“Terrible,” Kaemin tried to laugh, coming as nothing more than a choked gurgle in his throat. Shaking his head he gazed up at Aiva sadly, the glow of his eyes dimming more than before. “This isn’t what I expected. Not like this.”
“You’re going to be fine,” she stated firmly. “In a few months you and I are going to laugh about this. You’ll be a hero in Tanispa, Kaemin.”
“A hero?” he asked, a glimmer of hope filling his eyes. “Perhaps Sarid will see it fit to place me among Karana’s stars. At least then I could still watch over Calie…”
Tears fell uncontrollably. Aiva couldn’t hold them back any longer, her heart breaking at what Kaemin suggested. The stars. He was preparing himself for death. “You will watch over Calie from her side. I already have a dress picked out for your wedding, Kaemin. You aren’t allowed to die here. I won’t let you.”
“You’ll have to tell her I’m sorry, Aiva,” he whispered, the light of his eyes seeming to darken completely before reviving ever so slightly. “Will you tell her for me, please?”
“I will tell her, but it won’t be necessary.” She squeezed his hand again, glancing desperately at Callum. He and Gadiel continued to work diligently, their motions becoming more frenetic in their attempts to tend the wound. Shifting her gaze back to Kaemin, she could see a soft smile pass over his lips, eyes glassy, unfocused, no longer seeming to see anything. The light there wavered, flickering one final time before winking out of existence, leaving behind a cold, empty darkness in their depths. “No…” she breathed, shaking him gently as if she thought it might wake him from whatever slumber he had fallen into. “Kaemin, no.”
Her words dissipated into a wave of harsh sobs, tears streaming over her cheeks to fall on Kaemin’s pale face. Slumping forward she wrapped her arms around him in a desperate embrace, clutching him tightly against her chest. She couldn’t accept it. He couldn’t be dead. This was all just a nightmare. Anytime now she would awaken and find it was nothing more than a terrible dream.
Callum’s fist clenched, pounding hard against the sand beside Kaemin’s body. Gadiel’s hand rested gently on Aiva’s back in attempts to console her. It did nothing to ease the pain. She was surprised to feel Callum’s arms lightly wrapping around her where she clung to Kaemin, his head leaning on her shoulder. His own grief was evident, fighting it back, not wanting to let anyone see. But Aiva could feel the warmth of what she thought to be a tear fall from his eyes onto the skin of her neck where he buried his face, holding her tightly in his arms.
“I’ll check on the other men,” Gadiel said softly, rising to his feet. “We will grant you a moment of privacy before we must move on.”
They said nothing in response. Gadiel didn’t seem to expect a reply, giving no time for them to speak before moving quickly toward the other men on the beach. Aiva’s head was in chaos. Grief-stricken, she couldn’t focus on anything. She didn’t care if the men saw her cry. Her emotions were a rollercoaster, shifting from absolute despair to a barely controlled rage. She trembled under Callum’s embrace. Her mind was filled with images of all the things she would do if she got her hands on Ireni. She wanted revenge. Not only for the loss of her friend, but for the torment Kaemin’s death would cause Calie upon hearing the news. And Aiva wouldn’t be there for her. Calie would suffer without anyone to comfort her. Aiva and Callum were practically on the other side of the world while Cadell was at sea, unable to offer consolation to his daughter.
A new wash of tears flooded forth at the thought of Calie. Aiva’s heart was breaking, shattered at the anguish of it all. “We cannot leave him here,” she sniffled, praying Callum would hear her through the sobs. “Please tell me you won’t leave him here in this forsaken place.”
“I won’t leave him here,” Callum whispered quietly, leaning back to gaze down at Aiva’s wretched form still bent over Kaemin’s body. The sight seemed to cause him more distress, an agonized grimace distorting his handsome features, smeared with blood and sand. “Kaemin is not just any soldier. He was betrothed to my sister. He was family. I will find a way to see his body returned to Tanispa for a proper burial.”
Lifting her tear-streaked face, she held Callum’s gaze, nodding to him, grateful to hear him say the words. Kaemin would be returned to Tanispa. Calie would at least be granted a chance to say her farewells. “Perhaps the Feh Noq could accompany some of our men across the desert. With the aneakt, they could make the journey in far less time.”
“That was my thought as well,” Callum nodded. “I also think it would be wise to have you accompany Kaemin to Tanispa. You are in far too much danger here with us.”
“I am not leaving.”
Callum blinked in surprise at the fervency of her tone. “Aiva…”
“No, Callum,” she shook her head, wiping a tear from her cheek. “You cannot possibly expect me to leave. Not now. Ireni has my sister. She killed Kaemin. I will be present at the time of her death and I’ll revel in watching the last breath escape her damnable lungs.”
“She will kill you.”
“I will not run away.”
Rising to his feet Callum stared into the distance. Defeated. He had no fight left in him. Aiva could tell by his expression that she wouldn’t have to work hard to get him to agree. “You are a perplexing woman, Aiva,” he sighed. “It is regrettable that I’ll never have an opportunity to understand you better.”
Her heart stung at his statement, trembling as she released her hold on Kaemin. He would have wanted her to say something. To put to rest the foolishness between her and Callum. She owed him that much after all he had given in service to her and her family. “Callum, I want to speak with you about that – ”
“Not now, Aiva,” Callum cut her off, holding his hand up to silence her. “Ashoec and Kehprit are here. I need to discuss business with them in order to assure Kaemin’s body is seen home without delay. We can talk after everything is arranged.”
She stared at him, miserable in his dismissal. Why did he continue to leave her in such a way? The pain she saw in his eyes could be easily alleviated if he would only give her a chance! But he was stubborn. Much like herself. And above all, he had duties which required his attention. If there was no word on a ship, the men would expect Callum to provide a plan of action. He couldn’t waste his time listening to her foolish confessions.
As he walked away, she felt the tears well up again. She didn’t want to be alone, but there was no one there for her now. Callum refused her. She couldn’t seek comfort in Gadiel for fear of what the others might think if suspicion of indecency between them had spread. Edric was nowhere to be found. And Kaemin was dead.
The thought sent a punch into her stomach once again, reminding her of the startling reality of it all. Kaemin was dead. Never again would he be there to tell her everything would be alright. To offer his aid in her trivial dramas. The gentle green glow of his eyes would never brighten again in her presence. Taking his body back in her arms, she wept. Harder than she’d ever cried before. The tears were like rivers from her eyes, pouring over Kaemin through her desperate lament.
Her reason to stay had changed. Everything was different now. Though rescuing Shaelyn was their ultimate goal, Aiva felt she owed Kaemin so much more. Justice would be served upon the wretched woman who had stolen Kaemin from them. Aiva would avenge his death. Calie could take comfort in knowing her betrothed’s murderer would be punished for her unforgivable deeds. Mingled within her resolve, a newfound desire to protect Callum crept into her thoughts. Calie had lost the man she loved. Aiva couldn’t allow the loss of her brother as well. Even if Callum despised Aiva, she would give him no choice but to accept her help.
“She will pay for this,” Aiva whispered, burying her face into Kaemin’s blood-soaked shirt, racked with another violent fit of sobs. “Your death will not have been in vain. I will look for your star when we return Shaelyn to Tanispa. Karana will watch over you; and your light will shine brighter than all the rest.” No longer able to fo
cus on coherent thoughts amongst her grief, she sank against Kaemin’s body, letting everything around her disappear. It would take every ounce of courage to face the task laid before her now. Once her tears subsided, she could look to the skies then. Knowing that Kaemin would be there was the only solace she could offer herself. And it would be his light which would guide her to victory.
Chapter Fifteen
Aiva sat in the shallow waters of the beach, staring out at the sea. For two days they had been stranded there. Watching. Waiting for Edric and the ship to arrive. She’d given no thought to sleep. To food. Gadiel and Callum had made attempts to coax her from the shore, but she ignored their requests. From the water she could sense life. The energy seemed to indicate that their ship would come. With every passing moment it came closer. Hope wasn’t lost to them, regardless of how easy it was for her to drown herself in despair over the loss of Kaemin.
Ashoec and Kehprit had left almost immediately upon their return to find the wake of the pirates on the beach. They took two of Callum’s men with them to escort Kaemin’s body. Orvin and Delas. Aiva knew little of them, having had few opportunities to familiarize herself with the other soldiers, despite what Callum believed of her relationships. Life passed from Lorand not long after the others left, leaving a small and weary band of soldiers there in wait of Edric. Though their numbers had never been many, there now was a mere four of them left to complete their mission. Callum was accompanied by Gadiel and Maran, the three of them keeping constant watch over Aiva where she sat immersed in the sea. They feared her grief might convince her to walk into the water and let the sea take her. She knew it was a foolish thought, but they were familiar with the delicate emotions of other women among the court. Aiva always prided herself for being stronger than other girls. Molded after the strength of her mother.
Blinking to clear her vision Aiva peered into the distance. In the light of the afternoon sun, an outline of a ship could be seen. Sails billowing in the wind, moving with impressive speed toward the shore. She rose to her feet, shielding her eyes to get a better look. For the first time in days she felt a semblance of joy at the possibility of being reunited with her brother. Anxious to see the vessel closer, she waded forward, vaguely aware of Callum and Gadiel calling her name from the beach. Hearing the splash of their footsteps in the water she stopped, rigidly gazing in the direction of the ship.
“Aiva,” Callum reached for her, his hand gently resting upon her shoulder. “Please, come back to the shore. You’re making me nervous.”
Saying nothing, she lifted her arm, pointing toward the ship, its outline clearer now. Still distant, but leaving no doubt as to the ownership of the vessel. It was a Tanispan ship. Bearing a flag with the Levadis crest upon the bow. Callum’s voice faded at the sight of it, relief almost palpable between the group. Gadiel waved to Maran, beckoning him to join them in the water.
“I can’t wait to get off this blasted land,” Gadiel grumbled. Curiously, he looked himself over, his features revealing distaste at his bedraggled appearance.
“A few days on the ship and I’m sure you’ll want it back,” Callum chuckled, the sentiment sounding somewhat forced through his attempt at lightheartedness. Lowering her eyes to the water Aiva could sense the tension which lingered between the two men. It was uncomfortable, suspecting Callum’s reasons for unhappiness, yet unable to address it at the current time. Such a topic would be better discussed while the two could seek privacy on the ship instead of there in front of Gadiel and Maran.
As the ship grew closer, Aiva waded further out until the water was at her waist, waving excitedly to the man standing at the bow. “Edric!” she shouted, pushing forward through the salty water, feeling Callum’s hand still clutched securely to the fabric of her shirt to prevent her from going too far.
In a burst of speed and agility Edric climbed over the edge, splashing into the water to find his way to Aiva, arms outstretched in a warm greeting. “My crazy sister! I have been worried sick about you!”
“About me?” she breathed, her heart swelling happily to feel Edric catch her in a fierce embrace, lifting her off her feet where he stood in the deep water. Kissing his cheek, she gazed at him, praising the gods for having delivered him safely. “What took you so long to get here?”
“Your disappearance set us all behind by a few days, Aiva.” Keeping her in his arms, Edric pulled his head back, giving her a stern, brotherly look. He was attempting to display disappointment though his relief at seeing her there made it impossible for him to look anything but overjoyed. “Father and I scoured every inch of the palace grounds in search of some trace of where you had gone. When it finally dawned on me that you must have snuck away, we had already lost a full day. As you can imagine, Mother was beside herself. It took even longer to convince her not to board the ship to come after you. By the time we consoled her and received her assurances that she wouldn’t leave Sivaeria, a courier arrived with word that you were in Callum’s care, so Father and I decided we couldn’t wait any longer.” Looking over her shoulder Edric’s smile widened to see Callum there, setting Aiva down to extend his hand to him in greeting. “Captain Levadis. You’ve done well at seeing my sister safely this far.”
Callum’s face twitched at the sound of the name Edric used to address him. “I think it best we not get too used to that title, Your Highness. Captain Zerne still has a nice ring to it.”
Confused, Edric looked between Aiva and Callum, trying to decipher the strange expressions they wielded. He furrowed his brow, the smile on his lips fading in disappointment. “Has something happened? I hoped these foolish issues would resolve themselves after your time on the road together.”
“They are resolved by a mutual agreement to seek an annulment upon returning to Tanispa. We may need your assistance in obtaining it, but you can assure your parents that the marriage has not been – fulfilled.” Callum cleared his throat uncomfortably, trailing off at the sound of Gadiel and Maran making their way through the water toward them. “Anyway, we should be finding our way to the ship. None of us desire to linger in this desert any longer.”
“Understandably so,” Edric nodded in agreement. “Go ahead and gather the rest of your men. We can be boarded and on our way within the hour.”
Aiva glanced hesitantly at Callum, sympathetic for the haggard look in his eyes at Edric’s words. The rest of his men… “I’m afraid this is it,” Callum stated calmly, motioning toward Gadiel and Maran. “Seems we will take up less space aboard your vessel than originally expected.”
“But – ”
“The desert is an unforgiving place, Edric. You’re lucky to have found anyone here at all.”
Edric let his gaze look over the four of them carefully, taking note of those present, a glint of discontent visible in his eyes to realize the faces missing from the unit which had set off from Escovul. “Where is Kaemin?”
Grimacing, Aiva covered her face with her hands. It had taken her two days to finally dry her tears. To hear his name only reopened the still healing wound, moisture threatening to fall again from her lashes. At the sight of her grief-stricken response, Edric took her in his arms again, holding her tightly against him. He was more rigid than before. No doubt hit hard by the unspoken answer of Kaemin’s fate.
“My gods, Aiva. I am sorry,” he whispered. “Callum – does your sister know?”
“She will soon enough,” Callum frowned, the steadiness of his tone wavering at the painful memory. “His death was recent. We were ambushed by pirates when we reached the shore. Thankfully Aiva was able to establish an alliance between us and the Feh Noq leader and we secured an escort of Kaemin’s body through the desert to be returned to Sivaeria. Orvin and Delas are with him. I attempted to convince your sister to return as well, however, she is the most impossible woman ever to exist on Myatheira.”
“So not all those missing from the unit have perished. That is reassuring.”
“I would not take much solace in that fact,” Ca
llum looked toward the shore, distracted. “Other than the courier sent from Kaipoi with word of Aiva’s unexpected company, Orvin and Delas are the only other fortunate souls among us to have survived.”
Keeping a tight hold on Aiva, Edric gestured toward the ship. “Well, let us get out of the water at least. You must all be exhausted. We’ll get you cleaned up before we start into business.”
Aiva followed Edric, afraid to let him go in fear that she would discover his arrival to be nothing more than a hallucination from her weary mind. As long as she could touch him, she couldn’t argue the reality of his presence. He was safe. And they would soon be in the final stretch between Palinon and Luquarr. If the wind was with them, they could hasten their trip and attempt to catch up with the pirates across the Vai’ld Sea. Their enemy couldn’t be ahead by much anymore. Only a day. Two at most.
Assisting her onto the deck, Edric held Aiva’s hand, looking her over appraisingly, seeing her for the first time without the cover of the water. He frowned, taking her by the shoulders to spin her around, shaking his head in concern. “You look positively ill, Aiva,” he stated. “In my excitement to see you, I overlooked the fact that you’re injured. You need to be tended to.”
“I’m fine,” she waved dismissively, shivering from the breeze that blew over her damp clothing. Folding her arms across her body she tried to keep warm, her relief growing at the number of men she saw aboard the ship, scurrying about in preparation for their departure. A familiar face could be seen at the helm, Aiva’s face brightening in recognition. “Commander Varik!” she exclaimed, stepping around Edric to greet the man. He had been a member of the military under General Cadell ever since she could remember, frequently at her parents’ side during the celebrations in memory of the Ven’shal war. Commander Varik was one of the most revered soldiers next to Cadell. “I thought you were in charge of the cavalry. What has landed you here on this ship?”
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil Page 40
