Eira frowned. “Not that I fault her, but how could she have escaped?”
“That is what I would like to know,” Lysandr answered. “She obviously had help, to be released from her shackle and the room. The problem is I do not see how she made it out of the fortress without being observed. The gates are closed and guarded.”
“Perhaps she is still here,” Varyk stated firmly. “I want her found and she is not to be harmed. Make sure everyone knows this, include that it was not Ishar who attacked Eira.”
“Wait, Lysandr,” Eira ordered quietly. She had watched Audris as Varyk spoke, saw the malicious smile that twitched upon the edges of her lips at Lysandr’s words. Eira watched with narrowed eyes. “Audris, I take it you will tell me you know nothing of this?” The Lute woman gave no reply.
Lysandr frowned. “If she is the one who wanted Ishar arrested, why would she aid in her escape?”
“Because,” Eira spoke in frustration and nearly completely wearied by the night’s events, “She did not want Ishar arrested.”
“She wanted her dead and by our hands,” Varyk finished for her. “You did not do what Audris wanted. You stopped Kagon and Rayne from killing Ishar.”
Eira nodded. Her eyes flickered back to Audris and she added thoughtfully, “So you had to come up with another plan. You could not be certain I would die of my wounds but you still wanted Ishar dead.” Eira studied Audris. “But what were your plans?”
Audris gave no reply.
“What would be the purpose of setting Ishar free?” Lysandr murmured. “Audris had to have known she would most likely head for her homeland and safety.”
These words caused Varyk to pale. “There are miles between here and Haaldyn territory. What if she did not make it back?” he asked, alarmed.
“If she was killed along the way?” Lysandr questioned with the same growing horror upon his face. The implications were clear.
“Of course,” Eira spoke firmly. “Why did I not see it? Audris did not manage to get Ishar killed in the holding. Why not do the next best thing: kill her outside the holding and make it look like it was done by our hands.”
Varyk turned Audris toward him and griped her tight enough her face drained of color. “Is this true? Tell me,” he growled out.
There was pain within her expression but Audris took her time and spat in his face. “Kill me if you will, my lord,” she uttered, “but I will tell you nothing more than this: you will never find her in time and she rides straight to her death. A death you cannot hope to stop.” She glanced triumphantly toward Eira. “Before this week is numbered you will be at war with Ryen of the Haaldyn. There will be no peace. All will be as it should. The Tourna will rid the land of the weak Britai and destroy the Haaldyn. We Lute who remain within the Daiwen will remain safe.” Her look was resolute. “The Daiwen has always protected those who serve her faithfully.”
Varyk bore a look of murder in his eyes. His hands nearly shook as he all but threw Audris to Lysandr. “Bind her in the holding room and prepare the men to ride. Go,” he ordered. Lysandr nodded with a grim look and dragged the hostile Audris from the room.
Varyk glanced at Eira with drained eyes. “I have no idea where to look. Which path might she have taken?” He rubbed his eyes tiredly.
“Ishar might want this peace to work but right now she runs for her life. Who knows what Audris might have told her to aid this flight?” Varyk nodded in agreement. Eira continued. “That means she will seek to keep her presence concealed from watchful eyes as she travels but she will want as much speed as possible.” Eira tilted her head as she thought about Audris’ words. “Audris mentioned Ishar was on her way. That means she is outside the holding walls. How could Audris have concealed her presence from the guards? They would have checked any individual leaving.”
Varyk’s glance grew speculative. “Unless she did not leave by the front gate and there is only one answer for that. The side gate would make to much noise and is too heavy for two women to move in the dark alone.”
Realization hit her. “You mean the tunnel.”
“It is the only way out of the holding without being seen by the guards,” Varyk commented gravely.
“And I showed it to Audris years ago as a safety precaution,” Eira stated with a sigh.
Varyk sighed. “If it is true, it might be the only thing working in our favor. Her tracks should still be fresh. The men will now know which direction to follow her. We might yet have a chance if they do not have to split up early to search large areas.” He moved to the door and glanced back. “I will try to find Ishar before whoever Audris is aiding harms her. I know you want to come,” Varyk admonished quietly to her, “But do me one favor and heal. I am certain that it will delight Ishar all the more.”
Eira watched in frustration as he slid out and closed the door. For a second she was tempted to rise from the bed but a test of her strength told her quickly that was impossible. She settled among the furs and blankets and fumed, frustrated and concerned.
*
As much as she yearned to ride in the direction of her father, Ishar kept to the way that led to the high cliffs along the western side of the island. She saw the intelligence of Audris’ words. The high cliffs indicated the lower end to the start of the Twyndur Mountain Range that ranged northward a ways before proceeding to the east until it met the eastern side of the island. It provided a natural barrier against invaders. It would now provide Ishar with protection as she moved along its trails, hidden by the rocky terrain and caves which dotted the entire range. Plus the prints of the gelding would be even more difficult to detect, allowing her fast movement and slowing pursuers farther. But first she had to reach the region of the high cliffs. Hopefully Audris was right and any men Varyk might send after her would head north immediately.
After a day of riding with only a stop at midday to gather fresh water and finish the meat Audris had provided, Ishar had seen the slope before her gradually rise. Now it was close to night and she rode with weariness as she searched for a place of concealment in which to hide the gelding and grant both of them a moment’s respite from the heavy pace. Ishar feared to drive the creature lame if she kept up the rigid swiftness of her ride. Plus there was the greater chance of injury for her and the horse if she continued riding through the night. An hour after dark she located a cluster of trees and bushes. Ishar slipped through and pulled the animal in after her. The tight grouping of shrubs created a natural barrier. Ishar took off her belt and laid the leather pouch and flask on the ground. She used the belt and hobbled the gelding’s back feet so she would not have to tie it but could allow the animal allow to graze during the night. Its herd instincts would keep it close. Satisfied, Ishar lowered herself to the ground and made a ball of her body in the crook where two trees had grown together. “A few moments,” she mumbled, and nodded off.
*
Traevyn could see the frustration in all the men. They had ridden all day, working out from the land the direction that Ishar had taken. It had not been easy. The trail pointed to the west, which did not make sense until Traevyn realized Ishar wanted the cover of the mountains in her bid for her northern homeland. It was a smart move and would have kept them from her path if not for the realization that she had used the tunnel. He grimaced at the thought of Audris’ treachery and wondered what the woman had told Ishar to place enough fear within her to run in the first place. Traevyn shook his head in disgust. Now that they knew Ishar’s general direction, their pace had quickened. It was still risky now that dark was upon them and they stopped occasionally to kneel and search the ground for sign. Traevyn watched as Rayne did just that.
Rayne shook his head and muttered. “She is still going strong. I have seen nothing that would indicate any break from her ride.”
“She will run that animal into the ground,” Gavin murmured.
“There is no cover here,” Ber stated with a nod to the area around them. “She would want that for a defensible position if she wa
s found. That is why she has kept moving.”
“Besides, be grateful if she runs the creature lame,” Kagon growled. “It will mean less riding on our part and the girl back at the holding before her father arrives.”
Traevyn flicked a glance his way. “If you are assuming she will ever so sweetly run into our arms,” he stated in disgust, “I am afraid you are bound for disappointment. She will do whatever it takes to avoid us and we will need all the help we can get if she makes it to the mountains. Ishar has moved among them for many years in the war with the Lute. There she will have the advantage, not us.”
“One girl?” Kagon scoffed.
Many of the other Raanan warriors glanced at one another and grinned. Kagon frowned at their smiles as Traevyn replied softly, “No. One warrior, and a clever and quick one at that. If you are not careful, Kagon, I fear she will lead you on a merry chase indeed,” he murmured at the Raanan’s fierce scowl.
It was Lysandr who broke their dispute. “We will rest here next to the river.”
Traevyn frowned. “The trail is warm. She had to have taken a rest sooner or later. Let us use the advantage. We may well come upon her close by.”
“We have traveled nearly all day. If she stopped somewhere, it is for the same reason we have. Our horses need rest before they can continue on or it is they who will come up lame and not hers. What good will that be for Varyk? He waits anxiously for us to return, and quickly.” Lysandr sighed and rubbed a hand across his face. “Do not worry. I do not intend a lengthy stay. Hobble, feed and water the horses and grab some rest. We will move on in a few hours.”
Traevyn could see Davaris and Ber wanted to argue. He felt the same way, but all slipped from their mounts and begin to loosen the straps of their saddles.
*
Ishar opened her eyes and looked around. It was still dark, she noted with relief, though along the horizon she could see a glimmer of light. She stood and stretched. The tightness in her left forearm was beginning to lesson, the pain from the cut all but gone. Ishar reached into the leather bag and pulled out what was left of the chunk of bread. She downed it with the water before rising. Ishar took off the gelding’s hobble and gathered her meager belongings. Leading the horse from the bushes she made her way to the river’s edge and let the animal drink first before kneeling and cupping a handful to her mouth several times and refilling the flask. Ishar wished there was time for a bath. The cool water had wiped some of the sleep from her mind. A bath would have removed the rest. Still, it was better than nothing. She mounted and turned toward up river. She nudged the gelding with her heels and he broke into a canter.
*
The morning was established when Glyndwr slid out from between the bushes. “She made a stop here. I can see where she rested,” he commented.
“And there are tracks along the water here,” Rayne said loudly from where he stood by the river’s edge, speaking above the rush of water. “They are still fresh and damp.”
Lysandr nodded. “Then let us move. She still has time on us.”
Traevyn stretched his shoulders and prepared himself for another day of riding as he followed Lysandr and continued toward the high cliffs.
*
By afternoon Ishar felt the drain the constant riding and worry had produced. The lack of saddle had not helped and her legs burned with a desire to feel land beneath her feet, even as she navigated the beginnings of rocky terrain. The boom of water could be heard off to her left as the ocean crashed against solid rock walls. Ishar looked ahead. She longed to find a cave and lodge within its confines for the extended rest her body craved. Ishar held the gelding back to a slower pace as she picked her way through the uneven terrain.
Another hour of riding brought her higher up into the mountainous region. The cliffs still hung to her left and would for quite some time until she turned eastward and crossed the Etu. After that the mountains would be steeper still. She longed to be wrapped within the folds of her burda. Ishar had just contemplated whether to stop and hunt for any form of food when a trickle of rock movement ahead had her bring the brown gelding up with the reins. She looked with narrowed eyes at the path before her and tightened her grip on the old dagger stuck within the belt at her waist. A moment later a horse rounded and Ishar stared with shock upon its occupant.
“Fenric,” she said, surprised. “What brings you this way?” Ishar could not comprehend the reason for the Haaldyn’s presence. “Did Audris get word to you somehow about what way she would send me?” Her confusion grew at his solemn expression as she attempted to grasp the implications. “But why would she not let me know to look for you?” Ishar whispered, staring at her former swordmaster perplexed and confused.
Fenric looked on her with tight, wary eyes. The mare he rode fought his hand and jerked her head from side to side as he tried to keep her straight on the trail. Fenric’s mouth pursed. “I had hoped it would not come to this,” he sighed as he looked on wearily.
Ishar stared at him, puzzled. “That what would not come to this?” She recalled Fenric’s visit, the words that had been spoken and looked for understanding from her former instructor. “You had some idea that this might happen,” she said. “Why did you not speak to me of it?” Tears lined her eyes as she pleaded with him. “I would have done anything to prevent Eira’s death and the possible loss of the peace.”
“There is nothing possible about it,” Fenric stated with firm authority. “The peace will not hold. War will come. Everything will be as it was meant to be before such interference as Wyn helped your father bring about this abomination of unity.”
For a moment she could not speak. The words Fenric spoke settled within her mind and she fought with herself for the truth of their meaning. Fenric? It could not be. He was a loyal friend. Not just to herself but also to her father. Ishar shook her head in denial. “What nonsense is this?” She asked with a half-hearted smile, which quickly faded. “You are a personal friend of my family,” Ishar said with disbelief and a growing anger. “A personal friend to me. Why speak such words of treachery?” Her eyes widened at the dawning realization. “Eira?” She said in a horrified tone. “You attacked her. You killed her.” Ishar was repulsed. She shook her head in denial. “You must know this will destroy the peace. There will be no unified Alsaar. The Tourna will overwhelm this part of the island and probably us as well.” Her eyes narrowed and she looked on with loathing. “You fool. You have destroyed our future. And for what reason?” she demanded.
“Better we face the Tourna alone than with such allies as the Lute,” Fenric spat out. “I would never stand beside the people responsible for killing my son.”
Ishar drew back at the venom in is voice. “And how many Lute sons have you killed?” she cried with tears in her eyes as she shook her head in disgust. Her thoughts took her back to the holding, that it had been Audris who let her go and sent her to the mountains. Ishar was no fool. She recognized very quickly the trap arranged for her and quietly studied Fenric. “So what happens now?” She eyed the array of weapons around his waist and strapped to his back and tightened her weary legs around the gelding in preparation. She was not yet certain of her actions. Ishar only knew she had to be ready.
Fenric’s mare snorted and danced sideways. It was apparent the horse did not like the rocky terrain. Fenric grabbed the reins tighter and held back on the mare’s head as he looked bleakly at Ishar. “I had hoped it would not come to this. We were so certain the people of the holding would kill you when you returned from your ride after they saw what happened to Eira.” He sneered. “But no. The warriors under Varyk simply had you placed under arrest.” Fenric turned and spat on the ground. “They show their weakness.”
“It shows they are guided by wisdom rather than rage,” Ishar muttered. She tried to remember the path behind her. Had there been any other trail leading off that she might take to elude Fenric?
Fenric continued. “It was decided we could not wait to see what would happen if Eira survived. Pla
ns had to be made.”
“To ensure my death,” Ishar concluded. “Is that what this was all about?” She nodded and answered her own question. “Because you knew if Varyk was torn over Eira’s death and my father over mine there would be little chance of unity. With emotions high, it would not take long to destroy everything for which we worked so hard.” Ishar held her head up and spoke with contempt, “I am surprised you allowed yourself to work alongside a Lute to accomplish this.”
“We use dogs to bring down great bears. She was nothing more than that,” he stated.” Fenric reached up and drew his sword. “I am sorry, Ishar,” he stated quietly.
“Of what? That you might have to actually kill me yourself?” she asked angrily.
He shook his head. “No, actually, I will not. I have friends who will see it is done in the right manner and with the right precision to cause the most harm.”
Ishar heard a clatter of hooves on rock behind her. She glanced behind and then looked with Fenric with a shocked expression. “More Haaldyn? Or are you willing to accept additional help from the Lute?”
Fenric held himself stiff. He glared at Ishar. “In so many ways you are a child. I had hoped you would grow out of this fantasy to which your father holds so tightly. It will be his death one day,” he stated with contempt. “There are times we must do things that are difficult. Ally ourselves with people such as the Lute or others we would normally see as an enemy, just to get the job that we need done. This is such a time.”
Ishar had not thought her shock could grow deeper. She stared at Fenric and shook her head in denial. “You would not. You would not ally yourself with the Tourna. They are our sworn enemies,” she choked out. Behind her, the noise of horses grew closer. Ishar was running out of options.
Fenric shrugged. “They are the enemies of my enemy. Today that makes them my friends.” He must have seen her agitation. “Do not try it. There is no where to run. They surround this area on three sides. The ocean cuts you off on the fourth.” He smiled sadly. “You cannot be allowed to escape to the north. That would destroy everything and I have not gone to such trouble to let this opportunity slip through my fingers.”
The Treason Blade (Battle for Alsaar Book 1) Page 22
