The Night Bird lc-5 Page 7

  “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.

  CHAPTER 5

  THE COMPASS

  Allegra gasped and jumped away. It took her a moment to comprehend that he had missed her.

  “That was one of thirty, Markus said. “Heres two. He cracked the whip.

  “No! Allegra cried. Then she realized he had missed a second time. She stepped back from him, confused.

  “Three, he said harshly as he snapped the whip.

  And missed.

  Bewildered, she stopped backing up. As glad as she was that he had missed three times in a row, it made no sense. He mouthed a word she couldnt read in the dim light. When he did it again, she realized he had said, scream. He cracked the whip so close to her that she had no trouble at all letting out a loud cry.

  Markus tossed the whip onto a pile of rugs. He unbuckled his leather belt and pulled it off his trousers. When he snapped the belt against his hand, the smack of leather hitting skin sounded loudly in the air. “Five, he said.

  What the blazes? She was trapped with a crazy man. He swung the belt, and the blow came so close, air whooshed past her. As she jumped away, the leather hit a chest supporting two small gold vases, and they clattered on the ground.

  “Six, Markus said. Under his breath, he muttered, “Scream, damn it, and cracked the chest just a hand span away from her.

  “Dont! Allegra cried, genuinely alarmed.

  So they went, Markus following as she backed around the tent. With greatand loudforce, he hit trunks, chests or his palm and methodically counted off the blows, up to twenty-eight. His hand had to be burning, given how hard he was hitting it. Just as she allowed herself to believe the incredible fact that he had chosen to hurt himself rather than her, he lunged forward and grabbed her. She gasped as he threw her onto a pile of carpets. She landed on her hip and caught herself on her hands, her hair flying around her shoulders.

  Markus dropped next to her and flipped her onto her stomach. He held her down with his big hand splayed against her back while he yanked her robe up to her waist. When she struggled, he pressed harder against her, half sitting, half lying on the carpet. He pinned her torso with one arm and both of her legs with one of his legs. As he swept aside the jeweled chains of her skirt, his calluses scraped her behind. With a grunt, he lashed her across the buttocks. Allegra cried out, her eyes tearing up with pain.

  “Twenty-nine, he said. In a low voice, he added, “That is for throwing wine in my face. He belted her again, making her scream. “That was for defying me in front of my men.

  She stared at him over her shoulder, tears streaming down her face. “No more. Even without the miradella increasing her sensitivity, it would have hurt; now it was agony.

  “Be grateful it was only two. He dropped the belt behind her on the carpets. Then he tugged the robe off her shoulders, baring most of her body.

  “No! Allegra turned over and scooted back on the carpet, wincing and holding the robe closed in front of her breasts.

  “Take it off. He almost seemed to vibrate with tension.

  She shook her head, her heart beating too fast. He caught her thigh and slid over to her. When she brought up her arms to protect herself, he tugged them down. Then he pulled the robe off the rest of the way and tossed it behind her.

  “Dont hurt me, she said, terrified. “Please.

  Markus stared at her, breathing hard. Instead of grabbing her, he grabbed several of the big, wine-red cushions scattered on the carpet and piled them up next to Allegra. He sprawled in the cushions, half reclining, and dragged her next to him. She resisted, pushing against his torso as he pinned her against his side. He just nudged her hand away and shifted her so she lay in the hollow where his arm met his shoulder. Then he wrapped his arms around her, sagged into the cushions

  And closed his eyes.

  Allegra lay still, breathing hard. Gradually her pulse slowed. When he continued to lie there with his arms around her, a splinter of hope worked into her thoughts. Could a chance possibly exist that he would let her alone tonight?

  After a moment, she said, “Is Lieutenant Borjan really going to give that man thirty lashes?

  “Of course. He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. “I wouldnt have ordered it otherwise.

  “You didnt give thirty to me. You pretended. Except for the last two.

  He rolled his head toward her. “I didnt pay that huge amount so I could tear up that spectacular body of yours. I want to enjoy it, not ruin it.

  Spectacular? Was the man blind? She was a fat dairymaid. Then again, the nomads had starved her for five days.

  “Why would you pay so much for me? she asked. “And then whip a man for stealing a knife?

  “What I paid for you came out of my royal coffers, he said. “Specially marked coins, jewels identified with my family, that sort of thing. I had to get rid of all thatit was too easily identified with me. Every time I used some of it, I gave away my location. So I exchanged a substantial portion in one place for something of equal or greater value. Youre an investment.

  Her pulse stuttered. In the bizarre logic of Jazid, it made sense, but unlike gold or gems, her “value wouldnt increase with age. “Does that mean youre going to sell me to someone else when you need more wealth?

  “Its possible. He nuzzled her hair. “Though I have to admit, I cant imagine now why I would do such a stupid thing. I want you right here. With me.

  If she hadnt known better, she would have thought he sounded affectionate. Lack of food must have addled her mind. Although Markus had shared his trail rations and water, it had only taken the edge off her hunger.

  “Did you and General Yargazon finish breaking your fast this morning? she asked. They had ended her part of the auction so abruptly, maybe he hadnt eaten enough, either, and would consider having food brought for them here.

  “Dusk was too angry, he said, leaning his head against hers. “He wanted you right then.

  “Why? Allegra regretted the question as soon as it came out. She didnt want to know, not for a man who had spoken so casually about torturing her. “Never mind. Dont answer.

  Markus spoke drowsily. “Im not Dusk Yargazon.

  “Is that good?

  “Some men find the pain of an unwilling woman erotic. Im not one of them. He reached across his body and stroked her breast. “Pleasure is much better. He fumbled with the gold cup over her nipple. “Mus
t be a way to take these off, he mumbled.

  Apparently he wanted her for dinner. She pushed at him, but he found whatever fastener he was searching for anyway and flicked the cup off her breast. The entire contraption fell away, leaving her bare except for the skirt. As she grabbed futilely for the halter, he pulled her against his body. The chafing of her nipples on his shirt sent a jolt through her body. She felt vulnerable and raw, and she wanted it to stop, all of it, Markuss attentions and these hypersensitized reactions. She tried to twist away, but he held her tightly, her front pressed against his side.

  “Dont fight me, night bird, he murmured, fondling her breasts.

  “No. Leave me alone. Please.

  Markus grunted, but he actually stopped mauling her and sank back into the cushions. “Its been so long anyway, he grumbled. “I suppose I can wait until youre ready.

  I wont ever be ready. But incredibly, it didnt seem as if he intended to force her.

  “By the way, he said, closing his eyes.

  “Yes?

  “Dont try sneaking off. I have bodyguards outside. Ive told them you might try to leave.

  “Oh. Damn.

  “Tyrannical despotism, he muttered. “Where did you learn such words?

  “From reading, I guess. Or reading to my students.

  “Reading! He turned onto his side, rolling Allegra onto her back, and pushed up on his elbow so he could look at her. “How can you read?

  She frowned at him. “I open the book and look at the words.

  “Well, yes. He actually laughed. “So do I. But Im a man. Youre a woman. And women cant read.

  “Oh, stop. She turned over, putting her back to him.

  “Allegra. He rolled her back toward him. “Im not trying to insult you. Jazid women are illiterate. Its illegal to teach them reading, writing or anything else.

  “Thats the stupidest thing Ive heard yet.

  Scowling, he said, “I would appreciate it if you refrained from denigrating my intelligence.

  “I didnt mean you. I meant denying girls their education.

  “Its always been that way. Shifting his weight, he pinned her legs with one of his while he trailed his fingers over her stomach. “A woman has one purpose in life. To please a man. If you let women read and write and do numbers, it distracts them from their purpose.