Standing atop one of the towers of the castle just as the sun broke over
the horizon, Leo Gallen took in a sight he enjoyed just about this time every
morning. It was an eerie sort of glow that illuminated the castle every dawn,
and well worth appreciating before breakfast. Brick and stone almost seemed
to shimmer like metal under the bright rays, perhaps personifying the name
Brass Castle.
Today, the middle aged, yet tenacious and strong knight kept his eyes fixed
off in the direction of the eastern gate, waiting to watch two old friends
depart. Time had been kind to “Iron Leo,” the man known for his
immense size and incredible strength. Gray hair had started to take over
his head, and a few more lines of stress creased his face, but neither of
these things affected his deadly swing with an axe.
Leo heard footfalls behind him, but did not turn around. He was sure it was
just another friend, wanting to see Chris depart. By the length of the stride,
he guessed it to be Roland, and when the other spoke, he realized he was
correct.
“I’m not surprised in her choice of escort, but I do pray he will
be on his best behavior,” the elf said as he moved to stand next to
the large man.
“You worry too much, Roland,” Leo said with a grin. “I know
Chris just as I know my own four girls, and I guarantee you that she won’t
put up with any of his stupidity.”
“It’s not his stupidity I’m worried about.”
“Ah,” Leo said as he grinned at the elf. “It’s no secret
how Borus feels for her, but I know that he respects her marriage and her
husband.”
“You put more faith in him than I do in that regard,” Roland said
flatly. “Do you remember when Borus and Percival first became acquainted
with each other? They fought like dogs about every idiotic thing until Galahad
had them locked in the same cell down in the dungeon for a week.”
Leo gave a reminiscent smirk. “And they walked out the best of
friends.” After a pause, he rubbed his chin and said, “Though I
wonder how we’ll replace Borus in our next battle.”
“Noble, strong and a little short on brains—I’m sure we’ll
find a suitable substitute among our ranks,” said a tired voice as its
owner approached from behind.
Leo laughed heartily at the Captain’s joke, but Roland didn’t--
he never did, and the others had long ago learned to accept that humor was
always lost on the elf. Pointing towards the eastern bridge, the large man
announced, “There they go.”
The three knights watched in deferential silence as the two figures on horseback
diminished into the distance, heading towards the Grasslands. From the tower,
they looked nearly identical—both dressed in leathers and mounted on
sturdy bay chargers. Just as they were about to leave the stony bridge of
the castle, the riders turned their horses around and waved in the direction
of their friends above.
Salome, Leo and Roland all returned the farewell, but were unsure that they
could be seen from the ground. The crenellated tower did a good job of hiding
men who patrolled it, but still allowed one to keep watch. A moment later,
the horses were pressed into a canter and carried their riders the distance
to the horizon. When they were gone, Leo asked, “What do you think
she’ll learn from Lilly, assuming she finds her?”
“I don’t know, but I wonder if the Council wasn’t a little
too eager to get rid of her,” Salome answered with a sigh. “Although
I’d rather have her out there than on the front lines.”
Roland narrowed his eyes. “I believe this is more dangerous and is just
an excuse the Council is using to rid themselves of Chris. They despise her
for not carrying out their wishes and being a host for that blasted Rune.
All of their other hatred for her stems from that, I’m sure of
it.”
Leo scratched the back of his neck. “Aye. But we must remember that
she’s not a child. She has to make her own mistakes.”
“True,” Salome said quietly. “But I can’t help but take
some of the blame for the reason she feels she must put herself at
risk.”
As he scrutinized the rash of people going about their early morning business
in the castle, Roland tugged on one of the many piercings that adorned his
long ears. “You shouldn’t, my friend. Percival knew the perils
of war, and so does Chris. There’s no way you could have foreseen the
ambush at Dubios.”
The Captain rubbed his forehead, but didn’t respond to Roland’s
reasoning. “I’m sure she’ll find Lilly. I just hope old friendship
takes priority over this war.”
After a beat, Leo yawned and stretched his arms skyward. “I’m wondering
how we’re going to take back Dubios—especially if we’re not
sure what’s in there.”
A sly calculated grin crossed the strategist’s lips. “Oh, I’ve
got an idea about that.”
“I guessed you would have one, Captain.” Roland said, a smile almost
twitching across his austere face.
“How many days do we have to prepare the men?” Leo asked.
“We march in three days, so I’ll need you to start gathering
provisions, Leo.” The huge man nodded, but before he could speak, Salome
turned to Roland and gave another order. “Gather all the women in our
Army and find them some dresses.”
The stoic elf raised an eyebrow before giving a salute. “I fear to ask
what you are thinking, but I know enough to trust you.”
Rain glazed stones made travel on the streets of Vinay del Zexay more difficult
than usual for Louis, but this did not deter him from his self-appointed
mission. Normally he would have walked the distance, but the sheeting downpour
made that impossible. Wrapped in a cloak for fear of catching cold, he flagged
down a carriage and paid the driver to take him to his destination.
As the wheels of the coach creaked along the slick streets of the city, he
felt his sleeve to be sure he was carrying the document that needed to be
delivered urgently. Satisfied that he had indeed remembered the precious
package, he wrapped the blue woolen cloak tightly around his shoulders, and
listened to the rain caroming on the roof.
Just as he felt himself start to doze off, the carriage came to an abrupt
stop. The driver opened the door and said, “We’re here,
Councilman.”
Gathering his crutches, Louis said, “Please wait. I’ll pay you
double for the return.”
The man doffed his cap, and offered a hand to the former knight, who accepted
the assistance. Being extra careful because of the slick conditions, he pulled
himself up the marble steps of the immense house. He’d been here before,
but every time he returned, it always seemed bigger. The tall oak doors were
adorned with intricate carvings of scenes from legend, and in the center,
the family seal—a stylized “R.”
Louis pulled the bell cord and waited. A moment later a servant answered
the door and ushered him into the foyer. He asked, “Is Lord Robert
here?”
“Is he expecting you, milord?”
“No, but it is urgent. Please tell him that Louis Keeferson is here
to see him.”
The butler took the Councilman’s cloak and bowed, leaving Louis alone
in the extravagant foyer. Above him, a huge chandelier consumed most of the
decorated ceiling, and the crystals that hung off it majestically magnified
its soft candlelight. Web-like designs crept along the top of the room, flaunting
a spectacular and unique show overhead. Enjoying this small bit of decadent
beauty, he fondly thought of Torrie, and how her pride made her choose to
leave this palace to live in her small flat.
“Councilman! So good to see you! What brings you here on such a dreary
night?” Lord Robert called as he approached the younger man, interrupting
his thoughts. “Let’s go into my study.”
Louis smiled as he followed the merchant into a room off the foyer. It was
relatively small, well appointed with a cherry desk, two wingback chairs
and small, deep green sofa. The walls were paneled in matching wood, giving
a strong feeling of warmth even though there was no fireplace to produce
heat. A few papers were neatly stacked upon the desk, and a pair of deer
antlers were mounted on the wall along with a couple of small landscape
paintings. “Pardon the hour, milord, but I received something from Brass
Castle that I thought you should have immediately.”
“Good news, I hope?” The older man asked with trepidation, as he
motioned to the couch.
Glancing over his shoulder to be sure the door was closed, and satisfied
that it was, Louis sat down and produced the paper from his sleeve and held
it out to the other. “I’m not sure, milord. It is
sealed.”
Lines of concern traced Lord Robert’s face, but they seemed to ease
as he saw his own family seal on the back. Breaking the wax, he unfolded
the paper and began to read the note.
Louis felt uncomfortable sitting there, as if he was intruding on a family
matter. He started to pull himself to his feet. “I shall be going then,
milord. But I beg you not to mention this to anyone. It could cost me my
head.”
The elder man looked up, and then took a seat in the wingback closest to
the Councilman. “And mine as well. No worries, but please wait a moment
before you leave.”
Louis did as he was asked, and not even a minute later, the man smiled at
him as he finished reading the note. “Borus is well, and while I wish
that some day he will return and run our business with his brother, I also
know that he must follow his heart. You cannot imagine the relief it brings
me to read a letter from him. I thank you for this, Councilman, and if
there’s anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to
ask.”
Louis thought for a moment, “I suppose Torrie told you
everything?”
“Yes. I gave her the option of moving back here, but she didn’t
want to, and for that I am sad. I consider that girl to be the daughter I
always wished for.” He grinned at Louis, the friendly twinkle returning
to his bright eyes. “She has such a good heart and strong
spirit—you’d best not break either!”
Louis felt his face flush, “Yes, milord.”
Lord Robert grinned at him. “There’s a good lad! Now, be assured
that I told Torrie to spend as much time as she needs to with the
children.”
Louis nodded. “Thank you for being so understanding. However, might
I ask a favor?”
“I said not to hesitate.”
“Lady Chris told me to sell her son’s pony so that Torrie
wouldn’t have to pay to feed it, but I think in doing so, the boy will
be crushed. Would you keep it in your stables?”
“Of course, and be sure to tell him should he wish to ride, to come
by any time.”
“I will.”
The door cracked open and a tall, fair-haired man in his thirties entered.
Louis knew him as Jared, the elder Redrum son. He gave a nod to Louis in
greeting and then said, “Father, dinner’s ready.”
Lord Robert smiled, but did not rise from his seat. “Open another bottle
of wine. We’re celebrating tonight, thanks to the news Councilman Keeferson
has brought me.”
Jared scoffed at his father, “What are we celebrating? Has my brother
managed to survive another battle in the adolescent fantasy he calls his
life?”
The portly man glared at his son, but still gave his reprimand in a gentle
tone. “I’ll be grateful if you quit insulting your own family,
Jared.”
“Family? He’s never around—except when he needs to spend some
of your money on pittances for others.”
Lord Robert held up his hand sternly and laughed, clearly trying to make
light of the situation. “I consider it well spent, but enough of this
argument. You must forgive my son for his ill manners, Councilman, but as
you know, high spirits run in this family and often they make themselves
known at the most inopportune times.”
Louis smiled at the diplomatic way the man handled the situation. “No
problem, Lord Robert. Remember that I have six elder brothers. Sibling rivalry
is nothing new to me.”
The merchant laughed heartily as his son even gave a bit of a grin.
“You’re a good sport, Councilman. Care to join us for
dinner?”
“Ah, thanks for the offer, but no. I regret that I have a previous
engagement.”
“I’m sure you do,” Lord Robert said with a wink. “Let
me get you a bottle of my finest vintage. She’ll need it after chasing
two small boys all day!”
Kylan stretched and leaned over the railing of her ship, relishing the refreshing
salty smell of the sea. Ever since she was a girl, she’d treasured these
few moments when she could listen to the water clasp against the hull and
feel the stray splashes touch her cheek. All twenty-eight years of her life
she’d lived on boats, and never once did she regret it. The ocean was
so much more inviting than the land, although it commanded a great deal more
respect from those who chose to make it their home.
Peering off into the distance, and the impeding fall of night, her eyes caught
sight of a large bird, flying towards them and clearly carrying something
tied to its leg. She gave a shrill whistle, calling the animal towards her,
and held out an arm for it to land upon.
Rasfel, a redheaded man that had been with her since her father died, trotted
over as he heard her signaling the bird. “Captain, have we received
new orders?”
She smirked as she untied the small bundle from the bird. “You should
know by now that I give the orders, Shipman. These people simply pay me for
my services.”
“Of course, my Captain,” he humbly replied.
The woman unfurled the note and read it with a grin. “They are finally
learning. All of the information I requested has been sent the first time.”
Looking at the man, she said, “It seems we have some more Zexens to
hunt. Come about and set course for Dubios. Draw in the sheets and waste
no time. I want landfall in two days or less.”
“Shall I send word to the rest of the fleet?” He asked as he took
the bird from her.
“No, but signal our men on land. We’ll need their assistance yet
again.”
He silently gave a salute and went to follow the order.
Kylan watched as the sun crested behind the water, and made her way to the
bow. Looking down into a grate, she nearly held her nose at the stench coming
from below. Fearing her prey had perished in the three days she had kept
him down there, she called, “Andrew!”
No response came.
She crouched down, trying to see into the depths of the chamber, but all
she could make out was the dim outline of the top of his head. The thick,
dark hair was matted down along the sides of his face, which she could not
see. Again she yelled down to him, and again there was no response.
Panic started to strike her, but she refused to succumb to it. If her part
of the contract had been broken, she could always explain it away by the
risks of dealing with a trained knight. Still, hoping she wouldn’t have
to face her client, nor offer a refund of the large sum of money, she stomped
on the grate, but the form below still didn’t budge. Looking around
the deck, she called out to two men who were tying off some fishing nets.
They ran over and she pointed at the grate. “Open it and haul him out.
If he’s dead, strip him, and toss him out to sea.”
In unison they replied, “Yes, my Captain.”
“Lord Robert sent this with his compliments,” Louis said as he
worked the cork out of the top of the wine bottle.
Torrie gave him a skeptical look, “And just what were you doing at the
store?”
He poured the wine—it was a sweet smelling white that normally must
have been quite expensive, judging from just the quality of the aroma. “Ah,
I wasn’t at the store, my dear.”
“You went to the house?” She asked before fixing a harsh gaze on
him, and asking a pointed question. “Louis, what are you up
to?”
“Nothing, I swear!” He said, as he held up his hands in playful
surrender. At her dubious look he conceded, “I just asked him to stable
Ryan’s pony. That’s all.”
“Chris wanted me to sell it.”
“Yes, but don’t you think that would upset him? He’s lost
enough as it is, my dear.”
“I suppose you’re right. But I wish you wouldn’t go around
asking for favors for me.”
“Lord Robert offered,” he said as he handed her a glass and then
raised his own.
“But why bother him at the house, Louis?” She asked as she ran
her finger along the lip of the glass, knowing there was more to this story
than he was telling.
He smiled at her, his bright green eyes glinting with mischief as he took
a sip of the wine. “I brought him a letter from Borus.”
Torrie nearly dropped her drink. “Louis! They’ve hung men for less!
What were you thinking? You know the law!”
“The law about traitors most certainly doesn’t apply to Borus—I
can personally vouch for him. Besides, no one will ever know because Salome
sent it directly to me with some other documents by bird early this morning.
There was no harm, and if you’ll pardon the pun, no foul.”
She sighed before asking, “Was anyone else home?”
“I only saw Lord Robert and Jared.”
She took a sip of the wine, and then replaced the glass on the table. “I
hope Jared didn’t see the note. He’s awfully sore at his brother.
When I was living in that house, he never said anything nice about
Borus.”
“I know they don’t get along, but I doubt he’d turn on his
own family.”
She shrugged, “He seemed to resent me the moment I moved in, but then,
I’ve noticed he’s that way with everyone. It’s a wonder his
wife can put up with him.”
“Perhaps she overlooks his flaws in favor of his large
inheritance?”
“Maybe, but I don’t think any amount of money would be worth being
married to such an arrogant man.”
He smiled at her as he put his glass down and draped an arm over her shoulders,
ready to change the subject from the Redrums. “How are you doing with
the children? Is there anything you need me to do?”
She curled into his embrace. “I honestly don’t know how Chris does
it. They have so much energy. I took them to the market this morning and
almost lost track of Ryan.”
He laughed and then nuzzled her cheek. “You’ll do fine, I’m
sure.”
“You have such confidence in me,” she said as she pressed her nose
to his with a giggle.
Louis brushed her dark curls out of her face with a smile. “Your courage
is one of the many things I adore about you, my dear.”
She leaned in and gave him a tender, teasing touch on the lips, which begged
for something more valiant and romantic. He obliged her, wrapping his arms
around her neck to pull her closer, and pressing his lips to hers in a
passionate, blissful kiss. For many long sensual moments they caressed, simply
lost in each other’s touch.
Then, just as his hand curled around one of her breasts, and was about to
venture to the buttons on the bodice of her dress, a noise from behind him
caused her to break the kiss, open her eyes, and look up. There she spotted
Geoffrey, standing in the hallway and giggling hysterically. Looking down
to be sure her garment was still intact, and satisfied that it was, she whispered
in her confused lover’s ear, “We’re being watched.”
Louis glanced over his shoulder, his face flushed red. He gave a sheepish
smile to the little blond boy, who just laughed at them. Knowing this would
be the end of it, just as things got interesting, he decided to make the
best of the situation. He gave Torrie a peck on the cheek before whispering,
“Ah, he thinks we’re funny. Let’s make him laugh some
more.”
She grinned back at him, and the two of them made a show of giving each other
a farcical kiss, just to watch the child’s reaction.
Wide-eyed with fascination at the behavior of the two adults, the small boy
called towards the spare bedroom. “Ryan! They’re kissing! Like
Mommy and Daddy!”
His brother approached him, and grabbed his arm, without even looking at
the flamboyant display of affection going on in the living room. “Come
on! We’re supposed to be in bed.”
The younger boy just pointed at the now-grinning couple and laughed some
more.
“Leave Torrie alone with her beau,” Ryan said as he pulled his
brother’s sleeve. “She doesn’t need you watching
her.”
Geoffrey protested as he was led away. “That’s not a beau. That’s
just Mommy’s friend Louis.”
Ryan shook his head at the younger boy’s ignorance, and practically
dragged him back to the bedroom. “You don’t get it, Geoff. I’ll
explain when you’re older.”
After three days of riding, Karaya finally came into view just as night consumed
the silence of the plains. Torches set around the camp illuminated the nomadic
village, giving the animal skins that constructed the homes a ferocious glow.
Thatched reeds sealed with dry mud strengthened the roofs, and large, brightly
colored banners adorned the buildings, proclaiming the symbols of the families
that occupied them.
Taking a deep breath as he faced the nightmare that chased him every time
he slept, Borus dismounted and approached the two warriors standing guard
at the front of village. Chris did the same, and gave her escort a look of
encouragement.
The guards were barely adults, but still appeared to be capable warriors.
At the sight of the two knights, the male’s eyes hardened and he muttered
something to his female counterpart in both his native language and the more
commonly used one. Through the exchange, Chris caught a few words that were
definitely intended for her to hear and understand. Legend. Fire. Silver.
Butcher. Turning to Borus, whose shoulders slumped at their conversation,
the boy asked sternly, as he and the girl gripped their bows, “What
is your business here?”
Borus said, “We come to speak to Flame Champion Hugo.”
“Our Chief is unavailable,” was the quick and firm response from
the female.
“May we see him in the morning?” Borus asked.
“No. He is unavailable then as well,” said the boy with stern glare.
“And for Zexen Knights, he’ll never be available.”
“There has been a treaty between our Council and your tribe for a decade.
As you can see, we are not wearing armor, or acting in any official
capacity.”
“You are carrying weapons,” the boy growled.
“For protection on the plains only. We will leave them here if you’d
prefer,” Chris said as she stepped up to stand with her friend.
Borus gave her an incredulous look, but said nothing.
The girl reached into her quiver. “You two are not welcome here and
if you don’t leave immediately, we’ll kill you for trying to invade
our camp.”
“Again, we’re not invading,” Chris said quietly. “Will
you please just tell Hugo or Lucia that we are here? We needn’t come
into your village. We only have a question and then we’ll be on our
way.”
The boy nocked an arrow to his bow, and pointed it at Borus, his voice straining
against his rising fury, and his hands shaking with rage and nerves. “They
are not leaving alive, Kirea! I will be a hero when I kill the man who murdered
my mother!”
“You’re sure it’s him, Arie?” The girl asked as she drew
back and pointed her weapon at Chris.
Arie was screaming something in Karayan, but Borus did not move nor reach
for his blade. He simply kept his eyes fixed on the boy, as if ready to accept
his fate. The arrow was let fly, but the boy’s anxiety caused a bad
shot. It sailed over Borus’ shoulder and landed a good distance behind
him.
After shouting back to her counterpart words that could not be understood,
Kirea turned to Chris. “Remove your weapon and get on your knees! I
will slay the Silver Maiden whose Dogs rained down the Fire and let her Golden
Wolf feast upon innocent people!”
Chris sighed as she followed the orders and looked up at the agitated boy
and girl. There was so much rage in their souls, justified or not, that she
wanted to apologize for what had happened during the war. Glancing over at
Borus, she could tell by the way he hung his head that his portrayal as a
predator in tribal lore was strangling him.
As she felt the moisture of the damp earth seep through her pants and tingle
her knees, Chris heard Arie yelling at Borus to drop his sword, but the knight
shook his head.
“I said drop it!” The boy screamed as he reached for another
arrow.
“I won’t let you kill Chris,” Borus growled as he tightened
his grip on his weapon. “Kill me if you want, but don’t you dare
touch her.”
“Borus,” Chris pleaded with her friend. “Just do as they
ask.” She looked back at the Karayans with resilience in her eyes.
“They know it will be dishonorable to their family and tribe if they
kill us in cold blood.”
Kirea ignored the warning and positioned herself to bury an arrow of revenge
in the woman’s chest.
“No!” Borus yelled as he drew his blade and began to advance upon
the pair, in the hopes of distracting them long enough for Chris to come
to her senses and pick up her weapon. “They may just look like children,
but they are willing to slay us!”
Chris did not close her eyes as the bow was pulled back, and just said calmly,
“I know Karayan warriors have more respect for life than
this.”
Borus shook his head at the idiocy of the situation and started to dart in
front of his fellow knight, when a familiar female voice shouted, “Arie
and Kirea! What is going on?”
Through the darkness, a proud woman became visible. Dressed in the traditional
style of the Karayans, her blonde hair showed no signs of gray despite her
middle age. Creases of motherly worry and frustration had ribboned her face,
but certainly not in a way that would detract from her natural beauty. She
gave a smirk at the knights before holding a hand up to a group that was
following her. “Hello again, Chris. It’s been awhile.”
“Indeed, Lucia.”
“Have you come to pay us a social call?” The Karayan asked, putting
a hand on her hip, and glaring at the two young guards, who reluctantly lowered
their weapons.
“No,” Chris answered as she stood up and retrieved her weapon.
“I have come for your counsel and to see Hugo as well.”
“My son is at a meeting of the Six Clans, but I will do my best in his
stead.” The older woman laughed as her eyes walked over Borus. “I
had heard that you followed my advice. I’m glad to know it was not
wasted!”
As he sheathed his sword Borus whispered to his fellow knight, “What
the hell is she talking about?”
Chris grinned at her friend, “Never mind.”
Lucia smiled at the two of them. “It is late, Silver Maiden. If you
seek my counsel, you will need to wait until morning. We have no inn, but
since you were once an ally, I will offer you a room in my home.”
“Thank you,” Chris said with a slight bow of her head. “We
will accept your gracious offer.”
“Arie and Kirea will care for your horses,” Lucia ordered, giving
a stern look to the two. “It’s the least they can do to make up
for their unfriendly greeting.”
The young warriors took the horses, each one giving the knights a measured
look of disgust for getting them reprimanded. Chris and Borus followed Lucia
to her home, which was the largest structure in the village. They passed
many people who clearly had the same feelings that the two guards did, but
no one dared to say anything. Friends of the village Chief, no matter how
undesirable, were to be treated well.
Lucia guided the pair into her home, and pulled a drape aside to reveal their
quarters before bidding them goodnight. The “room” was tiny, and
barely concealed from the rest of the house, which smelled of incense and
roasted meat. There was one large stuffed bearskin with a colorful, handmade
blanket on the floor for a bed A matching one was suspended across the ceiling
to protect from drafts, but no other furniture save a small carved pot in
the corner.
Chris quickly removed her weapon, leathers, and boots to sit down on the
strange animal mattress. Pulling her hair out of its plait, she reached into
her pack for the one luxury she allowed herself—a brush.
Borus looked incredibly uncomfortable. “Chris, I’ll go sleep
outside.”
“You can’t refuse Lucia’s hospitality,” she said gently
as she tugged at her tresses. “What are you afraid of?”
“Don’t you think this is—inappropriate?” He asked as
he pointed to the single bed that still sported the head of the animal.
She placed the brush back in her pack and lay back on the bearskin. It was
much different than she was used to, but the fur was remarkably soft. It
smelled of the earth, but not in an offensive way. “I slept next to
you the last two nights, Borus, and many times before that.”
He removed his weapon belt, but did not let it out of his grasp. “In
a camp, Chris. In a different bedroll.”
Cuddling into the unusual bed, she gave a yawn, and then spoke without even
looking at him. “Borus, I trust you. Now get some sleep because we’re
going to have to get up early tomorrow.”
He relented, but only after he was sure she was asleep. Trying not to look
at her, for fear of old desires creeping up on him, he slipped down onto
animal skin in the hopes of being able to find some rest between the cursed
village and the beautiful woman sleeping next to him. After many long minutes
had passed, and he had all but memorized the pattern of the ceiling drape,
he granted himself a moment to stare at her in peaceful repose. One thought
held in his mind as his eyes traced the shape of her body in the poorly lit
room, Percival, you better know just how lucky you are…