A Soul of Steel

by Troy A Hill

  “And time with the exotic swordswoman is more fun than hauling wood chips up to the practice field?”

  “Or helping the stable master by dumping the manure carts,” he added. His eyes lingered on me. “I will see you again tonight after my duties.”

  Gwen giggled as Emlyn headed down the hill.

  “I thought you were going to drag him off into the bushes and have your way with him as your fight ended.”

  “I almost did,” I admitted. “The sword dance with a good partner is full of passion.”

  “Is he that good?”

  I shook my head.

  “He’s that great. His skill is phenomenal. I’m not thirsty right now, or I might have to pull him up to the grove after one of our sessions. It is going to be a long week once he's gone.”

  10

  Departures

  Our dance that morning kept my passion alight, but smouldering. Emlyn drove me hard on the practice field. As we finished the dance, when the red rays of the sun started their own slow dance in the eastern sky, he raised his wooden swords in salute. His bare torso glistened with sweat, and I had to fight to control my lust for him. Not blood lust, but the desire to run my hands across his bare flesh and breath in his scent. I wanted to hold and be held. Instead of that, he bowed low.

  “This week will seem like an eternity,” he said as he straightened and stepped closer. I could smell his scent, musky in the still morning air. I tilted my head and hoped for at least a kiss. He stepped around me to go gather his weapons and tunic. I stuck my tongue out at his back.

  Once he had his tunic on and blades belted around him he came back to where I waited on the side of the field. Enid and Sawyl hadn’t arrived yet.

  “The first set of riders went west and covered areas where we suspect the witch hunters had been recruiting. I am to head north and tell the villages there. I’ll then cut across the border and get a report to the lord of the cantref there.”

  “Fadog?” I tried to remember the geography Gwen had explained.

  He chuckled. “No, Rhos, where Rhian is from. Her brother is Lord Rhos. I want to investigate our border with Fadog."

  Emlyn stepped in toward me, his head angled down with lips slightly parted, expectantly. I stood silent, my arms still crossed. I remembered his chuckle as I waited for our first kiss. He must have realised his chance for it had passed.

  “One week, maybe less,” he said softly. Then he strode down the hill.

  Gwen’s mental intrusion stirred me from a nap four days later. “Riders just arrived dearest,” she projected to wake me. “Come meet us in the keep.”

  I was out of the soil in the grove within seconds. Bleddyn greeted the men and steered them inside. He saw me approach and waited on the porch for me.

  “The men will get water, then report,” he said. A stable lad lead the two horses away. “Gwen is inside already.” He offered me his arm, which I took. His sword knocked against my side as we entered the keep.

  “Has Emlyn taught you any of the dances?” I asked, already missing my dance partner. Even Afon, the guard with the most skill I had found, had ridden out with the second wave.

  “I’m afraid I won’t be much of a partner for you, milady," he smiled. "How is Enid doing with the lessons?” he asked.

  “Very well,” I said as we headed to his favourite spot by the hearth. “She has a natural ability. If she could devote a score of years to the art, I could get her to be the equal of Emlyn.”

  “My son’s wife is a special lady.” He smiled. “But, alas, she has other duties. And, with luck, a little one to nurture soon.”

  Gwen moved to join us. She must have overheard the last remark.

  “You’ll have another grandchild in this hall sooner than you expect, milord.” She had a knowing smile on her face, but he wasn’t looking at her. Men can be so oblivious to things like pregnancy. And, they’d only been married a week. I doubt anyone expected that news this early.

  “Is she?” I used my mind to ask.

  “Yes dear. Neither she nor Rhian are aware yet.” Gwen winked at me, a signal to keep the secret from them. “You’ll have to consider how to continue her training as she grows larger.”

  Gwen joined the conversation while I pondered which of the exercises might be uncomfortable with a swollen belly, and the other complications of impending motherhood.

  The two men carrying plates of bread and cheese, with large mugs came to the fire. Bleddyn pointed them toward seats and they began their reports. I decided I liked this Lord Penllyn. Rather than make his men, tired and muddy from their trip stand and report, he gave them time to wash up, and fill a plate and mug.

  Villagers had said the guild was recruiting in their area. The young men the guild wanted to recruit had been more worried about the attentions of the young ladies, than about extra coins. The guild’s desire to rid the world of the supernatural weren’t enough to scare the young men into action.

  “Milord,” one guard said, “there are raiding parties patrolling the borderlands”

  “Why do you say that?” Lord Penllyn asked.

  “When we camped near the borderlands,” the other added, “on the Penllyn side as you instructed milord,” he swallowed hard, “I thought I heard a disturbance that night, two nights ago.”

  “We edged up to the border stones, milord,” he said, as if asking approval. “We could see forms move in the distance, but the trees made it difficult to see much. There looked to be about a score of men, some on horseback. We went no closer. Two against twenty wasn’t odds we wanted to test.”

  “They,” the first guardsman chimed in, "were long gone by then.”

  “I don’t doubt you,” Bleddyn said. He leaned back in his chair. “I am of a mind to go see this area for myself.”

  “I will go with you,” Gwen said with her Gwen-the-Leader tone. “Mair will stay here.”

  Bleddyn opened his mouth to protest, but must have sensed he would lose the argument that would come. He waved dismissal at his men. “Get some rest, we’ll leave at dawn.”

  They rose and bowed to Lord Penllyn. Once the men were gone, Bleddyn turned to Gwen to protest. She raised a finger, and he kept his mouth shut.

  “You know I’m going,” she said. Then she leaned toward him, her voice quiet, barely above a whisper. “Mair and I can communicate over distance.”

  Bleddyn raised an eyebrow.

  “The Holy Lady’s magic allows it,” she added, her voice still soft. “Mair can stay here to share our information with Rhian and Cadoc and let us know what the other riders report.”

  Lord Penllyn leaned back to consider her idea.

  “At least as long as we don’t move beyond our limits.” Gwen added.

  “How far is that?” he asked, a note of skepticism in his voice.

  “We may find out this trip,” she said.

  “And,” Gwen sent to me, privately, “your dance partner should return before we’re back. You’ll need to feed again. And from someone other than me, so you begin to learn your heart.”

  She was correct on both counts. I wanted to fulfil the passion he roused in me.

  The lord of Penllyn drained the rest of his mead.

  “One thing being married to a strong woman has taught me. I know when to keep my mouth shut and do what I’m told.” He stood to leave, and said over his shoulder, “We ride at first light.”

  11

  Arrivals

  Daylight. I used to loathe it. It would sap my strength. I’d feel ill. Much better to sink into the earth, or hide in a dark chamber, even a cave until the cursed sun passed and night awoke my undead senses.

  But now, I had a goddess feeding me energy to offset the effect of the light. I could move and function like a normal human. True, I didn’t have the speed and strength that my undead nature gave me at night. My demon protected that energy during the day. She would give it, but demand I feed sooner than normal to make up for what I drew.

  But with Emlyn gone, I ha
d little need to pull any energy for our sparring. The night after he left found me on the practice field alone. I ran meditations for hours until Sawyl and Enid ventured up when the sun rose. But even then, I didn’t need energy from my demon. The Lady, the goddess fed me what I needed to walk as normal mortal in the daylight.

  I realised that my soul had three sides. Gwen and Emlyn each filled a niche and made me complete.

  Instead of moping about the cottage by myself, I spent the day in the keep. Gwen and I checked in with each other often. We found that the mental link seemed quieter, and more distant, the farther she travelled. Still, every touch of her mind on mine gave me that piece of joy I missed with her departure.

  The townsfolk in the caer waved a greeting any time they walked past wherever I sat.

  I noticed that the chair Lord Penllyn sat in next to the fire stayed empty. As though it was his alone. Despite my short time here, I was comfortable in Penllyn. I missed my conversations with Bleddyn. He often sat and whistled while he shaved wood into thin strips and fed them into the fire. Often, he’d drift out to go check with his brewer on the current batch of mead. Or swing by the stables and talk with the herd master. I learned that Penllyn horses were renowned across Britannia.

  But, like many leaders, he spent his time watching and directing those under him. I saw in him a true leader. He would, with a few gentle pats, and a kind word or two, inspired respect in his people.

  But, with both he and Gwen gone, I found my conversation chances almost empty for that day.

  Rhian drifted in and sat with me for a while. But, like her husband, she had duties. She oversaw the kitchens and the household staff. Despite her stern demeanour, and hard glances, she too was generous with praise. She often gave one armed hugs to her staff as they bustled about preparing or clearing meals.

  Either she, or one of the other kitchen girls would drift by now and then with a jug of water to refill my cup. I fell back on my old tricks of walking around, and spilling small dribbles out of the cup when no one was near. There was a patch of daffodils right off the front porch that would be well watered if I stayed here long.

  That afternoon, the kitchen girls stacked plates and cups on the broad serving table for the night’s meal. I had my limit of sitting and waiting. I didn’t want to just pace, so I helped. Even the aroma of the food wasn’t enough to take my mind off missing both Gwen and Emlyn. Food wasn’t what I wanted right then.

  I walked out of the kitchens with a stack of wooden plates in my arms when a familiar silhouette blocked the light in the main doors. Emlyn strode into the hall.

  If I had been alive, my heart would have skipped a beat. A tingle run down my spine, and I had to tug at my skirt, to keep my hand from reaching out for him.

  “Have you seen Bleddyn?” he asked. His eyes lingered on me. I thought I saw the corner of his mouth tug up. Not enough to call a smile. Everyone said Emlyn never smiled.

  “He and Gwen are on their way south. The riders reported tracks that might be a raiding party along the borderlands,” I said. “Cadoc is about, but I haven’t seen him for several hours.”

  Emlyn stepped close enough I could smell his sweat, along with the musty, worn leather tunic he wore.

  “You didn’t ride with Gwen?” he asked. I wasn’t sure if he suspected our relationship, or just assumed I’d go where she went. No matter, his proximity made me turn my face up, waiting. But he ignored the opportunity.

  “I wanted to talk to my brother,” he said. A hint of exasperation in his tone. “Of course, he’d be gone.”

  “I am in contact with Gwen through our link with The Lady,” I said, my voice quiet. “I can send information to Bleddyn through her.” His eyes narrowed.

  “You are more than you seem. More than I expected…” His eyes stayed on mine for a moment. After a short pause, he nodded. “Tell them we’ve got a predator, a big one, killing herds up north.”

  12

  A Beast

  We gathered in Rhian’s sitting room upstairs, so Emlyn's report wouldn’t be overheard. Cadoc gave a low whistle then small shrug and shook his head as I reported to them how Gwen and I used the link of the Holy Lady to communicate.

  “You are a miracle to have arrived when you did, Lady Mair,” he said and give me a smile. “We are blessed you’ve joined us.” That was a relief. I wasn’t sure how these reports of magic would be received by others. Half the time, I didn't know what I thought of them, and I’d been dealing with my undead magic for many centuries.

  “Gwen and the others,” I said, “are at the edge of where she and I can still hear one another. They have reached the site where the guardsmen found signs of the other force,” I explained. “They’ll investigate and then work their way back toward us to a point where we can understand each other when we link again.”

  Cadoc turned toward Emlyn. “What did you find?”

  “The townsfolk I encountered had seen the guild riding through their land. A few of the young men had considered running off with them. We have had no major wars to make any vacancies in their ranks. But, too many of them see little prospect of getting their own land when their fathers die. Too many sons, and not enough holdings. I told them they could seek positions in our guard here instead. The good ones we can look at promoting up into the Teulu.”

  “Excellent,” Rhian said. “I’d rather find a way to keep our people connected to our lands, and not tie themselves to the guild.”

  “I found signs of raiding patrols along the borderlands,” Emlyn added. “But none seemed to cross into Penllyn.” He sipped his mug. I smelled mead in it.

  “And, I found evidence there's a large predator roaming the northern end of the cantref. Something decimated two herds. One pen of cattle. About half of a flock of sheep killed. Clawed apart,” he said, his voice quiet enough to not drift beyond our small group. The rest of us stayed silent and waited.

  “There were tracks of a great bear in the area,” Emlyn continued. “They were different. Odd. The stride was long even for a normal bear. Have we seen any activity of bears in other areas?” Rhian and Cadoc shook their heads.

  “Ruadh?” Cadoc asked. My own suspicions had already gone there. However, Rhian shot me a quick, worried, glance, then tried to hide it. Emlyn’s eyes were on me, but his were the only one’s not alarmed at Cadoc’s slip of their friend’s name.

  “I knew what he was since I first met him,” I said to allay their fears. Though I didn’t want to tell them how. Cadoc and Rhian relaxed. They didn’t ask how. I hope their minds went to the magic. They understood that Gwen had the ability to use magic. I hoped they believed the same of me.

  Emlyn rose and drained the rest of his mug.

  “If you will excuse me, I need to clean the travel dust from me, and sleep for a few hours.” Cadoc and Rhian rose. Our meeting was over.

  “Mair,” Rhian said. “Will you sit with me tonight, after the meal?”

  “Of course,” I said.

  “If Gwen and Bleddyn report in, I’d like to be the first to know,” she said, and motioned toward the chairs in her parlour. “This is more private than the great hall. Let us sit here while we wait.”

  I agreed and turned to follow the others. Emlyn waited for me.

  “I would like to dance tonight, if you are of the same mind,” he said.

  I smiled my acceptance. Four days without real opponent for our sword dance seemed like an eternity. And, unless I was wrong, he and I would have a different type of dance together after our time on the field.

  “People here won’t think it odd we’re out in the middle of the night?” I asked.

  “Not at all,” he said. “When I returned after my time abroad, I brought back the schedule my teacher kept. I've been a night owl ever since and often run the meditations in the wee hours of the night. That’s why there are lamps and fire baskets around the field.”

  He stepped up close, and I rested my hand on his chest. The touch, even through the leather of his vest sent
a wave of joy through me. I had my head tilted up waiting, hoping…

  “I will try to awaken by midnight,” he said. “If not, please come find me. You know where my quarters are?” I nodded. He gave me one little twinge of a smile. Then spun on his heel and left.

  13

  Secrets

  Rhian waited in her room as promised. After I closed the door, she invited me to sit, and pointed to a jug of wine and cups on her table. I shook my head.

  “Gwen checked in with me during dinner,” I said. “Nothing new, but I shared Emlyn’s news. Gwen said to tell you that Ruadh met them at the abbey and rode out with them. She said he’ll spend a few days in the borderlands since the full moon is upon us.”

  Lady Penllyn’s eyes slid off to the side for a second and then back at me. The hard edge of her persona intensified. Did I break a local custom I wasn’t aware of? Was she jealous of my skills with the blades, of how I connected with Emlyn? What was bothering her?

  “You said you already knew about our old bear,” her eyes probed my face as she commented. “Did Gwen tell you?”

  "No."

  "How, then?" Her voice was hard, but with inviting edge to it.

  My eyes shifted to the floor. This was the moment I dreaded. Did I dare trust Lady Penllyn? She could earn quite a bit of silver, and the friendship of a powerful guild with a great say in the workings of the Roman church. But, she must know something of Gwen's druid nature. By Rhian's own admission, she knew Ruadh was a shifter.

  Neither of them was mortal or normal. The Guilders would pay a stiff price for any of us. All three of us in one cantref, at the same time? What would they give if they suspected?

  Rhian wouldn’t be so daring, so cruel?