Skye stood motionless as his hands were bound by a fourth guard and his weapons were confiscated. He watched in awe as the small woman fought against the three Kurites restraining her. Chion’s roar shattered the air, all in vain. Lara didn’t act as if she was aware of anyone’s existence aside from the three, large guards. A smile curved his otherwise expressionless face. For all her eccentric ways, the small woman had courage befitting any known warrior.
Eiren quipped with a voice full of dry irony, I assume our friendly entry is no longer an option.
He glanced over his shoulder and saw her for the first time in five days in the hazy light. A diffusion of pale blue light came from the opposite side of the wall ahead of him. Above the imposing wall, a thin, five-foot opening allowed the light to shine down upon them. Through the small slit, he could see their current location was a small portion of the cavern they were about to enter. A wide hole not two feet behind him displayed their only means of escape.
Looking down into the hole, the ramp dropped into the tunnels below. Beyond the ample ramp was a giant, concave boulder that had been smoothly carved over time. The boulder encompassed the last three sides, enclosing them from above and around. Their small group had only one avenue forward—through the wall. Without a better visual, he had no idea where the gate was situated in regard to the city itself. He was shut off from his surroundings, and besides taking refuge in the ramp below, Skye was defenseless against a volley of arrows targeting each of them through the arrow slits.
Although his mind took note of the formidable fortifications Malkese’s builders had designed, his desire to look over Eiren overrode his training. It was extremely dangerous and foolhardy, but knowing this didn’t change the need clawing at him.
In the soft glow, he assessed her condition, skimming her from head to tail. Eiren had put on weight in the past few days. Her ribs no longer showed in her small frame. Her injuries now had ugly scabs in the place of the cloth bandages. The leg splint was bright against her black coat.
He commented under his breath, “You look better, healthier.”
She gave a slight bow, accepting his compliment. I thank you. She looked back at the scuffle a few strides away. The woman will look worse if she is not careful. She is lucky the guards have restrained from killing her outright.
I do not know what she hopes to gain.
He watched as Eiren’s ears twisted toward him before she stood up and stretched her flexible back into a full-body arch. My Lord, I do not believe her actions are the result of the current situation. Though never personally experienced, the difficulties Tal’Ais sometimes have with their new gifts is widely known.
With a new perspective, Skye’s eyes widened in surprise as he watched the scuffle. Eiren believed this was due to magic? Watching a short but muscled guard creep forward and knock the woman unconscious with the hilt of his sword, his aversion to magic solidified. If this was from the Tal’Ai bond, he wanted nothing to do with it.
The woman had snapped, becoming a slavering animal trapped with no way out. Skye had lost enough in his short life. His dignity and honor were one of the few things still left to him. Magic, he now understood, would lead his life to a precarious ending.
He watched as Chion circled the guards as they pushed themselves off the woman. Chion’s vicious growl promised violence to the next person who touched the woman, and every guard in the vicinity kept a vigilant eye on the paka. Skye smirked in derision. The guards had no idea how to handle the situation. A deep, commanding voice hailed from above, and Skye tilted his head back, trying to locate the source.
“You, Lowi, explain this commotion.” He caught a dark head and took a step back in surprise. The head and ears were silhouetted against the blue-tinted background. The voice came from a paka, not a man.
“Captain, the woman refused to be cuffed before entering Malkese. We were forced to restrain her and knock her unconscious.”
Skye heard the contemplative grunt to Lowi’s reply. The golden eyes shifted to focus on Chion’s white form, who still growled his displeasure at his lady’s treatment.
Young paka, you will control yourself or answer to me.
Skye was surprised when Chion’s growl cut off, immediately obeying the gruff command, though his tail and ears twitched with subdued anger. The paka above cocked his head to the side as he watched Chion rein in his temper.
Scout, you will explain your presence. You are early.
Eiren’s curl of interest slipped through their bond with the realization that Chion’s commanding officer stared down at them.
Chion bowed his head. Captain, I would prefer to state the reasons for my presence in the privacy of four walls.
I expect the mad woman, a Pyranni, and an injured paka are responsible for your early presence. Though the paka didn’t state it as a question, Chion again bowed his head in answer. The paka vanished from the top of the rampart, but his authoritative command carried with his orders. This should be interesting. Lowi, select two of your best guards to accompany our guests. Escort them to my office.
It was quickly apparent the cart was too small to carry both the small paka and the woman. Using his leg as a step, Eiren jumped down to the ground, relieving the guards of the forthcoming argument of who would carry the mad woman. Lara was hefted into the cart by one of the guards. In an odd, three-legged hop, Eiren came to stand by his right leg. Skye sent her a grim smile with shuttered eyes when she glanced up at him.
The sound of rusty chains broke through the small area, and he lifted his head to watch the heavy gate slowly rise. As their group stepped closer, Skye noticed a large runner crawl across the broad and deep-seated depression where the gate had once sat before it fell over with a booming repercussion. Without the runner, he would have had to take a running jump to reach the other side. He was impressed with the measures taken to ensure the city’s safety.
Skye didn’t notice the other precautions the city had taken once he crossed into the city proper. His mouth dropped at the sight around him. The ramp had spit them out into the heart of the city. The gates opened into the sprawling marketplace where shopkeepers hawked their wares to shoppers on wide streets. In the distance, the towering walls of the cavern were intricately carved into rooms and stacked as uneven floors, with all the windows looking inward into the vast, open area. In many places around the cavern, the walls boasted ten to twelve floors. He could hear the river as it cut through the center of the large cavern in a rush of water across stones. He twisted his head to peer behind him and realized the boulder was the largest one standing in the cavern.
Nothing compared to the discovery of the blue light’s source. Roots dangled from the ceiling like naked tree branches, illuminating the cavern in a luminescent blue. Although the individual roots were not bright, the combined effect offered the capacious cavern a type of constant sunlight. Over the centuries, the roots had crept down from the ceiling to travel along the walls like blue-tinted ivy, bringing a look of elegance to the white, tan, and brown walls. The roots curled around the circular windows and short awnings. Some windows were draped in the color, affording its inhabitants privacy from curious eyes.
The rooms for the nobility were located closest to the waterfall tumbling from the ceiling to the water far below. The decorative carvings in the wall depicted both pakas and humans in an enduring pictorial history.
He dragged his eyes away from the masonry’s elegant beauty when he heard Chion clear his throat. Skye realized with a start that both Eiren and he had halted the group’s progress as they gazed around the city. As they were marched through the market, women and children, upon seeing his Pyranni features and their armed escort, disappeared into the recesses of the shops.
Silence soon descended upon the street as knowledge of their presence spread among the Kurite common people. He heard the commotion begin again after they had passed onto another cobbled street. He looked ahead and saw the marketplace slowly melt into flat fields.
The training grounds were covered with men, women, and pakas as they participated in an intricate dance of intense practice routines. At a glance, he noticed the men and women held various weapons similar to the training Gharra’s warriors received. As they passed the large practice field, each group turned to watch their small group walk by. He became aware of the scrutiny he received from the warriors as their gazes fastened onto him. Sensing their barely restrained hostility, he refused to kowtow to his enemy and instead strode after the white paka in a cloak of proud dignity.
From behind him, Skye heard the catcalls begin, angrily deriding him his heritage. One shout was picked up by others until several dozen voices filled the air, following him down the path. They wanted his head, his death. He denied them their pleasure by ignoring their shouts. By focusing his attention on the warriors’ positions around him, he had forgotten the paka beside him. He heard a tight hiss from beside him and he tilted his head down to see the small paka. It would have been comical with her walking on only one foreleg, but the sincerity of her emotion had him swallowing the smile. She was furious at his reception from her own people. Her body language was unmistakable. She would slaughter any who dared to come near him, even with the disadvantage of a broken leg.
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Do not worry, Eiren. They pose no threat to me. Aside from their obvious hatred, they are too curious as to the reason for my presence. Besides, I have no doubt these warriors are well trained in following orders.
Although her eyes flicked up to briefly meet his, her tension didn’t loosen. As he foretold, they reached the paka’s office without any physical mishaps. He was unceremoniously shoved into the office behind the two pakas. Despite Chion’s insistence, Lara was left in the cart under guard in the small courtyard. The light from the window allowed Skye to view the captain close up. His eyebrows rose in surprise; he hadn’t known a paka could sprout grey hair on the muzzle from old age.
When the paka saw him staring, he sneered. You see something that surprises you, Pyranni?
Without waiting for a reply, the captain stood up and began a thorough inspection of them. His gaze was so intense, Eiren started squirming beside him. When the captain next spoke, he asked Eiren, What is your name, little one?
When she nodded, Skye replied, “Her name is Eiren. She is from the city of Luthis.”
The paka’s body sprang toward him in a coordinated leap. Skye felt the paka’s hot breath on his skin when the Captain barely missed his face with the snap of his pointed teeth.
He snarled, Silence. She will speak for herself.
Not sure how the paka would respond, Skye stepped protectively in front of Eiren. “She cannot speak for herself.”
The captain’s golden eyes glinted at his boldness. In a calmer voice, he asked, Is this true?
Skye felt Eiren’s head nod in answer, though she did not move from behind his legs. The commanding paka’s grating chuckle resounded through the room. He slowly stepped back without turning his eyes from Skye and ordered, You have been silent long enough. Speak.
When they all looked at each other in confusion, the paka turned his head to stare pointedly at Chion.
Much has occurred in the past month, so much that I am having trouble knowing where to begin. For one, I am now bonded to Lara as Tal’Ai.
I did not see the mark of the Ai.
No. In this, the bond did not alter her eyes to match my own. However, we were both marked with what you see above my brow.
All four of you bear this mark. There is no precedent for this mark in Kurite history, so I am suspicious of this peculiarity. The Tal’Ai bond has ever been shown by the color of Paka eyes. The Captain slowly shook his head in negation. I don’t believe this bond you speak of is Tal’Ai. My instincts tell me the mark each of you carry forebodes danger. These are troubling times. News of a plethora of Pyranni attacks has traveled to me throughout the land. He tossed his head in distaste at the news he spoke. During this same time, you have brought one of our enemies—a possible spy—to our city, the High City.
The paka growled and swiped his extended claws across the tiled floor. No Pyranni has ever set eyes on the sacred city. Not only have you brought one of our most hated enemies to us, you have ushered an unknown and potentially deadly, new magic into these very walls. A report will be given to the High Council concurrent with your blatant disregard for the orders given you and your oath.
But Captain, there is an explanation for his presence. Eiren has bonded with the Pyranni as well. Neither he nor My Lady were physically changed by the magical bond.
The older paka sat down with great dignity and resolution. He nodded his head once and said, All the more reason for them to be brought before the High Council for trial. They could very well have brought our enemies to the gates you gave an oath to protect, and I will not abide this disregard for the law. You have allowed your desire for a bond with another to open yourself to the capriciousness of our enemies. You may well be bonded, but your bond is not of the Tal’Ai.
Although Chion attempted to further explain the circumstances surrounding their first encounter, the paka would not listen. He sent a quiet roar to the guards posted on the other side of the door. Something monumental had just occurred, but Skye was unsure what it was. Skye felt adrenaline spread out to his limbs and his heart rate picked up, but he forced his body to remain still.
Eiren said, If Chion thought this paka would listen to our story, I fear the High Council’s response.
What happens if this High Council will not listen?
The High Council of Nine is only called upon for the most important trials. I fear our trust in Chion will lead to your and Lara’s death. Both Chion and I could be given a lesser sentence because of our personal involvement.
Skye stumbled at her words. He had placed his life in the hands—or claws—of a paka. He’d known the Kurites would never accept his heritage. But his life? Besides his honor and dignity, his life was all he held as his own. He had already lost his home, his family, his friends. Was he to lose everything because of his foolish need to learn? He cursed himself for his innate curiosity. He had believed his fate would be to join the other Pyrannis in Areth.
Eiren voice held abject betrayal, but also honesty. Had I known the outcome, I would have followed you out of Kureto and overseas.
Her deep remorse of what she considered her decision had him replying with false optimism. The trial has not taken place yet. The High Council’s decision may not result in our deaths. Let us not say our farewells until the decision has been given.
She leaned into his leg before she pulled away, Eiren’s balance easily thrown off from her leg. They were escorted at knife point back outside into the small, open courtyard where Lara was just beginning to stir. One of the older guards reached down to grab the front of her clothes, lifting her up to stand on her own feet. But when he let go, she fell down to her knees without bracing herself. Lara tumbled over to her right side and cracked her head in a glancing blow against the nearest wall.
Skye didn’t see Chion move, yet the guard was slammed against the wall with an impact that shook the entire courtyard. The man, in an injured daze from the sheer potency of the assault, made no attempt to catch himself and slid down the wall.
Skye had never seen the white paka so enraged. His body had grown half again his normal size and his tail twitched with frenetic energy. The growl that escaped his throat would have had lesser men running in the opposite direction. Even knowing he was safe from Chion, Skye shifted his stance in preparation of an attack. Skye watched as blades were drawn and arrows were notched. Guards poured from the surrounding rooms to join their threatened comrades. The courtyard filled to the brim, and soon they were surrounded by Kurite warriors on all sides.
He saw the puzzled looks on the faces of the new arrivals. Chion was known to them, with many considering him a friend. His uncharacteristic attack against a fellow warrior was a direct contradiction to his normal behavior, and Skye could see they wondered what had happened. They couldn’t know Chion was now a fully bonded paka, incapable of calm when his Lady was wrongly treated and charged with a trial in from of the High Council. After spending so much time with the paka, even he, a Pyranni, knew and understood Chion’s protectiveness.
Focused on the woman’s injuries from her fall, Chion didn’t heed the danger encroaching upon him. A growing circle of blood spread from the side of her head where Lara had hit the wall. The woman was pale from blood loss and growing paler by the moment. When Chion nudged her shoulder with his nose, the woman fluttered her hands to push him away. Her eyes flickered open several times before the lids finally won the battle and remained shut.
Everyone in the small courtyard jumped when Chion yelled, “My Lady!”
She didn’t answer or move. Skye watched as the paka’s body became more powerful, his tail snapped back and forth, showing his temper and his worry. At last, Chion looked away from the still form and shot daggers at the guard responsible with his molten gold stare.
Eiren’s next words sounded as if she was disgusted with humanity. Before this incident, no man would survive the hour following such disrespect of one of the Tal’Ai. Chion is well within his rights in demanding recompense.
Skye looked down at her in surprise. Eiren had never shown this side of her personality. For all of her civilized behavior and intellect, the instinctual desire for blood was still an inherent part of the paka’s nature. Not having knowledge of the significance of Tal’Ais, he tucked the information away for later. He was discovering the Tal’Ai bonds were an integral part of Kureto’s cultural heritage. Laws were tightly upheld regarding the Tal’Ai.
This situation is different from previous ones as our bond is not recognized by the Kurite people.
Her answering hiss slid down into his gut, causing him to shiver at the vibration. You, My Lord, will not be put to death for the blessing given to us by the Goddess. My people will soon learn their mistake.
In imitation of the elder paka they had left behind in his office, she swiped the dirt in front of her in total disregard for her broken leg. He saw the warriors closest to him glance in growing confusion at their fellow warriors. If not for the circumstances, he would have laughed at the irony. The Kurites realized the small paka was protecting the Pyranni and had no idea how to respond.
Chion broke the silence that had descended upon the courtyard. In a voice that was almost unintelligible because of its raspy growl, he left the guard still sprawled against the wall a clear message. If My Lady dies from your hand, you will not live to see the next day. Pray she survives, for her survival means yours.
Gasps went up from the warriors in the courtyard. A murmur rose up as Skye moved to the cart to find bandages for the woman’s head. No one made a move to halt her bleeding. If the blood wasn’t stopped, the woman could die while everyone stood around in shock at the warning.
Fools.
Didn’t they know every single one of them would die at Chion’s feet? He, a Pyranni, didn’t fully comprehend the Tal’Ai bond, but he grasped that much. As he moved forward, the line of weapons followed him. Eiren kept pace and bared her sharp teeth in silent warning. When he leaned over Lara, he felt Eiren shift to protect his vulnerable position.
Knowing Chion watched his every move with concern, he wrapped the woman’s head and tied it off with both his hands still bound together. No one moved to take control of the situation, leaving the courtyard in a deadlock. Bloodshed would follow if they weren’t careful, and Skye knew he would be the first to die.
As if the thought had been heard, a gruff voice drew the crowd’s attention to the arched doorway. Move the prisoners to the cell as ordered. All weapons better be sheathed before I am finished. Every warrior standing in this courtyard will report to Ulai for orders, immediately.
There was a mad scramble as the Captain’s orders were followed to the letter. Two guards helped carry the wounded man away from the courtyard. Another couple of guards stood to attention beside their small group. Not waiting for a command, Skye leaned over, picked Lara up, and hefted her across his right shoulder. He did not trust the guards to treat her as she deserved. He shook his head and huffed out a breath. This task was becoming far too familiar.