River God: The Horse Lords

by Diana Drakulich

  Chapter 6 – Priestess of the Black Serpent

  There were enchanters

  Who with their looks could bewitch and kill

  Those whom they beheld

  For a considerable time

  Especially if they did so with angry eyes -

  Pliny The Elder, Roman Army Commander,

  Naturalis Historia c. 50 AD

  A tense silence descended on King Vartan’s court at Hahq’s revelation that `his missing kinsman’ rode a golden horse. The identity of the mysterious tomb raider was solved.

  All ears, the Melanchaeni listened with baited breath to hear what else would be revealed. And most importantly, what the king would do about it. Someone had to be punished.

  Standing before the Black Cloak king, Hahq had the sinking sensation that he was now being weighed and measured as a substitute for the stolen sacrifice victim. Not just his life but the lives of his men were at risk.

  A cold chill shot down his spine. Images of the Black Cloak night attack on his camp shot like swift arrows through his mind. Was Prince Kanxa the man I killed?

  Steeling his expression into an impenetrable mask Hahq considered the perilous reality of their situation –

  We have stumbled into a nest of serpents. The king wants vengeance for the death of his son. Sava’s theft from their kurgan has given him reason to vent his rage on any Sauromatae unlucky enough to fall within his grasp.

  How could this have happened? Sava is no `tomb raider’. His mission was to befriend the Black Cloaks, not turn them against us. It all started with Prince Kanxa’s night raid on our camp in Sauromatia. Kanxa brought his death upon himself!

  “We will discuss the exploits of your `kinsman’ more tonight after we dine.” King Vartan flicked a hand in dismissal.

  Knowing he had put his foot in a stinking pile, Hahq saluted and strode out of the yurt, Voron pacing at his side.

  Standing on the side lines, Yeva watched the wheels turning in the king’s head. Vartan will not be satisfied until he wreaks `justice’ on these foolhardy Sauromatae. I hope their leader realizes the trouble he is in.

  Her cat-like, multi-color eyes followed the Sauromatian leader as he walked with his men toward the yurt where they would sleep. His limp was slightly more pronounced now.

  His leg pains him, though he tries to disguise it. The wound must be recent.

  Soon after Yeva and her aunt returned to their yurt, high priest Koldun `Throat Slasher’ arrived. Taking Gorya aside, he flicked his eyes at Yeva.

  “Leave us.“ Gorya dismissed her.

  Yeva walked outside, then skulked around to the back of the yurt and pressed her ear against the thin felt siding. She hated and feared the chief priest. He had sacrificed three of her friends in the Dark House. This as the blood price for the gods to welcome Prince Kanxa to the Other World. Koldun was about to sacrifice Yeva too, but Gorya had stopped him.

  “Tonight at the feast you will put a strong opiate in the koumiss of those arrogant Sauromatae.” Koldun spoke in low tones to Gorya.

  “Why?”

  “Their kinsman stole from our kurgan. King Vartan has ruled these Sauromatae will pay the price. The two leaders will be taken to the Dark House and sacrificed to Ah-Gin. We will take their gold, weapons and spare horses. The rest will be set free to slink home like whipped dogs.”

  Yeva stood stock still. Her mind played back the image of the proud Sauromatian leader striding down the aisle toward King Vartan, toward his death. It is unjust. He is innocent.

  It was then the inception of a plan came to her. I will use my skills to help them, but this Sauromatian will have to pay MY price.

  Night would soon be upon them. A big fire was lit in the center of camp. Flayed carcasses of sheep roasted, turning on spits. The feasting would soon begin. Time was running short.

  As soon as Koldun departed, Aunt Gorya disappeared into the kibitka where herbs and drugs were kept. Yeva slunk into their yurt and grabbed the satchel containing her pharmakopia. Pulling her hood over her eyes, she slunk through the shadows.

  Upon reaching the yurt housing the Sauromatae, Yeva spoke to the lone guard at the entrance.

  “I am a healer. King Vartan has sent me to aid your voivode.”

  “Why?”

  “Your leader walks with a limp. If it is a recent injury it could get worse. Tell him – his life is at stake.”

  “I will speak with him.” The guard stared at her skeptically, then disappeared into the yurt.

  The evening shadows were growing longer. Hurry. Yeva kept her hood low. Curious eyes were always watching. It was the nature of camp life. Inside she heard the Sauromatian warriors speaking in their rhythmic, almost guttural accent.

  Hahq appeared at the yurt entrance and waved her in. “You came to dress my wound? Was it that easy to tell?”

  She nodded. Fearful of showing him her eyes, she kept the hood low, appearing as a mysterious, even sinister figure. There were several men in the yurt, all eyes glued on her, vivid with curiosity.

  She felt their tension. They know the king plots against them.

  “It is most important that I tend to your leg. Send your men away. It will be quick.”

  “Why? They can see my leg.”

  Their leader was obviously suspicious. As he should be.

  “This can only be done in private.”

  She walked up close. Lifting her hood she gazed up at him with her strange kako mati eyes. Speechless, Hahq’s hazel gold-flecked eyes stared into hers. At least he does not make the bull horn sign to ward off evil.

  “I must speak with you.” She whispered. “You are in great danger.”

  He did not appear surprised.

  “Give us a moment.” He waved a hand to his men. After his men strode out, Hahq turned to her, piercing eyes blazing. “What treachery does your king plan? Tell me.”

  Yeva gazed into his glittering eyes and took a deep breath. “King Vartan plans to betray you. My heart bids me speak the truth, even though it makes me a traitor.”

  His hand closed around her arm. Hard. “What is his plan?”

  Yeva flinched under Hahq’s powerful grip. She stared pointedly at his white-knuckled fingers. He loosened it slightly but still held her arm.

  “The king means to sacrifice you and your second in the Dark House. He will do this in revenge for the sins of your kinsman who stole from our kurgan. And most especially to punish your people for the killing of his son.”

  “That was in battle. His son attacked us. I took an arrow in my leg.”

  “Ah. So it was you who killed Prince Kanxa?”

  “It was dark and raining. I never saw the man’s face. Your people spirited his body away before they left.”

  “So you dared to fight back. Imagine – what nerve.” She smiled and shook her head.

  “Now tell me, what treachery your king plans.” Hahq’s focused, penetrating eyes held the glint of a man contemplating desperate action.

  “Tonight at the feast your koumiss will be heavily drugged. Don’t drink it. Only pretend to drink. Dribble it down your beard. Spit it out behind your hand. Just don’t swallow it or you will pass out and be helpless.”

  “How do you know this?”

  “I heard it from the chief sorcerer’s own mouth. He told my Aunt Gorya to drug your koumiss. I am to help serve it. I cannot find it in my heart to inflict such an injustice upon you.”

  Hahq shook his head. “Vartan has many warriors. Even if we don’t drink the koumiss how will we escape?”

  “I have an idea. But if I help you, they will suspect me. My life will be over. You must give me your solemn vow that you will take me with you.”

  Hahq nodded. “Done. You have my sacred oath upon our king’s hearth. But why risk your life for strangers like us?”

  “My cousin Sargis was the sacrificial victim your kinsman, Sava stole from the Dark House. Sargis must have still been alive. Sava was trying to save his life. It’s the only logical explanation. For t
his act of mercy by your kinsman I will help you.”

  She gazed into his eyes plunging deep. “My people say I can cast the Kako Mati. Do you also fear me?”

  Hahq stared into her eyes a long moment, his gold-flecked gaze steady, penetrating. “I see no evil in you. It could be that the strange color and shape of your eyes is not an affliction but a gift. If all you say is true and you help us then you are the friend of my soul. What is your name?”

  “Yeva.”

  “I am Hahq, son of Khaki.” Not actually but that will have to do.

  “You swear to take me with you? If not I will be put to death.”

  “Aye. You will come with us. Either that or you and I go down together.” He took her hand in both his large warm ones.

  She nodded, feeling the sincerity of his grip. Relief clear in her unearthly eyes.

  “I will not be a drag on you. I have herbs to heal your men should they become sick or wounded. And I have my own horse. Maybe not as fast as yours but good enough. We have little time, so here is my plan - I will put a strong opiate in all the koumiss.”

  “What about the horse guards? We need our horses.”

  “I will take the drugged koumiss to the horse guards too. They will drink and gladly. As soon as the king and his men pass out, you run back here. Get your weapons. I will meet you where your horses are picketed.”

  “Not everyone will drink the koumiss. “

  “Nay but most of the warriors will. It takes time for the opiate to take effect. Most of the camp will be asleep by then. As long as the king and his nobles sound no alarm, the rest will also sleep and know nothing.”

  “Vartan and his men will pursue us. But we will have a head start and our horses are faster.” Hahq’s expressive black brows were drawn together in concentration.

  “We will race for the Boryesthenes. But after we cross the river we will be in the Land of the Androphagi.” An uneasy look flashed across her face.

  “The Man Eaters are one of the tribes I am to contact for the war council.”

  “Those cannibals are notoriously bloodthirsty, but I leave that to you. Now allow me to treat your leg. It could poison your blood if not treated. Take down your leggings.”

  Black brows drawn together, Hahq hesitated. He was bare-chested, a fur-lined cloak slung across his shoulders. She felt the magnetism radiating from his broad muscular chest.

  “Do you think you are made of stone?” She asked. “Immortal? Judging from the way you favor your leg, that arrow wound may be going bad.”

  “How did you know I was wounded?”

  “By the way you walk. Now take your pants down. Do it. I have only a little time to get back before Gorya notices my absence.” Her voice was slightly husky though she kept her face impassive.

  “Hmh. So you wish to check on the condition my… most lethal weapon?” He favored her with a salacious white grin. She wants me.

  “Nay. Not that, the wound on your thigh.” She tried to look indignant. “Don’t worry, I treat both men and women. You are far from the first male I have seen.”

  “Oh I have no doubt of that…” Hahq’s fingers went to the laces at his crotch. He was going to savor this.

  Slowly, deliberately he pulled his leggings down, not taking those golden hazel eyes off hers. His swelling cock sprang out, half erect. Yeva drew in a breath.

  Eyeing her repressed reaction Hahq flexed his hips. Slightly. “Like what you see?”

  His eyes held a certain glint Yeva knew all too well. This Sauromatian is trying to work his charms on me in hopes of ensuring his survival.

  “Women find me an excellent archer. My arrow always flies true and gives much pleasure.” His smile a calculating smirk.

  He is used to having his way with women. Yeva wanted to slap his arrogant face. Then grab him by his long black hair and suck his tongue. Examine his wound fool! Not his succulent…`Love arrow’.

  Chapter 7 – River God

  The Boryesthenes ( Dneiper) is in my opinion,

  The most valuable and productive of rivers

  With the sole exception of the River Nile...

  It provides the finest and most abundant pasture,

  The richest supply of the best fish

  And the most excellent water

  For drinking - clear and bright.

  No better crops grow anywhere than along its banks

  And the grass is the most luxuriant in the world -

  Herodotus The Histories

  Sava glimpsed the shocked faces of the bargemen as he drove the galloping horse straight down the riverbank toward the massive raft, still wedged against the bank.

  The rivermen dodged out of the way as the golden horse made a mighty leap onto the raft, the cart thumping on behind.

  Sava leapt off the cart and grabbed a long pole. “Come on! Get this damn thing MOVING!”

  At that moment a howling war band of cannibals appeared on the horizon, lashing their ponies, closing fast. Grabbing poles, the shocked rivermen joined Sava, frantically thrusting to push the heavy raft off the bank and into the current.

  Then, as if a great hand had picked them up, the raft slid downstream. All too soon the cannibals were swarming on the bank. Screaming curses, they darkened the sky with a hail of poisoned arrows.

  But the raft was already well out in the great river and moving downsream. The arrows fell just short. Heaving a great sigh of relief, Sava fell to his knees and did obeisance, River God - I thank you.

  After all those days of running, with almost no sleep and little food, he should have been exhausted. Instead he was invigorated, joyful. I am still alive! ALIVE.

  And life was wonderful.

  Putting down the pole he walked to the panting stallion and unhitched him from the cart.

  “Thank you Zlatna, my good friend. You have my eternal gratitude.”

  He checked on the wounded Black Cloak in the cart. He still lives. Surely the Goddess breathes life into him.

  One of the rivermen strode over, a disgruntled expression on his face. Before the man could complain, Sava pulled a thick gold bracelet off his forearm.

  “Are you the master of this fine vessel?”

  The man looked around at the crude but massive raft, then back at Sava. A slight smile creaked the hinges of his lips.

  “I am.”

  “I am Sava son of Voivode Skopasis of Sauromatia. Please accept this bracelet in thanks for saving our lives.”

  At sight of the gold bracelet the captain’s face took on a decidedly more pleasant expression.

  “I am Jaska. We are Alizoni. My heart rejoices that we could be of service, Sava, son of Skopasis.” The captain basked in his new found heroism.

  “Where is this raft headed Master Jaska?”

  “We carry grain downriver to Kherson. From there it ships on to Greece.”

  “How far is Kherson from Taurica?”

  “Not far. Maybe two days’ ride.”

  “How long will it take this raft to get to Kherson?”

  “Six or seven days.”

  “Good.” Sava nodded. This would allow precious time for the wounded Black Cloak to regain strength. Unless he is just too far gone to recover.

  Chapter 8 - Black Cloak Feast

  The Skythian will have nothing to do

  With paltry cattle.

  He offers men to the gods

  And the offering is appreciated –

  Lucien of Samosata, On Sacrifice

  Yeva drew in a breath at sight of Hahq’s wound. The arrow hole was red, swollen and seeping pus.

  “Your wound is going bad. No wonder you limp. You must be in pain.”

  From a small pouch she poured white powder into her palm and spit on it. Stirring it with a finger she made a spit poultice.

  “What is that?” Hahq looked skeptical.

  “White Sage. It is very healing.”

  Dropping to her knees, Yeva pressed the poultice into the deep oozing puncture, then wound a strip of cloth ar
ound his thigh. When she finished Hahq took her hand and pressed it against his hot naked thigh.

  “I like it when you touch me.”

  At eyelevel with his manhood, she noticed it thickening. He wants me. Her core throbbed a sweet answering ache.

  Taking her face between warm palms, he raised her up, his gold-flecked eyes warm, alive.

  Thank you Yeva. For everything.”

  “Don’t thank me yet.” She shrugged and handed him a small pouch. “Put this on everyday. Do not fail, your life depends on it.”

  “I feel better already.”

  “A good thing too. We will ride hard tonight.” A thrill shot up her spine. She could not repress a grin.

  “All will go well. I feel it.” Taking her hand, he pressed it around his turgid cock and squeezed. “Uh-hh that feels good.“ He growled low in his throat. “Tell me you want me as much as I want you. Hmmm? Say it.”

  “I know what you are doing Sauromatian. You are trying to cast your love net around me so that I won’t change my mind about helping you.”

  Her fingers tightened around his cock in a light sensual squeeze, then pulled away. Her hand exuded a faint scent of male musk.

  “Can you blame me? My life is stake here. I must use all my wit and cunning. But I will never betray you Yeva. I have sworn I will keep you safe and bring you back home to Sauromatia. Until then prowess in loving comes in handy does it not? Not all battles are fought on the field. Hmmh?”

  Palming her face he gently pressed his lips to hers in a warm and tender kiss. For one radiant moment Yeva’s world stopped.

  Lips lingeringly, Hahq pulled away. He gazed a long moment into her strange multi-colored eyes, struck by what he saw there. She walks in her own light.

  “What of your parents, your family, will they not be sad to lose you?” He asked.

  She shook her head, sadness flashed in her eyes. “My parents rejected me. They gave me up when I was a babe. Because of these.” She waved a hand across her eyes.