Dark Lord of Kismera: Knights of Kismera (51 page)

Cerise woke to the smell of coffee and frying ham. Drace was squatting next to the fire, turning the meat in a cast iron skillet with a metal fork. Once finished, he rose and handed her a cup of coffee.

“What time is it?” she asked, taking the offered cup gratefully.

“Almost sunrise.”

Cerise saw that the horses had already been fed. “It looks like you feel better.”

“Almost human,” he replied and returned to his cooking. He put the ham on two metal camp plates, cracked six eggs into the hot skillet, and scrambled them with the fork.

They ate quickly then and were soon back on their journey. It went a lot faster without Drace having to stop to throw up every few miles.

It was a couple of hours to sundown when Drace pulled up suddenly. Cerise had been driving beside his team and looked over at him. “What is it?” she asked, concerned. She briefly touched the boot knife he had handed her, which was on the seat next to her.

“I thought I saw something. Look straight ahead. It was in the grass.”

They’d seen a few herd of bison beast and one of elk, but this was something new.

“Two male lions,” Drace whispered,

The two lions sat up and were clearly visible, watching the travelers as intently as they watched the lions. Drace loosened his sword in his scabbard but did not draw it.

The lions were some distance away so none of the horses were spooked, but Drace could see that Cerise was. “Relax. We only panic if they decide they want horsemeat. The lions around here tend to leave people and their animals alone. It’s an understanding they have with the Werre.

One of the lions stood and stretched and began to leisurely stroll in the humans’ direction. The other male rose and followed a few lengths behind.

Drace stepped down from the wagon and walked in front of the stallions. He rubbed Pride behind the ear in a soothing caress.

“Drace!” Cerise hissed. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Letting them see who I am. I don’t think those two are truly lions,” he replied, turning his head slightly to look at her out of one eye. “They look familiar.”

“Lions all look alike. How can they look familiar?” she argued, twisting the reins in her hands.

“You can tell Pride and Raven apart, and all the black mares. Same with the lions,” he replied.

“They’re coming closer,” Cerise said, her rose in pitch.

Drace wasn’t paying attention to her any more. Instead, he walked towards the lions. The front one was slightly bigger and it had a scar across its right eye. Drace couldn’t tell it the eye itself was damaged or not. He noticed then the big cat walked with a slight limp on a hind leg.

Despite its injuries, Drace was suddenly sure he knew the lion and began to walk faster. The lion picked up its pace as well. Soon both were running towards each other while Cerise sat in horror, one hand over her mouth.

She thought she would be sick when they came in contact and Drace grabbed the lion by its thick mane. They hit each other and rolled on the ground.

Drace got tangled in his sword and the cat took advantage by pinning him to the ground. He roared loudly but didn’t maul Drace. The other lion bounded to a stop beside the pair.

Cerise nearly fell from her seat as Drace laughed joyously and wrapped his arms around the cat’s neck, his hands digging into the animal’s dark mane.

The animal backed up, pulling Drace into a sitting position and next thing Cerise knew a man was squatting where the lion had been a second ago. She blinked and another man stood where the second lion had been.

Oh my God!
she thought. She swallowed the lump that fear had left in her throat. Drace had told her about the shifting abilities of the Werre but it still had taken her by surprise. Now she knew how Drace had felt living with these people and seeing the transformation the first time. But if all the males were as beautiful as those two, she had died and gone to heaven.

Drace stood and the two men hugged, beating each other on the back as men do, grinning like fools. When they broke apart, the other man grasp Drace below the elbow; Drace returned the hold, and then pulled the man into another back slapping hug.

Finally, they finished their manly greetings and started to walk towards the wagons. Pride raised his head and neighed loudly, recognizing at least one of them.

Cerise climbed down from her wagon as the men approached, smoothing nervously at the clothes she had slept in. She knew her hair was disheveled in its braid and she felt none too clean. She stood her ground but these two strangers were big and a little intimidating even in human form.

The two men were of similar height, but lacked two or three inches of matching Drace, but both were broader through the chest then him. With their long dark tawny hair, golden eyes, and bold features, they defined masculinity.

“Cerise,” Drace said when they stopped in front of her. “This is Cearan Lionblade, Ki’s brother,” he introduced the slightly bigger of the two. He was also the one carrying the scar across his eye. It ran from his hairline, across his eye, and down his lean cheek. Whatever had made it; it had been a clean cut. He was lucky his eye had not been injured.

“And this is Lexin, of the house of Bellmore, also of the clan Lionblade, cousin to Ki and Cearan.”

Drace turned to the two men and took Cerise by the hand. “This is the sister of my father, Cerise MacKinnon.”

Cerise stood to her full five-seven, wishing she didn’t feel so mussed, but smiled warmly anyway.

Both men bowed their heads in greeting. “My Lady MacKinnon. I am pleased to meet you,” Cearan said to her.

Cearan shook his head. “By the gods, brother, it is good to see you. We thought you lost to us forever. I know there is a tale to be told and we both are eager to hear it. I think, however, we should wait until we get to a resting spot. Your kinswoman looks rather weary.”

Cerise bristled at his remark. “I’m fine, thank you.”

“I meant no insult, my Lady,” Cearan said, amused at her spirit. “Let us go. I know the area you were heading, I believe.”

By unspoken agreement, Lexin helped Cerise up into her wagon and took the seat next to her, not bothering to ask if she minded if he took the reins.

When she started to protest, Lexin interrupted. “My Lady, be at ease. I know where we are going.” He gave her a warm smile, flashing his canines.

“Of course, what was I thinking?” she said sarcastically.

Drace asked Pride and Raven to go, Cearan seated next to him. They traveled for a short while to where Cearan and Lexin’s horses were tethered. The two Werre men left the wagons to ride along side, Lexin riding ahead occasionally.

Drace recognized the wooded area they entered. He doubted he would ever forget the spot where he first came to Kismera.

With two extra to help, the horses were cared for and camp set up in short order. Cerise went through their provisions, pulling enough food for the four of them.

Cearan and Lexin had been hunting and had taken a large rabbit. Cearan admitted Lexin used his bow since rabbits were hard for a lion to take because of their quickness. They’d been looking for larger game when they came across Drace and Cerise.

Lexin had cut up the rabbit after cleaning it and began a stew. Cerise added a few potatoes and onions along with a few carrots, and a touch of salt and parsley.

Lexin tended the pot, much to Cerise’s surprise. She made a trip into the trees for a moment and when she returned all three men were standing by the fire.

She paused to survey them, taking in the braided hair, the clothing and boots, and all were armed to the teeth. Drace fit in as if he had been born to it.

Cerise’s sigh caused three pair of eyes to turn to her.

Well, Dorothy, you sure aren’t in Kansas anymore,
she thought.

WHILE THE STEW WAS SIMMERING over the fire, the men checked the horses.

Cearan ran his hands over the young Friesian stallion. “This is a fine animal,” he said as the horse nuzzled him. “He may rival Pride when he is older.”

“He isn’t broken to saddle yet,” Drace said. “I thought you might like to help me with that.”

“Really? I would like to see your techniques.”

“I believe a man should give a lot of attention to his personal mount.”

Cearan gave him a surprised look. “What are you saying, brother?”

Drace smiled. “I’m giving him to you. When I bought him, I had you in mind.”

Cearan stood speechless for a moment. “I do not know what to say.”

“Say ‘thank you’,” Drace said. “He is yours. His name is Raven.”

Cearan petted the stallion one last time, and then they moved on. When they were by the mare, Glory, Drace checked her to see how close she was to foaling. He didn’t think she was far from it.

“This mare carries your foal, Lexin. The mare is for someone else, but the foal will be yours when it is ready to leave its mother.”

Lexin stood amazed as well. To be given a horse from the MacKinnon was truly an honor. “Thank you, my Lord. It is a great gift.”

“Yes,” Cearan seconded. “Thank you. We are blessed to have you return to us.”

Drace turned to both men. “I have a favor to ask of the both of you,” he added, suddenly very serious. He looked to see where Cerise was. She was stirring the stew and out of earshot.

“I’m not asking this as Lord MacKinnon but as brother to you both.” Drace glanced again at Cerise and then back to the two Werre men. “Cerise is an innocent, ignorant in the ways of these lands. She can be a bit stubborn but she’s no….” He almost said ‘pansy’. “Ah, what I’m trying to say is that she is an intelligent, brave woman but lacks the skills for defense.”

Lexin’s lips curled in amusement. “You ask us to watch your kinswoman to protect her, from enemies, or herself—whatever mischief might befall her?”

“Exactly. I can’t always be there for her. Besides, she would chaff at too tight a rein anyway.”

Cearan placed a hand on Drace’s shoulder. “We understand, brother. She will come to no harm if we can help it. Rest easy.”

Lexin smiled his agreement and then headed towards the fire and food. Cearan hung back with Drace.

Cearan leaned nonchalantly against the gray Andalusian mare, pulling at a tangle in her mane. “Ask me what it is that is really in your heart.”

Drace was grateful for the inquiry. “Ki, how is she? Is there…?” He couldn’t finish the question, because he dreaded the answer. He shifted his weight.

“There is no one she has taken to mate, if that is your question. She is well, but she is lonely and still mourns your loss. Her moods tend to change as the wind and most stay clear when she is touchy.” He gave a little snort of amusement at that. “She will be pleased to see you, though shocked. Most thought you dead.”

Cearan’s head was lowered as he spoke, but then he looked up at Drace in a confidential way. “Ki has told me some things of your world. Only I. It would be an adventure indeed to see such wondrous things.

Then his mood darkened. “Several moons back she was gone for over a turning of the moon. No one, including myself, knew where. She only told me she must see Nimbus and then be to herself for awhile, asking me to care for things in her absence.”

Drace cleared his throat nervously. “How was she when she came back?”

“Different. Quieter at times. Soon after her return, she quit the practice field, which I found odd. But do not be troubled, my brother. All will be well.” He clapped Drace on the back. “Come, before Lexin leaves little for the rest of us.”

The four travelers rode out from their second camp, a day’s ride from Oralia.

Cerise wore a dark blue dress she had made for one of Drace’s renaissance festival appearances. It was a period costume complete with stays and a long skirt. Her red-gold hair was in a long braid, loose tendrils curling softly around her face, fresh from a wash at one end of the fairy pool.

After he had washed in a stream along the way, Drace sat down by Cearan who braided his hair for him in the warrior fashion. “The MacKinnon cannot ride into his home looking like a beggar,” Cearan told him.

Drace wore black breeches with his riding boots and a white, embroidered, long sleeve linen shirt, his sword and dagger belted around his waist. The day was cool so he had his dress plaid draped Highland fashion for warmth, complete with broach.

Cearan drove Drace’s wagon while Drace rode the Andalusian stallion. The chestnut stallion sensed that Drace was both nervous and excited and reacted by prancing under him, tossing its head from time to time.

The wagons traveled side by side until they came upon the road, then Cerise dropped back to follow Cearan. Lexin rode beside her, joking and talking to pass the time.

“So you are a servant to Arahtok now,” Cearan said with some wonder as Drace rode along side. “I cannot imagine what it is like to see him, to speak to him. It is as the legend. You
are
blessed, my Lord. To grant you passage, he has some use for you.”

“Maybe, but I have no idea what it may be or when. But I will serve whenever He calls me.”

While Cearan drove, apparently lost in thought of a mere human having an encounter with the lion god, Drace pondered something himself. Neither Cearan nor Lexin had mentioned anything of a pregnancy when speaking of Ki. Surely she would be showing by now if she were.
Could she possibly be hiding it? Or was my dream just that, a dream and nothing more?
Drace fought the impulse to put his heels to Leo and leave the slower wagons, hurrying to Oralia and his fate.

Finally, as late afternoon came, the road led them into sight of the village. Drace halted Leo, who gave a low rear in excitement. Drace’s belly knotted as he stared down the road at the large village, and then looked to the hill behind it, the massive fortress stood golden in the sunlight.
Oralia. Home.

Cerise glanced nervously in Lexin’s direction, then ahead. “Drace?” she called.

Lexin side stepped his horse towards her and put a calming hand on her shoulder. “Rest easy, little one. He prepares himself to meet his lioness.” Lexin’s horse moved away from the wagon and Lexin muttered a curse at the ill-tempered animal. Back in control, Lexin continued, “Remember, my Lady, that the Dark Lord is as a shade returning: a shadow warrior to many. But a valorous man to those of us who rode with him at Hopa, and the few who know the truth of his leaving.”

Cerise swallowed and nodded. One thing she knew that Lexin did not was all that Drace had given up, including his birthright. There was no going back for him. If Ki would not have him, Cerise feared it would break him.

Drace nodded to Cearan and asked Leo forward, the rest of the group followed.

As he rode through the village, people came to their doors and windows to see the traffic: the two wagons and many horses loud in the empty streets. He heard whispers and comments behind him and he rode straight and proud.

He heard again the respectful whispering of ‘Dark Lord’ and louder musings of his death at Hopa, along with other such wonderings. He rode as if he were coming home from a battle that had happened yesterday. Some of the villagers began to follow the procession.

Drace halted at the first gate, and a speechless guard who had known him from before waved him through. They came through the second gate unchallenged, the guards recognizing Cearan and Lexin, if not Drace as well.

An unnatural quiet descended on the courtyard as stable boys came to take hold of the teams of horses. Everyone stepped down except Drace, whose blue-gray gaze swept the courtyard for Ki.

Finally, he saw her. It appeared she’d just come in from riding, Estelle at her side. She wore a dress, which he found odd. He couldn’t remember ever seeing her on horseback in a dress. She much preferred the freedom of breeches. Her hair was done up in an untidy knot and she looked tired and dispirited.

The gathering crowd caught her attention and she turned. Her eyes met Drace’s and she visibly paled. She staggered a step and caught her balance by placing one hand on the rump of the horse she had just dismounted. Estelle reached for her but Ki waved her off.

Estelle raised her eyes to see what had her mistress’ attention. She gave a small cry and covered her mouth with a shaking hand.

Drace guided Leo forward a few steps and then stopped and dismounted, handing his reins to someone beside him. He vaguely recognized it was Cearan.

It grew silent in the courtyard; the only sound was the soft snort of one of the horses as Drace walked towards Ki. There were audible gasps and a few shrieks when he drew his sword but a hush quickly followed when he drove the point into the ground and knelt on one knee at Ki’s feet.

Drace held the blade of the sword like a cross and looked up into her eyes. Their gazes remained locked while wind tugged gently at them, lifting the loose strands of his hair and the edges of her cloak. His gaze drifted downward to see the small mound of her belly and then returned to her fear- filled eyes.

His words were spoken to be heard clearly by all who stood in the courtyard. “My Lady, I make this pledge to you. I vow to love you, protect you, to stand at your side the rest of my life. I vow to protect the child that you carry,
my
child. You will never be alone again, this I swear by all I hold holy. I am yours to do with as you wish, if you will have me.” Drace bowed his head and held Gefa Slakh so tight that he felt the burn of its blade.

Ki reached out a trembling hand and placed it on the top of his head, the feel of his thick hair soft under her palm. He kept his head bowed until her hand moved down to the line of his jaw, beckoning him to raise his head. Tears flowed freely down her pale cheeks and she smiled at him.

Drace rose to his feet and barely had time to release his hold on his sword before she lunged into his arms. He closed his eyes, feeling dampness on his own cheeks.

“God, I love you, Ki,” he whispered hoarsely into her hair. “Never again. Never again will something separate us, I promise you.”

Ki couldn’t answer as her sobbing left her speechless.

The crowd in the courtyard suddenly erupted in cheering as the villagers witnessed the Lady Ki reunited with the Dark Lord MacKinnon.

Lexin gently pried Cerise’s hand from his arm where she had held it in a death grip as she watched Drace and Ki. She was openly crying, so he took his now free arm and wrapped it around her shoulders, pulling her into the warmth of his side. He grinned down at her when she looked up.

Happy for the comfort, she put an arm around his waist and they watched the Lord and Lady together.