Mica (23 page)

“Some, though only in a sexual manner.”

“Nothing more meaningful than that?”

“I was General Mica, son of General Mica. Nothing except war had any meaning to me.” His voice dripped with unfamiliar bitterness.

“After your exile there was still no one?”

“I was very ill for a long time, Dame Sun. When I recovered enough to be of use again I dedicated my life to the Goddess. How about you? Have you known many men in spite of your vow of chastity?”

“Yes but none I’ve cared about.” She kissed his cheek and cuddled closer.

They fell asleep to the sound of crackling fire, random snores and horses’ feet shifting on the cave floor.

* * * * *

The following evening the group arrived at the temple. Since being alerted by Ademene most of the Priests had already joined their brothers in the city, leaving only a handful behind. It was decided that Zareb would remain to assist the Priests while Mica and Sun returned to the oasis to escort the rest of the women and children to the temple.

At dawn they hitched their horses to the wagon and headed for the Bedouin
settlement.

“I’m going to miss you when I leave the Kennas,” Sun said from where she sat beside Mica in the wagon.

“I’ll miss you too, Dame Sun. Who else will challenge me on a daily basis?”

“Surely I’m not the only person you irritate?” she teased.

“True. But you’re the only one who reacts so colorfully.”

“At least you’ll remember me.”

“Dame Sun, I will never forget you.” His amused grin faded, replaced by a passionate expression that sent her heart pounding.

They traveled longer and faster than with the Bedouins. By nightfall they reached the oasis.

Zea greeted them with an offer to join her and Arsha for supper. They accepted and the meal was eaten in uncomfortable silence.

Finally Arsha turned to his wife and said, “You should go to the temple with them tomorrow.”

“No. My place is with you.”

Anger flashed in Arsha’s eyes. “Your place is with our children, woman.”

“If you weren’t so stubborn all the families could be together,” Zea said, her expression just as furious as her husband’s.

“It’s not our way to submit to Ademene.”

“So you’d rather die,” Mica said softly.

“Mind your own business, Mica.” Arsha pointed in his face. “You’ve done enough already.”

“If you mean he’s tried to help us then yes he’s done enough,” Zea snapped.

“Tomorrow you go, wife. The discussion is over.” Arsha stomped into the shadow of the trees. With a sigh Zea followed, leaving Mica and Sun alone by the fire.

Mica shook his head. “I know I keep overstepping my bounds but I can’t seem to help myself.”

Sun touched his shoulder. “You’re only doing what you think is right.”

“They don’t want my help or suggestions.”

“If they didn’t Arsha would never have allowed some of his people to go to the temple.”

“I can’t stand to think of what will happen to the rest of them.”

Sun’s hand strayed to his face. “You can’t save the world, Mica.”

“No but at one time I could have destroyed it so easily.”

“That wouldn’t have been as easy as you think either. The kingdom of Zaltana has been fighting so long that no one even knows if the ancient legends about their battles are real or not. Even so they have yet to destroy the world.”
“When my father and the false emperor were executed I thought there would finally be peace in the Kennas.” He stared at the low-burning flames before shaking his head and turning to her. “We should get some rest. The next few days will be busy.”

They cuddled by the fire.

“Mica?”

“Umm.”

“Someday when all this is over will you come to Travelle? I think you’d like my homeland.”

“I hope I can visit you there, Dame Sun. One day.”

Sun turned to him, their faces almost touching. He meant he’d visit if bog tremors didn’t kill him first.

He will live, she told herself, unwilling to believe otherwise. Soon Valor would send the portia. Despite Blaze’s misgivings Mica would be cured.

He edged closer until their lips touched. Sun’s eyes slipped shut and she looped her arms around his neck. Her lips parted beneath his tongue’s gentle probing. His fingertips caressed her face and threaded through her hair. When the kiss broke she rested her head against his shoulder.

By the Spirit I’m so in love with him.
She knew he cared for her but was he in love too?

If so their plan to end their relationship when she left the Kennas might change. Then she would be forced to reveal a secret that might drive him from her forever. It would probably be better anyway. She’d never considered herself the marrying kind.

She almost laughed at her foolishness. Here she was contemplating marriage with a man who wanted his balls cut off. Even if he went through with the ritual they could probably still marry for all the worth she’d be to any man wanting a family.

Mica’s arm tightened around her and he shifted slightly in his sleep. Sun closed her eyes. No use worrying about such a distant future. Tomorrow was more than enough cause for concern.

* * * * *

Two days later they reached the temple with Zea and the last of the Bedouins.

“I wish I had been able to convince Arsha to allow the others to come here,” Mica said. He and Sun were sharing the evening meal with Zea and Zareb. They sat in the single, round room of the temple. Though spacious the room was crowded with women and children.

“You did all you could. My husband is stubborn to the point of being a fool.” In spite of Zea’s harsh words concern glistened in her eyes.

Sun could only imagine how agonizing it was for her knowing people she cared about were simply awaiting their deaths at the hands of savages.

Zareb stood, brushing his hands on his trousers. “It’s late. Get some sleep if you
plan on leaving for the city tomorrow.”

“He’s right,” Sun said.

Silently Mica walked out of the temple and Sun followed.

He stood in front of the sand-colored temple and gazed at the half moon.

“Zea’s right, you know.” Sun slipped her hand into his. “You did all you could.”

“I keep thinking if I stayed a little longer, tried a little harder—”

“Mica, you can’t force them to do what you want.”

“I know.”

“You’re as stubborn as Arsha.”

Drawing a deep breath, he released it slowly, his expression one of deep thought.

“More. I’m going back to the oasis in the morning.”

Sun stared at him. “You can’t be serious?”

“I have to try again. You return to Ademene. They’ll need you. Tell them I’ll be back as soon as I’ve spoken to Arsha again.”

“If you speak to Arsha again he’s liable to string you up.”

“That would take some doing even in my present condition.”

“If you go back there I’m going with you.”

“Sun, there’s no need—”

“I can be just as pigheaded as you,” she stated, lifting her chin. “If you go I go.

That’s all there is to it. And don’t even think about trying to escape without me. You won’t get away with it.”

He grinned. “I already know that. I still don’t see why you want to travel back there again.”

“To keep you out of trouble, if possible.”

“It’s not,” he teased.

“Then I can gloat when you get what you deserve for really overstepping your bounds with Arsha.”

Hand in hand they walked back in the temple and settled onto a blanket. Mica held her snugly, his breath gently fanning her brow.

Sighing, Sun pressed her cheek closer to his shoulder, wishing the temple had a private alcove where they might sneak a moment alone together. She missed his deep, sweet kisses and the sensation of his hands on her breasts. She longed to feel his thick, pulsing cock buried inside her. Never in her life had she been so hungry for a man. The sensations and pleasures he evoked were a priceless gift.

In his sleep he tightened his grip on her.

I love you, Mica.
She caressed his chest gently, careful not to wake him.
But I don’t
think I’ll ever be able to tell you.
* * * * *

Sun and Mica wasted no time before leaving the following morning. By traveling at a steady pace that wasn’t too tiring for the horses they would reach Ademene in less than two days. If Mica convinced Arsha, the Bedouins would be with them. Sun couldn’t guess how the situation would unfold. Both Arsha and Mica were the most stubborn people she’d ever known.

“I’m actually looking forward to the bathing chamber when we get back to Ademene,” Sun said. Her horse pranced alongside Mica’s.

“So am I. You bring a whole new charm to bathing.”

“You know a man who spends so much time thinking sexual thoughts should really give up the Priest idea.”

“Dame Sun, why must you always—” He stopped abruptly. “Do you hear that?”

Sun paused, listening. The distant rumbling grew louder. “Horses.”

“Goddess,” Mica whispered at the sight of several hundred men on horseback galloping toward them. He recognized uniforms of the false emperor, almost identical to the one he’d worn while serving in his father’s army.

“Ride west.” Mica ordered. “There’s a canyon. If we reach it, it will be more difficult for them to track us there.”

“Damn it, Mica. They’ve already seen us.” Sun reached for her sword.

“Ride.”

They kicked their horses westward but the army had turned in their direction.

Mica knew his mare was built for speed but Sun’s thick war stallion wasn’t. Still he doubted either of them would reach the canyon. Better to give Sun the chance.

He reined in and turned, heading toward the army.

“Mica,” Sun bellowed.

“Go,” Mica roared over his shoulder, watching her chase after him. Damn her. Why couldn’t she just listen to him for once?

His sword drawn, Mica met the first wave of warriors. He realized his attempt was suicidal yet he blocked blades from all sides out of pure survival instinct. He snarled as the tip of a sword ripped a gash in his upper arm. Another horse charged into his and his big-boned mare stumbled. The flat of a sword cracked his head and the world turned black.

* * * * *

Pain exploded across Mica’s face and he tasted blood. He spat, forcing his eyes open and tried to move his aching arms but they were chained above his head.

“He’s awake, General Karlus.”

Mica’s blurred vision cleared. He focused on the tall, bearded, dark-eyed man in
front of him. He’d known Karlus almost all his life. They’d trained together as children and fought together through numerous battles. Karlus was the son of the false emperor’s third most trusted general directly below Mica in rank.

The man’s slim lips turned upward in a wicked smile. “Mica, I was surprised to find you. We heard you died of bog tremors.”

“Obviously false information.”

“It has been a long time.” Karlus strode the perimeter of the filthy cell.

Mica was bound to a wall, his arms stretched above his head and his ankles shackled to iron pikes driven into the bloodstained stone floor. Two thickly built soldiers each clutching a smooth, wooden club flanked the young general.

“About five years I think. I remember how proudly you stood when we sentenced you as a traitor. Not so much as a flinch or a flicker of fear. One thing was always certain about you, you stood behind your convictions. So tell me, are you still serving that pathetic excuse for an emperor and his pet eunuch—I mean High Advisor?”

“I still serve the Goddess if that’s what you mean.”

Karlus smiled, revealing even white teeth. “The Goddess. Yes. Speaking of goddesses who was the bitch riding with you this morning?”

Dame Sun. What happened to her? Is she dead? Safe?

He doubted she was safe if she still lived. He restrained the urge to struggle in his bonds and demand information about Sun. If Karlus and his soldiers knew they cared for each other they would use it against them. Guilt struck him like a sword blow. If he hadn’t insisted on returning to the oasis they wouldn’t have been caught.

“She was just a traveler.”

Karlus’ grin widened. “A Dame of the Opal Order to be exact. Ademene knows about our army. They’ve called for support from outsiders since they realize they’ll be no match for us.”

“Your words don’t impress me. I know your tactics, Karlus. Always brag about what you don’t have with the hopes of frightening the enemy. We received the same training, remember?”

Karlus placed his hands on his hips. “Our fathers were great leaders but we’re better, Mica. Even in exile you overthrew his army. And I…let’s just say I don’t intend to make the same mistakes as the old generals.”

“Who do you serve? Teman?”

“Emperor Teman.”

Just as Mica had suspected earlier. The false emperor’s son had recruited Karlus and together they hoped to rule the Kennas.

“So how many members of the Opal and Ruby Orders are here? Surely Ademene wouldn’t have called one without the other.”

“I’m a Priest in Waiting and know nothing of their military plans.”
“Do you take me for a fool? You were one of the greatest generals the Kennas have ever known and you expect me to believe your emperor wouldn’t enlist your help, Priest or not? You led him to victory once and I have no doubts you will try to do so again.”

“When I led him to victory I didn’t serve the Goddess.”

Karlus’ grin changed to a sneer. “Let’s be truthful, Mica. It doesn’t matter if you sing the Goddess’ praises or cut off your balls, you’re still the same ruthless bastard who conquered every major kingdom in Upper and Lower Kenna.
I know you.
That’s why I have a proposal for you. Join us. We can use your skills and when Ademene is overthrown you’ll be a man of rank.”

“All who serve the Goddess are men of rank.”

Karlus grasped a handful of Mica’s hair and jerked his head against the stone wall.

“Damn you, Mica. You don’t fool me. I’m giving you the chance to escape a horrible death.”

“Just because I turned traitor to vile bastards like my father and the false emperor doesn’t mean I’ll switch loyalties now that I know the truth. And even if I would, do
you
take
me
for a fool, Karlus? I know your proposal is no more sincere than a buzzard who swears not to touch a dying pig.”