Eiren contemplated the man walking beside her with a keen eye. To the others around them, Skye appeared confident in his plan, his expression a stoic mask to the undiscerning eye. Thankfully, she knew her bondmate well. As much as he exuded a calm demeanor, the taut shoulders gave him away. Her Ai had come far, his evolution rapid in the face of the danger they had encountered since their first meeting.
She had grown as well. His acceptance had garnered an increase in her own self-confidence. She only wished she could shoulder more of Skye and Lara’s burden. Twenty warriors had stepped forward, volunteering to infiltrate Gharra’s stronghold to eliminate the Malirran king. The more outspoken councilors—those who spewed their distrust of Skye’s intentions—had been shocked to find so many willing to follow Skye’s orders. What was more, Eiren thought with pride, another fifty or more Kurites had wanted to come. Only they headed a small force. The majority of the Tal’Ais from their rearguard unit came with them, unwilling to leave either Skye or Lara without an armed escort.
Ulami had given a simple reason. “You need Tal’Ais to help you fight the enemy. We must banish them from our continent; it is the only way to save Kureto from another war. My illusions could make the difference.”
The warriors, both Tal’Ai and regular army, had waited for Skye’s final decision, their resolute expressions gave little doubt to their desire to fight. Some were barely healed, their fatigue written in the circles beneath their eyes. Fortunately, they had a few days of travel before they entered dangerous territory. Although they spent days walking, the activity was light in comparison to fighting for survival. The memory made Eiren’s tail twitch, and she hit Skye’s lower legs by accident. A constant, low banter weaved its way through the small group, and laughter bounced off the tunnel walls.
Keeping the tether narrowed to Chion, she said, Skye should not meet with the Pyrannis alone.
Our presence will only incite them to violence, Chion reminded, his deep voice rumbling through the link.
If we took everyone here to the confrontation, yes. Skye is too important to lose him at the hands of Pyranni stupidity.
Chion didn’t respond immediately, and Eiren heard a muted hum thread through their bond. Instead of giving an answer, he said, Pyrannis fear Pakas to a wholly excessive level, and My Lady has similar features as some of the Malirrans.
This time Eiren debated the advantages and disadvantages of their presence. What if… What if I stay with Skye? Just me?
Chion squeezed behind her to join her on the right, keeping pace. When both Lara and Skye glanced over at them in question, Eiren explained, We are discussing something. Hence why Chion joined me. We will share once we are ready.
When they went back to their own quiet conversation, Chion mused, You believe your presence will cause a different reaction? Why?
Her ears flattened against her head, and her whiskers lifted before settling back in place. I am smaller than almost every paka I’ve met. Even you, Chion, call me ‘little one.’ Compared to others, I look harmless. Goddess knows I receive odd looks when I am out with my bondmate. We are a quandary of contrasts. Where he is a tall, muscular warrior, I am small and dainty. I can now hold my own in a skirmish, but I am no match against a paka of your size or experience.
Eiren, you will be meeting with Pyrannis that might have never met one of our kind before, Chion debated.
And, she continued as if he hadn’t said a word, I have the ability to melt into the background. With Skye’s commanding presence drawing their attention, I will appear less of a threat.
The white paka beside her growled aloud, the sound out of place with the back and forth among the others. A few of the Kurites took it upon themselves to search their surroundings. Chion ducked his head. He assured them, My apologies, my friends. I did not mean to startle anyone. As far as I know, we are alone, though Skye would be a better source.
Everyone stopped in their tracks while Skye sent his senses out, his vacant eyes showing he was focused on his second sight. Eiren pressed against him, and his hand dropped to rub first one ear, then the other.
Sucking in a breath, Skye returned and shook his head. “I see nothing out of the ordinary. There is a pack of rakir trailing behind us; they are hunting down a rok.”
A female paka asked, Should we take care of the rakir? The Pyrannis will make easy prey for the rakir.
Several warriors shrugged; Lara scowled. Eiren put more of her weight on Skye’s leg, recalling her own battle against a pack. She had barely scraped through with her body intact. When no one offered an opinion one way or the other, Chion asked, Are you certain the rakir are intent on the rok as prey?
Everyone held their breaths as they waited for Skye. After a brief moment, he nodded. “The pack has caught up with the rok.”
A few of the pakas grumbled about having fresh meat, and Eiren’s stomach growled its agreement. But she knew they couldn’t stop long enough for the pakas to hunt. Lara grabbed ahold of Skye’s arm, a silent signal for them to move on.
After they picked up their pace again, Chion continued their earlier conversation. I cannot guarantee your safety, little one, at least not until the Pyrannis step into the tunnels.
At that, she revealed her teeth and snapped at the male next to her. I will protect myself, thank you. My presence will cause a stir, but the risk is my own. I will not leave Skye alone to fend off any Pyranni who might attack.
I understand, Chion said with a sigh. A chuckle burbled out of him. Let us tell our bondmates your decision.
Eiren huffed an exasperated sigh. It is a good thing we have a little farther to travel before we emerge from the desert. I think I will need the time. She’d have a difficult time convincing Skye.
Indeed, he murmured. Indeed.
Skye’s response was exactly as she anticipated. “Absolutely not,” he shouted.
My Lord, she started.
“No, Eiren. I will speak with them alone.”
Listen, she said in a firmer tone, if you do not let me come with you, by your side, I will follow you. You will not face the Pyrannis alone. As I told Chion, you are too important to the upcoming battle. We will need your magic if we want to live through the next week. Chion is too massive and scary. I am not.
Eiren, he coaxed through their bond, scrubbing his face with his free hand.
No, you are not changing my mind. Believe in me, My Lord.
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“Um, what if she acts like you control her?” Lara asked, chewing on her bottom lip. When they looked at her in confusion, she said, “Well, isn’t that what they believe anyway? That the pakas are controlled by their masters?”
Skye subsided into contemplative silence, and Eiren’s heart leapt.
Chion added, Solara and I will also be above, though we will stay out of sight. If you need help, we can be at your side in little to no time. As much as I am disinclined to agree, I think taking Eiren is a good idea.
“I am not putting you on a leash,” Skye said, crossing his arms, even though Lara’s hand still guided him through the tunnel. He didn’t say any more, but she knew she’d won.
Eiren knew her eyes danced with excitement. Her tail whipped back and forth, and she had to stop herself from bounding down the hall. It wouldn’t do to have the other Kurites see her act so immature. With as much dignity as she could muster, she said, Of course not, My Lord. I will take my cues from you. I think the best tactic is to act as meek as possible.
Skye snorted, making her glance up at him. When she sent a questioning probe his way, he remarked, “I’m envisioning how the Pyrannis will react, that is all.”
“Well,” Lara said, pulling him to a halt, “I think we’ve arrived.”
Eiren looked on as Skye spread his stance and raised his chin. The move was one he used when opening his magic to their surroundings. Eiren looked around and realized that some of the Kurites had already dropped their loads, stretching their backs and arms. A woman, who looked as if she’d been stationed at the trapdoor for at least a week, came forward, following where the Kurites pointed. Eiren sat next to Skye, waiting for the latest news.
The woman’s brow rose in surprise at seeing the four of them; nevertheless, she gathered herself quickly. “Ais,” she said in greeting. “I hoped ye would arrive today. My name is Tollina. We’ve been expectin’ ye.”
Skye asked without preamble, “Are the Pyrannis still encamped nearby?”
Tollina nodded. “Yes, but one of me sen’ries overheard grumblin’s. Some wan’ t’ move t’ the other side of the border.”
“Why?” Lara wondered aloud. “Did the Malirrans cross their paths? Wait, that’s stupid. If they had, the Pyrannis wouldn’t still be alive.”
Tollina’s grin lightened her serious expression. “The Malirrans did not pass this way. A roamin’ scout told us yesterday tha’ they already passed into P’ran. They—the P’rannis, tha’ is—did not say, or we did not hear tha’ part of their conversation. We talked last night and this morning. All we have is con’ecture at this poin’.” She did a single-shoulder shrug. “I think the desert is makin’ them crazed.”
Eiren nodded as Skye said, “I must speak with them before they move. What direction are they?”
The woman waved them forward. “I will take ye to the entrance. When you step onto the sands, walk straight ahead over two small hills. You canno’ miss their camp. It is flatter this close t’ the border, so unless you wan’ found, watch yeself.”
Skye nodded once to show he took her warning seriously. He tilted his head back as if he was trying to see above him. “How many Pyrannis are there?”
“Ye wouldn’t believe it, Ai, even if I told ye. At last coun’, there were over a thousand. More find their way t’ the camp ev’ry day.” She frowned. “I did no’ know women fought with the P’ranni men.”
“They do not,” Skye said, shaking his head. “If there are women living in the desert, then they are running from the Malirrans’ control. So, we have no idea how many above are trained warriors instead of townspeople and villagers?”
“No, Ai. The camp expands and shrinks like a breathin’ animal. Hun’ers cross the border t’ forage for food. They are gone for days at a time. Havin’ enough wa’er is a priori’y, but there is a small lake no’ far from the border.” She hesitated a moment, thinking. “Herds of ko’is are on lead lines. I jus’ learned there are also a few children, though no’ many.” Tollina added.
God and Goddess save them, Eiren prayed. Children should never encounter the harsh reality of war. She’d seen enough orphaned children and kits as she grew older.
Skye looked down at her. “Are you ready, My Lady?”
She glanced at Chion and Lara. When they both nodded, she studied the stairs. My Lord, make certain the Kurites leave small torches behind for the Pyrannis.
“They already have their orders, Eiren. They have time to complete their tasks. I imagine it will take time before the Pyrannis are ready to march. They must pack their supplies and figure out what to do with the kotis.”
“Don’t forget the women and children,” Lara added.
Skye scratched his beard and groaned. “They complicate things, don’t they?”
Yes and no, Chion said. Either they stay behind or come with the Pyranni warriors. The men will fight harder if they have women and children to remind them why they return. Either way, it is not your decision to make, Skye.
Lara patted the man’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, we’ll be close by. If worse comes to worst, holler for us.
Eiren reminded Skye, Be sure that the sentries receive their orders from Ulami.
“Right.” He turned to Tollina, “Have someone bring Ulami to you. She will provide you some instructions. Depending on whether the women and children stay behind, you might be forced to remain here. Otherwise, you should return to your previous post to receive new orders.”
“I will, Ai. Be careful of the P’rannis. I know ye are one, bu’ rumors have spread of ye bond with the paka beside ye,” the woman said, pointing at Eiren. She turned around and left them to climb the stairs on their own.
Lara and Chion went first, with Lara swinging the door open. Bright sunlight hit Eiren’s eyes, causing her to squint until they adjusted. When she reached the top, she stepped forward, and the trapdoor snapped shut behind them. Eiren crowded Skye, and his hand found the top of her head. Ready, My Lord.
They crested the first hill and lost sight of Chion and Lara. Under his breath, Skye asked, “Do you see the sentry ahead of us? His head barely peeks over the next hill?”
In a casual move, she scanned the hilltop. Ah, yes, I see him. The blond hair almost blends with the color of the sand.
When they were halfway up the second small dune, the man stood up and yelled, “Halt. Why do you bring an accursed animal with you, warrior?”
Skye lifted his hands above his head. “I have reason. My oath she will harm no one.”
Eiren followed Skye as he hiked up the hill a few more strides, but before she could come to his side, a crossbow arrow hit the sand in front of her. “Stay calm,” her bondmate hissed.
The Pyranni cried, “Do not move another step. Wrey, call for back up.”
A younger Pyranni popped up beside the man and ran off, leaving them at a standstill.
“How did you find us, warrior?” the Pyranni with the crossbow asked.
Skye laughed aloud. “Warrior, I am the one that told people where to head. Of course I knew how to find the encampment.”
They stared at each other as five more Pyrannis joined him.
“What have we here? Wait, Timosy, is that you?”
With a frantic note, Skye asked her, Do you remember his name? He is one of the Pyrannis I met on our way to Avu.
Eiren peeked around Skye’s body to take a look at the man. Yes, I believe you said his name was Bron. No, Bran. He was part of the first group you spoke with.
“Bran, we meet again.”
The grizzled man scowled, then spat on the ground. “Why is a paka with you?”
“It is a long story, I’m afraid,” Skye said with a sigh. “I swear on my dead mother that she will not bring harm to anyone within the camp. I have much to share with you, and little time.” He leveled his gaze on all six of the Pyrannis standing slightly above them. “I do not go anywhere without her. If any warrior attempts to harm her, they will die by my hand.”
Bran shuffled his feet, looking undecided for a long moment, then he tilted his head back toward the camp. “A weapon will remain trained on her every move.” Eiren tucked into herself, making herself look smaller and less dangerous. He guffawed. “That creature is as scary as my three-year-old nephew. How did you train such a beast?”
Eiren shared a glance with Skye. Was it really that easy? Or were the Pyrannis that desperate for news?
Come on, Eiren. Take great care of your every move. They look skittish, and I doubt the desert has reduced the tension.
I know, Skye. Focus on what you need to do. I will watch your back. She sent a little of her belief in their plan through their bond.
The camp was much larger than either of them had anticipated—more a large village of tents rather than a ragtag group of deserters. Along the outside of the tents, kotis stood together, watched over by several young warriors. The clank of metal against metal drew her attention, and she noticed a large area had been set aside for the warriors to train. Women carried water and clothes back and forth. As they passed, people stopped and looked before quickly returning to their task.
She told Skye, It is as if the Malirrans have destroyed the Pyrannis’ fear of Pakas.
Or, he replied, they fear the Malirrans far more than the Kurites. The Malirrans have killed droves of people throughout Pyran. These people are on the edge of starvation, and yet they stay in the Gais Desert, foraging for food on the other side of the border. The hunters come back here. Only fear would drive people to stay in a place where nothing can survive.
Or, she said in a dry tone, I am not what Pyrannis envision when they envision a paka. I am not the epitome of a fearsome animal, after all.
Skye snorted with a small nod. Or it could just be you, Eiren.