Artesans of Albia: 02 - King's Champion

by Cas Peace

  Silence.

  Ky-shan’s breathing slowed. He was still studying her, and she hoped he could see the respect in her eyes. She had tricked him more than once during their fight, and she knew that if they fought again she wouldn’t be able to use the same tactics. She had used his anger, prejudice, and disbelief against him. The cuts she had given him were all designed to heighten his rage while not doing him too much harm. But had she judged him right? Would he recognize what she had done?

  His frown deepened and she experienced a pang of doubt. Then he gave a huge snort, took her proffered hand, and hauled her roughly to her feet.

  With the tension broken, sound returned. One of his men retrieved Ky-shan’s sword and handed it to him. He took it by the blade, sheathing it with a ringing snap. Sullyan wiped her blade clean and did the same. The pirate regarded her, one hand clamped to his bleeding side. She placed her own hands on her hips and returned his speculative gaze.

  His voice was rough. “You tricked me, girl.”

  “You allowed yourself to be tricked.”

  He snorted. “It wouldn’t happen twice!”

  “Irrelevant, my friend.”

  Ky-shan’s eyes narrowed. “Very well, you have won your forfeit. What will it be?”

  His men muttered and he gestured sharply for silence. They subsided, but Sullyan felt their resentment. She gazed around at the sullen faces before replying.

  “The right of command.”

  They erupted, roaring in protest. Ky-shan shouted them down, wincing as his wound stung. He turned on her, disbelief plain in his eyes. “The right of command? Have you lost your wits?”

  She stood her ground. “Do you really so enjoy being cooped up in this compound that you are willing to pass on the chance of gaining respect and battle honors? Think carefully before you reply, my friend, for this is your last chance. You may have his amnesty, but the Hierarch cannot let you return eastward now, not with battle imminent. Nor will he permit you to take part in the fighting without an authorized officer in command. I tell you this, Ky-shan, and hear me well. I am your last hope.”

  Ky-shan didn’t immediately reply, and his expression was pensive. Then he frowned. “If you’d told me this from the first there would have been no need to goad me into fighting you.”

  She inclined her head. “That may be so, but would I have won your respect? I think not. It was worth the exercise, my friend.”

  “Exercise? If that was exercise, then I’d hate to see what you call work!”

  “Our Witnessed agreement means that you will see exactly what I call work.” She held his gaze, repeating, “I claim the right of command over your men.”

  That provoked another outpouring of dissent, especially from Ky-shan’s son. Sullyan, unmoved, assessed the loudest protestors and noted their faces.

  Ky-shan glared them into silence. “I gave my Witnessed word and I stand by it! Anyone who disagrees is welcome to take it up with me personally.” To emphasize his meaning, he placed his free hand on the hilt of his sword.

  Sullyan faced his angry men. “I understand your resentment and I am prepared to make you a bargain.”

  Ky-shan cut across her. “That isn’t necessary, Lady. I agreed to the terms and I will fulfill them. This rabble will obey me, at least!”

  She turned back to him, speaking for his ears alone. “Maybe, Ky-shan, but the right of command is not enough. I desire your loyalty, and I know that loyalty must be earned. We are going into battle and will be risking our lives. I will not hazard my safety or my Captain’s on a company unwilling to obey me.”

  She raised her voice. “The bargain, gentlemen, is this. You will afford me your total obedience for the next seven days. Total obedience, mind! If at the end of that time I have failed to gain you success and honor on the battlefield, I will personally guarantee that you will be paid off and allowed to return to your homes with your amnesty intact. There will be no disrespect or dishonor.” She paused to let that sink in, noting the discontented mutters.

  “You can’t seriously expect us to take orders from a woman.”

  The voice came from the back of the group. Sullyan didn’t see who had spoken. Ky-shan was about to reply, but she got there first. “Do you have a wife, friend?”

  The voice was grudging. “Yes.”

  “Then you already do.”

  It was a gamble, but it paid off. A few sniggers ran round the group and there were no further comments.

  “Well?” she prompted. “Do we have a bargain?”

  Ky-shan favored his men with a black look, but Sullyan knew she had them. No one would demur. Ky-shan’s son certainly wanted to, but he was the only one who might have dared.

  Ky-shan lost his patience. “Have you lost your tongues?” he roared.

  “We agree,” was the multi-throated reply, although some spoke with more conviction than others.

  The pirate turned to Sullyan, bowing stiffly. “It seems you have your bargain, Lady.”

  The men dispersed, drifting off in groups to mutter about the agreement and the validity of Sullyan’s victory. As they did so, she heard the soldiers outside the compound being ordered back to their drilling. She thought she caught sight of a venomous smile and the dead, white eyes of Commander Vanyr. Beside her, Robin shivered.

  Sullyan ushered the wounded pirate toward one of the doorways leading off the compound. When he protested, she said, “You need my help. It is the least I can do. I gave you the wound, now let me deal with it.”

  He shrugged and led her to his private quarters. With a barked command, he sent his sullen son running for hot water and cloths. Sullyan helped him remove his sweat-soaked shirt, and then explored the long cut with expert fingers. When the water arrived, she cleaned the wound thoroughly before glancing at the pirate.

  “This needs stitching.”

  “Just bind it. Stitches will pull and I can live without that.”

  She straightened up. “I can do better, if you will permit.”

  He didn’t understand. Allowing her gaze to rest on him, she slowly dilated her eyes. Untrained as he was, it took him a while to realize her meaning. Then he gasped in comprehension.

  “What rank?”

  “Master-elite.”

  His mouth hardened before his expression cleared. Then a strange noise rose in the room and Sullyan smiled. The pirate was chuckling.

  “By the Triple Sea, girl, you’re full of surprises!” He gasped with pain between snorts of laughter. “You didn’t need to use that sword of yours at all, did you? Go on, then. I’ve had no training, but I don’t suppose that’ll make any difference to you.”

  As Sullyan placed her hands gently on the man’s muscled chest where the long, red slash gaped, she probed for his psyche. Ky-shan sat still, his eyes wide, while she used his strength as well as her own to stop the bleeding and encourage the flesh to seal. When it was done she eyed her work critically, Ky-shan squinting at the half-healed welt in amazement.

  “It will still need binding and treating carefully for a couple of days until the flesh is stronger. But it should hold for now.”

  He looked up at her, the first glimmer of friendship twinkling in his eye. “My thanks, Lady.”

  She grinned, watching him accept a fresh shirt from his son and slide carefully into it. “Now, will your men be ready to take the field tomorrow at first light?”

  His head came up in surprise. “Tomorrow?”

  “Unless you need a day to rest, of course.”

  Her innocent smile didn’t amuse him. “First light it is!”

  “Are your men armed and mounted?”

  He turned his head and spat. “We are all well-armed, Lady, have no fear of that. But Vanyr, that misbegotten spawn of a sea snake, requisitioned our horses for his own men.”

  “Let me take care of that. I will stop by the horse lines and pick good mounts for your men. Be sure to have them ready by dawn, Ky-shan. I do not care to be kept waiting.”

  She turned to
leave and Robin made to follow. Ky-shan caught at his arm and she barely heard his question. “Can she keep her side of that bargain?”

  Robin’s reply was sure. “The Major never makes promises she can’t keep. She won’t have to, though, I can assure you. Just make certain your men know the meaning of the word ‘obedience’. It holds a special significance in any company under Major Sullyan’s command.”

  The pirate remained silent and Sullyan smiled.

  Chapter Nineteen

  They were approaching their suite, Sullyan anticipating a cup of hot fellan and a bath before dressing for dinner. The smell of horses clung to her clothing, the result of an unsatisfying but ultimately successful interview with the Hierarch’s horse master. The man hadn’t known who she was, and it had taken Anjer’s note of authority to gain her what she wanted. While there, she had also checked on Drum and Torka, as well as Marik’s warhorse.

  Intent on her bath, she wasn’t happy at being waylaid by a member of the Velletian Guard, especially when the man planted himself stiffly in front of her and performed a barely respectful salute.

  She glared at him. “Yes?”

  “Your pardon, Lady, but the Lord General requests your presence in his office.”

  She waited, making him fidget. Finally deciding not to be difficult, she said, “Very well.”

  As he led the way, she cast a glance over her shoulder at Robin. He aimed a thought at her, showing her Vanyr’s expression as he drew his men away from the pirate’s compound. Grimly, she threw an image back, showing the vindictive Commander in an uncomfortable and life-threatening situation involving her sword. Robin stifled a snort. He knew how serious this could be.

  The guard led them through the Palace to a door which opened into a comfortable and spacious office. The room contrasted starkly with the sparseness of Sullyan’s own office back at the Manor, which was never used to impress as this one obviously was. The carpeting was rich and expensive, military banners adorned the walls, and the table was varnished to a high luster. There was gilding everywhere, and the faint scent of polish hung in the air. Sullyan wrinkled her nose.

  The guard ushered them inside, announced them, and left.

  Lord General Anjer stood at a huge window overlooking the inner Palace courtyard, his hands clasped behind his back. He didn’t speak or turn round, and Sullyan and Robin waited before the table in silence. The Major recognized the tactic.

  Eventually, Anjer turned and they both accorded him a respectful salute, Robin even remembering the correct style. Anjer smiled faintly before schooling his features, and moved to stand behind the table.

  “Major Sullyan.”

  “My Lord General.”

  Anjer sat. “I believe you have been to see the pirate, Ky-shan?”

  “You have been well-informed, my Lord.”

  Anjer’s eyes narrowed. “I have also been informed that you were involved in a duel.”

  “Have you, my Lord?”

  His lips thinned and his voice betrayed tension. “Well, Major? Is it true?”

  She couldn’t afford to push Anjer’s patience too far. Looking him full in the eyes for the first time, she replied firmly. “As dueling in wartime is punishable by death, my Lord, I hardly think so.”

  “Then what did Commander Vanyr see?”

  She permitted understanding to show on her face. “Ah. Commander Vanyr.” Her pause made Anjer frown. “What the Commander saw, my Lord, was a simple training session.”

  Anjer surged to his feet. “Don’t play games with me, Major. I’m not a fool! Training session? With a pirate?”

  She held his black gaze. “Ky-shan and I have come to an understanding, my Lord, whereby his men will accept my command. But if you cannot take my honest word on what transpired, perhaps you will take Ky-shan’s?” Deliberately, she lowered her eyes.

  After a tense pause, Anjer barked for the guard. “Fetch Commander Vanyr. Bring Ky-shan too.” As the man left, Anjer pointed a finger at Sullyan. “If I find you’ve been dueling, Major, then no matter what the outcome, the consequences will be serious. It will reflect very badly on his Majesty, who has placed his trust in you. I presume you realize that?”

  “Of course, my Lord.”

  Anjer subsided into his chair, his expression thunderous. While they waited in silence for those summoned to arrive, he studied her with what seemed to be a mix of exasperation and admiration. Sullyan remained calm and impassive, hoping Anjer was regretting summoning her on Vanyr’s say-so.

  Soon the guard returned, bringing a self-righteous Vanyr and a bemused but wary Ky-shan. The pirate’s wound was invisible to someone who didn’t know it was there, and Sullyan’s healing meant that he could move freely. She saw Vanyr staring at the pirate, his expression puzzled.

  Once the guardsman left, Vanyr snapped a salute. Ky-shan just stood looking from Anjer to Sullyan, who accorded him not one glance. She was radiating ease, but sensed Robin’s tension as soon as Vanyr entered the room. She wouldn’t give much for the Commander’s prospects if Robin ever came across him unarmed.

  Anjer stared at Ky-shan, but soon realized he would get no acknowledgement from the pirate. Pursing his lips, he addressed Vanyr.

  “Commander, repeat what you told me you witnessed earlier this afternoon.”

  Vanyr was only too eager to oblige. “My men had abandoned their exercises near the pirate’s compound, sir, and I went to see what had distracted them. The Major had entered the compound and I saw her and this ... this ruffian ... engaged in what was obviously a duel for leadership of his band.”

  He stopped, smiling smugly.

  Anjer heaved a sigh. “Ky-shan, what is your version of events?”

  Sullyan heard Robin’s uneasy shift. Ky-shan’s reply was crucial. She didn’t allow herself to react and saw Ky-shan’s eyes shift briefly from her own nonchalance to Vanyr’s insufferable righteousness. A nasty smile appeared on the pirate’s lips and she allowed herself to breathe.

  “My Lord, the ... Commander was mistaken. There was no duel to decide who leads my men. I lead my men, as always. But Major Sullyan and I have come to an agreement, and we will take her orders on the field of battle.”

  Vanyr rounded on him. “What a pack of lies! Do you expect us to believe that you just let her walk in there and sweet-talk you into following her? We’re not all fools, you know! I saw you, and you weren’t holding a dignified discussion. What the hell were you doing if not fighting a duel?”

  Ky-shan frowned. “Fighting? We weren’t fighting. Oh, you must mean our little fencing session. Really, Vanyr, you could hardly call that a duel. I was simply showing the Major some of the more useful strokes we practice on the eastern seaboard. I thought she might find them interesting.”

  Robin coughed to cover a snort of laughter and Sullyan could barely control the quirk of her lips. Vanyr’s face was a picture of outrage, his ire heightened by Ky-shan’s lack of respect. He opened his mouth to continue the argument, but Anjer rose to his feet.

  “Enough! Commander, go about your duties, and in future, keep your attention on your men. Leave the senior officers to conduct their own affairs.”

  Vanyr reacted as if slapped. He stared at Anjer with his mouth open. Then he made a sullen salute and a noisy exit. Robin shuddered, and Sullyan knew he had also felt the malice emanating from the man.

  Dismissing his humiliated subordinate, Anjer turned to the pirate. “Ky-shan, I trust you and your men will follow the Major’s orders implicitly over the coming weeks? Your future here depends on it. I hope she has made you fully aware of this.”

  Ky-shan stared back. “My men will do as they’re told.” His rough respect had clearly departed with the vengeful Vanyr. “We don’t have any objection to officers who give sensible orders.”

  Anjer wisely decided not to prolong the interview. “Very well, Ky-shan, you may go.”

  Once the pirate’s heavy footfalls had faded, Anjer spread his hands toward Sullyan. “I’m sorry, Major, I should have
trusted you. The Hierarch has told me the reasons that brought you here, and Ephan revealed what he knows of your reputation. I wouldn’t normally have taken Commander Vanyr at his word without consulting you, but these are troubled times. Dissention among our own I can do without.”

  “I understand, my Lord. Never fear, I will be taking Ky-shan’s band into the field at dawn tomorrow, so we will be out of the Commander’s way.”

  “So soon? Tell me, Major, how did you manage to gain that ruffian’s respect so quickly?”

  She gave him a winning smile. “Ky-shan may have shown me some useful strokes, my Lord, but believe me, I know a few of my own.”

  He held up his hands. “I don’t think I want to hear any more! I’ve taken up quite enough of your time. You must have duties to attend to if you’re going out at dawn. Do you have the equipment you need? Good. There’ll be supply trains in the field. Their runners will be told to watch out for you. I wish you good hunting for tomorrow, Major. No doubt I will see you at supper tonight.”

  Back in their rooms, Sullyan immediately shed her clothes to relax in the huge bathing pool. Robin joined her, and they spent a pleasant hour indulging their love, not thinking of the future at all, immediate or longer term. Once they were spent, Robin laid back, Sullyan cradled in his arms.

  “Brynne?”

  She was almost asleep. “Mmm?”

  “How much of a risk was that little episode this afternoon?”

  She smiled into his chest. “Which episode in particular, Robin?”

  “I’m serious! I meant the duel, of course.”

  “What duel? You heard what Ky-shan said.”

  “Sullyan!”

  She sighed. “Oh, it was a fair risk, Robin. You know my opinion of dueling. What occurred this afternoon was not an example I wish you to follow, but I could think of no quicker way to gain their respect. There was no time to win them over. I knew Ky-shan would never admit to dueling with a woman, no matter who won, and I was fairly sure I could defeat him. I must confess, though, he had me worried once or twice.”