Law of the Horde

By Kimberly Vogel

It has been three years since Prince Danny made it clear that his kingdom could not be trespassed on without severe consequences. Barred from crossing the river, the bandits turn to the task of overtaking their half of the continent. Struggles with other established kingdoms and internal fighting make Ranen's job difficult. How far will he have to go to make things right for his people? When a certain event tears the bandit camp apart, Ranen has to make a difficult choice that changes everything.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 14, 2013
• ISBN: 9781300877004

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Law of the Horde

Law of the Horde

Copyright

Copyright © 2013 by Kimberly Vogel.

ISBN eBook 978-1-300-87700-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For additional copies refer to:

http://www.lulu.com/shakkathi

Acknowledgements

I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me.

Without you, I don’t know where I would be.

Chapter 1 Migration

In the new morning light, a brown haired man turned his gaze across the horizon. He stood in the snow with his hands on his waist. The winter had been harsh, but soon spring would bring warmth back to the landscape. Hopefully it would bring cheer back to the people as well.

Turning towards the rising sun, the man lowered his green eyes to the river beyond the mountains. It was hard to catch the water as it was so far away. Within the mountains to the south the underground springs were easier to access in the winter. To the west was a bay. It was nearly as far away from where he was now as the river was. Within the northern forest was enough food to feed them all, even if it was filled with dangerous animals.

Sighing deeply, the man ran his hand over his pale face. He was Ranen Dalibor the leader of the so-called bandits. It was easy for those with a country to call home to slander those without one. I have to find a perfect home for us, he muttered. Glancing across the snowy landscape, Ranen looked at the mountains. We can’t stay here forever.

Heading north across the barren strip of land, an orange haired woman followed the tracks made by the man. Her blue eyes searched for him on the horizon. Noting the braid swaying in the wind, she couldn’t hold back her chuckle. With a quick step, she ran across the snow dusted ground.

At the flash of orange, Ranen turned his full attention to the approaching figure. Chuckling faintly, he waved at her. Hello Shindana.

Ranen, you’re up awfully early. The woman stopped a few feet away from him. Placing her hands on her hips, Shindana cocked her head to the side. The wind pulled her wavy hair across her tan skin. As she wrinkled up her nose, the sunlight highlighted her freckles. What are you doing out here?

Just thinking, Ranen replied. With a shrug, he glanced at the path she had taken. The two were about five years apart. He was the elder at thirty. Most of those who had escaped to band together here were around their age. It was a hard life, but slowly they had gotten used to it.

What about?

Glancing back, Ranen smiled faintly. There were some good times, despite all of the bad. The winter is retreating. We should make plans to move as soon as the snow is gone.

Where to? Shindana asked. She let her hands fall, clasping them behind her back.

North I think, to the edge of the forest.

Is that wise?

Whether or not, we need food after the winter. It’ll take too long to ferry back and forth. It’s half a day’s journey at least across this barren wasteland.

I see, said Shindana. Smiling softly, she bobbed her head. All the more reason for you to come back to the camp.

Right, let’s go. Ranen walked across the snow dusted ground towards the encampment.

Following him, Shindana joined in the journey south. The camp was mostly inside of the caves. A few tents were alongside the mountains, but they were only used for markers and rest spots. As they approached, Shindana asked, So have you thought about my proposal?

Shaking his head, Ranen clasped his hands behind his back. I don’t think it’s time.

When will be time? Frowning at him, Shindana skipped to keep up with him. She was five inches shorter than him. Most of the time she could keep up, but when he tried to get away it was too much. I’ve been with you through thick and thin...but I can’t wait much longer.

Ranen stopped in his tracks. That’s right... You’re middle-aged now.

Soon I’ll be a spinster. Sighing, Shindana placed her hand on her forehead. I don’t want to die alone.

Ranen placed his hand on her shoulder. I know it’s more than that.

Shindana dropped her hand to his. With a faint smile, she looked up at him. Like what?

Ranen dipped his head down. You love me.

What makes you think that? Shindana chuckled weakly.

Come now, you claimed me years ago. Ranen chuckled.

Shindana laughed faintly. That I did. I always wanted you, but I didn’t think you’d return it.

Wrapping his arm around her back, Ranen dipped his five foot ten inch frame down closer to hers. He gently kissed her lips. When he pulled back, Ranen asked, How was that?

Wonderful, Shindana sighed.

Good, Ranen said. He led the way to the fissure that opened up into the cave they lived in. I’ll tell the others about our decision. Do you think they’ll accept you right away?

It doesn’t matter if they do or not. Shindana shook her head. As long as you care for me...I’m happy.

To be the ruler, though, I have to think of more. Ranen pulled away from her. He clasped her hand tightly, however. You understand.

Yes, Shindana said. She sighed softly. But when they do, we’ll be married won’t we?

Yes, but it’ll be after we move camp.

That’s fine.

Very well, Ranen chuckled. He glanced around then led the way to the council chambers. It was an open space with rugs on the floor for warmth. A few scattered pillows allowed the others to have comfort despite the stone floor.

What is this? The one who spoke was from the red clan. Brandeis was almost a year older than Ranen. At a full six feet in height, he was intimidating to many. Brushing his black hair from his forehead, his black eyes stared out from his pale face.

Smiling at Brandeis, Ranen replied, I have an announcement.

What is it? The orange leader on the council asked. Tefnut was the same height as Ranen, but the woman was three years his elder. Her braided blonde hair fell on either side of her neck. She had green eyes like Ranen’s, but her skin was nicely tanned.

I’ve decided to take a bride.

Who? The third member of the council asked. Shaiming was a tiny man at five foot four inches, but he held himself tall. Blue eyes stared out from tan skin. One hand ran through his blonde tumbleweed hair. This man of thirty years old ran the yellow clan.

Ranen glanced at him. Shindana Arika.

The woman beside you, stated another member. She was Crescentia, the ruler of the green clan. Her brown hair had been deeply bleached by the sun. It was almost the same as her pale skin. It made her blue eyes stand out all the more. Standing to her full height, the thirty-two year old woman looked up at Ranen who was an inch taller.

Yes, Ranen and Shindana said in unison.

It’s not entirely unexpected, the leader of the blue clan chuckled. Blathma was a year older than Ranen, but quite a bit shorter at five and a half feet. His brown hair was darker, but it was in the same braid-down-the-back style. His blue eyes tracked the leader while he leaned his brown skinned body back in the pillows.

Do you approve? Ranen asked, lifting his eyebrow.

Yes, the last leader laughed. Vigrid led the brown clan. Her vibrant red hair brushed against her pale skin as she shook her head. Her brown eyes held merriment as she continued to speak, We hope she can make you happy. Lifting one hand, the five foot tall woman looked at Shindana then Ranen, who was the same age as she. And you can her as well.

He will, Shindana said.

Ranen nodded. We’re having the wedding after we move to our new spot.

Are we all going? Brandeis lifted his eyebrow.

Of course, Ranen replied. I think that we need to move to a more profitable area.

It was a very hard winter, mentioned Tefnut.

Then we’ll move as soon as the snow melts. Shaiming nodded in agreement.

Yes, Ranen said. He looked to his betrothed. This is going to take a while.

I understand, replied Shindana. She curtsied. Thank you all for your well wishes.

Ranen whispered to her amidst the farewells given by the others. I’ll visit you tonight. Then he watched her exit. Sitting on his rug, Ranen settled in for a long day of planning with the council.

The seven chatted on through the morning well into the afternoon. Many plans were made for the future. They could only plan ahead for one or two seasons, but for now their path was clear.

Even though the groom was otherwise occupied, the bride made her plans. Listening in was one man who held designs of his own. Scowling at the news, the six foot tall man ducked behind one of the stone structures. Marrying? I don’t believe it. Darting through the stalagmites, the burly man made his way into his living space.

Seated on the floor, an orange haired woman sorted through baskets filled with precious gems. Lifting her blue eyes at the noise, she focused on her husband. Is something wrong Frayne?

As Frayne shook his head his navy hair brushed down his back. Most of the time his eyes were covered, but every so often the brown showed in his pale skin. I just heard disturbing news.

What is it? The woman dusted off her hands. Then she stood to her full five foot eight inch height. The woman was thirty-two, three years junior to her husband.

Ranen is getting married.

Why is that bad for us?

Sighing, Frayne leaned in close to her. He curled his fingers across her cheek. Because my dear Bracha, I want to be Chieftain.

You can do that anyway. Bracha brushed her pale fingers over his. Smiling at her husband, she gently reminded him, Next year is the tournament. Anyone can challenge Ranen for the throne.

I can’t wait that long.

You have to. With her smile fading, Bracha brushed back his long bangs. Challenging the leader’s rule outside of the tournament is forbidden. You’ll be banished. She bit her lower lip. Shaking her head, her ponytail whipped back and forth. Not only will you, but I and our son will be too.

I know. Closing his eyes, Frayne rested his head in her hand. I don’t want that.

I know. Be patient, love.

I’ll try, Frayne replied. Opening his eyes, he glanced around. Where is he?

He’s out with his friend. Bracha chuckled softly. The two are quite close.

They’re getting too old for that. Frowning, Frayne shook his head. He’s going to be inducted as a man this year. Running around with a pre-teen girl is not going to look good for us.

They know better than to do anything. She’s too young anyway. Bracha shook her head. But if anyone is going to talk then it should be you. He is fifteen.

Fine, I’ll do that. But it’ll be later. Frayne wrapped his arms around his wife. Right now I want to enjoy you.

Oh? Smiling up at him, Bracha wrapped her arms around Frayne. I’d like that.

Chuckling, Frayne swept up his wife and carried her into their bedroom. With them settled away, the rest of the horde went on with life as usual. Soon the winter snows melted away. Everyone packed for the trip to come, none more carefully than Frayne and Bracha.

Chapter 2 Wedding

With the fair weather of spring on their side, the horde set out for their new home. The mismatched group of outcasts traveled north across the barren stretch of land to the edge of the forest. Unpacking the tents then their belongings, the many people settled in groups according to who brought them in. The most secure places were inside of the trees. The unclaimed children were put inside of the hollow cavities. Though he felt odd about hiding himself, Ranen settled into another tree so he would be safe as well.

Is there anything else we can get you?

Shaking his head at the soldier’s question, Ranen leaned against the doorframe of his tree home. No, I have everything I need for now. Go help the others, please.

Yes Ranen.

Watching him go, Ranen glanced from one face to another. There were many people who still needed help finding a place to settle into. Ranen pulled the door shut behind him. Stepping out into the throng, Ranen helped where he could.

Walking over to him, Crescentia asked, Should we start collecting food now, Ranen?

Yes, Ranen replied. It’s too late to go far, but make sure the water cisterns are full and we have enough food for breakfast.

Very well, Crescentia said. Bowing, she hurried off to do her work.

Ranen rubbed his hand on the back of his head. Glancing around, he searched for another group important for securing their new home. Walking further out of the camp, he called out, Tefnut! Blathma!

Blathma was the first to appear. Frowning as he stepped out from behind a tree, he said, What is it?

Ranen walked over to him. We need the guards set around the camp.

I know. Tefnut headed east. I’m staying west.

Good. I want to make sure nothing gets in.

We’ll keep everyone safe, Blathma said.

Do, Ranen said, nodding.

As Blathma walked away, Tefnut circled around the back of a tree. I heard a yell. Are you all right Ranen?

I’m fine. Ranen looked at her. I was just checking on the status of the perimeter.

Oh, yes, we’re working on securing it for the night.

Good.

We should be all set in an hour or so. Tefnut glanced westward. Just after dark.

Okay, but hurry. I don’t want the forest to come after us unawares.

That won’t happen.

See that it doesn’t, Ranen said. Nodding, he walked back into the depths of camp.

As he approached his tree, Shindana appeared from behind another tree trunk. There you are.

Here I am, Ranen replied. Lifting an eyebrow, he gazed down at her. Were you looking for me?

Yes, she replied. Shindana clasped her hands behind her back. I was wondering where I should go.

I suppose you could go back to the tent you came from. Ranen lifted his eyebrow. Though we are practically married already.

Once we gave our troth to each other.

Exactly so. Ranen brushed his fingers through her wavy orange hair. But the law says until the bond is tied we cannot live in the same house.

You’re the leader. Can’t you change it?

Shaking his head, Ranen replied, That would make me the same as the others. I don’t want to risk corruption. We do as the law says.

Very well, Shindana replied. Smiling weakly, she took a step away. I’ll see you tomorrow then.

And the day after will be our wedding.

I look forwards to it. Smiling at her, Ranen stepped to his doorway. He retreated into it before passion made him regret sending her away.

Walking through the camp, Shindana made her way to Brandeis’ tent. The leader of that group had a tailor. Already he knew what she needed. The wedding gown had been used many times, but the tailor managed to keep it unique no matter who wore the white dress. He knew what would be asked of him, so he did it.

The next day was spent fully making the camp their home for the next six months. A temporary barrier was set between the trees. Food was gathered and put into the storage bins. Rooms were decorated inside of the tents and trees with the few things they owned. The adults showed the kids how far out they could go to play safely in the forest. At nightfall, the celebration of their life in the new place began.

The day after the people rested while the leader prepared for his special day. Ranen had no special clothes either, so he went to the tailor for the clothes the previous leader of the horde had worn on his wedding day. It was just a pale gold tunic, but it still meant something.

Shindana wore the wedding dress. It was off-white due to age. There was a pale gold vest she wore over the top. The addition of lace around the skirt changed the plain piece as well. Smiling softly as she stood in her tent, Shindana brushed her fingers over the front of it.

We brought flowers!

Shindana looked at the child. Smiling softly, she leaned down and took the bouquet. It held flowers in every color they could find. Thank you very much. She ruffled his hair. I’ll be out soon.

Okay! With a grin, the little boy ran out of the tent as another little girl came in.

I brought flowers too. She pouted.

Shindana chuckled. Then you can walk ahead of me throwing them to the visitors. That’s a ceremony I heard happens to announce the bride is coming.

Okay. Smiling, the little girl ran out of the tent.

Shindana followed. As she left the tent, the gathered crowd broke into applause. Smiling faintly, Shindana waved. She walked through the horde to the outside of the leader’s tree home. Nervously she gazed at the man she loved.

Ranen stood just outside of his door. Though they were without a priest, the horde didn’t feel that they needed outside help to validate marriages. All they needed was the council’s acceptance along with the pair who was to join together. Since Ranen was the one marrying, he couldn’t preside over it.

Of the council, Tefnut was the eldest. She stood in his place. Smiling, she gestured for Shindana to stand to her left while Ranen was on her right. We have gathered here to celebrate the unity of two parts into one whole: Ranen and Shindana. Picking up a sash from around her neck, Tefnut wrapped it over their right arms then pulled their hands together. We recognize this pairing. If there are any objections, they should have been brought forth during the courting. Tefnut tied the hands together. Celebrate! Our leader has a mate. We hope you have many children.

Thank you, Ranen replied.

Shindana blushed, but she smiled as she replied, Thank you.

We have a feast ready for you, the second youngest council member said. Vigrid gestured behind the leader’s tree house. Come and partake...before you get too distracted.

Shindana laughed along with the others. Blushing again, she spoke up, We thank you again.

Yes, we’ll go. Ranen blushed this time. He shifted so he could stand behind Shindana with their linked arms wrapped in front of her. But not too long.

Let’s celebrate! Crescentia called out.

This way, Vigrid said. She led the way through the crowd.

Blankets were spread all over the opening behind the leader’s tree. A few people had stayed behind to guard the food against animals. Still, they were close enough to hear the short ceremony. Another round of applause sounded as the bandit leader and his bride took their place on the blanket closest to the tree.

Watching them with his family, Frayne fought back his scowl. He couldn’t appear upset at such an important day. Turning his attention to the next task, Frayne held his hand out to his wife. Bracha, get me my portion.

Of course, love, Bracha stood from the blanket. She carried their bowls over to the line of food.

Watching his mother, Tikvah asked, Is there something bothering you, father?

Shaking his head, Frayne turned his attention to his son. I just worry what this will do to our leader.

I don’t believe you. Watching his father with the same brown eyes, Tikvah leaned in towards him. The bowl cut he sported kept his eyes under the orange fringe.  Already Tikvah was as tall as he would ever grow at five foot seven inches. The look in his eyes told he had the same backbone as his father.

Chuckling faintly, Frayne said, Fine, don’t believe me. Even as an adult, you won’t be told everything. He shook his head.

Scowling, Tikvah leaned back. Fine then. Don’t expect me to help you in whatever you’re doing. He turned his eyes away from his father. Scanning the crowd, Tikvah searched for a friendly face.

I don’t, replied Frayne.

Good, Tikvah said, standing. As he left the blanket, he passed by his mother. Holding his hand out, he took his bowl from her. Thank you.

You’re welcome, Bracha replied. She blinked as her son disappeared into the crowd. Turning her attention back to Frayne, she sat beside him. What was that about?

Who knows? Frayne shrugged. He took his bowl from his wife. Teenagers...they think they’re grown already.

Ah, Bracha murmured with a chuckle. Leaning against her husband, she nibbled on the pieces of venison, carrots, and bread. There were more things for the celebration than just that, but Bracha had brought her husband his favorites.

Tikvah walked through the groups. Each had settled into their separate sections. He moved through the brown group, searching for his friend.

Tikvah! At one of the blankets, a brunette called out. Over here.

Hey Setara. Smiling faintly, Tikvah walked over to the blanket. As he scanned the faces, he noted they were all children of the council members. Babysitting?

Yes, she replied. Setara was only five foot, but she too was fully grown. With blue eyes and pale skin, she was much like his mother. Her brown hair was tied back in braids behind her ears.

Do you need help? Tikvah glanced around again, looking at the eight year old and the three year old on the blanket.

Please, Setara replied. Smiling at him, she reached over and picked up the littlest one.

The littlest one, Neilsa, was the daughter of the orange clan. She had blonde hair, green eyes, and brown skin that would grow darker with each day spent outside. The other one, Jerrico, was the son of the green clan. He had blonde hair too, but his eyes were blue and his skin remained tan.

So why are you doing this? Tikvah sat on the blanket. He eyed the cluster of half-eaten food bowls. Setting his down beside them, he picked up a piece of venison to start eating as well.

Shrugging, Setara replied, It’s my duty. Besides, there are only two of them.

Right...

Setara grinned at Tikvah. Then she returned her attention to the little girl in her arms. Here you go...peaches... She finger fed her.

Tikvah watched his friend with a small smile. Then he looked at Jerrico. You got enough? He only got a nod in return, but that was enough. Chuckling faintly, Tikvah returned to his food.

Around them, the people celebrated. The party went through the night. During the next day they cleaned up. In their new home the horde settled into their time in the trees.

Chapter 3 Red

In his tent, the tailor unmade the wedding dress so it could once more be stored away. His name was Drem. Of everyone with sewing skills, he was the only one who had once made a living doing only that. It was during the world war, but even so people still needed clothing.

Drem’s pale fingers pulled the lace from the bottom of the dress. When that was done, he turned his blue eyes to the gold vest. He wouldn’t