"Indeed."
"Then you'd best listen to me," Master Edling said. "If Wendel Volker and his Greatlanders have their way, our days of ruling here are over. Gone will be the days of fine eating and drinking. Can you picture yourself working the fields or gutting fish?"
"You've made your point. What is it you want?"
Master Edling smiled. With Beron on his side, he was closer to having a majority vote on the council. Endless deliberation and inconsistent alliances had already proven costly. If he'd had his way, Wendel Volker would already be dead, but others hadn't seen it that way, and his use of Premon Dalls had lost him favor. That would all end now. He was one step closer to regaining his power.
"I want you to talk to Jarvis and Humbry. See if you can get them to listen to reason."
Master Beron snorted. "You expect them to listen to me? They don't trust either of us, and they are terrified the Herald will return."
"I'll attend to the Volker girl. You talk to Jarvis and Humbry. I don't care what they believe; I expect you to convince them. Understand?"
"I understand."
* * *
Trying to think of what to say to her grandmother, Catrin clenched her jaw. While she hoped this day would be a new day for Lankland and Mundleboro alike, she knew it had the potential for disaster and ruin, and she could only pray those involved would recognize the uselessness of continued fighting.
Jharmin and his men broke camp and waited for Catrin and her party in a meadow. His guards unfurled his standard, and Catrin got a chill thinking about riding into Ravenhold under the Kyte sigil.
"Your mother would be proud," Benjin said as he helped load her packs and secure them behind her saddle.
"I'm doing my best, but I fear it won't be enough. The hatred between the Mangst and Kyte families has lasted for ages, how can I hope to undo it in a day?"
"You can't," Benjin said. "But you can take the first step. That's often the most difficult one. From there, momentum will carry you along."
In her new clothes, Catrin felt even more out of place. She had hoped to present an imposing image, but she feared she only made herself stand out. The leggings were comfortable but still needed to be broken in. Tossing her leg over her mount proved more difficult than she anticipated, and she suffered the embarrassment of having to try three times before she gained the saddle. With her staff resting in the heel Benjin attached to her stirrup, she rode comfortably.
No one spoke as they approached Ravenhold, but the view of her ancestral home was awe inspiring. Jharmin's face bore no expression, but Chase was clearly stunned by what he saw. He'd seen buildings that physically dominated the land, but Ravenhold seemed to be part of the surroundings, and the landscaping lent to the effect.
Lining the roadway that led to the imposing main entrance, guards stood at attention. Still as stones, they kept their eyes straight ahead, seemingly focused on nothing. Unnerved by the effect, Catrin would almost have preferred leers and catcalls. Atop the central stair, the Lady Mangst emerged, followed by a slip of a girl with fire in her eyes. In the moment Catrin saw her, she resented anyone who had said they looked alike. Lissa had a hard and self-righteous air about her, and the slanted sneer on her face appeared all too natural. Catrin's gut twisted when their eyes met; fury seared the air between them. Her grandmother stood serene and patient, apparently oblivious to the open hostility Lissa radiated.
Jharmin approached with his head high and his chest puffed out, but he managed not to look pompous or arrogant. It was a skill Catrin had to admire. He bowed to the Lady Mangst and Lissa. Catrin bowed as well, and Lissa's fury polluted the air; it washed over Catrin in waves as she straightened, and she tried not to snarl. So much raw emotion was difficult to suppress.
"Lord Kyte," the Lady Mangst said formally. "You are welcome in my home. I am grieved to hear of your grandfather's passing. You have my most sincere condolences."
In Jharmin's eyes and the heady mixture of emotions radiating from him, Catrin sensed a struggle. She assumed he was trying not to let his distrust of the Mangst name despoil this opportunity.
"Lady Mangst, I humbly accept your hospitality and your sentiment," Jharmin said, and he seemed almost sincere.
"Come. Let us feast."
Catrin walked alongside Jharmin. "Thank you," she said.
"It is not for you that I do this," he replied.
"Whatever the reason, I thank you," she said, and though he made no response, she sensed his guard drop just for a moment. It was a short walk to the banquet hall, and Catrin was amazed by what had been done in such a short time. Arrangements of fresh flowers adorned each table, and liveried servants stood ready with covered trays. Lissa was seated to her grandmother's right, and Jharmin sat to her left. Catrin took the seat next to him, and felt, once again, like an outsider within Ravenhold.
"It has been many years since this house hosted a member of the Kyte family," said the Lady Mangst. "It has been far too long. I welcome you, Jharmin Olif Kyte, and I thank you for the kindness you've shown my granddaughter." Catrin felt Lissa's glare. "You have shown great courage and humility in coming here. I commend you."
"I've postponed my journey home so that we might discuss the future. As Catrin has said, the time for fighting is past."
"Agreed."
"How, Lady Mangst, would you suggest we resolve the differences between our families?"
"Perhaps the Zjhon were right about one thing," the Lady Mangst replied. "Perhaps a marriage between our families is for the best." Lissa's face flushed, and she glared at anyone who met her gaze. "My granddaughter Lissa has reconsidered her refusal to marry. When it was the will of the Zjhon, she found this difficult to accept. Now she sees that it is simply the best thing for our people."
Lissa showed no enthusiasm for the prospect, but she did not voice any objections.
"Ah. So that is why you sent Catrin in her stead?"
"It is."
"Lady Lissa, I've not heard you say this is what you desire. Do you wish to see this marriage through?" he asked, and the Lady Mangst nodded to Lissa.
"Lord Kyte, it would be an honor to join your house," Lissa replied formally.
"I suppose you have no reason to desire me as a husband, but a bitter marriage is not something I seek. If you will not come to me of your own free will, then I suggest we look for some other way to resolve this conflict. Perhaps Catrin would have less aversion to marrying me?"
Catrin opened her mouth, but she could find no words. Lissa, though, did not give her the opportunity. "Forgive me, Lord Kyte. It has been a trying time."
"I understand, Lady Lissa. Catrin tells me you believe my family was responsible for the death of your mother. I cannot guarantee that my family was not involved, but I can tell you that I had no knowledge of such cowardly acts. On behalf of my family, I apologize. I realize this may not mean much to one who had to grow up without a mother, but it is the best I can offer at this time. Perhaps, if you would allow me, I can do more over time."
Lissa was bereft of words.
"Our family owes you apologies as well," said the Lady Mangst. "We've not been innocent of senseless and cowardly deeds. I can assure you that Lissa and Catrin had no knowledge of these doings. I take responsibility for the actions of my late husband and his father. I know they did not treat your family well."
"All this suffering over a feud whose origins are long since forgotten," Jharmin said, shaking his head.
"Not completely forgotten," said the Lady Mangst. "It was the death of your great-great-great-grandmother that started the feud. She was riding with Catrin's great-great-great-grandfather when she was thrown from her horse. She landed on an outcropping of jagged shale, and a sharp edge slit her throat. His explanations were never accepted, and so began the senseless acts of violence. Perhaps now we can leave it in the past."
"Can we do this, Lady Lissa? Will you join with me to right the wrongs of our forefathers?"
A long moment of silence hung betwee
n them, but then Lissa drew a deep breath. "Yes, Lord Kyte. I will."
Chapter 6
Beneath the waves exists a bizarre world, full of life.
--Gorksi Veraga, fisherman
* * *
Departure from Ravenhold was bittersweet for Catrin. Despite meeting under less than friendly circumstances, Millie and Morif had been loyal companions, and they had saved her life more than once. Millie dabbed tears from the corners of her eyes as Catrin's party prepared to depart for Ohmahold. Just before Catrin mounted, Millie discreetly pressed a fat purse into her hands. "It's yours, m'lady. May it lessen the burdens of your journey."
"Thank you, Millie. You are a good friend. I'll never forget you."
"You will come back and visit. I insist. If not for me, for your grandmother."
"I make no promises, but I assure you I will try," Catrin said. Lissa avoided her as best she could, but Catrin pulled her aside. "I know you don't like me, but I hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive me. You're my cousin, and I don't want bad feelings between us. Even if you disagree with my actions, or I disagree with yours, we are family."
"You need not remind me of the blood that bonds us. I've spent my life trying to protect the people of Mundleboro, and you walk in as if these lands are rightfully yours. Where were you during the droughts . . . or during the Zjhon invasion? You've no idea what our people have been through, and you had no right to take my place. Go back to your homeland and never return," Lissa said, and she walked away.
"She'll come to understand over time," Jharmin said, seemingly embarrassed by Lissa's behavior.
Catrin's grandmother trembled as she embraced Catrin, and she whispered in her ear. "I am so very proud of you. You deserve the Mangst name more than any of us, and I thank you for what you've done. Come back to us. You'll always have a home here."
"Thank you, Grandma."
As the sun reached its zenith, Benjin mounted and called for the rest to do the same. Samda climbed awkwardly atop his mount with Chase's help, and Catrin cast one final glance at her ancestral home, not knowing if she would ever see it again. In her pocket was a rolled parchment, a writ of passage bearing her grandmother's seal impressed in wax. Within Mundleboro, at least, they would have no reason to fear the local authorities. In the lands beyond, however, the writ would be little more than a piece of parchment, a keepsake.
Following a familiar trail, they rode back toward Ohmahold. A creeping fear gripped Catrin when the toll bridge came into view. Beyond that bridge she no longer had the protection of her homeland. When they reached the top of the span, the toll collectors viewed them with suspicion, but one look at the writ of passage, and they were more than accommodating. The captain of the guard even offered to provide them with an escort through town.
"Thank you, friend," Benjin said. "But that won't be necessary. It's kind of you to offer, though."
When they passed the market, Catrin saw Yusef hawking his livestock, and she wondered what had come of Curly. It had been necessary to sell him, but still she felt guilty.
A few days later, they came to the farmstead where the Tillermans lived, and Catrin asked that they make camp on the outskirts. "There's someone here I need to speak with."
"Are you certain that's wise?" Benjin asked.
"Wise or not. I'm going."
"I'm coming with you."
They rode slowly, trying to not to alarm the locals. Those who saw them went indoors and closed up tight. When they reached the Tillerman farm, it was Jessub who saw them first. "Gramma, Grampa, Cannergy and Elma are back! Look at Elma's clothes and hair and--"
Collette appeared at the cottage door, and she pulled Jessub inside. Rolph emerged from the barn, and he drew a deep breath when he saw them. "I want no harm t'come to my family. If yer angry, punish me. Leave them out of it."
"Be at ease, Rolph. I've not come for revenge. I just had to know why," Catrin said, and Rolph looked relieved but tired. His shoulders seemed to sag under an enormous weight.
"I am sorry. I truly didn't mean ya harm, but I couldn't take Belegra's lies. I couldn't let 'im put other parents through what he put Mother 'n' me through. This came only days after ya left," he said, handing her a wrinkled and worn piece of parchment. On it was a badly faded message, but between the lines was a newer message, a message from Rolph's son Martik.
Father and Mother,
Artus and I are both in good health. I'm so sorry. I tried to keep Fenny safe, but he fell ill during the long voyage to the Godfist. He died before we got here.
The Herald of Istra gave us a choice between freedom and death, and we chose freedom. The Herald gave us time to get to land before she destroyed the Zjhon ships. She could have killed us all but didn't. Her father has granted amnesty to all those who defected, even when his own government would not. Wendel Volker is a good and just man, and I suspect his daughter is no different. She has left the Godfist and is presumed to be traveling to the Greatland. Her name is Catrin Volker, and she is a granddaughter to the Lady Mangst.
Artus and I will come home to you when we can. Until then, know we are safe. Please tell Jessub I miss him, as does Uncle Artus.
All my love,
Martik
"Two o' my sons still live 'cause o' you. I owe ya a great debt. I know I've repaid that debt poorly, and I'm sorry fer that. Ya have my gratitude."
"You need not thank me," Catrin said. "I did what I did because it was the least horrible way I could find to save myself and my homeland. People died as a result of my actions, and that is something I will lament until the end of my days, but it is done. All I want now is for the people of the Greatland and the Godfist alike to be free and safe."
Rolph looked over Catrin's shoulder, and he motioned for Collette and Jessub to come out. "Everything's as it should be," he said as they approached.
"I told ya t'would be," Collette said with a smile. "That man nearly worried 'imself into a sickbed."
"Did ya really get married 'n' fight the Zjhon 'n' destroy the statue 'n'--"
"Jessub, hush," Collette said, but Catrin knelt down in front of the boy.
"I did some very scary and foolish things because I had little choice. I would much rather have spent my time on the farm."
"Not me! I'm gonna be an adventurer when I grow up, 'n' I'm gonna fight bandits 'n' find treasure. You'll see!" Jessub said; then he ran across the barnyard, fighting imaginary foes.
Collette looked at Catrin with tears in her eyes. "I knew I liked ya, soon as we met. I knew ya were a good girl. I can never thank ya enough for sparin' our sons and the other young men. They were only doin' what they were told, and they're such good boys. Ya saved 'em, and yer father's protectin' 'em. Ya'll always be welcome here."
"Thank you--both of you. I must go now. When you get news of my deeds, always know that I'm doing the best I can."
"May the gods bless ya!" Collette called as they rode away, and Catrin actually felt safer knowing she could always go to the Tillerman farm.
"Wait! Elma, wait!" Jessub called as they left, and Catrin turned her mount. "I made this for ya," he said, breathing hard.
Catrin opened the folded piece of parchment carefully, for it was worn and tattered around the edges. On it was a faded message, but painted over it in bold strokes was a striking image of a winged woman hovering over a man.
"That's you and my daddy," he said, and the sincerity in his big, brown eyes was like a knife into Catrin's soul.
Climbing down from her horse, she gave Jessub a hug and a kiss on the forehead. "You're a good boy, Jessub."
"Gramma said ya saved my daddy and Uncle Artus. I wish ya coulda saved Uncle Fenny too," he said.
"I'm sorry,"
"Ya did the best ya could," he said with a firm nod. "Good-bye, Elma. Good-bye, Cannergy."
"You did the best you could," Benjin echoed as they rode away.
Catrin tried to hide her tears.
* * *
Wendel watched in amazement as Martik or
chestrated a monumental operation. Six horses, ropes, and a dozen men hauled on the massive section of greatoak. At first it had seemed like sacrilege, but the trunks would only lie and rot. Why not make use of them?
Using the trees that were downed to make a trail between the valley and the grove, Martik assembled a rolling monster. Logs were placed in the path before the greatoak, and then they were soaked with water to make them slick. With three horses on each side, they pulled, and amazingly, the leviathan moved.
Now at a place where they had to make a sharp, uphill turn, things were getting tense.
"Keep 'em ropes taut!" Martik shouted, despite the fact that he knew the men were trying to do just that, but the horses had reached a place where the incline was too steep. "Boil me. What made me think I could do this?"
"You're doing just fine," Wendel said. "Breathe deeply for a moment and relax yourself."
Martik stood for a moment, trembling with anxiety, but then he relaxed noticeably.
"Now you're ready to conquer this thing," Wendel said. "Come at it with a clear mind."
Martik nodded and looked thoughtful. "Thank ya," he said.
"If it were me," Wendel said, scratching his chin, "I'd unwind the rope around the trunk one time, and that would be enough extra rope to get the horses past the incline."
Martik made an annoyed sound. "Why didn't I think o' that?"
"Sometimes you just have to look at things from a different viewpoint."
* * *
As Catrin, Benjin, and Chase skirted the farmlands, they came to the stone bridge. It now stood well above the swift-running water, which was no longer clogged with debris. Beyond, though, the flood damage was still evident, even if the grass was already beginning to cover it.
As they crossed over a series of hills, Catrin was surprised to recognize parts of the landscape, even as nightmarish as it had been during the flood. If she remembered correctly, they were nearing the area where she and Benjin had climbed the tree, the place where they had lost Barabas. Thinking of him was painful, and she pushed him from her thoughts.
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