“She means something to you, doesn't she?” Kalla asked gently.
“She is my sister. My baby sister. She was my responsibility. I failed to protect her just as I failed to protect my little brother…” Aryff said.
“You didn't fail. You did the best you could, given the circumstances.
“I can heal her Aryff, but I'm going to need help. Otherwise it will take me forever. She has a lot of damage to be fixed and almost all of it will be painstakingly slow. Bone reconstruction is never easy, no matter how slight the damage and this is not slight. I need Vander here,” she said. “Our magisters can wait outside. They will not object.”
“I was under the impression that my brother was a War Mage. Grosso spoke of him sometimes, never very kindly. He, too, was only valued as a tool that could be used. I am glad he is in better company now,” Aryff said softly.
“Vander has learned new skills during his time with me. Grosso set him to kill me or die trying. Your brother was my test to claim Amaraaq's first aspect- Mother of Wolves. We were bound together, for a time, in a bond similar to the magisterial bond. During that time we learned the skills of the other and he has more than proven his capability as a competent Healer,” Kalla replied.
Aryff nodded and started to rise, but Kalla put a hand on his arm, then asked Aleister to send Vander in. She told the Fox what was going on and asked if he and Kasai would guard the door, keeping any curious people away. A brief moment and the War Mage slipped through the door.
“I need your help, Vander. It will make this healing go faster,” she said.
Vander nodded and moved to her side. She scooted over so that he could sit comfortably beside her and together they unbundled the now sleeping Merryn from her nest of blankets. Vander whistled softly as he did his own assessment. Without being asked, he settled down and began working to reknit her leg. Kalla started with the fragile face bones, carefully unknitting the healing that had started, then beginning it over again.
Time passed in a slow, focused haze. Kalla was aware, at some point, of Aryff pressing a bowl of water in her hands, urging her to drink. She did so with a distracted air, taking the brief respite to reassess Merryn. They were about halfway done. Vander had finished with the femur, a massive undertaking in itself, and moved on to her ribs. Kalla began working on the wrist and arm bones.
Another small eternity passed, before both Magi sat back, exhausted. As he started to come back to himself, Vander began to shake. He jerked away when Kalla went to touch him, snarling, ears flat. He surged to his feet and stormed through the door coverings, muttering in furious Dashmari. Kalla heard Kasai's voice, first questioning, then angry and concerned. She reached the door in time to see Vander, now running, shift into his wolf form, Kasai chasing after. The hawk cursed and shifted himself, using the smaller, swifter harrier form to keep pace with his charge. He squawked, clearly angry at having been forced to change. Aleister gave her a bewildered look.
“He can only have seen Merryn's memories when we healed her,” Kalla said aloud for the benefit of Aryff.
“Seen her memories?” the Dashmuynin asked.
“Yes, when a Healer does extensive healing, they are often inundated with the patient's memories. It is a completely uncontrollable experience. It is part of the Healer's trust to not reveal a patient's memories. A confidentiality.
“I would guess that Vander saw what happened to her, just as I did. And now knows who she is,” Kalla said softly. “It would be best to leave him in the care of his magister for the time being, if he will even let Kasai get close. For myself, I need to rest.”
“There are quarters available nearby, if you wish, Lady Kalla,” Aryff replied. “I have a feeling I know where my brother has gone. He will likely stay there all night. A safe haven when he was younger.”
They followed Aryff to a room nearby. As the Dashmuynin left, Kalla felt the crack in the locks, open til now, whisper shut. The day had been long and eventful and she was more than ready to sleep. While she was concerned about Vander, she trusted that Kasai would calm the War Mage.
Her tummy rumbled and Kalla became aware that she had not eaten in quite some time. Apparently Aryff had thought of that, for a soldier scratched at the door covering, then poked his head in. He gave Kalla the submissive gesture a little uncertainly.
“Lady Amaraaq… Empress… the Dashmuynin ordered me to bring you something to eat,” he said, holding out a wrapped bundle and a pitcher of water. Kalla touched his throat and took the offering, graciously thanking him. He backed out, bowing as he went.
She unwrapped the bundle to find more of the spiced fish and acorn bread, along with some yellow cheese. She split the food with Aleister, and after sharing a companionably quiet supper, they made a pallet and settled to sleep.
LabyrintheSangra, Dasmar, Evalyce, Year of the Mythril Serpent, 2014 CE
Kasai had followed the angry wolf into the depths of the Blood Warrens. Vander finally came to a halt in a dead-end cavern. The mage had lit magelight globes as he ran and now they spun lazily in the small chamber.
Kasai shifted as he entered the chamber, approaching the wolf warily, briefly wondering at the white-furred scars lacing his slender frame. Vander was angry, beyond a reasoning angry, and the hawk was uncertain how to calm him down. Rage bubbled over to him from the wolf, fraying his own temper.
“Go away!” the wolf snarled.
“What is wrong with you, mage? You are being unreasonable,” Kasai replied, voice growing heated. “Do you not think Kalla is worried?”
“It is none of your business! Go away!”
“It is my business. Am I your magister or am I not?” Kasai snapped.
The wolf growled, hackles raised and when the hawk took a step forward, snapped at him, trying to drive him back. Kasai's temper finally broke and he took another step forward, prepared for the wolf's snapping jaws.
He darted in and grabbed the wolf's muzzle, clamping the jaws shut. Vander thrashed, trying to free himself and Kasai was surprised that the War Mage didn't simply use magick. The magister pressed his advantage and wrapped an arm around the wolf's neck, wrestling him to the ground. Kasai had a sinewy strength, and had fought longteeth before. Compared to that, handling the frostwolf was easy.
“I didn't ask for this,” Kasai hissed. “But here we are.”
Vander stopped his flailing, going very still. He made a noise between a whimper and a growl, his emotions suddenly fluctuating between fear and anger.
“Now, I am going to let you go and I expect you to talk to me,” Kasai said. Slowly he released the wolf. As soon as he was free, Vander darted back with another growl.
“If you ever touch me like that again you will regret it, no matter what I owe you, hawk,” Vander said.
“Don't make it necessary then. Now… what is wrong,” Kasai replied, unruffled. The wolf snarled again, ears going flat.
“I will kill him!” the wolf howled in his mind.
“Who do you want to kill?” Kasai asked.
“Grosso. I will kill him if it is the last thing I do.”
“I'd already like to kill him, for harming the Khan, but that is not what set this anger off. What happened in that room, with your patient.”
“You wish to know so badly? Then here! See for yourself!” Vander snarled, breaking down the barriers between them. Memories flooded Kasai. A young girl, given as a bond-mate to the Rang'moori mage. Her very young attempts to make him happy and his harsh, contemptuous rebuffs. The girl sad, because her husband thought her and her people worthless. Little better than animals, he called them. And why would he want to mate with an animal? Several memories of the young girl huddled alone, crying or being held by Aryff as she sobbed.
The mage was gone a great deal of the time, leaving Merryn alone. Then, his final return, bloodied and burned. He'd barely been able to heal the burns and had been left with scars on a great deal of his right side. Nightmares had plagued him and when he'd woken he taken it out on the
nearest target- Merryn. He beaten her near senseless, as good as raped her even if she was his wife, then finished the beating, leaving her near dead when he left for good, muttering about needing to focus his attention on Argoth next. Kasai understood that the girl was Aryff's sister and so by default, also Vander's. A sister he never knew he had.
“Still not a good enough reason?” the wolf growled.
The visions changed, the memories becoming Vander's own. A much younger War Mage was chained to a wall, in some dark place. He hung limply and completely stripped, barely daring to breathe, so afraid his fear was choking him. Shapes writhed in the shadows and one came alive, lumbering over to him. A chimeric creature with the head of a bull, leonine claws and heavy hoofed feet. The beast, a shadow elemental, raked claws down the mage's chest. He whimpered, but didn't scream. The shadow elemental raked claws down him again, only this time lower, earning a sharp pained cry from his chained captive. Cold laughter from the shadows encouraged the elemental to keep having fun with Vander because the boy needed to learn how to listen and follow instructions. Kasai recognized the voice as Grosso's.
“I could go on. Just ask Kalla. She's seen my memories.”
“Enough,” Kasai rasped. “Enough. I have seen enough. Blessed Hounds, how could anyone do such a thing? To either of you?”
“And now do you understand my anger?” Vander asked.
The wolf shook his head, fighting a yawn. The flight and the confrontation with Kasai had allowed his anger to override the need for sleep and regeneration, but it had reached a critical point. He needed rest. He needed to trust that his magister would keep him safe while he recovered.
“I understand. We can discuss Grosso better in the morning, with the Fox and Kalla. For now, we both need sleep,” Kasai said. Vander didn't argue. He curled up in a ball on the far side of the room. The rock floor didn't look so appealing to Kasai, so he opted to switch back to his hawk form. Fluttering up to a nearby ledge he kept quiet watch til he was sure no-one had followed them, then allowed himself to sleep as well.
The Wolves' Dance
LabyrintheSangra, Dashmar, Evalyce, Year of the Mythril Serpent, 2014 CE
Vander woke to a growling stomach. Unlike Kalla and the Fox, he and Kasai had not had the luxury of dinner the night before. The wolf stretched and yawned, baring sharp white fangs. Claws scrabbled on the stone floor, waking the sleeping hawk.
“What time is it…” Kasai grumbled.
“It is about seven in the morning,” Vander replied.
The wolf trotted out of the cavern, the hawk taking wing behind him. They followed the same convoluted path back to the main chamber, but instead of going to find Kalla, the War Mage took the path into the Thunder Warrens. The Dashmari who were awake didn't interfere with them, having been warned by Aryff of the red frost wolf's presence in the caves.
“Where are we going?” the hawk asked.
“I am going to hunt. You don't have to come. I imagine you would find the food here more palatable,” Vander replied, a hint of defensiveness in his tone. The wolf had discovered that he enjoyed hunting when he had been stuck in this form. The hawk continued to follow him through the roaring Thunder Warrens. Here, too, they passed Dashmari stirring for the day.
“You aren't getting rid of me that easily. Not here. Besides, you'd be surprised what I might find edible,” Kasai shot back.
The wolf gave an irritated snort as they exited the caverns. Two hours later they, along with the wyvern, had brought down several of the bighorned mountain sheep and eaten their fill. Vander was surprised that the hawk had actually hunted with them and partaken of the kill.
“Surely you could have found better fare in the Warrens, hawk,” Vander said. Though Kasai had opted by this time to shift form, the mage had chosen to remain as a wolf. Both lounged against the wyvern. His magister barked a laugh.
“Fresh meat doesn't bother me, wolf. Vykr warriors eat it quite often.”
“Well and good,” Vander replied. He stood and stretched. “We should be getting back.”
* * *
Kalla glanced up from her place by Aryff's hearth, as Vander and Kasai returned. The War Mage had resumed his human form, as had his magister. He settled down beside the Healer.
“Good morning, Vander. Kasai. I trust you are doing better?” Kalla asked, giving Vander a searching look.
“I am fine, Dashkele. How… how is Merryn?” he asked softly.
“She was doing well, when I checked this morning. Still sleeping,” the Healer replied. Vander nodded, gazing off into the fire. He looked up as Aryff limped up to the fire.
“Welcome back, brother. Will you and your magister care for breakfast?” the Dashmuynin asked. Vander shook his head.
“We have eaten already. Water would be appreciated, though,” he replied. Aryff poured two bowls, handing one to Vander and one to Kasai, handing them over before settling down beside Aleister.
“Merryn is awake now. She would like to speak to you later. Both of you, if you would be so gracious, Lady Kalla,” Aryff said. He paused a moment before turning his attention to the War Mage.
“I am sorry, Vander, for not doing more to help you when we were younger. And I am sorry for what you went through with Grosso. I know that probably doesn't mean much, all these years later, but I am sorry.”
“There is nothing to apologize for. It is not your fault our people look down upon those like me. You tried… you did try. I can't deny that. I thank you for it. Of all my brothers, you were the only one who ever stood up for me.
“I never even knew I had a sister. I must admit, I didn't think she would want to see me again,” Vander replied.
“She does not see the color of your hair or eyes. She was always proud that she had a brother at the Kanlon and had me tell her all about you countless times, much to the anger and dismay of Kartoff.”
“Really? I am- Ow!” Vander yelped as his head was jerked back. He turned around with a growl, only to be confronted by a tiny cub still clutching the end of his ponytail. His ears twitched uncertainly, the growl dying away.
“Fire fur,” the cub squealed. She pushed between Kasai and Vander, scrambling up into the War Mage's lap. She patted his face and tugged on the scarred ear, running tiny fingers through his mane. Kalla and Aleister started laughing at his dumbfounded expression and even Kasai snorted in amusement.
“Nys, leave the mage alone,” Aryff chided gently. The cub turned to look at him, blinking big eyes at the Dashmuynin. Over-sized ears twitched in curiosity, one pricked and one halfway down.
“She's fine,” Vander said softly. Nys reached around him, pulling the ponytail over his shoulder, then settled in his lap to play with it. Seeing that Nys hadn't been chased off a handful of other cubs, of varying ages, swarmed over the magi and magisters, insatiably curious. Kalla laughed again, as an even smaller cub curled up in her lap, playing with the whistle around her neck. Even the magisters were not immune to having cubs clambering around and over them.
“I thought only soldiers were here?” the Healer asked.
“No, the Bloodwolves still live here. The families have just been pushed further back into the caverns to make room for the soldiers. That will change now, since you have released them from service,” Aryff replied.
Kalla nodded. Already groups of soldiers had come to pay their respects before leaving. Their relief was palpable. Most were ready to get back to their families and packs. Kalla gave them all her blessings.
She had spoken to the Donnerkeil as a whole earlier that morning, telling them of what she expected, most especially in regards to those like Vander. While she knew it would take some time for old habits to change, she did feel that she had spoken to a receptive audience.
While they sat and talked with Aryff amidst the tumbling cubs, several more groups came to pay respects. Many were edgy around the War Mage, but most treated him with the deference due his station and his rank. To the sensitive Dashmari, it was already more than obvio
us that he was an alpha.
As morning turned to afternoon, mothers came collecting the cubs for lunch and naps. Kalla smiled as Nys waved to them over her mother's shoulder and waved back. She stood, stretching, and asked Aryff if he would see if Merryn were ready to see them. He nodded and started to limp down the corridor to his sister's chamber.
“Aryff. I meant what I said. We can heal your leg,” she said. The Dashmuynin met her gaze for a moment, then shook his head.
“It is an old wound. A penance. And a part of who I am,” he replied. Aryff disappeared down the corridor, leaving a very puzzled Healer behind. She couldn't fathom why he would not accept their healing, though she wouldn't press him on it, not understanding its significance. The Dashmuynin returned shortly and beckoned for them to follow him.
“I am sorry, magisters, but I would ask that you wait out here once more,” Aryff asked, once they arrived at Merryn's door. The magisters nodded, taking places flanking the door.
Vander and Kalla ducked through the door hanging. Merryn sat up in the nest of blankets, leaning against the wall. A book and a bowl of water kept her company. She looked up as they entered, then dropped her gaze.
“Dashkele ti'amaraaq,” Merryn said softly. “I… thank you for healing me. And you, my brother.” She raised her head to look at them. Kalla smiled at her, kneeling down beside the girl's bedding. Vander did likewise.
“You are welcome, dear child. I am sorry that something like that happened to you in the first place,” Kalla said. She reached out and brushed her fingers over Merryn's forehead. “Your vows, such as they were, to Grosso tem'Solidor, are absolved. You are your own again and you will never be bartered away for political gain. You will be fairly won, as any female of the packs, if you choose to be won at all.”
“Thank you, Dashkele. I doubt I will ever find one who wishes to win me in the first place, but I thank you for freeing me from my tie to Grosso. I… I don't want him to come back here…” she said in a small voice.
Lady of Wolves (Evalyce Worldshaper Book 2) Page 15
