Kalla worked with them for several hours, easing the mother's pain, but doing little else. In a birth where all was going well, magi Healers preferred to let nature take its course, content to simply monitor that all stayed well, and stepping in only if problems arose. Finally, Isalya's breathing changed and Kalla sensed that it was time. She whispered words of encouragement, while Isalya gripped her hand and pushed. After several moments the child came into the world with a lusty cry, yet one of the Dashmuynin's attendants gasped softly, her face shocked. A hand went to her mouth. The second turned away.
Novaika had the experience of age, and didn't react as her young assistants did, but her lips pressed together, and she slowly shook her head.
“What is it?” Isalya gasped. “What's wrong with my child?”
The Dashmuynin finished cutting the child's cord and wrapping it in a blanket. She passed the bundle to Kalla.
“I am sorry, my daughter,” Novaika said softly.
Kalla looked down at the child in her arms. Her tiny ears were perfect, little flaps that would fill out in the next few weeks, opening up into wolf ears. Bright, clear eyes blinked up at the Mage. Everything about the child was healthy. Except for the fact that her perfect little ears were the color of summer sunset, and her bright eyes a deep blue. Isalya burst into tears.
Another spasm wracked her, and the Dashmuynin calmed her, walking her through the final stages of the birthing. The two attendants had brought in water that Kalla had kept warm, and now they began cleaning the mother up.
Kalla held the now quiet infant, wondering at the child's fate. Isalya still sobbed softly.
“What did I do wrong? I've been a good person. Why would Lord Kituk allow my child to be born like this? Maark will hate me, for giving him a cub like this,” she whispered. A fresh wave of grief washed over her, wracking her with sobs as the Dashmuynin covered her with a blanket.
“Isalya, look at this child and tell me you could not love her. Look at her and tell me she is something to be despised,” Kalla said. Isalya looked up at the mage, then at the cub in her arms.
Kalla pressed on. “My companion is a good man, an accomplished mage. Yes, he had a difficult childhood. Yes, he even had a difficult time as a young adult. Being mocked and derided turned a man who should have been an alpha into an omega. It is only now that he has had the chance to become who he was truly meant to be, and that person is a good person. I would hate to see this child grow up unloved, because she is different. I would hate even more for her to be slaughtered like the innocent being she is, simply because of that difference.
“You did nothing wrong and Lord Kituk is not cursing you for having lived wrongly.”
Never would we. They have forgotten so much. Kituk's voice soughed through her mind. The Old Wolf sounded tired. The red-furred, and white-furred ones, they were our promise. The best of us both, destined to be Dashmuynin. You can fix it, my daughter.
Kalla paused a moment, listening to Kituk's fading words.
“A child such as this is a blessing of the Old Wolf, a blessed cub of the Queen of Snows. Be the first to re-embrace this knowledge. Show this little one all the love in the world and it will be returned to you triple-fold,” Kalla said.
“But how do you know?” Isalya asked. Kalla sighed and asked Aleister to dispel the illusion. If it took Amaraaq to save this cub's life, then it was a price she was willing to pay. She also asked her liya to bring Maark and Vander to the Muyningar.
“Trust me. I know. I speak the Voice of Kituk in this realm. I can tell you that he and his Lady Arvynn are delighted. Your child is blessed and by extension, so are you. Keep this child and raise her well and you will never want for anything,” the Healer said softly and she knew her words were truth.
“Your cub will grow strong and she will grow well. A love of learning will she have, as well as the gift of the magi. Cherish the time you will have together and know that she will be one who will change the future.”
Kalla raised her head and she heard Novaika gasp. The Dashmuynin bowed to the ground, her attendants following suit.
“Dashkele ti'amaraaq,” she breathed out in a reverent whisper. “But… but why did you help us? Why did you go against Dashkele si'kituk and attack his soldiers?”
“Dashkele si'kituk? The 'supreme' alpha I'm guessing?” Kalla shook her head. “Whoever he is, he is deceiving you. For now, I am Kituk's presence in this world.”
“You have the twin crescents. You are Lady of Wolves.” The Dashmuynin paused. “Is the red-furred one your Consort then?”
She asked the last just as Vander entered the Muyningar. His eyes widened, face falling into a 'what the hells' look.
“Okay, I'm leaving this conversation…” he said. He turned to leave only to stumble into the Fox, who laughed and pushed the War Mage back into the room.
“No, Novaika, he is not. That honour would go to the Fox here. A kitsune like Lady Arvynn. Nevertheless, Vander is a valued friend and companion.”
Kalla looked up to where Maark had entered behind Aleister. He caught sight of her markings and fell to the ground, touching his forehead to the earth.
“Dashkele ti'amaraaq,” he whispered. The Healer sighed. This was precisely the reason she hadn't want to reveal the marks in the first place.
“Rise, Maark. Come here.
“You have a healthy daughter. A beautiful child,” she said, holding the child out to him. His face fell at the first glimpse of his new cub. At his reaction Isalya burst into tears again.
“I… but… she…” his voice trailed off uncertainly, his expression trapped. Vander gave a bitter laugh.
“Go ahead. Say it. She's a 'freak'. Like me… And what will you do with her, Master Maark? It would be a mercy to kill her, than to let her grow up knowing she is unloved. That she wasn't what you wanted in a child.”
“Vander, don't say that. Neither of you are freaks. You are different, that's all. That's not a crime. Indeed,” Kalla said softly, “It was meant to be a mark of blessing. A child special to Kituk and Arvynn. A wolf that looks like a fox. The Dashmari feel the same way about cubs born with white fur too, yes?” Kalla already knew the answer, but the guilty looks confirmed it.
“This ends now. As I told your mate, it is time to re-embrace this knowledge. Your child is special and she will do great things when she grows up. Treat her well, for any harm to her is an offense to me,” Kalla said. She ran a finger over one of the cub's little ear flaps, smiling down at the child. She handed the little girl to Isalya, who took her and cradled her protectively against her chest.
A moment's uncertainty, then the mother's face suffused with delight and she nuzzled the child's head. Maark's unhappiness faded and he moved closer to his mate, reaching out to brush his hand against the cub's. A smile lit his face when she latched on to one of his fingers. Apparently, Amaraaq's approval was enough to ease their worries. If only everything could be so easy. Kalla stood and gently chided Vander and Aleister out the door. Outside Vander turned to her.
“Did you mean what you said,” he asked. “Or did you just tell them that to make them feel better?”
“I meant it. It is the truth. You, and those like you, are special to Arvynn. It was those like you who were meant to be the Dashmuynin to begin with, but somewhere, something went terribly wrong. It's time that was fixed.
“But what of the soldier? I'm assuming you questioned him. Did he have anything to say?” Kalla asked.
“He is healed and resting at the moment. Kasai is keeping an eye on him.” The War Mage's face twisted in a grimace. “He said they served someone he called 'Dashkele si'kituk', who is mobilizing an army. They were sent to 'recruit' more cannon fodder, though they've already stripped the packs of their strongest members and are now taking any healthy males left.
“They call themselves the Donnerkeil, the Lightning Storm. The bracers they wear are magick, imbued to add strength and stamina. An Artisan's handiwork, and a skilled one at that,” Vander said.
His look said he knew all too well who that might be.
“And what did he have to say about this ruler, this 'Dashkele si'kituk'?” she asked.
“His name is Kartoff. Emperor Kartoff, who is claiming to be the living embodiment of the Old Wolf and so far has had the strength to back his claim. He has been utterly ruthless to those who have stood in his way,” Vander replied with another grimace. An unreadable expression crossed his face, gone as quickly as it had come. The three walked to the living hall, slipping in through one of the side doors.
The War Mage led Kalla over to where Kasai sat beside the young soldier's pallet. The boy was asleep at the moment. Muted gasps greeted the Healer as the Dashmari recognized the marks upon her brow. There was a rippling effect as the people knelt, whispering her name in reverence. And hope, Kalla realized. Hope that she could restore order to their land. To their packs and families. She sighed again. It was too late to have Aleister hide the marks once more, but she did so hate people kneeling to her.
“Please. Get up. I am no one you need to kneel to. Here and now, I am Kalla kyl'Solidor,” she said. Slowly, uncertainly, people began to stand. The female of the hearth they now used approached her shyly.
“Would you care for refreshment, Lady A…”
“Kalla, please. And that would be most welcome, thank you,” the Healer said. Her host bowed and poured Kalla a bowl of water, then fixed her a meal of spiced fish on bread made from acorn flour. She refilled the bowls Kasai, Vander and Aleister had been using, and offered them some of the fish and bread. As they ate, the young soldier stirred awake. Moss-green eyes blinked blearily. His gaze focused on Kasai, closest to him and his scent spiked suddenly in fear. He was terrified of the Magister. The boy struggled to contain his fear, turning his attention to the others. His eyes flicked from Kasai, to Vander, then to Aleister before settling on her. He swallowed hard, green eyes widening as he took in the marks on her forehead.
“Dashkele ti'amaraaq,” he said softly, but, whereas other's reactions had been reverent, his was fearful. “Please, Great Lady, please… forgive me for attacking you.”
“You did not attack me, young one. That was your companion. You have nothing to fear from any of us, so long as you behave. What is your name?” Kalla asked. The boy swallowed again, nodding.
“My name is Nikolai, Lady Amaraaq,” he said. A pause. “What will you do with me, Great Lady?”
“Just Kalla, please. We will take you with us. It would be the safest course for all of us. I wish to deal with this Kartoff. You can help.”
“But… how can I help?”
“Information, young one, information.”
“You would fight your father then, Great Lady?” Nikolai asked. Kalla shook her head.
“The Emperor has deceived you. He is not Kituk in any way, shape or form. He is a power-hungry person with the backing of a powerful, corrupt mage. If he will not back down from me, then I will challenge him. And I will put things to rights. The packs will be free to once more rule themselves, with a few small changes,” Kalla amended with a glance at the War Mage.
Vander picked up the conversation.
“Nikolai here told us earlier that the Donnerkeil are being housed in LabyrintheSangra and LabyrintheFulmen, the Blood Warrens and Thunder Warrens of Carginov's Peak.” Bitterness laced the Dashmari's words.
“You know this place?” Kalla asked.
“Well I should,” Vander said. “The Blood Warrens were the home of my pack, long ago. Bad memories. But I can see why it was chosen. It's highly defensible with plenty of room for a vast force and plenty of water from the adjoining Thunder Warrens. I can show you the best routes to sneak in, if they haven't collapsed in the quakes. I found plenty of places to hide when I was younger and plenty of hidden ways out so I stayed safe. My father was a harsh man, my brothers little better.”
He waved the thoughts away. “Or we could just go straight in, with the Fox's help. Illusion to look like soldiers.”
“I think I could disguise all of us now. Maybe not a week ago, but my own powers are still growing,” Aleister said.
“I think that's the best idea, if you think you can pull it off,” Kalla replied.
“And what of this one then? Do you trust that he will not give us away?” Kasai asked.
The hawk had been silent during their conversation. Nikolai startled at the magister's voice and tried to edge away from him.
“Why is he so afraid of Kasai?” Kalla asked Aleister.
“I am not sure. My brother has done nothing to him, save for the task Vander set him. To keep an eye on him. I would guess it is because he views Kasai as an alpha not to be trifled with.
“Incidentally, it was the War Mage that ordered him to press the offensive with the pair of them. I trust their judgment, both Vander and Kasai.” A pause. “I will do everything in my power to keep you safe, milady, but I don't know that I have it in me to be quite that ruthless,” the Fox said. Kalla laughed softly.
“I think he will not give us any trouble, Master Kasai.” She looked to the boy, “Will you?” Nikolai shook his head.
“No, Great Lady. I will be no problem. You spared my life. Your companion saved my life. You… would have been fully justified in killing me. I expected no less. I am grateful, Lady Amaraaq. You have my loyalty, if you wish it,” he said.
“Then you will have no objections to me reading the truth of your thoughts?” Kalla asked. The boy swallowed nervously, but shook his head. The Healer moved closer to him, brushing a fingertip across his forehead. A brief moment of contact and she knew he spoke the truth. He would be loyal to 'Amaraaq'. Like what she'd sensed from the Dashmari of this small village, he wanted someone to believe in, someone who would restore their lives to what they had been, however harsh it might have seemed at times. Someone who would fight for them and not for a hunger for power. Someone who would let their alphas and their families return home.
“I will put things to right, young one,” She smiled down at Nikolai. “And one day, you will be able to tell your own cubs that you were there.”
It was late in the afternoon by the time they left the Dashmari village. Nikolai traveled with Vander in the Stymphalian. Kalla and Kasai followed with the wyvern.
Following Vander's instructions, the Fox brought his ship to ground in a forest clearing bordering Carginov's Peak. It was near dark when they landed and the magi quickly set up perimeter shields around ship and wyvern. When they were done Kalla surveyed her tiny pack.
“Okay, then. Let's go get this over with.”
Dashkele si'kituk
Carginov's Peak, Dashmar, Evalyce, Year of the Mythril Serpent, 2014 CE
Kalla followed Vander and Nikolai as they approached the mountain hold of the Dashmari Emperor. Nearby a massive waterfall rumbled, drowning out all efforts to talk to one another aloud. Aleister and Kasai walked behind her, neatly boxing the Healer in between the four of them. The Fox had used his brand of magick to turn Vander's mane black and his eyes a bright emerald green. If one didn't know better, they might think he and the Healer were siblings. The two Arkaddians now had lighter skin and a brown mane and ears. All were dressed in the uniforms of the Donnerkeil. According to Nikolai, there were female members, so Kalla's presence wasn't a big deal.
Following Nikolai's lead, they stopped at the entrance and saluted the guards. They were regarded suspiciously for a moment and Kalla breathed a sigh of relief when the guards finally waved them through.
The group entered the Thunder Warrens. Underground waterfalls echoed the monster outside, creating a roaring cacophony that rolled like thunder throughout the caverns. Nikolai and Vander led them through the tunnels, occasionally stopping to salute what Kalla assumed were senior officers. Deeper in the caverns, torches lit the passageways, casting flickering shadows over the smooth-polished walls. They made it through the Thunder Warrens with no problems. Finally the noise from the falls receded and they entered the Blood Warrens. And met their first challenge. A
burly soldier stood guard at the passageway they needed to traverse. He stopped them as they started to go down it.
“What business do you have here?” he growled out.
“A message for Emperor Kartoff,” Nikolai replied.
“The Emperor is busy. Give me the message and I will make sure it gets to him.”
“We need to deliver it in person. A spoken message, not a written one, concerning a possible challenge to his power,” Vander said.
“Then you can wait until the Emperor is not busy. It must not be that important, if you will not pass it along,” the soldier scowled.
“Oh, enough of this,” Vander growled. With a gesture, he bound the soldier in coils of air and set a ward to silence his cries. Had it been left to him, the War Mage would have simply killed the soldier, but he didn't think Kalla would take kindly to that.
Stowing the guard in a side-room, they hurried down the corridor and into a large chamber lit with bonfires, set up as the communal dwellings were. At the farthest end of the vast cavern sat the Emperor. Drawing closer, Kalla studied the man who had managed to pull the packs together, however brutally. An older male whose black mane was streaked with flint-grey, he wore the uniform of the Donnerkeil, but had far more adornment. He had two thick wrist bracers, a thick bronze torc, rings on three fingers and a thin silver crown with a pair of leaping wolves that clasped a sapphire between their paws. A ruby pendant hung around his neck, glittering in the firelight. All of these items were enchanted by Artistry. Even the Emperor's boots were enchanted.
The man's face was set in harsh lines, his gaze restless and watchful. It honed in on them as they approached. Brown eyes narrowed, ears twitching back in a gesture of faint puzzlement before pricking forward. Vander and Nikolai stopped a good distance away from him and gave the gesture of supplication. Around them, other soldiers payed heed to the group without seeming to.
“Yes, soldier?” the Emperor asked. His voice was deep and gruff. Kalla pushed between the two in front of her, stepping closer to Kartoff. As she did so, Aleister dropped the illusion on the group as the War Mage wove shields around them. Gasps and the rustle of weapons greeted the change. Kalla held up a hand and the movement ceased.
Lady of Wolves (Evalyce Worldshaper Book 2) Page 13
