Valbore (Tasks of the Nakairi Book 1)

by K. E. Young

  Kaio's own fury at the words took him by surprise, his dragon rousing to grumble and hiss. He understood Dragos' upset though. He was there when his friend had sworn to her he would protect her. Breaking your sworn word, even by accident, made your dragon claw up your insides in anger. Dragons took oaths even more seriously than their human halves did. "Dancing? Therysi dancing?"

  Dragos hissed, still furious over it. "Yes."

  Kaio's eyes widened in mock confusion. "And you let him live?"

  Dragos cocked a vicious smile at his friend. "I almost didn't." He took a deep breath before continuing. "Kaio, keep Sara safe… And for the Goddess's sake, stop harassing her about her mannerisms. She has enough to worry her. You are making this harder for her."

  Kaio's grunted reply was noncommittal.

  Sara: 48th of Rains, 3837

  The maid had brought the news with my breakfast. High-Lord Dragos had left and no one knew when he would return. The news filled me with anxiety. Without Dragos, how safe would I be? Would the other dragonlords protect me? I hadn't realized how much I had come to rely on Dragos' goodwill and protection. His leave-taking left me feeling exposed.

  Asag had informed me yesterday I required no further lessons with Hegall, so he wouldn't be there for my lesson, but I would continue to study in the library anyway. Asag may believe I had learned enough, but I didn't.

  Kaio: 48th of Rains, 3837

  Kaio was annoyed. The entire palace had lost its mind when Dragos left. They couldn't seem to get anything done anymore without checking with Kaio every five minutes. He didn't see how Dragos tolerated it. It was as if they assumed Dragos wouldn't be back and they were ambitious to prove themselves to the new regime.

  Asag returned to work to find Kaio was well aware Dragos had fired him. Kaio had no problem at all ordering the guards to drag him out and physically toss him outside the gates. He did have a problem restraining himself from putting a few lumps in the man's skull. He left orders the guards weren't to allow Asag through the gates again. Then he reissued Dragos' orders that Hegall be rehired and the dancing instructor fired. It was clear to Kaio that he couldn't trust Asag to follow Dragos' orders.

  His current destination was the library. He had cloaked himself in magic to slip away from Dragos' assistants. He hoped it would at least make him more difficult to find for a few minutes. Lady Sara needed to know Dragos had left her in his care. He also needed to extend Dragos' apologies.

  When he stepped into the library, he noticed the chill. He had never visited the library in this season before. Dragos' library, while smaller, was more current and better for most of his needs.

  Looking around with a shiver at the chill, he realized the Therysi kings had put their library in a room with no fireplaces. He knew Sara spent hours here studying. Goddess! Did Dragos realize? Kaio felt a grim determination. When next he saw his friend, he would beat Dragos bloody for letting so much of Sara's care slip. He could at least have her lessons moved somewhere warm.

  He noted with approval she was sitting in a corner where she had light from a window but could watch the door. Sensible. Her head snapped up at his entrance. Huh?

  He dropped the cloaking spell. "Lady Sara, I'm sorry if I startled you."

  She dropped her eyes. "It's all right. I could tell you were there. I wasn't expecting anyone is all."

  He must have made a sound. She seemed more tense than usual. "I imagine you're concerned over Dragos' departure. His father is ill and the healers don't think he has long. Dragos wanted to be there."

  She glanced up at him and gave a tiny smile. "I understand. When my father was dying there didn't seem to be time to say goodbye. I still miss him."

  Her words left Kaio speechless for a moment. He stepped closer so he could see her without the glare from the window. "He left orders for me to keep you safe. If you have any concerns, please let me know."

  She was wearing the awful gray gown again. Gray was the wrong color for her and he hated it. It made her look like a servant. Dragos' hospitality couldn't conceivably be so paltry. His dragon stirred and his annoyance at the day spilled over. "Why are you wearing that rag again? Throw it away. You embarrass Dragos every time you wear it."

  Her face was wooden as her shoulders curled inward. Demon spit! He had done it again. And after Dragos had asked him not to! He did not understand the woman. He sighed and wiped his face in frustration.

  "Never mind. Forget I said anything. That's not why I'm here." He took another step closer. "Dragos found out yesterday his assistant ordered dancing lessons for you. He asked me to convey his apologies. Asag should never have inflicted them on you. Dragos fired both Asag and the dance master." He sighed at the sudden lightening of her expression. "Hegall has been re-hired. He'll return the day after tomorrow."

  She smiled and his dragon hummed. "Thank you, Lord Shalatu. I appreciate you coming to tell me this."

  He couldn't look her in the eyes anymore so he looked around at the dingy library. "I'm fairly certain Dragos doesn't know how cold this library gets. I don't see why you can't take what books you need to somewhere warmer as long as you return them when you're done. You should do your studying in Dragos' library. At least it has a fire. I'll arrange for a new classroom for you."

  "Thank you. I didn't want to bother anyone." Her voice was quiet, her tone as subservient as any Ansoren lady's.

  His irritation spiked and he looked sharply at her. "Stop that! You aren't Ansoren! Stop trying to be one!"

  She winced at his tone and he mentally smacked himself again and sighed. "Is there anything else you need? Do you have any concerns?"

  She looked hesitant before bracing herself. "If no one minds, I'd like to put the library books into order. There is no organization at all and it makes finding specific books or subjects difficult and time-consuming. The same organization plan the High-Lord uses would be good."

  He glanced at the closest shelf and examined the books, and then his eyes drifted to another shelf. She was correct. There didn't appear to be any kind of order at all. His eyes surveyed the size of the library and realized she couldn't do all the work herself. Besides, it was too cold in here. "You're right. We need to do something about it. I hadn't realized. I'll have a few of Dragos' assistants and some clerks get started on it. With Dragos gone, many of his projects are on hold until his return so they don't have enough to do. Besides, handling this will keep them from bothering me too."

  Her shoulders hunched tighter and he wondered what he had said. Unfortunately, one of Dragos' assistants burst in, distracting him.

  Sara: 48th of Rains, 3837

  No matter how hard I tried, I wasn't good enough, was I? He didn't think I could do it. I don't know why it hurt so much. No one else thought I was good enough. Why did the idea that Lord Shalatu didn't either bother me?

  It was nice of him to go to the effort of telling me about the change to my lessons in person though. I smiled a little. I was glad my lessons with Hegall would continue. There was still much to learn.

  I gave myself a little shake and turned my attention back to my reading. These spells had a pattern. It wasn't like programming in the languages I was familiar with, but there was a pattern. I needed to map out the syntax, figure out what the variables were, and define the commands.

  I sighed inwardly. It would be a lot of work. Maybe it was better Lord Shalatu had given the organization of the library to someone else.

  Sara: 12th of Hunting, 3837

  I had lived here for a hundred-and-one days now. Almost a third of a year. Only a little over two months in terms of the calendar used here, but I had a hard time shaking the habit of thinking in four to five-week months. The seven-week months used here felt too long.

  At least the local calendar was easy to understand, seven months of seven weeks of seven days, followed by a festival to make up the difference made a certain amount of sense. You didn't have to worry about whether a month had thirty days or thirty-one — or twenty-eight. Any adjustm
ents necessary to ensure the spring equinox fell on the first of the year, happened during the festival. It seemed to fit rather well with the natural seasonal changes in this world too.

  Forty-nine days still felt too long.

  In more relative terms, it had been two weeks since Dragos had left. A few of the lords had renewed their former attempts to convince me to spread my legs for them. So far, they had no luck. To my surprise, I had discovered Lord Shalatu made an even better boogeyman than the High-Lord had. At first.

  Every day or two he came to Dragos' library or snagged me in the dining hall to ask me if I needed anything or had any problems he could help with. My needs were small so I always told him I needed nothing and he inevitably complained about my behavior or my gown.

  I couldn't understand his complaints. This was Therys and if I was to live here, I needed to behave as the Therysi women did. If I didn't, I became a target and being a target hurt. Didn't he understand that? The very behavior he railed against helped keep me safe, or as safe as I could be here.

  I had seen the speculative looks from the lords every time Lord Shalatu ripped at me where they could hear. It was my belief they hoped Lord Shalatu's dislike would make him a less watchful guardian. It meant that while Lord Shalatu may have been a better boogeyman at first, his influence was waning.

  As a result, I was even more cautious. I watched doorways when I was alone, listened for footsteps, watched for shadows moving, and paid attention to sudden drafts.

  Lord Fanul had a subtle scent of incense to him. I had noticed it before. My vigilance meant I smelled him before I ever saw or heard him. When Lord Fanul stepped out of an alcove, I had already stepped away.

  The watery sunlight from the window glistened in his thick red hair. It reminded me of Dragos' story about Hyush's children. "Lady Sara. I hope this day finds you well. I was hoping to speak to you for a moment." He was suave and handsome but his manner still felt oily and he still reminded me of Carlos.

  "Lord Fanul." I gave a small bow of respect to him. I would hear him out. Antagonizing him was dangerous.

  He gave me a warm smile. "I have been concerned about you. You seem to be a well-behaved woman, yet your protector abandoned you to the care of another." His head tipped. "One who does not appear to have your best interests at heart. I fear he may not give you sufficient protection so I wish to offer my own protection to you."

  His offer surprised me. If I hadn't already been wary of him, I might have even considered it. However, I knew deep down that would be a mistake. I don't know what he wanted from me but I was certain I wouldn't enjoy it and it wouldn't be to my benefit. Maybe it was simply distrust spawned from previous experience talking, but I couldn't shake my unease at his offer.

  "I'm sorry Lord Fanul, but I cannot even consider such an offer now. I am Dragos' ward and that has a different meaning to the Drakkeni. The choice of a protector is the High-Lord's alone. I must stay under the protection of the one he chooses. Lord Shalatu is a conscientious and honorable man who wouldn't disregard the High-Lord's wishes for my care." I didn't know if what I said was true, but the insularity of the Drakkeni meant Lord Fanul wouldn't know either and I badly needed a way to say 'no' without actually saying no. "You may ask him when he returns."

  His smile cooled. "Ah. Perhaps I will. I will leave you for now then. If you wish to change your mind, the offer remains open." He tipped a formal nod and walked away.

  My nerves ratcheted tighter, it was a safe bet that soon I would see a series of incidents designed to scare me into taking his offer of protection. High school bullyboys used the tactic more often than you might think.

  I wasn't stupid enough to take the bait.

  I also wasn't stupid enough to let it happen without some preparation either. As soon as Fanul's footsteps faded, I tracked down the maid who brought my breakfast and asked her to list Lord Fanul's friends and associates. This incident would require me to watch for them too. I should have a few days grace though.

  I toyed with bringing it to Lord Shalatu's attention, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. What proof did I have? All Fanul had done was offer to be my protector. Lord Shalatu's opinion of me was already bad enough. I didn't need to add 'troublemaker' to the mix. I already knew how that panned out from previous experience.

  Sara: 15th of Hunting, 3837

  It had been a long day for me. There had been a lot of progress on my pet project but over the past few days, that progress had slowed to a crawl. The threat of Fanul made me jumpy so I was watching even more carefully. Because of that, I couldn't focus enough on my work to make much progress. I was close though.

  The petty distractions of coming back to my room to find my underwear displayed on the bed or a man's spend in my sink were taking a toll.

  Yesterday, I had eaten little at lunch. The soup had tasted funny so I didn't eat more than the first bite. I still ended up with a stomachache. I don't believe they intended it to hurt me. They meant it to scare me. It was a message. Today I had stuck with foods harder to tamper with, such as whole fruit or items off the common platters.

  I was on my way back to my room after dinner when Lord Melfas called out. "Lady Sara!"

  He was one of Fanul's associates and I didn't trust him any farther than I could throw him — with one hand.

  "I very much enjoyed your dancing. I miss watching your performances. Would you consider dancing for me?" From his expression, he didn't believe I would say yes. The purpose of his request was to make me react, to incite fear.

  I replied as calmly as I could. "I'm sorry Lord Melfas, The High-Lord has forbidden me to dance again. Perhaps one of the other ladies at court would dance for you."

  I bowed as deep as his rank mandated and took my leave.

  He didn't follow and I was glad of it. They were growing bolder.

  Kaio: 16th of Hunting, 3837

  The latest word from Dragos was that Emperor Rhal had mere days left. Arhis was making the trip to Drakken every other day now. In a week at most would come the summons to attend the crowning of a new Emperor and they would all have to leave for a few days.

  Kaio didn't know if the authorities would allow Sara to go to Drakken with them though. He didn't feel Sara was safe here without at least one dragonkin to protect her. When Arhis made his next run to Drakken in the morning, he would take a repeat of Kaio's request to bring her with them.

  His dragon snarled at the thought of leaving her behind. He rather hopelessly wished she'd had some ability with magic. It would have made things easier. It would have been nice…

  Yet another of the assistants distracted him from his thoughts by coming to tell him the Minister of Trade had an issue to discuss. He wished the lot would commit suicide. Thank the Goddess this whole thing would be over soon.

  Sara: 20th of Hunting, 3837

  Lord Shalatu had been hovering of late so my tormentors had had little opportunity to further their agenda. He seemed distracted and sometimes he forgot to criticize me at all. I thought he looked tired. I imagine Dragos' job was taxing enough but Lord Shalatu also had to do his own.

  It was a sign of Dragos' trust and respect for his friend that he had chosen Lord Shalatu to take his place during his absence. Dragos had been nicer, but Lord Shalatu had been more protective.

  Hegall had finally taught me about dragonlords. Sort of. Their famously insular nature meant there was little known about Drakken. However, everyone was pretty much agreed, dragonlords were honorable and trustworthy.

  Hegall had told me a dragonlord's dragon could sense when someone was lying and wouldn't tolerate it from the dragonlord. Courts all across the Blue Sea trusted a dragonlord's testimony. They never lied. Some said they couldn't lie. It had reminded me of my last meeting with Dragos when I had sensed that lying to him would be a bad idea. I was right.

  Hegall had also told me if a dragonlord ever swore an oath on his honor, he would keep that oath, even if it meant his death. Always. A dragonlord's family would fulfill th
e oath in his stead if necessary.

  I had good reasons for not trusting men, but it had given me a lot to think about.

  Kaio: 21st of Hunting, 3837

  The summons had come. With it came a denial of his request to bring Lady Sara with them. The administrator had given no reason, merely a flat denial. Kaio didn't even know whether the administrator had consulted Dragos or another authority.

  Unfortunately, the official had taken too long to decide. There was no time to bring dragonkin here to protect her. The best he could do now was have Sano leave orders with the guard to keep her safe and unharmed. He didn't like it. It didn't feel as if it was enough. If something happened to Sara while they were in Drakken, Dragos would make a pair of boots from his hide.

  He sighed. It was time to send Arhis to fetch Gelal. As a General, his attendance at the coronation was required.

  Sara: 22nd of Hunting, 3837

  The dragonlords were leaving. A harried Lord Shalatu had called me into his office to give me the news. He told me the entire palace guard had orders to keep me safe, but I still had the urge to beg him to take me with them.

  General Lord Istanetlu had arrived an hour after dawn. He ate lunch with the army garrison so I didn't even get to see him.

  The dragonlords were leaving immediately after lunch.

  They would be away for a week or two. I could survive that long, no matter how bad it was.

  If the guardsmen weren't enough… I had experienced rape before and survived. Yet something inside told me this would be worse. It always was. Every time was worse than the time before.

  I shook myself. How could anything be worse than Carlos could though? I weighed the advantages of hiding in my room with the door locked until they returned, but I didn't like the idea at all. It reminded me too much of my time with my stepfather. There didn't seem to be any good options…