One Battle Lord’s Fate (24 page)

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The truth of the Mutah bitch’s trickery burned in his gut like soured pudding. She had been hiding in plain sight, and none of his soldiers had recognized her!

He slammed his hands on a table, and felt a stickiness between his fingers. The Mutah’s blood was still on his hands from when he’d cut off the creature’s tail. His first reaction was to wipe his hands on his shirt, but he stopped himself in time.

“Soap and water!
Bring me soap and water!”
he nearly roared. He detected movement behind the kitchen doors. Seconds later, the big burly woman who ran the kitchen came with a large bowl of water. She placed it on the table, along with the towel and bar of soap she’d carried under one arm.

Quietly, she backed away and waited for him to wash the blood from his hands. When he was done, he nodded she could leave, tossing the towel over his shoulder. She paused and looked at the towel.

“I need it to clean my blade,” he said.

She nodded and disappeared back into the back area of the main lodge. At the same time, the side door swung open, and the other Battle Lords walked into the room.

“D’Jacques?” Dissman stepped forward and addressed him. Apparently the others had tapped him to be their representative. “We must have a word with you.”

“Take a seat, but make it brief. If you haven’t noticed, I’m at war at the moment.” Pulling his sword from its scabbard, he began to clean the blade with the towel.

“Yes, we’ve noticed. We’ve also noticed your careless, almost flagrant ineptitude in handling this takeover.”

Rafe straightened up. “I beg your pardon?”

The other Battle Lords continued to stand. They faced him almost in formation. Their stance was both deliberate and challenging.

“You told us before this all came about that we would divide up the spoils. You said all you wanted was to clear the compound of Mutah infestation, and claim Alta Novis for your own. You promised us ripe portions of D’Jacques’ wealth, all for the price of allowing our soldiers to join with yours to help overcome D’Jacques’ men.”

Evermil held out a cupped hand. “We’re waiting for our spoils.”

“I need to get back to my own compound,” Meyers commented. “I want to take my men and head out first thing tomorrow morning.”

“And you want what you’re due, right?” Rafe asked with a grin.

The others exchanged glances. If Rafe’s recent actions made them uneasy, his expression at that moment made them more uncomfortable.

Anastopolis nodded. “We all need to leave. The time we had allotted for this conference is over. We have our own problems to deal with, and we need to get home as soon as possible. When can we expect our cut?”

Rafe turned his attention back to his sword, slowly running the towel over the sharp metal blade to remove all trace of blood. When he was done, he re-sheathed the weapon and carefully folded the stained towel, leaving it on top of the table. When he was done, he faced the men.

“I have soldiers gathering up what valuables they can find from the townspeople and merchants. They’ll bring the goods here and lay them out on these tables. You want to get an early start home tomorrow morning? Then return here at dawn to make your selections. Be sure to bring several large sacks with you to hold the booty. I was told there will be more than jewelry to choose from.”

Leaning against the table, Rafe crossed his arms over his chest. “Thank you again for the loan of your men. They were instrumental in helping me take this compound
and
fighting those invading mutants. Those things know they’ve more than met their match, and are already retreating. You should have a relatively safe passage home.”

The men glanced at each other again. It was obvious by their body language Rafe’s reply was to their liking. Dissman gave a slight nod.

“Good. Now that our concerns have been addressed and met, we will return at dawn to divvy up the spoils and be on our way. Good day, D’Jacques.”

One by one, the Battle Lords bid goodbye, satisfied to be the richer at little or no effort by them personally. Rafe watched them leave. As the side door closed behind them, Janelle exited again from her apartment. Placing her hands on the banister, she leaned over the short balcony.

“You didn’t tell me the soldiers were bringing what they found here inside this lodge.”

Rafe snorted in amusement. “They’re not.”

“But you told those men¯”

“Mother.” He gave her one of his impatient looks. “Five Battle Lords have just conspired with me to take over this compound. Word is those Mutah are threatening all compounds, including theirs, so they’re anxious to return to their homes to prepare for a possible attack.” He turned his head to stare at the side door again, his sick grin growing wider. “Sadly, unfortunate events will prevent them from returning.”

“Rafe! You’re not...”

“Currently, their soldiers are under my command. All I need to do is keep them posted around the compound so they remain ignorant of what is about to happen.”

“What is about to happen, Rafe?”

Tsking, he shook his head in pretend sorrow. “Sadly, the Mutahs were able to infiltrate inside the compound, and several went into hiding here inside the main lodge. When the Battle Lords arrived to claim their portions, the Mutah savagely butchered the men. Outnumbered them. Took them completely by surprise. The Battle Lords never had a chance.”

“And you? How did you survive?”

“I was preparing to meet with them, when I got word of the attack. By the time I arrived with a small company of men, the Battle Lords were dead, but I was able to kill the creatures responsible and tack them to the compound walls as a lesson to all. Which reminds me, I need to send a few men outside to gather up a corpse or two to use as proof.”

“And you think you’re actually going to get away with that story?” she asked sarcastically.

“Who is going to question me, dear Mother, when I have hundreds of people who’ll back my claim of a mutant attack on this compound?”

Janelle turned and walked back inside her apartment with responding. Smiling, Rafe walked over to the big stone fireplace to enjoy a few moments of peace and the warmth of the flames.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Reunion

They held each other for several precious seconds. Hands pressed to backs, until their breathing slowed and their racing hearts calmed. Yulen ran his fingers through her black locks and smiled as he reared back slightly.

“You look bewitching with black hair.” He lifted a curl to his nose and sniffed. “What is that smell?”

“Which one are you talking about? The tannic acid or the smoke?”

“Ah.” He chuckled. “Tannic acid. I remember now. So my Missy Sparkle has returned.”

She lifted her face for his kiss. In the corner of her eye, standing a few yards away, she spotted Paxton with his back to them. His presence was obvious, and welcome. He was standing guard to give them this moment of privacy.

Hesitantly, they broke their embrace, and Yulen noticed her right hand. “What’s this?” He slid the long sleeve away from the wristband to see the spoons wrapped to her wrist. Yulen gave her a dark, questioning look. “Who did this to you? Rafe?”

She knew he preferred to refer to his half-brother by the man’s first name, rather than by his last. For some reason he couldn’t explain, Yulen couldn’t call him D’Jacques. It was almost like accusing a close family member. And to him, Rafe had yet to prove himself worthy of that distinction.

“When they attacked me, they held me down, and someone’s boot heel crushed my wrist.”

“Did they...molest you?” It was difficult for him to ask, but he had to know. She didn’t blame him for his trepidation.

“No. They didn’t rape me. They couldn’t find it in themselves to debase themselves by fucking me. Besides, they probably thought I would give them some sort of Mutah disease. No...I was an insect that had to be crushed beneath their feet. I was stripped and humiliated, but the real reason was to expose me to the cold.”

She felt tears rise her eyes before she buried her face in his shirt.

“They destroyed our home, Yulen. They chopped up that beautiful headboard and burned it.”

Yulen gently kissed the top of her head. “We can always have another headboard made. Our home is replaceable. You, however, are not. But now you’re here safe. And for that, I can’t be grateful enough.”

Atty suddenly looked up at him. “Mattox?”

“Safe back at the camp. Mother is tending to him. Atty, that was a brave thing you did to trust Danna Abalam.”

“Yulen, she was responsible for helping me escape from Rafe.”

“She was? How?”

Atty pointed to the scratches on her face. Scratches he might have assumed she’d suffered when she was captured. “She convinced the guard she wanted to retaliate against me for the death of her husband. The guard believed her.” Atty shuddered. “I did, too. She hit me and scratched me. Then I felt her press a knife in my hands. She whispered we were even in my ear. After that, she moved away and spat on me. When I was able to cut myself free, Fortune took me back to his place, and Danna was there with Tory. They figured Danna could get out of the compound with Mattox without anyone questioning her. Tory would have brought him, but she wanted to stay with me and help me recuperate.”

Yulen kissed her hairline, nosing the fine hairs. “Rafe will pay for what he has done to you and to my compound. I swear this to you.” He didn’t explain what he planned to do to the man, but in her heart she already knew the answer.

They embraced again, remaining that way until Paxton commented, “Battle Lord approaching, Sir.”

Batuset appeared, followed by Renken. The big bear of a man lifted Atty off her feet to give her a big, albeit gentle hug. “It’s good to have you back safe. My, my, that hair color makes you look like a totally different woman.” He gave her a wink, then addressed Yulen. “The flames have spread into the field. The fire is eating that dry grass with a vengeance. It could reach the compound wall within the hour.”

“What of the Bloods?”

“They broke ranks. Or rather, they ran in a hundred directions to get away from the fire. But a couple of my scouts say they’re reassembling just beyond your main gates, over on the western side.”

“They could be trying one last time to get inside,” Atty commented.

“That was my guess, too,” Batuset admitted. “Smart little bastards. They’ll probably use the fire as a diversion, and try to sneak in under the fire screen.”

“If I was in their position, that would be the smartest thing to do,” Yulen remarked. “What do you think our chances are to sneak back into the compound from the eastern gate of the second courtyard? Think we can reach it? Can we outrun the fire?”

“I don’t doubt you could outr
un the flames to get there. It’s when you get inside that I worry about. How many men does D’Jacques have at his disposal? Don’t forget, he put your officers in the dungeon. That means your soldiers must answer to their new Battle Lord. Otherwise¯

“Otherwise, Rafe’s men will kill them on the spot.” Yulen stared at ground, as he often did whenever he was deep in thought. “What if my men were notified that I plan to take back the compound? Could there be enough of them to overcome Rafe’s men?”

“Remember, my scouts said there are other Battle Lords who joined up with your half-brother. They allowed him to add their soldiers to his army, to strengthen his forces,” Batuset said.

“For a price,” Yulen added bitterly. “Most likely, for a cut of the spoils. He’ll rape my compound for anything and everything worth having. Atty, how are the townspeople reacting?”

“He keeps them prisoners in their own homes. No one is allowed outside after dusk, and their movements around the compound are restricted.”

“Yulen. Don’t forget the Mutah.”

Atty stared wide-eyed at her husband. “The Mutah?”

“The ones banished from Alta Novis, plus the councils who traveled here for this summit. They’ve gathered not far from here. I guess to await the outcome. I haven’t had the chance to talk to them.”

“I have.” Batuset smiled. “They’re prepared to cover your rear. In addition to that, four more Mutah compounds, located in this area, have sent their best hunters and strongest men armed with makeshift weapons. Tally in my men, and you have an army of considerable size at your disposal, my friend.”

“Then we can’t wait any longer. When the Bloods attack again, send the bulk of the troops in to surround them and bring them down. Atty and I will take a few hand-picked men with us when we infiltrate from the rear gate. Hopefully we have enough friends still inside who won’t raise a hue and cry when they spot us, and ruin our chance for a surprise attack.”

He turned to help Atty into the saddle when Paxton said, “Sir, I volunteer to release the men from the dungeon when we return.”

“Offer accepted. Now, hurry. We must get back to camp so I can make my plans known. Time is not our friend today.”

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Traitor

Rafe threw the Ballock at the wooden table. The finely-honed tip buried itself into the soft wood. Pulling it out, the Battle Lord tried to twirl the knife in his palm, but the weapon’s balance was off. It felt huge and clumsy in his hands, but he had to admit it was an excellent dagger. He tossed it at the table again while he waited.

Presently, he heard the side door open, and footsteps approached. In the empty main dining hall, every sound echoed and re-echoed. Since his takeover of Alta Novis, Rafe had ordered all men to take their meals in their barracks. At some point, he knew he would have to have an office built, as well as his own lodgings. He’d briefly considered using his half-brother’s home, but thinking about Yulen having carnal relations with that Mutah bitch was the tipping point. Instead, he’d chosen to have the place razed and new quarters erected on the same site.

At the thought of Atty, he felt the familiar heat in his loins. His body’s reaction angered him, but he couldn’t deny his attraction to the blue-haired Mutah.