Blade Heart

  As she remained motionless he eased the knife away and pushed her up the staircase with his hand. She stumbled on the first step. His laugh grating on her nerves, Cara used the damp wall and ascended the winding stairs. When they got to the first landing he grabbed the back of her cloak and shoved her into a room.

  “Chief, look what I’ve found! I think she broke my nose.”

  Six pair of eyes turned to her. Bearing swords and axes on their hips, dressed in shabby clothes, scars disfiguring most of them, they looked made of the same material as Mister Toothless behind her. A crooked nose highlighting his pallid cheeks, the tallest man frowned.

  “Well, well, well, now that’s a surprise. Isn’t it, Dead?”

  The five other men moved apart when their chief spoke. Although they were crowding him like vultures around a fresh cadaver, the stranger showed only defiance. But as his eyes caught hers Cara sensed consternation—for her sake.

  Given that she had disregarded his advice and walked head-on into a trap, he had every right to be mad at her. Yet while their gazes locked she also read pride in them. Why would he be proud of her? Because she might have broken Black Gummies’ nose? Whatever had caused it, the feeling warmed her heart.

  Disregarding Cara as easily as his man’s broken bone, the leader focused on the stranger.

  “Seems to me I’ve already told you never to come back here. Yet, here are you are.” He paused to let his meaning sink in, his icy voice countering the apparent plainness of his words. “I just got word you killed some of my men in the Blue Forest. Now I’m willing to overlook this unfortunate accident this once, but you know what I want and you’ll give it to me. Where is it?”

  “Can’t remember.”

  “Is that so?”

  Without warning the leader punched him hard in the guts. Air gushed out of his lungs as the fist hit him, but he stayed on his feet. Breathing hard, he raised a defiant stare to the man opposite him. Cara winced when she saw the resolve in his eyes—the I’ll-never-talk look that said it all.

  Apparently the chief had also figured it out. A smirk twisting his crooked nose, he cocked his head towards her. Eyeing Cara from head to toe he came up to her and inserted a dirty hand into her hair.

  “What am I going to do, to a beauty like you, he? Who is she, Dead?”

  “No idea.”

  “Hum, you wouldn’t lie to me, would you? Because if you did…”

  Fingers in Cara’s hair, he jerked her head back. She moaned, throat exposed, pain shooting down her spine.

  “Don’t touch her!”

  The stranger’s shout spurred her instincts. She struck out blindly. As her knee whacked the leader’s groin he uttered a harsh grunt and released her hair. Like a pile of cardboard boxes he crumpled in front of her. Probably too surprised to react quickly, his men watched him drop to his knees. The stranger rushed to him before anyone could move. Dagger in hand, he raised it to the chief’s throat.

  “Get up!”

  With how the man grunted, the simple act of getting on his feet must have hurt like hell although he still managed to give an order to his band.

  “Don’t move.”

  They obeyed him as the stranger used him like a shield to back up to the staircase. He motioned Cara to go down the steps and followed her without loosening his grip on the leader. As soon as they got to the tower’s front door he knocked him out with the hilt of his dagger. The man slumped to the floor.

  Sheathing his blade, the stranger didn’t wait for the others to come dashing down the stairs. He pulled the heavy door open.

  “Run.”

  She flew. Feet barely touching the ground, straight to the hill, she only glanced back when he seized her arm to make her run faster. Five men were fast pursuing them. With all the speed she could muster, Cara raced forward.

  The dragon had already its scales up when he saw them. Although they might make it, the creature wouldn’t have time to take off before the band of cutthroats pounced on them. Still she ran, hauled by his hand on her arm. Heart hammering, out of breath, she tripped a few feet from the beast.

  Pain lanced her left elbow when it hit the ground first because he was still holding her right arm. Bracing herself for the violent pull that was sure to come, she could only gape at him as he fell down beside her. Then she frowned when he winked at her, a small grin stretching his lips.

  A thunderous roar ripped the countryside. Heart in her mouth, Cara covered her ears while a wave of heat rushed above her. As much as she would have liked to squeeze her eyes shut, she had to see.

  A short distance back, a furious wall of fire looked alive. Unable to discern the men trapped on the other side, she stared at the leaping flames, at the dragon fire that had saved their lives. Smoke puffing out of its snout, yellow eyes unblinking, the fantastic creature was looking at her. Its stare appeared almost human.

  Not caring if the dragon understood or not, she got up and walked to its huge head, just like she had seen the stranger do.

  “Thank you, Haedron.”

  Although he didn’t react, a shiver rattled her and the sensation that they had made a connection swelled in her. With a smile she took a step back before checking on the stranger. His appreciative nod touched her even more. Would he trust her now that she was buddy-buddy with his dragon?

  “Let’s go.”

  Well, maybe not right this minute, but it may come. His hands lingered on her waist when he put the harness around her. The wall of fire might come down anytime but in spite of the urgency of the moment, her nipples stiffened. She must control her body’s reactions. She didn’t know how, yet she had to. The last thing she wanted was to see him suffer another attack—maybe a fatal one next time.

  The dragon took off. Wings spread out, snout in the air, he lunged towards the sun. Safe on his back, she rejoiced in the amazing sensation. Aware of the world’s immensity, her limbs enclosed in the stranger’s embrace, Cara felt so alive she thought her heart would burst. And she made a decision. Tonight, whatever it took, she’d make him talk.

  Until dusk she devised various communication strategies involving ‘what’, ‘how’ and ‘why’. When the sun began to dip low and shadows invaded the ruined lands below, the dragon brought them down. They stood in the centre of dried ground while he flew up again. Tail swishing, he soon disappeared in the distance.

  They headed to the cliffs that cut them off from an invisible part of the territories. A forest started at the end of the massive, chalky white rock face and she guessed they’d take cover there for the night.

  “Find some wood for the fire, I’ll get us dinner.”

  Dinner in a forest? By the sound of it she’d probably be sucking leaves until the wee hours of the morning. He disappeared into the forest, but she stayed at the edge to make the most of the dwindling light and pick up dried branches. She had gathered a fair pile when he came back holding two dead rabbits and what looked like a water skin.

  Cara recognised the supple fabric when he brought it to her lips—the bundle Heather had given them. They had eaten its contents at lunchtime and he had turned it inside out to shape a water skin. Very cunning.

  He handed her the rabbits before lifting the whole pile of wood. She followed him back to the cliffs with the distinct impression he knew his destination. A concealed bend in the white rock led them to the entrance of a cave. Hidden from the outside world, the vast cave would make a fabulous shelter for the night. Grinning at the sight of this den, Cara put the rabbits down.

  “You’ve been here before.”

  As the stranger nodded, the pile of wood he was carrying crashed down. Arms limp, face ashen, he raised his head and let out an unbridled, undying breath.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Although silent, his creepy sigh and peculiar attitude puckered her skin. Pins and needles crawling up her scalp, Cara swallowed.

  “Are you okay?”

  Wrenching his gaze away from the ceiling, he moved his shoulders up and down while
slanting his head from side to side.

  “Yes. You build a fire and I’ll take care of the game. There’s not much light left.”

  The man was so strange. But they only had moments before sundown and Cara followed his instructions to the letter. He taught her to form a circle with rocks or stones and pile up wood inside while he skinned and gutted the rabbits. Once he had sparked flames with a flint, he set them to roast.

  They sat on each side of the fire. Spooky and uncomfortable as their shelter turned out to be, she loved being with him in the cave, loved watching him perform mundane tasks almost as much as she admired his fighting skills. Today he had saved her again, though she felt proud of her own moves. Picturing the expression of pain she had brought on the leader’s face, she grinned.

  “That was the first time I hit someone. Do you think I hurt him a lot?”

  His hand around the hilt of the dagger, he poked the embers. He glanced up, giving her the look she had yet to fathom out—in fact similar to one he had used previously, when he had expected her to fence off bounty hunters in the Blue Forest.

  “Nice move.”

  “Thanks. I thought you’d be mad at me for not staying with the dragon.”

  “You aren’t a child anymore.”

  What did that mean? That she should be more responsible? That she’d get them both killed because of her rash actions? Although she didn’t like the sound of his warning Cara let it go. Her so-called childish behaviour wasn’t what she wanted to talk about.

  “I’m sorry you didn’t get what you were looking for.”

  “Oh, but I did.”

  Out of his pocket he fished a flat, round silver object. Engraved in its centre, markings slightly stuck out. She couldn’t tell for sure but they looked like wings under an arch or possibly a gateway. She’d have liked to touch the metal circle, but he put it back in the folds of his jacket.

  “What is it?”

  “A medallion. Nobody lays a hand on what’s mine and they stole it from me the last time I was in the Tower of the Blind Seers.”

  Holy shit, being blind when destiny called you to become a seer must have been a tough one to go around.

  “Still, they’d have killed you. Why did you go there?”

  “I figured walking right into a trap and having my throat sliced would be a fun way to start the day.”

  Her mouth dropped open. She had sensed death didn’t mean much to him, but she hadn’t believed he’d deliberately seek it. When his eyes twinkled Cara let out a relieved sigh. He was having her on again.

  “I knew where they had hidden the medallion, but they shouldn’t have been there. They must have tarried.”

  “What did they want from you today?”

  “The parchment.”

  Heather had been right to forbid him to take the scroll out of her house. How come so many people were interested in that piece of gibberish?

  “They seemed to know you. Who are they?”

  “Cutthroats, thieves, bandits, bounty hunters, soldiers.”

  “Soldiers?”

  “It’s complicated.”

  Now that he had launched into the beginnings of a conversation, she wouldn’t let him off the hook so easily.

  “I like complicated stories.”

  He sprang to his feet, glanced around for a second then took the few steps leading to the entrance of the cave. As the light from the fire didn’t reach quite that far he blended into the shadowy night.

  “There’s no moon tonight.”

  “Honestly, I don’t give a shit about the moon. Come back here, I want to hear your complicated story.”

  Cara perceived his shrug, yet he listened and sat back down across from her. He used his dagger to poke the roasting rabbits.

  “My world is divided into four vast territories—Palance, Moonstill, Agravar and Borgom. Apart from skirmishes at the border, the Four Kingdoms used to be at peace. Then last century important conflicts broke out over the land without any real reason. At least, none we could fathom. Five winters ago, the king of Agravar died and his son Devlyn was crowned. His father had been a harsh and greedy king—he is worse. He wants to rule over the Four Kingdoms and his lust for power has led to war. Last winter he struck an alliance with the king of Borgom. Since then things have turned for the worse.”

  “And his people obey this Devlyn?”

  “They don’t have a choice. They bend to his rules or they die, along with their families. Besides, he stands at the head of a massive army. On top of his personal guard he recruited the kind of scum we met at the tower. Fearing neither the Mighty Gods nor man, they revel in destroying, raping and plundering.”

  “What about the other two kings?”

  “When they figured out the extent of the damage, they attempted an alliance with the tribespeople. Unfortunately, the clans have their own rules and tend to keep to themselves. They wouldn’t help. Although I believe the Lord of the Clans to be a fair man, his only concern is to protect his people and he won’t take sides.”

  “Have you met him?”

  “Not yet, but I plan to. Lord Cameron will see me and I’ll change his mind.”

  “In the meantime, shouldn’t the kings stand up to Devlyn?”

  “They do their best, but their numbers are fewer and their armies less barbarous. Battlefield casualties, lack of supplies and fresh water have weakened the kingdoms to the point where…”

  He paused to rub his brow as if the next part involved something even more horrible—or possibly incredible.

  “To the point where what?”

  “When all hope is lost one can always rely on faith.”

  Cara had made a mental note to congratulate him on lasting so long without becoming cryptic, but she might have to delay her praise.

  “Meaning?”

  “As a last resort, the kings of Palance and Moonstill have decided to trust in the fulfilment of the prophecy.”

  “Heather said nobody could decipher it.”

  “Someone has.”

  “Who?”

  “Caius.”

  So that was the true motive behind their dragon ride. The mysteries of his world beginning to unravel, Cara felt about to burst with a million questions. As he pulled the rabbits out of the fire to cool them down she settled for the enquiry foremost in her mind. She wanted to know so much about him.

  “What’s your name?”

  “Dead.”

  Okay, he still didn’t trust her and she’d just have to bide her time. If need be, she’d gladly wear him out.

  “Where are you from?”

  “I was born in Palance. My loyalties lie with King Droman.”

  Cursing herself for her own silliness, Cara nevertheless felt happy the stranger was one of the good guys.

  “Who is Caius to you?”

  “A mentor, a loyal friend and a powerful ally to Palance. As such, I accepted the task he entrusted me with.”

  He handed her one of the rabbits. Holding the animal so as not to burn her fingers, Cara bit into a leg. A delicious roasted flavour filled her mouth. God, this tasted so much better than a hamburger.

  “Which task?”

  “Finding you.”

  She choked on the tender flesh. Coughing and swallowing, she finally managed to get the chewed piece down her stomach. Opposite her, he munched his food with the enthusiasm of a hungry man.

  “Me? Why? What have I got to do with your prophecy?”

  “Caius didn’t tell me.”

  “And you didn’t ask?”

  He shook his head. She should have been surprised, but somehow his lack of interest matched his character.

  “How long have you been looking for me?”

  “Winter, spring and summer have passed.”

  That long! Although odd and tight-lipped, he certainly possessed the ability to set his mind to a task. Caius must have distinguished that trait in him.

  “How were you supposed to recognise me?”

  “He said I’d know
when I saw you.”

  “Did you?”

  He cocked an eyebrow. Yes, yes, yes, he had seemed familiar with her in the meadow and she should quit asking questions she already had the answers to. Still, the man Caius had to be some kind of mystic or visionary. He belonged here so how else could he have figured she’d turn up in this world?

  “So Caius understands the prophecy?”

  “For the most part. We’ve crossed into the kingdom of Agravar so I guess we’ll find out for sure tomorrow. “

  “True enough, but I wish I could remember my past. For instance when I woke up in the meadow, did you see how I got there?”

  “No. I was on my way to Heather’s when I spotted you fast asleep at the foot of the tree. I just thought you’d be more comfortable on my lap.”

  Although he kept a straight face as he threw clean bones into the fire, Cara perceived he felt like winking at her. Given that they’d never be able to make love, she didn’t find it funny. Her stomach full with half a rabbit, she reached over the fire. With a nod he began picking at the proffered food.

  “Why would you think that?”

  “You looked so peaceful, so beautiful.”

  She had felt at peace that day. Since then she had been attacked, pursued, almost killed and made well aware of a ravaged world she had no means of leaving. No matter how much she wanted to.

  “Now, I’m just scared.”

  He dropped the rabbit on the stone floor. In a swift move he circled the fire to kneel at her side. He cupped her face between his hands then smoothed her cheekbones with gentle thumbs.

  Her anxiety departed like ashes in a storm as soon as he touched her. The beat of her heart drumming in her ears, Cara stared at his sensual lips. Closer and closer. Until he slid his hands in her hair. When his lips touched hers she believed heaven had spread a veil of sweetness over the stone cave.

  He penetrated her mouth, moving his tongue slowly and gently. She shivered. His lips parting hers, he kissed her deeper. As if he had longed for this magical instant, his passion brought her to the brink of submission. Swept away by the strokes of his tongue, she almost gave in to the power of his lust.

  Yet as tremors turned her body into the vessel of his desire, Cara realised her mistake. She’d do anything to be loved by the stranger, but she’d also do anything to keep him alive. Hands flying to his chest, she pushed him back.