by Kara Griffin
That was the way of her siblings. They had a tolerant nature. Not only did they hold affection for each other, but they also cherished their friendships. Their banter and rapport came easy, given their restricted upbringing. Many of the young ones on their father’s lands were allowed to run and play until they reached the age where they’d be given duties.
Being the king’s children, they were forced to endure a more rigid existence. Her father believed learning was of the highest import and they were given duties earlier than most. The boys were sent to the woods to chop down trees, to the farm to plow fields, or to the barracks to train with spears. The girls were kept in the house and learned to weave fabrics, to the gardens to tend vegetables, and to the kitchens to learn to brew ales and meads, and make cheese.
Katriona turned and took Mali’s hand and almost lost her footing when her dog bounded from the carriage. “Oh no, Wynn has escaped. Raen, will you please get him?”
“Your dog is a pain in the arse,” he grumbled under his breath and waved a hand at two soldiers standing nearby. “See that the dog is found and returned. I wish Father never gave ye that beast or allowed him to come on this journey.”
“He’s just excited. Wynn is probably hunting for food. I’m certain he hasn’t gone far, but my thanks, brother, for having him fetched.”
Her sister linked her arm with hers. “Are you not too fearful to rest? I am. Who knows what your husband is like? We’re certain to be abused by the heathens.”
“Shush now. We don’t know what religious piety they have. Lest you forget before father converted us to Christianity, we were heathen as well. I just hope they still revere the old ways because I’m more a heathen than any.” Katriona thought her remark humorous. She pulled her sister along and laughed merrily at Mali’s appalled look.
“Do not jest, sister. Just because you revere the old ways…”
“I speak the truth, Mali. Until I learn what my husband’s devotion is, it is best to keep such things from him. And you should be fearful. Were you not the one who teased me unmercifully as children about dragons and how barbaric my betrothed was? ‘Tis your own fault for your fear. Cease or you’ll make my eyes tear from laughter.”
“Oh Lord, I had forgotten. Forgive me.” Mali turned and forced her to stop. “What if it’s true though? What if your husband is a dragon and changes when the moon lights the land? What if he breathes fire? He’ll scorch you for disobeying him.”
“Nonsense. None of that is true. Besides, I shall not disobey him.” How she managed to say that with a straight face, she’d never know.
Mali bent with laughter. “Oh aye, you shall challenge him even if you swear to be a dutiful, perfect wife. You cannot help yourself, sister.”
Katriona got a weird sense when the mark on her wrist burned. The leaf-shaped mark always burned or itched when something dreadful happened to someone nearby. As much as she wanted to ignore the call, she turned to assess the men. Agony overtook her senses. She held a hand up to indicate she needed a moment. Mali understood. Her wisdom hummed in her ears. Pain throbbed just above her foot and she huffed from it. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the suffering.
“I must go.”
“Wait, come back here,” Mali said, running after her.
“A man is hurt. I must warn him of the injury.” Katriona approached a group of men and reached the man she sought. “Your ankle…you’re in distress?”
The man, a low-ranking soldier in her father’s army, grimaced and nodded. “Aye, Milady, it’s been hurting all day. I wounded it early this morn, twisted it on a tree root.”
“Remove your boot and legging so I may view the damage.” He did as she bade, and she assessed the injury, noting the swelling and redness. “Be still.” Katriona rubbed her hands together effectuating a heat and placed her palms on the man’s naked ankle. “The warmth should soothe the pain for a short time. You must stay off your foot. Put this wrap,” she reached inside her satchel and pulled out a long thin strip, “around it. Keep it as still as possible for at least a fortnight. If you don’t, you will strain it further. It’s not broken, blessed you be. I shall send you a salve to help ease the pain.”
“It feels better already, Milady.”
Raen stood behind her and took her satchel. “Do as my sister says. You will be given a horse to ride for the rest of the journey.”
The soldier thanked her and did as she directed.
Her brother raised a brow. “It always amazes me…how you know. Come and get settled.”
Katriona followed her brother and sister and the further she got from the man, the more the pain eased from her wisdom. She detested the feelings she sometimes got, especially when the wound was grievous. Then it often took her breath away and usually the wisdom remained for a day or two.
Upon reaching the tent, Raen handed her satchel back and lifted the flap. “Rest well, sisters. I’ll see what I can do about retrieving Wynn.”
Katriona nodded and took a moment to gaze at the dimming sky. Night was upon them and soon it would be too dark to move about the camp. At least it wasn’t as cold as the previous nights.
Mali entered the tent and sat upon the soft bedding they’d share. “That man is fortunate you were nearby. Let us back to our discussion… You are being brave. I would be shaking were I you. You’re to wed the dragon king.”
Once she removed her boots, she grabbed her satchel and retrieved the container she kept her herbs in. She set the salve nearby to give to Raen when he brought Wynn back.
Katriona slid under the light cover and sighed. Travel made her weary, much more than any story her sister told her of the dragon king. “Honestly, will you cease with childish tales? I am looking forward to my wedding.”
Mali settled next to her and set her arm over her stomach. “That’s only because you’ve seen with your sight what’s to come. If I had your gift…”
Katriona smiled to herself. The only thing her night visions had shown her was the soft brown eyes and winsome smile of her betrothed. She didn’t discern his face or body. Yet his smile alone attested that she not fear him. The vision came so long ago and since she tried to evoke it again. Only strange visions came and those unaccountable. Fanciful dreams of flying beasts and their deafening screeches, and a man’s hand gently touching her face came upon her on more than one occurrence. What did it mean? Were her sister’s stories true?
“Let us sleep, Mali. Raen is sure to wake us at an unfortunate hour on the morrow.”
Wynn ran into the tent, circled twice before settling next to her. Her pet never strayed far and returned faster than she thought he would. She cherished her dog and petted him affectionately. Katriona closed her eyes and willed herself to sleep. Fortunately, no night visions came.
Someone poked her shoulder.
“Katriona, ‘tis time to go.”
She groaned at being awakened. “Oh, it’s morning already. Why did you not wake me sooner?” She gave a cross glance to her sister and shuffled to leave the bedding. “I wanted to take time to ready and mayhap bathe before I dressed. Tell Raen we will be a wee bit longer.”
“He won’t be pleased.” Mali disappeared through the tent flap with a grumble.
Wynn groaned when she gave him a small shove. “Come, my pet, we must rise.” He licked her face and almost knocked her over with his large body when he jumped from the bed. Katriona quickly collected the bedding and piled it near the exit. She grabbed the salve and pulled her cloak over her shoulders. Sewn inside the fabric were her most prized possessions: varied bird feathers, a small branch with bells, a crane pouch which held her runes, eggs that hardened and were unbreakable, and other medicinal gifts left for her by the Gods. The Gods’ protection assured, she went nowhere without her cloak.
After she was ready, she rushed outside, followed by Wynn, and in a sleepy haze looked to Raen for direction. She thrust the salve container at him and he took it. “For the soldier’s injury. Water…?”
“
Good morn to you too,” he said pleasantly and laughed.
“Which way?” she grumbled.
He pointed in the direction she should go. Katriona flung her satchel over her shoulder and rushed forth. Ahead through the low-lying brush, a burn meandered. The stream’s cold water instantly woke her when she collected handfuls to splash her face.
Wynn drank his fill and after caroused by the shallow water awaiting her.
Mali joined her and handed her a drying cloth. “This morn is not as cold. I filled a bowl of pottage for you. You can eat it in the carriage. We should have fair weather this day. Hopefully, the ride won’t be as bumpy. I’m gladdened the journey ends.”
“I am gladdened to see winter’s departure. Aye, and soon we will celebrate the spring festival. I must think of what I will sacrifice to Goddess Eostre. It must be something worthy so she will bless my marriage.” Katriona finished her morning toiletry and yanked off the overdress she’d worn the day before. She hastily donned a bright green dress with golden ties and pulled on the softest brown boots Mama made for her. She wanted to appear fetching for her husband.
As much as she’d miss home, she was excited to see Rhydderch again. From her childhood memories, she cherished their one and only encounter. Try as she might, she could no longer recall his face, but he’d been a lad and likely changed. He was now a man, one who hopefully had a good nature and was tolerant. And if the goddesses blessed her, he’d be handsome.
“Raen says you have a moment or two and then we must go.”
“I shall hurry. Help me with my hair.” Katriona retrieved her hair strings and handed them to her sister.
Mali clucked her tongue and quickly twisted her locks and had her hair secured. “You’re fortunate to have wavy locks. Aye, for mine are straight as a taut bow and with no appeal.”
She laughed at her sister’s comparison. “You are lovely, Mali. None have such dark, rich strands as yours. How you resemble Mama.”
“You jest, sister, for your waves are spun with gold and bounce with the breeze. Mine whips my face as if to punish me. All men want such a comely woman. What lass wouldn’t want to look akin?”
She hugged her sister close. “I shall miss you, you dingleberry.”
“And I’ll miss you, you tart, especially that winsome face. Who shall I tease? Raen is too sullen and doesn’t get my jests.”
Of all their siblings, Raen and Mali were the only unmarried who remained at home. Although, Raen bespoke of being interested in a woman that lived nearby. “We will send missives. Aye, and you will tell me all. Promise?”
“I shall. Now come along. All are ready and probably irked at our dallying. We delay them and Raen is anxious to get you delivered in one piece.” Mali linked her arm.
Katriona laughed. “That’s only because he has someone awaiting his return.”
Mali frowned and cast her eyes to the ground.
“Oh, I apologize. I didn’t mean…”
“I know you didn’t. It is not your fault my betrothed was killed. He died doing his duty.”
“You miss him. I understand. Why don’t you stay with me awhile? At least, until Halegmonath? Once winter comes around again, it shall be too cold to travel. We can spend the summer together.” Katriona hoped she’d agree.
“I will think about it. Let us go before Raen starts shouting. You know how temperamental he can be in the morning.”
They laughed as they exited the woodland. Wynn ran ahead of them and stopped before he reached the guard. He growled low in his throat, a sign of protection. She quickly grabbed his collar and prevented him from attacking the unfamiliar men who stood close. The soldiers swiftly surrounded her and Mali with their swords drawn and positioned to defend. She peered betwixt them and regarded the handful of intruders that faced her brother. Raen spoke with a tall man, but she couldn’t grasp any of their words. A moment later, Raen waved him forward.
Two of her father’s soldiers advanced and took hold of Wynn’s collar. Her pet whined and wanted release. Katriona’s knees shook. After envisioning this moment for so long, it was finally upon her. As soon as the king approached, she curtseyed and kept her eyes lowered until he gave her leave to rise.
“Princess, you are lovelier than I remembered.” The tall man knelt on one knee and set his hand over his heart. His gaze lingered and caused a shiver down her spine.
When she took a moment to look at him, she scowled. She didn’t mean to appear cross, but his manner wasn’t that of what she imagined. The man she thought to wed had kindness in his eyes, not dark penetrating depths that seemed to read her thoughts. He didn’t have soft brown eyes or a winsome smile. She barely saw his lips beneath the thickness of his beard. He extended his hand but his touch didn’t evoke the hopeful longing she’d had in her vision.
“I…I am…pleased to be here.”
He rose and bowed to her. “All will celebrate your arrival. Let us get you home.”
Katriona hastily turned and walked away. She entered the carriage and sat back. Her heart raced and beat frantically in her ears. She couldn’t say she was fearful. Yet her stomach twisted like a washrag. He was definitely not the lad…man she remembered.
Mali slid next to her on the carriage bench. “I deem a short visit might be in order given your reaction to him. He is rather dark and foreboding.”
She nodded but otherwise didn’t retort. Although, she was gladdened her sister decided to stay. More than that, she’d have an ally in an unknown land. Her reaction was oddly unnerving since she had nothing to compare him to.
The carriage door opened and Wynn trounced in. He sprawled on the floor and set his head atop her feet. She leaned to pat his head and was relieved she brought him. Albeit, she wouldn’t have left her pet behind and was gladdened Papa had put up little argument about it.
Throughout the rest of the morning, Katriona gazed through the window at the most enchanting land she’d ever seen. Besides the glens and lochs, beautiful prairies of fields stretched out. She leaned on the opening and thought she had entered the fairy folk’s land. A dense mist rolled atop nearby hills and appeared to creep down the slopes. It was magical and almost as if the fairies welcomed her. Her chest eased at the thought.
Sweet Goddess Freyja, please bless me.
The gravel road ended at a large wooden palisade that seemed to go on for miles. Banners waved in the slight breeze and newly sprung wildflowers speckled the dell leading toward the hamlet walls. The hamlet erected on the highest ground and boasted its turrets of stone left by the Romans. Twin gates stood at least twenty feet high and opened at the whistle of the king’s man-at-arms.
Their procession continued onward. Many long buildings situated inside the high walls and their edifices erected with wood and stone and the roofs thatched heavily. Cottages dotted the grassy areas and were many. How grand her new home appeared.
As soon as she stepped from the carriage a strange odor came. It wasn’t unpleasant, just unfamiliar. She wrinkled her nose trying to figure out what caused it. Two soldiers took Wynn and secured him. Her dog howled at being confined. Katriona patted his head to give reassurance it wouldn’t be for long.
Raen sidled next to her and took her elbow. “The fortification is well protected. That will relieve Father. You smell the salt, aye? ‘Tis the scent of the sea. They’re located close to the waters.”
“I should like to see these waters.” Being far from the sea, she’d never traveled close enough to the great water. She’d always longed to be near the waters for she’d heard many stories of the beauty, captivation, and dangers of the sea.
The king approached. “In good time, Princess. For now, let us get you settled. There will be a grand feast to celebrate the union and your arrival. By this eve you will be wed. Let us inside.” He tried to take her arm to guide her up the step, but she hung back and wouldn’t allow him.
Following inside the largest building, he led the way and didn’t remark on her rejection. Katriona wasn’t ready to rece
ive insight into his character. Her gift gave her the ability to sense one’s emotions or demeanor when she touched them. She was used to Mali and Raen’s emotions and manner, but she feared what she might learn of her future husband’s.
The king smiled and despite the kindness of his words, his eyes lingered again. She didn’t know why he made her uncomfortable, but his gaze wasn’t what she was used to. Mayhap she made more of his dawdled glance. He wasn’t a bad sort, especially when he smiled. Perhaps life wouldn’t be as discouraging with him as a husband. She had to have faith.
Sweet Goddess Freyja, bless me.
She bowed, and he left her upon entering the great hall. Katriona took time to study the chamber. The tables were lavishly decorated with sprigs of flowers and a good many bowls of fruits and other mysterious foodstuffs. The farthest wall lined with barrels likely filled with ale or wine. Given the number of barrels, the king expected many celebrants.
She realized the hall was prepared for the wedding feast. That thought brought forth a mire of emotions. Nerves had to be kept in control. She wouldn’t allow herself to appear unbecoming.
A dark-haired woman approached and her manner staid. She dressed in a richly colored red gown and her hair twisted and tied behind her neck and entwined with lavish ribbons fell to below her hip. Katriona remembered how grand the ladies dressed from their visit when she was a child. The memory had fixed itself, and Mama often remarked that their dress too lavish.
The woman’s blue eyes regarded her. “You have arrived I see. I will show you to a chamber where you can make ready. I hope you don’t intend to wear that hideous garment for the wedding. The ceremony will take place in a few hours when the priest arrives. Father Matthew will come right away at the king’s behest, but it will take time since he is journeying from afar. That should give you enough time to bathe and rest.”
Katriona pulled Mali along and followed the woman to the upper solar. The woman’s gruff manner finally forced her to submit to nerves. She was anxious enough about being in a new place and meeting new people. A cold shiver washed through her and her hands shook.