Mica (35 page)

Panting, she hovered on the brink of orgasm. With several thrusts and a flick of his thumb over her clit he pushed her over the edge but didn’t pause for a second. Rolling her onto her back, he increased his speed. His thrusts came so hard and fast that they stole her breath. A fourth orgasm flared up just as the third ended. Completely swept up in passion, Sun relished every touch.

Mica pounded into her, driving her toward perfection, but there was no way he could last long enough, not at this speed and not when she had three climaxes behind her. Sun clung to him, loving the heat of his panting breath close to her ear and the dampness of his back beneath her palms. He rolled one of her nipples between his
thumb and forefinger while thrusting his tongue into her mouth simultaneously with his cock into her pussy. Crying out in utter pleasure, Sun came, her convulsions squeezing his steely erection.

“Dame Sun. Goddess you feel good.”

“Mica, oh, Mica,” she murmured dumbly, unable to think of anything better to say in the midst of such mind-clouding pleasure. Her orgasm waned but his thrusting didn’t.

“Hold onto me, Sun,” he panted. “Hard.”

“Mica.”

“Hard.”

She did as he ordered, her arms and legs holding him in a grip that would have strangled a lesser man. His muscles bunched and tightened as he rammed into her drenched pussy, igniting yet another fire inside her.

“Yes, oh, yes.”

“Tell me how it feels, Dame Sun. Talk to me, my beautiful warrior.”

“Oh, Mica, by the Spirit I don’t think I can talk. It feels too good. It’s too much. I can’t. I—” Several more long, fasts thrusts and she exploded. Overcome by sensation, her world turned black.

* * * * *

After sharing a meal with Sun, Mica spent the rest of the day training with the Priests. Sun joined him for several hours then took advantage of the short time she’d be spending on Goddess Peak by exploring more of the palace and grounds. During the time she’d observed Mica’s training she understood why he’d progressed so much during his months with the Priestess. He and the small group of Priests he’d joined practiced the fighting arts like special forces of the Opal and Ruby Orders. Again she thought what a fabulous Knight he’d make and wondered if he’d ever consider joining the Ruby Order instead of becoming a Messenger. She doubted it. His belief in the Goddess was deep-rooted though not all Knights were of the same religion. Most—like a majority of Dames—believed in the Spirit, a deity without gender whose power sustained all the universe. Still, since Knights and Dames were recruited worldwide there were some who retained belief in religions of their homelands.

At dusk Sun left the library and descended a winding staircase. She passed Shen and asked if the Priest had seen Mica.

“Yes. He’s in the lowest chamber practicing ritual dance. Just follow these stairs to the bottom.”

Sun continued downward, listening to the sounds of drumbeats and flute music wafting through the temple. The steps ended in a dim, cool alcove. She stepped into the main chamber—a single vast room lit by torches. The ceiling and floor were bare except for a few straw mats rolled up and piled in a corner, two flute players and a drummer
seated beside them. Five dancers practiced in the center of the floor. Facing an entire wall of mirrors, Mica stood closest to Sun. She watched his slow yet powerful movements, scarcely believing a man could fight with such ferocity but dance with such grace.

Just as she remembered from the first time she’d seen him perform ritual dance his motions were beautiful but masculine.

In the mirror he caught her gaze and smiled. He stopped his practice and joined her, gently grasping her upper arm and kissing her cheek.

“I was just going to find you,” he said. “The dance helps me relax after training.”

“Someday you’ll have to show it to Lock.”

“I still find it hard to believe a man like him appreciates any art form.” An annoyed expression tainted his lovely eyes.

“Lock’s a good man. I know he can be crude but—”

Seeming to relent a bit, Mica nodded and said, “I don’t doubt he’s a good man. He’s fought for Ademene and rescued our Priests.”

“You just have trouble understanding each other.”

Mica grinned. How she’d missed his silly smile during their months of separation.

“Would you like to walk outside?” he asked. “The night will be cool but the view from the mountainside is breathtaking in the moonlight.”

“I’d like that.”

He took her hand into the warmth of his and together they ascended the steps.

Outside he brought her to a place behind the palace where the desert stretched for miles in the moonlight.

“It’s beautiful,” Sun said.

“So are you.”

She tilted her face up to his and he kissed her. His tongue gently traced the shape of her lips before it slipped into her mouth. Hers met it, stroking and tasting. Mica’s arms wrapped around her and she clutched his neck, rising to the balls of her feet to better reach him.

* * * * *

Three days later Sun and Mica arrived in Ademene. The emperor called his military leaders, Blaze, Lock, Zimm-Bella and Valor to his private chamber. There he announced the coming challenge of the Blood War.

Sir Lock snorted with skepticism. “You really think they’ll abide by the outcome?”

“This isn’t the Archipelago of SothSea,” Mica replied. “Some cultures do live by honor and tradition.”

“There’s plenty of honor in raiding and raping like your General Karlus, eh?”
Mica’s blood burned. “I don’t expect you to understand, Sir Lock. Just trust that we know the Kennas better than you do. We ask for your support.”

“You’ve had our support since we arrived,” Lock stated. “That hasn’t changed. I simply don’t want to see you fight to the death if there’s a chance of Lower Kenna not abiding by tradition.”

Some of Mica’s anger faded, replaced by a touch of embarrassment. If Sir Lock could learn to express himself without being offensive he might be less apt to incite people’s anger. Mica guessed that was why his wife was the ambassador for the Ruby Order and Lock the ship’s captain.

Mica said, “If there’s a good chance a battle between two men can stop a war among thousands the risk must be taken.”

“He speaks with wisdom,” Blaze said.

Zimm-Bella leaned one of her smooth, muscular arms on the table where the group sat. “I agree with trying the Blood War but I also understand Sir Lock’s concerns. As long as we’re all prepared for the war to continue even if Karlus dies—”

“When Karlus dies,” Sun said.

Zimm-Bella shrugged as if accepting the very real possibility that Karlus would lose to Mica. “I just say we should cover all grounds.”

“Which we will,” the emperor stated. “The challenge was issued this morning.”

“How will the messenger pass the enemy lines without getting killed?” asked Valor.

“He carries the red veil of the Blood War. It is a signal to the opposing army that a challenge is on its way,” said the emperor. “If the messenger is killed then we know the challenge was not accepted. If he returns the Blood War will ensue.”

“Our prayers are with your messenger,” Blaze said.

The emperor nodded. “He would appreciate that. It is High Advisor Kado who has gone to deliver the challenge.”

* * * * *

Two days later Kado returned to the palace, travel dirtied and red-eyed from sleeplessness.

“Emperor Teman and General Karlus have accepted the challenge for Karlus and Mica to fight,” Kado reported. “They and their witnesses will meet you in three days’

time at midday at the ritual ground on Twin Snake Island.”

The emperor glanced at Mica who stood beside the throne. “It is settled. Now it’s too late to back out even if you wanted to.”

“I never had any desire to back out.” Mica’s fists tightened beneath the long sleeves of his robe. On the contrary he could scarcely wait to face Karlus.

“Kado, you look like you could use food and rest,” the emperor said. “And I’m sure
you have preparations to make, Mica.”

“My preparations have been made over the past months, My Lord.” Mica bowed and exited the chamber.

“Mica, wait.” Kado hurried to catch up with Mica’s angry strides. “Karlus asked for this to be delivered to you.”

The High Advisor extended a rolled piece of parchment to Mica who opened it and scanned the bold lettering. Mica crushed the parchment in his fist.

“I imagine he sent the message with the intention of frightening you before the fight,” Kado said.

Mica’s lips slid into a wicked grin. “An old and pathetic trick. It reveals his fears.”

“Be careful.”

Mica held the High Advisor’s gaze. “I will not fail.”

Especially now.

Karlus’ intentions were clear. Should Mica lose, Karlus would rape him on the ritual ground as he died then would claim Dame Sun.

* * * * *

The journey to Twin Snake Island took only a day. Sooner than she liked Sun stood between Lock and Blaze, staring up at the ritual ground for which the island was named. Twin rocks, tall with sides smoothed by the wind, stretched skyward like snakes poised to strike. Two ropes stretched from the top of one to the ground. A rope bridge that swayed in the breeze was the only route to the top of the second rock—the battleground for the Blood War. Thousands of citizens from the Kennas gathered on the island to witness the match. The emperors and their guests watched from raised platforms that enabled them to better see the fight. Sun, Blaze, Lock and the Nalmite leaders had been asked to join the emperor and Kado.

“His spirit guides are close,” Blaze whispered to Sun. “Mirrored Rock is strong.”

Sun nodded, welcoming the affectionate squeeze of Blaze’s hand. She glanced at the platform opposite theirs where Emperor Teman stood with three of his advisors. Their gazes fixed on the ropes as Mica and Karlus approached the mountainside. His hair braided tightly at his nape, Karlus wore tan silk trousers, a matching vest and boots, his staff strapped across his back. Mica wore blue trousers, a vest and black boots. Sunlight glinted off the dark skin of his powerful chest, shoulders and arms. Though he had shaved off what little hair had grown back on his head he kept the goatee. He exuded raw sensuality that excited Sun more than she’d ever imagined. Though she felt confidant in his power she prayed for his safety. No one could guess the outcome of any fight and she prayed this one would end quickly with Mica victorious finish.

Both men grasped their ropes and ascended. When they reached the top each took a moment to catch his breath before traveling across the rope bridge to the battleground.
They walked to opposite ends of the flat rock top and took their weapons in hand.

Sun knew their staffs possessed sharpened tips, specially created for the Blood War.

Mica knelt and chanted a prayer to the Goddess while Karlus laughed. Anger and fear coiled inside Sun. She longed to see Mica wipe the mocking expression off Karlus’

face, but even more than that, she wished for Mica’s safety.

Before Mica rose, Karlus lunged at him. Mica leapt with a cat’s quickness, raising his staff in defense. For the next tense moments each blocked the other’s blows until the tip of Karlus’ staff cut across Mica’s shoulder. Sun’s fists clenched and she realized she was holding her breath.

Blood trickled down his arm and stained his vest. His injury didn’t thwart him as he twisted his wrists and nearly struck Karlus in the temple. Karlus blocked and spun, his staff aimed at the back of Mica’s knees. Mica leapt, avoiding the sweep, and snapped the blunt end of his staff at Karlus’ temple. Karlus didn’t block quickly enough. Though he managed to avoid the full brunt of Mica’s blow his own blocking staff struck him in the head and he staggered.

Using the sharp end of his staff, Mica severed the rope bridge. The crowd murmured. Mica had just destroyed their only hope of escape should one of the men wish to shame themselves by stepping down from the battle.

Karlus pushed himself to his feet and stared at the empty space where the bridge had been. He grinned but Mica noted apprehension in his dark eyes.

“So my woman has regained his courage,” Karlus sneered. “Tell me, Mica, have you made your wench fuck you with an ivory phallus while you dreamed of me?

Perhaps I’ll use one on her after you’re dead.”

“Don’t try to buy yourself time. Pray to the Goddess if she’ll hear you.” Mica thrust his staff at Karlus.

Over the next moments Mica’s attacks increased in speed and strength. Karlus began to tire first. His reflexes slowed and his breath came in hard pants. Mica almost smiled. Goddess Peak emphasized stamina. While their trainees’ skills might be equal to other warriors, few possessed their longevity in battle.

Karlus stumbled. Mica spun, using his staff to sweep his enemy’s feet out from under him. As Karlus crashed to his back, the blunt end of Mica’s staff struck him in the nose. Blood splattered Karlus’ face and chest. Mica knocked the staff from his hands.

Before Karlus regained his sight the sharp point of Mica’s staff pierced his heart.

Sun’s fists clenched so tightly that her nails cut her palms. Only when Mica struck the death blow did she realize she’d been holding her breath.

After tugging his staff from Karlus’ chest he knelt, catching his breath. His vest clung to his perspiring body. Blood glistened on his shoulder and arm. She hoped his injury was minor.
“Where do you think you’re going?” shouted one of the emperor’s captains. He and the Nalmites blocked Teman and his advisors who had tried to slip unnoticed toward the dock.

“You must pay homage to the one true emperor of the Kennas,” the Captain continued.

Teman looked ready to protest when the witnesses—both from Upper and Lower Kenna—shouted for Teman to relinquish his title.

Teman and his leaders approached the emperor and bowed deeply. “I relinquish all to you. General Mica is the rightful winner of the Blood War.”

“We have much work to do,” Kado whispered.

“I vow to do what is best for both Upper and Lower Kenna,” the emperor announced. “It will take cooperation and determination but we will arise a stronger kingdom.”