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

  He started to turn away, halted by her unexpected proposition. “Accompany me?” he asked. “If you suggest it merely out of skepticism in my ability to find him, I assure you I am capable of the task.”

  “I will be the judge of that,” she replied curtly, jutting her chin out in defiance. Even through his dejection he had a sharp tongue. He wasn’t going to make tolerating him easy. “You may lead the way. Moinie, we shall return in a few moments.”

  Not giving her friend a chance to argue, Neomi pushed forward in the direction of the Vor’shai camp, listening to Edric’s hurried footsteps across the snow to keep up with her. Remembering his injury she slowed her pace, allowing him a chance to catch up. “This really is not necessary,” he sighed. “The Captain has a great deal on his mind. He most likely just stepped out of his tent for some air and I missed him.

  “I have a great deal on my mind as well and I am still ready to go on time. He has not even been into battle yet. What could possibly be troubling him?”

  “It’s complicated,” Edric frowned. He lowered his gaze, avoiding Neomi’s piercing eyes. She didn’t understand. What could be so complicated that it would interfere with his duties? Were the Vor’shai really so weak-minded that they couldn’t focus on the job at hand?

  Grabbing onto Edric’s arm she stopped him from moving, peering at him, inquisitive. He stared down at her fingers clutching his cloak, the shock visible in the bright silver-blue glow of his eyes. “If these troubles hinder his ability to lead your men then I must insist you tell me of this supposedly complicated matter. The lives of my people and yours are on the line. We cannot trifle with drama.”

  Carefully he pried Neomi’s fingers from the fabric, stepping away to place distance between them. “His ability to lead our men is not compromised,” he said calmly, holding Neomi’s gaze, steady and unyielding. “I would attempt to explain the issues which weigh so heavily on the mind of the Captain but I recognize it would be a waste of breath. A woman like you would never understand and would only use it against us to claim weakness in our people.”

  “A woman like me?” she gasped, taken aback by the statement. “And what kind of woman do you think I am?”

  “I was given orders to hold my tongue if I have nothing nice to say. This is one of those moments where I must exercise my promise to do so.”

  Her jaw fell open in disbelief. Edric gave no direct insult while somehow the tone of his voice cut through her like a knife. A woman like her? Did he think her ignorant? Heartless? What was there that she wouldn’t understand? She knew all about the pressure of leading an army. The tragedy of war. If Callum couldn’t handle the burden then these people needed to find themselves a new Captain. “How dare you accuse me of not being capable of understanding,” she hissed. “Do you take me for a fool? I am callous because it is required of a leader in the midst of war. That does not mean I don’t understand the sufferings of others.”

  Shaking his head Edric started to walk away. He was offended by her. She could tell by the way he kept his distance, clenching his fists at his sides. For once she wasn’t sure what she’d done to anger him. She gave him no affront. The aspersion had been against her. His reaction didn’t hold merit when, if either of them was going to be upset, it should be her.

  She heaved an exasperated breath before going after him, biting her lip to refrain from saying anything more on the subject. It baffled her to think how low this man’s opinion of her must be to say the things he did. Had she really given such an impression? It embarrassed her to think what these people said behind her back. While Moinie continued to prove herself hardened and unfeeling, Neomi had never considered herself that kind of person. She did what was necessary to survive in this world and if that meant existing in a state of apathy like the rest of her people then it was what she had to do.

  They continued in silence until reaching a larger tent at the center of the camp, two burning torches lit outside the entrance, flickering brightly in the lingering shadows. Edric raised his hand to push the flap aside just as another figure emerged, both men flinching in surprise of the other. “Edric,” Callum breathed, holding his chest with a slight laugh. “We were just about to go look for you. Gadiel said you were not at your tent.”

  “I came by earlier and you were not here so I headed to the location where we were supposed to meet. Neomi and I were coming to make sure everything was alright.”

  Rigid and composed Neomi stood tall at Edric’s side, looking Callum over with a scrutinizing gaze. For a man who was said to have so much on his mind he looked surprisingly well. Dark circles were visible under his eyes which indicated a lack of sleep though there was no other sign which would imply him to suffer. It was reassuring. If he crumbled before their men had been in Nahedu for a full day there would be no chance of defeating the Avaern.

  “Where are your men?” she asked, stepping forward to catch Callum’s attention. “It is nearly time for us to leave.”

  “They are ready. I kept the number to a minimum with a few on stand-by in case you wanted more. My Commander has them waiting not far from here.”

  “Have him bring them to the designated location. We will discuss the size of our group once everyone is assembled.” With a definitive nod she turned around, anxious to be away from this place. She was surrounded by Vor’shai. Their very presence was suffocating, making it difficult to keep her composure. “Oh, and Callum…” she started, pausing only briefly, her eyes locked on the path ahead. “Have the woman with you who escorted Moinie to the Ythes traitor. She will accompany us to Isavo. The matter is not open for debate.”

  From behind her she could hear the confused silence which fell over the two men at the request. It wasn’t one she wanted to make but for Moinie’s sake she had little choice. Command of the mission was in her hands though she relied on Moinie’s loyalty to help things run smoothly. If bringing along that Vor’shai girl was what Moinie required to keep her temper in check then it was something Neomi would have to do in order to appease her. She could only hope Moinie was right about the girl’s intelligence. There was too much riding on this mission to throw it away on some foolish notion held by her brother and his wife. She was beginning to think she was the only one who was taking this battle seriously other than her father. And the two of them wouldn’t be enough to do this alone.

  The day dragged on in a blur of snow and ice until Edric thought he would be blinded by the glare of the sun off the surface. He took comfort in knowing that Neomi was familiar with the land and could easily lead them to the village of Isavo. It was the only thing which eased his mind. Everything else about the trip left his head reeling, unsure of how to act. Was it frowned upon for them to converse? The small number of Ovatai warriors hadn’t spoken a word since leaving the camp outside Nahedu. Following their example Edric had done the same, occasionally hearing a whisper between Callum and Gadiel, spoken in hushed tones so as to not be overheard by Neomi.

  From where he was positioned behind Neomi and Moinie, he let his eyes scan over the two ladies, fascinated by the way they moved. The Ovatai women were so different from the girls back home. They possessed a confidence about them which couldn’t be taught. No doubt developed from years of training and fending for their lives in the despicable land they lived in. These women knew what it was like to fight for survival while the ladies of Tanispa spent their days drinking wine and comparing gowns, passing gossip to add fuel to the latest rumors and scandals of court. If only the Ovatai understood the concept of love and compassion they might possibly be considered perfect.

  His eyes lingered on Neomi, unable to tear them away. It was wrong of him. He knew he shouldn’t think about her as anything more than the daughter of their greatest ally but he was captivated by the curve of her body. The sway of her hips when she walked. Everything about her was unnervingly sensual. It had to be the clothes she wore. In Tanispa, ladies covered themselves with yards of fabric and constraining bodices. The tight fit of Neomi’s pants
revealed the natural beauty of her shape without requiring the stiff stays of a corset to form the figure.

  Rubbing his eyes he tried to look away. Moinie would be keeping a close watch on him. If she discovered his wandering gaze she would never let him hear the end of it. He would find himself on his way back to Tanispa before the night was through. At his side he became aware of Gadiel keeping pace with him, following his line of sight to where Edric’s eyes were slowly drawn once again.

  “You’re going to get yourself killed,” Gadiel whispered, glancing toward the front of the group to make sure no one else heard. “I know it’s hard but you might want to find something else to occupy your eyes.”

  “It isn’t like that,” Edric argued quietly. He wasn’t comfortable having this discussion so close to the women. Their senses were keener than a fox. “You should be more worried about the other men. I can’t speak for them in regards to what goes through their mind but I assure you my head is clear.”

  “I find that hard to believe.”

  Edric heaved a sigh, frustrated by Gadiel’s observation. He was right. No matter what he said, he couldn’t deny the truth. He admired Neomi in every way. More than he should. While his thoughts had been innocent enough, there was an underlying desire which he didn’t understand. Why did he want this woman? She was cruel. Inexorable. And above all… she hated him. Beauty wasn’t enough to change that small detail. Neomi was beyond his reach in every aspect. “I don’t understand,” he frowned, defeated. There was no point in fighting with Gadiel. Nothing he said would make him think any different. “Why do I find myself drawn to a woman who would rather see me tortured?”

  “Because you can’t have her,” he shrugged. “It’s natural for us to want what we are told cannot be acquired. In this case, however, I think it best if you let her go. Even if she did somehow miraculously come around, the two of you could never be together. Chief Okivra wouldn’t allow it. Spare yourself the torment and look away.”

  “I cannot do that, Gadiel.”

  “Of course you can.”

  “No, I really can’t,” Edric chuckled, hoping to ease the tension of the conversation. “I am relying on her to know where we’re going. I have to be able to see her.”

  “Well, that’s a simple fix.” Gadiel cast a glance over his shoulder, snapping his fingers in a commanding gesture. “Lieutenant,” he said loudly, drawing the attention of everyone in the group. Edric stiffened uncomfortably, embarrassed by the stares of the others.”

  “Gadiel, what are you doing?” Edric hissed. “Are you trying to get us both in trouble?”

  At Sahra’s approach he leaned away from Gadiel, forcing a pleasant smile. She couldn’t be allowed to know what he and Gadiel discussed. It was foolish of him to have admitted his attraction. The slightest blunder could cause the truth to get out and there was no telling what fate would befall him if the news reached Neomi’s ears. Her opinion of him would be irreconcilable.

  “Is something wrong, Commander?”

  “Not at all. I need you to do me a favor.” Gadiel lifted his chin, scanning the faces in the group with a cautious eye. Gradually they lost interest, their watchful gaze returning to the landscape ahead, trudging through the snow toward the west. He waited until the last set of eyes turned away before saying anything, his head tilted in close to Sahra, the words spoken between them barely audible even to Edric where he walked only a few inches away. “From where we are, the wind prevents us from hearing what is said between the women. Now, if a male were to trespass upon their space, they would take offense. You are less suspicious. I need you to get a little closer. Can you do this for me?”

  Without a word she gave a sharp nod, a look of determination in her eyes. Nonchalant in her actions she slowly broke away from the men, positioning herself a few feet behind Neomi, clutching at her cloak to try and keep out a gust of snow-filled wind which blew across the area. Edric shifted his gaze between Sahra and Gadiel, confused by what his friend was up to.

  “There,” Gadiel smirked, waving dismissively to Sahra’s figure blocking their view of the two Ovatai women. “I think that tarnishes the view sufficiently.”

  He couldn’t help laughing at the thought. While Sahra was an attractive women in her own right, she was nothing compared to Neomi. Just the thought of Sahra’s behavior the night before angered him. Never had a woman so effortlessly slipped past his guard, feigning innocence to get into his private quarters. Back home he never would have fallen for such a ploy. Something about being in this miserable country blinded him. His nerves were frayed. Emotionally torn in so many directions he barely knew what his own feelings were anymore. One minute he thought he had everything under control and the next he was at the mercy of Neomi and her venomous tongue, bumbling over himself like an imbecile.

  His brain reeled with all the things that could go wrong on this mission, adding to the strain of his already thinning confidence. Callum had already faced death once during their short time in this country. How he managed to evade the arrow of an Ovatai warrior left Edric baffled yet grateful. He had watched it happen, powerless to do anything to prevent the attack. He was failing in his duty of protecting his friend. One more mistake of that degree and there was no guarantee Callum would be fortuitous enough to avoid another brush with death.

  Overhead the sky began to fill with clouds, darkening with the sun’s gradual descent below the horizon. Edric’s fingers and toes were frozen beyond feeling. It was a sensation he begrudgingly accepted. He’d been warned of the climate in Ethrysta and argued to come anyway. There was no one to blame but himself. He was a fool for not realizing the truth behind the warnings. In his mind he pictured Ethrysta to be snow-covered and cold, similar to the climate of Tanispa in the midst of their coldest winter months. This was far worse than he could have imagined. The only thing he had to push him onward now was the hope that camp would be set up soon. A tent and a warm blanket sounded heavenly. Maybe even a fire… but that might be too much to hope for.

  Fear nagged at the back of his mind, afraid that Neomi would insist they travel through the night. Although the Vor’shai men were affected by the cold, the Ovatai didn’t appear fatigued, their pace strong and determined, much the way they’d been upon their initial departure. For Callum to request pause would make them appear weak. But he was the Captain, and it would be heartless of him to let them suffer for the sake of his image. The question was how far he would let them go before finally breaking.

  To Edric’s surprise it was Neomi who signaled the group to stop. In the dim light from the setting sun he saw her arm lift into the air, turning to face the men with a stern eye. “We will sleep here,” she stated, her voice commanding, echoing through the open air. “Find something to eat and get some rest. I intend to move again at sunrise.”

  Relieved by the announcement, Edric let his pack fall from his shoulder, landing with a heavy thud in the snow at his feet. All around him the other Vor’shai soldiers began to scout locations for their tents, oblivious to the confused stares of the Ovatai, watching, their eyes filled with disapproval.

  “Callum, what are your men doing?” Neomi questioned, moving effortlessly across the snow, her steps light, barely sinking into the surface through the ice.

  “We are making camp,” he stated, unfazed by the accusatory look in Neomi’s eyes. “Some of us are not quite acclimated to the temperature. You will have to excuse our need for protection from the wind.”

  “Is it customary for your soldiers to build temporary dwellings in the middle of a mission?”

  “Only when night falls and we determine it safe to do so. Do you have an objection?”

  Neomi let her gaze scan the area, inhaling deeply before giving her reply. “I suppose not. There are more of your men than there are mine. We can make an exception to your strange methods.”

  Callum smiled. “A few of our tents are larger than others. Gadiel, Edric, and I will share one. You two ladies can stay with Sahra. Each of the smaller
tents can comfortably hold two men. It seems your preference on cutting down our numbers works to our advantage.”

  “And what would you have my men do?”

  “We can set the tents up rather quickly. If your men can see about food, we could make this a team effort and have everyone asleep before the sky gets much darker.”

  Clenching her jaw Neomi pondered Callum’s words. After a long silence she nodded her head, waving toward the two Ovatai warriors standing at Moinie’s side. “As we are the superior hunters of the party, we will accept your offer. Do not take long. The air smells of a storm brewing. We should be back together before the snow arrives or we risk someone getting lost.”

  “We are not lost so easily,” Callum smirked, turning away from Neomi to signal the men into action. “If you hope to find us all blown away with the wind when you come back, I am sorry to disappoint you. The tents will be ready within the hour. We will await your return.”

  Wandering aimlessly inside the tent Neomi tried to clear her head of the rampant thoughts crashing about in her mind. The presence of the Vor’shai on this mission made it feel foreign. Unnatural. She was set in her ways and the inclusion of their strange military customs left her unsettled. It seemed dangerous to give up a visual of the landscape. There was no way to see if predators approached throughout the night. The smell of the fabric made it difficult to catch the scent of an enemy on the wind. They were vulnerable in this little travel hut they insisted upon using. The only reason she allowed it was for the sake of their fragile bodies. She couldn’t let the Vor’shai freeze to death while they slept if they weren’t strong enough to withstand the temperature.

  She watched the Vor’shai woman. Curious by her. In the privacy of the tent she behaved oddly. Her posture more relaxed, no doubt eased by the absence of the men whom she appeared intent on impressing. Why was it important to display an image in front of them? Another difference between their cultures. The Ovatai had no reason to portray false strength for the sake of their kin. Their only option was to simply be strong, regardless of the company they kept. Did this woman have something to hide? Could she be trusted?