Many Roads Home (20 page)

“I want…I want t-to give myself to you. T-tonight.”

“Is that right.” Paole sat on the end of the bed. “The pulse at your throat is racing, you’re sweating and your pupils are huge. You’re either terrified or overcome with lust, and your cock disagrees with the latter. Are you scared?”

“A l-little nervous.”

Paole traced a gentle finger down Yveni’s jaw. “So why now, sweetness? You’re a feast for a starving man all right, but I’m not starving. I don’t need you to give me anything beyond what you have.”

“I want you to take me.”

“Why?”

“Because…it must be wonderful if all those pretty boys were so angry with me for stealing you away, and they came back for more. I want to be with you.”

“Even if it’s only until you return to Sardelsa?”

“I don’t want to be a virgin until I’m twenty-one. I want you to be my first.”

Paole raised his eyebrows. “Been giving this some thought, haven’t you?” Yveni nodded, not trusting his voice. Paole edged forward and cupped his cheek. “What about all that stuff about sex only being for married people in love?”

He bit his lip. “I might never marry. And…kissing you, holding you, makes me feel…so close and warm. Maybe…sex would help us be even closer.”

“Ah, sweetness, I don’t think it works like that. Might be better for you to wait until you’re in love before you throw yourself at someone.”

“You don’t want me?” Yveni tugged the sheet around his waist, feeling like a prize fool.

“Are you mad? Of course I want you. Feel.” He took Yveni’s hand and placed it over his groin. Yveni flushed hot but yes, there was proof indisputable of Paole’s admiration. “With someone who thought of sex more casually, I’d not have waited this long to press my suit.” He lifted Yveni’s hand and brought it to his lips. “Keep your virginity for the one you plan to marry. Or at least the one you love. That way, you’ll have no cause to regret it.”

“But I really like you, and care for you. Isn’t that enough?”

“With anyone else, yes. Sweetness, you could wear me down easily enough. It’d take very little to persuade me. I’m only human, and you’re about as beautiful a boy as I’ve ever seen. But I’m not the love of your life, and that matters to you.”

You could be
, Yveni wanted to say. But even as pride demanded he argue against this, he couldn’t deny the sense of relief that swept through him.

Paole noticed it too. He smiled a little and stroked Yveni’s cheek. “Let’s go to sleep. Hold me and kiss me, and I’ll pretend that I feel perfectly happy about being so noble and self-sacrificing, and that I don’t want to fling you down and have my way with you.”

“You d-do?”

“If you could see yourself, lad, you’d know I’m speaking the bare truth. Move over.”

Paole stripped to his loincloth, lowered the lamp and climbed into bed. The slide of warm skin against skin sent tingles all through Yveni, and his cock filled once more as he plastered himself against Paole’s firm, strong body.

“Ah, lad, you make it hard to be virtuous.”

“Then don’t be.”

“Now don’t tempt me, Yveni. I’d say we should sleep apart, but I’m not
that
virtuous.”

“No, please don’t.” He’d become addicted to being held and kissed, and if anyone wanted to condemn that as wrong, there was a limit to what he’d sacrifice for his future bride. Not that he even
wanted
a bride, but a duc needed heirs, and Paole, magnificent as he was, couldn’t provide those.

“Sleep,” Paole rumbled, kissing his forehead.

Yveni snuggled down, but he doubted he would sleep soon.
He
wasn’t that virtuous either.

Fortunately for Paole’s self-control, Yveni didn’t continue to sleep naked, but they both spent a lot of time off on their own after that. If Paole was anything to go by, Yveni used the privacy to deal with inconvenient desires by jerking off. It wouldn’t kill them. He’d lasted many years with only the comfort of his right hand, and could last many more. But that they were both willing and attractive, and still having to acquaint themselves with Mistress Palm and her five daughters, was the height of irony.

Other matters were more easily dealt with. He had Yveni’s manumission and false documents countersigned by the magistrate, who wasn’t at all surprised that Paole had bought and almost immediately freed a Uemirien slave, or that he planned to return to the land of his birth. “Thought you’d leave last year, Master Paole. There’s nothing to stop you.”

Paole smiled politely. “So I’ve come to realise, Your Worship. Thank you.”

Jurgen offered a neat solution to the problem of Peni and the cabin. “I bred her, and I don’t want her ending up in a knacker’s yard. Sell her to me along with your cabin, and I’ll give you a fine young gelding who’ll pull you all the way to Horches without any difficulty.”

Paole and Jurgen agreed a fair price for land, cabin and contents, with Paole arranging to bring Peni in as they were ready to leave and switch her for the new horse. He’d still miss her, but he couldn’t have wished for her to have a better home than with the blacksmith. The man appreciated good horseflesh and never mistreated his animals. She’d have a long and happy retirement, as she deserved.

Only Sheriff Rolf was determined to cause any unpleasantness as he accosted them outside the courthouse, scrutinising Yveni with insulting care and making salacious comments. Yveni, who pretended only to speak Uemi while he was in Dadel, stared blankly at the man as he cast aspersions on his supposed breeding and habits. Paole let it go on for long enough to let Rolf get it out of his poisoned system, then stepped in. “My business is no longer yours, Sheriff. Be so kind as to let us be on our way.”

“Gladly. See you don’t return, boy.”

“Whether I do or I don’t isn’t up to you,
boy
. You have no powers to exclude a law-abiding resident.”

“You’re only a Uemirien!”

“Aye, and free as you. Now get out of my way. You offend me.”

Rolf drew breath to utter more abuse, but just then the magistrate came out of his courthouse. “Oh, Master Paole, you left your will behind.”

Paole stepped around the sheriff and took the papers from the magistrate’s hand. “Thank you, Your Worship.”

“Any time. And let me say that while I understand why you’re leaving, your departure leaves us poorer. I wish you well on your journey home.”

“Thank you, sir. I wish you well too.”

The magistrate clapped him on the shoulder. “Tell your boy he’s lucky he had you as a master. Goodbye.”

With the magistrate watching him walk away, Sheriff Rolf could only impotently clench his fists and hold his tongue. Paole ignored him completely as he headed back to the cart.

“What the hell is his problem?” Yveni muttered as they mounted up.

“Penile insufficiency, Mathias used to say.” Rolf had weak blood vessels in his brain. The man would be dead in a year, and no loss to anyone that Paole could see.

“Not surprising you want to leave.”

Paole didn’t, particularly, but now he’d decided to go, the departure caused him very little anguish. His ties here were cut, and the only thing left to see was if he could remake them in a country he hadn’t seen in twenty-four years.

Chapter Twenty-One

The journey to Horches took three months, and was such an easy drive that Yveni said more than once it surely meant the gods smiled on Paole’s decision to return. Paole didn’t credit such things, but even the new gelding—a fine and powerful animal called Denil, of Peni’s lineage and with her sweet nature—and the refurbishment of the wagon’s springs and wheels didn’t entirely explain how smoothly the trip had gone.

The few people they met on their way—tribal clans, the odd farmer and herder—accepted Paole unquestioningly and rejoiced at his return. He met families who’d lost children to the slavers, and Yveni carefully noted all the details while Paole mourned with the parents and siblings. He could offer them little comfort, but Yveni said he would use the information he’d gathered if he could. Paole didn’t have much hope they could reunite the children with their parents, but he couldn’t see any harm in trying.

Yveni once again travelled under the Gaelin identity. The closer they came to Horches, the more irritable and worried he became. Paole forgave him most of the bad temper, because so much was at stake for the lad. If he couldn’t connect with this Ferdi or convince him to help, then there was little hope of Yveni ever returning to
his
home or winning the throne. The prospect wasn’t a disaster so far as Paole was concerned, but then he wasn’t Yveni.

Horches, the oldest city on the planet, so Yveni told him, had been settled more than a hundred years before anywhere else, and by colonists from the Old Home of a different group from those who finally populated Karvis and Tuelwetin. “They say that’s why your people have the gifts, and we don’t.”

“But we’re all human. Why such a difference?”

“I don’t know. We’ve lost so many records, and it was a very long time ago.”

It was only a matter of curiosity to Paole, but the age of the city and its surroundings was real and present. There were other cities in Uemire but none of this size, Yveni said, and none that sprawled so widely. Paole stared with fascination at the low brick and timber buildings, the people in their colourful tunics, and the sight of so many blond heads, standing proud and tall in their own land. His heart felt full, yet lighter than it had been in a long while—a heady, joyful sensation that took years from his shoulders and shadows from his soul. He was home as he’d never known before, and now knew he had been right to come back.

They had to go to the central market in Horches, for only there would they be able to find the cousin of Yveni’s friend. Paole stabled the wagon and Denil, and they set out on foot through the winding, busy streets. The distinct smells of ocean and river were everywhere in Horches. A huge, ancient fort on the shore—now, Yveni told him, the seat of government and home to the six governors—dominated the city and defended it with huge cannons facing out over the water. To the south of the fort lay the channel of the Yumel river, into which ships sailed with their cargo and passengers, and left bearing spices, cloth and live kardips to foreign lands. The huge sandstone square behind the fort bustled with all the activity of a busy, colourful market and wandering traders. Paole had seen many markets over the years but this was the loudest and brightest of all, and made his heart glad, for this was
his
, and his people walked the streets. Unfamiliar sounds—bells, whistles, bird calls, long sung calls from the street traders—and the odours of spice and craftwork assailed him, yet he recognised something in them. Unfamiliar but not foreign. An odd sensation, but not unpleasant. Here, he was no longer a stranger.

The man they sought was well known, and they were readily directed to premises in a wide lane off the main square. To Paole’s unpractised eye, the building was luxurious, with silky curtains at the windows and elegant carvings on the window lintels. He smoothed down his shirt and wished he’d changed it before they’d left the wagon.

Yveni pushed open the ornate glass and wooden door, and entered the cool interior. Paole had an immediate impression of polished stone and wood, and thick, intricately patterned rugs on the floors muffling the street sounds. It spoke of business more than residence, with a desk and wooden cabinets set where a receptionist might be, though there was no one there for the moment.

They’d not taken two steps inside the premises when he heard the sound of running feet and a girl’s voice shouting, “Yveni!”

“Yveni!”

Yveni froze. Who the hell…?

“Raina!” He swept her up into his arms and swung her around. “By all the gods! What are you doing here? Is your family here? It’s so good to see you!” She looked sleek, dressed in a conservative black suit and soft leather shoes, her hair neatly braided and coiled on the top of her head. Anyone less like a kardip herder, he could hardly imagine.

“Me too. I have so much to tell you. Does Ferdi know you’re here? And who’s this?”

He turned and put his hand on Paole’s arm. “Oh. Raina, meet my friend, Paole. Paole, I told you about Raina, remember.”

“Of course. Delighted to meet you, miss.”

Paole bowed low and Raina giggled. “Gosh, he’s nice. Oh, I need to tell Ferdi. You’re in for a surprise or two, my lad.”

She ducked out through a door at the side, leaving them in the elegant foyer. No one sat at the reception desk. Was this where Ferdi did his business? But they’d been told it was his house.

For now he had other things to worry about. “How the hell did she get to Horches, and to here? I wasn’t expecting this at all.”

“I can tell,” Paole said dryly. “But it’s good news.”

“The best. I’d been so worried about her. But where’s she—?”

“Your Grace. Greetings.”

They turned at the words. Yveni found a strangely familiar man going to one knee, head bowed. Could it really be… “Gil?”

His old friend grinned and stood as Yveni barrelled into him. “Gil! What…? Why is everyone here? Is Sofia here? What about your sons?”

“Peace, Your Grace. There’s a good deal of news and plenty of time to tell it. Sofia Saw you coming. We’ve been on tenterhooks for days.”

Yveni kept his arm around him as he turned to Paole. “Gil, meet Paole. This is wonderful. I was afraid I’d never see you again. Paole—my dearest, oldest friend, Gil.”

Gil bowed. “Pleased to meet you, sir. I think you have much news to tell us too, Yveni.”

“Oh, so much. Where did Raina go? You know her? How did she get here? What are you doing here?”

Gil laughed and held up his hands. “Slow down, lad. Come upstairs so we can have some privacy. I hope you’ve had the sense to keep your identity quiet.”

“Of course I have. Tell me what’s happening back home.”

“In good time. You and your friend could do with tea and a chance to wash, I think.”

Paole was happy to let Yveni’s friend lead them where he wished. The boy vibrated with excitement and happiness, but Paole couldn’t help wondering if bad news explained all these joyful reunions.

Gil took them to a small washroom on the upper floor, and a young servant brought hot water and clean towels. Yveni babbled happily about how good it was to see Gil and Raina again while Paole washed his face and hands and kept his counsel, but that wasn’t good enough for his companion.

“Aren’t you happy for me?” Yveni demanded, hands on hips.

Paole pulled him into a hug and kissed him. “Yes, sweetness, I am. I’m a little overwhelmed, that’s all.”

“Oh. Yes, I understand.”

Paole grabbed a damp cloth and without letting Yveni go, wiped his face, bringing wrath upon his own head.

“Let me
go
, you great oaf!”

Paole grinned. “Anything you say, your gracefulness.”

“Horrid, horrid man,” Yveni muttered as he took the cloth and finished the job.

The servant had waited for them and took them to a room down the hall. Yveni dashed in as the door opened and ran straight into the arms of a motherly, dark-haired Uemirien woman—the sainted Sofia, Paole guessed, and Yveni confirmed it.

Gil and Raina were present, as well as a richly dressed, older man. The man rose. “Greetings, sir. I’m Ferdi of Horches.”

Paole bowed. “Paole of…er…well, I don’t know.”

Ferdi raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“Sir, he’s a returning abducted slave,” Yveni explained. “I’m Yveni of Sardelsa.”

“Yes, I worked that out.” Ferdi grinned. “Greetings, Your Grace, and welcome to my home and this city. Your safe arrival has been anticipated for a little while, and been a great relief to everyone.”

“Thank you. So what’s going on? Gil? You first.”

Gil nodded. Yveni and the others took their seats on thickly padded chairs, covered with delicately woven green cloth. Paole guessed from the quality and beauty of all the textiles—the rugs, curtains and cushions—that this Ferdi appreciated good cloth and possibly traded in it. That would make sense, since cloth was a major product of Horches. Even Karvis valued Uemirien material.

Ferdi signalled to a servant to serve tea as Gil began to speak. “Konsatin threw all the Uemiriens off the duchy staff, and though we weren’t formally exiled, made it clear none of us were welcome in the duchy.”

“He what? Why?”

“Part of a plan to denigrate your father’s memory because he was so kind to our people. Serina’s furious but she’s been gagged. Olana’s accompanied wherever she goes by one of his appointees, and Serina never leaves the private rooms.”

“Is she ill? Has he hurt her?”

Gil held up his hand. “She’s not ill but she’s put it about that she is, with Doctor Kardwil’s complicity. Konsatin pressed for a dispensation to wed her earlier than her seventeenth birthday, but Kardwil has declared she’s mentally and physically too frail for the ‘rigours of wedlock’ as he put it.” Gil’s wife grinned and even Yveni smiled a little. “So far as I know—and I know too little since I’ve been here six months—the plan is to keep up the pretence until you return. She won’t consent to your being declared dead early, and without that, Konsatin can do nothing.”

“But he can do plenty of other things,” Sofia said. “He has half the cabinet in personal debt to him, and his brother sent troops to ‘bolster defence’, though against what, no one’s sure.”

“Why isn’t anyone fighting him?” Yveni cried. “And what’s this about my father?”

Gil answered. “At every chance, Konsatin speaks of how ill-prepared you were to rule, and how negligent your father had been in not ensuring a regent had been planned—”

“Lord Fairn
died
. It wasn’t Father’s fault that he hadn’t had time to select a replacement before he had the stroke.”

“Yes, lad, we know. But tell a lie often enough and some fool will believe it. He’s been fairly subtle. Removing the Uemiriens was the most overt thing he did and I’m afraid he used your disappearance as the excuse. He concocted evidence of a supposed Uemirien plot against you, and that was enough to increase animosity.”

“He also accused Migel of theft and had him dismissed.” Sofia scowled. “Gil stood up for our boy and was thrown out of the castle. We barely had time to collect our personal belongings.”

“I’ll kill him,” Yveni declared. “How
dare
he!”

“Too easily,” Gil said. “Anyway, we judged the mood too hostile to remain in Sardelsa so we returned, only to find young Raina here with the news about Gerd and you. We thought you lost forever.”

“Gerd died bravely. He honoured you to the last.” Yveni and Gil shared a sorrowful look. “I’m sorry he’s dead.”

“So am I. He was a rascal and a thief, but honest in his own way. We grieved for both of you.”

Raina respected the moment of remembrance for all of a second before chipping in with a bright smile. “But you’re alive, Yveni. My turn!”

Ferdi coughed. “Manners, miss. You’ll make me regret taking you in.”

“Sorry. But it’s only him.” Paole grinned behind his hand at her dismissive words. Gil didn’t bother hiding his amusement either. “After that horrible man stole you, my father came looking and found me wandering around in a daze. I told him what had happened and asked if we could look for you. He told me not to be ridiculous, then he tied me up to stop me running after you. I was so
angry
!”

“I bet.” Yveni grinned as widely as the others now. “But how did you—?”

“Well, we reached Grekil, but I managed to put all the potential husbands off.” She fluttered her eyelashes. “‘Oh, sir, you don’t want to listen to those stories about the babies born with three eyes. We only had it happen twice. My sister isn’t even that ugly looking once you’re used to it.’”