[Shadowed Path 02] - Candle in the Storm Read online

  “So feuds have broken out already?” asked Yim.

  “Feuds and worse,” said Cronin. “Mostly in the west. There, the clans squabble like roosters, all the while ignoring the advancing wolf. ‘tis madness!”

  “This comes as no surprise,” said Yim. “We’ve arrived from the east, where the black priests are also stirring trouble.”

  “Yim met up with one and ”

  “Honus!” said Yim in a cautionary tone.

  Honus immediately bowed his head. “Pardon me, Karmamatus.”

  Cronin looked at Honus, unable to hide the surprise upon his face. Yim caught the look and said, “I’ll speak to you privately of what I’ve learned.”

  “There’s na need for secrecy here,” said Cronin. “Cara’s clan mother, and Rodric’s clan steward.” He gestured to the middle-aged man who had surrendered his place at Cara’s right. “The rest here are men who’ve fought beside me for many winters. Any counsel for me is counsel for us all.”

  “I’ve learned Lord Bahl is not your true enemy,” said Yim.

  Cronin’s expression grew incredulous. “Then who is?”

  “Bahl’s master. The Devourer.”

  “A god? My enemy’s a god?”

  “Yes.”

  “And how can I fight a god?”

  “You can’t.”

  Cronin gazed at Yim with fierce eyes. “I make na claim to be holy. I can only use what sense I have. So mayhap what you say is true, and I can na defeat my foe.” He slammed his ale goblet down on the table, spattering the brew everywhere. “But, by Karm, I’ll try!” Then he rose from the table and strode toward the door.

  Cara rose also. “Cronin!” she shouted with a tone of authority that Yim had never heard from her before. “Do na insult our guest!”

  Cronin threw up his hands in a gesture that could have signified resignation, fury, apology, or defiance; Yim was unsure which. Whatever its meaning, Cronin didn’t turn around as he left the room.

  Cara sat down, looking angry. “I apologize for Brother’s ill behavior.”

  “He spoke his heart,” replied Yim. “That’s not a bad thing in these times.” She turned to Honus. “When you’ve eaten, go to him. Speak with him as you deem best. He needs your friendship.”

  Honus bowed his head, then quickly finished his porridge. Afterward, he rose to do Yim’s bidding.

  * * *

  The clan hall proved overflowing with people, and many had noted Cronin’s passage. They directed Honus to the wall that enclosed the hall. A wooden walkway ran behind its crenellated top. Honus climbed up to it and found Cronin pacing along its length, peering at the campfires in the dark. He turned at the sound of Honus’s footsteps. “I thought she’d send you here.”

  “You sound displeased,” replied Honus.

  “I’ve suffered many blows. But to see you unmanned! ‘tis beyond abiding!”

  “Is that what you think?”

  “What else? The temple’s been destroyed, so who invested Yim as your Bearer?”

  “Karm herself.”

  Cronin gave a bitter laugh. “Why look so high to explain her hold on you? ‘Twould be wiser to peer below your drawstring.”

  “Tread lightly, friend,” said Honus. “You’ve not seen what I’ve seen.”

  “True enough, although her slave’s tunic was revealing. I’m sure she’s shown you ”

  Honus seized Cronin’s collar and jerked it until they were nose-to-nose. He glared at his friend for a moment, then just as suddenly released him and stepped back. “I’m sorry. That’s not what Yim wanted.”

  “What did she want?” asked Cronin.

  “For me to help you.”

  “Then why did she bring you here only to say there’s na point fighting? What does she propose to do? Wait like lambs in a slaughter pen?”

  “I lack Yim’s wisdom. You should speak with her.”

  “She’s just a pretty lass. What wisdom can she have?”

  “Karm guides her. Of that I’m certain.”

  “And how did you come by that notion?”

  “When we reached Bremven and found the temple destroyed, I gave Yim her freedom. As a favor to me, Commodus made her his ward. With Yim safe, I prepared to avenge the massacre by slaying the priests in the Black Temple. Yim stopped me.”

  “Stopped a Sarf? How could she do that?”

  “That night, she forced the truth from Commodus and tracked me down in the temple’s ruins. She said killing would displease the goddess. I mocked her and called her deluded. But when I peered into her eyes, she revealed her holiness to me.”

  “I think you gazed at your lover and found what hope had placed there.”

  “It wasn’t like that at all,” said Honus. “You know my powers of perception. And I was steeled for death, not seeking love.”

  “So what did you see?”

  “Indescribable holiness.”

  “Indescribable?” said Cronin. “I give up. There’s na talking to you.”

  “I’ve seen miracles, too. Deeds worthy of legendary Seers and Bearers.”

  “Like what?”

  “She raised spirits. She made a black priest confess his lies and renounce his god.” Honus lowered his voice to an awed whisper. “When I died, she restored my life.”

  Cronin simply stared at Honus, dumbfounded.

  “Don’t tell Yim I said that. She’ll deny it.”

  “As well she might. Such tales are meant for fond ears only.”

  “She claimed she only sucked poison from my wound. But you know that doesn’t work. Besides, I recall my death and resurrection, though she said it was but a dream.”

  Cronin sighed. “If you believe she’s holy, then it does na matter what I think. Yet to replace Theodus with a timid lass ”

  “She’s not timid.”

  “She talks defeat. ‘tis a fool’s counsel.”

  “So wisdom lies solely in fighting?”

  “If one fights wisely,” said Cronin. “Hope remains, but we must act soon. Bahl’s already in the west and pressing at Averen’s outskirts. Word has it he slaughters everyone except those who join him. Thus his army grows even as it ravages, and death breeds more death. But to come this way he must pass through Tor’s Gate, and there we can make a stand.”

  “I’ve heard of the place,” said Honus. “There’s a stronghold there, but it’s not mighty.”

  “I do na plan to defend the stronghold,” said Cronin. “‘tis Tor’s Gate itself that will aid our cause—a notch between the mountains that squeezes a large force into a long thin one. Within its confines, Bahl’s unskilled killers can na overwhelm us with their numbers. We can cut them down as they advance. Help me, Honus! We can prevail.”

  “Convince Yim, and I’ll do her bidding.”

  “And if I can na convince her?”

  “Her word will guide me, not your pleas.”

  “She must lend our cause your prowess and courage. Think on this: If we fail, Bahl’s red-handed men will surely come for her, just as they came for Theodus. And though you’ll defend her, she’ll share his fate. You’ve seen it before. Do you want to see it again? Your Bearer torn apart before your eyes?”

  Honus failed to answer, for he was reliving the horrific day that Theodus fell. He stared into the dark with tear-rimmed eyes as if he were viewing the carnage Cronin had evoked. Then the scene within his mind underwent an appalling change, and it wasn’t Theodus whom the horde ripped apart, but Yim.

  TWENTY-ONE

  DINNER WAS long over when Honus returned to the banquet hall. Because the clan mother lingered at the table, the other diners did also. “Well, Honus,” called out Cara, “did you calm my brother?”

  Honus didn’t reply at once, and Yim noted that his face was far from calm. Rather, she detected a mask forced on his features to hide the turbulence within. She was alarmed, but at a loss as to what to do. If we were alone it’d be different , she thought. But Yim was keenly aware that she had an audience that was watching her e
very move. She turned to Cara. “My Sarf and I have traveled long and hard, and it’s taken a toll. If you would show us where we might rest, we’d be grateful.”

  Cara rose, and the others at the table rose also. “Good night, gentlemen,” she said. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Yim and Honus, you’re under my special care. Please stay awhile.”

  The other diners dispersed, but Cara remained behind with Yim and Honus until she had them to herself. “Well, Honus, what did Brother say to you? You’ve never looked so upset, and you a Sarf. Zounds! What’s the world coming to?”

  Honus, having regained some of his composure, said, “He expressed concerns.”

  “Concerns!” said Cara. “Why, I’m sure he did. Zounds, Brother’s concerns would overfill a valley. He went on about Yim, I’m certain of it. After what he said at dinner, you can na tell me otherwise. Men! Agree with them, or be called a fool!”

  The tiniest of smiles briefly passed over Honus’s lips. “I’d never be so rash as to disagree with you.”

  “Wise choice,” said Cara. “We’ll talk tomorrow. I’ve got to put Yim to bed. You, too. Now come.” She started walking from the banquet hall, but kept talking without pause. “Yim says you’re to have separate rooms. ‘tis a pity, but that’s na my concern. So, Honus, you’ll have your own room, except you’ll have to share it—just na with Yim. It won’t be fancy, for we’re full up. More than full, with every relation you can imagine. And Brother’s officers. A few strays, too. So, Honus, you’ll sleep with Brother’s serving man. And a third cousin from Karm-knows-where. But at least your room will be close to Yim’s.” Cara glanced at Yim, who had retrieved the pack from the entrance hall. “Yim, you’ll share my bed.”

  “I couldn’t do that!” said Yim.

  “Of course you can! And you will. But you must bathe first and tell me what happened to your hair. Who chopped it off?”

  “A Sarf,” said Yim.

  Cara shot Honus an outraged look. “Zounds, Honus! How could you?”

  “It wasn’t me,” said Honus.

  “Then who?”

  “Ask Yim,” replied Honus, “for I’m sure you will, regardless of what I say.”

  “I will then, and when ” Cara spotted a servant and went over to tell him to fetch a tub and hot water to her room. Distracted by the interruption, she started on a new topic upon her return. “Honus, you must talk to Brother about his plan. I’m na fool, I know its prospects are na so good. Brother knows it, too, but will na say it. But a little chance is bigger than none. Oh Karm, to think that Oh, well, here’s your room. Sleep tight, Honus. We’ll talk about it more tomorrow.”

  “And where will Yim be sleeping?” asked Honus. “As her Sarf, I need to know.”

  “Why, in Dar’s room, of course,” replied Cara, pointing to the door at the end of the hallway. “I’m clan mother now, or have you forgotten?”

  Honus smiled and bowed. “That would be impossible.”

  As soon as the two women were alone, Cara threw her arms around Yim and hugged her close. “Oh Yim, I thought I’d never see you or Honus again. And now that you’re here, I’m happy and sad at once. I fear your visit may have doomed you.”

  “Danger’s everywhere,” said Yim, “so best to face it with friends. Already you’ve performed a wonder and cheered up Honus.”

  “After Brother did just the opposite. Well, Honus was always a brooder. You must know that for sure. But like most men, he can’t ponder two things at once, so I just gave him more than he could handle.”

  “More than I can handle, too.”

  “Nay, na you. But enough of that. You’re in love! And Honus is, too! I knew the moment I saw you two, so do na deny it. How truly wonderful! I’m so glad you heeded my advice. So, why separate rooms? Both of you can have this bed. I want you to have it. Who knows where we’ll be soon. The Dark Path, most like. So why na grab what happiness you can?”

  “You know why, Cara. I’m the Chosen.”

  “You mean you’re still ”

  “A virgin? Yes.”

  “Why? I see the way you look at Honus. And the way he looks at you. Why na tup him?”

  “And abandon the goddess?”

  “It seems to me that she’s abandoned you. Why even think you can have a child? There’s na time for it. I fear Bahl’s fiends will be at our door long before nine moons pass.”

  “My path was set long ago, and I’ll follow it as far as I can.”

  “But you do love Honus?”

  “Yes, and it’s torment! Every night I waver. And every night it gets harder to ignore my heart.”

  Cara gazed at Yim sadly and shook her head. “I do na understand you.”

  A knock on the door interrupted the two women. A voice from behind it said, “Clan Mother, we’ve brought the bath.”

  Cara had the servants enter. One carried a small copper tub, while others brought ewers of hot water, soap, and a drying cloth. Yim was glad for the interruption and suspected that Cara sensed her relief, for after the servants left, Cara didn’t resume the previous conversation. Instead she asked if a Sarf had really chopped her hair.

  “Yes,” replied Yim, “but he was aiming for my neck.”

  “Zounds! And he missed? I thought Sarfs never missed.”

  “I was leaping into a river when he swung.”

  “Oh Holy Karm! What a life you’ve been leading! And where did you get that big scar on your back? That’s new. So tell me all. Do na leave out a single thing.”

  “When you said we’d share a bed, I thought you’d let me sleep in it,” said Yim. “I think instead you plan to keep me up all night. Can’t I have a little rest? I’m not leaving tomorrow.”

  “When are you leaving?”

  “I don’t know. I have no plans. I’ll stay until Karm directs me elsewhere, or you tire of me.”

  “I’ll never do that,” said Cara. “We’ll grow old together.” She quickly made the Sign of the Balance. “Karm willing.” Then she bounced up and down like an overanxious child. “But zounds, Yim, please tell me something!”

  While Yim washed, she began an abbreviated account of her adventures since she last saw Cara. She continued it after she changed into her old slave’s tunic, which still served her as a nightgown, and climbed into bed beside her friend. Yim omitted a great deal in an attempt to seem as unremarkable as possible. She didn’t speak of visions, raising spirits, the malign presence in the ruined temple, or her encounter with Lila. Since Yim had once used her powers to force truth from Cara, she did speak of doing the same to the Devourer’s priest. However, Yim didn’t describe the aftermath. She related the incident with Gatt as a series of combats in which Honus finally triumphed and won her heart.

  For her part, Cara kept mostly silent, except for uttering “Zounds!” at dramatic moments and asking a few pertinent questions. She looked thoughtful throughout the narration, and Yim had little doubt that Cara was weighing everything she said and finding much missing.

  Yim awoke alone. Sunlight was streaming through the room’s tiny windows. By its angle Yim saw that she had slept late into the morning. She glanced about for her clothes and for the first time noticed that the room had once been a cottage. Its front door and some of its windows had been sealed up, but their outlines were still visible, and the ancient wooden floor was most worn around the former doorway. The room’s fireplace was hearth-sized and still had pothooks. Cara called this Dar’s room, thought Yim, suspecting it had been the clan founder’s home. She imagined a long line of women living in the space, ruling a growing clan and adding to the cottage until it became a manor house.

  Yim continued looking for her clothes, but could find only her sandals. A short-sleeved gown of finely woven wool lay next to them, making Yim think it was intended for her. The gown wasn’t dark blue, the appropriate shade for a Bearer, but bluish-gray. Thus she donned the garment reluctantly, feeling that it diminished her standing. After Yim dressed, she opened the door and found a young woman waiting outside. The woman
bowed immediately. “Good morning, Karmamatus. Clan Mother says I’m to serve you.”

  “I have a Sarf for that. Where is he?”

  “Waiting for you, Karmamatus. Shall I take you to him?”

  “Please. And what happened to my clothes?”

  “They’re being washed and mended, Karmamatus.”

  Yim was inclined to ask the servant to call her “Yim,” but thought better of it. Cronin seemed to have questioned her sanctity at dinner, and she was currently dressed like an ordinary woman. The servant led Yim to a small room off the kitchen that seemed an informal dining area. Honus was seated but rose immediately when Yim entered. He bowed. “Good morning, Karmamatus.”

  Honus’s formality bothered Yim until she gazed at his face. His loving look was stronger than ever. She had missed his closeness in the night, and she felt certain that he had missed her equally. “Did you sleep well, Honus?”

  “The mattress was soft.” Honus smiled wryly. “But the company was abundant.” Then his voice turned wistful as he gazed into Yim’s eyes. “Sleeping outdoors had greater charms.”

  Yim was about to agree, but said instead, “And greater temptations.”

  “Yes,” said Honus, looking away. “Those also.”

  “Would Karmamatus like some porridge?” asked the serving woman.

  “Yes, please,” said Yim.

  When the woman left, Yim spoke to Honus in a low voice. “What did Cronin say to you last night? I’ve seldom seen you in such a state.”

  “He didn’t like what you said, so he was disinclined to believe your authority.” Honus paused. “Last night, you said that one can’t fight the Devourer. Before, you were only uncertain it was possible.”

  “Perhaps I spoke too strongly,” said Yim. “However, I’ve begun to think that fighting is futile.”

  “But you’re not certain?” said Honus, his tone betraying hopefulness.

  Yim responded to Honus’s tone rather than his question. “What went on between you?”

  “Cronin has a plan. Perhaps you should hear it.”

  “It wasn’t talk of strategy that left you devastated.”