Splintered Fate Read online

  “I suppose, though it may be dangerous.” Lana was reluctant to have them travel with her. She planned on doing this alone, not wanting anyone to get in her way, nor did she want to cause them to get hurt. But if they were to turn around and head away before they came upon the Rami then perhaps it would be okay.

  “A little danger can be good for the soul.” The old man said with a shrug of his shoulders and a small sparkle in his eye.

  “Thank you for your kindness,” Lana replied, suspiciously keeping her eyes on him. She approached the all white horse. The mare was magnificent and already saddled with a beautiful leather saddle. She climbed onto the horse. The saddle seat fit to her perfectly. If the old man gave her the horse so freely then did he know she would come this way, did he have it saddled for her? This was the most peculiar thing.

  “I must urge you to go to safety.” Lana spoke to the bearded man.

  The old man shrugged “Where is there safety today? It's a relative term. We will be ok with you, council woman.”

  Lana’s lips pressed in to a thin line. They were not safe, and they knew that, yet he still was willing to go with her towards danger and with two children.

  “I do not even know your name.”

  “Donn” he said with a smile. Lana looked at him expecting more, a last name perhaps but he did not give it.

  “Donn, very well, we should get going.” Lana began riding with the three following her. They rode fast, but in silence.

  You are being awfully quiet, traitor.

  What? Ardin replied as if he had no idea what Lana was referring to.

  You knew the old man and the children were up ahead and you let me wonder straight to them, no warning.

  Ardin would have heard or felt the people up ahead, but he did not warn Lana of it in hopes that the strangers would stop her, ruin her plans. The plans he found irrational. To her luck that is not how things happened.

  After a short ride Lana came to a stop. “I’m going to go on foot from here, they must be about a mile out. You should not go any further,” she dismounted the beautiful white mare.

  “Be safe,” Donn gave her a kind nod of his head. Once Lana was standing on her own, her eyes met with the old man’s. He made no attempts to take the white horse and leave.

  “Aren’t you going?” Lana asked.

  “We will stay, we got you this far. If your father found out I helped you and just left you here alone he would have my head. We will stay in case you need help.”

  Lana nearly winced at the mention of her father.

  “You know Valdor?”

  “I have met him a few times here and there. He is a busy man. I am more of a supporter then acquaintance.”

  Glanced over at Donn’s grandkids, Lana released a deep sigh. They were just children, they shouldn’t be here, so close to danger.

  “They will be safe with me,” Donn added, as if reading her mind.

  “I do not feel comfortable endangering their lives, you should leave.” Lana urged him quietly.

  “Well I’m not.” Was his only reply.

  “So be it.” She was frustrated with him, how he couldn’t see that it would be best for him if he simply took his grandchildren and left. Even though she hated it, there was nothing that she could do to change Donn’s mind.

  Lana slipped off her sword. She eyed it a moment, considering whether to bring it with her or to leave it for fear of someone noticing the blade as a Madonian weapon. If she needed a weapon she could always create a sword, though it would take some strength and concentration to do so. Having her sword with her would be easier if she ran into trouble, but it would also make it easier for her to be made as a Madonian.

  Deciding against bringing the sword, she fastened it to the beautiful white mare for safe keeping. After taking a deep breath, she turned to her Aorra, this was going to be a challenge.

  “You are to stay here and keep them safe.”

  NO. Ardin released a deep growl, the kind that any one but Lana would have found threatening.

  Someone sees me wondering around with a great big wolf… it’s not very Rami of me.

  Absolutely not Lana. She could feel the anger radiating from him. He was not happy at all about her plan.

  It’s not up for discussion, you will obey. Keep them safe and if I need you then I will call for you.

  There were some Madonians that gave their Aorra’s orders. Lana was never one of those. Ardin was always free. They were partners, she did not master him into obeying her every wish for she never had the need for that. But this day was different. She must do this alone and Ardin would never willingly agree to it.

  You cannot do this! His voice snarled in her mind.

  I can. And I am. The more you fight me the more you will pull my energy and attention from me and the more danger you will put me in, so please do not fight me.

  Lana could feel her Aorra’s rage seeping through his consciousness into her own.

  If the choices you make today get you killed, just remember that you will not be the only one to die. He snapped and with that Lana was alone. Ardin had pulled back and shut her out from himself.

  A shudder ran through her at the thought of causing her Aorra his life. Ardin would lay down his life for her but she would never want to be the reason for his death, he knew that. Yet his words still carried a sting with them.

  But what choice did she have? To run away? No, she would not turn away from this, not when the threat came from the Rami and Arkhip Dukran was using this situation to gain the war he had always wanted. She was going to do whatever she could to protect her people.

  Lana looked up at the six chocolate brown eyes staring back at her from atop the horses. She gave Donn a parting nod and turned, pausing, giving a final glance at Ardin before heading away, deeper into the forest.

  The anger coming from Ardin subsided with every step that she took, putting distance between them. Soon the only sounds she heard were the distant birds and the gentle rustlings of leaves. Walking through the woods alone was calming, even though what she was about to do could be the stupidest thing she had ever done.

  * * *

  After some time treading between the trees, Lana came across a Rami standing perfectly still with a tree against his back. She paused, like a small animal who had just spotted a predator lurking in the nearby shadows, frozen and hoping that she had not been spotted. The Rami didn’t seem to notice her from the distance, his gaze was bored and he stared straight at the woods in front of him. Keeping her eyes locked on him, Lana took a few cautious steps to the side until she was well hidden behind brush, where she could more comfortably examine the Sentry up ahead.

  He was tall with broad shoulders and a stern face. His olive skin tone and earthy colored open vest gave him away as a Rami. He seemed to be posted by the tree, stationary. Quietly, Lana looked around, wondering how many sentries they had posted around their camp. No others could be seen from where she stood. Silently, she skirted around the brush, moving away from the Rami unnoticed.

  Soundlessly Lana moved between the trees, highly alert so to not accidentally run into another Rami sentry. Moving with ease between the forest brush and growth, it wasn’t long before Lana found the Rami camp. It pleased her, how relatively easy it was for her to get so close. Besides nearly running up on that one sentry, she was able to get to the camp without any trouble.

  Tiptoeing closer, Lana observed the camp from behind a large tree. They had tents set up, hundreds of them. In the distance she could hear the muffled sounds of people talking, but they were too far away to clearly hear. No one was near the outer tents.

  Sounds were coming from farther within their camp. They must have been having some sort of gathering. Unable to make out much of what was happening, Lana decided to get a closer look, so to try and be able to at least hear some of what was being said. She took a cautious step from around the tree. Her heart beat strongly against the wall of her chest. Goosebumps ran up her body. She paused wi
th every step, listening.

  “Well hello there, and what are you doing around here?” A calm and clear male voice came from behind her.

  With a sharp inhale Lana turned to see where the sound came from. Two men were approaching her from the woods, it was clear the words were meant for her as there was no one else around. Her heart thundered at the sight of them, her body tensing, every muscle suddenly tight.

  What were the two of them doing in the woods? A chill touched her skin. Lana hoped that she had not left Donn and the children too close to the Rami camp. At least they had Ardin with them. He would protect them, he would be able to hear if someone approached and keep them out of harms way.

  Both of the men approaching her had dark hair. One however was short and stocky, the other taller. The shorter one stopped in the near by distance while the tall Rami took a step closer towards her.

  He spoke, “A lovely girl such as yourself should not be wondering about this part of camp, so close to the edge.”

  Lana instinctively took an apprehensive step back, keeping herself carefully out of his reach. Ardin suddenly became very present in her mind, filled with worry. She shoved a wall up in Ardin’s face, trying to keep him from coming to her before her cover was blown.

  A wicked smile spread across the tall man’s face as he brought his hand to something at his neck. That was when she noticed the gold coin hanging around his neck. The Rami rubbed the coin a moment before releasing it, his blue eyes never leaving Lana.

  He continued speaking, “You see, most people know me around here, for I am the Lieutenant General to king Zakran. I am the one in charge of this camp. But you taking that timid little step away from me tells me you fear me. Rami warriors do not fear me…” His head tilted as his eyes moved over her cloths and body. “Perhaps you could fool most into believing you were one of us but I am not one who is easily fooled. Or maybe our sentry spotted you and we let you come this far? Just a few things for you to ponder.” He finished with a bright smile.

  Dammit. I knew it seemed too easy to get this close. Lana's heart skipped a beat as panic shot through her. She hadn’t even said a word and it was already clear to them she did not belong. She could feel Ardin’s panic, he was fighting against her control. I need to concentrate, if you come now they will surely attack. Lana shot at Ardin as she cut off the ties she had to him.

  “Look" she said glancing at the shorter man before looking back at the tall one who seemed to be in charge. "I mean you no harm I was just…" The men's laughter broke her train of thought.

  "Well of course you mean us no harm, honey.” The short one said in a scruffy voice, taking a step towards her. His brown eyes filled with excitement. Lana took another cautious step back. She could feel cold sweat beginning to trickle down her back.

  The tall Rami turned to the short one. "Well Seff, what shall we do? Let her go so she can warn her beloved people we are here? Or keep her as a little Madonian pet? I will let you decide."

  There was satisfaction in them thinking that she could warn the Madonians. This meant the Rami had no idea they were already found out, that Abder was already busy preparing for them.

  "She is awfully pretty for her washed out and frail looking race." Seff commented, looking back at Lana with dangerous eyes, sending a shiver through her. She tried to calm her breathing, not wanting them to know how panic was coursing through her.

  Lana forced herself to stand tall in an attempt to look confidant even though fear gushed through her veins. Her heart was no longer steadily beating but was vibrating, un able to keep a stable pace.

  She needed to get out of this before things escalated. If she let Ardin come to her aid, then he may be spotted by other Rami and risk drawing even more attention to them. She had to get out of this quickly and her own.

  I WILL NOT BE SEEN, YOU STUPID GIRL! The voice shook inside Lana’s head. She had cut ties with him, how did he manage to get into her thoughts? She didn’t have time for this.

  “I don't want trouble...” Lana began to say.

  “Oh but darling, you found trouble”. Seff replied grinning. He took three large quick strides towards her.

  Lana ducked back when Seff went to grab her, it was a sloppy move on his part. He stumbled.

  "She would have been taught some defense, being the daughter of a council member. Though a stupid one to come here alone, and without protection of a spirit beast." The tall Rami plainly said to Seff.

  Lana’s eyes flashed wide to the tall Rami. How did he know? Her skin felt cold at the realization, if he knew who she was than she wasn’t getting out of this, they would never let her go.

  He smiled ever so slightly. It was a cruel curve of his lips. “How did I know you were a part of the council?”

  How was he doing this? Could he read her mind? Lana instantly dismissed the thought as nonsense.

  The Rami went on, “You carry yourself very nicely also your hands look to never have been used for chores, suggesting you were of a high born family. Your outfit is probably the cheapest and most common looking one you own though it is still made of fine material. It has no wear on it indicating that it has hardly ever been worn so you do not normally dress in such a form. This leads me to assume you may be of a council family. But your facial expression after I stated you were is what gave away my thoughts as true.” He finished with a slight smile on his proud tan face. His blue eyes were sparkling at her, as if he had just found gold. She was a prize jewel that just strolled right into his hands.

  A moment after the lieutenant finished speaking, Seff came at Lana again, lunging towards her as she ducked out of his reach. Seff stumbled to his knee when he missed her. In that moment Lana grabbed the back of the Rami’s broad shoulders, bringing his face into her knee, like a move she was shown as a child.

  After Eveline’s death Valdor had put Lana in defense classes. Some of the best fighters in their lands would come to their capitol in Olbi and would give Lana pointers and practice. She despised it, as a child. She did not like the strange men and fighting them, the soreness and bruises she was left with after each lesson. It kept the image of her mother, lying in a pool of blood, from ever fading away. Every time a trainer would try and attack her, thoughts of her mother would creep into her mind. How Eveline must have felt, how she must have been attacked, how she must have fought. However, in this moment, for the first time, Lana thanked her father for forcing her to train.

  It surprised Lana how heavy the Rami was and how much that move had actually hurt her knee. It throbbed beneath the surface while she stepped out of Seff’s reach. Adrenalin coursed through her body. It was like a surge of energy, her senses heightened and the tips of her fingers went numb, and the pain in her knee instantly muffled.

  Seff rolled on the ground, quicker than Lana had imagined possible, and grabbed her legs when she tried to step away. She fell to the hard cold ground, his hand still gripping her leg. Strong arms kept her from getting away, pulling her towards him. She shoved her hand in his face, trying to push him away. Suddenly she was very aware of the feel of the Rami’s warm blood on her hand. It was pouring from his nose in a flooding red river, where her knee had hit him. The feel of his blood made her stomach twist with nausea.

  While keeping one hand pushing Seff away Lana began bringing her strength into her other palm. Silver dust swirled around and a sword began to form. Abruptly the pressure of Seff’s body disappeared from on top of her and a heartbeat later a hand sharply hit her across her face, stunning her. In the moment of shock, Lana lost hold of the sword she had been forming, leaving her defenseless, except for the small blade still hidden in her boot.

  “Can you really not take care of a little Madonian girl without bleeding everywhere!” The lieutenant barked at Seff.

  In a dazed state, Lana tried to reach for the blade in her boot. It was a feeble attempt. The Lieutenant swiftly grabbed her by her throat, raising her from the ground and pushed her up against the side of a tree. Abandoning any hopes tha
t she had at getting to the blade, Lana’s hands flung to the Lieutenant’s arm. Her fingers gripped his, trying to pry them from her throat.

  He meticulously gave her enough room to not lose consciousness, but little enough to make her body panic for breath. Lana understood that she wasn’t going to get out of this on her own. She gasped for air as she grabbed the lieutenant’s hand, trying to wrench it from her throat, but it was as if his arm was made of stone, it did not budge. She felt her mental wall break apart, letting her Aorra in.

  I’m coming for you. Hold on. Was all Ardin said to her and then there was terrifying silence.

  "Now, you are going to wish you were a good girl and did not make trouble for my man," the lieutenant glared.

  His face was mere inches from hers. There was something about his eyes, they were blue and dangerously cold. The way he looked at her was enough to make her skin crawl, it was the darkest of stares. A crippling hatred poured out of him. Yet there was something more that she could see in his cold gaze, something that she could not quite put her finger on, something almost familiar.

  With his left hand around her neck the lieutenant general brought his right hand into the small space between the two of them and blue lightning broke through the surface of the skin on his hand. The lightning stayed in his hand.

  What? How does he have such control? Lana thought as she stared at the fiery blue lightening with wide eyes. Her body thrashed, doing whatever she could to get away from him. She had only enough time to see the corners of his lips turn up before he pushed the ball in his hand into to her stomach.

  Every nerve in Lana's body ignited as if on fire. Her knees buckled and the only thing holding her up was the lieutenant’s grip on her throat. She couldn’t breath, couldn’t see, couldn’t speak.

  Hot coals were scorching her from within. Intense, blinding pain ripped through her entire body. She had never felt anything like this before. Lana couldn't feel where Ardin was, she could not sense anything besides the penetrating agony ripping her from within. Tears uncontrollably swelled behind her tightly shuteyes. Finally, her body forced her to take a scorching breath into her lungs, but filling them only forced her to release a horrendous scream. At least she thought she creamed, she couldn’t hear it. Couldn’t hear anything.