The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Three: Crown of Ice Read online

  Through her tears a faint smile could be seen on Aiva’s lips. Fighting her pride she let her head turn, gazing at Edric, the redness of her eyes more noticeable in the direct light from the bedside candle. “After all these years, I still have days where I question my worth. What I have to remind myself is that everything comes in time. Eventually we will discover our place in this world and when we do, all of our questioning, the self-doubt, will be gone. It surprises me, though,” she tilted her head to one side, looking him over curiously. “You always act as if you have everything figured out. When I questioned myself, you were right there with the advice to keep me from straying off the path. How is it that our positions have now changed?”

  “It took me longer to realize I had no clue what I was doing,” he chuckled, the sound quiet, lacking the humor he hoped to express. The mood wasn’t fitting for lightheartedness. Sitting there, staring into his sister’s eyes, he felt overwhelmed by a sudden wave of sadness and fear. Carefully, he moved onto the bed, wrapping Aiva in a tight embrace. He didn’t know what else to do. He hated to leave her there. Ever since she was little he had helped care for her. Picking her up when she fell and bandaging the scrapes and cuts she endured from their childish games. This suffering was worse than a few scratches. And he was powerless to ease the pain. “You take care of yourself while I’m gone,” he whispered quietly into the soft strands of her hair. “Listen to the doctor and try not to worry yourself. Callum and I will be home before you know it. We still have to take that walk through the courtyard I promised you.”

  “I will hold you to it,” she replied, returning the pressure of Edric’s arms. “You should get going. Callum will need you to help get the men in order. The sooner you get to Ethrysta, the sooner you can bring him home to me.”

  Reluctantly he pulled away, his arms lingering around her while he took in every detail of her face. This was the first time he would venture so far from home without her there. “I will have lots of stories for you when we return,” he nodded, slowly rising from the bed, straightening his doublet to make sure the wrinkles were smoothed out. He had to look his best for the soldiers. They couldn’t be allowed to sense his apprehension. “Farewell, Aiva. We will see each other again soon.”

  He took long strides toward the door, anxious to be out of the room. There was too much heartbreak in this place. He wanted away from there. Away from Tanispa. It would be easier to focus on the task at hand when he wasn’t surrounded by all of the reasons why he didn’t want to go in the first place.

  He was nearly to the foyer when he recognized the familiar figure of his mother coming toward him, arms outstretched, an expression of concern evident on her gentle features. Another obstacle for him to endure before he could get to the troops. “Mother,” he stated calmly, accepting her embrace warmly. She felt frail in his arms despite the strength he knew she possessed. Next to him, she was shorter, slender, the heavy fabric of her crimson brocade gown sweeping gracefully along the ground around her feet. The glow of her eyes burned into his like two tiny sapphires sparkling in the light.

  “Do you have everything you need?” she asked, looking him over with a scrutinizing gaze. “The weather will be extremely frigid. Worse than the coldest winters we experience in Sivaeria. Do you have gloves? A cloak?”

  “I have packed everything a man could possibly need to keep warm,” he smiled reassuringly. In the back of his mind he went over the list of items he’d brought along in his bags, making sure there wasn’t anything he was overlooking. Everything he brought was intended for the severe climates. Heavier fabrics and fur-lined garments to add more comfort in securing as much warmth as possible. He couldn’t think of anything else he would need. “Do not worry yourself about me. I would much rather see your attention on Aiva.”

  His mother nodded, never looking away from his face. “Your sister will be my main concern once you and Callum have departed for the north. Right now I need to focus on you. It was my hope to never have to see my children off to war during my lifetime. This is the second time I have been forced to see you go and it does not get easier.”

  “Mother, it is not that bad. I will be fine.”

  “You forget that I have been to war, Edric,” she interjected, the tone of her voice stern, surprising him with the directness of her statement. “I have watched my friends die at the hands of our enemy and I know my fear is not misplaced. While I appreciate your attempts to console me, I will not be comforted by assurances which cannot be guaranteed. Let me have this moment to be your mother and express my concern for what you might face in Ethrysta. Be careful, Edric. If you require more men once you arrive, I expect you to send word immediately so we can send the General with aid. Do you understand?”

  Edric lowered his eyes to the floor, saddened by the realization that there was nothing he could do to ease his mother’s worry. She was right. Her experience with war far exceeded his own. Any promise he gave of his safe return was empty. She was no fool. He only wished there was something she could say in turn which might ease the concern he felt for himself and Callum at undertaking the task. “I understand. It pains me that I cannot do more to comfort you. In truth, I am afraid. I hope you will not judge me for feeling that way.”

  “I could never judge you for feeling fear. It is only natural,” the Queen smiled, brushing her hand lightly against Edric’s cheek. He leaned into it, appreciative of the gesture, knowing his mother shared a similar pain in her inability to ease his mind. “I am proud of you for doing this despite your uncertainties. It means a great deal to your father and I, and I know I need not say anything of how grateful your sister is. She may not say it in so many words, but you assuage her grief more than you know in accompanying Callum in this journey.”

  “It is still my desire to see you and Father change your minds about sending him into battle. I find it difficult to believe there is no other means of testing his skill.” Shaking his head he clasped his mother’s hand, gently pulling it away from his face. “We could stage training exercises when it is closer to the time of Cadell’s retirement. Based on the results of those and the knowledge of his past performances against the pirates, surely it would give ample proof of his ability to lead the men.”

  Cupping her other hand over Edric’s, the Queen frowned, heaving a forlorn sigh. It didn’t require words for Edric to know that she wouldn’t be convinced to change her mind. The decision was already made. There was nothing to be done other than to accept it. “You are a noble friend,” she said quietly. “That alone tells me you will do everything you can to make sure this battle is fought well. Chief Okivra is a skilled warrior. One of the best you will ever see. I trust his men will be more than accommodating during your time in their land. You and Callum need only behave yourselves and act with respect toward the Ovatai soldiers and there will be no trouble. Do not overstep your bounds with them. Okivra will not tolerate it and I do not want to risk the alliance between us over something trivial.”

  A smile played at the corners of Edric’s mouth to hear the concerns of his mother. She worried about their behavior? Etiquette was the furthest thing from his mind. It was common sense. Once in Ethrysta, proper conduct would happen naturally. It amused him to hear such a motherly warning come from the Queen. “When have Callum and I ever not behaved, Mother?” he asked innocently, leaning in to kiss her lightly on the cheek. She gave a soft sigh, gazing up at him, a glint of nervousness visible in her eyes.

  “That is exactly why I am concerned. You are both young. It is in your nature to be – boys.”

  “I think I can safely tell you now that you worry too much,” he chuckled. “Pray for our safety on the battlefield. On all other matters, rest assured that Callum and I are mature enough to handle whatever situations might arise.”

  She continued to stare at him, peering hard into his eyes before seeming to finally accept his promises. “Yes,” she nodded slowly. “I suppose so.” Straightening the fabric of her skirts the Queen gave a long, fina
l sigh, wrapping her arm through Edric’s to urge him to walk with her toward the foyer. “Your father and the General will walk with you and Callum until the men reach the Sivaerian border. Once you are beyond there, the soldiers will be in your hands. We trust you both to lead them well. Remember that our family is not the only one affected by this deployment. Take good care of the men, Edric. Their wives and children suffer the same as we do.”

  “We are not careless, Mother. Our soldiers are in good hands,” Edric frowned. “Although others feel the need to test him, Callum is a strong leader. I trust him with my life. He has nearly sacrificed his for our family more than once.”

  Pausing at the entrance to the foyer the Queen turned to face him, the solemnity returned to her gentle features. Her eyes darted toward the brighter lights of the palace entryway, cautious, making sure the other courtiers were not within range to hear what was said between her and Edric. “Callum will need you to help keep him focused,” she stated, squeezing his arm tightly. “I spoke with him before I came to find you. His head is not where it should be. My hope is that he will find it easier to fall into his role after you have left Sivaeria, but he cares a great deal for your sister and leaving her behind is affecting him in a way that serves to increase my concerns for your safety as well as his. Try not to rely on him entirely. You may need to lead the men more than you expect.”

  “I will do my best.” He wasn’t sure what else he could say. The concerns his mother presented were reasonable. If Callum’s mind remained on what he was leaving behind, it would be difficult for him to focus on what lay ahead. They needed a Captain who would have a mind for the battle. Callum was in no condition to offer that. “Try not to worry. Callum won’t do anything which might hinder the mission. He is aware of the fact that failure would prevent him from seeing Aiva again. My hope is to see him work harder in order to return home sooner and be with his wife.”

  “And I hope you are right,” the Queen replied. Her outward appearance revealed none of the concern she spoke of, displaying her usual calm and collected demeanor. Gently she tugged Edric to her in a hug, the faint hint of her lavender perfume creating a soothing scent around her. Edric inhaled deeply of the fragrance. The smell always reminded him of his mother. It would be the last thing he would take with him before saying his final farewell.

  They remained in their embrace, neither one saying anything, lost in the chaos of their own minds. Every moment Edric spent in the palace made it harder for him to walk away. It was as if his family was intentionally trying to change his mind about going. Luring him to stay behind by reminding him of how much he cared about them. About Tanispa. So often he forgot how much it all meant to him. Now, faced with the possibility of losing it all, he felt the familiar nagging in the back of his head, urging him to take his bags from the supply wagon. To forget the foolish notion of going into battle. But no. He couldn’t allow himself to do it. No matter how tempting it might be. “I love you, Mother,” he whispered softly, tightening his embrace briefly before managing to tear himself away. “Do not forget that.”

  Her face softened somewhat, nodding to him in understanding. There was no more time to waste on saying goodbye. Edric needed to get outside with the others so they could begin the arduous journey northward. “I love you, too.” The Queen’s hand remained on Edric’s arm as he began walking away. Her fingertips brushed along the sleeve of his doublet, separated by the distance he placed between them. It was time. Resting his hand on the hilt of the sword at his hip Edric held his head high, shoulders back, determined to display a strong image of confidence for the sake of his mother and the courtiers standing by. If he never returned to this place, it was important they remember him this way. Their brave Prince. An honorable soldier. It was simple enough to look the part. They would learn when he reached Ethrysta if he actually fit the mold.

  “Neomi,” the Chief crossed the snow-covered path leading from their home, his expression stern while the sound of his voice revealed the relief he felt in seeing his daughter. “Did you speak with the Vor’shai? What is the decision of their Queen?”

  Erect, Neomi came to stand in front of her father. Aware of the eyes watching her from the other men in the Chief ’s company. They were anxious to hear her response. The verdict of the Tanispan Queen would possibly decide the fate of their people. It was embarrassing to think how much they relied on these strangers. “Their Prince was accommodating in arranging an audience with their Queen,” she stated calmly. “I am unsure how many men will accompany their Captain, but I have his word that they will be no more than a day or two behind us. We should expect them soon unless the weather proves too difficult for them to endure.”

  From over the Chief ’s shoulder she could see the stern face of Onuric standing near the door, arms folded across his chest, a clear look of disdain visible on his sharp features. “The Prince?” he scoffed. “Does he intend to travel with their people? If so, we will likely never see them. The man is pathetic.”

  “Pathetic?” Neomi raised her brow in Onuric’s direction, confused by the harshness of his tone. Moinie had mentioned a possible antipathy between Onuric and the Prince. She was surprised to discover her brother’s lack of attempt at concealing his dislike. “He showed compassion for our situation beyond what I expected anyone in their country to feel. Had it not been for him, I may never have been granted an opportunity to approach the Queen. What do you hold against him which causes you to cast such insult?”

  “He is no warrior,” Onuric wrinkled his nose in disgust. “Unless he thinks he can take the Avaern down by tricks of etiquette and fancy speech, his presence will only hinder our progress.”

  “Hush, Onuric,” the Chief stated flatly, waving his hand to motion them both into silence. Doing as commanded Neomi shifted her weight, directing her attention to her father once again. Whatever Onuric’s issue was with the Vor’shai Prince, it wasn’t important right now. If he chose to accompany their soldiers, he could prove his worth in battle the way all Ovatai warriors did. “There have been some developments with the beast since you left for the south,” Okivra continued. “Ewei attempted to lead a small hunting party back to Isavo to investigate the site where the creature – this Avaern – first appeared. They never reached the village. The beast assaulted them before they were able to cover the distance. Nearly the entire hunting party was killed. This shows that it does stray from whatever nest it has concealed itself in all this time.”

  Fists clenched, Neomi glanced over to where Moinie stood with the rest of their travel group, weary from the long journey. Regardless of their success in Tanispa, she hated the fact that they weren’t there to help her father. With more warriors they might have fared better against the beast. “Did they give cause for an attack? Or did the creature strike unprovoked?”

  In a burst of speed Onuric was at her side, eyes narrowed, the brilliant light of their glow flashing angrily. “You think our warriors would provoke it? Do you think them imbeciles?”

  “I think they do not understand the creature and may have acted defensively upon seeing it,” she replied. Her brother was an intimidating man when he was angry. Thankfully she knew him well enough to not be fazed by his outbursts. It was unbelievable how different Onuric was from their father. The Chief handled himself with perfect poise and calm in the face of danger. Onuric was proud. Easily agitated. His temper was known throughout the Komoa tribe. “If you intend only to shout then step away. I will not be treated this way in front of our people. Next you will think it appropriate to speak to me the same in the presence of the Vor’shai.”

  “You believe I care what the Vor’shai think of me?”

  “You should,” Neomi turned to him sharply. It took significantly more to spark her ire than her brother’s, though he was capable of stoking her temper with minimal effort. If he didn’t walk away soon they would risk embarrassing themselves in front of the entire village. “The Vor’shai come here to help. They are in no way obligated to do so, nor
are they required to stay once they arrive. If you give them reason to change their mind, we will lose their assistance and this beast could destroy us all. Use some sense.”

  “Both of you be quiet.” Okivra’s voice cut through the air like a trumpet blast. He maintained his calm despite the volume of his words, staring them both down with his steely gaze. “We will continue this discussion inside. I refuse to have my children make a spectacle of our family in the middle of the village. Now go.”

  Drawing a deep breath Neomi moved toward the entrance of their home. She didn’t want to insult her father. He had enough trouble with Onuric. For the heir of the Chiefdom, he had some issues to work through before Okivra could pass on the title. Onuric was young for their people. A hundred years left him headstrong and overconfident. It would take a challenge like this to make him realize he was still mortal.

  Since Mevuk’s death she became increasingly aware of a change in Onuric’s behavior. He was always somewhat impetuous though he was getting worse. At times bordering on irrational in the way tiny details set him off. Mevuk had been older than him. Undeniably more skilled. Onuric looked to him as a mentor in battle. Although she didn’t dare say anything out loud, she had reason to believe that Onuric’s change in demeanor had something to do with Mevuk’s death. It was a revelation to how easily life could be taken from them. A concept Onuric was unfamiliar with.

  Hands clasped behind her back she took a position at the center of the room, watching Onuric and their father enter. They moved with fluid grace, matching the strides of one another. Onuric had mastered the outward appearance of a chief. If only he could rein in his temper.