by D. E. Morris
Jaryn wore his confusion openly, but when he looked to Killian, the other man gave a nod of agreement. At a loss, Jaryn could only give a small shrug. “All right, so long as you promise me you'll send word as soon as you've returned.”
His simple terms seemed to soften her some, for the harsh lines of her mouth loosened and her shoulders fell softly. “I will.” There was a tenderness with which she looked upon him that almost made him feel like she'd gotten away with something and knew it, and pitied him for being so gullible. “Thank you.” Glancing at Killian, she beckoned him forward. “Come quickly. I want to beat the snow.”
With no other words for anyone, Ashlynn turned on her heel and walked briskly from the room with Killian close behind. Luella stepped up beside Jaryn, her brows raised. “Well that is some progress. She cannot possibly hate him as deeply as you think if she would allow him to be the only one to accompany her into the woods.”
Jaryn shook his head, unconvinced. “You see progress, I see a lack of witnesses.” Luella giggled, but Jaryn remained stoic. “Have you any Volar here that may be available?”
“At least one, certainly.”
“Good. I would like to offer one of them a job.”
~*~*~*~
Killian and Ashlynn spoke not a word to one another as they strode through the castle halls. He stayed no more and no less than three steps behind her at all times and she kept her eyes forward. This time her route to the stables could be more direct. She didn't have to sneak around and steal through the shadows like a bandit. Still, she had lied to her husband about the reason for her journey after promising him only that morning that the lies would end. Had he been alone, she would have been more forthcoming with the truth.
“Your Majesty, if I may?”
Ashlynn slowed in her gait and paused, turning around. Killian had cleverly waited to say anything until the hall around them was clear. “If you are going to try to talk me out of going, you must have quite the high opinion of yourself as my husband attempted the same thing and that clearly did not work.”
Killian's expression was neutral, though he glanced left, down a branch of the hallway they traversed. “I was hoping you would allow me a moment to get my cloak. It is rather cold out this morning.”
“Oh.” Her chin lifted a little higher as though she could fake indifference to hide the embarrassment she felt at her assumption and rude words. “Yes, of course.” He gave a polite bow of his head before hastening away to his chambers. Once he had gone and Ashlynn was sure she was quite alone, she let out a puff of air and leaned against the wall, pressing her head back against the cold stone. Why did he incite such ire in her? She had hoped after last night that her defenses would be softened to him, yet her words came out so quickly and harshly that she was ashamed of herself. This was a moment she could add to the mental list of reasons as to why she owed him a great apology.
Boots echoed across stone, getting closer, and Ashlynn righted herself. When Killian rounded the corner, his heavy cloak of mottled fur fastened securely around his neck, he nodded to her and once more followed her as she walked. It wasn't until they were approaching the stables that she felt her walls of defense lower, even if only slightly.
At this time of day there were men milling about with much more frequency than the night before. Wheelbarrows were filled with piles of wood shavings, old hay, and manure as stable boys mucked out stalls. Other young men filled buckets with grain and feeder bags with meal, others still throwing fresh shavings onto the floors of the stalls. Seeing Ashlynn and Killian approaching, an older heavyset man with thinning shoulder-length blonde hair stepped out into the light. His clothing was of much better quality than that of a regular stablehand, and before Ashlynn could ask for his help, Killian stepped past her and clasped his forearm.
“Killian! Glad to see you made it back in one piece.”
“As am I.” Killian turned to look at Ashlynn, who looked at him with widened eyes. “Balien, may I introduce Her Majesty, High Queen Ashlynn of Siness.”
“Balien Whickham, Your Majesty. I am the Master of Horse here at Montania.” The man bowed respectfully. “Tales of your beauty do not do you justice.”
Ashlynn felt a smile spread across her lips. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Whickham.” She glanced at Killian. “You two know each other?”
“Only just,” said Whickham with a wave of his hand. “I was riding out yesterday to conduct some business and my travels took me part of the way along the same route as Killian. I will not bore you with the details, but suffice it to say that he is a good man to have with you in a pinch.”
Once more, her gaze slid to Killian for the quickest moment. “Indeed.”
“I can only assume you have come down here for a horse. I have quite a fine few I can suggest.”
“Actually,” said Ashlynn, “I already know which horse I would like to take, if he is available.”
Whickham cast an inquisitive glance at Killian, who gave no reaction. “Of course, Your Majesty. Lead the way.”
Knowing right where she was going, Ashlynn sidled past the two men and walked past stall after stall. She wasn't even halfway to her destination before Snow Steps stuck his head out of his door. He snorted and bobbed his head as if in greeting, making Ashlynn grin and quicken her step. “Good morning, my friend.” He stood perfectly still as she scratched his forehead between his eyes. “Would you like to take another walk with me?”
Whickham looked uncertain. “Are you sure you want...?” Killian touched his arm and gave a knowing shake of his head. It made Whickham shrug and take a breath. “I will have him saddled right away.”
Ashlynn had the grace to keep herself from giggling until she and Killian were well within the confines of the forest. When she felt she could hold it in no longer, she laughed and gave Snow Steps a pat of affection from her saddle. “Leave it to a man to think they know what is better for a woman than the woman would know herself.”
Killian, riding a spotted palfrey beside her, smirked to show his humor. “You enjoy making a fool of men.”
“You would be hard pressed to find a woman that does not share in that, whether they care to openly admit it or not.” Thinking more about the observation, Ashlynn gave a small shrug. “It is not so much about making a fool of anyone, if I am being honest. When someone, man or woman, thinks me incapable of something or not qualified enough, then I take great pleasure in proving them wrong. Your friend thought Snow Steps a bit too much for a high-born like me, I could see it in his face.”
“You cannot fault him for looking after your comfort. Most women would be annoyed with the way the horse steps so high, and his breed like to run swifter than the wind.”
Ashlynn smiled, wistful. “A passion which he and I share, yet he is gentle with me, almost as if he knows he needs to be.”
“Horses are much more intuitive than many give them credit for. I saw the way he nodded to you when you approached him. He recognized you and seemed to share your affections.”
There was a soft wonder on Ashlynn's face when she looked at Killian, making her seem girlish and less harsh than she had been. “Truly?”
Killian nodded. “Indeed. Like a dog has a favorite owner, so do horses bond with certain humans.”
“I shall be sad to leave him, I admit.” She ran her fingers through the horse's chestnut mane. “Siness has many fine horses, though none quite so gentle and powerful as this one.”
They rode on together in silence, side by side as equals. It was bright in the woods as the sun that filtered in through the knobby barren tree branches reflected off the snow and made the woods much less threatening and more calming than the previous night. Ashlynn enjoyed the slow gait at which they traversed and found herself feeling much lighter than she had in some time. Every now and then as she looked about, her gaze would fall on Killian. He was ever watchful, letting her take in their surroundings while he carefully searched for possible dangers.
With
the monastery in sight, she asked, “How is your arm? You were quite the warrior hero among the girls at court from what my ladies tell me.”
Instead of smirking or puffing out his chest with an inflated ego like a normal man might, Killian looked put off, a grimace turning down the corners of his lips. “The women here are different than those at Altaine. They only focus on the things they see and hear, and ignore what they feel. That is why Jessiah caused as much trouble as he did. I remember the smile my own brother had. It could charm the last coin from a beggar's purse.”
Ashlynn shrugged. “You have not seen much of Siness outside of Altaine. While I would like to boast of the intelligence of our women, I must admit that we have many a lofty thinker as well. I am simply much more scrupulous about who I allow residency at Altaine for long periods of time. Do not let that make you think ill of Luella, though. She chooses to surround herself with people who will tell her what she wishes to hear...what will keep her happy. It is how she lived her entire life. The war and everything that came along with it was a shock to her when she came to Siness. I do not fault her for the reign she holds right now, neither do I doubt that it will change. Tasarin will not let her stay so superficial and she will not wish to remain so aloof, either. She just needs a chance to grow.”
Looking sidelong at her, Killian asked, “And what of you? I have seen the men and women with whom you choose to keep company. They do their share of flattery as well as those here at Caedian court.”
Ashlynn pulled on the reins, slowing Snow Steps as they approached a slurry of snow and what she knew had only the night before been her attackers. Despite the scene at her feet, she gave Killian a half-smile. “I am still a woman, Killian. I enjoy compliments just as much as any other of my gender, but I also have a brain in my head. For too long women have been little more than accessories: pawns to be used and pieces to be traded for better terms and agreements between households. When I was still small I saw the injustice in that and knew it needed to be changed, though I admit it is hard to see much difference in the world.”
“You did change it.” There was respect in Killian's eyes as he looked at her, dismounting as she did to watch as she searched for something among the bloody remains. “Though your reign has not been a solitary one, your country knew you as its leader, its sole leader, before you were even crowned. The people accepted your chosen husband, but they look to you first in most situations. I have seen it.” When Ashlynn said nothing but looked down in thought, Killian shook his head. “Now there is a High Queen here in Caedia with no High King to rule over her and the same in Braemar. You are affecting change whether you recognize it or not.”
She hadn't realized how much she needed to hear that. Ever since her health had returned and her powers had not, Ashlynn had felt as though she had lost who she was. So much of the pride she'd had in herself was tied to the Elemental, as though without it she was just another woman. Every day she had people telling her how wonderful she was, how great, and all for her favor. Those closest to her, those who loved her saw the confident exterior she wished them to see, and doubtlessly felt she didn't need their praise or encouragement. Foolishly, Ashlynn told herself that she didn't need it, either. Hearing it now, however, from a man who appeared genuine enough, made her feel some of that old pride. Though her conscious reminded her that Jessiah had seemed genuine as well, there was another voice, a stronger voice, that reminded her that her intuition had told her straight from the beginning that he was not to be trusted. So far she hadn't really given Killian a chance to prove himself trustworthy. Until now.
“You have not asked me why we came here.” She eyed him, quirking her brow. “In fact, you hardly skipped a beat when I stopped my horse.”
“It is not my place to question you. I am only here to serve as protection, should you need it.”
His answer was disappointing. She had hoped for some sort of inquiry, even a guess, yet once again his lack of personality shone through. “How on earth has Rowan become such a lively little trickster with you watching over her? Have you no sense of humor, Killian, no sense of mischief at all? I have made you an accomplice to my deception and yet you do not so much as hint toward anything being amiss.”
The passion with which she spoke seemed to strike something within him, even if only a little, for he chuckled and shook his head, the edges of his eyes crinkling like they had the night before when he laughed. “I daresay that is her mother in her. Or Donnchadh. Lest you forget I am not her true father.”
“Still,” exclaimed Ashlynn in exasperation. “There is no need to be so serious all the time. Contrary to what you may have heard, I do know how to jest, you know.”
His smirk turned into a genuine smile. “That is not contrary to what I have heard at all.” The levity in his expression faded slowly, his brows coming together as sadness entered his gaze. “Rowan is a great source of joy for me and can always make me laugh and smile. Ever since she was given over to my care, I have loved her as though she were my own. Other parts of my life have not been so sweet.”
Ashlynn waited a moment to see if he would say any more. When the only sound was the hoot of a spotted owl on a tree branch above them, she realized the subject was closed. Snow was beginning to fall in fat, lazy flakes. The sun that had been keeping them warm had disappeared without her even realizing it. Any of her usual guard would suggest turning back, yet Killian remained silent and watchful.
“Do you see any defining marks among their clothing?”
Stooping, Killian was careful as he examined what had been left by the wolves and wild animals of the forest. “No crest, no flag...nothing to reveal their home kingdom or even if Caedia is their home country. Did any of them speak to you?”
She sighed, trying to recall the events of the attack. “Two of them did, at least, though I find it hard to recall any specific accent. I must say, Luella thinks these woods are safe and well patrolled, yet clearly they are not if these men found us and their bones still remain. Though I am sad Jaryn chose not to ride with me, it does spare me from having to explain these bodies away.” With the cold creeping in around them and her cloak only able to keep her so warm, Ashlynn was about to suggest turning back, but a question struck her. “I know you only returned to Montania yesterday, but several nights ago, quite a few within the castle as well as without fell into a sort of paralysis. There was a sound they heard that did it to them, I have been told, a sound none have heard since. Did you hear anything strange like a song on the wind during your travels here?”
Killian shook his head, his expression giving away nothing. “No, Your Majesty, I did not.” His brows twitched together. “This song...it immobilized people?”
“Sent them sprawling on their hands and knees, yes.”
His gaze fell to the ground. “Interesting.”
Watching him carefully, Ashlynn felt as though she could see his thoughts racing. Either he knew more than he was willing to share, or he, like her, could not ignore something that begged to be solved. “May I ask you a question?”
His attention lifted, confusion in his eyes for the quickest moment. “You need not ask my permission for that, Your Majesty. I will always answer anything you may wish to know with as much honesty as I can.”
“How many Elementals do you believe exist?”
“Six.”
“And do you believe any more ever existed outside of those six?”
Killian shook his head. “I have heard tales and songs of others, as many as six more, but I have never seen proof of their existence.” He looked as though he wanted to say more, but his lips stayed firmly together.
“What is it?” she pressed.
“Nothing, Your Majesty.” With a glance up through the trees, he fixed his attention on the dark clouds that were pressing in on them. “Perhaps it would be best if we turned back.”
Ashlynn couldn't quiet her defeated sigh. “You are probably right. Honestly, I do not even know what I was expecting to find here,
only that I wanted to see for myself if they showed a belonging to somewhere other than Caedia.”
Linking his fingers together to help Ashlynn up onto Snow Steps' saddle, Killian looked up at her. “You still fear an attack from Ibays.”
“I still fear an attack,” she corrected. Taking the reins, she turned her horse around and waited while Killian returned to his horse. “Whether it comes from Ibays or not matters little at this point, though having some time away from Altaine to think makes me wonder if I should try to reach out to Connor. He is only a boy, after all.”
“Do you forget he was amassing troops to invade Siness before winter began?”
It was impossible to forget. Donnchadh had threatened war the last time she had been in his presence and it seemed as though his son was determined to make good on his father's promise, yet all they had done was gather. They had come close to Siness in their warships, but canons were never fired and lives were never threatened. Perhaps he had wanted to appear menacing in hopes of keeping Siness from his own shores. Truthfully, it had worked and kept Ashlynn nervous all winter.
“The point is,” she answered eventually, “we must extend grace and forgiveness if we hope to receive it ourselves. Connor is new in his rule and he is still a child. He needs guidance; clearly, whatever the members of his council are whispering in his ear is not working if his own countrymen are fleeing.” Her eyes narrowed in thought. “Come, let's walk a bit faster.” She nudged Snow Steps forward with a click of her tongue, pushing his slow, casual steps into those with more purpose. She needed to speak with her husband, and she wanted to do it while all of her ideas were still fresh in her mind.
Chapter Seven
The first thing Ashlynn did when she was back within the castle walls of Montania was to find Luella and Tasarin. It took some searching since they were not together, but eventually she had them both in one of the smaller private sitting rooms. Here, she told them of her trip to the monastery and what she and Killian had found on their way. Luella was adamant that the woods were searched regularly, incensed that bandits had somehow slipped past her diligent guard. She offered Ashlynn an embarrassed apology and noted her luck at having come across them after they'd already been killed by wolves.