City of Blaze (The Fireblade Array)

by H. O. Charles

  Toryn fell silent in contemplation.

  “Artemi cannot know of this until her memories return of their own accord,” Morghiad said.

  “I have been around long enough to know about vanha-sielu, lad.” Toryn admonished. Then, “Why did you tell me of this?”

  “Because there is a chance that, when she remembers, she will want to leave here and whatever ties she has to myself and the army will become insignificant. I am under no illusions that I can keep her here against her will. But I want to know that someone she cares very deeply for will be around to protect her. And I want you to be forewarned and prepared for when it happens.” The kahr folded his arms.

  Toryn looked confused. “You are asking a father to protect his daughter?”

  Morghiad smiled. It was the response he had hoped for. “I wanted to know if you would still be her father when you heard the news.”

  Toryn looked almost insulted at that, which was good.

  “I have a plan in place for her escape, should she need it. The details are on this document.” He pulled out a folded note. “Memorise them and then burn it.”

  The older man examined the kahr closely, and Morghiad couldn’t help feeling as if he were under the lens of a magnifying glass. “There’s more to you than your pretty face, lad. I’ll give you that. But don’t think of that as an invitation to bed my daughter. I’ve heard enough today to confirm that no man is good enough for her.”

  The kahr offered him a nod of agreement and made his goodbyes. He smiled at Artemi as he re-mounted Tyshar; she would always have someone around who cared for her, and that was the most important thing.

  Chapter 11

  Strong, golden light pulsed out of the sun, suspended like a disc of pure Blaze Energy in the azure sky. Its light warmed Artemi’s body deeply, and she bathed in it at the window for some time. She was bored today, unbelievably bored. She had read the latest borrowed book in a couple of hours and was now confined to her benay-gosa apartments, alone. All the other benay-gosa were entertaining the king at some sort of party, not that she missed them a great deal. They seemed to think she had gotten off lightly with her union to the kahr, and she was sure some of them suspected the truth about their relationship. And Morghiad was off attending some business that did not concern her, or probably looking for an excuse not to see her. It was curious that she missed his company when it was absent and yet detested it when he was present.

  It was not as if she had grown fond of his expressionless, stony countenance and utter lack of conversation. Artemi also missed her sword and her horse. But, naturally, she wasn’t allowed to take either of those out without his permission. She went to lie on her silky, soft bed. This truly was a gemstone-encrusted prison cell.

  Artemi closed her eyes and dreamt she was riding Glacier across the grassy plains, feeling the breeze upon her face and in her hair. She wished she could wield a giant doorway into some faraway land and gallop right through it, with nothing but her sword for company. That would be a wonderful freedom. Instead she opened her eyes to a silk-lined, stone wall. She sat up.

  Would anyone really miss her if she went out for a short ride? The men of the army trusted her well enough now to let her go, and she couldn’t exactly be sneaky about it, in any case. The only issue would be slipping out without the attendants knowing. She amused herself with thoughts of knocking them out with her bare fists, and glanced out of the window again. It was not too much of a drop to the courtyard below, but it would be very obvious. Artemi paced the room twice, listening for footfalls outside. It was silent. She fastened on her new, long and green satin coat. It had been made especially with riding in mind, split at the back and front, which meant she could sit astride whilst still looking respectable. Morghiad had hidden a long knife for her under the mattress. She reached for it and stuffed it inside her coat. Next, she pulled on her calf-length, soft leather riding boots and listened at the door. There was no one there. Artemi pushed the door open as if she were stepping out of it normally, but kept her footfalls silent. If they did see her, at least she would not look suspicious. The antechamber was empty. Artemi strode right out of the benay-gosa apartments.

  Whilst moving through the halls, she kept her walk and posture relaxed. There was nothing unusual about her walking unaccompanied, she told herself, and Morghiad would be quick to approve of her walking in the corridors. It was only the king who was funny about that sort of thing, and she was not going to bump into him if he was partying with his mistresses. She passed a few servants who looked at her but said nothing, and even nodded at a few of the guards she recognised. Some gave her curious looks, but did not stop her. Artemi arrived at the stables in surprisingly little time, and began saddling Glacier.

  A guard walked into the box. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  Artemi’s heart sank. She had failed.

  He stepped in and examined the tack. “That is no work for the captain’s benay-gosa. Allow me.” The man finished her preparations and then led the horse out for her.

  She tried to keep her eyes from bulging, but forced as warm a smile as she could and offered thanks, mounting Glacier while he held her. She took the reins and trotted the animal out of the castle. The early summer breeze touched her cheeks as she entered the city, its smell mingled with that of fires, street food and perfumes. Glacier danced through the people, clearly as eager to escape as she was.

  Upon reaching the city walls, a guard stepped into her path. His long, shoulder-length hair was tied back in a leather band. It was the man who had carried her at the Battle of Gorena. “Why are you alone?” he asked.

  “Morghiad has some pressing business to attend to, and is unable to accompany me at present,” she responded.

  He nodded but did not move. “Will you be alright? I have a couple of free men who could go with you.”

  Artemi compressed her lips. “I will be fine. I am quite capable of defending myself.”

  He thought for a moment. “Just be careful out there.”

  Artemi nodded. Why did they have to fuss so much? She could feel the open land calling to her beyond the gates. The soldier moved out of her way and waved her past. Artemi kicked her bay mare into a canter through the tunnel and then out - out into the wide expanse of the Cadran grasslands.

  It felt as good as she had imagined it would. Adrenaline and excitement surged through her veins at the freedom from her prison. She delighted in the sensation of the wind and the smell of new leaves, the power of the horse thundering at the ground beneath her. The mount was the finest gift she had received from anyone, more valuable to her even than the sword. Together they stormed up the slope to the woods, now a brilliant green with their fresh growth. It contrasted vibrantly with the blue of the sky, making Artemi’s heart beat faster in appreciation for her world. They had covered the distance to the woodland with blistering speed, and Artemi only slowed the horse a touch when they ran under the first branches. She found herself laughing like a mad woman at the experience, and was glad there was no one there to see it.

  They trotted around the woodland for an hour or so, delighting at the way light played on the soil after its arduous journey through the canopy. The old leaves swirled in the breeze and the squirrels chattered to each other noisily with every step her horse took into their territory. The fine multitude of colours in the leaves and the pale bark seemed a world away from the dark oppression of the stony keep. She gazed deeper into the singing woods. The castle called to her instead, making her back itch, but she would enjoy her freedom for a few moments longer.

  Artemi let Glacier have a long rein so that she could lie back on the animal’s rump while it walked. She gazed up at the sun. It glittered through the leaves as they moved, warming her heart. Artemi closed her eyes and breathed deeply, but her reverie was broken when she heard hoof falls approaching, and she sat up. A large, black horse drew near. It was Morghiad’s.

  “What happened?” His expression could only be described as severe.<
br />
  She realised her hair must have looked a wild mess from all the running around, and Glacier was somewhat muddy. He was going to be angry with her for this. “I wanted to go for a ride.”

  His brow darkened. “You can’t traipse around here alone whenever the feeling takes you. What if something had happened to you? I had no idea where you were.”

  “I wanted to escape, just for a little while. That place... it’s like a prison, and as for you - you are my bloody gatekeeper!”

  Morghiad dismounted and hitched Tyshar to a nearby tree. “Come down, Artemi.”

  What was he going to do? Spank her? She obeyed and tied Glacier beside the warhorse.

  The kahr’s green eyes glittered in the light – almost the same colour as the leaves. He took a breath. “Are you unhappy here?”

  Perhaps it was unwise, but she had to give him an honest answer. “Sometimes, yes. I am.”

  He looked... upset. The tall man sighed. "You are released of your promise to me. I cannot bear your sadness any longer, nor the part which I have played in it.”

  She hadn’t expected that! “You’re letting me go? Why?”

  “You are right. I have kept you here as my prisoner and now my conscience demands that I allow you to leave. I have lied to those who trust me, my father, my friends and I have done it for you. I have broken the laws which I am charged with upholding. I have been responsible for the deaths of those like you and yet I have allowed you to live. Can you not see why, Artemi?” Desperation tinged his voice.

  She shook her head. Had she upset him somehow? She didn’t understand this man at all! “I’m sorry for whatever I have done to you. If you want me to leave, then simply order it.”

  His desperation turned to frustration: "I am... unable to tell you to go. I cannot bear for you to leave and yet I cannot bear your sadness if you stay. Please, tell me what you want and I will do it.”

  He really had gone mad from wielding, and was making absolutely no sense. She tried to re-state what was important, “I am just a tool for your army. That is my job and my purpose. You have no cause for concern over my happiness.”

  Morghiad seemed to be even more frustrated by her response. “Your happiness has always been a concern of mine. My tie to you was set the moment I met you. I will never be able to have you, Artemi. No man could ever hope to own you. But that does not alter the fact that you own my heart, my soul and my sword. You have broken me completely, Artemi, in spite of my best efforts to prevent it.” His eyes filled with emotion.

  He couldn’t love her. It was impossible. He was capable of love, surely, but what could he desire in her? Even if he did care for her, what could ever happen between them? One night in her bed and his mind would be lost forever or he would die in her arms. Artemi looked up at him carefully. His black hair shone almost blue in the light. Morghiad was very handsome indeed when he used his features to display emotion, and though she felt guilty admitting it, he did cast Silar into the shade with his smiles. She reached up to his face with her hand and felt the familiar flow of Blaze echo from him. Artemi opened her mind to let him take her power, which he did. The kahr drew as much as he dared into them both, and then he pulled her close, and they kissed.

  It probably lasted longer than it should have, and she probably allowed him to undress her a little further than safe, and he certainly had allowed her to remove far too many items of his clothing... but it had felt fiercely good. Hot fire still burned through her from the numerous points at which their bodies made contact. She was curled up in his arms, head resting on his bare chest. Morghiad stroked her hair gently - he seemed to have an odd appreciation for it.

  “Lord-captain?” Birdsong rang through the woods as she spoke.

  “Hmm?” The humour in his voice was clear.

  “I want to stay with you.” Artemi lifted her head to face him. “But I am afraid that, if I do, you will be at risk.”

  He thought for a moment. “I have faced more frightening things than you.” He grinned at her. “We will be alright if we trust each other. I trust you with my life, Artemi. I need you to trust me.”

  “Of course I do. And the issues we had with dancing... had nothing to do with trust.” Artemi traced the line of a scar across his chest. “It was more that I became... well, I’m sure you understand.” She hoped he was right; she shivered to think of killing him.

  “You and I should head back before we are caught out here.”

  “Lead the way,” she said, not moving.

  He lifted Artemi to her feet and walked her back to the horses, picking up clothing as he went. They helped each other dress, where Morghiad showed a remarkable knowledge of exactly how her benay-gosa scarves were organised.

  When they were ready to leave, he kissed her on the lips and helped her onto Glacier before he mounted Tyshar. Glacier seemed an inappropriate name now - perhaps she should change it to something altogether warmer. Artemi and Morghiad trotted out of the woods together, grinning at each other like utter fools. They made little haste back to the city gates, and Artemi noted that Morghiad’s smile did not drop as they entered. It would not be long before the whole army knew of the change that had occurred between them. Few had believed she was not sleeping with him, anyway, though somehow she imagined wager money would change hands as a result of this. The gate guards did offer some curious glances when the two of them rode past, but no elbows were nudged or winks made. Their ride back to the castle passed quickly, and before she knew it she was being kissed in the secrecy of the stable box. Artemi could not help but giggle at the ridiculousness of the situation, but was cut short when she noticed someone standing at the door. Morghiad spun round as soon as she did, shielding her from the onlooker.

  “I know she’s behind there, Morghiad.” It was Silar’s voice.

  The kahr moved slightly to allow her to see the other man.

  “So when did this happen?” the blond man asked, “Actually, I don’t want to know.” He tapped his foot against the wood of the stable block and looked thoughtful. “Well, it’s about time you two were honest with each other. I thought this was going to happen bloody ages ago and I don’t know why you were so bloody slow about it. Anyway, you have to tell the other men.”

  The captain nodded. “I know, and I will.”

  “And another thing.” A threatening tone touched the lieutenant’s voice. “Keep her happy.” With that he stalked off.

  Artemi felt terrible guilt for Silar’s position. He should never have pursued her, but she had encouraged him with her conversation at that feast day. She just... hadn’t realised it. At least he was the sort of man who could find another woman easily. He would be alright soon enough. At that moment, she realised that she did not feel nearly so strongly for him as she did for Morghiad. Artemi ran her fingers through his hair with affection, and he turned back to smile at her.

  Pale moonlight drifted through the window veils and landed in glowing pools on the red-gold filaments of her hair. Morghiad had spent many nights staring at her beauty, trying to work out which of her features made her perfection. But it was even more intoxicating up close, when he was able to share a pillow with her. He had thought his desire for her would calm once he had admitted his true feelings, but instead it had only grown more turbulent. He rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling. The vaulted grey stone arched above him impassively, and he wondered if he would ever control his emotions again.

  Artemi had a safe route out of here if anything were to happen. He trusted her not to sleep with him but, increasingly, he was losing trust in his own ability to stop himself. His greatest fear was that he might bed her, die, and then leave her wandering the world with only two weeks to live. Artemi was still too young to properly survive nalka, and the thought of her dying in agony was enough to quell his passions; he hoped that it would remain so. Of course, he had toyed with the idea of sending her away altogether. Perhaps it was selfish, but he could not bring himself to do it.

  He rolled back ont
o his side to study her again. Her dark eyes were open and looking at him. She smiled her luminous smile and moved to embrace him. Her idea of placing a thin sheet between them had been ingenious, and allowed him to feel her warmth without driving him wild with desire. He wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes. Tomorrow was the first practice session of the week and he would have to speak of his relationship with her. They did not need to know about the awkward details; no one else needed to know about that. He would have to face Toryn’s disapproval once more, then he really would be in trouble. Artemi stirred against him and nuzzled at his chest. She always seemed to know when he was worrying over something. He worked his fingers into her fiery hair, and fell into a guardian sleep.

  When he awoke she was standing at the window, completely naked. That was very mischievous of her, but also quite typical, since the woman seemed to thoroughly enjoy teasing him. He did not stop to admire her smooth, ivory physique, and instead sprang from the bed to embrace her before she could escape. Artemi play-fought him momentarily, but gave in very quickly to the kisses he had for her. “We had better get you dressed and down to practice, soldier,” he said, squeezing her tightly.

  She saluted with a hand across her chest. “As you command.”

  Morghiad went to find her green scarves, strewn around the room in various odd places. As he wrapped them around her, he noted the scar on her right thigh. It had healed quite well, but it was his fault it was there at all. He bit his lip and finished the scarf arrangement with a knot at the back of her small waist. When he had dressed, they walked together to the hall, her hand where it belonged on his arm.

  While she changed in the secrecy of the practice hall bathing rooms, Morghiad dropped to the floor and started a series of press-ups. They were good for focusing his thoughts... and distracting him from her naked body. How was he going to broach the subject of his love for her in front of nine-thousand men? Did he just slip it in between instructions or would it be better if he devoted an entire speech to it? He had no concept of how to deal with a situation like this, though men like Rahake had to do it often enough. It certainly was not something any of his instructors had taught him. Gossip could usually be trusted to spread the word... but he needed them to hear it from his mouth. He finished his set and paused for breath. Artemi was watching him. “Everything alright?” he enquired.