Araneae Nation: The Complete Collection Page 13

  He picked at the collar of the coat I’d had delivered as a peace offering. Paired with a pale silk shirt and black silk pants, his masculine beauty dried all sensible words from my tongue. As I stared, his attention came to rest on me, and I noticed golden flecks glinted in his gaze. No longer were his eyes the lush green of new grass. They were luminous, sunlit meadows that beckoned me, a female born of snow and frost, to bask in their warmth.

  He cleared his throat. “I had nothing else to wear.”

  “You’d have frozen in your kilt,” I murmured. “No matter how fine you looked in it.”

  Flames scalded my cheeks. You may as well tell him you fancy he’s a sunlit meadow.

  His lips twitched once or twice before surrendering to a full smile. “You liked it, then?”

  “I—” I must be more flexible than I’d realized to manage sticking my foot in my mouth.

  “I’ll take that as a yes.” He took a step closer and began buttoning my coat. When he’d finished, he smoothed my collar and stared down at me as if he were at a loss. “I’ve never… No one has ever given me so fine a gift.” He rolled his shoulders, as if uncomfortable within the confines of his new garments, or perhaps the constraints of our relationship. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” I ignored how my heart leapt at his touch and how the pulse hammering at the base of my neck fascinated him.

  “We’d better go.”

  “We should.” Yet my hands found their way to his chest.

  Rhys lowered his head, his mouth waiting a taste away from mine. If I licked my lips, his flavor would fill me, and the prospect was tempting. Fingers curling in his coat, I resisted the urge to sink my hands in his hair and bend him to me.

  “Forget Theridiidae venom.” His breath fanned my cheeks. “You’re far more dangerous.”

  My head tilted in invitation he was slow to accept. “Are you—do you want permission?” Did I imagine the red in his cheeks? No. The room was hot, which must explain his flushed skin.

  Before he answered, another knock at my door shattered the moment. Rhys braced his forehead against mine, and his anise scent hit my face. “I’ll see that question answered later.”

  Once he pulled back, I turned toward our visitor. Henri busied himself inspecting the doorframe while Rhys and I came to our senses. This time, I was the one to tug on my collar.

  “Did you need something?” I made my tone bland while fire pumped through my veins.

  “Armand has readied Marron.” He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “The others are waiting for you.”

  A curt nod was the best I could manage. “By all means, lead the way.”

  Rhys took my hand and held it as we trailed my brother through a somber great room, filled with wary glances from my clansmen. I tapped Henri on the arm, asking him to wait.

  “What’s with all the grim faces?” I addressed those clansmen nearest me. “My parents traveled when clan business required it. This is no different. Believe me when I say this trip is necessary.” I worked up a smile. “I’ll be the first to admit the timing could be better, but it can’t be helped.” I strove for calm I didn’t feel. “I’m sure you all know the Theridiidae have taken my sister. I can’t sit on my hands and do nothing after our enemy struck the heart of our clan home.”

  I felt my smile go wobbly. “If Father were here, he’d take a strap to me if I let those responsible go unpunished.” Several of them nodded in agreement. “Mother, gods, anyone who dared lift a hand against her children would find it lopped off.” I laughed. “I think she spent too many northern winters with Marron. She was every bit the mother ursus guarding her cubs.”

  Rhys squeezed my fingers in a show of support I hadn’t realized I needed. Thank you, I mouthed to him, and then I met those seeking faces once more. “My parents would have done everything in their power to retrieve Pascale, and so will I.” I took a deep breath. “You’re safe under the protection of the Mimetidae. Armand, my right hand, guides you. You will be fine.”

  Henri tapped my shoulder. “We can’t keep them waiting much longer.” He spoke loud and too close to my ear. “Darkness is a cover the start of your journey could benefit from borrowing.”

  I meant to ask what was wrong when I noticed the trio of council elders watching me. Since I’d eschewed their sage advice, I suspected their timely arrival was meant to shame me for doing so. “Of course.” I lifted my voice louder. “Once my sister is home, we will talk, all of us, about the changes coming to our clan. We won’t be left vulnerable and dependent again. That I promise you.” I lifted my free hand. “Be well. May the two gods bless and keep you and yours.”

  From the crowd, Channing’s nursemaid, a withered female of innumerable years, shuffled forward. My littlest brother slept contentedly in her bony arms where I had once rested.

  She tipped her head. “Bless you as well, Maven.”

  Before I formed a response, Ulrich, the youth tutor, came forward. “Yes, bless you, Maven. If you ever have need of me…”

  I knew what such a vow cost him. He was a lethal male to have his sweet disposition, his nature a threat to the small lives entrusted to his tender care.

  Odd how the gods granted their strongest poisons to their meekest creations. Perhaps that was their intention, to temper those like Ulrich, who possessed deadly potential, with gentleness to balance their scales.

  “Thank you.” I hoped I didn’t insult his honor by praying his offer went unaccepted.

  The spinner who’d escorted Pascale to her room wove through the crush of bodies. “Bless you, Maven.” And on it went. My eyes prickled as one by one, my clansmen offered blessings for a safe journey, showing me support I hadn’t had the courage to ask from them.

  While dressing alone in my room, I’d experienced a moment’s doubt. Was I being foolish, as Rhys had said, by asking him to lead me far from home on the prayer we’d catch my sister before she and Kellen reached his clan home? Was I risking the stability of my own clan by braving this journey rather than sending Rhys alone? Judging by this outpouring of faith in my judgment, I must trust it as well. Trials lay ahead of us if our independence was to be earned from our protectors. The best way to lead was by example, and this trek set such a precedent.

  I would go. I would prove Araneidae could stand alongside Mimetidae and that one day such cooperation could grow into self-sufficiency. We would do better than survive. We would thrive. I vowed it on the lives my parents had lost, on the absence of my sister, and on my heart.

  Rhys tugged my hand, drawing me from the room with a final watery smile. Chanted blessings followed us, and I was glad. They saved me from more words, of which I had none.

  “You’re crying.” Rhys kept his voice low. “There’s still time to change your mind.”

  Wrapping my free hand around his upper arm, I rested my head against the comforting strength of his biceps. “Did you not hear my brothers? Once made up, my mind is unchangeable.”

  “So I’ve noticed.” As we walked, he seemed to consider me. “Your people love you.”

  “They’re family.” I smiled against his arm. “The elderly female was my nursemaid, the male beside her my tutor, the male beside them a playmate of Pascale’s, almost a cousin to me.”

  “You’re fortunate that you have such a family and they love you so well.”

  “Yes.” I glanced up at him, wondering at the longing in his gaze. “I am.”

  A wall of furred muscle slammed into me, knocking me from Rhys’s side, and I hit the dirt floor with a grunt. Marron’s huge head butted my face, almost knocking teeth loose as she heaped affection on me. Her black lips parted as she offered the ursus equivalent of a smile.

  I grabbed fistfuls of fur and scratched her jowls. “You’re such a beast.” She snorted hot breath in my face, and her lips peeled away from her teeth. Standing over me, she reared back on her hind legs, all the better to glower down at Rhys, who stood two heads shorter than she did.

  Tilting my head back,
I stared up at him, entertaining the thought if I hadn’t sent those blasted pants, that my view would be quite a bit more interesting. His gaze flickered from Marron to me, and my face burned so hot so fast, it amazed me I didn’t incinerate. For his part, he cracked a slow smile and smoothed a hand down his thigh as if forcing wrinkles from a kilt he no longer wore. He knew. Sure as the two gods spun the heavens, he knew what I’d been thinking.

  Clearing my throat, I made the introduction. “Rhys, this is Marron. She was mother’s favored ursus.” Sitting up, I rubbed her belly and brought her attention back to me. “Get down, Marron.”

  She grunted but dropped to all fours and backpedaled until my legs were clear of her. When Rhys grabbed beneath my arms and set me on my feet, her lip quivered.

  “Flatten your palm.” I captured his wrist. “Let her scent you.”

  “She looks far more interested in tasting me.” However, he did as I asked.

  Marron snuffled his palm, working up his wrist to where I held his hand. She growled for a moment, then gave him a quick lick as if saying she didn’t care for him, but might not eat him, at least not while I stood between them. It was a better response than I had expected. Her bond with Mother had passed to Pascale and me to a lesser extent. As for my brothers, she had no use for them at all, though she deigned them a chance at earning the affection and bond of her cubs.

  “We’ll lose the night if we don’t leave soon.”

  Glancing up, I found Vaughn seated on Noir’s back, who shifted her shoulders and rocked Vaughn back and forth. His cheeks were pale, his lips drawn tight. Judging by Henri’s smirk, he knew exactly what he’d done by saddling that particular bear for Vaughn.

  Rhys chuckled at my elbow, and my pity for Vaughn evaporated. Magical best described the sound of such a harsh warrior’s laughter. Traveling with a grumpy Noir was worth his smile.

  Almost afraid, I asked Henri, “Who did you saddle for Rhys?”

  He gestured across the massive cavern that comprised our underground stables, toward a hulking, mud-brown ursus, Father’s longtime mount. “Brun and Marron travel best together.” He smirked. “Of course, Noir’s a fiend no matter her handler, but she’s steadfast for the most part.”

  “I’ll give you a moment alone.” Rhys kissed my temple and made his way toward Brun.

  “Where’s Armand?” I hoped we hadn’t missed our chance at speaking before I departed.

  “He’ll be along shortly.” Henri glanced over my shoulder. “Now, let’s talk provisions.” He pointed at one of the thick rolls bound behind my saddle. “Medical supplies are all in tins and labeled. Sniff before you apply them.” He scratched behind his ear. “I have been known to make the odd mistake.” He waved his hand. “You’ve used them all and should recognize the difference between antiseptics and balms. I packed your bow as well, and arrows.” He put a small tin in my hand. “This is an antibacterial ointment. Always keep it in your pocket.”

  “Thank you.” I patted his arm. “Understand if I say I hope we don’t need them.”

  “As do I.” He sighed. “As do we all.” He inclined his head. “Ah, here he comes.”

  Armand exited the tunnel at a brisk jog and headed for me. “You weren’t thinking of leaving without saying goodbye were you?” He was winded. “Channing woke outside his room and realized he’d lost his stuffed ursus, the raggedy one, while playing gods only knows where.”

  “Mother sewed it for him.” Henri folded his arms. “He won’t rest until he has it.”

  “I know.” Armand rubbed at his face. “I suppose you and I have plans tonight after all.”

  “You’re good brothers for tending to him.” The void our mother’s passing had left in his life couldn’t be filled. We all knew that, but it wouldn’t stop us from trying. “I wish I would be here to help.”

  “If you can find our sister,” Armand grunted, “then I think we can find one lumpy ursus.”

  He made me laugh as I embraced him. “I’m counting on you.” I kissed his cheek.

  He nodded. “I won’t let you down. Everything will be as you left it. I swear it.”

  Henri stole me for a hug. “Be careful, and come home soon as you can.” He snapped his fingers. “Rhys mentioned the Salticidae. If you happen to visit them, can you bring me a few dayflowers? I’d prefer live plants for my greenhouse, but dried petals will do. Given recent events, I think it’s time I explored a bit of herb lore.”

  “Herb lore?” I couldn’t resist needling him. “Has becoming a proper physician never crossed your mind?”

  “Herbology is a legitimate course of study.” He cast me a pitying glance. “There are more applications for most plants than perfume and soap.”

  I suppressed a smile. “Dare I ask what prompted your interest?”

  “It’s been said dayflower essential oil has medicinal applications, such as lowering heart rates and reducing inflammation in muscles and joints, but I’ve been unable to cultivate a specimen long enough to sort fact from rumor.” He tapped my arm to make his point. “If there’s truth to those claims, then proper application might be able to slow the progression of venom.”

  “That sounds promising.” If this was the means through which Henri dealt best with our parents’ deaths, then I would secure whatever supplies his tests required. I had no doubt our clan would benefit whatever his findings.

  While I wondered when Rhys had spoken with my brothers and when he’d decided on visiting such an obscure clan, he sneaked up behind me.

  Sour air huffed hair in my face as Brun gave a gentler version of Marron’s greeting by nudging me from behind until I stumbled forward. When I regained my balance, I smiled at both ursus and rider.

  “Ready?” Rhys gave me one last chance to change my mind.

  “I am.” I nodded to my brothers. “I love you both, and I’ll see you soon.” Breaking from them, I jogged toward Marron, who stretched forward until her elbows braced on the ground. Grabbing the raw silk saddle horn, I swung myself up and settled atop her back. My stomach lurched as she righted herself and shivered, then made her way to Brun, bumping her side to his and my leg with Rhys.

  “Finally.” Vaughn and Noir lumbered past. “I thought you three would never cease with your hugging and speech-making.” His wan complexion coaxed a softer laugh from Rhys.

  Marron nudged Brun aside and ambled up the incline after Noir. Blackness enveloped us as she stepped from the fire-lit tunnel into the barren field where the summer stables stood frozen and empty while the city slept. Frigid winds roared through the valley, whipping my face until my eyes watered and tears froze. After digging in my coat pocket, I fisted my insulated mask and pulled it over my head. As I tugged up my hood, I noticed Vaughn and Rhys doing the same.

  Our journey had begun.

  Chapter 6

  Steady vibration roused me from my drowsy state. Blinking, I shielded my face against the glaring sun while I tried making sense of our location. My eyes had drifted closed around the time dawn broke the horizon. Soon after, Rhys gathered Marron’s reins, giving me leave to doze.

  I was wide awake now, and Marron’s growl vibrated through my spine.

  “Steady.” Rhys placed a hand on my thigh. “Don’t make any sudden movements.”

  Startled, I glanced over to find Brun still walked shoulder to shoulder with my mount.

  “What’s the matter?” Clear road ahead, blue sky above, I saw nothing out of the ordinary.

  “I’m not sure.” He untied Marron’s reins from his saddle horn and passed them to me.

  Ahead, Noir’s pace slowed as she shifted into a series of sidesteps. Vaughn urged her on, digging his heels into her sides until she roared and stood on her hind legs. As though annoyed he still clung to her back, she swatted at him with a large paw, and he dropped to the ground with a ripe curse. Lifting her head, she sniffed the air and fell to all fours as she loosed a baleful roar.

  “What in the world…” Leaning forward, I removed my mask, as Rhys and Vau
ghn had done. It fell from my fingers as an icy breeze laden with the stink of blood and death hit my face.

  “Stay here.” Rhys urged Brun forward.

  Marron saved me from disagreeing with him. Her head swung left to right and a shiver worked through her. I scratched her shoulders and tried to rein her in, but she sidestepped as Noir had done. Before she unseated me, I loosed my grip, and she broke into a gallop to catch Brun.

  By the time we reached the others, Rhys had dismounted and stood with his back to me. Vaughn’s shoulders almost touched his as their dark heads bent in quiet contemplation. My feet hit the ground before I realized I’d decided to dismount. I approached with caution, gagging as foul wind ruffled my hair. Up close, I swallowed convulsively to keep my supper in my stomach.

  I pressed a palm to Rhys’s shoulder and leaned around him. “Gods’ web,” I breathed.

  Slight, furred bodies littered the trail, their bones picked clean in places. I counted three horned skulls, three rib cages hung with meat, and four times that many scattered appendages. Blood painted the trail, and those responsible left wet tracks aimed in the direction we headed.

  “What did this?” Blunt carnage snared my eyes. “It’s as if they burst from the inside out.”

  Vaughn squatted. “Rhys.” He picked at a cracked rib cage. “Come look at this.”

  How casually he handled the dead. How unmoved he appeared by this eerie scene. How quickly I’d forgotten. Cannibal. These bodies belonged to some poor woodland creatures, all but unrecognizable now, but picturing him bent over the broken bodies of Araneaeans came too easy to mind. I’d do well to remember Vaughn for what he was, and much as I pretended otherwise, my partisan shared his brother’s exotic tastes, though his unease kept my opinion of him raised.

  “This is not what I would have you see tonight when you close your eyes.”

  Rhys cupped my shoulders and spun me on my heels, but my head faced the gory scene until the moment when it either turned with me or twisted off to continue staring in horrid fascination.