Ra' van (Book Three of the Items Trilogy)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

  Just as expected when Allahandra delivered the grim news the crowd became uneasy, angry and most importantly shocked. Reactions from the fiends made even their human partners step away in fear. The fiend leaders had to order their kin to stay with the troops. Hearing of Sheer’s demise nearly all Fury took to the sky with Breaker to shriek a lament to her greatness and his loss. Allahandra knew she’d soon lose her partner for Fury mate for life and when Runkamon was dealt with he’d fly off to die. Till then he will do his duty as leader of the flock.

  Rakkian and Beta needed rest, but Allahandra wanted to tour the troops to put herself among the common men and women to show she still supported them. Morale remained tenuous at best and she did whatever it took to see this campaign through. The one thing that did help boost confidence was when she revealed that she had conceived a child when fearing she had waited too long and had become barren when most women had their first child in their late teens but she now found herself in her thirties.

  The swelling of her stomach had brought her and her love great joy and Kori’s skill with cloth made her want dresses that accentuated her growing child. Kori and her two daughters were all too excited to make the clothes Allahandra needed. Because of the new life she knew that the condition wouldn’t allow her to fight on the front lines anymore and she had to bring on several more elite warriors and non-item sword masters for protection, especially when she needed to walk amongst those fighting with and for her.

  Many wished to know what is being done to free Alex, but she knew that it would be impossible since all Furions are under Runkamon’s control. The only thing she believed is that Shade, Ava, Lily, Marlin, Niranene, Krum and Clift will find a way. She knew the benefits of small groups accomplishing great tasks and their group in particular has a earned reputation for being the best. Allahandra counted Alex among her friends, but if Lily and the rest of The Pack couldn’t find a way to rescue Alex the queen knew that her entire army wouldn’t fare much better.

  “My Queen, it is time we return to your tent.”

  Allahandra looked towards a seasoned warrior from her homeland and inclined her head. They all turned around and walked back to the center of the camp.

  Safely returned, Allahandra and Breaker entered the command tent to find about half of the usual seats filled. Since her orders for the next few days were already addressed many commanders, generals and advisors didn’t bother showing up, but a pair she hoped to see already sat inside.

  Angie and her Pikro sat near her seat and the seer met Allahandra’s gaze calmly. “Have you found them?” The queen wondered.

  “Aye, without Alex so involved with the future possibilities they were all too easy to locate.”

  “And?”

  “And they are resting for now, but after hearing of his capture I immediately found both Shade and Clift crossing the lands as if being chased by some fearsome beast intent on killing them. They are running straight for the Royal City and won’t stop unless it is to rest. All of them are travel weary, but are determined to push on and rescue him. I seriously doubt they know of Gerieg’s situation. Although they are hurrying they aren’t being foolish. They’ve already circumvented several patrols and slipped through gaps in the enemy lines.

  “The only thing I can tell is that Alex has been successfully delivered to the Royal City only a few hours ago. I couldn’t see him exactly, but the movement of the King’s Guard within the city shows they were moved away so that the fewest eyes could glimpse Alex. Runkamon is taking the fewest risks possible.

  “And I believe both Alex and Gerieg are being held in the dungeons beneath the palace due to the amount of guards stationed there. I count over a hundred, all Kings Guard.”

  “Is there any future paths we can exploit?” Allahandra hoped.

  Angie shook her head. “I’ve been searching, but it won’t be likely. Like I said, Runkamon is taking every precaution and since I cannot see a Furions past, present or future I cannot see exactly what has been implemented.”

  It couldn’t possibly get any worse… Allahandra thought and then had to ask. “What of Mylan? What is the situation there?”

  The powerful seer grabbed a goblet of wine and took a drink before answering. “At the pace your husband has set we will reach Mylan’s walls by midday of the third day. Our chances of victory are very good and our forces outnumber them nearly two to one and with the fiends continued help our victory is even greater.” Then Angie had to warn “But there will be two problems afterwards that will need the most attention. Firstly they are evacuating the city and most are heading for Ra’van’s Royal City for the greatest protection. They will be able to better defend the city after we begin the final push, but the other problem is Mylan’s foolish lesser king has ordered all food stores be poisoned. It has already been done and we cannot allow the food to be distributed or we’ll lose a quarter of our forces by food poisoning. The only thing we can rely on is Lady Hanna’s continued support to relay Alluan’s caravans. We’ll get shipments once a week, that means we only have two left before we reach our final destination.”

  Allahandra then came to a difficult decision. “If that is the case then we’ll need stricter rations during marches and feed the men well the day before we need to attack. Marching on an empty stomach won’t be easy, but it’s better than being starving and need to wade into battle.” She sighed heavily. “Thank you for always looking out for us.” Angie smiled and stroked her Pikro partner’s green quills, now fully immune to her toxins. Even after the long journey not a single line of worry marred the seer’s beautiful features. “I’ll explain your visions to the commanders in the morning and warn of tainted food…”

  Before she eventually entered her tent Allahandra took Breaker off to the side and embraced him. He chirped in a way that made her feel his sadness. He rested his head against her chest and let his pain out. She offered to let him inside the tent like Beta does, but he wrote he wished to be alone for the remainder of the night.

  She nodded and watched him fly off to grieve.

  “Your majesties!” Someone outside their tent shouted loud enough to rouse both Rakkian and Allahandra from much needed sleep. The king sat up and demanded “If this isn’t important I’ll have you working latrine duty for the foreseeable future.”

  Allahandra smirked at the momentary pause outside. “Forgive me but there is situation in the command tent that requires your presence.”

  “Very well, we’ll be there.”

  “What kind of problem do you think it is.” Allahandra wondered while dressing.

  “If it’s not one thing it’s another.” He grumbled while applying his gauntlets.

  “You knew what you were getting into when you decided to marry me.” She knew he couldn’t see her smile, but he could hear it.

  He sighed. “If only we could get a decent night’s sleep I wouldn’t be so irritable.”

  “If you could sit still for a minute you’d become more than a little irritable. You’ve always been active. That’s why we’ve been able to come so far so quickly. Besides it has helped having you around for these past few months haven’t been easy.” She began rubbing her belly. “The little one has made me tired.”

  “But it has made you more beautiful.”

  “Your only saying that to make me feel better, ya?”

  “Maybe.” He laughed after successfully dodging a playful slap to his shoulder.

  “Shall we go?” He asked and offered one of his largely muscled arms and she gratefully took it.

  Beta stood up from his corner and yawned greatly while following the two outside. Breaker had yet to return as the three moved towards the large command tent. The guards easily let them enter and inside waited former commander and new advisor Yort and his enormous Grizon and former leader of the Grizons. Crush effortlessly won leadership through combat two months ago.

  “What is so urgent that we needed to come here in the middle of the night?” Allahandra asked with a yawn that could
n’t be held back.

  “We nearly had a breach of security and another attempt on both of your lives.” Before either one could ask by who Yort extended his only remaining arm and dropped a golden medallion that dangled upon a leather thong. Allahandra gasped and stepped closer to take the dangling coin. “You were wise to have all be on the lookout for a medallion only Alex turned into a necklace.”

  In her hand rested a gold coin with a leaf and lightning bolt design on its face. Allahandra became angry for only she and Rakkian knew how few coins she had truly given out and how no two were exactly alike. Only twenty two truly loyal people held the coin that showed she had complete trust in them and could speak and give orders as if were her own. Allahandra gripped the coin till her hand hurt.

  She set her eyes on the advisor to ask “Who came and used Alex’s coin? Better yet, how did they use it and for what purposes?”

  Yort then patted his large partner’s grizzled shoulder to report “We were out for a walk, making sure the perimeter was secure when we came across a patrol escorting a tall blonde man towards the command area. We stopped to see who was being led and I didn’t recognize him, but” then Yort pointed to her clenched fist. “that coin I’m all too familiar with.” He then pulled a similar coin from his pocket. “No one blatantly wears your seal out in the open for if one were to steal it they could go anywhere without being questioned. That was the first problem and when I got a closer look I know of only one person who has marred your coin and put a string through it. I knew it was Alex’s coin immediately, still I didn’t let on till I got close enough to confront him.

  “I then offered him my mace, like I do everyone, and asked him where he got the necklace. He had sense enough not to lie, but foolish enough to try to strike me with my own item. The man fought, but didn’t make it. We searched him and found this.” Yort withdrew a folded piece of parchment and offered it to Rakkian.

  “What does it say?” Allahandra wondered.

  “If you are reading this Allahandra then my man has been unsuccessful, but I wasn’t too hopeful of actual achievement. My plan has resulted just as imagined nevertheless. Peile captured Alex, gave your medallion to a disposable assassin who failed and given our first line of communication with each other since our little wedding ceremony. I must say I was quite surprised when my seers told me about your marriage to someone not of noble blood and that you are carrying a child. You might hope I ask that you withdraw your troops from my land, but we both know it wouldn’t be much fun if I did that.” Rakkian’s anger made the paper shake, but he continued reading in a deathly calm tone. “We both know how this game of ours will result. Your troops will be obliterated and I’ll finally be rid of Freelan’s annoying habits of slowing actual progress. After you lose, all the lands will come under my rule again. And Alluan will become a place for everyone to get a slave of their own, after I take all of your peoples items of course. You cannot stop me and you know it. Enjoy your freedom for the last few days for after my troops obliterate your forces you’ll be the first queen to be enslave and be my personal play thing…” Rakkian stopped reading and settled his blazing gaze on Allahandra’s. “Runkamon will die for this.”

  She rested a hand on his arm. “His overconfidence will be his downfall. I believe in the morning we should read this to the people.” He was about to shake his head until she explained “His words do not frighten me, but if the troops hear what Runkamon has in store for their families back in Alluan, should we lose or flee, it’ll reignite a fire in their bellies. This assassination tactic and foolish letter of declaration for enslavement will be his undoing.”

  “I know it has made me angry for I’ll not let my wife and son become enslaved so long as Runkamon remains in power.” Yort declared.

  The tiredness they both shared no longer affected them now that the enemy gave them hope through intimidation. Grimly and resolutely they nodded to one another and began preparations to work the letter to Freelan’s advantage.

  ***

  Chapter 22

  “I cannot believe this is happening so soon.” Kyri admitted as she purred affectionately and nuzzled up against Zara in their bed.

  “Me either, but he’s down there calling me. Father must have found us each a suitor. You remember what he said the last time?”

  “How could I forget?” She growled and sunk her claws into the bedding. “Just before that grandfather of yours was attacked he believed he found a way to free us. Our fathers have forced us to reside in this accursed room the whole time. I don’t like having a mate chosen for us without combat to find him worthy, but at last we can leave this wretched prison.” The Makkian tigress stood and stretched out her large body.

  Zara too felt the need to loosen the limbs before stepping towards the door and not feel the overbearing pressure that confined them both to the room. Servants had been brought in to tend to both of their needs, but they were ordered to stay and couldn’t disobey. Both sighed in relief after passing the threshold and descended the staircase in excitement until reaching the outside world to find a servant waiting patiently in the morning sunlight. He bowed slightly to their approach and said “Princess Zara, your father sends word that you are to follow me to the palace for an audience.”

  “If that is true then he has found a man to marry me off to… Who is it then?” Zara demanded in a cold tone. Her forced captivity made her angry, but unlike her ruthless father she wouldn’t take it out on the servant.

  “Aye, I believe he has, but I do not know to whom. He didn’t see fit to allow me such confidence.”

  “Very well, lead on. We want to get as far away from this tower as possible.”

  He inclined his head and turned around.

  Kyri then pressed her pink nose against Zara shoulder and grinned. “Dear one, I no longer feel bound. Your father’s Dominance ordered us to wait till he or someone came to retrieve us when he found us a mate. He didn’t say when we had to breed or that we had to come to him, only that we had to stay till someone retrieved us. It doesn’t hurt to think like it did these long weeks. I feel as if we can leave. Do you want to run?”

  Zara shook her head subtly, scanning everything around her while lowering her tone. “I don’t believe it would be wise. Both of our fathers would be after us the moment this servant reported in…or didn’t.”

  “So making a snack out of him won’t work either.” She snorted in disappointment.

  “Besides, don’t forget about Father’s new pet.” Zara said as derogatory as possible. “Even now, I’ve got the feeling Midnight’s got his eyes on us.”

  She then purred in a menacing way. “He is crippled and will be easy prey.”

  “Jerkin wouldn’t be.” Zara said in a stressful sigh. “Oh how I wish we could depart, but we’re completely out of reasonable options.”

  “Wise decision.” A shadow extracted itself from a nearby wall.

  Kyri roared in angered surprise and bathed the shadow in flames from her maw. The servant ran in fear from such a ferocious display. Seconds later Zara laid a hand on Kyri’s shoulder and she stopped breathing fire. As the flames died and smoke parted the shadow remained intact not fifteen feet from the pair. Midnight’s condescending tone made both females snort in disgust. “Nice try, cub. Your flames cannot destroy my shadow. Hurry along and speak with the king, he’s got important news for you both. And don’t try that again or we’ll see how well you fare against my toxin.”

  “You’ll have to get close enough to try you limbless excuse of a predator.” Kyri retorted and Midnight snarled, but didn’t come any closer.

  Both of them began walking towards the newly cleared path that has been blocked by boulders for as long as either can remember. The servant’s wide eyed fear cooled as he realized the attack wasn’t directed at him and began leading them down the mountain.

  Midnight followed and Kyri knew he feared her overwhelming size and power for he remained safe inside his shadow. Zara gave her partner a small smile, it w
asn’t the first time either had wanted to do something against that sorry excuse for a Shadow Fang and both decided that if a chance would come, he should die. Zara couldn’t kill, but agreed fully to let Kyri have her fun. Not until Gerieg explained why a female Furion couldn’t bring themselves to kill or eat meat both wondered if Zara was simply weak willed. That wasn’t the case whatsoever. Both accepted the reasons and after Midnight’s traitorous act of self-gain and revenge against Gerieg, he will die a gruesome death.

  Although they followed the servant, moving tall and proudly, Kyri remained vigilant in hopes Midnight will surface and she can sink her teeth in.

  Not a single chance presented itself.

  Royal Guards surrounded them as they reached the foot of the mountain an hour later and escorted the two into the backside of the city and the guards were exchanged by two of Runkamon’s Elite Kings Guard at the final siege wall.

  Not long into the journey towards the palace Zara noticed a subtle difference around the streets and open areas. Messengers ran or rode on horseback to different areas, but mainly towards the open mouthed palace. She hoped to see a familiar form, but didn’t. Still, she understood what the speed the messengers meant, something major is occurring. Maybe Freelan is coming? She guessed in a hopeful part of her mind. Many of the Specialists who carried the information looked travel-weary from wherever they came from.

  Now that the city had begun thawing out from the wintery months many more people moved through the city, doing whatever they needed or wanted to do whether it be trade, buy food or visit friends. Still the very presence of Kyri drew all attention to their group and made the commoners stare openly.