Chapter 20
Twenty
UTTIN
Zakai was up to something. He’d been adamant about returning home until the storm.
When he first started making excuses to stay, I assumed it was because of the snow on the ground.
I figured his fear of another storm would pass in time.
But as the weeks passed, the excuses got more ridiculous by the day.
His attitude when speaking to Orthorr had been another sign of trouble.
He was a brat by nature, but not cruel and snotty like he’d been when demanding to stay until the weather warmed.
It wasn’t like him. Why was he acting so strange?
I’d grown used to having him sleep beside me, curled against my side with a sweet little snore I knew better than to tell him about.
I looked forward to seeing him when my training was finished and resented Orthorr whenever he pulled me away for more clan business.
The snarky little prince had my attention, and I was as interested in giving him up as I was taking a swim in the trench.
But I reminded myself often that he wasn’t staying.
My emotions clashed between wanting to keep him as long as I could and returning him home quickly to spare myself any more heartache.
But if he was making up excuses to stay until the spring at least, was it possible he wanted to stay permanently?
My heart leapt at the thought, and I couldn’t keep my gaze off him for long, looking for any sign that he felt as I did.
I knew it would be complicated, a relationship between us, but I craved his presence, and if he wanted to stay with me, I would fight for it.
I would even become clan leader if only to make sure no one could send him away.
“When will Clan Urthazrak arrive?” Orthorr asked, drawing my attention back to him.
“Soon,” I informed him, dragging my eyes away from Zakai. “Their scout arrived this morning. He said he was only a half day’s ride ahead.”
Orthorr nodded, his expression pensive. “Have the areas been cleared for tents?”
“Yes, clan leader, though I don’t believe we need much. Many will be staying with family.”
Clan Urthazrak hadn’t always been their name.
Clan Akes was once a formidable clan with more power and wealth than any other.
They were the leading voice in treating tributes honorably and because of their size and power, most other clans followed their lead, ours included.
We believed much like they did. However, a few clans took issue with their influence, and in a bid to gain power themselves, they combined forces and attacked in the night, much like the Fer’na had done to us a few years prior.
The Akes clan were not as lucky to come out on top, and their clan was left decimated.
In a show of support, many of the Northern clan’s older generation left to take back control of Clan Akes and chase off the weaker clans that were trying to play king over the women and children left behind.
Seasoned warriors like my father met those clans in a fight that didn’t last long.
Most of the cowards who attacked in the night fled to avoid our clan, and the rest died in battle.
When the war was done and it was time for the warriors to return home, most couldn’t make themselves go.
They split our clan, the older generation moving to Clan Akes after ensuring our success and renamed their clan Urthazrak, the clan of rebirth.
They were smaller now and no longer held power like they had, but they remained our strongest allies and returned once per season to trade and visit with family.
The next reunion would bring my parents, and I knew they would cause trouble when they realized I had someone under my care, even if he wasn’t a true tribute, but I looked forward to seeing them all the same.
Maybe their influence could help me figure out what to do about Zakai and my growing need to keep him by my side.
I hadn’t yet told him about my parents coming to visit.
I wasn’t sure how he’d take it. He was selfish with my attention and preferred to spend time in our tent.
Not that I was complaining about that. I knew better than to believe he would behave while they were here, but I didn’t think he would be outright cruel to them.
And thankfully, his language had improved a lot in the last three weeks.
All I had to do was promise to give him my cock for him to speak in our tongue.
Saneth ducked into the receiving tent, a wide smile on his face. “Clan leader, Clan Urthazrak nears.”
“Huh. They must have picked up the pace to get here so quickly,” Orthorr commented, waving to me to follow him out of the receiving tent. “Perhaps we should warn those who recently adopted to be prepared. No doubt, there will be a lot of doting grandparents swarming them soon.”
I snorted and called over one of the older children who was close by. “Tell the others to alert the village. Clan Urthazrak has arrived.”
His eyes lit up in delight. “The grandparents are here?”
“Yes, but if you want treats from them, you and the other children have to tell the clan. Go, now. Hurry, and I’ll ask Patrick to make you treats as well.”
Grinning, he nodded and took off, calling to his friends to spread the word. When Orthorr raised an eyebrow at me, I shrugged.
“They’re faster than I am. And the excitement will ensure they tell absolutely everyone.”
He smirked and patted my shoulder in a fatherly way. “This is why you will make a good clan leader. You know your clan well. Come. We will wait for Clan Urthazrak in the village center.”
I left Zakai with Simon and the other male bondmates who looked to be in deep conversation about something important.
I didn't want to interrupt him or risk his troublemaking tendencies. Instead, I joined Orthorr in the village center, watching as the clan drew closer. I expected eager and smiling faces, so when Bren, their clan leader, came closer, his intense expression worried me. He rode hard, straight into the village center, and stopped only a few feet in front of us. Hopping down off his mount, he clasped hands with Orthorr in a warrior’s greeting, his voice rough with age.
“Trouble from the south. An army of gold. They’ve been moving closer throughout our journey. I think they’re headed for you.”
My stomach dropped. “Do you know who?”
Bren shook his head. “I sent two to get a closer look, but they did not recognize the crest. This is not a clan or even a town, Orthorr. These are soldiers traveling in full armor. Whatever their reason for coming, it is not good.”
There were only two possibilities for a battalion headed our way. Either the king of the country we resided in had gotten tired of our treaty with the towns or… My gaze snapped to Orthorr.
“You do not think it is Al Nuzem, do you?”
Orthorr went pale. “Did Zakai ever send a letter to his family?”
I shook my head. He’d intended to, and I gave him pen and paper to do so when he was feigning illness, intending to send the note along with the clan nearest to Al Nuzem when they left with their tribute, but he never got around to it before the clan representatives left.
When he was still using Simon to translate, he said his parents believed him dead.
So how had they figured out where he was?
Bren looked expectantly between us, but I wasn’t sure what the best move was.
If our warriors met the army outside the clan, they might expect a fight without any attempt at diplomacy.
But if we didn’t, we risked leaving the village unprotected if they did attack.
Even if it was Al Nuzem, it wasn’t like I would bring Zakai to face down their army on his own. The risk to his safety was too great.
“Orthorr?” Bren prompted.
Orthorr didn’t answer right away. He was watching me. Annoyance boiled under my skin. “Now is not the time to test me,” I growled at him. “I do not know what to do.”
He studied me for a long moment, then dipped his chin. “Admitting that is just as important as knowing.” He turned to Bren. “How soon will the rest of your clan get here?”
“We are about an hour’s ride ahead of them.”
“Good. Get non-fighters inside the clan. I request you join us. No weapons drawn right away. We will be cautious, not aggressive, until they explain why they are here.” He turned to Saneth, who still stood nearby.
“Get Simon. He may be needed. And call the others to arms.” Turning his attention to me, he jerked his head in Bren’s direction.
“Assist Clan Urthazrak in moving their people to safety. Then prepare yourself. You will stand by my side when we meet the army. Let us hope this is not what we think it is.”
ZAKAI
It was surprising just how quickly things could take a turn for the worse.
One moment, I was sitting with Simon and his friends, discussing their barbarians and ideas on how I could convince Uttin to let me stay.
The next, people were barking orders I didn't understand.
I turned to ask Simon what they were saying, but a smaller barbarian was speaking to him in a rushed voice, his expression serious, and they both ran off together without a backward glance in my direction.
A small hand took mine, tugging lightly. I looked at Finn, who was wide-eyed and worried, trying to guide me away.
“We have to hide. It’s not safe.”
I shook my head, confused. “Why hide? What’s going on?”
“I don’t know. But the last time something like this happened, we were attacked by another clan.
They…” He choked on his words, his eyes filling with tears.
“They attempted to assault members of the clan. It’s not safe to be alone.
We will go together to the tents near the forest. If attackers do come, we will escape in the trees until it is safe to come back. ”
My eyes widened in shock. Attempted assault?
Attacked by another clan? I hadn’t known any of that was possible.
Despite the godsawful weather, it felt a little like nothing bad ever happened here.
Everyone was happy, and most days the receiving tent was filled with smiles and laughter.
I didn’t think there could be a risk of something like that happening.
“Come on,” Finn urged, tugging lightly again. He wouldn’t force me, but he was worried for me. And for himself. I could see it in his eyes. That fear that said he was one of those who’d been attacked before and was terrified it would happen again. Letting out a breath, I nodded.
“I will go with you. But I need a weapon. I am not the best fighter, but I can use a blade. Where can I find one?”
A squeaky noise drew my attention over my shoulder to where Matthew stood, his mouth working like he wanted to say words but struggled to get them out. I recognized it and put my hand up to stop him.
“Do not speak if it makes you uncomfortable. Show me what you wish for me to know.”
Relief flashed across his face, and he beckoned me to follow him.
I took Finn with me, unwilling to leave the frightened man without protection.
The only training my father refused to let me skip out on was swordplay.
I had been required to learn the basics.
Hopefully it would be enough to protect those who could not protect themselves.
Matthew led the way to a tent tucked away from the rest, nearly inside the forest with its own small fire pit in front of it.
Whoever lived there obviously didn’t want to socialize.
I questioned why we were there until he ushered us inside.
I came up short when Einar straightened, a foreboding expression on his face as he looked at me. I nearly swallowed my tongue.
Matthew hurried to his side, lifting to his toes to speak in Einar’s ear. Einar, for his part, leaned down willingly and didn’t rush the man, nodding to show he heard. Straightening, he eyed me again.
“You are proficient with a blade?”
I lifted a shoulder. “I’ve had lessons. I’m not the best, but I want to do what I can.”
Approval flashed across his face, and he nodded. “Take what you need. Return it to me when this is over.”
His confidence about how this would end boosted me a little.
I eyed his stash, stopping when I noticed a weapon from Al Nuzem near the back.
The curved blade was as long as my arm but light and versatile.
The gold-encrusted handle felt familiar in my hand, and with a twist, the blade became two, thinner than before but just as deadly.
Einar stepped forward, surprised, but he didn’t have time to admire the weapon. Shouts of warning from outside his tent caught his attention. He spun around, eyes on Matthew, checking him over to make sure he was armed. Matthew nodded.
“I-I’m o-o-kay.”
Stepping forward, he cupped the back of Matthew’s head, muttering low enough that I couldn’t hear. Matthew looked close to tears, but he nodded again, and when Einar left, he stayed behind with us. Drawing in a shaky breath, he turned to face us.
“L-let’s go.”
We left the tent together, Finn leading the way to a few tents that were already crowded with women and children, along with a few older barbarians who were armed but obviously old enough to not be useful on the front line. They stayed behind to protect those who couldn’t fight.
“Finn!” Patrick called, beckoning the smaller man to his side.
I followed, looking around at the groups half hidden in the tents and near the treeline.
They were anxious but not afraid. Many of the women, even pregnant ones, had weapons and were ready to defend themselves.
These people were worthy of admiration. It made me proud to stand beside them.
“Did anyone say who it was?”
Two older barbarians were speaking low with one another, standing off to one side. I edged closer, hoping to overhear them.
“No. The scouts only saw a crest. A gold sun on a dark blue banner.”
My stomach dropped, and I felt for a moment that I couldn’t draw in a breath. “Say that again.”
The barbarian who’d spoken turned to me, giving me a sympathetic smile. “Be at ease, little tribute. You are safe—”
I shook my head rapidly, cutting him off, but didn’t make him repeat it. Instead, I ran toward the village center where I might find Uttin. Because if the barbarian was right, the danger that was heading our way wasn’t another clan. It was my people.