“Shut up, Doven,” Defender Rosn growled. The other man snapped his mouth shut and took another step back.
“I’m sorry for the poor reception, sir. If I had known of your coming I would have been prepared.”
“There is no need. I came at the Lady Valin’s petition,” I said.
Rosn’s eyes flicked to her before returning to me. “I see. And what stories has the lady been telling? The investigation of her father’s death is closed.”
“No it isn’t!” Valin took a step towards the Defender, hands curled into fists at her sides. “You never found his killer, let alone bring him to justice.”
The Defender frowned at her. “Your father was killed by bandits on the road. That is the end of it.”
“Then why did he still have his watch and his ring on him?”
“Perhaps they were thought worthless-“
“They were gold!” Valin almost vibrated with anger. “You don’t want to find his killer. You either don’t care, or you’re protecting the killer. You’re no Defender, you’re a fraud.”
Anger flashed in Rosn’s eyes and I took a subtle step closer to Valin. “You’re the fraud, woman. You and your father. You outsiders think you can just move up here and take land that should belong to locals.” He raised his hand between them and anger swept though me.
“Don’t threaten the lady,” I said locking my eyes on Rosn. He may need to be touching someone, but I didn’t and I already had him locked in.
The Defender was wise enough to see the danger he was in. His hand dropped swiftly back to his side and he backed several paces away. Not that that distance would help him any if I chose to use my power.
“I don’t know what she’s told you, but there’s nothing here to investigate. I’ve already sent the report in to my lieutenant.”
“Yes,” I said keeping my eyes locked on him. “And I will be sending my own report in shortly, and I assure you it will be very detailed. I suggest you leave now.”
The dismiss was clear and Rosn didn’t argue with it. Doven, who had been backing slowly away the whole time, turned tail and ran even as the Defender was swinging back up into his saddle. Any more words he might have spoken were silenced by the cold look I shot him and he left.
When they were both out of sight I turned to Valin. She looked tired and sad.
“Thank you,” she said reaching out and giving my arm a squeeze before rubbing her face. “I didn’t realize they still thought of us as outsiders. We’ve been here for seven years! What more do they want from us?” She was close to tears again, so I looped my arm over her shoulder, a little thrilled that she still didn’t flinch or pull away.
“Let’s go inside and rest. I’ll start the full investigation tomorrow. Everything will be all right.”
She gave me a brave smile and turned to lead the way to the house.
~*~
Being home again seemed to both settle and sadden Valin. I sat quietly as she busied herself about the home’s small hearth. She kept apologizing for the poor food; dried meat, bread and a hard kind of cheese. I told her not to worry, but she didn’t seem to hear. Night had fallen outside, the inky black pressing against the windows. There were no stars.
“You may need to use one of the sharper knives on the meat. Father was the one who was so good at trapping. I haven’t been able to catch more than a rabbit or two since-.” She swallowed hard. “I’m sorry.” She turned away and walked to the window looking out at nothing. “I can’t stay here.” There were tears in her voice again. “Not here tonight, I mean here in Kimbrel.” She lifted a hand and laid it flat against the pain of glass. “I thought we were really starting to make a home here, but it seems I was wrong. I can’t stay where I’m not accepted.”
I could understand that. I rose from my seat and came up behind her. Fog was forming on the glass from the warmth of her hand.
“You know, in the Eastland there are creatures that have snakes for noses.” She shot me a glance over her shoulder. “And their ears are the size of wagon wheels.”
She let her hand fall from the glass as she turned towards me. “You’re joking.”
I shook my head. “I ran into one while it was drinking. It sprayed water at me.” She snorted a half-laugh so I continued. “Soaked me from head to foot and nearly scared Cali to death.”
The corners of her mouth twitched. “A very dignified look for a Farseer.”
“I looked like a drowned rat,” I corrected her in mock outrage. That finally broke the dam and she burst out laughing and shaking her head at me. I smiled too, her laughter was so beautiful.
Her laughter died away and she shifted closer, resting her forehead against my shoulder. “Thank you,” she mumbled into my shirt.
I hesitated for a moment, but gave in to my longing and put my arms around her, drawing her closer.
“Come with me.”
Her head rose to look at me, eyes wide with surprise no more than my own. Had I really just said that out loud? Could I take the words back? No. I didn’t want to. I would give anything to have her company. To hear her laugh and see her beautiful face every day.
My heart started hammering in my chest, pounding in my ears so loud I could barely think. I looked down at her lips and I found myself leaning closer. I had never actually kissed a girl before. None of them ever let me get this close. But not Valin. My fearless lady.
Did she just move closer too? She did! My knees were shaking and I hoped desperately that she didn’t notice.
My lips brushed hers, warm and soft. Her breath feathered across my cheek.
Crash! The sound of shattered glass rang like a crystal bell, then I heard the whoosh of flames and heat hit my back. When I turned I saw the splash of flames that spilled across the floor around a broken oil lamp, wind from the broken back window feeding the fire. Valin grabbed a blanket and was trying to smother the flames, but they had already spread to the rug and the chair. Whatever liquid fuel had been used was very potent.
“It’s too late!” I called over the roar of the flames. Smoke formed a black ceiling above us.
Tears streaming down her face Valin threw down the burning blanket and raced to the front door, throwing it open wide. I was right on her heels, so I clearly saw Doven standing on the path, rifle pointed towards the door. I could have taken him, right then, but it would take me a breath of time and he had already aimed at Valin’s chest.
Looking away I grabbed her arm and pulled. Crack! The report of the rifle sounded like thunder so close. Valin and I landed in a heap behind the relative shelter of the door.
“Are you all right?” I asked running my hands down her, afraid of finding some gaping hole.
She grimaced. “My arm.”
I ripped her sleeve off, the fabric already wet with her blood. The bullet had gone through her upper arm and out the back. Both holes marring her skin were bleeding badly.
“I’m sorry, this will hurt.” I took the remains of her sleeve and tied them over the wounds. Hopefully that would stop the bleeding enough to get her to a Healer. There had been many times in the past when I wished I had the skill to heal, but never so fervently as I did now.
Another shot rang out and a hole was blown through the wooden door just over our heads.
I drew in a breath to speak and got a lung full of smoke. I coughed and forced out the words. “Stay here as long as you can.”
She nodded, coughing as well. The fire covered one whole wall now and was licking its way closer, sending clouds of smoke out before it.
Carefully I crept to the edge of the door. There was no sign of Doven in the circle of light the burning house cast. I sprinted to the other side of the door to get a better view. The crack of a rifle shot rang out and another splintery hole appeared in the door right where I had been. I looked out again and at this angle I could barely make out the glint of metal at the tree line. I let my sight fly out and once past the smoke I saw him clearly. Doven looked up from loading his rifle and saw m
e, but it was too late. I ripped his soul free with one jerk and he crumpled to the ground.
The energy hit me like a punch to the gut, doubling me over for a moment. I sucked in a smoky breath and staggered back to Valin. She lay flat on the floor, seeking the last of the breathable air.
“Is he dead?”
I nodded and she closed her eyes in relief. “Let’s go before we burn to death.” She started to crawl towards the door, but I stopped her. “What?” She asked, coughing hard. The bandage on her arm was socked through and a small trickle had begin inching down to her wrist.
“Someone else is out there. Doven didn’t have enough time to throw that lamp in the back and be waiting for us at the front.”
“We can’t stay.” Valin’s head was sinking towards the floor again. I knew her words were true with each burning breath I took.
“Let me go first. Stay back until we know it’s clear.” She nodded and I crawled around her to the door again.
I pulled myself into a crouch, wanting to be on my feet rather than my knees. I stumbled out onto the porch, it’s low sheltering roof now a bowl for collecting smoke.
A muffled cough warned me and I turned to see the large round boar of a pistol pointed at my head. I ducked bringing an arm up to knock the pistol away. The shot went wide, but the muzzle blast burned hot on my face.
“Aesic!” Valin’s voice held panic, but I couldn’t reply. My hand closed around the pistols barrel and I twisted it back towards the hand that held it. There was a soft crack barely heard above the fire and a cry of pain as his finger broke. I got the pistol free and swung it, but in the haze of smoke and heat I missed my target. I saw a flash of Rosn’s raging face as he reached towards me. I desperately spun away before he could touch me. I needed space and a moment to collect myself before I could use my power and that was the very thing he was trying to keep me from gaining.
I stumbled back as fast as I could, but tripped and fell hard to the ground. Rosn followed, but suddenly fell forward himself with a curse. We both looked back and to my horror I saw Valin there just letting go of his ankle. Quick as a snake he spun around and grabbed her by the throat. But it wasn’t him strangling her that I was afraid of.
“No!” I shouted, struggling to my feet.
“Don’t move, Farseer, or I take her soul,” Rosn bit out.
I froze. Could I cut him down before he could kill Valin? He was a Defender, he would sense what I was doing.
“Now turn your back.” He shifted, getting a better grip on Valin and drawing her close against his chest.
“It was you, wasn’t it? You killed my father.” Valin growled, probably trying to distract him.
“No.” Rosn snorted, but it turned into a cough. “But you can rest assured, he’s been avenged. I thought I saw Doven sprawled somewhere over there.”
“You knew!” She almost screamed struggling against his grip. Rosn tightened his hand.
“And I didn’t mourn his parting. You outsiders tromp in here and expect us to dance to your tune.” His glare for me turned cold. “Write a report on me. We’ll see how well you do that when you’re dead. Ooof-“ Valin elbowed him hard in the gut and for a moment she was able to break away.
My sight flew out. I saw the panicked realization on Rosn’s face. He lunged after Valin, catching her by her wounded arm. She screamed in pain even as I jerked, cutting away the bindings of Rosn’s soul. His face went blank then he toppled forward onto the ground. Power struck me for a second time and I wasn’t braced for it. I was flung back onto the ground where I lay for a moment dazed. A deep crack and rumbling boom from inside the burning house brought me back sharply. I struggled to my feet and staggered over to Valin. She lay slumped over Rosn’s body, not moving.
“No, no, no,” I chanted, chest so tight I could barely breath. “Valin?” I gently rolled her over. Still nothing. Another crack split the air and a rolling gush of flames spurted out the door as parts of the house collapsed. I gathered Valin in my arms and half ran, half staggered away from the house. I almost dropped her as I fell to my knees just before the tree line. The whole house was consumed with smoke and fire now. The light of it bathing the clearing in gold and red.
I laid Valin down on the ground. She wasn’t breathing. My hands trembled as I felt her neck for a pulse. Please, please, let there at least be a heart beat.
Nothing. Nothing. Then the faintest of flutters.
I bent and pinched her nose with one hand and covered her lips with mine, forcing in a breath. Hands still shaking I pressed down on her chest. Once, twice, three times.
Another breath.
One, two, three.
Her body came alive with coughing and I rolled her over. She gagged and coughed some more.
“Aesic,” her voice was so rough I almost didn’t understand her.
“I’m here. It’s all right. Every thing’s all right now.”
Her body went slowly limp as she fell back into unconsciousness, but her breathing was steady and deep. I closed my eyes with relief.
Behind us the house burned.
~*~
I walked down the streets of Kimbrel. Here and there a passerby would nod to me. They were getting used to me after a week of seeing me every day.
I had sent a message to the nearest Defenders office the day after the fire, they had sent a quick response asking if I could stay until a replacement could be assigned. I could have refused, but I was planning on staying there for a while anyway.
Valin was still a little weak. I had gotten her to the Healer in town as fast as I could, but she had lost a lot of blood and I guessed she hadn’t come away from Rosn’s touch unscathed. I had given the Healer all the energy I could. I feared it wasn’t enough. The first day she hadn’t even been able to sit up for more than a few minutes at a time, but now she was up and walking around, whether it was because of the Healers skill or her own stubbornness I couldn’t tell.
I turned the corner of the street and saw Valin sitting on a chair beneath the eve of the Healers house. Her form was slightly misshapen with all the shawls and blankets wrapped around her. She was frowning and the reason was obvious. Healer Ari was hovering over her, a cup of steaming tea in her hand.
“I feel fine. I don’t need that infernal stuff.”
Healer Ari was frowning as well. I wasn’t entirely surprised that Valin had driven the normally smiling and pleasant woman into a bad mood.
“Aesic!” Valin spotted me and struggled to rise from her chair, but tripped on the numerous blankets. “Tell her I’m fine!”
I raised an eyebrow and stopped several paces away.
“Pah! You’re no help at all.” She threw one of her shawls at me, but the thing just fluttered to the ground at my feet. I bent and picked it up, careful not to laugh.
“I let you come out here, didn’t I?” Ari said with a huff. “The least you can do is drink this. It’s just one cup and I have some sweet tea here to wash it down with.”
I came up behind Valin and laid the shawl back on her shoulders. She shot me a glare, but didn’t throw anything more at me.
“Fine.” She snatched the cup and chugged it down in one long draw. “Ugh, there. Now take it away.” She gave Ari back the cup and took the fresh cup of sweat tea, taking several drinks before setting it down on her chair.
“Let’s go for a walk,” she said taking my arm. I was getting used to her casually touching me, but that didn’t lessen my pleasure in it.
“Yes!” Ari called from inside. “A walk would do her good.”
And get her out of the Healer’s hair, but I didn’t say that out loud. Valin shed all of her blankets and most of her shawls before we set off down the street. She broke the quiet first.
“So I heard the new Defender arrived in town this morning.”
I nodded.
“That’s good. You’ve spoken with him?”
I nodded again. “Yes. He seems a sturdy man. He won’t take nonsense from the locals.”
&n
bsp; “Good.”
Silence fell again. Normally it was comfortable between Valin and I, but I was too twisted up inside right now to feel it. Along with the new Defender I had received word from the Commander’s Office. A new assignment. I could put it off for a little while yet, but not forever. At first I had been too worried about Valin’s health, then I had simply been afraid of her answer, the one she hadn’t given me the night of the fire.
“So when do you plan on leaving?” She asked. I almost smiled. She knew my mind too well.
“Soon. I got another assignment.”
“Where to?”
“Eastland. They have a man killing women in the lowlands that no one seems able to catch. They want me to assist.”
She nodded. “Good. You can show me theses creatures with snakes for noses. I still don’t believe you, you know.”
I stopped dead in my tracks and she swung around, pivoting around her grip on my arm.
“Then you’re- I-“ The words were like weights I had to force out. “You didn’t give me an answer, that night. I- I wasn’t sure if I should ask again.” The words dried up and I frowned in confusion as she smiled at me.
“I didn’t answer? You know, I’m pretty sure I did.”
I blinked at her.
Valin sighed. “For being so smart, you’re kind of stupid sometimes.” Then she looped her arms around my neck and kissed me.
Surprise flashed through me, followed by a rush of joy as I understood. I pulled her close and kissed her back until both of us were laughing and breathless. Even then I held her tight to me. She lay her head on my shoulder.
“I’ll follow you wherever you go.”
Her words warmed me and I held her a little tighter.
This was what I had been looking for. This was why I had never found just the right place to settle down.
Home wasn’t a place, it was a person.
If you liked Farseer, check out Griffin’s other books Beneath a Broken Sky and In the Twilight Between…
Farseer Page 3