At that moment the mighty horse stood up and shook herself, creating a formidable dust cloud that was carried by the breeze directly into the face of the Valtyr. Kaitra saw it coming and was able to move out of its path, but Kidreyli was totally inundated.
The warrior began to fly off in a fit of rage. “I am going….” She stopped short when she heard Kaitra laughing. Realizing how funny this must have looked, she began to laugh herself. She walked over and hugged Tyral, who was very proud of herself, and then firmly hit her horse on the neck with the flat of her hand, causing another puff of dust to become airborne. “I owe you one.”
Kaitra was still laughing, probably to offset the opposing emotions that still rattled her spirit. It was not that funny.
Kidreyli continued. “Okay, she got me. We really need to get going.” The warrior could not help smiling to herself while she fastened the belt of the saddle and lashed her supplies to the places they belonged.
Kaitra walked over to Tyral and petted her on the nose. “Thank you,” she said.
The mighty horse snorted in reply.
“She understands, you realize?” Kidreyli said.
“What?”
“She is sentient. She understands what you say.”
“Can she speak?” the young woman’s wide eyes betrayed her disbelief.
“Not as you and I. I can hear her thoughts and she can hear mine. I feel what she feels. It’s as if our minds are connected. The interesting thing is that she is in control of the link we have.”
“Where did she come from?”
“She’s been with me for several years. I’m not sure of her true origins.” Another little lie as the Valtyr finished preparing for travel, tethering the temple sword firmly to the saddle. A thought had entered her mind that maybe she was revealing too much.
“All right, let’s go,” said the warrior. “Let me help you up.”
Kaitra threw her leg out and over the back of Tyral with some help up from Kidreyli. Before the warrior could mount, the sorceress grabbed her hand, looking down upon her deep blue eyes. “Words cannot sufficiently express my gratitude to you for your efforts in saving me last night. Without you, I would surely be dead.” A tear started down Kaitra’s cheek as she continued, “With all of my heart, thank you.”
Kidreyli reached up and caught the tear as it fell. “Dear friend, it was an honor for me to be able to help.”
Their eyes met, transfixed on one another for but a few moments. They each experienced a glimpse into the true spirit of the other.
Kidreyli saw
A determined will, based partly on desire and partly on her rebellious nature …a deep sense of fear emanating from the perception of suddenly being totally alone in unfamiliar surroundings…an underlying lack of confidence resulting primarily from limited life experience …a heart longing for passionate, unrelenting love.
Kaitra saw
Fearlessness based on culture, training and experience…the pleasure felt as the blood of evildoers washes over her hands… an underlying sense that the life that had been thrust upon her at an early age was not her true destiny…the effort expended to mask a heart longing for passionate, unrelenting love.
Both of them would always remember this moment in time.
The warrior mounted behind Kaitra and Tyral trotted gracefully northeastward.
A short time later, Alondra became visible through the trees. The village was located on the edge of a large meadow. For the most part, tall green grass had been left to grow for grazing the animals. A small section had been carved out for the growing of vegetables. The village had several small, thatched-roof huts focused around a central open area, with several rustic wooden tables arranged around a large stone fire pit.
Kaitra recognized an older villager as he walked past the largest table. “I know that man. His name is Eirran. He’s one of the elders of the village.”
Tyral stopped as Kidreyli sat up tall in the saddle, remaining quiet, trying to listen and sense her surroundings.
The young sorceress interjected, “What are you waiting for?”
“Shhh...,” Kidreyli whispered as she heard in her mind that Tyral sensed no danger, but there was something…something strange she could not identify. “We must be very careful,” the warrior quietly explained as she dismounted. “We don’t want to do anything which might endanger us or the villagers.”
Kaitra was impatient, but remained quiet.
Kidreyli wrapped her arm around Tyral’s head and leaned against her. “What do you think?” she whispered.
Thoughts from without entered her mind. “It has been a long time since I felt this kind of energy. It’s feeding its surroundings, not like conventional magics that feed on their surroundings. I believe these people are Clannya.”
“This far south? That’s not possible,” whispered the warrior out loud.
“What’s not possible,” Kaitra asked quietly.
Kidreyli ignored the comment from the girl and focused on what Tyral was willing to impart. “We have both experienced this pattern of magic before. I am aware of no culture that can create this kind of energy other than the Clannya. I wonder if your companion knows the truth about them?”
“I sincerely doubt it,” Kidreyli replied softly.
“Doubt what?” the sorceress was feeling left out. “What are you two talking about?”
A thought entered the Valtyr’s mind. “You should probably keep this to yourself.”
“We were just assessing the situation,” replied the warrior. “We both feel it is safe to proceed.”
Kidreyli took the reins and led them out of the tree line and into the clearing. A little girl noticed their approach and ran over to Eirran, pointing toward the strangers. He was an elderly gentleman with a dusting of grey in his otherwise sandy-brown, shoulder-length hair and well-kept beard. He was of average build, but quite tall in stature, maybe six feet, four inches, and he sported the muscles and weathered appearance of one who had spent his life in an agricultural village. He wore a puffy white shirt tucked into brown leather pants and sported brown lace boots. His manner was calm and without fear, almost aloof.
Several of the villagers had perked up, taking notice of the approaching pair. A woman walked over and stood next to Eirran. She was slightly shorter that he with beautiful deep red hair streaked with a few lines of gray that danced about her shoulders on the breeze. She wore a white shirt under a deep green dress that stopped at her ankles, cinched at the waist with a brown leather belt with silver ring ties, and she was attired in brown, lace-up leather boots. She leaned toward him and spoke just loud enough for Kidreyli to hear, “I believe that’s Kaitra.”
The two of them walked out to greet the approaching guests.
Kaitra let herself slide off the back of Tyral and ran into the arms of Eirran. “I am so glad to see you,” she said as she hugged him with all her strength.
“My lady, it is good to see you too,” he replied, a little surprised at the emphatic hug.
She released him and looked over to his companion. “Cliona…”
“Dear child,” the woman responded as the sorceress hugged her firmly.
“We were certain that we would never see you again,” Eirran commented.
Kaitra motioned toward the Valtyr, “Thanks to my courageous warrior friend. Eirran, Cliona, this is Kidreyli. She saved me.”
“You are welcome here,” announced Eirran. “Please, come and sit. You both must be starving.” He motioned for one of the little girls to come over. “Lila, please fetch some food and drink for our guests.”
The girl ran off toward the center of the village. It was but a handful of moments before she hastily returned with a passel of children in tow. They had been told that a Valtyr was in the village and they enthusiastically volunteered to help carry the food and refreshments over to the table. It wasn’t every day that they encountered a stranger from so far away, especially a Valtyr.
“Kidreyli, you can let your
Katrion run free in our fields.” offered Eirran. “We have a few horses milling about, she would have some companionship.”
A look of surprise crossed the warrior’s face as she unfastened the halter. Tyral immediately ran off in search of fun. “You speak Valtyri?” she asked as she grabbed an apple from a basket.
Eirran smiled. “A little. Cliona and I lived for many years near the town of Pichey before moving here.”
The children were hanging around, anxiously waiting to be invited into the conversation. It was making Kidreyli a little uncomfortable. Kaitra was otherwise occupied, as she had descended voraciously on a small loaf of bread. Cliona just smiled at her manner.
“I’ve been to Pichey,” replied Kidreyli. “It’s a pleasant little town with good people. It was hard for me to stay away from Milina’s Tavern.”
Eirran laughed. “Milina would be pleased that you remember. You know, we haven’t seen her in probably ten years.” He turned to Cliona for a non-verbal confirmation. “She had the best mead in the northern province.”
Kaitra didn’t mind being left out of the conversation. She had blown through the loaf of bread and was now after the fruit basket. Kidreyli looked over again at the patient yet increasingly restless children.
“I’m afraid they don’t get to see a Valtyr very often in this place,” Eirran explained. “You’re a bit of a novelty for us today.”
Kidreyli was not particularly comfortable around children she did not know. She decided to confront the situation head on. She turned around on the bench facing the little ones and announced, “Okay, I’m all yours.”
The children excitedly talked over one another.
“Wait, wait…,” the warrior held up her hand. “One at a time, please.”
“Can I touch your eyebrow,” Lila requested.
“Sure.” Kidreyli leaned down and the girl slowly traced her soft hairs in their rounded v-shape from her nose over her eye to the hairline with her finger.
A boy asked, “Can we see your claws?”
Kidreyli held out her left hand and pushed out her claws. They appeared from below her fingernails and extended out about one inch from each finger. They looked like large somewhat straightened cat claws.
“That is so wonderful,” commented the boy. “I wish I had claws like that.”
“Can you tell us a story of one of your battles,” asked another little girl.
“Children, please,” Eirran intervened. “Give our guests a chance to rest. They have had a difficult journey.”
The little ones complied, but seemed disappointed.
As they walked away, Kidreyli capitulated. “I’ll make a deal with you. If you allow us to rest and settle in, I’ll tell you a story later this evening.”
The children ran away celebrating their victory.
Cliona said, “That’s really nice of you, but don’t let our little ones impose on you.”
“I don’t mind. You have been very generous to us. This small gesture cannot repay your kindness on this day of all days.”
Cliona touched Kaitra’s arm, “Shall we go and get you some proper clothing?”
“Yes, that would be wonderful,” replied the sorceress as she grabbed an apple from the basket.
They got up and headed for a large hut in the center of the village, leaving the warrior and Eirran to fend for themselves.
“I’m guessing the temple was destroyed?” posed Kidreyli.
Sadness was evident on Eirran’s face. “I’m afraid so. A few of us went there early this morning. They returned describing incredibly gruesome scenes. The members of the temple were very kind and gentle, and they were good friends to us. All in the village mourn their loss.” The elder paused for a moment before continuing. “I’m glad you were able to rescue Kaitra from the attack.”
“I wish I could have done more. There were just too many of them, and they were well-prepared.”
“The Rutalans are a brutal bunch.”
“You referred to Kaitra as ‘my lady’ earlier,” noted the warrior. “What did you mean by that?”
“You don’t know?” asked Eirran to a blank stare. “She is royalty, from the House of Dhoya.”
“Surprising,” her disappointment colored her response.
“Is that a problem?”
Kidreyli scratched herself with her fingernails behind her ear. It was more of a sign of discomfort with the question posed. “No. I’ve encountered royalty before. It never ends well.”
“Don’t pass judgment on Kaitra too soon. She has traveled far from her safe and secure home to escape the influences of her culture and find her true destiny. Her will is strong and she has demonstrated her independence from the royal trappings that once surrounded her. If I had to guess, I would say that the two of you have much in common.”
Kidreyli laughed, “I don’t think we have anything….”
Eirran interrupted. “Why is a capable Valtyr warrior traveling alone this far south, if not seeking answers to her life’s most pressing questions?”
The Clannya elder had perfect perception in this matter. Kidreyli sat blankly for a few moments, a bit stunned over his comment. She finally nodded to him, acknowledging his accurate insight.
Eirran perked up. “You should rest here with us for a few days.”
“I really must be going,” replied Kidreyli. A little frustrated. A little embarrassed. She had been found out, after all.
“Stay, please. Your presence will help Kaitra recover from the events of last night. Besides, you promised a story to our children tonight.”
She had to agree, so she nodded, confirming that she would stay as he requested. She also felt a little boxed in. In the last year, she had not spent more than a day in one place.
Eirran smiled and stood tall as he offered, “Good. Let me show you to your accommodations.”
She followed him to a small hut located near the trees. It was very rustic, with a few planks of wood lashed together with rope to form a door. The walls were constructed with small branches, tied together and overlaid with mud and straw. A small opening had been left in the wall near the door to function as a window, with a piece of wood hung on the inside as its shutter. Its roof was made of thatch and trimmed neatly.
“I hope you’ll find this satisfactory,” he stated as he pushed open the door.
Kidreyli entered and took a quick look around, noting two beds lined with straw on opposite walls. “Yes, this will be fine,” she said. Eirran smiled and started toward the door when she gently grabbed him above the elbow and said, “I sincerely appreciate all you are doing for Kaitra and me. I assure you, I will never forget.”
As he left the cottage, Eirran spoke over his shoulder, “I look forward to seeing you at the evening meal. Cliona has prepared some of her famous mead.”
Kidreyli looked around the interior of the small cottage again and realized that she had left all her supplies on her Katrion. “Tyral, are you out there?” she asked softly. She did not need to speak loudly, as her thoughts were plainly audible to her friend, but there was no response. “Listen, I’m sorry I forgot to take the supplies off you.”
In her mind, the warrior heard, “Finally. Now that you need your things, I imagine that it’s imperative that I bring them to you post haste. Never mind that I was resigned to carry your belongings like some animal of burden until the princess of the north deigned an end to my suffering.”
A surprised and somewhat confused smile came to the Valtyr’s face, “I apologize for not thinking of you. I was caught up in the moment of meeting these people and seeing Kaitra safely here.” There was a brief pause, then, “What am I doing? I don’t answer to you. Get your furry bum over here now!”
“As you wish,” conceded Tyral through a feigned sigh of resignation.
Kidreyli stepped outside the hut into the warm mid-morning sunlight. She stood looking upward with eyes closed for a moment and took a deep breath, soaking in the warmth. Familiar hoofs came pounding up in front of h
er. The warrior released the saddle loop and hefted all the supplies off and onto the ground in one motion. She looked the horse straight in the eye. “Princess of the north? Where in Dunsait did that come from?” She hit her flat-handed on the side of the neck, but not too hard.
Tyral trotted away, realizing that maybe she had gone a bit too far with that reference, knowing how much disdain Kidreyli had for royalty. “Only joking.” was the message sent.
The warrior moved the supplies into the hut. She did not bother to remove them from the saddle since she was leaving shortly. She walked back outside and sat on a tiny rustic wooden bench in the sunlight, leaning her back against the wall. She closed her eyes and let her body soak in the warmth. The light breeze was very refreshing and played the most soothing notes when it rustled the leaves in the trees. A few minutes later, she had drifted away and was nearly dozing when she felt a light tug on her pants. She looked down with one eye to see a girl of maybe three years looking up at her, her big blue eyes wide with wonderment. “Hello, little one,” she said.
“Are you really a Valtyr?” the girl asked in her perky little voice.
“Yes, I am.” Kidreyli sat up and pointed to her shirt, “See this symbol, the three crossed arrows signify warrior ranking among my people. My name is Kidreyli, what’s yours?”
“Niko. Can I see your sword?”
“Actually, Niko, I was about to take a little nap. Would you like to take a nap with me? We can see the sword later.”
“Okay.”
Kidreyli lifted her up on her lap and leaned back against the wall again. The child tucked her head under the Valtyr’s chin and closed her eyes. The warrior always got her best sleep during the day, but this day was special because she felt totally safe in this place. It was the first time in months that she had felt such peace. It was only a few minutes and both of them were out.
About thirty minutes later, Kaitra walked around the corner wearing one of the outfits provided by Cliona and carrying a few more in her arms. She quietly approached so as not to disturb the two sleeping beauties who were both in other worlds. She smiled to herself and without making any noise, went into the hut. She unfastened the supplies from the saddle and placed them where she thought Kidreyli would want them. She took the temple sword and leaned it against the wall near her chosen bed and shook out the clothes provided by the villagers, carefully folding them and placing them in a neat pile. Her green woolen robe was last. She laid it on the pile, keeping her hand on it for a moment as feelings of loss and grief circled her spirit. The events of the prior night had begun to run together in her mind. Linear time had become a jumble. She fondled the pendant that hung around her neck, tears flowing freely now. She held the sounds within her when she cried so as not to disturb her friend or alert any of the villagers that something might be wrong. But something was wrong. She perceived these deaths as meaningless and questioned within her thoughts, ‘What was the point of it all, really? Kajaki is a petty wizard from a nearby enclave of fanatics. There is no way that he gained anything significant from this. Dakal and his band only got money for their efforts, which they could have gotten for any other act of violence in any other place. Why here? Why now?’ She could make no sense of it.
Into the Fray: Volume 1 of The Sorcerers of Jhanvia Series Page 4