Davaris slid down across from her. “Where does this uncertainty come from? You have not spoken in such a manner in the time that I have known you.”
“You have not known me for very long,” Ishar stated abruptly.
A woman brought two cups and set them down on the table. Davaris gave a nod of thanks and slid several coins toward her, then slid one of the cups toward Ishar. “Do not worry. This is not fermented. I like to keep a clear head during the day.” Davaris rested his back against a wall the bench was bumped up to. “Now back to this uncertainty. Do you not like it here among us?”
Ishar steadied her words. “That has nothing to do—”
“Of course it does. Your father is a man of wisdom. It makes sense to keep you here. Unless there is a reason you seek to be rid of us?” His gaze was thoughtful. “Has one of us offended you in some manner? Ber, perhaps?”
Ishar blinked. “Ber? No, he has been very,” she paused with a smile, “encouraging of late.”
“Encouraging,” Davaris said with a chuckle. “Is that what that was? I saw him instructing you in the use of the pwuta blades the other day. Encouraging is a very polite word to use.”
“At least he did not attempt to use the pwuta blades on me,” she commented with a smile. “I consider anything beyond that to be an improvement.” Her smile faded. “But no, I have not been offended by any person of late.” Ishar sighed. “Life at times can just be very confusing.” She held up her hand even as Davaris began to open his mouth. “And no, I do not want to discuss the subject. It is nothing.” Ishar held up her glass. “Let us just drink to strong ties and a unified Alsaar.”
“I will drink to that,” Davaris smiled.
Both leaned back and let the cool liquid run down their throats as they drained their cups. Ishar was just about to raise her hand for refills when a soldier shouted out from the top wall.
She frowned. “What was that?”
Davaris rose. “Someone is coming they do not recognize.”
Ishar stood also. “It appears I will owe you refreshment, Davaris.”
“I will hold you to it,” he said quietly. They walked out toward the gate.
A soldier leaned overhead. “The rider is dressed in Haaldyn clothing.”
Her interest piqued, Ishar followed Davaris toward the gate where a group of soldiers waited. She peered in the direction of a lone rider closing the distance rapidly. Recognition flared. She glanced to the warrior standing next to her. “Davaris, I know this man,” Ishar said. “He is a friend. Let him pass. He may bring word from my father.”
“It is too early for the note sent to have reached your main holding and a rider returned to us with a message,” Davaris said. “Still, if he is someone you recognize as a friend.” He motioned to the soldiers. “Let him pass.”
As the rider reached them and drew up, Ishar made her way to him.
Fenric glanced down from atop a brown gelding still heavy with a winter layer of hair. Fenric patted the gelding’s neck. “Greetings, Ishar. I am glad to see you in good health.”
She nodded. “What brings you south, Fenric?” She asked in surprise.
He laughed. “I learned on my trip to Ayden what I feared: you made this trip without your warband and told your father not to send any other soldiers in your attendance.” Fenric shook his head as if he did not understand her. “You should know that men and women of your warband pace in Ayden like shackled wolves who long to be set free.”
“They will get their chance soon enough,” Ishar said with a smile. “But you still have not told me what brings you this way.”
He shrugged. “Well, perhaps it is because I happened to mention that you had not told me I could not come south, and since I am no longer a soldier in your family’s retinue it would not be as if I was being ordered by your father to go.”
“So you came,” Ishar finished, a brow raised in curiosity. “But for what reason?”
Fenric glowered. “For what reason? Your father had a concern for your safety. You had not sent a message back detailing the events of your arrival or how you were received. What was your father to think?”
“I know exactly how he is thinking at this moment,” she laughed. “He is readying his entourage and my warband to head in this direction.” At her words, Fenric’s eyes widened. She continued with another chuckle. “No, not for war. A message was sent days ago. My father should have received it by now. Varyk wants a meeting and the Lute leader, Wyn, will be in attendance. It has been agreed that only a united Alsaar will defeat the Tourna.”
Fenric sighed. “Well, at least I can see with my own two eyes that you are well.”
“As you can see,” She replied simply. Ishar suddenly remembered she was not alone. She turned and gestured toward Davaris, who came forward. “Fenric, may I present one of Varyk’s men, Davaris.” Ishar glanced back at Raanan warrior. “Davaris, this is Fenric. He taught me my first lessons in swordsmanship. He is now a retired warrior who instructs young children back in his village,” She glanced back warmly, “But he is still a very valued and respected friend.”
Fenric nodded respectively toward Davaris.
Davaris smiled. “Any friend of Ishar’s is welcome into the holding.”
“Even a Haaldyn?” was Fenric’s doubtful reply.
Davaris nodded. “Ishar has taught us a Haaldyn is as commendable as friends as they were opponents. I speak for myself, though I am sure that others share my views when I say that I look forward to many more friendships developed among your people.”
Fenric dismounted and glanced at Ishar. “You have done your father proud,” he said evenly as he walked around the front of the brown gelding with his reins in his hands. “I had no clue you yielded such skills as an emissary.”
Ishar felt a blush creeping up her neck at the words of praise. They felt strange coming from Fenric who had always been a stern taskmaster. “Come,” she motioned with her arm, “I am certain Varyk will offer the hospitality of the holding.”
He nodded and followed her and Davaris into the holding.
*
Later that evening, Ishar made her way tiredly up the stairs and down the hall. The sight of Isla closing her door gave her pause. “Isla?”
The Britai woman turned. She was wrapped in a cloak of heavy linen. As she watched, Isla pulled the cloth tighter at her throat with her right hand. She cast a look of disdain in Ishar’s direction. “Yes?”
“Is there something from my room that you require?” Ishar asked politely. She kept her voice calm and low. After the enjoyment of the day she wanted no trouble tonight.
“Audris asked me to lay some clothing within your room,” Isla stated caustically. She sneered. “Do not worry, Haaldyn. Your belongings are safe. Nothing that you have is of interest to me.”
Ishar tightened her jaw. She forced a smile. “Thank you, Isla. I appreciate your willingness to serve your lady with such, graciousness, in that you would lower your standards and serve a Haaldyn.” She narrowed her gaze as she looked over the cloak. “It seems a tad warm for the extra warmth.”
Isla shrugged. “Audris caught me just as I was leaving for the village. I normally leave by now but they needed my help with the serving. Not that that is any of your business.” She stepped forward. “Step aside. I need not answer any questions you pose, Haaldyn.”
Ishar stepped aside. “By all means, Isla, leave. I would not wish to detain you any longer. Be safe in your leaving.” She said this last statement sweetly, though a part of her wanted to slap the scorn from the other woman’s face. Isla moved by and made her way down the hall toward the stairs. Ishar did not turn her head but a moment later she heard the woman’s movement down the stone steps.
She frowned and shook her head in disgust but instead of entering her room, Ishar turned and walked to Eira’s door. She gave a slight rap of her knuckle.
“Come in,” Eira’s voice answered.
Ishar pressed down on the latch and the door gave a click as
it opened. Her hand pushed on it and she walked within the room. Eira sat by the fire working with a needle on a piece of blue-colored fabric. Ishar gave the door a slight push to close it and moved toward the fire.
Eira glanced up. “Where have you been?”
“Well, since Fenric declined Varyk’s offer to stay inside the fortress and said he would sleep in the barracks with the other soldiers, I felt the least that I could do was to go to the gathering place where the soldiers were relaxing and introduce him to those I know.” Ishar sat on a stool and yawned. “Besides, I owed Davaris a drink.”
Ishar stretched her tight neck muscles. It had been difficult to see Traevyn there, because now she knew why Traevyn managed to stir her up emotionally and it alarmed her. So the entire evening had been spent staying close to Fenric or Davaris. She gave Traevyn no leeway to lead her aside. He had finally moved away stiffly and settled himself at the bar. It was the last sight she had seen of him when she departed only a short time earlier for the fortress. The night had been late. Fenric had been in the process of heading to the barracks with several newfound friends.
Eira eyed her with interest. “Why are you grinning?”
Ishar shrugged. “It was good to see a Haaldyn mix so easily with the Britai soldiers. Even Varyk’s men treated Fenric with respect. I am pleased, that is all.”
“I am glad to hear it,” Eira said softly with a slow nod. She bent over and studied the fabric. “This peace will be good for all of us. I am glad the threat of the Tourna has brought about something that should have happened years ago.”
Ishar rose. “I cannot stay long. I just wanted to thank you for making Fenric feel welcome.”
Eira gave her a look of gladness. “It was my pleasure. I look forward to seeing more of a Haaldyn presence here.” Ishar turned to go. Eira stopped her with her next words. “Are you going riding tomorrow?”
Ishar looked back and shook her head. “No. I promised Varyk I would watch the Raanans instructing the Britai.” She pursed her lips. “However, the day after I thought I might ride northward toward the Daiwen for some hunting. I am still taking my morning rides but I have decided to keep them early in the day.”
Eira nodded. “I, too, am looking to ride soon. Varyk’s time is so easily spent each day. Perhaps I will make time to ride that day as well and we will meet.”
Ishar nodded. “The last time I went with Traevyn and the others, we came to this hollow bordered by rocks on either side, not too far from the river.”
Eira laid down her needle. “I know the place. It is a good hunting spot.” Her smile brightened. “If we do not get a chance to speak of the ride again, look for me a little before midday. If I can make it, I will be there at that time.”
“I will leave later in the morning then and let Simi have her run. Bring your bow. It would be nice to allow time for hunting.”
“I agree,” Eira nodded in agreement.
“Then on that note, I bid you good night,” Ishar said with another yawn, “I think I should seek my bed before I simply close my eyes and fall right where I am.”
“Good night, Ishar,” Eira laughed.
Ishar made her way back to the door and opened it.
Audris stood before the entrance, a tray in her hands. “Lady Ishar, how are you this evening? I have brought my lady a drink for a good night’s rest. Is anything you require?”
Ishar stepped through and to the side. “I am well, Audris. See to your mistress. I am fine for this evening. All I need now is a bed and some rest and both I can acquire on my own.” Ishar made her way down to her own door and slipped inside.
The only light was the fire burning away in the hearth. Ishar made her way to the bedside and picked up a candle. A stick by the fire would light it. Even as she touched the candle, she felt a presence and jerked around, scanning the darkness.
“Did you think I would simper away like a child?” Traevyn asked sardonically.
With the flickering light she could just make out his presence next to the window where he leaned back against the wall.
He moved away and came toward her. “Well?”
Ishar made her way to the fire with the unlit candle. “I could say I do not know what you are talking about,” she said casually.
“But you will not,” he answered tightly.
Ishar set the candle down on stone unlit. She turned and faced him as he came into the flickering light. “Traevyn, I was trying to be nice this evening.”
“Hiding in plain sight is nice?” he asked cryptically.
She rubbed her forehead. “I knew you would bring up this afternoon, and for some reason, you simply refuse to see my side.”
“Which would be what? Denial?”
Ishar sighed. Frustrated, she stepped closer, “Fine. You want the truth? This is it: I am aware of you, Traevyn, as more than just a warrior. Does that make you feel better about this situation? Because I do not see how it can.”
Traevyn ran his hands roughly through his long hair. “Because you do not wish to pursue it,” he argued with raised hands.
“I cannot pursue it,” she said in exasperation. “It goes against everything my people believe in, in everything I have been taught since childhood.”
“If you feel something for someone, you should not have to deny those feelings,” he ground out through clenched teeth.
“And you call me a child?” she chided. Ishar shook her head at his words. “You do not know what you are asking. I have had time to think of this. If we pursue this feeling, then what we have will become something more than the friendship I now value. I realize that now. And when these feelings grow, how do you think it will be for me to be around you and not be able to be with you? That is the future you are encouraging for me, one of constant torment.”
“I also have had time to reflect. We can be together,” he stated calmly. “Stay at Taryn. Pledge yourself to me. We will be careful.”
Ishar jerked back as if slapped. “I cannot so quickly set aside the rules that have bound me my whole life. They were put in place for a reason.” Ishar gentled her voice as she tried to make him understand. “It was decided early on that a woman of my people would have the right to fight, to lead a warband, to serve her people in the defense of her country. But the thought came: what if after all that training, when she was most desperately needed in the fight, she was found to be with child and could not go? Or she had the obligation of a husband and children already born?
Haaldyns are born with a sense of duty to children and family that is different from yours. We would have no others raise what is our blood, the continuing of our line and our traditions.” Ishar glanced back at the sparks popping within the red and gold flame. “You do not have to understand my people’s laws, but I do and the only way I can be with you honorably would be to take the mark of a retired warrior.” She shook her head. “And I know you would not ask me to do that in these days when I am needed more than ever. To do anything else takes the chance of bringing shame on my family and my warband.” Ishar glanced at him with a set face. “And I would rather die than let that happen.”
Traevyn stood before her still as stone. She could see her words had sunk in by the bewildered look he held as he stared into the fire. He glanced at her face. “You tell me that you will not even think of pledging yourself to me until after this war is over.” His eyes darkened and his breath caught. He stepped up to where she stood by the fire “We could both be dead by then.”
She nodded softly. “I know. I am so sorry,” she added brokenly. The words seemed so inadequate to what she felt.
He reached up and cupped the side of her face. She allowed the touch, even as she felt his face move closer. Ishar closed her eyes as his lips brushed hers gently twice before settling and kissing her deeply. She drank the taste of him in this instance of weakness. It felt good, but after a moment she braced her hand against his chest and pushed. It was several seconds before Traevyn reluctantly stepped back. There were no words to d
escribe the expression on his face as he battled within himself. Traevyn trailed his fingers down the side of her face and stepped back into the shadows. In the flicker of the light he was gone. She heard the door open and close with a rush. And then there was only the dark emptiness of the room.
Ishar turned back to the flame and let the tears burning the back of her throat overflow as she sat on the stone and tried to breathe through shaky breaths, her chest tight as she stared blindly into the flickering flame. In that single moment, Ishar was not certain whether she wished Traevyn to honor her choice or not.
*
For the next two nights, Ishar slept little. It seemed the words between her and Traevyn would not so simply slip away. She spent the next days hard at work. During the daylight hours, working arduously alongside the Raanan warriors as they instructed the Britai soldiers and until the late night working with Varyk or talking with Fenric. Though it was time with her old sword master she seemed hard pressed to find. Fenric, with his ready humor and wit, had found quick friends among the Raanan and Britai soldiers and had even appeared to have an agreeable nature with Eira and the other Lute with whom he crossed paths. To Ishar, it was a sign that the future union boded well for all.
A cool and cloudy sky appeared a few days after Ishar and Traevyn’s late night conversation. A late spring storm rumbled in the far distance. The last couple of days of riding and hard work had made evident every bruise of late and her left forearm still ached from the recent cut. Fatigue ruled her body. She had once more slept little, only stared into the darkness hearing Traevyn’s words whisper themselves into her ear. Ishar made a point of distancing herself from him whenever possible and Traevyn kept himself apart and busy. She found she missed the sense of his black eyes upon her.
Ishar blinked as she arose and wondered if she looked as weary as she felt. A splash of cold water did little to brighten her drained appearance. She made her way down to the main hall. In a rare occurrence, there was no one to greet her except the servants. Ishar ate her food quickly and went in search of substance to bring with her later on her ride. She was looking forward to the hunting trip and hoped Eira would join her. Perhaps an afternoon spent with the Lute woman would offer a feeling of serenity to her conflicted mind. She made her way out of the fortress in search of Fenric. She found him in the horse shelter, saddling his gelding.
The Treason Blade (Battle for Alsaar Book 1) Page 17