The Myatheira Chronicles: The Vor'shai: From the Ashes (Volume 1)

by Melissa Collins

  Leyna inhaled a sharp breath at the idea of leaving Feolan behind. He was her support on the battle field. If anything were to happen in Siscal, it would place a significant burden upon her shoulders. Any men they took with them would be under her direct supervision. She was still in an observational phase of her position as lieutenant. They had not yet approved for her to order a full unit on her own. She wasn’t sure she was prepared for such a responsibility. “What about Commander Laoter? Could he not take watch over them, given the circumstances with the Prince?”

  “Feolan is the higher ranking officer. Protocol demands that he be the one given the charge. And as Commander Laoter is not Vor’shai, the next in line falls upon you.” Thade’s eyes gazed back at her evenly, adding a strange discomfort to her already thinning nerves at the thought of what he was saying.

  The Prince would be under her care. A child. The fate of the royal heir in the hands of a girl who wasn’t even old enough to look upon him in public society. But no one knew. And they couldn’t. She would have to find a way to perform the task without second-guessing her abilities. They wouldn’t ask her if they didn’t believe in her.

  Slowly she rose from the stool, masking her racing heart with a solemn expression on her face. It was worse than she’d imagined. It was more than commanding an entire unit by herself, but guarding the second most important person to her people. She could do it. She had to tell herself that. In the end, she only hoped she could be convinced. “So you wish for me to stand guard at the Prince’s side – and you worry he will take notice that I am female and become distracted?”

  “Oh, we’re not just worried. We know this for a fact,” Feolan sighed, placing the parchment back down on the table lightly. “Not only would he notice, he is very attentive, despite what some may say about him. He will question your age the same way that we do. Now, we know you are within your appropriate rights to serve, but he might challenge that.”

  Leyna shifted uncomfortably at Feolan’s words, her eyes darting over to Thade reflexively to see the look on his face. She didn’t know how much Feolan was aware of, but given his statement, she could only assume he was oblivious to the truth. Had Thade lied to him about her? Or had he simply misled him by not disclosing his own concerns. Catching her frantic gaze, Thade met her eyes, keeping them locked with his own while lowering his head forward.

  Even he was concerned about the Prince questioning it. It was one thing to dance around the truth with the other officers, but he couldn’t avoid a direct confrontation with someone like that. He would be forced to answer truthfully – to a question he didn’t know the answer to himself. If she was lucky, it might work to her favor… unless he was to then come to her for the truth. Maybe she could distract him with the fact that she was a woman…

  Pressing her lips together tightly, she tried to contain the nervous laughter boiling up inside her at the thought. Her seducing the Prince. It was so ludicrous that she could barely maintain her composure. She could feel the curious stares of both men, watching her strange display. Finally realizing she was doing a poor job at concealing her amusement, she covered her mouth with her hand, tilting her head away from them and to the ground.

  They remained in silence until Leyna managed to repress her childish humor. She cleared her throat in embarrassment, straightening her shoulders proudly. “If I speak little and remain within full armor and uniform, it would prevent him from seeing my face. It is the only thing I can suggest outside of merely trusting me to behave maturely enough to avoid his suspicion of my age to such an extent.”

  “That there is the conundrum,” Thade laughed pathetically. “I know that you are perfectly capable of conducting yourself in a mature and proper manner. In doing so, however, that may lead to the concern we have about him taking a different interest in you.”

  Leyna wrinkled up her nose irritably. It was like they were describing the Prince to be a more powerful version of Teagan. She had handled him for years. She couldn’t imagine Enaes being much more difficult to dismiss. “I will keep my helmet on at all times and as you are my superior officer, I will be sure to remain in your sight so that he has no opportunity to whisk me away. Not that I think you really have anything to worry about.”

  “All that aside, we need you to understand the danger this task could involve,” Feolan frowned. She could hear the concern in his voice. He was worried about her. Like a father sending his daughter out for the first time. “The Prince is fully aware of the threats that might face him in traveling outside of Tanispa. His only quality which might save him is the fact that so many people find him to be superficial and easily distracted. For all we know, the Ven’shal are biding their time for him to take over the throne so they can more easily overthrow it. But we cannot assume. Assassination attempts are always to be prepared for.”

  She heaved a sigh of frustration, growing tired of the lectures. Their concern was appreciated but at the same time she wished everyone would just let go of the fact that she was young. And female. Neither of those things should play any role in how they felt she would perform her duties. “Look. I understand your concerns, I really do. But you should know that I did not join the military under the false expectations that it would be a safe and cozy means of spending my life. Everything we do is dangerous, and I am prepared at any moment to die for the cause we fight for. I will do everything within my power to protect the Prince, as is what you are requesting of me, and that should be where the concerns end.”

  “Very well,” Thade nodded, rapping the surface of the table with his knuckles. “If it is decided, Lieutenant, I suggest you start to gather your things. We will be leaving before the sun has a chance to sink much lower in the horizon.”

  Snapping to attention, Leyna gave a crisp salute, turning away from them both sharply. She dreaded the thought of the long journey back to Siscal, but there was more purpose to their trip than she’d felt before. For the first time, she was being acknowledged as an important member of the Vor’shai. Her eyes stung with unshed tears at the thought of how proud her mother would have been to see her now. Then again, if her mother was still around, she wouldn’t be standing where she was.

  Another conundrum, she thought. It was funny the way life worked. Doors opening that wouldn’t have been available if not for a great tragedy. She had to wonder if the cost was truly worth it. In the end, it was too soon to know. Everything was dependent upon how she performed her duties in protecting the Prince. Perhaps then she would know if she was making the progress that she’d hoped for.

  Chapter Five

  Leyna was grateful for the warmer breeze of southern Siscal. Snow had begun to fall on their journey back, slowing their progress due to lack of visibility. They hadn’t been expecting inclement weather for another few weeks. She hated the thought of leaving Feolan behind in the freezing temperatures, knowing she and Thade would be back in the comfort of the city. Although the south still experienced snow, the extent was never the same as the northern mountains, the temperature aided by the close proximity of the desert to the southwest.

  They feared initially that they would miss Prince Enaes, hoping to meet with him and his associates at the border road of Tanispa and Siscal. Once they cleared the snow, they picked up their pace, pushing the horses to make up the lost time. General Matias parted ways with them at the city, leaving Thade and Leyna with a small unit to continue on toward Tanispa. It was best Enaes be greeted by his own kin.

  Now there was little to do but wait. The unit was restless, anxious to get back on the road to the city. It was only on rare occasions they were able to return to the busy streets of Siscal. Their time there was much more pleasant in the comfort of their own homes or local inns than the cold, harsh arrangements of the camp.

  “It is too bad Feolan could not have joined us,” she said quietly, glancing over her shoulder at the soldiers lost in their own conversations. Since their discussion while in Velorum, Leyna had been trying to think of a way to bring up the
questions it had raised in her mind about Thade. The casual privacy granted them while seated upon their horses in wait felt an opportune time to approach it.

  “He wanted to come. I felt bad denying him the occasion of seeing our Prince. Even to those who may not agree with his ways, it is still an honor to be in his presence.”

  “I am sure he will be ecstatic that he is able to head the military there, though. I cannot imagine what it must be like for him, knowing that his superior officer is younger than he is.” She stared off down the road ahead of them, trying to appear nonchalant with her remark. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see him watching her, looking her over curiously.

  He didn’t respond right away. Leyna was nervous at first; afraid she’d struck a nerve with him that would cause him to be upset with her. Avoiding his eye, she continued to watch the road for any sign of the Prince’s approach.

  “What would make you believe he is older than I am?”

  She smiled to herself, pleased that he’d taken the bait she laid out for him. “Oh, I have assumed that to be the case for some time. You really don’t look to be that old.”

  “A bit bold on your part to question my age when you refuse to tell anyone your own,” he mused, turning his head to follow her gaze off into the distance. “I think I should leave you to guess.”

  “You act like you are ashamed of your age,” she chuckled. He was playing hard to get with his answer. Given his cleverness, she was beginning to doubt he would give her anything to go by to gather even an approximate number.

  Thade laughed quietly, a slight smirk passing over his lips as he slowly turned his eyes back to her. “You amuse me, Leyna. I think you intend to trick me into saying something to imply whether or not your assumptions are correct, but I hope you do not have your heart set on it. I will make a deal with you that I will tell my age when you tell yours.”

  Cursing under her breath, she avoided his eyes. He appeared to be enjoying his victory over her, the smile on his face growing larger with every moment of silence that passed between them. Accepting her quiet defeat, she lifted her helmet up to her head, aware of the sound of approaching horses in the distance. “I think our Prince has arrived.”

  “I think you’re right,” he agreed. “Keep your helmet securely on and try to avoid speaking if at all possible. If all goes well, there will be plenty of opportunities to introduce you to him under better circumstances another time.”

  She pursed her lips together tightly at Thade before closing the bottom cover of her helmet, shielding her face from view aside from her eyes. The sound of his soft laughter reached her ears briefly until it was drowned out by the horses. Directing her attention forward, she called out a sharp command to the unit behind them, listening to the movement of scrambling armor creaking into place as the men hurried into formation.

  A single white horse led the pack coming toward them, standing out amongst the dull browns and grays of the rest. From under the saddle was draped a long colorful fabric bearing the crest of the royal family, the intricate details visible in the vibrant threads of embroidery. The man atop the horse was equally as colorful in dress. His clothes were of the finest silks, shimmering in soft hues of gold under the sunlight. A heavy cape attached at both shoulders, hanging down his back in a regal fashion. His posture was stiff and proud, eyes staring straight ahead with a solemn expression until he caught sight of Thade.

  “There he is!” the man exclaimed, holding up his right hand in greeting. “I thought you might think yourself too important to greet me personally, what with your minions scattered about the mountains.”

  “No one is more important than you, aside from your mother. I would never trust anyone else to your safety. Well –” Thade started. His voice trailed off thoughtfully, his arm lifting to motion toward Leyna with his hand. “Except for my lieutenant here, who will be charged with your protection while you are in Siscal. Your Highness, this is Lieutenant Evantine. Lieutenant – this is Prince Enaes.”

  Enaes looked her over with a scrutinizing gaze. Never once did his posture shift from its perfect poise, his eyes inquisitive. “Evantine? I was not aware that the family had anyone outside of Tanispa. Iden keeps such a tight grip over everyone.”

  Afraid to respond, Leyna nodded her head in greeting, surprised by Enaes’s familiarity with her family name. There were so many questions she wanted to ask him, but she knew it would be unwise to start speaking. Now was not the time to inquire about details of her past.

  “Possibly a more distant relation,” Thade replied absently, directing Enaes’s attention back toward him. “It would be impossible to assume that Iden knows every single branch of the family line.”

  “I will have to ask him next time I am at court.” With a single flick of his wrist, Enaes dismissed the men around him. They gave no hesitation to his request. In a clatter of hooves, they turned back on the road, heading in the direction they had come. Situating himself between Thade and Leyna, he began a casual pace forward, allowing them to move partially ahead of him to lead the way. “I should inquire about his daughter anyway. I have not seen her in years. She was always such a pretty little thing.”

  Thade was silent for a moment, seemingly unsure of how to respond. “His daughter’s name escapes me. I cannot recall her face.”

  “Ah, what was it?” Enaes pondered. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, his bright silver eyes sparkling as the thought came to him. “Sarayi? I lose track of women.”

  At the sound of the name, Leyna felt her heart skip a beat in her chest. Sarayi. She hadn’t heard the name spoken since the night her mother was murdered. To Leyna, the name had died alongside her. Inhaling sharply, she nearly choked on her own saliva, throwing herself into a fit of coughing to clear her throat.

  “Lieutenant? Are you alright?”

  A question. She didn’t dare respond. Not while Enaes was already questioning about her family. If he knew her mother, there was a chance he might recognize her own name – and that would immediately give her away. No, she couldn’t say anything. It was best Enaes not press any further about her family.

  Waving her hand distractedly, she hoped Thade would accept that as a sign that she was fine. With a final cough, she cleared her throat of the last of the saliva, her breathing returning to normal once again.

  “Your lieutenant is strangely silent. Are your men always like this?”

  “Speak when spoken to,” Thade nodded, his eyes lingering on Leyna with concern. “I like to travel in peace and quiet.”

  The conversation continued around her, but she was oblivious to everything being said. All she could think about was her mother. Iden. Her grandfather? Had he told no one of what happened to his daughter? She barely remembered herself what had led to their departure for Mialan. Something involving her father. No. Not her father. Another man. The sound of shouting echoed in her head at the memory. A man and woman yelling at one another. Her mother had been desperate for something. But for what?

  “Damir, stop it!” Her mother’s cries were frantic. Her father was in the bedroom with her, the sound of crashing furniture catching Leyna’s ears from the hallway. Something bad had happened. Her father looked so angry when he came home. She had tried to run up to him, her arms out for a hug, but he pushed her away, knocking her down to the floor. She’d been too afraid to go after him. He was always violent when he was angry, and even she knew it was best to stay out of his way when he reached that point.

  Slowly, she made her way down the hallway, worried about her mother. Her shouting was filled with fear that Leyna had never heard from her before. As she reached the end of the hall, her mother’s figure stumbled out of the bedroom, slamming into the wall under the force of Damir’s hands. “You whore! Did you not think I would find out?”

  “I can explain. It is not what you might think,” her mother cried, flinching at the closeness of Damir’s fist against the wall near her head. “I was never unfaithful to you…”

  “You
had a child with another man. No, of course you weren’t unfaithful!”

  Leyna whimpered pathetically at the sight of her mother cowering at Damir’s hands. She had never seen her father strike her mother before. It was frightening to think that he might. His rage was growing with every word he spoke, his eyes flaring brightly as he tried to control himself.

  Hearing Leyna’s voice, her father turned to face her, releasing his hold on the wall around her mother. The flash in his eyes sent chills down her spine, his gaze locked on hers with a menacing glare. He slowly moved toward her, his arms outstretched to grab at her shoulders.

  “Damir, stop! Leave her alone!”

  Her mother was shouting again. The words made little sense in her mind as her father gripped her arms tightly, his fingers digging into the skin of her slender limbs. Shaking her roughly, her neck snapped from front to back, tiny speckles of white shooting through Leyna’s vision. “I am within my rights to kill her! I should have her head on a pike in my yard!”

  An eerie shadow of black began to build up around his hands, his eyes dimming. As the inky darkness reached his hands, it started to wash over Leyna’s arms, tingling uncomfortably along the skin where it touched. A flash of white light erupted from behind him. The force caused him to stumble forward, losing his grip on Leyna’s arms, sending her toppling to the floor. In fear of what he might do if he got a hold of her again, she ran down the hallway, snatching her doll up from the living room floor and clutching it close to her chest by the door.