Mica (31 page)

Work continued throughout the night. It was after dawn when Sun trudged back to Mica’s room. Her body ached and she needed a good sleep. It hadn’t been long ago that she’d been wounded herself. Though she’d recouped quickly she still tired faster than usual.

She stepped into the room and stood over Mica. He lay on his back, his eyes closed and his face relaxed in sleep. She touched his cheek gently before walking to her bed and sitting on the edge. Leaning her forearms on her knees, she rested her head in her hands, her entire body numb from exhaustion.

“What happened?”

Startled by Mica’s voice, she looked up sharply and found herself staring into his concerned blue eyes.

“Battle. It’s over now.”

He dampened a cloth and sat beside her, cleaning blood and dirt from her face. “No one woke me.”

Sun placed her hand over his and held his gaze. “It wouldn’t have—”

“Done much good.” His smile looked strange, humorless. “I wouldn’t have been much use right now. I know.”

“Mica—”

“Get some rest.” He kissed her forehead before walking to the door.

“Where are you going?”

“To speak with the emperor.”
“I’ll go with you.”

“No. This is a private matter.”

His tone left no room for argument. Sun stretched out on the bed. Whatever he discussed she’d hear about later. At least the battle was over and he was out of danger.

* * * * *

“This is all they returned to us.” A pale-faced soldier stared at the remains of General Kasir—his head, arm and both feet. “Karlus did it himself. I saw with my own eyes.”

Mica glanced at Kado and Zareb. They stood in the courtyard with the soldier, the emperor and a spy still dirty from the road. The soldier had been taken as a prisoner during the battle but released to carry back what was left of the general. The spy’s news had been even more disheartening. He and his men had discovered the whereabouts of Karlus’ army—and that the false emperor was no longer false. Several days ago the emperor of Lower Kenna had died and his daughter had married Teman, making him the legitimate ruler of Lower Kenna.

“Kasir was the most powerful warrior I’ve ever known,” the soldier murmured.

The spy said, “If Karlus or Teman had called the Blood War and defeated Kasir—”

“Neither of them is going to risk calling the Blood War.” Mica didn’t bother keeping the disgust from his voice. “Tell the captains to disperse. Station men on the shoreline around the entire island. Have the remaining soldiers search inland for any hidden troops but leave enough to defend Ademene against another attack.”

The spy glanced at the emperor who said, “Do as he orders. He’s no longer speaking as a Priest in Waiting but as acting general.”

The emperor held Mica’s gaze in question and he nodded. Though he wouldn’t remain in the city to advise and defend over the coming months he would do all he could to organize before leaving to perform a more important duty.

The spy bowed from the neck and hurried to fulfill Mica’s orders.

Kado sighed. “The spy was right. They wouldn’t risk everything for the skill of one man.”

“They wouldn’t have risked anything because they would have won,” the emperor said. “Karlus must be as powerful as we’ve heard. What if he decides to call the Blood War?”

“You wouldn’t have to accept it,” Kado told him.

“You know that would cause even greater disaster. The Blood War cannot be refused. Ever. The ways of our people cannot be discarded. The Blood War is—”

“The only way to end this without utter destruction,” Mica said.

“Do you think Karlus will initiate it because of this? He must know he’s sure to win after defeating our general.”
The emperor held Mica’s gaze. “He hasn’t defeated our general.”

“You can’t expect Mica to take over completely.” Kado extended a hand toward his friend. “He’s just gotten over illness.”

“Can we hold our own for a few months?” Mica asked the emperor.

“We will have no choice it seems.”

“If they call the Blood War in the meantime—”

“They won’t. Not when they can keep killing. Their kind enjoys destroying thousands of lives to simply one,” Mica said. “I’ll leave in the morning.”

“You’re sure you’re prepared for this?” Kado asked.

“I will be.”

Zareb who had been silent throughout the meeting now said, “Mica, you knew Kasir’s skill and Karlus destroyed him.”

“One thing is certain in this world,” Mica said. “There’s always someone with less skill and always someone with more.”

* * * * *

When Mica returned to his room he found Sun asleep. After tugging off her boots, he covered her with a light blanket then packed his few belongings for the next morning’s journey. His mind spun with activity. In the past he’d possessed such skill and strength. He prayed he could regain all he’d lost. Yet if he was able to reclaim the powers of General Mica again would the decent man he’d become disappear?

Mica glanced at Sun. She was such a beautiful woman—and not just in appearance.

She was kind and good. If he reverted to his old ways he might lose her.

That won’t happen. I’ve come far enough to know what I must take and what I must leave
behind.

The part of him that reveled in physical strength terrified him. Though he insisted he was nothing like his sire he had inherited his father’s instinct for battle, his gift for strategy and his fearlessness.

Courage and instinct tempered with mercy, Zareb had often said. He hoped his friend was right.

When he’d finished packing Mica walked to the stable where he found Valor and Lock discussing the battle over a bottle of strong wine. Though the bottle was nearly empty neither appeared intoxicated.

Lock extended the bottle to Mica who refused and began brushing his mare.

“Your woman fights well,” Valor stated. “Even my mother spoke highly of her.”

Mica raised an eyebrow, not taking his gaze from the mare. “My woman? I don’t know if she’d appreciate such a reference.”

Lock grinned. “I wager she’d like it more than you know. You’re feeling better I
see.”

“Well enough to begin training again.”

“It looks like Ademene can use all the hands it can get,” Valor said. “I smell a big war coming.”

Lock snorted. “It doesn’t take Nalmite senses to pick that up. This place stinks of war. I wish I’d sent my wife and baby home before coming here.”

“If we hold our own for a few months the war will be over,” Mica said.

“What are you supposed to be? An oracle?” Lock demanded.

“Our ways are different than what you’re accustomed to. There is a way to end the war quickly and with little bloodshed,” said Mica.

“So why wait a few months?” Lock asked. “I say do it now.”

“It’s not that simple.”

Valor stood, his arms folded across his chest. “Explain.”

“I cannot at this time.”

“If there’s something we should know about you better tell us.”

“I second that.” Lock also stood, propping his foot on a barrel and resting an elbow on his knee.

“You may bring any questions to the emperor to answer as he sees fit.”

Lock stepped in front of Mica. “I’m asking you.”

The men stood eye to eye. Valor watched them with interest.

“I’ve given my answer.”

For a long moment neither Mica nor Lock moved. Finally the Knight turned and strode out of the stable.

Mica turned to the Nalmite. “I know you must feel I owe you an explanation since you saved my life but I can say no more.”

“Personal gratitude is second to one’s duty. I expect no more information than what you’re at liberty to provide. However I agree with Lock. The Nalmites will not support any ally who doesn’t explain their methods. Colonel Zimm-Bella and I will discuss this with your emperor.”

The neck of the bottle dangling from his fist, Valor left Mica alone with the horses.

* * * * *

Mica sat at the table in his room, a simple meal of bread and soup in front of him.

He watched Sun sleep and wondered about his earlier proposal. Perhaps he’d spoken too soon. What if she decided to marry him after all and he lost the Blood War?

No. He had no intention of losing. Besides when Sun started seeing him as a general instead of a Priest in Waiting, it might seal her decision not to marry him. Her feelings for him were so fragile. In such a short time she’d gone from wanting him dead to
saving his life.

Mica had desired her from the first time he’d seen her. The more time he spent with her the deeper his feelings became. If he allowed himself he could think of Sun every waking moment and dream of her all night. He’d once thought nothing and no one could turn him from the Priesthood. Then he’d met Dame Sun. If she refused him he would gladly give up the physical portion of his manhood and become a Priest. He believed in serving the Goddess and supporting her followers but the one thing he desired like a fortune teller’s potion was Sun. He wanted to talk with her, eat with her, make love with her. He wanted to work alongside her. Often he imagined Sun, Ebony Starr and himself together as a family.

Mica shook his head. There would be no such thoughts until Ademene was safe again.

Sun stirred. She sat up and stretched then smiled at him before washing in the basin of water between their beds.

She joined him at the table. “We’re not eating with the others?”

“I wanted to speak with you alone.”

“If it’s about your proposal—”

“Please.” Mica took her hand as she sat at the table. “Indulge me this one time and don’t give me an answer until after I return.”

Her brow furrowed. “Where are you going?”

“I must leave for a few months to regain my strength to provide service to my kingdom. Please don’t ask for details. I cannot give them now. What I do is of the utmost necessity.”

Nodding slowly, she cast her eyes down for a moment then met his gaze again.

“When are you going?”

“In the morning.”

“So soon? But you’re still weak.”

“I’ll regain my strength along the way.”

Sun sat back in her chair, her hand still resting in his. “I’ll go with you.”

“No, Sun. This I must do alone.” He squeezed her hand his gaze fixed on hers as he tried to use the expression in his eyes to impress upon her how important his new mission was. “Please believe me.”

“Mica, be sensible. Traveling in the desert alone at this time is suicide.”

“Karlus’ army will not go where I plan to. Though I would love to have you with me always please believe I must go alone. When I return everything will be different.

The Kennas will be safe. Then I will ask for your decision about us.”

“Mica—”

“Please. While I endure the coming tests allow me the illusion that you might one day share your life with me.”
Sun looked hesitant, her lovely eyes almost pained. Finally she nodded. “Why is it men like you and Blaze are the most manipulative? You use sweetness like a weapon.”

“Sweetness?” He smiled, warmed by the thought that he touched her as deeply as she touched him.“So I’ve been lucky enough to charm you after all.”

She tugged away from his grip and tore off a piece of bread.

While they ate he briefed her on the situation in Lower Kenna. By the time they finished Blaze had joined them with news about a recent discussion among the Knights, the Nalmites and the emperor.

“The emperor and High Advisor Kado have convinced the Nalmites and Lock’s troops to support his army until Mirrored Rock returns. Take great care on your journey.”

“I will. You have my word I won’t destroy the gift of life you restored—at least not without just cause.”

“You haven’t said much about the training you’re undergoing,” Sun said.

“I must meet with a special group of Priests.”

“More Priests?”

“These are set apart from the others. I studied with them years ago and learned many difficult lessons.” Mica sighed, remembering physical tests that even exceeded the brutal conditions he’d endured in his father’s military.

“Warrior Priests,” Blaze murmured.

“Yes.”

“Our thoughts are with you,” the Knight said.

“Always.” Sun reached across the table and took his hand again.

Mica hoped his feelings for her appeared in his smile.

“Please excuse.” Blaze stood, nodded and left them alone.

Sun grinned. “Subtle, isn’t he?”

Mica stood, tugging her into his arms and kissing her. Slipping her arms around his neck, she pressed close to his body. His palms splayed against her back as her pliant breasts molded against his chest. Moist lips parted beneath his stroking tongue. The kiss seemed to last forever yet ended far too soon.

“Mica,” she began. “I—”

He rested a fingertip against her lips and smiled gently. “You promised. Not a word about it until after I return.”

She kissed his fingertip. “All right but you’re sure you’re not just making life more difficult for both of us?”

Mica laughed. “Making life difficult is what I do best. Don’t you know that by now?”
She tossed him an irritated yet amused look.

“Will you stay with me tonight?”

In reply she took his face in her hands and touched her mouth to his. Mica responded with slow, gentle nips and tugs of his lips. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he pressed her body close to his while unwinding her hair from its braid. He stroked through the thick tendrils. His affection filled her with every tender stroke of his hand and brush of his lips. Sun realized that no matter what she was lost to this man.

Bracing her hands on his shoulders, she pushed him away slightly and gazed into his eyes. “Mica—”

“Shh,” he whispered against her lips. “Don’t think or talk tonight, Dame Sun. Just feel.”

“I am.”

“Good.”

He nudged her onto the bed and lay beside her, one of his legs draped over her body. A smile playing around her lips, she stroked his thigh, relishing the sensation of hair-dusted flesh over hard muscle. Her palm swept up his back and rested on his shoulder.

Mica kissed her forehead and the tip of her nose, a silly gesture yet somehow just as intimate as the deepest mouth kiss.