Lines of Fire (The Guild House - Defenders Hall) Read online

  “Any idea why he summoned us to assemble?”

  “He plans to force a duel.”

  “Who will be the contestants?”

  Kalia felt acid rise in her throat. “Ilna. Me. I don’t want to duel.”

  Sando scowled. “Why does he want you to fight?”

  She rattled off the charges she had been told. Though she wanted to tell him about her lines, she refrained. “Are they really grounds for a duel?”

  “All and defeat means banishment. Did she really attack you and your brother?”

  “Yes. Why does the Swordmaster name this as my duel? Robec can be the dueler.”

  Sando groaned. “He can’t challenge her until three months have passed since he stood as her champion. I doubt any man will accept her call for a champion.”

  Rocks tumbled in Kalia’s gut. How could she fight a duel when she hated the thought of facing another with sword and knife? Would the duel increase the darkness of her lines? She and Alric’s encounter had partially banished the taint but some remained and would grow because of her fear and anger. She stared at the lines.

  The Swordmaster followed by his seconds strode into the salle. Kalia stared into the stands. Students, women and those not assigned to a patrol sat on the benches. None of the other Guilds were represented. Why?

  The Swordmaster raised his hands. “Ilna, present yourself.”

  The young woman sashayed from the stands. “Do I get to choose my mate today?”

  “Not today or ever. You stand charged of the following offenses.” He recited the list.

  She laughed. “What was wrong with kissing Robec? He stood as my champion. As for Kalia, the kiss was to congratulate her for deftly stealing the man I was promised. Did she complain?”

  “Others witnessed the attack. Should I call them to testify?”

  Ilna raised a fisted hand. “You don’t understand what happened. People only tell you what you want to hear. The man who will be Swordmaster commands my loyalty.”

  Robec leaned on the railing separating the stands from the floor. “I ordered no such thing. Since you chose me as your champion, I can’t challenge you no matter how I wish for the chance.” He vaulted to the floor. “Kalia, unfortunately you must face her.”

  Sando clasped her shoulders. “You must or Alric will be ordered to leave the Infirmary. He and Robec will be forced to duel again.”

  Kalia rubbed her hands. Though she hated the thought she had no idea of Alric’s present condition. Though he healed, he hadn’t been discharged. For him to defeat her brother would infuriate the Swordmaster.

  “I will face Ilna in the circle.” She forced her voice to emerge emotionless and clear.

  The other woman’s laughter resounded from the salle walls. “When you lose, all you possess will be mine.”

  The three other patrols left the arena floor and sat in the stands. Kalia drew deep breaths. What if she failed?

  Sando bent his head closer to her ear, “Be careful. She may have a blade like the one Valdon used. Several times she’s been missing from the Hall for days.”

  Kalia nodded. “Other than during practice, I’ve never dueled.”

  “You know the forms. Remember Alric’s trick if you have any skill reading the lines. Haven’t seen her fight but I’ve a feeling she’s erratic and not skilled. I know she refused her father’s offer to teach her.”

  Kalia unsheathed her sword and knife. She walked to the circle where the other woman waited with the Swordmaster and his seconds.

  “The Left Hand will judge.”

  Kalia stepped over the barrier to enter the circle. She faced Ilna. I can do this, she repeated silently until she felt confidence infuse her thoughts.

  “Let the bout begin.”

  Ilna charged forward. Kalia knocked her opponent’s sword aside and evaded a knife thrust. At first her moves were defensive. Then the rhythm of the sword dance took over. Practiced but seldom used moves became natural. She watched Ilna’s lines of fire and began to sense what her opponent planned. Kalia struck her opponent’s knife and knocked it from the young woman’s hand. Next Kalia sent Ilna’s sword flying from the circle. Ilna dashed to retrieve the weapon and stepped over the barrier.

  “Out," the Left Hand shouted. Duel ended. Kalia wins.”

  “Not fair,” Ilna screeched.

  “You left the circle.”

  “To get my sword. Can’t fight without one.”

  The Left Hand confiscated the blade. “You know the rules. You’ve dueled before. You are the loser and are banished. A bihorn and a pack with enough supplies for five days awaits you at the gate.”

  “Where will I go?”

  “The choice is yours.”

  Ilna stooped and picked up her knife. The blade flew toward Kalia who fell to the sand and rolled across the ground.

  Sando helped her up. “You all right?”

  “She missed.”

  The Right and Left Hand grasped Ilna’s arms and led her away. Kalia brushed sand from her clothes and walked with Sando’s patrol from the salle. Behind her she heard congratulations from the members of the patrol and a few shouts from the stands.

  Once they reached the courtyard, Kalia thanked Sando. She jogged to the tunnel and ran to Healers Hall. At the door to Alric’s room, she eased the wooden barrier open. He sat on a chair beside the bed. “Everything set for your sister?” he asked.

  She nodded, “She knows what to do.” For a moment she hesitated. “I fought a duel.”

  “You what?”

  She sat on the floor beside the chair and told him about her afternoon and the meeting with Ilna in the salle. She held out her hands. “The dark areas on my lines have grown.”

  “I can see. Why?”

  “My anger for being tricked into the duel and the feelings the fight with Ilna raised.”

  He leaned toward her. “We can unite.”

  She shook her head. “Not yet. As soon as we are off on our next assignment.”

  “Why not now?”

  She stared at her hands. “The Swordmaster will know. He forced me into the duel with Ilna. I think he knows what emotions do to the blight.”

  Alric nodded. “I fear you’re right.”

  She knew she was. Something puzzled her. She thought of her childhood. Had Petan been the one to infect the leader of the Defender? She hadn’t liked or trusted him from the first meeting.

  Chapter 12

  Alric stretched and turned on his side to stare at Kalia. In sleep, she looked at peace, except for the dark smudges on her lines of fire. He hated to wake her but noises from beyond the door predicted they soon would be roused by Healer trainees. He brushed her hair from her face. Her eyes opened and she gasped.

  “Are you all right? Do you need a Healer?”

  “I’m fine. The place is waking. They’ll be here soon with a morning meal and to check my condition. You have time to duck into the necessary.”

  She slid from the bed and scooted to the small room. When she returned her hair had been braided. She sat on a chair beside the bed.

  He missed her warmth. Though she had slept in her clothes he’d felt her breath on his skin and the warmth of her body. His sleep had been sporadic. Being awakened by erotic dreams and being unable to act on his fantasies had taken will power. He couldn’t wait to be away from Defenders Hall and in a place where they could be alone. He felt his erection grow. He groaned and walked to the necessary.

  He had just returned to the bed when the door opened. One of the trainees carried a wooden tray and set it on a small table that fit over Alric’s hips. “After you break your fast the Senior Medico will arrive and check your progress.” He paused at the door. “There’s enough for both of you.”

  Alric grinned and motioned to Kalia. “You can have the kafa. Citren’s mine.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I know how you are in the morning. Groggy and grumpy.”

  She laughed. “That’s me.” She filled a mug, inhaled and sip
ped. “Wonderful.”

  “When we head out this time I’ll tell the supplier to pack double kafa.”

  She snagged a piece of toasted bread and spooned plum preserves over the slice.

  Alric drizzled honey on the cooked grain and covered the serving with cream. He studied Kalia’s lines. Fewer dark splotches this morning than when she’d returned from the duel. If they encountered the Swordmaster would he notice?

  When they finished the meal, Kalia carried the tray into the hall. The Senior Medico arrived and examined the wound. “You are fit to leave.” He handed Alric a jar of salve. “Wash the area and apply this daily. Will keep the tissue supple.”

  When the man left Alric grinned. “My clothes. Sando brought clean ones.”

  Kalia took them from a drawer. She retreated into the hall and waited for him to join her. They left Healer Hall and hurried through the tunnel.

  When they emerged an uproar greeted them. One of the four patrols currently in residence stood beside saddled bihorns. The Swordmaster faced them. “You will find her,” he bellowed.

  Alric turned to Kalia. “What’s going on?”

  “Looks like Lasara missed her morning meeting with him. She must have vanished from the Woman’s Quarters. I hope she’s all right.”

  “Will he accuse you of helping her?”

  She shrugged. “Who knows what he’ll do. Seeing another of his plans go awry suits me.” She pointed to her arm. “Because of this blight he can’t force me to talk.”

  “Just be careful.”

  The Swordmaster strode toward them. He grasped Kalia’s arm. “Where is she?”

  “Who?”

  “Lasara. She has vanished.”

  “She has?”

  Alric turned his head to hide a smile. Kalia’s widened eyes and gasped words were the perfect response.

  “She was to meet me this morning to learn about her bondmate and she failed to arrive. She’s not in her chamber and her mother knows nothing about where the girl went. Lasara’s sword and knife are gone. No one has seen her. Where did she go?”

  “How would I know?” Kalia spoke in a soft whisper. “I’ve been at Healers Hall with my bondmate.”

  The Swordmaster scowled. “Your mother informed me you spoke to your sister yesterday.”

  “I saw her in the Women’s Quarters. She was angry because you pulled her from the training classes. She likes to duel.” Kalia gasped. “She said she would run away. I never thought she would.”

  The leader of the Defenders whirled. He stomped to his seconds. “Send the assembled men to search. Divide them into four groups to check the main roads of the four quadrants for news of the runaway. Tell them she must be found.”

  Was that fear he heard in the older man’s voice? Alric touched Kalia’s hand. With a nod of his head he indicated they should go. Once they were away from the crowd he halted. “We must find Sando and learn where our assignment will take us. Otherwise I fear your father will demand we join the search for Lasara.”

  “What if his patrol has also been assigned to the search?” she asked.

  “We’ll leave with them and separate. Finding the source of the trouble in the eastern quadrant is vital.”

  Moments later they arrived at the provisoner’s storehouse and found Sando waiting. “Things set?” Alric asked.

  Sando chuckled. “No problem arranging supplies with the stir over the girl.”

  “Will she be safe?” Kalia asked.

  “Two of our best are trailing her. They’ll leave false clues for several days and then return.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You two head to your quarters and pack. I’ll arrange supplies and maps.”

  “Extra kafa,” Alric said. “Seems my bondmate doesn’t move in the morning without several mugs.”

  Sando laughed. “I’m the same. I’ll have your steeds saddled.”

  Kalia halted. “Mist doesn’t like others messing with her.”

  “I’ll manage. Have a way with bihorns.” Sando waved them away. “Attach yourself to one of the search parties.”

  Once they reached the suite, Alric unloaded the packs while Kalia found fresh clothing. A knock on the door startled him. Alric turned to answer. Kalia stopped him.

  “What if the Swordmaster has sent for me?” she asked.

  “We’ll face him together.” He opened the door.

  Robec stepped inside. “Imagine you’ve heard about Lasara.”

  Alric nodded.

  “I wanted to join the teams searching for her,” Robec said. “My leg is completely healed and strong. Father refused to let me leave the Hall. Why did Lasara run? She was the best trainee in her class.”

  “Father ended her training because he found a bondmate for her. Since Ilna corrupted my lines I’m no longer of use to the Swordmaster so he’ll give Lasara to Petan.”

  Robec rubbed his hands together. “She did this to you?” His eyes narrowed. “You are infected.”

  Alric grabbed Robec’s arm. “There is a solution.”

  “What?”

  “Find your heart bound and bind her to you,” Kalia said.

  “Here?” Robec’s shoulders slumped. “Father will see me bonded to a woman of his choice.”

  “A chance will come,” Alric said. “I don’t know when or how but you won’t be lost to darkness. You must remain calm and keep anger and other negative emotions at bay. That will show the progress of the change.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I’ve seen Kalia’s grow when she’s angry or afraid and remain stable when she’s calm.” Alric hoisted his pack. “Why did you come?”

  “To warn you to be careful. Petan visits Father. They have a plan to destroy Alric.”

  “I know Petan visits,” Kalia said.

  “I know both men want me gone from the Defenders,” Alric said.

  “Kalia, he still wants you.”

  Alric lifted Kalia’s pack. “I won’t let him have her.”

  Robec opened the door. “Good luck with whatever you’re going to do.”

  Alric heard yearning tinged with envy in Robec’s voice. Why was the Swordmaster stunting his son’s development? Was the leader really the villain?

  Kalia released a sigh. “I wish we could help him.”

  “He needs to leave the Hall to find what he seeks.”

  She nodded. “As long as that man remains in control Robec will remain trapped here.” She took her pack from him and stepped into the corridor.

  When they reached the stable Sando waited with their saddled mounts and a pack beast. “There’s a group leaving to search for Lasara. Join them.” He handed Alric a map. “Here’s your route with several alternate roads marked if you need them.”

  Alric helped Kalia into the saddle. He led the three animals to the gate, mounted and joined the departing group. At the first crossroads he turned his bihorn onto a trail heading east. He felt a sense of relief to be away from the Hall and away from questions from the Swordmaster.

  They rode through the day with a stop to eat a midday meal and allow their steeds to graze.

  “We’re free,” Kalia said.

  “For now.”

  “Will we camp out or find an inn?”

  “We’ll camp tonight at a nice place. You’ll see.” He winked.

  As the sun moved westward Alric pointed to a barn off the road. “We’ll spend the night here. The barn’s a regular stop for Defenders.” He rode Storm Cloud up the lane toward the structure.

  Kalia followed. Together they unloaded the pack animal, groomed and watered the animals and left them in stalls. After starting a fire in the pit Alric carried their packs and blankets into the barn.

  He climbed the ladder to the loft. After tossing several forkfuls of hay for the steeds he broke open a bale and prepared a nest for the night. He spread one of the blanket rolls over the hay and left the other at the end of the bed. On a hood fastened to a post he found a lantern. After checking the well he climbed down
and distributed the hay to the animals.

  Preparation done he returned to the fire and helped Kalia with the meal. While gathering greens he found a bush with sweet-smelling roses. Using his knife he cut several sprays of the scarlet flowers.

  When he handed them to Kalia her face turned as red as the blossoms. He sat beside her. “Are you afraid of me?”

  She shook her head. “Never of you but of what the Swordmaster will do when he sees my darkness is gone. He will know.”

  “There’s nothing he can do to you.” He filled their bowls with stew and tasted his. “Better than when I cook.”

  She filled two mugs with kafa. “Sorry there’s no citren. Would you rather have water?”

  “This is fine. Tastes like you.”

  She laughed. “And how is that?”

  “Smooth with a bit of sweetness and a little spice. Intriguing. And much better than when I’m the brewer. They never let me cook when the patrol is on rounds.”

  Once they finished the meal and cleaned the dishes, Alric banked the fire. Kalia set a pan of mixed grains and water on the heated stones.

  “To break our fast in the morning.”

  Alric rose and took her hand. “Come with me.” He noticed her hesitation and tugged her closer. “There’s no rush. We’ll go slow.” He drew a breath. “I’m heart bound to you.”

  She gasped. “You are?”

  Did she realize the reverse was true as well?

  She cleared her throat. “I’m sure where my heart lies. I have fears about what we’re about to do. What if I infect you with this blight?”

  “Then we’ll seek a cure together.” He led her to the ladder and climbed behind her.

  When they reached the top and moved away from the edge he turned her to face him. He ran his fingers over her face. “If you wish there’s a lantern I could light.”

  “I’d rather not.”

  Alric drew her into his arms and stared into her eyes. He felt tremors of fear. He brushed his lips over hers. No matter how much he wanted to rush and possess her he would go slowly. With his hands he stroked her back and caressed her lips with his tongue. She opened to his explorations. The sweet and spicy flavor of kafa and the scent of some floral combination nearly made him move too fast. He felt his erection swell.