Neomi sat on her bed, staring into the distance, lost in thought over how to break the news to her father about their enemy’s motive. There were few things in life that she feared. Her father was one of those things. He was a scary man when it came to business. Strong and unbending. It was one of the greatest qualities he possessed as a leader. As a father, it made him difficult to speak with. Once his mind was made up, there rarely was opportunity to convince him otherwise. Her blatant disregard of his orders to stay away from their prisoner would anger him. She could only hope he would recognize the importance of the information she gained and look beyond the means by which she attained it. What mattered was that they knew the reasons for the attack and the traitor responsible for the deaths of so many warriors.
Rising to her feet she grabbed her coat off the floor, sliding her arms into the sleeves. She wasn’t accomplishing anything by sitting in her room. The longer she waited to tell her father the information, the more time their enemy had to plan the next assault.
A heavy curtain acted as a door between her room and the hall, easily pushed aside by her gloved hand. Onuric and his wife Moinie would be in the greeting hall near the surface. They would be the first step in approaching her father. If Onuric heard what she discovered, he would take the news to Okivra without hesitation. Their father would question it less coming from the lips of his son.
Moving through the tunnels she could feel the temperature getting colder with every step. The lower levels of the Chief ’s home were the warmest dwellings in all of Ethrysta. The other Ovatai maintained homes dug into the snow though none of which were constructed well enough to break into the frozen ground beneath. Many fashioned small homes out of snow and ice, choosing to built on the surface instead of below. She was grateful for the luxury their home provided. It was nothing in comparison to the palaces she’d heard her father and brother describe in the southern countries, but it was better than anything she could have hoped for. Ethrysta wasn’t a landscape that allowed for lavish living conditions. As long as there were walls to block the biting wind, that was all the Ovatai cared about.
Back on the icy floor of the upper corridors she straightened her shoulders, determined not to let Onuric intimidate her. He had more of a temper than their father. If he learned of her actions in the prison, he would scold her worse than Okivra. Since the death of her husband he had become more protective than he’d ever been when they were children. It was like having two fathers constantly watching her every move. One of these days they would realize she was a woman and knew very well what she was doing. Some of their strongest warriors were women. The difference was that her brother tended to forget that she wasn’t a little girl; and her father shared in his misconceptions.
Voices carried through the narrow, chiseled halls, echoing from the main foyer. She recognized one to be that of Onuric, speaking loudly with another male. Ewei. The new second amongst the warriors after Mevuk’s death. He was more outspoken than Mevuk, tending to create more argument between him and Onuric over tactics. Onuric disliked anyone disagreeing with his ideas. It was a wonder the two men hadn’t drawn swords on one another.
Rounding the corner she came to stand a few feet inside the room, watching the men in their heated debate. Tensions were high at the continued attacks, their numbers depleted by the enemy forces. Defeat wasn’t something the Ovatai took lightly. Finding a way to outmaneuver their enemy was essential at this point of the war. If they weren’t careful, they would all be dead within the coming months.
Onuric’s wife stood at his side, stoic and proud, listening to the men arguing back and forth, her silvery-blue eyes revealing a mild amusement at the display. White hair pulled away from her face in a tight ponytail, she folded her arms across her chest, watching the scene in silence. Seeing Neomi’s approach she shifted her gaze from her husband, moving away to escape the quickly escalating dispute.
“Neomi. Thank the gods you are here. Maybe you can talk some sense into these men.”
“I doubt they would let me speak,” she replied, striding confidently to stand at her friend’s side. “What is the quarrel this time? One would think they have already argued every subject there is to disagree on.”
“The topic has shifted so drastically, I wonder if they remember what started the altercation.”
Reaching her hand out, Neomi placed it on Onuric’s shoulder, met by a harsh wave of his arm to push her away. He was engrossed in the conversation with Ewei. She doubted he was even aware that it wasn’t Moinie who touched him. “Onuric,” she stated firmly, loud enough to be heard over their raised voices, demanding attention. His eyes shifted suddenly, blinking in surprise to find her at his side.
“Not now, Neomi. Ewei and I have business to finish.”
“Your business is not more important than what I have come to say.”
“I do not have the patience for your games. We will talk later. You and Moinie should check the perimeter of the village in case the enemy tries to ambush.”
She watched Onuric turn away, signaling the end of their conversation. Holding her calm she reached for him again, gripping his shoulder with her fingers, forcing him to face her. “I told you that your current matters can wait. Once you hear what I have to say, it may solve whatever business you two are failing to conclude by screaming at one another.”
“We were not screaming. You would not understand.”
“I understand perfectly, Onuric. You forget how many years I have spent among the warriors. Father trusted me to take over Mevuk’s men. I wish you would grant me the same respect in trusting that I am not simply trying to get attention.”
Their gazes locked, steady, Onuric’s deep blue eyes roiling from the abundant internal energy within. His eyes rendered many men frozen in fear, though it held no effect on Neomi. Proudly she held her ground, chin held high, refusing to back down.
“Fine,” he conceded, jaw clenched in mild irritation. “Speak quickly. My time is stretched thin as it is. Our men on the western border of the valley were attacked this morning. Their numbers are severely weakened. Is your business still more pressing than my need to reform a post to maintain the safety of our people in the village?”
“I know who is responsible.” The words fell from her lips, seemingly without conscious thought. If she didn’t say it quickly, she risked him losing interest and resuming his bickering with Ewei. A statement with the plainness of meaning as hers would surely catch his attention and hold it firm.
“You what?”
“I know who is leading the men responsible for the attacks,” she repeated the words, satisfied by the look of disbelief which covered Onuric’s sharp features. He stared at her, shocked, unsure whether he should believe what she said. Pressing onward, she had to keep her composure. If she faltered, it would only add to his lingering doubt. “Emakai commands the warriors of the Ythes tribe from the west. He has taken it upon himself to challenge our father for the position of Chief.”
Grabbing her by the arm Onuric dragged her roughly from Ewei and Moinie, leaning his head forward to speak in hushed tones. “How do you know this? You cannot expect me to believe that one of the most prominent tribes of our people would suddenly turn on our father.”
“My information comes from the lips of our prisoner. Believe what you will, but I have reason to accept it as truth.”
“The prisoner?” Onuric’s voice rose, echoing through the icy room before he regained his calm, glancing at the others to make sure they were still out of range to overhear. “You were given direct orders by our father not to go near that man. What is wrong with you, Neomi? If that man is what he claims and descends from the Ythes tribe, he is more dangerous than you may realize. And if the reason given for the assault lies in fact, your association with the Chief makes you a prime target for their aggression.”
“I am standing before you now with the information your men have been unable to draw from him since he was brought here months ago. Father needs to be
made aware. Can I count on you to help me tell him?”
“Tell me what?”
Neomi and Onuric stiffened at the sound of Okivra’s voice. He was closer than Neomi was comfortable with. His approach had been disturbingly soundless. She let her gaze trail away from her brother to look upon the Chief. He was a tall man, pride evident in the way he held his posture, erect and solid. Long strands of snow-white hair hung down to his waist, left loose to frame his porcelain-fine skin, flawless in its pale complexion, devoid of any lines despite his rising age. The deep blue of his vibrantly glowing eyes resembled those of Onuric’s which were now settled on him, mouth open, scrambling for the words to best explain the information he so needed to get out.
“It would seem Neomi has uncovered intelligence regarding our current situation.” Onuric cast a sideways glance at Neomi, searching her face before continuing. She had no intention of cutting in. The words were better spoken by him. “The prisoner has rambled into her ear about Emakai desiring to see you forced from your position as Chief.”
“The Ythes?” Okivra peered down his nose at his daughter. “What were you doing near the prisoner? Did I not make myself clear when I told you to keep your distance?”
“You were clear, Sir. I would not have gone against your wishes had I not trusted my ability to draw forth the truth your men have yet to succeed at retrieving.”
“And how exactly did you extract such sensitive information? The Ythes are not easily broken. I am not foolish enough to believe you simply walked in and struck up a conversation.”
“It was not easy, but I have my ways, Father.”
Okivra’s eyes narrowed, accusing in their steady gaze. “What ways might those be?”
“Persuasion,” she stated calmly. It seemed unwise to say anything about the deal Naphul tried to strike with her. Regardless of her tactics, he wouldn’t be pleased to know that she’d resorted to petty seduction. Such a method was frowned upon by their people. A woman’s body wasn’t supposed to be used as a tool for anything other than procreation. “That man has been left alone for months. He was grateful for any conversation at all. It took very little to trick the required responses from him. Even the strongest warrior is bound to slip every once in a while.”
She could feel her father’s eyes on her, unconvinced of her claims at mere vocal trickery. He knew her well enough to know that she could be deceptive when she wanted to be. It wasn’t out of the question for her to stoop to whatever means might be necessary to save their people. Although she wasn’t proud of what she’d done, it had worked, and many men would be spared if that information could prevent further attacks.
“I will not let this slide, Neomi. You will be reprimanded for your disobedience.”
“But the Ythes –”
“Let Onuric and I handle the Ythes,” he stated coolly. “Emakai has been our ally since my father was Chief. A claim of treachery to this degree will not be acted upon with haste. Scouts will be sent to investigate the validity. If proven, we will proceed, and Emakai will face the consequences of his treason. If false, I will have the prisoner’s head removed for his uselessness. He has wasted enough of our time as it is.”
Hands on her hips she pursed her lips, frustrated. She knew things would transpire this way. It had been her hope that she could have swayed her family otherwise. What a foolish notion that had been. “I will be in my room, then,” she huffed. Her progress forward was halted by Okivra’s strong arm outstretched in front of her, blocking her path.
“You will remain there until I call for you. I don’t care how old you are. My daughter will not disrespect me the way you have done.”
“Very well.” Her eyes remained locked forward, not wanting to risk seeing her father’s face. He was angry. She hated to see him that way. Especially when she was the reason for his upset. His piercing gaze seemed to burn into her, adding to his obvious disapproval, as if she could have any doubt of his disappointment. They would see. She suspected the words of Naphul to be true. The scouts would uncover the truth and her family would have no choice than to be grateful for her decision to go behind their backs.
Onuric motioned his wife to come forward, pointing at Neomi, the gesture precise and commanding. “Moinie, see that my sister finds her way to her room without any unexpected deviations. Ewei and I will have to continue our discussion another time. We have work to do.”
The sun felt warm against Edric’s face. Soothing. A reminder that the winter months were finally at an end. Blankets had been laid out across the green grass of the palace grounds, situated at the rear of the building to allow privacy from the courtiers. The celebration of Audri’s birthday would continue, out of the public eye, until after she returned from her journey the next day. It was customary of the Vor’shai people to perform a rite of passage upon reaching their twenty-fifth year, though the details of what his sister would be required to do were hazy in his mind. The tasks to become a woman were somewhat beyond his grasp. As a boy, it never seemed important to inquire.
There were only a few hours left in the day before Audri would depart. The ritual would keep her away for the evening while a ball was planned to commence after she had time to sleep and recover from the trip. Edric wished they could forgo the public gathering and simply enjoy another day like this one. A quiet afternoon in the company of family and friends, listening to the laughter of his siblings, their voices raised in merry conversation.
He was surprised to see Aiva awake, dressed in a relaxed summer dress, her hair loose and free of adornment. Much like himself, she preferred to be out of view from the courtiers. Without them around, she could be herself. There was no need for fancy dresses and stiff corsets. Callum was by her side when she arrived to the yards, dressed in a casual white linen shirt and black trousers, an air of relief about him to not have to worry about putting on a show for the sake of the Tanispan people. This afternoon would be a much needed break for them. Edric hoped the fresh air might do his sister some good.
“It looks like we aren’t going to get out of breaking a sweat today,” Callum announced, walking toward Edric from where the others were gathered. “Danil has challenged us to a race. Seems the boy thinks that just because he is younger than we are, he can best us in stamina. I, for one, am not going to let him be right.”
Edric chuckled, tipping his head back to finish the final swallows of his lemonade. A race sounded interesting. He hadn’t participated in such things since before Callum became so wrapped up in his work. When he was younger the thought was less daunting. It would be a true test to see if he could keep up with someone Danil’s age. “I suppose I have one race in me,” he smiled. “Who will we be up against? Just the three of us?”
“That would be too easy,” Callum grinned. “So far Ehren and Soren have also decided to join. They’re trying to convince the old men to participate as well. We may get your father if they try hard enough. I have my doubts about mine. He may be the General, but he prefers not to strain himself if it isn’t necessary.”
“Can you blame him? The man is closing in on four hundred years old. I cannot say I would want to race a bunch of children if I was his age.”
“My father runs circles around most of the soldiers. You might be surprised how spry his old bones are.”
Setting his cup on a wooden table positioned in the shade, Edric smirked. He didn’t doubt Cadell’s ability to keep up with the freshest of recruits. In a way Edric hoped the General would choose to sit out. It would be embarrassing enough to lose the challenge to Danil. It would be utter humiliation to lose to Cadell. “Alright, let’s get this over with,” he exhaled, moving to Callum’s side as they made their way across the lawn. Seeing them approach, Aiva’s eyes brightened, her smile widening, almost devious, her hand reaching to pull Edric into the circle of boys already preparing for the race.
“I was afraid you would turn down the challenge,” she stated lightly, mussing Edric’s hair playfully. “We were considering placing bets on
whether you would return with Callum.”
“How could I turn down something so easy? Callum and I could beat these children with our legs tied together.”
“Don’t give her any ideas,” Callum chortled, leaning forward to place a soft kiss on Aiva’s cheek. “She has somehow become the master of activities today. Next thing you know she’ll be calling for the rope.”
To Edric’s surprise he saw his mother coming through the crowd, carefully removing her cloak from around her neck. A look of determination could be seen in her blue eyes, their glow heightened by her barely contained excitement. “Mother, what are you doing?”
“Your father and I are going to show you how it’s done. Is that not right, Thade?” she smiled at her husband, holding out her hand to urge him forward. He came at her call, nodding in agreement while taking the cloak from her hands.
“So it would seem. Feolan has accepted the challenge, but the General holds firm. It appears his bottom is attached to his chair for the afternoon.”
“It isn’t often I have the chance to root myself. You will have to forgive me, Your Majesty.” Cadell leaned his elbows back against the table where he sat, legs crossed, making no attempt to conceal his amusement at the jab. “If you could somehow convince my wife to insist, I might be persuaded. Unfortunately for you, I know she prefers me to remain at her side. You and the Consul will have to run this one without me.”
Holding the Queen’s cloak out to Edric, Thade shrugged his shoulders. “Suit yourself,” he remarked. “I suspect you choose to sit out because you are aware that you would not win.”
Cadell threw his head back, laughing jovially at the thought. “If I’m concerned about losing to anyone, it’s your wife. Leyna is a quick one. You forget that I saw her in action before she took to the throne. For a slender girl such as herself, she is a force to be reckoned with.”
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Three: Crown of Ice Page 5
