The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Three: Crown of Ice Page 24

  When Callum reached them, he sat stiffly across from Neomi, shaking his head at Edric in disapproval. There was nothing Edric could do about his condition. It was clear that Callum retained his earlier concern regarding Edric’s interest in Neomi. Edric would have to find a way to prove his worry unnecessary. Now simply wasn’t the best time. He needed to be in close if he was going to see what Neomi intended to show them.

  “I will tell of a legend which has been passed through the generations of our people since before the Vor’shai ruled the lands to the south. Listen closely. I would not waste my breath if it held no purpose.” Slowly she let her fingers turn the delicate pages of the book, laying it flat on the ground in front of her to support the thick cover without straining the binding. “There are variations of the tale, as is typical of any myth. The most common telling describes a beast of god-like power which once dwelled in the lands of Ethrysta. No one knows where it came from. Some say it was created by Sarhik, the God of the Heavens, as a test of our people. Its power was unmatched, drawing energy from everything around it, similar to my people, only with greater ease. For months it ravaged Ethrysta, pushing the Ovatai warriors to retreat. It drained the essence of those who fought it, leaving the Ovatai weak and helpless. It was said that the Chief commissioned the Ythes to seek a weapon which would destroy the beast. After a devastating battle, the Ythes found a means to kill the creature, though the weapon used was kept secret, one taken to the grave by the leader of the Ythes who dealt the killing blow. Legend says the Ythes buried the body of the beast and built a village upon its remains to act as the eternal guardians of the gods’ creation. A penance for taking its life while also a defiant stand to prove to the gods that our people are worthy of the gifts bestowed upon us.”

  She turned another page in the book, leaning forward slightly to read the words written on the page. From where he was seated Edric could barely make out the faded ink. The language was difficult to understand, similar to that used by Neomi. This journal was beyond ancient. It was a miracle the writing could be seen at all.

  “The Ythes tribe takes this very seriously. It is the only thing they have which indicates their importance in the history of our people. A symbol of their strength, which in some versions of the story rival that of the Komoa. Many Ythes believe themselves the superior tribe. Even I cannot argue their incredible skill in battle. I have witnessed a single Ythes take down several warriors before finally succumbing to death. Once we discovered their intentions, my father organized a direct effort to take Emakai down. He called on the other tribes for aid and we marched on Emakai’s home village of Isavo. Emakai was at the mercy of my father’s blade when something very strange happened. The ground shook, similar to the quakes I have read about in books. In his final words Emakai was absolutely mad. He spoke of something awakening. His chants were passed off as lunacy until the ground split under our very feet and a beast emerged from the depths.”

  “Forgive me if I sound skeptical of what you seem to imply, but do you suspect this beast to be the one from the legend?” Callum’s brow rose inquisitively. “Could it not have been something else?”

  “My father did not jump to conclusions the way many others did,” Neomi frowned. “I spent days in our library conducting research for any mention of this creature in the journals of our ancestors. I had nearly given up hope when I found this.” Turning the page in the journal she rested her index finger upon a faded image drawn on the vellum. A beast of impressive size, serpent-like in structure with a wingspan stretching from one side of the page to the other. It looked like nothing more than a sketch from an overactive imagination. “The creature in the legend was known as the Avaern,” she continued. “In the writings of this journal it speaks of the beast drawn here, named Avaern by the hand of the ancient Chief himself. I saw the creature which emerged from the ground under Isavo. There is no doubt in my mind that it is the same as the one pictured here. With our numbers depleted from the war against Emakai, we stand no chance of defeating this threat alone. This is why we have called upon you.”

  For the first time since entering the hut Edric saw Callum’s confidence falter. He couldn’t blame him for being hesitant. What this woman presented them was madness. The Avaern resembled creatures of a species of dragons but far larger. Whoever drew the image must have embellished the design. Edric couldn’t wrap his mind around the possibility of such a beast actually existing.

  Leaning forward Callum examined the drawing, occasionally letting his eyes lift to stare at Neomi in mild disbelief. “Your father believes this to be the same beast as well? The one from the legend?”

  “He would not have sent me to bring you here if he did not.”

  “You mentioned your father returned to Nahedu to postpone a venture west. What purpose was the party intending?”

  “Research,” she replied simply. “We have no information about this creature other than what is written in this journal. If the Ythes maintained records throughout the generations the same as the Komoa did, there is a possibility of finding something useful in defending our people. Someone in the tribe must have known the Avaern was not dead. Legend says the weapon used to kill the beast went to the grave with the leader of the Ythes. But the Avaern was not killed. You cannot tell me a creature of that size was put into the ground alive and no one else knew about it.”

  “But for how long? Is it possible they believed it to be dead?” Callum shook his head. “This journal pre-dates everything we know. Why would a creature such as you describe lie dormant for hundreds… even thousands of years?”

  “That is exactly what we need to figure out. The Ythes will not give us the information willingly. Unfortunately, our first party made the journey to Isavo while I was in Tanispa. Only a few of those men survived.”

  “You speak as though going to Isavo would be like walking into a trap.”

  “That is not the case,” Neomi interjected vehemently. “The man in charge of that investigation is an arrogant fool. When the beast showed itself, he gave a premature command to attack. For a minor hunting party to take on the Avaern was pure ignorance. That is why I have requested my father to place the next mission in my hands. He has already granted permission for me to lead you and a few of your chosen men. You will only learn so much through lectures. If you are going to be of any help, you need to see things for yourself.”

  Fascinated by what was being presented, Edric reached for the journal, pausing before he touched it in realization of what he was doing. It was frightening to consider what they might be up against while at the same time he found the history captivating. To think of a creature that existed before the Levadis family had settled upon the throne in Tanispa.

  Noticing Edric’s hands Neomi quickly closed the journal, lifting it from the ground to press it against her chest protectively. “Do not touch it,” she stated sharply. “This journal is not to be looked upon by those outside the line of the Chief. I go against the customs of my people in letting you see anything within the cover.”

  “I apologize,” Edric stammered. “I didn’t mean to cause offense.”

  “Well you have. I think it best if you boys return to your men.”

  “Neomi, how large of a group do you intend to lead? There are details we have yet to cover which need to be discussed,” Callum argued, rising to his feet in a fluid motion. “I need to know the role you expect our people to take in this battle. How involved you desire us to be. Are we nothing more than bodies in your army or are you open to hear our opinions and ideas in regards to strategy and tactics?”

  “We have not decided,” she replied. Holding the journal firmly to her chest she stood up, meeting Callum’s eyes with a steady gaze. “The search party will depart at dawn. I expect the three of you to be among them. Bring only the strongest of your soldiers and keep the number to a minimum. A smaller group will draw less attention to our presence.”

  Edric wasn’t sure if he was pleased or unhappy with Neomi’s insiste
nce that he accompany the group. It was what he wanted. She made it simple for him to follow Callum the way he planned. The concern was in whether he was physically up to the task. He wouldn’t know until he had a chance to examine the injuries he sustained. Whatever Neomi did to them had dulled the pain but something continued to ail him. The pain was too great upon contact with the skin for it to be completely healed. A fracture of the bone would make long distances impossible to traverse.

  Not wanting to give an appearance of weakness he flattened his palms against the snow, slowly sliding his feet under him to stand. Gadiel came to his aid, providing support for Edric’s weight while he gained control of his balance, surprised to find the pain less noticeable. Present but mild. More tolerable than before.

  He gave a gracious nod to Gadiel, moving to gather his boots from beside the bed. He could feel the eyes of everyone on him while he pulled them onto his feet, tightening the laces and arranging his pants around them the way they were before. “You have my thanks for your hospitality,” he said quietly, turning to face Neomi, comforted in the fact that he was no longer exposed. It was strange how the mere removal of shoes made him feel vulnerable in this woman’s company.

  “I do not require your thanks,” she scoffed, setting the journal on the table where it had been upon their entering. “Learn to keep your hands to yourself and we may find ourselves more amicable.”

  Edric considered responding. In the end he failed to see the point in trying. She was impervious to his attempts at friendship. The grudge she held against him was solid and implacable. Further communication between them would only add to the insult he already seemed to have caused. With a stiff bow he moved toward the door, biting his tongue to prevent saying something he might regret later. He wanted out of there. It was amazing how suffocating a house made of snow could feel.

  “Until morning then,” Callum dipped into a formal bow, hand pressed against his abdomen, never taking his eyes from Neomi. Her chin lifted higher into the air, looking down on him over the tip of her nose. Edric couldn’t watch the display any longer. Without waiting for Callum to give the direction he slipped through the door into the frigid evening air. Trudging through the cold he avoided the narrowed eyes of the Ovatai around him, filled with disapproval and contempt. Why had he come to this miserable place? It was as if he had willingly gone in search of Sytlea’s home only to find it was nothing like the pit of darkness some claimed it to be. There were no burning fires or endless black. Instead it was frozen and snow-covered… and the Goddess of the Underworld had chosen to reveal her true name; and it was Neomi.

  Back at the camp Edric struggled with the frustration of his current predicament. Setting up his tent was an outlet for the pent up anger, requiring focus and acting as a distraction from the world around him. Not that he could forget the misery of where he was. It had seemed such a noble cause while still in Tanispa. He couldn’t have been more mistaken. These people didn’t want the Vor’shai here. It baffled him to think how many Ovatai were against the assistance called upon by Chief Okivra. Even his own children disapproved. How were they supposed to defeat this – beast – when no one was willing to accept them? Without teamwork they were all doomed, regardless of numbers.

  And Neomi! What right did she have to treat him with such disrespect? The Prince of the Vor’shai. It was rare that he felt his bloodline should grant him special treatment, but in matters of politics the Levadis name carried significant weight. Regardless of whether he would ever be King, his title alone demanded at least common courtesy. That wretched woman acted as though he was no better than the snow under her boots.

  If he didn’t get his emotions under control they were going to ruin everything. Temperament had never been an issue with him before. When growing up he was always the rock for his siblings to lean on. They came to him when they needed help because they knew he would maintain his calm and guide them to the most rational solution. So why couldn’t he do the same for himself? Discouragement? What had he expected from this journey? Everything. This had been his escape. His way of making something of his life. Disappointment had a way of torturing a person. Especially when the gods seemed to kick him in the stomach at every chance they had. He was being punished for something. It was the only explanation. But what? “Oh, Sarid,” he whispered, the mist of his breath rising into the air around him. “Have I truly wronged you enough to deserve this?”

  “Talking to yourself, Your Highness?”

  “Good evening, Lieutenant,” he replied quietly. Company wasn’t something he wanted. His mind wasn’t in the right place to carry on a conversation. “I was just about to retire for the night. From the sounds of things I will have a long day ahead of me tomorrow.”

  “Are you not staying in the command tent with the Captain?”

  “I was hoping for a little privacy.” Maybe she would catch the implication. Rude as it may be, he didn’t want to talk to anyone. The fact that the Lieutenant was female only made it worse. He wasn’t in the mood for dealing with women.

  Returning to his work Edric fought with the final tie of the tent. Snow and ice weren’t very compatible for securing anything in place. If not for the wind, he wouldn’t have bothered with shelter. Exhaustion was setting in. Soon he wouldn’t even care about the breeze. All he wanted to do was lie down and close his eyes.

  Why wouldn’t she leave? Despite his obvious disregard, Sahra stood a few feet away, watching him, saying nothing. Could she not see that he didn’t want to talk? What did she expect him to say? He knew nothing of the plans. Neomi was in charge of the investigative party. If Sahra had an interest in what the next step of their mission was, she would have to take it up with Callum or brave the wrath of the Ovatai themselves. “Is there something you wish to say?” he asked abruptly, pausing in his fumbling with the tie to glance over his shoulder. Sahra remained still, stiff, clearly curious of his odd behavior.

  “Would you like me to help you with that?”

  He stared at her, not registering her meaning at first. Help him with what? There was nothing she could do which would benefit him right now. Suddenly it struck him as she knelt in the snow beside him, reaching for the ropes to secure the tent in place. Dumbfounded by his foolishness he shook his head, heaving a sigh of dejection. Sleep was sounding more tempting with every passing second. “Thank you,” he said softly. He wasn’t sure what else to say.

  Awkward silence descended upon them, setting Edric’s nerves on edge once again. He didn’t like being around women when he felt so vulnerable. No one at court had ever seen him like this. The Prince was expected to be calm and collected. Much the way he assumed soldiers would be while in the field. As a member of the royal family in the company of the troops, he had an image to uphold.

  “I never had a chance to say thank you,” Sahra said suddenly, drawing in a nervous breath. “It was foolish of you to offer me your cloak in a place like this, however, it was more so for me to accept it. You are more of a gentleman than the ladies give you credit for.”

  “Oh?” Caught off guard by the comment Edric’s reluctance to speak suppressed itself. “And what do these ladies say about me exactly?”

  Resting her hands lightly on her lap Edric saw a smile cross her lips. She was shivering from the cold though she gave no outward indication of discomfort beyond the involuntary actions of her body. Her mouth trembled, the skin of her lips a soft shade of pale pink against her otherwise white complexion. “I don’t know what the women at court say of you. The only rumors I hear are from those outside the palace walls. Those who have either never had the pleasure of making your acquaintance or have only seen you in passing when your family ventures into the city.”

  “That is what piques my interest. I only hear what the women at court whisper when they think I cannot hear.”

  “I’m not sure I should have said anything.” Rising to her feet she dusted the snow from her legs, gripping the edges of her cloak tighter around her chest. Her gaze lowered to th
e ground in discomfort, a hard shiver causing her shoulders to shake under the heavy fabric. “Forget it,” she waved dismissively. “You said you wanted privacy. I shouldn’t keep you.”

  “No, it is fine.” He heard the words spoken before he had a chance to consider their meaning. Was he asking her stay? Now wasn’t the time for social activity. He needed to sleep. Fatigue would only make the journey to Isavo more torturous in Neomi’s company. His head needed to be clear and rested to withstand her insults in order to resist knocking her to the ground. Instead he found Sahra’s voice soothing. The familiar usage of the Vor’shai language spoken so softly – it was far more pleasant than the difficult accent from the Ovatai in their harsh words. “Without your help I would probably still be fumbling with this wretched thing,” he shrugged, patting the side of the tent absently. “You are welcome to come in out of the cold for a few minutes, if you like.”

  She was quiet, fidgeting over the clasp on her cloak before responding. “I suppose a couple minutes won’t hurt anything,” she smiled.

  What are you doing? Back home his invitation would have been improper. Men asking women into the location of their bed was against the rules of propriety. How was it any different here? Because you aren’t trying to take advantage of her. You just want to talk.

  Untying the flap he motioned her toward the tent, instinctively letting his gaze scan the area in search of anyone who might be watching. Innocent or not, he couldn’t have the troops suspecting him of misdeeds. They would lose their respect for him and he didn’t need to be spurned by his own people as well as the Ovatai.

  He was almost surprised by her lack of hesitation at entering. Despite her nervous countenance, she maintained an air of confidence which led him to believe she felt more in control of the situation than she was letting on. Following her through the entrance he let the flap fall into place, leaving the ties undone to avoid suspicion of his intent. It was best they remain completely accessible to the others. He couldn’t risk giving her the wrong impression. Distance was the key to making this meeting feel less like the scandal it appeared.