Into the Fray: Volume 1 of The Sorcerers of Jhanvia Series

by Aderyn Lonigan

  The quiet returned as Kidreyli soaked in the relaxing effects of the massage. Tyral led Sestru over to a small clearing a short distance away to eat on the abundant knee-high grasses that were waving in the breeze.

  Kaitra noted, “I think that Nidreyka had a point. There were so many of Satreka’s men. How are we going to get in and out of that castle?”

  “I’m not sure yet. I think it would help us in our planning if we were to get a good look at it. The hidden entrance that Destri told us about might give us a slippery way out. We just need to find a way in and the access point for that passageway. Don’t worry, my love. You and I will succeed together.”

  Kaitra got up and placed a few more pieces of wood on the fire. She went over to the horses and retrieved both of their cloaks, immediately wrapping hers around and buckling it. With the sunlight retreating and the winds beginning to settle, the chill in the air was becoming uncomfortable.

  “Here,” Kaitra handed the warrior’s cloak to Kidreyli, who folded it across her lap. The sorceress sat next to her and asked, “What you said to Nidreyka last night about the Vydarrun, is that really true?”

  “It is how I remember it, but it was a very long time ago. You should ask Tyral, she was there.”

  “You were there as well.”

  “Yes, but in another life. Tyral was there in this life for her.”

  “I’m confused,” the sorceress said.

  Kidreyli smiled, “The Katrion are physically immortal. Once they reach adulthood, they cannot die unless someone kills them or they have a fatal accident.”

  Kaitra’s large gray eyes betrayed her surprise, “I completely misunderstood what was in your mind. I just assumed that they lived and died and were reborn like us.”

  “No, their lifespan is extremely long. There are Katrion alive today that are older than the oldest memories of our people. Trust me, they never, ever forget anything.”

  Kaitra pointed her thoughts at the big Katrion, allowing Kidreyli to hear, “Tyral, my anamhra has corrected my understanding of your species. She tells me that you live forever.”

  “Not forever, but it probably seems that way to you,” she replied as she walked back to them.

  “How old are you?”

  Tyral deflected the question, “I’m not really sure. We don’t keep time as you, so I could not translate it into terms you would understand.”

  Kidreyli chimed in, “She knows, she just doesn’t want to share.”

  Kaitra said, “You don’t have to tell me. Kidreyli says that you were alive when the Vydarrun existed. I was wondering if Kidreyli’s perception of them is accurate?”

  “In what way?”

  “I overheard her conversation with Nidreyka last night. She seems to remember that the males of her species were good people, with a significant capacity for love and nurturing. Is she right about that?”

  Tyral hesitated to answer.

  Kaitra pressed, “Please, tell me the truth.”

  Tyral relented, “The Vydarrun were creatures of extremes. They could be the most brutal and savage of creatures one moment and the most loving and caring the next. You never knew what you were going to get. When grouped together with their own kind, they became more ruthless and uncontrollable.”

  “But when they were with the females of the species, they were controllable?”

  “For the most part, yes.”

  “Did the Valtyr ever make an effort to control their brutality?”

  The Katrion responded, “Not that I am aware of. I doubt they would have been successful if they had tried. It would have been very difficult to change their true nature.”

  Kidreyli stepped in to the conversation, “Of course it would have been difficult. But we didn’t even try, did we? We simply listened to the cultures around us and did their bidding.”

  Tyral explained, “You both have to understand the context of the time. The Vydarrun had already destroyed the Klianis and were threatening the Dhoyans. The Dhoyans were powerful enough at the time to withstand any attack from the Vydarrun, but they would have paid a very high price. Leaders from across the continent gathered and presented an ultimatum to the Valtyr, which was essentially, rein in your problem or face extinction. Your people chose to resolve the problem in the fastest and most efficient way possible.”

  “We simply killed them in the middle of the night,” Kidreyli’s emotions bubbled up.

  Tyral confirmed, “Yes. And because of that action, and the unfathomable courage it demonstrated, the other cultures on this continent allowed yours to survive. Your people paid a price, though. They endured significant pain from this experience that lasted for generations. There was even the real possibility that your species would die out simply because the males were gone and you could no longer breed. The Clannya took on the problem and through their efforts developed the breeding methods you still use today. Their efforts saved the Valtyr.”

  Kidreyli thought about Tyral’s words for a few moments. Then the moments became minutes as she stared into the flames. The silence caused what was left of the wind in the trees to stop. Kaitra wasn’t sure what to say. She could feel the depth of the pain in her anamhra shake her to her bones.

  Kaitra took her hand, “Tyral, I think that pain of which you speak has lasted much longer than anyone here wants to admit.”

  Kidreyli looked at her with misty deep blue eyes, “How else am I to respond? We were forced to kill all the males of our species. How would you feel if that was your only option for survival?”

  “I could not begin to understand the pain your people have endured. I had no idea that this subject would be so difficult for you. I will never bring it up again.”

  Kidreyli contradicted her, “No, my love. We must always hold this close. It is good to speak of these things so that the truth of our past is remembered.”

  Several quiet moments ensued before Kaitra asked, “If it’s too painful, you don’t have to answer, but during the purge, did you kill your mate?”

  She smiled reminiscently and replied, “No. By happenstance, I overheard what was to come, and we fled south. There were others, and we lived out our lives in hiding.” She paused momentarily, and then spoke over a pained laugh, “I guess I’ve always been a traitor to my people.”

  “But never a traitor to your heart, which in the greater scheme of things, is far more important,” Tyral interjected.

  Speaking to both of them, Kaitra’s asked telepathically, “How did you two get together?”

  Kidreyli replied, “You’ll have to ask her. The Katrion choose who they wish to be with.”

  Kaitra was surprised again. “Really? So, Tyral, why did you choose Kidreyli?”

  The Katrion answered, “Just look at her. Can you envision someone more interesting than her to be with? She’s rebellious, unconventional, obstinate, stubborn, demanding, conflicted, strong, powerful, talented, smart, loyal, honorable, nurturing and very loving. I knew when she was seven years of age that I would be well-served to be with her. It’s been quite a ride so far, I can tell you.”

  Kidreyli interjected, “You forgot funny. I’m very funny sometimes.”

  Kaitra squeezed her hand, “I can vouch for the loving.”

  Kidreyli smiled and kissed her.

  It was immediately apparent to Tyral that they were headed off into a deeply passionate carnal experience. She turned and headed back toward the grassy area, her thoughts caressing their minds, “Right. You two don’t worry about me, I’ll just be over here tending to my evening meal.”

  Kidreyli rolled onto her back and pulled Kaitra on top of her. The young woman’s long black hair fell to both sides of her face and down onto her shoulders.

  Kidreyli looked up at her and said softly, “I can’t imagine ever being without you.”

  Kaitra traced the Valtyr’s eyebrows with her finger, “Just as well, for that will never happen.”

  Kidreyli awoke abruptly in the early morning light because of a nudge from her Katrion�
�s nose.

  Tyral explained in her thoughts, “I hear Katrion approaching.”

  The warrior was up in an instant and heard the sounds of heavy hooves coming from the west. She pushed on her lover’s shoulder, “Kaitra, get up.”

  Her eyes were heavy with sleep, “What is it?”

  With a deep sense of urgency, she answered, “There are Valtyr approaching. We need to leave now.”

  Kidreyli grabbed up their belongings and jumped on Tyral. Kaitra wrapped her cloak tightly around her and mounted Sestru. In an instant, the sorceress was following the warrior to the north.

  They rode hard for a few miles and then Kidreyli brought them to a stop. She sat up high in her saddle, trying to hear if they had been followed. Her keen sense of hearing could pick up faint sounds in the still forest that sounded like they were fading. “I think they’re gone,” she concluded.

  “That was close,” Kaitra noted.

  Kidreyli properly affixed the supplies to her saddle. She stated, “I don’t want to encounter any Valtyr other than my mother. It only invites problems. We need to get to the other side of the river. Once we’re on the Dhoyan side, it should be safer. Our people respect the agreed territorial boundaries.”

  Kaitra opined, “I don’t think anyone will bother the princess in her own land.”

  Kidreyli laughed at the obvious jab, “Right, then all things should be well once we get there.”

  Tyral noted, “The nearest good crossing point is just a little north of here. The water is not too deep and locals cross there with carts.”

  Kidreyli said, “Then take us there since you know the way. Not so fast though. We must be mindful of Sestru.”

  Tyral turned and started to the northeast. Kaitra turned Sestru and followed. They moved along at a comfortable pace through the long shadows, dogged mostly by the cold morning air that rushed around them. Kaitra could not get comfortable. The clothes she had on were not designed for such a cold morning on horseback. She pulled up her cloak and covered her hands as best as she could. It was not enough. She alternated hands on the reins, putting her free hand against her skin, trying to let it soak up some warmth. The hour it took them to get to the river crossing seemed like an age to her.

  And there it was before them, a wide section of the river, maybe a few hundred feet or so across. From the flow of the fast moving water, the crossing had been worn surprisingly flat and smooth. Tyral led the way, slowly and carefully stepping on the slippery rocks. The water was crystal clear and Kaitra spotted a few sizable fish slipping over and plunging into the deeper, chaotic water below. Having daintily made her way mostly across, Tyral felt a bit of confidence and took a few giant strides, gracefully ending up on the bank. Sestru was understandably timid as she stepped carefully and with purpose, one hoof at a time out of the water.

  Kaitra asked, “Can we stop? I’m freezing.”

  Kidreyli pointed northeast, “Up on that ridge.”

  With that, the Valtyr led the way, getting far enough off the beaten path so as not to be easily noticed.

  Kaitra dismounted. She was so cold she was shivering. She pulled her cloak tightly around her and leaned against Sestru for warmth.

  Kidreyli saw her plight and wrapped her cloak around her lover.

  The sorceress asked, “Won’t you be cold?”

  “We come from the north. It must really get cold for it to bother me.” She cradled Kaitra’s head against her chest and held her close, passing on her warmth. They stood quietly for several minutes letting a sense of normalcy return for her, and then she noticed faint voices and goings-on off in the distance.

  “What is it?” Kaitra asked.

  “Sounds like a village off in that direction,” Kidreyli said motioning with her head just east of north. “Maybe we could get food and a place to stay warm for a day or so.”

  “That would truly be welcome,” the sorceress responded, her voice still quivering a bit. “It would also give us a few calm moments to plan our efforts against the Scecians.”

  “Let’s go, then.”

  “Do you want your cloak back?”

  “You keep it. I’ll be fine,” Kidreyli said as she mounted Tyral.

  Kaitra was back on Sestru and they were off. Up and over a few smallish ridges, it took only five minutes or so before Kidreyli stopped them in the trees.

  The warrior directed her thoughts at Kaitra and Tyral, “Kait, stay here a moment. Let me see if there are any red shirts about.” She urged her Katrion a bit further down the ridge just close enough to get a good view of the village. It was a quaint little place situated along a small stream that meandered its way toward the river just crossed. Thatched roof huts were scattered about a grassy meadow with a good number of villagers busily tending to their daily routines.

  Kidreyli spoke softly to her lover in her thoughts, “It looks safe. Come.”

  The Valtyr led them down the ridge and out of the trees. Several of the villagers took anxious note of their approach. A large middle-aged man walked toward them, flanked by a handful of villagers.

  Kidreyli called out, “Good morning.”

  “And a good morning to you,” the man replied.

  “My companion and I have been traveling for several days. We were wondering if you would graciously allow us to stay here for a short time? We have money to trade for food and a place to sleep.”

  The elder responded, “We have food if you wish, but we have no extra huts. There are some Mutrals further downstream if you desire privacy.”

  An older man with puffy gray patches on his otherwise light brown hair and beard walked nearby with an armload of firewood. He took notice of the woman on horseback and called out, “Lady Kaitra? Is that you?”

  The sorceress looked over and called out with joyful surprise, “Culain?!” She slid off her horse and ran toward him. He dropped his burden and took a knee in front of her as she approached. “Get up, young man, and give me a hug,” she commanded.

  He smiled and carried out her order, giving her a long embrace. “M’ lady, I never thought t’ see ya again,” he said with his deep southeastern brogue.

  “Nor I you. You’re looking well.”

  The old man said with his bright eyes shining, “And you’re as beautiful as ever, lass. Aye, as I always said, the sun and the moons could never compare t’ the light ya bring t’ the world.”

  She laughed and gently hit him on the shoulder, “You always know the right things to say to me. So why are you way out here?”

  “I got old, lass. And you two grew up and left the nest, so I had nothin’ t’ do. Your father came t’ me one day ‘bout six months back and told me that I could take m’ leave an’ live out m’ days in peace if I wished. He gave me some treasure, and I came ‘ere to this peaceful place t’ do just that. So what ‘ave ya been up to?”

  “Well, I traveled over a good part of the continent, seeing and learning many things. Over there is my…,” she looked over and stopped in mid-sentence after seeing all the confused faces staring at them. All except for Kidreyli, who was still in her saddle, leaning on Tyral’s neck with a knowing smile on her face.

  Culain laughed and announced officially, “Everyone, this is Lady Kaitra, princess of the realm, daughter of the great and powerful Fionn, Ardreach of Dhoya.”

  The villagers immediately took a knee in front of her. The lead villager spoke, “My lady, I apologize. We had no idea.”

  “Please, all of you, stand,” Kaitra said.

  The lead villager continued, “Of course, the both of you are most welcome to stay with us. My name is Keril. I’m one of the village elders. If there’s anything you need, please ask.”

  Culain interjected, “You can stay in m’ hut for as long as ya need it.”

  Kaitra said, “Thank you, my friend. Please let me introduce you to my love.”

  The Valtyr swung her leg over Tyral and dropped to the ground.

  “Culain, this is Kidreyli,” the princess announced.

&nb
sp; The old soldier went over and gave her a hug. “Kidreyli, I’m honored t’ meet ya.” He looked over at the sorceress, “So ya mated with a Valtyr?”

  “Actually, we bonded in the Valtyr tradition,” Kaitra explained.

  “I didn’t think that possible.”

  Kaitra laughed, “It was, but did I pay a price.”

  Culain laughed and motioned, “Come, both a ya. I’ll show ya t’ my hut.”

  Kidreyli grabbed on to Sestru’s reins and Tyral followed as they all headed for a small hut in the center of the village.

  The old man led the way in, “It’s not much, but its home. Please, m’ lady, I would be honored if ya both treated this place as your own.”

  Kaitra put her hands on his shoulders, “Thank you, my friend. Honestly, I can’t believe that we met you way out here on the fringes. I am so grateful for this opportunity to see you again.”

  “Thank ya, m’ lady. It’s wonderful t’ see ya again. You two put your things away and meet me at the table near the large fire pit over there,” he said pointing toward the west. “I’ll get some food and drink for ya. You’re prob’ly starvin’ from your journey.”

  “Food would be most welcome,” Kaitra said. “Thank you.”

  Culain acknowledged her gratitude with a nod and headed off to his task. Kidreyli was standing near the door of the hut with her arms folded, smiling that greedy smile she sometimes needed.

  “What?” asked Kaitra.

  “I’ve never seen your eyes so bright as they were when you saw your friend just now.”

  “Of course you have,” the sorceress was a little embarrassed.

  “I’ve only known you for a short time, but I’m very certain that I haven’t.”

  Kaitra’s expression showed as she relented. “You’re probably right about that. You see, Culain was the captain of a special detachment of soldiers appointed by my father to watch over and protect my mother, my sister and me. I have known him for most of my life. It’s a complete surprise to find him here.”

  “I’ll get the supplies.”