Born of Blood (The Valdir Chronicles Book 3) Read online

  Prince Endre closed his eyes tight, as if waiting for the end to come. Kalina raised her ax above her head, and released it.

  Across the circle from her, King Blackbourne fell a moment later, crumpling to the ground, her ax buried in his chest cavity. Chaos erupted. And Kalina released her grip on Prince Endre’s hair.

  “Long live the King,” she muttered as hands seized her suddenly from both sides. She fought as they dragged her away, as her people began to riot, as fighting broke out. She made eye contact with Leif through the crowd and smiled.

  Chapter 40

  Before the Askorians could drag her off, a shout rang above all the rest.

  “Halt! In the name of your King, halt!”

  The Askorian soldiers on either side of Kalina paused, the general chaos dying slowly around them as Prince Endre pushed himself to his feet and reached out to a nearby soldier who offered him his shoulder to lean on.

  “Halt. I am your King now. And I say, release Queen Kalina.”

  Murmurs flew around the gathered crowd, faces frowned and there were a few cries of protest. But King Endre put up his injured hand for silence.

  “Listen to me, Askorians. From this day forward, we will have peace with Ethea. There will be no more war between our people. No more bloodshed. Askor is no longer interested in conquering its southern neighbor, but instead, embracing them as friends and trade partners. If Ethea accepts our offer of friendship, of course.” The King gave her a small bow.

  Kalina’s heart rose, hope flooding her. She had wondered if her bet would pay off, if she was right in putting her faith into the older prince. But she hadn’t expected such a warm welcome. The soldiers on either side of her dropped her arms, and she began limping back to her people, and to Maska who had bellowed and perhaps trampled a few people in his desperation to reach her. She put a hand up to his face and looked into his night-dark eyes. Then she turned to the new Askorian King.

  “Ethea accepts. As do the Valdir. But I do not speak for the Vanir in this.” She nodded to Sunniva. Sunniva’s face was still a mask of anger, but she took a deep breath and stepped forward.

  “The Vanir are our own people, ruled neither by the Askorians or the Etheans. We accept your friendship on one condition.”

  “And what is that?” King Endre asked, wrapping a clean bandage around the missing fingers on his hand as he watched the leader of the Vanir.

  “That you cede us our ancestral lands. The Snowcap Glacier and the Ice Fang Mountains. Gift us those, and we would be happy to call you friends.”

  “Does this make you the Queen of the Vanir then?” The King asked, pulling the knife from his leg with a grunt before wrapping the wound. “Shall I call you Queen?”

  Sunniva nodded, her face thoughtful.

  “Yes, I believe I am.”

  “Excellent. I suggest that we all part ways, tend to our wounded and dying, and reconvene on the morrow. I invite you all into my castle to discuss a peace treaty and agree on terms before you depart for home.” He looked directly at Kalina and bowed his head in respect to her. “Until tomorrow, your Majesties.”

  And then he turned and left, using a soldier as a crutch to walk down the sloping hill and back to his waiting army. His people slowly filed away, leaving her standing on the hill, covered in blood and mud, her shocked people beside her.

  “That’s it then?” Kari said, her voice strange and bemused. “It’s just over?”

  Kalina turned to her cousin, suddenly feeling woozy from the pain.

  “Yes, I think so. That’s why I challenged him. I had a hunch that as soon as I killed his father we’d be free.” She swayed on her feet then, and Leif was at her side in an instant, holding her up.

  “We need to get you patched up.” He waved Kari over and together they carried her to Maska’s back. Leif flew with her on Maska back to their camp and carried her into the medical tent. Kalina didn’t remember much of the short flight, only that her head was swimming now, and every part of her hurt. But she did remember the soft bed he laid her in, Eira’s cool hands roaming over her scalp, and then the warm water washing away the mud and gore. After that she slept, her dreams blessedly empty.

  The following afternoon she stood in the Askorian throne room with Leif, Kari, Rangvald, Halvor, Prince Simen and Prince Ivan, her head wrapped in a bandage. Maska and the other dragons remained outside in the main courtyard guarded by a host of Valdir. Just because King Endre had declared a peace didn’t mean she trusted him entirely.

  The new King sat atop his throne, his brother Prince Julian by his side. Queen Marin was nowhere in sight, and Kalina could only hope the vile woman was gone from these halls.

  Kalina was practically buzzing with anxiety. They had spent all morning negotiating a peace treaty that benefited all parties involved, but the only mention of her people who had been imprisoned was for the new king to say they had been released and were being tended too. But now she waited with her court, anticipation building.

  Across the throne room, Sunniva, Astrid, and Greyson stood with Torill and Gunnar beside them. All five Vanir were talking together, hotly debating something. Finally, Sunniva nodded her head, Astrid stepping away and letting out an exasperated sound and Torill turned to hug her husband. Kalina raised an eyebrow at Sunniva who gave her a small smile.

  The Vanir Queen had fashioned a crown out of iron for herself, not unlike Kalina’s own battle crown that currently sat askew atop her bandages. Sunniva’s crown resembled thorns and brambles rather than the delicate vines of Kalina’s. Sunniva was taking to being Queen of the Vanir like a dragon to air. And Kalina supposed, in a way, Sunniva had already been their queen, in all but name.

  King Endre stood and descended the steps to join his guests. He took a glass of wine from a nearby servant and raised it high in a toast.

  “To peace and friendship.”

  They all repeated his toast and drank from their own glasses, but Kalina’s eyes never stopped roaming the hall, searching for danger.

  “I have a gift for you all. Partly to fulfill our recent peace treaty, and partly to abolish an age-old tradition. I have just dispatched a writ for all of Askor that indentured servitude is no longer legal. All currently indentured servants are to be released of their obligations at once, and given enough money to travel wherever they wish. Effective immediately, I will open up a school here in Winterreach to provide job training to those indentured and offer many of them positions here at the palace, as I suspect there will be many vacancies.”

  Kalina’s heart soared at his words, and she couldn’t stop herself from speaking up.

  “There was a maid here, her name was Seri. Can you find her for me, please? I’d like to offer her a position in Ethea if she’d like it.”

  Prince Endre gave her a small, gracious smile and turned to instruct a nearby servant.

  “Are all these servants free men?” she asked, pointing to the various servants around the hall serving food and drinks to the gathered guests.

  “Yes. I released them last night and then offered them well-paying jobs to stay on. I even gave them their month’s wages upfront. Many chose to remain.”

  Perhaps he wasn’t faking, perhaps this King was going to be a much better man than his father.

  “Ahh, here is your second gift.” He motioned towards the side doors that were opening as people began filing through. Kalina’s eyes went wide when she recognized familiar faces. Delisa was head of the pack, her skirts held up in her hands, her long dark hair flowing around her as she raced towards them. Behind her was Jormungand, his hulking frame a mite thinner than before, his beard a bit longer, but his eyes no less fierce. The rest of their captured companions followed, including Kalina’s Queen’s Guards, Asa, Runa, and Gyda and her old friend Talon, Captain Higgs in tow.

  Delisa gave Kalina a quick, tight, hug but her eyes were only for Kari who was practically vibrating with anticipation beside her. Kalina released her friend quickly and passed her along into Kari’s wai
ting arms. The two women embraced, Kari burying her head into Delisa’s shoulder, and small sobs could be heard as Delisa stroked the woman’s head. Kalina’s heart swelled further as she watched her best friend and cousin together. Then arms were around her and she turned to find Talon embracing her. When she pulled away, she saw tears standing unshed in his eyes.

  “I thought we’d lost you,” he said quietly, his hands holding her upper arms tightly. “I thought you were dead.”

  She smiled up at her friend, his brown hair still flopping into his eyes. She pushed it aside.

  “You’ll never lose me, Talon. Not ever. I’m stronger than that.”

  Leif pulled Talon in for a hug as Kalina greeted her Queen’s Guard and Captain Higgs, learning from him that their soldiers had been locked in their barracks since the night she’d fled. She finally turned to greet Jormungand, only to see her other cousin in a fierce embrace with his lover, Halvor, the two men openly crying. They leaned back to look at one another before their lips met in a hard kiss and then returned to their hug. Kalina reached over and took Leif’s hand in her own. Surrounded by so much love, she couldn’t help letting the small moment of public affection seep through.

  It was good to have her people back around her, but she realized that one person, whom she missed dearly, was missing. Lord Illeron. She dropped Leif’s hand and turned to King Endre who was watching the reunions with a faint smile on his face.

  “Thank you, Your Majesty,” she said gratefully to King Endre. “What about Lord Illeron? Did he, was he captured?” she asked hopefully. The night they’d rescued their dragons, Kalina hadn’t let herself believe he was dead. She had instead tucked that fear away to deal with on a different day, and instead had let a small spark of hope that he had survived fester there. Now that spark died at the look on the new King of Askor’s face.

  “I am sorry, Kalina. He was killed in the fire that engulfed the eyrie. We pulled his body from the ashes the next morning and my father burned what remained.” The King’s eyes fell. He was clearly ashamed of his father’s actions. Kalina swallowed hard against the hard knot that was in her throat.

  “Thank you for telling me.” She turned back to her people, tears leaking out the corners of her eyes, and tried to just be grateful that most of them had made it out of this alive. She couldn’t say that about so many others.

  A hand alighted on her shoulder and she turned to see the face of the King. He had descended from his throne when she’d had her back turned. His eyes were soft and knowing.

  “Will you do me the honor of having lunch with me before you leave? I wish to discuss a few things before you go.”

  Kalina nodded.

  “Of course, your Majesty.” She gave him a sad smile in return.

  “You are also welcome here in this castle, although I’ll understand if you don’t wish to stay. Your old rooms have been cleaned and prepared, your things returned to you.”

  “Thank you. I believe we will take you up on your offer.” As nice as the Vanir camps were, she wanted to sit in a comfy chair by a roaring fire and doze off while reading a book. She wanted a hot bath and warm, clean sheets. She wanted comfort and safety.

  After their afternoon spent in the castle, she and her council moved themselves back into their castle rooms, while Sunniva and her army departed north once again. Kalina had promised the new Queen that she would come to visit before they left south for home. She sent Rangvald home along with the army, watching from the shores of the rivers as they boarded their ships and pushed away from shore. She kept Talon, Captain Higgs, and their small contingent of soldiers with her for protection.

  It took a solid week of preparation to leave. All their property, including the ships they’d arrived on, had been seized and it took some time to get them back and get them ready to travel. Kalina took that time to heal, spend time with Maska and Leif, and learn from Delisa her story. She had also learned that while Ablen had attacked the eastern shore, Askor’s eastern force had split in two, suspecting a distraction, and instead had sent a force to surprise her army from behind. Kalina was grateful for Ablen’s support and planned to tell them so upon her return to Ethea.

  Two days before they were set to depart she flew to Sunniva’s camp in the mountains and found it was expanding, many from the other seven clans having decided to stay. Kalina had embraced the older woman when she’d landed and entered the village, and together they went once again into Torill and Gunnar’s cabin, it’s room filled with warmth. Kalina had also come to take Bri and Osian back with her. Torill now sat with Osian asleep against her ample breast, with Bri sitting beside her, letting the older Vanir stroke her hair.

  It was such a sweet sight to see that Kalina was loath to break it up. She had also talked with King Endre and agreed that when Osian was old enough, he would come for a visit, to meet the other half of his family. But for now, he was hers.

  “Bri,” Kalina cleared her throat before continuing. “Do you want to stay here? With Torill and Gunnar?” The girl’s eyes brightened as she looked up at the two who flanked her. Bri’s parents had been lost in the Long War, before Kalina had ever come to the Valdir throne. And she hadn’t had anyone to take care of her except Eira, when Eira could. But Bri’s eyes fell on Osian and she shook her head sadly.

  “No, your Majesty. As much as I love them, my duty is to you and to Osian. I will come home.”

  Kalina nodded in understanding, but before she could speak, Torill burst out in excited chatter.

  “Sunniva has already approved Gunnar and me to go with you back to Ethea. We can help raise Osian, and we’d like to adopt Bri as our own. Gun and I never could have children-,” she stopped speaking abruptly as Kalina smiled. Beside her, Sunniva was also smirking, and Bri was practically bouncing in her seat, looking from Kalina to Torill and back.

  “Of course you can, Torill,” Kalina said. “On one condition.” They all stilled, waiting. “That you and Gunnar become ambassadors for your people. Teach the Valdir about the Vanir. Show them your ways. And be my go-between with Sunniva.” She looked to the other Queen who nodded in agreement.

  “Of course we will,” Gunnar boomed out, his own happiness too much to contain in his huge body.

  “It’s settled then. Can I trust you to fly Bri and Osian safely back to their village in the Great Grey Mountains?”

  “Yes, you can, your Majesty.” Torill gave her a bow, as best she could with a sleeping Osian in her arms and Bri ran across the room to throw her arms around Kalina’s neck.

  “Thank you, oh, thank you!” she squealed. Kalina let out a laugh, hugging the girl back.

  She left the Vanir with Maska laden down with gifts for her people, and mixed emotions of sadness and joy. She waved goodbye as Maska winged away south and west to Winterreach Castle, and soon, home.

  Chapter 41

  Kalina had somehow always imagined the King of Askor’s rooms to be very dark and gloomy, instead, she found them rather inviting. But perhaps that had nothing to do with the room, and instead, the man who stood there smiling at her as she entered.

  King Endre was nothing as she’d expected. He still walked with a limp from her dagger to his leg, and he now wore a leather glove on his left hand to protect his finger stumps, but he seemed to show her no ill will. Her own injuries were healing nicely, but she’d had to shave the left side of her head to let the wound heal properly. She’d still be left with a nasty scar, but she no longer minded scars. Each scar on her body told a story about survival, about pain, about joy. Each scar had helped to shape and mold her into the queen she was. Without them, she’d still be the naive orphan girl living in a remote abbey, oblivious to her destiny.

  The King pulled out a chair by a big bay window that looked out onto the harbor below. It was a gorgeous view of the Riverlands and the sea beyond to the south. The meal the King had spread before them was simple: a hot stew filled with chunks of venison and root vegetables. It was savory and Kalina enjoyed dipping a warm roll in i
t. She watched the new King closely as they sat and ate in silence until she couldn’t take it anymore.

  “Why are you not like your father? He raised you, and when I first met you, I thought you were just like him.” She cut straight to the heart of the matter. It was her last day in the city, their ship due to sail on the morning tide. She didn’t come here to mince words.

  King Endre paused his eating, a spoonful halfway to his mouth. He put it down slowly and wiped his mouth before answering.

  “My father was a cruel man. When I was a boy, I watched him rule with an iron fist, never allowing for one inch of mercy. At first, I idolized him and his power. As did my brothers. But as I grew, I saw the way he treated our mother. I saw the way he treated the servants, even the nobles. I saw how he never showed kindness, mercy, understanding, or caring. I saw his cruelty when Ivan was born, and then Simen. He beat them when he was drunk, which was often. This was at the end of the Long War when things were going badly on both sides. My brother Terric was cunning and power-hungry. He knew he’d never take the Askorian throne from me, so he thought to take yours from your mother.” He broke off, looking out the window at the harbor below, seagulls dancing outside the windows on the ocean breeze. “I knew when my mother died I wouldn’t be like him. She made me promise. Made me swear on her death bed. So for years, I played his games. I became very good at it. But now,” he turned back to look at her. “Now I want to be better. I want to build something my own children will be proud of.”