The Devil Within
by
Della Ann Boynton
The Devil Within, The Angel Within, and all
characters therein, are copyrighted by Bon Publishing co. and Della Boynton.
Any unauthorized copying and distributing for profit will be prosecuted, and
yes, I do have a lawyer. Not for profit fanfiction is encouraged, however. ^_^
warnings:Male/male sex, graphic, language, violence, attempted NCS
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunnie hadn't wanted his fears supported. It made them worse and it was some time before Jhai could calm him enough to feel confidant about leaving him alone.
"I have to make an appearance and make sure everything is in order," Jhai told him as he put on his coat. "They'll be wondering why we haven't come down. I don't think you need anyone coming into our room asking questions."
There was a knock on the door. Jhai made an exasperated sound and opened it only a crack. "Yes?"
Lor's large eye peered through the crack of the door. "We have my Lord's packs. We don't wish to intrude, but he will need his things."
Jhai was clearly weighing the pros and cons of the interruption and then, with an appraising glance at Sunnie to make certain that Sunnie was still calm, he opened the door and tried to block Lor's entrance. He might as well have been trying to stop the air. Lor was under his arm, and Kir was under the other, before he could react. Weighed down by packs, they scampered to Sunnie's bedside, wide eyed and concerned.
"You look pale, Lord!" Kir exclaimed. "Was this man too rough with you?"
"We will bring the guard," Lor assured him, "To deal with him and put him out of your rooms."
Sunnie blushed scarlet and hid behind his hands. He was embarrassed, but the children did more to distract him from the horror of memory than anything else, as they sat on each side of the bed and he had to face the knowledge that these children were completely aware of what he and Jhai had been doing in that very bed.
Jhai growled, "I didn't give you leave to enter, and neither did your lord. What passed between us is between men and no concern of yours."
"I'm still tired," Sunnie explained from behind his fingers, "Dr. Jhai would never hurt me. Please, can you go now?"
"But Lord," Kir protested as he pulled clothing out of a pack. "Who will see to you? This man?" His voice held arrogant contempt for that notion. "He may be fine between the sheets, but is he skilled at anything else?"
Jhai scowled. "I am not a whore," he said, measuring out each word.
Lor and Kir both lifted brows in a twin reflection of each other, as if Jhai had taken on airs he wasn't entitled to.
"He's Rhani Jhai," Sunnie explained, slowly lowering his hands, knowing that he had to deal with the situation. "He's the man I've come so far to see."
"Your lover!" Lor exclaimed and then suddenly looked afraid. "I'm sorry, Lord. We didn't mean to offend."
"None taken if you leave right now," Jhai told them curtly and opened the door, motioning with a hand for them to leave.
"Our Lord still needs his servants," Kir protested, looking afraid as well, but willing to brave censure to keep his position.
Lor had risen, eyes downcast and ready to flee. She flicked a look at Kir and hissed, "Yes, stay and have our Lord cast you out as punishment for your stupidity. I will dance for joy as your backside goes into the sunset."
"More likely he will cast you out for abandoning him, as well as for your ugliness," Kir hissed back.
"It's all right," Sunnie told them, seeing Jhai ready to explode with temper, yet he was almost glad to hear their familiar banter. It grounded him and gave him a firm anchor to pull himself firmly back into the here and now. "Both of you, please go. I will be down after awhile."
They relented, but they still bickered back and forth as they ducked under Jhai's arms again and went out of the door. He closed it on them and locked it. Turning to Sunnie, he asked, "Are you all right?"
Sunnie smiled softly, almost hid his face again, but then forced himself to clasp his hands together instead. "They know.... what we... " He cleared his throat when the words stuck.
Jhai cocked his head at him, curious, and said, "You're smiling and not hiding your face. Can I hope that you find it funny, rather than mortifying?"
"Both," Sunnie replied and then tossed the blankets aside. "I know they seem... annoying... but they mean well."
Jhai grunted as he watched Sunnie finish dressing. "I don't doubt they mean well, but they are also opportunists. I want you to keep that firmly in mind, Sunnie. They had a Lord before you and they probably didn't shed a tear leaving him, am I right? Not when the favored of the Chi'n' Chi is to be had."
"I don't know," Sunnie replied pensively and didn't like to consider that Lor and Kir were not being honest in their friendship. He didn't think Jhai was right in thinking that way about them.
"How do you feel?" Jhai asked, turning the subject as he automatically checked Sunnie's pulse. "The drug will take a while to leave your system. You should eat and rest a little longer."
It was hard for Sunnie to admit that he didn't want to be left alone. It was the exact weakness that had caused him to follow after Jhai. Sunnie had dressed, intending to follow his lover downstairs, but he could see that for the mistake it would be. Jhai could so easily lose respect for him if he kept failing to act like the man he was. He was half afraid where that would lead to. It was in his mind that Jhai allowed him to be the dominant in their lovemaking because he had proved himself as a man taking a man's pleasure. Reason told him that was ridiculous, and part of an upbringing that had been severely prejudice, but his fear of losing that position, of Jhai's contempt for him making him question that role, had little to do with reason.
Jhai caressed Sunnie's cheek, perhaps seeing the conflict there in his gold eyes. "Talk to me, love. You came all this way... and now you're still coming after me... for what reason? Are you so afraid that I won't return... or is it that you're afraid that the memories, like the one earlier, will find you again without me there to remind you that they are the past?"
"So many things..." Sunnie choked out and bowed his head, ashamed. "I only know that I find happiness, love, and peace with you. I... I can't do without it... and I'm ashamed..."
"Don't doubt me," Jhai replied strongly and leaned in close to kiss Sunnie. "I will never abandon you. I will never be ashamed of your honest feelings. I never want you to pretend to be what you are not." He gave Sunnie's cheek a very light slap. "And stop thinking your manly thoughts," he laughed. "I can see it in your eyes when you worry about having that ridiculous male ego of yours damaged. I've told you enough times, that I don't have one and I'm certainly not going to grow one now because I think you don't measure up as a man." His dark eyes twinkled as Sunnie blushed to the roots of his golden hair. "I know you too well, Sunnie. Try talking to me, though, just in case I get it wrong someday?"
Sunnie nodded and managed a smile.
"We need to leave here soon, so that I can finish my duties," Jhai
told him seriously. "Rest while you can."
Sunnie found himself locking the door after Jhai, and pacing instead of resting
though. It was true, he felt, that he was afraid of being alone, of thinking
too much about a past that too easily came to haunt him without Jhai's love
to hold it at bay. He had to learn to deal with it another way, than hiding
in Jhai's shadow, he felt, because even though Jhai was willing to accept that
childishness in him, Sunnie wasn't.
The weather cleared the next day and Jhai decided not to delay any longer. His
escort was made up of seasoned warriors and an interpreter and they agreed that
traveling on was wise, though they appeared not to like Sunnie's escort, especially
when Sunnie attempted to dismiss them and they refused. Greta informed him that
she did not receive the bulk of her pay until she returned safely with Sunnie.
Than looked annoyed and declared that he had been assigned to his duty by the
will of the Chi'n'Chi and only he could give him leave to abandon it. Balcon
had a less clear reason, only saying that his orders came from Wystan and no
one else. Kir and Lor followed their fortune and that lay with Sunnie still.
When they rode out, there was a careful division between the two groups, with Sunnie and Jhai the bridge at their center. The land dipped down and it was almost a relief to ride single file and to end that tension. Jhai concentrated on his instruments and reports as he rode and Sunnie was left to either assist him at times or ride behind him with nothing to occupy him. It was then that he felt a protectiveness towards Jhai that surprised him, especially when he saw Balcon giving his lover appraising looks. What could he do if a man that large decided to attack Jhai? Sunnie didn't have any illusion as to his chances, but that didn't diminish his determination to stand between him and Jhai if the need arose.
The land didn't grow any gentler, but there were more trees. They blocked the fierce wind. There were also more signs of people, small settlements and lone houses.
"This is the area that the Chi'n'Chi and our Legate were so eager for me to investigate," Jhai explained. "There have been reports of odd viruses and, since the Kevarians don't have advanced medical equipment, it will be my job to find the origins of these viral strains."
That left something unsaid that was clear to Sunnie. It was possible that the viral strains had originated from illegal settlers.
When they dismounted for a rest later that day, Sunnie settled by his lover, somewhat apart from the others. Jhai was checking his equipment. He saw the worry in Sunnie's expression and turned his back to the others, giving Sunnie all of his attention. Sunnie swallowed nervously and then decided to voice his concern. "I have felt... that there are those with a purpose contrary to ours... Wystan, perhaps, or... Balcon... if there are illegal settlers... perhaps there are some who wish them here and wish for you not to find them?"
Jhai nodded as he settled on a pack. "I've been thinking the same thing," he replied quietly. "I'm not sure that there is anything that we can do about it, though. I have to do my job. If we are threatened, or our path is changed to take us away from any discovery, we'll know for certain. We are not in any position to protest or fight them." He looked as if he longed to reach out to Sunnie, but he didn't, wary of anyone observing them, but he did say with regret, "Part of me is glad that you have become more sure of yourself, less naive, but there is another part within me that is sad that it's happening."
Sunnie smiled, and as always, it was a bright and wondrous expression. "I won't stop being myself, even if I become wiser about life, Rhani."
Jhai smiled back. "I know, Sunnie, I'm only being foolish."
"Lord Jhai?" The interpreter, an oily looking man, with a drooping mustache, and dressed in furs and leathers, gave Jhai a small bow, Sunnie a disgusted, sideways look, and then informed Jhai, "We will soon be entering the town of Thomain. It is led by a war chief of the Chi'n'Chi. I recommend that my Lord show utmost respect to garner his favor. It might be wise of my lord to leave his entourage, especially his courtesan, behind." 'Courtesan' was said with a lifted lip, a sneer that made the polite word a pointed insult.
Jhai drew himself up to his full height and glared. "Are you insulting Lord Sunnie, who is the favored of the Chi'n'Chi?" he demanded.
The man went pale. "Favored?" He bowed low. "Forgive me, Lord Sunnie. I was unaware of your station."
"Don't forget it, Tayun, or the Chi'n'Chi may decide to avenge the insult," Jhai warned him.
The man bowed again and backed away.
"Fool," Jhai growled and turned back to Sunnie.
For a moment, Jhai had seemed a different man. Sunnie was surprised at how nervous that had made him. He was reassured when Jhai's gentle smile reappeared and he explained, "These people only understand strength. I'm afraid that we'll have to keep from showing affection towards each other while we are here."
"I know," Sunnie sighed, but still longed to take Jhai into his arms. It was going to be difficult, not leaning on his strength and seeking his affection.
Greta appeared, frowning, Lor and Kir along with her. "Your guard, Than, suggests that you stay with him at all times," she told Sunnie, "while I await your departure at the stable yards with the beasts." She nodded to Balcon and his men. "They were speaking of meeting men they knew here, before they saw that I was listening, Lord Sunnie. I am a woman who's only concern is trails, beasts, and supplies, but I know bad beasts when I see them. Beasts that can't be trusted."
Sunnie swallowed hard. "If we are in danger, I think that Lor and Kir should stay with you, if that's all right?"
Kir scowled. "Our place is with our Lord, protecting him."
Than came up, frowning and with a hand on his sword hilt. "Your place is making trouble in the court of the Chi'n'Chi," he grumbled, "You will only shock the people here and make trouble for your Lord."
"I will take them,"Greta said as she put a hand on each of their collars and ignored their glares. "Perhaps they will learn an honest trade by example?"
"Honest?" Lor began to huff, but Sunnie cut off her next words.
"Please go with her," Sunnie begged. "I would feel much better knowing that you were safe."
Lor and Kir exchanged glances and then looked resigned. "Yes,Lord," they both replied.
Sunnie was relieved and so was Than. "Wise," he said. "Now, Lord Sunnie, perhaps we should go?"
Jhai gathered his things. "We should hurry. We are far behind schedule."
They entered Thomain not long after. It was a primitive city and Sunnie wondered, with his farmer's experience, what they could possible grow in such unforgiving soil. He saw many goats, sure footed and able to reach the remotest vegetation, and people that were all dark and wrapped in furs, leathers, and charms to such an extant that they hardly seemed human. The houses were small, made from wooden slats and stone, and lined up along a main street that was nothing but dirt, crushed stone, and full of freezing puddles from melting snow.
It was hard dismounting and letting Greta and the children go their separate ways. It made Sunnie feel bare somehow, even though he still had Jhai and Than with him. Balcon and his men walked with them and they kept behind, hands on their weapons. That stance seemed to make Jhai's escort nervous.
"He is called Lord Bhulian," the interpreter explained to Jhai. "He has won many battles and has been given many disks of honor by the Chi'n'Chi himself. Please, give him utmost respect, Lord Jhai."
"I didn't intend anything else," Jhai replied.
They mounted the steps to a narrow home with a stone front and a carved beast guarding the thick wooden door. The guards there announced their presence and then allowed them to enter. Bhulian was standing near a fireplace in a very small antechamber and warming his hands. He frowned at them. Unlike the other citizens, he was dressed in simple leathers, his dark hair pulled back severely and adorned with golden disks. His broad shoulders attested to his use of a sword, but his open face made him look friendly and approachable, as if he had spent his life in gentler pursuits.
"Ah, the doctor at last," the man said amiably and approached them, rubbing his hands together briskly. "Foul weather keep you?"
Jhai bowed and Sunnie decided to follow his example. "Yes, Lord Bhulian," Jhai replied smoothly. "Forgive me for being late."
The man shrugged, "Weather bows to no man's will."
"My Father used to say that," Sunnie said in surprise and then blushed and bowed again. "I-I'm sorry..."
The man chuckled. "Honesty needs no excuse, boy." He looked them both over critically and then grunted. "I am eager to speak with you and ask you about the worlds outside of Kevare, but I think settling your entourage and seeing to your comfort takes priority over my curiosity. We'll speak over dinner tonight. " He motioned behind them and guards came forward. "See to their comfort."
"Thank you, Lord Bhulian," Jhai responded. "You are a generous host."
The man smiled and said, "You are an honored guest, Doctor Jhai."
That was conferring status on them and Jhai looked relieved. He didn't argue when they were separated from their guard, but Than kept his place and glared, daring anyone to question his right to follow them.
They were led to a small room with thick carpets, a blazing fire, and an already full and heated tub of water. A door led into a narrow bedroom. Than inspected everything and then took a position outside their door.
"I will rest and take care of myself later," he promised when Sunnie questioned whether he was depriving himself to watch over them.
With that reassurance, Sunnie shut the door, and found Jhai pacing worriedly. "What's wrong?"
"He speaks our language very well," Jhai pointed out. "That is odd in a man so far removed from the capitol."
Jhai worked his coat off and tossed it aside onto a chair. He sat before the fire and began working off his boots. Sunnie took off his coat and then knelt to help him. "What are you thinking?" he asked.
"That we are mice in the den of lions, and they may want us for dinner if we aren't careful," Jhai grumbled. "I think I will have to very carefully find nothing when I check the village tomorrow."
"But you came all of this way..." Sunnie said.
"And I want to go safely home again," Jhai replied. He sighed as Sunnie managed to remove his boots and then he pulled Sunnie into his lap. "Information is useless if you die and can't tell anyone about it. The Chi'n'Chi will have to decide to send our forces in next time, along with me, or he won't get what he wants. There's too much corruption here to trust anyone."
"Then we go home after tomorrow?" Sunnie lay with his head in Jhai's lap, looking up at his lover. His golden eyes caught the firelight and sparkled. Jhai caressed his face.
"Yes, we go home," Jhai told him, and then sternly, "And don't blame yourself. Coming after me was wrong, but it didn't cause this situation."
"I..." Sunnie struggled, not sure how to say what he was feeling.
Jhai bent and kissed his lips. "Yes, love?"
Sunnie reached up and traced the spiral tattoo on the side of Jhai's neck with a fingertip. "When I first saw you, I thought you were so beautiful... I wanted to be with you even then. You draw me to you. I can't resist it."
"I ached every day that I didn't have you with me," Jhai told him. "I understand, Sunnie. It's love."
Sunnie smiled and assured him, "No one is going to hurt you. I won't let it happen."
Jhai snorted and pulled a lock of Sunnie's curly hair. "Enough with your macho posturing! We will keep each other safe, all right?"
Sunnie found a laugh, even amidst his fear for Jhai.
"That's better," Jhai told him and stood, pushing Sunnie out of his lap. "Now, let's take a bath, together." He slid sensual eyes at Sunnie and Sunnie blushed. The fear of deep water was still with him, but Jhai had been working with him to overcome it. He knew how to distract Sunnie, how to convince him to do what he feared most.
Jhai slipped out of his clothes; a tall, slim man gleaming like mahogany. He looked over his shoulder at Sunnie and held out a long fingered hand. Sunnie undressed more slowly, eyeing the tub and gathering his courage. With Jhai he could do anything, he thought, and took his lover's hand.
Sunnie awoke with a pounding headache and a feeling of unease. The bed had been musty, as if the lord of that place hadn't had guests for generations, but Jhai had been warm and welcoming enough to take Sunnie's mind off of that.
The village, Sunnie thought blearily as he tried to focus his eyes. Jhai had been preparing to go into the village and ignore whatever he found there. It had seemed to Sunnie that Jhai was being naive to think that the bad men among them would believe any such act, but a last whispered comment by Jhai had told him that his lover wasn't a fool. Jhai had said, 'It may be that there will be trouble, Sunnie. I am a trained warrior as well as a physician. Please don't try to fight them. I will protect you.'
Perhaps that was why Sunnie wasn't feeling well, the fear that Balcon and his men might attack.
"Sunnie?" Jhai whispered close to his ear. "Are you awake?"
Jhai's dark face hovered over his own and Sunnie was finally able to concentrate enough to focus on it. Jhai's worried eyes met his. "What...?"
"You've been very sick," Jhai explained. "It's nothing that I'm familiar with. You've been running a dangerous temperature for days now."
"Days?" Sunnie licked dry lips. Jhai lifted his head and gave him cool water to drink.
"Lor," Jhai ordered briskly. "Find some broth for Sunnie and some soft bread. His stomach won't be able to handle much more than that."
"Yes, Lord," Lor replied, for once, without argument.
Sunnie heard more than one set of small footsteps going away and a door opening and closing. Lir as well, he guessed, and wondered why they weren't with Greta.
"Sunnie," Jhai whispered as he wiped Sunnie's warm brow with a cool rag. "I think that you were given something to make you ill."
Sunnie frowned, trying to remember something that he had taken that Jhai had not. "Water... last night," Sunnie breathed, finding it hard to talk.
"You asked for it just before we went to bed," Jhai told him with an edge to his voice, but then he added, "I don't know for certain whether Bhulian had anything to do with it though.."
Sunnie couldn't understand how drugging him could affect anything, but then asked with difficulty, "Did you... go to... the village?"
Jhai snorted. "Of course not. I've been caring for you."
Sunnie was both relieved and troubled. Relieved that Jhai hadn't gone into danger alone, but troubled that he was causing more problems."I'll be all right, " Sunnie assured him. "Where are my clothes? We should go at once."
Jhai's shook his head. "You are not going anywhere... not that I think that you could, anyhow. You are going to stay in bed, drink fluids, and eat to regain your health. I sent for the children so that they could care for you while I'm at the village."
Alarmed, Sunnie attempted to sit up. He felt dizzy at once and the water in his stomach threatened to make a reappearance. "Please... not alone," Sunnie begged.
Jhai raised an eyebrow as he adjusted Sunnie's pillows and kissed his warm cheek. "I won't be alone. Than will be with me and the Lord's men as well. When you have many enemies, it's often best to keep them all close. They will be so busy watching each other, that I might get back here safely."
Sunnie sighed and sank back into his pillows, exhausted by even that effort. His body felt weak, drained, useless to help the man he loved. He hated himself just then and Jhai saw it.
"Sunnie," Jhai said sternly. "I don't know why you are sick, or if anyone here had a hand in it, but it's not your fault that it happened. I don't blame you."
"I'm afraid for you," Sunnie admitted.
Jhai caressed his cheek. "I know love. I don't feel good about leaving you here alone either, but the children have orders to keep the doors locked and to not allow anyone in until my return."
"If you wait... a day...," Sunnie began, but Jhai shook his head.
"I can't do that," Jhai told him. "The Lord Bhulian is tired of waiting." There was something in his voice that made Sunnie nervous.
"Do you suspect that he made me ill?" Sunnie wondered.
"To keep you here?" Jhai said as he stood and paced. "To make me need his good will? It's possible. I don't know. It seems too extreme. I would like to know his mind, though. He appears honest, yet I know not to trust that. Kevarians are adept at politics and double dealing."
Lor and Kir returned with a tray of food and drink. Jhai withdrew as they surrounded the bed and served Sunnie like miniature nurses, not taking his refusals or allowing him to eat only the few spoonfuls that he wanted. Jhai looked amused as the children hovered and Sunnie looked anxious and irritated.
"Remember what I told you, children," Jhai admonished as he put on his coat and gloves.
Kir glared. "Of course, Lord. No one will pass the door until you return."
Jhai sighed and then leaned down to kiss Sunnie on the lips. "I will return as soon as I can."
Sunnie wanted to protest. He made another abortive move to get out of the bed, but his body was leaden and Kir and Lor refused to let him rise. It was a foolish thing to say, but Sunnie couldn't help himself. "Please, be careful."
Jhai smiled and nodded and then he was gone. Lor shot a heavy bolt on the door after it had closed and then said self importantly, "You are safe with us, Lord."
Sunnie felt utterly helpless and miserable, though, wondering how his body could have fallen ill so quickly and completely. He tried to remember the last days and couldn't. He could imagine how frantic Jhai must have been. Sunnie had always been very healthy and strong. His swift collapse must have been frightening.
"You should sleep," Lor suggested.
"Yes, rest," Kir chimed in and pulled the blankets up under Sunnie's chin. "Don't worry. We'll stand watch at all times."
Looking at his small guards didn't ease Sunnie's mind, though. All of his fear was for Jhai, not himself.
The day seemed to last forever. Sunnie fretted, thwarted every time that he tried to leave his bed by his small guards. They brought him whatever he desired, except his one true desire, to see Jhai back safely. When Lord Bhulian made a visit, Jhai's order not to allow anyone inside the room became impossible to keep. Convincing Lor and Kir of the necessity of allowing the important man inside wasn't difficult. They knew better than to thwart the will of a lord.
When Lord Bhulian entered, two guards took up positions outside and he proceeded alone. His eyes swept briefly over the children and then settled on Sunnie as he came to stand by the bed. "You will live?" he asked.
His concern seemed sincere. "Dr, Jhai has said that I will be all right," Sunnie replied, though he knew that he looked pale and that his eyes were shadowed.
"I'm relieved," Bhulian said. "Mountain illnesses can be deadly to Lowlanders." He seemed uncomfortable and then he said, "I must confess to curiosity concerning you and your people. We, in the mountains, have always been taught to fear outsiders... to kill them. Asking them for help in rooting out others of their... your kind, seems against nature. As someone honored by the Chi'n' Chi's friendship, I trust your words. He would not give such an honor to someone unworthy of his respect."
Sunnie swallowed nervously and then replied, "I'll answer as well as I can, any question you might have."
Bhulian gave a single nod and then pulled a chair close to the bed. He sat heavily and seemed to not know how to begin. "These men with you," he finally said, "Are not men that I would have chosen as escort."
"They were chosen by others," Sunnie replied. "I... I don't like them either."
"Ah," Bhulian said and then eyed Sunnie keenly. "I've fought many battles. You learn to see death in the eyes of a man who means to kill you. I've seen such eyes turned on me... and you."
Sunnie felt himself go even paler, though it was something both he and Jhai had suspected. "I know," he replied softly. "I don't think they want us to find out who is living in the villages here."
"It happens," Bhulian said, "that when one area of land goes sour, those living there will move to another, bringing their diseases with them. This is different though. No one near has been distressed of late. No one reports any refugees from hard times. This sickness is like nothing we've seen."
"Jhai suspects offworlders." Sunnie admitted, feeling suddenly that he could trust this man, "but he thinks we won't make it back to the Chi'n'Chi alive if we find the proof of it. We'll go back so that Dr. Jhai can request better protection."
Bhulian frowned. "I don't think my people have the time for that, boy. I think that I am seeing the wind changing before the storm. I need the Chi'n' Chi and his soldiers here. He won't come, risking his soldiers in my harsh land, without proof that I am right." He wiped a hand over his face in agitation as he stood with a clatter of metal and weapons. "With all respect, Lord Sunnie, I would have wished for better than an odd looking doctor, his boy lover, and two whores to save my world."
Sunnie felt stung by that condemnation and the words came out before he could think to stop them, "Yet I've done it once all ready. " Those words were filled with the bitter memory of his time with Rohan and the pain of having taken the man's life. He had stopped Rohan, and whatever plans the man had put into motion to take over Kavare.
"He has," Kir dared to say in support.
Bhulian blinked at them all and then he grunted. "We prove our brave words
with deeds," he said. "I hope that you will prove yours." He
gave a short bow and then swept out of the room. Kir closed the door and threw
the bolt home behind him.
"Get my clothes," Sunnie said strongly and threw back the blankets, his mind to focused on getting to his feet and to Jhai to worry for once about his modesty.
"Lord?" Lor protested, but something in Sunnie made both the children do as he said. Jhai needed him, Sunnie felt. He was going to Jhai however he could manage it.
"Why won't you ever listen?" Sunnie wondered in anguish as his small servants scurried after him and Than tried to help him with a hand under his elbow. "Than at least can defend himself, but you are both in danger."
Lor gave Sunnie an exasperated look. "Lord, we are whores. We've been in men's beds since we were old enough to be capable of it. We know very little of 'safety'. What we have found has been with you."
That was blunt and it pointed out to Sunnie how very much of a child he was, not his companions. "Your not that any more," he insisted, bowing his head against the shame of that kind of talk.
"Until you go," Kir replied with a shrug as he reached to button Sunnie's coat. "Then we will only be what we were before, unless we can manage to advance our positions before then."
It sounded mercenary, but they had never pretended anything different. Perhaps they did like Sunnie, but they had not been raised gently to think gentle thoughts of anyone or any thing.
Than gained them exit from Bhulian's house through arrogance, saying that they were the Chi'n'Chi's honored and that they were not to stop them from doing as they wished. While the guard floundered and sent for orders, Than quickly led them into the town and into the crowds there.
Sunnie felt dizzy and still fevered. He tried to find a point of focus so that he could concentrate on their next move. The people were all dressed in heavy coats and capes, hair adorned with clan disks, feather, beads, and braids. Their dark eyes were curious at Sunnie's fair hair, but they must have known who he was. No one questioned them and everyone parted to let them pass with a wide berth.
Advanced technology could darken a man's hair and eyes. It could even give an alien face that ethnic tilt that seemed dominant on most of the faces around them. A blood test was the only sure way of identifying off worlders. Sunnie wondered how Jhai had intended to fake his results in order to find nothing. Surely, his men, trusted or otherwise, would be close to read those same results?
"Where would he go?" Sunnie wondered.
"The market," Than replied as he steered them down a wide street. "He would have many people to choose from there without having to go door to door."
Sunnie agreed and hoped that it wasn't far. He doubted that his strength would get him much further. When Balcon suddenly confronted them, with his men behind him holding Jhai, Sunnie suddenly wished, with all his heart, for more strength. His love was in danger. He could see it in Jhai's eyes.
Than began to draw his weapon, but Balcon grinned and it was ugly. "Don't," he warned. "Your doctor made some enemies here, drawing blood like a demon. They were ready to drag him, face down, all the way back to Bhulian to demand an explanation. It was a perfect time for us to make our move. There's no one to keep us from getting rid of you now." His sword tip rested on Sunnie's collar bone. "The crowd is on our heels, boy," he continued. "You don't have time to think about this. Do as I say."
There was a sound down the street and the feeling that a gathered crowd was growing restless and agitated.
"He is the favored of the Chi'n' Chi!," Lor exclaimed angrily. "They wouldn't dare harm him!" She glareed at Balcon. "And neither will you."
The man laughed as he reached out and shoved at Sunnie. "I've lived my life riding the wave of opportunity. I know when it favors me. No one can help you now."
"Do as he says," Jhai urged, but his eyes were as hard as steel as they were hustled along the street and towards the edge of the town, away from Bhulian's house.
"For now," Than agreed as he let his sword slip back into it's sheathe. He wasn't a fool, though, and he knew that their death was coming if he didn't find a way out for them. With untrained children and two Lords, he knew their chances of fighting their way out of their situation was non-existent.
Sunnie let Balcon push him along for several steps, but then he felt Balcons' hand trail along his back. The man promised, "It's going to be like old time's again. Me and my friends had fun with you when you were Rohan's. You do as I say, and maybe I'll let you live after we take this place over?"
Of course, now Sunnie recognized his voice, half remembered from drugged dreams. He turned, gold eyes full of the same fire that had looked into death and found courage there. He pushed Balcon away with a strong arm.
"That was a bad mistake, boy," Balcon warned and began lifting his sword.
"Sunnie!" Jhai warned, but his eyes were wide, seeing a Sunnie that only Rohan had seen until then.
"You're the one who's mistaken," Sunnie growled. He pulled the children behind him, feeling their kinship keenly. They had all been used. They all had everything to lose if Balcon won.
Sunnie looked beyond Balcon and saw the crowd catching up. He called to them loudly, "I am the favored of the Chi'n'Chi! These men have insulted me. I want them taken to Bhulian for judgement."
"He speaks truly!" Than said as he drew his sword and stood ready to die beside Sunnie. "If this insult is not redressed at once, the Chi'n' Chi will descend upon you all and take his vengeance!"
Balcon went pale and whirled to take in the crowd. "They lie! They are demons sent by off worlders to take our homes and our blood!"
"Demons?" Lord Bhulian appeared with his men ranged behind him. "Are we all backward fools to believe that now?" he asked his people. "This boy is indeed the favored of the Chi'n'Chi. He is mine to protect... with my life."
The crowd milled and then voices began to agree. The Chi'n"Chi's name was enough to give their fear and distrust pause.
Bhulian gestured his men forward, but Balcon knew where that would lead. He pulled a laser gun from under his jacket. "You won't win," he warned as he pointed it at Bhulian's heart. "We're coming and this place will be ours. Work with us or die."
Bhulian snorted. "When you can't even get whores to join your cause? I think I have more pride than that. In some things, death is preferable." He opened his arms wide to receive the shot.
"Pride is wasted on the dead," Balcon growled and began to squeeze the trigger. He jerked just then and his eyes went shocked as he looked down and saw the dagger sticking out of his lower chest. Kir grinned up at him, hand on the hilt.
"Whores have pride too," Kir told him as Balcon crumpled and fell dead at his feet.
Lor looked down at Balcon and then quirked a grin at Kir as the blood pooled at their feet. "I will grant you some praise."
"Some?" Kir growled.
Lor shrugged, but Than was laughing as he pointed his weapon at Balcon's shocked men. "Care to meet your death's by his hand or do you surrender?"
Swords hit the pavement, but Bhulian was still watching the crowd and he wasn't relaxing. "I doubt they were alone," he said. "They will be desperate now."
Jhai put a hand on Sunnie and found him shaking from more than his illness. Sunnie was staring at the thick blood and the dead man who had haunted the edges of his memories. "He was that close to me..."
Jhai put an arm around Sunnie and glared at the children as he turned Sunnie away from them. "He's gone," he told his lover.
"There were others," Sunnie replied in anguish. "If they are here, somewhere as well...."
Kir and Lor exchanged glances and then Kir cleaned his dagger blade on Balcon's clothing. Bhulian approached him, gave him a bow, and said uncomfortably, "I owe you my life, boy, but we will settle that debt later."
Kir gave a very adult nod to Bhulian in return and sheathed his dagger as he and Lor took up positions behind Sunnie. "Did you see our Lord?" Lor asked excitedly. "He had fire. He was a Lord to call down the wrath of all of these people."
"But I saved him too," Kir protested in the face of her adoration for Sunnie.
"He didn't need your help," Lor retorted. "He had things well in hand."
Kir sighed in exasperation, but he walked straighter and with a proud tilt to his head. He had killed his first man. He wasn't a child in the eyes of his people any longer. He had a Lord to follow, another in his debt, and blood on his dagger.
The return journey had been without event, but the weather had been foul and Sunnie was slow to recover from both the shock and horror of Balcon and the illness that was slow to leave his bones. He spent every night in Jhai's embrace, but his thoughts were on the past and the future and he slept fitfully.
Bhulian's repayment of his life debt had been simple enough, a contingent of his hand picked warriors to guard their lives. They were quiet men, and they had the air of people who knew that their journey might end with acolades from the Chi'n' Chi for returning their charges safely, or in death, depending on which way the political winds blew.
"What's will happen now?" Sunnie had asked one night as he shared dinner with Jhai from a shared bowl and spoon.
Jhai had looked sour. "I wouldn't say that things were a dismal failure," he had replied, "We did find proof of alien infiltration. Unfortunately, the trust that we had hoped to foster by coming to Bhulian's aid, was never won. They distrust us even more, and I can hardly blame them."
Looking around at their companions, it was hard to think that soon he would be back across the border and in the space port. Sunnie would miss them, he had to admit to himself, even the children, though Kir was acting as if he were an adult now and someone to be reckoned with. Sunnie doubted very much that he would return to his trade. As for Lore, Sunnie couldn't imagine her far from Kir, and he didn't doubt that he would make sure that she was well.
They made the capital city by late afternoon, weary, filthy from the road, and longing for a hot meal and a place out of the cold. In the Chi'n" Chi's home, servants separated them from Bhulian's men and Greta, and then from each other, but not before Than gave Sunnie a correct bow and said, "An honor, Lord."
Something was expected and Jhai looked tense. Sunnie fished through his weary mind and then finally replied, "I was honored by your guard."
Than warmed to that and went away looking well pleased.
"I don't know why I worry about you at all," Jhai chuckled softly to Sunnie, but Sunnie felt hollow and exhausted to the bone and he couldn't share in that humor.
They were both surprised when a servant motioned Sunnie to go to a left hand door and Jhai to go to a right one. Jhai was nervous, but he knew better than to question. He tried a small protest, by saying, "I attend, Lord Sunnie, the favored of the Chi'n'Chi.." That didn't have the power it should have, though, which meant that the person Sunnie was called to meet was more important. Jhai didn't have any choice but to squeeze Sunnie's arm in comfort and then follow his servant away.
Sunnie watched him go, feeling a knot of panic, but then he turned and followed his servant into a well appointed room.. He came face to face with an elegantly dressed Wystan.
"You have returned safely," He said smooth as silk. "The Chi'n"Chi will be pleased.... that is, when he returns from the South Provinces."
There was a note in his voice, almost an 'If' that hung in the air between them, unspoken, but a presence all the same. Seated, and leaning on the cushioned arm of a chair, the young man was very beautiful, but Sunnie had grown to know the danger that often lurked in the eyes of men. He saw it now and knew that he shouldn't have allowed himself to be separated from Jhai.
Wystan lifted a goblet of wine, swirled it, took a sip, and then said as he lowered it, "I wasn't pleased that my men failed to stop you from uncovering our little plan."
Honesty. Sunnie felt a chill, knowing that it didn't bode well for him. It meant that Wystan wasn't afraid of him or the report Jhai might give the Chi'n'Chi. He looked like a man well in control of things.
"It has to happen, you realize," Wystan said as if they were old friends. "We can't stand against the hordes forever and, already, our people are wanting things they see offworlders use. Soon, we won't be able to hold the wall against what batters outside of it. I intend to be there when that happens. I intend to take what was mine before I was disinherited by my 'accident'. Do you know what it's like to have someone take your manhood from you? Strip you of your place? Deny you every right except as their servant?"
A pain lanced Sunnie's heart and he whispered, "Yes, I do."
Wystan raised an eyebrow. "You speak figuratively, of course? Someone like myself can never hope for as much as you have attained, physically."
Sunnie bowed his head, letting his curls hide his face as he colored at such graphic speech. "Tell me what you want," he asked simply, wanting an end to the game Wystan seemed eager to play.
"So direct," Wystan mused. "I really thought you an innocent idiot, but I see that I have to revise that opinion. You managed the Chi'n'Chi's favor, an honor guard, two whores, and safe journey to and from a very contentious place. You even managed to save your lover. Surely a man as clever, and as resourceful, as that can appreciate the offer I'm about to make you?"
"No," Sunnie said without hesitation. "I don't want your threats, your bargains, or your offers."
Wystan chewed on one fingernail, a nervous habit, and then rose in a swirl of robes and faced Sunnie. "I can force you to do what ever I wish, you realize, even to being forced onto all fours for me to rut on?" His lashes fluttered as he looked Sunnie over with a smile. "I might like that, actually..."
Sunnie took a step back, horrified, but then he ignored the clenching of his gut, the trembling of his body, and replied, "And... And if the Chi'n'Chi returns?"
Wystan looked very ugly, but then his expression smoothed out. "I have plans for that as well. My offworld friends are legion, you understand, and very accommodating. They give me everything I ask for... even you."
Wystan stepped forward, reached out a slim hand, and caressed Sunnie's hot cheek.
"Yes," Wystan purred. "I very much would like to see you chained by my bed, subject to the whim of my pleasure."
"Are you capable?" a female voice asked in derision, and Kri, the Chi'n'Chi's second, sauntered in, hand on her sword hilt.
Wystan's hand went rigid and then he snatched it back and took a few steps in retreat, shocked utterly. "How?"
Kri snorted as she tossed back her braids and motioned men to enter the room. "Do you imagine that we trusted you? We simply waited until you made enough rope to hang yourself, and everyone implicated with you." She grinned. "Because of your assistance in revealing our enemies, and the fact that you are, although damaged, part of his clan, the Chi'n'Chi has decreed that you are not to die. You will be given punishment, though. Perhaps he will find a place for you, chained to someone's bed?"
Wystan went red with anger and then pale, realizing how many avenues punishment might take. As they dragged him from the room, he glared at Sunnie. "It will happen, despite all of this, just as I predicted," he warned. "We will fall to the offworlders."
"So you dream, " Kri snorted derisively and then turned to Sunnie when they were alone.
"Jhai!" Sunnie began in a panic, but she raised a soothing hand.
"Is well and soon to be with you again." Kri promised and then sighed and shook her head. "You make too much trouble for us, even while you help us, golden hair. I have said it enough times to my Lord. Go home and take your troublesome lover with you. Stay on your side of the wall and don't venture here again."
Sunnie nodded, thinking just then, that it was all that he wanted; to go home.
Finding themselves on the other side of security , after a time, and staring
at civilization once more, both Sunnie and Jhai couldn't do anything except
stand arm in arm and think about how very lucky they were to be alive.
"I love you," Sunnie breathed and looked up at his tall lover.
Jhai looked down at him and smiled tenderly. "And I love you. Shall we go home?"
Sunnie nodded numbly, but his thoughts were on their companions, left behind, as they took a small taxi to their apartment. "Will they be all right?" he wondered aloud at last, as they climbed from the taxi and endured the man's narrowed eyed look at their appearance.
Jhai nodded as they made their way upstairs. "They were all right before we appeared, Sunnie. They know their own land and none of them are naive."
Like he was, Sunnie thought bitterly, but then revised that thought. He could hardly call himself that. Perhaps he was kind, and gentle, and wanted nothing more than quiet days spent with Jhai, but he was hardly innocent or naive any longer.
There was a man standing by their doorway. He looked uncomfortable, something clutched in one hand. A spacer, Sunnie thought, and wondered why a man, who rarely touched the ground of any planet, would choose to stand outside their door.
"Sunnie?" the man asked, almost as if he were angry.
Sunnie blinked, glanced at a puzzled Jhai, and then nodded.
The man jammed a much handled envelope into his hand. "I was paid good credit to bring this to you. I didn't think a backward Geranto farmer would bother, especially when they feel like they do about heathen offworlders, but... there it is. Came through a cousin of mine who lives on the outskirts of their farmland. Said the man was frightened to death, but that determined to have this sent to you."
Sunnie looked down at the envelope. It looked very old, stained with it, as if someone had constantly rubbed fingers on it, contemplating whether to send it or not, and then putting it away somewhere unsent. It had Sunnie's name scrawled on it.
"Thank you," Sunnie murmured, feeling that he knew very well who it was from, but not daring to hope that much.
The man grunted and walked away. Jhai opened their apartment door and they walked in, breathing in the scent of home and feeling relief to be back in the familiar. Sunnie settled on the couch, though, weary eyes still on the envelope in his hands. Jahi settled next to him.
"Open it, love," Jhai urged.
Sunnie took a breath and then opened it with shaking fingers. It wasn't a long letter, but it held such a feeling of home, that the apartment faded from existence for a moment and became the close room of a house on Geranto, surrounded by fields ready to be tilled.
'God be with you and help you find his law again, brother. Though you have chosen to sin, and to live among sinners, I can't help but remember you as you were. I have missed that brother, the one who knew his duty and who lived a good life here. I cannot say that I understand your choices, or why you would choose such a path away from His law. The letter that you sent to me, explaining, was too strange for my small learning to grasp. I know only about seasons, harvests, and tending the herds. Still, even though it might be a sin, I wish you well, and I am glad that you have found happiness. If you wish to return home, though, and take God's law as your own, again, I will have a place for you, here. If not, I can only pray for you and think of what was. That memory can still bring a smile to me, even now, against all propriety.
Jhas Truheart
Sunnie wiped at tears. Jhai took him into his arms and held him. "Your
answer at last," Jhai murmured against his gold curls. Sunnie nodded.
"It is good to know that he doesn't hate me," Sunnie replied.
Jhai was quiet, simply comforting Sunnie, and then he asked tentatively,. "May I ask what you put in your letter to him?"
Sunnie nodded and then replied, "I told him that I was a man, living as God wanted me to live. I told him that I still loved all of them, prayed for them, and longed to see them again."
Jhai held him tighter. "You are a man," he said, "and I don't mean because of this journey either. You proved it, by living as you were meant to live and loving who you were meant to love. You didn't need this journey to show anyone that."
Sunnie held the letter to his heart and then he put it down. Drawing Jhai up with him, he stood, kissed him deeply, and then led him into the bedroom for a better homecoming.
The end
Return to Chapter Five
on to chapter seven