Lachlei Read Online Free Page A

and started forward.
    “Commander, no!” A Silren captain named Haukel caught her arm.
    Cara wheeled around. “Not here,” Haukel said, giving her a knowing look. “Not now.”
    “Yes,” said Areyn grinning as he watched Cara seethe. “Those of you who care to listen to women prattle are as much cowards as they are. The Lochvaur have our lands — it is time we took them back!”
    The Silren warriors cheered, drowning out the dissenters. Areyn gave Cara a sly smile. She turned and left, flanked by a few warriors.
    “Then, it is decided,” Silvain said. “We take back the North Marches.”
    The stars shone brightly in the sky as Lachlei thrust the torch into the pyre on which laid the five dead Chi’lan . The other Chi’lan followed, tossing their burning torches into the wood. The dry kindling caught and the flames leapt up, ensconcing the body of Fialan and the men who died to protect him.
    It had taken most of the day to build the pyre on the mountain overlooking Caer Lochvaren. Lachlei had helped the Chi’lan construct the pyre, carrying the logs and branches necessary to feed the flames. The air had a hint of frost in it, and the trees were already changing color.
    A change was in the air.
    Lachlei watched as the flames obscured the bodies. She had tried what she could to remove the foul magic from them, but the stench remained.
    It will not leave Fialan alone, even in death, she thought. What powerful magic could do this?
    Beside Lachlei stood her kinsman, Kellachan, and her personal guard, even though Lochvaur law didn’t require their service to her anymore. Cahal stood loyally by — a reminder of the ardent loyalty Fialan commanded among the Chi’lan . Lachlei thought now about her infant son, Haellsil. He would become a great warrior like his father — if he lived long enough.
    The Lochvaur were vulnerable; there was no great champion now. The other kindreds would sense the vulnerability and gather like wolves awaiting the death of a wounded moose. The pack would draw closer and eventually tear them apart. Unless…
    Unless there was a champion to take Fialan’s place.
    But Lachlei knew there was no Chi’lan warrior alive who could. She knew the Chi’lan and their capabilities, but first-bloods from the line of Lochvaur were rare. Fialan was one; she was another. Lachlei and Fialan had been related only distantly with six generations between a common ancestor. Kellachan was even more distantly related, without the powers a first-blood should possess. No wonder that the Chi’lan turned to her.
    Lachlei strode away from the fire, wanting to be alone. Her sorrow now turned to anger — whatever had killed Fialan was evil, that much she was certain of. She looked into the sky to see the moons rise slowly above the horizon. Tomah and Iamar rose, followed by a third moon, Mani. She stared at the golden moon in amazement. Mani often was the portent of great and terrible things.
    Her hand strayed to her side and brushed against the sword hilt. She had sheathed Fyren , her husband’s blade earlier, not thinking. Lachlei now drew the blade and held it upward towards the moon. The smoke from the pyre drifted overhead, turning the moon blood red.
    Rhyn’athel, she spoke silently. Great god of warriors, hear me! By the blood that burns in the Lochvaur veins, by the blood that burns in my veins, grant me the power to find the evil that killed Fialan, your champion. By my blood, I will avenge you, Fialan, even at the cost of my own life. Lachlei brandished the sword and for a moment, the great sword glowed.
    Lachlei turned around, resolve in her face. She gazed at the pyre. “You will be avenged, my Fialan. And may the gods have no pity on the one who did this to you.”

CHAPTER Six
     
    Rhyn’athel stared at the Chi’lan woman who stood in the moonlight, her face filled with anger and resolve. Even angry, she was beautiful — she rivaled the beauty of the eight goddesses.
    “This — is Lachlei?” he