Songbird (29 page)

The procession stretched out. Among the soldiers, he found pockets of people who could only be Kalorians. Where was Teya? Ever since this morning, his worry for her had grown, even though the heat coming through the bond had diminished. She wasn’t well, but it didn’t look like it had stopped Korban.

He caught sight of Jesse and his blood froze to find Teya riding beside him. Her pale face looked pinched with fatigue, and she swayed in the saddle. Faced with her exhaustion, he started walking toward her without realizing what he did, until Jax grabbed his arm to hold him back.

Without thinking, he reached out to her through the bond with a purpose he’d never felt before. The link flew open without hint of a barrier and he poured his strength and determination into her. She straightened with a gasp and immediately started searching the street for him. He stepped into view and his heart stopped when she caught sight of him. He started to raise his hand but Jax jerked him around.

“You fool!” he said. “Jesse will see you! He’s looking this way.”

For a heartbeat everything stopped, then Bran moved, quickly ducking into the shadows. He waited breathlessly for the command from Jesse to seize him. When no alarm sounded, he relaxed his tight shoulders and leaned back against the wall next to Jax. “I’m sorry. That was stupid. I just wasn’t prepared to see her.”

“They’ve passed.” Jax sighed heavily. “I don’t think Jesse saw you, unless he’s really helping Teya like she said.”

“Helping her? I doubt it. He’d like her to think that, but who knows what he’ll do on his own. That was stupid of me. If Jesse knows we’re here, it could ruin everything.”

Jax shook his head. “If he didn’t see you, we have nothing to worry about.”

“Unless Teya tells him.” Bran closed his eyes in consternation. “But maybe I can do something about that.” Again, he opened the link to her and sent what he hoped she would understand as a warning. He felt a slight acknowledgment that could mean almost anything before the link closed. What was she thinking? He took another look at the departing horses and supply wagons. “Did you notice who else was riding with them?”

“Yes. A man with black hair was at her other side.”

“I thought I recognized him,” Bran said, relieved. “Good, that was her brother, Hewson. I know he’ll protect her as much as he can. She was sick and weak this morning. I wonder what happened.”

“They probably took more of her blood.”

Bran stood up straight. “I’ll bet you’re right. Even though Korban told her he wouldn’t, I can’t think of anything else that would affect her like that. So why was Korban in such a hurry to leave? I don’t think Turner expected him to go so soon.”

“I don’t know, but I don’t think it will be too hard to get ahead of them. They’ve got women and children to slow them down. We can travel faster and farther than they can.”

Bran nodded his agreement. “I hope Turner gets here soon, this waiting is killing me. Maybe we should follow them.” It was hard not to jump on his horse this minute and ride out after her.

“No,” Jax countered. “She’s too heavily guarded. We need to stick to the plan. The right time will come. You just need to be patient.”

It was a long wait. The sun had set before Turner came through the gates. He barreled through the garrison door, and called for everyone left there to gather. He was grim-faced, but a light of excitement shone in his eyes.

“I had a difficult time leaving. Korban had me watched, and it took a while to find out who was behind it and persuade him to tell me what he knew. But it was worth it.” He opened the bag he brought with him and pulled out several vials of
sym
.

“This was the king’s supply. Korban was looking for it, but I found it first. I don’t like using it, but you saw how Korban and his soldiers fought. We will have a better chance against him if we are prepared. I want everyone here to take a couple of vials and use them in the upcoming fight.

“I don’t know why Korban was in such a hurry to leave. I don’t think he knows of my plans, but we’ll have to be careful. I know the general route they are taking, so tonight, we’ll bypass them and meet up with the rest of our men. After a few hours rest, we’ll continue on with Bran as our guide. Any questions?” No one responded and he continued. “Let’s head out.”

As Bran and Jax turned to leave, Turner stopped them. “Don’t forget these.” He handed both of them two vials of
sym
each. “I know you don’t like it any better than me, but you’ll use it if you need it.”

Bran studied the vial, wondering if it was made from Teya’s blood. Turner was right, he didn’t like using it, but he would if he had to. A small seed of satisfaction rose to know that with the use of
sym
, he could even have a shot at Korban.

****

Teya woke in the gray light of dawn, tired and hot. Her fever was back, but she was too tired to care. As the sounds of breaking camp reached her, she burrowed under the covers wishing to be left alone. Yesterday, her pride had not allowed her to ride in the baggage wagons, but that wouldn’t happen today.

Iris came through the flap of the small tent they shared with a mug of steaming tea. “Here, drink this.” 

“Thank you.” Teya fought dizziness to sit up.

“I’ve sent for Hewson,” Iris said. “You were moaning in your sleep all night. You may be able to cover it when you’re awake, but I know better.”

“Just let me ride with the baggage. Being away from Korban should improve my health immensely.”

Iris chuckled. “That’s not a bad idea.”

Hewson entered, stoic as ever. Once again, he sang with Iris in beautiful healing tones. As Hewson pulled away this time, the pain etched on his face didn’t seem quite so bad. After recovering for a minute, Teya whispered, “We need to talk.”

“I’ll keep watch outside.” Iris ducked out of the tent and began to pack their bedding.

“I saw Bran yesterday at the garrison just outside the city gates,” Teya whispered eagerly. “He was with the king’s soldiers and wearing their uniform. I don’t know what’s happened. I thought he left with Rasmussen. Anyway, I’m sure he’s planning to help us. I just don’t know how.”

“That doesn’t make sense. The king’s soldiers are loyal to Korban now.”

“No, you’re wrong. It’s Chancellor Turner they swore fealty to. He ran the country, even when the king was alive.” 

“So maybe Turner has plans of his own.” Hewson’s eyes narrowed. “What about the
kundar
? Iris said you know a way to get it off.”

Teya considered telling Hewson about Jesse. She didn’t have the nerve to tell him before now, but putting it off didn’t make it any easier. She took a deep breath. “Jesse wants to help. He’s the one who helped Bran and Jax escape. He told me he’d help get the
kundar
off before we reach the grove. He has plans to go against Korban, but I don’t know what they are. He hasn’t told me yet.”

Hewson’s mouth dropped open, then snapped shut with anger. “You don’t know Jesse. You can’t trust him. This is ridiculous. He’s Korban’s son. He’d never go against his father.” Hewson’s eyes smoldered. “He took our blood. He took your blood! He’s been doing it for years. Not only that, he’s hunted us down like animals. He’s a lying, manipulative…” Hewson trailed off. His voice had risen in volume and his chest heaved. He took a deep breath in an effort to gain control. “No. There’s no way he’ll help you. He couldn’t mean it. I don’t know what he’s up to, but it’s nothing good.”

Teya swallowed. Hewson was so upset that a part of her couldn’t help believing him. Then she thought about Jesse’s confession. Couldn’t someone change? Maybe all he needed was a chance. What choice had Korban given Jesse in all this? Couldn’t Jesse be a victim like the rest of them?

“You want to trust him,” Hewson said, accusingly.

“I want this
kundar
off,” she whispered. “I can’t do it alone. Even Korban told me I could defeat him without it. Once Korban’s powers are restored, it will be too late.”

“I’ll kill Korban,” Hewson said. “It’s not something you should have to do anyway, and it’s not something you need magic for either. Between here and the grove, I’ll find a way to do it.” His cold and unfeeling voice made Teya shiver. “I’m sorry you ever thought it was your responsibility.”

She opened her mouth to speak, but Hewson stopped her. “Don’t. You’re not the only person here with plans. Korban watches us, but not closely enough. He thinks we have no spirit, and that we’re so grateful to be going home that we will follow him blindly. That’s just what I want him to think.”

He paused when Iris poked her head through the flap to warn them that Korban and two guards were approaching.

“Don’t do anything foolish,” Hewson told her urgently. “I don’t need to worry about you getting in the way of my plans.”

“Hewson I…”

“Shh…I’m glad you’ve decided to ride in the wagon today,” he said for Korban’s benefit, then left the tent. She heard him exchange a few words with Korban and, with worried exhaustion, she laid back down on her pillow.

Korban didn’t even bother talking to her, instead sending Iris to gather her things and situate her in the wagon. It wasn’t until they were on the road again that Teya finally concentrated on what Hewson had said. If he planned on killing Korban, it would have to be with a knife or gun. Maybe he thought he could filch one from a guard. What if he already had, and was just waiting for an opportunity?

Her stomach clenched with fear at the risk he was taking. Since beginning their journey, Korban kept a tight watch on the Kalorians. He had to know they would escape if they could. Guards surrounded them. Korban never came to them alone and unarmed. Someone was always with him, even if it was only Jesse.

Teya needed to find out what Jesse had planned. When he’d taken her blood, he’d told her that she had to wait until they were on the road before he could help her. They were on the road now. Were all his words lies?

After stewing for an hour, Teya was ready to get back on a horse. The enclosed wagon stifled her, and she needed to see what went on outside. She pulled on her boots and opened the flap in the back. Two startled guards looked up at her, and she quickly let the flap fall.

That left only one other option and she took it, stepping over some supplies toward the front. She climbed over the back of the seat and sat down next to the wagon driver.

His eyes widened in surprise. “You should be resting, miss.”

“I’m not tired anymore,” she said, realizing it was true. She felt stronger today. “If you don’t want me here, then get someone to find my horse and I’ll gladly leave.”

He shrugged. “Stay then. I’m not going to stop the whole procession just for one girl. Korban wouldn’t like it, and I don’t want to be on his bad side.”

“That makes two of us,” she said, and caught the barest hint of a smile on his face. They rode in amiable silence while she studied the terrain. It wouldn’t be long before they reached the plateau and the stunted trees. Beyond that, came the boundary of the Destroyer and her blood ran cold knowing she would be unable to stop it with the
kundar
still around her neck.

Korban expected her to give him the tones that would keep it at bay. He would probably use
sym
made from her blood to do it. With a huff of despair, she looked for Jesse, but couldn’t see that far ahead. Anxiety set in. She needed to know if he’d help her or not, and she needed to know now.

A short time later, they stopped for the noonday meal, and she scrambled down from the wagon. Finding her strength improved, she strode toward the front of the procession. The startled cry of the driver alerted the guards and they surged after her. She panicked, and turned to run, but didn’t get far before someone grabbed her.

Instinctively struggling against the firm hold, she didn’t realize it was Jesse until he spoke. “Hold on,” he said. She quieted while he turned to the guards and told them to return to their places. “Where were you going in such a hurry?”

“To find you,” she gasped. “We need to talk.”

He nodded. “Let’s go back to the wagon. That’s where I was headed in the first place.” His tone held a hint of exasperation. “I told Korban I would check on you, and it would help if you’d stay put. And if you’re going to plead illness, at least you could act like it.”

She held back a retort, realizing that he was probably right. What had possessed her to take off like that? Fear. Time was running short. By tomorrow they would be in the Destroyer’s path.

She waited until they were back at the wagon before speaking. “We’re getting close to the boundary,” she said. “If you’re going to do anything, it needs to be now.”

He handed her some bread before he replied. “Tonight,” he whispered. “I’ll take the
kundar
off. Until then, try not to do anything conspicuous. I’ll come to you.”

His gaze held hers, and the truth she saw there made it hard to think he was lying. Could Hewson be wrong about him? “Do you really mean that?”

A light lit up in his eyes that she’d never seen before. “Yes. Can’t you feel it? The grove. I know where it is from here.”

“Oh.” Surprise, then sadness overcame her. “No. With the
kundar
on, it is lost to me.”