Frank-SQuest

by Serpent's Quest [lit]

  "Yes. Clodagh noticed that her kettle was steaming. She put the tea leaves in a small ceramic ball that hung from a tiny chain, and dropped it into the teapot before pouring the hot water over it.

  Clodagh noticed that Laleyna was as swollen as Kandaishee and shivered. That one had to be his also, for the lycan youths had not begun using the sa'necari that early. Ystina was not showing yet, but that did not mean that it might not be his.

  Oliffyia and Tryphaina, also sa'necari, arrived next, and seeing the others nakedness, disrobed without comment. Clodagh saw the way their bellies had begun to round, and a hollow, heartsick feeling settled in her chest and stomach. Malthus child. Malthus child. Oh gods.

  Kandaishee brought Ethne, one of the humans, last. Ethne looked hesitantly about her. Disrobe, Kandaishee said, as she shrugged out of her loose shift. It's the best way to do this."

  Ethne nodded, and removed her clothing.

  "It would be best if we sat in a circle on the floor, said Kandaishee, taking a place with her back to the half wall into Clodagh's sleeping room.

  To set the example, Clodagh joined Kandaishee and sat at her right hand. Clodagh sucked in a breath to strength her resolve, and reached for Kandaishee. Give me your hands."

  "You're really going to do this? Ystina asked.

  Kandaishee extended her wrists. Clodagh's hands shook with an extremity of trepidation as she touched the seals and opened them with a word that worked only for Clodagh, because she had been attuned to the seals. Deep-rooted fears of sa'necari, made worse by the violation of her mind and body by Malthus, made her tense.

  "Freedom doesn't change me, Clodagh. I'm still your friend. Relax. Kandaishee rubbed her wrists with an expression of relief as her powers surged back to her. She turned her awareness inward. Yes. My child is his. Who next?"

  "Me, Clodagh said. I've been used by all of them, but I think I felt it happen with him."

  "I would not be surprised. It's a fairly common womanly talent among my own people, said Kandaishee. She placed her hand on Clodagh's belly, and Clodagh felt the tickle of Kandaishee's Reader's gift. I'm sorry, Clodagh. It's his."

  Clodagh's shoulders sagged.

  The others looked hesitant, as if dreading the knowledge. So Kandaishee took charge. Come, Ystina. You next."

  Kandaishee Read Ystina. The child is lycan."

  "Can you tell which one sired it? He's made me sleep with all of them, said Ystina.

  "Not without having the possible fathers here to compare the genes with."

  "That won't do, said Clodagh. I can't afford to get into trouble."

  "I hope it's Odhran's. He's the only one who doesn't get rough with me."

  Clodagh flinched. The love that she had felt for Odhran drained out of her, knowing that he was using the females in the camp. The dream she had once held of becoming his mate and bearing his children, which she had harbored since childhood, dissolved like a bitter powder in water. She became lost in her unhappy thoughts and barely heard the rest of it.

  As she had expected, Oliffyia and Tryphaina's bellies contained Malthus offspring. Laleyna and Ethne's were lycan.

  The sound of Oliffyia crying drew Clodagh back from her troubled musings. She rose, fetched a small glass and a bottle of Dragonsbreath from the cabinet. Clodagh pressed a glass of the powerful Dwarven whiskey, more famed for its strength than its taste, in Oliffyia's hands. I think you need this more than tea."

  Oliffyia nodded, and sipped it.

  Clodagh turned to Kandaishee. I never believed sa'necari were so fertile."

  "We're young and not deepened in the rites, said Kandaishee.

  "But what about him?"

  Kandaishee considered for a moment. His mother is human and a bio-alchemist of great talent. This could be her doing. She's also a half-breed. Her mother was a sylvan harem-slave. Kandaishee extended her wrists to Clodagh. Put them back on before I lose my nerve."

  "At the rate your people are using us, Clodagh, every woman here will be pregnant by mid-winter, said Tryphaina.

  Clodagh restored the cords and seals to Kandaishee's wrists. The look of pain that crossed Kandaishee's face made her stomach clench.

  "Even during our menses, they come to us. The smell excites them. Ystina said.

  Clodagh looked weary. That's because we're wolves who became myn. When the wild cousin comes into season, she bleeds.

  "The story goes that our packs were being hunted to extinction on a distant world in a realm called Skawtsslund. We appealed to the moon, and she sent us Navaryn who made us myn. Navaryn led us through the world gate to this place and we settled here."

  * * * *

  Malthus arrived at Claw's door holding a bouquet of wild roses behind his back. His nieces, who were being watched by Kandaishee, had enjoyed the morning gathering them for Merissa. All felt right in his world.

  The door opened and a nibari stood there. Who have you come to see?"

  "Merissa. I'm Malthus."

  "Please follow me. The nibari led him from the foyer into the main hall where Claw sat whittling. He looked up.

  "Malthus? he growled suspiciously, leaning around to see the flowers. I know you didn't bring those to me."

  Malthus lips drew together in a roguish smile. They're for your daughter."

  Merissa descended the stairs and entered the room wearing her carding dress. Malthus gave her a bright, eager smile and brought the flowers out.

  She laughed. Oh, they are beautiful, Malthus!"

  "I spent all morning gathering them near the falls."

  Merissa hugged him. Malthus kissed her chastely on the cheek.

  Claw made a grumpy noise. If you're set on courting my daughter, remember this, sirrah, last one that hurt her, I ate his heart."

  Troyes heart? Malthus swallowed back his reaction, placed the flowers in Merissa's hands, and faced Claw. I assure you, Lord Claw, my intentions are honorable."

  "It's just Claw. And, keep them that way."

  "On my honor, I swear it. Malthus gazed at Merissa. Walk with me, darling?"

  "Yes."

  A nibari came up to them smiling and extended her hand to Merissa. I'll put them in water, mistress."

  "Thank you, Isbeth, Merissa said.

  Malthus walked with his arm around Merissa and her head leaning on his shoulder. They left the house, crossed the yard, and walked down a narrow path through the trees. Sunlight shimmered in patches on the ground like a scattering of jewels. His hand stole up and brushed the base of her breast as he kissed her cheek. Merissa stiffened momentarily and then pressed more firmly against him. He cupped her breast and felt her nipple harden through the fabric. I am in love you with you, Merissa."

  She looked away from him. Malthus..."

  Malthus voice softened until it was like a little boy's full of woe. Have you no feelings at all for me? You said the other night you loved me."

  She shifted in his arms, turning half away from him, yet not quite rejecting his nearness. Her ginger hair veiled her face from him, so he could not see her expression. I feel confused. Frightened. I have made so many wrong decisions."

  "Just because you made a single mistake, is no reason to reject love."

  Merissa tensed. Two mistakes. I have had two lovers. Both sa'necari. I never expected to fall in love with a human."

  Malthus stopped walking and pulled her into his arms, cupping both of her breasts. Let me make love to you. Let me show you how much I love you. He could simply have shoved his power into her mind and body, rendered her incapable of resisting, but he did not wish to take her that way and reveal himself. There were too many dangers to trying to take Merissa. She could have wards from her two previous sa'necari lovers, or her mind could be stronger than it seemed. Certainly she had a core of strength or she would never have been able to insist upon her rights to bear Darmyk.

  "I love you, Malthus. But please don't ask for more than I can give yet."

  Malthus lowered his hand to her waist and continued to hold her.
So be it. I love you enough to wait. I want to marry you, Merissa."

  "I will think about it."

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  THE NEW PRIEST

  Pandeena sauntered onto the bridge over the Eirlys River dressed in green and brown ranger leathers, pants and tunic, bow at her back and arrow case at her side, sword and two knives buckled to her belt. Seven lycans rushed out to face her. An eighth emerged from the sheltering trees in human form, and she noticed immediately that he did not wear the runes of a lawgiver. It should have been a lawgiver who met her here if they were going to question her right to cross.

  "Peace brothers, she said. I'm Pandeena Moonbow. I have heard you needed a priest."

  "Are you a priest? the older male asked.

  "I am indeed. Priest to both Tala and Willodarus in their guise as joint guardians of the wolves. She drew her silver runes and the symbol of a bear holding the lunar orb from beneath her tunic and flashed them at the lycans.

  The leader eyed her closely. A wolf priest?"

  Pandeena favored him with a cheeky smile, extended her arm, and allowed it to change. And lycan."

  "Come across, fur-sister, the lycan leader said. You will need to meet with the chieftain."

  "The chieftain? Why not the lawgiver? Pandeena wondered what was going on. She had learned from a lycan at Hell's Widow about the dead priest, and thought it a fine opportunity to ease her way into the community. However, she had heard nothing about problems with the lawgiver.

  The other wolves changed to myn and stared at each other.

  The leader rubbed the back of his neck, and refused to meet Pandeena's eyes. We have no lawgiver. He's dead."

  Dead, not missing? Was the Serpent killing all the lawgivers? Pandeena wondered as she crossed the bridge.

  "I'm Odhran, he said, extending his hand to her. They clasped hands and sniffed each other's fingers.

  Satisfied, Odhran took her to Claw's house and knocked on the door.

  Isbeth appeared. What is it?"

  She frowned at the unfeminine clothing and said nothing at all about it. Some of the females who ran with the Battle-clans dressed that way. But in general very few bitches did so.

  "Who's this, Odhran? Claw sat in the Great Hall to the left of the foyer, smoking his pipe, and playing checkers with the handsomest young dog wolf Pandeena had ever seen.

  Odhran dipped his shoulders to Claw. A priest answering our request for someone to take Old Tempest's place."

  Claw's eyes raked Pandeena. You're a priest?"

  Pandeena showed him her runes. I am."

  "You don't look like much of one, Claw grumbled testily.

  Pandeena's brows arched, her back straightened stiffly, and her head came up at a proud tilt. Why? Because I'm female?"

  "Another crotchety female, Claw chuntered. No. Because you're dressed out like a Battle-Clansmon or one of those freerangers that show up here sometimes. Can you use all that weaponry?"

  Pandeena gave him a bright smile. And more."

  "You're gonna need it."

  The young blond wolf gave her a bow of his shoulders. I'm Kynyr Maguire. The chieftain is right. Lady?"

  "Pandeena Moonbow. She flashed Kynyr an appreciative smile, and turned back to Claw. Because of the rebellion? I thought it hadn't reached here yet."

  Claw mumbled low, and Pandeena failed to catch all of it.

  "What was that?"

  "I said, don't be too sure. There's been a lot of deaths in the valley. A steading was wiped out northeast of here and the attackers spoor was strange. Like nothing I've ever seen. An eastern Battle-clan was destroyed. Something's out there in our forests."

  "I can take care of myself, if that's what you mean."

  "I hope so. You're an attractive young bitch and I wouldn't like to see something happen to you."

  "Like what happened to your lawgiver?"

  Claw shot Odhran a sharp look. He told you?"

  "I asked him. It isn't normal for a commoner to be doing the work of a lawgiver."

  Claw bristled and went hairy on her. Imps got him. Grief killed his mother a few days later. Our old priest is dead, and the bitch that ran the refugee camp was killed and eaten. Possibly by imps, but possibly not. Some children from the local farms have gone missing and we've not been able to pick up a trail on them."

  "Whose side are you on in this rebellion?"

  "Ours. Whatever it takes for my people to survive."

  "Our people. Pandeena crossed and extended her hand to him. He sniffed her.

  "Lycan? I expected you to be human."

  Pandeena shook her head, her eyes narrowing. If you side with the Sharani, or try to remain neutral, and should the queen win, Queen Tomyrilen will take a tithe of our people for her rites."

  "They were taking tithes already. I want no part of the queen."

  Pandeena's smile broadened. That's what I hoped you'd say. Just between us... She glanced from Claw to Kynyr to Odhran before finishing her statement. With nothing of this being spoken beyond this point..."

  The three males nodded.

  "The gods have promised us help. Teakamon, shepherd of the wilds, is in the valley, as is Hathura Waveskimmer and Lokynen the Battle-Master."

  A long, low whistle escaped Kynyr.

  Claw's eyes lit with hope. Praise the guardians."

  "Yes, indeed. I'll have you a lawgiver as soon as possible. I know several who trained as such, but haven't been given a see yet."

  "Thank you. Odhran will show you around, get you settled."

  "We'll speak further, chieftain."

  "Yes, we will."

  "If there's anything I can do for you, just ask, said Kynyr, earning himself a bright smile from Pandeena.

  Odhran showed Pandeena through the village. She strode along, attracting every eye with her unfeminine garb and her golden beauty.

  "You'll live in the old priest's home beside the shrine. It's built on the western edge of the refugee camp, explained Odhran. If there is anything you need, just ask."

  "I appreciate that, but Kynyr offered first."

  * * * *

  Malthus had been lounging against a tree, talking to Shalto and Oswyl when he saw Odhran coming toward them with a pretty young lycan. He swept his eyes over her and licked his lips. He had never seen this one before.

  "Come everyone! shouted Odhran. Come meet our new priest."

  Clodagh emerged from the longhouse, flinching when she saw Odhran, recovered herself, and crossed the yard to hold out her hand to Pandeena. Welcome, priest."

  "Pandeena. Call me Pandeena."

  Clodagh smiled at her. I'm Clodagh. I supervise the camp, although I suppose you'll be doing a lot of it now. The priest always has the governance here."

  Malthus blinked. That slip of a girl was a new priest? Where had she come from? How did she know they needed a priest? His agents had killed the lycans messenger before he could get beyond Hell's Widow. He caught Shalto's eye and nodded toward Pandeena. Awfully pretty for a priest."

  "Much better to look at than old Tempest."

  "Shalto, my friend, you're learning. Another threat to be eliminated.

  They sauntered over and studied Pandeena.

  She spied Malthus and offered her hand to him. I am Pandeena Moonbow, priest to the Guardians, Tala and Willodarus."

  Malthus extended his awareness through the palm of his hand and took a quick assessment. Lycan, but with the stink of power, and heavily shielded from enchantary prying. The wolves produced albinos more frequently than mages. Something was distinctly odd about her.

  Pandeena withdrew her hand as a frown flitted across her features.

  "I'm Malthus Estrobian. I live at the camp with my nieces. Malthus felt a quiver of worry. Had she detected his attempted intrusion? Was she mage gifted in some way? Except for Cahira, he had not heard of a lycan with that gift in a long time. Perhaps it was a priest gift of some kind.

  "You're one of the refugees?"

  "Yes. My niecesmy ha
lf brother's childrenare sa'necari born. We escaped the clutches of the queen and came here. Tempest, our priest, was teaching the girls to embrace the Light. They've had no teacher since the deaths of the priest and the lawgiver. I hope that you will be stepping into their shoes."

  "I will be. Pandeena turned to Odhran. You have a schoolroom?"

  "Yes. It's attached to the shrine."

  "Explain to the mothers that I want all the children there tomorrow, bright and early. I'll have a lesson planned for them."

  "I'm very helpful around here, Malthus interjected. If there is anything you need, ask."

  Pandeena gave him a look that Malthus could not interpret. I will. Now, Odhran, explain a few things to me. How many children?"

  "It's just the camp children. Religious training, writing, and reading."

  Malthus watched them walk off together. His gums itched around the sheaths of his fangs and he licked them. Something was not right about this. If she got in his way, she would meet the same fate as the others. And, yet, he coveted her, almost as strongly as he did Merissa. He found it difficult to say which was the more lovely. With Beth gone, he had been using Clodagh and Kandaishee most often. He wanted something finer. If he had not encountered her shields, he would have gone after this new priest. Her youth suggested inexperience, but her shields suggested otherwise. She was a disturbing enigmaone that he wanted to discover more about.

  "Well, what do you think of her, Shalto? Malthus asked.

  Shalto grinned. I may have to put it to her."

  "Shall we discuss it over a tankard? I'm buying. Maybe he could let them handle her.

  Oswyl nudged Shalto.

  "Yeah, let's get one, Shalto said.

  * * * *

  The Shrine to Willodarus proved to be a simple building, a square box with two wings, located in a shady yard with grass and flowering hedges. Pandeena liked it.

  "We gave it the best we knew how, Odhran said, opening the door and gesturing for Pandeena to enter ahead of him.

  "I'm sure you did. Pandeena gazed about her, taking it all in as she stepped through the doorway. That young bitch, Clodagh I think her name was. She kept looking at you strangely."

  Odhran looked uncomfortable, staring at his feet. Your holiness..."