by B. T. Narro
Now that the battle was over, Neeko couldn’t tell if it was from luck or skill that the worst of his injuries was from an ally. Laney, who wasn’t as quick at dodging, had been cut several times. Her worst gash was a deep one down her thigh.
Cedri was in the worst state, though. Neeko didn’t know what had happened to her before he arrived, and she couldn’t seem to remember. All she recalled was partially stopping the cavaliers, then being trapped under one of their own men.
Neeko had noticed that situation unfolding as he’d desperately tried to stop the last of the cavaliers coming toward his group. As soon as he was done, he’d looked over to find Cedri’s group in disarray. He took to the air, landed, but then couldn’t locate her among the living or the dead. After fighting off dozens of aggressive swordsmen, he’d finally found her.
It hadn’t taken him long to realize she’d been struck in the head. She hadn’t seemed herself the rest of the day, often appearing confused and repeating the same questions. At least she never forgot she was in the middle of a battle. Without her help, Neeko and Laney wouldn’t have been able to do the detrimental damage they’d done to the enemy army, and they might’ve lost.
Neeko set out to find her among the healers’ tents. He tried to ignore the complaints of his body with each step. When he did locate her, she seemed more lucid than the night before at least. Her eyes could stay focused on him for more than the span of a heartbeat.
“Thank the gods you’re here,” she said. “They told me we won, but they don’t know anything about what happened to me!” She sounded frustrated.
“I’ll tell you what I know, but I can only guess what happened to you.” Neeko went on to recount the beginning of the battle from his point of view, then finding her on the ground as if wrestling some invisible foe.
The news seemed to startle Cedri, her cut and bruised face scrunching together. “That can’t be. I’m not insane.”
He quickly told her all the great things she’d done after she was back on her feet, helping kill hundreds of enemies. She smiled, though she complained about dizziness, admitting it had kept her awake most of the night.
Shara’s voice came from behind. “Neeko?”
He turned and her lips began to quiver as she touched her chest. He embraced her lightly to avoid hurting himself further. “And…Cedri…alive.” Shara seemed to be holding back sobs. “Are you all right, Cedri?”
“I’ll be fine eventually. Right now, the healers say I’m irritable. You’d better be nice.”
Neeko chuckled with Shara.
“I encountered Jaymes while looking for you,” Shara said. “He told me they’ve begun a siege of Priest Gamilt’s castle. It’ll take time, but they don’t need any assistance, so we’re to continue to Khalinar.”
“What about those who retreated at the end of the battle?” Neeko asked. “There were at least a couple thousand. Are they in the castle with the priest?”
“They went south to the capital, where we’re headed. Jaymes warned me it’ll be difficult to get within Khalinar’s walls. They’ll have lookouts. But it’ll be even more difficult to get to the king.” Her face took on a sad countenance. “Even with psyche, I don’t know how we’ll do it without being captured.”
“I have to tell you both something,” Cedri said, looking even gloomier than Shara. “After the first day of battle, I came to a decision.” She cleared her throat nervously. “I’m staying with the army. This is where I belong.”
Neeko found Shara looking at him, as if hoping he would speak. But he was fine with Cedri staying. If it were up to him, Shara would stay here as well.
She glanced back at Cedri. “I’m sure Jaymes will allow you to return to the army afterward.”
“He would…but…” Cedri looked down. “I have no confidence that I can do anything to help Neeko get to the king, and I don’t think you should either, Shara.”
She scoffed. “Of course we can help.”
“Don’t you know that the only way in is from the sky?” Cedri questioned. “Even if Neeko could carry both of us, which he can’t, what could either of us do? As soon as we’re seen within the castle, we’ll be apprehended. The only way is if he goes alone.” Cedri finally looked up, her tired eyes full of pain as they found Neeko. “But even then, how would you ever get to the king? Maybe you should stay as well and help the army finish this.”
These were all points that he’d thought about many times. It was a relief Cedri had finally brought them out. “She’s right,” he told Shara, then turned to Cedri. “Except I can get to the king. I can take as much time as I need to discover which room is his. I have my seescope and the mountains for cover. All I need to do is find his room. He must have a window.”
“About that.” Shara spoke meekly. “Shara did something that’s going to make Neeko worry, but he should remember that she’s standing here, unharmed.” She removed her bag from her back and fell into a quick squat.
Neeko figured Shara had watched the battle when she wasn’t hunting or foraging, but clearly she had been up to something else. Cedri sat up with a groan to see what Shara had pulled out of her bag as she handed it to Neeko. He stood so all three of them could read the scroll.
It looked like she’d drawn it, many of the lines slightly uneven. The full image was certainly some sort of layout of a building with many rooms. There were four squares, possibly four buildings, or perhaps four floors of one building.
“What is it?” Cedri asked.
Shara tapped her chin as she thought of how to answer.
“Was this in one of your books?” Neeko asked. Shara had been leaving them behind as she read them.
“No. Did either of you see those Southern pyforial mages trying to escape when the battle began?”
“We both did,” Neeko answered, having already discussed it with Cedri.
“So then you know that one of them, the younger man, got away with a horse,” Shara said.
“Oh my gods, you went after him.” Neeko managed to hold back his budding anger. ”He could’ve killed you. In fact, why didn’t he?”
“I was smart about it.” She crossed her arms. “I didn’t chase him. I followed him and used the seescope so I could keep my distance. It was unlikely he would be able to ride through the night, so I saw where he stopped to sleep and approached him.”
Cedri reacted with an annoyed wave of her hand. “He’s a pyforial mage and likely a madman!”
“That’s not true. His own army shot at him in hopes of killing him. So he was obviously there against his will, which means he’s no ally of the South in this war. He ran instead of fighting, which means he’s scared of combat to the point of risking death to avoid it. Most importantly, he had no food, no water, and no money. He needed help.”
“No matter how you want to think of it, it’s still a risk to approach someone in his position,” Neeko said. “You must at least admit that.”
“Yes, but it was much less of a risk for me than most others.” She stuck a finger straight beneath her chin. “Shara is very endearing.”
Neeko chuckled. He couldn’t argue with that.
Cedri huffed. “I’m sure it helped that you look about as threatening as a mewing kitten. Did you sing to this madman?”
“Once. He didn’t take to it as I’d hoped, but I’d already befriended him by then.”
Neeko gestured with the drawing she’d handed him. “I don't see how you could've known he could help you with this.”
“Well, I can’t say I knew he would, but it was the whole purpose behind taking the small risk of meeting him.”
“You’re lying,” Cedri stated.
Shara pursed her lips. “Fine, it wasn’t the whole purpose. I wanted to help him. It doesn’t matter now, does it? He had spent an inordinate amount of time in the castle, as I’d suspected, and he helped me draw the layout. I know where the king sleeps.” She tapped her dirty nail on one of the squares. “This is his room, on the fourth floor.”
“I assume it will be more clear which room that is once the castle’s in sight?” Neeko figured.
“Aye. But Cedri was right before. There isn’t much either of us can do once we’re in the castle. For this to work, you’ll have to fly in through the king’s window, alone. Is this a risk you still want to take?”
Neeko gave himself a moment to think.
“This recent battle has turned the war to our favor,” Shara continued. “We’ve taken Tramberr. Even though the castle within Tramberr is not yet ours, it will be. The South has retreated. They’ll gather their forces at Khalinar to ensure it cannot fall, then they’ll try to take back Tramberr. That next battle likely will determine the victor of the entire war.”
“Or they might let us have the city for months, even years, as they formulate a new plan and recruit more forces.”
Shara touched her chin in thought. “I suppose that’s true. But we could still leave for Ovira if you feel differently about it…because now I do.”
Immense relief warmed his body to hear that Shara had let go of her feelings of guilt, of her need to risk her life. But unfortunately, it wasn’t the same for him.
“I can’t leave now, not when I’ve gone all this way and I’m so close to the capital. It would torment me—the number of people I could’ve saved if I’d ended this in another week instead of letting it fester.”
Shara nodded as he spoke. “I had a feeling you would say that, which is why I’ve decided I’ll go with you to Khalinar.”
“Shara—”
“I know,” she interrupted. “You want me to stay here with the army until you return, but I’m not going to do that.” She stuck out her hand as he tried to speak. “Now you’re about to tell me how dangerous it might be. Then I’m going to say that it doesn’t matter, it’ll be safer for you if I’m there. You’ll try to convince me once more, and I’ll insist I’m going no matter what.”
He waited for her to finish, letting the long pause draw out. She smirked, clearly thinking she’d stupefied him. Unfortunately, she didn’t realize his new plan.
“Shara, I’m planning to go over the mountains, into Eppon, and then come around the back of Khalinar where they won’t have scouts.”
Both Cedri and Shara looked incredulous.
“Neeko…” Shara paused and seemed to be searching for the right words. “I know you’re not religious, but you’re not at all worried about the small chance that you’re wrong about the gods?”
“And what about the storm?” Cedri added.
“I’m willing to risk the storm and the wrath of the god of death to ensure I’m not seen by Southern scouts.”
Both women were silent for some time.
“Then I’m going, too,” Shara finally said. “I don’t care if I have to lose my heft around my waist, you’re taking me into Eppon with you.”
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
NEEKO
It wasn’t until he was in the city of Tramberr that Neeko realized he, Shara, and Cedri had traveled nearly the entire distance of Sumar. But murdering King Marteph still seemed so distant and utterly impossible to imagine.
It was evening by the time he’d finished resupplying his food and water, purchasing an extra bag to bring as much as possible. He was to meet Shara at the edge of town for dinner. Neeko tried to look forward to the meal and her company, but all he could think of was spying on King Marteph while waiting for his chance to kill, and that it probably would be while the monarch slept. Neeko could never become used to the idea.
The innkeeper asked where they were from and whether they’d seen any of the fighting. Neeko figured the worst the truth could earn them was a scowl and maybe some spit in their food, but he still gave the false name of Jon, and Shara gave hers as Sarah. They said they were from Sastien Village.
“We saw the army,” Shara said, “but we know nothing of the battle.”
“We lost,” the innkeeper said. “Rumor has it there will be one more battle and then this war will be over. I just hope it’s not here again. I lost too much money providing hospitality to my own soldiers. I can’t imagine what enemy soldiers will require of me.”
Neeko took a ruff out of his money pouch and put it on the table. Giving the innkeeper a pointed look as he slid the coin forward, he said, “I would imagine the Northern soldiers have more tact than most people in the South realize.”
The innkeeper’s mouth gradually took on a smile. “Thank you.”
Neeko chose a table away from the other patrons.
“Was that really worth revealing our identity?” Shara asked with a smirk.
“As I see it, anything we can do to improve the image of our army is worth it. There will be more turmoil the longer Jaymes keeps his men here. I just hope those with good hearts can make up for the rapacious soldiers that are an inevitable part of every army. You know the type of man I mean.”
“Aye.” She looked at him differently, smiling earnestly.
“What is it?”
“Do you remember when we first met in Lanhine? I was saying goodbye to my house and you thought I needed help.”
“You did need help. Then you spat on me.”
She giggled. “We’re certainly not the same people we once were.” She touched his hand across the table. “You especially.”
“But do you feel different?”
“Yes, I’m happy.” She shook her fist in excitement. “Though, I can’t say I’ve healed. My memory works against me. I can still recall how it felt when Swenn touched me, the disgusting pleasure in his smile.” A dry swallow seemed to interrupt her. She looked down at the table, twisting her mouth as if she’d tasted something unsavory. “And I remember killing him,” she said softly.
Neeko squeezed her hand, wishing he could steal that memory and keep it as his own. He’d killed hundreds of men by now. Did they have many friends? What about family? He wished he could replace all of them with Swenn, killing the man over and over.
“But it has gotten easier,” Shara said.
Two plates filled with cured pork, golden potatoes, and cooked carrots were brought to their table. Shara clapped three times in quick succession, smiling as if their previous conversation hadn’t happened.
“Thank you!” she called out, giving the server an entire ruff.
Surprised by her generosity, he stared at probably the largest tip of his life as if waiting for her to tell him she’d made a mistake.
Shara didn’t even notice, already filling her mouth with the steaming food, then letting her jaw hang open. “Itth haaw!” She fanned her mouth.
Neeko reached out to close the server’s hand around the silver, thanking him.
By the end of the night, Neeko couldn’t determine what had been more pleasant, the meal, the bath, or the comfort of the bed he’d just gotten into. Then Shara came in from her bath and undressed in front of him before getting under the covers, and he realized his day was still getting better.
*****
They walked out of Tramberr in the morning. About half of the Northern army was stationed just outside the city because Jaymes was still determining where each battalion should go. Upon speaking with the commander, Neeko learned he was waiting for his scouts to return before finalizing his decisions. But the commander was already certain about one thing: They wouldn’t be marching to the capital, for they were certain to lose.
Then Jaymes paused and gave Neeko a pointed look as if to ask his plans.
“We’re going to Khalinar as soon as we say goodbye to Cedri and Laney,” Neeko said.
The commander’s brow furrowed. “I would never order any of my men or women to do what you’re doing, no matter how capable they were.”
Neeko felt Shara glancing at him, silently asking if he wanted to reconsider. They’d spoken about it throughout the night, though, and his mind wouldn’t change.
“I understand, sir,” he said, “but we’re already here, and I’m able to do it.”
“Very well. Then do you need
any supplies?”
“Neeko got everything in Tramberr yesterday,” Shara said.
A bow would be ideal…if I knew how to use one. He relished the thought of shooting the king from afar.
Neeko extended his hand, hoping he’d at least get a handshake from the usually aloof commander. “It was an honor fighting under your command, sir.”
To Neeko’s amazement, Jaymes wrapped both of his enormous hands around Neeko’s and gave him a firm shake that rippled through his entire body. “I’ll send word to the king about what you, Shara, and Cedri have done. If you ever wish to return to the army, go to his majesty or find me again.”
“Thank you,” Neeko said.
Shara shyly reached out her arms, hoping for a hug. Jaymes offered his hand to be shaken instead. She then barreled into him, throwing her arms around him for a one-sided hug. One of his arms was trapped between them while the other was extended outward, bobbing about with uncertainty. But he freed his arm and returned the embrace without enthusiasm, patting her back while she nestled against his chest.
“You helped me learn so much about myself, Commander Jaymes,” she said. “Thank you for the opportunities you’ve given me.” Neeko knew she referred to the recommendation that she serve on the king’s council, the first woman ever to do so.
Jaymes took her shoulders and stepped away, looking straight into her eyes. “You earned every opportunity you were given, and I don’t believe anyone else would’ve figured out how the terrislaks were involved. Make sure Neeko doesn’t do anything foolish.”
“I’ll try.”
But that wasn’t enough for Jaymes. He showed her a stern look. “If this mission is impossible, then it’s impossible.”
“I understand.” She nodded dutifully.
It can’t be impossible, Neeko thought. Not even a king could be protected every moment.
They made their way to Cedri.