She gestured at a mare. “Her hair is longer. Why not use it? It’s even got some red in it.”
“True, but she pees on it.”
“You do know fish pee in the lake all the time?”
“Right—lake, not sea.” He snipped a hair. “It’s not about the germs. When she pees on it, it leaches the hair. It’ll break too easily.”
“Hmm.” Rapture looked toward Sorana. “Sorana seems better. She still won’t talk about it. She’s embarrassed, and still in a mood.”
“The Naiads seem spooked by her.”
“I think they’re scared of her. Once you got her fighting, she went sort of, you know, medieval. It may also be the wailing.”
“You mean the sonic attacks?”
She looked down. “We burst their ears.”
“Of wolves. They’re just animals.”
“Yes, but we’re not supposed to do it at all. You know … the Fracture?”
“Guess I just see it as you’re either in the fight or you’re not. You do what you have to do to survive.”
“Yeah, I guess so.”
“Those are peace time rules.”
“You’re probably right. It’s just the rules they teach us. I’m going to sit with Sorana. The others seem to be afraid of her.”
“She can rest tonight. We all can, finally. The Naiads are running the watch.” Visor constructed his pole and relocated to the beach to fish.
Crysalus sat next to him. Her blond hair blew in the gentle breeze, touching his shoulder. She let out a long sigh. “We were foolish.”
Visor closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath of Crysalus’s scent. He was filled with sense of well-being, and his thoughts became more profound. “Sirens are not warriors. You don't have the training.”
“That is polite. You saw what happened back there.”
“You know, even within human armies, we differentiate between male and female troops. The difference is too great. There are things that women just tend to be less effective doing. Of course there are exceptions.” He felt a nibble on the line and gave a tug.
“Were it not for your half-vardal, we would have lost everything today. You wield her as a scalpel. How do you control her?”
“Oh, I don’t. She’s just following an assignment to protect me, and Rap.”
“Do you … how can you sleep?”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“With her near, how can you fall to sleep?”
“Oh, yeah she can be a bit intimidating. But once you get to know her, you’ll see she has a sweet side.”
“I …” Crysalus was speechless.
“She’s been isolated for much of her childhood. Her mannerisms are unusual, and sometimes people get the wrong impression.”
She regarded him with a shocked expression.
“How did you end up out here alone?”
“With WaterCrescent fallen, there was a mood in Xandria to do something. Sylvanis believed in us. Her idea seemed sound—to form a new Naiad ranger corps. A troop of archers, we would stay lightly armed and mobile. With our healing, we would stay in good health, able to outlast those who pursued us.”
“Like today. You got me and Athian healthy enough to move.”
“But we are too weak.”
“You don’t have the same physiology that humans do. You just have to play to your strengths if you want to be effective.”
“Like swimming. That’s what we thought. We would stay near water, able to escape. We thought if we could disrupt supply lines, it would help the human armies.”
Visor said, “It did help to some extent. If nothing else, you created another threat. Even if overstated, it was something else Khatagin and Nazaire had to consider.”
“The vardal and ogres … they were just too much faster than us.”
“We.”
“And stronger. And smarter. They drew us from water and then we couldn’t keep ahead of them. The humans of Krafer tried to prevent us from ever going out in the first place. They were right.”
“Melee is not your strength. You have your buoyancy control, resistance to decompression sickness, and underwater scent. Your ability to heal is ... a powerful gift—incredibly valuable. But you have to have some diversity—some melee troops to hold them off of you, and someone to develop tactical plans. Krafer's Garrison will have troops you can join with.”
“We were foolishly wasteful.”
“Not completely. Now some of you have experience, and you can share that with others. You may be forced to help defend yourselves in the near future. We think that Nazaire’s target is Xandria, not Raykez.”
Crysalus was stunned. “We are the easier target, but why?”
“We don't know yet, exactly. It has to do with your healing. Our prisoner might be able to help answer that. If we’re lucky, they’ll have a telepath at Krafer’s and we can get some answers.”
“Then the Naiad rangers may continue. It will have to be different, though. We need the humans.” She looked at Visor. “Will the Blade of Mercy be rebuilding your ranks when we reach Xandria?”
“The Blade of Mercy?”
“The Fist of Mercy. I apologize.”
“No, I like ‘Blade’ better, actually.” Visor jerked the line. He caught something. It was a small fish, but big enough to make it worth cooking. “We are not a military unit. Mercy is ... a complicated story. In any case, we’re committed to another cause. It may actually end up helping with the war, but that’s not the main purpose. Xandria may need you in the meantime.”
“You had troops captured by Talon.”
“Those were just other civilians we came across. We were in hiding with them in a cave. The Blade of Mercy is just me and Sorana, basically.”
“You rescued Natalia-a.”
“Yeah, we were able to sneak in and do that, with help.”
“You saved us.”
“We were certainly in the right place at the right time.”
“Then you have done more in passing than we were able to accomplish trying our hardest. We will not be this foolish again.”
“Not foolish—just inexperienced.”
Crysalus’s eyes followed a Godiva walking by. “What happened to Nattie? I last saw her years ago when she left for WaterCrescent.”
“Look, she may not say anything to you, but she really would prefer you call her ‘Rapture’, particularly around non-sirens.”
“I see. I will. Sorry.”
“It’s really not a big deal. Just a preference I thought worth mentioning.” Visor summarized Rapture's binding to himself, her captivity in WaterCrescent and her first encounter with Burke.
Crysalus said, “It’s strange—her healing. I have never seen another heal with her control. When you died, we were both on you. Your heart had stopped. That normally makes it difficult for us to heal. We use blood flow to distribute energy.”
“That’s why you can keep people alive, even with major wounds, as long as you get to them in time.”
“Without the heart, we can only heal small areas near the surface. But Rapture was able to close an internal tear. That allowed the vampire to restart your heart.” Crysalus turned to look at the camp behind them.
The breeze caught her hair, causing it to tickle Visor’s cheek and neck. Her unwashed, oily hair was thick with sirenic scent.
Visor felt a rush of contentment. “We’re thinking the changes to her are a result of drugs and experimentation by the vardal during her captivity. Maybe when we get to Xandria, your druids can figure it out for sure.”
Crysalus said, “Perhaps, after we finish atonements.”
Visor asked, “Atonements? For violence?”
“For violence in general, but mostly for the sonic attacks. You were dead when we unleashed them.” Crysalus looked over Xandria Lake. “They—the wolves—were just animals, thank the Moon. Still, the drui
ds take any sonic attack very seriously.”
“Because of the Fracture?”
Crysalus took some time before answering. “Yes, because of the Fracture. I will not speak more of it here and now. We usually don't talk about that with non-sirens. But after seven years of binding, I'm guessing you already know.”
Chapter 24
Krafer’s West
The Blade of Mercy and Naiad Rangers made the outer Xandria perimeter by midday.
The sirens split off toward Xandria Proper.
The Blade of Mercy went to Krafer-West garrison, a wooden fortification two miles outside of Xandria proper. It was one of the twin human forts that guarded Xandria. The other was Krafer-East.
Guards met them at Krafer’s gate.
After greetings and a warning of invasion, Visor presented Armaan. “I transfer custody to you. He is a vampire. Do you know how to handle him?”
“Noted. We can handle him. Thank you.” The lead guard, Quinn, regarded Sorana suspiciously. “Anything else?”
Visor stepped in front of Sorana. “That will be all.”
“Iris, go ahead and take them to the mess.” Quinn took Armaan away.
Iris brought them to the kitchen. “Jon should be here momentarily. Anything to drink?”
Cespenar said, “Oh, my! I thought you'd never ask. Do you have anything that's sweet?”
Iris said, “Actually, we do at this post.”
Athian said, “I think he takes any kind of nectar.”
Cespenar jumped off of Athian's backpack and sat on a table. “And he takes wine-coolers, or a champagne cocktail.”
Iris motioned toward a cook waiting near the kitchen. “A sweet mead for the pixie. And bring some kind of fermented barley concoction for the boys.” She addressed Sorana as an afterthought. “And you, miss?”
Sorana said, “Water is fine.”
Iris brought out some chips.
Visor asked, “Themiscyra flavored?”
Iris scrunched her face. “Excuse me?”
“There are a lot—you have a lot of women guards here.”
Iris regarded him oddly. “Yes, we get assigned here because we’re the closest to Xandria. It’s less disruptive to the sirens. And it looks worse than it is. The guys are mostly out on patrol and checkpoints.”
The main doors opened. A man strode in, flanked by two others. His thick black hair rolled down behind his shoulders. His wore plate mail—a mail shirt with sections of plate attached. He was clean shaven. His eyes were full of energy. All three men proudly displayed aqua hauberks with azure moon insignia identifying their role as protectors of Xandria. Then man in front said, “You must be Visor, the Savior of the Naiads!”
“Visor Mourning. I was there when the Naiads were rescued.”
“Jon Richter. You had a prisoner as well?”
“He has been handed over to your jailor.”
Jon asked, “Has Finnur been summoned?”
Iris said, “No.”
Jon pointed at one of his patrolmen. “Go.” He addressed Visor. “We happen to have a brain doctor visiting. I'd like to see what he can do with this prisoner. Is he really a vampire?”
Visor said, “Yes, he resuscitated me. I’d like to be in on the interrogation.”
“No problem.”
The cook handed Visor a drink.
Jon said, “Sorry for the cheap drinks tonight. We will break out the wine and brandy tomorrow. With any luck, we'll have some sirens here to drink with.”
Visor said, “I certainly hope so, but Rapture and the Naiads have been away from Xandria for a while. Rapture needed to see home. She deserved a break. And our next mission will be dangerous. If we are successful, it could help save Xandria—and WaterCrescent. But that can wait a day. Xandria seems safe enough for now. Have you sent out riders?”
“For the Xandria call to arms? Not yet. I wanted more detail from you before raising the alarm.”
Visor explained his theory that Xandria was Nazaire’s next target.
Jon thought deeply then nodded. “I think you’re right. I agree with you, when you explain it. But I don’t think it will be as convincing when repeated by others.” He talked to the other patrolman. “Gather up Strike patrol—and Zealot. Have them ready to travel to Raykez and Vozvul. Then meet us at the scribe's chamber.” Jon turned to Visor. “We’ll stop by the treasury. We may need to recruit a merchant's garrison if the Symphonic Knights and General Presence are unable to respond.”
***************
“She's in there.” Athian pointed to the second door on the left. He was whispering. “They are short on rooms so they put her in with the non-commissioned officers. I'll see you in a bit.” Athian headed back to the infirmary, where the men of the Blade of Mercy were assigned to sleep.
“Gotcha. I just want to make sure she's not cowered in a corner somewhere.” The hallway creaked as Visor walked. The creak was mostly covered by animal and wind noises that carried through the wooden wall. The cooks still worked in the kitchen, adding to the ambient sounds. Visor opened the door. The guard quarters was made for two, split by a half wall.
A female guard was asleep in the bed on one side.
Sorana lay awake but calm in the other.
He signed, Are you okay?
She signed, Yes. Stay.
***************
Visor joined a morning patrol. The garrison was short of men with the patrols sent out to Raykez and Vozvul. They found indications of ogre scouting in the area.
Upon the return to Krafer-West, the white stone towers of Heidi’s Gate could be seen above the tree line. Heidi’s Gate separated Xandria Proper from the rest of the world.
At dinner, Visor finished describing the “Naiad Rescue” for the second time and leaned back against the wall.
Jon was true to his word: they did bring out the wine tonight.
Visor stretched his legs under the table. He stroked Sorana's hair and lower back.
Sorana pressed her thigh against his. It wasn’t so crowded that touching was necessitated. Most of the crowd were women. Sorana seemed more comfortable, yet she remained mostly quiet.
The woman on the other side of Sorana, her roommate, Charlotte, looked back at him and giggled.
Visor asked, “What?”
A woman across the table smiled. “The walls here are thin.”
“Seems sturdy enough, though.” Visor repressed a smile and took a bite of brisket.
Jon called from a few seats down. “Visor, I think Finnur is going to try another interrogation after dinner.”
Visor said, “I'll be there. I want to see how that whole brain doctor thing works.”
“Psychologist,” some woman said.
Jon said, “He hasn't gotten anything yet. But his methods are different than most shrinks.”
“Psychologist,” the woman repeated.
Another woman said, “Psychiatrist.”
The room fell silent. Then a spontaneous clapping started.
Rapture entered the main hall, flanked by Crysalus and a few other sirens. They all looked radiant. Rapture grinned broadly. The other sirens blended into the dinner party.
Visor went to meet Rapture. “You seem happy. I take it the atonements went well?”
“All of the Naiads are absolved. The elders are still considering my case.” Rapture had changed to more traditional sirenic dress. She wore earrings of silver and a necklace of alternating styles of shells. A bracelet of multi-tone fire agates included colors that matched her hair and freckles.
“You look like you have more to say.”
She grabbed his hands. “Don, it's wonderful! You've been invited to visit Xandria proper!”
“What? How is that possible?”
“The druids want to meet you. We will be escorted the whole time. You will be isolated from the youth. You will have to bathe first and wh
atever, but you will be the first to see everything, at least since Heidi’s Gate was built.”
“Nice. When?”
“Now.”
Visor turned to the tables. Some had heard the last of Rapture's excited words. They gawked at him. Visor held out his hands in an exaggerated shrug. “I'll be back later—maybe.”
Chapter 25
Xandria
Heidi’s Gate was the most modern section of the sirenic city. The towers were tall and built with a special attention to detail. It was normally occupied only by sirens, but humans, typically women, were occasionally invited into designated portions.
Two older sirens—a Xandrian and a minor strain with blue hair—met Visor and Rapture near the entrance. Rapture and the other sirens semi-hugged and sampled each other’s scents.
Rapture said, “Xandria, Arnleif, this is Visor.”
Xandria said, “Welcome to Xandria, Visor. Please come with us.”
As they walked, Rapture spoke softly to Visor. “These are council druids. There is one council druid for each strain. Well, for each main strain, then one for the others. We just call council druids by their strain, so these would be Xandria and Arnleif. It’s fine if you just want to use ‘Engel’ though.”
“So only a few druids total, then?”
“Four, most of the time.”
“And two came to meet me?”
“Yes.”
Visor was taken to an indoor pool, washed, and given a fresh set of clothing. “Thank you, Engels Xandria and Arnleif.”
He was escorted out onto the cobble stone courtyard. Past that, the terrain became soft and natural. Trees were not dense at the trunk bases, but the upper branches flared enough to shade most of the ground. Strands of vine hung between the trees, entwining to form a loose-weave netting.
All around, sirens stopped what they were doing to observe him with interest. Most were of the three major strains, Godivas, Marigolds and Xandrians.
Rapture could not contain herself. “The netting helps retain warmth. The vine bridges run between the trees. We used to build tree houses here when I was growing up. It was mostly a big playground. Now, they built some guard posts.” She pointed to a wooden structure that stretched from a guard post down to a pool. “That's still a water slide, though. Maybe it will rain while you’re here.”
They entered a planted field. The ground was soft and sank under his step.