At last, he mustered up the courage to talk to her. “So, uh, isn’t this great? The festival I mean. It’s been two years since I have been back for it.”
Reyna smiled as her eyes carried across the room. “It’s been three years since I have been here,” she said. “You don’t realize how much you really miss it until you have been away for a while.”
“Yeah, aint that true.” Weiss bit the inside of his cheek. Come on dummy, where’s your resolve? You are trained to fight killers, resolve disputes, foil the wicked, and you can’t talk to the woman you have shared the road with for more than two years? Come on! “Can I get you anything?”
Reyna shook her head with a small smile. “No, Weiss, I’m good, but thanks.”
“Okay. I just thought I would check.” Weiss was growing more and more frustrated with himself. “You look . . . (Beautiful! Ravishing! Breathtaking!)...well tonight, Reyna, very different without your gear on.” Oh, you idiot! He kicked himself inside once again.
“Thank you, Weiss, I think,” She replied, laughing softly. “You don’t clean up too bad yourself.”
Weiss nodded, keeping his smile restrained. “Thanks.” Okay, moron, let’s do this. It’s now or never. “So, Reyna, I was wondering. I mean I wanted to ask you something.”
Reyna raised an eyebrow curiously. “Oh?”
“Yeah, well it’s kind of like this . . . ” Is it okay to say I love you? Will you dance with me tonight and forever after? Will you be with me and one day be my wife? “. . . Well, you know how it is… Hey, isn’t that Esaundra Denore?” Weiss motioned at the fast approaching woman.
Reyna caught sight of the approaching woman. “Well, yes it is. Hello again, Esaundra. Thanks for the dress tonight. You were right. I love it.”
Esaundra grinned as she took Reyna’s hands joyfully. “Hello again, sweetie! I have been looking all over for you! I just knew you would love that dress!” She then hugged Reyna before looking in Weiss’s direction. “So, who’s your friend? He’s attractive in a rugged sort of way.”
Reyna motioned to Weiss, still smiling. “Esaundra Denore, this is Weiss of the Fellane clan, fellow Ro’Nihn of Axiter and a longtime traveling companion of mine.”
Weiss of the Fellane bowed to the sister of Enora Ashener. “The honor is mine, Esaundra.”
“Well aren’t you just charming,” said Esaundra smiling. “I hope I am not interrupting anything. Reyna, when you get the chance, I have some people I am dying for you to meet.”
Reyna looked in Weiss’s direction. Her shimmering eyes met his. “Weiss?”
Weiss smiled casually, trying greatly to hide his unease. “Ah, no it’s okay. Go ahead. I can catch up with you later. How many times do we get to visit Bannar anyway, right?” He then offered one more bow. “Esaundra, it was a pleasure meeting you.”
“Likewise, Weiss, we’ll see you around. Reyna, meet me over there okay?” Esaundra then disappeared once more into the crowd.
Reyna looked where Esaundra had departed before returning her gaze to Weiss. “Okay, Weiss. I guess I had better not keep her waiting then. You’re sure?"
Fighting at the regret rising within him, Weiss offered a reassuring grin. “Yeah, Reyna, we’ll talk again in a bit. Go have some fun.”
“Be sure to do the same Weiss. I’ll see you in a bit.”
He nodded. “Don’t get in any trouble tonight.”
“You better follow suit.” Reyna of the Hailborne turned to leave.
“Hey, Reyna.”
Reyna turned again to face him. “Yeah, Weiss?”
He looked at her, nodding slowly. “For the record, you really do look amazing tonight.”
She smiled at him. “Thanks, Weiss. I’ll see you around.”
Weiss watched as she was swallowed by the crowd. He looked on her for long as he could, until he could see her no longer, already missing her beauty and company. With reluctance, he found himself another drink and went to find Arnen and Gusser, knowing he would never hear the end of it. Sighing inwardly, he cursed himself for his shyness and tried to steel himself for the next encounter.
After all, there was always next time.
{27}
Raging, merciless fire pours from every wall, not abating as it feasts on town, home, street, flesh, and blood. Hope is gone. Only shock remains in the dead eyes of doomed souls strewn across the streets. Still, there is the clanking of metal and the barking of orders and the passing of judgment, for no one will be spared. The children are sharing the same fate as soldiers. This cannot be. This is not real. That is not my blood on my hands, reaching for the skies and the moonlight surrounding me–as if some escape can be found there. There is a man of flesh and metal. He is over me now and he is smiling. I see only satisfaction in his eyes as he raises his weapon to my head. I avert my eyes to make my last sight anything but the rifle intent on ending me. Bannar was meant for better things than this…
“No!” Shan Fellar’s head burst from the softness of a caressing pillow. Sweat poured from him as he gasped for every cool breath that met his lungs. He wiped his face with trembling hands. Shan knew not where he was, other than it was quiet and comfortable. It was the first bed he had been in for months, and the softness was heavenly. Was he in Bannar? Perhaps it all had been a horrible nightmare that he had finally wrenched himself from. However, the pain through the bandages on his legs reminded him of the grim reality he was trapped within.
Shan could not know how bad his injuries were, but someone had tended to him. Every nerve in his legs seemed to have finally realized he was awake, saving a crescendo of pain for his return to consciousness. The rhythm of his breathing began to slow at last as his heart stopped its race. Shan closed his eyes, resting his head in both hands, realizing that for at least now he was safe.
It was a young hand on his shoulder that finally reminded him that someone was looking after him. He glanced at his shoulder. The hand came from a young woman sitting on a chair next to the bed. She was beautiful and in an instant, he knew that it was she that saved him. Looking at her attire, especially the belt at her waist told him that he was not in Bannar. That is a distinct pistol. I’ve not seen one in some time. I must be in Morganne.
Shan cleared his throat, instantly hating the dry rawness he found there. The hand on his shoulder retreated with haste as he looked at the gunslinger caring for him. Shan pressed on, smiling. “I’m sure I owe you my life. My thanks to you and your family for taking me in.”
The woman sat back and bowed her head. She seemed very shy to him as she replied softly. “I’m glad that you’re awake. You had lost a lot of blood. Can uh, I mean, do you need anything?” Her voice was very soft, and she seemed to not like using it.
Shan pointed to the small stand next to his bed and the pitcher upon it. “If I could trouble you for some water, I would be very grateful.”
Without a word, the woman fumbled with the small pitcher. Pouring a full cup, handed the cool contents to Shan. He drank deeply and gratefully, savoring the soothing liquid on his lips and throat. Water had never tasted so good. Handing her back an empty cup, he nodded in gratitude. “My thanks again.”
The young gunfighter took the cup from him and set it back down. “How are you feeling, sir?”
“Much better than I was. And my name is Shan. Shan Fellar,” he said.
She placed a hand on her chest as she replied. “I’m Jozlyn. Corzon. I found you last evening on patrol and my cousins helped me bring you here to Morganne.” She looked down again as her voice grew softer in tone. Her eyes found every inch of the room but him. “I am very sorry about your friends. I checked, but there were no other survivors. You were the only one, including the town. It was . . . horrible.” She clenched her fist as she shivered, her anger mixed in with the bitter memories.
Shan was silent for a moment, but soon an unrelenting sense of urgency swelled within him. He tried to lift himself from the bed. His pain returned in full force then, and he grunted in the effort. Jozlyn d
id her best to restrain him, concerned that she might hurt him in the attempt. “S-sir. Shan, you must stay as you are. You are in no condition to get up now.”
Shan wiped sweat-laden brown hair from his face. “That does not matter now. I must reach Bannar. There is a great danger covering our lands. Alderich Ashener is to be betrayed. He must know!” Shan put a hand on the arms that were holding him down.
Jozlyn struggled with Shan as he began to make progress. “P-Please, you must stay in bed.”
Shan pushed forward again, trying to get his feet to the floor. “I’m sorry, milady, there is no time for that now!”
“I said stay where you are!” Jozlyn commanded. Then, with a strength that surprised Shan, Jozlyn pushed him back onto the bed. Her right hand was on his shoulder, and her left forearm was on his chest. For the first time since meeting Jozlyn, there was no meekness to her voice as her eyes took on a hard edge. After a few lingering moments of silence, Jozlyn spoke again. “I’m sorry, but you cannot go. You would not make it far. Your legs wouldn’t even carry you to the door.”
Shan’s attention was then drawn to another voice. “You should listen to my daughter, Shan Fellar. She speaks quite true on the matter.” Soon the dim lights made out an approaching figure as the silver from his pistols shimmered in the shadows. His hands were crossed as he approached the bed and his face was as grim as hardened steel.
Shan looked at the man for a moment, regaining his composure. “If this is your daughter, then you must be Vaalin Corzon, leader of Morganne,” he said.
The older man nodded. “One in the same.”
Shan motioned to the door of the room. “Then surely you realize that Bannar is in great danger. We must quickly send word.”
Vaalin nodded to this. “I’m certainly aware of the dangers to the capital, yes.”
Shan became more insistent. “Alderich is to be betrayed. He must know. This treachery could run deeper than we could possibly imagine.”
Morganne’s leader practically scoffed at Shan’s words. “Bannar’s treachery lies no deeper than Alderich’s inability to act. That is his failing. It is too late for you to trouble yourself with such a matter. The capital has been left to its own devices and defense.”
Shan could hardly process the words he was hearing. “How can you say that? You are a citizen of Vallance. Good people are going to die! Do you not care for their sakes at all?” Shan’s right hand slammed into the bed. “How can you do nothing now?”
“My first duty is to the people of Morganne.” Vaalin shook his head slowly. His dark mustache rippled with every word that he spoke. “Besides, who would listen to us inside the gates of Bannar? Who would believe us when we tell them who is about to stick a dagger in their side?” Vaalin chuckled bitterly at the notion. “Surely you know that they will not listen to me. Of course, I have tried mind you, but us Morganne folk apparently are too ‘bloodthirsty’ for reason.”
Defiant thoughts crept into Jozlyn’s soul. Norryn would listen. I know it. And if he did then so would Alderich. But that doesn’t matter now. There is a stench here, and it is stifling. And it is pride.
Shan’s eyes widened. “Then you know? How is that possible?”
“Oh, I have my ways, Shan Fellar.” He took two more steps toward the bed. His eyes bore down at Shan. “I warned Alderich mere days ago that he needed to fight. It is just as much out of my hands now as it is yours. if you’re as wise as you are lucky, then you will realize there is nothing more you can do.”
Jozlyn finally found her voice. “Pa, I will go. Let me warn them. If I start out now, then I could be in Bannar in no time. I think that Alderich and Norryn would hear me out.”
Vaalin shook his head as he held out a dismissing hand. “You will go nowhere, child.” His command was as thick as it was serious. Jozlyn was caught off guard by its thunder.
“But why, father? I don’t understand. You just said that you-”
Vaalin’s voice boomed then, cutting her off decidedly. “It matters not what I said Jozlyn, just that you respect and obey my wishes. You will stay in Morganne, and that is an order to my daughter and my apprentice. Do you understand?”
Jozlyn bit her lip, knowing there was nothing she could say to change his mind “Yes, father,” she breathed. Jozlyn then sank into the small chair and said no more.
Vaalin’s attention went back to Shan, who could only stare at the head of the Corzon bloodline. “And as for you, do not look so surprised at my ‘so-called’ treachery. The truth will come to light to you in the days to follow. After that you can hate me. Until then you are in our care and in bed is where you will stay. Rest now while you still can, before the events of the next several hours haunt your dreams for the rest of your days.”
{28}
It was early evening in Bannar, and across the town the Grand Harvest was in full swing. While practically the entire populace and its occupants celebrated, the combined leaders of Vallance gathered inside Bannar’s Gate to discuss the welfare of their great nation. It was a necessary dampener on what should have been a night of excitement and invigoration. These were the sacrifices leaders often had to endure
The meeting started well. Everyone was fresh, clean and filled with food and drink. All around the table comrades shared toasts and caught up on each other’s lives. Everyone was still charged from the festival events only hours before, and for a brief respite, no worries clouded the room. Before politics, before pride, we’re all friends for the moment at least, thought Alderich as he watched the leaders of Vallance with pride. He gave in to these lingering moments as much as he could before he diverted attention to the issues at hand.
When order was called, the problem of Thorne was swiftly brought to the fore. Current manpower, available soldiers and resources were assessed along with the time it would take to muster more in case of emergencies. All necessary precautions were evaluated to ensure the individual safety of each town and region. The problem Alderich perceived was that these did not deal with immediate combat readiness. It went deeper than that. How deep he intended to find out, one way or the other.
As Alderich stood to speak, the room grew immediately silent. “So, friends, what we may have here is a predicament that could very well put our lands and people in jeopardy. True, Thorne has done nothing save for watch us from their borders, amassing their strength. But what if they do move? Do we take a fight to them and push them back? Do we strike hard first and take blood from them and make ourselves no better than our worst fears about them? Do we bolster our defenses, so they can push no further into Vallance, frustrating their efforts? I present to you the urgency that is at hand. Perhaps together we can come up with the solution that has eluded me. I must be reluctant in this instance. I will fight with all my strength for Bannar and Vallance, but I will not send our own to die needlessly, nor provoke an illogical and unnecessary war. So here we are, and this is the pressing situation. What is next for us then as a country united?” Alderich sat back in his chair to let the weight of his words sink into the thoughts of all those at the table.
The meeting hall, by contrast, differed greatly now, the head table was full while only a few guards and family members filled the stands. The united leaders of Vallance Council sat around in varying degrees of leisure, but all of them remained deep in thought about the difficult issue. All except Geyre Windfalls, who surveyed the table with grim amusement.
Rybert Toller sat straight in his chair with his arms crossed. His drink had not been touched since he had sat down. “This is why we are here, yes.” Rybert sniffed sharply, wiping absently at his nose. To Norryn, Rybert had always held an aloof manner about him. Many thought him quite condescending. “My people are in support, but I for one am not prepared to leave them under-defended at such a time. My first priority is of course to them, and I require more intelligence on the matter if I am to risk any more manpower or resources.”
Two seats down from Rybert, Adaven chuckled. He took a drink before speaking. �
��Just like our Shinteu native to cut straight to the point like always.” He held up a hand to silence any complaints from Toller. “No, believe me, I understand your concerns. People are scared even in Rucker. However, I also understand the hesitance in Alderich. He, like all of us, wants to make the choice that we can all hopefully live with in the end. I have been through many an ordeal with Alderich, more so in fact than any other leader in this room. And I can assure you his intentions for our homes are nothing less than genuine.”
“Agreed.” Wyndall of the Jacoi rested his elbows on the table and his chin on his knuckles. He looked at each leader in turn as he spoke again. “Alderich, my Ro’Nihn took our oath to you years ago. You are the chosen leader of Bannar and Vallance for a reason. Whatever decision you make, we shall fully stand behind it. I will waste no more words other than to say I have full faith in your judgment,” he stated. Alderich nodded faintly, grateful always for the support of the country’s Ro’Nihn.
“Yes.” That was Hanser replying as he still searched for his resolve. Alderich gave him a few seconds, for he knew what Hanser had to say would eventually emerge. “But what path will we take when it is all said and done? This country has suffered more than enough to get where it is today. And we are united yes, but my first duty is to Fulton just as Sindara’s is to Rahn or Azhan’s is to Nadarr and so forth. What do we tell our homes when we get back to them? Whether we choose to admit it or not, our people are restless with worry. The Grand Harvest has been a pleasant distraction, but that will end soon enough.” Hanser rubbed at his head and hair absently. “I want to have an answer for them, to be able to say that we have this handled, but I am not going to lie to them either. They deserve the truth.”
Sindara put a golden-hued strand behind her right ear. “So, you see the predicament at hand.” She smiled politely at Hanser before continuing. “We are concerned for our homes, but like it or not, decisions have to be made for the greater good of all of Vallance. We may not know the course we must take, but I will put my faith in Alderich. He would not put any of our homes into careless jeopardy.” Sindara looked at the others in turn before she turned to Alderich. “You make the decision that you think is best, Alderich, and you will have the full support of Rahn on the matter.”
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