The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil (67 page)

Aiva blushed at the string of compliments, unsure of how to respond. She wasn’t familiar with such praise. Especially not when it came to courage or skill with a sword. Fighting had always been Edric’s strong point. While she had been trained, it was never expected for her to ever have need of the skills. It was more of a hobby. An excuse to spend more time with Callum… she choked back a giggle at the thought. Had it really been so? She couldn’t deny it. Her training with Cadell had always been the highlight of her days when she was younger, yet when she thought about it now, she couldn’t be sure if it was the technique she looked forward to, or if it was the opportunity to see Callum’s face.

“Her parents are both great warriors, I agree,” Callum nodded, finally giving in to Aiva’s insistent pull on his hand. With the grace of a nobleman he lowered himself into the chair, sliding it closer to Aiva, never once separating their clasped fingers. “We have high hopes for her when she ascends to the throne. She will be a force to be reckoned with.”

“Your father is not exactly anyone to be scoffed at either. A fine soldier. Tell me, Prince. Does your mother fight as well?” Uttae’s brow rose, peering at Callum, quizzical. Callum chuckled to himself, shaking his head, clearly amused by the question.

“No, I cannot say she does,” he replied lightly. “Don’t get me wrong, she knows her way around a sword well enough, but she is not a fan of violence. It must plague her poor heart that her husband and her son have both chosen a career within the military.”

“I am impressed she let either of you join. The women of your people tend to have great sway over their men.”

“My mother knew what she was getting herself into from the beginning. As it was, my father was already serving in the Tanispan military when he met her.” Callum smiled to speak of his mother. In the depths of his eyes Aiva could almost see the wistfulness at the memory of his family. A longing to be back with his mother. And poor Calie. By now Kaemin’s body would have reached Sivaeria. With her best friend and both her father and brother gone away to Luquarr, she would have only her mother to console her, and given the seeming frailty of Valeska, Aiva doubted her ability to grant much support.

King Ihklos rose from his chair, the motion sending the room into a wave of hushed whispers, rippling away into silence, anxiously awaiting what he would say. To Aiva’s dismay he addressed the guests in his native language, the words lost to her and Callum. Uttae positioned himself behind their chairs, shoulders drawn back, a proud gleam in his eyes. “I wish I knew what he was saying,” Aiva leaned closer to Callum, whispering quietly in his ear. “I always worry they are saying something insulting and we would have no way to know.”

With a grin Callum nodded in agreement. He looked content in that instant. Seated at Aiva’s side, chin held high. He looked more like a Prince than a soldier, even without the fancy silks of the court attire. There was a regalness to his appearance that she had never noticed before. He reminded her of Edric. Confident. Powerful. A perfect image of a future king.

“He is telling the guests of your brave deeds during the hunt,” Uttae stated. Aiva blushed to think that he had overheard her comment. She hoped he understood it was in jest. “He was quite impressed by the details told to him by Kroth and I. The way you called upon the spirits to bind the creature. Never before has the energy been seen to work with that amount of skill and control. He is disappointed to see you both leave so soon. Now he tells his subjects that the blue-eyed witch will never be forgotten in Tunir, and will always have a place of honor among our people.”

Her heart swelled at the kind words of the King. After all the mistakes she had made in the past weeks, it felt good to think that she had finally done something right. Her family would be proud of her… if she was able to find them. She couldn’t shake the discomfort eating away at her inside. It was difficult to remain positive with so many details left uncertain. It had been over two weeks since she and Callum disappeared into the sea. There was nothing to assure her that Edric and the others had made it to Luquarr safely, or were at least still on their way. And Ireni was likely angered by the failed ambush at the Palinoen shores. What if she had taken her frustration out on Shaelyn? The woman had no scruples. Aiva shuddered to think of all the horrible things which could befall her sister while left in Ireni’s hands.

A gentle pressure at her hand caused her to glance up, finding Callum there, watching her, his usual concern visible in his eyes. Had her discomfort been so noticeable? “Something troubles you,” he said softly. It wasn’t a question. He didn’t need to ask in order to read the worry so evident in her expression.

“I was just thinking about Shaelyn,” she sighed, trying to keep her posture straight, not wanting anyone to notice her malaise. None of the cheerful applause from the guests felt important when she knew that her sister was still out there somewhere, waiting, desperately in need of someone to help her. And here Aiva and Callum were, dining at a grand feast on the other side of the sea from where they needed to be. “We have not seen her since she was presented by Ireni on the bridge in Carpaen. There was no sign of her presence during the ambush on the beach. What if they have done something to her? Or worse, what if Ireni decided to take her frustrations out on Shae for her failure to capture me in Palinon? Those men would not hesitate to ruin a girl like my sister. It sickens me to consider how long she has been with them already. Poor Herryk must be beside himself.”

Callum frowned. He couldn’t deny the validity of her concerns. They were all justified simply by Ireni’s threats made during their last confrontation. She would do anything to cause pain and humiliation to Aiva and her family at the hope of it somehow injuring Callum as well. “I wish there was something I could say which would ease your mind, but you are no fool,” he gazed at her solemnly. “All I can tell you is that we will get Shae back and take down anyone who stands in our way.”

“Even Ireni?” she hated to ask about that woman, but the question burned in the back of her mind. Callum had a history with her. It was only logical for there to be concern of his ability to hold the sword responsible for her death. “Do you think you would be able to kill her if faced with the opportunity? I know you two were close…”

“Aiva.” Callum drew in a breath. Slowly he exhaled, steadying his gaze once again. “I feel nothing for that woman beyond hatred. She compromised my ship, tried to seduce me, kidnapped your sister, nearly got us all killed by the Feh Noq in Palinon, threatened every unmentionable horror possible against you, and above all, she is responsible for killing my sister’s betrothed. A man I had already begun to consider a brother. There will be no hesitation on my end of the blade to see her head severed from her shoulders. Do not worry yourself on that.”

She jumped to feel Uttae’s hands upon her shoulders, beckoning her to stand. Ihklos was waving toward her, the guests on their feet, their applause echoing through the spacious hall. Reluctant, Callum released his hold on her, a warm smile crossing his lips while motioning for her to go. “They cheer for you,” he whispered, his eyes following her hesitant movements as she rose.

It was like a dream the way they hooted and clapped, staring at her as if she was some great deity in their midst. She didn’t feel special enough to deserve their praise, but it would be rude not to acknowledge it. Forcing a smile, she waved at the people, hoping they wouldn’t notice her anxiousness to return to her seat.

When the applause began to die down she took the opportunity to situate herself at Callum’s side again. As the celebration was underway, she found the time passing quickly. Plates of food were brought to the table, laid out before Aiva and Callum, steam rising from the different meats and vegetables, their aroma like heaven to their starved bodies. She was grateful to discover the meal to consist of game killed during the hunt. Nothing appeared questionable like the food in Palinon.

They filled their plates, laughing joyously over the taste, comparing each dish to the terrible things they had eaten since leaving Tanispa. It was relaxing. A reminder of how comfortable Aiva had felt in Callum’s company when visiting Phaezut the night of their negotiations. Her only fear was that something might ruin it. Once they reached Luquarr, they would have to begin their work to pick up where they left off on their mission and without the men from Callum’s unit, they only had one another to rely on. They would fail before even beginning if they couldn’t manage to get along. The relaxed nature at present boded well. It gave Aiva hope that they could do anything as long as they worked together.

Their laughter continued long into the night, regaled by stories from Uttae and Ihklos of past hunts and battles, reminiscing of the late King. Aiva found herself intrigued by any mention Uttae made of the war in Tanispa. She loved to hear people talk of the victory over the Ven’shal. Uttae spoke of her parents as if they were characters in some great fairy tale one might tell their children before bed. Callum leaned forward, chin rested on his hands, listening with interest. Aiva found Uttae a wonderful storyteller, the details and descriptions of everything creating such vivid images in her mind. She felt as if she were right there with him in the battle, watching General Cadell and her father cut through the Ven’shal, the bodies of the fallen enemy revived by the tainted magic of their nemesis. The legendary Arcastus. Resurrected from the dead after centuries of lying in his hidden tomb only to be struck down by the blade of Aiva’s mother. Ihklos was engrossed in the tales as well, excitedly asking questions to draw more information from Uttae.

Aiva couldn’t be sure how much time had passed when she started to realize the crowd was thinning. After all her talk of wanting to be away from Tunir, she almost hated to see the evening come to an end. Once she and Callum set foot on the boat to the islands, there was no guarantee they would ever see Uttae or Ihklos again. It saddened her in a way. The experiences within the jungle would always be with her.

“I suppose we should discuss the transportation promised to you both,” Ihklos said suddenly, as if reading Aiva’s thoughts. “I believe the agreement was that I would see you safely to the islands in the morning. That will be upon us soon. Is it still your desire to leave with such haste?”

“Regretfully, we must. Our family awaits us on the mainland of Luquarr. Time is already against us in reaching them before they are forced to move on,” Aiva frowned, idly twisting a fork between her fingers. It felt rude to rush from Tunir when they had only just begun to enjoy their stay. She hoped Ihklos would understand. “I explained our situation to General Uttae, however, I did not mention it when I spoke with you. I understand your General has informed you of the reason for our journey and the events which led us to your shores.”

“Unfortunate circumstances indeed.” Ihklos nodded, the crease in his forehead deepened with thought. With a crook of his finger he motioned Uttae to lean closer, whispering something in his ear. They mumbled in their own language for a few moments before Ihklos focused his attention on Aiva once again. “General Uttae can have a longboat prepared by dawn to take you to the islands north of here. The distance is not great and should only take a few hours to reach the docks. If you depart in the morning, it not only allows my men to be home by nightfall, but it also grants you the afternoon to seek a trade ship to take you to the mainland. I suspect I don’t need to warn you about exercising caution while in their cities.”

Callum straightened in his seat, head bobbing in agreement. “Yes, we are familiar with the dangers we face while there. It is a risk we must take. My only concern is our lack of provisions. The clothing I arrived in remains wearable, however, the Princess’s dress was ruined and she will draw significant attention if she is seen around the city dressed as she is.”

“Do not concern yourself on the matter of provisions. I will see to it that you are well prepared for the journey,” Ihklos smiled. “There isn’t much I can do about your wife’s clothes, but currency is not hard to come by for the shops on the islands. You will be provided with enough coin to outfit yourselves as you see fit and to secure food and water before setting out to sea again. I must advise you be careful. Storms are bad this time of year and if you already crossed paths with one divastru, it would not be unheard of to see another.”

“If that occurs, you may see us again sooner than we thought,” Aiva chuckled. Distracted, she set her fork on the table, glancing to where Callum remained seated at her side. “We cannot thank you enough for your hospitality. You are a gracious king and General Uttae is the finest of men. The kindness you have shown us will never be forgotten. If ever you require assistance from my people…”

“Your thanks is appreciated, but not necessary,” Ihklos rested his hand on Aiva’s arm. “I honor my father by assisting the allies he gained during his reign. My only hope is that our friendship will continue for years to come.”

“I promise you it will,” Aiva gave a benevolent smile. Any hard feelings she once held for Ihklos dissipated. He wasn’t the terrible person she thought he was in first making his acquaintance. The only thing he was guilty of was curiosity. A desire to know her people. Without Ihklos’s help, she and Callum would be lost. His kindness would not go unrewarded when they returned to Tanispa. “I look forward to a long and happy alliance with you and your people. You can consider the Vor’shai a trusted friend.”

Ihklos nodded sharply, rising to his feet in a fluid motion. “It is settled then,” he stated assuredly. “General Uttae, I leave the final arrangements in your hands. A single boat will suffice. Gather your strongest men to see the rowing is done with ample speed and have our friends on the water by sunrise. I have business to tend to before I retire, but my dear Princess, you and your husband can consider my palace your home. Feel free to wander as you choose. My only recommendation is that you remain indoors. It is safer.”