Allegiance Sworn (37 page)

“Arek! I didn’t believe it when the messenger arrived from the city gate.”

So, this was Kalan Tayn, leader of the humans and Arek’s best friend.

“You look well.” Green eyes travelled over every inch of Arek and he shook his head. “
Lady’s Breath
, we all thought . . .”

“I was dead.” Laughter rumbled up from Arek’s chest. “I know. It’s a long story, my friend, one I’ll share with you all shortly.”

A woman with long, blond hair and
Na’Chi
markings stood quietly beside Kalan, the folds of her pale blue dress clutched in one hand.

Annika Gannec.

Imhara shared a look with Rassan. His intent expression told her he also recognized Savyr’s daughter. Imhara wondered if the young woman would remember them. They’d met only a handful of times, usually at one of Savyr’s dinners, and those occasions hadn’t been pleasant for the
Na’Chi
woman.

Arek turned to Annika, and for the longest moment, he stared at her. Imhara could see only his side profile but it was enough to monitor his expression. The creases furrowing his brow hinted at his regret, and the white lines around his mouth betrayed his pained uncertainty.

“It’s good to see you, Annika.” His voice was hoarse.

The startled expression on Annika’s face made Imhara smile. Clearly it wasn’t the greeting she’d expected.

Arek took a small step closer to her. “I’m sorry . . . for what Davyn did to you, and for my behavior as well. It’s a little late, but I’m just glad for the chance to apologize to you.” His throat worked. “To my sister.”

He leaned forward to whisper something more to her. Whatever he said widened her eyes, then brought tears to them. Her lips pressed shut and she blinked hard to repress them. When he placed a hand on her shoulder, the tears began to tumble down her cheeks.

Arek hesitated a moment, then gathered her into an awkward hug, one hand smoothing over her back. Imhara’s throat closed over, for the moment was a poignant one. He’d made the first, very important step in connecting with Annika. Imhara released a soft sigh, her heart warming at the strength he showed even in such a vulnerable moment.

A woman with long, black hair clutching a staff in one hand and the arm of another
Na’Chi
male arrived at the back of the small group. After a minute of watching her navigate the crowd of people, Imhara realized she was blind.

Her arrival gave both Arek and Annika a distraction.

“Kymora!” Arek caught the woman up in a tight hug and swung her around, laughing as hard as she was crying.

“Merciful Mother!”
As he set her down, the woman swiped at her tears with a sleeve, then ran her hands over Arek’s face, her fingertips tracing his brow, his nose, his cheeks, then his jaw. “It is you!”

Imhara stiffened at the familiarity of her actions. Who was she and what did she mean to Arek?

“Varian?” The woman reached behind her, her fingers brushing the sleeve of a tall, broad-shouldered
Na’Chi
with an ugly scar on one cheek. Dressed in practice leathers, the warrior caught her hand and tucked her in against him in a move that clearly indicated the two were close, perhaps mates. It eased Imhara’s concern. “Varian, thank the
Lady
, Arek’s home.”

Imhara scrutinized the warrior more closely. This was Arek’s
Na’Chi
friend, the one they owed for helping start the change, for helping him adjust and accept demon-blooded friends. For several heartbeats the two men eyed each other off as if neither could believe they stood facing one another again.

“Zaune tells me you saved Kalan’s life. Thank you.” Arek’s smile grew and he thrust out his arm. “You have no idea how many nights I spent wondering if you’d all made it home safe. Thank the
Lady
you did.”

More back-slapping hugs and questions bombarded Arek from all directions. The babbling of voices rose and fell as Imhara took her time dismounting, unwilling to interrupt Arek in what was a highly emotional reunion for them all.

The scents pouring off the people in front of and around him were a mixture of elation, shock, excitement, and stunned disbelief. Yet it was clear these people were his family in every sense of the word. She could see it in their faces, their gestures, their words, all reinforced by their scents.

Arek’s blond head lifted and his gaze scanned the pathway. When he found her, he gripped the
Chosen’s
shoulder.

“Kalan, there’s some people I’d like you to meet.”

His friend glanced in their direction, his features smoothing out into something more serious, even a little guarded, when he saw them. The warmth surrounding Arek seemed unlikely to include them. Not that Imhara resented the lack, but it did reinforce the fact their trust would be hard earned.

Arek’s hand tightened on Kalan’s shoulder and he murmured something too quiet for Imhara to hear above the noise around her.

Rassan moved closer to her, his scent heavy with wariness, as Kalan and Arek crossed the wide pathway. Kalan’s green eyes noted his movement, and one eyebrow quirked. A flash of gold at his neck drew Imhara’s gaze down to an amulet etched with a sun in the center.

The
Lady’s
symbol.

A Light Blade amulet.

Kalan Tayn was a Light Blade warrior as well as the
Chosen
.

“
Na
Kaal.” The strong odor of cloves accompanied his greeting. Curiosity generated his scent when she’d expected the sourness of hatred and fear. Perhaps he was just better able to control his emotions than his warriors. “The
Lady
welcomes those who come in peace to our city.”

His odor changed slightly, deepened, the subtlest of warnings underlying his words. Curious he may be, but there was little doubt he’d take action if he thought she deceived him.

“
Her
blessings upon your House and family,
Chosen
.” Imhara inclined her head. “I do come in peace. You have my
Lady
-sworn oath on that.”

Whispers began around them centered on her use of their religious deity. Blasphemy. Scandalous. Shocking. All words she heard but ignored. Kalan’s gaze took in the crowd. His lips thinned.

“This isn’t a discussion to hold here,
Na
Kaal. Commander Sahn, if you would escort them all to Arek’s apartment and the adjoining quarters, then stay with them.” His gaze locked with hers. “Arek has requested sanctuary on your behalf,
Na
Kaal. Until we hear his full story and yours, this is a temporary privilege, one I’ll honor, unless you or any of your people endanger mine. As you’re the first
Na’Reish
in five hundred years to walk within the walls of Sacred Lake, I’m sure you appreciate the latitude you’re being given.”

Well aware of the significance of his gesture, Imhara nodded. “I certainly didn’t expect this,
Chosen
. On behalf of my Clan, you have our thanks.”

She’d been fully prepared to spend her time as their prisoner, not given the rights of a guest. Light Blade warriors might guard them, but there was respect and generosity in his gesture, something she truly appreciated.

“I’d ask that you and your people remain inside the rooms, for your own safety, until the Blade Council can be informed of your arrival. As soon as we’ve convened, I’ll ask Commander Sahn to accompany you to the Council chamber where you can present your case.” The man turned to his friend. “As much as I’d like to spend some time catching up with you, the news of Savyr’s growing army holds greater importance, and I need to speak to my Commanders.”

Arek clasped Kalan’s arm tightly. “Try and join us later.”

“Perhaps Kymora, Varian, or even Annika might visit you all while I contact the Councilors?”

Another unexpected action. Imhara couldn’t hide her surprise. Was this a show of trust? A test? Or both? Whatever the case, it wasn’t an opportunity to be missed.

Arek was watching her, a relaxed smile on his face. “I think Imhara and the others would like that very much, Kalan.”

“Indeed.” Imhara felt the cautious stirrings of hope. “We’d welcome the chance to get to know Arek’s friends and kin.”

Chapter 42

“I
always wondered why, of all the Clan
Nas
invited to my father’s feasts, you never took part in his games.” Annika appeared at Imhara’s side carrying two cups, and held out one to her. “I don’t think I ever heard you make a cruel comment, and I know you didn’t torment me physically.”

The quiet comment drew Imhara’s attention away from observing those gathered in Arek’s apartment. There were two separate groups, one seated at the large wooden table, the others in chairs by the great fireplace at the far end of the room.

“Now you know why.” Imhara took the cup with a nod and met the
Na’Chi
woman’s violet gaze. “My only regret was in not being able to help you.”

“I don’t know that I’d have trusted you even if you had offered it.” A wry smile curved her lips. “Your reputation was . . . intimidating.”

“A necessity.”

“Yes. Survival is a great motivator.” A sad smile curved her lips. “The Old Ways. There’s so much we have to learn, isn’t there? At least now we know it’s possible.”

Imhara shot her a sideways glance. “What you’ve heard and seen tonight is only a sample. We have much more to share.” She was heartened they’d shown such interest, especially when she’d expected much worse. “I won’t withhold this knowledge based upon a favorable Blade Council decision.”

“Such an un-
Na’Reish
-like attitude.” A self-depreciating laugh accompanied a shake of her head. “I shouldn’t be one to judge, should I?”

“There are centuries of history and fears to overcome.” Imhara tilted her head. “I didn’t expect this level of acceptance in anything we had to share.”

“You have an ally in Arek,” Annika countered. “Do you realize how unique that is?”

During the last couple of hours, she’d learned more about Arek’s past just listening to him interact with his friends than in all the time he’d spent with her Clan, but the core of who Arek was remained the same.

“He’s a warrior of strong convictions. Loyalty and doing what is right is important to him.” Imhara set her cup down on the nearest table. “Even if it means going against what he was brought up to believe.”

“He told you about Davyn?”

Imhara nodded. Annika grunted softly and for a few moments neither of them spoke. The
Na’Chi’s
pensive expression deepened, and Imhara waited, the quiet chatter of other conversations drifting around them.

When Annika finally looked up, the flecks in her eyes were a solid green, and a strong citrus odor deepened her scent.

“After Arek found that one reference to our shared history, Kalan ordered a thorough search of every history annal and journal in our library.” One side of her mouth quirked upward. “We haven’t found anything as rich or in depth as your ancestors’ journals, just snippets and ambiguous references . . . but in order to make the alliance between the
Na’Chi
and humans work, Kalan knew we needed information.”

“To convince your Council it could succeed?”

“Some of them,” she conceded. “Mostly it was to counteract misinformation spread by the rebels.” Here she took a deep breath. “But we also needed more information about ourselves. The
Na’Chi
have struck several problems, mostly to do with feeding or controlling our Gifts. . . .” Her gaze flickered to Varian. “There’s a lot we don’t know about ourselves.”

“As I said, we’d be happy to share information and this includes with the
Na’Chi
.”

“You have been so helpful already.” Relief took the edge of Annika’s tension. “Do you realize how relieved I was to hear the truth about blood-addiction?”

Arek had been the first to broach the subject of blood-slaves. Imhara had wondered at his reason for starting with such a tension-filled topic until Annika began asking questions.

“Ahh, feeding and blood-bonding.” She smiled. “Rest assured, from your description about what’s happened between you and Kalan, you’ve bonded. You may never be able to survive drinking just animal blood again, but it is not the curse you’ve been brought up to believe. It’s one of the greatest blessings our
Lady
can bestow upon us.”

Annika chuckled with more warmth this time. “And here I thought Candra’s teaching accounted for the improvement in my healing Gift.”

“An experienced tutor helps focus your Gift,” Imhara agreed, “but the stronger the connection between mates, the more the Gift develops. Every bonding is different, but the journey can be incredibly exciting to watch and, in your case, experience.”

“I am indeed blessed.” She glanced to where Kalan sat.

Her eyes glittered with joy and love, and her smile, so filled with happiness, felt almost too intimate to be observing. A twinge of envy streaked through Imhara.

She sought Arek out and found him watching her. The glimmer in his gaze warmed her from the inside out, the sensation as good as, if not better than, a smile.

“
Her
plans for us all continue to surprise me.” Annika hesitated a moment, then she nodded to herself. “A word of advice about the Council meeting tomorrow, Imhara. Open negotiations by announcing your intention to share all information freely, regardless of their decision concerning your petition, and you’ll put a dent in any preconceptions about your Clan.

“Arek’s advocacy will come as a surprise to some on the Blade Council, and it’s likely to stir things up, but every Councilor knows him. There’s no greater catalyst than seeing someone you know, who once opposed the
Na’Reish
, now supporting them.

“With the information about Savyr’s
Na’Hord
, we’re going to need your help whether some of the Councilors believe it or not.” Her soft comment vibrated with a wealth of emotion. “Even though acceptance of them is a gradual process, the
Na’Chi
have made a huge difference already, and to survive a war with the
Na’Reish
, the Old Ways need to be resurrected and fast.”

“Thank you. I’ll take your advice.”

Annika shook her head. “I should be the one thanking you.”

“What for?”

“For bringing Arek home.” She gestured to where he sat with Kalan, Varian, and Kymora in front of the fire. All were deep in conversation. “Losing him was a huge shock. Kymora and Kalan grew up with him. So many others grieved the loss of a friend or warrior they respected.”

Annika bit her lip.

“And even though we barely knew each other, Arek and I are blood-kin. After finding out about his death, I felt cheated at having lost him so soon. We never got the chance to know one another, and Davyn refused to speak to me about anything. So to have Arek back, and in our lives again . . . there aren’t words enough to express our appreciation.”

“There’s nothing more important than family, Annika.” Imhara reached out to grasp her arm and squeezed gently. “I think you’ll find Arek feels the same as you. Shall we go join them?”

* * *

“UNFORTUNATELY
I was never privy to any of Savyr’s latest war plans.” Imhara’s gaze swept over each of the ten Councilors gathered around the wooden table in the middle of the Blade Council chamber. “I can only presume he felt there was no need to inform me as I would no longer be
Na
following the Enclave because of my enforced mating.”

Ignoring the lone seat meant for her on this side of the table, she leaned over the map spread across the top of it. A quick look and she tapped five locations with her finger.

“These positions are where Savyr will most likely cross into human territory.”

A silver-haired man with the broad-shouldered build of a warrior sat across from her. He grunted.

“What makes you so sure?” Brawny arms crossed over his chest. “We want to be certain before we commit patrols or any significant force to a confrontation.”

“Councilor Witham raises a valid point,
Na
Kaal.” Kalan rose from his chair and rounded the end of the table to stand by her shoulder. He bent to study the map. “Is there no other way through the Skadda Mountains?”

“Winter or summer, the range is a natural barrier to any incursion. It’s part of the reason we’ve been able to keep our double life secret for so long. With only one way in and out, the inaccessibility and isolation has made any party easy to monitor and track. By sealing the pass permanently, it forces Savyr north, and if you look at the map, Whitewater Crossing is the first logical location to cross into human territory.”

Councilor Witham issued a grunt. “Whitewater Crossing lies within Kaal territory.”

“It does.” More than aware of his unspoken question, Imhara met his gaze head-on. “Savyr could use that point to launch attacks against either of us, so it makes sense that we defend it.”

The woman dressed in Healer green leaned forward in her chair. “But it would be easier to do so if Light Blade patrols worked with you rather than against you?”

Imhara inclined her head. “Of course it would, Councilor Candra.”

A Light Blade entering through the large, wooden doors interrupted their discussion. The young woman paused a respectful distance from the table.

“Your pardon for this intrusion, Councilors,
Temple Elect
.” In her hand she held a wax-sealed parchment. “
Chosen
, I have a message for you from Commander Onson.”

“Thank you.” Kalan took the missive.

With a bow the Light Blade took her leave.

“Go on,
Na
Kaal,” Kalan prompted, tucking the message into his belt. “You mentioned several other locations?”

“The next two are places where Whitewater River widens. It becomes shallow enough for an army to cross. The remaining locations, while far north, give Savyr access to villages within a couple of days’ ride of the border. Blood-slaves will be easier to procure from these remote places than those closer and more easily defended.”

Imhara hesitated before voicing her final insight. She straightened, and inhaled deeply, testing the air. There was little to no sourness tainting the air. Instead a a citrusy anticipation exuded from Kalan.

She pointed to the final place on the map and ran her fingernail east. “If Savyr chooses to go north, then he also has a clear run at Sacred Lake if he comes via the Western Isle and across the plains.”

From the startled looks on several Councilors’ faces, Imhara knew they hadn’t anticipated that strategy. Kalan, Witham, and Benth had, if their somber expressions were anything to go by.

“Savyr has an army fifteen thousand strong the last time I saw it,” she stated. “Even replacing Yur, it would take twelve days for this army to reach the nearest crossing point and invade human territory.”

“Twelve days!” The lean-faced Councilor to Imhara’s left was visibly shaken. His pale gray gaze widened. “But it’s been just a week since you fled the Enclave! He could be halfway to our border by now!”

“We have to send out messengers and recall every Light Blade.” The only other woman on the Council clasped her hands so tightly her gnarled knuckles turned white. “We have to be prepared!”

Several others voiced their agreement and began listing off tasks needing to be completed.

“Twelve days minimum, Councilors.” Imhara broke in over the top of the chatter. “I quote that as an estimate only so you understand one possible time frame. However, I doubt the
Na’Rei
will move that quickly. Finding a successor for Yur will take time. Savyr will not want just anyone as his Second.”

“How much time?” Candra asked, her dark eyes solemn.

“Yur’s death is a blessing in disguise.” Annika shifted in her seat, a grim smile lifting the corners of her mouth.

“The
Na’Rei
needs to find a loyal supporter.” Imhara met Annika’s gaze and nodded. “Not an easy task with a den full of ambitious Clan Commanders vying for the position.”

“Cutthroat politics,” Annika muttered.

Imhara’s grin held little warmth. “That’s an accurate description.”

“So this should buy us some time,” Kalan mused. His statement lightened the bitter odor of fear in the room. “Let’s take a break. We’ve covered a lot of ground so far. When we return, I’d like to talk to your Gifted Clan members,
Na
Kaal.”

Heavy satisfaction saturated Kalan’s scent, as if he were pleased with the reaction her information had provoked. Imhara wondered at the timing of the recess break. She glanced once more at the map, then the Blade Councilors.

Some were already talking amongst themselves, mostly about the threat of Savyr’s imminent invasion. Was Kalan giving them time to deliberate about the actions that needed to be taken?

Shooting him a sideways look, she discovered him watching her. One dark eyebrow arched. She blinked.

Outnumbered by the
Na’Hord
, his Light Blades would need all the help they could get. With the variety of skills the Gifted members of her Clan could provide, his request to speak to some of them became clear.

Imhara almost smiled.

“I’ll let the others know you’ll be needing them shortly.” Stepping back from the table, she gave a half bow. “They’ll be ready to answer any of your questions,
Chosen
.”