Bastial Sentinels (The Rhythm of Rivalry: Book 5)

by Narro, B. T.

  Cleve was interested to note that Fatholl referred to the male Elves as men. He’d thought the word only applied to Humans.

  “We are,” Reela answered. “I’m Reela. This is Vithos and Cleve. We arrived at the docks in Goldram less than a week ago.”

  Fatholl tilted his head. “You’re a psychic.” He seemed pleasantly surprised. “Are there many Human psychics in Ovira?”

  “At least a few hundred,” Reela said.

  For several breaths, Fatholl and Reela simply stared into each other’s eyes. His were gray, yet somehow vibrant.

  The silence continued. Fatholl pursed his lips and tilted his head from one side to the other.

  “You’re strong with psyche,” he said. “Both of you are. But there’s something you’re hiding from me.” His eyes never left Reela. Cleve started to feel disgust at the way the Elf stared, as if he lusted for her. “You’re special, and you know it.”

  “Not special, just different.” Reela spoke calmly.

  “No.” He shook his head. “Special. And it’s not that you think you’re special, it’s that you know I’m going to think you’re special. And you’re right. I already do think you’re special, though I still can’t figure out how.” Fatholl reached out and took her hand, his gaze never leaving hers. “Show me your ears,” he whispered sensually, as if asking her to disrobe.

  As Reela parted her hair and freed her ears from the clips holding them back, Fatholl gasped and leaned closer, not dropping her hand.

  “I don’t understand how this is possible.” He gently caressed one of her ears, his expression awestruck. “My ancestors came back from Ovira without ever mingling with Humans. Yet here stands a half-Elf and another speaks Kreppen. I don’t understand, yet I’m overjoyed.” He grabbed Reela’s other hand forcefully. “You’re the most beautiful woman in this world, the embodiment of coexistence and peace.”

  Cleve couldn’t figure out how he felt as he watched Fatholl drop to one knee and kiss Reela’s hands, one after the other—insignificant, boiling with rage, overjoyed from the leverage this gave them, it all led to utter confusion.

  “Your ancestors were among the Elves who traveled from Greenedge to Ovira?” Reela asked, her cheeks red.

  “Yes. They were the original men and women who believed psyche could help the world. Unable to practice in their own homeland, and without a place they were welcome on their own continent, they sailed to Ovira. But they were attacked by an army too powerful for them to fight—the Krepps.” Somewhat petulantly, Fatholl held up his hand toward Vithos. “So I don’t see how an Elf has not only learned the language of my ancestors’ enemies, but it’s the only language he knows fluently.”

  “My ancestors are your ancestors,” Vithos said. “Krepps my enemy like your enemy. Reela is half-sister to me.”

  Reela nodded. “Our father was the last king of the Elves in Merejic when they were attacked. Vithos was taken by the Krepps. Our father was separated from him. He tried to get Vithos back, and eventually he was killed for his efforts. He’d met my Human mother before that—in the process of acquiring help from the Humans in Kyrro.”

  “What did the Krepps do to you?” Fatholl asked Vithos with a grimace.

  “It’s a long story,” Reela warned him. “I only met Vithos for the first time less than a year ago. Before that, he was with the Krepps.”

  Straightening his back and glancing at the guards surrounding them, Fatholl seemed to be coming out of a trance. “They’re clearly no threat to me,” he said to the guards. “Go back to your tasks.” As they filed out, Fatholl leaned close to Reela once again. “Will you please sit and share your and your brother’s stories?”

  “Gladly,” Reela said politely. “But will you tell us about Goldram first? We thought the Takarys would be here when we arrived.”

  Solemnly, Fatholl let out his breath. “Goldram and the rest of Greenedge, I’m afraid, have been and will be going through the most trying times in history. While the Takarys are not my enemy, I am theirs. My only enemies are the desmarls.”

  Fatholl spoke so sincerely, Cleve had to remind himself Danvell was killed at this Elf’s command. He felt compelled to mention it and study Fatholl’s reaction.

  “People say you killed Danvell Takary,” Cleve said. “Is this true…even though the Takarys aren’t your enemies?”

  “It’s true,” Fatholl said regretfully. For a breath, Cleve wondered if the Elf could be feigning. But he figured Reela and Vithos could pick up on it, or at least they would eventually as Fatholl continued. “I couldn’t devise a plan that involved exterminating the desmarls without eliminating the four kings.” He stopped himself with a glare at Cleve. “You’re connected to the Takarys. I don’t understand. Tell me.”

  Cleve felt compelled to answer with haste and honesty. “Jessend Takary came to Kyrro months ago. She brought me here with her, and I helped Danvell retrieve his wife and son when they were taken. In exchange, the King—”

  Reela put her hand on his arm, and his urge to continue was gone. “Can’t we speak without psyche?” she asked Fatholl. “You admitted earlier that we aren’t a threat to you.”

  Cleve had fallen under the spell so quickly he’d never thought to resist it. He focused to put his mental wall up, holding back a scowl as he glared at the Elf.

  Fatholl lowered his head with reverence. “Forgive me Reela…Reela…what’s your surname?”

  “Worender.”

  “Reela Worender, a beautiful name for a beautiful young woman.” He spoke as if she were his queen…or possibly as if it was a wish. “Try as I might, I don’t believe I can fully refrain from using psyche, but I’ll do what I can. Please, Cleve, continue.”

  Now unmotivated to speak, Cleve culminated his short story as quickly as he could. “Danvell told me that the Takarys wished to leave Greenedge to escape the desmarls and regain control over Ovira. This would bring another war to my home, which I would do anything to avoid.”

  “So you returned to prevent that,” Fatholl concluded for him. “I, too, have been worried not only about the Takary troops leaving this continent but the other armies doing the same. I’ve taken measures to prevent that.”

  “The abandoned docks,” Reela said. “But how does that prevent them from using their own ships to leave?”

  “You misunderstand. I didn’t force everyone from the docks just to prevent the armies from leaving. I did it to protect those who live there.” Fatholl opened his mouth to continue until it closed without another word.

  “Protect them from what?” Reela asked.

  He sighed at her, holding a smile all the while. “I assume there aren’t many who can deny you what you seek, Reela Worender.” He spoke her name slowly, enjoying the sound of it too much for Cleve’s taste. The Elf’s jaw shifted back and forth, as if he was chewing. “But I still haven’t determined if sharing this with you will be helpful or detrimental to my plan.” He smirked and shook his finger at them. “I have a feeling the three of you will have an important part in this intricate play between five armies. But besides that, I know too little about you to reveal much more. Tell me first, if I let you leave this palace, where will you go?”

  Cleve swallowed as Fatholl’s face hardened. “We’re still not sure,” he muttered. “I wish to see the Takarys, but we don’t know where they are. And I have something I need to give to someone who should be with them.”

  “Good. This may work, then. Goldram’s docks aren’t the only ones that are empty. All the docks in each coastal territory have been cleared to keep any of the armies from fleeing Greenedge. We’re prepared to guard the sea.”

  Cleve wondered what kind of man was so intent on keeping his enemies from fleeing, but he decided not to question it.

  “The Takarys are now being led by Raymess, Danvell’s son,” Fatholl said. “When we attacked the palace, the plan was to take it by force, kill the King, yet let the Prince survive. We went through every room and killed any guard who opposed us. Raymess was
taken out of the palace by his guards near the beginning of the attack. The rest of the Takary family was still alive by the time the palace was ours, and we let them leave. As I said before, the Takarys are not my enemies. In fact, they’re allies.” He had a solemn smile. “They just don’t know it yet.”

  “I wouldn’t expect Raymess to ally with you when his father’s blood is on your hands,” Cleve warned.

  “I didn’t say I expect him to ally with me by choice. I’m simply stating that he’s an ally.”

  Cleve was puzzled. Curious, he glanced at Reela and Vithos to see their expressions. Vithos held his chin while Reela’s brow furrowed.

  “I know you’re confused,” Fatholl said. “But you must realize I’m telling the truth. A powerful psychic cannot lie to another without being detected.”

  Cleve noticed Reela nodding.

  “We share common goals,” Fatholl said. “We want all the armies in Greenedge to stay on this continent. We want the desmarls exterminated. We want as few deaths as possible. There is reason for us to trust each other and work together. This is everyone’s battle. Slowly, the whole continent is coming to terms with this concept.” He made a fist and spoke with a rhythmic cadence that lifted Cleve’s spirit. “The four kings were killed nearly two weeks ago, and since then our army has doubled, with more joining us every day. We’ve even had to turn away countless young men who’ve never lifted a weapon and women who wish to help but have no skill we can use. I tell them their allegiance is enough so long as they spread the word of good—that the battle is against the desmarls, not each other. But still, it’s not enough.”

  “Not enough for what?” Reela asked. “To kill the desmarls?”

  “Exactly. Our numbers are still less than half of any of the four armies. It would take us twenty years to clear all the desmarls in the south or the north on our own, another twenty to kill them all. Who knows what Greenedge will be like by then. The Humans might’ve killed each other and decimated the land we fought so hard to save.”

  Cleve’s heart began to race as he figured out what Fatholl was saying. “You’re going to make them fight the desmarls.”

  A slow smile twisted Fatholl’s mouth.

  “How?” Vithos asked. “No possible. So many them, not many you.”

  “Will you help me?” Fatholl asked shrewdly, making Cleve realize the Elf knew they didn’t have a choice. “You wish to see the Takarys, and I’ll make your wish come true by telling you where they are.”

  “And in return?” Cleve asked.

  “You go to them. I already know you’ll do the right thing once you get there. I’ll take care of the rest.”

  Cleve was so lost examining Fatholl’s gray eyes for clues that when Reela touched his arm, he jumped.

  “This means we’ll be fighting the desmarls, doesn’t it?” she asked.

  Fatholl shook his head. “Not just the desmarls, I’m afraid.”

  Chapter 9:

  JEK

  Awaking in the Lage mansion didn’t feel too different from the palace. Jek’s clothes had been cleaned while he slept, and a server came in with breakfast soon after he inquired. The familiarity made it easy to forget Danvell had been killed just yesterday. But the moment he found deep sadness on Jessend and Lisanda’s expressive faces, it came back to him.

  “I do hope Micah has some idea where Raymess went,” Lisanda said as they ate.

  Jessend swallowed her food before speaking, a habit both sisters followed dutifully. “He’s probably gathering Father’s army to retake the palace.”

  It’s not Danvell’s army anymore, Jek decided not to say aloud.

  “Fatholl will be hung for what he did,” Jessend muttered.

  Lisanda hovered over her plate, lost in thought. Jek was overwhelmed with the urge to comfort her. He swore he could feel her soft shoulders as he imagined putting his arm around them. He longed to see her smile.

  Vala entered their room with her red eyes squinted as if she hadn’t slept. She opened her mouth to speak, but Jessend interrupted.

  “Are you alright, Mother?”

  Vala closed her mouth and smiled unconvincingly. “I’m fine.” Her gaze fell to the carpeted floor for a moment, then lifted to Jessend. “Come here, dear.” The Queen held out her arms.

  Jessend gladly embraced her mother. Being small women, they were nearly the same size, though Jek knew neither to be particularly delicate.

  “What’s the matter, Mother?” Jessend asked as if she sensed it was more than her father’s death.

  “Micah believes he knows where your brother is headed. He was hoping Raymess wouldn’t go there, but after Micah shared his thoughts with me, we both agree he must be around Lake Mercy.”

  Of course, Jek thought. I should’ve realized it earlier.

  “But Lake Mercy is between Goldram and Zav…our allies,” Jessend said. “Why do you speak as if he’s riding into enemy territory?”

  “Enemies from both Waywen and Presoren are attacking our garrison there. Zav is fighting with us, meaning the majority of all four armies are in that very spot. Many knew this battle was coming, and we believe Fatholl must have also, for he struck while most of our army was away.”

  “Why is Raymess going there, then?” Jessend asked.

  Lisanda answered before Vala could. “To command his army,” she said. “He’s the King now, and he knows it.” She swallowed hard, her eyes glistening.

  “That’s correct,” Vala said in the same wavering voice. “Without a way to contact them, he must’ve taken it upon himself to travel there.”

  “What’s he going to do when he gets there?” Jessend asked.

  “We can only guess,” Vala said. “Micah believes he’ll try to win the battle and then take the army back to the palace to attack Fatholl.” She looked hard at Jek. “You’re going to be leaving with Micah to support Raymess.”

  This came as no surprise to Jek. Danvell had nearly sent him there the moment their enemies started marching. The trees were thick around the massive lake, able to conceal hundreds of thousands of troops. The fighting could go on for weeks, possibly months. Danvell told Jek a team of mages could surprise the enemies from the north, but first he wanted to wait for a report of the battle’s progress.

  The pigeon must be arriving at the palace soon, though only Elven eyes will see the report now, Jek thought.

  When he’d first found out about the battle, his biggest worry was how to tell Lisanda he would be fighting. Now he just hoped she wouldn’t try to come with him.

  “What about us?” Jessend asked.

  “The three of us will stay here with the guards from the palace.”

  Jessend’s hands came to her hips. “I won’t stay in this house. I’d rather fight with Jek and Raymess.”

  “Owin is nothing like Kasko.” Vala spoke sweetly. “You’re safe here.”

  “Mother, you can’t convince me to stay. I’m an adult; you can’t force it upon me.”

  For a breath, Vala stared dejectedly in silence. “I don’t know what else to do.” Her voice broke as she struggled to hold back her tears. “This is where we’re welcome. We don’t know the allegiance of other nobles. There’s a chance they could be with Fatholl now and report us the instant we show up at their doors. It’s dangerous to stay at an inn for more than a few weeks. Wherever we go carries some risk.”

  The hardness melted from Jessend’s face. “I’m sorry. But I just can’t stay here. I don’t trust Owin or any Lage. You must understand what I went through with Kasko?”

  Vala nodded and wiped her eyes. “Then help me think of something else.”

  “Let’s go with Jek,” Lisanda said.

  He shook his head. “It’s too dangerous.”

  “It is,” Vala agreed.

  “But don’t we have a fort by the lake?” Lisanda asked. “We’ll be safe there.”

  “Unless our enemies break in and take it,” Jek calmly told her.

  “But you and Micah can protect us if we stay
together. There’s no mage more powerful than you. And we all saw what Micah can do with psyche.” Lisanda suddenly glanced at Vala. “Did you know he was a psychic?”

  “I didn’t. He told me that even Danvell didn’t know. Micah kept it hidden in fear Danvell would exile him. I can’t blame him for that. Micah’s proven that he’ll do anything for this family. But he and Jek, as strong as they may be…” She smiled at him. “They can’t stop a siege on their own. If the fort falls while we’re in it, we’ll die.”

  Defeated, Lisanda exhaled loudly.

  “What about Facian?” Jek suggested. “You three can stay there with my family.”

  “Isn’t their house…quite small?” Vala asked politely.

  “Compared to the palace or this mansion, yes. But it can fit five comfortably enough, and more importantly, my father and sister can be trusted.”

  “What about the seven guards I’d like protecting my daughters?” Vala asked. “Where will they sleep?”

  “They won’t be needed,” Jek said. “The people in Facian love your family, thanks to Lisanda visiting with me every so often. In terms of protection, Sannil is the one who taught me magic. He’s quite strong with it, and my sister’s just as tough as any guard.”

  Jek could see by the downturn of Vala’s mouth that she was about to disagree.

  “Mother,” Lisanda said, “it’s the best idea. I know the people there. It’s safe like Jek says.”

  “Unless Fatholl and his Elves have taken it,” Vala blurted with bitter resentment. It was unlike her to speak without regal dignity, reminding Jek how tired she looked and sounded.

  “Let’s all go there together,” Jek said. “Once we determine it’s safe, Micah and I will leave for Lake Mercy with the guards.” And this way I get to see my family and spend one more night with Lisanda.

  “It’s less than a day’s ride,” Lisanda added. “And it’s on the way to Lake Mercy.”

  Vala’s gaze shifted to Jessend, who shrugged and said, “Better than staying here.”