Sorceress (Book 2)

by Jim Bernheimer

  “I do not trust either of them,” stated the other flyer, a white horned owl, slightly larger than Danella’s hawk. “My soothsayer sees dark times ahead. I caution against allowing these strangers and their claims to sway your judgment.”

  “He is right,” Danella said. “Dark times are coming. I serve Count Ian Darius and he has returned to bring this land under his banner. Everything west of the Clef River is in his hands as we speak. His allies in the South, from the previous war, will strike soon. My liege has no vested interest in the northern kingdoms. Now that Veyli has shown me the heritage of the Yar, we can reclaim those lands and much more, but only if we act now.”

  The cavern fell into an uneasy silence as each monster considered her statement. All eyes turned to the hydra who said, “What do you have in mind?”

  Listening intently, Majherri heard her lay out the case for uniting and going to war on the side of Count Darius. She focused on the rewards they would be offered, but hinted that reprisals would be in order if the Yar refused the count’s generous offer. There was considerable discussion and in the end, each of the tribes possessed a single vote.

  The final tally was eight clans in favor and three against – the owl, the snow cat, and the bear. The Yar would go to war as one.

  Chapter 22- Return to Talcosa

  The sight of Talcosa didn’t evoke the same sense of grandeur in Kayleigh as it had when she first laid eyes on it. Before, she felt as if a new day had dawned and the future was in her grasp.

  With a jaded set of eyes, she observed the massive city. The caravans of trade goods they galloped by continued to flow into the city like ants bringing crumbs of bread into the anthill. But, as she regarded the ornamental walls and the harbor open into the lake, she reassessed the city from a military point of view. Shiftla was more defensible and she saw firsthand how badly that had turned out.

  “It wouldn’t be able to survive a siege,” she said to Captain Lynch. “Perhaps a week, but no longer.”

  “I believe the same thing,” the woman answered. “The population is too large and too dependent on food coming in through the traders. Cut off the supply lines and simply wait for the riots to tear the city apart. The only thing you are discounting is the presence of the High-King and the numerous other sorcerers and sorceresses behind the walls. Why do you think the finest training is offered here?”

  “Control,” Kayleigh said, grasping the water maiden’s meaning. “The same reason the Battle Maidens are trained here as well, except for the fact that the unicorns need the island for mating.”

  “Correct,” Lynch answered. “Just because we are here, don’t let your guard down. Your father may have allies here.”

  “I won’t, ma’am,” Kayleigh replied. There had been another attempted ambush and more killing. The young sorceress did her best not to think about it. After the second attack, Captain Lynch made a detour and went to a Southern Battalion outpost. There she acquired two additional Battle Maidens to escort them the rest of the way, along with some much needed supplies.

  Perhaps the only good thing to come out of this is I’m starting to get along with her, Kayleigh thought.

  All four unicorn riders wore closed faced helms as they entered the city. Any would-be attacker would have to guess which rider was actually Kayleigh. Unlike before, she wasn’t in a procession and the crowd did not part for them willingly. Having lived only in small towns and villages, the presence of so many bodies gnawed at her patience and only served to place her further on edge. She kept her shield raised and a hand on the pommel of Meghan’s sword. Lynch had taken the scimitar that she had inherited from Annabeth to make herself a decoy.

  The Great Market was more active than Kayleigh had ever seen with orders being placed at a frantic pace. She supposed it was the news of war already sparking the increased amount of trade.

  “Relax,” Meghan leaned over and whispered. “The market and the streets are too crowded to conduct an ambush and an escape. If they hit us anywhere, it will be on the way to the docks where they’ll have space to maneuver, which is why we’re going to the barracks for the King’s Battalion first instead of directly to the docks.”

  Kayleigh nodded, and allowed the woman’s words to reassure her. Turning away from the docks, she got her closest look at the High-King’s castle and the glossy white walls protecting it. She’d met him what seemed a long time ago and he’d been intimidating then. That was before Kayleigh knew who she was and that the High-King had long ago issued an edict that she be put to death for the crimes of her parents. She didn’t want to think about that now. It was less frightening when she wasn’t in the shadow of the man’s castle.

  Two hours later, she felt somewhat better because she was boarding the transit barge with a dozen Battle Maidens at her side. Captain Lynch expended a few more of her favors. Maybe it wasn’t necessary, but Kayleigh was grateful just the same when their escort brought her to the familiar looking barge.

  A few of them looked at her oddly and she knew they recognized Rheysurrah. Also, Kayleigh caught some of them discussing rumors that they’d be headed west in a few days.

  “Hold the barge,” a voice cried out as they prepared to depart.

  Kayleigh turned to look, still ready for the attack that hadn’t come yet. Close to the barge was another Battle Maiden and further back was her partner who escorted a riderless unicorn.

  The woman approached the gangway and said, “Please raise the black flag, we’re bringing Iarisha of the Northern Battalion home for the final time.”

  Every maiden removed their helms as the haggard and worn female unicorn arrived on the barge. As the barge pulled away, Kayleigh started toward the female, but was stopped by Lynch’s hand on her wrist.

  “Wait until we’re on the island, Reese,” she said and gestured with her eyes to the sorcerer guiding the enchanted boat across the lake. From what little Kayleigh knew, the task of being the barge captain usually fell to apprentices of the magic schools, except for the occasions where the High-King or some other dignitary provided the transportation.

  In a year, that could be me, she thought. Assuming the Goddess or one of her daughters listened to my birthday wish and I’m still alive then.

  Kayleigh nodded and walked to the railing, staring at the island and the collection of buildings. Her friends in the first year, her instructors from both years, and probably everyone else knew she had run away.

  When I left, all I could think of is how could Majherri and I get by out in the world by ourselves. Now, I’m returning and all I can think of is what I have to do in order to survive.

  “Does Kurga believe what Iarisha is saying,” one of the northern maidens said.

  “The scouts found the village sacked and burnt to the ground. It seems more likely that the Yar attacked than some fanciful tale about a black unicorn. Maybe the poor girl is already too far gone?”

  “What did you just say?” Kayleigh demanded.

  “It’s none of your concern, trainee,” the first one said, dismissing her.

  “If you’re talking about a black unicorn, it is my business, rider.” Kayleigh turned and waved to Captain Lynch. The two Battle Maidens looked confused, but straightened as Meghan approached.

  “They were talking about a black unicorn and a village destroyed in the north.”

  “You two will debrief me when we get to The Academy. I’ll want to know everything about the situation up there. Reese, go with the unicorn to the stables and see what she can tell you.”

  “Yes ma’am,” Kayleigh said.

  Minutes later, she was leading Iarisha up the slope alongside one of the stablemasters. Rheysurrah followed in her wake. When they got the female situated in a stall, the man turned to her and said, “You can get on back to your class, young lady.”

  “My orders from Captain Lynch are to work with Iarisha. I’ll handle it from here, sir.”

  The stablemaster shrugged and walked away muttering something about girls who take or
ders too seriously.

  Kayleigh waited until he was gone before looking at Iarisha and saying, “My name is Kayleigh Reese and I’m a sorceress. You met Majherri. I used to be his rider until he was stolen from me, by Danella Lynch. I’ve stopped the wasting so far in two unicorns. If you want, I can try to make you number three, but first I need to know what is going on in the north.”

  The young sorceress was exhausted both physically and emotionally as she left the stables. Rheysurrah had stayed behind to watch over the female. Iarisha’s magic was in a bad state and Kayleigh had done what she could to keep it from getting any worse. Her conversations through the images the dying unicorn shared painted a very disturbing picture. Majherri had saved her and warned her against something Iarisha considered horrible beyond imagination. His horn was also missing for some strange reason, but when Kayleigh saw his flaming hooves kick through the side of the barn wall, there was no doubt who it was.

  Either way, she needed to find Captain Lynch and let her know. The plan they’d been operating under was to wait for the rest to catch up with them before leaving for the north to find Kayleigh’s mother. Danella’s presence gave cause for great concern.

  “Kayleigh? By the Goddess is that you?”

  She’d been staring at the ground as she walked toward the main building and hadn’t noticed the approaching squad of trainees. It was a group of first years, her former classmates. Most of them ran up to her and stopped short, as if unsure of why she was here again.

  Part of Kayleigh wondered that as well.

  The voice belonged to Andrea Hawthorne, the cousin she never knew she’d had. Kayleigh stepped forward and embraced the surprised girl.

  “Hello, Andrea. It’s good to see you. I saw your mother in my recent travels and she sends her best.”

  “What?” Andrea stammered.

  Ellen Jacobs was there as well. “They said something happened with the Portal and you and a whole squad of third years went missing.”

  “I thought you ran away and were never coming back,” came the blunt observation of Rebekah Morganstern.

  She looked at her onetime nemesis and wished she could go back to the days when that smallish brunette was the most stressful thing in her life. “I thought so too, but there’s a…actually, I don’t know how much I’m allowed to tell you.”

  “Tell us about what?” several demanded at the same time.

  “I’m sorry,” Kayleigh said and spread her open palms to them. “I’m not trying to be rude. You’ll have to take it up with Captain Lynch.”

  “She’s off the island, Kayleigh,” Andrea replied. “She left abruptly eight days ago and we weren’t told where she is.”

  “The captain came back with me,” Kayleigh said. “We’ve been riding from Salif.”

  “Really?” Rebekah said, oozing sarcasm. “I find it hard to believe you were riding with our captain. I bet you two got along famously.”

  “We managed, trainee Morganstern. Thank you for your concern,” Captain Lynch said coming up behind them, accompanied by Captain Heather Sycroft. The first years scrambled to come to attention, beating the weary Kayleigh, who may or may not have been fighting off the urge to grin. She saluted both captains and felt the urge to wither under the gaze of Captain Sycroft.

  “Trainees,” Lynch said with a tone that gave Kayleigh a flashback to her time as Lead Rider. “You’re dismissed. As you’ve observed, I’ve been away from the island for some time and haven’t given any demerits. If I were you I wouldn’t want to be the first person to get me started. Reese, you stay.”

  The first year riders scrambled to leave. Both Ellen and Andrea shot Kayleigh looks that said for her to come find them later. Kayleigh decided to try. Ellen had always been a friend, even in the worst of times here at The Academy and Andrea had grown considerably closer after their disastrous challenge ceremony.

  “How is the unicorn?” Lynch asked.

  “She’s stable for now. I’ve done what I can, but Iarisha’s in a bad way. If there’s something to be done, I may need to do it soon.”

  “Captain Sycroft is sending messengers into Talcosa tomorrow to look for former riders who live in the city. What else did you learn?”

  “It’s Majherri alright. He’s in the north with Danella on the orders of Count Darius.”

  Captain Sycroft sucked in her breath when she heard Kayleigh mention the name. “He’s alive? He can’t be!”

  “Unfortunately for everyone, Captain Sycroft, Reese is telling the truth. However, Reese, that does not need to become public knowledge at this time. We need to keep that unicorn alive until Lady Tomas arrives. She’ll be able to directly speak with her. She was supposed to speak with Garrett’s unicorn before we had to leave Salif.”

  “I’ll stay with her through the night,” Kayleigh said.

  “I’m certain you would, Reese. Instead, others can watch over Iarisha. They can come and get you if she takes a turn for the worse. You won’t be any good to her if you don’t take care of yourself first. We’ve just completed a hard ride from Salif and fought our way through two ambushes. You need some downtime, so take it.”

  “Captain Lynch is correct,” Heather Sycroft added. “I’m putting you up in our guest quarters for the evening. Fresh clothing and your food will be brought to you. Otherwise, your classmates from both the first and third years would pester you until you have repeated your story a dozen times. That said, trainee, I’m still your commanding officer, and I’d like to come by after you’ve cleaned up and receive your full report.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Kayleigh said, frowning for a moment at being called a trainee. Captain Sycroft was somewhat colder to her than she recalled. Then again, several of the captain’s trainees were still missing and one of her instructors was in enemy hands. Kayleigh had also essentially run away from The Academy.

  “Dismissed. Go to the guest wing and ask for Charlotte. She’s waiting for you.”

  The next day, Kayleigh was back in the second year stables tending to Iarisha. Her talk with Captain Sycroft had been uncomfortable to start with, but slightly better as her debriefing went on. The woman was simply stunned to learn of who Kayleigh’s parents were.

  The unicorn’s health continued to worry Kayleigh. A series of ugly purple bruises appeared on her left side. Rheysurrah and the other unicorn standing watch over Iarisha also looked concerned.

  “Reese!” Lynch said, walking into the stable area. The woman’s tone wasn’t pleasant either. “I need to speak with you.”

  Kayleigh grimaced, wondering what she did wrong. “Ma’am?”

  The brown-haired water maiden approached. “You told Captain Sycroft who your father and mother were last night.”

  “Yes.”

  “Tell no one else, even under orders.”

  “Why?”

  “I had to talk Captain Sycroft out of sending a messenger to the castle last night when she came to me to confirm your report. The only people who need to have that knowledge are those who you trust with your life.”

  “Why would she do that?”

  “Simple,” Lynch answered. “She lost most of her family in the last war to your father’s forces and was willing to inform the High-King of your presence on the island. She placed her duty to the High-King above your personal welfare. I was forced to invoke the general’s orders to prevent her from doing so. Should you be questioned again, I order you, on General Jyslin’s authority to not reveal the secret of your parents to anyone you do not completely trust. Are you perfectly clear on this?”

  Kayleigh was still reeling from Captain Sycroft’s actions and stammered, “She’s my commanding officer. I didn’t think…”

  Meghan Lynch’s face hardened and for a moment and Kayleigh feared what she would say. Instead, the woman paused before answering, “Too many people already know. You were just doing as ordered. It hadn’t occurred to me to warn you of the possible complications. Now, we both know better. Let’s move on to the unicorn. How is she doing
today?”

  “Not good. More bruises developed overnight. Is there any word on the former riders in the city?”

  “The messengers were sent this morning. We won’t know for several hours. Captain Sycroft spoke with the third years and let them know that their missing comrades are on their way back. I spoke with my charges and though I’d prefer they left you alone, I’m going to allow those who’ve asked an opportunity to visit with you after they’ve completed their morning exercises on the Trail of Pain. Lieutenant Sheppard will monitor that conversation and has requested permission to speak with you in private.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. I’ll speak with Rheysurrah and ask him to come and get me if Iarisha’s condition gets worse. How much should I tell the lieutenant?”

  “It goes back to my earlier statement. Do you trust her with your life?”

  Kayleigh considered the woman who’d acted as a buffer between Meghan and her during Kayleigh’s time as Lead Rider. “Yes, ma’am, I do.”

  “Then carry on, Reese. I believe you know the way.”

  On the path to the obstacle course, she watched the tiny figures scurrying over the ropes, climbing ladders, and sprinting from station to station. It was familiar and something she’d been rather good at until she’d been moved to the more complicated third year course and forced to compete against girls with far more experience. Even that seemed so simple now.

  Moving back and forth in the saddle of her unicorn was the stocky brunette she’d come to respect. The earth maiden shouted stinging critiques of the trainees.

  “How many times have I told you about proper stretching and hydration, Trainee Michaels? At some point I might get through to you!”

  Smiling at the memories this tirade evoked, she jogged closer. Pasha, Lieutenant Sheppard’s unicorn, noticed her first and turned her rider to face Kayleigh.

  “Good morning, Recruit Reese. Back to stay?”

  “No, ma’am,” she replied. “I don’t think so.”

  “Really? Where will you and Majherri go?”