Lachlei

by M. H. Bonham

  Laddel considered her and then glanced at Cahal and Rhyn. His eyes rested on the warrior god. “Did you not tell her our true adversary, Rhyn-?”

  “Rhyn,” Rhyn’athel said firmly. “I suspected a demon…”

  “But he did not know,” interrupted Telek, his brass eyes holding Laddel’s gaze for a few moments.

  Lachlei recognized a private exchange in mindspeak between the two Laddel warriors, but could not eavesdrop. Instead, she met Laddel’s gaze. “You say our quarry is none other than the death god?” she asked. “If that is so, he chooses his battles poorly. The Silren are twenty miles north of here — we have them on the run.”

  “Areyn knows there is the Truce to reckon with,” Telek spoke up. His wolf eyes glittered in Mani’s light. “He fears the warrior god’s involvement and therefore remains covert in his actions. But once he destroys the Lochvaur, he will seek out the Laddel.”

  “Telek is right,” Laddel said. “Don’t underestimate your foe, Lachlei, for he will destroy us.”

  “Then if Areyn Sehduk is here,” she said. “Where is Rhyn’athel? The warrior god wouldn’t leave us to fight alone.”

  “For the time being, he has,” Laddel said. “The war is only between the Silren and Lochvaur. That may change if we do not fight now.” He smiled. “But this is not the place for council. You and your warriors will be the Laddel’s guests tonight while we plan our strategy.”

  Lachlei tilted her head in a short nod. “I accept your hospitality and the hospitality of the Laddel.”

  CHAPTER Forty-One

  Fialan awoke to the cold dawn. He had refused to return to Lochvaur’s fortress, and Eshe would not leave him. She had lain beside him during the night, and he had wrapped his cloak around them both. Fialan held her during the night, conserving what little heat their bodies had between them. She was pretty, he thought, and much stronger than he had given her credit for.

  Yet his mind was still fixed firmly on Lachlei. Fialan had known that Lachlei might remarry if he were to die before she did. Such remarriages were not uncommon among Eleion, especially Chi’lan, whose lifespans were long, but who frequently died in battle. But Fialan had never considered how he might feel about it when he was dead — if indeed, he had any feelings about the matter. He had relegated death to the back of his mind. If, not when.

  Fialan knew his jealousy was unfounded. He was, after all, dead, and the vows he and Lachlei had taken were dissolved. Yet, couldn’t Rhyn’athel have saved him from Areyn? Lochvaur hadn’t thought so, but Lochvaur was Rhyn’athel’s son.

  “There will be a day, Areyn, when I will exact my revenge.”

  “Really? Or will you let your brother do that?”

  Fialan recalled the words between Lochvaur and Areyn. The barb Areyn shot at Lochvaur was exquisite. Painful and yet cut to the point. Would there even be another son of Rhyn’athel now that Areyn knew that Lachlei was the crux in this war? Fialan knew Lachlei would never consciously give herself to Areyn Sehduk — but he could deceive her or even rape her.

  Fialan shivered in the cold, pulling Eshe closer for warmth. Eshe’s eyes opened and she smiled. She sat up. “That’s the first time I’ve slept alone with a man fully clothed,” she said wryly.

  Fialan sat up with her still in his arms and, feeling his face flush, began laughing. “I’m afraid this is my first time sleeping with a beautiful woman without taking advantage of the situation.”

  “Really?” Eshe said. She twisted around in his arms and kissed him.

  Fialan pulled away. “Eshe, I can’t…” he began.

  A scream interrupted him. They scrambled to their feet. A large demon with the head of an eagle loomed over them. Like Flayer, the demon had the torso of a man with bat wings, but had the lower body of a bird of prey. Eshe flinched and buried her head in Fialan’s chest. Fialan pushed her away gently and drew the ghost blade. “What do you want?”

  The demon grinned, showing sharp teeth within the beak. “Areyn needs fighters,” he said. “You and Eshe — by Lochvaur’s own orders.”

  Suddenly, the world fell around them. Darkness closed around Fialan and dragged him down. He tried shouting for Eshe, but his voice made no sound. Instead, all he could hear was roaring of the wind as it rushed by him. Then it stopped and he collapsed to solid ground.

  Fialan felt sick. He had dropped the Fyren ghost blade and now lay in the mud. The light was blinding. Strong hands grasped him and pulled him to his feet. He could see little save dark figures. They weren’t rough as they helped him regain his balance.

  “Fialan!” Eshe called, her voice near panic.

  “It’s ok, Eshe,” Fialan said. “I’m right here.”

  “I thought you’d be used to it by now, having gone through it once,” Lochvaur’s voice said wryly.

  “Where are we?” Eshe said.

  “We’re in Elren,” Fialan said. “Back in the world of the living.”

  *****

  Do you think that was wise, Lachlei? Cahal asked in mindspeak as they followed the Laddel king back to their army.

  Lachlei glanced at Rhyn, who seemed at ease with the arrangement. Why? she asked. They are our allies.

  They could capture and ransom you, Cahal replied. We could do naught.

  They could have destroyed us with their army and chose not to, Lachlei replied. I sense no deception and nothing in my Sight indicates a danger.

  The Sight is not infallible, Cahal said.

  Rhyn doesn’t seem concerned, Lachlei replied.

  Rhyn brought them.

  You don’t trust Rhyn? Lachlei asked. I thought you were good friends…

  We are, Cahal said. But he may not see the danger.

  Lachlei chuckled. “That doesn’t sound like Rhyn,” she said aloud.

  Cahal shook his head. “No, it doesn’t.”

  Rhyn had been riding in front of her, conversing with Telek. He glanced behind at the mention of his name. She caught his gaze and smiled and he grinned wryly. Telek noted the exchange with interest before returning to talk with the Chi’lan.

  *****

  “Cahal is wondering if this is a trap,” Ni’yah remarked.

  “Is it wise to speak with so many first-bloods about?” Rhyn’athel chided him. He disguised their conversation so it would not be understood, but he still believed that Lachlei might notice.

  “Why not? They’re on our side,” Ni’yah said. “Laddel knows who I am already, and so what if Lachlei figures it out? She knows about Areyn now.” Despite his disguise as Telek, Rhyn’athel noted that Ni’yah refused to take on a mortal body.

  “That wasn’t wise,” he replied. “You shouldn’t have told them about Areyn Sehduk.”

  “Why not?” Ni’yah’s eyes glowed. “They’re going to learn, regardless, brother. It’s a matter of when, not if. It’s better that the Lochvaur know now.”

  Rhyn’athel glared at him. “You’re dragging me into this war.”

  “You’re already in it, brother, or need I remind you who was so eager to become mortal for the sake of a woman? Areyn’s demon steed didn’t die of fright. The Lochvaur certainly wouldn’t be pursuing the Silren if you weren’t here.”

  Rhyn’athel said nothing. Instead, he stared ahead as they rode towards the Laddel encampment. “Areyn knows I’m here?”

  “Most likely,” Ni’yah said. “Your confrontation was impressive — Areyn will have to think you are behind this.”

  “Who knows about me?”

  “Just Laddel. He will tell no one until I release him.”

  “Don’t,” Rhyn’athel said. “We may be able to discourage Areyn Sehduk enough to stop this war now.”

  Ni’yah met Rhyn’athel’s gaze. “Do you really believe that? My brother, this is Areyn Sehduk we speak of, not some minor deity. You and he are opposites; he will never rest until he has destroyed everything you have created. If that means razing Athelren to its very foundations, he’d do it — if it weren’t for you. You’re the only thing he fears.”
>
  “Perhaps,” Rhyn’athel said.

  Ni’yah considered him. “Your mortality is affecting you,” he said at last. “I didn’t think it could happen, but I think it is.”

  “What?”

  “You’ve never been this indecisive,” Ni’yah said. “Careful, yes. But not like this. Your mortality is affecting your judgment.”

  “Don’t be absurd.”

  “Am I?” Ni’yah said appraisingly.

  “That doesn’t sound like Rhyn.”

  Rhyn’athel turned at the sound of his name. He met Lachlei’s gaze and grinned at her smile.

  “Not affected?” Ni’yah snorted. “Smitten.”

  Rhyn chuckled. “This was your idea, brother.”

  “Unfortunately, not one of my better ones.”

  CHAPTER Forty-Two

  The hospitality of the Laddel army assuaged Cahal’s fears. Lachlei, Rhyn, and Cahal entered the Laddel main tent to find themselves treated as though they were Laddel royalty. Silver and agouti-haired warriors, many with silver or brass eyes bowed their heads in respect to her as she passed.

  The Laddel were Eleion as were the Lochvaur, but their kindred showed the characteristics of the wolf-god, Ni’yah. They were shorter than the Lochvaur; indeed, next to them, Rhyn was a giant. He towered over most of them by nearly a foot. And yet, Lachlei sensed power within these warriors — a wildness she could not explain. Clad in mail, with long, wolf-colored manes and feral eyes, Lachlei knew their warrior abilities to be equal to her Chi’lan in many ways.

  Two Laddel guards bowed as Lachlei entered the tent. All rose at her presence and she glanced at Cahal and Rhyn in puzzlement. Cahal looked perplexed, but Rhyn nodded.

  Go in, he said. You are Laddel nobility here.

  Lachlei stared at Rhyn. “What do you mean?” she whispered.

  “You are the daughter of Ladara, the granddaughter of Laddel,” Rhyn replied. “You are in line for the throne, albeit distantly.”

  Lachlei stared at the warriors. She had forgotten that the other kindreds weren’t as egalitarian as the Lochvaur or the Chi’lan. The Lochvaur line of succession was earned, not inherited. Although the sons of the king were often challengers for the Lochvaur throne, there was no guarantee that they would rule, although it was tradition that a first-blood ascended the throne. Lachlei had forgotten the other kindreds chose their kings by blood-ties.

  I know nothing of the Laddel, Lachlei objected to Rhyn. Ladara became Lochvaur when she married my father… She saw Rhyn grinning. You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?

  Before he could respond, Laddel approached her and took her arms in the Chi’lan gesture of friendship. “I forgot that you might feel more comfortable being greeted as Chi’lan than a Queen, daughter of my granddaughter.”

  Lachlei returned the greeting. “Forgive me, great-grandfather, but as Chi’lan we treat all warriors as our equals.”

  “Indeed, Chi’lan Lachlei,” Laddel grinned. “No doubt Rhyn’athel’s influence.”

  Lachlei laughed. “You knew Rhyn’athel?”

  Laddel glanced at Rhyn. “Indeed, and there are no other gods the Laddel would serve, save Ni’yah.” He paused. “But, we are not here to discuss history, but to discuss the future. Areyn will destroy us if we do not unite against him.”

  He led her to a long table and bade her to sit. Servants brought plates of roast meat and bread, but the flagons stayed empty. “I would normally offer mead, but there are too many first-bloods at this table,” Laddel said, glancing at Telek. “And we need our wits about us.”

  “Agreed,” she said, drinking the water offered. “This is no time for celebration if Areyn is indeed here.”

  “He is,” said Telek, meeting her gaze. “Make no mistake about it, Chi’lan, he has attacked the Lochvaur first because you are the greatest of the kindreds.”

  “We aren’t the largest,” Lachlei said. “The Redel are larger than us — they have more troops. So do the Elesil.”

  “But they are not Chi’lan,” Laddel said. “During the war between the gods of light and darkness, it was Lochvaur and his Chi’lan who led us. They were the shock troops for the rest of us and they took the brunt of Areyn’s assault. It isn’t any wonder why Areyn has chosen to attack the Lochvaur again. It is a grudge that has lasted over two millennia.”

  “This is not a Lochvaur war — this is a Chi’lan battle only,” Lachlei corrected him.

  Laddel frowned. “The Lochvaur council hasn’t given its approval?”

  “Laewynd is blind to the threat.”

  “Blind or intentionally ignoring it?” Telek remarked. He gave Rhyn a knowing look.

  “What do you mean?” Lachlei asked, noting the nonverbal exchange.

  “Laewynd may be a traitor,” Rhyn said.

  Lachlei laughed but fell silent when the others did not join her mirth. “Laewynd may not be the most trustworthy of the council members, but he is no traitor,” she said.

  “Can you be sure of that?” Laddel asked. “He served Fialan for many years, but Fialan was a strong king.”

  “Are you implying that I am not?” Lachlei demanded, her eyes glittering in anger.

  “No,” Rhyn said. “No one here arguing your right or power. But it is unusual to have a queen on the Lochvaur throne.”

  “The Haell have a queen,” Lachlei said.

  “The Haell are a matriarchy. The only other is the Falarel and they are a secretive kindred,” Laddel said. “They deal with no one, save perhaps the Eltar. I fear that your strength has surprised Laewynd, and he may try other means to control you.”

  Cahal nodded. “You did surprise Laewynd with your Chi’lan allegiance.”

  “I have always been Chi’lan,” Lachlei stated.

  “But not outwardly since you became Fialan’s consort,” Laddel remarked. He smiled at her surprise. “The Laddel know more than you think, Lachlei. We may keep to ourselves, but we are very aware of the happenings within the other kindreds.” He paused. “Laewynd may have mistaken diffidence for weakness — something that I have learned long ago not to do. A sleeping dragon is still a dragon. And a twice first-blood is a very dangerous adversary.”

  Lachlei shook her head. “I still can’t believe Laewynd would betray us. Laewynd is many things but he is not a traitor and he is not one to take power — he prefers to lurk in the shadow and deal. And Laewynd was a Chi’lan…”

  “Perhaps, but not all those who take the oath to the warrior god serve him,” Rhyn said. “We need those soldiers, even if we can’t get the Lochvaur council’s approval. There’s too much at stake.”

  “If this is Areyn Sehduk,” she said. “So far, I have the word of the Laddel and naught else.”

  Laddel glanced at Telek and Rhyn. “At one time, my word was good enough — what other proof do you need, Lachlei?”

  “I don’t know,” she admitted. “I know there is a demon — I have seen him in the form of a Silren. But for you to say it is Areyn Sehduk…” She shook her head.

  “Demons haven’t been seen in this world for two millennia,” Telek said. “The Truce has kept them in Areyn’s worlds. Now, they appear again. Tell me that Areyn isn’t behind this.”

  Lachlei met Telek’s gaze. “I can’t — but I need proof before I try to take control of the entire Lochvaur army. And if this were Areyn Sehduk, we’ll need a lot more than just Lochvaur and Laddel.”

  “Then, the question remains — who will stand with us?” Laddel said. “The Haell will fight alongside the Laddel, but it will take time.”

  “The Redel and Lochel may come to our aid,” Lachlei admitted. “But Laewynd thought the Redel were massing to attack us. The Elesil are our allies, but they traditionally ally themselves with the Silren. If the Elesil enter the war with the Silren, we can’t possibly hold our own without at least the Redel.” She shook her head. “But the Silren have never traditionally served Areyn Sehduk — why the change?”

  “Perhaps Areyn thinks he found a weakness against Rhyn’athe
l he could exploit,” Laddel said, leaning back. “Look how indecisive we are already — we question the logic behind fighting this foe, when there should be no question.”

  The room fell silent and Lachlei gazed at each face. “What do you think, Cahal?” she asked.

  Cahal shook his head. “I am not an advisor.”

  “Speak your mind, Chi’lan.”

  “Despite the lack of proof, something tells me to believe them. What we fought was supernatural, and only the warrior god saw us through this.”

  Rhyn saw us through this, Lachlei thought. Not Rhyn’athel. She turned and met Rhyn’s gaze. “And your thoughts, Rhyn?”

  “You know my thoughts, Lachlei,” he replied.

  “Tell me them anyway.” Her gaze fell cold and hard on the North Marches Chi’lan.

  “This is Areyn Sehduk,” he said. “The Truce has ended, and the battle for our very survival has begun. If you ignore the problem, it will not go away but will continue to plague us. If not now, then later.” He turned to Telek. “I was a fool for not seeing it sooner.”

  The wolf-god smiled, but said naught.

  “I too have come to a decision,” Lachlei said. “Instinct, as much as intellect and strength, must play a part in a commander’s decision. I don’t have much to go on, save what I have seen and your counsel. At this time, I must trust my instincts as a Chi’lan warrior.” She paused. “Something evil killed Fialan — a demon or maybe even the demon god, himself. If this isn’t the death god, then perhaps we will err on the side of caution. But if it is Areyn Sehduk, then it is my duty as Rhyn’athel’s champion to fight him. I am with you.”

  At that moment, a scream ripped through the encampment. Warriors and gods were to their feet, swords drawn.

  “Demon!” Telek said.

  CHAPTER Forty-Three

  Fialan’s eyesight returned quickly. He was indeed in the world of the living once more, but time had changed dramatically in this world since he left it. Fialan had only been gone a few days in Tarentor time, but the season here was now approaching winter rapidly.