Seers of Verde: The Legend Fulfilled: Book One (28 page)

8

Rufina smiled despite herself. Manor Stillinger’s plan was so devious and well thought out, it might just work. Many of the other members of the High Council nodded in agreement. The High Seer knew she could bully the few members who were sympathetic to the Nuvens into silence.

“Brilliant, Manor. The Nuvens will practically open their temples to us,” Rufina said gleefully as she addressed the council. “Once and for all, we will stamp out this barbaric religious movement and re-establish the proper observance of Mother Verde,” she said, angrily eyeing the few naysayers who dared not argue against the religion they had sworn to serve.

Manor accepted the compliment with a formal bow. The Sankari captain had been surprised by how cheerfully he had been greeted by Temple Darya’s guards. They had sensed no threat from Manor. They had even invited him to land and share a drink.

The plan to attack and destroy the Nuven temples opened up in his mind as he glided over the structure and returned home to Fortress Bryann. He could turn the Nuvens’ trust against them. Once the idea anyone flying a glider was an ally was reinforced among the barbarians, future access to their temples would be easy.

After flying over Temple Vonn, Manor could see a direct assault would be fended off easily. However, if the guards were preoccupied or taken by surprise, once inside, invaders could swarm through the Nuven temple and eliminate the Defenders. Rufina had been delighted when Manor first detailed his plan to her in private, even though he was at a loss about how to carry out his idea on a grand scale.

The Sankari needed to fool all the temples into falling for his plot in one coordinated assault. The plot might work with one or two temples, but the other Nuvens would be wary of their gliders. To accomplish such a feat, the Sankari would need thousands of troops to convince the Nuvens they were being threatened by an attacking force. The plan could be hindered because only a few hundred Verdans had sworn loyalty to the Sankari cause.

“We need a massive amount of recruits for a show of force against the Nuvens,” the High Seer said. “That could prove to be difficult because, unfortunately, many Verdans seem to be sympathetic toward the barbarians.”

Manor nodded. “Many of our people even supported the damn Defenders when they took revenge on our troops that burned down that Nuven village.”

Rufina reluctantly agreed with him. “I don’t even have the full support of High Council. A few Seers even think we should cease hostilities against the Nuvens. If these contrary Seers could be convinced, then so could many Verdans. If the Nuvens were more aggressive, it would make your plot so much easier to carry out.”

Manor was silent for many seconds before a strange look clouded his face. “Can you tell me the names of the contrary Seers?” he asked.

Surprised by his request, Rufina complied, quickly naming the four most vocal Seers who were sympathetic to Nuvens. “Ah, Serna Holser. Wasn’t she raised in a small, outlying village?” Manor asked, flashing a wicked smile.

Rufina nodded, puzzled at the captain’s question.

“Perhaps I have a solution to winning over your troublesome Seers, as well as capturing the hearts of many Verdans,” he said, carefully watching Rufina’s reaction. “But, it may require, hmm, how can I delicately put this? It would require the sacrifice of a few to gain many followers to our cause.”

The High Seer frowned, trying to understand what he was saying. “What do you mean it would require a sacrifice by a few? What does Serna’s small village have to do with …” Rufina gasped as she finally understood Manor’s plan. “Do we dare?” she whispered. “Serna’s home fishing village only has about thirty people.”

The captain smiled. “The village is smaller than the Nuven nest we burned. But, do you remember how upset people were at such an audacious attack on ‘innocents,’ as they were called.”

Instead of being shocked and angry at Manor’s suggestion, the High Seer found herself becoming excited at the proposition of carrying out such a devious plot. She did not relish the death of thirty innocents, but these people could be turned into martyrs, a cause that revenge-minded Verdans could grasp. This could be the turning point in the campaign to stop the spread of the Nuven religion.

In her excitement, Rufina found herself grasping Manor’s shoulders. She could see he appreciated the attention. Instinctively, she massaged his tight muscles as she congratulated him for his cleverness. Although a warrior, Manor shivered at the touch of the most powerful woman on Verde. He basked in her attention, but was embarrassed by his rush of excitement.

The thought of their plan actually working stirred a slow, smoldering desire in Rufina that she had not felt in many harvests. Pausing for a moment, the High Seer felt Manor tremble ever so slightly.

She looked in the young captain’s dark brown eyes and saw raw passion gazing back at her hungrily. Rufina let her mind wander. How many harvests had it been since she had taken a lover? Four? No, five at least.

Her last lover, a handsome young Tarylan guard, had misused his relationship with the High Seer for personal gain. When she found out he had amassed a large tract of land and built an ostentatious cabin after promising to grant favors, Rufina exiled him to an outpost in one of the far-flung settlements.

Touching Manor conjured up memories of that delicious physical act a man and a woman could enjoy in private. The Sankari captain would be a perfect lover. He was handsome, accomplished, clever, and he harbored enough secrets to make him compliant to her whims.

Leaning over, she whispered softly in his ear. “Captain, there are other rewards I could bestow upon you for your cleverness and success. These rewards would be my special gift to you.”

Manor took a deep breath and nodded. Although middle-aged, Rufina was still a striking woman. She was tall and voluptuous. Her long, red hair was just now showing streaks of gray. The power this woman represented coupled with the strong physical attraction he felt for her almost made him light-headed with anticipation.

The High Seer smiled, took Manor by the hand, and led him to her private chamber. At the bed, she quickly disrobed and gestured for him to do likewise. Rufina walked slowly around the captain, letting her naked body brush sensuously up against his body. Goose bumps exploded on his skin when her body rubbed against it. She noticed his breathing was getting heavier.

A lingering look at his loins was all she needed to see he was ready. She approached him from the back and ran her hands slowly up and down his body. It did not take much of a push from her to maneuver him to the bed. Manor looked up eagerly, but said nothing. This was the first time he had not been the dominant lover.

As she mounted him, the High Seer exhaled with pleasure. Then she proceeded to make up for five harvests of loneliness.

9

Tevan Nels loved to watch the merchants in Temple Darya peddle their wares. He would chuckle with delight as customers haggled with sellers, whether it was food, jewelry, or clothes. If a vendor singled him out and gestured for him to approach a booth, Tevan would blush, utter a polite no thank you, and hurry off to find another attraction.

Since he looked a bit tattered from wearing the same clothes for many days now, the garment sellers were particularly insistent when they spotted him. Embarrassed by the attention and not understanding why they called to him, Tevan hurried from one stall to the next and crisscrossed row after row of stalls.

Now lost and growing hungry because it was nearing second meal, Tevan stood helplessly, salivating in front of a vendor selling meat pies not unlike what his mother would have made for him. The vendor saw the hungry potential customer and held up one of the pastries.

“They’re fresh, young sir. Made less than an hour ago. If you don’t like what you taste I’ll give your coin back. One silver will buy a pie and a mug of sweet cider.”

Tevan nodded and searched his pockets, but only found three coppers. His cousin, Aron Nels, had been in a hurry this morning to go on maneuvers with his Defender circle and had forgotten to give Tevan his food allowance. Not understanding the merchant, Tevan held out the coins.

“I’m sorry, young fellow, but that’s not enough. You need five coppers or one silver,” the vendor said shaking his head, holding up two fingers.

Tevan licked his lips hungrily, shrugged, and started to walk away when he was stopped by a young woman who told him to wait. She handed over two silvers and ordered pies and drinks for both of them.

Even though he was shy with strangers, Tevan smiled and eagerly grabbed the pie and mug. The red-haired woman gestured for them to sit at a nearby table under a large shade tree. Delighted at his good fortune, Tevan tried to converse with his new friend between bites.

The young woman pointed at herself, repeating “Verinya” several times. Tevan tried to repeat her name, but could only manage something that sounded like “Vera.” Seer Verinya smiled at his attempts and quickly understood his limitations. “That is good. I like Vera. You can call me Vera.”

Tevan laughed when she said “Vera.” He knew couldn’t say her name correctly but was amused she mimicked him. Now the Seer pointed at her feasting companion and sweetly asked, “Who are you, my friend?”

Taking a big gulp of the sweet cider, he understood what she asked. Chuckling, he thumped his chest, “Tevan Nels.” He reached out his hand for the traditional greeting his father had taught him to do when meeting strangers.

Verinya shook hands, noting the firm grip. “That is good. I am pleased to meet you, Tevan Nels.”

Nodding politely to his benefactor, Tevan eagerly returned to his meal. She let him finish before asking more questions. “So, Tevan, my friend, do you know Aron Nels?”

The young man’s eyes lit up and he laughed. “I find Aron. He say good-bye. Tevan say good-bye. Tevan find.”

Verinya smiled when she saw his delight at telling his tale. “Who is Aron? Your brother?”

Tevan giggled. “No, no. Erral and Ivad brothers.” Verinya studied him for a moment. The Seer understood he had a limited vocabulary. Perhaps if she used the correct word, he would understand it.

“Ah, I see. Is Aron Nels your cousin?” Tevan shrugged at the unfamiliar word. Verinya tried again. Obviously the two were probably related, with the same family name.

The Seer tried to remember the Nuven word for relative. A girl cleaning off a nearby table politely interrupted. “Excuse me, but I couldn’t help overhearing. Perhaps the Nuven word you are looking for is kinsman.”

Tevan didn’t need any more prompting. He finally understood what Verinya was asking. “Yes, kinman,” he said, slightly slurring the word. “Aron my kinman.” Verinya thanked the girl. The Seer had the answer she suspected.

Tevan and his new friend spent the remainder of the day wandering through the rows of vendors. He was oblivious to the special treatment they received because his escort was one of the mysterious Seers.

Verinya smiled as she strolled with Tevan. He was genuine and innocent. The young man would tug on her sleeve excitedly when a trinket would catch his eye or thump her on the shoulder and laugh when haggling between a vendor and customer turned heated.

When they passed a clothier, a friendly woman told Verinya she would be happy to stitch some of the tears in Tevan’s trousers. The Seer took a step back and reviewed his clothes. Before he could protest, Tevan found himself being measured. The two women picked through the vendor’s wares to find proper-fitting trousers and several shirts.

The clothier had pitched a nearby tent where potential customers could try on clothes. Tevan complained a little, but minded the two women as they cajoled him into trying on different combinations of outfits. He was not shy about indicating if something didn’t fit right or a material was not comfortable. Even though he could not voice his concerns, his tone and gestures made it clear if there was a problem.

After about an hour of modeling and fitting, four new outfits were chosen. Verinya paid for them without haggling. The kind vendor offered a fair price after hearing about Tevan’s plight.

As the time for third meal approached, Tevan and Verinya sauntered back to the temple’s living quarters. The new companions were chattering away happily when Tevan spotted his kinsman. Aron had returned more than two hours ago and was growing concerned over his cousin’s absence. He expected to see a very worried and upset Tevan, but instead his kinsman was cheerfully chatting with one of those mysterious Seers.

Forgetting his new friend, Tevan let out an excited yell and ran toward Aron, proudly holding up his package of new clothes. The Defender frowned, but his kinsman was oblivious to his displeasure. After happily chattering for a few moments, Tevan walked over and pulled on the Seer’s sleeve until she followed him.

“Tevan like new clothes,” he said, pulling out the outfits, making Aron approve of each one. “Vera help me.” Without warning, Tevan turned and gave the Seer a hug. Instead of being insulted, she returned the hug and laughed with him.

Again, his kinsman had dumbfounded him. Before Aron and his Defender circle reached the temple, Witt Peyser had warned them of the Seers’ presence. The Defenders did not understand the power these women had over the Verdan populace. They were mistrustful of these females who looked eerily alike with the flame red hair and coal-black eyes.

Now one of these Seers and his childlike kinsman were acting like old friends. Stepping forward, the woman introduced herself. “I am Verinya, one of the Seers sent to Temple Darya. I beg your forgiveness, but I saw Tevan was in some distress when he didn’t have enough coins to buy second meal. It has been my pleasure to spend the day with him.”

Aron looked at his cousin, shaking his head in embarrassment. “Oh, no, I forgot to give him coins for his meal.” Against his better judgment, it was only right to thank the Seer for helping Tevan. “I am most grateful to you for helping my kinsman. Forgive my manners. I am Aron Nels. Tevan was overdue for new outfits. It was most kind of you.

Reaching into a pocket, Aron drew out a leather purse and started pouring coins out into his hand. “Please let me repay you for his clothes and food.”

Verinya started to object, but stopped when she saw his intense expression. Remembering stories of Nuven pride and honor, she told him ten silvers would be fair compensation.

“For all the clothes and a meal?” Aron asked, surprised at such a bargain.

The Seer crossed her arms and returned his stare. “That will be most satisfactory, Aron Nels. I cannot remember having a more enjoyable day with such a charming companion.”

“Fair enough,” Aron said glancing at Tevan, who was grinning as he stood by his new friend.

As she accepted the payment, Verinya clasped Aron’s hands. “It will be my pleasure to see Tevan and you again.”