did Mari cast a protection on you before we left? It was damned effective, though I’m surprised she had the energy for such a powerful spell.”
“That wasn’t Mari’s work. Lord Sallizahn sealed a warding to me, the night you took me from the palace. It’s proven useful twice now, and thankfully the restrictions don’t pose a problem for us, since you’re not a man.”
“Since I’m not a man?” Jehan laughed uneasily. “What does that mean?”
“If I were to give myself to a man, the warding would probably kill him…and me too.” Saba grimaced. “Sallizahn believed my ‘purity’ to be of utmost importance.”
“Holy shit! That’s harsh.” Jehan shook her head. “Glad I’m a woman then!” She flashed a wolfish grin and leaned over in the saddle, drawing Saba into a kiss.
“Me too,” Saba said, as they pulled apart. “And I’m relieved we’re both still in one piece!”
“So true. Let’s keep it that way.” Jehan turned her horse, heading it away from the scene of their skirmish. Saba followed, hoping the frightened gahuhl kept their distance for the remainder of the day.
Within an hour the sky cleared, showing the sun sinking toward the western mountain peaks. Saba and Jehan kept up as fast a pace as the horses could withstand, agreeing to continue into the twilight. They each carried a lit torch and kept a sharp eye on the terrain around them.
Just after moonrise they reached the deep gorge that led to the secret temple. Mari had assured them it was warded against all unwanted visitors—including gahuhl—so they would be safe beyond this point. She’d also provided magical talismans to allow them entry.
Saba felt an odd prickling along her skin as she rode between the high rock walls. Mari’s talisman—hanging on a cord around her neck—grew warm and vibrated softly. After a few moments it stilled and cooled. Apparently they had crossed the arcane boundary without issue.
The gorge wound for almost a mile, some sections so narrow a horse and rider could barely pass through. The sides seemed to lean in above Saba, blocking all but a thread of sky. Traveling the route by night felt like a journey into the underworld.
“We’ve arrived,” Jehan said, as she rode out into a large open area.
Saba followed close behind, jaw dropping at the moonlit scene before her. The cliff face, directly opposite, had been cut into a massive entryway, with pillars at least fifty feet high and intricate carvings set into the bedrock. Rectangular openings—for letting in light—scattered the height of the cliff. Each one was elaborately framed by its own set of decorations, displaying carved people, animals, and mythical creatures. The effect was breathtaking.
“Imagine, this has been here thousands of years.” Saba whispered, reluctant to disturb the silent grandeur of the place.
“I just hope they have decent food and a place for a bath,” Jehan responded, stifling a yawn. “I feel like something the cat dragged in.”
“I suppose there’s only one way to find out.” Saba dismounted, leading her mare toward the magnificent entryway. Its size made her feel like a beetle, scuttling out of the shadows onto a goddess’ doorstep.
She was just wondering if the horses should be tethered outside, when a flickering glow warned of someone’s approach. A woman emerged from the vaulting darkness of the entryway, holding a lantern in one hand and a tall staff in the other.
The priestess’ stature and stern expression gave her an imposing quality, though she wore only simple dark robes with no adornment. Her staff was fashioned to look like a snake, with the reptile’s head at the top, jaws open and fangs exposed.
“I’ve sent for someone to tend your horses,” she said, seeming unperturbed by their arrival. “Leave the animals here and come with me.”
Saba and Jehan hoisted their saddlebags over their shoulders and climbed the steps to the entryway, following the woman inside. A passage stretched ahead, lit at the far end by wall sconces where it branched into two smaller hallways. Everything remained quiet and still, as if the temple was deserted. Perhaps everyone else had gone to bed.
“I’m sorry we arrived so late,” Saba apologized. “I hope we didn’t disturb you.”
“It’s no matter.” The woman turned to look at her, dark eyes and silver hair both catching the light of the torch. “Last night Hadya dreamed of your journey, so I was aware and waiting.”
“Mari sent us.”
The woman nodded. “Hadya dreamed of that too.” She sighed and closed her eyes a moment, as if weary. “Mari was like a sister to me, when we were both young students. I wish she could have come here herself.”
“She’s very ill.”
“I know…and I am sorry for it.”
“Do you think there’s a way to help her?” Saba couldn’t keep the urgency from her voice. “I can’t believe it’s a hopeless cause. Not when Mari has such strong magic.”
“We will speak of these matters later,” the priestess responded. “Right now, I wish to see you settled in the guest quarters and return to my bed.”
“Of course.”
“Would you prefer individual rooms or will you share?”
Heat rose to Saba’s cheeks, and she glanced at Jehan for a cue.
“Whatever you’re comfortable with,” the Falcon answered with a smile. “Though I’d be glad for the company.”
“We’ll share,” Saba stated, avoiding the priestess’ gaze. The women here probably enjoyed all sorts of relationships, but two decades of conditioning didn’t vanish in a month. Her bond with Jehan still felt like a private matter.
“This way.” The priestess gestured toward the left branching corridor. “At the end of this hallway you’ll find our bathing pool. We are fortunate to have natural hot springs and an underground stream, which combine to keep our water a constant pleasant temperature.”
“Is that why the temple was built here?” Jehan asked. “Because of the springs?”
“Among other things. We’re told the Viper Queen herself chose the location.” She stopped by one of the arched doorways along the corridor. “Here is your sleeping chamber. I hope you’ll be comfortable.”
“I’m sure we will be,” Saba assured. “Thank you for your hospitality.” She paused, feeling there must be something more to add. “I’m Saba, by the way. And this is Jehan.”
The priestess briefly inclined her head in acknowledgement. “My name is Siham. I’ll make time to speak with you tomorrow.”
Before Saba could say another word, Siham handed her the lantern then turned and walked back the way they had come.
“Not the most approachable person,” Jehan muttered.
“She is very…dignified.”
“That’s one word for it.”
“I’m just glad we’re here and not outside tonight.”
“And they have a heated bath,” Jehan reminded. “That’s my first order of business.”
“I couldn’t agree more!”
The rectangular sleeping chamber was small and austere, carved out of solid bedrock without decoration or wall hangings to soften the hard lines. Nevertheless, the bed looked comfortable and wide enough to accommodate them both.
Despite her fatigue, a rush of nervous excitement swept through Saba at the thought of sharing a bed with Jehan. So far they’d kissed and caressed, but she felt ready for something more. Hopefully her inexperience wouldn’t prove too awkward.
Leaving the saddlebags in their quarters, and taking only a clean set of clothes each, the two women found their way to the bathing chamber. Here the irregular walls curved upward to a ceiling thick with stalactites, indicating a natural cavern that had been partially expanded.
The pool steamed invitingly, and Jehan wasted no time shedding her clothes and sinking into the warm water. Saba watched, a little breathless at the sight of the Falcon’s well-toned body. She felt suddenly shy and dithered over her own clothing removal.
“I’ll look away, if it’ll make things easier,” Jehan offered.
“No….I just…” Saba laughed at her own discomfort. “This is all just so new. But I want…I want you to find me beautiful.”
“Stars above! There’s no question about that. You’re positively glorious.”
“Oh. I didn’t know you felt that way.”
“Really?” Jehan’s eyebrows rose. “I suppose I haven’t commented much on your appearance, because I thought you might be sick of hearing it. I’m sure everyone tells you how beautiful you are. I want you to know I admire the rest as well, who you are as a person, your kindness, intelligence, and bravery.”
Saba glowed at her words. “That’s one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me.”
“I mean it with all my heart. You are lovely inside and out. I can’t believe my good fortune.”
No longer uncertain, Saba slipped off her clothes and lowered into the bathing pool. It felt heavenly, easing away the aches and pains of two days’ travel.
“Want me to wash your hair?” Jehan asked, reaching for the dish of soap sitting by the pool’s edge.
“Only if I can wash yours in return.”
“Deal.” Jehan grinned, sliding closer. “I’d also be happy to wash your back or anywhere else you might like.”
Saba flushed with more than the heat of the water. “I can see bathing with you is going to be an experience.”
“I certainly hope so. But I won’t do anything you don’t want. Just tell me if I should stop.”
Saba nodded, at a loss for words. She’d dreamed of an encounter like this for weeks—ever since that first night in the valley when she and Jehan came face to face during the dancing. The look of longing in the Falcon’s eyes, the way she touched Saba’s cheek, had been a sort of promise of what might be possible. Now here they were, together, with nothing standing in the way.
Jehan gently worked scented soap into Saba’s hair, massaging her scalp and neck. The soft pressure of her fingers felt marvelous, loosening any remaining tension. Saba sighed with pleasure, tipping back to submerge her hair and rinse it clean.
Moving slowly Jehan stroked her shoulders, arms, and down to her waist, shifting so they faced one another then leaning in for a long luxurious kiss. Her hands circled upward to cup Saba’s breasts, eliciting a shiver of delight. Tenderness and desire radiated from Jehan’s touch, and Saba opened to it all, savoring the moment, diving deep in a wave of sensations.
She drank in every detail, exploring Jehan’s body with her hands, each lean muscle and silky curve a revelation. As they twined together, skin to skin, lip to lip, Saba felt the raw power of passion, her mind gone light as air, her body transformed into an elemental force, climbing toward ecstasy.
In the end, there was no awkwardness—no need for thoughts or words. Pure instinct prevailed, carrying Saba along on a flood of heady abandon. She was a dancer, and this the most exquisite primal dance of all.
Chapter Fifteen
As Asab sat puzzling over a message from one of his allies, a heavy knock sounded at the door. Before he could offer an invitation, Sallizahn burst into the chamber, barely bothering to bow or murmur proper greetings. The pasha let this go unremarked, as he sensed the sorcerer had important news.
“I have found her!” Sallizahn announced, thoroughly puffed up with pride. “Your daughter’s warding triggered last evening, and I worked hours to secure the link. I have it anchored in a magically charged lodestone that will guide me to her location, no matter how far she travels.”
“Excellent!” Asab grinned broadly, rising to clap Sallizahn on the back. “I knew you could do it.” Only as an afterthought did he ask, “Saba is safe?”
“Oh, yes. The warding protected her from damage. Even a pack of hunting gahuhl are no match for my power.”
Asab grunted in surprise. “A pack of gahuhl? I thought they were all gone.”
“Some remain, deep in the southern mountains and out in the wastelands near Zohran. But they rarely get to feed on humans.”
“What’s my daughter doing in such a remote place? Even bandits have no reason to go there.”
“I can’t answer that, but I do know she’s unharmed and unsullied. So, I wish to retrieve her as soon as possible.”
“Of course.” Asab was already calculating how many soldiers would ensure the outlaws’ defeat. “I’ll want the Falcon brought back alive, so I can make a spectacle of her execution. No simple beheading for her. She’s been a thorn in my side for far too long, and that warrants public suffering.”
Sallizahn shifted impatiently. “I’d like to set out immediately.”
“Absolutely. I’ll give the orders.” Asab fixed the sorcerer with his sharp gaze. “And when you return you’ll prepare that potion we spoke of, to disguise my agent as the Nissian princess.”
“As we agreed. But I will need something of the princess, a lock of her hair, a fingernail clipping, or some such item. The potion won’t work without it.”
“Damnation, man! Why didn’t you mention this before?” Asab slammed his fist on a nearby table, sending a vase lurching over the side to shatter on the floor. “It’s not a simple matter, gaining access to the heir’s wife. Such things take time! All these weeks, I could have been tending to the issue, while you dawdled about with your research. Now there will be more delays!”
Sallizahn took a step back, raising a placating hand. “There is plenty of time, Sire. It will take days for me to reach Amira Saba, and more to return. By then I’m sure you’ll find a way to procure the item I need. You’re a man of great influence, with a network of the best agents in Altera. Such challenges are nothing to you.”
Asab shrugged off the flattery. “Just get about your business, and don’t waste my time again. My patience is wearing thin!”