Kwin

Chapter 1

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Gareth drained his tankard and placed it on the wooden table. He had no idea how many he had already imbibed, but he was beginning to feel the effects. Tomorrow was going to be a big day so he should really start to think about going to his room. Then his eyes fell on Sofina once more and he wondered if he would end up in her room instead. The way she had been looking at him all evening suggested there was a definite possibility.

His thoughts were interrupted by a strong hand gripping his shoulder. He looked up into the face of Kwin, his commander, best friend and the husband-to-be.

I’m leaving, Kwin said, though his voice sounded a bit slurry to Gareth’s ears. I’m not sure I’m going to be sober enough to get married in the morning otherwise.

Gareth grinned at him. Need some help getting up the stairs?

Kwin shook his head. I’ll manage. Don’t you stay up drinking late either. You have a big part to play in the ceremonies tomorrow.

Gareth glanced at Sofina before replying. I don’t know about drinking, but if I play my cards right I am hoping that part of me will be staying up late tonight.

Kwin saw where Gareth’s eyes had gone and smirked. Have fun. Just make sure I don’t have to drag your sorry arse out of bed in the morning.

Gareth watched as his friend made his way to the stairs, holding onto tables and chairs as he passed to keep himself on his feet. He was a tall man, easily half a foot taller than Gareth, but less bulky. Despite his drunkenness, his bearing easily marked him as a soldier, the scar down the left side of his face indicating that he had seen some action. Most people knew him as Commander Longbow, but to those who served under him, he was simply Kwin.

Gareth’s mind drifted back to the day Kwin had received the letter informing him that a marriage had been arranged between him and Lady Shona Flint. Kwin had not been happy. While arranged marriages were commonplace for members of the royal family, as second-cousin to the king, everyone in Kwin’s unit thought he was far enough removed from the crown to avoid such a fate, Kwin included.

The groom had yet to meet the bride. He had been introduced to her father once, but as the family lived a few hours east of where Kwin was stationed, Kwin and Shona’s paths had never crossed.

While Gareth was looking forward to meeting Lady Shona the following day, who was reported to be a great beauty, Kwin appeared to show no interest in doing so. He was dedicated to his job and being saddled with a wife was an inconvenience he could do without. He would go ahead with the wedding, however, as it was his duty. He loved his country and would do whatever the king required of him.

Which was why Gareth and a few other members of the Western battalion were now in the inn, celebrating Kwin’s last night of freedom.

Gareth returned his attention to Sofina. The barmaid had been giving him the eye all evening. She was serving more ale to some of his fellow soldiers and when one of them grabbed her behind and gave one cheek a squeeze, he stood up to intervene. Before he could cross the room, however, Sofina had dealt with the matter herself by slapping the offender hard across the face. Gareth winced. Personal experience told him how much that had probably hurt.

Sofina was rubbing her hand as she walked up to his table. Can I get you another? she asked. Gareth shook his head. The king had paid the inn enough money to keep those celebrating the next day’s big event lubricated for a week, let alone a night, but Kwin had been right; if he wanted to be of any use to his friend in the morning, he shouldn’t have any more.

I saw what happened. Let me know if you want me to speak to them. How’s the hand? he asked.

Sofina smiled at him and he couldn’t stop his gaze from travelling down from her face to her ample bosom, which was trying to escape her bodice. He was sure it had been fully laced at the start of the evening, but now it was partially undone.

I’ll be fine. Nothing I’m not used to. Just men who have had a little too much to drink wanting more fun than is on offer.

Let me take a look. He held out his hand and he couldn’t help smiling as she placed hers in it. He looked at it closely. While it was red, there appeared to be no damage. He gently stroked her palm. Does this hurt?

She shivered as he caressed her hand, but he didn’t believe it was from pain or fright. No, she said. Her voice was slightly shaking.

Gareth stopped touching her, but didn’t release her hand. I didn’t say stop, she said.

Grinning like a schoolboy, he turned her hand over, drew it up to his lips and kissed the back of it. When do you finish work?

Once everyone has gone to their beds.

Gareth glanced around the room. All of the locals had left hours ago and Kwin’s soldiers were the only patrons left. Excuse me a moment, he said to Sofina and stood up. She watched as he approached the first group.

Time to head upstairs boys and girls, he said. As Kwin’s second-in-command, his suggestion would be obeyed. All of the soldiers Kwin had brought with him were staying at the inn. Pallets had been laid down in a number of the rooms to accommodate everyone. Gareth was supposed to be sleeping in the other bed in Kwin’s room, but he had no intention of doing so.

Kwin had brought more of his company with him than he would have done, under other circumstances. The king himself would be attending the wedding, along with the royal family, and Kwin didn’t want to take any chances. Wayvern raiding parties were rare in this part of the county, but they still appeared occasionally and Kwin wanted to ensure the royal family was as well protected as possible. He would have brought his entire company with him if it had not left the west under-defended. The king would have his own guards with him, but Kwin trusted the Western battalion more than soldiers he didn’t know.

Gareth made his way from table to table, chatting with his friends, giving them all the same advice. Soon the tap-room was empty.

Good night Sofina, he said as he passed her, heading toward the stairs. He was hoping she would stop him and he wasn’t disappointed.

Wait while I tidy up, she said, grabbing his arm.

He sat at a table and watched as she picked up empty tankards and took them into the kitchen before wiping down the tables with a damp cloth. When she had finished, she took hold of his hand and led him to the back of the inn, where her room was situated.

They were all over each other the moment her door closed.

Chapter 2

Gareth was woken by frantic banging on the bedroom door. Beside him, Sofina stirred.

Gareth, get up now, he heard Kwin’s voice yell through the wooden door. He glanced over at the window. The shutters were still open, but the expected sunlight wasn’t shining into the room. It was still the middle of the night.

Hold on, he called out. He slipped out of the bed and put his trousers on, not bothering with underwear; he wasn’t planning on staying dressed for long. He would deal with Kwin then go back to bed. As Sofina was awake, he planned on not going to sleep for a while.

What is it? she murmured as she rolled over to look at him.

I don’t know. I’ll find out then come straight back to bed. He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead before striding over to the door.

Kwin may be his commander, but that would not stop Gareth yelling at him for waking him up. He pulled open the door, but the look on Kwin’s face stopped his words before they could leave his mouth.

Kwin stood before him in full battle gear; the only things missing were his weapons. All thoughts of sleep or more fun activities left Gareth’s mind. What’s happened?

There’s been a raid.

Gareth didn’t need to hear anything more. Leaving the door open, he walked back over to the bed and stroked Sofina’s cheek. I’m sorry but I have to go. He kissed her lips tenderly then picked up his remaining clothes before leaving the room and closing the door behind him.

Where? he asked as he and Kwin made their way to the room they were supposed to have been sharing. He had been expecting Kwin to say one of the nearby villages, as such places were the usual target of Wayvern raiding parties due to their lack of defences, but the words that came out of Kwin’s mouth made Gareth stop in his tracks.

Lord Flint’s estate.

The king? The royal family?

There was no emotion in Kwin’s voice when he answered. The soldier stood before Gareth, not the man. I don’t know. The only information I have is that a young stable lad managed to escape, grabbed a horse and rode here as fast as he could.

Gareth turned away and resumed walking. He needed to get changed as quickly as possible.

All of the soldiers who had accompanied Gareth and Kwin for the wedding were in the courtyard when Gareth arrived, mounted and fully armed. Kwin handed Gareth his weapons then gave the order to move out.

The inn was a fair few leagues from Lord Flint’s estate, so the soldiers alternated between cantering and trotting. It took them nearly an hour to get there, but pushing their horses any faster would have risked exhausting them. They had no idea what they were going to find when they got there, or what they would need to do, so preserving their horses was of paramount importance.

Initially Gareth thought that there was no sign of any of the king’s guards as they entered the estate, then he saw the bodies. Kwin signalled for two of his soldiers to remain behind and check for signs of life while the rest increased their pace, galloping down the driveway and skidding to a halt when they reached the front door.

Nobody came out to greet them.

Search the house, Kwin said, loudly enough for his soldiers to hear him but hopefully not the enemy, if any were still inside the house. The king is the priority. Find and protect him. Kill anyone who gets in your way, regardless of skin colour.

The slight blue tinge to the skin that all the people from Wayvern had would not be easily discernible in the dark and Gareth understood that Kwin didn’t want to take any chances. He would rather innocent people died than the enemy get away. The soldiers would be careful. They were experienced fighters and would not harm anyone they knew was not from Wayvern.

Half of the soldiers went around the back while the rest followed Kwin and Gareth into the mansion, through the front door. A few lamps were lit, casting long shadows, and it was eerily quiet. The sun would be rising soon so the sounds of servants going about their business should have reached their ears.

Gareth motioned with his head that some of the soldiers should search the ground floor, while he and Kwin slowly climbed the grand staircase, swords drawn, ready for a fight. Two of the female members of the Western battalion went with them and Gareth nodded his approval. If the king’s family were still alive they would be less scared when armed women burst in on them than armed men.

They moved quietly, not wishing to alert their enemy to their presence, should any still be alive. When he heard a noise, Gareth held up his hand, stopping everyone who was following him. He and Kwin both listened carefully, trying to ascertain what the noise was and where it was coming from.

At Kwin’s signal, the soldiers started moving once more, some peeling off to the right when they reached the top of the staircase, others moving to the left.

When Gareth heard a raised voice, he and Kwin headed toward it. It was a voice they both recognised. They burst through the door, swords raised, startling all those inside.

What in Hellan’s name are you doing here Kwin? King Tarkel yelled out.

Kwin and Gareth instantly dropped to one knee and bowed their heads.

Get up, the king shouted, obviously not in the mood for protocol being followed.

We came as soon as we heard about the raid, Kwin said as he rose. He quickly explained about the stable hand. What is the situation?

While Kwin spoke, Gareth surveyed the room. He was concerned that there were no guards present.

They took us by surprise, the king said. I have no idea how they entered the estate. I can only assume that my guards are dead.

Gareth looked the king up and down. Dressed in lightweight trousers and a tunic that looked to have been put on in a hurry, he was still a commanding presence. Before taking the throne, he had been a soldier and continued to train whenever he could, keeping himself fit and muscular. A red stain on one arm of his tunic suggested that he had not left the fighting to his guards. His shoulder length hair was dishevelled; he hadn’t bothered to tie it back into his customary ponytail.

Gareth glanced to the man King Tarkel had been shouting at. He was quivering in the corner and it took him a moment to realise it was Lord Flint. He forced his attention back to what King Tarkel was saying.

They have taken most of the servants and a few of my guards that they managed to knock unconscious instead of kill.

Your family? Kwin asked. Gareth could hear the concern in his voice. Kwin may only be a distant relative of the king, but was still of royal blood so it was his own kin he was asking about.

The queen and children are all safe. Gareth heard Kwin breathe a sigh of relief, but there was an edge to the king’s voice that suggested there was something he wasn’t saying.

What are my orders sire? Kwin asked. I have less than twenty members of the Western battalion with me but they are at your disposal. They are currently searching the house and grounds in case any of the enemy remain.

There are none left alive, I can assure you of that. King Tarkel spoke with grim determination. Have your men stationed for guard duty. A messenger has been sent to the nearest garrison, but reinforcements will not arrive for a while.

Kwin nodded his head then he and Gareth bowed before heading for the door. Their departure was interrupted by Lord Flint calling after them.

They’ve taken Shona. You have to go after them.

That explained what the shouting had been about. Lord Flint was putting his daughter’s life ahead of the king’s, a move the king would not have taken too kindly to.

Gareth held his breath as Kwin turned and approached Lord Flint. If not for the raid, the man would have been his father-by-marriage in a few hours and Gareth was curious as to how his commander would handle the situation.

Lord Flint was a tall, thin man, but seemed short next to Kwin. He looked older than the last time Gareth had seen him, greyer and more care-worn.

Kwin’s voice was devoid of all emotion when he spoke. While you have my sympathies, Lord Flint, I have my orders from the king and I will ensure they are carried out before I will discuss anything with you.

Kwin then turned his back on him and strode from the room, closely followed by Gareth.

What do you plan on doing? he asked as soon as he and Kwin were alone.

As the king has commanded. For now.

It was all that Gareth would be able to get out of his friend for the time being, so he went in search of his fellow soldiers to pass on the orders, making sure that he assigned females to guard the king’s family. He and Kwin would discuss the situation later; now was not the time.

Once the estate was as secure as it could be with so few armed guards, Gareth accompanied Kwin back to the suite the king was staying in. Lord Flint was still trying to convince him to send men to rescue his daughter.

May Petra take your tongue man, the king yelled out as they entered the room. You are talking nonsense. They will have crossed the border by now. There is nothing we can do.

Permission to speak, your Majesty, Kwin said, taking Gareth by surprise. He had never heard his friend interrupt nobles before. Then he remembered that Kwin was also, technically, a noble.

The king indicated with his head for Kwin to continue, his face telling Gareth that he was glad of the interruption.

You ordered me to marry Lady Shona and it is an order I intend to obey. With your permission, I would like to attempt to rescue her.

Gareth’s jaw dropped open. What Kwin was suggesting would be suicide.

While I appreciate the sentiment, the king said, I cannot allow it. Too many men have already died. Whenever we send a group of armed men across the border, none ever return. I will not sacrifice more soldiers in a futile attempt to bring back just one woman.

I’m not suggesting sending a group of soldiers. I intend to go alone.

Over my dead body, Gareth said. If you are foolish enough to do this, I am coming with you.

Kwin’s reply was cut off by the king. I cannot and will not agree to that. You may be a skilled magic user, Kwin, and from what I have heard your second-in-command here is becoming quite adept as well, but experience has told us that that will not prevent you from being taken prisoner and sold into slavery the moment you set foot in Wayvern. We have sent magic users before and never heard from them again.

Gareth didn’t like the smile on his friend’s face. I have no intention of avoiding capture. I intend to become a slave then escape. If I don’t let them know I have magical abilities, they will not do anything to suppress them.

Are you insane? Gareth couldn’t stop himself from blurting out. You have no idea what will happen to you. As far as you know, they automatically suppress magic in everyone they capture. The few who have managed to escape and get back across the border weren’t able to tell us anything other than that the enemy know some of us have magic and have found a way to prevent us using it.

I know, Kwin said. I am willing to take that chance.

I’m not sure I am, the king said. You lead one of the most efficient battalions we have. Your soldiers have killed more of the enemy and saved more of our people than any other. I need you to remain here.

The men and women under my command can function just as well without me. Gareth can lead them as well as I can. Gareth glared at him. As can a number of the squad leaders, he quickly added.

The king did not look convinced. There was an emotion in Kwin’s voice Gareth had never heard before when he continued. It is my bride we are talking about rescuing. I have the right to at least try.

Very well, King Tarkel finally said, though he did not look pleased about his decision.

Thank you your Majesty. I will leave as soon as I can.

We will leave as soon as we can, Gareth said, emphasising the ‘we’.

The king nodded. Take whatever provisions you need from the house. Lord Flint won’t mind.

There is one more thing I will need from Lord Flint, Kwin said. I have no idea what Lady Shona looks like.

Lord Flint began to describe her but Kwin stopped him. I need to see her. Will you let me look into your mind?

Lord Flint paled, but nodded. He flinched when Kwin put his hands on either side of his head and closed his eyes. Just think about your daughter.

Gareth watched in fascination. He was aware of what Kwin was doing but had yet to be taught how to do it. He saw Lord Flint flinch once more, then relax.

It didn’t take long for Kwin to get what he needed and he soon opened his eyes again. He didn’t thank the lord, he simply turned his back on him and approached Gareth.

Your turn, he said. If you insist on coming with me, you will need this information as well. Have you ever done this before? Gareth shook his head. Then I will have to push the images to you instead of you taking them from me.

Gareth felt a trace of apprehension run through him when Kwin took his head in his hands. Both men closed their eyes and Gareth felt a push against his mind, as if someone was trying to get in. He let down his mental barriers and an image appeared. It was of a laughing young lady, riding a horse. She looked to be in her mid-twenties, only a few years younger than Gareth and Kwin, and was as beautiful as he had been led to believe. Her long blonde hair flew behind her as she galloped forward, blowing in the wind. Her blue eyes sparkled as she spoke. Her voice was soft and delicate and Gareth found himself wishing she was speaking to him, not to her father.

All too soon the image disappeared. Gareth would recognise this woman if he saw her again, of that he had no doubt.

Don’t get too hung up on the details, Kwin said when Gareth opened his eyes. Remember her face, the rest is irrelevant. Her captors may cut or dye her hair. They would be mad to as I’m sure she will get a better price as she is, but you never know.

He ignored Lord Flint’s sharp intake of breath.

Understood, Gareth said.

Kwin then turned to the king. With your permission, we will leave immediately.

I’m not happy about this, he said, but I won’t stop you. I would say good luck, but you’re going to need more than that. Just try to stay alive.

Nothing more needed to be said so the two men left the room.

A thank you would have been nice, Gareth said as they descended the stairs. I’m glad he’s going to be your father-by-marriage not mine.

Kwin smiled at him, but there was no happiness in it. He’s been through a lot. Don’t judge him too harshly.

Gareth grunted in reply.

Before heading to the back of the house to raid the kitchen, the two men sought out Fen, the man Kwin wished to take over command of the Western battalion while they were away. The words Fen used when he found out the reasons for his instant promotion were not ones to be used in front of ladies.

It didn’t take long to fill their saddlebags with enough food to last them a few days. They would reach the border before nightfall, but had no idea how long it would be before they were captured.

They rode in silence, each man lost in their own thoughts. They were less than a league from Wayvern when the sun began to set and they decided to rest by the river for a while. They would attempt to cross the border once darkness had descended and a meal and some strong coffee would go down well while they waited.

Fen is right about one thing, Gareth said as he blew on his hot beverage. Kwin raised a questioning eyebrow. We really are bloody idiots.

Chapter 3

As the flames of the cooking fire burned, Kwin looked across at Gareth. When he announced that he wanted to try to rescue Shona, he hadn’t expected Gareth to volunteer to join him, but he should have done. They had known each other since they were boys and always had each other’s backs.

He wondered if he was doing the right thing. He had no illusions that he would definitely make it out of Wayvern alive. There were many things that could go wrong. He could be killed instead of taken prisoner, he might not be able to escape and could end up spending the rest of his life as a slave. Even if he did, by some miracle, find himself a free man, he had no idea how to track down Shona or how to get her away from her captors and safely out of the country. It was a fool’s dream and he was dragging his best friend with him. ‘Nothing new there’, he thought to himself.

He found himself contemplating the other man. His junior by only a year or so, he was much more of a ladies man. While Kwin concentrated on defending his country and rarely indulged in the pleasures of the flesh, Gareth slept with every woman he could entice into his bed. And they didn’t take much persuasion. His good looks and fit body caught their attention, then his charm kept them interested. The chances of him not being sold as a sex slave when they were captured were almost non-existent. Kwin found himself wondering if Gareth would enjoy it.

What are you smirking at? Gareth asked when he raised his head and saw Kwin smiling at him.

Just thinking about how much more you are going to go for on the auction block than me.

You never know. There might be some rich widow there who is blind and insane.

Kwin laughed, but not for long. It was time to get serious and make some plans. Thank you for doing this. You are risking your life for a woman neither of us have ever met.

Gareth shook his head. No, I am risking my life to make sure you don’t do something stupid and get yourself killed.

When have I ever done anything stupid? Kwin thought for a moment, his mind replaying some of the situations he and Gareth had found themselves in. On second thoughts, don’t answer that.

Gareth looked away from the fire and into the darkness. I suggest we stay here for a while longer before getting closer to the border. Do you think you can teach me how you put Lady Shona’s image into my brain while we wait?

I can try. It all depends on how slow a learner you are. Experience has taught me that you aren’t the fastest of students in regard to picking things up.

Gareth growled at him, making Kwin laugh. Both men were tense and teasing each other was a good way to release the tension.

Kwin moved closer to Gareth then instructed him to place his hands on Kwin’s temples. It’s easier if you close your eyes. Gareth obeyed. Now think about something you want me to see. It doesn’t have to be a real image, but it’s easier if it is.

Kwin saw a sly smile grow on his friend’s face and suddenly hoped that he would fail in his attempt. He had no idea what image Gareth was drawing from his memory, but he wasn’t looking forward to seeing it.

When you have the picture firmly in place, push out with your mind. Think about me, but don’t lose the image you want me to see. You should feel your mind pushing against something.

I can’t feel anything,’ Gareth said. Maybe your mind is too small."

And maybe you should concentrate more.

Gareth did as instructed and soon Kwin could feel a presence in his mind. He let down his barriers and a picture of Sofina took shape. Kwin felt like he was looking down on her. Her face was distorted, as though she had something in her mouth. As soon as he realised what it was, he opened his eyes and the image disappeared.

That wasn’t funny, he said. I feel sick just thinking about you being in bed with a woman let alone having to see it.

Gareth grinned at him. You’re just jealous. When was the last time you used your cock for something other than pissing?

Kwin didn’t answer. Instead he went on with the lesson. Now try and take a picture from my mind. I won’t resist to begin with, but people usually do so you are going to have to learn how to forcibly extract what you want.

Sounds easy enough.

Kwin watched as Gareth closed his eyes once more then he opened his mind. Gareth would be able to easily see into his mind, but only what he wanted him to see. He ran through image after image until he found the one he wanted. It was of a young lady. She had long curly brown hair and a bosom which was fighting to get out of her bodice, which she was unlacing as she licked her lips suggestively. He felt Gareth’s presence in his head and let the picture fill both of their minds.

Gareth’s hands fell from Kwin’s head. You bastard. What exactly did you do with my sister and when?

Revenge is sweet, isn’t it.

Gareth glared at him, making him laugh. Don’t worry. Nothing happened. I turned her down.

Gareth grunted, obviously doubting his sincerity.

I mean it. I’m too scared of your mother to get involved with your sister.

Let’s just get on with this shall we? Gareth did not sound happy, which made Kwin grin again.

Alright. This time I am going to try to stop you. Don’t try to force me. A full frontal attack won’t work. Probe the edges of my barrier. Attempt to find a way to sneak in.

Gareth returned his hands to Kwin’s head and closed his eyes. Kwin didn’t. He was used to blocking his mind so he didn’t need to concentrate. In his head, he felt Gareth probing. He was frowning as he did so. Then Kwin felt the full force of Gareth’s mind slamming against his. If he had not been trained to withstand such an assault, his barrier would have shattered, and his mind along with it.

Stop, Kwin cried out. Gareth instantly obeyed.

Kwin took a few moments to regain his composure. I told you not to try to force your way in, he said once he had calmed down.

Gareth smiled. I know. Which is why I tried it. I thought taking you by surprise would work.

It would have on most people, but you would have destroyed their mind.

The smile fell from Gareth’s face. You mean I could kill someone just with my mind?

Kill? No. Reduce them to nothing more than a blubbering imbecile? Yes. Magic is dangerous if misused. This is why those of us who are born with it need to be trained. Now try again, but do it my way.

This time Gareth took it easy. He probed the edges of the barrier Kwin had erected in his mind, looking for gaps or weak areas. As he had been taught how to shield his own mind, Kwin hoped he knew what to look for.

It took a while, but eventually Gareth managed to find a way in. This time the image Kwin allowed him to see was of a farm. Gareth’s parents’ farm. They had spent a lot of time there when they were growing up and Kwin made sure he visited as often as he could, though he did still have to try to avoid Gareth’s sister, despite the fact she was now married.

It will get easier the more you practice, Kwin said. And an untrained mind is easier to read. You didn’t do too badly for your first attempt.

We should head off soon, Gareth said, though he didn’t sound enthusiastic.

Kwin nodded. There is one more thing I have to do first. It’s unlikely that we will both be purchased by the same buyer, so we need a way of keeping in touch. I’m going to create a link between our minds so all you have to do is think about talking to me and the link will be activated. I will then be able to see and hear anything you want me to. It’s a two way link so I can contact you in the same way.

Kwin placed his hands on Gareth’s head. Let me in, he said when he felt Gareth resisting. Gareth relaxed and Kwin entered his mind. This time, instead of placing an image there, like he had Shona’s, he placed a marker.

I can still feel you in my head, Gareth said once Kwin had removed his hands.

I know. You’ll get used to it. Try to talk to me with just your mind.

I’m going to be speaking to my sister about you when we get home, Kwin heard inside his head.

If we get home, Kwin silently replied.

Does distance matter? Gareth asked out loud.

Kwin shook his head. No. You could be on the other side of the world and you would still be able to contact me. There is a way to break this link, but I won’t show it to you. At least not until we are back in Tippet.

The two men fell silent as they set about packing up their belongings and putting out the fire. They were as prepared as they could be for their journey into Wayvern.

There was no physical border between the two countries so they could cross anywhere. There were regular patrols on the Tippet side, but none had ever been seen in Wayvern. There was no need. Nobody in Tippet knew how, but all Tippetians who entered into