by K. C. May
Never would Daia have imagined that something so nonsensical could be so ingenious. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said. “How much do you sell them for?”
“For you, a special price,” Yardof called back. “Only one dycla for the small one.”
Naylen placed a finger to her lips. “He usually sells them for three kions,” she whispered. “Offer him two and he might take it.”
Chapter 8
Brodas put on the liripipe he’d taken from a dead cleric a month earlier and smoothed it across his shoulders. At the time, he’d had no idea how useful it would be. He waited out of sight while the manservant admitted his guests and Warrick issued the first welcome. Then, he strode into the great hall with his hands open before him.
“Thank you so much for accepting my invitation on such short notice,” he said with a warm smile.
Guild mistress Aminda Battlehard and her captain, Lilalian, turned to greet their host. Their jaws dropped, and they dipped hastily to one knee with heads bowed.
Brodas touched their shoulders with a satisfied grin. “Please, no such formalities are required. You are my guests.” When they rose, he offered his hand to each of them intending to give a gentle, aristocratic handshake. Both women clasped his hand with surprising strength. “I understand you must be very busy,” he said. “Warrick and I appreciate the time you took to visit, and we’ve got a wonderful meal prepared.”
Aminda inclined her head. “We always enjoy meeting members of the community we serve, but forgive my surprise. Had I known you were a cleric we would have brought an offering. If there’s something the Sisterhood can do for you, by all means let us know. We are at your service.”
Brodas caught Warrick eyeing Lilalian with a lusty half-smile and clapped him hard on the shoulder. “I believe dinner’s nearly ready to serve. Why don’t we go right to the dining room and have some wine while the kitchen staff finishes their preparations?”
He led the way to the dining hall and stood at the doorway to usher the ladies in. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. You may lean your weapons against the wall behind you.” The women unstrapped their short swords and set them in the corner.
Brodas sat at the head of the dining table, with Warrick on his right. Aminda sat on Brodas’s left and Lilalian beside her. Aminda smoothed her hands across the embroidered ivy that crept along the tablecloth, while Lilalian’s eyes scanned the plaster-patched walls in the soft light emanating from the new sconces. As the manservant poured wine and water for them, Brodas gestured to the room with a sweep of his arm.
“You wouldn’t believe the condition of this home when I acquired it,” he said. “Doors hung off their hinges, paint peeled from the walls, and one of the sconces had torn loose. Who knows how long it had lain on the floor.”
“Did you inherit it?” Lilalian asked.
Brodas considered lying about the previous owner, but did not want to arouse suspicion with different versions of the story. The last thing he needed was a visit from the Lordover Sohan regarding his acquisition of this fine manor. “No, she was a young widow and had fallen ill. None of the healers she summoned had been able to help her. I believe she had the yellow lung blight.” Brodas took a sip of wine. “I was very fortunate to have inquired when I did, as the home was about to go to auction.”
Aminda asked, “Aren’t you worried that the vapors which caused her death are floating in the air above your own bed?”
“No, not at all. We’ve cleansed the manor top to bottom and smudged with all manner of spices and herbs. Most unfortunate for a woman so young.”
Lilalian cocked her head. “You knew her, then?”
“Oh, no,” Brodas said quickly. “I didn’t know her, but I asked my new neighbors about her. Had the timing of my arrival been better for the poor woman, I might have cured her.”
“Your healing skill must be powerful, indeed,” Aminda said.
“The healing skill of Asti-nayas is powerful,” Brodas said as he made the practiced gesture of subservience over his heart. “I am but His humble servant. In fact, I have a gift for you both. If you’ll excuse me for a short moment.” He stood and bowed slightly, then went to his library for the two amulets he’d purchased from a jeweler that morning. He’d paid only a few copper coins for each and replaced the worthless jewelry-grade gems with high-quality magic-grade gems.
“...allow men to visit the compound?” Warrick was saying when Brodas returned. The man had only one thing on his mind when women were present.
Guiding the conversation back on its intended path, Brodas said, “Here we are. Each of these amulets bears a high quality onyx blessed with water from the Holy Temple Argatha. They’ll protect you from harm by magic and by steel. I would like each of you to have one as a token of my respect and admiration for what you do.”
Aminda and Lilalian looked at each other and shifted in their seats. “We appreciate the spirit in which you offer these gifts,” Aminda said, “but I’m afraid we cannot accept. The Viragon Sisterhood has a strict rule prohibiting adornment. We believe that vanity undermines the warrior spirit.”
Brodas put on a disappointed frown. “These are not gifts of adornment but of protection. In fact, they should be worn underneath the clothing, not outside it. Consider them part of your armor.”
Lilalian turned to Aminda and said softly, “Such an amulet might have saved Riina and Hathien from the Renegade.”
Aminda gave him a polite smile, and both women took the offered amulets with thanks. Lilalian slipped the chain over her head and caressed the deep black stone against her skin. Aminda hesitated. At first, Brodas thought he might have to coax her, but after a short pause, she hooked the chain behind her neck. They were like whores, selling themselves for the price of a mere trinket.
The servant began bringing in plates of food: lamb and duck, potatoes and bread, beans and stewed tomatoes. The two swordswomen wasted no time digging into their meals. These were not dainty women who pushed more food around their plates than they swallowed. They ate with the same fervor as the men of their ranks. While Brodas was taken aback by their lack of modesty in shoveling food into their mouths, Warrick apparently enjoyed it. He couldn’t seem to keep his eyes off Lilalian.
Her blonde hair hung in a long braid behind her head, but a few strands in front that had worked themselves loose found their way into her mouth with a bite of food. She pulled them back out with her little finger and tucked them behind her ear. With hands that looked calloused and scarred, she reached for her wine glass, gripping it more as she would a tankard of ale than fine crystal. Tossing her head back, she downed at least a half dozen civilized sips in one swallow.
Warrick smiled at that. Perhaps he found her as amusing as Brodas found her disgusting.
Aminda’s manners were not quite so barbaric. While she did not clench the fork in her fist the way Lilalian did, she did not have the refined elegance of a lady either. At least she had the decency to swallow one mouthful before opening her mouth for the next.
They made light conversation during the meal, but Brodas imagined Aminda shared his eagerness to get to business. Once the food and plates were cleared away, and another bottle of wine brought and poured, he set his napkin on the table.
“Now then. I’m sure you’re wondering why I invited the two of you to dine with us today. While Warrick and I always appreciate the company of ladies as lovely as you both are--“ Lilalian’s brows dipped. “--there’s a purpose for your visit. I am in need of an army, and yours is the largest guild of battlers in the realm. I’ve seen your women train, I’ve seen them in the wilds, and I know that your battlers are as tough, as clever, and as dedicated as any group of men.”
Aminda inclined her head. “What need have you of an army?”
Brodas settled back in his chair. “To defend my right to rule Thendylath,” he said, and raised his wineglass to drink. Over its lip, he watched her face. Yes, she was surprised. And she was interested.
&nbs
p; “You’re the one solving the King’s Runes?” she asked in a low voice.
“No need for secrecy. No one in this manor doubts my fitness for the throne.”
Aminda smiled. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“No, I have not solved the runes,” he said, “but Thendylath has long suffered without the benefit of a ruler and has fallen into chaos. Our children beg in the streets for their meals, our land’s overrun with abominations from the basest of the seven realms, and our cities have crumbled into desolate wastelands. We have a crisis of the utmost magnitude, and it’ll take a person of spiritual fortitude to raise it from this wretched state. Asti-nayas has directed me to cast off my own personal aspirations and rise to meet this challenge for the good of the people.” He thought his improvisation ingenious and gave them a slight smile.
“Whoever solves the runes and claims the King’s Blood-stone has the right to rule and no one else,” Aminda said.
“I intend to claim the Blood-stone. Where’s it written that one must solve the runes in order to rule?”
“What do you want from the Sisterhood?” Lilalian asked.
“Merely your support and assistance. First, I need to know who’s solving the runes so I can forge a relationship with him. He, with his understanding of the Runes of Carthis, and I, with my god-given directive, will journey together to the cave and take back our country from the monsters and the chaos. Then, once I have the King’s Blood-stone, I’ll need your soldiers to defend my right to rule.”
“What if he refuses to give you the gem?” Aminda asked.
“The directive from Asti-nayas was clear; I am to rule Thendylath. I know what I must do.”
“Kill him when he solves the last rune?” she snapped.
“I see you are not one for polite innuendo. Very well, then. Might is right,” Brodas said. “If he’s strong enough to kill me first, then perhaps he’s truly deserving of the throne and Thendylath’s future would be in capable hands. However, unless he has an army stronger than yours...” He shrugged with palms up.
“What makes you think we’ll agree to this-- this outrageous alliance?”
Brodas put his index fingertips together at his lips and smiled behind them in his confidence. “Because we are alike, you and I. Self-preservation is our primary instinct. First we’ll fight to save ourselves and those closest to us. Then we’ll fight for what we believe in. I believe in my right to rule this country, and you believe the guild you have worked so hard to build is worth preserving.”
“What will the Sisterhood get in return?” Lilalian asked.
Aminda shot her a look of such disbelief it was comical. Brodas held back a chuckle, but Warrick snorted a short laugh.
“When I am king, the Viragon Sisterhood will be the royal guard.” He paused to let them consider the significance of his words. “You’ll be my most trusted protectors, and be given reign to expand your ranks and build an army as you see fit with the financial backing of the crown.”
Despite her crossed arms and rigid countenance, Aminda’s eyebrow jerked in response. “And if we don’t agree?”
Brodas shrugged. “I will remember that you turned your back on me when I needed you. My favor will fall to another. An all-male guard, most likely. Opportunities for women will suffer for it, and I will see to it that the Viragon Sisterhood fades to obscurity.”
The two women sat silently. Aminda glared hard at Brodas, while Lilalian watched her guild mistress, her brows raised as though urging her toward acquiescence.
“I will be king,” Brodas assured them. “You can join with me now and reap the rewards, or try to oppose me and fail.” When Aminda said nothing, Brodas added, “You need not give me your answer immediately. Take a few days to consider, if you wish.”
“There’s no need for further consideration,” Aminda said, finally. “I’ll not have our guild—”
“Aminda,” Lilalian said quietly, placing a hand on the guild mistress’s arm, “may I speak with you privately for a moment?”
“Warrick, would you see the ladies to the music room? When you return, I will have the servant serve brandy as a toast.” Brodas stood when they rose.
Brodas waited patiently for them to return. He was unconcerned; if they left this evening after declining the alliance, they would be back the following day with a change of heart. The amulets guaranteed it.
Warrick returned to the dining room and sat back down. “What do you think they’ll say?”
“Doesn’t matter,” Brodas replied, swirling the wine in his glass.
“What? I thought you said we need their help.”
“We do. But, Warrick, you forget that I always get what I want. One way or another.”
Warrick grinned and leaned back in his chair. “I didn’t forget. I’m just eager to see how you accomplish it.”
The dining room door opened and the two women entered with Aminda leading. Brodas and Warrick stood. Aminda went directly to the corner where they had left their swords and picked them up, handing one to Lilalian. “We’ve decided that an alliance with you is not in line with the goals and philosophies of our guild.” Aminda held her head high and made direct eye contact with Brodas while Lilalian busied herself by strapping her sword to her waist. “We thank you for the meal.”
“I am disappointed,” Brodas said. He clasped his hands together in front of him. Warrick came around the table to flank the two women.
Aminda unhooked the necklace and handed it to Brodas. “I wouldn’t feel right accepting your gift under the circumstances.”
He inclined his head. “I understand.”
Aminda looked at Lilalian and raised her brows. The blonde captain touched her hand to the amulet before she reached slowly to unfasten the clasp.
Brodas stopped her with a gentle hand on her forearm. “Why don’t you keep it, Lilalian? It was a gift, given in the spirit of friendship without expectations.”
“No,” Aminda said, as though cautioning a child. She cleared her throat. “It wouldn’t be right.”
“First, may I ask why both of you decided to reject our proposal?” Brodas needed to buy time. He sensed that Lilalian did not agree with Aminda on the matter.
Aminda cleared her throat again. “The throne belongs to the man or woman who earns it by solving the runes. It is he, or she, we will supp-- support.” Her voice broke apart toward the end of her sentence, and she put her fist to her mouth and coughed.
Brodas handed her a glass of water, which she accepted and drank.
“We did not agree to reject your proposal,” Lilalian said. “Aminda’s the guild mistress and it’s her right to make or reject policies and agreements. She does not need my consent, but she has my loyalty.”
Aminda began to speak, but before she could utter a word, fell into a fit of coughing.
“My dear, are you all right?” Brodas wrinkled his brow in a display of concern.
Aminda’s face turned red as she struggled to breathe between coughs. She hunched over, coughing violently.
“You’re a cleric,” Lilalian said, placing a hand on Aminda’s back and patting gently. “Can’t you do something?” She pulled Aminda’s hair back, holding it out of her face as the guild mistress gasped and choked.
“Yes, I can. But doing so wouldn’t be in line with my beliefs and philosophies. You see, I don’t help my enemies.”
Lilalian shot him a startled look.
Aminda dropped to her knees, clutching her stomach. Blood sprayed from her mouth with a hard cough, spattering droplets onto the white marble floor. With every breath her lungs rattled. With every cough came more blood. She fell onto her side and drew her knees up, tucking into a ball, and began to vomit blood and bile.
“Do something,” Lilalian shouted. “Please.” She went to her knees beside Aminda and continued to brush the hair away from her wet face and rub her arm and back.
Brodas felt somewhat sorry for the captain, so distraught over her inability to help her lady. The
way she fretted and patted the dying woman was rather touching.
At long last, Aminda’s coughing weakened and stopped, as did her struggle to breathe, and she lay still and quiet. Lilalian shook her head, whispering, “No, this can’t be. How could this happen?”
“You see, that’s why I wanted you to keep the amulet. As long as you wear it, you’ll be safe. Take it off and...” Brodas gestured to the woman lying in a pool of her own blood.
Drenched in Aminda’s blood, Lilalian shot to her feet with a gaping expression. “You did this--?” She straightened and looked boldly into Brodas’s eyes. “I won’t serve you.”
“Oh, but you’re mistaken. Here,” he said, showing her a ring on his finger. “You see, this gem is a piece of the same stone as the one in your amulet. They were magically bound together and now spelled as one.”
Lilalian blanched.
“That’s right,” he said. The expression on her face made it plain she had some understanding of how gems worked, but he couldn’t resist hammering the point home. “Any spell I cast through this ring will affect you for better or for worse, no matter where you are.”
“No! I won’t let you poison the Sisterhood,” Lilalian shouted. Her eyes darted around as though trying to decide what to do. Then she reached for the amulet at her breast. She was going to commit suicide.
Warrick grabbed her wrists and wrestled them behind her back.
“Listen to me, Lilalian,” Brodas said. “Take that amulet off and you’ll die. Of that you have no doubt. Your death may delay our partnership with the Viragon Sisterhood, but it’s only a matter of time before I find someone who sees things my way. I’ll go through them one after another until I do.”
Lilalian threw her head back to slam into Warrick’s lip. She stomped his foot and twisted in his grasp, freeing herself. Suddenly, she had her sword in her hand.
“Warrick!” Brodas shouted, but Warrick was unarmed. She lunged at Brodas. He barely had enough warning to put up a protection spell. The point of her sword stopped an inch shy of his chest. White haze raced down the length of her blade and washed over her hand and arm, up to her chest and engulfed her body. She fell, limp, to the floor, her weapon clattering beside her. Warrick wiped the blood from his lip with the back of his hand, then bent and picked up the sword.
