“Stop trying to make love, Davin, it won't help. You could do this with anyone. You could walk away from me right now and find a beautiful girl and take her home…” Kiri's voice broke. She buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs.
Davin put his arms around her again, more gently this time. “Don't cry, Kiri,” he said softly against her ear. “If I could change the past I would, but it can't be done. Doesn't it matter that I'm here now, with you?”
If only that provided comfort. “It's your fate to be with me, Davin. The oracle said. You're here because it's your destiny.”
“You're wrong, baby. I'm here because it's my choice. Those other women, none of them fought by my side. None of them gave me their virginity. That's right, Kiri, none. None of them would have died for me. Not one offered to carry my child. You did all those things for me. All those girls wanted from me was sex. None of them wanted what I gave to you; my heart. I would chose you if all the beautiful women in the world lined up in front of me. You are my love.”
Kiri looked up, her eyes swimming, her nose threatening to drip. “Really?”
“Really. I love you, Kiri.”
She pressed her face against his shoulder and cried some more. He stroked her back while the storm of emotion ran its course. At last, she took a deep breath and raised her head. “Damn pregnancy hormones,” she muttered, making him smile.
“Nice try, Kiri, but that wasn't hormones, was it?”
“No. I really hated that, and it could happen again, couldn't it? This city is full of women who know you intimately.” She shook her head. “It's unbearable. Couldn't we just…leave? Live somewhere else? There must be other towns that need law enforcement officers.”
“Do you mean that?” he asked, and something about his tone told her that her suggestion meant more to him than she'd suggested.
“Yes. The only things I care about here are you and Jaya. Well, Soren is kind of growing on me, but this city? I don't care about it. It's noisy and crowded and dirty. I wouldn't mind living somewhere green again, where I can smell the trees and the grass and feel the sun on my face.”
“Funny you should say that,” he replied. “One of my former deputies came to see me today while you were with Jaya. He said his cousin had been working in law enforcement in a remote district in the country, a small farming community. He just left his position to come work in the capital, so they need someone out there. It's very far from here, and the hiring agent they sent has not had any luck finding a candidate. I didn't agree to meet him, because I didn't know how you felt about leaving. This is the only part of Koral you know, and I didn't want to take you away from it. But if you want, we could meet with this man. If we are all in agreement, maybe we could get away from here, get a fresh start somewhere where my past is not known, where we can live respectable lives and be members of a community.”
“Let's meet him now,” Kiri urged, as visions of wide open fields and groves of trees danced in front of her eyes.
“Not yet, baby. I need something first.” He kissed her lips sweetly. “Promise me you won't take off my collar again, Kiri. It's right where it belongs, on the neck of the only woman I have ever loved.”
“I promise,” she said sweetly, “I'm sorry I overreacted.”
“You didn't.” He stroked her hair. “I used to be a very bad boy. There is no excuse. But that time is passed. I promise to be a proper lover to you now, and a proper husband in the future.”
Kiri nodded, and with one more aching kiss, they left the alley. First, they collected Jaya and Soren, who were still sipping wine where they had left them. They were not the same cups as before, Kiri noticed, thinking they would both have headaches the next day. They looked at her tear-ravaged face and said nothing, but Jaya offered a handkerchief and Davin went in search of a cup of cool water. Kiri bathed her eyes, hoping that in the dark, the stains would be less obvious.
“Have you seen Dane?” Davin asked Soren.
“Yes, I think he's over by the meat pies.” Soren replied. “He did come looking for you a moment ago, said he had someone you needed to meet.”
“Perfect.”
“Be back in time for the dancing, Davin,” Jaya called after them, “I want to dance with my big brother.”
“It's a promise,” he called back.
Davin had no trouble finding his friend and former second-in-command. He was, in fact, next to the meat pies, eating one, and holding another in his free hand. The man was a bottomless pit, and never gained an ounce. He was also tall and ungainly with a shock of red hair, freckles, and the most beautiful wife anyone had ever seen.
“Dane,” Davin called, “there you are. Eating again I see?”
“Like I ever stop,” Dane laughed. “I'm glad you found me. That representative is here, and he's leaving tomorrow. He hasn't found anyone.” He turned and cupped one hand around his mouth. “Ven! Hey, Ven, come here. There's some people you need to meet.”
A small man with dark eyes and a serious expression ambled their way. “Yes, Dane, and who might that be?”
“This is my friend, the one I was telling you about,” Dane replied, gesturing with his food. “This is Ven; he's the chief of police in Caledon, a town on the far northern border of Koral.”
Davin extended his hand, and the other man shook it firmly. “Davin Colorian,” he said, and the other man's grip suddenly went slack.
“The Davin Colorian?” he asked, stunned. “The youngest head of law enforcement in the last two hundred years of Koral's history? Davin Colorian, Monster's Bane?”
“Oh gods, is that what people are saying?” Davin rolled his eyes. “This is my lady, Kiri Taconowa. She fought the monster with me.”
“Yes, I heard there was a woman involved in the fight. Brave of you, my lady, to face such a dangerous foe, even with your man by your side.”
“Actually, Kiri is a swordmaster,” Davin explained, and the obvious pride he took in that set Kiri glowing. “She did more of the fighting than I did.”
The man's eyes narrowed. Then he shook his head and changed the subject. “Why is it, Dane, that you are so determined I meet this man? I'm looking for a deputy.”
“Well,” Davin jumped in, answering for himself, “I'm currently looking for a position, so I'm glad for the opportunity to meet you.”
“Why do you need a position? Don't you have one?” Ven looked puzzled.
“Rumors must spread very slowly in the country,” Davin commented.
“Very slowly,” the chief replied. “Most of it passes us by altogether.”
“That sounds perfect,” Kiri said softly.
“There was an…incident,” Davin began a little awkwardly. “Listen, let's take a seat and Kiri and I can tell you all about it, and you can decide whether I have the qualities you're looking for.”
“Well, I can't imagine,” Ven said as they found a table and sat down, “why you would be willing to take such a position. It won't be anything like working in the capital, you know. There is very little crime in our town. We mostly deal with things like public intoxication, fighting, and domestic disturbances. We also clean up after natural disasters like blizzards and animal attacks. The person I need is not going to be in charge of magical crime, because there's almost none, not that I'm against an officer with magical abilities. They can be very useful. He paused from enumerating to ask, “Why is it you would be willing to accept such a position? I think it would be very boring to you.”
Davin considered his words for a moment, but the way his hand tightened on Kiri's told her he was not as relaxed as he tried to appear. “Well, I'll explain why I need to consider any offer in a moment, but the reason for our urgency is…my lady is with child, and I need to be able to provide for her.”
Van looked askance at Kiri. She returned his look steadily, refusing to be cowed by his disapproving expression.
“Tell me about this incident.” Van said.
“It was during the fight agains
t the creature Shara.” Davin explained. “Kiri neutralized it with a leaf, but in the process she was bitten and I knew she would be worse than dead if I didn't get her to the hospital immediately. We were weeks from the capital. She was unconscious, so I…” he broke off as though confessing something dirty. “I used her magic along with mine to open a portal for the two of us and bring her here, where she received treatment and recovered. I was not able to get her permission before, and so I lost my position with magical law enforcement.”
“But,” Kiri added, “if I had been conscious, if there had been time, I would have given him permission. I'm not sorry he saved me, and he has free access to whatever magic I possess now and in the future.”
“Well, my dear, that is vital,” Ven said gravely. “And certainly, collared and pregnant, you do not seem to hold any ill will against him for his actions.”
“None at all.” She shot a sweet smile at Davin.
“Well, I think that can be overlooked, particularly if it does not become common knowledge,” Venn conceded. “There are a few things that must be discussed, however. I am not looking for a replacement, but for a deputy. Are you able to become subordinate, to follow my instructions, after so many years in leadership?”
“I don't see that it will be a problem,” Davin said thoughtfully. “I'm not familiar with your community, and I expect to need guidance and instruction in order to fit in. In return I hope that if I had a suggestion, it would be considered.”
“I consider suggestions, but I do not take insubordination. I hope you can live with that.”
“I think so,” Davin assured him.
“The other problem is your lady,” Venn continued, and Kiri felt Davin stiffen. “We are a small and very conservative community. If you were to come in with your pregnant lady in tow, it would set a very bad precedent. Neither of you would be respected by the community. I fear you would become outcasts.”
“Well that is a problem,” Davin said sadly. “I won't go anywhere without her. She is my other half, my soul mate, and we will not be separated.”
Ven pursed his lips and started to rise.
“Davin, wait,” Kiri said, laying her hand on his arm, “I think you're looking at this the wrong way. Sir?” Ven sat down again and leaned forward, listening. “Would it make a difference if Davin arrived, not with his pregnant lover, but with his wife?”
“Oh, well naturally not.” The man gestured with both hands. “In fact, if he were married, it would make it easier for everyone to accept him.”
“I completely understand. I can see it would send a very bad message to the young girls of the village otherwise. But I don't think it will be a problem. As you noticed, we're betrothed. We can be wed as soon as the council of elders approves our application.” Thank you, Jaya for informing me of how the process works.
“Well, in that case, when can we expect you for a visit? You should see the town before your decide.
“What about the day after tomorrow?” Davin suggested, and the hope in his voice made Kiri want to weep. Poor darling. I had no idea how heavily this situation was weighing on him. “We can travel by portal and be there in a moment.”
“Perfect,” the man agreed. “And now, I sense a cup of wine calling me.”
“Yes, and the dancing is about to start,” Davin added. “If I miss dancing with my sister, she may skin me alive.”
“Sisters,” Ven said, shaking his head.
Davin and Kiri rose and returned to the green, where most of the musicians had packed up and left, making way for the dance band. Jaya scooped her brother up the moment she saw him, and they led out.
“Thank the gods for Davin,” Soren said to Kiri. “Jaya loves to dance, but I'm not very fond of it, particularly this fast-paced stuff.”
“I don't know Koralian dances,” Kiri replied. “I only studied dance as a means to improve my fighting skills.”
“Well, they should play several slower songs, for those who prefer just to sway to the music.”
“I think I can handle that.”
They chatted a bit as they watched their lovers dance. Kiri was pleased to discover that beneath his stern demeanor, Soren turned out to be a kind man with a dry sense of humor. She could picture him as something like a brother. In fact, he soon would be. Which reminds me… “Soren, has Jaya mentioned anything about weddings to you?”
“She says she wants to get married right away. I guess I can't blame her for that.” He rubbed his bare forehead with one meaty paw.
“Did she mention her idea about a double ceremony?”
“Yes.” He sighed, looking pained. “Kiri, weddings are for ladies. The men just show up and try not to trip over their feet. You and she can arrange whatever you want, whenever you want. I'll be there. Davin will be too.”
Kiri smiled and stood on tiptoe to kiss him on the cheek. He blushed.
The set ended and Jaya and Davin returned, a little breathless. The next song was indeed slower and intended more for rhythmic leaning than any vigorous movement.
“Well my lady, shall we?” Davin held out his hand.
“Is there anything I should know about this dance before we start?” Kiri asked as she slipped her fingers into his palm.
“Hold on to me. I'll lead the way.”
He led her to the center of the green, with Soren and Jaya close by. Davin wrapped his arms around Kiri's waist. She glanced at Jaya, and copied her almost-sister's pose, placing her arms around his neck. Pressed close together, they swayed gently in time to the music. Kiri closed her eyes, listening to the music, drinking in the scent of Davin's spicy cologne, and the perfume of wine in the air, feeling the cool breeze on her bare arms. She leaned her head against his chest. He petted her back.
“Let's get married tomorrow, Davin,” Kiri said softly.
“Is that what you want, baby?” he asked, not sounding surprised in the least.
“Yes.”
“I don't know if it's possible, but we can try,” he agreed, and it seemed he liked the idea.
“Let's try. It's what we need to do.”
They lapsed into silence, just enjoying holding each other. Slowly edging sideways around the green, keeping time with the flow of the other dancers, they basked in the warmth of each other's presence on a cold evening. Love flowed back and forth through their magical bond, rendering words redundant.
Kiri closed her eyes to feel the sensations better.
Slowly she became aware of a discordant note in the air. Something's wrong. Davin could feel it too, she realized. He had stopped dancing, and seemed to be sensing the air with his magic.
Kiri's eyes widened. “Get down!” she screamed, sweeping Davin's legs out from under him, catching Jaya's arm and pulling her as she fell with him, trying to get all four of them on the ground. Something silvery shot past the place they had just been standing, streaking through the dancing crowd, and crashing into a soup-vendor's awning, setting it ablaze. The vendor shrieked and stumbled back from the remains of her stall.
She had been too slow, Kiri saw in despair, Soren's shoulder and cheek had been burned, and there were other injuries in the crowd.
Turning in the direction from which the energy bolt had come, Kiri saw Kaeli, standing on a tree stump, looking smugly at the disaster she had wrought. White hot fury burned through Kiri, and blotted out everything but the warrior inside her. Disentangling her limbs from Davin's, she stood up and began stalking towards her prey. This time, there would be no compromise, no warning.
* * *
Davin shook his head, trying to understand what had happened. There's a fire. He conjured a small rain cloud over it, hoping that would take care of the problem. It did, especially when the soup vender tossed her wares into the lower part of the blaze.
Good, one emergency dealt with.
“Kiri, no!” Jaya was screaming, “Don't!”
“Quiet,” Davin scolded. “Don't distract her.”
“She can't fight now.”
“She has to. Trust her,” he urged. Please gods, protect my lady and our child.
* * *
As soon as Kiri was clear of her friends, she began to shout in a voice designed to keep her enemy's attention focused on her, “What the hell are you thinking? If you have an issue with me, you come to me. You don't blow up a festival full of people. Are you stupid or just that selfish?”
Another silver ball shot towards Kiri, but this time, she knew what she needed to do. She drew deeply on her magic and created out of nothing a golden shield. She positioned it to take the force of the hit, and it did, but instead of deflecting the energy, the shield captured the glowing ball, and it stuck, sizzling, to the shining surface. Another burst of energy, and then a third, followed suit. All ended up stuck to the crackling surface of Kiri's magical shield while she continued to move towards her quarry. At the last moment, she shot the shield with its silver burden into the sky, where she detonated it with a single bolt of her own. Sparks, dramatic but harmless, rained down over the crowd. One last blast came at Kiri, but she blew it apart with a targeted burst. Then she was face to face with Kaeli, close enough to touch, too close to hurl magic. Kiri balled up her fist and punched the woman in the gut, knocking her off balance. She recovered quickly, swinging at Kiri, but it was no use. Kiri's training was too extensive. She caught the taller woman's fist in her own, twisting the arm hard and sending her spinning away. She came again, trying to hit Kiri in the belly, and this time, Kiri swung her off-center braid, so it connected with Kaeli's cheek with an audible thud. White flowers, shaken from Kiri's hair by the impact, tumbled to the ground. At the same moment, she pushed one hand against the other woman's shoulder and swept her feet out from under her. Kaeli hit the ground hard, and Kiri kicked her, knocking her flat onto her back. She put her foot down on her attacker's shoulder, pinning her to the ground.
The Bonding Page 19
