by Pelaam
“Then you were mistaken, my Lady.” Amand’s tone turned frigid, but he retained his manners in addressing the Fey. “We do not use mercenaries, and the gremlins are neither servants, nor allies. They are cruel and cunning, and serve a master yet unknown. Please, carry on.”
With a frown, Citlali continued. “They walked us around and I thought we were headed in this direction, but from the stars, I realized we were not being led to your mountain fortress. They had a camp ready. They tied the twins to a tree. A goblin kept a knife to my throat while some gremlins took Namid away. Muraco tried to protect her, but they kicked his leg. He screamed. Then Namid’s screams started.” Citlali covered her ears with her hands, so only the elegant points showed. “I still hear them. And I could do nothing.”
“Don’t think badly of yourself, Lady Citlali.” Amand’s tone softened. “You still live. Your people live. Those who harmed you died at the hands of my men. Is there anything more you can tell us? Think hard. Even the slightest thing could prove important.”
“Another goblin lumbered over toward me. But my … my guard uttered a barrage of goblin-speak, too fast and guttural for me to understand. Then the other went away. When they brought Namid back, she only wore her tunic, and her eyes were so … so empty. I wished I could slit the throat of every gremlin and goblin there.” She paused for a moment, then said, “The goblin beside me said something strange. About me not being able to spurn him. It was as if I’d heard that said before.” Citlali shivered and shook her head. “I was also bound to a tree. Where I remained until your … your soldiers came. Hanne said you weren’t responsible for the attack. If you aren’t my enemy, Lord Amand, then who is? Who would profit from a war between us?”
“I wish I knew. We have little. We liked working the mine.” Amand paced back and forth. “We know we are innocent, yet we haven’t been able to uncover who is responsible. Some of my people tire of living within the fortress and the mountain. They want freedom. To walk on grass, under the sun.”
“I-I was warned of a traitor. That’s why we were in the forest. To get more information.” Citlali took a few steps closer to Amand. “I watched from the window. You have humans here. I saw many that looked used to farm work. My uncle, Lonato, said that those humans not working the mine or patrolling her border had left the area altogether.”
“He’s mistaken, my Lady.” Amand smiled briefly. “I do indeed have many humans here. Those who can’t or won’t work the mine.”
From where he now leaned against the door, Hanne watched Amand and Citlali carefully. They seemed to be making progress. The suspicion and animosity he’d been able to scent from Citlali had waned considerably. It was a good sign.
“How are my people? Namid and Muraco?”
“Resting. I’ll take you to see them tomorrow, when they’ve had chance to rest overnight. The twins are proving most … helpful. I must ask that you stay in your room for the rest of today. Not as my prisoner, but my guest. This is the only place of safety I have for you while I try and uncover our true enemy. I must meet and speak with my other captains. However, I would request your company at dinner?”
“Yes. Very well, Lord Amand.” Citlali nodded. “Perhaps then you can tell me of things from the Duende perspective.”
“Indeed, I shall, my Lady. “Amand bowed, and Hanne did the same.
Outside the room, Amand gripped Hanne’s forearm tightly and pulled him away from the door, out of either the guard or Ebba’s hearing.
“Pick a few of those who most object to war to be present, Hanne. This is a woman I admire.”
“Perhaps more than admire, my Lord.” Hanne didn’t flinch at Amand’s sharp glance.
“Perhaps. But now isn’t the time to explore such things. Go, get a bath, relax, and pick a good half dozen or so guests. And tell the kitchens.” Amand was already at the top of the stairs and disappeared quickly.
For a moment, Hanne stood still. Then he smiled before heading to the kitchens to warn the cooks.
Chapter Six
To his disgust, Taima couldn’t get an opportunity to see Citlali before she rode out. Her early morning was tied up with talks with Achak before he left.
When hours passed by and none of the riders returned, Taima grew anxious, then afraid. Finally, reluctantly, he sought out Lonato who promised to send some soldiers out to investigate. When evening fell and there was still no word, Taima stomped to his uncle’s quarters.
With a deep breath to calm his nerves and steady himself, Taima knocked loudly on the door. It was opened after a few moments by Halona.
“Lord Taima is here, Lord Lonato.” Halona blocked Taima’s way into the room, and Taima’s anger snapped.
“I do not expect to be kept waiting on your doorstep, Uncle.”
“I understand that your concern for Citlali will set you on edge, Taima. However, there is no cause to be so impolite.” Lonato’s voice floated over, censure in his tone setting Taima’s teeth on edge.
“I was in my bathroom, Taima. Thank you, Halona, that will be all.”
“Yes, my Lord.” Halona dodged around Taima, leaving the door ajar.
Taima stomped inside, shutting the door behind him, but remaining beside it, not moving farther into the room.
“It’s dark already. Citlali still isn’t back. None of them are back. What’s happening? How can you sit in here and relax?” Taima glowered at Lonato.
“I am not relaxing. I have information from my soldiers, and the news is bad. I have been working on strategies to deal with it.”
“Bad news?” Taima’s stomach knotted. “What bad news?”
“It seems your sister and her entourage were attacked and have been taken prisoner. I am in possession of a ransom demand, although as yet, I have yet to decide how best to deal with this.”
“Why aren’t we sending soldiers out there, Lonato?” Taima demanded. “We have to find Citlali and the others, and get them back.”
“In Citlali’s absence, I am in charge here, Taima. Of course we need to get Citlali back. However, to simply charge out with soldiers will do no good whatsoever. Who knows what traps there be? My intelligence is that she and the others have been captured by Duende, and so we need to plan carefully.”
“But the longer we wait—”
“I have no idea why Citlali and the others chose to ride so deep into the forest.” Lonato slammed his hands down on the desk in front of him.
Taima flinched despite his determination to remain calm.
“It was dangerous and foolish with the Duende preparing for war. But, of course, your sister does not listen to me. As your guardian, it’s my duty to ensure that you, at least, remain safe. I don’t have time to discuss this further. Citlali brought this on herself. I cannot, and will not, risk men unnecessarily. You are to remain in the castle. I will deal with Citlali’s kidnapping. I don’t trust the Duende. I am still investigating exactly what happened and will keep you informed accordingly.”
Taima stormed away, frustration eating at his soul. I can’t stay here when Citlali needs me. We may no longer get on as well as we did, and maybe she does see me as an inconvenience, but she’s still my sister. I can’t ignore that. I won’t.
There was nothing Taima could do while it was dark. Returning to his room, he traded his soft leggings and silken tunic for a pair of more robust leggings with leather inserts along the inner thighs. He chose a plain white over-shirt, and a leather jerkin.
His boots remained close by as Taima sat cross-legged on his bed. I’m not as good with a sword as Citlali, but I can use my bow. They must be taking Citlali to Amand’s fortress. Where else could she be taken? Maybe they won’t be there yet. Perhaps I can intercept them. I must try.
The moment dawn began to banish the night, Taima slipped into his boots. He fixed his quiver in place and took his longbow. A long-bladed knife fitted into a scabbard inside his knee-high boots.
At this time in the morning, there would be few servants around, but Taima st
ill proceeded with caution. Lonato’s soldiers tended to wander around the palace at will. The last thing he needed was to be hauled before his uncle like a recalcitrant child.
No one was around and Taima hurried along the hallway. Crouching low, he checked that the staircase and lower hall were clear, then ran down. A babble of noise from the reception room off the great hall caused him to pause.
On tiptoe, Taima hesitated outside. Despite the early hour, Lonato was telling Citlali’s soldiers of her kidnapping. But Lonato wasn’t getting all his own way. He’d assumed Citlali’s men would summarily accept him as their commander. Instead one of the other captains spoke up to take on the role as acting-commander in Citlali and Muraco’s absence. Taima grinned, despite the grim situation.
Outside the palace, Taima raced around to the stables. Saddling his favorite horse, Taima led the mare out, only mounting when out of the stable’s courtyard. As soon as he cleared the palace, Taima urged his horse into a gallop and headed toward the forest.
I’m coming, Citlali.
Chapter Seven
Dinner the previous evening had been quite an experience. For Hanne, there was no mistaking the attraction between Amand and Citlali. Neither said or did anything obvious, but he could tell.
Just as there were the obvious physical differences between Duende, such as those like Hanne with a tail, and others like Amand without, the ability to sense things like emotions—or one’s mate—was stronger or weaker among his people.
The Lady Citlali had been introduced as a guest of honor, and Hanne was certain her demeanor and dignity had gone a long way to persuading the other dinner guests that she was not party to the attacks they’d suffered.
Now, Hanne was off to meet Amand and Citlali at the healing rooms. He caught up with them just as they were about to enter. He held back as Citlali dashed forward on seeing Muraco sitting up in bed.
“He’s doing well.” Amand leaned close to Hanne. “Thank the gods.”
“Looks to me like he is her rock.” Hanne nodded to where Muraco sat stroking Citlali’s hair, murmuring softly.
“As you and Myghal are mine.” Amand smiled. “Come on.”
They moved a little closer and Muraco looked up as they approached. He patted Citlali’s back, and she eased away from Muraco to kiss his cheek.
“I’m so pleased to see you looking well.” Citlali wiped away her tears.
“I am being well care for, Citlali. Lord Amand is a good man. One you can trust. You always credited me with an instinct for such things. Don’t doubt me now.”
Citlali stared at Muraco for a moment, and Hanne wondered what she was about to say when a noise made them all turn.
A young Duende man approached the bed, carrying a steaming bowl. He looked at everyone in turn.
“Sorry, my Lord, my Lady.” He bowed. “I didn’t realize Muraco was having visitors. I can leave this.”
“I haven’t the strength to hold a bowl and feed myself, Kai. You look after me so well, please stay.” Muraco held out his hand before anyone else could respond.
“Perhaps, the lady—” Kai glanced at Citlali.
“I’m quite sure Lady Citlali will have far more pressing demands on her time than spoon-feeding an invalid. Please, Kai?” Muraco looked from Citlali to Amand.
Unseen, Hanne grinned. It seemed the kitchen hand had made a big impression on the captain. In a very short time. An unusual pairing. Then he looked at Amand and Citlali, and his grin turned feral. Or perhaps not.
“It’s all right.” Citlali dropped a kiss to Muraco’s forehead and stood up. “I’m glad to see my friend so well cared for. I will visit again soon.”
On reaching Amand’s side, Citlali looked back, but Kai was already perched on the bed, slowly and carefully spoon-feeding Muraco.
“With food and rest he will recover quickly, although his leg will remain weak for some time. The wound was deep and ugly.” Amand kept his voice soft. “You can be assured he's in good hands, Citlali.”
There was a genuine smile of affection on Amand’s face as he looked toward the bed. Hanne followed his lord’s gaze. And had to admit, Muraco only had eyes for the young man feeding him.
“They bonded quickly.” Amand continued, gently urging Citlali from the room. “Muraco settled at Kai's touch despite his pain yesterday. My physicians are happy to let Kai tend to Muraco's needs, and I have excused him from kitchen duties to help your man recover quickly. Kai’s a good man, despite his youth.”
“I’ve never seen him show interest in anyone, much less another man.” Citlali shook her head. “He always put his position as commander of my army above everything else.” Then she frowned. “Where are the others?”
“We have found that the older woman, Namid, feels happiest when with the horses.” Hanne spoke up. “She didn’t wish to stay in the healing rooms once morning came.”
“She loves horses.” Citlali nodded.
“I have someone with her at all times during the day, and a nurse will sleep with her at night.” Amand added, “Her recovery may be swift or slow. Her experience was ... traumatic.” Amand’s expression had darkened, and his voice was edged with steel.
“She also has the company of the twin pretties.” Hanne barked a laugh. “If she can be talked into recovery, they are the ones to do it. I could take you to the stables, but perhaps it would be better if you waited a little longer? Familiar things seem to trigger her memory of her ordeal, and she relives it. However, the twin pretties swept her away so quickly she barely had time to begin panicking before they had her reassured. Myghal and Menno will ensure they are all safe.”
“Myghal?” Citlali asked. “The centaur?”
“He has been a rock for me. Soldier, advisor, friend. I give thanks he stood by me.” Amand clasped Hanne’s upper arm. “Only Hanne is closer to me.”
“Well it seems I am redundant here.” Citlali shrugged.
They all glanced back. Muraco was still being fed by Kai and was oblivious to the presence of anyone save the young Duende.
“If you would like, my Lady, I can show you around my home.” Amand offered his arm, and Hanne tried not to hold his breath as he waited to see how Citlali would react.
“Yes, I would like that.” Citlali took the proffered arm. “I feel I don’t know you or your people, Lord Amand. I thought I did, now I see that wasn’t the case.”
“I’m honored. Hanne, please accompany us.” Amand glanced at Hanne over his shoulder.
“Yes, my Lord.” Hanne bowed crisply. Being a chaperone wasn’t Hanne’s choice of role, but Amand’s beseeching look—well hidden from Citlali—belied his lord’s outward confidence.
Always a step or two behind the couple, Hanne kept pace as Amand showed Citlali around his fortress home. They started in the cellars, showing her the fortress' constantly burning furnaces where near-naked blacksmiths and engineers toiled.
“Although we no longer mine ore from your mine, my Lady, we still get metal and work it.” Amand indicated swords, horseshoes, even a set of beautiful gates. “The furnaces also provide hot water. In time, I wanted to be able to use them to heat my citadel.”
“I see.”
Hanne hid a smile behind his hand as Citlali focused her attention on the completed ironwork and away from the naked Duende workers, some of whom glanced up, curious at the sight of their lord in the company of a Fey princess.
From the cellar, they briefly visited the kitchen. It was an immense area with food in constant preparation whether being chopped at tables or cooked in a variety of ways. Then they went to Amand’s library.
“This is amazing.” Citlali walked back and forth. “You have history, poetry, and classical literature of many revered writers; human, Duende, elven, and Fey.
“Yes, indeed, my Lady.” Amand smiled. “Duende read, despite suggestions to the contrary.”
Studiously looking the other way, Hanne coughed to disguise his laugh as Citlali blushed. Then he turned around, his expression neutr
al once more.
“Lord Amand, my apologies.” Citlali bobbed a curtsey. “Most Fey I know consider Duende to be less intelligent than the other races. It now seems that assumption is far from true. I have taken the word of others for far too long. From now on, I will see for myself before I judge. Father always said there was far more beneath a Duende’s shell than many would give credit.”
“You father was a wise man, and a good friend to my people.” Amand spoke in a hushed tone. “I wish I’d known him better, but I only took the mantle of Lord a couple of years ago, on the death of my own father.”
“Then you and I have something else in common.” Citlali moved a little closer to Amand.
Hanne coughed loudly. “If I’m no longer needed, I should go and check the reports from the men who’ve been out on patrol.”
“I believe we can converse like civilized people, my Lord Amand.” Citlali smiled. It reminded Hanne of sunshine after a storm.
“Perhaps you would like some wine, my Lady. It won’t be as fine as you are used—” Amand started, but Citlali stopped him with a laugh, and held up her hand.
“I’m a guest in your home. I owe you a great deal, Lord Amand. I’m sure your wine will be very palatable to me.”
“I’ll have Ebba bring it, my Lord.” With a quick bow, Hanne hurried from the room. Only when he was halfway along the hallway did he finally laugh out loud. He sensed honor in Citlali. She would make a good match for Amand. When they weren’t head-butting one another, of course.
Chapter Eight
As tempting as it was for Hanne to tease Amand, he decided against it as they marched side by side. They were on their way to Amand’s main hall to hold counsel with other captains of Amand’s army. But Hanne couldn’t keep entirely silent.
“Was your time alone with the Lady Citlali … productive?”
“Indeed it was.” Amand flashed Hanne a grin. “She’s very intelligent and will make a good … ally.”
“I see.” Hanne returned the grin.