by Cas Peace
“Hold on!”
The powerful stallion plunged forward. Sullyan cut and slashed as Drum squealed, barreling through the wall of men. She heard Robin yell somewhere off to her right and hoped he was winning free. A large body of warriors surged toward her and she groaned. She couldn’t hold out much longer. She nearly sagged with relief when she saw they were Marik’s troops. Suddenly she was free of attackers and running for the trees. Jay’el, still desperately gripping the stirrup leather, was carried bodily forward by the racing stallion. Sullyan risked a little power to stem the blood flow from her wound and numb the pain, and then she grabbed the boy by the back of his jacket, hauling him up to sit behind her. Terrified and exhausted, he clung to her waist with both arms. She looked dizzily round for Robin, but it was Marik who came up behind her.
“Go on,” he yelled, “we’ll finish them!”
She rode hard and fast for the camp, trusting Marik to rout any pursuit. As she rode, she looked anxiously about, but although she saw many of the pirates, there was no sign of Robin. When she reached the campsite, she slowed Drum to a walk. Ignoring the trembling boy behind her and her own throbbing arm, she rode about the men, searching frantically for Robin. He wasn’t there.
He rode in a few minutes later, escorted by Almid and Kester, who were trying to keep him on his horse. Ki-en lay like a dead weight across Torka’s withers and as the horse slowed and halted, one of the pirates came forward to take the unconscious boy. Relieved of his duty, Robin slowly slid from his stallion’s back and collapsed in a heap on the ground.
“Robin!”
Sullyan leaped from Drum and ran over. She kneeled beside Robin, hastily examining him for injuries. His chest heaved raggedly, his face was grey and lined. Someone brought a brand from the fire, and its light revealed the red and spreading stain on Robin’s side. As Sullyan touched it, he briefly opened his eyes, gazing into her agonized face. “Sorry,” he breathed, and fainted.
She yelled for help and tore open his jacket and shirt. When she saw the nasty sword slash in the flesh of his side she gave a hiss of shock. Heedless of the dangers of using her metaforce yet again so close to Rykan’s position, she placed her trembling hands against the tear, using her power and slowly willing the blood to stop. Almid and Kester remained beside her and others crowded round to see what was amiss. Ky-shan rode in and she heard him curse and shove someone roughly out of the way as he came to kneel by her side.
“What can I do, Lady?”
“Fetch brine rum and water. Quickly, Ky-shan!”
He ran. When he returned, she used the strong liquor to cleanse the deep gash in Robin’s side, examining it minutely for signs of dirt. Then she rinsed it. Finally satisfied it was fully clean, she laid her hands on it again to begin healing. A movement beside her caught her attention as Jay’el, trembling and frightened, pushed past the twins to kneel on the bloody ground.
She heard his gasp of fear. “Will he be alright, Lady?”
His face was pale and his eyes flicked from her to Robin, unable to hold her gaze. She rounded on him, her anger blazing brighter than the watch fires earlier that evening.
“If he is, it will be no thanks to you, you thoughtless little fool!” Her snarl was savage and Jay’el reacted as if slapped. “What were you thinking? You have brought about the deaths of at least two good men tonight, both of whom were worth twenty of you. You have caused grave injury to my Captain, and if he suffers a fever—or worse—I will personally see you pay dearly. You put the entire company in jeopardy and compromised your father’s promise to me. You have been surly and intractable from the start, and I have had enough of your adolescent behavior. You think you are a warrior? You are a child and a liability, and I will not tolerate it!
“Now I have extra work to do tonight before I can rest. Your friend Ki-en is gravely wounded, and if he dies of it, I hope you will remember who is to blame. Get out of my sight before I am tempted to remove you permanently. You have no place in the company of men!”
Jay’el lurched to his feet, tears of shame running down his cheeks. He tried to appeal to his father, but Ky-shan shoved him roughly away before stooping to pour brine rum over the awful gash in Ki-en’s upper thigh. The young lad was out cold from a blow to the head and had lost a lot of blood.
Sullyan turned back to Robin, striving to calm her mind enough to work more healing on him. Just then, Marik and his freed retainers arrived, euphoric from their liberation and the slaughter of Rykan’s troops. They congratulated their lord, speculating how much the price on his head might have risen because of their night’s work. Sullyan barely heard them, intent on Robin’s wound.
Someone kneeled down beside her, his arm brushing her right shoulder. She gave a yelp of pain and turned to see Marik, the pleased smile fading from his face when he noticed the blood saturating her sleeve.
“Sullyan, that needs attention. Robin will be well for the moment. Let Almid and Kester care for him. You need help too.”
She wanted to protest, but lacked the strength. Instead, she allowed Marik to lead her over to their fire where he stripped off her jacket and shirt in order to examine her wound. Fortunately, the crossbow bolt had not embedded, but it had torn a nasty hole in the muscle. Damping the pain, she allowed the Count to use brine rum to clean the tear and bandage it. By the time he was done, Almid was carrying Robin, still unconscious, over to the fire. The giant laid the Captain down and Sullyan saw that his side had been bandaged. His color was a little better, but she would be happier when he woke. Gently, she touched his mind, but he was deeply unconscious.
After shrugging a spare shirt carefully over the chemise she wore as an undergarment, Sullyan accepted her heavy cloak from Marik. She huddled into it. Blood loss and the shock of her wound, coupled with fear for Robin, was making her shiver. She rose and crossed to where Ky-shan was still tending Ki-en. The young lad’s face was bloodless and he lay very still. The pirate took one look at Sullyan and tried to persuade her to go and rest, but she expended a little power on Ki-en first, trying to stabilize him so he could survive the night. Then she left him in the twins’ charge. They laid him beside Robin so they could watch over both of them during what remained of the night.
She did her rounds, Ky-shan protesting all the way, but she had to satisfy herself of the men’s condition. Apart from the two who had died trying to defend Jay’el and Ki-en, they had lost five other good men. There were many injuries, but none as serious as Ki-en’s. Sullyan advised, congratulated, and commiserated with the band, noting the looks of gratitude and respect they accorded her. That last act of selflessness—putting her own life and her Captain’s at risk in order to rescue two of her men—had won the pirates over.
Finally, she made her way to Marik’s campfire. The Count was very worried by her pallor and sent her summarily back to her rest, saying that he and his men were well and they would speak in the morning. Dizzy and weary, leaning on Ky-shan, she complied.
Once back at her own fire, she checked that Robin and Ki-en were comfortable and warm. Drum had been curried and fed, a blanket tossed over his back. Her fire had been stoked and radiated a welcome heat. Ky-shan helped her sit and Almid pressed a mug of fellan into her numb hands. When she sipped it and tasted the rum, he prevented her from refusing it. Both twins sat watching her intently while she took every drop. Ky-shan organized the watches, and with no other duties to keep her, she rolled carefully into warmed blankets and quickly fell asleep.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The first thing Sullyan did when she woke in the freezing dawn was reach for Robin’s mind. There was a weak but cheerful response. Rising stiffly, she went to kneel beside him. She examined his wound, relief flooding her when she found it clean and free of infection. His face was pale, but his eyes were clear, and he smiled at her concern.
“How do you feel?” she asked.
“Sore.” He winced and she laid her hand on him to lend him some strength.
Almid and Kester were a
lready busy by the fire, heating fellan and preparing breakfast. With a final caress of his cheek, she left Robin and crossed to where Ki-en lay. He was still unconscious. Carefully, she reached into him with her senses, finding a little fever and much weakness due to blood loss. By expending more power, she was able to damp down the fever, but could do little else. He was a fit and healthy young man apart from the wound, and his chance of survival was good.
Once more she did her rounds, telling the men they would rest that day. At Marik’s campfire she gratefully accepted his offer to supply guards and sentries for the day and night. She acknowledged Nazir as he thanked her for her part in their liberation. When she returned to Robin, Kester had helped him sit. She folded herself down beside him and he suddenly noticed the dried blood on her jacket sleeve.
“You didn’t tell me you were injured too!”
“Easy, Robin, it is only a minor wound. It has been tended and will heal well. I am much more concerned for you. I could not bear it if you became trapped here too.”
There was a sudden movement behind her and Ky-shan stepped into view. “Trapped here, Lady? What do you mean by that?”
She frowned, annoyed he had overheard. The last thing she wanted was to explain her situation. She decided to give him a half-truth. “I have an ... affliction, Ky-shan, which prevents me from travelling the Veils and returning to Albia. Hence my decision to join the Hierarch’s forces.”
He looked unconvinced. “And the Skip? I take it he doesn’t share this affliction, so why is he here?”
Robin chuckled weakly and took up Sullyan’s hand. “Why do you think?”
Ky-shan’s face cleared and he gave his rumbling laugh. “Ah, you are spliced! Yes, we had wondered.” He winked suggestively at Robin, who smiled.
Silently, Sullyan thanked her lover for diverting the pirate’s attention. His hand tightened briefly on hers. They sat companionably, eating breakfast and drinking fellan. Robin’s mouth fell open when Sullyan accepted Ky-shan’s offer of a tot of brine rum in her drink, and watched in amazement as she savored every drop.
When the pirate surged abruptly to his feet, Sullyan glanced up, noting his thunderous expression. She followed his gaze to where Jay’el stood fidgeting a few feet away, his head hanging, his face ashen, his sword held naked in his hands. Beside her, she felt Robin go tense.
Refusing to meet the young pirate’s gaze, she said coldly, “What do you want?”
He jumped as if struck. His father stirred, but Sullyan raised a hand to stay him. Slowly, Ky-shan sat.
Jay’el hovered a moment longer to gather his courage. Finally, he came forward and kneeled at her feet. He placed his sword on the ground between them, and then sat back with his eyes downcast. The surrendered sword sent a clear message to Sullyan, yet she made no move toward it. She stared at the boy with hard, emotionless eyes.
“I ask again. What do you want?”
His head came up. He had obviously expected another tongue lashing, not a question. His voice was hoarse as he spoke. “Lady?”
She remained silent, offering no help. He licked dry lips in confusion, and after a few more awkward moments managed, “Lady, I want to apologize.”
She looked away. “I am not the one you should apologize to.”
His clasped hands trembled. “But I shouldn’t have disobeyed your orders, Lady. I shouldn’t have endangered your life, or those of the men. I was wrong to force Is-kel and Sh’iye to follow me.”
Her reply was hard, unforgiving. “Your apology comes too late for Is-kel and Sh’iye. It may not be too late for Ki-en, I cannot say for sure. I ask you one more time, Jay’el. What do you want?”
He stared at her expressionless face. His eyes were full of shameful tears and his face flushed bright red. With shaking hands he slowly reached out, taking up his sword by the blade. He raised it and held it out to her, bowing his head. His voice was a choked whisper.
“I want to pledge to you, Lady. I want to atone for my willfulness. I want to serve you and the Skip. That is, if you’ll have me after what I’ve done against you. I’ll pay for my mutiny, Lady. I’ll take whatever punishment you think I deserve.”
He fell silent, still holding the sword out while tears rolled down his cheeks. Sullyan regarded him, gauging his sincerity. She ignored the pleading look on Robin’s face, begging her to forgive the young man’s rashness. Ky-shan’s face was closed, holding no clue to his feelings. He was obviously content to leave his son’s fate in her hands.
She sighed and grasped the sword, which Jay’el released to her. She spoke his name, forcing him to look her in the eye before she would continue.
“Jay’el. I hear your words. My Captain has forgiven your disobedience and asks that I do the same. I cannot deny that my heart argues against it. What I said yesterday still stands, but today I will grant Robin’s wish. You are pardoned. I cannot speak for Ki-en, and no one can speak for Is-kel or Sh’iye. Your heart will bear that burden forever.”
His head dropped and he nodded, tears still welling from his eyes.
“Take back your sword.” She held the blade out and his hand closed on the hilt. When she didn’t immediately release it, he started, his eyes leaping fearfully to hers. Her voice was low and menacing as she held his frightened gaze. “Let me warn you, boy. If you ever do anything so damaging again, you will find no forgiveness left in me. Greater men than you have crossed me and learned to regret it. Now, I suggest you devote your time to your friend there. If he survives—and only if—I might reconsider your place under my command.”
She released the sword so abruptly he almost dropped it. Ignoring his stammered thanks, she rose. His father rose to follow her and she heard him growl to his son.
“That was more merciful than you deserve, you worthless chunk of shark-bait. I’d have strapped you to the mast and flogged you.”
* * * * *
Despite the healing Sullyan had given him earlier, as the morning wore on it became clear that Ki-en was going to need more intensive care. His fever had lessened due to Sullyan’s touch, yet he showed no sign of waking. Jay’el sat beside him, talking to him, holding his hand, keeping the wound clean and his skin cool. The younger lad’s face remained bloodless and unresponsive, and Sullyan grew concerned for his survival.
Robin spent the morning using his metaforce to heal. By midday he had gained enough strength to sit his horse without going grey, so Sullyan made the decision to move Ki-en to the field medics’ camp. The pirates made him a litter, which they slung between Almid’s and Kester’s horses. Jay’el rode close behind.
By late evening they arrived at the field medics’ camp and Sullyan conferred at length with the elderly Master Healer. Linking together, they probed the young man, dismayed when they found that the shock of his wound and the blow to his head had caused a blockage in his brain. When Sullyan gave him the news, Jay’el reacted with anguish and reeled away from the tent where Ki-en lay. Sullyan let him go. Through the cold night hours, she and the Master Healer labored over the young lad. By dawn they had managed to disperse much of the clotted blood and swelling that was pressing on Ki-en’s brain. Sullyan returned to her fire exhausted and immediately sank into sleep.
Ky-shan and Marik took charge of the camp. Robin concentrated on healing and gaining strength, as he was desperate to avoid being left behind when she and the pirates rode out again. He also spent time with the distraught Jay’el, who was convinced that Ki-en’s condition meant he would be sent away in disgrace.
It was mid-afternoon before Sullyan woke. She smiled over at Kester, who crouched beside the fire brewing fellan. His sheer bulk, coupled with the fellan’s distinctive aroma, reminded her forcefully of Bull and she had to fight down a sudden lump in her throat.
A commotion on the edge of their camp caught her attention and she looked up in surprise as General Ephan rode in. She watched him dismount and ask a question of one of Marik’s sentries. The man pointed her way, and Ephan strode over to her. She was about
to rise when he gestured at her to remain seated. Foregoing the usual formalities, he seated himself by her fire, wordlessly accepting Kester’s offer of fellan.
While he drank he glanced appraisingly round her well-ordered camp, noting the men who were resting, seeing to the horses, or cleaning gear. He studied Robin, who was moving more fluidly now that the soreness of his side had eased, and he watched Marik, who was doing his rounds of the sentries with Nazir.
Finally, he turned to Sullyan. “So, Major, I see that the tales of your military expertise were correct. The Lord General was right to trust in you. I received the Captain’s reports of your success, but I wanted to see for myself.”
Pleased with his praise, Sullyan inclined her head. “What is the position of Rykan’s main force now, General?”
Ephan gazed at her. “That is the other reason for my visit, Major. In the light of yours and other units’ successes, and the arrival of more of the Hierarch’s reserves, Anjer has called a war council. You are required to attend.”
She nodded.
“Leave your men to continue their strikes, and present yourself to the Lord General at dawn tomorrow. He has set up a field command ... here.”
Anjer’s location appeared in Sullyan’s mind. Then she noticed Ephan regarding her narrowly and sharpened her attention.
“Bring an honor guard, Major, and also ... Count Marik.”
She raised her brows. “So he can pledge his allegiance?”
Ephan nodded.
“I will bring him, General.”
The tall man rose and returned his cup to Kester. “I must congratulate you, Major. You have done well so far. Anjer is impressed. His Majesty is also pleased, though I know he will be concerned to hear of your injuries. He charged me to tell you to be careful.”
