“We can try. He won’t be as easy to hide as you will be, but we can try. It could take months to figure this out, but we’re working on it. We don’t have the Company in on this so…” Dave let Trevan fill in the blank. “They went back to Olost and never came back. Not that I blame them. Things got hot here.”
He nodded slowly, understanding it as well. This was purely the pro-Andinna group then. He didn’t think it would even be possible without the minds the Company had brought to the table for the previous rescue, but it was worth trying. Every day, this place wore on him, broke him down. He was holding on to his pure belief he did the right thing—that was all he had.
“You should go,” he finally pointed out. “You could be caught out on the street.”
“I’m actually in a little back alley, but you’re right. I am the most wanted human in the Empire. Stay safe.”
“Goodbye.”
Dave’s silhouette disappeared.
“You really trust him to get us out of here?” Emerian asked softly.
“I have to,” he answered. “What other options do we have?”
23
Mave
“Blackstone is on the horizon!” Alchan called out.
Mave gave a sigh of relief. It was the best news in weeks. They had trudged in almost complete silence for what felt like all of spring. The season was moving quickly, thanks to their travel. They spent nearly two months on the road, thanks to being on foot.
“We’ll be there by nightfall, then,” Luykas commented. “Thank the Skies.”
“I think my blisters have blisters,” Nevyn whined. It wasn’t often, but they were all being broken by the trip, and even the best warriors were starting to quietly complain and need to take care of road injuries they normally never worried about.
“I haven’t been able to feel my feet for two weeks.” Matesh leaned on a tree, letting the group pass him. She and Bryn stopped to wait for him, knowing they were all tired. Andinna fell out constantly, and as long as they could catch up, no one gave anyone a hard time. He started walking again as the pack horses caught up to them. They would have to resupply in Blackstone. There weren’t nearly enough supplies to take them home again, not if they got their females and children back.
“We can make it,” she whispered to him as he fell in beside her again. “For Senri.”
“For all of them,” Bryn corrected. “Can you imagine the little ones making this walk? I hope they’re okay.”
“They have to be,” she said, swallowing that guilt she continued to fight. “There’s no other option.”
They left the road before reaching the city to stay out of sight of the guards. Blackstone was surrounded by forest, which gave them enough cover to feel comfortable. As the sun set over them, they stopped, away from the gates and out of sight. They were a big group, but they weren’t loud. If no one was looking for them, they could slip into the night unnoticed.
Alchan called for the Company to meet him away from the rest, and Mave groaned as that meant she had more walking to do. Kian joined. He was getting better, in a way. He didn’t glare at everyone anymore, only when someone called him out. He was still withdrawn, but hopefully, that was going to change soon. When they had Senri back, they would get Kian back too. Mave needed him. So did Nevyn. They all did. They didn’t laugh as much when he wasn’t talking to them. They needed those laughs.
“I’m going to try a diplomatic approach tonight,” Alchan announced. “We can’t storm the city and attack them on the streets, so I’m going to reach out to the guild leaders who run Blackstone. They might force the Elvasi to free our people if they see it’s in their best interests.”
“I say we go in and burn their fucking ships in the water,” Bryn mumbled. She was inclined to agree with him. If diplomacy had ever worked for the Andinna, it never worked well enough. They were still a people without a home, constantly fighting to survive. She couldn’t forget what Alchan said, either. This was essentially a declaration of war from Shadra. The Elvasi wouldn’t give up their captives unless they died in the process.
“I can’t make Blackstone our enemy without first trying something sensible. The other Free Cities need to know we made an effort.” Alchan rubbed his face. He was just as tired as the rest of them. He didn’t ride his horse every day, though he spent probably half of the trip on it. The problems he faced kept him awake. They knew he barely slept. Dark circles under his eyes gave him away, and because he was up, Rainev had barely been sleeping as well. “We can’t make all of them our enemies.”
“I think they’ve already proven themselves as our enemies,” Kian growled.
“He’s right, brother.” Luykas stepped up to stand next to his brother. “They’ve already been convinced to allow part of the Elvasi army in Olost to attack us. They don’t care about us. They might have when we were running, but they don’t want the ire of the Empire. They’ve been pushing off being invaded for centuries. If fucking us over keeps them safe for just a little longer, they will.”
“I have to try,” Alchan growled. “If we can make a deal, we can stand with the Free Cities and finally be recognized here. That’ll only help us in the long run.”
No one was happy about it, and it seemed Alchan wasn’t either, but she could practically taste the desperation in the air.
“What’s our move?” Nevyn asked softly. He was sharpening his sword, seated in the dirt with Varon leaning against him.
“I’m going to take Luykas, Rainev, and Mave in to have a meeting. Bryn, while we’re there, you’re going to sneak in and do some spying. Leshaun, we still haven’t heard from the Blackstone Hornbuckles, have we?”
“No. Everyone else has gotten back to me except them. Sen is already waiting at the port, and as of three days ago, he had eyes on the Elvasi. To keep them in the city, he’s been sabotaging their ships. He can’t get close to our females, but he’s trying everything he can. Since he’s not Andinna, he hasn’t been able to get close to the Hornbuckles either.”
“Okay. Bryn, check on them first, then go check on our females. I expect you back here by dawn.”
“Can do. I’m going to head out and test ways in.”
“Be safe,” she whispered to him. He leaned over and kissed her before pulling his scarf over the lower half of his face. He and Mat thumped each other in a masculine attempt at a tender goodbye without looking like fools. She shook her head at the display, then watched as Bryn disappeared into the surrounding trees.
“Why am I going?” she asked as she stared at the spot where she lost sight of him.
“I think seeing what the Empire does to females might prove valuable,” Alchan replied. “I know that’s cold of me, to drag you out like a pony to show, but it’s the best I’ve got.”
“Viable idea,” Luykas mumbled. “Me for some political softening compared to you. Rainev makes you seem important, being tended to by another warrior. He’s also a great line of defense if we find trouble.”
“Be careful with him,” Zayden grumbled. “If he ends up with the Empire again, you’ll have more problems than Kian.”
“I’m not a problem,” Kian snarled.
“Yeah, you are,” Zayden snapped back. “When Rainev was taken, I didn’t blame everyone around me like a fucking asshole.”
“Rain and Matesh made a choice to be in the Company and accepted the risks!” Kian threw something, but she didn’t see what. “Senri didn’t ask for this! None of those females did!”
“Blame me, then,” she cut in, tired of this argument. “Blame my father, he lost us the War. Blame the old Queen for letting him.”
He glared at her, hurting and angry. “None of you understand.”
“I think we all understand more than you can believe,” Zayden grumbled. “And don’t go blaming Mave. She’s a fucking martyr like that, but you’ll leave her alone.”
I can’t wait to get Senri back. She’ll fix him.
“Stop it,” Alchan ordered. “We’ve had this conve
rsation a hundred times, and none of you are going to give in, so it’s pointless.” He pointed at her. “Are you going to be okay, coming into the city with us?”
“I don’t see why not. I’m ready when you are.”
“Good. Nevyn, Varon, help Leshaun with setting up camp. Keep it small, keep it quiet. I don’t want to be obvious out here. I think we were able to get here without anyone figuring out our numbers. Bryn didn’t catch any spies watching us on the trip, so there’s no reason to give ourselves away now. Pass the word around.”
“Matesh, make a guard shift. You know a lot of these males better than any of us from your time with them over winter.” Luykas readjusted his sword belt as he spoke. “Alchan, if we want to catch the guild leaders, we have to leave now. They’re probably all having dinner. They won’t like being bothered in the middle of the night.”
“You’re right. My group, let’s go.” Alchan walked off. Mave squeezed Mat’s hand, then released him, following after their king, Luykas and Rainev close behind. They walked out to the road, still a good walk from the gates. “I have to try,” he whispered to them.
“I know,” Luykas murmured, reaching out to pat his brother on the shoulder. “We’re talking about assaulting a battalion of the Elvasi military that’s backed up by a portion of their fleet. That’s not a decision to take lightly.”
“I say we kill them all, but I guess that’s why I don’t make decisions,” Mave commented, crossing her arms.
“That’s exactly why, big sister.” Rain thumped her back, and she took the chance to throw her arm over his shoulder, walking with him much the way she would see him walk with Matesh.
They approached the gate, walking in step naturally. They had to look unintimidating, being as dirty and tired as they were. The guards at the gate were talking among themselves, but when one saw them, she watched him pale.
“Andinna,” he greeted in Common. “What can we do for you?”
“We need to speak to the guild leaders of the city,” Alchan called out.
“I’m sorry, but that isn’t possible. We’ve been instructed no Andinna can enter the city.”
“I don’t think you understand. I’m Alchan Andini, King of the Andinna. I know your city has been helping the Elvasi with an attack on my people, and you’re currently harboring a large group of the Elvasi army and fleet while they hold many of my people captive. I’m here to see if peace can be brokered. Don’t make this difficult.”
They all bowed low at the mention of his title. They exchanged worried glances until the first one nodded.
“We’ll send a runner to let them know you’re here,” he agreed. “You’ll have to wait out here.”
“Acceptable.” Alchan sat down, and the rest of their group took his cue, sitting down around him. Quietly, he turned to Rain and switched to Andena. “If I tell you to shift, you need to do it without hesitation. There’s a chance they might try to capture us and turn us over as well.”
“Can do, sir,” Rain grinned. “No one is taking us.”
“Good.”
They didn’t wait long. A panting guard returned, pointing at all of them.
“They are willing to meet them as long as these four are the only ones who want in. They would prefer it if it was only Alchan and his brother. If the female is the Champion, Maevana Lorren, she can come as well. They don’t see the purpose of the small one.”
“He comes. He’s my attendant and will stay with me every moment.” Alchan stood, holding out a hand for Rain. Luykas and Mave exchanged a glance and got up on their own. “Lead the way, soldier.”
The guard nodded, waving for them to follow. Mave felt a ray of hope. They were close, so close. After two months of travel, Mave was going to see the ones she couldn’t save.
24
Mave
They walked into the city together. Mave took the chance to sightsee as they walked down a large, black, stone street. They lived up to their name, that was certain. The buildings were also black, tall, and imposing, like a dark, dirty version of Elliar.
“Why is all of their stone black?” she asked mildly. Casual conversation made them look like they were relaxed when, in reality, all four of them were ready to fight at a moment’s notice.
“It’s volcanic rock,” Luykas answered blandly. “They use it for everything, thinking it makes them look important. Blackstone is one of the more military-oriented Free Cities. As mercenaries, we love this city, but it’s the least safe city in Olost. They also allow Elvasi hunters to go through, as long as everyone pays their taxes on time.”
“I thought slavery was banned in the Free Cities.” She didn’t understand how a city would be okay with slavers when they hated slavery.
“It is. Slaves can’t be kept here, but over the centuries, Blackstone decided slavery in the Empire isn’t their problem, and neither are the Andinna who are sent there. They aren’t slaves here, they’re prisoners of war. Whether they become slaves or not when they leave doesn’t matter to them.” Luykas gave her a sad look. “It’s one of the reasons we knew the Elvasi would head this way.”
“Disgusting,” she muttered, shaking her head.
“Don’t say that to them,” Alchan warned softly. “They’ll take offense to it.”
“They should,” she growled softly.
“Mave, consider it an order. Don’t antagonize them.”
She huffed but silenced any more complaints and insults she had for the city and those who led it. They were taken to the middle of the city, into a nondescript building set on the corner of two streets. A guard opened the door for them. Mave watched how Alchan and Luykas had to bend down to keep from knocking their horns on the door, something that wasn’t a problem in the village. She didn’t have an issue, and neither did Rain. It didn’t help that the royal brothers were a foot taller, and their horns added another head of height.
The hallway was cramped. Mave, even naturally keeping her wings in tight, brushed against the wall. It was tighter than most halls in the pits, and that bothered her more than she wanted to admit.
It finally ended, opening into a large room with chairs lined up at the other end of the room, each sporting different colors and constructed in different styles.
“Have a seat,” a guard ordered them, pointing to four chairs set out for them—simple, backless chairs, good for Andinna. That was at least kind of them.
Alchan nodded to them, giving them leave to sit. Mave shifted uncomfortably on the seat. It wasn’t a bad chair, but she was nervous. This wasn’t something she had done before, and it wasn’t an experience she had ever wanted. This was politics. Mave had one real skill—killing people—the opposite of politics.
They remained seated as a variety of humans walked in, all well-dressed, taking the seats across the room.
“Alchan, it’s been a long time,” a man politely said as he sat in the darkest chair with no cushioning and was understated compared to the rest.
“Good to see you as well, River,” Alchan greeted. There was something strained already.
“River is the leader of the mercenary guild,” Luykas whispered to her in Andena.
“Common only,” a female snapped.
“I’m just telling her who is who without interrupting the meeting,” Luykas explained. “She’s never been to Blackstone and doesn’t know the guilds well.” He switched back to Andena to continue, smirking. “Kita, the merchant’s guild.”
Alchan turned slowly to her and Luykas, his eyes narrowing.
“No trouble, you two,” he ordered.
“All he said is he’s River, and she’s Kita.” Mave raised an eyebrow, looking at the humans. “Sorry. I was in the Empire for a long time, so Olost is still very new to me. We’ll stop.”
A young man stood up, chuckling. “You must be the Champion.” He walked slowly toward them. “Interesting. I’m Laurent, elected foreign official of Blackstone. I deal with other governments outside of Olost.”
Rain and Luykas stood up
as he kept coming closer, hands on their swords. The human stopped, looking between the two males, then frowned.
“Then you can explain why my people have been banned from the city, and why there’s a small Elvasi fleet in your harbor that intends to smuggle many of my people out of Olost.”
“Well, Empress Shadra made us a deal we couldn’t refuse,” he answered, shrugging casually. “Anyone want to chime in? She approached each of you individually as she did me.”
“She’s funding us to expand our trade into the Empire. We could become the richest Free City within the decade,” Kita informed them.
“She’s offered to leave many of her own to train ours and strengthen our military even further. We might be able to claim a second city and defend ourselves if she ever tries to come for us.” River leaned back in his chair, stretching his legs out. “Better than your people ever offered for protection.”
“Our fighting styles require that you can fly and have a tail. They wouldn’t have helped you, which I explained to you twenty years ago, River. Just like I told the hundreds of men who sat in that chair before. Just like I explained to the man who made that chair and those who came before him.” Alchan shook his head slowly. “She’ll give you what she promised. You aren’t going to get what you want out of it.”
“Excuse me?” River asked, laughing.
Luykas waved Laurent back, who listened and moved further away. When he felt comfortable, the white-winged Andinna sat back down and sighed.
“She’ll let you sell your goods in the Empire. You’ll price them, thinking you’ll sell to the Elvasi, but that will never happen. They won’t buy anything made by those they consider inferior to them. It’s been a problem for their economy for thousands of years. You’ll have to drop your prices to sell to humans, who don’t have much money, and you’ll lose money every time you send another ship of goods.” Luykas sounded high and mighty as if he couldn’t possibly be wrong. “She’ll teach your men how to fight and defend, certainly, but she knows her own military weaknesses and will give them to you. She’ll know all your plays because she gave you the book, and when you’re gone, River, she’ll crush the next guy. She’s playing you like fools.”
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