Frank-KWar

by Kynyr's War [lit]

  I love you, Kynyr. I'm doing this because I love you.

  Kynyr released her and flopped onto the ground beyond the boulder, his tongue lolling from the side of his muzzle. Run again, Kady?"

  "Can you do it again this soon?"

  "You bet."

  Kady pulled herself together and ran.

  * * * *

  The Town Hall of Wolffgard could have been one of Maldwyn Softpaws greatest achievementsif Claw Redhand had not decided to dabble again in architecture. It was a magnificent Sharani-style building with a marble columned portico and statues of the Patron Saint of Literature, Karren Teylur, on pedestals throughout the front and rear gardens. Unfortunately, Claw had insisted on adding leering gargoyles to the roof.

  Luciano Albertus stared up at the gargoyles, shaking his head at the odd hybrid architecture. He held in his hands the signed ownership papers to his new shop, which had cost him one hundred Sharani double-gryphons. The shop had belonged to a Baroucha Seaver, who had had no surviving family. Her shop and its contents had been seized by the crown and sold to him as is. Luciano looked forward to cataloguing the goods in the shop and discovering what all he had purchased above and beyond the building itself.

  He strolled down Main Street, whistling to himself, nodding to the lycans he passed. Some nodded back and others looked at him as if he were a lunatic. Luciano did not care. He and the apothecary, Atreius Ivanstern, were the only two humans living in the village. There were twenty human women living at the Refugee Camp, but so far as Luciano could discover, they never came into the village. There was also that fellow who had married the chieftain's daughter and lived at the manor a twenty-minute walk south of the villageMalthus Estrobian. Luciano had known some Estrobians, and he wondered if Malthus were any relation to them.

  Luciano found a young girl, clearly human, sitting on the boardwalk in front of his new shop, crying. What's wrong?"

  "Everything. She turned her tear-streaked face up to look at him.

  Luciano sat down beside her. Where did you come from?"

  "Skeleton Creek. She reached inside her bodice and produced a letter, which she handed him.

  Luciano opened it and read.

  Dear Bella Montegna,

  While I would not normally employ a human, I also understand your desire to be safe from the war. Your training in bio-alchemy and apothecary science is impressive.

  I most definitely require more help these days as I am no longer young. Therefore, I am willing to employ you on a probationary basis. If I am satisfied with your ability after six months, I will make your employment permanent.

  Sincerely yours,

  Baroucha Seaver.

  Luciano imagined what she must feel, having come all this way alone through dangerous territory in hopes of a job and a home in a safe area. Dear girl ... She's dead without heirs. The property reverted to the crown and I purchased it just an hour ago."

  "I've nowhere to go and very little money."

  Luciano nodded. Well, the vandals wrecked only the front room of the shop. There are six bedrooms. If you want, you can stay with me and help me repair the shop."

  "That would be wonderful! Bella threw her arms around him and kissed him.

  Luciano repressed a wince and got to his feet. Come along."

  Bella shouldered her knapsack and followed him inside. What kind of shop is it going to be?"

  "A mage shop. His eyes roved the debris of broken jars and bottles on the floor. No effort had been made to clean it up.

  Bella ran her eye over him as if sizing him up for the first time. You're a mage?"

  "No, I'm a spiritworker. Luciano bent down and picked up a bottle that turned out to be unbroken. He placed it on a counter and looked about with a critical eye.

  "The place sure needs cleaning."

  He nodded, picking up a jar and kicking some of the larger chunks of debris into a pile as he walked. Why don't you take your things upstairs? The big bedroom on the north end of the hall is mine. You can use any of the others that strike your fancy."

  "Okay. If you can find a broom, I'll sweep the front room out."

  Luciano opened the door to the backroom, noting that except for the bloodstains on the floor, the room and its contents were undamaged. Can you cook?"

  "Reasonably well."

  "Good. I've been told I burn water. Luciano spied a broom leaning in a corner and took it out to Bella. Here. Get your things settled and have a go at the floor."

  Digging in Baroucha's desk for pen and paper to start a tally of the supplies on the shelves and in the cabinets, Luciano's hand closed on a small bottle that he hoped was ink. It lay far back in the drawer and he took it out.

  When he opened his hand, Luciano saw that he held a bottle that had no label, the liquid had a faint purplish tinge, and he picked up the lingering vibrations of death on it. His instincts screamed poison.'

  He heard Bella start sweeping, and he wondered if there were more to Baroucha's decision to hire her than what that one brief letter implied. Luciano put the bottle in his pocket, deciding to get a locksmith over as soon as possible, and make certain that he had rooms that Bella could not get into.

  * * * *

  Kady bathed and changed into a robe, feeling weary and relaxed as if all the tension of the past months had drained out of her. Consummating her commitment to Kynyr brought peace to her heart. Cullen had always shied away from the topic of marriage; Kynyr embraced it. Where she had been the one to bring it up to Cullen; Kynyr had brought it up to her first. Sometimes Kady felt as if all she had been to Cullen was a convenient hole to sink his bone into. Cooley seemed the proof of that belief and that Silkie had been the only bitch Cullen ever really loved.

  She returned the volume on early lycan sexual customs to the bookcase in the library. I don't need that any longer."

  Then she went looking for Cahira. Kady found her in the back room of the shop, grinding herbs. Will you Read me?"

  Cahira set her bowl of herbs aside. What's wrong? Don't you feel well?"

  "I want to know if I'm pregnant."

  "So you finally did it? Cahira lifted an eyebrow, gripped Kady's wrist and Read her. You're not pregnant."

  "Ever since I saw his father's body ... how similar they looked ... it was like seeing Kynyr dead. I couldn't bear it. I couldn't keep saying no."

  "I see. Has he caught you in wolf form yet?"

  Kady snorted. Took him less than an hour. I thought it would be harder than that."

  "Only if the bitch is very experienced with wolf form and woodcraft like Aisha was."

  Kady's lips compressed in a look of bemused rue. Send for the seamstresses. Wedding dress, here I come."

  Cahira chuckled. Kynyr spent almost as much time in wolf form as human when he was a cub. It won't be easy to stop him from catching you."

  Kady sighed and hung her head. I realize that now."

  Cahira patted her hand. Actually, it's good he caught you so fast."

  "What do you mean?"

  "The first mating in wolf form turns your hormones inside out. He can't get you pregnant so long as you remain in human form. It also served as a form of early birth control. Your hormones won't switch back to neutral until after you have conceived and delivered a cub from a wolf form mating."

  "So all I have to do is stay human?"

  "Are you in love with Kynyr?"

  "Yes."

  "Then you had best not put it off too long. You see Kady, Divine Law, as handed down by the Mothers, holds that if you have not become pregnant within a year of your first wolf form mating, Kynyr will be forbidden from touching or marrying you."

  "I really have screwed up, haven't I? Kady's voice broke, she swallowed, and tears ran down her face. I guess ... I should just ... let him do it."

  Cahira shook her head. It's not that simple. She opened the book to the entry and began explaining each item under the topic. You are honor bound to make it as difficult as possible. You're supposed to be testing his streng
th, his cleverness, and his determination. I'm good at wolf form. I'll teach you. However, that means we must go out together in wolf form ... and any time that you are in wolf form, Kynyr has the right to mount youif he can catch you. So we'll have to be sneaky about it. He can't touch you in human form without your permission. That includes stealing kisses."

  "Does Kynyr understand all of this?"

  "I'll have Todd explain it. Have you filed your intentions?"

  "We're going to do it today."

  "Pandeena will explain more of it. Todd and I will be your witnesses."

  "I appreciate that."

  * * * *

  Caimbeul dismounted and wrapped the reins of his bay gelding to the tie post in front of the shrine. He remembered telling Odhran that he wished to buy a better horse, but had never gotten around to doing so. Lately, the desire for things that had once seemed important had faded. He could not say whether that was agehe felt more tired with each passing dayor frustration because he had so far failed to establish a clear link between Malthus and the trouble in Wolffgard.

  He knocked and then opened the door when he heard Pandeena shout, Come in."

  She sat at her desk laying out papers on the table with a morose expression.

  Caimbeul glanced down at the title. Wild Cousins Courtship papers? Who's the lucky couple?"

  Pandeena glared at him. Kynyr Maguire and Kady Sinclair."

  "Todd told me about it a week ago. A belly laugh erupted from Caimbeul. No wonder you're looking out of sorts. The Redhands have always resisted your charms."

  "Mortals! They make me crazy."

  "Well, while they're making you crazy, have a look at this?"

  Caimbeul drew the note found on Baroucha's body and the note that he had had Kynyr write. I think the writing matches."

  Pandeena looked them over with a critical eye and began pointing out the similarities. I assume the one with the blood on it is from Baroucha's shop?"

  "Yes."

  "Whose is the other?"

  "Kynyr Maguire."

  "Are you going to arrest him?"

  "Nah. Baroucha needed killing. I would rather it had been done legal. I had spies watching her shop ... trying to connect her to Malthus. Kynyr must have found the connection. The problem is going to be in getting him to either confess or tell me what he knows about her."

  "Kynyr's a lot like Todd. You can only push him so far and then he starts to push back."

  "I've noticed. Caimbeul pulled a chair over and straddled it with his arms draping the back. Another thing ... another reason I won't haul Kynyr in... He scratched his chin, leaving the sentence unfinished.

  Pandeena's blue eyes took on a serious aspect. Shall I venture a guess?"

  "Go ahead. Someday you might even learn to second-guess me."

  "I already can, Old Lecher."

  "Prove it."

  "It's the same reason you didn't arrest Tarrant when he helped Todd execute Alistar Weems."

  "Wrong. Close, but wrong. Nobility isn't above the law, they just think they are. Kynyr is the last male heir. If dragged him in and had him hung for Baroucha's murder, the effect on Red Wolf would be devastating, whether they realize they have a prince at this point or not."

  "There's still Merissa's babes."

  "No, there isn't. I've come across something strange and I'm not ready to give you any particulars yet. He paused. Have you got some whiskey around?"

  Pandeena fetched a bottle and glasses. She poured for both of them. I'll ask no questions and you'll tell me no lies?"

  "Right. Caimbeul drank his in a single swallow. I stumbled upon some bitches. They're pregnant, but the genetics have been deliberately blurred. At first glance, the cubs they're carrying seem to be lycan, but there's something else there."

  "How does this affect Merissa?"

  "I'd bet my life on the possibility that what's growing in her belly isn't lycan."

  "Sa'necari?"

  "Yeah."

  "What about Brock?"

  "If he was coming home, don't you think he would have by now?"

  * * * *

  Pandeena regarded Kynyr and Kady with an expression closed to the point of utter emotionlessness. She had tried to get used to the idea after Kynyr broke it off with her. Looking at his handsome face left her feeling a bit cranky and she had to admonish herself to be tolerant. After all, it had been many years since she had dealt with mortals over such a prolonged period. If she were as unscrupulous in love as her grandmother was, then she would have simply carried him off to her enchanted garden and left him no choice, save to spend the rest of his days making her happy.

  Todd stood behind the young couple wearing his best robe and trousers. The knowing look in his eye suggested that he knew about her little fling with Kynyr, and knew a lot more about how hard she had chased Tarrant. That quelled Pandeena's ire, and she repressed a sigh.

  Maybe I'm just in love with love. I haven't felt anything as strong as what I see on their faces since ... since I first met Padruig.

  Wearing a pale blue traditional robe that matched her eyes, Cahira stood with her arm linked through the circle of Todd's arm. Pandeena could see love there too. Old love that had become more fondness than passion.

  Pandeena tapped the three copies of the document, which she placed upon her writing table before their arrival. It has been years since I presided over a Wild Cousins Courtship. Have you consummated your intentions in wolf form yet?"

  Kynyr nodded. This morning."

  Kady blushed.

  "No backing out now. Pandeena thumbed at the quill and ink. Sign and date all three copies. Kynyr first."

  That was soon accomplished and they turned to Pandeena again. She forced a smile. One copy for Kynyr. One for Kady. One for the Clerk of Records at the town hall."

  Kynyr slipped his arm around Kady's shoulders. What now?"

  "Well, first I have a few matters to explain and then I will want to speak with each of your alone in the chapel. I assume you have memorized your prayers for this one?"

  They both nodded.

  "Good. First off, you have one year and a day to quicken Kady's womb, Kynyr. If at the end of that time, Kady's womb remains barren, you must forever forswear all contact with each other before the Gods."

  Kynyr squeezed Kady. We understand."

  "Good. Now, Kady, you must swear not to make it easy upon Kynyr to catch you. You must use all of your wits and cleverness to avoid being caught, short of extreme physical violence, and conquered. Kynyr, you must pursue her with a single-minded determination to mate with her. This must be a true test of whether or not you are worthy to produce cubs with Kady. Determination, strength, cleverness, audacity, and stamina."

  Pandeena indicated that Kady and Kynyr should accompany her into the shrine.

  "Disrobe completely. Pandeena ordered.

  They obeyed.

  "Kneel at the altar and say your prayers together."

  They did."

  "Change."

  They did so. Kynyr's ears were perked and his eyes eager. His tail tocked back and forth. Pandeena grabbed him by the ruff. Kady gets a head start. Run, Kady."

  Kady bolted from the shrine, skidded on the dirt, and headed around the back. She ran through the cemetery, jumped the briars and sweet pepper bushes where weeks ago she had been attacked by Preece, and darted into an elm thicket, leaping from boulder to boulder at every opportunity to make it difficult for Kynyr to track her, and soon found herself standing at Lavender Creek. She had never learned to swim.

  She prowled up and down the bank, trying to decide what to do. If she turned back, Kynyr would be on her in a flash. Then she heard Kynyr behind her. Kady did not know anything about this place, having never been so far from the village before. The wind changed and now she could smell him, aroused and eager.

  She glanced frantically around, spotted a ledge of smooth boulders jutting above Lavender Creek. Kady leaped for them only to discover, as she skidded toward the water, that t
hey were slick with spray and algae.

  She had time for a single frantic squeal before landing in the waters.

  They called it a Creek, but recent rains had left it swollen. It was deeper than she expected and she sank. Kady fought her way to the surface, paddling madly as the swift current caught her, spun her around, and pulled her down again. Once more Kady fought her way to the surface, gasping for air as her head emerged from the water. She blinked to clear her eyes and saw that she was being swept toward a patch of jagged rocks.

  Gods, help me.

  She hit the rocks with stunning force, and the current dragged her under.

  I'm drowning. Oh gods, I'm drowning.

  Teeth closed upon her ruff, and a much larger, stronger wolf lifted her head above the water. Kady came up coughing and snorting, gasping for breath. The current pulled at her, but her rescuer strove against the rain-swollen stream with powerful strokes. She felt dizzy with relief when she felt the soil beneath her paws. He released her ruff and nudged her up the bank.

  Once she was on dry ground, Kady shook herself to get the water from her fur. Before she could finish, Kynyr mounted her.

  Kady snarled. You could let me get dry first ."

  " You're bewitching when wet." Kynyr grunted as he poked her.

  Kady moaned and panted, pushing against him. Having sex as a wolf satisfied her on a deep primal level as she felt him swell inside her. Gods, that's good. That's so good."

  Once they locked together, Kynyr laid his head between her shoulders, making a noise that sounded suspiciously like a chuckle. Let's do this again, Kady."

  "You're not worth drowning for."

  "That's not what I meant."

  "Oh hell. Fill my belly. Gram's started the wedding dress."

  "I'm working on it."

  * * * *

  Two hundred infantrymyn, sixty cavalrymyn, and several dozen archers with longbows barred the road, spread out in skirmish line, and ready for trouble. Seven Aroanan paladins mounted on their big wynderjynsa temple-bred unicorn-horse hybrid, sat at the head of the force.

  Fergus MacFie raised his arm and signaled a halt, sweeping an appraising glance across their opponent's forces. As stout and muscular as a prime bull, redheaded Fergus MacFie made a striking figure.