Tribe of the Snow Tiger (Legends of Windemere Book 10) (13 page)

“I take it Ambrosine doesn’t like what I’m doing,” Trinity says, rubbing her belly as the illusionary screaming continues ringing in her ears. A small push makes her think the baby is trying to console her, but she knows it is more likely a stretch or shifting of position. “She believes that this will lead to the destruction of our people. I can’t say I disagree. Failing is not an option, but we’re going up against an army of barbarians and four of the champions. Two of our enemies have purified their temples and another is the daughter of a goddess. We don’t really have much of a chance unless Cessia decides to favor our side. No offense to Ambrosine, but luck isn’t her specialty.”

“She gets along with the Luck Goddess and understands your words,” Sebave states in a mellow voice. A quiver runs through her muscles due to the euphoria left behind by the holy power that pulsed through her body only seconds ago. “Mother does think this is dangerous. She also knows that you have no choice. All she asks is that you be careful and remember that you are a chaos elf. Forget that you are a channeler and an agent of the Baron. Focus on what you were before all of those titles were placed upon you. Though we have been enslaved for hundreds of years, our cunning and ability to survive has only grown stronger. It is greatest within you and our people have flourished under your rule.”

“Flourished in the filth?” the amused Queen asks with a laugh. She is surprised when her guest musters up enough courage to step forward and pinch her on the arm. “I’m going to demand that you never do that again. A crueler leader would have gutted you before you could blink.”

“I apologize, but I know you’re not that type of person,” the priestess bravely replies while bowing her head. She whispers a calming spell that is delivered by blowing a kiss to her leader’s belly. “That should calm the child for a few hours and help you sleep. As for my statement, we are still slaves and living in poverty. Yet you have given us hope and made it that more of our children live to adulthood. Those older than you and I remember the dark days and how there was nobody protecting us from the whims of our masters. You have been our shield, your highness, and that is why all of us will march with you.”

“Does Ambrosine wish for me to bring everyone?”

“She has hinted that you should take as many as possible because of the Baron’s temper.”

“He would never wipe us out.”

“Ambrosine believes he would kill the adults and forge the children into more obedient slaves. That is another reason everyone is volunteering.”

As the relaxation spell overtakes Trinity, she yawns and shakes her head to stay awake for a few more minutes. “I will take most of the able-bodied men and women. Al of the elderly, children, nursing mothers, and several healers will remain here with a small group of warriors. I know they will be hostages, but I will not take anyone who can’t fight onto the battlefield. I also refuse to leave them here undefended. If I truly am our people’s shield then I shall act that way to the bitter end. By the way, you’re coming with me as my midwife and assistant.”

“What!?” Sebave gasps, a mixture of fear and happiness on her face. Caught off-guard, the flustered chaos elf attempts to salute, bow, and jump for joy at the same time. “I won’t let you down, your highness. I’m truly honored. I swear I will protect you with my life and . . . wait . . . midwife?”

“The baby likes you, so you’re staying with me.”

“So I won’t be on the battlefield to protect you?”

With her eyes nearly closed, Trinity flashes a weak grin at the blushing priestess. “I will be fighting Nyx, so I don’t think you’re going to be much help. At best you would take one fireball for me before being turned to ash, which is not why Mother brought you to me. With the blessing of Ambrosine upon you, I need you as a healer and confidant. That is your strength and I would be a fool to leave a powerful priestess like you behind. Also, like I said before, the baby appears to like you. Now, I’m going to fall asleep in this chair and you can use the bowl of water in the corner to wash up.”

Sebave is about to thank Trinity when she is forced to lunge forward and catch her slumping leader. Muttering a muscle-enhancing spell, the young priestess carefully carries the pregnant channeler to the large collection of pillows and lays her down. Her hand touches the woman’s stomach where she feels a few stiff kicks that make her smile. She can sense the strength and power of the unborn baby, which she takes as a sign that the chaos elves will survive into the next generation even if their Queen falls. Instead of getting clean like she was told, Sebave remains kneeling next to Trinity until she falls into a trance.

6

King Edric’s throne room is decorated with a preserved head from every great beast that can be found in the region and the banners of the tribe’s defeated enemies. Open windows allow a crisp, morning breeze into the stuffy hall and gives the people inside a clear view of the entire city. An elderly woman and her youthful grandson hurry to take the breakfast dishes out of the room, leaving a few mugs and water pitchers on a cart for their ruler. He sits on a large throne that has the head of a roaring tiger carved into the top, the teeth painted white to contrast with the dark stone. Instead of keeping the chair on the raised dais like previous Snow Tiger Kings and Queens, Edric long ago moved it to the front of a circular table. His goal is to make his guests feel more welcomed, but the effect fails today as he glowers at the three foreigners who are asking to be involved in his tribe’s business. The only one he can bring himself to look at is Dariana, but something about the silver-haired woman puts him on edge more than her half-elven companions.

“So you want to defend your traitorous friend even though you do not know the laws of Stonehelm?” King Edric asks after several minutes of silence. He eyes Luke who is barely awake and gradually sliding out of his chair. “I understand that you wish to defend a man who has fought alongside you. That is only natural and I respect that. Still, this case predates your connection to Timoran, which makes me question your effectiveness in the court. It is easy to assume that you would show bias and attempt to skew the trial toward a narrative that you have created in your own mind. That would undermine the entire thing. More importantly, two of you are not endearing yourselves to me.”

“You have my deepest apologies,” Luke groans, adjusting his posture and shaking his head clear. He yawns and rubs at his eyes, the pressure making his headache worse. “I helped one of your citizens get home, which led to a conversation. He offered me a drink, but I declined. So he gave me a glass of what I thought was water. Then I woke up outside the door to our room with a note saying I was found in a water trough.”

Nyx takes a deep gulp from her decanter and lazily grins at her friends. “They suckered you with the potato wine too, little brother? I don’t think it’s fair to condemn him for that. Luke is usually very well . . . I know he didn’t mean to cause trouble this time.”

“I will take your word for that since Lodur has a reputation for tricking people into being his drinking partners. Though the rest of us can hold our liquor better than one who I assume weighs the same as a newborn lamb,” Edric says with the hint of a smile on his face. Nyx’s sneeze draws his attention to the channeler and he scowls when he sees fire ripple through her hair. “Then there is the violent, drunken Near God. I have been told of your attempt to release the traitor and how you threatened to destroy the tribe. While I understand you are under an enchantment and not in your right mind, I am concerned by your presence here. My people are strong warriors, but I do not believe any of us have the ability to handle someone like you. So your friendship with the traitor has become a source of tension among the populace.”

“I swear that I’ll be on my best behavior and I’m sorry for my outburst,” Nyx replies, rising from her chair to bow. Her eyebrow twitches when she sees their host turn away, his eyes focusing on the head of a large bear. “The truth is that we can’t continue our journey without Timoran. So it’s in our best interest to resolve this quickly and find a mutual-”

“You will not be allowed in the courtroom,” the King declares, swiftly interrupting the channeler. Keeping his other acute senses focused on the young woman, he watches a sparrow hop along one of the windowsills. “My apologies for being rude, but I ask that you see things from my perspective. There is the possibility that you would use your magic to influence the proceedings. As you said, you cannot continue your journey without the traitor. I do not know you well enough to trust that you will respect our laws and put them ahead of your own desires. More importantly, there is no alcohol allowed in the courtroom.”

“That isn’t my fault!” the half-elf shouts, shaking the entire castle with a stomp. Unwilling to back down, she puts out her hand to stop Dariana and Luke from talking. “I understand that you’re scared of me and I don’t blame you for worrying about my magic. That doesn’t mean you can lie to me about the alcohol rule. Timoran told us that his people drink during meetings and celebrations. I find it hard to believe that you would ban alcohol in-”

“That is the law because I made it so after the traitor left the tribe.”

“My situation is a medical condition.”

“Then you can stay in a tavern to avoid running out of medicine.”

A wave of heat washes through the room as Nyx’s temper flares and the tattoo shoots sparks through her shirt. With a quick shot of Ifrit mead, the channeler stops the mystical rage from taking over her actions. Feeling like she is wasting her time, the violet-eyed champion quietly stands and heads for the door. She glances over her shoulder when she hears approaching footsteps and is relieved that Luke is groggily trailing behind. He puts a comforting arm around her shoulders and smiles, but the expression turns into a wide yawn. The stench of his breath is bad enough that Nyx feels woozy and tosses an aromatic puff of magic into his throat. Blinking the tears from her eyes, she helps her little brother out of the room and leaves a wind spell to slam the doors behind them.

“Have we passed your test?” Dariana asks, leaning back in her chair. The Snow Tiger King has a blank expression, but she senses that he is impressed with her insight. “You wanted to see how Luke and I would react to your antagonizing of Nyx. While you personally believe she wouldn’t use her powers to influence the trial, your people might not be so trusting. You keep calling Timoran a traitor, but you wish to be fair and that means he has a small chance of being found innocent. If that happens and Nyx is in the courtroom then there would be doubt about it being an honest verdict. Now you’ve eliminated that issue and seen that I can remain calm in the face of blatant rudeness and aggression. I’m not sure what your interest in Luke is since the first impression he made has soured your opinion on his ability to function in court. That and you can tell he is more a man of action than words.”

“Very insightful, but not entirely correct,” Edric replies as he rises from the throne. Rubbing his bald head, he walks around the table and stands next to his guest. “There is no chance of your friend being found innocent. We have too many witnesses and his own actions prove that he has a guilty conscience. The trial is nothing more than a formality, which is another reason why I am concerned about your involvement. The citizens of Stonehelm want this to be settled as quickly and cleanly as possible. More importantly, General Godric deserves justice and peace after all this time.”

“If that’s the situation then you do need me to defend Timoran,” Dariana explains while moving around the barbarian to get herself some water. She dabs her finger into the liquid and tastes it to make sure it is not potato wine, the champion unsure if their host is done with his tests. “None of your people will want the job because of the social backlash. If you’re truly trying to copy the Serabian courts then you know somebody has to speak for the accused. Nyx is not an option due to her condition and Luke isn’t any good at this, which leaves me. Besides, Cyrus told me that there are still people in Stonehelm who support Timoran or at least remain neutral to the situation. Those people need to feel like you gave him a real chance at being found innocent instead of putting on an empty show.”

“Are you being honest or playing to my political future?”

“Both.”

Dariana finishes her drink and makes herself comfortable on the windowsill, the stone warm from the morning sun. She watches a group of warriors practice with blunt axes against armored dummies, the dangling figures swinging wildly after every strike. A snow tiger can be seen resting on a nearby cliff, the orphaned cubs playing around the tamed beast’s feet. The silver-haired woman smirks when she picks up on the Snow Tiger King’s racing thoughts. As she suspected, Edric has a lot of pride at stake in this trial because the death of General Godric is what led to him gaining the throne. Many of the citizens remain unsure about his leadership and strength, so he believes that bringing closure to this delicate situation will quell their doubts. A part of him is also determined to avenge his fallen friend and sees this as the only way since he is more of a philosopher than a warrior.

“Do you swear to abide by our laws and control the Near God?” Edric asks as he joins Dariana at the window. He sighs as he takes a quick look at his beautiful city, the summer heat creating columns of haze in the open field. “I will give you a copy of the laws, which you will have a day to memorize. The trial starts tomorrow morning and I will allow you to be a part of it as long as you swear an oath to Kerr. Promise to the Barbarian God that you will not do anything to disrupt the proceedings. If you attempt to sabotage the trial or help the traitor escape then you will be executed alongside him. Are you still willing to-”

“Give me the book and I’ll see you in the courtroom,” Dariana interrupts, extending her hand for a shake. The furrowed brow of the barbarian makes her blush and move away to bow apologetically. “I’m sorry for that. I became caught up in the moment and forgot my place. I swear on Kerr to abide by your laws and treat the court with respect. May I visit and talk to the accused prior to the trial?”

“Yes, but you will be supervised.”

“I thought that would be the case. Know that I’ve nothing to hide.”

“Then I will instruct Sheriff Kalten to have a law tome waiting for you at the prison. Good day and, though I stand against you, good luck.”

With a polite nod of her head, Dariana backs toward the entrance and turns to find Cyrus waiting in the doorway. The smiling barbarian salutes his ruler and politely gestures for the champion to follow him into the hallway. The pair walk in silence until they are so far away from the throne room that Edric’s keen ears cannot pick up their whispering voices. The black-haired warrior takes a deep breath, subtly sniffing the air for scents and straining his hearing for noises. He is fairly certain that the guards are not in earshot, so he gently pats Dariana on the shoulder.

“Does he know about your specialty?” Cyrus asks in a low voice. He scratches his head to make sure she understands his meaning. “The king would ban you like your friend if he knew about that.”

“He didn’t ask and I didn’t tell,” Dariana responds with a smirk. “A good friend taught me that rule. Do I have to worry about you revealing my secret?”

“Nothing could pry it from my lips.”

“Good. I’d hate to make you believe you were a chicken.”

“You can do that?”

The telepath smiles and moves a few steps ahead of her guide, leaving Cyrus to repeatedly check his own thoughts. A brief desire for corn makes him nervous until he realizes that he has caught the scent as they near the kitchen. Stealing two ears and hurrying to catch up, the only things running through his mind are bawdy jokes that he hopes will make his companion too embarrassed to pry for very long.

*****

Timoran grunts as he catches the swinging leg and hurls the nimble calico across the trampled clearing. He is tackled from behind by a roaring ogre, but rolls forward to pin the muscular beast and break its crushing hug. Stomping on the monster’s groin, the unarmed barbarian charges to attack a pair of dwarves who are struggling to get out from under a fallen tree. One of them is sent flying by a kick to the chest and the other is finished off with a one-armed neck snap. The calico leaps onto Timoran and digs her claws into his shoulders, which drive in deeper when he jumps and slams back first into the ground. He hears the shattering of her spine and tosses the body at the approaching ogre, which bats the woman away. The powerful fighters are about to crash into each other when the clearing fades away and Timoran finds himself back in his lonely cell.

“Thank you for helping me remain sharp, my friend,” the sweating man says as he accepts a mug of water from Cyrus. The other barbarian pats him on the shoulder before going back to the entrance where he is watching for Udelia’s return. “I assume you are done studying the laws. If you need more time, I would not mind getting some practice against wild beasts or perhaps a dragon. Preferably with a weapon.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m done and need to discuss some things with you, Sir Wrath,” Dariana replies in a serious tone. Dressed in a white shirt with a tiger emblazoned on the back and her nicest pair of dark blue pants, the telepath is doing her best to appear professional. “We only have a few hours before we have to go to sleep and then it’s time for your trial. The laws are rather simple and most of this small book is a history of verdicts. King Edric has had many trials over the few years that you’ve been gone. There are repeated mentions of how to handle a traitor even though such a criminal has never been tried. I believe that the laws pertaining to your case have not been finalized. You are going to be used to solidify and justify this system, so there may be a lot of flexibility here.”

“There may also be a lot of underhanded tricks,” Timoran suggests while scratching the scars on his shoulder. A twitch of his friend’s lip makes him regret his pessimism in the face of her trying to give him hope. “I apologize for my negativity, but I prefer the old ways. All of this relies on who is the better talker, which is not always the one who deserves to win. Unless you noticed some laws that negate this issue.”