Rise of the Shadow Warriors (14 page)

“No one knows much of their ways. You are committing to live among them. As their King no less.”

“As did you among the Raasa.”

Vaan grunted at the comparison.

Argan grinned. “Mayhap,
you
will need bow to
me
when you visit.”

Vaan crossed the room to him and punched Argan in the shoulder. The gesture one of camaraderie. “Hettel. You would wish it to be so.” Then his dark eyes grew serious. “Ever shall you be my best friend. While I do not relish looking for someone to take your place, I do not begrudge you in following your heart. May the Blessed One grant you true happiness in your union.”

A thick knot formed in Argan’s throat. Years under Van’s tutelage had taught him well. They had shed blood for one another on more than one occasion. “Think of it not as losing a friend but as gaining an ally. The Olak’din will come to Raasa and Kaban’s aid whenever there is need. You have but only to ask.”

“And should the Olak’din have need, Raasa, Kaban and Desani will come to
your
aid.”

A smirk curved Argan’s lips. “You speak for the Desani King now?”

“It is good to be Overlord.”

Argan had to chuckle at the non-answer.

“Is there more you have not told me?” Vaan asked, once more on even footing with him.

Argan relaxed further and allowed his arms to fall to his side. “There may be a battle and your offer of aid will be accepted.”

Vaan frowned and strode back across the room to assume his seat behind the desk. “Is she in trouble?”

Argan gripped the back of his neck. “There is a fight brewing between the Olak’din and a race of Gornan.”

“I’ve heard of the Gornan but never had cause to cross their paths. They are territorial creatures.”

“Yes.” Argan nodded and took a seat in one of the chairs originally brought in for Mikayla while she carried the Overlord’s heir. They were long past standing on ceremony with one another. “The Gornan border her land and would seek to take over the grounds she calls home.”

A pleased smile spread across Vaan’s face. “Does she wish to make war against them?”

Argan smiled in return. They were warriors. Warlords who thrived on battle. “She would prefer to defend herself if they make a move first but I believe it will lead to battle as there is no other end in sight.”

His friend steepled his hands in front of him and propped his elbows on the desk. “How soon?”

Argan thought on this. It would work better if they launched an attack against the green creatures immediately. To wait allowed the enemy an edge that could often tip the scales in such a fight. “Soon.”

Weeks or as early as days. Argan wanted this behind them for his bride’s safety. Her protection became his responsibility the day she accepted him.

“When you need, I will be ready.” Vaan leaned over the desk and clasped Argan’s forearms in a tight hold, eyes steady. “Friend.”

Argan returned the hold. “Friend.”

This was it. His life would change from this moment forward. In no time at all he would ride from Raasa to live among the Shadow Warriors with Shaina and turn toward a new chapter in his life.

Chapter 18

The next three days were filled with a flurry of activity. Argan worked closely with Ramar who Vaan had selected to replace him as his right hand. The Warlord’s knowledge of Raasa already mirrored his own, so Argan focused on covering every battle technique he used when fighting at Vaan’s side and demonstrated the maneuvers they used when back to back in the thick of a skirmish.

Ramar was sharp and understood the honor bestowed on him. Never did he slacken in his training.

“There is much to learn but instinct and battle shall hone your skills,” Argan counseled during a break.

They sat side by side along a hidden portion of the building where the edge of the roofing provided a modicum of shade. Sweat dripped down the side of Argan’s face and he swiped at it with abstract attention while he awaited Ramar’s response. The Warlord met his stare.

“No training can replace the years you shared with him.”

His heart stuttered. Argan planned to leave today and Ramar’s words brought the fact home. He was leaving the best friend he ever had. A brother in truth though they shared no blood. What they shared was so much stronger.

Argan gripped Ramar on the shoulder and leaned toward him, fingers gauging the flesh to leave crescent shapes. He took a deep breath and forced out the next words. “Guard him well, Ramar. Bring him home each time you fight together. Even in death understand that the Overlord is always to be brought back. He is
never
left behind.”

There had been many gruesome and lengthy battles when a warrior could not be retrieved. Argan and Vaan had made a vow to never allow that to happen to them. Whoever was left standing would bring the other home for a warrior’s burial and death rites. The vow would be carried through by Ramar now as Argan would no longer be at his friend’s side to protect him from their enemies.

“I give you my vow, Argan. The Overlord will never be left.”

It was what he needed to hear. Argan released Ramar. “I thank you.”

Argan’s gaze drifted around the busy grounds of the compound as silence settled between them. The Raasa had set up an area to train with the bow. While they would never be as swift or strong in battle with a sword as the Kabanians their skill with the bow was unparalleled. They had an eye for hitting targets, which Vaan continually worked to hone to perfection once he realized the advantage.

Arrows whizzed in the air and hit the tarp covered rectangles at the other end of the field with a loud whump. Vaan patrolled from the sidelines, pointing and nodding. A few times he’d kneel next to one of the targets, study it a moment and then have a conversation with the Raasa responsible. The male’s bald head bobbed up and down and even from his seat, Argan could see the grin on his face from what was surely praise from the Overlord.

“Do you have any doubts?” Ramar interrupted.

Argan shook his head, continuing to watch those he’d soon leave in this place he called home. “She is my bride. My place at her side is a small price for what I hope to gain.”

Family. Youngling. Argan planned to have it all with Shaina. And perhaps there would be love between them for surely she’d managed to capture his heart with her spirit and teasing humor.

“It is a difficult path you choose. We have just come to accept our new way of life among the Raasa and yet you would seek to learn another.”

Argan’s mouth twisted as he faced Ramar once more. “Our lives are forever changing and we must move forward. To look back or wish for what was is the action of a foolish warrior.”

Ramar grunted but his lips twitched as he mumbled, “Many a woman has made a warrior foolish.”

Laughter erupted from his chest for surely at times Shaina would make him foolish in his thoughts and feelings. “Then my hope is that I am as foolish as Vaan and Balal in my happiness.”

Ramar’s expression took on a serious cast. “You speak truth? You believe your bride a worthy match?”

A vision of Shaina filled his mind. Taking a deep breath, Argan replied with the same level of seriousness. “I believe she will hold my heart in the palm of her hand.”

And he looked forward to the day.

Ramar nodded and rose to his feet. “Then Blessed One look over you.”

Argan stood as well. He would need to ready his bags and prepare one of the hapfe for the ride since he had no means of contacting Shaina about his return. She’d mentioned enough for him to know they lived among the mountains between Raasa and Kaban but closer to the borders of Raasa land. He’d have to hope her sentries would sense his presence and lead him the rest of the way.

“I don’t want you to go.”

Argan jerked around. Mikayla stood across from him, hands twisting in front of her waist. He’d been so deep in thought he hadn’t heard her approach or Ramar leave.

He bit back a smile at her annoyed statement. “You would miss my presence?”

Diamond green eyes dilated and her lips curled back to reveal sharp and poisonous fangs. “Of course but Vaan will miss it more. Your time together has made him closer to you than Saran.”

Argan accepted this. Vaan and his brother had not had the benefit of being reared together though their love was strong for one another. “Ramar shall make a good replacement.”

Her dark head tilted to the side as she pursed her lips. “He can never replace what you give Vaan freely.” Before Argan could speak to her words, she continued. “I never thanked you for staying by my side during the birthing.”

A shiver rolled down his spine at the memory of one of the most feared moments in his warrior’s life. Every battle paled in comparison when Argan considered his friend’s reaction if the little Raasa had succumbed to death.

“You do not thank a Warlord. We took vows.”

She rolled her eyes. “So Vaan tells me. Are you leaving soon?”

“Yes. I am heading to my room to gather my belongings and a hapfe has been readied for my use.”

She stepped to the side and matched her stride to his when he walked around to the front of the main building. “I talked to the stable master. You’ll take Raj. He’s sturdier and the trek won’t be hard on him.”

Argan trusted her choice of mounts. She knew the hapfe best. They parted ways at the front door where she was waylaid by a Raasa female waving in her direction. Argan hurried before she could keep him with idle talk. He took the stairs two at a time and almost passed the room for the youngling when he picked up on an odd sound.

Argan paused at the doorway to the nursery and the low crooning came again. He pushed the door open further and came face to face with Kavan who continued to sing in his low melodic tones. He swayed side to side with the youngling in his arms. Argan wasn’t sure which of them was more surprised. Kavan held the little one close to his bare chest while she had one hand entwined in the loose strands of his hair and the other jammed in her mouth where she suckled her thumb loudly.

Argan flinched as the drool Mikayla called it plopped on Kavan’s chest and rolled down his torso. Kavan finished singing and his rich voice flowed into another song. He offered Argan a chin lift and turned toward the sleeping bed where Vaan’s other youngling rested. Argan waited as Kavan singing softly all the while lowered the little one next to her sister.

When he straightened, the battle hardened Warlord, caressed a plump cheek and stepped back. The sound of his voice faded and he pointed at the door.

Argan nodded and left. Moments later Kavan joined him. “You have need of me, Argan?”

Argan was at a loss for words. It was not the first time he’d heard his warrior brethren’s voice lifted in song. Just not for Vaan’s youngling. Argan was certain this was not a first.

“You have done this before.”

Red tinged Kavan’s cheeks. “It pleases them.”

Argan snorted. “I am sure. Does Vaan know?”

Kavan glared. “No and if you seek to tell him, I will meet you in the training circle and not hold back this time.”

Argan laughed. “Your secret is safe for now.”

They parted ways and Argan gathered his two bags with one final look at the rooms he’d used. The shelf on the wall was empty of his carvings. He’d left them with Vaan to give to the youngling for play.

***

Vaan walked him to the stables. “One word of advice, Argan.”

“Of course, Sire.” He couldn’t imagine what words his friend would impart.

“Make her your number one priority and the riches you receive in return can not be matched.”

Argan paused and absorbed the statement. “Above my Overlord as well?”

Vaan smirked. “Unless you wish to sleep with your eyes open.”

Argan chuckled. “My thanks, Vaan.”

“If she is the fighter you claim her to be, stand beside her and lend her your strength. I have learned that a woman of such character does not like it when her warrior would seek to handle her troubles.”

Argan’s grin widened for he knew Vaan spoke of himself and his mate Mikayla. “I will heed your advice.”

Vaan leaned forward and hugged him tight forehead to forehead. “You mention she has trouble coming her way. Do not hesitate to call upon me. My sword is yours to use.”

Argan swallowed passed the thickness in his throat. “I will hold you to this.”

“Good.” He released him and Argan stiffened his back.

They were Warlords. There wouldn’t be any discussions of feelings or further displays of emotion.

“Ride well,” Vaan said.

Argan nodded and turned on his heel to leave.

Chapter 19

Shaina stared in stunned disbelief. Ivak had gone too far. She glanced around the meeting fire but the others wouldn’t meet her gaze. Argan leaving the morning before had left Shaina ecstatic with the status of their new relationship. When Justan warned of the circle she’d thought nothing of it.

“What say you, my Queen? Will you accept Mandok’s challenge?”

Mandok grinned like a fool in her direction, his cocky arrogance sending her anger raging. This was not what she had wanted.

Justan leaned over his cross-legged position and spoke. “As long as all understand this match is not to the death. The Queen works hard to build an alliance and to save the Olak’din from the Gornan. That Mandok challenges her right to do so it wasteful.”

“She spoke with an outsider about the existence of the Olak’din. Any of us has the right to challenge her decision making ability.”

Shaina’s lips firmed at Ivak’s smug assertion. She was sure he’d offered Mandok something in way of a reward. They were too insistent on this. “I’ve already bonded with Argan. I had the right to tell him as the bylaws state. He’s the Shadow King now and all will respect him as he rules by my side.”

“Enough,” said Ogar. “Do you accept Queen Shaina?”

There was no refusing this challenge. The assertion that she broke any laws was an excuse. One they couldn’t enforce but Mandok’s challenge placed her in a tenuous position regardless of what they thought of her revealing their legacy. As the leader of her people she’d been neatly backed into a corner. Accept the challenge or appear weak. Justan cast her a frustrated glance. He more than any knew the motive behind this.

“I accept.”

“Good.”

The others around the circle nodded and Mandok thumped his chest with his fist in triumph.

Ivak smiled. “We shall set the match three days hence. As Justan reminded this is not to the death so it will be a weaponless challenge.”

Shaina took a deep breath and eased it out on a soft sigh. She would have preferred weapons knowing her skills with a blade trumped Mandok. A physical fight put his strength against her own leaving her no choice but to be faster and more cunning. She wouldn’t be able to withstand many blows from his meat like fists.

Shaina rose to her feet. She’d win and knock him on his ass in the process. There was no other option.

“Then it’s done. I will prepare. In three days the challenge will be met.”

Heading to her home, Shaina ignored all those who would stop and speak with her. She needed time to prepare mentally and physically. Her mind latched onto another need. Argan. Shaina wanted her husband by her side to vent her anger and to share the weight of her position. Someone who’d listen and offer her his advice. Most important, she wanted him to hold her while she geared up for what was to be a major fight.

***