Chapter 53: Rhanu
The winter passed quickly. Rhanu spent his time with the Sha, discussing strategy and the lore of the Disciplines. He had devoted attention to his adopted people, learning the differences in the various Mandru castes and clans of Steppe folk, how to relate to them and gain their trust.
He also underwent lessons with the Sha, training to Shift minds as they so easily did. It was necessary to attune with Titien, but it was also maddening to attempt. It frustrated him that mere novices could accomplish with ease what he could not. Ayna told him it became more difficult to learn the older a person was. Something about 'engrained mental blocks' he had to overcome. All he knew was that his attempts to use Titien were exercises in futility, something he did not imagine would change soon.
More importantly, he spent his time with Ayna. The winter had never been cold since their marriage. Their days were kept busy with affairs of Halladen, but their nights were their own, and they took full advantage of them. Sometimes well into the morning, as well. Many of their friends joked about their tardiness, but Rhanu didn't care. Every moment with Ayna was priceless. In her arms he could forget about being a Sage, and the impending war that would inevitably pull them into its chaotic maw. There was only her; her warm body lying against his, her hair tickling his face, her scent scrubbed into his skin.
When the winter passes cleared, Rhanu knew before Ayna could tell him. Marcellus was on the move. The march toward war had begun. Whispers followed him when he strode into the encampment. They had made preparations for the day since his appointment.
He went directly to his lodge to make ready. It did not take long. One time he would have burdened himself with provisions for a long journey, but he was confident what he needed would be found on the way. Like the wolf, the wild no longer held any secrets from him.
Vernon aided him with his armor. The lad had no father. He was just another wild boy who roamed Halladen. He had pleaded to serve as Rhanu's page, and Rhanu could find no reason to deny the boy. He was grateful that the residents of Halladen did not bow and scrape the way the more 'civilized' people did. He'd seen enough of that in his homeland.
His armor was light, boiled leather cuirass and pauldrons studded with metal disks. His fauld, tassets, gauntlets, and greaves were leather overlaid with steel, and in place of his customary headdress he wore a rounded helmet topped by a thick copper spike and fixed with leather lames overlaid in mail that hung to his shoulders.
"What you asked for." Vernon handed him a rolled parchment.
As Rhanu spread out the map, Vernon peered at it eagerly.
"Will you truly enter the dark place?"
Rhanu looked at the point marked. "We're fortunate to have found a map that still had the tunnel listed. It is close to the palace. Nearly impossible to enter without detection, but fortunately the chaos of the battle should allow me to slip in."
"They say it is used for the akhkharu to travel in and out of Aceldama."
"Yes, it allows them to pass in daylight without weakening their powers. But we have learned there is something else stationed within. A device that opens and closes the gates to Aceldama. If we take it, we can get the army inside without having to scale the walls."
Vernon's voice dropped to a whisper. "No brother who's ever gone in has come out alive."
Rhanu gave him a reassuring smile. "Time for that to change."
He felt her presence before the scent of crushed rose petals and cloves tickled his nostrils. "Sholom, Amisi."
"You are leaving."
He rolled up the map and thrust it in a leather pack. "It is time. We knew this day would come."
The look on her face gave him pause. She appeared uncertain for the first time since he'd known her. "I do not think you should go."
Rhanu turned to Vernon. "Get my gear ready. I will be out in a moment." After the lad left, he pulled Ayna to him. "I would like nothing more than to stay, but you know I cannot, Ayna. I know our time together has been short, but—"
Her expression became exasperated. "I am not some simpering girl, Rhanu. I would not ask you to remain behind for my sake. I am especially sensitive to premonition, as you may know. I dreamed of you last night. A terrible black beast rode your shoulders, growing ever larger as you approached a battle. When you joined the fighting, the beast swallowed you entirely. If that should happen, I do not see you coming back."
Rhanu grimaced. "And what would I do, send another to die in my stead? I am not that sort, Ayna. I have my wakiza, and I have Titien as my ally. Should I see such a beast, I will slay it." He smiled, but Ayna appeared unconvinced.
"I do not believe this to be a beast you can slay with steel, Rhanu. I believe it to be the beast which dwells inside of you."
The memory prickled his consciousness. Something exploded inside his chest. The fire spread across his limbs as they shifted in a distorted fashion, elongating and sprouting thick black fur…
"I cannot hold myself back because of fear. Nor can I abandon Han, Meshella, and the others when I have the power to aid them. I will join the battle and fight by their sides. What happens after that is beyond my control."
Her gaze was nearly enough to make him change his mind. He saw sadness glisten in her eyes even as her face set in determination. "Then I will come with you. I have seen Nyori in the midst of this, and she will need my aid."
"There is no need—"
"Now you will tell me of need?" Her jaw tightened. "After all your talk of duty and bravery?"
Rhanu opened his mouth, but seeing her expression, he changed what he was about to say. "Very well. So long as you promise to stay out of the fighting."
"There are no conditions." Her voice was fierce. "You have yet to learn the ways of the Nahgual, Rhanu. There are no lone wolves, only the pack. Where one goes, so goes all. Especially so with one's mate."
"You are too valuable to your people to risk losing." His voice softened. "Not only to your people, but myself as well, Amisi." He clutched her tightly.
"The danger is cut in half when two people share it," she whispered. "I will not let anything happen to you, Ludari." She quickly kissed him, and just as swiftly slipped out the door.
A crowd awaited Rhanu when he stepped outside the lodge. The Nahguals were ready, standing by in a waiting throng. Rhanu nodded to them. Mandru castes and others from the Steppes also gathered. They carried weapons and provisions for the journey. They had come because of the word that had spread. The chance to join a battle against that darkness that haunted them, infiltrated their homes and cast fear and suspicion among them.
Rhanu did not speak. He did not know the way of stirring words or speeches. He only knew how to act. He nodded to Vernon, who solemnly handed him his gear. He slung his bow across his back and accepted up his wakiza and a leather-bound shield.
"I wish to go with you," Vernon said.
"If you knew what lay ahead, you would not. Your day will come, but I pray it not soon." He ruffled the lad's hair. "Take care of the little ones."
Hefting his shield, Rhanu turned and broke into a run. If I am to be a leader, then they will follow.
For a moment he was alone. Then someone joined him, jogging with easy, loping strides.
Nando's smile was characteristically wry. "Let's see how long you can keep this pace. I wager you fall out before the sun sets."
Rhanu grinned. Slowly others caught up to them. Then more, until a steady stream of runners followed. Leather-canvassed wagons circled from the rear of the camp. He was certain that Ayna rode in one of them. He felt her closeness and her love.