Elvensty Read online

  “I’m sorry,” Khomar replied softly.

  Aya shrugged. “I don’t remember her much at all.” Her tone was matter-of-fact, but Khomar could see pain in her eyes.

  At that moment, the door they had entered opened, and the Headmaster strode quickly through. He closed the door quietly behind him, and Khomar and Aya both stood as he moved around the desk. It was obvious that he was Kintrye’s father for their features were nearly identical save for the gray temples and lines of worry on the elder Jyrye’s face.

  The Headmaster seemed about to sit but remained standing as his intelligent gaze met Khomar’s briefly before turning to Aya. He took a deep breath before he began.

  “We need to get you out of here immediately.” His voice was urgent but gentle, his eyes filled with compassion. “That man who attacked you earlier was a Tynesprys.” He paused to let the words sink in, glancing at Khomar before returning his gaze to Aya and continuing. “Before your father left, he told me that he was being sent to investigate reported Tynesprys activity in the Wylds. I must assume therefore that your attack is related in some way to your father’s mission. If that is the case, then your life is in imminent danger.”

  His uncle paused as he turned toward Khomar. “As for you, Khomar, whatever you did in defending Aya this evening, it will attract the attention of the Tynesprys. It’s not safe for you to remain here either.”

  Khomar glanced at Aya to see her reaction, but her face was composed and serene. He admired her strength.

  The Headmaster looked grim as his gaze went toward the door, his hands trembling slightly. His eyes flashed with anger. “There has been a betrayal in Elvensty. Someone provided this man with information on the exact whereabouts of Aya for the evening. I must assume that someone here in the Academy is working with the Tynesprys.”

  He straightened and fixed his gaze on his nephew. “There are very few people here that I still feel I can trust, and I cannot afford to send any of them with you. You two will need to leave together alone.”

  The elderly Jyrye held his hands together and touched his fingers to his lips in thought. Khomar shifted uneasily under his uncle’s gaze wondering where this might be going.

  The Headmaster finally lowered his hands and continued in a steady tone, “Before Aya’s father left, he gave me guardianship over her. In saving her life this evening, you have proven your ability to be her protector. By the authority given to me as Aya’s guardian, I offer her hand to you to be your wife.”

  Khomar heard Aya gasp even as his own head spun.

  His uncle was still speaking, “You and I both know that your time here is coming to an end. You have learned all that this school can teach you. Aya needs a protector, and you are more than adequate to fulfill this role.”

  Khomar swallowed hard as he stole a glance at Aya. Her gaze was focused on the desk before her. Her expression was inscrutable, but she clutched his Book of the Way to her chest as if it were a lifeline.

  He knew that this was typically the way Jyrye marriages were arranged, though it had always seemed strange to him. The women were seldom given a choice on who they would marry. Any man deemed worthy could be given a woman by her guardian at their discretion. Khomar’s own father had been given Tillya, his mother, in marriage after he had healed his grandfather from a grievous injury. The man had the option to refuse the marriage, but it could be considered an insult. Wars between tribes had started for less.

  And his uncle was right. Aya needed protection, but could Khomar actually be her husband? Though he was drawn to her, he barely knew her. They had only just met a few hours before. However, he felt a peace as he considered the conversation they had shared in the chapel. Aya was a Follower of the Way, one who loved and was earnestly seeking after God. His father had always said that the most important foundation of marriage was that they both shared this desire.

  “I accept her hand,” Khomar said simply.

  His uncle lips formed the hint of a smile and his shoulders relaxed. “Very well. Then we have no time to lose. Come with me.” He led them out of the study back into the sitting room.

  Kintrye was already there, having just entered himself, his arms filled with items that Khomar recognized: Khomar’s pack with two changes of clothing, a cloak, traveling boots and socks, and the great bear skin – a trophy from Khomar’s coming of age hunt – rolled up on top. His utility belt containing a hatchet, hunting knife, and dagger dangled from Kintrye’s left arm while his right arm held Khomar’s heirloom great-sword sheathed in its silver and leather scabbard.

  Kintrye’s mother, Takeya, was also there with a much smaller pile for Aya as well as a small pack of food. She was tall for a Jyrye woman, with wise, kind eyes and reminded Khomar much of his own mother.

  “Aya, I was unable to get your things, but I’m not sure they would be suitable for where you are going anyway,” she explained apologetically. The women’s dorm was on the far side of the island. She would not have been able to get access to Aya’s room without drawing attention from her roommates and many others throughout the school. What things would Aya be forced to leave behind?

  “I have brought you a couple of my winter tunics,” Takeya continued as she handed one of the tunics and the bag of food to Khomar to pack. “You can pull this one over the clothes you are wearing. It’ll be a little big for you, but it will keep you warm. I’ve also brought one of my cloaks, some socks, and traveling boots.”

  “Thank you,” Aya replied quietly, her expression pensive. She stepped toward Takeya and stopped, looking down at Khomar’s Book still in her arms. She paused before handing it to Khomar without meeting his gaze. He gently took it from her even as he wondered how difficult it might be to teach her how to read Auxule. When they got the chance, he would certainly try.

  Setting the Book on a nearby chair, Khomar slipped off his leather sandals, pulled on his socks and began lacing up his walking boots. The Headmaster began to give him instructions.

  “Kintrye will take you up the river to a trailhead upstream. About a day’s journey from there, you will come to a farmhouse. Give them this token,” he said, holding up a engraved copper coin, “and they will give you provisions and directions for the next stage of your journey.”

  Khomar nodded and tucked the coin into his leather money pouch Kintrye had also brought for him. He hung it around his neck, tucking it under his vest. He stood and began to strap on his belt while the Headmaster continued to talk.

  “I am sending you to a man who calls himself Dhrudmon. He went to Elvensty with Aya’s father, and I have known him for many years. I have prepared a letter of introduction for you.” He held it out to Khomar, who paused in his preparations long enough to slide it into the Book of the Way. “The farmer will know the directions to his house,” the Headmaster continued. “I try to know as little about Dhrudmon’s whereabouts as possible.”

  Khomar wondered at this but said nothing as he pulled on his cloak. He had long known that his uncle had secrets, and this was certainly not the time to ask about them. He strapped his great-sword to his back before setting his pack on the couch. Khomar pulled out a leather pouch from his pack and carefully wrapped it around his Book of the Way before placing it back inside. He placed the package of food on top before tying down the flap and slinging the pack over his shoulder. He also took offered water skins and strapped them to his waist.

  He straightened and saw that Aya had been watching him in silence, her face set in a thoughtful expression. She was wrapped in her new cloak and had put on her boots.

  The Headmaster nodded approvingly. “And now I will pronounce the blessing,” he said.

  Khomar felt something press into his left hand as Kintrye stepped closer. Looking down, he saw a thin arm-band made of gold and silver with a clasp at both ends which formed the swordflower crest of his family.

  He remembered the day his mother had given him her wedding band. It was his first day at Elvensty and the last time he had seen her. She had said that she never wore it anymore and felt that he should have it. It was a symbol of Jyrye marriage, but she had adopted the Auxule earrings instead.

  The Headmaster smiled and nodded for Khomar to step forward. As Aya slid to his side, Kintrye and his mother stood slightly behind them. The Headmaster took Aya’s right hand and pulled it gently, palm upward, toward Khomar. Remembering the few Jyrye marriages he had witnessed, Khomar paused and tucked his right hand under his left arm and pulled off his leather glove. He then placed his right hand over her forearm, gently gripping just below the elbow.

  He felt her soft fingers curl around his own arm, and he was suddenly aware of the gentle features of her face, the curl of her hair, and the softness of her touch. He was also struck at the sacredness of the moment, rushed as it was, and the serious weight of responsibility that was falling on his shoulders. He met her gaze and was awed at the look of calm trust in her eyes. He swallowed hard and tried to pay attention to what the Headmaster was saying.

  “… As their right arms are joined in strength, may they be the strength the other needs until they part in death. Let it be.”

  “Let it be so,” said Kintrye and Takeya in unison.

  Remembering what he was doing, Khomar slid the wedding band over her upper arm. His fingers suddenly felt clumsy as he pulled the clasps together, and he gave Aya a tentative smile. She touched the band gently with her left hand, and he thought he saw tears welling in her eyes. She quickly looked away and pulled her cloak around her shoulders.

  He felt the Headmaster touch his elbow, and he turned to met his uncle’s gaze. “It is time to go,” he said. “May God go with you.”

  Takeya stepped forward then, and Khomar’s eyes widened in surprise as she gave him a hug. “Make sure that Tillya knows that
I was here when your path leads you back to her,” she said earnestly. “She will want to know.”

  Khomar nodded wondering how long it would be before he would have the chance. Takeya smiled at Aya before stepping back.

  “Khomar, we won’t be able to send word to your parents of your marriage,” the Headmaster said. “I don’t want to risk the Tynesprys getting any indication of what has happened or where you might be.”

  “Understood.”

  “We should go out the back entrance,” Kintrye interjected as he strapped on his sword belt. “There’s less of a chance of being seen that way, and there’s a canoe hidden in the trees. We need to get going if I’m to make it back before dawn.”

  Without another word, Khomar took Aya’s hand and followed Kintrye through the house to the back entrance and out into the woods beyond. There was a full moon, so they kept mostly to the shadows as they made their way toward where the canoe was hidden on the eastern side of the island. Each taking an end, the two men carried the boat to the shore of the river. Khomar helped Aya sit in the middle and placed his pack in her lap before stepping behind the canoe.

  Kintrye stepped alongside the canoe and into the water. Together, the two men launched the canoe forward. It reminded Khomar of the many times he and Kintrye had slid out without his father knowing to have a weekend adventure in the woods.

  Khomar jumped into the stern just before reaching the water’s edge to avoid getting his boots wet and grabbed a paddle. Kintrye deftly slid into the bow, and the two men quickly set into a rhythm as they set their course against the river’s current.

  No one spoke as the men strained at the oars. The air was still warm and stifling from the day’s heat, and a mist was rising off of the cold water that flowed by. Khomar was grateful for the fog that would shield them from view, but he glanced back with a pang of sadness as the school faded out of sight into the gloom. It had been a place of stability for the past three years, and now it was suddenly gone. He wondered if he would ever see Elvensty again.

  All was peaceful and quiet, belaying the urgency they felt. The sky was clear, and they were surrounded by the usual night sounds and the soft sound of the paddles sliding in and out of the water. The moon was full, illuminating the river in a soft, blue glow, and Khomar watched the shadowed form of the girl sitting in front of him. His girl. His wife. It still did not feel real to him, even though he had put the wedding band on her arm. What would his father think if he could see him now?

  He smiled at the thought as he remembered that his own father had been given Tillya as a wife in a similar way. After healing Khomar’s grandfather Tyrinian, Khauxlan had traveled back with him from the Great Dormankye War, and they had become good friends. Upon their return to Tyrinian’s home in the Terawk Mountains, the Jyrye had promptly given his youngest daughter to the Auxule even though he was over fifteen years older than her. Khomar wondered if his father had felt the same way as he was feeling now. And Aya, was she feeling what his mother had felt too?

  As the night progressed, Aya seemed to sink even further into her seat, and Khomar wondered if she was sleeping. Khomar and Kintrye did not stop to rest until they reached their destination.

  Kintrye signaled Khomar and pointed to the shoreline ahead where the river took a turn to the west. Khomar adjusted his strokes to help steer toward the sandy shoal he could just make out ahead. He soon heard the soft grinding sound as the canoe pressed into the sand and came to a sudden halt. Aya, who had been sitting perfectly still throughout the trip, lurched forward. Already leaning toward her to grab his pack from her lap, Khomar was able to wrap his arms around her waist to steady her. She looked back, her eyes were wide but not quite alert. He was glad that she at least had been able to rest.

  Kintrye had immediately jumped out of the canoe and was pulling it up as far out of the water as he could. Taking the pack from Aya, Khomar gently guided her toward the front of the canoe and helped her out onto dry land. She stumbled clumsily at first before finding her bearings. Kintrye moved to join them.

  “The trail is over there,” he spoke in a quiet whisper, gesturing toward an opening in the trees a dozen yards away.

  “I remember,” Khomar grinned. “As I recall, we have been this way more than once.”

  Kintrye smiled impishly and nodded. He paused a moment then grabbed Khomar’s shoulder with his left hand while pumping his right hand against his own chest. “I will miss you, brother. May God direct your path until we meet again.”

  “Thank you, Kintrye,” Khomar said solemnly. “For everything.”

  Kintrye nodded and held his gaze for a moment as if wanting to say more. Instead, he moved quickly toward the shore.

  Without another word, Khomar took Aya’s hand again and led her toward the trail. He heard the canoe slide out into the water behind him and the oar quietly stir the water as it raced away. They stepped out onto the trail and into the woods, and the silence of the night closed in around them.

  Chapter 5

  Aya could hear the footsteps drawing closer and the sound of a blade being drawn. She could almost feel his breath behind her as she ran blindly through the trees. He had found her, and he was going to kill her. She looked about frantically for Khomar, but he was not there. He had rejected her, and she would have to face the threat alone. Her heart was pounding as she rounded the corner and saw the face of the man who had stalked her that night. A bloody knife rose to meet her.

  She bolted upright with a cry, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Her mind told her she was awake, but the dream was still lingering, taunting her. “He’s going to get me. He’s going to get me.” Fear clawed at her, dragging her down, as the world tilted around her.

  “Aya!” She could hear Khomar’s voice calling to her as if from a great distance. “Aya, it’s just a dream. You’re safe. I’m here.”

  She felt two strong arms wrap around her and pull her close, and sensing the comfort of the touch, she turned into the embrace and buried her head in his chest.

  “You’re safe, Aya,” Khomar repeated, holding her tightly. “I’m here.”

  “He was there, the man who attacked us,” she moaned softly as tears began to flow. “He was waiting for me, and you had left me.”

  “It was only a dream. I haven’t left you. There’s no one here but me.”

  “It was so real,” she whispered, not daring to pull back as she drew strength from his presence. She was no longer trembling, and her breathing was coming more easily as the vision gradually faded from her mind.

  After a few moments, she heard his voice, sounding oddly strained. “Aya, we really should be going. It’s growing light, and we still have a long way to go.”

  She burrowed in closer and sighed softly. She was not sure she wanted to go.

  She allowed her eyes to open and take in her surroundings. They were sitting in a small clearing surrounded by bushes that hid them from view. The light of the suns were just hitting the top-most branches of the trees, and she could hear the call of the songbirds and the rush of the river in the distance behind them.

  Aya barely remembered the trip from the Headmaster’s house. She vaguely recalled watching the island on which the Elvensty Academy was built fading away as they moved upstream. Her next memory was being on the shore as Khomar led her toward a path dimly illuminated by the moon. She could not recollect arriving at this site.

  “Aya,” Khomar spoke again, his voice still strained as he released his hold on her. Without thinking, she tried to brush her mind against his, but once again, she found the impenetrable wall of his block. She sighed again and reluctantly sat up, hugging her knees.

  Khomar quickly stood and moved over toward his pack. He returned pulling his leather gloves back onto his hands before offering a hand to help her up. Aya searched his face intently, trying to get a sense of what he was thinking, and she allowed him to help her to her feet. He offered her a reassuring smile, but quickly turned away.

  “Do you want something to eat?” he asked quietly as he rummaged through his pack.

  Aya suddenly realized how hungry she was. “Yes, please. I’m starving.”

  Khomar chuckled nervously and produced some jerky and flatbread. “I hope you like trail rations. That is all we are likely to get today.”