Asena Blessed, page 7
part #2 of Altaica Series
‘A child? It’s not a child. It’s a horse. It has a mind of its own and a lot of weight to throw around. If it wants to throw me off, then I’m off. If it wants me dead, then I’m dead.’
Karan laughed and shook his head. ‘You’re in the Horse Clan. You’ve got to learn. Lessons start now.’
‘Lessons? You’re my instructor then?’ Isaura smiled.
‘Pleased by that, are you?’ Isaura looked away. ‘Move to his side,’ Karan said.
Her fear of the horse briefly overwhelmed her embarrassment. Karan took her hand and laid it on the horse’s neck. His hand remained covering hers; she swallowed nervously. What’s going on? My head doesn’t get turned by men. She hid her confusion by concentrating on the feel of the horse’s neck. The hair under its mane was warm and surprisingly soft. Karan moved her hand with his, encouraging her; tentatively she began to relax. The horse roughly pushed his neck into her hand. She jumped back.
‘He’s itchy. If you haven’t got a treat for him, the least you can do is give him a scratch.’ Isaura found herself vigorously scratching the horse’s neck; the more she scratched the more he leaned into her hand. She moved her hand toward his ears, causing him to cant his head. Isaura, delighted, forgot her fear. She turned to smile at Karan. Disgruntled because she’d stopped scratching, the horse’s head butted her in the middle of her back.
‘Ow, you’ve got a bony head.’ She braced herself with the staff and let him scratch himself. Finally, she stepped out of reach. ‘Enough!’ she growled, pushing his head away.
‘Do you want to go back?’
She gave him a pensive look. ‘Not yet, do you mind? Teach me some more about the horses.’
‘Tomorrow. We can walk some more if you like. If your leg can take it.’
‘I have to get it strong, this’ll help.’
Karan chose a circuitous route through the forest. They stopped to rest on a fallen moss-covered log. The fog had crept in and thickened the night.
Karan had so much he wanted to ask her, yet he felt it wise to keep his questions for another day. There was a connection between them that he didn’t understand and he was certain Isaura didn’t either. He needed time to think it through; she needed time to adjust to all the changes she had faced.
‘When can I start my training?’
‘Your leg will hinder you …’
‘Not from archery. I’m already …’
Karan interrupted her. ‘I was going to say that it will hinder your sword training, but you can start with other weapons tomorrow.’ She grinned. ‘You have used a bow before?’
‘Yes, a great deal.’
‘But your women do not fight.’
‘I’ve never been fond of their rules.’ She shrugged. ‘Besides, if I wanted to eat, I had to hunt. Trapping and shooting provided plenty of meat.’
‘Have you killed in battle?’
‘Yes.’ She refused to look at him. ‘I shot several of the enemy when we were leaving.’
‘Did you hesitate?’
‘Never.’
‘Did you find it easy?’
‘I suppose I should say no. That’s what everyone wants to hear, right?’ When he said nothing, she slid her gaze in his direction. ‘It’s the lives taken out of battle that are hard.’ She needed to confide in him. ‘The Zaragarians are ruthless … I left poison with the elderly who remained in our village in case they chose to end their lives … on the boat I gave some to a young girl to end her suffering.’
‘Would you do it again?’
‘Honestly … I don’t know. The act was easy—appallingly so. It’s the consequences … the guilt … that troubles me. But I know I should feel it, to not feel it would be worse and I’ll carry the weight of those lives forever. Yet in one way my guilt is a small price to pay …’
Karan didn’t press her to elaborate. ‘Can you use a sword?’
Isaura laughed. ‘My archery is fine, but any time I pick up a sword and don’t chop off my own leg I think I’ve done well.’
Karan smiled. ‘You’ve plenty of work ahead of you then.’
‘So do your instructors.’ Shivering, Isaura wrapped the cloak about her tightly.
‘It will be colder by dawn and your clothes are old and thin. Umniga should …’
She waved her hand dismissively. ‘It doesn’t matter. I don’t blame them … why would they give their good clothes to a stranger who looked liked she’d die. I wouldn’t. At least they kept my boots, although they’re almost worn out.’ She shrugged. ‘I can’t wait for training. Do you know how long I’ve been stuck as healer, and frowned at for having the temerity to want to learn such things, to be doing anything other than what was expected?’
Karan gazed at her with a queer look that seemed to penetrate her.
Feeling unusually coy Isaura blurted out, ‘Shall we go back to the fire?’
Rising, Karan made a flourishing bow. ‘Lead the way—if you remember it.’
‘Of course I do!’
He leaned close to her face, smug. ‘Prove it.’
Despite the thick fog, Isaura stood, saying with utter self-assurance, ‘We came that way, but the quickest way should be this way. I could hear a creek near the camp and the sound of that creek has wavered in and out of my hearing. Now it’s over there.’
Karan raised his eyebrows. ‘Really? It could be a different creek. Are you sure?’
‘It feels right. The lay of land, the contours … I can’t explain it. It’s like asking how I know how to breathe.’ She put her hand on her hip, tapping her foot impatiently. ‘Are you lost, Karan? Well, follow me—I’ve never been lost in my life.’
Unerringly, Isaura led him back to camp. With a conceited grin she sat before the fire. Everyone else, except the sentries, was asleep. Where do I sleep? Isaura lay curled on her side with the cloak tucked tightly about her, trying not to shiver. Damn it, if I get any closer to the fire I’ll be in the bloody thing. She pulled the cloak’s hood over her head.
* * *
Karan threw more wood onto the flames and mulled over the events of the last twenty-four hours. The coming of the foreigners had already wrought change. His eyes flicked to Isaura. Not bad change. He analysed his reaction to Curro touching her. It was merely the embrace of a friend, yet I loathed it. Why? I don’t even know her. What is it about her?
Lost in his thoughts, he had no idea how long he sat there, but the fire had again burned low. He placed a large log on the glowing coals, knowing it would burn until morning. Karan lay on the ground, but could neither settle nor get warm. Remembering where his cloak was, he all but groaned when he looked toward Isaura. Quietly rising he went to her. Lying behind her, he felt her stiffen.
‘What are you doing?’ she whispered.
Karan moved closer so he could whisper in her ear. Isaura remained silent—rigid. Her stomach began to knot.
‘Don’t be afraid, Isaura. It’s cold … You’ve got my cloak. I’m just cold, that’s all.’ It’s not all.
‘I’m not afraid.’
‘Just nervous?’ She heard the teasing in his voice.
I am so afraid. ‘Just nervous.’
‘Let me tell you a secret.’ His lips brushed her ear and his words sent a shiver down her spine. ‘You make me a bit nervous too.’
The knot in Isaura’s gut blossomed into a spark of warmth. She smiled and turned her head. ‘Only a bit?’
‘Only a very tiny bit.’ In the glow from the fire, his face appeared serious—except for his eyes.
She rolled towards him, grinning. What am I doing? Isaura’s hand reached toward his face. Stop thinking. Her fingers tentatively caressed his lips. He closed his eyes. ‘Only a bit?’ she whispered. Her hand moved to cradle his cheek. Karan’s eyes were still closed as he nodded and tilted his head into her palm. ‘Liar,’ she whispered as she left a lingering kiss upon his lips.
Heart pounding, she rolled over, putting her back to him again. ‘It is very cold. You’d better stay with me.’
CHAPTER EIGHT
Karan lay alongside Isaura with his arm draped around her. She was curled snugly against him. His first thought on waking had been to run his hand along her belly and thigh. They were surrounded by others. He drew his hand back. What in Karak was I thinking? Isaura stirred, wriggling in her sleep against him. Gods, I know exactly what I was thinking. Karan rose up on one elbow and looked down at her. His hand moved involuntarily to smooth strands of her dark hair from her face. Isaura rolled over and smiled sleepily up at him. Instinctively he smiled back as his hand tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and lingered, gently brushing her cheek.
‘How did you sleep?’
‘Well, really well, considering.’ Chuckling, Isaura stretched then placed her hand over his, which he realised with shock had lain to rest upon her belly.
I can’t do this. A bit of sport with someone who knows the rules is one thing, but not this. She’s not even one of us … yet. Hastily Karan removed his hand from under hers and rose. Isaura’s eyes darkened and a slight frown creased her brow, yet she took his proffered hand and let him haul her to her feet.
‘Your training begins,’ he said bluntly.
* * *
Curro woke early with Elena, snug within his embrace. Things will work out. Hearing a stirring across the camp, he noticed Karan waking. He watched him partially rise onto his elbow. Karan leaned down, murmuring to someone. Curro looked away, feeling intrusive, then snapped his head back at the sound of soft familiar laughter. Isaura. Karan slid his arm out from under her head, disentangling himself and rose, pulling her to her feet. Curro’s fist clenched involuntarily as he stared from where he lay. What’s she thinking? Elena stirred in his arms. Quickly, he looked upon her, smiling, traces of guilt erased.
* * *
Baldev leaned against the yard railing, deep in thought, watching Kiriz and Satish carrying water from a well to the house and the vegetable garden in the twilight. Will Asha and I have this? This peace, how long will they have it?
‘The wounded are settled, my lord,’ his captain said. Baldev didn’t answer. ‘My lord?’
He nodded distractedly. ‘Set up a perimeter guard, but I doubt we’ll need it—not yet anyway. Rest, we’ve a long day tomorrow.’
Baldev still stood in the same spot when darkness came. In the yard behind him he could faintly discern the silhouette of the cow and her calf. As it greedily suckled, its head butted her udder, demanding more. Little Baldev, indeed! Sparks flickered from the farmhouse chimney and vanished into the night sky.
He bowed his head, kicked the timber fence and drummed his fingers along the top rail. Coming to a decision, he left the yard and headed toward the house. A dim glow came from one of the windows, but as he drew near the timber shutter closed and Baldev heard it barred from the inside.
He knocked on the door and raised his hand to knock again. The woman opened it to see his fist aimed at her face. Startled, she stepped back. Hurriedly Baldev lowered his hand. ‘Mistress …’ Embarrassed he said, ‘I didn’t even ask your name.’
‘Lords don’t need to know the names of the likes of us.’
Baldev scowled. ‘This lord does.’ In a milder tone he continued, ‘You know Lord Karan and I are not of the same stamp as Ratilal; nor are our men. If we were …’ His eyes shot to her children.
‘I know. Līna, my name is Līna.’ She remained blocking the doorway.
Kiriz wandered up to stand beside her mother. She looked between them curiously.
Baldev smiled at her and cleared his throat. ‘Mistress Līna …’
‘Mama, it’s just Big Baldev. Can’t we let him in?’
Baldev groaned and bent down to look her in the eye. ‘Kiriz, please don’t call me that in front of my men again, will you?’
‘You are big,’ Kiriz countered.
Līna laughed at Baldev’s embarrassment. ‘Promise him, Kiriz.’
‘Promise,’ Kiriz swore. Baldev sagged with relief.
Līna relented. ‘Come in, Lord Baldev. Stop standing outside in the cold.’
Kiriz led Baldev to the fire, while Satish stood up from a stool with a look of awe on his face.
‘You haven’t got another pitchfork hidden somewhere, have you?’
Satish reddened and shook his head quickly.
‘No fire poker either?’
‘No, Lord Baldev, I swear.’
Baldev laughed. ‘Good. I’m glad that you’ve not been trained properly. If you had, you might’ve struck me with the damn thing before I heard you.’ Satish hung his head. ‘Oh, boy, don’t be down. You thought you were protecting your family. No harm done.’
Līna passed Baldev a mug of tea and put her hand comfortingly on Satish’s shoulder. ‘What is it you need, Lord Baldev?’
‘You’re here on your own with the children? No husband?’
She stiffened. ‘My husband was killed in one of Ratilal’s raids. He was visiting another farm, closer to the Divide, to trade … You’re the first man to set foot in this house.’
‘Ah … I’m sorry … You’ve been managing here on your own since then?’
‘I help!’ Satish exclaimed.
Līna squeezed his shoulder; he subsided. ‘Satish is a good worker. He’s nearly fifteen … nearly a man.’ She smiled at her son. ‘Together we manage.’
‘Hey, me too! I help!’ Kiriz piped up.
Baldev grinned at her. ‘Of that I’m certain.’ His smile faltered before he addressed Līna. ‘You understand what could be coming? We’ll do our best to protect you, but …’
‘You can’t be everywhere.’
‘No. In the morning I’ll be sending out riders to outlying farms. We’ll need information from you about those nearest. They’ll be spreading the news about Ratilal’s treachery … about the start of war. Real war this time.’
‘It seemed real enough last time,’ she said bitterly.
He stared at her, saying solemnly, ‘They’ll also be letting them know that their children can be taken to Bear Tooth Lake. From there we will take them to a safe location.’
‘Safe?’
He nodded. His eyes slid from her to Kiriz and Satish, before resting sombrely upon her again. ‘Safe,’ he repeated before turning and leaving.
As he walked back to the barn he heard Satish’s adamant voice. ‘I don’t care. I’m not going!’
* * *
Isaura looked at the metal object she held in her hands. It was flat, square with a strip of leather on one side, under which she placed her hand.
‘It’s a curry-comb. Each of us has one, and a hoof pick.’ Karan stood beside Isaura. Gone was the quiet warmth she had felt from him last night. ‘Brush him. No, not there. There, where the saddle will go, and the girth. We don’t have time to groom them all over. Get him smooth and clean. No sticky sweaty hair left, no lumps. If you leave any there, it rubs and pulls the hair out and they’ll get sore. Get a move on, the others are nearly done.’
‘Pick up his feet,’ Karan commanded when she’d groomed the horse. Isaura stepped away, shaking her head warily. ‘Watch. Run your hand down his leg. Put a little pressure here … he should just lift it up like this.’ She took the hoof from him. ‘Look under his foot. You’re looking for stones, but you’ve got to clean out the muck to find them. Use this.’ He handed her a slightly hooked small, blunt metal tool. ‘Don’t worry, Toshi’s a gentle fellow.’
Patronising ass! Isaura snatched the hoof pick from him. She dug the tool into the muck compacted upon the sole of the hoof, flicking it in Karan’s direction. Growing in confidence, she dug harder. ‘There’s something here.’
‘Caref …’
‘I know what I’m doing. I’ve seen Curro do this a million times.’ The horse leaned away and tried to pull its leg from her grasp. ‘Damn horse. Stand still,’ she muttered. ‘Nearly … ow, ow, OW!’ The pebble flew out. Isaura dropped the hoof. ‘Bloody thing bit me!’ She shot sideways as Toshi tore a hole in her pants. She scowled at Karan. ‘Gentle!’
‘I tried to tell you.’ He soothed the horse, who was eye-balling Isaura. ‘They don’t feel much on the sole except right where you were digging like you were mining for gold. If you’d gone a little more carefully, you wouldn’t be rubbing your behind as if you’d been stabbed. Toshi won’t put up with poor handling.’
Isaura chafed at this public rebuke. Others were readying their horses, and while no one said anything, she saw their grins.
‘Now do the rest,’ Karan ordered.
She eyed Toshi warily. He canted his head and glared right back at her. I swear he just bared his teeth at me.
‘Now you’ve just got the hind legs to do.’
‘Marvellous.’
‘He can’t bite you there,’ Karan said.
‘No, but since he’s such a gentle soul, I suspect he’s more accurate with that end than his teeth.’
Karan shooed her dismissively toward the horse’s rear end. Isaura kept peering over her shoulder to find Toshi staring at her. Beads of sweat formed on her brow as she hastily cleaned out the final hoof.
‘Grab the saddle. No, not there. Put it there. Reach under, do up the girth and surcingle.’
Isaura looked dubiously at the saddle she had placed on Toshi’s back. It’s so light. It had a high pommel and cantle over which sat a thick cover that formed a soft padded seat and skirt. This transformed the pommel and cantle into firm cushioned barriers. Below this hung wide supple saddle flaps and deep barred stirrups. It looked impossible to fall out of. I’ll be trapped on the damn horse.
‘Mount up,’ Karan ordered.
Isaura stepped back, pale and sweating.
‘Get on.’
Her anger rose with her fear. ‘Nothing could be easier.’
‘He’s the best teacher you’ll get,’ Karan snapped back at her. ‘He’s also the lowest to the ground in case you land on your behind.’
