On his way to the conference chamber he decided how he might make Sinnath squirm. He would let the council know he had met with Liethis. But he would need to take great care just how he presented what she had revealed, and how much. As the others filed in and took their places, he still had not decided exactly what he would say.
When they had all taken their seats, Gaelen rose to get their attention. “Friends, I have just come from meeting with Liethis. I sent for her as soon as we returned to Bargia.” He paused and looked at each man at the table as if looking for a sign. No one spoke. All eyes remained on him, silent.
“What she tells me may come to Bargia is never certain. Liethis is always the first to warn us that Earth’s sendings can change. Yet, there is that which has already passed that makes me heartsore … and against which I must act. I need your assistance in this. Liethis senses a traitor in our very midst … possibly in this very room.” He looked around pointedly again. “She tells me this same man was behind the abduction of my lady’s maid. You all know that my father trusted each of you completely. It grieves me to think that I must now beware, lest one of you have turned against Bargia. I can only hope that the traitor is outside this inner council. Yet, Liethis tells me he is very close. She could not identify him, but did say that the future of Bargia hangs on our actions.” Gaelen paused to search the face of each man again.
“If I am to succeed in holding both this demesne and Catania, I need a council and a court I can trust. I rely on all of you to assist in unmasking this man, so that the threat may be swiftly dealt with. With preparations underway for Summer Festival, activity in the city has increased. This makes it harder to note anything out of the ordinary. But the festivities must go forward as usual. Bargia needs a celebration after the war. We still grieve our losses too keenly. Victory alone is not enough. The only noticeable action I will take is the guard on my lady and her maid. The people will understand this in light of the tales of the attack on us.” He rubbed his hand across his eyes and sat down heavily.
Shock held the room in silence for a moment. Then they tumbled over each other declaring their loyalty and erupting in questions. Gaelen let them flow over each other without interruption. Nothing could be gained from his direction. This must play itself out. After what he deemed long enough, Gaelen deliberately left, hoping his absence would allow the men to speak more freely.
He headed immediately for the garden where presumed he would find Marja.
~45~
A SECRET
Though she understood the reasons for it, .Marja chafed at the restrictions of her constant guard and limited mobility. Preparations for Summer Festival proceeded apace, and she wanted desperately to participate. This was her new home, and she, its new lady. That meant that she ought to be in charge of planning the decorations in the castle, deciding the menus for the banquet and seeing to the distribution of small tokens to the people. Yet, she could only collect greenery from her garden, plait ribbons into them and hang them about their chambers and open areas within the castle. And all while two guards and other hidden presences dogged her steps and watched her every move. Well, at least she could get to know the kitchen staff and discuss the menus with them. How she longed to take her mare, Keisha, and ride into the countryside, collecting wildflowers and meeting the locals. “Drat, drat and drat again,” she muttered under her breath.
Marja felt impatient with having Brensa hover so close. She knew that Brensa, for one, was pleased that their movements were restricted, and that they remained under heavy guard. She had confided that she felt a measure of safety in this small garden. She could relax here just a little. Besides, she told Marja, she enjoyed making flower garlands, a peaceful, creative activity that did not demand too much from her physically while she regained her strength.
Brensa caught Marja’s eyes and smiled shyly. “When will you tell him, do you think?” Then she blushed. “Perhaps it is not my place to ask, my lady. Forgive me if I am too forward.”
The reminder of her pregnancy made Marja forget her frustrations for a moment, and she smiled kindly at Brensa. “Of course you are forgiven, Brensa. Who else can I speak of this with? You are my only friend here.” Then she sobered. “Do you think it is too early? I see the signs, now that you told me what Klast said. I had thought they were caused by the ordeals we experienced. I am overjoyed to stand corrected.” She had to grin at her own delight then.
“Oh, my lady, do tell him. Surely he is in need of joyful news, too. These times are difficult for Lord Gaelen as well.”
Brensa looked so earnest that Marja laughed. “You are right, Brensa. Lord Gaelen needs good news. I shall tell him when next we find time alone together. He is so pressed, I see little of him.”
Brensa’s expression brightened, relieved. She lifted the garland in her hands. “The lord’s colours blend well with these daisies, do you not agree? The blue of Bargia is so pretty. Much easier to work with than the orange of Catania.” Her hand flew to her mouth in dismay at the reminder of what Marja had lost.
“It is all right, Brensa. I miss our old home and our friends.” Marja smiled. “But you are right. The blue definitely suits these flowers better than the orange.” Her smile turned mischievous. “And it certainly suits Lord Gaelen when he dons his formal dress, do you not agree?”
Brensa gave small, relieved smile. “Oh yes, my lady. He is most handsome in it.”
~46~
SECRET NO LONGER
Gaelen found Marja in the garden with Brensa, just as he had expected. He strode quickly over to her, and she rewarded him with a warm embrace. He noted that her colour had improved, probably due to relief in having Brensa back. Gaelen turned to Brensa and looked her over. “It is very good to have you among us once more, Brensa, and to see you recovering. I cannot tell you how it grieved me to have you go through such an ordeal. I trust Klast looked after you well?”
At Gaelen’s acknowledgement of her presence, Brensa seemed to shrink in on herself. Her fingers knotted nervously, and the garland she held crumpled in her tight grip. At the mention of Klast, her head came up and she looked Gaelen in the eye. “Yes, my lord. He saved me, nursed me when I would have died.” As Brensa realized her boldness, her eyes quickly dropped back to her twisting hands.
Gaelen answered kindly, “I am so pleased to have you back safely. Klast is the only one who could have restored you to us, and for that,we are most grateful. I owe him a good deal, and not only for your rescue.”
Brensa merely nodded, not lifting her head.
Marja joined in. “Brensa,” she said softly, “I would like a few moments with Lord Gaelen. Will you be all right alone in our chambers for a while?”
Brensa looked up timidly and nodded. Indicating the garland she asked, “Shall I take these with me?”
“That will be fine, thank you. We shall not be long. If you become frightened alone, you may come back.”
“I will be all right, my lady.” The words were brave but the tone not so convincing. Brensa gathered up the flowers and left Gaelen and Marja alone.
Marja looked suddenly shy, as though at a loss for words. This was a side of her that Gaelen had never seen. She had always appeared strong and confident, not like this blushing young maiden. Gaelen looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to speak.
Seeming to suddenly make up her mind, she reached for his hand and placed it on her belly, looking up to meet his eyes.
“Gaelen, I have wonderful news.” She smiled expectantly at him and waited for it to sink in.
Gaelen looked at the hand on Marja’s belly, then back at her face, a broad smile widening across his own. He reached his arms around her waist and drew her close. “This is indeed wonderful news.” He pulled his face back to look at her again, grinning. “Is it a boy or a girl?”
It was Marja’s turn to grin. “Yes,” she teased.
Gaelen laughed and hugged her tight. “Are you well, my love? Is all as it should be?”
; Marja gave a short, derisive snort and laughed. “All is unfortunately as it usually is. I want to sleep all the time, I am grumpy, I want to cry for no reason and I lose my breakfast to the privy every morning.” Then she sobered and looked at him again. “But it is good to know now why I feel as I do.” Her smile returned. “And that it will soon be better.”
She pulled away and looked at Gaelen seriously. “Gaelen, does Klast have the gift of seeing? He told Brensa I was with child when he rescued her. She claims that was how he convinced her I would still want her with me.”
Gaelen raised his eyebrows in surprise. “If he does, I know nothing of it … though he is canny. I sometimes wonder at his ability to judge people’s intentions and to find ways out of dangerous situations.” He continued thoughtfully. “They say there are men who have a small gift which comes upon them at unexpected times. Perhaps Klast is one of these. I wonder if he is aware of it himself? I wonder if I should speak to him about it … no, it may be best left as it is.”
Marja nodded distractedly. “Gaelen, Summer Festival is in two days. At home in Catania, I would have been riding in the hills, gathering greens and flowers to decorate the castle. I miss that sorely. It makes me homesick. And I need exercise. So does my mare. I want to take her out and acquaint myself with the countryside. I need to breathe, Gaelen. I know you want to keep me safe, especially now, but this confinement is driving me mad. I wish to take Brensa and ride outside the city. If you must increase the guard, then do so, but I truly need to ride.”
Before Gaelen had time to answer, another thought popped out. “And we need to find a good midwife. I will want to interview several to find one I trust and who has knowledge and experience. I will not have a surgeon. I will not trust a man with this. What can men know of childbirth? Midwives have borne their own and have seen many births.” Marja stopped and looked at him anxiously.
Gaelen decided to deal with the second request first. “I am certain there are excellent midwives who would serve well. There is no need to insist on a surgeon. I tend to mistrust them myself and prefer to go to a healer woman with my ailments. Their knowledge of herbs and medicinals seems more effective.” He stopped for a moment, stuck by an idea. “I wonder if Liethis might assist in choosing one.”
“Liethis, the seer you sent for?”
“Yes. She arrived early this afternoon. I have already spoken with her. She plans to remain here for Summer Festival. I would like you to meet her. I think you will find her very interesting.” He nodded, having made up his mind. “I will have her come to meet you tomorrow … and perhaps she will be able to say if it is safe for you to ride out.”
He regarded her closely as if making up his mind. “Marja, she has given me much to think on. I can only speak of this with you in strictest confidence, but I think it important for you to know. It will help you understand why I keep you under such strong guard. Do not even speak of it to Brensa.” He eyed her, waiting for agreement.
Marja nodded slowly, waiting for him to continue. When he did not, she answered, “You may depend on my silence.”
“Both Klast and Liethis have informed me that I have a traitor among my most trusted men. Liethis does not know his identity. Klast does because he overheard his name spoken by the men who took Brensa. You need to know his name so that you may be vigilant for your safety, since his first treasonous act was his attempt to remove you. The attack on our party was meant to take you, not Brensa. You probably already know this.”
Marja nodded.
Gaelen continued, “Though it will be much more difficult here, I fear he will make another attempt on your life. His identity has given me great cause for concern. I would have trusted him completely had I not the information Klast gave me.” Gaelen hesitated, rubbing his hand over his eyes.
Marja placed her hand on his arm in reassurance and waited silently a moment. When Gaelen did not continue she whispered, “Who is it, Gaelen? I swear it will not leave my lips.”
Gaelen’s answer was barely audible. “It is Sinnath.” He shook his head. He still could hardly believe it. “One of my father’s oldest and most trusted advisors. I have Klast looking for proof.” Gaelen sat down on the garden bench and sighed.
Marja sat beside him and wove her arm through his. “You will overcome this. He is the only one? Liethis does not see any others?” Gaelen shook his head. “Then he will be found out. And now our child will strengthen the union of our peoples. You will succeed … no, we will succeed, all of us together. If he is the only one, it means you have many who stand with you. Look to them.”
Gaelen tried his best to give a hopeful smile and squeezed her arm. Then he straightened and rose. “Will you see Liethis then? Tomorrow?”
“Certainly. Do you have time to have tea with me before you leave? Brensa could join us. She is afraid to be alone. I fear I have already left her overlong.”
Gaelen hesitated. There was so much that needed to be done. Then he made himself relax. This, too, was important. “Tea would be most welcome.”
Marja called to Brensa to have one of the guards send for the tea and invited her to rejoin them in the garden.
Over tea, Gaelen admired the women’s garlands. “How are the preparations for the Festival going?
“I have planned the menu with the cook, and the great hall is decorated. These garlands are for our chambers,” Marja told him.
During a lull, Brensa gathered her courage and inquired of Gaelen, “My lord, has there been word from Catania? Have you heard how Nellis and Mikost fare? Has she delivered her child?”
At Brensa’s anxious expression Marja’s face fell, and she looked guilty. “Oh, yes, my lord. What news of Catania? I have been remiss. Thank you for reminding me, Brensa.”
Gaelen shook his head. “None yet I fear. I expect a messenger soon. When he comes, I will be certain to inquire about your friends. Perhaps he will carry special messages for each of you. Of course, I have sent word to Argost of events here, since we arrived in Bargia.”
He gave the women what he hoped was an encouraging smile. “Soon we will have better news. It is too early to speak of the coming child, but I am certain your friends will welcome the announcement when we are able to tell them.”
Gaelen turned. “Brensa, I am aware that you already knew of this from Klast. I must demand that you speak of it to no one until I deem it safe.”
Brensa nodded. “Of course, my lord, I understand.” She looked pleased at being included in this important secret.
Gaelen stood. “Ladies, I regret I must leave you now. There is much that requires my attention.” He turned to Marja. “I will send for Liethis. Tomorrow I promise to give you an answer regarding riding out.” With that he gave her a quick, worried embrace and left.
~47~
LIETHIS SEES
Liethis arrived with a single guard as escort. Common belief held that to harm a seer would bring years of darkness and bad luck upon the people. No one wished to test that belief. Liethis thought it to be untrue, that Earth’s ways were inscrutable, but she did nothing to dispel the idea. It would be impossible to dissuade people, and the belief did no harm.
Liethis felt drawn to Marja immediately. She warmed to her calm demeanour, her clear, open gaze and welcoming smile.
The guard left her at the gate to the garden. The air was still quite warm for this late in the afternoon, so Marja led them to two small benches facing each other in a shaded corner. They provided comfort without shutting the women inside. The tea and cakes, along with some fresh new cheese she had ordered, arrived right behind Liethis.
Before they sat, Marja held out her hand. “Liethis, I am honoured to meet you. My lord speaks of you as a trusted friend and tells me he relies on your talents. Any friend of my lord is most welcome. It would please me if we should also become friends. Please, will you sit down?”
Liethis took the proffered hand and held it a moment, gathering impressions of this woman who had experienced so much in such a
short time. She sensed a mixture of warmth and coolness and a strong core that would not be easily bent. She felt decisiveness, well balanced by compassion. Yes, this woman must be kept safe. Gaelen would rely on her insight and strength in the trials to come.
Liethis smiled warmly at Marja in acknowledgement. “Thank you, my lady. I am confident it shall be so.” Then she turned her attention to Brensa.
Brensa had remained behind Marja, as became her position, but Liethis could sense the effort it took Brensa not to blurt out her own questions. Liethis reached around Marja and offered her hand to Brensa, who took it timidly and allowed herself to be drawn forward. As soon as she had, she relaxed noticeably. The sense of calm Liethis sent her put her at ease. The tension left Brensa’s shoulders and she met Liethis’ eyes with gratitude.
Liethis could feel turmoil emanating from Brensa. She knew what the girl had gone through and understood her need for reassurance. In spite of the girl’s fear, Liethis sensed a small gift of healing in Brensa’s hands. This would be useful during Marja’s pregnancy, as it would help her give comfort to her lady. In her turn, it would assist in Brensa’s own healing process, which Liethis saw would be long and difficult.
As Liethis looked into Brensa’s eyes, her foremost question came to her mind. There was a man she felt a connection to … yes, the man who had rescued her. The longing to know what might become of this attraction was so strong that Liethis could almost touch it, as though it were a physical thing. She sighed inwardly. She could not divine the outcome of this connection. Klast, too, had his demons to wrestle. Yet she sensed a thread there, still connecting the two.
Liethis kept Brensa’s hand in hers as she spoke. “Brensa, you will heal from the ordeal you have been through. It will not be easy, but you are stronger than you think. Your lady will need you during her pregnancy. You will be a comfort to each other.”
Liethis hesitated, still feeling the longing emanating from Brensa around Klast. “Brensa, I cannot be certain where the path leads with regard to Klast. That way is unclear. All I can say is that he cares for you and will never knowingly hurt you. He watches over you.”
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