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

by Aderyn Lonigan

  He positioned the wood piece by piece in an overlapping pattern, surprisingly well-organized, she observed, for a young warlord known for his ability to wreak havoc.

  She explained, “Before we begin, I need you to place your sword and your knives outside the confines of the outer circle. The blood from all they have touched will interfere with the spell.”

  Zakrell unbuckled his leathers that held the scabbard on his back and placed it along with the throwing knives he carried on the ground as instructed. With her right hand, Dubhni made a spiraling motion up from the ground, and her magics caused the wood burst into flames. Then she unfolded a cloth on the ground that contained several different types of dried herbs and some selected fresh leaves. She took a small vial from a pouch that was tied to her waist belt and placed it on the cloth.

  She instructed, “I want you to kneel on the ground opposite me. Don’t say anything, but listen carefully to what I say. Sometimes in this trance I don’t remember all the details, so you will need to pay attention.”

  Zakrell knelt as instructed and confirmed, “I understand.”

  She continued, “And whatever happens, don’t interrupt the spell. Just stay in your place until I tell you it is complete.”

  “Very well.”

  “We shall begin,” she announced.

  Zakrell watched her through the flames as she stood with her eyes closed, breathing deeply, summoning up her energies from within. She circled her hand above her head and a dim golden energy field formed at the outermost circle of stones and then just seemed to disappear. She knelt down with the unfolded cloth between her and the fire.

  She picked up a small amount of herbs from one of her piles and sprinkled them slowly on the fire, repeating the phrase “Bila tana,” three times.

  Then she picked up some herbs from a different pile and sprinkled them slowly on the fire, repeating the phrase “Crial trana” three times.

  She placed one of the broad fresh leaves in front of her and poured a few drops from her vial on to it, drops of Kaitra’s blood she had taken earlier. She carefully placed the leaf onto a burning piece of wood and said three times, “Trali tranan sil forun.”

  Zakrell had never heard these words before, but it entered his mind that they seemed very Clannya-esque.

  Dubhni passed her left hand back and forth over the flames with her eyes closed. She shook and trembled a little as the effects of the spell took hold. In her mind she began to see images playing through, bouncing about and disjointed. She tipped her head from side to side, feeling out the images for a coherent path to the truth.

  She began to verbalize what she was seeing and feeling, “Unconditional love…old friends thought lost…painful death…the border that flows north…a deep well of hope…descending darkness….”

  Dubhni stood with her eyes closed, terror evident on her face, “No… no…it cannot be. I didn’t mean to intrude. No! Stop!”

  The sorceress threw up her hands as bright white tendrils of powerful magics descended on her defenses, crackling through the night air and collapsing them with seemingly little effort, knocking her onto her back unconscious.

  Zakrell jumped up and came to her defense, placing himself between her and the magical energies that hovered just above. After a brief moment of hesitation, the magics retreated back into the darkness and disappeared.

  The warlord leaned over her and placed his ear next to her nose. He could hear her breathing, so he sat next to her and held her tightly in his arms for nearly twenty minutes before she finally began to come around. Her eyes opened and she started to jump up, but Zakrell held on to her.

  “Dubhni, be calm, I’ve got you,” her tried to reassure her.

  “The magics that attacked us…?” she blurted out with eyes wide.

  “They are gone. You’re safe now,” he said softly.

  He let go of his grip on her as she shifted around and knelt facing him.

  “My arms are still tingling. How long was I unconscious?”

  “A while. Maybe a little over a quarter of an hour. What was that?”

  “Someone very powerful is using her…influencing her actions. When I got close to her, that mage attacked to keep us from interfering with his work. No one has ever been able to take down my defenses with such ease. Have you heard of anyone that might wield such power?”

  He thought for a moment, and then it hit him, “It must be the sorcerers that Satreka hired. They have exhibited significant talents, far beyond those demonstrated by others we have encountered.”

  “Tell me about them,” she demanded.

  “I don’t really know that much. There are three of them. The Councilor of Jhanvia recommended them to us. He told us that they were very powerful, so we gave them an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and they performed with unexpected skill. Satreka hired them and they now operate out of the castle.”

  “If this was caused by them, I can assure you that they are very powerful. I also sensed that they have an agenda, which may or may not be compatible with yours. I recommend caution. Were you aware of their magics being used on this girl you seek?”

  “No. And Satreka has not mentioned anything to me about it either. He may not be aware.”

  “Disturbing,” she concluded. “Just be careful around them.”

  Zakrell smiled at her concern for him, “I will. Did you find her?”

  She replied, “I think I did. They were planning to go to Tyrkamani, but I see them traveling due north.”

  “You said something about a ‘border that flows north’ and a ‘deep well of hope’.”

  Dubhni thought for a moment, pondering under her breath, “A border that flows…that usually means…the River Nayleena. It separates Dhoya from the Valtyr. They’re traveling along the River Nayleena toward Lynbuañan. The Valtyr believe that Lynbuañan holds healing powers, hence the ‘deep well of hope’. Her wounds seemed inconsequential, but maybe she was injured worse that I had perceived.”

  “That area is on the fringes, distant from either the Dhoyan or Valtyr influence. Getting her might be easier than we had previously thought. I’ll send some scouts to get a look at the area. Nice work, my dear.”

  Dubhni smiled her acceptance of the compliment. “Shall I wait for you in Triami?”

  Zakrell walked over and picked up his weapons. “You know, I’ve been thinking that its time you came out of the shadows.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “I want you to come with me. I’ll get you a horse and you can ride by my side.”

  “Are you sure?” she asked with a hopeful smile.

  “Absolutely. I don’t know why I didn’t do this sooner. You know I love you. I don’t see any reason to keep that fact hidden from the world any longer.”

  She ran over and leapt up, wrapping her arms around the big man’s neck and gave him a passionate kiss.

  A hint of caution came to his voice, “One thing though. We might want to keep your magical talents a secret for now.”

  She replied seductively, “As you wish, my gentle giant. Now, what was that you said about the tall grass earlier?”

  It was later in the evening, and while a few of the villagers were just finishing their meal, most had been sated and were mingling about, awash in conversation of the day. The children scurried about the fire, staying close, anxiously awaiting the promised theater the princess had described to them earlier.

  Keril came over to Kaitra and asked, “My lady, shall we have the story you spoke of earlier. Our little ones can barely contain themselves.”

  Kaitra took a large drink of her ale and said, “Of course, Keril. Whenever you are ready.”

  Kidreyli got up and said to her, “I’ll listen from over there,” pointing to a place behind the tables.

  Kaitra nodded as Keril announced, “Everyone, Princess Kaitra has promised a story to our children. Anyone who wants to listen should gather over here,” he said pointing to the grouping of tables nearest the fire. Th
e children ran over a plopped themselves down in front of her as several of the adults gathered around.

  Kaitra said, “Right, I shall tell the story of Lord Cordriann and his encounters with the beautiful enchantress Doirenn. On a bright shiny morning, Lord Cordriann set off with his men toward the eastern island of Rodal in search of riches. It was a great rocky spire that jutted up from the rolling seas….”

  Kidreyli saw Culain a few yards away, standing at the back of the gathering. She came up from behind him, touched him on the elbow and whispered, “May we speak privately?”

  The old soldier nodded and followed her to the other side of the village behind a hut, where they were out of sight and far enough away to not be heard.

  Kidreyli said, “Please excuse me for a moment.”

  Culain watched as she closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. The depth of concentration was evident on her face as she slowly let the air escape from her. A short moment later, her deep blue eyes opened wide signaling the completion of her spell.

  She looked over at his confused eyes and smiled, “I want to have a private conversation with you and that’s a little difficult having bonded with Kaitra. You see, now she hears my thoughts and feels my feelings. I have just cast a spell that blocks our mind links so that we may speak freely without her knowledge.”

  “I ‘ad heard rumors ‘bout Valtyr bondin’. I guess they’re true.”

  “We are as one, now and for all time. I want to speak to you about the Scecians. Kaitra and I have both seen premonitions that they will capture her and exploit her most wonderful magical skills.”

  “She would never help them,” he said with a scowl.

  “Not voluntarily. We believe they intend to cast some kind of spell over her that will bend her actions to their will. The Scecians have employed very powerful sorcerers to assist them.”

  “I knew there was more t’ them than what they let us see,” he replied scornfully.

  “The reason I wanted to speak with you was to ask if you would be interested in helping us in our efforts against them. Even though we are aware of the events as they may occur, I’ve had this sinking feeling that I could lose her in battle to them. You could be there to protect her if I was unable.”

  “That is my charge in this life. Of course I will help protect her. Are you sure ya want t’ take on the Scecians without help? I could assemble a contingent t’ assist us.”

  “Some very wise friends have advised us that it would be best for my people if we could do this without drawing much attention to ourselves or our cause. I would like to plan our efforts with that constraint at the fore. You see, the Scecians are attempting to breed Vydarrun as their warrior class.”

  Culain’s surprised jumped from his eyes, “That’s not possible.”

  “I’m afraid it is. This problem is one best dealt with by the Valtyr as quietly as possible, and this charge has fallen to me and Kaitra. We are to kill a Vydarrun child which is about to be born in Castle Caerlyk. Unless we are successful, I’m afraid it will be the first of many.”

  The old soldier’s eyes betrayed his concern, “Oh, lass, this is very bad. Taking on Caerlyk will be impossible. I’ve been in that place before. If properly defended, it would be impenetrable.”

  “Difficult, I’d wager, but not impossible. We have surprise on our side and Kaitra’s magic gives us a great advantage. We believe that we can prevail. We just need a way in and a way out.”

  Culain noted, “That castle is riddled with hidden passageways and anterooms. Ya must assume that the Scecians are aware o’ them.”

  “We have been told of a passageway from the living chambers to a small opening at the base of the eastern wall. Do you know how we can get to it from the inside?”

  “Years ago we spent some time studyin’ it when it was unoccupied. That openin’ ya speak of was overgrown with brambles. It’d be very difficult t’ get through it.”

  Kidreyli was optimistic, “I think we need to see the castle for ourselves. I’m hopeful a plan will manifest. So are you with us, then?”

  “Aye, lass. I am,” he confirmed.

  “Thank you,” Kidreyli said as she placed her hand on his shoulder. “Please keep my Kaitra safe.”

  “My lady, she’s precious t’ me too. I promise ya I’ll do everythin’ in my power t’ keep her safe.”

  Kidreyli let the moment fade before changing topics. She asked, “Just between the two of us, how do you think the Ardreach would react to Kaitra having bonded with me?”

  “Are ya speakin’ of before or after he killed the messenger that brought ‘im the news?”

  Kidreyli stood dejected.

  The old soldier laughed under his breath and said, “Just kiddin’, lass. You know the Dhoyans and the Valtyr ‘ave had their… disagreements over the years, shall we say. He would certainly be surprised by it, but he loves his daughter deeply and he would be most concerned with her welfare and happiness. Once ‘e takes the time t’ get t’ know ya a bit, I think he’d be pleased.”

  Kidreyli smiled, “We should get back, my friend.” She took a deep breath and slowly let it out, releasing the spell earlier cast.

  Later that same night, Kaitra was sitting with her head resting on Kidreyli’s shoulder at a table near the fire, which was slowly fading. Most of the villagers had long since taken to their beds and the evening chill was becoming difficult to endure. Culain was sitting across the table.

  He took one last gulp from his tankard and asked, “Tell me, lass, are ya happy?”

  Kaitra paused for a moment to gather her words and then said, “When I was growing up, I was always looking for something or someone that would bring me happiness. Understand that I had a most comfortable life, but I knew there was no place for me in court. I always felt my destiny was waiting outside those dreary castle walls. The first time Kidreyli held me in her arms, I knew I was home. She teaches me of the world around us. She makes me laugh. She shows me how to fight and instills me with the confidence to be my best at whatever I attempt. She encourages me to expand my boundaries and to be all of who I am. Now we are bonded, the two of us become one. She is in me and I am in her. I can’t imagine a situation where I could be happier.”

  aitra woke abruptly. She looked out to see the dimmest sliver of the early morning light breaking the soft touch of the night. She laid her hand across the bed and found it cold. A tiny bit of magic directed a lamp to come alive, revealing Kidreyli sitting naked against the far wall, her knees to her chest, shivering a little from the early morning frost.

  “Drey, what are you doing?” she said as she grabbed up a blanket and laid it over her lover’s shoulders.

  “I couldn’t take it any longer,” the warrior replied, her voice breaking in the cold.

  “What couldn’t you take? Kaitra pushed for an answer as she covered herself with a blanket. “Please, tell me.”

  Kidreyli pulled the blanket in closely around her. “The images in your mind…what you do to me in that castle….”

  “My love, we are not in the castle.”

  “Not yet.”

  “What did you see that caused you to react this way? I am not consciously aware of anything like you describe.”

  Kidreyli turned away from her and faced the wall, “Could you please just leave me be? I can’t deal with this right now.”

  Kaitra took a few steps back and sat on the edge of the bed, struggling for the words that might help to unlock her lover’s will. She noticed that the Valtyr had closed off her mind to her, leaving verbal communication as her only way of finding out what was happening. She sat quietly staring at her feet for several minutes, waiting for the moment to feel right, but it never really did. She got up, walked over and sat next to Kidreyli on the floor. She put her arms around her and laid her head on her shoulder. She sat motionless and quiet with her eyes closed, waiting for her lover to share. The moments became minutes and the minutes seemed unending before the Valtyr put her hand on top of hers.


  “What these people are planning for you,” Kidreyli said without looking at her, her voice breaking with emotion, “I can’t imagine how you will survive it. The unspeakable things you do to all you encounter. I’ve never seen such creative brutality. For the sake of all on this continent, we must not let them take you, no matter the circumstance.”

  “What is it that you saw?”

  “It doesn’t matter.” Kidreyli was short.

  The quiet took hold once again.

  “I need to get a little more sleep,” Kaitra said. “Come back to bed.”

  “You go on, I’ll be fine here.”

  “Your spell is in place to block our mind links. You won’t see any other visions this night.”

  “The spell only works effectively when I’m conscious. If I sleep, the energy fueling the spell diminishes.” She settled back into her comfort zone, facing the wall.

  Kaitra took one last look over at her lover, and then reclined on her side facing the wall.

  A few minutes passed before the Valtyr could hear her soft snore, at which time she began to revisit some of the images shown to her earlier through Kaitra’s mind by the sorcerers in Caerlyk. Children rounded up and taken from their parents. A mother and father burned to death in front of their three little girls. A man slowly tortured to death in front of his woman because he refused to join their ranks. A small boy dead with two crossbow bolts in his back, lying at Kaitra’s feet for trying to challenge her in defense of his mother. Bodies strewn about a village where soldiers were picking over the corpses—all that was left of a decimated village. Valtyr being taken and forced into lives as breeding stock. Vydarrun being taken away to be brought up under the Scecian influence, Valtyr babies summarily killed. She endured the images of the carnage once again to see if something was recognizable, a place or people, but there were none. She intentionally did not revisit the images related to her. Again seeing herself brutally gang-raped by three human men whilst Kaitra looked on would serve no useful purpose. Kidreyli closed her eyes, took a deep breath and muttered to herself, “I can’t believe how bad this could become.”