Sorceress (Book 2) (22 page)

The unicorn followed him out into the deluge and stared at him in disbelief.

“What are you?”
she demanded, lowering her horn defensively.

Majherri started to ignore her, but realized he was no longer inside of the barn and the compulsion Danella had given him applied only while he was in the structure. A desperate plan formed in his mind at the opportunity he’d been given.

“I am touched by the Nether, Iarisha of the Sacred Isle. My name is Majherri, the very same unicorn you and the other two spoke of a short time ago and I bear a grave warning. That war in the West is very real and it is spreading. At its head is the human called Count Darius, thought both defeated and dead by the High-King and his followers. He wields terrifying power, the ability to corrupt our riders and bend them to his will and courts the powers in the adjacent realms!”

“Impossible! I don’t know what you are, but you’re no unicorn!”

“Touch where my horn would be,”
he commanded and lowered his head.
“It is hidden by magic, but there just the same.”

Iarisha leaned forward and moved her own horn to and fro. It clattered off his invisible one and she neighed in disbelief. To further illustrate his point, he forced some of the magic into his horn, briefly lighting it as the rain hissed against the flames.

“I cannot accept this!”

“Listen well to my words, Iarisha. My rider is a thrall and she controls me with a grip mightier than even the metal of a forged lance. If she learns that I have said anything to you, she will compel me to kill you and your companions and I will do it gladly.”

“You wouldn’t,”
she said, but fear and uncertainty subverted her protest, making it sound weak and anemic.

“Oh yes! I would. The dark magic staining me has made me strong enough to smash through that barn with ease. I can even command fire magic without my rider. The three of you wouldn’t stand a chance! That same magic was calling to your mating instincts. Don’t bother denying it!”

The female looked frustrated and unable to refute him.
“Fine, Majherri, if that is who you truly are, what would you have me do with this knowledge?”

“Flee,”
he replied.
“Carry this warning to our kin. Count Darius still has allies in the South, biding their time. The West is already lost to his armies and soon the Yar will be running wild through these kingdoms. But the greatest danger is something this wizard said in passing. He has bound a netherbeast in servitude and plans to bring it back to our realm along with the forces it commands. That must not be allowed to happen!”

“But my rider!”

“You must leave her! You’re both Scouts! This information is too important. Do your duty! The fate of all rests on you delivering this warning. Danella’s connection to me is like no bond you can imagine. If luck favors me, she won’t probe deeply about tonight’s events and we’ll head into the mountains before she realizes anything. But if she does, your rider, the others, and perhaps everyone in this village will die. Flee now and head to the nearest garrison. Put as much distance between me and you as possible. I can outrun an air maiden and her unicorn riding full out and she might make me hunt you down. I’m going around to the other side of the barn. I don’t even want to see what direction you head off in. This storm will hide your tracks.”

The female stood there looking at him and he feared that he would have to physically attack her and drive her off, but she nodded and said,
“I believe you and will take this warning, Majherri. You are right. The life of my rider and even my life are nothing compared to the risk of a netherbeast and its foot soldiers walking on the Blessed Continent. I entrust the life of my rider and myself to you.”

“Safe journey to you, Iarisha. May the spirits of our kin residing in the sky watch over you. Danella may well kill me when she learns of my treachery, but if one of us must pay, then I hope that it is me.”

He didn’t wait for her reply and trotted back around the other side. He stood there, staring at the flames and trying to lose himself in them. Occasionally, he looked up at the angry flashes in the sky. A few minutes passed before Gristul and Urkai began a frantic search for the missing female.

In the morning, the majority of the village turned out to inspect the damage to the destroyed barn. Majherri stood in the distance, focusing on the uncomfortable wet feeling that chilled his bones. It had been a long and harrowing night with very little cover to be found. Fire was his element and the flames in the barn hadn’t worried him at all. By the same token, water was his opposite and the driving rain bothered him more than it should have. The unicorn felt as if he would never be dry again.

Danella will sense this immediately, if she doesn’t already know. My annoyance will be a shield.

At least that was what he hoped.

The disaster in the barn had claimed the lives of four of the horses belonging to Kuresh’s nomads and much of their riding gear. Two others had run off into the night. He watched one Battle Maiden desperately searching for her unicorn, knowing Iarisha was hopefully hours away by now. The woman’s two compatriots and their unicorns helped her search the rubble and offered what comfort they could. Majherri had changed positions several times with the shifting of the cool wind. The smell of burnt flesh only compounded his current mood.

The angry words of his own rider drifted through the air as she and Kuresh were arguing with a village elder and several others. Majherri wandered over to Danella, trying to look the part of a loyal beast and not that of an interested party.

Danella took note of his presence and allowed him to nudge her in greetings.

“It doesn’t matter how much you offer, we simply don’t have the replacement animals you want,” the elder said. “This is the peak of growing season and every beast we have is needed in the fields. Truly I am sorry for this setback in your quest, but you are bounty hunters and not representatives of the crown. I wish there was more I could do for you, but the needs of my village must come first.”

Majherri wondered if Danella or Kuresh now regretted changing the story from that of a noble inspecting land she’d inherited.

“Pardon me for interrupting the conversation,” one of the Battle Maidens said. “One of our unicorns is missing and we were hoping for assistance clearing the rubble to see if we can locate the body in the collapsed section.”

The elder immediately deferred to the woman who was an actual representative of the crown. “Of course, milady. I will see to it immediately.”

With a curt and dismissive nod to Kuresh, the man said, “If you’ll excuse me, I must attend to this matter. I will have a rider visit the nearby farms and spread the word about your missing animals. It is the very least that I can do for you.”

A dark look of malevolence crossed Danella’s face as she watched the man scurry off to placate the Battle Maiden’s request. She was furious. Turning to Majherri, she placed her hand on his head and said, “What of the missing unicorn?”

He concentrated on the image of the female being knocked to the ground when freeing the horse and let Danella draw her own conclusion from that. Her reaction was a sly smile and a whisper, “Oh, the poor dear will be in for such a disappointment.”

Eventually, Danella and Kuresh decided that it would be best for some of the troops to double up. Sending men to another village for more horses would add further delay and having mounts in the mountains was a luxury, not a necessity.

The guide joined them as they prepared to leave the village. Majherri noted that the man looked more like the barbarians he’d be leading them to than the simple folk in this tiny outpost of civilization that the unicorn hadn’t even bothered to learn the name of.

“You certainly seem eager to leave,” Danella commented on his mood. He replied with the feeling of being wet and rained on through most of the night.

“It makes no sense!” the maiden exclaimed and threw her hands up in frustration. “If Iarisha isn’t here, where is she?”

Majherri sensed his rider twisting in the saddle. They hadn’t left soon enough.

“I thought you said the unicorn perished in the flames,” Danella stated.

He tilted his head from side to side, affecting an air of disinterest and pretending the fate of a wayward unicorn on a stormy night was not his concern.

Danella didn’t fall for it as he felt himself go rigid under her power.

“What are you not telling me?” she hissed and began actively rooting around in his memories.

He was powerless as Danella’s unbridled fury grew. She couldn’t understand the conversation word for word, but she could comprehend enough to know what he’d done.

“You’ve betrayed me, Majherri! You’ve betrayed our cause. Now reap what you have sown.”

His frozen mind began to thaw, filled with rage she forced upon him. Waves of bloodlust consumed Majherri.

Kayleigh felt hands tugging at her as she tried to clear her head. Both the aching in her left shoulder and the throbbing in her head could be traced back to the moment she slammed into the inside wall of the barn.

“Are you okay?” It was Brian’s voice.

“Do you really want to know?” she answered, muttering. “At least I’m not waking up in an infirmary for a change.”

A small crowd of people had surrounded her as Brian offered her his hand. As her vision cleared, she looked down and saw that she now knelt in a pile of manure and sighed.

“You’d think after spending so much time in the stables, I’d learn how to avoid situations like this.”

“Well,” he replied and smiled. “If you’re still able to make light of things, you must not be hurt too badly.”

Taking his hand, Kayleigh stood and noted the concerned faces. “My shoulder’s a bit tender and I’ll probably have a knot on my head, but otherwise, I’m fine. How’s Ayalla?”

The spot where she worked with the riderless unicorn was worse for wear. Some of the wooden floorboards were snapped in half while others bowed where earth and stone had thrust up under them. The female unicorn was standing with T’rsa and Rheysurrah by her sides.

“She was knocked down and a little shaken,” Brian answered. “You, on the other hand, gave us a good scare.”

“We should move this into the courtyard,” General Hawthorne said.

General Jyslin added, “I agree. Perhaps we can send for a dog trainer’s uniform, as it is padded to protect the wearer.”

Hawthorne nodded and tasked one of her soldiers to go into the city. “Reese, why don’t you go inside, clean up, and rest while we make arrangements so that your next attempt will be less painful.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Kayleigh said. It was a pleasant change of pace to see people worried about her wellbeing. It was a far cry from the piercing gaze the general had given her after she had injured Andrea, but discovering their familial connection might have softened the woman’s disposition toward her. Casting a sideways glance, she noticed Rheysurrah paid more attention to Ayalla’s condition than he did hers. Honestly, she didn’t expect much else out of him.

Brian led her out into the courtyard where his mother waited, holding the hand of the monkey that allowed her to see. Tamera was only a couple paces behind them.

“I’m pleased that you are relatively unharmed,” Alanna Tomas said and then chuckled. “You have such lovely hair.”

“Thank you, milady,” Kayleigh replied, finding it an odd time for a compliment and seeing the woman’s wide smile made her wonder if something was in it. “Is learning magic always going to be that painful? I could pass on the bruises and the messes.”

“With a proper instructor, you would fare better, but since you seem to be venturing into uncharted territories regarding bonds, previously believed sacred, there is no guide…or at least no reputable guide.”

“You are a seer,” Kayleigh commented. “Didn’t you know what was going to happen?”

The Seeress shook her head in amusement and lifted her pet into her arms like a toddler. “The future is not set in stone,” she said. “I receive flashes of insight, possibilities if you will. My job is to pass on what I know and hope for the best outcome.”

“I guess that’s a nice way of saying that things could have been worse. At least the only thing permanently damaged, aside from my pride, is the barn. So, will this next attempt succeed?”

Kayleigh stared at the monkey, who opened his mouth wide to yawn at her. The woman replied, “I cannot say. Success will spare the lives of many unicorns and change their fates. I hope you do and encourage you to try your best. Many paths will open for the future if you do.”

“I was thinking,” Brian interrupted with a grin on his face. “When we get back to The Academy, you need to stay away from my stable. I’d rather keep it intact.”

“Was he always like this?” Kayleigh asked his mother.

“Yes,” the woman replied. “My oldest received the seriousness. My daughter was blessed with the magic. This one believes he has the wit and charm. I, for one, am not completely convinced.”

“Mother is too kind. Being a seeress, she should also know her methods of embarrassing me no longer work.”

“Oh, I suppose I could recount a few stories from your youth to the young lady as a manner of passing the time,” she threatened with a mocking tone.

“If that is what you believe is best, dearest mother. Kayleigh would be delighted to hear about my aversion to clothes up until the age of six. I was quite the little nudist, if you must know.”

Behind them, Tamera sputtered in laughter.

Fighting through an obvious blush, Kayleigh responded, “Um, it hadn’t really crossed my mind.”

“Behave, Brian,” Lady Tomas admonished her son. “You are a young man of station.”

“I don’t believe the unicorns I tend to really care much for my station. The manure shovels the same. Besides, Kayleigh knows what to expect from me.”

“It’s true,” Kayleigh said and nodded. Brian seemed livelier off of the island. The way the girls spoke of him, he was the ultimate temptation on an island full of maidens who had taken chastity vows. At The Academy Brian was just as witty, but here, despite or perhaps because of the presence of his mother, it was even more charming. The two seemed to feed off of one another. Her life had been woefully short of entertainment lately and this was a welcome change.

“You have a sister?” Kayleigh decided to join in on the merriment. Brian talked extensively about his brother, but he’d never mentioned a sister in all the time they’d spent together.

“Now you’ve gone and done it, Mother. I’ll never hear the end of this.”

“For the moment you shall, dearest Brian,” the Seeress said and turned to Kayleigh. “I believe you’ll have the necessary time to indulge in a hot bath before everything is in order.”

“That sounds like a splendid idea, Lady Tomas.”

Minutes later, Tamera stood outside the thin wooden door to the bath and stated, “I think he likes you.”

Kayleigh shifted in the tub. The bath was indeed a fantastic idea. The beginnings of an ugly bruise graced one arm as the young woman slathered it in salve.

“Tamera, he’s just being himself,” Kayleigh replied. “If you knew him better, you’d realize he’s always like that.”

“Perhaps,” her friend admitted. “But he might be like that always just for you. Ever consider that?”

“Uhm.” Kayleigh didn’t have an answer for that. Instead she twirled a strand of wet hair around her finger and thought about lowering her head into the water and pretending she didn’t hear Tamera.

“Did it work?” a new voice asked. It was Laurel.

“No,” Tamera answered. “Kayleigh’s getting cleaned up and is going to try again in a bit. I’m just trying to convince her that Brian Tomas is sweet on her.”

“I’m not listening to this,” Kayleigh protested.

“Really?” Laurel asked.

The other young woman answered, “Just my opinion but if I’m right, the sounds of hearts breaking all over the Sacred Isle will be heard for weeks.”

“But what about the nomad warrior who came with you two?” Laurel teased.

“Oh, he’s quite nice,” Tamera said in a breathy voice.

Kayleigh felt mortified at what her friend was implying and that she didn’t even know where Rahzir was at this time. So, she asked Laurel.

Laurel answered, “He’s being questioned about the strength of the nomad army by General Hawthorne’s aides.”

“He’s not being treated like a prisoner is he?”

“I don’t think so,” the air maiden responded. “Still, he is escorted by two maidens wherever he goes. So does Brian have anything to worry about?”

Flustered by the two girls needling, she said, “Can we talk about something else? As I recall, we all took a vow of chastity until the age of twenty.”

If either of them had been in the room, she would be throwing something at them.

“True,” Laurel said. “However, the vow may no longer apply to you because of your unique situation.”

“I guess it doesn’t apply to me now at this time,” Tamera said, degenerating into a cackle. “Maybe I should get you to hold off on the next attempt for a day or two!”

Laurel joined in as Kayleigh scowled at the door and the two laughing young women on the other side. All the while she fought not to join in their merriment.

“You two are positively awful!” she exclaimed and sank into the tub. As she did so, she thought back to her time at The Academy with the other third years. When she arrived, she felt ill at ease and like her every move was being scrutinized. Now, despite not truly being one of them, Kayleigh felt like she had finally been accepted.

At first Kayleigh Reese believed the padded dog trainer’s uniform was a little too cumbersome and hot. It was like being encased in thick burlap and forced to waddle around like a sideshow entertainer at a traveling carnival.

After two more times of being thrown bodily into the air by Ayalla’s uncooperative magic, she was beginning to appreciate the protection offered. Kayleigh even went so far as to wonder if a thicker suit was available.

Laurel had come out for this
demonstration
and helped Kayleigh fumble to her feet.

“Still okay?” the air maiden asked and cupped Kayleigh’s cheeks with her hands while looking for any signs of confusion.

“I’m fine. Getting loads of practice on how to land after a fall,” Kayleigh muttered and beckoned to Brian.

The noble brought her a mug full of water and held it to her lips. Kayleigh drank, ignoring the incriminating smirk Laurel wore on her face. Brian volunteered to be the one making certain she wouldn’t pass out from the heat in the heavy suit. He was, and Kayleigh prayed this would never change, blissfully unaware about the conversation that took place a short time earlier.

“You know,” he said. “If this keeps up, I’m going to start taking wagers on how far you travel.”

“This time didn’t seem nearly as far,” Laurel commented. “Maybe that’s a sign that you’re getting close.”

Kayleigh thanked her friend for the encouragement and brushed the dust from her pants as she walked back to the waiting unicorn.

The only thing I think I’m getting close to is making certain I won’t be able to sit in a saddle for a week!

Her approach wasn’t working. Each time the pressure of the unicorn’s magic built up faster than Kayleigh could react. Ayalla’s head was lowered and the unicorn gave off an air of defeat. Kayleigh recognized it from when Rheysurrah just wanted to let go and embrace his death. The other onlookers, both on two and four legs stared at her expectantly.

What do they expect? I can’t do miracles on command!

Her searching gaze found Captain Lynch sitting in T’rsa’s saddle. The woman had her arms crossed and her body language asked Kayleigh how long she was going to keep everyone waiting. No matter what Kayleigh achieved, she believed it would always fall short of the woman’s expectations.

Of course, the other Lynch sister wasn’t out there anticipating Kayleigh’s failure. Danella wanted her dead. This war was going to separate more unicorns from their riders. If she was going to help them...and ever have a chance of reclaiming Majherri, she couldn’t accept any other result except success. The words from one of General Jyslin’s speeches she’d studied at The Academy came to mind.

If you have eliminated the possibility of failure, all that remains is determining which path will lead you most directly to your goal.

The young woman steeled herself and rounded on the unicorn. Kayleigh was being too timid. It wasn’t the same as Orsa bleeding out on the walls of Shiftla, but Ayalla was dying just the same. She’d fallen and failed enough today.

“I’m not going to learn anything else about your bond doing what I’ve been doing,” she said to Ayalla. Her tone lacked the empathy she’d previously used. “Your magic’s fighting me. We already know this is going to hurt, so let’s not kid ourselves and pretend it’s not. This time, I’ll be fighting back! If you think of anything that will help, do it. If not, just hold on.”

Instead of cupping the sides of Ayalla’s head, Kayleigh threw her arms around the unicorn’s neck, locked her hands together, and descended on the bond.

Ayalla tensed as the unicorn’s magic reacted to a foreign presence probing against it. Instead of trying to hold the power back, Kayleigh butted up against the pile of magic inside and pulled at it...hard. Ayalla shuddered, and the ground trembled beneath them. The essence of decay was still there, but unlike with Cyemma’s bond, plucking it didn’t seem to help, probably because it was part of the natural unicorn cycle.

So Kayleigh ignored it and continued to yank at the whole bond and their struggle was mirrored in the turbulent dirt below them. A mound of earth bubbled up under her, attempting to dislodge Kayleigh’s hold. She felt her legs leave the ground, but maintained her grip and leaned closer to Ayalla.

The momentum carried her completely over the unicorn’s body and her legs hit the ground on the other side of Ayalla, like she was rehearsing a riding trick. There was enough of Ayalla’s broken bond free for Kayleigh to move forward.