Thread Strands (Golden Threads Trilogy)

by Leeland Artra

  Ticca felt good about the drills, with what she had already started thinking of as her company. Nigan, Risy, Illa, Ditani, and Lebuin were the core group. To that, they added some junior and senior Daggers, mostly chosen at random by who was free for the drills. The group had earned a reputation, and the list of Daggers waiting for a chance to drill with them was never short of eager volunteers.

  Ticca’s blades sang as she danced around, both covering and being covered by Lebuin. They fought as one, twisting and turning in a dance older than this world. Sweat poured down her sides and back. She had to concentrate to keep from blinking too much, as it pooled in her eyes. Lebuin stepped back past her left flank. She felt, more than saw, the incoming attack, which he had dodged, causing the attacker to over-extend. She brought her blade around, hitting the attacking arm with the side of her blade hard enough that a loud snap cut the air. Hissing in pain, the attacking Dagger rolled out of the fight, knowing she’d have lost her arm, if that had been real.

  Lebuin’s tactic of using magic like a third and fourth hand was effective, and he was getting faster with it. Illa was doing her best to distract Lebuin with her own bag of tricks. She had been chosen to lead the attack on Lebuin because she had extensive training in combating mages. Lebuin had allowed her to teach these tactics to the other Daggers. Except for chemical agents, they were all using the combination of tactics to try to break Lebuin’s defenses or separate him from Ticca.

  That day, the drill was to take Lebuin and Ticca down, at all costs, within thirty minutes. Ticca was pleased they had managed to not take any serious wounds, and they were nearly twenty minutes into their half-mark survival goal. A row of ‘dead’ assailants sat on the side of the fight, observing, while the line of fresh attackers had been reduced to a handful, from its original twenty. Of the first attack squad, only Illa was still in the fight. Ticca and Lebuin both had tried a series of attacks to take Illa out, because without her lead, the attack would be over. Illa’s abilities were soaring to new heights. She had demonstrated a number of amazing moves that allowed her to ‘survive.’

  Illa must have decided the ‘at all costs’ was drawing to a critical point. With only five minutes to spare, she called out for her final support from the line. The fresh combatants jumped in with enthusiasm. Ticca was able to dispatch one of the more junior Daggers with a reverse cut. She let the side of her blade slap on his throat, making a shallow cut, to let him know how close he had come to being dead, for his arrogant enthusiasm. As he fell out, Illa performed a diving thrust. Ticca had been distracted enough that Illa scored a serious wound touch to Ticca’s left side. Ticca spun out of her next strike, but a second Dagger joined, thrusting from the other side. She was pinned.

  Damn, that was well done! If I drop, Lebuin won’t last.

  Lebuin stepped, spun around, and suddenly, Ticca was thrust backwards by an invisible force. Back-peddling as fast as she could to stay up, she was forced out of range of the new attackers. Lebuin’s blades sang in the air, and with a series of loud rings, he had disarmed three of the attackers. Illa dropped to the ground and rolled into Lebuin’s legs with all her weight, throwing him backwards. Lebuin’s hands pin wheeled out of control as he fell, hitting the ground. Ticca tried to step in, but the two remaining Daggers threw themselves at her. Everything spun as she was hit by nearly twenty-eight stone of hard muscles. Her head slapped the dirt and dust flew into her eyes, blinding her, as loud applause erupted around them.

  As the dust cleared, Ticca saw she was pinned by Elades and Sunna. Lebuin was on his back, straddled by Illa with her blades pointed down at his chest.

  She glared at Lebuin. “Damn it, why’d you do that?”

  “You didn’t see the one behind you. I had to get you out of the way.”

  She tapped Elades and he smiled, standing and offering her a hand up.

  Illa got off Lebuin and helped him up. “My Lord, you are more important than anyone here. Unless you are sure you can remain safe, do not sacrifice your safety for another. You could have escaped.”

  Ticca wiped the sweat from her face with a cloth someone handed her. “She’s right.”

  Illa picked up some fallen daggers. Lebuin shook his head. “I’m no more important than anyone else. Besides, that was a lucky trick you pulled.”

  Illa spun on him. “What?”

  “That was a lucky trick; nobody would do that for real.”

  Illa stood straight as a sword. She bowed her head. “My Lord.” Then she turned and walked towards the big-ring tent.

  Lebuin looked at Ticca, confused.

  She looked at him, then shook her head. “Lebuin, when a woman says ‘what?’ it isn’t that she didn’t hear you; she’s giving you a chance to change what you said.”

  Many of the male Daggers around chuckled until the female Daggers gave them a warning look.

  Nigan stepped over from the ranks of the dead and patted Lebuin on his back. “She’ll calm down, and then you can apologize to her. I’ll go look after her for you.” He jogged off after Illa.

  Elades looked around. “Show’s over. Everyone else, get back to your duties. Make sure you drink something. This heat will kill you, if you don’t, after that fight.” He looked over at Ticca. “General, would you care to join me for some lunch? You, too, Milord. We have some logistics to discuss.”

  Ticca nodded and fell in with Lebuin, following Elades towards the mess tent.

  Just as they got there, Duke came out of the big-ring tent in a hurry. Duke looked back at the tent with his mouth open in surprise, and she could hear him complain. “What got into her? All I said was that the baths were open.” Duke looked around and, seeing them, nodded. “I’m going to go check some maps. I’ll meet you in the mess tent in a bit.” He then muttered something else with a glance back at the big tent, and trotted off to the headquarters tent.

  Elades laughed and held the tent open for Ticca and Lebuin. “I hope she takes that bath. Might calm her down. You know, Lebuin, for a God, you really have a lot to learn.”

  Lebuin glanced at the big-ring tent and nodded. “I do have a way of putting my foot in my mouth, don’t I? Ticca, wasn’t that a lucky move? I mean, really. That wouldn’t work for real, would it?”

  Ticca stepped into the cool interior of the tent. “There is no right or wrong in real combat. There is only murder or be murdered. If it ends with you and yours alive, and the enemy down or dead, it is called inspired tactics. Seriously, you were not expecting it, and it did take you down. She was under orders to kill you at all costs; therefore, her life was forfeit. For a Nhia-Samri, if dying can achieve the objective, it is a high honor. So when you apologize, I suggest you tell her it was an inspired maneuver you will be prepared for, now that she has demonstrated it to you. Thank her for possibly saving your life in the future with that inspired attack.”

  Lebuin’s voice sounded pompously behind her. “Did I say I was going to apologize?”

  Ticca felt the blood rush to her face. Of all the ignorant, fool things to say. She couldn’t stop herself. She spun on him, drawing her daggers. “Yes, you are going to apologize to her, and now, to me. But I’m not going to tell you how to succeed at your second task!”

  Lebuin stood straight. “Damn it, Ticca, that isn’t funny! This is serious. She was lucky, and you’re just defending her because she’s another girl.”

  She could hear her heartbeat as she leveled her gaze at Lebuin. She stepped towards him. Elades looked tense. She could feel the Daggers behind her go silent. They were preparing to pull her off Lebuin, if needed.

  Through clenched teeth, she hissed at Lebuin, who had the same stupid look of the teenage boy she had spun on after he pinched her bottom. Boys all think they are so smart. I thought Lebuin had grown up a bit! She remembered she had beat the teenage boy badly before her uncle had pulled her off him. Damn it, I’m his general, and he is talking to me like I’m some stupid ten-year-old girl. “Lebuin, you can tell a lot about a lady by her hands. If she’s
pointing a dagger at you, she’s probably mad.” Sheathing her daggers, she strode out of the mess tent, past Lebuin, before he could say something even more maddening.

  Ticca had made it all the way to the far side of the property before she could hear more than her heart. There was a little garden well close by, so she went there. Pulling the bucket of fresh water up, she drank deeply of it, then dunked her head in it. The cold water helped her pull herself back under control.

  What was all that about? He is suddenly acting so stupid. He should know better than that. She thought about the situation while splashing water on her arms and chest to cool down. Duke is leaving tomorrow for Gracia, and we haven’t figured out what to do next. Damn it, what could the Nhia-Samri be up to, and what did that have to do with Vestul’s death?

  Ticca sat down and mulled over all the events and encounters, so far. As she absently played with the pouch’s spinning lock, it clicked into position on the empty compartment. Vestul’s letter to Lebuin came to mind. ‘My notes are the bait. They are sealed with magic even Argos would be surprised to see used again.’

  Sitting up, she realized what their next step had to be.

  My dreams with Kliasa, the journals she made! The notes in this pouch were a distraction, like everything else! It was the journal Kliasa made for him! That’s where he recorded his most important discoveries. That was what he was going to give to Duke. It was in this pouch, and the Knife delivered it to the Hand in the Night Market that first night, the night Vestul was killed. It was wrapped with gold threads that glowed. I saw that clearly. Sula had me watching for something wrapped in gold! My Lords and Ladies, we have to get that journal.

  She stood up and paced as she went through her memories to be sure she was right. The midday sun had already warmed the yard to near boiling, as she started back towards the front tents to find Lebuin. First, he better apologize. Then I’ll tell him.

  She was coming around the large tents on the far side of the yard from the mess tent, when a wagon pulled into the yard.

  The wagon was carrying some large cargo that was tied down and had oil tarps covering it. Sitting in the driver’s seat was a darkly tanned man, dressed in sturdy clothes, with a layer of dust. This didn’t come from Algan. This must be a shipment from another town. I wonder what Duke ordered now. Sitting next to the driver was a young man with short, sandy-yellow hair that looked like a comb had never once dared to approach it. He wore a green doublet over a grey linen shirt. What was distinctive about him was that he had no dust or dirt on him at all, in stark contrast to the driver.

  The young man’s eyes were wide as he took in the property and activities. He didn’t miss much. He wore the small smile of someone who rarely knew any trouble at all. As his eyes landed on Ticca, the smile broke into an open-mouthed grin that was fetching. Ticca felt her pulse pick up and her stomach lurch as he vaulted from the wagon.

  “Why, hello. I didn’t expect to meet a woman as beautiful as you here.” He executed a formal bow. “I am Finnba, Journeyman Mage of Argos, at your service. Lady…?” He stayed bowed but his head came up, and his green eyes locked onto hers. He held his hand out in a friendly manner.

  She lifted her own hand, which he took and kissed with just the right amount of pressure to indicate good intentions. “I’m Ticca. Ticca of Rhini Wood.”

  Finnba’s eyes gleamed at her. His hand didn’t change pressure, but it was suddenly cold. His eyes took on an animal-like quality, like a predator scenting its prey. “What a lovely name for such a dangerous and beautiful lady. I doubt many men dare approach you, with all those knives on your belt. But I would be immeasurably happy if you would honor me by letting me share a fine dinner with you sometime.” He then straightened and looked around, still holding her hand, which she decided to leave, as her instincts were trying to tell her something. She could sense his pulse, which was strong and even.

  “I must apologize, Lady Ticca. I am unfamiliar with Algan. But I shall find a venue appropriate to such a noble lady as yourself. However, I would be much further in your debt, if you could direct me to Journeyman Lebuin.”

  She reclaimed her hand. “Lebuin is in the mess tent having lunch, I think. Come, I’ll show you there, myself.” I don’t like this guy. But he represents Argos. I’ll let Lebuin figure it out.

  Finnba looked at her with his winning smile. “That would be most welcome, Lady Ticca.” He offered her his arm, and she saw no reason not to accept. So she took his arm and started walking towards the mess tent. The wagon had been directed near to the big-ring tent by some Daggers. She could still feel his pulse, which remained constant and steady. If he was really interested in me, his heart would be speeding up by now. Workmen started untying the cargo. As they pulled even with the wagon, the oil cloths were removed, revealing two beautiful armoires of polished cherry wood, with brass inlaid vines. Ticca marveled at them.

  “I bet Lebuin will be happier with what’s inside them, than how amazing they are of their own right.”

  She turned. “These are Lebuin’s? I knew he was from a wealthy family, but those look like they belong in a palace.”

  “Lebuin has, perhaps, the finest taste of anyone. Honestly, he could make a fortune as a clothes designer, or even easier, as a fashion consultant. He was always very particular.”

  The men started unloading the rest of the wagon, which consisted of some packing crates and wonderful furniture. “I take it, this is all Lebuin’s stuff from his room at the Guildhouse in Llino?”

  Finnba nodded. “Yep, and seeing as I had just passed the Journeyman trial, I thought I’d catch a free ride up here with it and say ‘hello.’ His letter arrived only the day before I finished my trial. I must say, his other letter about the death of Magus Vestul caused quite the uproar. Of course, most anything Lebuin did caused uproar. I must admit, I think the place is going to be boring with him gone.”

  She kept an eye on him, and he glanced at the tower sticking out of the big-ring tent. “Is Duke in the tower?”

  That is an interesting question. Something told her she couldn’t trust him. “We haven’t been able to get in yet.”

  He looked at her with a false surprised look. “Really? I would have thought he’d have gotten in, by now.”

  This feels more like the sparring before the fight gets serious. Schooling her reactions, she also let her eyes widen, as if surprised. “What makes you say that?”

  Finnba shrugged. “Duke has a pretty big legend around him. Maybe he isn’t everything they say. I figured he was such close friends with Vestul that he’d know how to get in.”

  Ticca shook her head and tried to look innocently naïve. “No such luck.”

  Finnba gave a calculated look at the tower, and started walking with her towards the big-ring tent entrance. She pointed at the mess tent. “Mess tent is over there.”

  Finnba glanced at her, the tower, and then the mess tent. “Hmm... Sorry, I thought the food would be in there. Let’s go tell Lebuin the good news about his stuff.”

  They walked together towards the mess tent. Just as they were almost there, the flap was pushed open and Lebuin stepped out. He stopped, looking at her and Finnba with his mouth open. “Finnba! What in the Lords’ names are you doing here?”

  Finnba released Ticca and stepped up to Lebuin. “Hello, brother Journeyman! I come bringing your clothes and furnishings, as your letter asked.”

  Lebuin didn’t move, but did hold his hands out in greeting. “Brother Journeyman? I thought you had another year of training?”

  Finnba took Lebuin’s hands and nodded. “Me, too. But with the huge war coming and Vestul’s death, the Guild accelerated graduation for a few of the more gifted students.” He smiled.

  At Finnba’s smile, Ticca’s heart thumped as her belly tightened. She had to fight to keep her face calm and not give away that her internal alarms were ringing.

  Lebuin looked at Ticca. “I see you’ve already met Ticca. Has she been showing you around?” Ticca gave h
im a subtle head shake from behind Finnba. The corner of Lebuin’s lips turned down, and his jaw tightened as he got her signal. Lebuin put his hand on Finnba’s shoulder and turned him back towards the wagon loaded with his possessions. “Well, I can’t wait to change into something more presentable!”

  Finnba smiled a real smile and laughed. “Well, I see the world hasn’t changed you much yet. Maybe you can offer some refreshments to a poor, starved workman who has travelled far to bring you your fine wardrobe. Ticca says you haven’t gotten into the tower yet. I would have thought most of Vestul’s primary protections would have failed, with his death.”

  Lebuin caught the urgency in Finnba’s statement and glanced at Ticca. She tried hard to tell him to keep his mouth closed without letting Finnba catch on to their non-verbal communications.

  Lebuin chuckled, putting his arm around Finnba’s shoulders. “Typical. We have some cool wine and food here. Let’s go enjoy some.” Standing behind Finnba, Ticca noticed there was part of a copper chain necklace exposed at the base of Finnba’s neck, which was otherwise hidden under his shirt. Lebuin let his hand slide off Finnba’s shoulders as they turned back to go into the mess tent, which caused Lebuin’s hand to touch the exposed chain. Finnba’s hair haloed as a bright flash of light came from his chest, illuminating the tent in front.

  Lebuin’s hand snapped away as if stung, and Finnba pushed Lebuin violently in his chest, making him fall backwards. Finnba growled at Lebuin. “How the hell did you do that? Not as stupid a runt as you let me believe!”

  Ticca was thrown backwards by something hitting her like a moving wall. Whatever it was, it caused a tingling sensation all down her front torso. That’s magic, like when Lebuin ran into me at the market! Throwing her arms wide, she tried to catch her balance. Failing that, she let herself fall backward into a reverse roll, pulling her daggers as she came back to her feet. The air was split by the sound of shredding cloth.

  Finnba stood over Lebuin with his fists clenched. The side of the mess tent behind them had been ripped apart. A six-foot sphere of reddish energies surrounded Finnba. Some other Daggers in the mess tent had also been pushed away by Finnba’s shields.