“There’s one more thing you should know…” Kalan’s strange, neutral tone alerted her to a subtle tension that had been growing in the room since the revelation that the Na’Chi weren’t the bloodborn disgrace either race believed them to be. “Arek, would you go and get the wall hanging?”
She frowned. “Wall hanging?”
The blond warrior left the room without saying a word, returning a few moments later. In his hands was a rolled-up piece of woven cloth. His face was a stony mask; only his eyes showed any sort of emotion and she found it hard to interpret. She glanced to Kalan then Candra, uneasy with the strain she could feel radiating from Kalan’s Second.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
Kalan nodded to Arek and gripped her hand more securely. “Show her.”
The skin around the Light Blade’s eyes tightened then he unfurled the hanging like a blanket across the bed. Annika gasped as the picture was revealed. Blue eyes as bright as glacial ice stared at her from the visage of a woman who bore the same facial features she’d seen reflected in the mirror during the last twenty-five years.
“That’s me! But her eyes, they’re blue… and there’s no marking on her face—” Confused, she reached out to touch the pale cheek of the portrait then left her hand hovering over the fabric as doubt gnawed at her stomach. “Who is she?”
“My mother, Jarella…” Arek’s voice was hoarse. Annika’s head snapped up at the brittle sound of it. She sucked in a sudden breath at the tormented expression on his face. A muscle ticked in his jaw. “Our… mother…”
Her jaw loosened.
“Jarella was Davyn’s daughter,” Kalan said softly. “Arek was three when she was taken by Savyr. Too young to remember, he never knew what she looked like and Davyn never let him see this hanging. We found it in the room where you and Rissa were imprisoned.”
“I’m her daughter?” Annika’s hand shook as she touched her mother’s face, and wished the rough texture felt more like skin. A tear slid down her cheek. She swallowed hard. “Davyn knew this? And he still tried to kill me?”
Candra issued a low-pitched sound of disgust. “It was Yance who revealed the truth. Davyn refused to speak. Being two of the eldest surviving Light Blades, they knew who you were the moment they saw you. Yance remembered Jarella from the days when he trained her as a warrior.
“Setting you up to kill Rissa was Davyn’s insane attempt to cover the truth and erase the family shame before others recognized Jarella in you. If there was no reminder of his perceived shame he could go on living the lies he’d told so many others.”
Kalan watched a myriad of emotions flicker across Annika’s face as she struggled to comprehend the facts in a situation none of them had a hope of ever fully understanding. It hurt to see her cry but he was glad he could offer her the comfort of his presence because no words would reassure her.
He glanced over at Arek, and winced inwardly at the tortured expression on his friend’s face. The last four days hadn’t been easy for him. For almost thirty years he’d grown up resenting the loss of his mother, adopted many of his grandfather’s beliefs and much of his hatred for the Na’Reish, and now he was faced with the tangled puzzle of figuring out how to cope with having a younger, half-blood sister. One he’d hated from the moment he’d first seen her.
Annika stiffened in his arms and he heard the soft catch of her breath. He watched her steal a glance at Arek and knew she’d made the same realization. But before she could say anything, Arek turned on his boot heel and disappeared from the room.
“Arek!” Candra called and she started after him, her brow creased in concern. They all heard the outer apartment door slam shut.
“Let him go.” Annika’s soft plea stopped the other woman’s pursuit. “This has to come as quite a shock. I know I hardly believe it.”
“How I’d love to have just five minutes alone with Davyn,” Candra hissed, her dark eyes flashing. “His hatred has infected too many lives.”
Kalan met her gaze, his own anger tightly restrained. “He’ll be judged for his actions, be assured of that.”
The woman let out a short sigh and shook her head. “I don’t envy you your position, Kalan. The days ahead will be tough. A new Blade Council should be appointed as soon as possible. Reports are already coming in of unrest and turmoil among our people. They need strong guidance and leadership to erase the instability brought about by Davyn’s and the others’ actions.”
“I know. Over the last few days, I’ve been busy reassuring and explaining the situation among our own warriors.” Annika stroked his arm, the simple action easing his frustration. “Some have left the Barracks and returned home.” He pressed an apologetic kiss to Annika’s cheek before he spoke his next words. “They refuse to live or serve alongside the Na’Chi.”
Candra’s troubled gaze locked with his. “Whatever decisions you make, Chosen, present them sooner rather than later. The more time our people have to worry, the more likely unpleasantness will occur.”
She excused herself then to return to her duties at the hospice and left them with instructions to call her if they needed her. Kalan was content to hold Annika in his arms, aware that she was beginning to flag. The emotional toll had wearied her.
“I should leave you to rest,” he murmured.
“Would you stay with me?”
Her plea warmed his heart. “Let me take off this armor and I’ll join you.” After setting it aside, he stripped, aware that she watched him through sleepy eyes. The soft smile on her face was for him as he settled alongside her under the covers and she snuggled in against his side.
He listened to her breathing slowly even out and, while he was just as exhausted as her, having not slept more than a few hours each night since the attack, his mind wouldn’t settle. Candra’s valid comments kept replaying in his head.
“I can hear you thinking, Kalan,” Annika murmured, her words slurring. “You need to sleep. Dedicate your worries to the Lady and close your eyes. You can deal with them tomorrow.”
He chuckled and did as she asked, also thanking the Lady for Annika’s indomitable strength. Tomorrow was indeed soon enough to plan and consider the options available. He’d need a clear head and sharp wits if he wanted to avert civil unrest. War between his people would be catastrophic if the Na’Reish chose to attack.
Annika’s hand lay over his heart and he placed his on top of hers, finally able to relax, and in between one breath and the next he fell asleep.
Chapter 28
VARIAN listened to the squeals of laughter from the children, human and Na’Chi alike, coming from the garden and the infectious sound curved his lips into a small, rare smile. In the few days they’d been there the youngsters had learned it was all right to make that amount of noise and he’d never seen them laugh out loud so much. He leant against the tall rock at his back and cast his gaze around the compound as he heard the familiar tap-tap-tapping of a staff on pavement coming from his left.
“Are you coming to join the others for noon-meal?” Kymora’s melodic voice grazed his hearing and brushed like a caress across his nerves. “Some of the Councilors’ families are joining us today.”
“In a little while,” he replied, wondering how she’d known where to find him amidst all the noise. Behind him he could hear the Light Blades training, as they did this time every day. Conversations came from several directions and, over by the hospice, a supply cart from the city delivered barrels and crates. The people unloading them were not particularly gentle.
Kymora’s staff drew level with him and he deliberately stretched out a leg so that it hit his boot. Her delicate eyebrows rose. “You do know it’s rude to trip a blind person. Once you spoke I knew exactly where you were.”
He snorted. “You wouldn’t have fallen. For someone without sight you’re remarkably coordinated and agile. I’ve also seen you train with that staff.”
“Have you been spying on me?” She wagged a finger at him and a teasing smile l
ifted the corners of her mouth. “Where were you this time?”
“On the wall running around the back of the Chosen’s apartment closest to the temple. It makes a good lookout.” He liked how the sun lit her long, dark hair. Today she’d left it free and it fell around her face in gentle waves. “You’re quite skilled with that staff. I’m glad you didn’t use it on me the day we met.”
This time both her eyebrows rose. “Two compliments in one day.” She stepped closer and her light, florally scent teased his nose as her expression grew more somber. “You seem constantly surprised by my skills…”
The enjoyment he received from their conversations continued to startle him. They were as direct and straightforward as the ones he had with Lisella. He quite liked talking with Kymora, probably more than was prudent.
Her not so subtle query had him considering how to answer without offending her. “Physical deformities are frowned upon,” he said, gently.
“By whom? The Na’Reish? The Na’Chi?”
“Both.”
Her head tilted as she considered his answer. “Your tone was clipped, short. Did my question bother you?”
Varian grimaced. She was also superb at reading people’s voices, much the same as he picked up on facial expressions and scents. “I know what it’s like to have people judge you.”
“You’re not just referring to your Na’Chi markings are you?”
“You don’t remember, do you?” Stepping toward her Varian took her hand and placed it on his jaw. Her soft touch tingled as she traced the scar on his skin. “I received this in a fight against a Na’Reish guard. It never healed cleanly.”
Kymora’s sightless green eyes blinked and a frown pulled her brow down low. “The Na’Chi judge you because of this?”
“We’ve inherited a few of the more unsavory personality traits of our parents.”
“Is that why you choose to stand in our memorial garden alone?”
“Memorial garden?”
She nodded and waved a hand at the rock behind him. “There are names carved into the rocks behind you. They’re the Light Blade warriors who’ve died in the war against the Na’Reish.”
Varian wondered if that explained the unhappy looks he’d received from several humans as they’d passed him on the way to the temple or Chosen’s apartments. He’d interpreted them as looks of disgust for what he was, not because he’d been using the stones as a convenient place to lean, and ignored them. Warmth flushed his cheeks.
“I didn’t mean any disrespect.” His words were stiff. “I didn’t know—”
“It’s all right. Annika didn’t know either.” Kymora’s hand slid to his shoulder then along his arm until her hand grasped his. He wanted to draw away from her but found he couldn’t. She seemed to enjoy invading his personal space and wondered if she did it deliberately. “You don’t like mixing with others, do you?”
The Na’Chi had learned not to bother him but she poked and prodded and pushed his limits every time they met.
“You prefer it,” he retorted. “Much like Lisella.”
“You still haven’t answered my question.”
“What’s wrong with a little solitude?”
“Nothing. I spend a portion of my day in quiet reflection. It helps calm the mind, gives me time to gather my thoughts, but I don’t deliberately spend hours alone.”
“Are you saying that I do?” He found it hard to inject any anger into his voice.
She issued a soft chuckle. “You know you do.”
“So? Perhaps I’m more discriminatory about whom I mix with.”
Her chuckle turned into a laugh as if she truly took pleasure in their debate. “You seek out Lisella, one of the younger scouts, and you enjoy the company of the children but very few others.”
“Now who’s been spying on someone?”
“I like to listen.” Kymora flashed him an impish grin that he felt right to his toes. He blinked at the image of him kissing her smile from her face. It came from out of nowhere and left him at a loss for words. “Are you ready to come to noon-meal yet?”
Varian shook his head, unsure if he was protesting his attraction to the human woman or at the desire for him to accompany her to the meal. “You’re not going to give up and leave me be, are you?” His tone was a little gruffer than he’d intended.
Her smile faltered. “I will if that’s what you want, Varian.” She let his hand go and gripped her staff, her face resuming its usual polite look; the expression she reserved for her meetings with the Blade Council. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”
Varian cursed himself for his abruptness, not liking the absence of her warmth but he’d brought this on himself. He raked a hand through his braids, uncomfortable now in the silence between them. He had no idea what to say to reestablish the rapport he’d come to expect and like with her. But when her staff moved so did he, before he even realized he was going to stop her leaving. He gently pried the wooden staff from her fingers then tucked one of her hands into the crook of his arm. His heart beat faster at the startled look on her face.
“I’d rather sit at the end of a table.” Varian didn’t know whether his voice shook with the anticipated nervousness of being among so many people or because he was afraid of how she’d respond to his rudeness.
“You truly don’t have to go to this if you don’t want to, Varian.” Her fingers tightened on his arm. “I don’t want you to come because you feel guilty for snapping at me. I shouldn’t have pushed you like I did. We could have noon-meal at the temple kitchen if you like.”
Her words eased the rapid beat of his pulse. He heard Lisella calling the children to noon-meal. “I don’t know why you put up with me,” he muttered.
“It’s part of my job,” she replied with a gentle smile. Her other hand patted his forearm when he tensed. Her voice softened. “It’s also because you’re my friend.”
He searched Kymora’s face for any sign of untruth then inhaled to test her scent. Her floral scent was deeper, stronger. Her sincerity was genuine. The tension inside him lessened and the warm sensation that replaced it left him feeling uncertain.
“It’s not easy letting others in, Kymora,” he said quietly. Lisella turned in his direction and he waved to indicate they were coming. “I’m not a people person. Circumstances have never fostered the level of trust needed to form that sort of bond. I let very few people close to me but, with you, I’m willing to try.”
Her smile returned. “Lady willing you’ll succeed.” He grunted. “And we’ll work on your faith while we’re at it.”
His lips twitched. “You’ve definitely been speaking to Lisella,” he said dryly.
She laughed softly but didn’t reply. Varian kept their pace steady and they headed to the Barracks for noon-meal.
KALAN felt Annika move closer to him as she entered the building that had been converted into a dormitory for the Na’Chi. He heard her sudden intake of breath and knew her excitement at meeting them had changed to nervousness. Scattered around the room, some in groups, others seated on their pallet beds occupied with tasks, the Na’Chi went about their nightly routines with quiet efficiency.
It was one of the first traits he’d picked up during his many visits here. Very few loud noises were made. No raised voices, conversations were kept low-pitched, children played. Smiles were present but laughter was rare. Even moving around the room was done on silent feet, children included. When he’d questioned Varian about it, he’d learned that the habits were ingrained from a very young age. After living under the noses of the Na’Reish, the behavior was second nature.
Barely a step inside the doorway, Kalan watched as three young men moved to block their path and several others took up flanking positions. While none were overtly hostile, all were alert, their stances indicating they were ready to react if the need arose. It was a move he’d seen them use outside in the compound many times.
“Chosen, welcome.”
Varian�
�s deep-voiced greeting seemed to be an indication to the others to stand down. They stepped back and resumed whatever they’d been doing when they’d arrived but their watchful gazes never eased. Their discipline impressed him and was part of the reason he’d brought Annika for a visit. She’d been keen to meet her people and he wanted to speak to Varian about a matter he hoped would benefit both races.
“Annika, it’s so good to finally meet you.” A woman with long, dark hair accompanied him. Her smile was warm and he felt Annika’s tight grip on his hand ease. “I’m Lisella. Please, come in and join us. I’ve just put on a kettle for an herbal tea.”
Annika’s gaze flickered to him, an eyebrow raised in question.
“Go on, I’ll join you in a moment,” he said, with a smile. “I need to speak to Varian. Shouldn’t take long.”
Kalan watched as Lisella took charge and hustled her farther into the building, her light chatter putting Annika at ease. Introductions were made and a small group gathered around the open fire pit to share tea and talk.
“You wanted to discuss something with me?” Varian asked, his quiet tone drawing Kalan’s attention back to him.
Kalan nodded. “I’d like the Na’Chi to join us for our training sessions.”
“Is it a wise move? Our presence here is tolerated. I doubt many of your warriors have had the time to accept us yet.”
“It’s a calculated risk,” he conceded. “It’ll probably mean a few tense encounters but if it works then it’ll help ease fears out in the city and farther afield.” He’d thought hard about how to best integrate the two races. Defending themselves against a common enemy was a good start. “I’m not saying hundreds of years of hatred can be wiped away overnight but mistakes can be reconciled if there are willing people.”
The young Na’Chi grunted. “Kymora tells me you’ve been in meetings all day with village leaders. Hearing that your history was altered has to be unsettling.”
“There has been significant unrest.” He’d spent many hours defusing volatile situations but he hadn’t let those meeting with him hide from the truth.
Vengeance Born (The Light Blade #1) Page 28
