After Savenek determined she was right eye dominant, he showed her how to hold the bow with her left arm.
“Good,” he said, watching her. “Now you need to learn how to stand.”
Savenek walked around Rema, surveying her body. She felt her cheeks warm, but she maintained her stance, waiting for Savenek to say something. He stopped before her and crossed his arms.
“What?” Rema asked.
“Turn to the side more.”
“Like this?” Rema asked.
“No.” He moved behind her to where she could no longer see him. Suddenly, his hands grabbed her hips, and he twisted her body to the correct angle. “Like this. Now spread your feet further apart, so they align with your shoulders.”
Rema did as he instructed, adjusting to the correct position. With his hands still on her hips, she was nervous. When Bren taught her how to shoot, he never touched her. He simply modeled how it was done, and she imitated him. With Savenek’s hands on her hips, she felt vulnerable and wondered if he was doing it on purpose.
“Is it necessary to touch me in order to teach me?” Rema asked, trying to sound confident, as if he didn’t unnerve her. Why was her body responding this way to him? She didn’t like Savenek that way and didn’t want the confusion his presence brought.
Savenek released her, taking a step back. “Don’t flatter yourself.” He picked up his own bow, and then proceeded to show Rema how to nock the arrow.
He made her practice nocking the arrow and getting into position with one swift motion. It came naturally to Rema, since she was familiar with a smaller bow. The only difference was the draw weight was heavier with this one, requiring more muscle, but she welcomed the change—it kept her mind off Savenek.
“Very good,” he said. “Now aim at the target.” Rema did as instructed. “If you shoot like that,” Savenek laughed, “you’re going to completely miss.” He came up behind her. “I’m need to touch you in order to show you the correct position, but this is in no way me coming on to you.” His hands slid down the length of her arms, slightly rising them. “You want to angle just above your target, like this.” His head was next to hers, his breath moving the hair near her ear. Rema shuddered. “Good.”
She felt his body against her back, and she held still, trying not to focus on feeling him; instead, she kept her eyes on the target. Like he said, it wasn’t as if he was doing it on purpose, he was simply trying to help her.
“Now focus on the target and release.” His hand encircled hers, pulling the string back. Then he released the arrow, and it sailed through the sky, landing on the inner circle of the target. “Excellent,” he whispered in her ear.
A shiver ran through her body. Rema knew Savenek was instructing her; however, his interactions felt strangely intimate. His behavior toward her lately was very different from when he first started training her. Why the change? Until recently, Rema was sure she hated Savenek and he her. Rema shook her head, trying to clear it.
“Care to make another bet?” she asked.
After staring at her for a moment, Savenek answered, “I’ve learned never to bet against you.”
“Oh, come on. Let’s do a simple wager this time. Person closest to the target gets to ask the other person anything they want. Loser has to answer honestly.” She raised her eyebrows, waiting for his response.
Laughing, Savenek answered, “You’re on.”
After choosing a target about forty yards away, Savenek put on his bracer and lined up to take the first shot. He nocked an arrow and raised his bow, steading it. He released the arrow, and it soared through the air, hitting the inner ring, dead center.
Savenek smiled down at her, and then took a step back, allowing Rema to take her position. She had practiced enough with Bren to be a decent shot, but this bow was unfamiliar. Rema nocked her arrow and raised the bow. She took several deep breaths before releasing it. The arrow landed just outside the inner ring.
“I take it you already knew how to shoot,” he said.
“Yes,” Rema replied.
“I still beat you.” He turned to face her. “Did Kar teach you how to shoot?”
“No.” Rema sighed and sat down on the leaf-covered ground. She’d never even seen Kar touch a bow, much less shoot one. Why Savenek insisted Kar was a soldier was beyond her.
Savenek plopped down next to her, waiting for her to continue.
“My friend, Bren. I was betrothed to him. When Lennek decided he wanted to marry me, he murdered Bren in order to end the contract. I saw Bren pierced in the stomach with a sword. I watched him die.” Tears filled her eyes.
“I had no idea,” Savenek whispered. “We can go.”
“No.” Rema shook her head. “I want to stay.” Being outside the castle walls made her feel more at home.
“Good,” Savenek said, clasping his hands together, “because you still have to answer my question.”
“I just did!” Rema exclaimed. “You asked who taught me to shoot, and I told you!”
“I don’t think so. That was friendly conversation, and you know it.”
“Fine.” Rema sighed. “What do you want to know?” When she made the bet, she assumed Savenek would win. She thought that maybe if they talked a bit, she wouldn’t feel so awkward or confused around this rough man.
“Out of all the girls throughout the entire kingdom,” Savenek said, “why did Lennek choose you?” His eyes bore into hers, as if waiting for some great revelation.
“I have no idea,” Rema said, lying on the ground, staring up at the sky.
“Why do you think? I suspect you have a decent guess.”
She did, but she’d never shared her suspicions with anyone—not even her aunt and uncle. This question was simply too personal to answer.
“You’re not reneging on a bet, are you?” Savenek chided.
Rema could lie, but she suspected Savenek would know if she was being truthful or not. “Let me ask you something before I answer.”
“Quit stalling.” Savenek threw a small rock at her arm.
“Why do you want to know?” Rema asked. If Savenek was simply seeking information to further his cause, then she had no intention of telling him.
“I’m curious,” Savenek said. “If you like, I can promise not to tell anyone.”
Rema turned her head in his direction, wondering how he knew the root of her hesitation. There was something about his eyes that made him look sincere.
Rema finally answered, “I ran into Prince Darmik in the forest one day. We were alone.” Savenek’s eyes widened. This was clearly something he hadn’t expected. Rema continued, “We spoke briefly, then Prince Darmik warned me that Prince Lennek and his men were nearby. He suggested that I slip away unnoticed.”
“Why?” Savenek asked. He shook his head in confusion.
“At the time, I thought he was protecting me from Prince Lennek.”
“And now?”
“I’m not so sure. Shortly after, I saw Prince Darmik at the governor of Jarko’s while I was delivering a horse with Uncle Kar. We spoke briefly. It was enough to garner my uncle and several stable hands’ attention. Prince Lennek was staying with the governor at the time.”
“What are you suggesting?”
“After my encounter with Prince Darmik, Prince Lennek demanded my acquaintance. I believe the brothers had some sort of bet, and I was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Savenek sat silent for a long time. Then he said, “I believe there’s a lot more to your story that you’re not telling me.”
“Perhaps.” Rema smiled.
“Or maybe it’s simply your blonde hair and blue eyes. I’ve never seen anyone with your coloring before.” Savenek stood and pulled Rema to her feet. He declared that they were done for the day. Savenek collected the equipment and returned it to the storage shed.
“Are you going to the gathering room tomorrow night?” he asked.
Rema and Vesha usually went to the game room after supper. “N
o, why?”
“Once a month, we have a free day. That happens to be tomorrow. No training or classes. Mako insists we spend the day with family. Then at night, everyone gets together in the gathering room for a celebration.” Savenek started walking back toward the castle.
Rema hurried to catch up. “Does everyone go?”
“Pretty much.”
“And tomorrow, will you spend the day with Mako?”
His eyes sliced down to her. “Of course. I consider him my father.”
Rema wished Aunt Maya and Uncle Kar were here. She would have loved spending the entire day with them.
“You haven’t answered my question,” Savenek said. “Are you going tomorrow night?”
“Oh . . .” Rema wasn’t sure. She wanted to talk to Vesha about it. “If Vesha is going, then yes, I’ll be there.”
They climbed up the hill to the fortress. At the top, Savenek turned and looked out over the treetops below. “Vesha always goes. Same with Audek.”
“Then I’ll be there.” The sight was breathtaking. The sun began to set, and the sky turned a bright shade of orange.
“Good,” Savenek answered with an awkward look. “I’ll see you there.” He abruptly turned and went inside the castle, leaving Rema standing alone contemplating this new, and much nicer, Savenek.
****
Mako and Savenek left the fortress before sunrise. Since Rema was alone, she spent the morning reading. In the afternoon, she decided to go to the barn. After a ride, she brushed down River, feeling centered and refreshed.
Upon returning to her bedchamber, Rema found Vesha waiting for her. Vesha wasn’t wearing her training clothes; instead, she had on a plain, light gray dress.
“What’s the occasion?” Rema asked as she took a seat in the chair opposite her friend.
“There’s dancing in the gathering room tonight!”
Dancing? Savenek had only mentioned a celebration. No wonder Vesha was excited. She most likely got to dance with Savenek. Rema gave Vesha a knowing smile. “That explains why you’re all dressed up.”
“No.” Vesha’s grin faded. “Savenek sits with Mako and the other adults for the entire evening. He never dances. I think he’s afraid to miss anything. He is so focused on overthrowing the king, that he doesn’t take time to have any fun.”
“What about everyone else?”
“Just the people our age dance. The children play games while the adults sit around, drinking.”
Rema wondered why Savenek had asked her if she was going. He was probably just trying to be polite by making sure she knew about it. Rema chuckled; she never thought she would think of Savenek as polite.
“Do you dance?” Rema asked.
“Of course!” Vesha said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
“Why do you like Savenek?” Rema asked. She hadn’t seen Vesha and Savenek together very often, and when they were, he didn’t seem to pay any particular attention to her. Not that he was unkind, but he seemed rather indifferent toward her.
“I suppose it’s his dedication,” Vesha answered frankly. “He’s so passionate about what he does—it’s contagious. And I find him quite handsome.” Vesha blushed.
Rema did not find Savenek even remotely handsome. When she first met Lennek and Darmik, they stole her breath with their regal beauty. Savenek, on the other hand, was rather plain.
“I’m surprised that Savenek has never talked to me about the rebel’s cause.”
“Mako must have ordered him not to. He was probably afraid Savenek would scare you off. He can be a little intense.”
“And you find that attractive?” Rema asked.
“Have you seen him wield a sword?” Vesha smiled. Rema nodded. Savenek was extremely graceful and skilled when it came to fighting. “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t find that attractive. Now, go change before we’re late.”
Rema found herself reluctantly agreeing with her friend.
Darmik
Darmik had sent a messenger late last night, calling up the Tenth Company of soldiers he kept on reserve. They hadn’t been needed since Darmik became Commander of the King’s Army. The person in charge of the company, Farnek, was a middle-aged man with a large family. Darmik appointed him as captain because not only was Farnek a skilled soldier, capable of organizing and leading several squads of men, but Farnek desired to be near his family. The position of captain for this particular company afforded him the opportunity of a prestigious job close to home.
Farnek entered Darmik’s office. “Commander.” He saluted Darmik and waited for instructions.
“Sorry to request your presence on such short notice,” Darmik said, “but you and your company are needed.”
“Of course, Commander,” Farnek replied. “I am at your service.”
Darmik closed the door, giving them the privacy needed for this conversation. Darmik pointed to the chair before his desk, indicating for Farnek to sit. Darmik took the seat opposite him.
“Half of your company is going to be temporarily assigned to Prince Lennek,” Darmik said. Farnek’s jaw twitched, but he didn’t reply. Darmik continued, “We are having a . . . game, if you will. Who can find the fugitive first. You will aid Prince Lennek in his quest for victory.”
“Is this truly a game? Or simply a training exercise?” Farnek asked.
Placing his elbows on the table, Darmik clutched his hands together and rested his head on top of them. “Neither. This is real. You will be hunting Rema.”
Understanding dawned on Farnek’s face. “Of course, Commander. We will aid in her capture.”
Lowering his voice to a whisper, Darmik said, “If the half of your company should be victorious in capturing Rema before my men and me, I want you to see to her safety.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t understand.” Farnek leaned forward, also lowering his voice to a whisper.
“I want you to personally make sure Rema is not harmed. The rules of the game state that she will be executed here, on the castle grounds. I want to bear witness to the event.”
Farnek nodded. “Of course, Your Highness.”
“I don’t want her delivered here half-dead. If she is, I won’t have the opportunity to interrogate her. I want her unharmed—or you’ll be released of your position.”
Farnek’s eyes widened. Darmik had never made such a threat to any of his men before, but he needed to make sure Farnek understood the importance of these instructions.
“And there’s one more matter,” Darmik said, leaning back on his chair. “A man that goes simply by the name of Captain will be joining Prince Lennek on this venture. I want to be perfectly clear; you only accept orders from Prince Lennek, not Captain. Understood?”
“Yes, Commander.”
“Good.” Darmik looked directly into Farnek’s eyes, holding his attention. “I’m counting on you. Don’t disappoint me.”
****
Standing at the front of the courtyard in the military compound, Darmik gazed out at his men from the Tenth Company, one thousand in all. Nervous energy radiated from them. He’d never called them up before. They’d never been needed—until now.
Captain stood to Darmik’s right, Farnek to his left. Clearing his throat, Darmik said, “Thank you all for arriving on such short notice.” His voice echoed against the stone walls. Clouds filled the sky, concealing the sun, casting a dull, gray haze to the courtyard.
All one thousand men stood dressed in full uniform at attention.
“I’d like to start off by informing you that this is not a drill,” Darmik said. Captain’s presence next to him grated on his nerves. Darmik took a step forward, away from Captain and Farnek, in order to distinguish himself and maintain authority. “As some of you may know, a small, rebel resistance is brewing in the villages. These insurgents have managed to capture Rema, a prisoner sentenced for execution. Our mission is to recapture her.”
Darmik clasped his hands behind his back. He walked in front of his men, taking the focus away from Captain a
nd Farnek. “You will be split in half. Two platoons will go with me, and two platoons will go with Prince Lennek.”
There was a slight intake of breath. Lennek had never shown any interest in the army. “Captain Farnek will be assigned to Prince Lennek.”
Darmik choose not to acknowledge the man from Emperion right then. Captain was currently dressed in nondescript clothes—probably so he could blend in with the soldiers.
“Brother.” A voice rang through the courtyard, and all soldiers dropped to one knee.
Darmik spun around to find Lennek strolling toward him, a smile across his face. He was dressed in riding gear, his black cape billowing behind him.
Lennek clasped Darmik on the shoulder. “Ready to lose your position as Commander?” He chuckled. “I, for one, am dying to find the slut and see you humiliated.”
Darmik was well aware Lennek’s voice carried to most of the soldiers. As unprofessional as Lennek’s behavior was, it worked to Darmik’s advantage. His men needed to know what was at stake.
Darmik turned to face everyone. “Rise,” he commanded. The soldiers stood, awaiting orders. “To make things a little more interesting,” Darmik said, “the king has decided to turn this into a game.” He annunciated the words carefully, making sure to convey his disgust for what was about to take place. He had no intention of losing, and certainly wouldn’t hand his army over to Lennek permanently. Darmik would save Rema, and he would save his army.
Lennek smirked as he waved Captain over.
Before either man had the opportunity to step in, Darmik continued, “As I was saying, half of you are going to be following Prince Lennek’s command, and half mine. The rules are simple—the first to find Rema wins. We depart in one hour. Dismissed.”
Ignoring everyone, Darmik went directly to the weapons room for supplies.
“The Emperion freak is in the barracks, talking to your men,” Neco said from the doorway.
Darmik took two additional daggers, strapping them to his arms. “I believe he’s an assassin. If I were you, I’d be careful what you call him.”
Red (The True Reign Series) Page 15
