‘Dale,’ he said croakily. ‘You’re changing. That was...unexpected.’
Dale shrugged and squeezed Einin’s shoulders gently.
‘I’m a bit...’ Tiernan brushed his hand across his forehead. Rudiger stepped forward and Tiernan nodded to him gratefully, accepting his help. They turned south.
* * *
Danil barely glanced to the right or left as he ran, as his attention was entirely on Callian’s tracks. He wondered if Callian was planning to take Kelian by the Ice Coast or through Khynol’s gap. It pained him that he could clearly see which way Callian had gone. He knew he must be in a very bad way to be leaving any tracks at all, let alone such an obvious path. His heart sank lower as he crossed a sandy patch where he could see the Guardian General’s foot prints. Danil could see where his foot had dragged slightly in the dust and this was enough for Danil to know that Callian was in a terrible state. Further along there was blood and spittle. Not a lot at first, just a spot here and there where Callian had coughed up blood and spat it out, then more and more frequently until Danil was sure he was closing in and would catch up to Callian in seconds. He was right.
Callian was kneeling on the ground, slumped forward. Garran was crouched beside him and Danil wasn’t surprised to see the tears glittering in his eyes as he tried to help his brother. Callian coughed violently and blood flowed from his mouth.
‘Callian,’ Garran said desperately, ‘I have to help you. You have to tell me what to do. Callian?’
Callian gestured to the arrows sticking into his back. Garran reached behind his brother and wrenched them from his flesh. Callian gave a soft cry of pain and slumped forward. He coughed again and blood ran down his chin and neck. Danil knelt beside them.
‘Callian?’
Callian gestured to his right and Danil saw Kelian’s battered and unconscious body on the ground. ‘Take him home,’ Callian managed to say in a blood drowned gurgle. ‘Please.’ He leaned forward even further and then his eyes closed and he toppled sideways. Garran caught him as he fell and laid him gently on the ground.
‘Which way were you taking him?’ asked Danil.
‘South,’ Callian’s answer was practically inaudible.
‘The Ice Coast then,’ said Danil, struggling to speak normally.
‘Callian,’ Garran said quietly, placing his hand on Callian’s head. ‘Bràthair. How I love you.’
Callian opened his eyes slightly and gave Garran a strained smile. His eyes moved to Danil and he flicked his hand desperately towards Kelian. Danil rose to his feet. He turned and lifted Kelian into his arms then he hesitated, not wanting to turn back and have Callian see the tears running down his face. ‘Goodbye Callian, my friend.’ His voice broke. He walked forward a few paces, broke into a run and he was gone.
* * *
Nandul walked ahead of Timbul, Araas and Milgorry, with Milgorry’s sword leveled at his neck and Araas holding firmly onto the back of his tunic. Milgorry gave the sword a little twitch occasionally to keep Nandul moving at a reasonable pace. They reached the Nailmarni pit in minutes. The look on Nandul’s face was beyond frightening. Incensed rage engulfed him when he saw that Tiernan was gone and his guards were gone, leaving only a few pieces of torn clothing in the bottom of the pit. The only remaining guard was lying unconscious on the edge of the pit. He broke free of Araas’ hold, gave a cry of wrath and ran towards the guard.
‘Traitorous bastard,’ he screamed dementedly, kicking the man’s body. He snarled as Milgorry caught up with him and smashed his fist into his face, sending him flying backwards onto the ground.
‘Why do you assume Narto’s a traitor,’ he asked, not seeming at all surprised by his father’s behavior.
‘He’s alive you stupid bastard! Do you really think that Tiernan would have left him alive unless he knew he was-’ Nandul broke off and struggled violently, trying to free himself from Milgorry’s grasp. He twisted around and managed to knee him ferociously in the groin. Milgorry dropped with a cry, not letting go of his father’s arm but losing control of him for a tiny moment. In that split second, Nandul kicked Inartu as hard as he could, sending him crashing down into the Nailmarni pit. In seconds the hunger crazed Nailmarni destroyed him. Timbul and Araas slammed Nandul back onto the ground.
‘And so,’ said Timbul, ‘you seal your own fate.’
‘No!’ Nandul lashed out at Timbul. ‘You can’t! You won’t!’ He fell to the ground screaming in fury. ‘Mil! You have to stop him. You could stop him! You have to do this for me!’
Without taking his infuriated glare from Nandul, Timbul spoke. ‘Araas, look into his mind. Every single thought. Tell me what he would do, if by some stroke of ill fortune he escaped.’
Araas gazed intently at Nandul who bared his teeth from the pain in his back and the pressure he now felt inside his head. Araas didn’t stop examining his thoughts for some time and from what Milgorry could see, Nandul seemed to have lost his ability to speak coherently. He mumbled and groaned under his breath whilst staring malevolently between Milgorry, Timbul and Araas. Araas placed his hand on Nandul’s shoulder and Nandul’s groans rose once again and ended in a scream as the very thoughts and emotions he tried to hide were forced from him. Araas lifted his hand and sat back on his heels. Timbul waited until Araas shook his head.
‘Even now, his mind in on what his revenge will be if he can talk his way out of this.’
Nandul stared desperately from Timbul to Milgorry and then back to Timbul. ‘You want me to be sorry for all this? Alright! I am! I’m sorry! Ugh...’ His voice went from a frenzied scream to a strangled groan as he felt his spine tighten uncontrollably. ‘No...’ he moaned pitifully. ‘Ahh! No! Can’t you...aren’t guardians supposed to....’ His voice rose once again as his spine twisted to an impossible angle. ‘...forgive?’ he finally gasped.
Milgorry gazed down at him coldly. ‘My enemy deserves pain. I will track him relentlessly and kill him. Forgiveness is for the weak.’
‘Mil, I want you to go,’ said Timbul. ‘I can’t order you to do anything, but I don’t think you should stay here any longer.’
Milgorry stared at him for a few seconds, and then looked back at his father, who was lying on his side on the ground with his neck and head stretched so far backwards the only sound coming from him was a peculiar rasping as he drew breath.
‘I wish things could have been different,’ Milgorry said sadly. Without another word he turned and strode away, then he ran south in search of Danil.
Timbul’s eyes flicked questioningly to Araas. Araas delved deeper into Nandul’s mind and a sheen of tears came to his eyes as he considered the warrior’s remorseless malevolence, and the terror and horror his choices had brought upon so my people over so many years. Finally Araas nodded, sealing his fate. Timbul didn’t move, apart from a strange trembling that overcame him as his own mind overpowered Nandul’s. Nandul’s breathing quickened and he frantically tried to break free from Timbul’s control over him, but his efforts were pointless. The more he struggled, the tighter Timbul held his mind, and he knew that at any second Timbul would snap his spine and it would be over. Then Timbul reached out his hand and placed it on Nandul’s head. Nandul felt a shadow draw over him, like foggy darkness falling, through which he couldn’t see. He reached out feebly as if to beat it away, but the feeling intensified and he found himself wondering what he was doing. He stretched out his fingers trying to feel what was beyond the fog but he felt nothing. He squinted through the gathering darkness and tried to call out, but no sound came from him. No matter how hard he tried to speak, his voice would not respond. He could feel ground beneath him and the dark shapes of two men who appeared as blurred images against the darkness. He couldn’t remember why he was lying on the ground or who these people were, standing over him. For a moment he had a vague recollection that one of them wanted to take something from him, but he couldn’t remember, and he didn’t want to remember, what it was. He blinked and found that his world was black and he
could see nothing. The people were gone. ‘Who am I?’ he wondered, uncertain whether he’d always been alone in this strange darkness. The ground disappeared and he was floating weightlessly. He drifted mindlessly then vague questions came to him. Why do I exist? Do I exist? The fog settled over his mind and the questions disappeared. He felt a coldness embrace him and then a feeling of emptiness consumed him. Then there was nothing.
‘What do you want me to do with the body, Tim?’ Araas asked sadly. He’d felt every single emotion and thought from Nandul as his brother had taken his life from him, and he found the process chilling and disturbing. He could see wretched sorrow in Timbul’s eyes. ‘And what do we do about these Nailmarni? We can’t leave them here.’
‘We’ll take Nandul’s body away and dispose of it elsewhere,’ said Timbul, ‘for Mil’s sake. His father might have been the meanest bastard to have ever walked this land, but he was still his father.’ He walked to the edge of the Nailmarni pit and lifted his bow from his shoulder. He drew an arrow from his quiver.
‘Can you do something so they don’t know what’s about to happen?’
Araas stared down into the pit and willed the nearest of the Nailmarni to wish to sleep. In less than a minute he had them all sleeping and Timbul ended their miserable existence. When he had finished he picked up Nandul’s body and followed Araas south. They stopped on the top of a rocky cliff and gathered a huge pile of stones, laid Nandul’s body down and piled rocks over it. Then without comment, they resumed their journey south.
Chapter 51
Child of a Guardian and of the Free
The journey across the Ice Coast and through Alkira to Castle was taken with mixed feelings by all. When they reached Alkira, Milgorry disappeared for a day and reappeared with two horses and a cart, taking the time to load feed for the horses. No-one bothered to ask where he’d taken everything from, Kelian, Dale, Leslie and Salia simply climbed aboard and Salia made a little bed in the corner of the cart for Elysia. After a moment’s consideration Einin climbed into the cart and sat beside Dale. Tiernan spent hours healing Kelian’s wounds and doing his best to ease his continued pain. It had been necessary for the guardian to cause Kelian to sleep before he re-broke his wrist and set it in place correctly. When he was satisfied with his work, and Kelian’s open and infected wounds were clean and closed, Tiernan climbed into the cart and slept for many hours. Since regaining consciousness, Kelian had been exceptionally quiet, particularly after learning of Callian’s return whilst saving his life. They left Lesley, Salia and Elysia at their home, where Salia accepted everyone’s help to clean her house and yard before continuing. The journey was slow, with Eibhear and Rudiger doing most of the hunting, and Ben and Rezon acting as guards. Garran remained in Nyinaku, knowing it was now time for him to lead his people once again. He was sure the conflict was not over, but that he would have enough support to help life resume with as much normalcy as possible. Tiernan spent much time in close conversation with Milgorry and Danil, and though Kelian remained in the cart for much of the journey, he was pleased that the three ensured he was kept fully aware of their conversations and thoughts. Dale and Einin were inseparable. Tiernan commented that their relationship was possibly stronger than that formed by human and guardian when a soul mate was found. He was intrigued by but pleased with their bond of love. Gilgarry and Borgulnay grew more and more restless as they neared Castle, impatiently urging the horses on and seeing that no moment was wasted.
They were all very tired when they reached Castle. To the amusement of onlookers, Eijelin raced through the castle gates and down the street to meet them, accompanied by Aithne and more than fifty surprised guards, as well as a group of not so surprised guardians, and she threw herself upon Kelian as did Aithne upon Milgorry and then Borgulnay. Elena, Immosey, Louisa and Raline appeared seconds behind them and the reunion was sweet. Eijelin immediately ordered a party to be arranged to celebrate both Kelian’s return to Castle and to remember Callian, who had given his life for her brother. Invitations were sent out far and wide over the next weeks, and nobles from all over Alkira travelled to Castle.
The party was in full swing when Evan arrived. To everyone’s delight Princess Pevita was with him and his baby girl, Norah. Evan approached Kelian a little nervously.
‘Highness, I want to get married please.’
‘You are Alkiran. You may marry anyone you wish,’ Kelian answered mischievously already knowing what Evan was implying.
‘Yes, but...my lady is not Alkiran, Majesty.’
‘Oh! You wish me to give her Alkiran citizenship?’
‘Er, that wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.’ Evan swallowed hard.
‘I am aware of your situation. I was wondering if I should make you Ambassador, to allow you to move freely between Alkira and Tatharlia. In truth you have already been doing this job.’
‘The Empress asked me, with your permission, to replace Sub-Commander Luhxdal, under Superior Commander Asdul. To be honest, I said no because I didn’t think that would be acceptable. I wouldn’t be comfortable in such a position even if it was acceptable. It is to you I have given oath.’
Kelian leaned back in his chair and considered Evan’s words. ‘Would the Princess Pevita consent to living in Alkira? Is she willing to act as Ambassador on behalf of her country?’
Evan smiled. ‘From what she has hinted at, she’d be delighted to spend some time here. Only I think she would miss Tatharlia terribly. And the Empress really does need her.’
Kelian returned Evan’s smile. ‘I can’t see why that would be a problem. After our recent visit I can see it’s high time we re-established regular contact between ourselves and the Empress. What better way to do this than to have Princess Pevita and yourself act as Ambassadors between our two countries. You can move freely between Alkira and Tatharlia. But if you do this you might find you’re both travelling more than not.’
‘My Lady won’t mind,’ said Evan confidently. ‘Thank you Majesty.’
‘Excellent. Please ask the Princess to come and see me at her convenience?’
Evan bowed and dashed through the crowd to find Pevita and Norah. He stopped in surprise when he saw Raline surrounded by a group of women he was quite aware were daughters of various nobles from around Alkira. He frowned as he listened to their conversation.
A tall blond girl rolled her eyes as she spoke to her companions. ‘Apparently Raline married a warrior of the fallen.’ She gave a small derisive laugh. ‘Once she was just a farmer’s daughter, but now apparently she’s the wife of a fallen warrior.’ The group of girls laughed spitefully.
‘I seriously doubt it,’ one said. ‘I mean, you’re not exactly anything to look at.’
Raline blushed deeply and blinked back tears. ‘We are married!’ she said chokingly. ‘Elena was my wedding maid and Kelian gave me to be married.’
‘The King and Queen?’ This brought another round of laughter. The blond girl folded her arms and smirked contemptuously at Raline. ‘And I suppose you’re flitting off to Nyinaku soon? Or are you dining at the King’s table tonight? Or perhaps Her Majesty wants your company in her parlor?’ There was more laughter and Evan had heard enough. Eibhear had told him personally of all that had happened in Hosatabaht and it angered him that Raline should be ridiculed after all she had endured. He darted through the crowd, had a quick word in some appropriate ears and returned to where Raline was standing. The women were still laughing as Rezon followed him through the crowd. There was a combined gasp as the huge warrior gently pushed through the crowd of women. He was dressed only in the dark trousers worn by the fallen, with bow and quiver slung across his bare back and several knives sheathed at his hip. His dark curls had grown past his shoulders and his eyes glittered as he searched the crowd for Raline. He looked dangerous; beautiful yet frightening. He ignored the women as they took in his height, his near black eyes and hair, and his massive shoulders and chest. He gathered Raline into his arms, lifted her until her feet left t
he ground, and kissed her passionately. He had just released her when Kelian and Elena appeared. The women were standing with mouths open in dumbfounded shock as Kelian spoke.
‘Lady Raline, we were looking for you.’ With a mischievous grin he grabbed Raline and hugged her with familiar abandon. ‘If you and your husband could join us at our table for dinner we would be honored. After all, I may have given you in marriage, but a Lady of your position must fulfill her duties to the crown and we have much to discuss, particularly if you are leaving for Nyinaku soon. And I believe my wife wishes for your company this evening.’
Elena grinned at Raline. ‘As best friends, I thought we might just spend some time together. After all, I was your wedding maid.’
‘That would be lovely,’ said Raline, looking gratefully from Kelian to Elena.
‘Until this evening then,’ said Kelian, taking Raline’s hand and giving it a squeeze. Raline smiled, took Rezon’s hand, lifted her nose in the air and walked away from the now gawking women. Once they were out of sight she dissolved into laughter. Rezon laughed with her. ‘Rae, I want to go home, but not yet. I thought we might take our time, maybe go south for a while?’
‘Where would we go?’
‘Perhaps we could go to Muraban. I think Lias and Loreto might be around there somewhere. I felt a familiar presence as I passed that way.’
Raline smiled contentedly and stretched up to kiss him. ‘Anywhere you are is fine with me,’ she said happily.
‘I have to go back,’ a voice said behind her, and she turned to see Milgorry sitting with his back to a wall. Louisa sat on a low stool by his side, holding his hand. ‘But not yet.’
‘What about Ben and Rudi and Eibhear,’ Raline asked curiously.
‘I know Ben’s going back,’ said Rezon. ‘He’s determined to give Garran all the help he can, and perhaps Rudi and Eibhear will go as well. Though I think they’ll be back and forth a fair bit from now on. I know they both see Dale as a brother. Dale might not know it yet, but with Einin at his side, his entire life is about the change.’
Child Of A Guardian And Of The Free (Book 3) Page 43
