Into the Fray: Volume 1 of The Sorcerers of Jhanvia Series (11 page)

As he walked away on his self-appointed task, Kaitra noted, “We are going to have to do something very special for these people when this is done.”

“You are
so
right about that. Niko, we have to go now.”

“Okay,” the little girl responded on cue.

As they walked away, Kaitra asked, “Does she
ever
say anything else?”

Kidreyli laughed. “I don’t know, but she is spectacularly cute.”

When they reached their hut, Kidreyli held open the door for Kaitra and said as she followed her in, “I am mostly self-sufficient for travel, but you are going to need almost everything. You will need a sheath and belt for your sword, a bow and quiver, with at least ten arrows, some rain-proof clothing for cover, containers for water and for food, and a bedroll.”

“A bedroll? I thought we could use yours.”

Kidreyli was taken back a bit. “What do you mean?”

“It’s less to carry, less to slow us down.”

“Yes, but…,” the Valtyr never got the words out before Kaitra grabbed her shirt and kissed her on the lips.

Kidreyli stood stunned for a moment. “Okay,” she said in a perky voice, mimicking poor Niko.

Kaitra smiled and lunged at her friend, kissing her again while pushing her back toward the wall. By the time Kidreyli realized what she was doing, she barely had time to get out a muffled, “No, wait!”

They crashed through the mud-and-straw wall of the hut, Kidreyli landing squarely on her back with her head next to the feet of Eirran and Donnlu, who had been casually walking by. She looked up to see an utterly stunned and embarrassed Kaitra, straddling her, looking up at the men who had paused in their travels to take it all in. The menfolk continued on as if nothing had happened, save for the little smile each one of them brandished.

The warrior dropped her head back on the grass and laughed louder than Kaitra will have ever heard. Kidreyli sensed she was about to get off her. She reached up and pulled her down. “Come here, you,” she said as she kissed her and held her tight.

Kaitra finally had to concede the humor of the situation, laughing with the Valtyr. “I had no idea that would happen.”

“I must say, that was
by far
the best kiss I’ve ever had.” They both laughed. “Come, we should probably get on to Eirran’s.”

They stood, brushed themselves off and re-entered the hut through the newly formed hole. Kidreyli reached out from the inside and propped up what was left of the warrior-size fragment of the wall in an effort to cover it. They looked at each other and laughed at the moment, and then they walked side-by-side toward the largest hut near the central fire pit.

“Do you think Eirran and Donnlu will tell the others?” Kaitra asked.

“Surely not. They are honorable men who would never disclose such a non-discretion purely for personal enjoyment.” Kidreyli knocked on the door.

Eirran spoke loud enough to be heard, “Come in.”

When they entered, the ten or so people Eirran had gathered began clapping generously, spewing forth a cacophony of “Well done,” “Very nice,” and “Excellently played.”

Kaitra’s face was particularly red with embarrassment. Kidreyli could only laugh. She couldn’t hold it back.

“Yes, right,” Kaitra said. She curtsied for the audience. “Thank you for your concern. Everyone is all right.”

Kidreyli was still laughing. Kaitra backhanded her on the shoulder.

“We’re sorry, dear girl,” Eirran’s faux apology was transparent, “but we poor folk living way out here in the forest rarely get to see such high quality entertainment.”

Kaitra had no choice but to join in the laughter. It was several more moments before order could be restored.

“Seriously, all,” Eirran interjected, “our young friends are about to begin an arduous and very dangerous journey. They will need supplies and a horse, along with any information we might have about their destination and route of travel.”

“Where are you planning to go?” asked Donnlu.

“Our best information is that we need to reach the Castle Caerlyk near Fadlis,” replied Kidreyli.

“Is it defended?” he asked.

“Heavily,” Kidreyli confirmed.

“That’s unfortunate,” Donnlu noted. “Besides the two main entrances into the castle, I am not aware of any other ways in.”

“There is one possibility,” said Destri the smith. “I spent some time in that area as a child when the castle was deserted. We found a small tunnel on the east side. It leads directly to the living chambers. It’s hard to find and hard to get to. I’m not sure what condition it will be in now.”

“Where is it?” asked Kidreyli.

Destri explained, “It’s in the center of the eastern wall at its base. There were plants growing in around it back then, and the water level of the moat is hard to predict. Not the easiest way in.”

“But maybe the only way,” Kidreyli remarked.

“My suggestion is that you travel to Triami first,” Donnlu stated. “It’s a large enough town, so it is not likely corrupted by what’s happening
at Caerlyk, and it could be a discreet staging point for your operation. From there, you could travel the short distance eastward to the castle and completely avoid Fadlis.”

Eirran, Destri and a few others expressed their agreement with that proposal.

“Excellent plan,” Kidreyli noted. “I know Triami well and I agree about avoiding Fadlis. Kaitra will need a horse and riding equipment.”

“I believe that Sestru would be the best horse for her,” stated Vatal, the master of the stables. “She is young and strong. We have some extra saddles and other tack, you could have whatever you need.”

“Sestru is a perfect choice,” Eirran confirmed.

“She also needs a bow and quiver of arrows,” stated the warrior.

“You can keep the bow I gave you,” offered Donnlu. “I will get more arrows, and I can show you how to make them.”

“Good,” said Kidreyli. “Lastly, she needs some containers for food and water, and a sheath and belt for her sword.”

“Not a problem,” commented Cliona. “Jaseti is already working on those things. And we have a cloak she can use to protect her from the weather.”

Kidreyli sat back against the wall and took Kaitra’s hand. “It sounds like we’re ready.”

“I don’t know how we could possibly repay you for your help,” Kaitra said.

“Yes you do,” stated Cliona, “the both of you need to come back to us. That is all we require.”

“That’s right,” Eirran reinforced. “You
must
come back to us. All right, everyone, let’s get these things they need.”

The gathering broke up as all went to their appointed tasks.

Cliona placed her hand on Kaitra’s elbow as she was about to leave and asked, “May we speak?”

“Of course,” she replied as Kidreyli let go of her hand with a look that said ‘I’ll see you later’, and went off to manage events.

“There is someone I would like you to meet. Her name is Nemainn. She is very old and carries a deep, insightful spirit. Come,” she said as she led her toward a hut nearest the open field. As they approached, Cliona explained, “Please do not be put off by her appearance. She was severely injured in a battle many years ago. She has some scars, she does not walk and she is blind.”

“I understand.”

Cliona rapped gently on the door, “Nemainn, I brought Kaitra to see you.”

“Come in, please,” Nemainn called out from inside.

As they entered, Nemainn shifted herself into a more comfortable position on the large, soft pillows piled on the floor. The brief preparation was not enough for Kaitra, as the image of the old woman with the dramatic scars across her face and arms, the distended right knee and the haunting white eyes played in her mind. It was apparent that the villagers spent much effort taking care of her, as there were fresh fragrant flowers placed about and her clothing was clean and colorful. Her long gray hair looked like it had been brushed this morning as it flowed over her shoulders to the ground.

“I’m quite a sight, aren’t I?” she remarked. Kaitra was not sure what to say. Nemainn continued, “No need to answer, dear girl. It’s all right. Please sit in front of me.”

Kaitra complied as Cliona explained, “As I mentioned earlier, Kaitra is about to set forth on a dangerous and potentially deadly path. She has little practical experience outside the confines of the nearby temple. I was hoping you might be able to impart some of your wisdom and experience to her.”

“You were an apprentice under Kulon?” the old woman asked.

“Yes.”

She smiled and said, “I always enjoyed the time I spent with her. She used to tell me stories of her childhood growing up on the eastern side of the Kirlapian Mountains. Her words touched every detail. The
way she spoke, it made me feel that I was with her running in the fields of frotil and lupines, the wind blowing our hair from side to side, the sun warming our faces.”

“Where exactly did she grow up?” asked Kaitra.

“I believe it was a place called Dotali, in the west of the province of Dhoya.”

Kaitra was surprised. “She never told me she was from my homeland.”

“She probably felt it would interfere with your relationship. She told me about you, though. Said you had magical talents the likes of which she had never seen.”

“I don’t know about that,” Kaitra was humbled and her ego fluffed a bit on hearing that her mentor thought so much of her.

“Of course you do, child. However, Cliona tells me that she has seen darkness on the path you have chosen.”

Kaitra was surprised and a little offended.

Cliona explained, “I have seen glimpses of what may lay ahead for you. Your magics are very powerful and others may try to take advantage of your abilities without your consent.”

“We do not need to tell you this,” the old woman noted. “You have already seen it yourself.”

“I’m not sure I understand.”

“Put your hands in mine,” Nemainn requested.

Kaitra looked at Cliona, fearing to trust.

“Do it, girl,” Nemainn commanded.

Cliona nodded encouragement to Kaitra. The young one placed her hands atop those of Nemainn, who then closed her hands tightly around hers, hanging on with surprising strength. Within her mind, Kaitra felt as if she was instantly transported to another time and place. Unfocused images that she had seen in meditations before became crystal clear. People and places became real and alive in her mind. She could feel and smell all that surrounded her.

She found herself chained to a wall in a dark place, her hands above her. Her head was pounding from an injury sustained in her capture.

“Will she be pliant?” asked the man in the red cloak. He was holding a cup in his hand.

“Yes, my lord Satreka,” was the response from the man in the black robes. Two other men in the background were circling around a fire pit, chanting words unknown to her.

Satreka walked up to her. She tried to kick out at him, but her ankles were also chained to the wall. “So you thought to defy me?” he remarked. He nodded his head to his assistant, who pulled her hair forcing her head back. Satreka closed off her nose and commanded, “Drink,” as he forced the liquid down her throat. She really had no choice but to comply. He stood back and smiled.

“You better kill me now,” she warned.

He tipped his head slightly to one side and leaned in, putting his face directly in hers, “Why would I do that? You will now become the one that empowers me to destroy all you hold dear.” He smiled at her as he backed away.

She felt a force begin to take over her spirit. She shook and shuddered and collapsed in the chains, unconscious.

Kaitra was instantly thrown into a new vision, watching a Valtyr standing in a large circular wooden tub full of water. She screamed unimaginable screams as a handful of people try to assist in her efforts to give birth. She ripped at the flesh of one of the servants with her claws, gouging a large wound on her arm. One last push and the child was shot into the water. It was immediately retrieved by one of the servants. The shock of the cool water caused the baby to begin crying.

The servant held the baby up and announced, “My lord, it is a boy.”

Satreka took Kaitra’s hand, “Thank you, my dear friend, thank you.”

“It is my honor to serve,” she replied.

A vision jump again, into a bedroom. Kidreyli was standing over the baby with her sword poised for the kill. Soldiers were protecting Satreka and his consort.

Kaitra raised her left hand, directing her magics to hold Kidreyli in place. “I will not let you kill this child.”

Kidreyli begged, “Please, Kaitra. His existence portends the end of all we cherish. You must allow me to finish this.”

“No!” she commanded, and with one sweeping motion of her right hand, her magics knocked the sword from her hands. The sorceress walked determinedly toward Kidreyli, using her magics to push the warrior away from the child and firmly against the wall. “How dare you defile this place! The son of our Lord Satreka is destined to rule over this land.”

Several soldiers arrived.

“Guards!” commanded Satreka, “Take this intruder to Klur. I’m sure he will find a use for her.”

Kidreyli looked back at her friend and reached out to her as she was led away. She called out, “Kaitra, please.”

Satreka walked over to the sorceress and said, “My family owes you a great debt. I assure you, I will never forget this.”

Kaitra saw herself walking in a darkened hallway with Satreka.

He said, “The Valtyr you apprehended a few days ago will help us greatly in our cause. We will impregnate her and force her to give birth to the next generation of our elite warriors.”

“Surely she will resist,” Kaitra noted as they walked into a large room. In its center, a Valtyr was hanging by her hands from chains attached to the ceiling, her feet barely touching the floor. Her body was bloodied heavily from the whipping, beating and torture inflicted by the experts.

Satreka responded with a smile, “I’m sure Klur will be able to convince them that our way is best.”