The Treason Blade (Battle for Alsaar Book 1)

by Keech, Jenny Rebecca

Ishar returned the smile. “No,” she shook her head, “You have my word. Please, return to your duties.” She turned back to watch, then walked farther down the grassy slope and sat. It did not take her long to appreciate Traevyn’s patience. She had some tolerance, every good leader needed it. But Traevyn seemed to have an endless supply. There were several times during the lesson when she would have ripped the bows from certain men and sent them back to their barracks with abrupt words. Their stance was awkward. A few nearly shot fellow soldiers because they failed to pay attention. They released too early. They released too late. They gripped too tight to the shaft and feathers and affected direction. Ishar frowned and shook her head in amazement. Even seven-year-old Haaldyn youth knew more than these men. Traevyn never yelled. He continued to caution them as he guided and directed their movements. And because of his patience, Ishar saw improvement in many before the practice was done. Traevyn was directing the last of the men when he stopped suddenly and turned around. His gaze met hers directly. Her eyes widened in surprise. She could not read those black eyes. His silent look startled her.

  She rose and made her way down the slope toward him. He never looked away, just watched as she came close. It was only when she stopped a few feet away that he looked at the remaining man and motioned him toward the holding. Traevyn glanced back. “I did not notice you until the end,” he stated in puzzlement.

  “You were busy teaching.”

  That did not seem to placate Traevyn. “I notice everything,” he stated quietly.

  And for some reason, with Traevyn that statement did not sound arrogant. He spoke it with an utter confidence that made Ishar smile. “Sorry. I will wear bells next time.”

  He still looked puzzled but only reached and picked up his bow and quiver. He turned to make his way back up the hill.

  Ishar stopped him and pointed down the slope. “Was this village here when you came?”

  Traevyn shook his head. “Its name is Wërn and no, not in its present form.” He pointed down the hill. “There were the remains of a village just as there were the remains of a holding. We had to rebuild it all. We started on the holding, and renamed it Taryn. It is a Raanan word that means ‘talon of the hawk.’ As it grew and became established, the Britai came back. After the last attacks, many Britai villages were built closer to the mountains. With our coming, there were those who chose to return to what they remembered as home. Those who arrived began to rebuild and they renamed the village Wërn. It is a Britai word that means ‘under the wing’s shadow.’ They named it such because they feel protected with the holding looming large and close to them.” Traevyn studied the thatch roofs below them. “Wërn has grown a lot in the past several years. People have come; some to learn how to fight and some to come home. For whatever reason, even with the threat of the Tourna on the horizon, they stayed. And now more men come to learn how to be soldiers and be trained in fighting skills.”

  “No women?” Ishar queried.

  Traevyn studied her and shook his head. “Britai women are not fighters. They know how to be wives and mothers, but when it comes to battle, all they know is how to run and hide. That is the legacy of the Tourna,” he murmured softly.

  “I do not know if I would say that,” Ishar stated solemnly. “The Lute have been hit hard by the Tourna and yet still they fight. It is their nature.”

  Traevyn allowed her a hint of a smile. “The Lute will fight as long as there is breath in their bodies. They do not know the meaning of the word surrender. It is their viewpoint, their way of life. They would rather die than become slaves.” He shrugged. “I guess you are right. The Britai have a different nature, but from what I have heard of the time before the Tourna, the Lute have always been an aggressive and determined people who hunted much and gathered some. The Britai before the Tourna are not much different from the Britai today. They were peaceful people who farmed the land and hunted little. They were completely unprepared for the first invasion of the Tourna into this land and they have never recovered.”

  Traevyn started to walk up the slope, away from the village. Ishar cast another glance at the village. “Will they be ready when the Tourna come?”

  Traevyn looked back, concern stretched across his face. “I fervently hope so, for their sake as much as ours.” He continued walking.

  Ishar matched his stride. “You seem free to give your opinions.” She caught at his arm. “May I have yours on me? You have only just met me but as warriors, I know our instant reactions tell us much.”

  Traevyn stopped mid-step and stared at the holding. He turned around and glanced at her with a frown. “You are not what I was expecting,” he said slowly. Then he turned back and continued up the slope.

  Ishar stood there for a moment, her mouth open in surprise. “I am not what you were expecting,” she mimicked in confusion. Her head drew back. “That is it?” Ishar charged up the slope after Traevyn with a frown of her own. “Wait, you have nothing more to add beyond that cryptic expression?”

  “No,” Traevyn stated, without breaking his steady stride. He added with a sideways tilt to his head, “But when I decide how I feel about your being here, you will be the first to know.”

  “And what does that mean?” Ishar asked warily.

  Traevyn shrugged as he walked. “If I think you are here to cause trouble like Ber says, I will kill you myself. If I think you are here to help with the peace,” he shrugged, “I will not.”

  Ishar stopped at his words. She stared at him now, her mouth open. When she had asked for honesty, was this what she had expected?

  Traevyn looked back. He halted his progress when he saw that she was stopped. He frowned. “Well?”

  She closed the distance between them, anger flaring within her. “So if I am still alive in the next few days, I have your trust and blessing. That is what your words mean?” She was not certain why she was so mad. Was it Traevyn’s quick casual reply to her question? Or was the anger at herself because for some unknown reason he had so quickly managed to rile her? Whatever the reason, the sudden fury within her simmered near boiling.

  “I would not go as far to say my blessing—” Traevyn begin, annoyance flashing across his eyes.

  In an uncharacteristic move, Ishar shoved him hard enough in the chest that he took a step backward to catch his balance. “You know,” she stated through clenched teeth, “Trust is a two way position, Traevyn,” She moved past him and continued up the slope, continuing, “To be given and received. And sometimes, one must just take a chance on uncertainties.”

  Traevyn’s voice floated up to her. “What?” She heard him ask in surprise as she continued on up the hill. “What did I say?” He asked again.

  Ishar ignored him and made her way back to the holding. Traevyn caught up with her at the gate. He walked with her but kept his silence as they made their way into the outer hold and through the second gate. Ishar focused on heading toward Simi and ignored Traevyn. It was not easy. She tried to ignore the silent shadow at her rear. It worked, until they entered the horse shelter. Ishar stalked down the hallway but not before Traevyn slid around to her front, bodily picked her up and shoved her against the closed door to one of the stalls. He was pressed tight to her to prevent her from reacting and he held her level with those coal black eyes of his. Traevyn, Ishar realized, was angry.

  “Listen to me,” he hissed, “you crazy Haaldyn. I do not know what I did to upset you. You asked for honesty, I gave you honesty. I expected you to appreciate it.”

  “What?” Ishar ground out, “That you would let me know if you found me worthy enough by your standards?” Her breath came in gasps. She was angry too. “You are all about seeing if I am the one trustworthy enough for an alliance. What about yourself and those warriors with you? Do you think I do not have to decide if they or any of these people here are worthy of an alliance with my people? I am not the only person being judged.”

  Traevyn’s jaw was tight. He set her down, released his hands and backed away as if he
did not want to touch her, as if he was afraid of what he might do. He narrowed his eyes at her. “You seem to forget our past. The only Haaldyn I have ever met were in combat when they fought the Lute. They were vicious and without mercy.”

  Ishar refused to back down. “And I have seen what a Lute can do in battle. They show no more mercy than we. The same, I am sure, could be said of you or any of the other warriors I met last night.” Her tone softened. “In war, we do what we must. But now there is peace between my people and the Lute and we strive to unite the rest of the island because we have come to realize there is something out there bigger than the rest of us. The Tourna want us at each other’s throats. It will make it all the easier when they land their boats to destroy us.” Ishar took the risk. “I refuse to let that happen to my people or to these, if I can help it.”

  Traevyn watched her warily. “What you want is for me to trust you without reservation.”

  “There is no physical act I can do that will convince you I mean you no harm. It all boils down to trust. You must trust the words I say because you believe in this future as much as I.”

  Traevyn frowned. “You ask too much.”

  “I am willing to give that same trust,” Ishar whispered furiously. “What proof do I have to that you will be honorable with your word?”

  Traevyn’s eyes darkened. “If you were not a woman,” he growled.

  Ishar shoved up her hands. “See. I am expected to take you at your word but mine is not good enough. And you fail to see that I might take issue with that.”

  Traevyn blinked. He opened his mouth and then closed it. His look was thoughtful as he spoke, “I am beginning to see the position from which you speak.” Traevyn held up a hand. “I will think on this.”

  Ishar took a step closer, “And while you do, think on this. If you ever grab me in such a manner again I will make you regret it.” To make her point plain, Ishar tapped his inner thigh with the drawn dwæn she had concealed in her hand. She took two rapid steps back to give them each some distance in case Traevyn tried to retaliate. Ishar crossed her arms and turned her tone to one of cool civility. “I believe I will look in on Simi and then return to the fortress to see Eira. I have seen enough of your hospitality for one day. You are welcome to stay and see that I keep my word,” Ishar added tautly. She turned and walked down the middle walkway until she came to Simi’s stall. She looked back down the aisle a moment later when the silence became extended. Traevyn was gone. Ishar sighed and turned back at Simi’s snort and playful whinny.

  *

  The sun had long set by the time Traevyn stalked in and sat down in a corner. Davaris followed but bypassed the table and went directly to the bar. He brought back two cups Jaya had filled for him and set them on the table. Davaris eased himself down onto a bench. They both took several silent sips, ignoring the loud laughter flowing around them. Finally Davaris spoke. “I had hoped the drink would settle whatever stirred you up this afternoon. You fought some demon out there,” he said pointing back toward the training area from which they had just come, “But you let it wear my face. I think I deserve to know why you tried to kill me today.”

  Traevyn frowned. “I did not try to kill you today. If I had you would be dead.”

  “But you were not fighting like yourself,” Davaris countered. “It is not like you to fight angry. You are usually the calmest man in battle.”

  Traevyn fingered the cup for a second. “Ishar made me angry.”

  “You do not get angry,” Davaris stated simply.

  “Exactly,” Traevyn muttered, “But none the less it happened.” Traevyn glanced at Davaris. “We both know why she says she is here. But do you believe her?”

  Davaris took a deep gulp of drink. He set it down. “It boils down to whether or not we trust the Haaldyn enough to be allies with them.” Davaris shrugged. “Of that I am not certain. A part of me would like to think so. We could use the extra hardened soldiers they could provide.”

  “Exactly. We want to believe, but we are left with the dilemma of how they can prove their loyalty.”

  Davaris smiled. “You spoke of this to Ishar? I begin to see where an argument arose. I assume Ishar responded, asking you to prove our loyalty to her people, and you, due to your sense of honor, became outraged at her words.”

  Traevyn sighed. “At the time, yes. Later, once I calmed down, I thought about what she said and realized her line of reasoning was not without its truths.”

  “That is the trouble when once enemies attempt to become allies,” Davaris stated wryly. “No one will trust the other and everyone is looking for the other side to betray them at the first possible moment.”

  “Then she is right. How do we prove we are trustworthy?” Traevyn stated this in exasperation.

  Davaris motioned to Jaya for a refill. He turned and studied Traevyn for a moment. “It takes time. And no matter what people do, there will always be those who will never go along with it and try to ruin it for everyone else.”

  “What if we do not have time?” Traevyn put his hand over his cup and Jaya only filled Davaris’ cup. Traevyn stared back at his friend. “The Tourna will come and soon. We are running out of time. We need what allies we can make and we need them now.”

  Davaris was silent for a moment. “I had no idea, when you walked up to me and Gavin exchanging sword blows at practice and told him to go away, of your irritation with Ishar.” He chuckled. “I wish I had known. What did you do when she made you angry? Did you search me out personally or was I the first person you saw who you knew could match you?”

  “I picked her up and shoved her against a wall,” Traevyn muttered.”

  Davaris blinked. “You picked her up and shoved her against a wall,” he repeated.

  “You picked who up and shoved who against a wall?” Gavin asked as he dropped down on the bench beside Davaris. He already had a drink in his hand. He turned to stare at Traevyn, “And why were you trying to kill Davaris this afternoon? You fought unlike yourself.”

  “Ishar,” Davaris said starkly.

  Gavin frowned. “You were fighting Davaris for Ishar. Does she know that?”

  Davaris smiled. “No, I was answering your first question, Gavin.”

  Gavin’s frown deepened. “You picked Ishar up and shoved her against a wall? That is also unlike you.”

  “So is fighting angry,” Davaris added. “But apparently he is trying many things new.”

  “Would both of you just be quiet,” Traevyn said frustrated. “I have to figure something out and neither of you are helping.”

  “Figure out what?” Glyndwr asked grimly as he sat to Davaris right. He held his left arm gingerly to his side.

  Gavin smiled. “Fought Ber did you?” Glyndwr glowered so Gavin continued, “Traevyn is trying to figure out why he picked up and shoved Ishar against a wall and then picked a fight with Davaris.”

  Glyndwr blinked. He looked toward Traevyn. “That does not sound like you.”

  Davaris held up both hands and laughed.

  Traevyn groaned into his hands. A second later, he looked up thoughtful. “Gavin, Glyndwr, you have some free time in the morning?”

  They glanced at one another. Both nodded. Gavin added, “What has come up?”

  Traevyn tapped his fingers on the table. “I just decided I will ride with Ishar in the morning,” he said slowly. “I figured we could hunt while we were out.”

  “And?” Glyndwr asked.

  Traevyn shrugged. “We cannot make a decision about the Haaldyn if we avoid her. Like I told Davaris, time is running out. We must make a decision of whether we can accept the Haaldyn as our allies so we can advise Varyk when he returns. Coming to understand Ishar, who represents her people, is the only way to make that decision. To do that, it would help if we spent some time with her. I have decided tomorrow would be a good time.”

  “Yes,” Glyndwr nodded in agreement with a smile, “And if she tries to kill you, we will be along to stop her.”

 
“I would be more concerned about Traevyn trying to kill her,” Davaris muttered into his drink.

  Traevyn glared, but glanced at Gavin and Glyndwr. “You are in agreement?”

  Both nodded.

  “Yes,” Gavin added, “We will be ready to ride in the morning.”

  Traevyn rose. “Are any of you dining tonight with Eira and Ishar?”

  Davaris nodded. Glyndwr groaned.

  Gavin nodded slowly. “I do not think Glyndwr is up to it but I will be there. Ber will not. Lysandr had a word with him about toning down the antagonism toward Ishar and Ber told him if the Haaldyn could not handle a little disapproval, perhaps she needed to ride toward home.”

  Davaris sighed. “That went over well.”

  “It also explains why Ber was fighting mad.” Glyndwr groaned and glared at his friends, “why does no one tell me these things? Then I would have known not to accept the training match.”

  Gavin shrugged. “Lysandr told Ber to stay away from Eira’s table until he could learn to not insult an accepted guest of the holding.”

  Traevyn nodded toward Glyndwr. “You will be ready in the morning.”

  Glyndwr gave a short nod.

  “Then I will see the rest of you at dinner.” As Traevyn wove his way out, Ber walked past them and went up to the bar with a loud roar, his fist slamming the counter. Jaya shook her head and came from behind. She kissed him until he was speechless, then passed him a drink. Traevyn smiled, Jaya was the only person he knew who could cool the fire inside Ber when he was raging. Ber grinned, kissed her back and moved to where the other Raanan warriors sat, talking. The first thing he did was slap Glyndwr on his left shoulder. Glyndwr grimaced and glared at Ber. Ber laughed and poured his drink into Glyndwr’s cup before motioning to Jaya to refill his own. Traevyn shook his head at their antics and stepped out into the darkness. Their laughter filtered out into the night after him. It pulled at him but he walked on through the inner gate before stopping with a sigh. He needed to clean up before dining at Eira’s table. Traevyn made a right and headed for the well.