Pandeena rolled her eyes at him, rose, and refilled his glass. I think it's an attempt at misdirecting our suspicions from Malthus. After all, only one of the wounds were dangerous. It happened close enough to the bridge for him to get help easily. And.... She gave him the glass. Most damning of all to my mind is that only a single arrow was poisoned ... and the blend was far more dangerous to lycans than to a human."
Caimbeul took a long swallow before nodding. All of the others who have been shot coming and going ... the arrows were poisoned. But everyone in the village is treating Malthus as if he were a hero."
"Which makes it all the worse for our cause. I'm afraid that only the most damning of evidence is going to convince anyone that Malthus is linked to the Butchering Serpent. Have you discovered anything more since we last spoke, you seemed close to something."
Caimbeul drained half his glass. No. I've been promised a meeting with the person behind this gang I discovered, but so far it hasn't been forthcoming."
"And just who are the members of this gang?"
"I can't tell you that yet, Pandeena. If something should happen to me, it's all in my journals."
"You keep saying that. What if they should simply kill you and take the journals?"
"They'll never find them, but you can. I drew your mark on them in my blood to key it."
* * * *
Kynyr studied the placement of the arrows that had struck the wagon. It would all come down to his word against that of Malthus, and everyone knew that there was bad blood between them; which would make anything he said about Malthus suspect from the outset. Something wasn't right. If he could just put his finger on it.
"You going to stare at that wagon all day, Kynyr? Erskine joined him with Finn trailing.
"Something isn't right."
Erskine chewed on his fingernail and walked all the way around the wagon. The tall lean wolf had an easy-going, low-key manner that made his observations seem considered and weighty. Arrows only on one side. They were on both sides the day you were shot."
"Malthus caught one in the right lung, but Sheradyn says he's in no danger. Kynyr scratched at his sideburns in a gesture that those who knew him well had learned long ago indicated questions whirling around in his mind.
"Lucky shot? asked Finn.
"Odd shot. Kynyr stepped around to the right side of the wagon. If they were shooting at him from the front or the right, why weren't the horses hit? Why aren't there a few stray shots on this side?"
Erskine made another circuit. You think it was staged?"
"Yes, but I've no way to prove it."
"Are we still riding out tonight? Finn asked.
Kynyr nodded.
* * * *
Kynyr rode into Hell's Widow with Finn MacIver and Erskine Faraday flanking him and Vayle Stewart riding beside Robert Morcar behind them at the head of twenty soldiers. His handpicked myn had all been training with Todd, but only since the ambush that killed Ramsey Fitzgerald and Eideard Doyle. They went armored and wore their uniforms. Six wagons followed, driven by Kynyr's Sinclair cousins.
A haunted calm possessed Kynyr's spirit as he traveled the empty main street. Death seemed to shadow him. Too many of his friends had died here, or on their way home from this town.
Passing Corbie Way, Kynyr glanced down at the burnt out ruin of the Crimson Lady brothel and his thoughts strayed to Cooley's mother, remembering how she had begged him to get her out. He had promised to return for her, but had not anticipated the ambush that killed two of his friends and left him wounded.
"Forgive me, Silkie."
Arriving at the edge of the Lycan Quarter, Kynyr found the streets barricaded and manned by soldiers in MacLachlan colors along with armed civilians.
Kynyr raised his hand and signaled the dismount.
He, Finn and Erskine walked up to the barricade.
"What's going on? He called out to the guards.
A stout, red-haired lycan in an officer's tunic with the badge of House MacFie blazoned on the upper left corner, strode forward and glared at him. None of your business, Red Wolf. Clan MacLachlan's done your work for you."
"I want to speak to the mon in charge."
"That'd be me. Fergus MacFie climbed over the barricade and jumped down. He strode up to Kynyr with a hand on the broadsword hanging from his hip. Who the hell are you?"
Kynyr faced him with utter calm, every inch the leader of his myn. Kynyr Maguire."
"You took your own sweet time getting here."
Kynyr shrugged. I only got the message a few days ago."
Fergus shoulder twitched, betraying the punch before he threw it.
Kynyr glided to the side and then in, avoiding the blow. He grabbed Fergus wrist with a twist and a yank, moving too fast for Fergus to stop him. Kynyr twisted Fergus arm up behind his back, bent him over, and placed a hand on the back of Fergus neck. That was stupid."
"You're the reason my brother's dead."
"Who's your brother?"
"Jordi MacFie."
"He was a good mon. Kynyr released Fergus with a shove and kicked him in the ass to send him stumbling. Can't say the same for you."
Fergus regained his feet and spun around with his fists raised.
Kynyr gave him a chill look, ice and steel with a dash of skepticism. You heard of Todd Sinclair?"
"The Battle-Master?"
Kynyr gave a slow nod.
"Everyone's heard of him."
"He's my grandfather."
Fergus wavered. He train you?"
"Yeah."
"I'm Fergus MacFie. Fergus lowered his fists and extended his hand. Glad to meet you."
Kynyr shook hands with him. Glad to meet you too, Fergus MacFie. Can you open this barricade? We've brought food, liquor, and medical supplies. Also a healer."
They opened the barricade and Kynyr's myn and the baggage train rolled through.
"We've got a healer, said Fergus.
"Ours is better. Kynyr walked to the first wagon and helped Cahira down. Fergus MacFie, I would like you to meet my Gram, Cahira Sinclair. He pointed at the big red-haired mon holding the reins of the wagon. And my grandfather, Todd Sinclair."
Fergus eyes nearly popped out of his head at the sight of two living legends.
"I assume you have a command post set up?"
Kynyr's question brought Fergus attention back around. At the Three Candles."
"To be honest, I didn't expect to find you here."
"And why shouldn't we be here? Fergus bristled.
"I didn't say you shouldn't be. I said I didn't expect you. It's been two hundred years since MacLachlan marched."
"They didn't have me then."
"True. Kynyr lowered his head to conceal a tiny smile.
* * * *
Although Lord Brodrig MacLachlan sat at the head of the table, Kynyr could tell that Fergus MacFie ran things. Kynyr's pride experienced a twinge of resentment that seemed to come out of nowhere. If Kynyr had allowed Claw to acknowledge him, the head of the table would have belonged to him as Prince of Red Wolf. Kynyr began to see more disadvantages than advantages in hiding his ancestry, especially in terms of influence.
Darcy kept giving him hungry bitch looks that he knew too well, so Kynyr put his hands on the table, hoping that she would notice the wedding band on his left hand and stop. Instead, she grabbed his right, turning it so that everyone at the table could see Tarrant Redhand's signet. Willodarus balls, you're a Redhand."
Silence struck the table. Robert and Erskine stared open-mouthed at Kynyr. Vayle Stewart dropped his gaze, lips pursed. Finn squirmed and broke the silence with a mutter. Had to come out eventually, Kynyr. Especially with that thing on your finger."
Cahira, sitting at the end of the table with Todd, let out a sob and fled.
Amos, who had been seated on the other side of Cahira, looked stunned and bewildered.
Kynyr scanned the lycans at the table, trying hard to think of what to say. All these years ... Gram tri
ed to keep it secret. She thinks there's a curse on the Redhands."
"But you are one. Darcy turned Kynyr's hand about again for a closer look at the ring.
"Tarrant was my grandfather ... not Todd. Kynyr sucked in a deep breath. Todd married Gram after Tarrant died."
Lord Brodrig MacLachlan rose from his seat. You're the heir to the throne."
"Yes."
"Then this seat is yours."
Kynyr hesitated, glancing down the table.
"Go on, Kynyr. Take it. Robert gestured at the seat. But don't think this lets you off the hook when we go out drinking."
"Go on, Kynyr, Finn shouted. Otherwise I'll tell Kady and she'll give you a set of knuckle bumps."
"Kady? Darcy turned toward Finn.
"His wife."
"Oh. Darcy looked so disappointed that it made Finn chuckle.
"Kady'd give a god knuckle bumps if she took a notion to."
Kynyr took his place at the head of the table. His thoughts drifted to Cahira, wondering if she would forgive him for breaking his promise and letting his ancestry become known.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
DEADLY PRESENTS
When Malthus awoke the next day, he gave the servants the list of who to deliver what to among the things in the wagon, and had the crate of liquor brought to him. The rest of that day and for several afterward, the hours passed in a fog created in equal measures by pain and the fire poppy Sheradyn gave him for it.
That morning, Malthus sat propped up in bed, with pillows to his back, reading an innocuous book. Sheradyn wanted him to stay off his leg as much as possible, and when he could not avoid it, to use the cane resting against the nightstand. The door to his bedroom opened and Claw walked in accompanied by two servants; one carrying a small table and the other the checkers and board.
A nice gesture from the old wolf, but one probably provoked by something Aisha said.
"I brought you some gifts. Malthus pointed at the crate of liquor.
"And got shot for your trouble, Claw grumbled under his breath. Set up the checkers and I'll have a look."
Malthus got the game pieces arranged on the board while watching for Claw's reaction.
Claw's expression brightened and some of his usual curmudgeonry dissolved into delight as he pulled bottle after bottle out. Four bottles of Tormuth Whiskey! Claw exclaimed excitedly, patting a bottle. Six more from Faewin! Five bottles of dark rum from Ildyrsetts. How the hell did you manage this miracle?"
Malthus smiled in a self-deprecating manner. I wrote my mother. She has an estate along the Creeyan border these days. The Creeyans have access to nearly everything. I had to pick it up in Hell's Widow because the Creeyans won't fly into a lycan valley without advance permission from the chieftain, and I wanted to surprise you."
"Oh ho! You've surprised me. However, Claw's voice turned stern, you will be more careful next time. I don't want to see my daughter a widow."
Malthus lowered his head to conceal the brief narrowing of his eyes at the false concern in the chieftain's voice. We wouldn't want that certainly."
Claw gestured to the servants. Bring two glasses. I must have a taste of this."
They sat and played checkers and drank for several hours. Malthus eagerly observed Claw drinking glass after glass of rum, calling his death closer and closer. The chieftain's capacity for alcohol impressed Malthus, and told him that he had chosen the proper vehicle to end Claw's life. Gradually, Claw began to feel the power of Malthus curses, the lines of his face becoming ragged with pain. Malthus knew then that it would not be weeks, but only a matter of days before Claw had his next heart attack.
Claw sagged back in his chair, breathing heavily. Ring for the servants. I need to lie down. Have them put my presents in a cabinet in the Blue Room."
Malthus nodded and reached for the bell on the nightstand.
* * * *
Kynyr walked to the window of his room, rubbing sleep from his eyes, and glanced out. Todd worked his forms in the yard as he did every morning at home in the salle. Six of Kynyr's Sinclair cousins drilled with their grandfather, while an audience in MacLachlan colors watched. When it switched to displays of weapon skills, sparring with practice weapons, the MacLachlan soldiers asked to beand wereincluded only to find themselves bested by what was, ostensibly, wagon drivers. That prompted Kynyr's decision that it was time to make an appearance.
As Kynyr walked out into the yard, Darcy noticed him and fell into step beside him, giving him the eye again.
"Good morning, Prince Kynyr."
"Kynyr. Just Kynyr ... and good morning, Darcy."
Finn joined them and Kynyr muttered to him sotto voce, Ugly cubs have more fun."
Finn winked, and grasped Darcy's arm to get her attention. Seeing as how you're all armored up, would you go a round with me?"
"Go on, Darcy. Show him. Kynyr grinned and breathed a sigh of relief when Darcy walked off with Finn.
Kynyr approached the gathered crowd. His name rippled through and they opened a path for him. When he reached the front of the crowd, he gestured to catch Todd's eye.
Todd gave him a nod and finished giving Fergus MacFie pointers on form before excusing himself from the practice and leaving Kynyr's Uncle Queran in charge of it.
"Can we talk?"
"Ayup."
A path opened up and they strolled toward the inn.
"Todd, about what I did last night..."
"Let's find a quiet spot without an audience. It's all over the district that you're the Prince of Red Wolf."
When they stepped into the Common room, they found a dozen Sharani soldiers seated there drinking mead. Amos sprang to his feet and rushed to Kynyr, where he grabbed Kynyr's right hand just before sinking to one knee. My prince."
Amos kissed the back of Kynyr's hand. Kynyr stiffened and stepped backwards, pulling his hand free. Don't, Amos. Don't."
The innkeeper went from kneeling to complete prostration, causing Todd to chuckle.
Kynyr backed farther from Amos, bumping into the Sharani Captain who had approached him unnoticed. He looked up into her eyesshe topped him by a full six inches. Excuse me."
"Hell's Widow is honored by your presence, your highness."
Oh shit . Thank you, Captain?"
"Artemisia Leonidian, at your service."
Kynyr recovered from his surprise and extended his hand.
Artemisia shook his hand and then thumbed at the table. I'd like to have a few words with you."
"Of course. Kynyr took his place at the head of the table and Todd settled at his right hand.
"I hope that you won't take this wrong, the Captain began. But having a royal prince in Hell's Widow carries with it the potential for a diplomatic incident that would go hard on my garrison."
"I came here to fight."
"Exactly my point."
"If you're asking me not to fight ... I don't lead from the rear."
"I could arrest you and toss your royal ass back on your side of the border. She gave him a look of bemused speculation.
"But you're not going to do that."
She snorted, eyeing Fergus and Brodrig who sauntered up to the table. I doubt that MacLachlan would let me get away with it."
"Damned right, Fergus growled.
Captain Leonidian swiveled in her chair to face Kynyr again. I'm attaching six ha'taren and fifty soldiers to this expedition of yours. Assuming you can even find this nest of deathmages you insist is here..."
"We can find them."
"You're very sure of yourself."
"I doubt that you've heard of Todd Sinclair..."
The Captain interrupted him with a loud chuckle. Everyone's heard of Todd Sinclair ... he's the only lycan ever allowed to train with the Ha'taren Guard."
Todd folded his arms on the table and leaned over them. I'm Todd Sinclair. Kynyr's my grandson."
"Ajan Sinclair, forgive my previous skepticism. But I still must insist on providing protection to Prince Kynyr."
&n
bsp; The transformation in the Captain's attitude, the almost reverent undercurrent to her voice astounded Kynyr.
"Forgiven. Todd gave her a nod. Accept them, Kynyr. They're good at what they do."
"So long as they obey orders."
"They will, the captain assured Kynyr.
"Then I thank you. We have only three healers. Can you provide those also?"
"I'll send six surgeons and their aides."
"And priests or mages?"
"Priests I can provide. Mages, I have none. Captain Leonidian shook her head. They were all sent north to support General Dovane."
"Let me show you something. Kynyr drew his sword and laid it on the table. How much lore do you have?"
"Some. I was a scholar before I became a soldier. She leaned closer to look at the sword, studying the maker's mark, the embedded runes of power, and the inscriptions on the blade. Her eyes widened in profound astonishment. That's Ladyfaith. Eldarion Havenrain forged her for his wife, Valestari the Silent, when the sa'necari under Waejonanaccursed be his name foreverfirst threatened the borders of Vallimrah. It's a deathmage killer. How did you come by it?"
"A gift from a god."
Captain Leonidian made the sign of the Aroanan Axe. Good luck to you, Prince."
"Thank you. Kynyr spied Darcy entering the common room with Finn. She saw him and made a beeline across the room in his direction. Oh shit . Kynyr rose to his feet to make a hasty retreat. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must have a private word with Todd."
Darcy glared and propped her hands on her hips as Kynyr escaped upstairs with Todd close behind him. Finn whispered in her ear. She laughed and linked her arm through his, walking off with him.
* * * *
Kynyr ran his hand through his long hair and re-tied it. I thought the bitches would stop chasing me once they knew I was married."
"You mean Darcy?"
"Yeah."
"Some just don't care. Wild Cousins is as much an instinct as a set of customs. No matter how much civilized polish you put on us, we're still just animals. You're what the ancients called an Alpha, and it attracts them."
Kynyr glanced sidewise at Todd, wondering if he was about to get one of his grandfather's rare lectures. I don't have to like it. But that's not what I wanted to talk about."
"When did you start wearing Tarrant's ring?"
Frank-KWar Page 15