The Treason Blade (Battle for Alsaar Book 1)

by Keech, Jenny Rebecca

  “Maybe the watchtower,” Davaris suggested.

  “I just do not know, but do not tell the men,” he muttered. “I will let you know if I find its direction.” Traevyn looked around and shook his head once more, then kneed his horse, giving him rein. Davaris frowned and followed him; both men galloped after the other warriors strung out before them. Traevyn could feel the larger man’s eyes on him as they rode, and he agonized. The past was never far from them and today those earlier times sat heavy on his heart as he rode. His thoughts focused and concerned for the future. What could possibly be wrong? he asked himself, troubled.

  *

  Ishar was floating. It was a soothing darkness with no throbbing or tenderness and it felt wrong. Instead of worrying that she could not feel her body, she relaxed and let the sensation hold her tenderly in a gentle caress.

  Growing whisperings grew in her mind. It disturbed her peace and brought a wakening that Ishar struggled against. The feeling of being suspended was gradually replaced by aches and pains that grounded her. A moan came low to her ears and she focused on it. The whispers grew louder. They divided into individual tones that became recognizable as voices. The noise was loud to her ears and Ishar mentally flinched. She heard another low moan.

  “I will tell Eira that she wakes,” a female voice uttered in an undertone.

  There was a sound of a door. There came the sound of muted whispers. The door moved again and another voice spoke.

  “I told the girl not to disturb your mistress, Audris. Eira has had a long day. I sent her to bed.”

  This new voice was male, but not one Ishar recognized. Her eyelids felt like lead and she struggled to raise them. Her first attempts brought a whimper of pain as light poured into the darkness, pain that banged against her skull with a steady ache. Her body rapidly alerted her that every part of her body throbbed.

  “Move the candle to the other table, Audris,” the man commanded softly, “and see that water is brought close, please.”

  Ishar heard the rustle of fabric as Audris moved. The brightness before her lids diminished. She gritted her teeth against the pain of opening her eyes and focused on the man before her. She did not recognize him, but she instinctively recognized he was Raanan by his statue and coloring. He was tall like Davaris and solidly built, with straight black hair pulled back at the nape of his neck and a close cut beard that covered his lower face. He had the most unusual golden eyes that at that moment studied her with great concentration.

  His look reminded Ishar of her drill masters, made her feel once more as a young trainee and she fought the urge to squirm. Instead, Ishar tried to swallow. Her throat felt thick and coated and at the first attempt of conversation, all she did was cough. “Water,” she finally managed to croak.

  The man’s smile was gentle as he turned and reached for something behind him. There was a muttering of voices that blurred for a second and then he was bending over, his hand sliding under her head as a cup was brought to her lips. Ishar drank deeply and let the cool water slip down her parched throat. “Thank you,” she whispered as he lowered her head. The water cleared her mind and Ishar studied the man before her in silence before she spoke hesitantly, “You are Varyk, Lord of this holding.”

  He drew back and set the cup on the table beside her before looking back with a smile. “You are correct.”

  Ishar nodded; then took a deep breath and tested her body. Her muscles screamed in protest but moved as she commanded them. She felt a rush of relief. She had not been seriously injured, only exhausted by the turn of events. Ishar glanced back at Varyk. “And the boy?”

  “Tai is fine,” Varyk answered. “He will live because of you.”

  For the first time, Ishar let her eyes roam. She was in her room at the fortress. The draping was tight against the window and a fire warmly crackled. She looked back toward Varyk. “How long have I slept?”

  “It is dark, past the mid of night.” Varyk stood and walked to the fireplace. “You were brought back a little after noon. I had only just returned to the holding and been informed of your presence here from Eira when Jaya drove with madness through the outer gate.” Varyk turned and gave her a slight smile. “I think some of the men believed the Tourna had come upon us.” He continued. “Jaya had done her best to wrap you and Tai as warmly as she could but both you and the boy were suffering from the cold of the water. We warmed you and waited.” Varyk looked back at the fire for a moment, then walked back to Ishar’s bed. “Tai woke several hours ago. We were growing concerned for you.”

  Ishar pulled herself into a sitting position. Her left arm ached, the torn muscles stiff and sore from exertion. She could see that her wound had been rewrapped. Ishar kept the blankets and furs drawn up to cover her naked body with her right hand. For the first time since her coming to the region, the fire felt deliciously warm against her cool skin. Varyk moved to stop her, but she gingerly held up her hand to halt his advance. “I am fine. Just sore and tired from my day’s adventure,” she stated with a soft smile. “I am glad to hear Tai is well.”

  Varyk chuckled. “We shall wait to see how he fares in the morning when Ber is past being happy his son is alive and starts to go over the entire episode in his mind.”

  Ishar sighed. “It was an accident. The bank caved in. It happened so quickly.”

  “He was lucky,” Varyk commented softly. “But I have said enough. I promised Eira I would stay till you had awakened, but I see you are not rested and need more sleep. I will leave you to that.” Ishar opened her mouth but he cut her short, “I am afraid I must insist.” At the sight of her drooping lashes he smiled and continued, “Though I am certain it would not take much arguing for you to agree.” Varyk turned to go. At the door, he paused and glanced back with a peculiar look upon his face. “I forgot to mention. Traevyn stopped by. He seemed,” Varyk tilted his head in thought, “concerned about your welfare.” He smiled. “Maybe I will take a stroll before I retire for the night. I believe many of the men are still up welcoming back Kagon and Rayne. Perhaps I will see Traevyn. I am sure he will be glad to know of your recovery.”

  Ishar watched as Varyk walked out.

  Audris stepped up and moved the water cup closer. “In case you desire more, lady.” She stood back up. “Do you wish me to stay? It will be no problem. Lady Eira insisted you receive great care.”

  Ishar shook her head slowly. “No, Audris. Sleep is all I require at this moment.” She motioned with her hand. “Please. Go to bed. I will be fine.” Audris left with a silent bow and pulled the door shut behind her. Ishar felt a growing fatigue slide over her in the silence, save for the crackling fire. She slipped back down under the covers and closed her eyes. Sleep came almost immediately.

  *

  Traevyn nursed his drink. He would need much more before the night was through if he wanted a chance of rest. Though his body was weary, sleep evaded him. He stared out over the other tables with eyes that longed for slumber but with thoughts that would not shut down. His mind sought answers. When they had arrived back at the holding, coming directly from the watchtowers, it was to the chaos of people talking of the river incident and Varyk’s return. With so many voices sharing tales, for a second Traevyn had not been certain whether Ishar was alive or dead. Jaya had found Ber and quickly told the worried father his son was safe and abed for warmth.

  Relief had quickly turned to apprehension at the words that Ishar had not regained consciousness. Jaya herself had nothing to add. She had been tending to Tai most of the afternoon and had not had the time to seek out Ishar’s condition. Ber had pulled his wife to his side and sought out his son.

  Traevyn had dismounted, turned back to his horse and touched his gray in reassurance. He glanced down at the reins in his hand and had been surprised to see his hands shaking. Glancing up, he saw Davaris’ brown eyes watched him carefully. Traevyn knew the man remembered his earlier uneasiness and dread. Traevyn turned and led the gray toward the horse shelter, not wanting to dwell of th
ose thoughts.

  After settling the gray, he had returned to where the men stood in the gathering place. There were greetings to Kagon and Rayne who had returned with Varyk. The two men had been welcomed with roars and slaps on the back. Kagon was as big as Davaris, with long, shaggy black hair and beard and wild, black eyes. Rayne was of average height with short wavy brown hair and golden-brown eyes and, at the moment, had the attention of three women. The woman favored him, for he had a quick smile like Gavin but a quieter nature. It looked as if Gavin would have competition for the woman’s affections. However, for the main part, the joy the Raanan warriors had at three being returned to their fold resounded throughout the hold all evening and into the night.

  Though he fought the desire to see Ishar most of the evening, Traevyn was unable to stop himself and later when everyone was eating or drinking, he had sought to see her for himself. He had been halted at the door to her room by Audris who had informed him quietly Ishar was still unconscious and could not have company. From the doorway he had glimpsed her pale form under a swath of furs and blankets. Eira had been missing, but Varyk was in the room and Traevyn caught the look of curiosity that had passed across Varyk’s face at his unexpected appearance.

  Now, Traevyn sat alone nursing a drink and fighting with himself over whether to wait up until news arrived or drink himself to sleep with fermented paera. Kagon and Rayne sat and laughed with Gavin and Glyndwr as all shared their past weeks apart. Davaris and Lysandr sat close by, arguing over the defense positions that needed to be made at one of the watchtowers. Ber had sought his wife and family for the night and no one blamed him for his absence. Traevyn put his fingers to his brow and closed his tired eyes for a second.

  He had just raised his hand for another drink when Varyk made his way out of the dark and worked his way among the tables grouped close. Gavin and Glyndwr shouted and motioned for him to sit with them. Varyk raised his hand in greeting but shook his head with a smile and settled himself across from Traevyn. A woman placed a new drink in front of Traevyn and as she took the old cup, glanced questioningly at Varyk. He shook his head and she sashayed slowly toward the other men.

  Traevyn glanced up with wariness. “Ishar?”

  “She woke and now rests,” Varyk said evenly.

  Traevyn felt the tightness in his chest ease. Varyk watched him carefully.

  Varyk continued casually, “Eira informs me she has had you holding Ishar’s leash during the time she has been here.”

  Traevyn frowned. “Ishar is the one who proposed the idea. She saw it as a way to make everyone more content with the situation rather than giving her free rein of the holding.”

  Varyk rested his chin on clasped hands. His elbows reclined upon the table. He studied Traevyn. “I know you had no choice in being chosen as Ishar’s guide. You should be happy to know I am relieving you of that duty. Trust must be given if we are to receive it. The Haaldyn shall have free rein.”

  Traevyn hesitated to speak. Anything he said would be telling. “Ishar has been no burden,” he began.

  “No,” Varyk said with a smile, “From what I have seen she is no burden to be around, though I grasp a trace of determination within her.”

  Traevyn fought with the hint of a smile. “She has been very cooperative in sharing about her people and in attempting to learn more about us.”

  Varyk raised a brow. “Which would explain, how in the course of the few days she has spent here, Ishar has been nearly drowned in the river and severely cut in a training match.” His look turned to one of inquiry. “This is correct?”

  Traevyn sighed and pushed the cup away. He suddenly felt the need for clarity of vision. “Yes,” he stated quietly.

  “And,” Varyk asked?

  “We did not use training blades.”

  “Why?” Varyk’s voice was clipped steel.

  Traevyn was still as he thought over his answer. There had always been truth between the Raanan leader and him. Today would be no different. He simply felt unsure how to phrase what he did not understand himself.

  “It should not require deep thought, Traevyn,” Varyk probed.

  Traevyn winced at his sharp tone. “I do not know. It just happened,” he muttered.

  Varyk’s face deepened into a scowl. “It just happened? This is not like you. You are one of the most controlled men that I know. It is not like you to make unwise decisions.”

  Traevyn held up his hands in frustration. “You think I understand this? Decisions like this happen when I am around her. I find myself making choices I normally would not consider doing, such as losing control and being impulsive. And she has this ability to stir me up. She has made me far more angry in the short time she has been here than anyone has in the past two years combined.” He stared down at the table and shook his head. “She frustrates me and I do not know why.” Traevyn glanced up in bewilderment.

  Varyk stared at him. His face had a look of disbelief that turned meaningful as he leaned back and watched Traevyn with a knowing look. “You know why,” Varyk stated deliberately after a minute’s consideration. His face was filled with a perceptive look.

  Traevyn lowered his eyes. He knew in which direction Varyk’s soft words probed. In some ways it was a bitter pill Traevyn fought to swallow, the idea that he might care for a Haaldyn, that he should think so much on a woman who, two years earlier, he would have engaged in deadly battle with bothered him. And then there was the trust. Trusting the Haaldyn enough to fight the Tourna was one thing; giving your heart was something completely different. Either held the possibility of destruction. He held his silence.

  Varyk shrugged. He leaned forward and spoke softly. “Whether you chose to deal with it or not is up to you. My main concern is that it does not affect the alliance unfolding before us. The importance of the peace is too great. I do not need for you to break this Haaldyn’s heart and have it influence our growing friendship with Ryen and his people. I guess the true question I would like answered, is does she care for you?”

  There was a pause of silence between the two men. Traevyn thought back over the past few days of the times that he had been around her. “No,” He spoke miserably, casting his gaze downward, “She is apparently blind to my attentiveness.”

  Varyk was so quiet that after a moment of silence Traevyn glanced up. It was at that particular instant that Varyk let out a rumbling chuckle that quickly grew into a roar of laughter. It drew the attention of the men but none ventured from where they sat. Varyk reached over and took a sip of Traevyn’s drink. “On the other hand I think I may need this refreshment.” Still chuckling, he looked at Traevyn. “Sorry. It is just that you brought back memories.” He laughed quietly. “Do you not remember Eira?” Traevyn shook his head. Varyk motioned with his hand. “Of course you would not. The first time I met her I was alone. You and the other men were in the process of helping secure an outer region of the Daiwen, close to the mountains, against a Haaldyn attack.” He paused and smiled. “Let me simply say she was not as at ease with me as you now see.”

  Traevyn blinked. “She wanted nothing to do with you,” he concluded.

  Varyk gave a forceful nod. “You are correct. Though I found her to be a wonderful fighter and a beautiful woman, she had other things to deal with besides me and treated me with such regard.”

  Traevyn glared. “But Ishar does not even act as if she understands my infatuation. She treats me as any fellow warrior,” Traevyn stated in exasperation.

  Varyk fingered the cup in his hands. “She has lived among warriors for some time?”

  Traevyn nodded. “Since she was thirteen.”

  Varyk blinked. “So, the Haaldyn take warriors at thirteen. Not all that different than us, except for the thought of one being a woman.”

  Traevyn shrugged. “They start training their children at seven. Normally fourteen is the age to become a warrior, but the Tourna were coming at the time,” he added.

  Varyk shook his head. “That explains a lot. I wondered
why even those who appear relatively young seemed so experienced in battle.” He nodded. “They will prove to be strong allies. Eira is right. We should make an agreement with them work.” Varyk glanced back toward Traevyn. “But as to Ishar, it makes me understand her better.”

  Traevyn frowned. “It does?”

  Varyk nodded. “She has been around men since a very young age. These men she has learned to treat as brothers-in-arms. Started so young in the art of war, she has shut off being a woman and focused completely on serving her people. She, in many ways, thinks and acts as a man would on the battlefield, which transfers to the way she acts in other situations.” Varyk shrugged. “She treats you as a fellow warrior because, in many ways, that is the only way that she knows how to treat you.”

  Traevyn studied his leader. “You know Haaldyn women under warrior class are not allowed to be wives and mothers? To be found as such is an act of shame among Ishar’s people,” Traevyn commented.

  “I had heard that,” Varyk sighed. “That only means Ishar has closed off that part of herself even more to protect her status among her people and that of her warband.”

  “Meaning?”

  “If you wish to pursue this, it will take time. And I do not want Ishar hurt, especially concerning her status among her people.” Varyk stood. “This alliance is important, not just for us but for the entire island. If we are to stay free and keep out of Tourna hands, the whole island must be united. If, however, the lady does not object, my only advice would be that you should be careful. People are slow to understand new concepts. A Haaldyn among us is one thing. A Haaldyn united with a Raanan is completely different.” He leaned over and slapped Traevyn on the shoulder. “Get some sleep, Traevyn. I am sure Ishar will look forward to a visit tomorrow.”

  Traevyn grimaced. “And how do you intend to keep her in her room tomorrow? As you said, she has a willful side.”

  Varyk chuckled. “So does Eira.”

  Varyk stood and moved away. He stopped at the tables with the other men for quick banter. Traevyn glanced at his cup and pushed it aside. He suddenly felt sleep might be possible. He rose, said his goodbyes, and moved out into the dark.