Rise of the Shadow Warriors (16 page)

Argan inclined his head and stepped back. “Now, Shaina.”

She dropped to the floor and resumed her place while Justan braced his weight on her back, his arm around her chest.

Again and again they practiced the move and several others that Argan recommended. Shaina was impressed with his suggestions and would remember them in the future for other fights.

“Good. Do it again but without glancing to the side. It tells me you will move in the same direction.”

Shaina focused and repeated her steps, throwing Justan to the ground with a simple twist of her hips. Her friend rubbed his back and stood. “Enough. I’d rather work on something else besides having my face kiss the floor.”

Her chuckle matched Argan’s reluctant snort. “You would not last a day with the Overlord.”

Justin’s brows pinched together as he studied Argan. Shaina could see his competitive streak rising. “Let’s match swords, Warlord.”

Argan crossed his arms over his chest and smirked. “Do you really wish to do this?”

Justan shrugged as he removed his leather vest, leaving him bare-chested like Argan. “Unless you’re scared…my King.”

Shaina held her breath. Argan’s lips curled and the motion continued gradually until she had the first glimpse of her husband’s full blown smile. She’d been right. It made him more than gorgeous. Argan’s rich chuckle followed. “I am starting to like you young warrior.”

Justan’s grin turned mischievous when he passed Argan one of his blades. “We’ll match swords with these else your clumsy weapon fracture my fine swords.”

Argan shook his head in amusement but accepted. “You seek to have an advantage over me already with your weapon choice.”

Those were the last words they exchanged as they danced around one another. Shaina expected Argan to take a while to adjust to the lighter weight of handling an Olak’din sword but he brought the same level of dedication and experience to the match as if he’d used such a weapon all his life. He did surprisingly well against Justan when one considered that Shadow Warriors moved like liquid grace.

In fact, Justan looked as if he struggled to maintain his own against Argan’s brute strength. Shaina sighed and continued watching her husband. Argan moved with precision. Every step and swing of his weapon aimed for a deadly strike forcing her friend to defend himself time and time again. To her surprise Justan didn’t call on the shadows to increase his speed and relied on only his skill to keep Argan at bay. In the end, it was Justan who called yield.

Argan withdrew his advance immediately and lowered his weapon. He didn’t look the least bit taxed while Justan’s chest rose and fell rapidly. Shaina shook her head at his stamina.

“Your Overlord’s reputation precedes him and it seems that of his Warlords is well deserved.” Justan’s compliment rang with sincerity.

Argan handed Justan back his sword. “My thanks for the loan of your blade.”

When he clapped Justan on the back, Shaina knew the men had formed a friendship of sorts. Argan turned to Shaina. “When is this fight to take place?”

Shaina willed away her nerves at the other small detail she’d deliberately left out. Knowing he’d be upset but finding no way to avoid it, she replied, “Now.”

Chapter 20

“You will not take chances during this fight, Shaina.”

She glared. “I know.”

“Do not get hurt,” Argan added as they walked together to the match.

“I won’t.”

“If he…”

Shaina cut him off. “You will do nothing during the challenge, Argan. I can best him.”

Argan exhaled and came to an abrupt stop. He waited until Justan passed them and then pulled Shaina close. “You can not know what this battle will do to me.”

She snorted, blowing air on his chest. “It’s not a battle.”

“It is for me if I must stand by while my bride fights a warrior who I know seeks to harm her.”

She lifted her head and her gaze softened. “I promise not to lose.”

Apparently her answer didn’t appease him. “I will hold you to your promise or his head will roll on the ground beside your feet moments after you are done. Do
not
lose.”

Shaina shouldn’t have been pleased by his brutal statement but she was and as a result entered the clearing outside with an idiotic grin on her face.

Ivak came over as soon as they approached the area set up for the match. He purposely ignored Argan. “Shaina, I hope you understand why this must be done.”

She resisted the urge to shove him to the side as he paced by her while Argan walked on her right. Her people were all present because this was Shaina’s first challenge in years. Many warriors challenged one another, it was a way of life for them and a means to settle disputes. For most of the fights Shaina remembered standing in her exact position. Watching. Observing. Now it would be her turn to fight and be judged.

A low cheer started when she arrived and crossed the grassy path. Shaina nodded, a small smile playing about her lips when she caught Mandok’s dark frown. Already stripped to the waist, the brawny warrior smacked his fists together and bounced on the balls of his booted feet.

Argan snarled when he recognized Mandok as her opponent and grasped her arm above the elbow. “This is who you would fight?”

Shaina swallowed. The look on his face as black as the darkest shadow. She hadn’t wanted to tell him beforehand. “Yes.”

He grappled with his control and finally got out, “Make it fast, bride or I will not hold myself back.”

Shaina’s smile stretched so wide at the faith conveyed in his statement that her face hurt. She waved Justan back over in hopes he’d keep Argan calm. “I’ll do my best, husband.”

Fesin and Ogar approached Shaina with Mandok close behind. In addition to Ivak, the three elders spoke on behalf of the Olak’din the most. Shaina caught Justan’s eye and tipped her head toward Argan. His brows lifted but his lips curled and he smiled as he came to stand beside Argan. Her husband met her gaze with narrowed eyes, jaw locked tight but remained silent.

Since the challenge involved Shaina, Fesin asked the ritual question usually reserved for the Shadow King or Queen. “The challenge was voiced and accepted. Does either party wish to withdraw?”

Mandok snorted. “She isn’t without fault and I’m not withdrawing the challenge. He doesn’t belong here.”

Argan stiffened.

“Respect, Mandok. Shaina is Queen,” Ogar murmured, glancing around to see that others had heard Mandok’s complaint.

“I’ll meet the Queen in the circle.” The brash warrior didn’t endear himself to anyone when he turned his back on Ogar and walked away.

Fesin took a step toward Mandok’s retreating back for his insolence but Shaina caught his wrist. “Let the challenge deal with him, Fesin.”

He relaxed beneath her grip and Shaina let his hand go. “Of course, my Queen. I regret that this must take place.”

They were realizing too late how Mandok had maneuvered them. Ivak however stayed true to whatever agenda he had.

“A simple challenge isn’t worth this anger,” Ivak said with a placating smile. “All royals have settled a match or two this way.”

But rarely a Shadow Queen and this was Shaina’s second including her battle against Ivak.

“I’m fine. Let’s get this over with.”

She removed her swords and handed them to Argan but he gripped the back of her neck instead to yank her close enough to mutter in her ear. “If I had known who you faced I would not have allowed this.”

She’d avoided telling him for a reason. Shaina closed her eyes and leaned into his hold, kissing his inner wrist in apology. “I know.”

His fingers caressed the sensitive skin at the nape of her neck. “Perhaps you will owe
me
amends.”

Argan’s words caught her off guard and Shaina jerked back in surprise. He brushed a thumb over her mouth and continued. “I have come to like kisses. Avoid hurting your mouth.”

He accepted her sheathed swords and backed further away without breaking her stunned stare. Shaina’s heart pounded against her chest. Her tongue licked her bottom lip tasting his salty essence. She had no idea her husband could tease.

“It’s time, Shaina,” Ivak interrupted.

With one last look to remind Justan of his duty, Shaina entered the circle to much cheering and prepared to fight. Mandok smirked at her approach. Wearing only a pair of brown worn leathers that hugged powerful thighs and dusty soft soled boots, he presented an intimidating façade. Shaina shook away any doubt or concern for the match.

Mandok crouched and widened his stance. “It’s time someone taught you a lesson, my Queen.”

Shaina held her arms loose at her sides noticing the flex of his upper arms. “I think the lesson will be yours today.”

His mouth twisted into a cruel slant. “You’ve always been a cocky bitch.”

The growl behind her held ominous notes. Shaina didn’t turn to ease Argan. Hoping Justan did his job and kept her husband from interrupting the match, she ran toward Mandok and at the last second leaped feet first. Both of her legs slammed into the large warrior’s broad chest. She flipped mid-air and landed legs splayed, one palm on the ground for balance. Mandok stumbled backward but recovered quickly.

He snarled and came at her, arms swinging. Shaina dodged each blow then twisted to the side of him and kicked out twice. The first strike cut across his upper thigh, the second fell below his knee cap. She jumped backward as he grunted from the hits and responded to her attack with a high kick aimed for her chin.

Shaina ducked and dodged his swings, knowing she couldn’t let him make contact too many times or she’d lose the advantage. Mandok increased his efforts in frustration and sought to trick her by feinting right then left and going low. They each began to pull on the shadows when the fight failed to progress. Shaina became more vigilant. The shadows added a level of speed to each punch and kick, every move becoming a blur to the untrained eye.

***

Argan used all of his control to remain impassive as Shaina fought the large warrior who had taunted him at the mate bonding celebration. Shaina’s height compared to Raasa and Kabanian females made her taller than average but standing next to the massive frame of Mandok who had her by several inches increased Argan’s rage. Her challenger’s bulk also dwarfed his bride’s sleek lines and lithe form. It was clear they were not evenly matched in size and that Mandok would seek to use that to get the upper hand.

Argan’s gaze followed Shaina’s deft kicks and punches, noticing with pride when Shaina made contact several times much to Mandok’s frustration. Argan’s hands curled tight when a rough boot struck her in the side and she winced before spinning away from Mandok.

“They’re pulling shadows. The edge is Shaina’s now. Despite his boasting, Mandok is weaker than he portrays.”

Justan’s words drew Argan’s attention and he realized the fight had shifted leaving him barely able to make out the rapid motion of arms and legs swirling with trails of black ribbons behind each action. The martial fighting style Shaina had described was far different in reality than when he’d observed during her practice. Far different from what she’d engaged in with Justan earlier for that matter.

At one point Mandok’s leg swept out in a side kick and connected with the delicate leg of his bride catching her by surprise if her expression was anything to go by. Argan tensed and his heart skipped a beat as Shaina dropped to the ground, hands bracing her weight. Only Justan’s tight grip on his forearm kept Argan from storming the circle. Shaina rolled to the side, missing the stomp Mandok aimed for her head. She flipped to her feet, arms striking out in a whip-like pattern that was nothing but a blur to him.

‘End this, Shaina.’
Argan couldn’t take much more of this.

Spinning around until she stood behind him, Shaina kicked Mandok’s back several times until the warrior bent at the waist and let out a loud roar. Then it happened. Argan’s breath stalled in his chest when his beautiful bride moved too close. He took a step forward despite Justan’s hold on him. His heart pounded in his chest even as Argan parted his lips to warn her but it was too late.

Mandok straightened abruptly and it was sheer luck that when his fist swung out, it connected with Shaina’s face. She screamed and blood sprayed the air. Argan lunged forward but Justan wrapped both arms around his waist enough to give him pause. Eyes never leaving the battling duo, Argan shoved Justan aside. Shaina sent out a thin cord of shadow from her palm which circled Mandok’s neck yanking him to the ground. She straddled his chest and pummeled him. With a final yell, she slammed her fist at the right angle to his temple and the warrior sagged to the ground unconscious.

Argan surged forward, ignoring Justan’s attempts to hold him back. Shaina rose to her feet slowly. Unmindful of the crowd or her people trying to reach her, Argan grasped her at the waist and lifted her high to his chest. His arms trembled as he held her close.

Shaina braced her arms on his shoulders and wiggled. “Put me down, husband.”

Her weak laugh didn’t hide the pain in her voice. Argan lowered her carefully until her feet touched the grass. “Never again, do you hear me, Shaina?”

He studied the reddened skin across her delicate features, the purple tip of her nose. That a warrior would strike a female in the face sent his temper soaring. “He could have broken your nose.”

Shaina shivered as Argan’s rough finger caressed over the bump on her nose from Mandok’s punch. His finger brushed under her left eye and she flinched.

Argan paused, his eyes meeting hers. “It hurts?”

She dodged him and tried to pull away but Argan’s hold stayed firm. “Shaina?”

***

“It’s fine, Argan. Truly,” Shaina lied. Her nose burned and her side ached but nothing she wouldn’t recover from in due time. The bruises were worth it to set Mandok in his place.

Argan made his displeasure clear by dropping his hands to his side. “Are we done here?”

Shaina glanced around one final time. Someone had helped Mandok up and he’d already stormed off. Ivak shot a heated stare at Shaina before returning to the caverns and the crowd began to slowly dissipate. Justan met her gaze and winked.

“We’re done.” She hoped.

“Then there is much to talk about. There will be no more of these challenges and we must speak of the Gornan.”

His ominous tone warned Shaina but Justan interrupted before she could say anything.

“We should go to Shaina’s for privacy.”

Proving his point, Fesin came over and kissed Shaina on the temple. “Good challenge, my Queen.”

The muscle in Argan’s jaw ticked and he stiffened as the few others who’d stayed back began to approach.

Ogar came over and stood awkwardly, gaze shifting from Argan to Shaina then back again. She smoothed a hand over her leather-clad hips. “I’m not sure what’s gotten into Mandok and Ivak lately.”

Ogar was a sweet woman with a soft heart. In her younger years she’d been one of the fiercest warriors among the Olak’din. She’d also taught Shaina how to hold her first swords. Shaina released a sigh. “Don’t worry over it Ogar.”

They headed back to her room, Argan maintaining a stony silence on the walk. Justan came in right behind Argan with a blue bundle in his hand. Shaina accepted the cold pack gratefully and sat on the lounge chair, holding it to her sore face. Every time Argan glanced in her direction, his frown deepened.

Finally he crossed the room to stand in front of the lounge. “Have you nothing to say?”

Wanting to be on equal footing, Shaina stood with a wince, not missing the way Argan’s eyes darkened. “I won’t apologize. It’s not often that I’m challenged but I won’t turn anyone down if it’s about defending my right to rule.”

Argan sighed heavily and once more his hand reached out to touch her bruised cheek and sore nose. “I do no like to see you hurt.”

Shaina had to chuckle. “Me either.”

 Justan leaned against the wall and waited. Argan turned from her, dispelling the intimate moment to include her friend. “I believe it’s time we contact the Overlord. I had planned to talk with you when I returned about a strategy but you…surprised me with today’s event.”

Shaina slumped back on the lounge, too tired to tease him out of his clearly bad humor.