The warrior continued facing the floor with her eyes closed.
Kaitra posed, “Is it that you do not desire to bond with me?”
Kidreyli’s mind kept circling back to the words of her grandmother, which resonated most strongly within her. The Valtyr’s contemplation abruptly ended. She walked over and firmly took her lover by the hands. “Repeat what I say and do what I do. Yes?”
Kaitra nodded her understanding.
Tyral’s thoughts chimed in, “Kidreyli, are you sure you want to do this?”
She took a deep breath and paused for just a moment. She ignored Tyral’s words and stated determinedly, “I stand before you with the will and desire to be one with you.”
“I stand before you with the will and desire to be one with you,” responded Kaitra.
Kidreyli held up Kaitra’s left arm, and with the claws of her first three fingers, she began making small punctures on the inside of the young woman’s wrist. The claw of her index finger made the first one, about four inches from her palm, and as the blood came up from the wound, she said, “Your body.” The next puncture was made by her second claw about three inches from her palm, and as the blood came up, she said, “Your mind.” The next puncture was made by her third claw about two inches from her palm, and as the blood flowed upward, she said, “Your spirit.”
Kidreyli then motioned that it was Kaitra’s turn. The warrior started to make the punctures with her own claws on her arm, but Kaitra stopped her. She took out her knife, much to the Valtyr’s surprise, and used it to make similar wounds on her arm. She repeated in turn as instructed, “Your body…Your mind…Your spirit.”
Kidreyli held her left arm up in front of her. She took Kaitra’s arm with her right hand and positioned their wrist wounds firmly together. Kaitra placed her right hand on Kidreyli’s arm and pushed in similar fashion.
Kidreyli said, “Our body…Our mind…Our spirit.”
Kaitra repeated, “Our body…Our mind…Our spirit.”
A powerful energy began to exhibit itself, emanating from their combined blood in the form of a soft purple glow.
Kidreyli said forcefully, “Da Teitar Oen, Oen Tuata Valtyr.”
Kaitra repeated, “Da Teitar Oen, Oen Tuata Valtyr.”
The energy began to glow brighter, and tendrils of magic began circling about them as their minds became as one, each knowing the thoughts, memories and experiences of the other. The energy deepened and they both felt as if something was pulling pieces of their spirit away, while at the same time, replacing those pieces with spirit energies taken from the other. Even their hair seemed to mix together as it was tossed about by the swirling energies. Separate beings they no longer were, as each had become inextricably entwined with the other. Its task complete, the energy evoked in the spell quickly subsided and the excess fed into the earth.
Then all went calm. They both stood quietly, breathing heavily while trying to regain some semblance of normalcy. Kaitra started to collapse but Kidreyli caught her and sat her down on the bedroll, taking a knee in front of her.
“Are you all right,” Kidreyli asked.
“Just give me a moment.” Kaitra took several breaths before her senses began to return.
“Take your time. That spell is very powerful and ….”
Kaitra’s wide grey eyes displayed her surprise as she interrupted, “Our minds are connected somehow. I know everything there is to know about you. I literally feel what you feel.”
Kidreyli smiled and explained, “Yes, and I know all of you. The Valtyr bonding is intended to break down the walls of individuality. We have become one and it will be as if we have been together forever. In the language of our people, you are now my anamhra.”
“What stands at the fore is the strength of your love for me.”
“And yours for me,” the Valtyr confirmed.
Kaitra pushed Kidreyli back into the hay and got on top of her. “You are in for one long night. A part of your spirit that drives your desires now lives in me and I now know what satisfies you most. It won’t be me sitting so gingerly in that saddle tomorrow morning.”
Kidreyli held out her arms and announced, “My love, I’m all yours.”
Kaitra rolled over and opened her eyes to the most blinding pain in her head she had ever felt. She put her arm over her forehead to shield her eyes from the morning sunlight that crept in through the gaps in the walls of the barn. Her soft groaning woke her love.
“What’s wrong?” Kidreyli asked with concern.
“I have this incredible pain in my head.”
“It’s must be from the bonding spell.”
“Thanks for the warning,” Kaitra was sarcastic.
“I had no idea that it would affect you in this way. I am so sorry.”
Kaitra said with her eyes closed, “If this is the price I need to pay to be with you forever, then so be it. But don’t be surprised if I seek some level of retribution later.”
Kidreyli laughed quietly, “I welcome it. We should stay here until you are well.”
“No, absolutely not. We must continue. I will be all right.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Please, let’s just go.”
Kidreyli lifted Kaitra’s arm off her forehead and kissed her on the lips. “I love you.”
She replied as the Valtyr put her arm back where it had been, “And I love you.
The warrior got up and started dressing. “You stay here. I’ll get the horses ready. We’ll do this today at your pace.”
“That’s a good plan,” she replied through the pain.
Kidreyli took Sestru’s saddle down first. She came back up the ladder and said, “I want you to know how grateful I am to you.”
“For what?”
“For forcing me to confront some things that I have avoided for far too long. Can you see into my mind?”
Kaitra tried to make the link, “No. I’ve lost the connection that I had last night.”
“The pain is probably masking it. No matter. We’ll talk later,” Kidreyli said as she reached for Tyral’s saddle.
“Tell me now,” the sorceress demanded.
“It can wait until you feel better.”
Kaitra sat up and pulled the blanket around her nakedness, “This pain you gave me is making me grumpy. Come, sit and tell me…now… before I get up and beat it out of you.”
Kidreyli smiled as she relented, kneeling on the floor in front of her. “This is new for me,” she explained, her voice a bit tentative, “I’ve never spoken of this with anyone.”
The pain Kaitra was feeling lurched through her eyes as she rolled her hand in front of her, gesturing for her lover to get on with it.
“Understand that I am so happy and proud to be Valtyr. I can’t imagine any other life. There was a time, twenty generations or so ago, when our people lived free and unrestrained. A strong sense of community brought security and prosperity. Back then, we were very tolerant of outsiders. We commonly traded and mingled with the other cultures of the region. Some of our people would take outsiders as their mates. We had strong and steadfast relations with the Dhoyans and the Clannya, among others. Within our own people, we were very accepting of the life choices made by individuals. Our spirits were free to expand our horizons and reach for our true desires, whatever they were. Then something happened. Some describe it as a freakish storm, and others say it was a horrific fire, but whatever it was, it unexpectedly killed a large number of our people. The forces of intolerance pounced on the opportunity, blaming everyone else for our troubles. With the seeds of mistrust and paranoia, their influence grew and eventually their agenda became law as they took control. Because of this, we devolved into the separate closed society that you now know the Valtyr to be.”
“How could your people have let this happen?”
“It’s sadly ironic that this proud warrior culture was swayed by those so weak that their only argument was fear. But they were vocal and their dark path was an easy optio
n, or so it seemed for many. So, where we are now, my beautiful, loving girl, is a world where I have no home.”
“What do you mean?”
Kidreyli smiled painfully, “In our culture, bonding with outsiders is forbidden. It is perceived as a threat because the linking of the minds exposes the outsider to our most important strategic defenses. With that knowledge, one could penetrate those defenses and pose a serious threat to our continued existence. Also, there are those who believe that our culture is stronger with a so-called pure blood line. There are few exceptions granted, and anyone caught in this circumstance is generally killed on sight. So, my love, going home to Tyrkamani is no longer an option for me.”
Kaitra’s eyes were red over gray, “I’m so very sorry. I had no idea. If I would have known, I would not have forced you to perform our bonding.”
Kidreyli took her hand and explained, “You misunderstand, my love. For years I have lived with such conflict within…an unwavering pride in who and what I am, bound by a surround that deadens the spirit and tortures the mind. Their beliefs are not mine. The way they see things stifles growth and individuality. I could never be comfortable in that environment, which is why I left and was roaming aimlessly about the continent on that night the fates brought us together. Being with you has forced me to make some decisions for my life, and it’s like a great burden has been lifted. I surely will miss parts of my old life, but I feel so alive now, and with you by my side, I know that we will do great things.”
Kaitra let her arms fall over the warrior’s shoulders in a passionate hug.
Kidreyli continued, “Besides, you did not force me to perform our bonding, for it would not have worked had both of us not freely chosen to perform it. I just wanted you to know this. If ever you perceive that I am lamenting the loss of something of home, know that I have freely and gladly made this choice to be with you. I’ve been with others over the years, but I have never felt so completely bound to another as I am when I’m with you. Now I realize that I had never experienced happiness and fulfillment until you fell into my life so many nights ago. My love for you touches every star in the night sky. As long as they shine, it will never waver.”
Kaitra looked down at the floor and said under her breath, “How do I respond?”
“You don’t need….”
The sorceress put her fingers over her lover’s lips to stop her words and said, “The cultures we grew up in were so different, but our perceptions of them are so similar. I too escaped from my birthright in search of a fulfilling life. I thought I had found it within a structured and peaceful place. And then in a moment of indescribable chaos and death, you swept into my world and ripped me away from my most comfortable home. Now I know I was just fooling myself. That temple was never home, but it was a place that served a purpose. It gave me the strength to look within myself. Now when I look within, I see us both.”
Kaitra reached over and put her hand on Kidreyli’s chest and continued, “Our hearts are one. You are my savior, my protector, my teacher, my lover, my best friend and most importantly, my anamhra. My love for you transcends life and nothing will ever part us. We have found our home, my love, and it is us, together for all time, no matter where we are…no matter where the currents of time take us.”
Kidreyli grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a firm and passionate hug that lasted for a long time. Then she stood and picked up her sword and Tyral’s saddle and went down the ladder. Kaitra put on her clothes and wrapped up the bedroll, tossing it off the loft. She grabbed up the last of their belongings and followed her down. As she stepped off the last step, the Valtyr came over and knocked the items she was carrying from her hands. She grabbed her face firmly, kissing her most passionately. Kaitra groaned with pleasure as she reciprocated.
“You two still at it?” a sarcastic voice rang in from the barn door. It was the waitress from the prior evening’s meal.
Kaitra’s human sensibilities about sex caused her to pull away with a shy smile.
The woman continued, “The next time you’re in this area, know that there is a Mutral a mile or so up the road. We’d really appreciate it if you’d take advantage of its peaceful, quiet features.”
Kidreyli laughed to herself.
Kaitra said softly with a hand over her mouth, “We did it again.” She looked over at the woman and continued, “We were overly noisy, weren’t we?”
“There isn’t a creature within five miles that slept last night.”
Kaitra apologized half-laughing, “We’re so sorry. We’ll try to be more respectful next time.”
The woman offered, “We have food and drink if you’re interested.”
Kidreyli replied, “No, but thank you. We must be on our way.”
“As you wish,” the woman said as she turned and walked away.
Kaitra fastened the last of the supplies to her saddle and mounted Sestru.
Kidreyli walked over and took her lover’s hand, “You’re all right to travel?”
The sorceress smiled painfully and answered, “I’ll be fine.”
It was approaching midday and they had come upon a small stream that meandered up alongside the road. The pain in Kaitra’s head was finally beginning to get the best of her.
“Can we stop for a little while?” she asked.
“Of course,” Kidreyli replied. “Over in those trees.” She pointed to a small, grassy clearing between a few large oaks whose limbs stretched out over the water.
Kaitra turned Sestru and directed her to the chosen place, where she dismounted and sat on the ground against the base of one of the great oaks. She said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t shake this blinding pain in my head.”
“I know. I’ve been feeling it in you all morning.”
“Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” Kidreyli said. “I’m really sorry about this.”
“It’s not your fault, just a lot of things jammed into my head all at once.”
Kidreyli knelt next to her lover and gently stroked her hair back away from her face. “You should sleep for a bit. It will help.”
Kaitra stated half-heartedly, “I don’t want to delay our travels.”
“A few hours won’t make any difference. Tyral and I will keep watch.”
The Valtyr fetched the bedroll. Kaitra tucked it up under her head and lay in the cool grass. It took several minutes before the soft snore of her sleep began to float on the breeze.
Kidreyli walked over and stroked Tyral’s ears. In her mind, she said, “I haven’t heard from you in a while.”
“I did not wish to interfere.”
“You don’t interfere, my friend. You know I place great value on your wisdom. Tell me what you are thinking.”
“You know the bonding spell is not designed for outsiders. I hope you haven’t injured her irreparably.”
Kidreyli said, “She is strong. She can handle it.”
“I hope you’re right. I don’t think I’ve seen you so centered and happy in all the years I have known you. Kaitra brings balance to you.”
“I’m not sure why, but ever since we met, being around her feels so comfortable. I’ve only known her for such a short time, but I knew straight away she could fill that void in my life that I’ve been carrying for so long.”
Tyral interjected, “And I believe you fill a similar void within her. The two of you were certainly fated to be together. I am sincerely happy for both of you.”
“Thank you, my friend.” Kidreyli patted the side of her neck.
“You realize that you have forfeited your birthright to be with her in this way?”
“Yes, it does create complications,” the Valtyr conceded.
“There are no ‘complications’, as you put it,” Tyral countered. “If your people become aware of your bonding, and they most certainly will, they will kill her at the first opportunity.”
“If I could find someone to defend our bond to the elders, then we might be…I don’t know…tolerated, fo
r lack of a better word. We would not be allowed to live in our homeland, but we may be allowed to visit on occasion.”
“I do not believe that tactic has been successful in three hundred years. Employing a defender is risky. Are you really willing to sacrifice Kaitra’s life to test your theory?”
Kidreyli reached down and picked up several small stones while she pondered the words of her Katrion. She tossed a stone into the stream and replied, “I’m being stupid again, aren’t I?”
“Of course not. I think that you are a bit blinded by the love you feel for her, and maybe you’ve not fully come to grips with the consequences of what you have done.”
“I’m really banished from my people and my culture?”
“Forever, my dear,” Tyral concluded.
Kidreyli tossed the remaining stones into the stream and leaned on her Katrion’s neck for comfort.
Tyral continued, “I realize that your mind has been rather occupied these days, but have you felt anything floating in the air about your mother?”
“My mother? No,” Kidreyli was surprised. “What have your sensed?”
“I don’t know exactly. I can’t get any focus on it, but I feel there is something happening with your mother. There seems to be something interfering with my ability to communicate with other Katrion. I occasionally get some brief insight, but nothing sufficient enough to discern what the messages actually mean. I’ve never encountered this problem before.”
Kidreyli was doubly concerned. “I hope she’s all right. She is almost sixty-nine years.”
“Yes, and she has been a good friend to me for nearly all of them. I share your hope.”
The Valtyr pondered quietly for a minute or so and then posed, “Do you think the problem you’re having has anything to do with Satreka?”
“Probably not him directly, but I sense that his sorcerers may be the culprits. They may have conjured up some sort of magical energy designed to interfere with our mind links.”
Kidreyli reasoned, “And ours as well. If there was something wrong with my mother’s circumstance, I should certainly have felt it straight away. In our earlier visions, both Kaitra and I saw a dark cloud engulfing the sky. Maybe this is what that image represents.”
Into the Fray: Volume 1 of The Sorcerers of Jhanvia Series Page 13