The Stolen Valkyrie: Broken Bonds (Part One) (Fantasy Erotic Romance Novelette) by Ana Meadows Read Free Book Online

Clan’s name first, then their Mistress’, and finally their own names:
     
    “ZAH-Heen…As-tah Goh-Hee-Sha…TAH-Neeh…Kel-See…ZAH-Heen…”
     
    Over and over, their voices rang through the air until the thunder of approaching hooves drowned them out. The healer of Western Shire, a wizened elder, directed two stout men, “Handle her with care. Rox, ride hard for Clan Zajihn. Bring the Jihn Grand Chief with haste.”
     
    Wide-eyed, the young village crier named Rox jerked her horse’s reins and called in a shrill voice, “Mistress Goddess of Zajihn, I bid ye wellness.”
     
    Arriving at Western Shire, the men laid her on the furs in the healer’s tent and quickly fled. Kelci and Tani respectfully bowed their head and anxiously waited at the edge of the tent. When she could no longer stand waiting, Tani asked, “Sage, may we enter?”
     
    “Ye wish to enter a tent with a fevered one? Do ye invite death upon us all? Go fetch me what herbs ye have given her.”
     
    Tani shuffled away as the sage ducked through the tent flap. She quickly stripped Asta’s clothing and froze. Hearing footsteps pacing at the edge of the tent, she called out, “Woman, enter.”
     
    Kelci ran into the tent. The sage pinned her with a knowing gaze, “Grace me with your name and rank.”
     
    “Kelci of Zajihn, bond mate to Luka, and lowly escort to Grand Mistress Asta Gojicia.”
     
    The sage lifted Asta’s travel garment and asked, “Do ye know what herb this is?”
     
    Kelci’s eyes widened but she slowly shook her head. Tani returned and, discovering Kelci already in the tent, ducked through the opening. Still gazing at Kelci, the sage took the pouch of herbs from Tani.
     
    Sniffing the pouch, she winced and grabbed a strip of cloth. Pushing it into Tani’s hands, she urged, “Fetch me water and do not tally.”
     
    When Tani left, the sage’s mouth drew into an angry line. She told Kelci, “This error may cost more than a chieftain babe.” A tsk-tsk sound rose from the sage’s throat, “Foolish women! Ye have taught her about powerful herbs to rid her master’s seed but mixed it with a potion to amplify her fertility. ‘Tis a lethal mixture!”
     
    Kelci gasped, starting to deny it but the sage’s expression warned her not to bother. Tani raced back into the tent, thrusting the cold wet cloth into the sage’s hand as she breathed, “Is she with a phoenix babe? She said the bleeding time was upon her. What is…?”
     
    Kelci’s anxious moan cut her off, “Ohhh, Tani, Grand Chief Johan will surely be so angry with her.”
     
    The sage shot her a frown, “Ye fear he will be angry with ye! Johan would never harm this one.”
     
    Kelci’s mouth snapped closed. The sage’s wise eyes narrowed on her, “Ye are the one who taught riddance of Jihn’s seed. Go from my tent before ye bring wrath upon us all.”
     
    Tani’s gaze flew to Kelci who started to shake. She blurted out, “She was not ready to bear him a child.”
     
    Under the sage’s hostile stare, Kelci cringed and admitted, “Goddess and Gods forgive me! I traded the knowledge so I could bond early.”
     
    Tani grabbed Kelci’s hair, yanking her to the ground while wailing, “I bid the Goddess and Gods to spill your life now. Ye have surely killed her.”
     
    “Enough!”
     
    Both women jerked at Asta’s harsh raspy command. Barely above a whisper, Asta told them, “I made her give me instruction. No babes.”
     
    The sage smoothed her sweaty brow, “Asta, Great Mistress of Zajihn, ye have erred greatly. The poison has taken hold of ye but ye must fight for life.”
     
    Glancing back at Tani, she said, “Ride swift as the wind to the water. Do not stop until ye get to the river. There will be a purple flower. Bring the root to me.”
     
    Tani spun around and ran for her horse. The sage gazed into Asta’s dazed eyes, “Stay with us, Mistress. Ye have the love of the Goddesses with ye. They will grant all the fighting spirits