Journey of the Wanderer

by Shawna Thomas

  Cappi grinned. “Well, for some of us, it’s because no man claims this place. No king. For others...they say the Siobani live not far from that chasm over there. We figure some of their magic might not be a bad thing about now. Some heard tale of a western prince who stood up to his father and entered Siobani lands. People here think you might help us.”

  “You’re not afraid of the Siobani?” Ryliann asked.

  “Nope.” Cappi shook his head. “Not me. My granma was a healer.” He pointed with his chin. “Some of them others might be afraid, but not me or mine. Some think the Siobani are all-powerful.” He shook his head. “Nonsense too. Didn’t you say the Siobani were gonna help you?”

  Ryliann nodded and kept himself from correcting the old man. He could almost hear Ilythra’s voice explain that Siobani was their language, not their race. She was rubbing off on him. “I ran from the same thing you did. But I’m not running anymore. It’s time to fight. Would any of you like to join us?”

  “Maybe. What you fixin’ to do?”

  “Like I said, we’re planning to take all our lands back.”

  * * *

  Sweat ran down her face, stinging her eyes. Ilythra blinked, focusing on her opponent. Before the thought was conscious, her muscles reacted, blocking the heavy stick’s blow.

  She needed this workout. The night before she’d dreamed of her grandfather being tortured by Bredych. He’d turned into Maelys, who had stared her in the eye and said “fight.” The crack of the stick brought Ilythra’s attention back to her sparring partner.

  “Your concentration is slipping,” Jaidon said.

  Ilythra rolled her shoulders. They’d had no word from Ryliann. Had the refugees welcomed him? Ewen had said there were rumors that many had come to find the prince who’d allied himself with the Dawn Children. But humans could be fickle, and a group of them could be dangerous. She swallowed hard. Unease ran down her spine, settled in her limbs. What was wrong with her? She’d spent more time with humans in the last months than she had in the last two years. Ryliann. Everything she’d worked for. Everything she hoped for was so close to either failing or succeeding. She felt like she was on a knife’s edge. One wrong step, and it would all fall apart. She would fail.

  Ewen’s plan was bold, and Ryliann’s humans had responded well to instruction, despite her initial misgivings. How well would they train the refugees? Would the refugees even want to be trained? Too much was out of her control. Too much depended on Ryliann. A confusing mix of admiration and irritation infused her breast. She brought her stick up and around, watching as Jaidon smiled. He hadn’t thought she would block that one. Neither had she.

  She’d never met such an infuriating man as the human prince. He’d kissed her. He’d actually kissed her. When she thought about it, her lips still trembled and a yearning bloomed inside her belly. Ilythra put a little more force on the next parry. Jaidon raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Who did Ryliann think he was?

  Suddenly Jaidon stepped back, inclining his head. Ilythra turned as Ewen entered the room.

  “Nachiad, Jaidon,” Ewen said, nodding to the warrior, and then faced Ilythra. “I’d have a word with you.”

  Ilythra’s stomach lurched. She handed the stick to Jaidon and followed Ewen out of the room. She took several deep breaths to still her racing heart. His expression hadn’t given the Riege away, but then, it seldom did. She followed him to his study; the hearth was bare of flames and a chill tinted the air.

  “I have an assignment for you.”

  Ilythra remained silent. She was to go with Arien the following day to join Ryliann on the field. A situation that both excited and filled her with misgivings. “When we see each other again, I hope you don’t mind if we start where we left off.” Ryliann’s remembered words made her stomach flip-flop.

  “As you know, hundreds of humans are flocking to the Tir Rhos,” Ewen continued. “Refugees, those who have resisted and in return found their homes and villages burned. They’re in desperate need of leadership. I can’t send the Dawn Children there to aid the humans. Even if they didn’t fear us, if Bredych got word we were helping them, he would attack.”

  Ewen paused. Ilythra waited for what she knew was coming.

  “I’ve been told sickness is their greatest enemy. They need a leader and a healer. They need you.”

  Weight settled on Ilythra’s shoulders. “I was to fight.”

  “Perhaps a different kind of battle. There will be no glory in it—”

  Ilythra waved her hand. “You know I don’t fight for glory. I fight to free Anatar. I want to reunite the stones.”

  “Then perhaps this is the way you will do that.”

  “By being stuck in a refugee camp?” Ilythra tried and failed to keep the irritation out of her voice.

  Ewen smiled gently. “They are the Anatar you wish to save.”

  “It’s been so long. I don’t know,” she began, then gazed into Ewen’s green eyes. The corners of his mouth attempted a smile though his eyes remained sad. “I can be ready to leave by tomorrow.”

  * * *

  Arien glanced around the room, irritation on his features. He carried his leather pack, worn smooth with much use, while he lifted articles of clothing, only to place them down again. The complex blend of emotions confused her. She wanted to go with him. Be part of the attack. Do something. Her frustration spiked. She did not want to babysit a bunch of human refugees on the plains. With a sigh, she extended leather gloves. “You left them in the stables.”

  Arien reached out and took the gloves but let the pack drop to the floor. His golden-brown gaze found hers. “This will be hard for you.”

  Ilythra took several breaths. “I’m a warrior, not a nursemaid.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “You are a healer.”

  She paced the length of the room. “I know herbs. I know how to set a bone, stop bleeding. You know, Neasai, there are more skilled healers in our ranks.”

  “But none who are human.”

  She shook her head.

  He approached and placed a finger under her chin, bringing her gaze to his. “It’ll be hard for me too. I would feel much more secure were you watching my back.”

  Ilythra offered a smile, not trusting her words. “You’ll have Cavin.”

  “True. But he’s not as nice to look at.” Arien reached for her hand. “No matter the distance, I’m with you.”

  Ilythra smiled. “And I with you.”

  The silence lengthened, touch communicating what they needed to say.

  “I have something, a gift.” Arien moved to a low table and retrieved a wrapped bundle. “They began it before we left for Edriel.” Arien handed the bundle to Ilythra.

  Ilythra removed a slightly curved sword. The double-sided blade stretched about thirty-five thumbs long and was broad, almost the width of her hand. She tested its weight and felt a smile stretch her features. The blade gleamed in the light. A prayer for safety had been engraved along one side in the curved script of the Dawn Children. “It’s like the one Yann made me.” She looked up, at a loss for words. “How?”

  “You’re not the only one who studies swords. I drew a picture from your description. Our smiths are skilled. Try it.”

  Holding the sword out, Ilythra wove first simple then complicated patterns through the air. She moved away from Arien to run through a couple of easy maneuvers. “The weight is perfect. Thank you.”

  Arien inclined his head. “Now you will have two swords to protect yourself, as you’re lacking mine.”

  “You think I need you to protect me?”

  Arien smiled. “I have a time or two, maybe.”

  Ilythra sobered. “I don’t have the dangerous job. Do you think Ryliann’s humans are ready?”

  “They had excellent training.”

 
“You know what I mean.” She sheathed the sword.

  “I think so. They’re training those who are willing on the plains now.”

  “Are we ready?”

  “It goes against the grain, against much of what we believe in, but every warrior under my command accepts the need for this strategy.”

  She took a deep breath. “You’re sure about only taking forty warriors?”

  “Yes, they’re assembling at the gate. Father will keep the majority of our army ready for when we need it. This is Ryliann’s campaign. We are going only to supervise and give aid when necessary.” He picked up the dropped pack and swung it over his shoulder. When he turned, his golden eyes gleamed. “We’ll cross the chasm at Zandia together. You will head west. Ryliann will be due south. It’s only a days ride to where the humans camp. Still, I hate to leave you on the plains alone.”

  “Honestly, do you think I’ve never traveled alone?”

  “In the middle of a war, with a man who would see you dead?”

  “Actually, the war part is new. The rest? It’s been a part of my life for a while now. I am a stone keeper. I will be fine.”

  “You are a stone keeper. I’d not see you risked.” His eyes darkened.

  “You’re worse than your father.”

  “Worse?”

  “Yes. You should know better.”

  Arien ran a hand over his brow. “By now, Ryliann would’ve received word we are on our way.” He paused. “Do you have a message for him?”

  Ilythra paused, remembering the kiss. Complicated emotions warred in her chest. “Yes, tell him if anything happens to you, I’ll find him and kill him with my bare hands.”

  Arien smiled. “I’ll be sure to pass on the message.” He stepped closer. “Be careful on the plains. So far the enemy has left the refugees alone, but that’s no guarantee it’s going to remain that way. It might be a good idea if you train some of the women in swordplay and archery.”

  Ilythra felt a smile tug at her mouth. “Human women might take to the weapons faster than human men.”

  A ghost of a smile played on Arien’s lips but didn’t touch his eyes.

  “Are you that concerned?”

  Arien moved to stand before the window. He became a darkened shadow against the pale morning sun. “I’m unsure. I don’t have a good feeling and I’m not sure why. I don’t know how the humans will respond to our authority, unsure how I’ll respond. I’ve never thought to lay traps in the night or fight with trickery and deceit. I’m not afraid of facing thousands with hundreds, but...”

  “But you are afraid.”

  Arien wheeled around. His face still shadowed. “I’m afraid of what this means to the Dawn Children. Even if we win, will we have lost everything that makes us who we are?”

  Ilythra approached him. “Change is part of life. The Dawn Children fought it for many years so now it seems rapid and disjointed, but I know you.” She placed her hand over his heart. “Nothing will change who you are at the core. You kill when you must, but you’re still a healer, aren’t you?”

  Arien suddenly grinned. “You’ve been spending too much time with Father.” He took her by the shoulders. “Let’s go say goodbye to him.” He turned in a slow circle, observing the room. “It has been a long time since the Dawn Children rode to war, even one such as this. I wonder how many of us will never again see home again.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Milord, a message from the plains.”

  Bredych stretched out his hand for the small scroll and inspected the seal. He looked up at the bird keeper. The tall, thin man’s gaze darted around the room but failed to rest on Bredych. It grated on his nerves. The bird keeper reminded Bredych of one of the man’s feathered charges. If he dropped him from the tallest tower, would he squawk? He considered the sealed scroll and waved the man away. “Thank you.”

  With care, he broke the wax and unrolled the document. A smile curved his lips. The prince had emerged from the protected lands and was setting up camp on the Tir Rhos just south of the chasm and west of Alerra. Instead of going to Alerra for aid, he’d visited the refugee camp and asked for volunteers. According to the report, most of them had joined him. It was laughable, really. How many men could the prince have now? Three hundred? Four?

  The message had not mentioned the Siobani, but they would join him. Would Ilythra? That was an interesting supposition. Would she remain with the Siobani warriors or be drawn to the human element? She really belonged to neither world. He smiled. She should have joined him long ago. Anatar would already be theirs.

  How many warriors could Ewen call to his defense? No more than five thousand. He had three times that number without the Formori joining him. He stood and strode to his map. The refugees had made their camp in no-man’s land. The humans had long believed the area haunted. A tale woven by the Airydh to assure humans didn’t investigate the chasm too closely. But the Airydh magic was unraveling with the reappearance of the Dawn Children. He could go in and raze the camp, but it served a purpose. It kept all the dissenters in one place. It would make destroying them when the time was right that much easier. His gaze moved south and east to a small black dot on the map. Alerra. He still hadn’t dealt with the kingdom there. Perhaps it was time. If he were Ryliann, that was where he’d take his little band next.

  * * *

  Arien and his men slowed. Instinct said there were men near, but no telltale dust or smoke gave their presence away. Pride filled his breast. He turned to Cavin. The other man smiled and shrugged, agreeing with Arien’s unspoken communication. They’d trained the humans well. He signaled with his hand. His men subtly spread out.

  He wished Ilythra rode by his side. If he thought about it, he was always amazed how quickly the stone keeper had become a part of his life. It was almost as though the long years he’d spent before he’d met her were shadowed by the day she would enter into his world. Enter and change it. He examined the plains and fervently hoped the change was for the good.

  A movement to his right caught his eye. He tracked it without turning his head. It wasn’t fair to lay the current circumstances on Ilythra’s shoulders. She’d been tasked with finding and reuniting the three stones. It was a noble and honorable calling. Yet not one a mere human or one Elderborn could accomplish alone. No. He would lay the responsibility for the current state of events on Bredych alone.

  A bird call sounded nearby. Arien forced his face to remain impassive. He rode closer to Cavin. “Three on the right, two on the left and one behind.”

  “You missed the one in that tree over three.” Cavin indicated a lone oak growing in a depression.

  “You’re right.” Arien smiled. “Shall we show them how the grown-ups play?”

  Cavin’s smile stretched his features. “I’m so glad you haven’t forgotten how to have fun.”

  * * *

  Ilythra slowed Melior and stared out over the virgin grasses waving in the slight breeze. The sun warmed her back and brought a smile to her face.

  Just after emerging from the chasm, she’d said goodbye to Arien. It would take only a day to reach the camp, but she had a quick errand first. She spread the map out on Melior’s withers. Trader’s maps were simple, displaying only the barest of landscape details. She noted the jagged line that represented the chasm and a few triangles to the west that must be the old forests south of Isolden. But from the map, she could tell where each of the towns were and what they sold. This particular map held the details for two trade routes. A rare thing.

  The traders didn’t journey so far north. Not only was the season short, the plains held very few towns. It wasn’t worth their time. Bando’s group probably owned the most northern route. He serviced the kingdom of Alerra and occasionally Isolden, but she didn’t have the luxury of spending days looking for them. A few days south and east, she s
hould find what she was looking for.

  * * *

  Arien waited a heartbeat longer. He breathed in and then out. With a smile he couldn’t contain, he waved two fingers in the air and whistled three sharp notes. Without a word, his men formed a rough circle, and the swish of arrows filled the air.

  A loud curse broke the sudden silence.

  “Showing off?” Ryliann stood from the grass, brushed his shoulder where an arrow had ripped his tunic and turned to Arien with a look of respect mixed with irritation.

  Arien shrugged. “Were you really thinking to ambush us?”

  Ryliann grinned. “Practice. What gave us away?”

  “Instinct mostly. Don’t look at your target. Even humans can sense when someone is staring at them. It raises the hackles. After that, it only took observation.”

  “Did you hear that?” Ryliann raised his voice. Five other men rose from the grasses.

  “You almost pierced my hand.”

  Arien turned to the voice. He recognized Ryliann’s second, Vann.

  Before he could speak, Ryliann stepped forward. “‘Almost’ is the key word. Had he wanted to, I’m pretty sure we’d be removing a shaft from it about now.” He waved his hand. “Okay, men. Lesson learned. That’s why they’re teachers and we’re not. Go back to your duties.”

  The men trudged off.

  Arien dismounted. “How do you fare?”

  Ryliann shook his head. “We’ve been training the men who volunteered from the refugee camp. We really haven’t started anything.”

  “Well, I have our first assignment.”

  Ryliann looked over Arien’s shoulder. “Is this all you brought?”

  “Yes.”

  The prince’s brow wrinkled. “Ilythra is not with you?”

  “No. She’s not. Are you ready?”

  The prince couldn’t hide the disappointment. Arien had wondered if he had feelings for the stone keeper. That was answered. Did Ilythra have feelings for him? He fought a sudden surge of jealousy. Ilythra was his dearest friend. He didn’t want to lose her. He stared hard at the prince. Arien admired him, but he was far from good enough for the stone keeper.