Читать книгу SYLVAN ELF CHRONICLES - Christianne Van Keuren - Страница 15

Chapter Nine

NALAS must have sensed that Tobias and Mattea were on their way back as his mood lightened slightly, but definitely not focused on what he needed to do. He wanted to be out by the top stone garrett on the front side of the mountain watching for Tobias’ arrival.

It was the unfortunate duty of a young soldier to come to the sentry post to remind him of a meeting with his high command. They had been waiting for over an hour. He could have cared less, but still gave the young man extra guard duty for interrupting him.

His mood and actions were not missed by many and intentionally ignored by all except the Wargi sorcerer. He growled to himself as his suspicions seemed about to be confirmed for the real reason why Nalas’ manservant had been sent off on a mission. He knew he wasn’t just being sent to deliver those horses. He also was awaiting Tobias’ return. His wait would be longer as Tobias had already planned on coming in an old, seldom used footpath after stashing the saddles and turning the horses loose. They would avoid the main tunnels. Tobias wanted to avoid the Wargi at all costs upon their return. He knew he couldn’t keep the monster away from Mattea forever, but the longer he could the better. His fears were well warranted, but she was more than capable of taking care of herself; even against the Wargi.

Once inside he would take her to the female quarters so she could stash her gear amongst the others. Troops had been dispatched so he knew there were beds. Tobias was going to try and sneak up the back way, but Mattea had a better suggestion.

“We’ll go by the main corridors, because the Wargi will be looking for us in the back hallways.”

Tobias thought a moment before answering. “That is a splendid plan. Blend in. He won’t be expecting that. No one will question a ranking soldier in the hallways.”

“No. And he’ll expect us to sneak in the back way, through the lesser used tunnels.” She paused before adding. “Your main purpose in teaching was to teach us to think for ourselves.” She looked at him and smiled. “I think you did a good job.”

Tobias smiled back appreciatively. In short order Tobias brought them around to the old opening and dismounted. Tobias began pulling the saddle and bridle off the horse, stashing it before slapping him on the rump sending him on his way. Mattea did the same. They both slipped into the dark tunnel and Tobias led her up to the female barracks. Here they would part company, but not before Tobias gave her some instructions.

“There will be fortress over-tunics on a large rack. Get one and put it over your clothing. I’ll be back in half an hour…less if I’m able. I’ll knock once then twice that I’m back. Talk to no one unless it’s to pass on pleasantries.”

“And if they ask where I’m from?”

“From an outlying village. That’s not a lie you’ll have to remember later.”

Mattea just nodded and slipped into the door, closing it behind her. It didn’t take long to find an empty bunk and footlocker for her things.

Tobias in the meantime headed for his own chambers, this time taking the back way as his station demanded. No one paid attention to him. He dumped his gear and went to find Nalas. If he was true to form, Nalas would be in the conference room with his commanders, but since his obsession with Mattea, he was never really sure anymore.

Today he got lucky, Nalas was where he should be. Tobias stood in the doorway waiting for the guard to inform Nalas he was back. Nalas had his back to the door and Tobias saw the peevish look on his face as he turned around for being interrupted and disrupting the council. The guard looked in Tobias’ direction. Following the direction of his gaze it took him a split second to register who it was. He turned so quickly on his heel that he banged into the guard almost knocking him to the floor in his haste. He started across the room quickly before he stopped, drew a large breath concerted effort to slow himself down and try not to appear too eager. With barely controlled movements he walked the remaining distance to Tobias.

“Did you return with what I requested?”

“Yes, Lord Nalas.”

“Where?” Nalas spat out louder than he wanted as heads turned in their direction.

Nalas cleared his throat as he tried to gain control of his emotions and spoke, his voice more subdued. “Where?” His face expectant.

Tobias held up his hand, pointing at the table full of generals as he spoke in a hushed whisper. “Waiting for me to retrieve it.”

Nalas’ eyes darted back at the table. “Bring…bring it to my chambers.”

Tobias fidgeted a moment annoying Nalas.

“What?” Again, raising his voice. A couple of the guards started in his direction, Nalas waved them off before lowering his voice to a harsh whisper. “What?”

“Might I suggest your training field…” Tobias paused. “I don’t think she’ll go to your chambers willingly.” Tobias knew she wouldn’t go willingly at all; in fact; he was pretty sure she would kill anyone who got in her way of leaving.

“Why would you say that?”

“She only came because I told her you respect her skills and wished her to be on your private guard.”

Nalas stared at him for a moment. A look crossed his face as if he just caught Tobias in a lie or secret.

“I didn’t give you any other impression as to my motives did I?” His voice an angry sputter.

Tobias was quick on his feet with his answer. “No Lord Nalas you did not. Apologies if I gave you any other impression M’Lord.”

Nalas glowered, but knew better than to continue on the track the conversation was going or he would attract unwanted attention for any further outbursts. Tobias suddenly became very ignorant and gave him an out by smoothly changing the direction of the conversation for him. He spoke out loud for those that were straining to overhear them.

“Very good M’Lord. I will do as directed and show the new instructor to the training fields. We will wait for your arrival and further commands.”

“Yes…yes I will finish up here and be there within the hour.”

“As you wish M’Lord.” Tobias backed out bowing as Nalas turned back to his generals. Tobias made a beeline for the female barracks. It didn’t take him long as he had learned long ago the shortest side tunnels about the fortress and the longer he could avoid the Wargi the better he liked it.

Using the signal knock, he rapped on the door. Wary as always she only opened the door a crack, she slid to the wall side of the door frame so no one could swing the door open with force and knock her backwards or pin her behind it. Seeing it was just Tobias she eased the door open a little further.

Tobias spoke softly, “Get your weaponry. We must go to the training fields.”

A nod and she disappeared only to reappear quickly with the necessary gear. They slipped silently along the darkened corridors to quickly step on the sandy grounds. An all too familiar crunch resounded under her feet. In all honesty, she was getting tired of the sound and was ready for some peace. She knew she wouldn’t find it here. She made her way through others training to find an open area. Once she found a suitable spot she took a few practice swings with her sword to loosen muscles stiffened by the long ride. Tobias stood nearby holding her outer tunic.

True to his word, Nalas appeared on the fields within the hour, much to Mattea’s annoyance. He made his way quickly across the ground, barely acknowledging the salutes thrown his way from soldiers he went past. His gaze totally focused forward on the pair, but mainly on Mattea. Mattea could feel his stare and trained her concentration on her movements. She moved herself about so she always kept him in her line of sight.

Tobias watched her face and the slight strain that increased the furrow on her brow with each step bringing Nalas closer to them. At first he thought it was nervous apprehension, but the more he observed the more it became evident it was aggravated annoyance. She was able to read Nalas’ face from where she was and her harsh whisper was spot on.

“His intentions were more than just a personal bodyguard as you said. Did you lie to me to get me here?” The blade she wielded was warmer and softer than the cold, razor sharp glare directed his way.

Tobias couldn’t meet the steeled deadly gaze, so he sidestepped it as best he could with his answer.

“I knew you rattled him badly, but I thought it was just for your skills.” Tobias partially told the truth. “He just told me to find out who you were, I wasn’t privy to his other intentions as I said before. I wouldn’t intentionally lie to you. If I knew this was his intention, I would have taken off and paid the price for defying a direct order.”

“I have no intentions of bedding the bastard. I have a husband and I won’t betray him. I’ll kill him first.” She indicated with a nod of her head towards Nalas.

“I’ll hand you the knife.” Tobias said meeting her gaze directly. Truth setting his jaw line. He also knew it would be the last thing he did and he would be proud to die by her side.

“I’ll hold you to it.”

Both grew silent as Nalas got within earshot. You couldn’t miss the milksop expression painted across Nalas’ face, like a schoolboy with his first crush. Mattea bowed as she spoke. “Lord Nalas. You summoned me for your personal guard attachment?” She didn’t look up right away as she couldn’t stomach the look on his face.

“I…well I…” Nalas started, his tongue tripping and stumbling over his words like an infant taking its first tentative steps. He turned to Tobias, flustered and confused. Tobias stepped in, winging it.

“Lord Nalas had requested you for his personal entourage, because of the courage and abilities you displayed under pressure on the training grounds. He felt you deserved a position worthy of your talents.”

“If that is the real reason, I accept the position.” She gave Nalas a hard look as she added. “And for that and only that.” She highly doubted that Nalas or Tobias knew of her skills as an assassin. She was going to keep it that way. “I shall try and honor your wishes and fulfill it to the best of my abilities. I only have one request.”

“What is that?” Nalas’ voice and posture almost well for lack of a better term ‘soft’. Tobias did a quick side glance at Nalas, trying not to get caught doing it. Not believing what he’s hearing from Nalas.

“Only to be treated the same as your other male soldiers of this detail. No better, no worse and definitely no favors or special treatment. I do not wish to draw attention to myself and create any problems.”

Nalas searched her face for a moment before her direct gaze pulled his eyes towards hers. She didn’t look away as she waited for his answer. She showed no fear, no apprehension.

“I think you should…” Nalas watched the look go from waiting to ‘choose your words carefully’, eyes narrowing to thin slits. He started again after a moment’s thought. “I think you have made a fair, simple request and it can be granted.”

The look eased, but the guarded posture and expression remained. She trusted no one, especially Nalas.

“I’ll have you train down here on your time off. I want you to keep your skills sharp and train some of the raw recruits.”

“That, M’Lord, is what I do best.” Her face and voice flat, devoid of emotion. She also had every intention of honing her other skills that she had let slide of recent. Her victims would be some of the older soldiers that would not be missed as much, none of the servants for they were all slaves. She needed to find a spot to dispose of the bodies and would be scouting for this by going for long runs to increase her lung stamina. This would be the perfect cover. Mattea had immediately noticed shortness of breath from the lighter air of the mountain’s elevation. She was in fairly decent shape so it wouldn’t take long. Running with a full pack would also hasten the training.

Nalas’ continued stare made her skin crawl, but she would not allow it to control her. She appeared as calm as a cucumber. She stared right back, no indication of what was going on behind those cold eyes. She sensed Tobias fidgeting ever so slightly beside Nalas, but she refused to look away or back down. She saw the corners of Nalas’ mouth curl up ever so slightly, his eyes seeking some type of response from her. He was rewarded with a nothing, but a flat, deadpan rejection. Mattea broke the suspense with a statement as effective as a cold bucket of water.

“Will that be all M’Lord?”

It left nothing to the imagination as to her feelings towards him. It brought him out of his goofy silence.

“Ah…yes…yes that will be all for now.”

“Then I shall return to my quarters and change into more appropriate training gear so as to assist the trainees.” And with that she saluted, refusing to move until Nalas half-heartedly saluted back. She strode away from him as controlled as physically possible without breaking into a run. She just wanted to get as far away from him as possible. She knew the look and didn’t send any welcoming response to encourage any further advances from him. She was very happily married. Would kill to protect her children, hoping she would see them again. She was very seriously considering praying to the Graces for assistance, they hadn’t lied to her or interfered into her life.

Nalas in the meantime just stood and stared at the retreating figure wondering what he had done wrong, he could think of only one thing and he could solve that quickly.

“Does she have a husband?” Nalas asked, anger tainting his words.

Tobias almost answered before he caught himself and flat out lied to Nalas. He owed this miserable being nothing. “No. And from my conversation with her superior she never did. She didn’t want any type of; now how did he put it? Oh yes She wanted nothing to tie her down or could be used as leverage against her if the situation arose.”

“Hmmm…” Nalas scratched at his chin as he spoke out loud. “Maybe I can change that.”

Tobias never said a word, but thought to himself. ‘You’ll die trying.’