Wardens of Archos

by Sarina Langer

“No. I'm fine, thanks to Reeve.”

  Kiana frowned. “I can't believe he fooled all of us. Did he say who paid him?”

  “Arnost Lis.” The name left a bad taste on her tongue. “But I don't think Ludo wants me dead. He's hiding something.”

  “I don't care about his reasons,” said Cale. “He was going to murder you, and he'll pay for it. My family doesn't take attempted regicide lightly.”

  “I promise you, there's more to it.” She wasn't sure why she wanted his motives uncovered. Cale was right, she could have died last night. If Reeve hadn't walked past at the right moment by coincidence... She shuddered. But it wasn't that simple. She needed to know what Ludo hadn't told her last night.

  “I'm sorry.” Cale stepped closer. “I should have been there. I should have protected you.”

  “So should I,” said Kiana.

  “I can look after myself just fine.” Provided her sword wasn't at the other end of the room, and said room wasn't stuffed full of soft surfaces which couldn't cut a feather in two.

  “I know, but anyone can be forced into a bad position. I don't doubt your ability, Rachael, but I don't underestimate the enemy's cunning, either. Every fight is different.”

  “And you can't always be by my side. Neither of you can. You can't blame yourself for not having been there when I asked you to be elsewhere.”

  Cale scowled. “I was asleep, Rachael. I didn't even realise—”

  “You were asleep on my orders. I asked both of you to get lots of rest before today.”

  “I suppose.” Cale sighed. “Still—”

  “Enough with the regrets,” said Kiana with a grin. “You look like a warrior queen!”

  Rachael made a silent vow to live up to that expectation. If she could look just half as fierce as Lady Nerine, she'd be happy.

  “How does it fit?” Cale asked.

  “It couldn't be better. I forgot I was wearing it when we walked over.”

  “When we get back home, we’ll continue your training with the armour. You need to be able to move in it if you’re wearing it from now on.”

  Rachael's heart skipped. “Does this mean you'll train me again?”

  “If you'll have me.”

  Rachael couldn't help grinning. “I will.”

  “Are we ready to move out?” Lady Nerine asked. Rachael nodded. She was eager to reach the ruins. “Move out, soldiers!”

  Rachael was stunned by the authority in the lady’s voice, but only for a second. It suited her. This was where she flourished. Rachael hadn’t doubted her power, but she’d come to think of the lady as calm and good-natured. Rachael might have looked like a warrior queen, but Lady Nerine gave that title its meaning.

  The men and women Lady Nerine had chosen saluted as they marched past by clutching their fists to their hearts.

  “My Lady Olesya, would you have me join your army, or would you have me stay by Rachael's side?” Kaida asked.

  “I trust your judgement, Kaida. You would be a welcome addition to either front.”

  “Lady Olesya?” Rachael asked.

  “Everyone in my army has a warrior name, Rachael. The name given to me at birth is Nerine, but the name my warriors gave me is Olesya. It means 'man’s defender.' Fitting, don’t you think?” The lady smiled. “I could tell you about it when we rest later, if you’d like to know more.”

  “I’d appreciate that. What should I call you?”

  “You’re not part of my army. Therefore, you can refer to me as Lady Nerine if that makes it easier for you. I’ve been told on several occasions that our warrior names are confusing for outsiders.”

  Rachael nodded, still not sure what to do. If the name Olesya was like a title bestowed upon her, she’d earned it. It was a sign of respect, and Rachael didn’t want to seem disrespectful.

  Lady Nerine—Olesya—joined her army at the front. The Parashi flanked Rachael and the Sparrows the moment they left the palace. Ten warriors made up the front led by their lady, while another ten took the rear guard behind them. Rachael herself was flanked by Cale and Kiana, with Kaida walking a little ahead.

  Their army was small, but Rachael had never felt so protected. If the demons sought her out now, they would have a hard time breaking through the defences.

  Reeve stood opposite the cell Lord Siraj had thrown Ludo into. There were enough shadows down here to hide him, but every now and again Ludo glanced his way anyway. Reeve had moved several times, trying to disappear, but Ludo always found him. It was unsettling.

  Neither of them had said a word since Reeve had taken Ludo down here. Ludo knew better than to try Reeve's patience right now, and Reeve didn't know what to say. He’d begun to trust Ludo, had wanted him to shatter the rest of his defences. Now a wall had been erected on their ashes, and it would keep reinforcing itself until there was no chance of Ludo breaking through.

  Reeve had watched Ludo for hours now, hoping to understand, but he was still none the wiser. How had Ludo managed to fool him so completely? Was a bit of flirting all it took?

  He couldn't take the silence anymore.

  “Why?”

  Ludo sat on the floor, one leg outstretched, his arm resting on the other. His head leaned against the wall behind him, but he looked up now to face Reeve. He couldn't decide whether Ludo looked smug or defeated.

  “Because I was paid to.”

  Reeve had expected a witty retort, had been ready to scream at Ludo when it came. He didn't know how to deal with a straight answer.

  “Who paid you?”

  “Arnost Lis. You've met him, I believe. Most unpleasant man I've ever met.”

  “Why did you take his money? You must have known you wouldn't get to Rachael.”

  “And yet I nearly did.” Ludo exhaled and rested his head back against the wall. “I don't hate Rachael, Reeve. I don't want her dead, but I didn't have a choice.”

  “You always have a choice.”

  “Believe me, I didn't. Lis has a lot of dirt on me. He promised me freedom if I killed her.”

  Reeve snorted. “And you believed him? I didn't take you for an idiot.”

  “I was dead anyway, Reeve. Hope is a powerful thing, and he gave me a sliver.”

  Reeve wanted to hate him. He wanted to beat Ludo until there was nothing left of his stupid, beautiful grin. But he hadn't expected him to sound so defeated. Was there any fight left in him?

  “Just what did you do?”

  “It doesn't matter now. Rachael will find whatever she's looking for out there, and you'll hang me once we get back to Rifarne. Unless you're saying I can still get out of this alive?”

  Reeve glared. He hoped it looked as cold as he needed to be. “I'm not.”

  “Didn't think so. For what it's worth, I hope you find Lis and tear his throat open. He's got it coming.”

  “You've got nothing to say in your defence?”

  “Would it make a difference?”

  Reeve didn't know what to say, so he stayed quiet. He slid out of the shadows and took two steps toward Ludo's cell, but stopped. Instead, he turned around and walked away. He needed sleep. Perhaps everything would make sense in the morning. Perhaps then Ludo would tell him why they were in this situation now.

  “Reeve? Before you go—I wish we had met under different circumstances. I meant everything I said to you.”

  Reeve disappeared into the comfort of the shadows and slid out without telling Ludo how much he wanted to believe that. Only he did, and there was nothing he could do about that now.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  They had a curious following as they marched through the city and into the outskirts. The people of Paranossa, and especially children, couldn’t help staring as Rachael—accompanied by a small part of the army and Lady Nerine herself—made their way to the desert. Camels awaited them on the outskirts. Some carried supplies and provisions, but most were saddled.

  There was no wall to stop anyone from leaving or entering the city, no gates to stop intruders from getting
inside. Rachael wondered if this was because no one would dare infiltrate the world’s most feared warriors in their home, or whether they had nothing to fear from the desert.

  The sun was setting over the sands in the distance, but the heat was still strong. She was glad they had left during the evening and were travelling through the night. She couldn’t imagine doing this during the day when the heat was strongest.

  “How come there are no guards watching the border?” Rachael asked Kaida as they took their first steps into the sands.

  “There are guards hidden everywhere, you just cannot see them. In the unlikely event someone comes stumbling out of the desert, and is lucid enough to launch a sophisticated attack after days without water in this heat, the warriors would take them in for interrogation without a problem. No one gets far in Krymistis without Lady Nerine knowing about it, and no one escapes Lady Olesya’s judgement.”

  “How long does it take to cross the desert?”

  “Long enough for anyone unprepared to die of dehydration long before they reach the city. Most foreigners would attempt to cross during the day. It would be certain death.”

  Rachael was relieved to have Lady Olesya as well as her Parashi accompanying them. If anyone knew the way, it was them.

  Before long, Rachael’s behind felt numb. It had been a while since she’d last ridden Kaori, and riding a camel was a whole new experience altogether. She sat higher than she’d done on Kaori and her camel slobbered, but she could feel its strength in every step and it was friendly enough. She was grateful she didn’t have to trudge through the sand herself. The camels’ hooves sank into the ground with every step they took, but they showed no sign of exhaustion.

  An hour after they had left the city, Rachael could no longer see its silhouette. They had no way of knowing the way back or the direction of the nearest town. Out here, Cale’s tracking in the forest didn’t seem so impressive. He was a good tracker, but his skills would mean nothing here where there were no cracked branches or disturbed patches of moss.

  “The whole landscape changes in a sandstorm,” said Kaida. “That is why we were relieved to hear the wind had calmed. It is difficult to find your way in the desert at any time.”

  “We should set up our tents,” said Lady Olesya when the sun was rising on the horizon. “We’ll continue after dusk.”

  There was nothing Rachael wanted more, but she shook her head. “No. We need to get to the ruins as soon as possible.”

  “I approve of your determination, but it's too dangerous to continue now. We have enough water to get to the ruins and back, but you will dehydrate faster during the day. The struggle of walking through sand will only make you drink more, and use up our supplies faster. It's safer to find shelter in the shade while the sun is burning down on us. We’ll set up our tents, and Kaida can send a breeze through them. Tonight, once it has cooled down, we’ll move on.”

  Rachael nodded and hoped the winds would stay calm. She didn’t doubt the warriors’ skill, but she thought it better not to chance it.

  The Parashi got to work, and within short moments a small town of tents had sprung up around her. Lady Olesya gave her warriors further instructions and turned back to Rachael.

  “Let's talk inside my tent. The heat won't feel as oppressive inside.”

  Rachael nodded and followed her, grateful to be out of direct sunlight. The inside of the lady's tent was mostly bare, but somehow they had still managed to add a few cushions here and there. Bright red, orange, and yellow fabrics cut through the monotony of the desert, and the way the sun fell through the cloth of the tent added inviting shadows around the soft corners of the cushions. A small breeze went through the tent as promised. Lady Olesya let herself down on one of the pillows, and Rachael, Kiana, and Cale followed. After hours of riding, Rachael’s behind had shown mercy and gone numb. Now that she was sitting on soft cushions rather than a hard saddle, it screamed with withheld pain.

  “What do you think of my home?” asked Lady Olesya once they had got comfortable.

  “It's beautiful,” said Rachael. “I wish we had time to see more of the city before we go back.”

  “You're always welcome to visit, Rachael. My Siraj and I won't turn you down.”

  “Beautiful as it is, I think it's trying to kill me,” said Kiana, and Lady Olesya laughed.

  “You should be grateful I’m not making you walk all the way,” said Lady Olesya with a wink. “A numb behind isn’t so bad compared to the pain of walking through sand.”

  “Why would you want to do that?” asked Rachael. She couldn’t think of a good reason to walk through the desert. Paranossa had a port, and several carriage drivers whose camels were at home in the desert. There was also the focus point. Rachael wouldn't travel any other way if she had one available in the White Palace and needed to cover great distances.

  “My warriors and I run out here twice a week, once at dusk and once at dawn. We circle the city in our armour. It’s hard, but it gives us an edge over our enemies. We last longer in battle. No terrain is too difficult for my Parashi.”

  “I wonder if I could do something similar with the Sparrows,” said Cale. Kiana shot him a dark glare. “It would mix up their routine, and it would improve their stamina more than sparring in the courtyard does.”

  “Where would you train?” Lady Olesya asked. “Rifarne has no deserts. The closest place to you would be the Red Wastes, or am I mistaken?”

  “That’s correct,” said Cale. “I’ve never been to the Wastes, but I don't believe we'd find any sand there. I don’t think it’s comparable, and it’s too far away. I was thinking of the beaches along our shores. We wouldn’t run only through sand, but also through water.”

  Kiana frowned. “The heat must be getting to you. You’re talking nonsense.”

  “I observed your Sparrows when I visited,” said Lady Olesya. “They're not your main army, but they train with just as much conviction. You’ve done well to have trained new members so fast.”

  “Thank you,” said Cale. “Seeing your Parashi has made me realise I've been going too easy on them. Once we’re back, I’ll overhaul their routine. We’re supposed to be Rachael’s private guard. We need to do better.”

  “But I digress,” said Lady Olesya. “I believe you wanted to ask me about our warrior names?”

  “I’d love to know more, if it’s not too much trouble,” said Rachael.

  “Not at all. In Krymistis, we’re named twice—once at birth and again when we’re reborn on the battlefield. My parents named me Nerine, but my Parashi named me Olesya. It’s rare for the lord’s wife to take an active part in the army, but our roles were reversed. My Siraj didn’t desire the throne or the responsibility that comes with it, but he makes a fine leader. Officially, both of us are part of the army, but one of us needs to stay behind when the other is fighting for our freedom. If we both left the palace, our enemies could take advantage.”

  “But you don’t have many enemies,” Cale said. “You rule unopposed here. Any enemy would have to come from the North, but you would hear about it long before they'd reach your shores.”

  “It's true we’ve known peace for a long time. Krymistis hasn't needed to defend itself against an invasion in decades, which is in no small part due to my warriors' reputation. We’re the best there are. The other countries know it. However, if both of us left Paranossa for any duration of time, it would leave the throne vulnerable. As long as most of our army remains here and one of us stays behind to lead them, Paranossa won't be conquered.”

  “Anyone stupid enough to fight you out here deserves the consequences,” said Kiana. “It’d be suicide.”

  “The last attack came from the sea, but that was before my lifetime. We’re not skilled sorcerers like the Midokans, but we always have at least one Mist Woman residing in the palace. At the moment, this is Kaida, but we give her more freedoms than most would. As long as she answers when I call, she’s free to do as she pleases. More reside in the city
. Thanks to them, we have ways of coercing the enemy into the desert.” A cruel glint sparked in her eyes, and for a brief second the full extent of Lady Olesya’s nature flashed. “They've lost the moment they leave my city. They can’t survive in our home. That’s the other reason we’ve known peace for so long. My warriors aren’t the only danger to an invading force.”

  “Then why do you train every day?” asked Rachael. “Why run in the sand twice a week if there's no danger to you?” She couldn’t see why anyone would want to attack Krymistis. Kiana was right—it would be suicide to try.

  “Because no one knows the future. Even you can’t say for certain what will happen. Your visions show you potential futures only, but they can be avoided.”

  Rachael nodded. “If I had a vision today showing me Cale being led into the desert by spirits, I’d tell him not to leave the camp.”

  “The true terror of your visions doesn’t lie in knowing what might happen, but in not knowing how to stop it. You can try, but for all you know your efforts won't make a difference or worse yet, they could be the reason for disaster.”

  Rachael shivered despite the heat. Her mind wandered to the dragon, and to the demons holding her prisoner to feed from her. She doubted even the Parashi could defeat a dragon, and she wasn’t convinced the demons were alive in the same sense that she was. How could they kill creatures that consisted of shadows and mists? How would they stop an entire army?

  “But again, I digress. We’re still not discussing our warrior names. I understand they are confusing to most outsiders. The idea of being named twice, at different parts of your life, is too foreign for many.”

  “Does everyone in your army have one?” asked Kiana.

  “Yes, although some warriors are easier to name than others. I earned my name when I cut down ten spies by myself to save a small group of civilians. That’s the main difference between the two: every child needs a name, and receives one at birth regardless of the direction their lives might take. Parents might name their daughter Rose, hoping she will grow up to love flowers or be sweet of nature. But your warrior name needs to be earned. Wishes don't factor into it. It's a reflection of your actions.”