Curses and Warfare

by Jeri Baird

  As they drew near, Lash stopped and waited for Zephyr. His laugh sliced through the quiet. “Don’t tell me that’s your patron?”

  Zeph nodded and turned red.

  “An ass?” Lash slapped the donkey’s flank. “Fitting, very fitting.”

  Anger at seeing Zeph made fun of boiled up in Alexa. When Lash sauntered up, pulling Helios’s rope halter, she took a deep breath.

  “Hoy, Alexa.” Lash smirked. “Is Zander missing his horse?”

  “And how did he happen to end up in your hands?”

  “Don’t accuse me. I didn’t do it. He was wandering on Father’s land. Lucky for Zander, he didn’t get sick the way he was lathered.”

  “Lucky?” Alexa glared at him. “Zander was beaten half to death with a practice sword.”

  The smirk left Lash’s face. “What?”

  “He spent the night unconscious on the cold ground. He’s lucky to be alive.” She shoved her finger in his chest. “You know anything about that?”

  Lash shook his head, but he wouldn’t meet her eyes.

  Suspicious.

  “I’ll take Helios.” Zeph reached for the rope.

  Lash jerked back. “I’ll take him in.”

  Zeph straightened. “He’s not your horse.” Zeph grabbed the reins away from Lash.

  Good for Zeph, Alexa thought smugly.

  Lash grabbed Zeph’s arm and jerked him close. “I heard Father this morning. You’re the bastard son of a barmaid and nothing more. You’ll never be as good as me!”

  What was Lash talking about? Alexa stepped between them and pushed Lash back. “Go home to your feast. You don’t belong here today.”

  Rage crossed Lash’s face. “You don’t belong on an Elder’s land. Not you, not him, and not your brother. If somebody gave him a beating, he deserved it.” He turned and walked stiffly away.

  Alexa watched until he was a small speck. She turned to Zeph. “Moira gave you a donkey?”

  He grimaced. “A jenny. Dorothy.”

  “Oh, my stars. Let’s tell Zander. He could use a laugh.”

  “First, we take care of Helios.”

  Zeph’s expression sobered Alexa. He was right, of course. The war horse, worth a small fortune, came first. She followed Zeph, Helios, and the donkey into the stable. A donkey for a patron? Moira had a wild sense of humor.

  The little jenny scooted forward to walk next to Helios down the aisle of the stalls. He reached over and nipped at her ear. Unperturbed, she butted his shoulder and moved in front to lead. Alexa stifled a laugh. Maybe Moira knew what she was doing, after all. If Zeph’s patron had the courage to take on a war horse, what could she do for Zeph?

  Side by side, Alexa and Zeph groomed Helios. She brushed the mane as Zeph checked each leg and hoof for cuts. He gently combed the cockleburs out of his tail.

  A comfortable silence fell between them. Zeph had become like a younger brother. Soon, he’d earn tokens and omens and then go on his quest. Could she stitch an embroidery to protect him, or would that be cheating? She couldn’t risk Zeph earning a black panther omen for her mistake.

  Satisfied at last that Helios would be all right, Zeph shut the gate to the stall and turned to the donkey. “There aren’t any open stalls. Where do I put Dorothy?”

  “Usually the patrons stay with their quester so they can bond.”

  Zeph’s eyebrows rose. “In my room?”

  Just then, Dorothy lifted her tail and dropped a warm pile at Zeph’s feet.

  “Not in my room.”

  Alexa burst into laughter. “Maybe not.”

  They cleaned out a tack room that had once been a stall. Soon Dorothy was happily munching on oats while Alexa and Zeph checked on Zander.

  When they walked in his room, Zander sat cross-legged on the bed with his back against the wall. One side of his face had turned purple and both eyes shone black. Alexa hesitated. He was meditating. She didn’t want to interrupt.

  Zander opened his good eye. “We need to talk. You, me, and Zeph.”

  Chapter TWENTY

  Zander

  Zander waited while Zeph brought a chair in from the hall. Alexa sat at the edge of his bed, and he ignored her stare. She’d know soon enough what was on his mind. She and Zeph were two of only a handful of people he trusted.

  His head pounded and his body felt like Helios had thrown and then stomped him. How could he have been so stupid to let down his guard? If he’d been at war, he’d be dead.

  When Zeph sat, Zander looked from his somber face to Alexa’s. “We have a traitor among the warriors. Whoever did this knew where to find the practice blades. I’d moved them into the dining hall for the break. Thank the stars I had the key to the shed with the steel blades.” He rubbed his cheek and winced. “I’d be dead if he’d used one of those.”

  “Do you think it was one person?” Zeph squirmed in his chair.

  “Maybe two. I saw the stable door fly open right before I was hit.” He stared at Zeph. “Have you heard anything during practice that might give me a clue as to who would do this? I suspect Lash.”

  Alexa leaned forward. “Lash looked surprised when I told him you were clubbed.”

  “What do you think, Zeph?”

  The boy sat still. Zander didn’t need his favor to tell that Zeph was sorting through his thoughts. Zander blocked seeing other’s secrets most of the time and only used it when needed. That was why he’d been meditating. With his concentration scattered, it took more effort to close it down.

  Zeph stirred. “I don’t think he lied. Helios wasn’t hidden, and Elder Terrec would never be able to claim him. Everyone in the village knows he’s your horse.”

  “Not Lash, then. Stars, I wish it had been. I’d love an excuse to throw him out.”

  “But you can’t trust him.” A deep frown crossed Zeph’s face.

  “No, I can’t, but I need proof he’s doing something wrong.”

  “Isn’t it enough that his father threatened you after the quest?” Alexa crossed her arms. “I hate Terrec.”

  Was it his imagination or did Zeph blanch? He looked back at Alexa. “Elder Warrin counseled me to keep Lash close.”

  “I did hear something. I . . .” Zeph fell silent.

  “Go on. It’s safe here. Nothing you say will leave this room.”

  “Not even to Greydon?”

  Zander hesitated. There were few things he kept from his friend, but if Zeph was uncomfortable, Zander would keep his secret. “Not even Greydon. You have my word.”

  “I heard Lash bragging about keeping some of the money he collects from the elders and merchants.”

  Zander stiffened. Why hadn’t Zeph told him before now?

  “I wanted proof before I told you. It would have been his word against mine.”

  His anger dissipated. “I’ll always believe you over Lash.”

  “I know that now. I wasn’t sure then.”

  Alexa sat back, eyes narrowed. “Who was Lash bragging to?”

  Zeph’s tension filled the room. “Dharien.”

  The words settled deep in Zander’s stomach, and he could tell by Alexa’s face she was dumbstruck. He thought Dharien had changed since the three of them had formed an alliance in their quest. He took a moment to breathe and gain his composure before he glanced at Alexa. “Maybe it’s not as it seems.”

  Blinking back tears, Alexa stood. “I should have known not to believe he’d changed. He’s still the arrogant elder’s son he was before the quest.” Her shoulders slumped. “Will you be all right? I should check in on Mother.”

  When Zander nodded, Zeph joined Alexa at the door. “I’ll walk with you to the village.” He turned back to Zander. “Moira gave me a donkey.” He stared at the floor. “Don’t laugh. Her name’s Dorothy.”

  Poor Zeph, but Zander couldn’t hold bac
k a snort. “I’m sure Moira knows what she’s doing.”

  After they left, Zander dropped his head in his hands. Not only did he not know who had clubbed him, now he had to deal with traitors. He should have known Dharien hadn’t changed, the way he chummed around with Lash.

  A soft knock at his open door startled him. “Kaiya?” He jumped off his bed and winced at the shooting pain in his head.

  She crossed the room to touch his arm. “I was on my way out to practice shooting. Alexa told me what happened. Who would do this?”

  Damn, he hated her seeing him like this. “It’s nothing. I’m fine.”

  She looked at his face, appraising what was undoubtedly a nasty looking mess of black and blue. “Yeah, it looks like nothing.”

  “I don’t want to talk about it.” He cringed at the hurt that crossed her face and took her arm. “Let’s go outside. I need some air.”

  They sat on the stone wall outside the stable while Kaiya’s patron crow, Korble, glided on the thermals above them. Shadow limped to a spot in the sun, turned a circle, and plopped to the ground. Kaiya’s tentative glances at his face threw him off balance. He took her hand. “Look, don’t worry. I’m going to be fine.”

  She pulled her hand away. “I also came to talk to you about the warriors.”

  He sucked in a deep breath. He was pretty sure he didn’t want to hear what she had to say.

  “The women aren’t happy. You’re babying us.” She held up her hand when he started to speak. “Moira called us to be warriors just like you. We can’t help if you don’t let us learn the same things as the men.”

  She was right, but Zander couldn’t stand the thought of Kaiya going into battle. And he wasn’t the only one. Elder Warrin had warned him of the villagers’ displeasure at women being put in danger. “Stars, Kaiya. What can I say?”

  “Just be honest. Why aren’t we training like the men?”

  Anger wound up from his gut to his chest. “You want the truth? War is ugly.” He pointed to his face. “You think this is bad? What do you think will happen if we have to fight a band of war-hardened Odwans? Our people will be hurt far worse than black eyes and bruises. Damn it, Kaiya, people will be killed or maimed.” He stood and faced her, matching her glare. “Do you think I could live with myself if you were hurt? Or worse?”

  Her cheeks flushed. “And yet, you want me to sit back in safety while you take that risk?” She pulled away. “I was called, Zander. I was called.” She jabbed his chest with her finger. “Just like you, just like all the men.” She stepped back and narrowed her eyes. “You’re going to need me. And all of the women.”

  He took a deep breath. And then another. Moira wouldn’t have called the women if they weren’t going to be helpful, but it didn’t have to be in battle. He needed time to sort it out. “I’ll talk to Fulk and Greydon. You’ll be treated as equals in training.”

  Kaiya slumped in relief. “You won’t be sorry. You’ll see how hard we can work.”

  Zander promised to let her train, but he hadn’t promised she’d see battle. He felt like a traitor.

  Chapter TWENTY-ONE

  Last Day of the Twelve Day Festival

  Alexa

  Alexa dumped a scoop of oats in Helios’s trough and pushed her sweaty hair behind her ears. She’d come every day since Zander’s attack to help with his chores. It kept her mind off Melina Odella’s continued rejection during the festival.

  After tossing the last pile of dung from Helios’s stall, Zander hung the pitchfork on the side of the wall. He joined Alexa as she washed at the small basin, and bumped her shoulder. “The warriors return tomorrow. I won’t need your help.”

  “What? I’m not good help?” she asked as she dried her hands. At the table, she slathered fresh butter on slices of apple walnut bread and handed one to Zander. “You look better,” she said, peering at his face. The purple had faded into an ugly yellow, but his eye was open now. “Are you ready to try my magic?”

  Zander choked on a mouthful of bread. “I’m not ready to add to my bruises.”

  “Trust me. You can’t fall off.” She flinched at his withering stare and softened her voice. “You have to ride Helios sometime. No one’s here to see except me.”

  Wincing as he stretched his arms over his head, Zander said, “I’m still sore.” He sighed. “But Fulk would love it if I had Helios broken when he returns.”

  She eyed Zander, hopeful. She needed a distraction from thinking about Dharien. Zeph had shocked her when he said Dharien knew Lash kept money from the donations. She’d skipped the festival, hiding out at the stable, mainly to avoid Dharien.

  She pushed Dharien from her thoughts. She could never be with a cheater. A flush started in her neck and spread to her face. She and Zander had cheated once, but they earned the worst omen to fight in the quest and learned their lesson.

  Zander snapped his fingers in her face. “Let’s do it.” He brought out tack from a side room and had Helios saddled in minutes. After he checked the straps three times, he held out his hand. One eyebrow rose. “Embroidery?”

  She ran to get the small square of cloth from his room. The scene with Zander on Helios’s back held a spell that guaranteed Zander would stay in the saddle. She tied it over his wrist with a red silk thread and pulled his sleeve down to hide it. “See? No one will know.”

  Zander led Helios out of the stable and into the training yard. As Zander placed his foot in the stirrup, Alexa murmured the spell she’d woven into the cloth. Ride the horse, cannot fall, stay the course, all for all.

  Zander pulled up into the saddle.

  Helios’s tail swished from side to side, and he lowered his head.

  Adrenaline raced through her body. Alexa yelled, “Wait. Don’t go!”

  The warning came too late. Helios sprinted off on a run. Zander stared at Alexa and her horror reflected in his face. He grabbed at the pommel as the reins slipped from his hands.

  The horse raced for the fence, turning at the last moment. Helios planted his front feet and kicked his back legs straight out, breaking a board. Zander slipped sideways. Helios reached back to nip at Zander’s knee.

  Without the spell, Zander could have slid off. Instead, he pitched to the side. Helios bolted across the pen, bucking and jumping, tossing Zander up and down. He smacked his nose into the pommel. Blood flooded down onto his tunic.

  Helpless to do anything but watch, Alexa flattened her body against the wall. How could she have been so stupid? The spell kept Zander in the saddle, it didn’t help him ride. Zander would never trust her again.

  In a frenzy, Helios raced again for the fence. He twisted, trying to scrape Zander off. Alexa cringed when Zander’s leg was crushed between the fence and the horse’s flank.

  She had to do something to correct her mistake. When Helios stilled for a moment, sides heaving, she dashed in and grabbed the fallen reins. He reared and jerked them from her hand.

  “Get out! Zander yelled. “He’s going to kill us both!”

  Helios butted Alexa, and she fell. When he rose up to trample her, she rolled into a ball and recalled the wild boar in her quest that almost killed her. There was no one to save her this time.

  “Settle, Helios.”

  Alexa looked out from behind her hands. Zeph held the bridle. Foam lathered Helios’s nostrils as he trembled.

  Zander ripped the embroidery from his wrist and slid to the ground. Blood smeared across his face. He held his hand out to Alexa and pulled her up. “Never use your magic on me again. Never.” He limped to the door and disappeared inside.

  Shaking, Alexa turned to Zeph. “What have I done?” she whispered.

  Chapter TWENTY-TWO

  Zephyr

  Zeph laid a wet cloth across Helios’s face and walked him in circles until he cooled. He ran his hands down Helios’s legs, checking for injuries before he brushed
him. It would take a long time before the horse would trust a rider. Zeph led Helios to his stall and lured him in with an apple.

  Alexa had left in tears after Zander refused to talk to her. Zeph had never seen Zander so angry, but he didn’t blame him. If he hadn’t come back when he did, Alexa and Zander both would have been injured. He leaned against Helios and sent calm energy to the antsy horse.

  After he felt certain Helios was unharmed, he turned to Dorothy and scratched behind her ears. He’d had her eleven days and still didn’t understand why Moira gave him a donkey. Zander had Shadow, who was useful for hunting. What could Dorothy do? He led her outside and together they wandered the perimeter of Elder Warrin’s land, stopping when Dorothy found a spot of green grass. She didn’t need a harness—she seemed happy to follow Zeph.

  Looking across the frozen fields, Zeph imagined it split into smaller parcels. Zeph had heard enough of Zander talking with Greydon to know Zander wanted to do away with the elders holding all the land. If each family in the shack houses had their own plot, they wouldn’t worry about being hungry. Guilt jolted through him. Since he’d joined the warriors, he’d forgotten what it was like to go to bed with an empty stomach.

  He stayed out until dusk. When Zeph returned to the stable, Zander’s door remained closed. Zeph ate the cold rabbit he found in the small kitchen, put Dorothy in her stall, and went to bed.

  When Zeph woke the next morning, Zander was gone. Zeph ate a slice of oat bread as he fed Dorothy and gave her a quick brushing. He rushed out the stable and down the path to the village. He passed the open door of the dining hall. Zander welcomed the warriors back for their first training in twelve days. Zeph hated missing training, but he’d be back after quester class for the noon meal.

  He followed two boys to the white stone church. Round windows curtained in purple silk flanked each side of the thick oak door. An X embedded with dark and light pebbles graced the top of the door, representing God and Fate working together. Zeph wound through the dark halls to the classroom, where seven oak chairs formed a circle. He clutched the purple journal that had appeared at his bedroom door on his first day of magic.