The Wildcat of Braeton

by Claire M Banschbach

  Aiden jerked his head in a grim nod. “But we’re not here for that. Get the horses taken care of, and then everyone can do as they want.”

  Some handed their horses to grooms. A stable boy came forward to take Narak and the stallion’s ears flicked back in warning.

  “You’d better let me take him, lad,” Aiden said.

  The groom willingly led Aiden inside the stables and showed him an empty stall.

  * * *

  Rona took her bags and, along with her sister-in-law, began to shepherd Brannan and the other young children inside. They were stopped by another woman. She was dressed in the finest clothes Rona had ever seen and wore a regal circlet around her forehead.

  “Welcome! I’m Amaura,” the woman introduced herself.

  Rona dropped a brief curtsey. “My lady. I’m Rona.”

  “You don’t have to call me that,” Amaura said. “I’m just happy to see some other women here.”

  Rona took her sister-in-law’s bag while she chased after Brannan who had decided to start exploring.

  “I’m sorry about…” Rona began.

  “Oh, don’t worry.” Amaura laughed. “It must be very exciting for him.”

  “It is. He didn’t stop talking about it the whole way here. I’m afraid I couldn’t tell him much about castles.” Rona blushed slightly, wishing she didn’t sound so dull.

  Amaura didn’t even seem to notice. “If you need anything, I’d be glad to help. But you must tell me how you did your hair!” She saw Rona’s intricate braids for the first time.

  Now Rona smiled. A princess was asking after her hair!

  “It’s simple really,” she said.

  “If you have the time, you must show me!” Amaura said. “Please! There’s not too many other women my age around here these days. I’d love to have some girlish conversation.”

  Rona smiled again. Amaura wasn’t the only one who wanted some female companionship of her own age. Though she usually preferred the company of the men her age, she had a feeling she’d like the Aredorian woman.

  “I’d enjoy that,” Rona said. “There’s tae be a feast tonight?” After receiving Amaura’s confirmation she continued. “Maybe we could meet before and I can show you?”

  “That would be wonderful!” Amaura exclaimed.

  She stood aside to let Rona join her sister-in-law to finally catch the young ones and take them to their quarters.

  * * *

  Not long after they arrived, Aiden and Tam emerged from their room dressed in clean clothes with the plaid cloaks wrapped around their shoulders. They walked slowly through the hallways toward the main hall. Jamey and Rona joined them, and they looked curiously at the tapestries adorning the walls. Each one detailed different heroes and moments in Aredor’s history.

  The call of a sentry down to the captain of the guard floated through the main doors that still stood open.

  “Hawk Flight coming in, sir!”

  Aiden made his way to the doors as a clatter of hooves sounded in the courtyard. A familiar voice gave the dismissal order. Aiden watched as Corin dismounted and unbuckled his packs from the saddle. Two stable boys shoved each other to try and take Zephyr first. Corin instead beckoned to a younger groom.

  He leaned down to give instructions to the boy who took the reins and looked up hesitantly at the huge stallion that towered over him. Zephyr lowered his head and snorted gently as Corin patted him on the neck. Corin slung his bags over his shoulder and headed toward the door.

  “Well, well! Look what the dog dragged in!” Aiden said in Calorin.

  Corin looked up to see him leaning against a pillar at the top of the stairs. A delighted grin spread over his face.

  “You came! We hoped you would be able to!” He also reverted to Calorin. He mounted the stairs, and they embraced. “So, this is you cleaned up and acting your place?” Corin said, taking in the plaid cloak.

  “Aye, a look you haven’t mastered yet it seems,” Aiden replied with a smile.

  Corin laughed. “It’s hard when I keep forgetting my titles.”

  “Well, I have a whole week to remind you in every way possible,” Aiden said.

  A familiar cry sounded, and the grey hawk darted down to join Corin.

  “You’re still carrying that wee bag of feathers around?” Aiden asked. Karif chirped at him.

  “No? You tell him what to do?” Aiden addressed the hawk. Karif cocked his head and chirped again.

  “He says yes.” Corin smirked.

  The tap of boots on stone announced that his companions were joining him outside. Once they came into view, Aiden motioned them over.

  “I brought some company with me this time.” He introduced Tam, Rona, and Jamey saying, “This is Prince Corin, sometimes called ‘the Hawk.’”

  “Only on formal occasions.” Corin shook their hands. “And I try to avoid those.”

  “Still the strong, silent type, eh?” Aiden joked.

  “I have no choice when you’re around,” Corin retorted.

  “All this time and I thought you were my friend.” Aiden shook his head.

  “I thought we were friends back in Hannad, too,” Corin said and Aiden smirked.

  “I was just following orders. And I won’t even mention Bayhas!” he said.

  It was Corin’s turn to smirk. “I was just following orders!” he mimicked.

  “That’s it! I’m not talking tae you. I still haven’t forgiven you for that!” Aiden said lightly.

  “That’s harsh considering I brought you a surprise.” Corin nodded behind him.

  Aiden’s companions had listened to the exchange in quiet amusement, and Tam followed Corin’s nod. He stared in disbelief and caught Aiden’s arm.

  “That’s Will!” he exclaimed, pointing down into the courtyard.

  Corin stepped aside to let them pass as Tam ran down the steps. Aiden followed only after Corin gave him a slight nudge. He didn’t mind. Corin knew exactly what it was like to see family again after more than a few years.

  Will’s face broke into a delighted smile as he saw Tam and practically tackled his younger brother before wrapping him in a hug. Tam finally pulled back and turned Will to face Aiden.

  “Danny?” Will exclaimed, eyes wide in wonder.

  “Hey, Will.” Aiden couldn’t help his smile. “You’re a sight for sore eyes.”

  “Aye! It’s good tae finally see you again!” Will murmured as they exchanged a rough embrace. “Ten years, eh? I didn’t expect you tae still be so short.” His eyes twinkled merrily.

  “Only because you look fatter,” Aiden returned with the same sly gleam.

  Will laughed and hugged him again. “I didn’t expect tae see either of you here,” Will said. “Adalwulf ?”

  “Dead,” Tam answered. “Father sits on the throne again. Ranulf’s at home with him.”

  “We’ll tell you later,” Aiden said as Will was about to launch a slew of questions. “But first.” He winked at Tam who took off his cloak and wrapped it around Will’s shoulders.

  Will touched the plaid hesitantly and looked to his brothers as the full weight of the action sank in. Aiden smiled broadly and nodded once.

  “Will! Am I really seeing this?” A young man and woman who could only be twins approached.

  “Aye, you are, Kieran. I can hardly believe it myself,” Will replied.

  “I’m so happy for you!” The woman’s Braeton accent was softer than her brother’s and something triggered in Aiden’s memory.

  “Thanks,” Will said. “These are my brothers.” He introduced them. Kara looked at Aiden and her eyes widened in sudden recognition. It was enough that he knew what she was remembering.

  “You’re the one…” she began, but Aiden shook his head imperceptibly. “Who visited earlier this summer,” she finished instead. “I understand,” she said in halting Calorin. “But I never was able to thank you.”

  “You’re welcome,” Aiden simply replied. The twins were immediately called away by Cl
anspeople clad in the purple of Clan Gunlon.

  “You going tae tell us what that was about?” Will asked.

  “No, and you can’nae ask her either,” Aiden said cheerfully.

  They made their way up the steps to where the others still stood.

  “Did you know they would be here?” Will asked Corin.

  “Not for certain. It was mainly Darrin’s idea, especially after I might have gotten a letter from someone asking if I knew where you were,” Corin said.

  Will turned to Aiden and he affected an air of innocence. Will wasn’t taken in, and Aiden smirked. He’d missed having Will around to shake his head at his varied antics.

  “And speaking of Darrin, I should go give him a report before he tries to hunt me down,” Corin continued.

  “Can I talk to you later?” Aiden asked in Calorin before Corin walked away.

  “Aye, you all right?” Corin asked in kind. He looked concerned so Aiden quickly reassured him.

  “I’ll tell you later,” he promised.

  Corin disappeared into the castle, and Will greeted the others.

  “What are you doing running around with these lads?” he asked Rona.

  She hugged him with a laugh. “Getting more trouble than I bargained for.”

  Will smiled and clasped Jamey’s hand. “I see you’re wearing the plaid,” he said. “I’m glad tae see it. It was too long in the coming.”

  “You’re not the first tae say it,” Jamey replied.

  “I can’nae tell you how good it is tae see all of you again!” Will said.

  Aiden smiled. “Come inside and let’s find a place tae catch up. We’d all like tae hear what you’ve been up tae.”

  * * *

  Kara trod lightly along the corridor to her chamber while humming a tune. The Festival was finally here and there were relatives to meet again. And tonight was the banquet to begin the Festival.

  She pulled her favorite dress from the wardrobe, bathed and dressed. She stood in front of the mirror and tugged the folds of the light blue gown into place. The sleeves were slashed, showing white fabric underneath, and a thin belt encircled her waist. Satisfied, she turned to the painstaking process of brushing and drying her long, blonde hair. When she finally finished, she sat in the chair at the dressing table and stared at herself, completely mystified as to what to do next.

  A knock sounded at the door.

  “Come in,” she called, and Amaura entered, accompanied by another woman Kara didn’t recognize.

  “Are you ready?” Amaura asked.

  “No, I’m not!” Kara moaned. “I don’t know what tae do with my hair!”

  Amaura only laughed.

  “It’s easy for you!” Kara exclaimed, turning fully around in the chair. “You look beautiful!”

  Amaura was wearing a deep red dress in contrast with her dark hair which was held in place by a simple silver band encircling her forehead. A delicate flower carved from agate hung on a chain around her neck.

  “Thank you,” she said gracefully. “Have you met Rona?”

  “Not yet.” Kara rose and was pleasantly surprised by the strength in Rona’s calloused hand. “You’re with Clan Canich?” She saw a small silver wildcat pin fastened at the top of Rona’s neckline.

  “I am. Amaura said you are from Clan Gunlon?” Rona asked in turn.

  “My mother’s people,” Kara said. “And she’d despair of me now. How do you two manage it?”

  Rona wore a dark green dress, delicately chased with silver embroidery. Her dark hair was pulled back from her narrow face in several small braids which then intertwined together behind her head.

  “What?” Rona asked.

  “Tae look so perfect! I’m always covered in dirt and horsehair, or I’m sharpening my sword instead of worrying about hair and clothes,” Kara said.

  Amaura laughed again. “If you did, you wouldn’t have time to be a runner for the Hawk Flight,” she said. “Besides, I’m sure there are plenty of people who like you just the way you are, starting with the young men in the warband who’ll be begging you to dance with them tomorrow.”

  Kara smiled. “If any of them can recognize me.”

  “They won’t be able to by the time we’re finished with you!” Amaura declared.

  “Do you want help with your hair?” Rona asked.

  “Yes!” Kara exclaimed fervently.

  She sat down in the chair, and Amaura began to brush her hair as Rona pulled some ribbons from the box on the table. Rona pulled Kara’s hair back in a simplified version of her own hair. She plaited two small braids together and fastened them with a white ribbon, leaving the rest of Kara’s hair free to fall down her back.

  “Thank you so much!” Kara pulled on her shoes as Kieran knocked on the open door.

  “Ma’am.” He bowed to Amaura and Rona. “You finally ready?” he asked her.

  “Yes.” She smoothed her dress one last time.

  “You look very nice,” he complimented her.

  “So do you,” she returned.

  Kieran wore a light blue tunic to match her. His boots and belt were freshly cleaned and polished. He even kept the sleeves of the fresh white shirt rolled down for the occasion.

  The four of them made their way down to the main hall and met Corin halfway.

  “I almost didn’t recognize you, Kara.” He grinned.

  She swept a curtsey and returned the smile. “Your highness.”

  She had to admit he looked the part. He wore a high collared, dark blue tunic edged in silver thread over a white shirt. Black pants were tucked into new black boots. Light leather bracers were buckled over his forearms, and a dagger hung from his belt.

  “You will allow me to escort my sister, won’t you, Kieran?” he asked mock-seriously as Amaura took his arm.

  “Corin, where is it?” Amaura asked as they continued down the stairs.

  “What?” he asked innocently.

  “You know what I mean,” she replied.

  “I misplaced it again. It’s so very clumsy of me.”

  “It’s only a simple silver circlet. It’s not like you have to wear a crown or anything!” Amaura said. “Darrin is wearing his.”

  “That is because he’s the crown prince. Besides, if anyone doesn’t know who I am, Father or Darrin will give them all my titles so I don’t have to wear it,” Corin argued.

  Amaura sighed in resigned exasperation. “What are we going to do with you?”

  Kara exchanged a grin with Kieran. They could have told the captain’s sister that would happen.

  * * *

  “I feel like an idiot!” Aiden complained.

  “Why? Because you look respectable?” Tam asked.

  Aiden glared at his brother as he straightened his tunic. Tam and Will were already dressed and were making sure he wore the proper clothes; a high collared white shirt with blue embroidery over which went a black tunic with the same blue stitching running down the front and edges. Tam handed him black leather bracers embossed with brown leather and silver.

  “This is ridiculous!” Aiden muttered as he pulled on stiff new boots. “I can barely move in all this!”

  “You’re the son of a Laird, and you’re in the place of an ambassador. You have tae look presentable for once in your life.” Will held out a belt to him. It was the same design as the bracers.

  “I’m not wearing that,” Aiden refused and took up his plain black belt instead, buckling it on with his knives.

  Tam pulled a brooch from his bags. “But you’re wearing this.”

  “Why do you have all this in your packs, Tam?” Will asked.

  “Father wanted tae make sure it got here,” Tam replied.

  “I’m beginning tae understand why.”

  Aiden rolled his eyes and took the brooch. Two wildcats with sapphire eyes fought each other in the circle. He draped the plaid cloak around his shoulders and fastened it in place. Will adjusted the plaid so that it fell in proper folds. Aiden put his last knife in
his boot and straightened up.

  “Are all four knives really necessary?” Tam asked.

  “Yes, and I will prove it tae you,” Aiden replied. “You ladies ready tae go?”

  “We’re not the ones who took forever tae get dressed.” Will smirked and pushed the door open.

  Aiden straightened the tunic again and sighed, re-signing himself to his fate.

  “Some things never change, do they?” Will asked.

  “Unfortunately,” Aiden agreed. “But I’m telling you, if for some reason we’re attacked tonight, I won’t be of any use tae you. I couldn’t fight in these clothes.”

  “Then it’s a good thing we have nothing tae worry about.” Tam pushed Aiden through the door.

  They met Corin and the others as they reached the hall.

  “Look at you!” Corin said to Aiden. “I didn’t think it was actually you.”

  “Shut up,” Aiden replied. “Help me clear something up. How many are you carrying?”

  “Three. Why?”

  Aiden turned triumphantly to Tam, who raised his hands in defeat.

  “Show him yours,” Aiden said.

  Corin gave a quick flick of his wrist and a blade lay in the palm of his hand. Another twist and it was gone.

  “He’s been giving you another one of his lectures, hasn’t he?” Corin asked Tam. They entered the hall and Corin drew Tam and Will into easy conversation. Aiden found himself by Rona.

  “You look…different,” she said.

  “That’s a good word tae describe it.” Aiden chuckled.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t feel cut out for all this—these clothes and having people notice me. I guess I’m not quite used tae it.”

  “You’ll be fine,” she assured him.

  “You really think so?” He raised an eyebrow.

  “Yes, I do.”

  A bell rang, signaling the beginning of the feast. They parted ways. As leader of the party from Clan Canich, Aiden had to sit at the head table with the other lords and the King and Queen. To his relief, he was seated next to Corin and Trey.

  “We only have to do this once, right?” he murmured to Corin.

  “Yes, I made sure of that,” Corin replied softly, but Aiden could still hear the relief. Queen Elain sat next to Corin, and he re-introduced his mother to Aiden.