by Pelaam
With a tug on the reins, Hanne stopped his mount and listened carefully. It was the sound of battle, and it came from the direction of Amand’s fortress. He veered off in the direction of the sounds, pulling his sword from its sheath, waving it over his head, giving a loud undulating roar, before charging into the fight.
There was no time to wonder what Amand and his men were doing in the forest, only time to fight. Hanne circled his sword over his head and roared again, aiming toward a goblin fighting with Myghal.
Although the centaur wore a breastplate and protective coverings on his legs, a couple of Lonato's gremlin mercenaries tried to hack at his unprotected leg joints as Myghal bucked and yelled.
A red mist of fury descended and Hanne didn’t care these creatures weren’t responsible for Taima’s situation. All his fury and hate exploded as he rushed to help the beleaguered centaur.
The gremlins screamed and scattered, and the goblin turned at his approach, but Hanne was too fast. He swung his sword with all the strength he possessed. The blade sliced effortlessly through the goblin's throat. The creature’s head toppled to the ground in a fountain of black blood, which spewed from the severed neck. Giving a grim salute to Myghal, he rode on, leaving the centaur to trample the retreating gremlins with his iron-shod hooves.
Even Muraco was present. He fought at Amand's side, and the two warriors made a formidable team, slashing and stabbing their way through another couple of goblins. Hanne closed in, and heard Muraco periodically calling for Lonato's Fey supporters to surrender. Hanne was pleased to see that some of them were beginning to waver.
A shout came from the direction of Citlali’s palace and she rode into view at the head of her own men, Achai at her side. Kyle rode with them.
On reaching the battleground, Citlali stood high in her saddle. “Fey warriors, listen to me. Lonato is without honor. He lied and cheated, and has been the cause of all the problems between those of us at my palace and Amand's people. I believe him responsible for the deaths of my parents. I understand you have loyalty to your Lord. But Lonato is not deserving of such loyalty from honorable warriors. I give you my word, as Lady of my Estate that anyone who surrenders to me and Lord Amand will be allowed to return home without reprisal.”
Hanne nodded. It made sense. Citlali had no real interest in Lonato's men. The last thing she needed to be concerned about was prisoners, but stopping the fighting quickly was of prime concern.
Every minute that passed took Taima farther away from Hanne. If Lonato’s soldiers surrendered, they could focus on rescuing his beloved. Slowly, Lonato's men began lowering their swords. Some even dropped them completely and stared with undisguised shock at Citlali.
“Captain Muraco, appoint someone to coordinate Lonato's men so we can ensure they return home in safety.” Citlali smiled as Lonato’s soldiers gradually laid down their arms.
“Lord Amand, Captain Hanne, I need to speak to you urgently.” Hanne was ready to drag them away.
“Where’s Taima?” Amand frowned as Citlali’s face drained of color.
“He's alive and with Lonato, Citlali. I couldn’t free him at the time, but we must act and act quickly.” Hanne laid a hand on her shoulder.
“Where are they?” Citlali asked.
“Lonato is taking Taima through the mine and across the ravine.” Hanne clenched his hands into fists. “Once there, it's an easy walk to the river. With the river so close to the mine, Lonato must surely have a boat waiting. We need to stop them before he gets to the far side, but I don't know how much of an advantage he has over us.”
“Then we will make sure he doesn’t get out the other side.” Menno came up alongside them. With him were Lutz and the twins. All wore matching looks of grim-faced determination.
“There's no way we could climb the mountain and get to the other side faster than Lonato can cross the chasm.” Hanne knew all too well the distance that needed to be covered. “I hoped Citlali might know of a shortcut through the mine?” Hanne’s heart sank when Citlali shook her head, but he wasn’t going to give up. “Then I will go through the mine. I will follow Taima.”
“Wait a moment, Hanne. Bring him over, my love.” At a shout from Menno, Namid came forward, a magnificent beast at her side.
“Wondrous, isn't he?” Myghal joined them, petting the creature’s neck.
The peylon was indeed wondrous, with a stag’s head and body, and eagle’s wings. The beast stamped his forelegs and nuzzled Namid's cheek.
Citlali’s eyes were wide and she stared at Amand. “I have never seen the likes of it, although I heard legends. You never said you had such a creature.”
“The beast remains semi-wild. Only Menno has ever ridden him.” Amand shrugged. “Menno saw little point in my boasting of such a creature if we had to release it as it couldn’t be tamed.”
“But his speed is legendary, and I thought he might be needed.” Menno grinned. “Faxon can carry a couple of us over the mountain to cut Lonato off while the rest give chase.”
“I won’t rest until Taima is safe.” Hanne eyed the beast. “I want to go over the mountain.”
“I want to go, too, Amand.” Citlali moved to stand beside Hanne. “Taima is my brother, and I owe Lonato for all he’s done to my family.”
“Take care.” Amand kissed Citlali, and Hanne waited as patiently as he could.
However, when he moved toward the peylon, it reared up, snorting and stamping. It took a moment for Menno to calm him. Hanne’s heart clenched when Menno looked at him and shook his head.
“I’d hoped with me present, he’d accept another Duende rider, but it seems not.”
“Let me try.” Citlali came forward. The peylon eyed her, stamping its foreleg, but didn’t rear or snort.
“Us, too.” The twins came forward. “We’re warriors. We can accompany Citlali.” Rayen came up to the peylon and grinned triumphantly when it didn’t shy away from her. “If Menno rides with us, we’ll be safe.”
“I will lead you through the mine, Hanne.” Lutz laid a hand on Hanne’s shoulder. “I used to visit a cousin here regularly, and I know the ravine well.”
“Citlali and the twins will ride the peylon. The rest of us will go with Hanne. We can travel speedily.” Amand looked at Hanne, who nodded. If he couldn’t ride the beast, then there was little else he could do.
Hanne took a few seconds to look at those around him. On the surface, they were all so different: Fey, Duende, and centaur. Yet he felt a close kinship to them. They were unlike Lonato’s soldiers who were prepared to kill their own kind, their only motive being another Fey’s greed and desire for power. Despite the superficial differences between him and these people around him, these were true friends, his real family.
“Take care, Citlali, you too, Rayen, Naira.” Hanne nodded at each in turn. “You are friends, family. Lonato will not win.”
“We’ll stop him, Hanne. I give you my word.” Citlali dropped a quick kiss to his cheek, and then kissed Amand. “I’m ready Menno. Let’s go.”
Walking the peylon away from the group, Menno jumped on its back. Now Hanne could truly appreciate the peylon’s size. Menno was almost as well built as Hanne himself, yet he looked small when on the peylon, and when Citlali sat behind Menno, she looked child-like.
“Let’s mount up,” Amand called out. Everyone except the twins got to their horses and readied to ride, but no one moved.
Hanne watched riveted as Menno urged the peylon from a walk to a canter, and then a full gallop. The peylon picked up speed, its gallop interspersed with huge leaps. For a moment, Hanne was sure it was going to run up the mountain, but then the peylon extended its wings, and it rose into the air.
“Good speed, Citlali,” Hanne murmured under his breath and then let out a loud war-cry that the other Duende picked up. “Let’s ride.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Despite dragging his feet and putting up token resistance, Taima wasn’t really giving Lonato too much trouble as he was pulle
d through the caverns. Although he knew he had to escape, he currently felt so wretched that it was all he could currently do to put up the nominal resistance.
As they came to the end of yet another tunnel, Taima stared, his stomach rebelling, and a piteous groan broke free.
They were in a huge chamber. But it wasn't the height of the chamber that caused Taima’s stomach to roil so ominously. Instead he was unable to tear his gaze away from the too-narrow bridge of rock that led across an immense chasm. While Taima liked the height of trees in the forest, he was unnaturally afraid of heights like these.
When Lonato pulled at him, Taima stumbled, his feet suddenly numb, and he whimpered in fear.
“Afraid, boy?” Lonato mocked him. “It won't give way beneath you. Now hurry!”
“I feel sick.” Taima wished he could hold his stomach. It wasn’t a lie. He felt sick of heart as well as his fragile stomach beginning its all-too-often ominous signs of rebellion. “Please.”
With a grunt of disgust, Lonato cut Taima’s hands loose and shoved him aside. Taima didn’t care. Dropping to his knees, Taima lost the battle with his body. There wasn't much to lose, but what little there was came back in several wracking heaves.
“Pathetic.” Lonato snapped, pacing back and forth.
Although Taima heard Lonato’s disparaging comment, he was far beyond caring. He knelt up, waiting to see if his body would settle and spared Lonato a sideways glance. Taima felt sure Lonato’s eyes held a glint of madness. It occurred to him that perhaps Lonato having seen his plan come so close to fruition, only to have to fight both Citlali and Amand’s combined armies, had affected the other man’s mind.
Since Lonato was distracted, Taima decided to try to escape. If he could just get his enemy’s knife—
Surging to his feet, Taima moved quickly, running back the way they had come. However, he was still light-headed and stumbled as he ran. As fast as Taima was, Lonato was faster still. Taima was caught, effortlessly spun in Lonato’s arms, and pulled hard against Lonato’s solid chest, an arm around his throat.
“No, please, please.” Taima pleased desperately as Lonato’s knife penetrated the vulnerable skin of his abdomen, and he felt warm wetness trickle down from the bite of the blade.
“Your spirit is stronger than I thought.” Lonato’s breath was hot against Taima’s ear. “However, attempt to defy me again and you will not live to regret it.”
With a yelp, Taima staggered forward as Lonato pushed him back toward the stone bridge.
“Move!” Lonato bellowed.
Reluctantly, Taima obeyed. On reaching the stone bridge, Taima couldn’t stop himself from shaking. Despite his hatred of Lonato, Taima still cringed close as they started to cross the chasm.
Once they got to the other side, Taima was all-too aware that it was a short journey to the river and Lonato’s kingdom. But the idea of crossing the bridge alone was petrifying. Taima’s mind went blank as they headed out toward the middle of the chasm, too paralyzed with fear to be able to think of anything, save putting one trembling foot in front of the other.
They were at the halfway point when a voice Taima instantly recognized boomed around the chasm, coming from behind them.
“Release Taima, and surrender, Lonato. You are going nowhere.” It was Amand, and Taima almost shouted out with relief.
Whirled around, Taima felt nausea rise, and then all else was forgotten as he saw Hanne alongside Amand. Both were armed, their faces grim. They advanced slowly toward them. Amand had a sword in one hand and a whip in the other. Hanne held two large swords, one in either hand, which he rotated easily.
“I think not.” Lonato’s voice was loud in Taima’s ear.
“There is nowhere for you to go, Lonato. Release my brother and lay down your arms. You have my word that if you surrender you will be unharmed.” Citlali’s voice echoed in the chasm.
“Citlali!” Lonato hissed her name, and Taima caught a quick glance of her guarding the other way off the bridge.
The feral growl from Lonato made Taima shudder, and he glanced desperately between the two groups on either side of the bridge where he and Lonato stood.
With his sister were Menno and the twins. Menno carried a studded club and a small shield. The twins looked menacing. Rayen held a sword in her left hand, and Naira a sword in her right as they flanked Citlali. They no longer looked like the giggling girls he knew so well but two deadly Fey warriors.
Realizing everyone was there to rescue him, Taima fought back a sob. For so long he’d felt as if no one cared about him, believing Lonato’s falsehoods that he was only valuable for the alliance his marriage would make.
Even while held prisoner by Lonato, it had been constantly reinforced that no one would care enough or risk themselves for him. Yet his family and friends were there, had come for him, and were willing to fight to save him.
“I repeat, Lonato. Let my brother go and put down your sword. You have my word you will not be harmed.” Citlali shouted again.
Both sets of his rescuers were advancing slowly toward them, and Taima was certain Lonato would surely surrender. Behind Hanne and Amand, Taima saw a mix of his own people and Duende. Led by Muraco, they began to gather and spread out.
With a wordless growl, Lonato turned Taima away from them and toward Citlali. The quick glimpse Taima caught of Lonato’s face revealed features contorted into an ugly mask of hatred, and the malevolence in his hard, grey eyes made Taima shudder.
“Your word?” Lonato shouted out.
The words were in tones drenched with contempt, and Taima was suddenly very certain that Lonato was not going to surrender to Citlali. He fervently wished they were anywhere but on the bridge. The fear of the chasm and its proximity robbed him of coherent thought.
“You want me to accept the word of a Duende’s whore?” Lonato bellowed.
“Citlali is no whore. She is my verenicu.” Amand shouted out from behind them.
“Your ‘intended’, how deeply touching.” Lonato twisted them so he could glare at Amand. “As if that would mean anything coming from a Duende’s lips.” Lonato sneered.
While Taima listened to the exchange between Amand and Lonato, he watched Citlali. She’d edged closer still along the bridge, reducing the distance between them. He tried to infuse in a look how much he loved her and smiled at her nod.
“It means more than anything that falls from the lips of a murderer, cheat, and liar such as yourself, Lonato,” Citlali said. “You killed my parents. You cheated Amand and the Duende out of a half-share of a mine my father had gifted them, claiming it all for yourself. You have paid goblin and gremlin mercenaries to attack human and Fey, ensuring Amand and his people were wrongly blamed. Because of you, two of my dearest friends were hurt. You have much to answer for.”
“If that is so, then one more death won’t weight too heavily in my heart, but it will crush yours,” Lonato hissed, his voice cold and hard.
A scream tore free of Taima’s throat as he was twisted around. A hard shove from Lonato made him stagger backward, and then he was in freefall.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Although Hanne watched Citlali’s incremental advance, he also watched Lonato for any sign the man was about to move. Even as Taima fell, and a great cry of grief rang around the chasm, he and Amand were already moving. Hanne caught a glimpse of Citlali falling to her knees, then all his attention was on Amand.
Wielding his whip with precision, Amand dived from the bridge, Hanne’s tail tightly wound around his ankle. It wasn’t a move Hanne ever wanted them to repeat—even if he lived to a great old age.
But by all the gods it worked.
Amand’s whip wrapped around Taima’s left arm from wrist to elbow and Amand dangled precariously from Hanne’s tail. Hanne dropped to one knee, a hand at the base of his tail to try to ease the pressure. In the other, Hanne kept his sword ready until the others could reach and help him. He wouldn’t put it past Lonato to dash forward to finish the job h
e started, especially given the looked of maniacal hatred on Lonato’s face.
Looking up, Hanne met Citlali’s agonized gaze. Then she rose to her feet, all expression hidden behind a façade of calm.
“Put up your sword, Lonato.” Citlali called out into the eerie silence. “I was willing to put you under arrest and let our people learn of the monster you are and give you to our justice. Now I choose to face you in Mahanakuy-pa Chanin.”
“The Fight of Honor?” Lonato cocked his head slowly from side to side, reminding Hanne of a snake. His eyes narrowed, and the hatred in them was almost palpable.
Her expression unchanging, Citlali raised her sword and pointed it at Lonato. “I am ready.”
“Face me in a Fight of Honor. You forget yourself, girl.” Lonato shifted his feet.
Hanne knew he was readying to attack but dragged his attention back to Amand and Taima.
Myghal and Lutz were now at his side. Myghal dropped down to his forelegs to kneel, gripping tightly to Lutz’s legs as the other Duende pulled on Hanne’s tail, like a rope. The combined weight of Amand and Taima was too much for Hanne to move his tail under his own power.
Risking a glimpse back to the combatants, Hanne’s stomach knotted. Lonato had taken a few steps closer to where he remained vulnerable while they still fought to save Amand and Taima.
“I am Citlali, daughter of Tiriaq and Ailen who you murdered. Verenicu of Lord Amand whose people you have cheated and killed, and sister of Taima who you just tried to kill before my eyes. I know who I am, and I know what you are, Lonato—a coward and a murderer. I give you an honor which you don’t deserve in making this challenge. Are you afraid to meet me in honorable combat? Would you prefer I turn my back?” Citlali’s voice rang loudly in the chamber, dripping with contempt.
To Hanne’s relief, Lonato’s attention moved back to Citlali. His mouth twisted into an ugly sneer, and he slowly raised his sword.