by Callie Kanno
Idris was surprised that she didn’t sound more bitter. If he had been in her situation, he would have had a hard time accepting it so calmly.
Arminell’s eyes became wistful. “My foster parents were part of the Nobility, but they endeavored to practice equality between the social classes. They worked alongside their tenants whenever possible, and they were kind to everyone they met.”
Idris finally understood why the queen had always been so kind to him, and why she seemed at home among the farmers of Rest Stone Valley.
“There was a family that farmed the land on which our estate sat. My father worked most often with them, and I was encouraged to join them whenever I could.” As the queen continued, she seemed lost in thought, almost as if she had forgotten that Idris was there at all. “My foster sibling and I were taught all of the things Nobles must know, but we also learned how to live like farmers.”
There was a pause laden with sorrow.
“There was a boy who belonged to that family. He was my friend from the time we were children, and he took it upon himself to teach me everything he knew. I saw him almost every day of the sixteen years I lived there, and the day before I was told my true identity he kissed me. He told me he loved me.”
Idris stared at the queen, astounded that she was sharing her past with him and feeling a sense of loss along with her. He never would have guessed that the graceful and refined wife of King Nikolas the Bold had ever loved a farmer.
“What happened to him?” Idris asked softly.
Arminell was startled by his question. She looked as though she had been talking to herself and was embarrassed to be overheard.
She cleared her throat and sat up straighter. “I do not know what happened to Zorin,” she said. “I assume he married a nice girl from the village and went on with his life.”
Queen Arminell stood and clasped her hands together. “Thank you for your company, Idris. And thank you for bringing us to your home.”
Idris also stood and bowed. “It is my honor, your majesty.”
She gracefully walked across the room and back into the bedroom where her daughter slept, closing the door gently behind her.
Idris stayed where he was, reflecting on all that the queen had said.
He supposed it was easy to idealize the life of a monarch—to focus on all their privileges and opportunities. He had never stopped to consider the sacrifices that went along with such a life. Queen Arminell had riches and attendants, and she had never gone without food or shelter. Yet she had been required to give up her love and the only family she had ever known.
Idris couldn’t help feeling that she had gotten the worse of that bargain.
The front door opened then and the other Royal Guards returned from their private meeting. Hildar and Farah went straight into the second bedroom, and Palti came over to sit next to Idris. He breathed a soft sigh and shook his head.
“It is difficult to see how much damage Savion has caused. Hildar’s memories are fragmented, and her emotional state is not helping the situation.”
Idris frowned. “Do you think it is possible that she is the traitor?”
Palti pressed his lips together. “I am afraid that it is possible, but there is no way we can know for sure.”
“Are the queen and princess safe?” asked Idris. “Do we need to move them somewhere else?”
Palti rubbed his hand across his eyes. “I do not know, Idris. Hildar is horrified by what happened, and she swears she will not allow it to recur. However, I am not certain how much control she maintains over her dagger.”
“It is unfortunate we are not in Marath where she could get better help,” Idris said.
“I could use Cowan’s wisdom,” Palti admitted, “but we shall have to make due without it for now.”
“What do you plan on doing?” Idris inquired.
“If Hildar is the traitor, changing locations will not make the queen and princess any more safe,” Palti pointed out. “We must first find a way to help Hildar regain control over herself.”
“How?”
“Hildar has always lived a life of privilege,” Palti explained. “She has had everything given to her, simply because of who she is. She took it for granted that Savion would give her what she needed because she is his master. It never occurred to her that he would try to overpower her.”
Idris indicated that he understood, and waited for Palti to go on.
“She needs to experience a different way of life,” Palti stated. “She needs to learn mastery over herself, and not just because she expects to be master. I believe she can learn that while we are here in Rest Stone Valley.”
“If she is willing,” Idris said dubiously.
“What do you mean?”
He gave a half shrug. “I just mean that Hildar does not seem to think much of farmers or this way of life. I have a hard time believing that she will be interested in learning anything here.”
Palti’s eyes were solemn. “Hildar has just been through a very frightening experience. No one feels the gravity of this situation more than she.”
“I know,” Idris said quickly. “I just think that she underestimates the value of simple folk.”
“Well,” Palti answered, “we will just have to teach her otherwise. Will you help me, Idris?”
The young man’s confidence in what he had been saying faltered. It was one thing to observe that Hildar didn’t appreciate what it meant to work for a living, but it was something else entirely to endeavor to change that. “What do you want me to do?”
“I want you to teach her how to work on a farm.”
Idris’s eyebrows shot up. “What?”
“Show her how to work,” Palti repeated. “Show her the value of sweat and struggle. Teach her how to leave behind the expectation that things will happen simply because she wants them to.”
“I do not think we will be here long enough for her to learn all of that,” Idris said wryly.
Palti chuckled. “Perhaps not. Still, I would like you to try. Hildar’s journey will be a long one, but the sooner she begins, the better.”
Idris still felt uneasy. “I do not know if it is safe for her to work with my family.”
Palti inclined his head. “I understand your hesitation, but I do not feel they are in danger from Hildar. As long as we do not do anything that requires her to use her dagger, there is no reason to think that it will have the opportunity to take over again.”
Idris wished he felt as certain as Palti, but he agreed all the same. “First thing tomorrow?”
The Royal Guard nodded. “Yes.”
“Would you like me to take the first watch?” offered Idris.
Palti smiled. “Thank you, duwado. I would appreciate some sleep.”
As he kept watch, Idris thought over what Palti had said. There was plenty to do on a farm, even during the winter. However, not all of those things could be done by someone without any experience. Hildar was just as likely to hinder as to help.
Even so, Idris understood what Palti wanted Hildar to learn. They were principles that every child in Rest Stone Valley had to learn at some point in time—usually at a young age. He didn’t relish the thought of teaching them to Hildar, though.
Idris built a fire in the hearth to chase away the winter cold and keep the others warm as they slept. After he was finished, Idris sat down again and placed his partisan across his lap.
“If you were Hildar, would you listen to me?” he murmured, not really expecting an answer.
No, Iona said truthfully, but Hildar may be wiser than I.
Chapter Thirty-One: Farmers and Nobles
Idris awoke early the next morning when his hammock began to swing. He felt two little hands push him again.
“Wake up, Idris!” Princess Zorina gave him another push. “I want to see the farm animals.”
He opened his eyes groggily and was momentarily confused how he had gotten in his grandfather’s old cottage.
“Good mor
ning, your highness,” he yawned.
“I am not a princess here,” Zorina declared. “I am a farm girl, and I want to see my animals.”
Idris couldn’t help grinning as he carefully climbed out of the hammock. “Is that a fact?”
The little girl put her hands on her hips. “Yes, it is.”
“Well, farm girl,” he said as he pulled on his boots, “I think we need to eat breakfast before we start on our work.”
“That is a good idea,” Queen Arminell agreed as she entered the living room. “Is there a fire lit in the kitchen, or shall I make due without?”
There was something about the queen offering to make them breakfast that made Idris grin in a very informal way.
“Oh, no,” he cautioned. “If I know my mother, she has been up for hours preparing a feast for us. She would never forgive me if I did not take you over to the house for the meal.”
As if on cue, a knock sounded at the front door. Idris crossed to open it and found his sister Elain standing on the other side.
She curtsied respectfully and addressed the queen. “If it would please your majesty, my mother has prepared a morning meal and would like to invite you to join us.”
Queen Arminell inclined her head. “We would be happy to.”
Everyone prepared to exit the cottage, and Idris saw Hildar for the first time since the previous night. Her face was pale and drawn, and she looked as though she hadn’t slept at all. With her farmer’s clothing and her hair tied back, Hildar appeared more vulnerable and forlorn than Idris could remember. Her dagger was still worn on her hip, but he noticed that she was careful not to touch it.
The trust between them has been broken, Iona observed, and it may never be regained.
Idris wanted to say something comforting to Hildar, but her eyes hardened when she saw him approaching. She purposefully turned away and acted like he wasn’t there.
Idris breathed a quiet sigh and moved to stand by Elain until everyone was ready to go.
The group walked over together. When they arrived, Idris saw that his father had cleared out the living room and set up the long table that they used during large family gatherings. Several nervous glances were directed at Hildar from Idris’s family, but they treated her with respect. Hildar acted as though she didn’t notice, but Idris could see by her expression that she did.
Cadell ushered the queen to a seat at the head of the table, and Zorina sat at her right.
“I want Idris to sit by me,” the princess demanded.
Adwen, who was farther down the table, protested. “No, I want Idris to sit by me.”
“He is my Guard,” Zorina insisted. “He has to stay by me to keep me safe.”
“But he is my brother,” Adwen said, as if that settled the matter.
“My brothers never want to sit by me,” the princess said forcefully, “so maybe Idris does not want to sit by you.”
“Idris loves me,” Adwen argued hotly. “He wants to sit by me.”
“Zorina,” the queen said gently, “mind your manners. We are guests here.”
“But, Mommy,” Zorina cried, “Idris keeps me safe!”
Adwen turned her big brown eyes to Idris and put on her most pleading expression. “Please sit by me, Idris. I love you more!”
Idris couldn’t help bursting out laughing. “I have never been so popular.”
Prydwen swept in from the kitchen and solved the matter by changing Adwen to a seat on the other side of Idris. Both girls looked extremely satisfied and occasionally shot each other smug glances.
Breakfast was a feast, indeed. Prydwen had made enough food to feed twice their number, and Idris noticed his brothers gleefully eating to their hearts’ content. There were breads and jams and eggs and sausages. There was porridge, preserved fruit, fresh milk, juice, hotcakes, cheese pastries, and even the vegetable broth that his grandmother had been known for making.
Idris ate until his stomach ached. He hadn’t realized how much he had missed his mother’s cooking.
“I like this better than the food at the palace,” Zorina decided.
Queen Arminell smiled at her daughter and then looked meaningfully at Prydwen. “As do I.”
Idris’s mother blushed and looked extremely pleased.
Finally, Cadell stood and called to his sons. “Alright, that is enough, boys. If you eat any more you will not be able to move. We have work to do, so let us get to it.”
Idris automatically stood with his brothers, but Cadell waved him off. “You have other duties that are more important.”
“I want to see the animals,” Zorina reminded everyone.
“And so you shall,” Idris said with a grin. “Come along, Hildar. Let us accompany this farm girl to see the animals.”
Hildar was still looking pale and exhausted, and she had hardly eaten anything. Even so, she did an admirable job mustering a scowl for Idris.
“I do not think her highness needs both of us to go with her.”
“Go with them,” Palti encouraged. “It will do you good.”
Hildar didn’t argue anymore, but she continued to look displeased. They put on their warm winter cloaks and the three of them walked out to the barn.
Idris’s family owned a variety of livestock, and the care of the animals took work all year round. There were two cows—each with a calf—four goats, one pig, a couple dozen chickens, and two barn cats.
Zorina was in raptures over the calves, and she ran to the nearest one to pet it.
“Be careful, your highness,” Hildar called in alarm. “It might bite you.”
Idris’s brothers all exchanged amused glances, and Idris had to fight to keep the smile from his face.
“Our cows are very gentle,” he assured her. “The princess is perfectly safe.”
“As long as you are here, Idris,” his father said, “why not pitch down some hay for the cows?”
“Of course,” Idris replied.
He was just starting up the ladder to the hayloft when he saw Adwen walking toward the hen house with a basket and a sulky expression. An idea crossed his mind, and he took a moment to consider it.
Idris admitted to himself that he was scared by what had happened to Hildar the night before, and he didn’t like the idea of her being near his family. That being said, he also trusted Palti’s judgment. The senior Royal Guard said it was safe for Hildar to be on the farm, and so Idris felt that he should act as though that were true.
He called to his sister. “Adwen, come here.”
She diverted from her course and skipped gladly over to him, clearly happy for the distraction. “What is it?”
“Why not take Hildar with you to gather eggs?” he suggested. “She has never done it before, and you can show her how.”
Idris glanced over at Hildar. Her scowl had become even more pronounced.
“Why are you trying to put me to work?” she demanded.
Idris gave a careless shrug. “Many hands make light work,” he quoted.
Adwen was thrilled with the idea of having someone to gather eggs with her, and didn’t seem to connect the events of the previous night to Hildar.
She grabbed Hildar’s hand and led her away. As they departed, Idris could hear Adwen’s loud question, “Have you really never gathered eggs before?”
Idris chuckled as he climbed up the ladder. When he reached the top he looked back and saw that Zorina had followed him. He offered his hand and helped her into the hay loft.
“The cats tend to sleep over in that corner,” he said, pointing.
Zorina clapped her hands in delight and waded through the hay to search for the furry creatures.
Idris picked up the pitchfork and set to work scooping up hay and tossing it down to the cows below. He could see Deri milking one of the cows and Rolant tending to the goats. His father and Osian were working together to mend some of the farming equipment that was used during the warmer months.
Glad to be home? Iona asked him.
I
dris could feel a bubble of happiness swelling in his chest. He was more content than he had been in a long time.
Yes, he answered. I am very glad.
Idris glanced over to check on Zorina. She had located one of the cats and was ignoring its protests as she cuddled it close. He laughed and turned his eyes back to his family working below.
Rolant paused to look up, meeting Idris’s gaze.
“Is it hard to work with that spear on your back?” he asked.
“She is a partisan, not a spear,” Idris corrected automatically. “It was very hard at first, but I have gotten used to it now.”
“What is the difference between a spear and a partisan?” Deri inquired.
“The length of the shaft,” Idris explained, “and the shape of the head. A partisan has a head that is more like a blade, whereas a spear is a simple point.”
Rolant looked at the partisan admiringly. “Why do you keep it covered up? It looks so pretty with its jewels and gold.”
Osian answered for Idris. “They are trying not to draw attention to themselves, mud ears.”
Idris’s youngest brother looked affronted.
“I do not have mud in my ears,” he argued. “I was listening, I just forgot.”
“Boys,” Cadell warned quietly.
That single word was enough to stop the fight before it really began.
“What have you learned so far as a soldier?” Deri asked, changing the subject.
Idris thought. It felt like he’d learned so much in the months he’d been gone. “How to fight without weapons,” he began, “starting with how to use a sword and a polearm. Next we will be learning how to use a bow and arrow. We are also being taught basic healing techniques, just in case we need to help our fellow soldiers.”
Cadell grunted. “Well, at least you have learned one useful thing.”
Idris smiled down at his father, but didn’t say anything. Zorina’s little voice piped up from the corner of the hay loft.