by M. L. Greye
He grunted. “I think it’s more who than a what.”
“You?”
“Well, I doubt they’re here for Aeorin,” Zedgry replied dryly.
The Relivaynts began to form a protective wall around Lady Aeorin, who was now on the back of a soldier’s horse, her arms around his waist. Will found himself as part of this wall at her left, right alongside Zedgry. He was surprised at Aeorin’s expression. She was visibly fuming.
“You do not know that.” Her voice was hushed. Will had to lean in to hear. “They may not be planning to attack at all.”
“A precaution, m’lady,” the captain said, his voice also low. “If anything does happen, you are to ride hard for your home and warn your father.”
“I can ride by myself.”
“And have your father take my head?”
Aeorin scowled. “He would sooner take mine than even consider yours.”
“Stay with Prestin.” The captain peeled his horse away from Aeorin to the front of his men and began forward again.
As one, Will and the others followed after him. They were almost to the center of the oval-shaped clearing. Beside him, Zedgry’s breath grew uneven. Will noticed that his own heartbeat was quickening. He rested a hand on his sword’s hilt at his side, suddenly thankful that he had heeded Zedgry’s advice of taking it with him.
“You want to know what I’m thinking right now?”
Zedgry’s voice made Will turn. “What?”
“I’m glad Olinia went to Grennich.”
At the mention of the princess, Will’s chest tightened. He really didn’t like the idea of her placed in harm’s way. Will nodded his agreement. “So am I.”
“Knowing her, though, she’s going to be upset she missed all the fun.”
Will snorted. “Then she’s an idiot.”
Zedgry stared at him for a moment and then laughed. “Please tell her that for me when we get back.”
“Gladly.”
They reached the center of the clearing, and as if on cue, the dark riders emerged from the forest. The Relivaynts froze. Will and Zedgry followed suit, and Will realized just how right Zedgry had been. They were surrounded. The Nagreth had spread themselves along the edge of the grass and trees, blocking any easy retreat. Will quickly counted exactly thirty of them. Out of the corner of his eye, he glimpsed sweat forming over Zedgry’s forehead.
Zedgry knew just as well as he did that they were outnumbered and unprepared. For the first time in his life, Will found himself facing the possibility of death. A battle wasn’t something previously tested and tried, like an airplane or rollercoaster. He was about to rely entirely on his own strength. Will tightened his grip on his reins, suddenly discovering that he really had no experience in actual warfare. Dallyn’s four months of training was looking rather insignificant at the moment.
Ahead of him, the captain unsheathed his sword. Will decided to do the same. “What do you seek in Relivaynt, Gray Ones?” The captain called out, pointing his sword at a single Nagreth directly in front of him.
The Nagreth raised his hand. “We mean Relivaynt no harm. We wish only to speak with the young Lantz and his companion.”
“Speak with?” Zedgry muttered under his breath. “That’s a nice way of putting it.”
“I didn’t realize they were so aware of your existence,” Will commented.
“Well, being High Royalty can do that to you.”
“All because you’re related to the king of the Eves?”
Zedgry turned to him, surprised. “Have you really not been told yet?”
Will frowned. “Told what?”
“Perhaps we should let the Lantz decide for himself.” The Nagreth’s voice interrupted, prohibiting Zedgry from answering Will.
“And what are my choices?” Zedgry called out.
“Stay and defend yourself here, putting the lives of the Relivaynts in danger, or come with us peacefully,” the Nagreth replied.
Will rolled his eyes. He doubted there was anything peaceful in both his and Zedgry’s near futures.
“Milord,” the captain said, his face pale, “do not go with them.”
Aeorin nodded. “They will only kill you.”
“I’m afraid Will and I have put you in danger.” Zedgry pulled a face.
Prestin, the man Aeorin sat behind, shook his head. “Are you really High Royalty?”
“I am.”
“Then, I will gladly defend you, milord.”
The other Relivaynts murmured their agreement, nodding. “For High Royalty,” a few intoned.
Will watched Zedgry pull his sword from its scabbard and urge his horse forward to stand beside the captain. Zedgry threw a quick, wary glance to the captain before pointing his sword at the lead Nagreth. “Did you honestly expect me to consent?”
The Nagreth grinned, unsheathing his sword as well. “I had hoped you wouldn’t.”
Suddenly all the Nagreth were charging from every direction. Will gripped his reins, steering his horse to face the oncoming force. He noticed the Relivaynts doing the same. From somewhere behind him, he heard the captain remind Aeorin to go home. But Will wasn’t able to concentrate on her response. The first of the Nagreth were to him, and Will found himself forced to block their blows.
The clang of steel against steel soon filled Will’s ears. He was partially surprised that the sound didn’t just come from him and his current opponent. He struggled to focus his mind, clearing it of all distractions. Surrounding shouts from both the Nagreth and Relivaynts kept sneaking through his barriers though. He was finding the noise difficult to ignore. It took him a few moments to realize that no one could have prepared him adequately for war. The maneuvers he had learned from Dallyn he had never intended using to kill. Even though he had known they were meant to injure, he honestly had not expected himself to ever apply them. Now, up against the excellent swordsmanship displayed by the Nagreth, Will was being forced to employ all he knew. He soon discovered that there were only two options when fighting the gray skinned men and both ended in death. Will preferred the option that didn’t end his life, so he fought, and he fought well.
As Nagreth after Nagreth fell beneath his blade, Will began to fully understand the reality of his skill. His muscles moved on their own accord. He sensed instead of thought. His instincts ruled his actions. With each strike and parry, he grew more and more comfortable behind his blade, as if it were becoming second nature to him. But Aeorin’s sudden scream startled him.
He whirled in time to glimpse her scarlet form hit the ground. Will steered his horse towards her, near the edge of the clearing. Prestin was gone. “Aeorin?” Will swung off his horse and knelt beside her.
Her eyes opened. “Will?”
“Are you hurt?”
She pulled a face. “I think I will have bruises, but no, nothing more.”
“Good.” Will pulled her to her feet and glanced around for his horse.
Instead of his horse, he found the Nagreth leader Zedgry had spoken to earlier. Will stared up at him, now able to see his features clearly. The man’s skin was a pale gray, almost white – just like the other Nagreth. His eyes, which were also characteristic of the Nagreth, were a slate gray, sunken beneath a thick, dark brow. His black shaggy hair fell across his forehead. Will frowned, realizing that this Nagreth had never moved from his spot. He’d only watched his men fight the Relivaynts. Now though, he appeared ready for a little sport, standing not quite three yards from Will, his naked blade in hand.
Will stepped in front of Aeorin as he lifted his own sword. “Stay behind me.”
The Nagreth smiled, as if amused. “So, this is the Key’s heir.”
Will raised an eyebrow. He seriously doubted he was an heir to anyone an Other Worlder knew, and especially not to someone known by a servant of Dagon. He shook his head and replied dryly, “I’m nothing more than your next victim.”
“I hope you do not disappoint.”
Will took a step backwards, readying hims
elf for the Nagreth’s charge, and pushed Aeorin farther behind him. The Nagreth kicked his heels into his horse’s flanks, sending it forward. Will jumped to the side just as the horse reached him. In one fluid movement, Will slit the bottom of the saddle and parried the Nagreth’s first strike. The saddle slid off the horse’s back, carrying its startled passenger with it. Will didn’t wait for the Nagreth to get to his feet. The gray man struggled to free his sword, barely in time to block Will’s blow. They paused, blade against blade. Will caught a hint of pleased surprise in the Nagreth’s eyes before he was shoved backwards.
Their blades met and then met again. Strike followed strike, parry followed parry. Will quickly learned he and the Nagreth were closely matched. Then, a sudden, sharp pain shot through his right arm. Will cried out and glanced down at the deep red gash. If only he had been wearing chainmail. Will gritted his teeth as his opponent struck again. This time using both arms, Will wedged his sword between him and the Nagreth’s blade. The pain that followed was similar to an electric shock coursing through him. Will gasped in for air, feeling the blood begin to run down his arm. He tightened his grip around his sword’s hilt, and when the Nagreth swung towards him again, Will was better prepared to absorb the shooting pain. He continued with the ensuing stalemate, but unlike his opponent, he was quickly losing strength and blood. All the Nagreth simply needed to do was bide his time until Will weakened completely. Will was in desperate need of an opening for him to lay some damage. His eyes searched frantically for any opportunity, and then an idea came to him. It was something Will had accidently done against Dallyn once, nearly injuring them both. It was worth a shot.
At the Nagreth’s next strike, Will fell to one knee, shoving his right arm to his chest, as if in pain. He continued to fight from that position, adjusting his weight slightly so as to loosen his stance. The Nagreth inched closer and Will grew visibly weaker. Then, all at once, Will dropped onto his back, swinging his legs around the back of the Nagreth’s, causing the Nagreth to fall forward. The gray man cried out in surprise, but then was silenced as his body fell onto Will’s sword, trapping Will beneath his weight.
Aeorin screamed from somewhere above them. Will grunted as he struggled to roll the Nagreth’s stiff form off of him. His arm was throbbing. “Will!” Aeorin dropped down beside him as Will finally freed himself from the Nagreth. “Ohreen doveem naunt, you killed him!”
“Surprised?” Will slowly pushed himself up to a sitting position.
“Will, we need to get you back to my castle.” She was staring at his right side.
“It’s not over yet.”
“Your arm needs to be bandaged.” Aeorin grabbed his wounded arm. “You are losing too much blood.”
Will knew exactly how much blood he was losing. He was aware of every drop that left his body. Will pulled a face. He needed his horse.
“Thyrnion has fallen!”
The shout made both Aeorin and Will whirl. The battle had begun to slacken, most laid dead or injured on the now bloodied grass. Those still standing were at the opposite end of the clearing from Aeorin and Will, Zedgry being one of them. Will squinted in an attempt to find the one who had shouted.
It was one of the Nagreth near Zedgry, his sword raised high above his head. He brought his arm down in a chopping motion, as if it were a signal. From the forest, a single arrow shot out across the clearing, burying itself into the neck of Zedgry’s horse. The horse reared back and then collapsed. Zedgry was flung from the saddle, landing on his back a few feet away. The Nagreth who had given the signal rode towards him.
Will gaped. “Run, Zedge!”
Zedgry didn’t move, and the Nagreth was to him. The surviving Relivaynts fought towards him, but were unsuccessful in gaining any ground. The Nagreth lifted Zedgry up and slung him over his saddle. Will watched as the Nagreth then mounted and yelled, “Retreat!”
As one, the Nagreth turned for the trees and disappeared, leaving behind the handful of Relivaynts who were still living. Will was left staring, and suddenly light-headed. The Nagreth had just captured Olinia’s twin.
“Will, we should go after them.”
“How?” He looked back at her. “You said yourself that I’m losing too much blood. I’m in no condition to fight.”
“Then, what of Lord Zedgry?”
Will let his breath out in a rush and shook his head. “Zedge is going to have to wait.” He glanced out over the clearing and shoved himself to his feet. “Come on, Aeorin. We need to help the wounded.”
They walked amongst the dead, searching for any survivors. Aeorin wasn’t far from Will. He watched her look around, bend down, and then straighten, shaking her head sadly. Will agreed. The battlefield wasn’t a pleasant sight. Dead Nagreth and Relivaynts littered the once lush, green clearing. The ground was now torn and bloody.
“Lad,”
Will stopped and turned, searching for the owner of the voice.
“I’m here, lad.”
“Captain?” Will recognized the man and crouched down beside him.
The captain broke into coughs, while Will inspected his injuries. His left thigh was bleeding, and his right side was a mass of torn flesh. A trickle of blood had formed at the corner of his mouth. Will frowned. “You need to see a Healer. Let me help you up.”
“No, lad.” The captain pushed Will’s hand away. “I’ve defended the Other Worlds for my last time.”
Aeorin placed her hand on Will’s shoulder, startling him. “Captain Vel,” she breathed, her face pale.
Captain Vel? Enrid Vel? Will blinked. This was the Silver Heart?
“Lad, there’s something around my neck that I’m passing on to you.” He coughed again, this time with a fresh trickle of blood. Aeorin fell back a step.
Will glanced up at her. “Aeorin, why don’t you go find us a horse?”
She nodded. “Alright.”
As she turned, the captain pulled Will’s attention back. “I need you to unclasp it for me. I’m too weak.”
“Yes, sir.” Will reached behind the captain’s neck and undid the necklace’s clasp.
“You’ve earned it, lad.” The captain smiled, somewhat sadly. “Put it around your neck.”
Will stared at the small, hollow heart – no larger than a dime – that dangled from the thin silver chain he was holding. It was a Silver Heart, one of two, and he had just been given it. Will’s eyes darted down to the captain. “Thank you, sir.” He couldn’t think of anything else to say. He quickly slipped the chain around his neck and fastened its clasp. It felt unusually cool against his skin.
“Lad, before you-” Enrid paused, taking another breath. “Before you die make sure to pass it on. Don’t let it die with you. It has to-” He coughed. “It has to…” His voice trailed off and Will realized the captain was too weak to say more. Enrid Vel let out his last breath slowly and shut his eyes.
“May his name never be forgotten among the worlds,” Aeorin whispered from behind Will.
He nodded and stood, turning to her. He was surprised to see her with Kae’s reins in her hand. “How did you find my horse?”
Aeorin glanced up at him as she rubbed Kae’s nose. “Your horse found me, not the other way around.”
“Oh.” Will mounted, careful of his still aching arm, and extended his left hand to help Aeorin up behind him. “I’ll take you home.”
She slid behind him easily and slipped her arms around his middle. Will kicked Kae’s flanks with his heels as he felt Aeorin’s head lean against his back.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
Aeorin was falling asleep, and Will suddenly realized just how tired he was. The battle, as well as the loss of blood, had drained him almost entirely of his strength. He was surprised he was still awake. As he began through the trees, away from the clearing, Will’s mind drifted to Zedgry, and then to Olinia. What were they going to do to get her brother back? Before he could come up with any answer though, Will drifted off into sleep.
7
I’ll be taking the majority of the troops with me in the morning. However, I will be leaving a levatte behind. They will answer to you, captain.”
Archrin nodded to his commanding officer, General Gyrvin Voiel of Tlaid. A levatte was two hundred men. The general was leaving Archrin the city. “Thank you, sir. I won’t fail you.”
“I know. That’s why I chose you.” Voiel signed a document in front of him on his desk and handed it to the waiting secretary. “You may move into this house, if you choose. It may be a more ideal location.”
For some reason, an image of Tiara flashed across his mind. If he moved into her old home then she would be left alone with Foehn. Archrin smiled inwardly. Perhaps it would serve her right, after all her pretending. But then, even more time with Foehn could cause her to lose her mind and do something rash. Not even Foehn deserved her fury. Archrin shook his head. “Thank you, sir, but I think I’ll keep my rooms in the governor’s home.”
Voiel nodded, his eyes scanning over more paperwork, most likely more reports for the Kendren brothers. “Very well, captain. Do as you wish. The popular belief of the people of Graymark is in the positive. They all wish they had been born Kendrens. They are entirely under your command.”
His words echoed inside of Archrin’s head, causing him to frown. There was someone in Graymark who contradicted the general’s statement. Tiara Anteal. Her name rang louder than Voiel’s voice.
“That will be all, captain.” Voiel raised his eyes to meet Archrin’s. “Get some sleep tonight. I leave in the morning.”
“Yes, sir.” Archrin stood and saluted. “May victory become your future,” he quoted the Kendren farewell before exiting the room.
Once outside, Archrin mounted his horse and stared up at the house. Tiara. The beautiful rebel had somehow lodged herself into his thoughts. Her words the night before had been troubling him all day. She saw him as scum, which wasn’t as upsetting as the fact that her low opinion of him was what bothered him. He shouldn’t care to know what she was thinking, or to see what she did next. She was simply a member of another world he had helped conquer, and he would eventually have to leave her. Yet, as much as he hated to admit it, he was finding her emerald eyes more and more interesting. He enjoyed the impatient disgust that managed to escape through them every time she was with Foehn. It was her tell, but one that only he seemed to notice. Her ability to fool everyone else around her was intriguing. It was a skill that few Saerdian women were able to accomplish, at least the ones Archrin had been associated with. Perhaps Tiara was just a very good actress.
