“I will do all I can, but surely he could send a less beloved person to do the job? I fear for my own life constantly and now I will have a wife, family, and a treasured relative to protect?”
“The life of a lord can have its own perils because of the heavy responsibilities that come with it.”
Hedron felt not a shred of sympathy for Knorris. He had been an apathetic lord at best and skimmed the cream while leaving his people to suffer. Hedron couldn’t make him the man he should be, but he could cut the benefits of stealing from others. It was the best he could do without killing him. If Knorris continued as he was, execution would be the next step. The king had his own children to see to without babying his not so loveable brother-in-law.
A week later Gretha came to him so excited he knew it was news about Knorris’ future wife. “I’ve gotten the missive,” she cried with glowing eyes and a great big smile.
“Tell me,” he instructed enjoying her happiness as much as the pain he knew Knorris would soon be feeling.
“Jorn is still looking for an intended for his lovely daughter, Mena. Having a lord interested has excited him and he agreed to hold off on any other offers until we have time to negotiate as long as this is a legitimate inquiry. I already told the messenger if he asks it is sponsored by the king. He does have some concerns about his daughter’s safety because of Knorris’ reputation. What he means by that I don’t know. Maybe that he’s a ruthless enemy?”
“I’m sure that it’s something like that, my love. When will you go to see Jorn?”
“My things are being packed as we speak. I will take the two oldest and the two youngest. The others will stay with a servant assigned for each two children. If you are busy, they will be cared for.”
Love washed over him as he thanked the gods for this wonderful woman. “Do we have time to say goodbye properly?” he asked with a sinful smile.
“I wish we did, Lover. I miss our time together.”
When she used the term lover, she thought she was being so naughty. There wasn’t a bad bone in that woman. Her worst fault was being overly trusting of others but he was here to protect her from them. Those that thought to use her to get to him quickly discovered their mistake sometimes at the loss of their lives. Pulling her into his arms, he held her in a bear hug until he feared she couldn’t breathe. His most trusted guards went with her because if something happened to her, he would die anyway. It was strange in these times to be so close to your spouse but he didn’t care. He had no mistresses, no whores to service him. It was either Gretha or his hand.
With his arm around her and her pressed to his side, he walked her out to the small caravan that awaited her. The oldest children rode a beast while the youngest would ride in the covered carriage. Nodding to his master guardsman, the message was clear. Come back with them alive, or don’t come back. Helping his lady queen into the carriage where the children waited, he gave her a gentle kiss. Stepping back, he watched them head out and stood there until they were out of sight. He never felt comfortable either when she was gone or he was away. This trip was no different so he turned and walked back into the manor house with heavy steps.
The message from Jorge came the next day. It basically described his brush with death and how the assassin had been magically burned to death. Roxen, who Jorge freely admitted was a strong witch, had saved his life and identified the manner of death as a spell that eats the brain quickly. Hedron had to admit he didn’t expect to have to deal with an enemy witch. Most witches stepped back from the fight which was not their own and even when he had attempted to lure them in on his side they had basically assured him the witches as a rule didn’t fight battles and didn’t kill unless in defense of their lives. Exceptions had not been mentioned, but he should have expected that not everyone follows the rules.
It was clear that Roxen did because with her power, she could level their front lines. It was also obvious that she cared deeply for the general, maybe more than she realized. Hedron had heard rumors that Knorris had kept a witch captive. He’d almost ask the general about it, but he feared it may have been Roxen and that was a pot he didn’t want to peer in. Already he missed his wife enormously and he found it hard to sleep without her at his side. Some men would say that made him weak, but he knew he was stronger with her at his side. Proof of that was that she was dealing with Knorris’ union for him. He had total faith in her and he knew the bride would be coming soon.
It was nearly a week later with anticipation of his wife’s imminent return that he met a messenger that his top guard had sent. He read and reread the letter without being able to understand what it meant until it slipped from his frozen fingers.
“My liege, is all well?” the nervous boy who had brought the message asked.
He wouldn’t be aware that the news was the worst he had ever received. Messengers weren’t told of the news they carried because many would refuse to carry bad news. The saying about shooting the messenger was not made up but based on facts. There was a brief time no messengers could be found until both emperors made it illegal to shoot a messenger for any reason. It had helped but some people still found it impossible to get a message delivered for or to them.
“No, but if you’ll give me what news you know, I’ll have a room prepared for you and a meal sent up. I may need your services come morning. The man who gave you this, he was well when you saw him?”
“Yes, my liege. He looked tired and dirty but fit.”
“You were near the desert when he approached you?”
“My family lives on the edge of it. I’m not usually a messenger.”
“I thank you for bringing this to me,” he said as he motioned to a servant standing nearby. “See that he has whatever he needs and pay him for his services.”
“I was already paid, my liege.”
“Pay him again. Thank you, boy. Oh, and send Knorris to me.”
He sat and waited for the longest time and though he knew it wasn’t as long as he thought, it seemed like forever before Knorris came. “I have need of your expertise. You know your sister went shopping in Lordes City. She and our children were abducted on the way back. How do you suggest we get them back?”
Knorris looked upset and he could almost believe he cared about his sister and their offspring. “The desert dwellers are little better than beasts. Inbreds every one of them. There is no dealing with them and only one man ever lived among them and earned his freedom. We will all mourn their loss.”
Anger ran through him making his body shake. How dare he mourn their loss when they were still alive and nothing had been done to save them? “Who is this man?”
“It is our greatest enemy, General Jorge. He lived among them several seasons and they saw a kindred soul in him. They gave him a challenge, or so I’ve been told, and if he beat it, he was free to return to his life here among the civilized. They say the leader of the savages became his blood brother and they forged a treaty before he left. That man has no reason to help you and his heart is as cold as the northern winter lands.”
“We will see what he will do. Have one of my messengers sent to me in your study. Stay available, I may need you later.”
Knorris nodded and hurried to comply. Maybe the man finally realized his sister was the only reason he was alive. Hedron thought back and the last time he’d seen Jezbel had been when he’d told Knorris he would soon wed. Could it be that he was actually learning? He hoped so because he would need a lot of help to get his family back. Slipping into Knorris’ study, he waited a few moments before there was a knock on the door. The child was even younger than most couriers, but he was desperate.
“Do you know what I need you to do?” he asked as he wrote his message.
“Yes, my liege. I’m to carry a message to Jorge of the east and he will read it and give me an answer. I’ll bring the answer to you and wait to see if you need me to go back again.”
“That’s exactly right. You’re very smart for such a young lad.”
“My mom teaches me to read and write,” the young boy said and then he looked fearful.
“It’s good that you’re learning.”
“You won’t tell the Knorris will you? He doesn’t like the peasants to learn.”
“No, I won’t tell him. Here is the letter and when you bring my answer, you’ll get paid a gold coin.”
“Thank you my king. That will feed my family for a month.”
“You are welcome, now hurry.”
The boy turned and ran. He didn’t worry about his safety, he was wearing courier colors and even criminals left them alone. There would be no sleep tonight and maybe none any other night. The very reason to breath had been stolen from him along with his children. If Jorge refused to help him, he would leave no stone unturned and their whole army would be camped in the desert until she and his children were recovered. The whiskey called to him, but he needed his wits about him until he had his woman back in his arms. Leaning back in the chair, he drifted off dreaming of his wife. A knock on the door woke him.
“Come in,” he said.
The young messenger came in and handed him a letter.
King Hedron,
The people of the desert are often harsh as is their world but they will not cause harm to your family unless they fight them. Life is valuable to them and they try not to kill anyone. They do capture people and their possessions when they travel into their territory without permission but they are not unreasonable and will negotiate the return of your people. I have sent their leader a message asking for a meeting. If he agrees, we need to meet and travel there immediately. I expect a response about the time I receive yours. Tell me where you wish to meet and I will be there.
Jorge
Could it be so simply? It didn’t matter if it was or not he had to try. Was it sad that Knorris let him down every time he needed him and the enemy was more willing to help than he? He wrote out a quick answer and tossed the boy a gold coin.
“After you deliver that message, when you return, go to my servant and he will pay you,” he told the boy. The boy hurried to do as he was told.
It seemed sad that in most of Lord’s holdings, the people had at least a measure of comfort. There were schools for any that wished to attend, there were jobs although not all lived equally well he was certain none starved or were homeless. Even prisoners were usually fed decently and cared for, but not here. It was a mystery why anyone stayed here when their lives were so miserable.
Shaking off his thoughts, he summoned his guard and got ready for his meeting. They hurried to get there where he expected to wait a time for Jorge. He was surprised when Jorge came shortly after they had arrived and he brought his woman with him.
“Are you certain you wish to bring a female along? This is dangerous,” he observed.
“I’ve dealt with them before. Even desert rats need healers,” Roxen said using the nickname many called the desert people.
“He won’t let you bring your guards along. You’re better off sending them back,” Jorge explained.
“Stay here and wait for me. You will escort me and my family back to Knorris,” Hedron told his men.
“Wise choice. It was also wise leaving Knorris behind,” Jorge said.
“Why would that be?”
Jorge gave him a hard look as if he was searching his soul. “Knorris tried to attack the desert people when they refused to pay him homage. He got his ass thrashed. Their leader told him to never come back. It might be wise not to mention Knorris at all.”
Hedron had to agree with that and he just hoped his wife didn’t mention her relationship to Knorris. They got back on their beasts and Jorge led the way. It was night and the worst time to travel in the desert but somehow he knew Jorge would keep them safe. The man just had a quiet strength and Roxen had powers that would also keep the predators at bay. A stronger couple he’d never been around. He and his wife were strong too, but in the ways of politics which was worth nothing in this barren land with its ferocious animals and dangerous people.
They traveled into the desert until it seemed like they had traveled forever before Jorge halted. It was dark enough that Hedron could see nothing more than a man’s height ahead of him. Someone was out there and his skin crawled with the knowledge and the fine hairs on his body stood at attention. He heard the sound of their beasts first as they came closer. They spoke to Jorge in a language so close and yet too different from his to understand.
“They are telling him they will lead us to Verlan, but you must be unarmed and blindfolded. You are being given promise of safe passage to and back from the meeting. Their word means much to them, you will be unharmed,” Roxen softly assured him.
“You know their language too?” he asked wondering if everyone but Knorris knew it around here.
“I am a healer,” she said as if that explained everything.
He handed his weapons to the desert rat that came up to him and he let him blindfold him. “They want your word that you’ll not touch your blind fold,” Roxen explained.
“I won’t,” he agreed. “They will take my word for it?”
“They’ll believe anyone once,” she explained.
The man leaned over his horse and tied the blindfold over Hedron’s eyes.
“This feels so weird,” Hedron said. He kept his hands on his pummel to avoid accidently lifting them to his eyes.
“It’s not far now,” she informed.
“Why aren’t you or Jorge blindfolded?”
“I’m a healer and he’s been to the cave before. He can find it blindfolded so why bother.”
“Why are we stopping?”
“We’re here and Verlan doesn’t allow horses in his home. There’s another cave they stay in.”
Someone helped him off his horse and led him along. They walked along and they held his head down a few times in spots giving him the impression the ceiling was low. After a time they stopped and his blindfold was removed. Torches lit the walls and the cavern looked like a home. It was richly appointed with rugs and furniture a wealthy man would covet. There were shelves covered with books and a bar area with fine glasses and bottles of alcohol.
An educated voice filled with humor asked, “Did you expect to be greeted by barbarians?”
Chapter Three
The Deal
She looked at Verlan and ran to him throwing herself into his arms. He caught her effortlessly, the man was huge, well-muscled, and utterly gorgeous. She hung on to him tightly having not seen him in forever.
“So which one of these gentlemen are you here with, Roxen?” Verlan asked his voice full of his customary amusement. He found life enjoyable most of the time.
Blushing she whispered, “Jorge.”
“I hope he’s treating you well so I don’t have to kill him,” he said loudly enough all could hear it.
“Passing well,” she said which meant alright.
“I didn’t know you and Verlan were acquainted,” Jorge accused.
“You only mentioned knowing him yourself when Hedron asked for your help,” she observed.
“This is all nice to know, but can we get to the reason I’m here?” Hedron inserted.
“Of course,” Roxen said her face feeling warm.
“What is it you want exactly?” Verlan asked.
“My family and my people,” Hedron explained.
“You know all this nasty business could have been avoided had Knorris simply honored the treaty we once had,” Verlan explained.
“I was unaware of a treaty or a lack of good faith on Knorris’ part.”
“That may be true, but I see you don’t deny my claim. Unfortunately for you, things have become complicated. I am willing to negotiate for your wife’s return because I hate to separate a man and his mate, but your children are another matter entirely,” Verlan said.
“Why would you want my children?” Hedron asked his body stiff and shaking slightly.
“Your son as a hostage, your daughter w
ill be my mate,” he explained.
“She’s far too young,” Hedron insisted.
“She’s untouched but among my people sixteen is an acceptable age and your daughter will be that soon,” he observed. “She will stay with one of our families and I will visit her only to get to know her until the time is right.
“If you intended to form an alliance through marriage, why would you want my son too?” Hedron asked.
“I said mate, not marriage. My people don’t always settle for one female. Some of my men have half a dozen. It’s how we keep our population steady,” he admitted.
“No one would want such a life for their daughter. How many wives do you now have?” Hedron asked.
“None, but I like to keep my options open,” Verlan explained.
Roxen knew her disapproval showed. Verlan had always had her respect in everything he did until now. His attitude toward women needed an adjustment. She fought not to say anything that might hurt the negotiations even though Hedron might mange that all by himself.
“Why don’t we start with my wife and her guards and work our way to my children and your intentions?” Hedron asked.
“Very well, I want a tub of gold coins in exchange for her, the little ones, and the others not including your two older children.”
“That is agreeable if you will send her and the people away and the tub will be sent back by messenger. I am a far better hostage than she and I worry for her in her condition.”
“That is acceptable. Would you like to see her before they leave?”
“If you don’t mind,” Hedron admitted.
Yes, it was considered a sign of weakness to be too attached to your wife but Roxen thought more of him because of it. In her world it was acceptable and even expected to form an attachment in marriage. Verlan sent the king off with one of his men so he could visit with his wife.
“I know you are ready to explode, Roxen. Just chastise me for my poor attitude towards women so you can calm yourself.”
“I’m just surprised, Verlan. I thought you different from the average man.”
Beyond The Veil: A Paranormal & Magical Romance Boxed Set Page 237