A Mother's Secrets

by Tuppence Van de Vaarst

  “Ow,” Gwyn complained.

  Vinet laughed. “I think Gwyn has been well and truly vanquished, little goose. Well done!”

  Gwyn sat up and glared at Niara. “Who told you it was acceptable to strike a warrior while he was down?”

  A giggle escaped. “You did.”

  Gwyn crossed her arms and scowled at Niara. “Clever minx.”

  Niara burst into giggles again.

  “At least she fights better than her aunt,” Gwyn raised an eyebrow at Vinet.

  “Hey!” Vinet’s exclamation was indignant, which only made Niara giggle harder.

  Vinet rolled her eyes. “I can’t deny it. I never wanted to learn. Keep at your lessons, dear. Do as I say, and not as I do.”

  Niara nodded eagerly. Vinet stroked her hair tenderly for a moment.

  “Go and claim some sweets from the kitchens as your reward, dearest. And make sure you clean up before dinner!” She had to shout that last phrase as Niara darted off at the beginning of her first sentence.

  She extended a hand to help Gwyn to her feet. “She’s hopeless,” she sighed.

  “Gets more like her mother every day,” Gwyn quipped.

  If anyone else had said that, Vinet’s heart would have stopped. Instead, she just shrugged. “I’m keeping my sister appraised of her,” she said. “Just in case anyone goes to the convent and starts asking questions.”

  Gwyn shook her head, but didn’t continue the subject, for which Vinet was grateful.

  “A message from the Council arrived,” Vinet said, remembering. She fished the parchment out of her belt pouch. “Guess what one of the options is!”

  There was an amused glint in Gwyn’s eye as she took the parchment from Vinet. As she read, her eyebrows arched. “An expedition, hmm?”

  “To ruins in the southern badlands! An ancient city!”

  Gwyn’s smile was indulgent. “You’ll have to convince your fellow councilors of its worth,” she pointed out. “And this,” she pointed at the parchment, “they may feel is more relevant to their interest.”

  Unwillingly, Vinet looked at the parchment again. She had noted the option most likely to spark the other councilors’ interests. She hadn’t wanted to think about it.

  A note had come from the southeast, ill-written, saying something about children taken, uniformed sons ruined, a plea to the Light-Bringer to protect.

  “I’m not certain there’s anything of substance to it,” she ventured.

  Gwyn snorted. “You just want your expedition.”

  Vinet winced at the accuracy of Gwyn’s words. “Would you believe it?” she asked.

  A sigh was her only answer.

  She closed her eyes. “I’ll make sure we investigate it first,” she promised. “Find out who delivered it. If it seems like there’s a legitimate threat, I’ll support it.”

  Gwyn nodded in satisfaction. “That’s all I can ask, Vinet. Think before you act. Especially when you’re following your heart.”

  Vinet nodded reluctantly. Gwyn was right, she knew. She was a lady of the Saemarian Council, and she had a duty to her kingdom.

  But she wanted that expedition.

  **********

  She had an obligation to fulfil before she went to the capital, however. On the same day that brought word from the Council, an invitation had come from Lord Conn MacTir, inviting her and her niece to Dunbarrow to meet his family. It would be most convenient for her to ride to visit him, and then head directly to the council session. And since the invitation specifically included Niara, Niara would ride with her to the capital, and they would spend the two months until the next council session there for Niara’s sixth name-day.

  Vinet couldn’t contain her suspicions about Conn making sure his invitation included Niara. Although Niara was illegitimate, right now she was the only apparent heir of Ninaeva. She would be quite the catch for one of his children to unite the north under one ruler.

  Assuming I stay single and were inclined to let Niara be betrothed in the first place, Vinet thought. She shook her head. That suspicion was yet to be founded.

  The ride was pleasant enough. Although Manyu’s Time was almost upon them, no snow had yet fallen, which made the journey easy. Vinet was grateful. She’d travelled in snow before, and it had not been pleasant.

  As they rode up to the gates of Dunbarrow, Vinet allowed herself to be impressed. The city was built on a foundation similar to Ilhelm, her own capital, a circular layout built for defense. The walls rose high. They looked to be made of smooth granite, and the patrolling guards were prominently visible.

  A large, bear-like man stood at the gate, along with the regular guards. His fur cloak hung about him like a mantle of victory. He hailed Vinet’s party as they approached.

  “Lady Vinet Rochelle?” he asked.

  Vinet nodded. She didn’t need Gwyn’s glance to make sure she kept her distance. Although it was probable the man was one of Conn’s guards, there was no telling who else he might be.

  The man smiled. “Aed Dubh, at your service. My lord Conn sent me to escort you to the castle.”

  “Lead the way, Aed.”

  Aed led them through the streets, where Vinet’s initial perception of Dunbarrow being similar to Ilhelm was shown to be mistaken. Instead of wood, the houses were mostly of stone, and carved with intricate runes that Vinet wished she could discern the meaning of. It was quite crowded too. The noise of daily bustle was almost overwhelming, especially when they passed through the market.

  “My lord told me you were of a mercantile nature,” Aed shouted over the sound of commerce. “Perhaps you and Lady Maeve will find some time to come down here together.”

  Vinet glanced around. Despite the crowded atmosphere, there was the anticipation in the air that she always associated with marketplaces. It would be intriguing to come explore it at leisure. She might be able to tell what kind of trade goods Lord Conn would value most.

  Aed led them closer and closer to the large hill in the middle of the city. At the edge of it, he stopped. The hill was almost steep enough to be a cliff, but there were stairs carved into the rock face. “I’m afraid your horses will have to stay here.”

  Vinet nodded and dismounted. She gestured to her guards to stay with the horses. She would trust Lord Conn’s security from now on. And, of course, Gwyn.

  Aed glanced hesitantly at Niara. “Can she make the climb?”

  Niara looked up stubbornly. “I can do anything!”

  Aed blinked, seemingly taken aback. Then he smiled warmly. “I’m sure you can. It’s a long climb, though. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you get tired.”

  Vinet suppressed a smile, knowing that Aed had just said the words that would almost guarantee Niara would never admit to being tired. She just hoped that she wouldn’t be too tired by the top.

  They began to climb, and Vinet gave a moment of thanks that she was still in her travelling clothes. The knee-length split tunic was far more suited to these stairs than a formal dress would have been. She would wear a dress for dinner, of course. Someone would, unfortunately, be assigned to haul her luggage up these stairs. It wasn’t as long a climb as she had feared, however. Before her legs began to burn, they reached the top where Lord Conn was waiting with a pale, dark haired woman and two children.

  “Welcome to Dunbarrow, Lady Vinet!” Conn looked even more the image of a northern lord than he had at the Council. His entire outfit seemed to consist of fur and leather, and he wore only a simple silver coronet to signify his rank.

  Vinet nodded in acknowledgement. “Thank you for the invitation,” she said.

  Conn smiled. “Allow me to introduce my wife, Lady Maeve, and our children, Niall and Dinah,” He gestured at the children in turn. Niall was the oldest, a serious eyed boy around ten. Dinah appeared to be around Niara’s age.

  Vinet smiled at each of them. “And may I present my niece, Niara?”

  Niara barely contained a bounce of excitement. It was for her sake that Vinet had
accepted this invitation. Her daughter needed some non-Ninaevan friends.

  “A pleasure,” Conn smiled at Niara. He gestured to his eldest. “Niall, why don’t you and Dinah take Niara to the gardens to play?”

  Niara cast a pleading expression at Vinet, who couldn’t help but laugh. She gave a slight nod, and the children went tearing off.

  Vinet watched them go, her expression mirthful. “They won’t get into too much mischief, will they?” she asked.

  Conn waved a hand. “There’s not much mischief they can get up to. Niall will supervise them.”

  Maeve graced Vinet with a cool smile. “You’ll want to refresh yourself before dinner. I’ll have a servant show you to your chambers. Will your guard be accompanying you?”

  Vinet glanced back at Gwyn. “Gwyn goes where I do,” she answered.

  Maeve nodded gracefully. “Very well. We’ll see you for dinner.”

  **********

  Dinner was a comfortable affair. Maeve, although cool and unreadable, was an excellent hostess. Conn’s house bard sat by the fireplace, providing quiet background music.

  “How long has your niece lived at Ilhelm with you?” Conn asked.

  Vinet kept her eyes on her food as she cut into a slice of beef. “All her life,” she said calmly.

  “So, your sister was at Ninaeva when she was born?” Maeve inquired.

  Vinet glanced up to meet Maeve’s eyes. “Not at Ilhelm, but in Ninaeva, yes. The convent of Mazda, near your border.”

  It was enough information for them to fill in the pieces of the story. A noblewoman who had a child out of wedlock was a shameful disgrace. A convent life was considered suitable repentance.

  “Ah,” Maeve was satisfied. “So that is why your sister is now at the convent. Why was Niara not sent there to become a pledged one?”

  Vinet controlled her reactions. “Because I do not believe her choices should be limited by those of her mother,” she said simply. “A life in a convent is not for one who does not have a calling.”

  That seemed to silence Maeve, much to Vinet’s relief. The children were having dinner in their own chambers, supervised by the MacTir nursemaids. Vinet hoped Niara was enjoying herself.

  Conn seemed to sense the awkward silence and cleared his throat. “So, have you received your letter from the Council yet, Lady Vinet?”

  This was the perfect opportunity to sound out Conn’s feelings about the expedition. “I have,” she said smoothly. “I take it you have as well?”

  Conn nodded. “I am quite interested in our options. It is sad that the treasury will not allow us to pursue more than one line of inquiry.”

  “Which one are you leaning towards?” Vinet took a bite of the beef. It was cooked perfectly, rare and delicious.

  “I must admit, I’m concerned about the south,” he said slowly. “But the option that truly intrigues me is the opportunity to research the dwarven armor.”

  Vinet glanced up sharply. She had seen that on the list and discounted it. They would never have the funds to equip every single Regular with dwarven armor, so why should they research it?

  “Why that one?” she asked, trying to appear casual.

  “Have you met any dwarves?” Conn asked. “There’s an enclave in the capital. If we commission them to craft us armor, then they might be staunch allies.”

  Vinet wanted to bite her lip hard. That was not what she had wanted to hear.

  “What about the expedition?” she ventured.

  Conn laughed. “Lady Vinet, your reputation precedes you. An exploratory expedition was almost designed to draw your attention.”

  Vinet forced herself to smile. “And if it was?” she said. “That does not mean it comes without its benefits to Saemar.”

  “Or its risks,” Conn said. He shook his head. “I would rather invest in ourselves, than send men to Mazda-knows-where to find potentially nothing.”

  “Or potentially everything,” Vinet pointed out. “You speak of risk, but there is no gain without it. What if these explorers find valuable knowledge?”

  Conn shook his head in amusement. “I’d save these arguments for the Council, Lady Vinet. Let’s enjoy our dinner, shall we?”

  Silently, Vinet acquiesced. If she was going to fund that expedition, she would have to search for allies other than Conn MacTir.

  **********

  It was a relief to get to the capital. Conn was…entertaining, certainly, but Vinet was tired from having to be constantly on her guard. Her suspicion about his intentions towards Niara had only grown as he exulted in how well the children had gotten along.

  Niara gasped in delight as they rode through the marketplace. Her little head swiveled left and right, trying to take everything in. Vinet let Gwyn keep a close eye on her and directed her own attention towards looking for the bookseller.

  Her heart stopped as she saw the corner across from where the Jyrian merchants had been. There was nothing there, no sign that there had never been a stand there.

  “Vinet?” Gwyn’s voice was low and worried.

  Vinet shook her head. “Not now.”

  Despite her misgivings, they made their way to her townhouse without incident. Almost as soon as they entered, the butler approached Vinet with a bow and handed her a slip of parchment.

  Vinet frowned as she opened it. A message already? Her eyebrows rose as she read its contents.

  My dear Lady Vinet Rochelle,

  It was an honor to make your acquaintance. Perhaps we could continue that acquaintance over some tea at my townhouse when you arrive?

  Lady Pellalindra Duskryn

  “Anything important?”

  Vinet glanced up at Gwyn’s question. “I think we’re going to tea this afternoon,” she said. She looked at the servants carrying the baggage into the house. “Get someone to lay out a gown for me, will you?”

  The next two hours were a flurry of activity. Although Pellalindra had not specified a date, Vinet’s arrival in the capital had been later than she’d planned. The council session was tomorrow.

  She left Niara to happily explore and set off to Pellalindra’s townhouse with only Gwyn as her guard. Luckily, the two noble townhouses were not far apart. The Duskryn house, however, was far more elaborately decorated than the Ninaevan one.

  “Someone got their hands on too much gold,” was Gwyn’s quiet opinion.

  Vinet smiled and shook her head.

  The door opened as the two women approached, and a servant bowed and ushered them in. The inside was just as elaborate as the outside. “I’ll let my lady know you’ve arrived.”

  Vinet nodded, and she and Gwyn were left along in the hall. They stood in silence for only a few moments when footsteps echoed on the wood floor.

  “Oh!”

  Vinet glanced up, and her heart nearly stopped. The young man was slight, but muscular, with bright blue eyes that gazed guilelessly at the two women. A great sword was strapped to his back, and he wore the cobalt blue and black uniform of a Duskryn guard. That wasn’t what caught Vinet’s attention, however. It was the fact that his ears were long and pointed.

  “I… umm… I didn’t realize Lady Duskryn had visitors.” He said.

  Not for the first time, Vinet cursed the noble propriety that forced her to act aloof. She wanted nothing more than to pounce on the young elf and interrogate him about who he was, his lineage, and his people. Instead, she shot Gwyn an imploring look.

  Gwyn’s answering look was full of amusement, but she nodded imperceptibly. “My lady received an invitation to tea,” she said.

  “Oh, right!” the poor elf looked even more confused about that. “I shouldn’t disturb you…”

  Vinet’s eyes widened as she looked at Gwyn. They couldn’t let him leave without asking any questions!

  More footsteps heralded the return of the servant. She shook her head at the elf, ignoring him as she turned to Vinet. “Lady Duskryn will receive her ladyship in her study. Will your… guard be accompanying you, my lady?”
the servant gave a superior sniff.

  It was just as well Gwyn had had a lifetime to get used to such slights. She gave the servant an easy smile. “No, I think I’ll be better suited joining the guards here. Perhaps you could show me around?” She indicated the elf.

  His blue eyes widened even more, but he made no objection. Vinet shot Gwyn a look of gratitude before following the superior servant.

  The study that Vinet was led to was comfortable and pleasing. Dark wood bookcases lined the walls, the same wood as the large desk situated at one side of the room. At the other side, a small table and chairs was set for tea.

  Pellalindra rose from one of the chairs as Vinet entered. “Lady Vinet! I can’t say how pleased I am that you’ve accepted my invitation.”

  Vinet smiled. “Thank you for inviting me,” she said.

  The two women sat down, exchanging more banal formalities. Vinet took the opportunity to examine Pellalindra more closely. The Lady Duskryn had shed her mourning gown, a trifle early for the sensibilities of some, but, considering the circumstances of her husband’s death, it was probably a wise choice. Her raven-black hair was held in place by a silver tiara. Her gown, a deep velvet blue, was the height of Saemarian fashion, with a high-necked collar and ruffled sleeves. It was covered in deep blue embroidery, so that it almost sparkled whenever she moved. Vinet was glad that she had dressed well. Her own dress was of a light yellow, too pale to be true gold, but that just made the golden trim stand out even more.

  “And how is your niece doing?” Pellalindra asked as she began to pour the tea.

  Vinet smiled. “Quite well. And your son? Percival, isn’t it?”

  Pellalindra’s smile was tinged with genuine fondness. “Oh, he’s quite a handful. Gives his nursemaid more than enough trouble.”

  Vinet had to laugh. “They all do at that age.”

  She was burning to ask about Pellalindra’s elven guard, but that wouldn’t have been polite. Just from the behavior of Pellalindra’s servants, this was a lady who stood on propriety. Asking about a guard would be a social faux pas.