The Cry of the Marwing Read online

  Kira made light of them being apart so as not to concern Eris, and reminded herself often that, as Feailner, Tierken was less free than other men to follow his personal wishes. And, though Kira had told Eris of their bonding, she and Eris mainly spoke of Tresen and Allogrenia, for Eris was keen to know of her grand-daughter’s intended husband, and of where Laryia would live.

  ‘Allogrenia’s more like Kessom than Sarnia,’ said Kira, as they sat together in the cooking place. ‘But I fear Laryia will miss the Silvercades, and I know she’ll miss all the pretty things at Mid-market. No traders go to Allogrenia.’

  ‘If Terak go there, traders will follow. And it will be better for Laryia if it’s so. You already know how hard it is to live among strangers.’

  ‘The Tremen will welcome Laryia,’ said Kira defensively.

  ‘Will they? A Terak Kutan?’

  ‘Laryia’s a Healer,’ said Kira. ‘And she’ll go to Allogrenia as the bondmate of the Tremen’s best Healer.’

  ‘Second best,’ corrected Eris with a smile.

  The illness had left Eris fragile, but her eyes had lost none of their shrewdness. ‘I wonder whether you’ve thought through fully the implications of your bonding – the fact that you must give up so much,’ she said.

  ‘I’ll not pretend that it won’t be hard,’ admitted Kira. ‘I’ve known for a long time that having Tierken meant not having Allogrenia, and that I can’t be both here with my bondmate and there with my clanmates.

  ‘But I need to go back one last time. When I left, I didn’t think I’d live to cross the Dendora, let alone return. I was running, too terrified even to look back. I’ve never been to the alwaysgreens where my family is buried, never stood beneath their boughs and listened to my family’s voices in the whisper of leaves. I need do that.’

  *

  As the moon waxed large again and the end of spring approached, Kira’s impatience to see Tierken became unbearable. She fidgeted about the cooking place or spent her time at the stables, scanning the track for horses. As soon as he arrived, she planned that they’d make a dash to the dwinhir nest. The chicks were half fluff and half feathers now and she knew Tierken would enjoy seeing them as much as she did.

  But when horses finally appeared on the path from Sarnia, they bore only Guard Leader Tharin, Guard Second Daril, and a young female server who carried clothes and ribbons to dress Kira’s hair.

  ‘The Feailner orders that we leave late this night, so that we reach Sarnia at midday on the morrow, and reminds you that celebrations for his sister’s wedding have commenced. He sends clothes appropriate for the occasion and looks forward to welcoming you home.’

  Tharin’s face was emotionless, but Kira felt the opposite. She had assumed that Tierken would be coming himself, not sending Guard. To add to Kira’s disappointment and upset, the server insisted on dressing Kira’s hair there and then.

  Kira had to still her boiling emotions while the server laboriously braided her hair, weaving in silver and black ribbons. The clothes the server had brought were black too, ornamented with silver. There was a high-collared jacket split at the back for riding, black breeches, and black knee-high boots also embellished with silver. The colours of the Domain, Kira realised apprehensively, which she was now part of due to her bonding.

  She changed into them and came back to the cooking place.

  ‘You look every part a queen,’ said Eris.

  ‘I feel every part a traitor to Kasheron, wearing this metal,’ muttered Kira.

  ‘The Tremen and Terak are one now,’ Eris reminded her.

  ‘Metal’s still prasach.’

  Eris smiled and continued her grinding, but Kira’s throat tightened as she looked at the elderly Healer, and at the comforting familiarity of the room she’d soon be departing. The fire flickered low and the air was sweet with drying herbs.

  ‘I don’t want to leave here, Eris, or you,’ she said tremulously.

  Eris set her grinding aside. ‘You don’t want to be with Tierken?’

  ‘I don’t want to be in Sarnia. The people stare and there’s too much stone.’

  The complaint sounded childish, even to her own ears.

  ‘You’re strong, Kira. You will make a place for yourself there, as you have here.’

  ‘I’ll come back and visit you again soon, Eris.’

  ‘I ask that you don’t,’ said Eris. ‘This is my last spring, Kira, and you’ve seen too much of death already. We’ll make our farewells now, and you’ll remember me as I am this night – our last together.’

  Kira stared at her in horror. ‘But how do you know?’

  ‘We’re both Healers, and you ask me that?’

  ‘But there are things I can do!’ cried Kira, tears starting. ‘I can –’

  Eris placed her fingers on Kira’s lips, silencing her. ‘We are of the green and growing, you and I. We know of seed-fall, understand the uncurling of new leaves, accept the slow creep of decay as death reclaims life. You saw it in the forests, and it’s here in the allogrenia groves, and in the ice that burns brighter than fire, then slides back into water. It’s given to Healers to know when to heal – and when to let go.’

  Eris cradled Kira’s wet face in her hands, as she had on the night Tierken had first brought her to Kessom.

  ‘I say to you now what I’ve said before. Give yourself time to heal – and kindness.’

  Then she kissed Kira on each cheek, and hobbled from the room.

  22

  The day was like full summer when Kira and her escort reached Sarnia. Tierken watched her progress up the Domain path from his vantage point in the lee of the Domain gate. His strategy forbade him from greeting her outside, but the fact that the path was already decorated with flowers and black-and-silver pennants in preparation for Laryia’s wedding on the morrow also prevented such a meeting. To travel it now with Kira would be to parody the Marriage Walk – and he hadn’t the stomach for it.

  Once Tierken had issued orders to the Guard to escort Kira back from Kessom, word of it had spread – as it usually did – and crowds appeared, no doubt anticipating seeing the Feailner’s bride-to-be. Tierken smiled grimly as he contemplated the gossip. Those whose sons she’d healed would say that the gold-eyed Healer had returned, but more would grin slyly and say that the Feailner’s woman would soon be warming the Feailner’s bed.

  Kira was about midway up the path when a cheer began. Tierken had no idea who had begun it but he was pleased to see that Kira wasn’t cowed by it as she’d been when he first brought her to Sarnia. She sat straight in the saddle, and even waved in greeting. His blood quickened as she neared, for the Domain colours highlighted her fairness, and the silver ribbons in the braid around her face glinted like a crown. She’d gained weight, too, her gauntness replaced by soft curves.

  The party entered the Domain and Kira slumped with relief, then saw him, her face lighting up as she leapt from the mare and bounded into his arms. The sense and scent of her woke a fierce desire and he wondered how he’d borne their moons apart and how he’d possibly bear what was to come.

  Finally she drew back. ‘I greet you, bondmate,’ she said tenderly.

  ‘You look well,’ said Tierken. ‘Are you well?’

  ‘How could I not be well, now I’m with you? And you’ll be pleased to know that on the journey here I named the mare. I’ve called her Brightwings after the iridescent moths that live in Allogrenia.’

  ‘A pretty name,’ said Tierken, his gaze roving over her.

  He took her pack from the escort and steered her swiftly across the courtyard.

  ‘Sarnia looks lovely with all the flowers and flags,’ she said, panting slightly as she almost had to jog to keep up. ‘People seem happy and excited too. I suppose it’s a wonderful thing to have a wedding so soon after the fighting.’

  ‘Yes it is,’ said Tierken, pulling her along the balcony after him, and into her rooms.

  He slammed the door and turned the key, then took her in his arms again
. His kisses were so urgent that she felt breathless, then he picked her up and carried her to the sleeping-room, where he swiftly removed her jacket and shirt, and loosened the lacings on her breeches. His mouth moved from her neck to her breasts, and she shut her eyes, anticipating his skin next to hers.

  But he didn’t undress, instead holding her clamped against him as he entered her, thrusting again and again till his need was sated. Kira’s hunger for him remained and she began to unbutton his shirt, but he stilled her hand.

  ‘No time for that now,’ he said, neatening his clothes. ‘I must outline the wedding schedule so you know what’s expected.’

  Kira struggled to concentrate, disconcerted by the abruptness of his love-making.

  ‘The celebrations begin with a breakfast banquet which Laryia will host with me in the Meeting Hall. All peoples who make up the Terak Kirillian, or who are allied or treatied to us, are represented. I’ve asked Farid to escort you and I’ve instructed Niria to bring you a selection of gowns and help you prepare.

  ‘The marriage ceremony will commence at midday at the wall gate. Laryia tells me she’s had a special gown arranged for you. Again, Farid will escort you. The custom is for the Feailner and his consort to lead the betrothed couple from the wall gate to the Domain gate with the wedding guests following in order of status. As I’m unmarried, Laryia’s partnered me in the past, but obviously that’s not possible in this instance, so I’ll perform the duty alone. The Marriage Walk provides an enjoyable spectacle and allows the citizens of Sarnia to offer their best wishes to the couple.

  ‘The couple then pledge before the Marken before returning to the Meeting Hall for the wedding banquet. The celebrations make for a long day, and as you’ve travelled through the night, I suggest you get some sleep now so that you’ll be fresh for the morrow.’

  He nodded and the door shut behind him, leaving Kira alone and feeling both off balance and bereft. Tierken loved her, had made love to her, but she needed time simply to lie in his arms and speak with him. Or to lie in his arms in silence, knowing he was there. She sighed as she dressed. Tierken had responsibility for the wedding preparations and much else to do, apart from stay with her, she reminded herself. Once the wedding was over with though, she’d have all the time in the world with her bondmate.

  The realisation that she had a bondmate swept over her anew and she laughed suddenly and flopped back on the bed. Then there was a knock and she leapt up, hurriedly smoothing down her clothes.

  It was Laryia and Tresen, and Kira stared at her clanmate in astonishment.

  ‘You look so well,’ she gasped.

  Apart from being thin and moving with care, Tresen looked as he always had. Kira laughed again, this time in relief, and embraced him.

  ‘You also look well, clanmate,’ said Tresen, with a broad smile. ‘And I congratulate you on your bonding. May you and Tierken find the same joy and happiness as we have found.’

  ‘I wish you joy and happiness on your bonding also,’ said Laryia, as she kissed Kira on the cheek. ‘Now, I’ll leave you two together, for I know you’ve had little chance to speak since you both came north. And Kira, sometime this day Niria will bring the dress you wore to the banquet at Mid-market. I’ve had it ornamented, and a circlet made for your hair. You’re going to look so beautiful as you lead the Marriage Walk with Tierken.’

  ‘I’m not leading it with Tierken. Farid’s to partner me,’ said Kira.

  ‘But . . . being Tierken’s bondmate is virtually the same as being his consort. You should walk with him,’ said Laryia.

  ‘The morrow belongs to you and Tresen, not to me,’ said Kira. ‘I’m well content with how Tierken has arranged things.’

  Laryia nodded but still looked troubled as she left.

  ‘Sit, clanmate, and conserve your strength,’ said Kira to Tresen. ‘From what Tierken has said, the morrow will tax you greatly. And before you get too comfortable, show me that wound.’

  ‘Always the Healer,’ said Tresen, as he slipped off his shirt.

  ‘Yes,’ said Kira. ‘So you know better than to lie to me about your pain. How is your breathing?’

  ‘I won’t be sprinting anywhere.’

  ‘No,’ she said, gently probing. ‘The spear damaged your lungs. Still, you look better than I dared hope.’

  ‘I hadn’t realised the healing power of love,’ said Tresen soberly, as he put his shirt back on. ‘Between you and Laryia, I’ve been extraordinarily fortunate. Your love pulled me back into life, and Laryia’s love gave me reason to stay here.’ He paused. ‘How is it with you and Tierken?’

  ‘As you’ve seen,’ said Kira with a smile. ‘I love him and we’ve bonded.’

  ‘But that’s not enough for him, is it?’ said Tresen, looking at her sideways.

  ‘Why do you say that?’

  ‘Tierken’s told no one in Sarnia that he’s bonded to you. Farid doesn’t even know, and Farid’s his closest friend. And he’s refused you your rightful position – as his consort – at his side in the Marriage Walk.’

  Kira looked at him in dismay and Tresen gentled his voice. ‘To truly accept the kin-link, Tierken has to accept our customs. Both Laryia and I have told him in various ways that, in Tremen terms, you are as married to him as Laryia and I will be by this time on the morrow. But everything he’s done to date, or hasn’t done, tells me that he hasn’t accepted the bonding.’

  ‘Don’t say that!’

  ‘I’m your clanmate, Kira. We grew together and I love you. I have to say it.’

  There was a strained silence, and it was Kira who broke it. ‘It was an immense thing we asked of the Terak, in accepting Kasheron’s deserters back into the city. Full acceptance of us, and Tierken’s full acceptance of me, will take time. I’m prepared to be patient.’

  Tresen frowned as he recalled Caledon saying something similar about his own preparedness to wait for Kira. Now Kira was saying the same thing about Tierken. It seemed that the only person not required to be patient was the northern Feailner.

  ‘Laryia and I won’t be going back to Allogrenia until Terak patrolmen have “secured” it, whatever that means. I’m not sure Kest will be too pleased, but I can understand Tierken’s concerns. And of course, I want Laryia to be absolutely safe too.

  ‘I’m happy to act as Leader on my return, Kira, if that’s what the Clancouncil wants, but my guess is that no new Leader can be appointed until you have formally renounced the leadership.’

  ‘I could send a message with you,’ suggested Kira.

  ‘I don’t think that would be sufficient.’

  ‘I’ll ask Tierken about visiting Allogrenia then, but I don’t think now is a good time,’ said Kira.

  Tresen didn’t think that any time would be good for the northern Leader, but he held his tongue.

  23

  As it turned out, Tresen and Kira didn’t enjoy much speech together at all, for Tresen tired so quickly that Kira soon had to help him back to his rooms. As they came out into the courtyard, Kira was surprised by the number of richly dressed strangers strolling about, and remembered that Caledon was probably somewhere in the Domain as well. She longed to see him, but people paused in their conversations at her approach and, after the quietness of Kessom, she felt the need to hasten back to the sanctuary of her rooms.

  Niria appeared soon after, with a meal for Kira and an armful of gowns. Wanting to honour her bondmate, Kira selected the black and silver colours of the Domain, despite the gown being heavy with metal. Having a Terak bondmate meant making compromises, she told herself, and Tierken would be pleased by her choice. When he came later she’d also have a chance to tell him about the dwinhir hatchlings too.

  Kira sat by the window and watched the Silvercades pass through their glorious hues of pink and orange, then cool to blue as the sun slipped below the horizon, but Tierken didn’t come. Instead, Tresen’s words returned to trouble her. Tresen had never liked Tierken, and Kira believed that her clanmate’s dislike coloured his j
udgement of Tierken’s actions. Tresen didn’t know that it had been Tierken who had asked her to bond in Kessom, and nor did her clanmate fully comprehend the depth of animosity to Kasheron in the north. The ill feeling towards Kasheron was reason enough for Tierken to keep their bonding a secret – though not to keep the news from his closest friend.

  The idea was unsettling enough to give Kira a poor night’s sleep, so that she was up, dressed and waiting when Farid arrived at dawn. In the clear light of a new day, it was easier to dismiss her fears, and seeing Farid again restored her sense of wellbeing. He seemed genuinely pleased to see her as well.

  ‘It gladdens me to have you safely back,’ he said, gripping her hands.

  Kira was reminded of his kindness during the bleak days of fighting and was comforted that he was to guide her through this important day.

  ‘I beg your pardon that I didn’t have a chance to greet you yesterday,’ he said, as they made their way along the balcony. ‘Between Laryia’s wedding, opening up the Wastes, and rebuilding the southern Rehan, it’s been an extraordinarily busy time.’

  ‘By contrast, I’ve been very lazy in Kessom,’ said Kira lightly.

  ‘I’m sure that’s not the case. I’ve heard reports that you gathered and shared your healing in your usual generous manner.’

  Kira glanced sideways at him, debating whether to tell him of the bonding. The courtyard was drenched in sunshine and a happy day lay ahead filled with celebrations for Tresen and Laryia – two people Kira loved. She couldn’t imagine Tierken would mind her sharing her joy with Farid, given that the Keeper was discreet and that Tierken trusted him absolutely.

  ‘What is it?’ asked Farid, with a smile.

  Other ornately garbed men and women were moving towards the Meeting Hall, and there were curious glances in their direction. Kira lowered her voice.

  ‘Tierken and I have bonded.’

  Farid jerked to a stop. ‘Bonded?’

  Kira laughed, unable to contain her excitement. ‘It’s the Tremen equivalent of Terak marriage.’