Elyon's Hunters, page 8
The Hunter’s full lips pursed into a thin line, telling Sábria that Xyda knew how to give a report and knew it wasn’t her place to criticize a High Priestess. After a moment, Xyda nodded to concede the point. “Apparently, the Blade had been gently discouraging the shiv, trying to steer her toward more age-appropriate relationships. Girta walked in on the Senior Blade and another Blade having sex, and before the Blade could get dressed to follow, Girta had fled the Temple. The Senior Blade searched as best she could. When the shiv didn’t return by sundown, they began a limited search using Temple Blades, and when they hadn’t found her by sunup the next day, they called me in.”
Blades had been gathering around to listen to the report, and someone called out with more than a bit of animosity, “Didn’t anyone tell you Hunters are supposed to bring people back alive?”
Xyda glanced to her left to see who’d spoken. Her gaze tracked across the crowd and then she glanced over her shoulder, looking for all the world like she was checking to make sure the portcullis was still raised.
Someone else snarled, “Dead or alive. It’s all the same to them.”
These were voices Sábria didn’t recognize, telling her they were some of the Blades newly transferred to the Sarlognean Temple during the Festival Riots. The anger and hatred she heard behind the words surprised her, though, and not wanting to fan the flames, she sheathed her sword and stepped closer to Xyda. “You can put your horse and mule in the stables. Commander Shirin will assign you a room, and once you’re settled, you’re to come to me in the Citadel and finish your report.”
Xyda shook her head. “Hunters don’t stay in Temples. I’ll stable my animals in the city, find a room, and then report back to you if you like.”
“I’m not used to people disregarding my orders.”
“No disrespect meant, My Lady, but Hunters don’t stay within Temple walls.”
Now, Sábria decided to push the issue of precisely who the Hunters were. “Blades live in Temples. Hunters are Blades. Therefore, Hunters stay in Temples. You’ll stay here tonight.”
“It’s unsafe, My Lady, and I won’t.”
“Not safe?” Sábria’s shock was evident in her voice. “Not safe for a Blade to stay in a Temple? Why would you say that?”
“I didn’t say that. I said it’s unsafe for a Hunter to remain within Temple walls.”
Looking down as she made a concerted effort to tamp down her growing frustration at the woman’s stubborn insistence she wasn’t a Blade, Sábria pulled in a breath and repeated, “Why would you say that?”
“As you well know, My Lady,” the disdain was back when Xyda referenced Sábria’s title, “Hunters are the enemy, the bone wolves who hunt Temple warriors down like animals. Blades have been known to throw blankets over us and beat us unconscious. They’ve tied us to posts and horse-whipped us. They spit in our food and drink and piss in our beds.”
“What?” There was no way that could be true, and Sábria shook her head. “Is that hearsay? Something you’ve heard, or do you have first-hand knowledge of that type of treatment?”
“Personally?” Xyda slowly unbuttoned her coat and pulled up her tunic, revealing a red, angry-looking scar on her belly. “I was roped, dragged up to the wall of Narane Temple, and thrown off. Luckily, a river flows on that side of Narane. I landed on a stick in the river that punctured my belly, and if it hadn’t been for a lad who saw me fall from the wall and jumped in to pull me out, I’d be dead.”
She grabbed her left forearm. “My arm was broken when they did the blanket trick after I returned a Blade to Frayham. They kicked and beat me nearly to death. After that, I learned to deliver the Blade or the body and get out. Which is what I’m trying to do now, My Lady.” She pointedly looked at Sábria, who was staring at her with a skeptical tilt of her head.
Sábria narrowed her eyes. “There’s no way High Priestess Restart would allow any such thing within the walls of the Temple at Frayham.”
Xyda bared her teeth, stepped forward, and glared down at Sábria from a height similar to Shirin’s taller build.
Still not worried the Hunter would hurt her, Sábria glared right back.
“I don’t lie. The High Priestess may not have known what happened since it was done quickly in a shadowed corner of the inner bailey. They tied me up in a blanket, carried me to the edge of the vineyards outside the Temple grounds, and left me to die.”
The courtyard was uncharacteristically silent as Blades and civilians alike waited to hear what Sábria thought of the Hunter’s claims. Elyon had blessed her with the ability to know when someone was lying, and if Xyda was, they were curious to see what Sábria would do to this storied warrior.
There was no doubt in Sábria’s mind that Xyda was telling the truth, a fact that sent lightning bolts of alarm racing up her spine.
A third voice Sábria thought she recognized spoke in a shaking, almost timid tone. When Sábria turned and saw who was speaking, she understood the reason for the slight quaver in the young woman’s voice. Hesta was another who’d come during the Festival Riots, and she was one Sábria had taken an instant liking to. Her keen intelligence and subtle wit were often overlooked because of her nearly debilitating shyness. That was something they didn’t often see in a candidate. While it wasn’t unheard of, a shy Blade was somewhat of an anomaly.
In fact, if she’d come to Sarlogne to petition her way into the Blades instead of to the Dinden Temple, Sábria wasn’t sure she would have accepted her. Now that she’d spent time with Hesta, with her bright blue eyes, straw blonde hair, and cherubic cheeks, she’d come to realize that she’d never fully embraced the idea that Blades came in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. It would have been a loss to the Temple if she’d turned this young woman away, and she’d remember that the next time a shy or otherwise atypical petitioner came to her door.
However, it was against protocol for a newer Blade to interrupt a meeting fraught with the kind of tension she was experiencing with Hunter Xyda. Hoping Hesta would pick up on that, Sábria turned back around without acknowledging her.
Xyda’s gaze had locked onto Hesta, though, and she, too, stepped out of protocol to address the younger Blade. “Hesta, right? Aren’t you far away from your home Temple?”
Sábria stepped to her right, putting her directly between her young Blade and this taciturn Hunter. “You’ll address me, Hunter, not my Blade.”
“I want to know why she felt the need to speak up when I happen to know her shyness makes it difficult to do so. It must be something important for her to step out of character, don’t you think?”
“And how would you know about her shyness?”
“We had a chance meeting and visited one night around a campfire.” When murmurs began among the Blades, Xyda growled, “And no, I wasn’t hunting her. I greatly respect her and her loyalties, so don’t start the rumor that she ran.”
Feeling backed into a corner where, if she continued to ignore Hesta to protect her from this interaction, it might have the unlooked-for consequence of putting her young Blade in a bad light, Sábria looked over her shoulder and motioned for her to join them. Already disliking the audience that had gathered, she looked at Shirin and tilted her head toward the gathered Blades, silently telling her to disperse the crowd.
Shirin in turn glanced at Geller, who moved in immediately. “All right, show’s over. If ya don’t have somethin’ else ya could be doin’, I’ll set ya to sharpening th’ blades and mookin’ up th’ floors in me armory.”
It didn’t take long for everyone to hurry on their way, leaving Hesta, Sábria, Shirin, and Geller standing in the yard. Normally, Shirin would motion for Geller to leave as well, but Xyda had the reputation of not only being an excellent Hunter but, as all Hunters had to be, she was an excellent fighter as well. She didn’t expect the tall woman to go after Sábria, but the way she’d moved in on her was more than a bit irksome. “Step back, Hunter Xyda. Now.”
Xyda turned her glare on Shirin and then flicked a glance at Geller before acquiescing.
Sábria turned an irritated glare on Shirin. She was more than capable of taking care of herself. On the other hand, she understood Shirin was responsible for keeping the Blades, all Blades, in line when it came to respect for the Arch Priestess. With a shake of her head and an irritated tsk, she turned to Hesta. “What is it, Hesta?”
Hesta was of average height and build, but there were times, especially when around Sábria and Shirin, that she tended to pull into herself. This had the unfortunate consequence of making her appear smaller than she actually was. When she caught and held Xyda’s gaze, though, she straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin, a move that wasn’t lost on Sábria. “I…I don’t think it happens here, My Lady, though I can’t say for sure. Some of the newer Blades, new like me, I mean, from other Temples, do it, but not those from here.”
“Do what?”
“Talk badly about the Hunters. There’s a real hatred out there for them, and what she’s saying is correct. Blades will attack a Hunter if they stay too long within Temple walls. I can’t say what started it because it was well ingrained in White Cliff Temple when I first moved there from Dinden. But something’s driven a wedge between the Hunters and the Blades, probably in an external, concerted effort to divide us.” She stopped and looked at her boots, but then her gaze shot up again, and she quickly amended, “My Lady.”
And it was precisely that type of report that had endeared Hesta to Sábria in the first place. She was bright and articulate and could present an argument in a clear and concise manner. “Have you witnessed the assaults yourself?”
“Yes, My Lady. I tried to step in to stop it but was backhanded into a wall and told if I mentioned anything to anyone, I’d be the next one to end up in a blanket. So, I’m ashamed to say I didn’t say anything.”
A niggling thought occurred to Sábria. “Was it only Blades?”
“No, My Lady.”
When Ailith had first arrived at the Temple, one of the Blades, Khaldo, and several of her followers had badly bullied her, enough so that Sábria had stripped them of their Blade status and sent them around to other Temples in a civilian capacity. She thought back to which of Khaldo’s followers she’d sent to White Cliff. “Was Oumar one of the ones involved in the beatings?”
A red blush spread up Hesta’s throat. “She was the one who backhanded me.”
Sábria felt Shirin’s gaze on her but didn’t acknowledge it. The fact that a civilian—former Blade or not—had backhanded a Blade without repercussions meant that High Priestess Medelé didn’t have a firm hold on her Temple. They’d deal with what was happening in her Temples after she dealt with the crisis she now realized was happening to her Hunters. “Thank you, Hesta. You’re free to go. As are you, Ursuna.”
At the mention of the name, Xyda’s gaze sharpened on the Prime, who was respected throughout the Temples for her extreme abilities as a fighter and weapons master. “Ursuna Geller?” At Ursuna’s nod, the gaze turned to Sábria, and anger and incredulity accompanied the Hunter’s next words. “You thought I’d attack the Voice of my Goddess?”
Shirin spoke up then because it was important that Xyda not think Sábria was in any way intimidated by the Hunter. “Not her. I was concerned. You aggressively stepped into her space, and you’re known as a formidable opponent. And even though Sábria is more than capable of defending herself, I’m known to be a bit overprotective at times.”
Xyda spoke through clenched teeth. “A bit?”
Shirin held out her hands. “It’s your job within the Blades to hunt. Mine, first and foremost, is to protect the Arch Priestess.”
That made sense, and Xyda’s shoulders relaxed. “Just so you know, I’ll lay down my life for this woman. I’ll fight through a hundred arrows piercing my body to protect her to my dying breath. I’d do that for any Blade, but most especially for her. On this, I pledge my word on my oath to Elyon.”
Hearing the sincerity behind the words, Shirin nodded, took a step closer, and held out her arm. If it wasn’t given in apology, it was at least offered in friendship.
Xyda accepted the gesture and shook forearm to forearm, as was the way of warriors the world over.
Geller, too, stepped up and offered her arm, which Xyda accepted.
When she and Hesta turned to leave, Xyda stopped them. “Blade Hesta.”
Hesta stopped and turned back.
Xyda offered her forearm. “My thanks.”
Blushing furiously, Hesta squared her shoulders, stepped forward, and clasped forearms. She tried to let go, but Xyda held on tight and stared directly into her eyes. “Hunter Stina told me about a Blade who stepped in to try and stop the beating. I should have known it was you, and as the leader of the Hunters, I thank you. If you ever need anything, come find me, and if it’s within my ability to give it to you, it’s yours.”
Hesta nodded, “Thank you.” With those quietly spoken words, she and Geller left to continue whatever they’d been doing before Xyda had ridden into the courtyard.
Sábria watched them and then looked squarely into Xyda’s eyes. “I’m the leader of the Blades, Xyda, not you.”
“I didn’t say I led the Blades.”
“I don’t intend to keep going over this with you. You are first and foremost a Blade, and no matter what you and other Hunters believe, I am your leader, and you answer to me.” Sábria thought Xyda would come back at her—argue some more—but she lowered her gaze and didn’t say anything. For the first time, Sábria felt waves of despair pouring off the woman. Most people wouldn’t be able to tell, but she could. She put her hand on Xyda’s arm and squeezed. “Xyda, you’re my Blade, and things aren’t right with you. That’s not okay with me. Come on. Let’s take your horses into the stables.”
Xyda pulled her arm away. “No. I told you. I won’t stay in the Temple.” With that, she took hold of the horse’s reins and vaulted into the saddle.
Before she could turn the big gelding’s head, Sábria took hold of the reins beneath its chin. Their gazes met and held, each conveying an adamant, silent message to the other.
Hunters and their beasts had to be ready for every eventuality because their livelihood entailed apprehending the empire’s elite warriors. With a touch of her toes, Xyda told the gelding to pull back without harm, which he did, jerking his head up and ripping the reins from Sábria’s grasp. At her next signal, the gelding whirled, ready to race through the gates and out into the city.
Sábria calmly signaled Dina, the gate guard assigned to watch the inner and outer courtyards whenever a newcomer was inside.
As an interior guard, Dina had been trained to react instantly when given the order, a swipe of the hand across the body with the flat palm facing down. She immediately released the emergency lock on the portcullis and, with chains rattling, the heavy iron gate clattered and roared as it dropped into place.
Drawing her sword, an enraged Xyda swung in a circle, ready to repel an attack from any direction.
Still calm, Sábria walked up to the gelding and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I believe I told you I am in charge, Xyda, not you.” While she couldn’t say that the Hunter was near panic, her fight-or-flight instincts had definitely kicked into high gear. Sábria felt, rather than saw, Shirin stepping up behind her. In a tone meant to calm the Hunter, Sábria said, “Now, dismount, and we’ll talk about where you’re spending the night.”
Still not convinced this wasn’t a trap, Xyda studied the allure, or wall walk, running the upper perimeter of the Temple wall.
“What exactly are you looking for? An escape? You don’t need to escape from me, Xyda. I’m your Arch Priestess, not your jailer. We need to talk, so I’m keeping you here.” As the Hunter continued staring around, Sábria repeated. “What are you looking for?”
“Archers.”
“Archers?” Sábria took a chance, walked one step forward, and placed her hand on Xyda’s leg. “You actually think I’d have Blades shoot another Blade from her saddle?” She couldn’t hide the incredulity she felt at the Hunter’s misplaced assumption.
“Blades have tried it before.”
The idea that things had gotten so out of control between the Blades and the Hunters stymied Sábria enough that she couldn’t come up with a response. Sure, things had been busy the last few turns, and yes, the levels of stress she and Shirin had been under were higher than they’d ever been before. But for something this monumental to have taken place under her nose was unthinkable. “Xyda. Who am I?” Sábria softened her gaze as she looked up into the Hunter’s eyes.
“The Arch Priestess.”
“Do you trust me?” She expected an immediate affirmative but was met with a stony silence. “Xyda. Do you trust me?”
“I trust Elyon.”
“Do you trust me?”
Without answering, the Hunter pursed her lips and swung down out of the saddle. She only sheathed her sword once both feet were on the ground, and she could turn away from Sábria. If she’d have moved to do it while mounted, bringing the sword around to slide it into the scabbard might have looked like an aggressive move that would have caused all manner of problems between them.
Sábria remained standing next to the horse’s withers. She placed her hand on Xyda’s shoulder and moved in so their bodies were touching. “Xyda. I’m your Arch Priestess. Do you trust me?” The tension in those rock-hard shoulders was palpable, but she left her hand resting on them all the same.
“I trust the Goddess Elyon.”
“I’ll take that as a no, then. You’re not leaving this Temple until we talk, and you’re not leaving my side until I know I can trust you not to leave without permission. Now, we’re going to take your mounts into the stable, where my stablemaster, Kemi, will see to them. Then, we’re going into my rooms in the Sanctum, where you’ll bathe and change into a clean uniform. You look half-starved, so I’ll have our meals sent up to my rooms, and after we’ve eaten, we’ll have wine together, relax, and go to bed. You’ll be sleeping with me tonight.”
