The Shewstone

by Jane Fletcher

  A roll, and Eawynn lay on top, pressing Matt into the bedding. From neck to ankle, they touched, skin on skin. Matt’s hands slid from the flat plains of Eawynn’s shoulder blades, down the sharply defined column of her spine, and over the soft, smooth rounds below. She returned to Eawynn’s head, sliding her fingers through hair, applying gentle pressure to guide the small movements as they kissed.

  The need for release was building in Matt, but she would force herself to wait, just a little longer. She shifted free from the weight on top of her and pressed Eawynn back onto the bed. With the lightest finger pressure, she traced patterns over Eawynn’s breasts and stomach, and then farther down. Starting at Eawynn’s hip, she followed the line between body and thigh.

  “Open your legs.”

  Eawynn’s knees parted, and Matt’s hand completed its journey. Eawynn was wet, and warm, and ready. Matt entered her with two fingers, while her thumb rubbed gently where it was needed, taking her timing from the gasped breaths. Eawynn was very close to the edge.

  All the while, Matt stared at her face. Later, there would be time for tongues, and the more inventive games lovers could play, but this first time, she wanted to watch Eawynn’s face as she came.

  *

  The stars were out. Eawynn sat on the foredeck with Matt’s arms around her. As further protection against the night wind, they were wrapped in a blanket. She leaned her head into the hollow of Matt’s neck. Had she ever felt so totally happy? Matt caught hold of her hand, interlacing their fingers.

  Eawynn snuggled deeper into Matt’s arms. “Of course, I reserve the right to hate you again, if you do something to upset me.”

  “If I do anything to upset you, I’ll be hating myself.”

  “You can be irritating.”

  “Pot, meet kettle.”

  Eawynn gave a dig with her elbow.

  “Ouch.” Matt brushed a kiss across her cheek.

  “Is it silly to worry about the future?”

  “Yes. But if you can stop yourself doing it you’ll be in a group of one.”

  “So what do you think?”

  “We’ll have a lot of fun on the boat, until we get to Fortaine. Once there, we’ll work out how to get into the temple and free the sylph. Then, when that’s over, we’ll see how long we can go before one of us wants to kill the other.”

  “You think we’ll last all the way to Fortaine?”

  “I’m an optimist.” Matt was laughing as she spoke.

  The moon would not rise until dawn. Nothing challenged the array of stars carpeting the black velvet sky. The world was beautiful. She would free the sylph to enjoy its glory again.

  “I need to read more of the book. I have to find the words to open the Shewstone safely.”

  “I promise to let you have some time to read.” Matt nibbled gently on her neck, making it clear what she proposed doing the rest of the time.

  Eawynn felt her insides flip and moved her neck away. “That tickles.”

  Matt left off nibbling. For a while they watched the stars in silence, and then Matt asked, “If the sylph was captured in Fortaine, how come the information ended up in a book in Cyningesburg?”

  “From what I’ve read so far, Rihtcynn mystics discovered how to contact the otherworld centuries ago, but decided it was too dangerous. The temples banned its study. There’s even talk of a prophesy that if they stirred things up, it would lead to the end of the empire.”

  “An easy bit of fortune telling, when you’ve got hindsight.”

  “Anyway, a cult started, with cells across the empire, mainly in cities. They thought the rule was just cowardice. They tried to capture a sylph in Cyningesburg, but failed. Obviously, the cultists in Fortaine were more successful. But then the river changed course, and it all fell apart.”

  Matt rested her chin on Eawynn’s shoulder. “A month ago, I’d have said it was coincidence, but having seen a demon, could someone have done something stupid?”

  “You mean, the prophesy wasn’t just hindsight?”

  “Maybe.”

  In which case, although the cultists might not have intended it, they had done the subject races a huge favour. Whatever benefits the Rihtcynn Empire had brought in the past, the world was better off now without it. She and Matt had just performed a similar role and saved countless thousands of people from decades of misery. But it was not going to put any beans on their table.

  “After we’ve freed the sylph, do you think I’ll be able to get work as a scribe in Fortaine?”

  “Probably, if you want to.”

  “I need something to live on.”

  “Money won’t be a problem.”

  “Maybe not for you. I won’t be happy about it.”

  “Because it’s stolen?” Matt squeezed her again. “When we get back, I’ll have some family issues to sort out. After that’s done, how about if I promise to only steal from bad people in future? It won’t be hard. There’s plenty of them about.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Redoubtable Sister Door-warden was still guarding the atrium door. She jumped up when Matt approached. “Madam Hilda. We hadn’t expected to see you again so soon.”

  Matt affected a confused frown. “Didn’t you get my letter?”

  “Letter? No, I don’t think so.”

  “Oh dear.” Matt gestured to the young man who was carrying her bags. “It’s all right, you can put them down.” She turned back. “I need to finish off the last of the paperwork for my uncle’s affairs. I’d sent a letter ahead. I know it was short notice, but…” She bit her lip. “Do you know if there’s room in the hostel? I’d be most unhappy about taking lodgings at a tavern. Although I suppose…” She let her voice trail off.

  “I’ll see what can be done. Please, take my seat. I’ll send for Welcoming Sister Hosteller.”

  “Thank you.”

  Much bustling back and forth followed. Eventually, Welcoming Sister Hosteller appeared, with a junior priestess in tow. “A pleasure to see you again, Madam Hilda. I trust you’ve been keeping well.”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  “I believe you wish to stay with us.”

  “Just for a few nights.”

  Welcoming Sister Hosteller looked unhappy “We’re rather busy, what with the royal wedding.”

  “I understand.” Matt kept her fixed smile. Probably best not to admit she had no idea which royal was marrying who. Eawynn had said the hostel was never full. Typical bloody aristocrats to get in the way.

  “Um…we have a free room until the tournament starts. Would that suffice?”

  When was that? Matt hoped for the best. “Oh, that would be wonderful. I only expect to be here for two days.”

  Welcoming Sister Hosteller beamed. She had not been forced to say no to a guest. After Matt paid the porter, the priestess picked up the smaller of the bags, leaving the considerably larger one for her assistant. “Please, follow me.”

  Elbows by sides, small steps, squashed neck, and smile like an idiot. Matt had hoped she was done with the charade, but this time would not be for long. “Is all well at the temple? I recall a theft when I was here before. I pray there’s been no repeat.”

  “No. The temple has been quite secure, and we were fortunate to recover the stolen items.”

  “You were? Praise the goddess.”

  “Indeed, our lady Anberith did have a hand in it.”

  “How so?”

  Welcoming Sister Hosteller lowered her voice. “We didn’t say at the time, but the most valuable thing lost was the Shewstone. But Most Reverend Insightful Sister Oracle led prayers for its recovery and told us to have faith. And truly, Anberith came to our aid. On the full moon after you left, the Shewstone reappeared overnight, at the feet of the statue in the sanctuary.”

  “A miracle.” If anyone gave awards for acting, Matt reckoned she deserved one.

  “Exactly. The hand of our goddess at work.” They reached the hostel. “The room you stayed in before is in use, but you may have the
one at the end.”

  “A change of view is always nice.”

  Welcoming Sister Hosteller opened the door and handed over the bag she had been carrying. “You know the rules and running of the hostel. I hope you have a pleasant time here.”

  “I did last time, very much so.” Matt entered the room and then turned back. “Oh. One other thing. I’m expecting a clerk, a man, to visit tomorrow with confidential papers to sign. Will it be possible to make arrangements for me to see him in private?”

  “I’ll let Redoubtable Sister Door-warden know. I’m sure, depending on the time of day, either the schoolroom or the audience chamber can be made available.”

  “Thank you so much.”

  Matt closed the door after the priestesses left and smiled at the large bag the junior had dumped on the bed. Getting the Shewstone back into the temple had been even easier than taking it out.

  Her view from the window was at a different angle than before, but still showed nothing except the neat rows of vegetables in the kitchen garden. Matt stood a while, watching the shadows cast by the beanpoles lengthen.

  She had timed her arrival to miss the evening meal. Not only was food at The Jolly Wagoner better, but Matt would rather avoid the ordeal of keeping a simpering smile in place, while sitting within arm’s reach of Most Repulsive Unsightly Sister Orifice. Matt had disliked the woman enough on her own account. Now she had the anger over the stripes on Eawynn’s back to stoke the heat.

  Just before sunset, the temple bell rang for yet another ceremony. The timing was perfect, late enough for poor light, but not so late as to be suspicious. Partly out of habit, Matt wanted to move the Shewstone. She transferred it to the smaller bag, the one that nestled in the small of her back, and pulled a cloak around her shoulders. Matt could think of no reason why anyone might search her room, but life in the sisterhood was dull. Who knew what the junior priestess who cleaned the room might do for entertainment? Safer if there was nothing out of the ordinary to find.

  According to Eawynn, the Whatsit of Thingumy Day’s End was one of the less well attended ceremonies, depending on how it conflicted with the tides. There was a chance of meeting a roving priestess. Matt covered the short distance at her best stately pace, keeping her head down and her hands clasped in front of her stomach. It looked reflective, and meant her elbows held the cloak open so it billowed behind her, just in case anyone was watching.

  The platform under the statue had worked well as a hiding place before, and she intended to use it again. However, as Matt approached the shrine door, a priestess appeared from the other direction.

  Unsightly Sister Orifice gave a manifestly insincere smile which got nowhere close to her eyes. “Madam Hilda. I heard you were with us again. I hope concluding your late uncle’s affairs has proved beneficial.” She still had not given up dreams of a donation to temple funds.

  “We’ve managed to compensate most of his creditors. I’m sure his soul will sleep more easily.”

  “So we must pray.” The smile became icy. Even the most determined beggar has to accept a no sometimes. “You didn’t wish to join in the worship?”

  “I’m tired from my journey. But I look forward to it tomorrow.”

  A frown appeared on the priestess’s face. So what are you doing, wandering around? She was clearly trying to think of a subtler way to phrase it.

  Matt saved her the bother. “I was hoping to borrow a book from the library to help me relax.”

  “Studious Sister Librarian will be in the sanctuary, but once she returns, I’m sure she’ll be able to pick something suitable for you.” She was as patronising as ever.

  Matt forced herself to smile, remembering a book Eawynn had spoken about. “I understand you have a copy of Wilfrid’s Rise and Fall of the Rihtcynn Empire. I’m hoping to see it.”

  “But that’s written in…”

  Something even an arrogant arsehole like you can’t read. Of course, neither could Matt, but that did not stop her enjoying the flabbergasted expression. Matt followed up by reciting one of the more elaborate Cynnreord phrases she had picked up in the slave camp.

  Unsightly Sister Orifice’s smile was decidedly sickly. She clearly had no idea what Matt had just said.

  “Beo gesund.” She slurred the good-bye and retreated through the shrine door.

  Matt sighed. An unnecessary risk, but she had been unable to resist, reckoning there was little chance the priestess would know Cynnreord for, Go fuck yourself with a battering ram, shit-face.

  Matt continued around the atrium. The shrine was no longer available as a hiding place. Luckily, the library really was her second choice, and as expected, this room was empty. A priestess should not be doing anything as trivial as reading when prayers were in progress.

  A row of bookshelves with scrollwork façades lined one wall. Matt pulled a chair over and climbed up. The ornate carving at the front rose considerably higher than the flat top of the case it was attached to. Easily high enough to hide a six-inch orb from anyone at ground level, and the thick dust showed it had not been cleaned for decades. Matt placed the Shewstone behind the highest section on the central cabinet. Eawynn had said they would need to visit the library tomorrow, so picking up the Shewstone would not require a detour.

  There was just one more thing Matt wanted to do while the temple grounds were relatively priestess-free. The laundry was conveniently located alongside the hostel. This was another place where no priestess should be during a ceremony.

  The room was cold and damp, with whitewashed stone walls and floor, and a water trough taking up all of one wall. Three huge wicker baskets for soiled clothes stood close by the entrance. Matt shut the door behind her and lifted the first lid. This was almost too easy. She grabbed what she needed, stuffed it in her bag, and left.

  *

  Eawynn resisted the urge to check whether her beard was still in place. Even if it was askew, the last thing she wanted was to draw attention to it.

  “I’m here to see Madam Hilda of Gimount.” Eawynn tried to make her voice as deep as possible, but feared it only made her sound as if she was suffering from a cold.

  “Oh yes, she’s expecting you.”

  Redoubtable Sister Door-warden clearly saw nothing wrong. Her face held not the slightest hint of recognition. As Matt had assured Eawynn the day before, most people were very unobservant. Few would look beyond a beard and a change of clothing. A hat and a fresh application of the dye to skin and hair completed Eawynn’s disguise.

  The priestess slipped off her stone bench. “Follow me.”

  “Thank you.”

  “It’s nice to see a new face in the temple. Do you attend the ceremonies often?”

  “When I can.”

  “I’m always there, you know. I’m a member of the choir.”

  Something was wrong with Redoubtable Sister Door-warden. Her voice was a full octave higher than normal, and her shoulders wobbled back and forth as she strutted around the atrium. It was only after she threw a third bright smile over her shoulder that the stunning realisation hit. She’s trying to flirt with me. Eawynn nearly choked.

  “Are you all right?” Redoubtable Sister Door-warden put her hand on Eawynn’s arm.

  “I’ll be fine.” If I don’t pee myself.

  They stopped outside the audience chamber, and the priestess pushed open the door. “If you go in and wait, I’ll make sure Madam Hilda knows you’re here.”

  “Thank you.”

  Redoubtable Sister Door-warden replied with a girlish giggle. I really didn’t need to hear that. Eawynn had a moment of dread when she thought she was about to be followed into the room and accosted. However, the simpering priestess only gave one last coy twitch of her shoulders and closed the door.

  Eawynn collapsed on a chair—the same chair her father had sat on years before, when he gave her to the temple. Who would have guessed how life would turn out, for either of them? What would she say to her father, if they could meet? Or Hattie? Was the o
ld cook still alive? Once the undertaking with the Shewstone was finished, Eawynn could go wherever she wanted. What was the likelihood she would be able to track down Hattie, or even her mother?

  The door opened. “I’ll be waiting out here.” Redoubtable Sister Door-warden’s voice had returned to its normal pitch.

  Eawynn stood as Matt minced into the room. There was no other way to describe the way she was walking. Did it look as ridiculous as that before, when she was playing the part? Eawynn struggled with her memories. Was it just because she had got to know Matt so much better? Once the door closed, the grin was pure Matt. She wrapped her arms around Eawynn and kissed her soundly.

  “Yep. I definitely prefer you without a beard.” Matt spoke softly enough not to be overheard from outside the room. Redoubtable Sister Door-warden would be on guard.

  “I’m not wild about it either.”

  “Everything went all right?”

  “Fine.”

  Already, Matt was stripping off her clothes. Eawynn unlaced her boots, then dropped her leggings and tugged the shirt and jerkin over her head. Matt stared at her with clear intent in her eyes.

  “Stop that. We don’t have time.”

  “I know.” Matt gave a dramatic sigh and handed over the dress.

  Within minutes, they had swapped clothes, including changing the clerk’s hat for Hilda’s wig. Eawynn helped smooth down the edges of the false beard. She suspected Matt made a better boy than she did. Would Redoubtable Sister Door-warden notice the difference?

  “How do I look?”

  “Strangely appealing.”

  Matt pouted and then pulled her in for another searching kiss.

  “Fair enough. You’re right. It’s better without the beard.”

  “Told you so.” Matt released her and went to the door. “I was given the room at the far end of the corridor.”

  “Right. Oh, and before you go, I should warn you.”

  “What?”

  “Don’t let Redoubtable Sister Door-warden get you alone.”