The Night Bird

CHAPTER 4 THE DRIFT BASIN

Rose was ready for them. She had a bowl of water, pots of salve and bandages. Vardok, Driver and Stubbles brother stayed back while Stubble laid Allegra on a carpet.

“This is a bad sign, Rose murmured, leaning over to swab the gouge on Allegras stomach.

Stubble knelt on Allegras other side. “Why couldnt you just do what they wanted? Do you want them to execute you?

Allegra sat up, wincing. “They deserved a lot worse.

“Youre bleeding, Rose said. “And youre fevered. You must lie down. She touched the welt on Allegras thigh that curled around from the back. “They whipped you, too?

“General Yargazon started, Allegra said.

Rose shot a frightened glance at her husband. “What do you think will happen?

“Ive no idea. I have to find out. With a grunt, he rose to his feet. To Allegra, he said, “Stay here. And by the dragon, girlno more trouble.

Allegra just shook her head. Something had snapped within her when she saw the prince and his general sitting there with that sense of entitlement, arrogant and cruel, believing they had a right to inflict whatever they chose on anyone they wished. But saints, despite what she had said, she didnt really want to die. Would they execute her for the insult she had given?

She feared it was true.

Allegra sweated in a delirium for hours. Her fever soared, and she tossed on the carpets, throwing off any coverlet Rose put over her. She managed to swallow some soup, but nothing else. Stubble hadnt returned. Vardok and Driver were gone, as well, but Stubbles brother stayed on guard with two other men. Rose sat by her, laying damp cloths on her forehead.

Late in the afternoon, Allegras fever began to ease. When she realized the worst had passed, that she would survive the poison, a sob wrenched out of her.

A rustle came from across the tent. As Allegra rolled onto her side, Stubble ducked inside the tent. Her pulse surged, and she dragged herself into a sitting position. The jeweled chains fell away from her skin with clinks, leaving creases along her thighs.

“Azi! Rose hurried over to him. “What happened?

Stubble grasped her around the waist and lifted her up. “Youre beautiful, my love!

“Goodness, Rose said, blushing. “Put me down. When he set her on her feet, she searched his face with a worried gaze. “Are they going to execute her?

“I sure as hell doubt it. He grinned at Rose. “I could use a bit of wine, eh?

“Azi! Dont tease, Rose said. “Tell us what happened.

“Why do you sure as hell doubt theyll kill me? Allegra said, twisting one of the chains on her skirt around her fingers.

Stubble laughed, shaking his head in amazement. “Who would have thought a talent at hurling wine would push up a girls price? The bidding went all afternoon. Given how much he paid for you, I doubt hell let anyone put you to death.

“They went through with the auction? Allegras pulse was hammering. “Even after what happened?

“Ive never seen anything like it! Stubble beamed at his wife. “Were rich! Well give some to the tribe, of course. Even with the wealth split so many ways, Ill never need toil again if I dont want. Gems, gold, silver, silks, urns, pearls, crystal, china and more hexacoins than Ive ever seen in my life. The chests filled the room!

Allegra sagged back. The universe surely had some cosmic imbalance, that the nomads should be so immensely rewarded for what they had done to her. The coverlet that had fallen around her waist scratched painfully on her legs, as if she were oversensitized to every texture. Her fevered mind was too hazed for her to think past the fact that she would soon go with one of those monsters.

“Dont you want to know who bought you? Stubble asked.

“I dont care, she said dully.

“But you should know! Rose said.

Allegra rubbed her eyes with the heels of her hands. She thought about what he had said. I doubt hell let them put you to death. “Its the General?

“No, not Yargazon. Then Stubble said, “The prince regent.

Rose gave Allegra a yellow silk robe to pull over the skirt and halter, covering her body. Allegra wished it could become a spell of invisibility, hiding her from the brutal man who had paid a fortune to steal her life and freedom.

Her sellers were outside, Stubble, Vardok, Driver, Sot. She heard them talking as they waited for the princes retinue. Stubbles brother had taken his nieces to their cousins tent, to keep them out of anyones notice. Allegra stood inside with Rose, a tear on her face.

“Dont cry, Rose said. “Maybe he wont be so bad.

“Do you really believe that?

Rose shifted her weight. “Tales of royal houses are always exaggerated.

“Tales of what? Allegra asked bitterly. “Torture?

“He is a fugitive king, Rose said. “He escaped the conqueror who sought to kill him, and now he plots Cobalts overthrow. His survival is a great inspiration to our people. It is natural stories would circulate of his power, his courage, his strength.

“That wasnt what I asked, Allegra said.

“Im sorry, Rose said softly.

That was answer enough. Allegra couldnt bear to hear more. Her injuries ached, and the miradella fever sapped her spirit.

Rose laid her hand on Allegras arm. “It will be all right.

Allegras voice caught. “I thank you for your kindness.

A commotion rumbled outside, horses stomping and mens voices. The ground vibrated with the pounding of hooves.

“Farewell, Rose said. “Be well.

Allegra squeezed her hand. “You, too.

Someone swept aside the tent flap, and Allegra stepped back with a start. Stubble stood there with a man in a black uniform. Allegra wasnt certain of the hierarchies here. The man would be Yargazons officer, since he was military, but that meant he served Markus. She wondered uneasily how Markus and his general settled this business of bidding for the same woman. Each had to keep the other happy, Yargazon because he commanded Markuss army, and Markus because he commanded Yargazon. She just hoped whatever agreement they reached didnt involve them hurting her.

As Stubble and the officer entered, Allegra backed away. Stubble caught her arm before she could retreat more than a step.

“It will be all right, he murmured as if to a thoroughbred horse that spooked easily.

“Bring her outside, the officer said. “His Highness wants to leave immediately.

“No, Allegra said. Matters were whirling out of control. She couldnt stop this and she couldnt escape, but she couldnt face the future they thrust onto her. Stubble pulled her forward. Then they were outside, and the evening sun slanted across the desert, gilding the tents, turning yellow into gold, red into ruby, green into emerald. Such a harsh people, yet they created such beauty.

A group of mounted officers waited, horses stepping restlessly, bridles clinking, saddles gleaming. She didnt see Yargazon, but Markus was on the far side, conferring with another mounted man, a colonel it looked like, if she read the silver ribbing on his shoulders correctly. The prince rode a massive horse, which of course was the color of onyx. Black. How depressingly apt.

The officer with Stubble said, “I can take her from here. He nodded with respect to the nomad. “His Highness is pleased.

“It is our honor to serve the prince regent, Stubble said. “May he always be favored by the Shadow Dragon.

Allegra gritted her teeth. Favored indeed. This dragon of theirs ought to reduce them to ashes.

The officer lifted his hand as if he were inviting Allegra to dinner. He never touched her, but with all the warriors here, she felt as coerced as if he had dragged her in chains. In her yellow silk robe, she was the only one not wearing a dark color, and it drew attention like a visual shout.

Markus glanced down as they reached him. “Is she ready?

The officer bowed. “Yes, Your Highness.

“Does she have any things?

“I dont know, Sire.

“You could ask me, Allegra said tartly. “Im standing right here.

Markus regarded her impassively. “Do you?

“Nothing. The nomads stole it all. She squinted up at him, dizzy from the fever. “I thought you were going to execute me.

Incredibly Markus smiled. “I hardly think so, after what I just paid. He glanced at the officer. “Lieutenant Borjan.

Whatever Markus wanted, the man understood. He put his hands around Allegras waist and lifted her. At the same time, Markus reached down and grasped her just above Borjans grip, his thumbs pressing into her breasts. He hoisted her in front of him on the horse, sideways, so her legs hung down one side. Unlike his men, he had a riding blanket instead of a saddle. Taking her leg, he eased it over the horse so she straddled the animal. Her robe hiked up, baring her legs, and the evening breeze whispered across her skin. She still had that unsettling feeling of being oversensitized, and it magnified her awareness of every touch and texture.

Allegra looked downand inhaled sharply. She was up higher than on any horse she had ridden before. It gave her vertigo to see the ground so far below. Markus trailed his finger along her thigh, then put his arms around her waist and settled her against his chest. She hated the way she had to close her eyes and sag against him, wretched with fever. She felt as if she were burning alive. She needed to lie down.

Markus shouted, “Hai! and snapped his quirt, the same whip the General had used on Allegra earlier today. With a snort, the horse pranced forward. The men still on foot swung up onto their mounts, and the company surged into motion. One of the men raised a pennant, red and black triangles with a gold dragon roaring flames. The cloth rippled in the light of the setting sun until the dragon seemed as if it were in flight.

As the company passed through the camp, the nomads stood outside their tents, men, women, even children. The adults went down on one knee as the prince rode by, the women with their bright silk hoods hiding their faces. Apparently children were exempt from the kneeling business, for they all waved and threw desert-orchids into Markuss path.

The horsemen soon reached the outskirts of the camp. More of the princes men joined them there, swelling the company to several hundred. Markus leaned forward, one arm around Allegras waist and the other gripping the reins. He prodded his horse, and it surged into a gallop. Within moments, the company was racing across the desert, deeper into the badlands of Jazid.

Evening folded over the riders as they rode through the stark foothills of the Jagged Teeth. It didnt surprise Allegra that no one lived here, given the inhospitable land. The desert buckled in ridges of black stone, congealed during ages long past from the breath of volcanoes, those dragons who roared below the earth and flooded the land with living, molten rock.

The men were all soldiers. Cavalrymen. They rode hard, leaving the nomad camp far behind. It surprised Allegra to see so many. In choosing to ride with Markus, they also became fugitives.

Eventually they slowed down, and Markus let his horse walk. He was in the center of his company, with men all around, though a pocket of space surrounded him. The alert attitude of the four riders nearest the prince and their constant presence made Allegra suspect they were his bodyguards.

“Youre so hot, Markus said, shifting her in his arms. “Like a Kazlatarian furnace.

“Its a fever. Just saying those few words took too much energy.

“A fever, eh? He tugged the sash on her robe. “Who is your fever for, sun girl?

Sun girl? Probably he meant her hair. “Its the poison.

He opened her robe as if she were a present he was unwrapping. “What poison?

She tried to close the robe, but he nudged her hand away, and she was too drained to resist. He kissed her ear, but she had too little energy even to move her head. At least the cool evening air breathed mercifully on her skin.

Her hazed mind only slowly comprehended what he had asked. Then she said, “The nomads poisoned me before the auction.

He stopped kissing her. “What?

“They poisoned me.

“Why the blazes would they do that?

“To make me fight less, I think.

Anger snapped in his voice. “And if you die, after Ive paid more for you than any other woman theyve probably ever sold?

She just wanted to lie down somewhere. “They said they didnt give me enoughto kill.

“What did they give you?

“A miradella extract.

“Oh. The anger went out of his voice. “Thats different.

“It is? She couldnt for the life of her see why.

He splayed his hand across her stomach, and his calluses grazed her skin. “How long ago did they give it to you?

“This morning, before the auction.

“So your fever has peaked already?

“I think so.

He laughed softly. “Good.

Good? What was wrong with him, that he found it amusing? “I dont feel good. I feel half-dead.

He touched the scab on her abdomen. “Does this hurt?

“No. It did, but she had no intention of telling him.

His touch became a caress as he slid his hand to her breast and traced a circle around her nipple, which was barely hidden by the skimpy halter. With his head bent over hers, he spoke against her ear. “Does that feel half-dead?

“Dont. Her face burned as she pushed him away. Her nipples hurt, and they had swollen in the cold air. Everywhere he touched her, she felt raw. Her oversensitized skin tingled and ached, and she wanted nothing more than to lie down someplace cool and quiet, in the dark, alone, until the fever passed.

He stroked her hair off her left shoulder, baring her neck, and bit her gently, pressing his teeth down as he sucked at her skin. Then he lifted his head just slightly. “Im no expert on miradella. But I think the fever will go soon. The other effects will wear off in a few days.

“Other effects?

He laughed against her hair. “You are so sweetly naive.

Probably, but she was finally getting the idea. With her face burning, she said, “What, its an aphrodisiac?

“Some people say so. He ran the tip of his tongue around her ear. “Others claim it just makes a woman more receptive. I dont know. I wouldnt use it on anyone, given the danger. Its hard to find the plant, anyway, and harder to make the extract. But the TAmbera are experts. Its their living, after all. He sounded amused. “A little extra for me thrown in, eh?

Allegra wanted to punch him. His “little extra came at the expense of her health, even at the risk of her life. She didnt care how callously “expert the TAmbera were at selling illegal pleasure toys to unscrupulous warlords; they could have killed her if they had misjudged her response.

“It doesnt work on me, she said.

He trailed his fingers over her thigh as he bit at her neck and ear. Sensations flared within her. The airs chill sharpened, and the perfume of a night-blooming flower overpowered her sense of smell. Everywhere Markus touched her, she burned. She wanted it to stop. But every time she pulled away from him, he shifted her back, and she didnt have the energy to keep fighting. She finally just turned her head, her cheek against his chest, and stared across the darkening rocks, unresponsive as he caressed her body.

After a while, another rider came up next to them on the other side from where she was looking. Markus pulled her robe closed and sat with his arms around her waist, the reins loose in his hand. Turning her head, Allegra saw General Yargazon riding alongside them. Even silvered by the moonlight, his features had a relentless, hardened quality.

“We should set up camp, Markus told him.

Yargazon surveyed the darkening land. “Its not far enough here from the TAmbera.

If the General held rancor toward Markus over the auction, he showed no sign. It didnt actually surprise Allegra; she doubted it was normal for a prince to let his general bid against him, and Yargazon surely realized it. Given what Rose had told her, it suggested that either Markus wanted Yargazon to know the prince held him in esteem or else Yargazon had some power over him. She wondered, too, why Markus was willing to relinquish such a large amount of wealth when he was a fugitive without the full resources of his title.

“Were coming up on the Drift Basin, Markus was saying.

“Yes, that should work, Yargazon said. “Its easy to defend.

Markus scanned the riders ahead of them. “Have you seen any sign of Escars men?

“Nothing we could identify, Yargazon said.

Allegra knew the name Escar, but in her daze, it took her a moment to remember. Of course. Emperor Cobalts surname wasnt really The Dark; it was Escar. It meant jaguar in the ancient language High Alatian. Cobalt Escar. Maybe he would devour this renegade Jazidian prince like a jaguar on the prowl.

“Let the men know well be stopping soon, Markus said.

“Very well. Yargazon saluted Markus by extending his fist so the heel faced the sky. His gaze scraped over Allegra as if she were the dregs of some mistake. Then he rode off.

Allegra considered what she had heard and then spoke slowly, thinking her way through the details. “Youre fugitives, so youre always moving. Hiding this company cant be easy. But Cobalt cant monitor the whole country. Its too big, and he has the other lands he conquered. Thats why you can do this.

Markus ran his hand down her leg. “Military matters arent for females.

“Oh, stop. In her five days in Jazid, she had thoroughly wearied of their hammerheaded ideas about women.

Markus twirled one of his fingers in her hair. “Shall you put on armor and ride into battle, my lovely singer?

“What makes you think Im a singer? Did he know about her spells? It seemed unlikely, and she preferred it that way. The more resources she had in reserve, the better.

“Aztire TAmbera says you have a beautiful voice.

She was pretty certain he meant Stubble. “He exaggerated.

“You will sing for me tonight, he decided.

“I need a disk. She knew it sounded ridiculous, but what the hell. She might as well try.

“A what?

“Disk. A round shape. I had one as a pendant, but the nomads stole it when they took me from Aronsdale. Even knowing it would make no difference, she added, “Which is illegal, as you know, since you were one of the signers on the treaty that set up those laws. She wasnt certain of that, but it seemed a good guess.

“I know what disk means, he said. “And if you didnt want to come to Jazid, you shouldnt have wandered over the border. His voice lightened. “Though were I the Jazid-Aronsdale border, I would surely shift myself to be closer to you.

Allegra blinked. It sounded like he was teasing her. But that would mean he had a sense of humor, which hardly fit his image as a brutal, murderous despot.

“I wasnt even near Jazid, she said.

“Aztire said you were wandering in the desert, lost and confused. He and his men rescued you.

“Oh, for saints sake. Thats ridiculous.

“Fortunately for you, I happened by. He didnt sound the least bit remorseful.

“You didnt happen by. They invited you.

Markus sighed. “You know, Allegra, I do truly believe you have no idea of your trespass.

She crossed her arms. “The only trespass was when Aztire and his men went into my country and grabbed me.

He pulled her arms apart. “Im referring to now.

“What, talking is a trespass?

“Even my highest-ranked men rarely contradict me. He opened her robe and stroked his hands from her hips up to her breasts. “And you are definitely not a man. Yet here you are, challenging me.

“Im terrible. Appalling. She shoved away his hands and closed her robe. “Obviously you should send me back to Aronsdale and find a pleasure girl with better manners.

He laughed softly. “She would be far less interesting.

Good gods. He was teasing her. Allegra shook her head. “I dont understand you.

“Ah, well. We have something in common after all.

“Why are you acting nice? A few hours ago you were going to whip me and then have me executed.

“I never said I would execute you. Only that it was the sentence for your actions. He touched his tongue to her ear and ran it over the ridges. In a low voice, he added, “But I have no objection to the whipping. You humiliated me in front of the commanding general of my army.

Anger sparked within her. “You and your general had me dragged in there almost naked, made me kneel while the two of you ate, knocked me around, he lashed me with your damn quirt and you say I humiliated you? Thats so turned around backward, its like riding an ass with your back to its head.

He made an incredulous noise. “I truly cannot believe you said that to me.

“I cant believe half of what you say. Maybe if she annoyed him enough, he would send her home.

“I tire of this conversation, he growled. “You will be silent now.

Allegra let it go. She had used up her energy.

Night cloaked the land, and the riders were picking their way below a huge moon that glowed orange above the mountains. A rock spire loomed out of the darkness, its needled peak silhouetted against the stars. In Aronsdale, mist often dimmed the nights splendor, but in this parched air, the sky sparkled as if the legendary Shadow Dragon had painted diamond dust across its arch.

Eventually they entered a basin ringed with peaks like a giant, ancient fortress. The company was surprisingly quiet. The lack of tenders bemused Allegra. In Aronsdale, civilian men and women traveled with the army to look after the soldiers, but these riders seemed to tend to themselves. Although only a few lit torches, the men knew when Markus rode by. They stood to salute him, turning their fists to the sky.

Markus stopped at a large tent surrounded by soldiers. As he dismounted, he motioned to Lieutenant Borjan, who had stayed close during the ride. “Help her down.

Borjan swung off his horse and gave the reins to a youth waiting there. Then the lieutenant came over to Allegra. Self-conscious, she pulled her leg over the horse and slid into his hold. The rocky land hunched around them, all charcoal shadows, with darker patches where none of the silver moonlight reached. Markus had moved a distance away and was conferring with several men. Although he seemed to have forgotten her, she doubted she would be so lucky.

Soldiers moved everywhere, quiet and cautious. It didnt surprise her that only a few had uniforms. They were renegades, an army in exile within their own country. Allegra thought if she could find a shirt and trousers, she could pass as a youth in the dark. Maybe she could slip out after Markus went to sleep. She would have to secure supplies, a map and a horse, and sneak past whatever sentries he had posted, but if she managed, she could be well on her way home before dawn. She tried not to think about what would happen before Markus went to sleep.

Shivering in the cold air, she drew her robe tighter. The silk shimmered in the starlight, but pretty cloth did her no good. It was too thin.

“Here, Borjan said. “You can use this. He pulled off his jacket and settled it around her shoulders. It enveloped her, coming down to her hips.

“Thank you, she said. Unsure how to deal with Markuss people, she added, “I appreciate your kindness.

“Such courtesy, a dry voice said. “You should try that with me.

She spun around. Markus had come up to them, his presence a subtle invasion because he stood closer to her than a stranger normally would. She stepped away and collided with Borjan. The lieutenant nudged her back to Markus.

The prince looked over Allegras head at Borjan. “Major Taliz caught a man stealing weapons from the armory.

“I could have provided him a replacement weapon, Sire, if he needed one, Borjan said. “He had only to ask.

“I know. Markus rubbed the back of his neck. “Apparently he wanted an extra dagger to send home to his son.

“Just one dagger?

“Just one. But I cant have the men stealing weapons. If a theft goes unpunished, others will break discipline on a larger scale. He dropped his arm. “An example must be made.

“I understand, Sire, Borjan said. “Ill take care of it.

While they talked, Allegra stepped discreetly away, until Markuss presence felt less invasive. He seemed to occupy more area than the extent of his body, as if his personality filled space in some intangible manner.

Two men were coming toward the prince regent, bringing a third. When their prisoner stumbled and almost lost his balance, Allegra realized his hands were tied behind his back. His guards shoved him to the ground in front of Markus. He landed on his knees and stayed there, his eyes downcast.

Markus spoke coldly. “So you are the thief who put his own wishes above his oath to his country.

“Sire, please, I meant no ill. The man looked up at him. “I swear. It was for my boy. I havent seen him in two years.

“So you risk the army? Markus asked. “Our weapons arent toys for children. And if you die here, who will send gold home to support your family?

Allegra froze. What did he mean, “die here? Surely he wouldnt execute a man just for stealing a knife. Saints, he had stolen her from Aronsdale, and he knew it even if he refused to admit it. Did he consider a knife more important than a woman? Then again, maybe she didnt want the answer to that question.

The mans shoulders hunched. “Your Highness, please. Ill pay back double out of my wages for what I tried to take.

Markus glanced at Borjan. “Give him thirty. And have him chained for three days.

Allegra went cold in a way that had nothing to do with the night air. Surely he didnt mean they would lash the man thirty times and drag him in chains for three days. Depending on what they used, thirty lashes could strip the flesh from his body, even kill him. For one knife? Her protest came out before her better sense stopped it. “You cant whip him! Its wrong.

Everyone went silent. When Markus turned to her, she wanted to shrink into a point and disappear. His voice was like ice. “Are you offering to take the lashes for him?

She suddenly couldnt breathe. “What?

He glanced at the lieutenant. “Give her the thirty lashes.

“No! The man on his knees shot an alarmed look at Markus. “Sire, I will take the punishment.

“So which of you shall I have whipped? Markus asked, looking from Allegra to the thief. “Perhaps both?

Allegra had had enough. “Go ahead, she shot back at him. “Whip me for objecting to your tyrannical despotism. Show what a powerful force you are, terrorizing a girl half your age and strength. Theres real bravery.

“Enough, Markus said. He ripped the jacket off her shoulders and tossed it to the lieutenant. As Borjan caught it, Markus said, “Thirty, and jerked his chin toward the thief.

When Markus turned to Allegra, she backed away. He caught her arm and forced her to the tent, then shoved her through the entrance, using her body to push aside the flaps. Barbaric splendor filled the interior, huge cushions strewn everywhere, thick rugs and ornate chests inlaid with jewels and precious stones. Dragon braziers burned in the corners, and even their dim orange glow seemed bright after the pale moonlight outside.

As the flap fell into place, Markus spoke in a resonant voice that carried. “You will never speak to me that way again.

Allegra wished she had kept her mouth shut. No, damn it. He deserved what she had said.

“Youll learn respect. He grabbed something off a chest by the wall and drew back his arm. She froze, staring at the large whip. He snapped it hard, and its crack split the air.