Chapter 3

3

If he cares, he'll protect me from the world; if he loves, he'll give me a step up into it.

~ Lady Dandrela the Fair, poetress

Kaylina expected Vlerion to lead her outside and back to the training arena, but when they reached the first floor, he strode down the long hallway and past an armory and numerous storage rooms. At the end, a plaque on the wall read Visiting Officer Quarters .

He opened the door and stepped into a suite with two rooms and a latrine that smelled of lye soap. The space was unoccupied and ready for visitors.

Kaylina thought he might direct her to the latrine, but he headed for an armoire in the bedroom and pushed it aside to reveal a square access panel. He removed it and set it against the wall, the space beyond too dark to see into. "Sometimes, fleet admirals and high-ranking rangers from other provinces will stay here at headquarters when they visit. It's important that they be able to escape if trouble arrives."

"Does this go to the same place as the hidden door in Targon's office?"

Already stepping through, Vlerion held a finger to his lips before ducking his head to enter fully.

Without hesitation, Kaylina followed him. Maybe he would help her eavesdrop.

If there were lanterns anywhere inside, Vlerion didn't pause to light them. He found her hand, placed it on his back, and walked into the darkness, a dusty passageway that couldn't see frequent use.

She trailed him until he paused. A faint rasp sounded as he pushed open a door before turning into a new passageway. Steps led upward, and Kaylina trusted they were the same ones she and Frayvar had once gone down to escape the compound.

As they reached the top, the sound of voices grew audible. Doing her best not to make a sound, she joined Vlerion on the landing.

They were outside Targon's office, and a touch confirmed that the wooden back of his sliding bookcase was the only thing between them and the speakers. She kept one hand on Vlerion's back as she leaned close, hoping to hear their words without needing to slide open the bookcase.

He didn't move close to it and probably had his arms folded over his chest, silently saying this was her plan and that he wouldn't stoop to eavesdropping.

That was fine. She would tell him what she learned later. As long as he didn't stop her…

"I don't want excuses, Targon. If you can't control your ranger, I'll have him taken out in his sleep."

Kaylina swallowed. Your ranger. Vlerion. Who else?

Targon snorted. "You could lose a lot of people trying to do that. Besides, he's a boon to the kingdom. He's as loyal as a hound, does what you ask of him, and has the fighting prowess of ten men. That's when he's just a normal human."

"What's his prowess when he changes?"

"You almost got a chance to find out in my hallway," Targon said grimly. "We both did."

"But she stopped him." Sabor's tone had turned speculative. "I was curious if she could. She denied it, but…"

"I think you read more into that than was there."

"Did I?"

"If you want to test him, do it somewhere dozens of rangers aren't around who could become collateral damage."

Not responding to that, Sabor said, "You should be training the girl's druid powers, not teaching her to poke people with swords."

"Do I look like I know how to train someone's druid powers?"

"I sent you books. I understand your education was somewhat deficient, but surely you know how to read."

"My education was fine, Spymaster. Books written by humans who thought they knew something about the druids aren't useful resources. They said nothing about dealing with druid magic—or someone who has access to it." After a pause, Targon added, "What is it you think she's going to do for you? For the kingdom?"

"Since I'm as yet unenlightened about the extent of her powers, I don't know, but you saw what the plant in that castle did to the Kar'ruk that came near it."

"I heard it shot magical beams and killed them, yes."

"Magical beams of power, Targon. I've never heard of an altered plant that could do that—I had no idea such power even existed in the world anymore. Even if all the girl can do is learn to control that plant—and to control him …"

Vlerion growled softly. As proud as he was, he couldn't appreciate the suggestion that a woman—that anyone—could control him. He probably hated the mere idea that someone might believe that possible.

Kaylina stepped closer and leaned into him, trying to convey through her touch that she cared for him and wouldn't use that power even if she had it.

That wasn't, however, entirely true. When he'd been trapped in the preserve by magical vines, with enemy Kar'ruk heading their way, she'd tried to make him turn into the beast. And just now, in the hallway, she'd used her power to soothe him. She could argue both instances had been for the greater good, but did that make them acceptable?

She had apologized for her actions in the ruins, but she might need to apologize for the confrontation with Sabor too. She shouldn't try to manipulate Vlerion, druid power or not, but it was hard when she feared what would happen if he changed.

He wrapped an arm around her, shifting her so that she remained close enough to the bookcase to hear but had her back to his chest. He rested his face in her hair. Though he didn't speak, the gesture seemed to mean he wasn't annoyed with her. She hoped that was the case. In the dark, she couldn't see his face, and she wouldn't have any idea if his eyes sparked dangerously.

"She saved your ranger Jankarr too," Sabor said, and Kaylina realized she'd missed whatever Targon's response had been, "by manipulating vines with her power."

"You continue to demonstrate how well-informed you are about the activities of my rangers."

"Don't sound so indignant. You have spies in the royal castle too. I know it. It's how the system works."

"If you mean the baker, she's not a spy. She just likes to chat while I help her frost her cookies."

"Yes, I've heard you're quite the kitchen helper in your off-time. You frost a lot of women's cookies, considering you're not that comely of a man."

"In your opinion. Is there something you want besides intel on my sex life?"

"I already told you," Sabor said. "The Kar'ruk may be gone for now, but the Virts are still problematic. I want you to figure out what that girl's powers are and how we can use them. Stabbing people with swords is beneath her. She's got access to magic far greater than that. Either you figure out how to draw it reliably out of her, or you let me take her to train."

Kaylina winced at the thought of being dragged off to the castle for whatever a spymaster's training might involve. It was bad enough the ranger training was being forced on her. At least it came with access to the taybarri. Nobody had officially said Levitke was her mount, but she hadn't seen the female with any other rangers on her back, and Levitke cheerfully greeted Kaylina each morning when she came to headquarters.

"Train or experiment on?" Targon asked.

Behind her, Vlerion tensed again, his arm tightening protectively around Kaylina.

"Whatever it takes to bring out her power," Sabor said.

"You make her hate you, and she'll get those vines to wrap around your neck."

"Is that what happened when you were attacked in Stillguard Castle?"

Targon hesitated. "None of your spies were around for that. Vlerion didn't tell you, and I'm positive she didn't."

"My spies are observant. When you return to ranger headquarters with a red welt all the way around your neck, people can guess someone—or something—was at your throat. Did she sic a vine on you?"

"She tried to help me."

"Tried? And failed? She helped Jankarr in the preserve, didn't she?"

Kaylina resented that she couldn't speak up to defend herself—Targon's attack had been before the plant in the tower had branded her, before she had any power. She still didn't know if any of her new ability to communicate with vegetation came from within her or from the brand. The plant might simply have lent her some of its power because it found it useful to do so.

"He's a lot prettier and friendlier than I am," was all Targon said.

"That's the truth. Train her, Targon. Figure out what she can do so we can use it to our advantage." Sabor's voice grew less distinct, as if he was heading for the door. "And figure out if she can summon the beast—and control it."

"By all the moon gods, you weren't trying to make Vlerion change in the hall, were you? Did you know he was coming up? Is that why you put a knife to Korbian's throat when she hadn't done anything?"

"She was going to spy on us. I meant to teach her a lesson."

"And when Vlerion showed up? You aren't suicidal enough to have wanted to rouse the beast, are you?"

"I wouldn't mind a demonstration of what he can do—and what she can keep him from doing."

"You're a loon. He was about to do you. Even if she could stop the beast, who says she would to save your life?"

"Really, Targon. You said she tried to save yours in Stillguard Castle. I'm at least as appealing and affable as you are."

"You're an ass."

"Yes, but so are you."

Targon snorted. "Get out of my office."

"I'll be back soon to check on your progress with her."

"I'm giddy at the prospect of seeing you again."

A soft thump sounded, a door shutting. Kaylina leaned her back into Vlerion, letting her head fall against his shoulder.

Maybe she was a fool for staying in Port Jirador, but with her meadery and eating house so close to opening, she refused to leave. Even if she wanted to, she didn't know if she would be allowed to depart. Early on, Targon had spoken to the shipmasters in the port, ordering them not to give her passage home if she tried to escape. She had a niggling feeling that Sabor might have updated those orders, making sure any new arrivals knew about them.

"The spymaster risks alienating you instead of securing your loyalty," Vlerion murmured.

There wasn't any noise coming from Targon's office. Had he walked out with Sabor? Kaylina didn't know, but when she replied, she kept her words soft.

"Diplomacy doesn't seem to be his strong suit. Targon hasn't exactly won my loyalty either."

She thought about leading Vlerion down the stairs, in case his captain hadn't left his office, but it felt good to be in his arms, to have him holding her. He'd let her eavesdrop, even if he hadn't approved. He'd turned into her supporter as well as her protector. That meant a lot to her.

"I have." Vlerion stated it as a certainty, no question in his mind.

Kaylina was tempted to deny it, if only to pop his bubble of arrogance, but she didn't want him to question her loyalty. He'd said he appreciated her and how she wanted to lift his curse. She liked knowing it mattered to him.

"You have," she agreed. "Despite your aloof haughtiness."

Not that he was being aloof now, with his arm around her, his face resting against her head, his warm breath stirring her hair.

"You have mine as well." Vlerion ignored the rest of her comment in favor of moving aside her hair and kissing the back of her neck.

Desire trickled into her. Worrying about Targon overhearing them wasn't the only reason she needed to lead Vlerion away. She dared not remain in the dark alone with him.

"I'm glad." Though she longed to stay, to enjoy his lips brushing her skin, Kaylina shifted, intending to step away.

"I sensed you use your power on me."

She froze. A denial sprang to mind, but she'd just been thinking about that, about how it was the truth.

"To keep me from changing into the beast," Vlerion added, "from killing him."

"I'm sorry, but I thought you would regret it. I wasn't sure if I could soothe you, but I had to try. I was afraid for all the other rangers, not only Targon and Sabor."

"Yes. I did not want to turn, but when I saw him with that dagger…" Vlerion's arm tightened again, holding her against him. "I wanted to kill him." The words came out a growl.

Kaylina shivered. Even if she didn't like Sabor, hearing Vlerion say that was chilling.

"But I didn't want to kill Targon or hurt you," he added.

"I know. We'll figure out a way to lift your curse. Soon." Kaylina regretted that she hadn't made any progress on that in the weeks that she and her brother had been cleaning up the castle and she'd been training.

A few times, she'd spoken to the plant, delivering more honey-water fertilizer to keep it happy with her. She'd asked it the history of its curse and who'd placed it there, but it hadn't answered. Maybe because she hadn't let any of the vines touch her, not wanting any more of its visions. The one about the taybarri elders might have been helpful, but she hadn't forgotten the other one it had given her, the one asking her to kill Vlerion for her own good. She didn't need a plant bodyguard deciding who was and wasn't a threat to her.

The bookcase slid aside, and light slashed onto the landing.

Kaylina jumped. If not for Vlerion's arm around her, she would have sprinted down the stairs. But Vlerion didn't stir as Targon looked in at them. Targon's back was to the wall beside the entrance, a dagger in his hand that he'd used to push open the bookcase.

Vlerion only rested his chin against Kaylina's head while gazing impassively at the captain. Had he expected Targon to know they were there?

"I wasn't sure if I'd find you naked and furry in here." Targon eyed Vlerion's arm around Kaylina.

"So you decided to check?" Kaylina asked.

"It would have been quite a show." Targon's gaze lowered to her chest, though he didn't let it linger long. Maybe Vlerion was glaring at him over her head.

"You knew we were here all along?" Kaylina asked, wanting to change the subject. Sabor couldn't have, she hoped.

"I had a hunch." Targon met her eyes. "You're a proven eavesdropper, and you…" He lifted his gaze to Vlerion. "I'm beginning to think Sabor is right."

"That I'm under her control?"

"Are you?"

"I can tell when she draws upon the power in that brand and channels it into me," Vlerion said. "So far, it hasn't been often."

"That might change. She might like controlling you."

Kaylina squirmed in Vlerion's grip, not caring to have them discussing her in front of her face. Not that she wanted them to discuss her behind her back either. She would prefer not to be so interesting to people in general.

Vlerion must not have been concerned by Targon's suggestion, because he slid his hand down to rest it on hers. "She doesn't want to control me. She wants to lift my curse."

Kaylina nodded. That was the truth.

"Sabor doesn't want your curse lifted. He'd like you under his control, a weapon he can direct toward the defense of the kingdom anytime he wants. I'm sure he'd rather have you obey him, but if he can control Korbian, and she can control you…"

"A dagger to her throat isn't going to win her loyalty," Vlerion said.

"That isn't going to win anyone's loyalty," Kaylina said.

Feeling self-conscious with Targon squinting at them, she tapped Vlerion's arm and attempted to step aside.

He seemed reluctant to let her go, as if he felt he also had to protect her from Targon. Did he? Kaylina didn't love the captain but believed he wanted to use her and wouldn't hurt her. He was more inclined to bribe her.

"The spymaster gets what he wants through threats, not by earning loyalty," Targon said. "He has access to all the funds in the kingdom, and he has a lot of people under his thumb, a lot of ways of manipulating those who don't obey."

"I'm aware." Vlerion must have realized he was now restraining Kaylina instead of romantically holding her, because he released her, but he didn't step away. "If Sabor attacks Kaylina again, I'll kill him. I don't need to turn into the beast to do that."

The look of exasperation Targon adopted was leveled at her, not Vlerion. As if his ranger's attitude was her fault.

Yes, she'd gone up to eavesdrop, but she hadn't told Vlerion to kill anyone. All she wanted was to know what fate those in power had in mind for her. Didn't she have a right to seek out that information?

"It must be nice to have your very own—" When Targon glanced at Vlerion's face, the word beast had to be on his mind, but, after a pause, he said, "—noble bodyguard. Not many ranger trainees get that."

"If Sabor attacks you , I'll also kill him," Vlerion told Targon.

"I'll bet not many ranger captains get noble bodyguards either," Kaylina said.

" My lord ," Targon finished for her. "You're incorrigible."

"As you were just pointing out to Sabor," Vlerion said, "if she turns out to be part druid, she might not qualify as a commoner who has to lord you."

"Even the aristocratic ranger trainees know to use sir or lord with their superiors," Targon snapped. "She gets the same rules as anyone else. Since the druids were enemies to humans, I doubt she wants to call upon that heritage to define our treatment of her."

Kaylina lifted her hand, tired of being talked about instead of included. "If my training is over for the day, I'd like to go back to Stillguard Castle. We're preparing for our grand opening, so my brother needs me."

Targon glanced toward a clock. "Go, go, but you'd better watch out for that kid as much as yourself."

Again, Kaylina froze. Frayvar had already been hurt a number of times for no reason other than that he was helping her get the meadery started and some people didn't want that.

"Did Sabor say something?" she asked. "Before, we, uhm."

"Before you two sneaked up the back way to eavesdrop?" Targon asked.

"Yeah."

"Not about your brother, but I'm aware of his methodology. Watch the kid's back." Targon pointed toward the door of his office. "Get out of here, Korbian. But you don't go with her." The pointing finger shifted to Vlerion. "You'd better be heeding my orders about staying away from that ranger-hating place."

"I am." Vlerion touched the small of Kaylina's back and guided her out of the office.

She walked quickly, once again concerned for her brother. Targon's warning made her wish she hadn't sneaked up to eavesdrop after all.

"Too late now," she murmured.