Frank-KWar

by Kynyr's War [lit]

  No locked door could hold against the prayers of the Sharani priest as she brushed each of them with her sprig of mistletoe. The door at the bottom opened on a corridor running east and west. Amos sucked in a sharp breath, pointing right and then left. Temple that way ... uhmn ... dungeons this way."

  Amos lurched into rolling trot, passed two doors on his left. A guard popped out of the third door right in front of him. For an instant, they stared at each other. The guard reached for his sword and Amos smacked him smartly over the head with his club. His opponent collapsed in a jingle of harness and chain mail.

  More guards poured from the doors ahead of them and one in a Captain's tabard shouted. Kill the prisoners."

  A mon at the far end turned and ran for the last door as the battle began in earnest.

  "Move it, Amos, Fergus shouted, breaking from the fighting to chase the escaping guard.

  The Waejontori got the door open, but before he could gain the safety of the other side, Fergus threw his axe, splitting the mon's head like a ripe melon. Fergus jumped over the mon's body and through the door into a narrow aisle between two rows of cells. A table and chairs sat near the door with a ring of keys hanging from a large nail. Fergus snagged the keys and tossed them to Amos. Get the cells open."

  Amos started peeking through the sliding peepholes into the cells and opening the ones that had people in it. Myn in MacLachlan livery poured in behind him, checking the cells.

  The first few contained half-starved humans who shrieked when they first saw the lycans. Soldiers hustled them out and herded them toward the door.

  Amos made the sign of the bear and shuddered. The larder. Sa'necari was going to rite them."

  Screams came from farther down and Fergus ran. A door stood open and he plunged into a large cell where lycans were chained to the walls. A guard stood before one of them with a bloody knife.

  Fergus snarled. The guard turned from the prisoner he had just killed and faced Fergus with an uncertain expression. Fergus struck him in the chest with his axe, splitting his sternum.

  The Waejontori guard staggered back and Fergus hit him again. He fell and lay unmoving in the straw covering the cell floor.

  Fergus turned and saw that his companions had already freed the city wolves. Bring the body. We're not leaving our dead behind."

  They brought them out, some of them so weak from torture that they could barely stand and had to be supported by soldiers.

  Amos let out a scream.

  Fergus spun in time to see the innkeeper drop to his knees, clutching his bleeding arm. The mon drew back a sword to finish Amos off. Fergus kicked Amos out of his way, slashed the Waejontori across the face, and then split his belly open.

  Amos gave Fergus a look of pathetic gratitude, but made no effort to rise.

  "Bloody hell, Amos. Get up or we'll leave you behind."

  Amos tottered to his feet and ran.

  * * * *

  The first rays of dawn spread over the edges of the warehouse as Clan MacLachlan's raiders gathered in the yard. Bodies dangled from the windows and hung from the roof, several of them headless, as a grim warning to anyone who had managed to escape them.

  Amos had been sent on with the wounded, the rescued lycan hostages, and the frantic humans from the larder.

  "Is this everyone? Fergus asked.

  Darcy, standing nearby with a sack of heads, nodded. Let's hope we got the leaders."

  "Take them to the inn and have Amos identify them if he can."

  Darcy darted toward the lycan district.

  Fergus gestured at one of his myn. Burn it."

  "No. The Sharani priest interposed herself between the soldier and the warehouse. Do that and the whole town could go up. When the Red Lantern district burned we had a hard time putting it out. Six square blocks burned."

  Fergus considered that. Let's go."

  The day ended on a sour note when Amos confirmed that they had not killed either Jondries or Lord Heironim Traxton.

  * * * *

  Malthus drove the wagon into Hell's Widow with a long list of goods to pick up for the Sanctuary and one for the manor. Aisha had finally agreed to let him make the run for her, although that was usually Kynyr's job. Kynyr's little courtship romp played into Malthus hands in unforeseen ways, and he was quick to take advantage of it.

  Three myn lounged on the edge of the boardwalk in front of the Devil's Dance Inn as he started to pass it. One sprang to his feet, waving at Malthus to stop. When the mon got close, Malthus recognized Timocratus.

  Reining to a halt, Malthus watched Timocratus climb aboard and settle beside him.

  "Don't go to the Green Sheaf."

  Malthus brows knit. Why not?"

  "Long story. I'd better let Heironim tell it."

  "So where do I go?"

  "Scarlet Petticoat."

  It was too late in the year for planting, so Heironim had settled for clearing the brush and weeds away from the building. Malthus drove down a long, winding path of flagstones. Myn were at work repairing the veranda, but the sign said that it was already open for business.

  A groom took his horses and took the wagon around to the side after Malthus and Timocratus dismounted.

  He did not recognize the mon manning the desk in the foyer. Most of the people they passed were new; a few Malthus vaguely remembered from the last visit he had paid to his mother.

  Timocratus led Malthus through a huge hall filled with prostitutes and sprinkled through with guards. Heironim's living quarters and office were on the first floor, midway between the front and rear doors on that side.

  Heironim rose from the meeting table in his office, his clothing rumpled and dark, sleepless circles under his eyes. He embraced Malthus. I'm glad you're here."

  "What happened? Malthus settled at the head of the table, moving a bottle of wine and two glasses over to his right hand.

  Alexander Jondries, sitting on the opposite side, gave Malthus a weary glance. Lycans. They raided the Green Sheaf."

  Malthus lips pursed and he pulled at his oak leaf beard as Heironim poured wine for them. I thought you rounded up their leaders."

  Heironim took a swallow from his glass. We did. Clan MacLachlan got a hair up their ass and sent an army."

  "And the garrison did nothing? The Sharani had always kept an iron hand over the occupied territories and took a hard line with anyone offering the smallest challenge to their sovereignty.

  "Rumor is they cut a deal with MacLachlan."

  Malthus listened to Heironim describing what had happened, his gaze darkening. MacLachlan. Malthus sipped his wine. I never expected this. They stayed out of the Rebellion."

  "Can you send us reinforcements? Some units from the northwest?"

  "That would make it a war, Heironim. The Sharani garrison would have to respond."

  "They're undermonned. Otherwise, why allow MacLachlan to enter unopposed?"

  Malthus waved Heironim's statement off. There have been some complications in the north. I haven't had time to assess it yet. Furthermore, I don't want to split my forces, otherwise I would have Egidius dispatch some units to handle them."

  "So what do we do?"

  "Can anyone connect you to this place?"

  "No."

  "Then keep your head down. Keep your eyes open. And if any of them leave the ghetto singly or in pairs, kill them. Take them out a few at a time. Pick them off from a distance."

  "So be it."

  "Did you lose my mother's shipment?"

  "No. Jondries ran his finger around the rim of his glass. I had them brought here as soon as Heironim bought the place."

  "Good. Malthus took the lists from his pocket. Have your people pick this stuff up for me. Meanwhile, I want to see what Mother sent me and think about this."

  Malthus had discovered that the old wolf had a taste for certain types of rare, fine wines. His mother had the connections to acquire them, have them smuggled to Hell's Widow, and held there for him. He had prepared th
e bottles before leaving Hell's Widow with them. Sidera had offered to do it for him, to treat the wine with one of her most subtle creations, but Malthus had insisted upon doing it himself.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  TREACHERIES

  Malthus sauntered through the manor door with his saddlebags and a backpack hanging from his shoulders. He walked into the Great Hall where he found Claw sitting alone. The hour was late, and the others who were normally to be found there had apparently already gone up to bed.

  "So you're back. Claw scowled at him. Did you get everything on Aisha's list? Or am I going to have to send Kynyr?"

  Lines around the chieftain's eyes and mouth suggested he was not feeling well. Malthus repressed a smile at seeing it. I missed not a thing. And I brought back a few treats. My mother was very generous."

  "Hmmmph. Claw rubbed his chest, settling back in his chair. You take too many chances. It's going to catch up with you."

  Malthus shrugged. I promised to make a few more trips before it gets too difficult to get there. One of them is for Old Hereward. He lowered his pack to the base of his chair and sat down. I brought some things that you might like. A merchant managed to get a wagon of wine through."

  Claw's eyebrows rose at that and he leaned forward. Anything interesting?"

  Malthus gave a tiny smile, lowering his head with a glance to the left as he fished out several bottles, and placed them triumphantly on the table between them. I think so."

  Claw's eyes lit up at a label that featured a dragonfly. Faewin? Can it be?"

  "I have three bottles of their Dragonfly label two of their reds and one white."

  Claw seized one of the bottles of red and turned it in his hands. Aisha and Merissa don't care much for it."

  Malthus came out with several more bottles. I picked up some of the fruity Sharani wine they favor, so they needn't feel they have to share the Faery stuff with us."

  "Good enough. I'll reserve this for us. Claw grabbed the bell on the table beside him and rang it. Kissie showed up.

  "Two wine glasses."

  Kissie returned with the glasses and Claw poured for both of them. She built up the fire without being asked, and the two myn sat enjoying the wine.

  "How did you manage to afford it? Claw asked suddenly suspicious.

  Malthus gave him an affronted look. I arrived here desperate for my nieces safety, not impoverished."

  Claw nodded as he refilled his glass. A very fine vintage."

  "I know. Malthus lifted his glass in a toast. To your health."

  They clinked glasses and Malthus smile broadened. To your death, old wolf.

  "This is even better than I remembered it."

  "I'm glad that you appreciate it. I made a deal with the merchant to hold back six more for us when he makes his next trip through. Normally it sells out long before he gets as far as Hell's Widow. However, he was on his way to Iradrim and Creeya. His return trip, he'll be loaded with fine whiskey, gin, and anisette. That kind of thing. He buys mead from your farmers. He's concerned about the possibility of the supplies being interrupted, so I suggested that he come talk to you about it when he's next through here."

  "That's a mon after my own heart, Claw said in a far friendlier fashion than he normally showed Malthus. I appreciate this."

  After your own heartI'm after stilling it, old fool.

  * * * *

  Kady walked into the library sprattle-legged and limping, muttering dire imprecations under her breath.

  Cahira, sitting at the central table, had the newest book from the Assassins Guild out next to a large dictionary. The dwarves of Iradrim had unearthed a library buried beneath their mountains that dated back to the first godwar. Facsimiles had to be created before translations could be done because any books brought out into fresh air crumpled to dust. The Guild had the technology and skills to create the copies without damaging the originals; and Cahira was their top intuitive translator. She stopped writing and laid her pen down. Are you all right?"

  "I'm sore. No matter how hard I try, I can't evade Kynyr."

  "Kynyr is very good in the forests. He used to take wolf form to evade the Dreaded Horde."

  "His sisters?"

  "And Finn's. They used to double-team the boys to catch them doing things they were not supposed to do. Kynyr hid his fishing pole somewhere. He would take wolf form and run for it. They would take wolf form and chase him down. They didn't want him to get dirty."

  "That's terrible! Kady looked indignant.

  "Well, it also made him a very good woodsmon. You'll never be as clever in the woods as Kynyr."

  Kady's shoulders drooped. I can't learn fast enough. I might as well surrender. Is that allowed?"

  "Not exactly. You need to make it a bit of a chase. Make it a game and let him catch you."

  "Do you have anything for the soreness?"

  "I have a cream that will help."

  "I never got sore with Cullen. Kynyr isn't rough. He just wants it all the time."

  Cahira smiled and hugged Kady. Kynyr's young. His stamina and instincts to mate are enormous. Cullen... She gave an eloquent shrug. Despite all the randy talk, Cullen was still middle-aged and starting to slow down."

  "Instinct. I'm starting to dislike that word."

  "You can dislike it, but you can't escape it. Instinct is very strong in our people ... especially at Kynyr's age. We try to cover it up with customs and rules, and we only end up making ourselves unhappy."

  Cahira left the room and returned with several jars. This one will ease soreness. Apply it to your womanly parts four times a day."

  Kady picked up a jar of yellowish stuff that looked a bit like oil or grease. What's this?"

  "A lubricant. Use it just before you change and you won't get as sore."

  Kady gathered up the jars.

  Cooley popped his head in the room. Kynyr's here."

  Kady rolled her eyes. Here we go again."

  Cooley frowned up at her, his eyes serious. Even tail-peddlers get tired of it. But you gotta do what you gotta do. If you're gonna get storked, get your legs open."

  "Go play, Cooley, Cahira said.

  Cooley shrugged and ran from the room.

  "That cub knows entirely too much about sex, said Cahira.

  Kady managed a rueful smile. What can we expect, Gram. He's only ten, but he grew up in a whorehouse."

  "Todd needs to have a talk with him."

  "I agree. Now I must get ready for Kynyr."

  "There's a lesson to be learned from all of this, Kady."

  "What's that?"

  "Bad translations should never be acted upon. If you had come to me with your problems, I might have found you a decent custom to invoke. There are many that would have served your purposes."

  Kady nodded. I wish I hadn't done this. I'm not ready for marriage ... and a child. She swallowed, her lips parted, and she gazed into the distance, unfocused yet troubled. The situation is my fault. I had only read the first three paragraphs when I threw it in his face. Now, I must either get pregnant or lose him forever."

  Cahira hugged Kady, holding her tight. Kady, we'll all help with the cub. We won't let you get overwhelmed by it. I promise."

  Kady nodded again, unable to think of what to say. She went to her room and applied the creams.

  Kynyr knocked on her door. Kady, change for me."

  "I'm applying some creams. You've made me sore, Kynyr, Kady snarled, pale fur sprouting along her arms.

  The door opened and Kynyr entered, closing the door softly behind him. His eyes roved her nudity and he took the jar from her. Let me help. It's my fault."

  Kynyr poured water into a basin and washed his hands.

  Kady watched him with a baleful glance, torn between anger at herself and anger at Kynyr.

  He reached in his pocket, brought out a small box, and tossed it to her. I bought you a present."

  Kady opened the box and her anger melted away at the stunning star sapphire pendant on a white gold ch
ain. Oh, Kynyr, I've never had anything so beautiful. It must have cost a fortune."

  With a tiny shrug and a sidewise nod, Kynyr basked in Kady's reaction. My family has never lacked for money."

  "Then why are you a guardsmon? Kady slipped the necklace on and laid back on the bed, touching it and looking at it.

  "I was trained for war. So it seemed the right thing to do. Those of us with the skills to protect our people should do so. Kynyr knelt on the end of the bed and dipped his fingers into the jar, coming out with a dollop of the cream. Spread your legs a little more."

  Kady shivered, a tiny giggle escaping her as Kynyr's fingers slipped inside her. The cream felt cold and soothing; and his touch was gentle. I'm sorry I shackled you into this."

  "I'm enjoying it. Kynyr left the bed, cleaned his fingers on a towel, and put the lid on the jar. How's that?"

  "It feels like magic."

  The left side of Kynyr's mouth turned up. It probably is. Gram charges the herbs she uses in her recipes."

  "Spend the night with me, Kynyr?"

  "Are you sure?"

  "Yes. Gram's started my wedding dress. It's green."

  "I like green. Kynyr unbuckled his knife belt and sword harness, hanging them on the weapons rack beside Kady's bed, striped his clothing off, and climbed onto it with her. I love you, Kady. Now and forever."

  Kady kissed his hand and then began to change. She sprouted pale hair over her entire body. Her legs and arms altered.

  "Are you sure you want to do this? He stroked her.

  She paused half way through the change. Kynyr, the sooner I'm She searched for a discreet euphemism, but all that Kady could think of right then were the ones used by the clientele of her father's tavern. The sooner you get me up the stick, the sooner we can get married."

  Kady completed the change and barked at Kynyr. Come on, slowpoke ."

  Kynyr, used to making the change under combat conditions, changed so swiftly it made Kady want to swallow her words. All night, Kady?"

  "Just don't forget the cream."

  "I won't."

  Kady darted out the door, counting down the head start that custom granted her. She raced downstairs and Rory opened the door into the street for her.