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started for the soldier but his brother grabbed his arm. Saran leaned close,
his words low and fierce. “I will shed rivers of blood if he seeks to take you
from me after all these years. In this I vow, brother.” Saran released Vaan’s
arm and stepped back.
    Vaan’s chest
tightened with an unfamiliar sensation. This was the brother his mother chose
to raise away from the only home they’d known. She’d left Vaan under the
guidance of his uncle, his father’s brother, for he was born to be a warrior
and kept Saran at her side. “I am lost to you no longer, Saran. I shall ever fight
when you have need until the Blessed One calls me home.”
    They exchanged
another look brother to brother and this time Vaan walked away unhindered.
    “I am Baylor,
Overlord. Desani welcomes your return.” His brown eyes held Vaan’s without hint
of fear.
    Foolish.
    Vaan could cut him
down before any of the royal soldiers could reach his side. “The King chooses a
most unusual welcome.”
    Baylor grinned. “There
was always chance the rumor rang false. A good soldier knows when to be
prepared.”
    Vaan grunted. “You
speak truth. Say what you must then leave Kaban.”
    “Of course.” A
steely look entered his eyes, turning the open friendliness to one of cold
intent. “The King wants restitution for the death of his Queen at the hands of
a Kaban Warlord.”
    “Is this the
reason why Tarik has attacked Kaban in the last weeks? It saddens me but will
not bring Maliya back from the Hills.”
    Baylor’s
expression tightened. “She is missed. Until someone pays, these battles will
continue. In honor of your former offer for alliance, King Tarik asks that you
turn over the one responsible and he will cease his acts of aggression.”
    Vaan shifted his
weight, ready in case his words caused a negative reaction. “It will please
Tarik to know that those guilty of her murder have been handled. Warlord Thenl
killed my uncle Councilor Dakar Galip and I struck down Thenl Asgup.”
    Brown eyes
widened. “Do you vow that their deaths can be proven?”
    “I killed Thenl in
view of several warriors present but Tarik will have to accept my word as I
removed Thenl’s head from his neck and burned his body for the insult he gave
my mate when he sent warriors to attack her.”
    Stepping back,
Baylor bowed again. “The Overlord is known for his honor. I accept your words
as truth and will convey your message to my King.” Baylor stood tall and proud.
“The Desani owe the Overlord for seeing justice served. To repay the debt, I
will tell you that when we crossed the border of Raasa land on our journey
here, a small party of ten Kabanian warriors was spotted riding in haste toward
your mate’s home.”
    Vaan froze but
Baylor continued, unaware of the impact his words had. “We believe they are a
rebel band for they did not come from the direction of Kaban.”
    “We ride,” Vaan called
out, spinning on his heels to head for Hapani. His chest pounded with sudden
fear, his only thought to return to Mikayla. “Warriors head for Raasa.”
    Saran shouted
orders, keeping pace at Vaan’s side without hesitation. “I am here for you,
Vaan.”
    Vaan could not
speak for the bitter knot in his throat. He could only pray that Argan would
protect what was his. Then his mind blanked and he let the battle rage Fenal
take him under.
     
    ***
    Assa’s sad face
concerned Miki. “Have you spoken to him again?”
    “I refuse, Miki.
He is a hard-headed male.”
    Assa’s green eyes
glared at the object of her anger. Balal remained in conversation with his
fellow warrior Carog, unaware of the danger lurking in the form of an annoyed
female.
    “Perhaps I can
help.” Miki extended the offer and pushed the bowl of fruit they shared in
Assa’s direction.
    Her friend studied
the assortment of brightly colored berries and chunks of cut melon before making
a selection. Gazing at the Warlord in question, Assa’s teeth nibbled lightly on
the yellow square while