Steel And Sorrow (Book 2)

by Joshua P. Simon

  “The Yellow Clan all over again,” muttered Ufer.

  Tobin understood. Many felt that Nachun had left the Blue Island Clan in a poor situation as they finished the campaign against the Yellow Plain Clan. The shaman had returned to Juanoq shortly after the first victory on the Yellow Plain in order to oversee research for his journey to Quarnoq. Few doubted that Nachun’s presence would have ended the conflict sooner.

  “Nachun was not at fault. Blame my father for poor planning and not foreseeing the Yellow Clan’s tactics.” He paused. “Or blame me for not being more decisive. I had hoped to settle the matter in battle, but I underestimated the Yellow Clan’s strategy.”

  After chasing the Yellow Clan’s surviving forces for months across the expansive plain without success, Tobin’s patience had reached its limit. He turned to Actur, their capital city. Mawkuk had captured the city earlier in the campaign so he faced no resistance upon entering. Tobin gathered up all the men, women, and children left in the city and separated them in three distinct groups. He sent word to the Yellow Plain Clan with his intentions unless he received their surrender. He would kill one man the first day, two the next, three the day after, and so on. Once the male population ended, he would move to the women and then the children. If the army attempted to retake the city, he’d kill everyone in one mass execution.

  It took ten days and the deaths of fifty-five men before the army arrived. Tobin hated himself for killing innocents, but he rationalized that those fifty-five men had saved thousands from dying in battle.

  “If Mawkuk would not have failed in his duties before the first battle, we would have beaten them more soundly and finished them sooner. It is his fault more than yours, Warleader,” said Ufer.

  “Mawkuk will have his chance to contribute greatly in our campaign against the Green Forest Clan. I feel confident he’ll use the opportunity to redeem himself.”

  Tobin met Odala’s eyes. She gave a slight nod. She worried about her father and he tried to do anything he could to ease her mind.

  Ufer leaned forward and whispered. “I know you are fond of her, but I wish you would not allow her in our meetings.”

  “We’ve discussed this before,” said Tobin in a low voice.

  Ufer turned to Walor for support. “It isn’t anything personal,” said Walor. “We worry that she may say something in passing without realizing her error.”

  Tobin shook his head. “Look at her.” Odala played with the hem of her dress. “Her motives for being here are to be near me. She knows that nothing leaves this room.” He cleared his throat, raising his voice. “That’s all for now.”

  Tobin caught the surprised expressions on Walor and Ufer’s faces as he chose not to go over strategy. He had time for that later. After all, his men knew their responsibilities. They only needed the exact date of departure.

  The door closed silently behind the Kifzo and Odala rose from her seat. She sauntered over to him and they met in the center of the room.

  “I’m glad that’s over with,” she said in a voice that caused Tobin’s heart to race.

  He pulled her close. “I thought you liked to watch me work.”

  “I do. But I missed you.” She wrapped her arms around him. “And I’d much rather be doing other things than simply watching you work.”

  Tobin gazed into her deep brown eyes. “Well, we’re alone now.”

  The corners of her mouth turned up slightly. “I thought you had another meeting to go to before dinner.”

  Tobin shrugged. “I’m Warleader. I can afford to be late.”

  Her grin turned into a wicked smile.

  * * *

  Odala left the war room out of breath and weary. Yet, she wore a smile nonetheless. Since their relationship began, Tobin’s passion had become infectious and she missed him during the day when his duties kept them apart.

  At first the horrors of Tobin’s past had frightened her, but she realized that he had little control over the things he had been forced to suffer through in his youth.

  And despite those atrocities, he managed not to lose the good within him as other Kifzo had.

  Even now when she thought about that night when Tobin had threatened her father in Cypronya, she understood it was a means to an end. Tobin may have threatened her father, but he did not kill him. And just like tonight when Ufer questioned her father’s actions, he not only defended the Gray Marsh Clan leader, but also found a way to improve his standing.

  She bit her lower lip while thinking about the hungry look in Tobin’s eyes when they had made love.

  Do I love him?

  “There you are.”

  Odala jumped. She whipped around and saw her brother walking toward her.

  “You nearly scared me to death.”

  “Perhaps if you were paying attention to where you were going, the sound of my voice wouldn’t have startled you.” Soyjid stopped a few feet from her and looked around the empty hallway. He lowered his voice. “We were supposed to meet half an hour ago.”

  “Sorry. I was busy.”

  Soyjid’s eyes wandered over her body. He reached out and straightened her dress. “Yes, it’s obvious what you were busy with.”

  Odala blushed, suddenly self–conscious of his gaze.

  “Remember, that while you’re enjoying yourself, I’m trying to look out for our clan. Or have you forgotten about Father?”

  She scowled. “Of course not. In fact, Tobin said that Father would be given an important role in the upcoming campaign.”

  “Good. And how did Walor and Ufer react?”

  “They didn’t seem pleased. They still blame him for the problems in conquering the Yellow Plain Clan.”

  Soyjid sighed. “They aren’t completely wrong. Father did make a mistake in his approach. However, Bazraki did little to help matters and Tobin should have ended things sooner.”

  “What’s your point?”

  “That the Kifzo will continue to blame someone other than Tobin for any failings. Bazraki is dead, so if anything goes wrong against the Green Forest Clan, I’m sure they will look Father’s way again.”

  “Tobin will defend him,” said Odala.

  “But for how long? Tobin must act in the best interests of the Blue Island Clan. Otherwise, one of his men may do to him what he did to Bazraki.”

  Odala remained quiet. She hadn’t considered that possibility.

  Tobin will find a way. He is too smart not to.

  Soyjid changed the subject. “What else did you learn?”

  “Nothing new. His council droned on about the same boring updates and Tobin pushed back his discussions on strategy with Walor and Ufer until tomorrow because he wanted to talk to me.”

  Soyjid’s eyes narrowed. “I see.”

  “Can I go now? I’d like to freshen up before dinner.”

  “No doubt. I have one more thing for you to do. When you see Tobin again tonight, I need you to convince him to let me sit in on these council sessions.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Because your reports are growing more incomplete each day. I need more if I’m to continue helping our clan. Can you do it?"

  “I don’t know,” she said, hesitant. “Tobin might—”

  “So you would turn your back on your own family? I’m glad Father isn’t around to hear this,” Soyjid hissed.

  “Don’t say that.”

  “Why? It’s true. But don’t worry, I’ve kept a lot from him.” He gestured to her dress. “He doesn’t need to know everything, does he?”

  The shift in Soyjid’s voice as he spoke the question caused Odala to tense. “I’ll talk to Tobin tonight.”

  Soyjid grinned as they started walking. “Cheer up Sister, at least now you won’t have to attend the meetings.”

  * * *

  Odala’s head lay against Tobin bare chest. She watched his muscles rise and fall with each breath. Her finger drifted over to a scar near his stomach and she traced it to his hip.

  He has every right to
be an awful person, but he’s only treated me with kindness. Soyjid is wrong. Tobin will protect Father. If for no one else, than for me.

  She sighed.

  “What’s on your mind?”

  She craned her head toward Tobin. His face wore a look of concern.

  “I’m just thinking about Soyjid.”

  “Is he well?”

  She smiled. Tobin always seemed concerned over her brother’s health. “He’s fine. Remember, he’s just thin like our father.”

  “Then what’s wrong? Is there something I can do?”

  Odala tensed and after a moment made her decision.

  “Actually, yes. He wants to sit in on your council meetings.”

  Tobin sat up and Odala did the same. “Is he serious? You know I don’t just let anyone into those meetings.”

  “You let me.”

  “That’s different.”

  She saw the stern look in Tobin’s face and knew she had to press. “I know. But, this would mean so much to him. He hopes that once you’ve united Hesh, he might be able to return to the Gray Marshes. He is in line to lead our clan when Father passes. He wants to be ready for that moment and wants to ensure that he won’t do anything to offend you.”

  Tobin mulled over her words. “I’ll think about it.”

  “Please do this, not only for him, but for me. He could become an assistant to you, not just sit in on your council. What better way to learn how to be a leader? Besides, you know he is wise beyond his years. He may surprise you.”

  Tobin shook his head and smiled. “Again, I’ll think about it.” He pulled her close. “But not now. Let’s forget about everything else for awhile.”

  They kissed and Odala knew immediately that Tobin had made his decision.

  Chapter 4

  Krytien leaned against the railing at the bow of the galley as it sliced through rolling waves. In the distance, gulls circled Estul Island, diving for their meals. Krytien found peace in the mundane nature of the scene, a break from the worries of the task ahead of him.

  His gray robes flapped in the cool wind, and despite the warm sunlight, goose-bumps sprouted across his skin. If he had half a brain, he’d be below deck and out of the crew’s way, but his growing anticipation wouldn’t allow it.

  The school of Cadonia’s mages held such a mythical place in Krytien’s mind that he doubted it could live up to his expectations.

  His shoulders bunched.

  A short, wiry man came up beside him. Kroke whipped out a blade and picked at his nails. “You look a little tense.”

  “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t.”

  “You ain’t scared of a bunch of upstarts are you?”

  Krytien chuckled. “These are more than a bunch of upstarts. They were trained by one of the greatest mages in recorded history. Even their weakest should be well-versed in the basics from a technical standpoint.”

  Kroke sheathed the blade and pulled out another, switching hands. “So you are scared?” He grunted. “I’ll have to remember this day.”

  “I’m not afraid of spoiled brats whose parents had the money to pay for their education,” Krytien snapped. “I’ve faced off against mages who had twice their talent. They aren’t better than me.”

  Kroke cocked his head. “Never said they were. Just giving you a hard time is all.”

  “I know. Sorry.”

  Kroke sheathed the dagger and folded his arms. “So, what’s it about this place that bothers you so much?”

  Kroke usually wore such an indifferent attitude that the intensity in his stare took Krytien aback.

  “It isn’t just the people who live here, it’s the place itself,” said Krytien. “I was once someone with a natural talent and no means to cultivate it. An old mage named Philik befriended me and eventually gave me the robes I wear to this day. He had been schooled on this island and planned to write a personal letter that would have guaranteed me entrance.”

  “And what happened?”

  “He died before he could write the letter. When he died, so did my dreams. This place,” said Krytien, gesturing to the ever-growing island before them. “has haunted me ever since. The great unknown of what could have been.”

  Kroke bobbed his head. “So, that’s why you tried to get out of coming?”

  Krytien nodded.

  “And I thought it was because of Kaz.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Kroke pulled out a knife again as the mood of the conversation changed. “I just find it odd that he sent us both along. I mean, I can see why he wanted you to come. Still, Jeldor has a couple of black robes who actually trained here. Why not send them instead?”

  “Kaz said it was important for me to come.”

  “And me? What purpose do I serve here?”

  “To watch my back I assume.” He smiled. “And to listen to my sob stories.”

  Kroke flashed a rare grin. “Perhaps.”

  “What about Drake? Kaz was adamant about him coming along too.”

  “Somebody has to spy on us.”

  “What?”

  “I don’t blame the kid. I doubt he even knows. But I bet Kaz asks Drake his version of what went down to see if we hold anything back.”

  Krytien chuckled. “And I thought Raker was the paranoid one. So what do you think were Kaz’s reasons for singling us out?”

  “To get us away from the army. He tolerates me, but there is little love between us. And I think he doesn’t like you questioning his decisions.”

  “That’s always been my role.”

  “Under Ronav? Sure. Jonrell? Yes. Kaz?” He shrugged. “He’s a different man than either of them.”

  Footsteps drummed behind them as the captain barked orders to his crew.

  Krytien asked, “Why do you think others follow him so easily?”

  “For some, who’s in charge matters little. This life is all they know. Others, like Hag, genuinely like him. But I think most follow Kaz out of memory of Jonrell. It was no secret they grew close in the short time they were together, almost as close as Jonrell and Cassus used to be. I think those people hope Kaz ends up like the man Jonrell was.” Kroke shrugged. “He hasn’t botched things up so far.”

  “Is that why you follow him? Out of hope for the future?”

  “I’m not sure, but that’s probably part of it. I guess he hasn’t given me a reason not to yet.”

  Krytien scratched his jaw. “He did the right thing by seeing this through with the queen. Jonrell would have wanted that.”

  “Yeah. But he didn’t have many other options either. He can’t exactly go home if he doesn’t know where home is.”

  “Home is where you make it. I’ve called the Hell Patrol my home and family for most of my life, and you have for over a decade. He doesn’t strike me as the kind of man who would just up and abandon those around him on a whim.”

  “You never know what a man will do until he is presented with the option.”

  * * *

  Drake found a spot on deck away from the bustling activity. He had considered joining Kroke and Krytien at the bow if only so he could catch a better glimpse of Estul Island. But the thought came and went.

  He still had yet to feel much closeness with many of the old hands. For those like Kroke and Krytien, he lacked the common ground that he shared with Raker to overcome their age difference. Drake had tried and failed several times over the voyage to connect with the mage and assassin.

  I wonder if they blame me for what happened.

  His knuckles turned white as he balled his hands into fists. Jonrell had died, murdered by Drake’s friend Mal, someone he had known better than anyone.

  I saw how unhappy Mal was and I let it go. I should have done something. But, I never thought he was capable of that. He sighed. That’s got to be it. They resent me for my part in taking Jonrell away from them. He was their friend more than their commander.

  Drake realized that he felt the same about Kaz as others did about Jonrell. Traini
ng at night when nearly everyone else slept, Drake would see glimpses of the black warrior few others ever saw. Kaz did whatever he could to help Drake succeed, all while listening to the boy’s ramblings. At times, Kaz even shared the occasional joke.

  But some of the old crew still see him only as Jonrell’s replacement. And Kaz isn’t blind to that.

  Kaz instructed Drake to search the library at Estul Island. He even had the queen sign off on doing so in hopes that Drake would be able to find some hidden bit of information that might help them on the battlefield.

  A lover of books, and having devoured a great deal of the queen’s personal library, Drake jumped at the chance until he began asking himself why.

  He posed the question to Kaz while they sparred. “Why not just ask Krytien or Kroke to look at the library? Raker will be shorthanded if I go.”

  “Raker can handle things here. You’re better suited than the others to decide what’s of use and what isn’t.”

  Something in Kaz’s tone had caught Drake’s attention. “You don’t trust them completely, do you?”

  Kaz looked off into the night. “No. I don’t.”

  “You don’t think they’d do anything to hurt the Hell Patrol?”

  “No. Never that. But they have little love for me. They only follow me because I’m finishing what Jonrell started and they don’t wish to tarnish his memory.” He paused. “They won’t do anything that might harm what I’m trying to accomplish. I just wonder how much they would do in order to ensure I succeed.”

  * * *

  Kroke sheathed his knives long enough to grab his bag and fling it over his shoulder. He ran his free hand through his hair, damp from the ocean spray, and brought it around to the back of his neck. Scratching at the stubble on his chin, he stepped off the ship and onto the dock, aware of the looks cast his way from sailors. Most seemed relieved, though few dared to meet his eyes.

  Kroke stopped cold as one burly fellow caught his attention, a man he had noticed throughout the journey.

  Always eyeing me and then whispering in someone’s ear.

  The sailor set down a massive crate. He looked to his left and right, gaining confidence from the two at his sides. All three moved toward Kroke.