All That Glistens

by Pelaam

  Citlali stood tall, ready for the fight.

  Hanne growled wordlessly. May the gods hear my prayer and let Lonato’s ego be his downfall.

  “The rules of this engagement are very clear, Citlali.” Lonato shouted out, clearly intending for all present to hear him. “No matter what my crimes, if I defeat you I walk free from here. As Amand’s verenicu, it stands that the Duende must honor this, too.”

  “They will honor it.” Citlali nodded and glanced quickly to Hanne, who also nodded.

  There was no time to worry about it. Hanne could only pray Citlali was the better warrior. A groan of pain escaped him, sweat breaking out over his skin. His body shook as Lutz continued pulling on his tail. The urge to uncoil his tail and free himself from the pain was almost unbearable, but Hanne gritted his teeth and bore it.

  To divert focus away from the growing agony, Hanne watched as Citlali swayed in a fighter’s stance while Lonato stalked toward her. There was no mistaking that Lonato was a formidable foe. He was tall, strong, and obviously well-experienced in sword-play.

  He and Citlali now stood close to the middle of the bridge.

  Citlali held her head high as Lonato gave a chilling smile.

  “I would have preferred to let you live with the death of your brother on your soul. You were always so protective of him, and your failure would have been a festering wound for the rest of your life.”

  “Taima and I will both celebrate your death, Lonato.” Citlali didn’t change her stance.

  Lonato’s lunge was not unexpected, by either Hanne or Citlali.

  At the clash of their swords, Hanne allowed himself a grim smile. Citlali was a warrior and an adept student. She had learnt much from her time with him and other Duende. She wielded a sword differently from the way Fey normally would and hadn’t so much as wavered under the blow from Lonato.

  Well done, Citlali. Let’s see just how good a warrior Lonato proves to be when the fight is a fair one.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  As he dangled helplessly, Taima heard everything and could do nothing. His own anguish was reflected in Amand’s eyes as he looked down.

  “She will be fine, Taima.” The strain Amand was under was unmistakable in his voice.

  Taima nodded, not sure he could speak in return.

  “Do nothing. Leave it all to us.” That Amand remained calm and reassuring helped Taima and he obeyed.

  Slowly but surely, hand over hand on the whip, Amand hauled Taima up, until Amand could clasp his powerful hands tightly around Taima’s wrists. Risking an upward glance, Taima saw Lutz reaching over, repeating the process with Hanne’s tail.

  Taima winced in sympathetic pain for his lover, and a soft whimper escaped his lips. Unlike Amand’s whip, Hanne’s tail was flesh and blood, and Taima could only imagine the agony his husband endured.

  With painful slowness, Amand and Taima ascended. All the time, the sound of swords clashing rang in Taima’s ears. He tried not to think of his sister, not wanting to jeopardize his and Amand’s rescue by becoming agitated.

  A bellow of triumph came from Lutz and Taima looked up. Lutz now had hold of Amand’s ankles and was hauling them up with a little more speed. As Amand’s body was dragged up and onto the bridge, Taima followed, and Hanne’s beloved face come into view as he peered over the edge of the chasm.

  Large, comforting hands grasped Taima’s upper arms and pulled him the rest of the way up as Amand let go. He was crushed against Hanne’s chest. With what little strength Taima had, he clung to his lover.

  “I thought I had lost you. I thought my world had ended.” Hanne’s voice was rough with emotion.

  Taima could only nodded against Hanne’s shoulder as he held tightly. Slowly, shakily, he drew back enough to look up at his husband. “I love you,” he whispered.

  With a sigh, Taima let himself be eased gently back against Hanne’s chest and looked toward the battle between Lonato and Citlali. For a moment, he thought his eyes were deceiving him upon seeing the way his sister moved and struck. Where Lonato looked like he was tiring, Citlali still looked fresh.

  “Go on, moja ljubav, my beloved, finish him now.” Amand urged Citlali on from where he stood at Hanne’s side.

  It was as if Citlali heard Amand’s words. Taima gasped, almost unable to believe his eyes. With a warrior’s yell, Citlali swung her sword left and right, backing Lonato toward where they all stood, giving him no opportunity to attack.

  I knew she was good with a sword, but this is far beyond just good.

  With a rapid moved movement of her wrist, Citlali disarmed Lonato. His sword flew from his hand, and Citlali pressed the tip of her own weapon at Lonato’s throat.

  Taima grimaced. While killing a man in the heat of battle was one thing, to run him through when unarmed was another entirely. His sister was not a cold-blooded killer.

  “Aiqekuy, I surrender, I surrender.” Lonato raised his hands as he cried out.

  Citlali lowered her sword and she stepped back.

  “Be careful, Citlali.” Taima shifted restlessly in Hanne’s arms. One didn’t surrender in a Fight of Honor, and Lonato’s actions had thrown his sister off-guard. Then Taima realized what their enemy was about to do as Lonato moved his right hand down toward his boot. “Citlali, he has a dagger!”

  Lonato lunged, dagger in hand, but Citlali simply dropped to the ground, performing a perfectly executed split. She drove her sword upward into Lonato’s unprotected abdomen.

  His heart hammering, Taima clung to Hanne, watching as Lonato stared disbelievingly at the growing blood-stain on his tunic, and then murderously toward Citlali. Unbelievingly, he took a lumbering step toward her.

  An ululating warrior’s yell echoed around them, and a thick-bladed dagger flew to lodge deeply in Lonato’s chest and sent him staggering back a few steps.

  Although it could only have been seconds, it seemed like an eternity passed while Lonato teetered on the edge of the abyss. Then he fell back, a blood-chilling scream echoing around the chasm.

  While Taima buried his face in Hanne’s chest, Amand raced to Citlali’s side.

  Taima groaned softly as his stomach roiled again. He did not want to embarrass himself in front of everyone by being sick. This was not the time or place to reveal his secret.

  “It’s all right, my love. I have you. All is well. Now.” Hanne murmured softly to him and Taima smiled, pleasantly surprised at how quickly his body settled at the sound of his husband’s voice.

  The moment Citlali reached them, she kissed Taima before framing his face in her hands. Tears streaked her cheeks, and Taima managed a tired smile.

  “You saved me. If it hadn’t been for your sharp eyes, I wouldn’t have been able to defend myself.” Citlali kissed Taima’s brow.

  “I own you Citlali’s life.” Amand came to stand beside Citlali. “I will forever be indebted to you.”

  “I have ... some news ... for you all.” Taima wished he didn’t have to give them his news, but the sooner they all knew, the better.

  “It’s alright, Taima, I heard Lonato taunting you. I will tell everyone. You just relax,” Hanne whispered, nuzzling at Taima’s brow.

  “You did?” Taima struggled to comprehend. Hanne didn’t seem angry, but exhaustion pervaded his every cell, making it harder and harder to concentrate. Taima sagged in Hanne’s embrace as Myghal came forward.

  “You spoke for Fey and Duende, Lady Citlali, but I am centaur.” Myghal grinned widely. “The coward cheated. The fight ended with honor for you. You all saw.” Myghal raised his voice, turning toward a huge throng of Fey, Duende, and humans led by Muraco.

  A loud cheer erupted as Muraco turned and faced the crowd. “Over the last few years, Lonato sowed seeds of hatred between us, trying to force away, or destroy entirely, Lord Amand’s people. We know now that Citlali’s parents intended to gift half this mine to the Duende people. My Lady?”

  When Muraco stepped aside, Citlali took his place. “What Muraco says is true. T
he mine, and all that may be found in it, is ours to benefit us all. I honor that gift in the memory of my parents, Lord Tiriaq and Lady Ailen.”

  Another cheer arose, and Taima had energy enough for one last request. “Citlali, now would be a good time to make your announcement.”

  While his sister blushed, Amand grinned widely. “He’s right, Citlali. Please?” Amand asked.

  Taima smiled as Amand clasped Citlali’s hand and his sister’s expression softened. Then they stepped forward together.

  “I have another announcement,” Citlali said. “I and several companions were captured, and my companions badly abused by gremlin and goblin minions of Lonato. We were rescued by Lord Amand and his people. In his home, I learned that beauty is truly only skin deep, and that a rough exterior can encase a beautiful heart and soul. Appearances are truly deceiving. All that glistens is truly not gold. I grew to love Amand, and I accepted his proposal of marriage. I am his verenicu, his betrothed, and if there are any of my people here who cannot accept that, you are free to move to other settlements.”

  “Our Lady is to be wed!”

  No one could see who gave the shout, but it was followed by a rousing cheer. As it died down, Amand spoke.

  “It is customary among my people for a husband to present a gift to his bride-to-be. Instead I present it to all. This mine will be used to rebuild all that Lonato has caused to fall and be equally used for Duende, Fey, and human alike, to give us back the happy and prosperous land we once enjoyed.”

  Another cheer echoed around the chamber, and Taima relaxed even further. It was becoming harder to remain conscious. His body was finally unable to keep going in the aftermath of all that had preceded.

  The twins and Lutz approached, and Hanne began to speak, his beloved’s voice little more than a light buzz.

  To Taima’s concern, the last thing he saw was a horrified look pass over Citlali’s face.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  At a twinge in his back, Taima stopped his pacing and sighed heavily.

  “Please relax, Lord Taima. You still need to rest.” Helki shook his head. “Let your body relax.”

  “I want to, but I’m so nervous, Helki.” Taima was too agitated to relax. “No one has come near since I was brought here. I don’t understand. Not even Hanne.”

  “That was of my doing.” Helki came around the bed and took Taima’s arm. “I told Citlali and Hanne that if you were to make a good recovery you needed to be left in my care, without visitors, until I had you stabilized. The first two days you were in here, you weren’t even conscious.”

  “I know. It’s just … well I’m worried how Hanne will react. And … and it hurt that he wasn’t here.”

  “Then be angry with me. As I understand it, he slept at the end of the hallway, refusing to go to his room so he could feel close to you. But it was in your best interest that you rested, fully, without worry. The Lady Citlali said she’d ensure that everyone left you in my care until you were ready to make your appearance.”

  Taima didn’t resist as he was guided back to bed.

  “I slept in here to ensure you could be adequately cared for. Given your condition, and all you endured, you are coping very well, my Princeling. Citlali assured me she was happy to leave you in my care until I felt you were strong enough for visitors. She said everyone already knew your news, everyone, so they are prepared for this moment. When you tell them for yourself.”

  “I hope everyone accepts the news. It was a great shock to me, and is still hard for me to accept at times.” Taima whispered, speaking more to himself than to Helki.

  “It will get easier.” Helki patted Taima’s shoulder. “I’m sorry you had to find out in such a traumatic way.” Helki shook his head. “So very distressing for all concerned. But don’t worry, my Princeling.” He paused to assess Taima. “Now, I would suggest you lie on the bed, and I will let them all in. They are keen to see you, but Citlali has been very protective. She kept all, including herself, away while you gained strength. Even I have not seen or spoken to her for the last couple of days. She has been very busy with affairs of the castle. Now, ready yourself, my Princeling.”

  “That sounds like my sister.” Taima smiled, and then glanced down at himself. He’d braided his long hair to keep it away from his face, which, when he’d last looked, appeared paler than ever.

  His nightgown was voluminous but comfortable. It was covered by a warm gown. The last thing Taima felt like was a prince. He shook his head. This is the best I can hope for. Shrugging off the thick robe, he stretched out on the bed, pulling at the sheet to cover him from his waist down.

  Helki waited for Taima’s nod. Then he opened the door and addressed those waiting outside. “Please enter.”

  They filed in behind Helki, who moved to stand by Taima’s bedside.

  His heart sinking rapidly, Taima looked around at the group. These were his family and closest friends. And if his news was a great enough shock to him, it looked as if his family was taking it even more badly.

  Swallowing past a dry throat, Taima looked at his beloved husband and his heart fractured. Hanne looked devastated. Taima took a shuddering breath as he readied to speak, and Helki squeezed his shoulder reassuringly.

  “You don’t have to say anything, Taima.” Citlali stepped forward, her hand raised. “Hanne heard Lonato when you were his prisoner. We know ... we know you’re dying.”

  For a moment, Taima was too stunned to speak.

  Hanne dropped to his knees at Taima’s bedside. His husband’s shoulders shook although he made no sound.

  Taima looked at everyone. The twins held one another, and Myghal and Lutz wrapped their arms around them. Muraco comforted Kai, Amand held Citlali, and Namid was hugged tightly by Menno.

  Taima tried to form words, but instead his mouth opened and closed soundlessly. In the unfolding chaos of despair around him, Taima had no idea what to do.

  “Please, everyone, please!” Helki’s shout roused Taima from his stupor as everyone looked toward them.

  “I’m not dying.” Taima’s voice was loud in the sudden silence.

  “Not—But I heard Lonato.” Hanne looked up. He had tear-tracks down his cheeks. “He said—he said that it was too late for you. That you would bear your fate in a few short months. He mentioned about salvaging something from the loss. I heard you say something about so little time with me.”

  “Hanne, you didn’t hear it all and you didn’t hear properly.” Taima’s spirits rose a little. Please let them accept this news with joy. “I am not dying. But I thought Lonato had already gloated about my fate to you.”

  Framing Hanne’s face in his hands, Taima gazed into tear-filled eyes and smiled at the man he loved. This, more than all the honey-coated words he might have heard from others, told him how loved he truly was. All he could hope for now was that Hanne took the real news well.

  “Hanne, we spent so little time together and I wasn’t aware ... I didn’t know...” Taima, hesitated, realizing he was babbling. He looked beseeching up at Helki, who nodded encouragingly.

  “The Princeling is a bearer, Lord Hanne.” Helki smiled. Then he nodded again as Hanne looked from Taima to Helki and back again.

  Taima ignored the loud gasp from the others in the room and focused only on his husband as Hanne’s eyes widened when the meaning of the words sank in.

  “Yes, I’m a bearer, but I didn’t know.” Taima kept his gaze on Hanne. “Only Lonato knew. He was supposed to have conveyed the news to me. When I reached maturity and went through the ritual of adulthood, that was when it was discovered, but he kept the revelation from me. The first time you and I laid together, I got pregnant. I’m carrying your baby, our baby, Hanne. That’s why I was so sick. I will give birth in just a few months. Lonato was furious because it was now too late to use me to make a good marriage. My bearer status increased my value to suitors. He was going to take our baby and use me as a breeder for his own offspring. You’re going to be a father, Hanne
. I’m sorry it happened so quickly. I don’t even know if you wanted—”

  The rest of Taima’s words were stopped by a joyous bellow from Hanne.

  Taima laughed delightedly as he was scooped from the bed and spun around in Hanne’s strong arms while his husband grinned widely.

  What Hanne was unable to say in words, he clearly showed in actions. Taima was laid back on the bed reverently as the others in the room hugged one another, laughing and crying at the same time. Hanne knelt at Taima’s side once more, one of his huge hands tenderly covering the slight swell of Taima’s belly.

  When he looked up at Taima, there was no mistaking the silent plea in his eyes. “Our child?” he asked softly.

  “Our child.” Taima nodded, laying his hand on top of Hanne’s. “You are happy?” Taima desperately needed to hear the words.

  “I didn’t care we would not have children. You are my life-mate. I love and want you. But this—this is a gift I could never have imagined. I am to be a father.” Hanne spoke the last loudly as he stood up and face the others.

  “You always boasted about your virility.” Amand was the first to come forward. He hugged Hanne and slapped his back. “It was clearly no idle boast, my friend. I’m very happy for you, Taima.”

  A blush heated Taima from top to toe as Amand leant forward and brushed a kiss against his cheek. Amand’s voice turned from loud and jovial for Hanne, to soft and gentle for Taima who saw genuine happiness, as well as a little yearning, in Amand’s eyes.

  “Thank you, Amand.” Taima smiled. “I look forward to a similar announcement from you and my sister soon. It would be nice for my child to have a cousin for company.”

  “Taima!” Citlali’s face flushed red as she rushed forward to join Amand.

  “Well it would.” Taima tried to look innocent. Then he grinned widely at the look that passed between his sister and Amand. They wouldn’t have had any opportunity to discuss such matters. But looking at them now, Taima was sure he would get his wish.