Into the Fray: Volume 1 of The Sorcerers of Jhanvia Series (35 page)

“But never a traitor to your heart, which in the greater scheme of things, is far more important,” Tyral interjected.

Speaking to both of them, Kaitra’s asked telepathically, “How did you two get together?”

Kidreyli replied, “You’ll have to ask her. The Katrion choose who they wish to be with.”

Kaitra was surprised again. “Really? So, Tyral, why did you choose Kidreyli?”

The Katrion answered, “Just look at her. Can you envision someone more interesting than her to be with? She’s rebellious, unconventional, obstinate, stubborn, demanding, conflicted, strong, powerful, talented,
smart, loyal, honorable, nurturing and very loving. I knew when she was seven years of age that I would be well-served to be with her. It’s been quite a ride so far, I can tell you.”

Kidreyli interjected, “You forgot funny. I’m very funny sometimes.”

Kaitra squeezed her hand, “I can vouch for the loving.”

Kidreyli smiled and kissed her.

It was immediately apparent to Tyral that they were headed off into a deeply passionate carnal experience. She turned and headed back toward the grassy area, her thoughts caressing their minds, “Right. You two don’t worry about me, I’ll just be over here tending to my evening meal.”

Kidreyli rolled onto her back and pulled Kaitra on top of her. The young woman’s long black hair fell to both sides of her face and down onto her shoulders.

Kidreyli looked up at her and said softly, “I can’t imagine ever being without you.”

Kaitra traced the Valtyr’s eyebrows with her finger, “Just as well, for that will never happen.”

Kidreyli awoke abruptly in the early morning light because of a nudge from her Katrion’s nose.

Tyral explained in her thoughts, “I hear Katrion approaching.”

The warrior was up in an instant and heard the sounds of heavy hooves coming from the west. She pushed on her lover’s shoulder, “Kaitra, get up.”

Her eyes were heavy with sleep, “What is it?”

With a deep sense of urgency, she answered, “There are Valtyr approaching. We need to leave
now
.”

Kidreyli grabbed up their belongings and jumped on Tyral. Kaitra wrapped her cloak tightly around her and mounted Sestru. In an instant, the sorceress was following the warrior to the north.

They rode hard for a few miles and then Kidreyli brought them to a stop. She sat up high in her saddle, trying to hear if they had been followed. Her keen sense of hearing could pick up faint sounds in the still forest that sounded like they were fading. “I think they’re gone,” she concluded.

“That was close,” Kaitra noted.

Kidreyli properly affixed the supplies to her saddle. She stated, “I don’t want to encounter any Valtyr other than my mother. It only invites problems. We need to get to the other side of the river. Once we’re on the Dhoyan side, it should be safer. Our people respect the agreed territorial boundaries.”

Kaitra opined, “I don’t think anyone will bother the princess in her own land.”

Kidreyli laughed at the obvious jab, “Right, then all things should be well once we get there.”

Tyral noted, “The nearest good crossing point is just a little north of here. The water is not too deep and locals cross there with carts.”

Kidreyli said, “Then take us there since you know the way. Not so fast though. We must be mindful of Sestru.”

Tyral turned and started to the northeast. Kaitra turned Sestru and followed. They moved along at a comfortable pace through the long shadows, dogged mostly by the cold morning air that rushed around them. Kaitra could not get comfortable. The clothes she had on were not designed for such a cold morning on horseback. She pulled up her cloak and covered her hands as best as she could. It was not enough. She alternated hands on the reins, putting her free hand against her skin, trying to let it soak up some warmth. The hour it took them to get to the river crossing seemed like an age to her.

And there it was before them, a wide section of the river, maybe a few hundred feet or so across. From the flow of the fast moving water, the crossing had been worn surprisingly flat and smooth. Tyral led the way, slowly and carefully stepping on the slippery rocks. The water was crystal clear and Kaitra spotted a few sizable fish slipping over and
plunging into the deeper, chaotic water below. Having daintily made her way mostly across, Tyral felt a bit of confidence and took a few giant strides, gracefully ending up on the bank. Sestru was understandably timid as she stepped carefully and with purpose, one hoof at a time out of the water.

Kaitra asked, “Can we stop? I’m freezing.”

Kidreyli pointed northeast, “Up on that ridge.”

With that, the Valtyr led the way, getting far enough off the beaten path so as not to be easily noticed.

Kaitra dismounted. She was so cold she was shivering. She pulled her cloak tightly around her and leaned against Sestru for warmth.

Kidreyli saw her plight and wrapped her cloak around her lover.

The sorceress asked, “Won’t you be cold?”

“We come from the north. It must really get cold for it to bother me.” She cradled Kaitra’s head against her chest and held her close, passing on her warmth. They stood quietly for several minutes letting a sense of normalcy return for her, and then she noticed faint voices and goings-on off in the distance.

“What is it?” Kaitra asked.

“Sounds like a village off in that direction,” Kidreyli said motioning with her head just east of north. “Maybe we could get food and a place to stay warm for a day or so.”

“That would truly be welcome,” the sorceress responded, her voice still quivering a bit. “It would also give us a few calm moments to plan our efforts against the Scecians.”

“Let’s go, then.”

“Do you want your cloak back?”

“You keep it. I’ll be fine,” Kidreyli said as she mounted Tyral.

Kaitra was back on Sestru and they were off. Up and over a few smallish ridges, it took only five minutes or so before Kidreyli stopped them in the trees.

The warrior directed her thoughts at Kaitra and Tyral, “Kait, stay here a moment. Let me see if there are any red shirts about.” She urged
her Katrion a bit further down the ridge just close enough to get a good view of the village. It was a quaint little place situated along a small stream that meandered its way toward the river just crossed. Thatched roof huts were scattered about a grassy meadow with a good number of villagers busily tending to their daily routines.

Kidreyli spoke softly to her lover in her thoughts, “It looks safe. Come.”

The Valtyr led them down the ridge and out of the trees. Several of the villagers took anxious note of their approach. A large middle-aged man walked toward them, flanked by a handful of villagers.

Kidreyli called out, “Good morning.”

“And a good morning to you,” the man replied.

“My companion and I have been traveling for several days. We were wondering if you would graciously allow us to stay here for a short time? We have money to trade for food and a place to sleep.”

The elder responded, “We have food if you wish, but we have no extra huts. There are some Mutrals further downstream if you desire privacy.”

An older man with puffy gray patches on his otherwise light brown hair and beard walked nearby with an armload of firewood. He took notice of the woman on horseback and called out, “Lady Kaitra? Is that you?”

The sorceress looked over and called out with joyful surprise, “Culain?!” She slid off her horse and ran toward him. He dropped his burden and took a knee in front of her as she approached. “Get up, young man, and give me a hug,” she commanded.

He smiled and carried out her order, giving her a long embrace. “M’ lady, I never thought t’ see ya again,” he said with his deep southeastern brogue.

“Nor I you. You’re looking well.”

The old man said with his bright eyes shining, “And you’re as beautiful as ever, lass. Aye, as I always said, the sun and the moons could never compare t’ the light ya bring t’ the world.”

She laughed and gently hit him on the shoulder, “You always know the right things to say to me. So why are you way out here?”

“I got old, lass. And you two grew up and left the nest, so I had nothin’ t’ do. Your father came t’ me one day ‘bout six months back and told me that I could take m’ leave an’ live out m’ days in peace if I wished. He gave me some treasure, and I came ‘ere to this peaceful place t’ do just that. So what ‘ave ya been up to?”

“Well, I traveled over a good part of the continent, seeing and learning many things. Over there is my…,” she looked over and stopped in mid-sentence after seeing all the confused faces staring at them. All except for Kidreyli, who was still in her saddle, leaning on Tyral’s neck with a knowing smile on her face.

Culain laughed and announced officially, “Everyone, this is Lady Kaitra, princess of the realm, daughter of the great and powerful Fionn, Ardreach of Dhoya.”

The villagers immediately took a knee in front of her. The lead villager spoke, “My lady, I apologize. We had no idea.”

“Please, all of you, stand,” Kaitra said.

The lead villager continued, “Of course, the both of you are most welcome to stay with us. My name is Keril. I’m one of the village elders. If there’s anything you need, please ask.”

Culain interjected, “You can stay in m’ hut for as long as ya need it.”

Kaitra said, “Thank you, my friend. Please let me introduce you to my love.”

The Valtyr swung her leg over Tyral and dropped to the ground.

“Culain, this is Kidreyli,” the princess announced.

The old soldier went over and gave her a hug. “Kidreyli, I’m honored t’ meet ya.” He looked over at the sorceress, “So ya mated with a Valtyr?”

“Actually, we bonded in the Valtyr tradition,” Kaitra explained.

“I didn’t think that possible.”

Kaitra laughed, “It was, but did
I
pay a price.”

Culain laughed and motioned, “Come, both a ya. I’ll show ya t’ my hut.”

Kidreyli grabbed on to Sestru’s reins and Tyral followed as they all headed for a small hut in the center of the village.

The old man led the way in, “It’s not much, but its home. Please, m’ lady, I would be honored if ya both treated this place as your own.”

Kaitra put her hands on his shoulders, “Thank you, my friend. Honestly, I can’t believe that we met you way out here on the fringes. I am so grateful for this opportunity to see you again.”

“Thank ya, m’ lady. It’s wonderful t’ see ya again. You two put your things away and meet me at the table near the large fire pit over there,” he said pointing toward the west. “I’ll get some food and drink for ya. You’re prob’ly starvin’ from your journey.”

“Food would be most welcome,” Kaitra said. “Thank you.”

Culain acknowledged her gratitude with a nod and headed off to his task. Kidreyli was standing near the door of the hut with her arms folded, smiling that greedy smile she sometimes needed.

“What?” asked Kaitra.

“I’ve never seen your eyes
so
bright as they were when you saw your friend just now.”

“Of course you have,” the sorceress was a little embarrassed.

“I’ve only known you for a short time, but I’m very certain that I haven’t.”

Kaitra’s expression showed as she relented. “You’re probably right about that. You see, Culain was the captain of a special detachment of soldiers appointed by my father to watch over and protect my mother, my sister and me. I have known him for most of my life. It’s a complete surprise to find him here.”

“I’ll get the supplies.”

“I’ll help,” Kaitra offered.

Kidreyli smiled and said jokingly, “No, my lady. I’ll take care of this. You just make yourself comfortable.”

“I told you that my lineage would come in handy one day.”

Kidreyli laughed a bit and walked over to the horse and her Katrion. She took the saddles and supplies off both of them, laying them on the ground, and then she directed her thoughts toward Tyral, “Look after Sestru, won’t you?”

“Of course. What is it?”

Kidreyli rubbed her Katrion’s nose, “I’m not sure. They didn’t seem overly happy to see us at first. Just keep an eye out and let me know if you see or hear anything unusual.”

“Absolutely,” Tyral confirmed as she urged Sestru toward the open field.

The Valtyr picked up her lover’s saddle, carried it into the hut and laid it on the floor. Then she walked back out, picked up her saddle and carried it in, placing it next to the other. She looked over at Kaitra who was eyeing some of Culain’s belongings and asked, “Shall we get some food?”

Kaitra turned to her with her wide gray eyes, holding a sheathed knife with both hands. “I made this sheath for him when I was only eight years. I can’t believe he kept it all this time.”

“He said he came here with his treasure. He must think it very special,” Kidreyli noted.

Kaitra put it back as she found it. “I suppose he does.”