Origin (30 page)

Clayre was amazed at how different in appearance the Amarani were from anyone she had ever come across. They were over seven feet tall, with rich mahogany colored skin. Their long pale blonde hair was pulled up tightly into a top knot that sat high on their heads. The hair in the center of the knot cascaded down to their waists, and in some cases below, like a shiny ribbon. The Amarani also had many adornments hanging from their hair, from their necks, and from their waists. These seemed to be a variety of treasures that they valued from beautifully colored stones to the bones of cherished companions that had passed on. Many of them had bands of various colors around their upper arms and their forearms. They dressed mostly in animal skins and covered much less of their bodies than most residents of Unity.

Rhys, who normally had a sarcastic remark about everything and everybody, was strangely silent. Ayron figured that Rhys had also seen some things today that were difficult for him to deal with. He wondered if the violence of this day reminded Rhys of the bloody events of twenty seasons ago when he had to flee for his life. Here he was running again, and hiding from the same man who tried to have him killed before. In addition, Rhys had worked hard over the seasons to establish his own identity and not depend on others for help. Now life as he had known it was over and, in a sense, he was being forced to begin again. That had to be very difficult. Not knowing what else to say to them, Ayron wandered away from the wagon and flagged down Galdor to ask him if it was wise to resume their travels to Amarni. Galdor felt that it would be better for Rhys to be moving forward. Continuing on would remind him of why they were trying so hard to reach Amarni as soon as possible. Galdor felt it was important right now for Rhys to stay focused on protecting Clayre and Elwyn, rather than lamenting the life he left behind and the fact that Stefan was trying to assassinate him. Galdor hoped that continuing the journey might just put things back into perspective for Rhys.

After leaving Galdor, Ayron went to find Kormir and congratulate him and Kifaru on a job well done.

“I know it must have been a very rough trip for you and Kifaru,” he said giving Kormir a pat on the shoulder. “I believe that, had you arrived much later, you would have just found a group of corpses. Our fight against the shadow squads was not going well.” Ayron said shaking his head. “I hope that we have learned enough from our experiences to better train our troops how to fight against them.”

“Thank you sir,” Kormir said rather shyly. “The credit really belongs to Kifaru here. He flew to Amarni as if there were flames licking at his hoofs.”

“Well Kifaru, I certainly wouldn’t want you to feel left out. All of us here owe you a great debt of gratitude, especially since you were traveling with such a load on your back,” said Ayron laughing at Kormir’s substantial girth. “If he continues cooking with Clayre and eating all the leftovers, you may have trouble even trotting soon.”

Kifaru bobbed his head up and down in reply, and then gave Kormir a playful nudge on the arm.

“I wish I could give you more time to rest, but as soon as the soldiers that fell in battle today are buried, I think it would be wise for us to move on to Amarni without delay.” said Ayron as he left Kormir and Kifaru and headed over to where Stuart was overseeing the burial of the soldiers. Within the hour, the graves were dug, markers were placed, and the soldiers that had survived took a couple of minutes to say a few words about their fallen comrades. Ayron than mounted Gerrack and rode over to let Hodari know that they were ready to move out. Ayron gave the command and his soldiers along with the wagon began moving forward again toward Amarni; this time with a very large army by their side.

The trip to Amarni was still very slow. They had to clear debris out of the way several times and even when the way was clear, they still had to travel slowly to accommodate Rhys. Ayron thought that, given the state of the trail, it was a miracle that Hodari’s army had been able to make such good time. It was very dark for most of the journey and Ayron lost track of the landmarks he remembered from previous trips. It was so dark that even the trail they were following appeared no different than the land surrounding it. He was so tired that he drifted off to sleep in his saddle on and off over the hours. He was very grateful to Hodari and his men for coming to their rescue and escorting them the rest of the way. He knew that without them, he would not have made it to Amarni. Just as he was dozing off again, he felt Kierra touch his mind. She let him know that Elwyn reached Kren safely, but that there was something about the village that interfered with her ability to establish a link with her mind for more than a few seconds. She also let him know that Keroc was still stable and doing as well as could be expected, given his condition. Ayron was extremely happy to hear that Keroc was doing well. He really did miss the little drakenhawk very much. Keroc’s overactive enthusiasm was a good balance for his own stoic demeanor. Kierra indicated that she would continue to try to reach Elwyn as often as she could and would report any news she discovered to Ayron. At this point both she and Ayron were just relieved that she’d reached Kren safely.

After Kierra departed from his mind, Ayron rode over to the wagon, planning to give Rhys and Clayre the good news, but found them both asleep. Not wanting to wake them, he started to turn away when he heard,

“You know I always sleep with one eye open elf,” Rhys said with a tired smile. “What did you want?”

“I just wanted to let you know that Elwyn has reached the village of Kren safely and, at least for the time being, is safe and probably being pampered by Owen and his family.” Ayron said quietly so as not to waken Clayre.

Rhys, a tear slowly leaking from his eye and running down his cheek, said, “Thank goodness that she is safe from harm for the time being. I know that if you guide her the rest of the way she will be safe and that is all that I can ask,” he added with a smile.

“As soon as we arrive in Amarni and I get you settled, I will bathe, change, get some supplies, and set off for Kren myself, “Ayron said nodding. “As long as she stays put in the village she will be fine, but from what I have been able to discern, she has her mother’s temper and your stubborn willfulness. It is a rough combination, Rhys,” said Ayron shaking his head.

“Don’t I know it lad,” said Rhys chuckling. “She has been one tough cookie to raise. She hates rules and when she was young, I often had to sneak around watching her in case she got herself into trouble. The fact of the matter is,” said Rhys thoughtfully. “She has some of those elven traits as well. When everyone else is in a tizzy about something, Elwyn always has a clear head. And, there isn’t a finer archer in all of Unity than Elwyn, no matter the distance.”

“Rhys, I know that she has to be a tremendously capable young woman to have survived three assassination attempts. She hasn’t really had the training to deal with all that has been thrown at her, and yet she continues to survive and has even been able to care for an injured drakenhawk and a grieving morden. I have to tell you, Rhys that I am looking forward to getting to know her better on our trip to Findara.

And when we get to Findara, I can spoil her while Azavon tries to rein her in. I’m guessing that she can be a handful when she wants to and Azavon has never had to deal with a child of any age,” said Ayron laughing softly.

“Rhys, I have the feeling you will need to get well quickly so that you can come to Findara and help Azavon. I fear he will be so stricken with her that she will be able to talk him into anything. She will quickly wrap him around her little finger. Hopefully you will get well and be there before he agrees to anything too outrageous.”

“Yes Ayron, that is true. He probably will need me around to warn him when she starts pulling her shenanigans,” said Rhys laughing.

“We should arrive in Amarni in a few hours Rhys, so you should try to get some rest before we arrive,” Ayron said as he began to turn Gerrack away from the wagon.

“Ok Ayron,” Rhys said softly, “And I thank you for all that you have done for us. Before you leave for Kren, I would ask that you come by to see me. There are some things that you should hear about Rhianna and this situation before you head to Findara. If nothing else, Azavon should be made aware of what was and may be still going on in his court.”

“I will come by, Rhys,” said Ayron softly as he rode away wondering what Rhys had kept to himself all these seasons and how it would affect how much he would tell Azavon until he was actually there to say it in person.

As he rode along, he wondered what it was that had made Rhianna flee from Findara so long ago. She and Azavon had been happy. He was absolutely sure of it. He had spent enough time around them to know that their feelings for each other were genuine. Whether it was a conspiracy of one or many that caused Rhianna to flee, the perpetrators would probably not be happy to see him bring home her daughter. Was he putting Elwyn in danger by bringing her to Findara? There was also the matter of the cover-story about Rhianna’s disappearance. When he and Azavon arrived home from Grimsfyne, they were told that she committed suicide and was buried in the small cemetery in Findara.

Someone had to be aware that the whole story was a lie. Someone knew that Rhianna was not dead, just missing. After all, they’d had a funeral with his mother and sister in attendance. Someone must have taken a body to the cemetery so that the staff could ready it for burial, or explain to the staff at the cemetery why it wasn’t necessary. Why would any of Azavon’s advisors lie to him about this? What would they have done if she’d come back after Elwyn was born? And who, if anyone, was in the grave that Azavon had been tending so lovingly all of these seasons? Ayron knew without question that there could not have been a death in the royal family without at least one council member being involved.

There was also another question that bothered him. What happened to the young woman serving as Rhianna’s personal assistant? After Rhianna’s supposed suicide, he had never seen her at court or anywhere else again. At the time, he assumed that she was in mourning and then decided to move on. Now that he knew about Rhianna’s flight from Findara, he wondered if something happened to her. If she hadn’t been harmed, he didn’t undersrand why she hadn’t come forward with what happened. Ayron knew with everything in him that she had to know the truth of the events that unfolded then. Could it be her body in the grave?

All of these unanswered questions led Ayron to believe that something was very wrong in the Council. Many of the advisors serving on Azavon’s council were still serving in that capacity now. If anyone had been party to this horrible deed, they’d committed treason against the royal family and deserved punishment. Ayron knew he couldn’t solve this mystery on his own, but he hoped that during his talk with Rhys he would be given some additional pieces to the puzzle. Ayron felt it was important for him to find out as much as he could about the situation before presenting it to Azavon. It would be more than tragic for something to happen to Elwyn after she had been introduced into his brother’s life. He knew that Elwyn was tough and capable, but neither he nor she knew what she would be up against. He was beginning to feel as if there might be something similar to a shadow squad with hidden identities in Findara; who were silent as long as their agenda was being followed, but would rise up to strike if it wasn’t. Several council members, led by Lord Daeglin had been pushing for a while to have Azavon officially declare Remi, his sister’s son, as his heir. When Elwyn’s existence was revealed, all that would change. Azavon would not hesitate to announce Elwyn as his heir. And Ayron had a sneaky suspicion that when he did so, it would be unpleasant news for more than one person in high places.

Realizing he was not going to be able to untangle the mystery without more information, Ayron brought his mind back to the present. He urged Gerrack into a canter, and hurried to the front of the line of soldiers to talk to his friend Hodari. During the next hour, he filled Hodari in on the events of the past several days. He explained to him as much as he knew about the situation with King Stefan and why he might want Rhys dead. He also explained to Hodari what he knew about the mystery involving Rhianna and Elwyn. Hodari, in return, assured Ayron that he would not only protect Rhys until he was well enough to travel, but would also provide an armed escort to ensure that Rhys and Clayre arrived safely in Findara. Hodari also suggested that Ayron eat, bathe, and rest for at least a few hours before setting out after Elwyn. He could understand his hurry to get to her, but he also admonished his friend to not undertake another long trip without some rest and sustenance. Ayron nodded his agreement and asked Hodari to help him by putting a pack together with any supplies he might need for the trip, while he rested.

Ayron also felt he had one more duty to perform before he left for Kren and that was to tell Clayre and Rhys a little about the Amarani. Although they appeared very intimidating and fierce to others, as a people they were actually very gentle and compassionate. Ayron was sure that both Rhys and Clayre would come to love them after a time. Ayron also planned to ask Hodari how to deal with a grieving morden. Raffe had to be taken back to Findara, but he had no idea how he was going to make the stallion cooperate. Grieving the loss of a life-bond sometimes drove the surviving partner past the point of reason. Ayron was very surprised when Kierra told him that Elwyn had been able to convince him to travel with her to Kren. He made a mental note to ask Elwyn how she accomplished that. When a life-bond was suddenly broken, the pain of grief in the surviving partner often made them unreachable by anyone. After a time, this pain would lessen, but Elwyn was an inexperienced young woman. He constantly wondered how she accomplished the things she did. Ayron forced his mind to focus on his upcoming trip. He was so tired though, that he drifted off to sleep while trying to make a mental checklist of the things he needed to get done before he left.