"Tie her to a pole, but don't hurt her, Malthus ordered.
Kandaishee wept, but did not struggle as they bound her wrists behind her around a pole and tied that to a metal eye in the back. Her son started to run to her, but Malthus caught his arm.
"Please don't hurt my son."
"No one is going to hurt him. Malthus sneered. A child's mind is easy to alter."
"No, please, not Gilzean."
"Shut up, Kandaishee. Hold him, Egidius. I don't want him squirming."
The child's eyes were large with fear, as he stood there frozen and staring at his mother.
Malthus put his fingertips to Gilzean's temples and lunged into the child's brain with needles of power. Gilzean whimpered. Malthus erased many of the boy's memories, and altered the rest. Your name is Darmyk. Your mother's name is Merissa."
Kandaishee let out a long shriek.
"Your father's name is Isranon. He was taken by the Beast and your mother fears he's dead. Malthus continued to fill Gilzean's mind with information, right up to the present moment. As young as Gilzean was, his imagination would fill in the rest.
A vacant look came in the child's eyes. Kandaishee screamed again.
Gilzean sagged in Egidius grip. Malthus straightened with the boy in his arms and handed him to Egidius. Take him to Lord Daemon. But first let me write a letter. The child is worth a lot to us, delivered alive and unharmed."
Out of the corner of his eye, Malthus caught the small form of the imp warlord, Gahni, approaching and he turned to face him. Where have you been? I've passed through three times without encountering your folk. What kind of sentries are you?"
Gahni's face twisted up in hate and anger. My tribe all gone."
"What do you mean your tribe's all gone?"
"All dead. Isranon Dawnreturning kill them all. All that's left are with me in north."
Malthus squatted and gripped Gahni's forearm. I'm sorry for your loss. I will avenge them."
"How?"
"By killing his son and sending him the pieces of the child."
"You let me eat some?"
"Yes. That would be very appropriate."
* * * *
Caimbeul frequented only two women since his first survey of the camp: Kandaishee and Clodagh. After three nights of trying to get Kandaishee to answer her door, he finally let himself inside. The beds had not been slept in. He investigated the cabinets and dressers. Kandaishee and Gilzean's clothing was missing. A spellcorded sa'necari woman with a child would not be running away like this.
Suspicion raised the hairs on his neck. He began checking the houses of each woman that he knew was pregnant and in each of them he found the woman and her children gone.
Finally, he went to Clodagh. He almost did not knock, fearing that he would find her gone as well. There was an almost forgotten tightening in his stomach as his hand wavered at the door. He had not felt this way since Pandeena divorced him.
"Please, don't let them have taken you too. II love you."
Gathering his nerve, he knocked. No answer came. He put his ear to the door and listened. Sounds came through, grunting and whining. Someone was using Clodagh and it sounded like they were being rough about it. His hackles rose and hair started to sprout along his arms. He turned the knob and stepped inside, striding to the bedroom. Throwing back the curtain over the doorway, Caimbeul surprised Preece and Yren two upping her. Tears of pain streamed down her face.
Caimbeul seized Preece, lifted him off the ground by an arm and a leg. Get off her. It's my turn."
"You'll pay for this, Preece said as he hit the ground.
"I doubt it."
Clodagh's scream made him turn and he caught Yren's arm as the youth tried to put a knife in him. Whipping Yren's arm up behind his back, Caimbeul forced the blade from his hand and kicked it away. He tossed Yren out and dropped the bar.
"Are you all right? Caimbeul asked.
Clodagh shook her head. They were rougher than usual. They hurt me ... the baby...."
Caimbeul took her in his arms and held her, extending his awareness through her body. The baby is fine."
They walked back to the bedroom. Caimbeul held her, stroked, and comforted her until dawn.
When it came time for him to leave, Clodagh took his face in her hands and kissed. You must stop seeing me. It angers them. I'm afraid they'll kill you."
"I'm not easy to kill, Clodagh."
* * * *
Only the human women remained in the camp with their children as refugees. Pregnancies put their secret brothel at risk of discovery by the lawgiver and the priest. In the middle of the night, Malthus carried a satchel of his mother's solutions to the problem on his shoulder as he gathered his seven key Lycamornots and went to the house farthest from the center of camp first. He knocked on the door and Klari answered. She started to remove her clothing, and then panicked when she saw how many there were. Malthus had no intention of betraying himself by using his powers. However, he had brought along a small crystal rod that he had told them was magic. He lunged and touched her throat with it, muting her voice.
Her mouth opened and closed as she tried to scream and found that she couldn't. Her hand went to her throat.
"Preece, Torquil, strip her and stretch her out on the dining table."
She shook her head in panic, backing away from them. Preece and Torquil seized her without a word and carried her by her limbs to the table. Klari struggled, but the two lycans were too strong for her.
"Oswyl, make certain the children don't wake up and come out."
"What are you going to do? asked Shalto as Preece and Torquil went about their business and finished by tying her wrists and ankles to the table legs.
"I'm fixing it so she can't get pregnant. I just received a package from my mother. Malthus unshouldered his satchel and took several things out, setting them on another chair. A bottle, a needle with catgut through it, and a round, flat sided, blood-red crystal. He poured the bottle across her abdomen, took a tiny blade from his bag, and made a small incision just above her thatch.
She writhed and tried to scream.
Malthus shoved two fingers into the wound and felt around for a moment. Then he inserted the crystal and stitched her closed. He poured more of the liquid over her. See if there's some liquor in the house. I'm sure she could use a drink. No one rides this one until the wound heals. We'll do the others a few at a time."
"What did you do?"
"The crystal has bonded with her organs and is killing her egg sacks. She'll be sterile by morning."
"Hsssah, said Rheu. You know a lot."
Malthus chuckled and tousled his head. My mother wanted me to go into the family business, but I liked selling my sword better."
"What was that?"
"She was a bio-alchemist and bio-magicalist to Lord Feodras."
* * * *
Pandeena jumped into the Grand Central Hall of Ishladrim palace.
She strode up to the door to the Guild Wing and stared at the little man at the desk that barred her way into it. Queiggy had pecan colored skin and his face was a gaunt web of folds and seams. Queiggy's hair, which hung in half-tangled disarray as if he could never get it combed through properly, was a brown barely two shades darker than his skin. Overall, he looked like a walking stick that had sprouted limbs with the currycomb's catch of discarded horse's hair on top.
"Hello, Queiggy. It's that day."
"So it is. I'll have someone see you up."
He gestured at one of his assistants who were awaiting their next orders seated on a bench to his left hand. Take Pandeena to the Grand Master. Announce her properly, Yusef or I'll take a stick to you."
The young mon, who could not have been more than sixteen, nodded with a serious air. Yes, Master Queiggy."
They traveled up two flights of stairs in the Grand Central Hall, down a northeastern hallway, and then up two more flights at the end before reaching a hallway that was almost entirely windows, some clear gl
ass and others stained glass images of saints and heroes before reaching a final door. Yusef knocked politely and opened it. A huge black mon in pants with a lionskin wrapped around his waist, and a black tunic with the Guild emblem on his shoulder greeted them, leaning on a crutch.
"Master Mohanja, this is Pandeena Moonbow. Lady Pandeena, this is Master Mohanja Raam..."
"Enough, Yusef. Dismissed. Mohanja had a slow, considering manner as he indicated a chair. He exuded a kind of purposeful serenity. Sit. They will be a few minutes yet. The queen was napping. This pregnancy has been leaving her more tired than the previous ones."
"I came to see...."
Mohanja gestured for silence. Ceejorn likes to have Isen with him as much as possible."
Pandeena took a chair in the small circle of seats. At the head sat two chairs with flaring backs like thrones and to either side of those were two chairs that must have been for advisorsMohanja settled into the one on the rightand then two petitioners chairs opposite the throne chairs.
"You hurt your leg...."
"Hah! Now that is a tale. I nearly lost it. But I killed twenty lesser bloods before they pulled me down."
Looking at the huge mon, taller than Lokynen, but not quite as heavily muscled, she could easily believe that. And you lived to tell of it...."
"Because it happened at the doors of the High Temple, and the priests came to my aid."
The side door opened and two people came out. Pandeena knew instantly that the tiny woman who looked pregnant enough to burst like an over ripe melon, had to be Queen Isen Osterbridge. She had large dark eyes with golden flecks in them that caused Pandeena to think of swans for some inexplicable reason. Pandeena shivered under the intense scrutiny of Isen's eyes. There was something uncanny about the young queen. Rumor said that she was just seventeen, yet her eyes seemed to bore into Pandeena's soul.
The Grand Master eased his tall, lanky frame into the throne and got his legs comfortable. Now what is this all about?"
"Majesties, Pandeena rose and bowed to them. I have come seeking a lycan. Brock Redhand is his name. The last that was heard of him was that he left for Creeya as a youngster. He last visited his family in Waejontor's Red Wolf Valley close to ten years ago, and told no one where he had been or what he had done. He told his brother that if he was ever desperately needed, to come and ask the Grand Master about him."
"It sounds like he's Guild, said Isen. Is he very, very tall with busy black hair?"
"I have no idea what he looks like, nor if he's Guild, Pandeena replied. Only that his family has desperate need of him."
"Then you aren't looking to punish a Guildsmon? Ceejorn asked, his brows knitting.
"No. His brother, the chieftain of Red Wolf is dying. I suspect some kind of poison, but I can't prove it. We need Brock to become regent over his brother's grandchildren."
"You Jumped here? asked Isen.
"Yes, your majesty. But it would be better if I did not Jump him there. It would also be best if Brock did not come alone. The Butchering Serpent is in Wolffgard, our capital, and I believe he is murdering Brock's brother, Claw."
Isen's face took on a distant quality and she stared at the wall, as if reading words on it. After a long silence, she shook herself. A very dangerous opponent. I know Brock. He used to bounce me on his knees. I will send a unit of the Netherguard with him."
"And I will dispatch myn to Wolffgard, as well as contributing elite units of the Guild."
"Thank you. Pandeena remembered Claw telling her that if anyone could bring Kynyr the allies he needed, it would be Brock.
"Furthermore, we will fly them to your borders and sneak them across, Ceejorn smiled and winked at his wife. We're good at that, aren't we?"
"Yes, we are."
He patted her belly. It's a girl this time. Our first. I was beginning to think she was giving me only sons."
Isen frowned at him. Will you stop saying that? She blushed and turned to Pandeena. We have two sons. It might be something to crow about if I'd given him eight sons and then a daughter. But noooo, just two sons and...."
Pandeena lowered her head with a small smile. I'm very happy for your majesties. But does this mean you'll help me?"
"Yes, they chorused and then grinned at each other like a pair of happy children.
They chatted for several hours before Pandeena left and by then she felt much more hopeful.
* * * *
Kynyr emerged from his rooms with the intention of finding something to eat. Amos wife, Nainsi, and their three surviving daughters saw to it that there was always something available to eat in the command room, even if it was just cakes and ale.
When he got there, he found Lord Brodrig sitting alone, a pensive edge to his face. At fourteen, Brodrig was little more than a cub. He looked up when Kynyr sat down across from him.
"Fergus refused to let me fight. Brodrig clenched and unclenched his fists, staring at a spot on the table in an unfocused way. He told me he intended to take my Da back a live son rather than a dead one."
"Wise mon."
"I wanted to fight."
"War isn't just about fighting. Kynyr grabbed a plate, filling it with scones, a dollop of butter and strawberry jam. He smeared his scones with butter and jam and took a bite from one, chewing slowly.
"Two more died last night."
That brought the total MacLachlan dead up to twenty-three. Red Wolf had three wounded and no dead. Out of thirty-seven prostitutes, Kynyr had managed to save only nine. The enemy dead and the slain whores were being burned in the town square by the Sharani.
"Fergus?"
"He lingers. Brodrig heaved a sigh. I would appreciate it ... if you'd stay until we can make all of the arrangements to take our dead and wounded home. He stretched his head back. I'm so used to having Fergus telling me what to do..."
"What about Darcy?"
"She gets impatient with me."
Kynyr considered while he finished off two scones and licked his fingers. It took the edge off his hunger and his stomach stopped growling. I'll stay as long as I can."
He washed his fingers off in a basin, and then headed off down the hallway. Kynyr passed Erskine helping Vayle Stewart along. Vayle had his head bandaged and limped. He had taken a long slash across the forehead and a thrust to the meaty part of his thigh.
At least I didn't get any of them killed this time.
Kynyr entered Fergus bedroom. Cahira sat beside the bed, holding Fergus wrist as she Read him.
Fergus skin had gone sallow. His eyes had that wet glitter suggesting fever and pain putting him to his limits. His breathing sounded raspy and harsh. Kynyr."
Cahira finished Reading Fergus and laid a wet cloth across his forehead.
"Lift him up, Kynyr. Cahira held a dosing glass of Pollendine to Fergus lips while Kynyr supported him. Fergus drank the drug, and Kynyr settled him back. Stay here while I fetch Father Gileaus."
"The prayers?"
"Not yet. It's the good Father's turn to sit with him."
"Soon... Fergus eyes followed Cahira as she left the room. Darcy says... He paused, struggling for enough breath to finish the sentence. Finn ... got him."
"Yeah. Finn killed Jondries. I got Heironim."
"Thanks. Fergus coughed hard, bringing green blood-speckled phlegm.
Kynyr wiped Fergus mouth and chin with a cloth laying on the nightstand. He recognized the signs of infection. My wife is carrying our first child. Midwife says it's a boy. Mind if I name him Fergus?"
A smile crossed Fergus lips and Kynyr could tell that he had started to feel the drug. Prince Fergus ... I'm honored."
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
AN OLD WOLF'S LOVE
The first thing that Pandeena noticed when she began arranging her papers at her small desk beside the large slateboard was the many missing children. Over half of her class, comprised of children that lived at Sanctuary, were not there. She questioned her class, but received only shrugs and shaken heads for answers.
"Ailsa, did you find that some of the children were missing?"
Ailsa looked up and straightened, wiping her hands on her apron. So are their mothers. Several of the sheelings and longhouses are empty."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Ailsa appeared taken aback and hesitated before answering. I assumed you knew. You live on the edge of the camp. You must have seen them go."
A chill of fear ran up Pandeena's back and raised her hackles. How could she have missed the departure of fifteen women and twenty children? How could anyone have? Thank you, Ailsa. I'll ask around."
"Do you mean you didn't know?"
"That's exactly what I mean."
She returned to the camp and asked the young wolves who worked there, starting with Shalto who had served as foreman of the camp's maintenance and building crew since before Beth disappeared. Pandeena found Shalto splitting more logs for the barns with his cousin Oswyl.
"How the hell should I know? Shalto responded to her questions in a surly tone that few would have used with a priest.
Pandeena ignored it this time. Shalto frequently spoke to her like this because she had broken his arm last summer following his pushy attempt at seduction. Perhaps I should have you replaced with someone who has a better eye for these matters."
"You can't do that. Clodagh's in charge."
"I can overrule Clodagh by going to Claw."
"Are you threatening me? Shalto bristled and started to go hairy along his arms.
"I am. We know how the last time turned out ... now don't we?"
"I still didn't see them."
Once it became apparent that she would get nothing more out of Shalto, Pandeena began asking around the village itself. As far as she could tell, no one had seen the women and children leave. They had not gone over the bridge and they had not gone down any of the roads. Fleeing through the forest seemed unlikely since none of the mothers had been lycan. The whole matter stank.
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