Love and Sacrifice: Book Two of the Prophecy Series

by Tove Foss Ford

  I’m feeling better all the time. I ride for quite a while each day and go out with Menders or Kaymar. I’ve also started to resurrect my garden, which Lucen kept going for me. He has no idea of growing herbs and keeps them cut into square shapes, as if they are a hedge! He’s so very sweet. I save any work harder than pulling a few weeds for when he’s taking his nap, so he won’t come and take the shovel or rake away and insist on doing it himself.

  You put some Thrun spell on Karlen Grevchev, my dear. He is indeed interested – and I can admit in a letter that only you and I shall see (and Stevahn too, I’m sure, but I don’t mind) that I am interested too. I’m feeling much more myself now and the attention is welcome. Before I was so exhausted and ill that the most handsome man in the world could have cast himself down at my feet bearing gifts of jewels and chocolate and I would have only wished he would go away.

  It’s nice to be living again. Perhaps during the warmer weather I’ll look out those old widow’s weeds you made for me to sneak into Bumpy’s graduation, and turn up at Borsen’s to be dazzled by the marble and all the other glory.

  Willem has written from Surytam. As soon as his letter has made the rounds here, I’ll send it on. Seems there is a certain Surytamian miss who goes by the nickname of Four and wedding bells are about to ring! What’s more, Kaymar knew her when she was just a little thing – her parents worked for Mikail, the man he was bonded to when he first came to The Shadows. They’re now quite prominent people there, very powerful. Good for Will!

  Everyone is well and they all miss you, especially Bumpy.

  Love,

  Katrin

  Dear Cuz,

  I will allow you to keep and invest my portion of the seventeen florins. I expect a full financial report quarterly, as well as a dividend of half of all interest derived thereof. This will give you good practice when Stevahn quizzes you about your orphanage account.

  Doesn’t that sound official? Since I’m the bonded of a banker (that sounds like one of those awful novels we thought were so naughty and passed around between us when we were younger) I’ve become very knowlegable of such things and can sound very impressive. I impress myself most of all.

  All is well here. Stevahn tripped over Magic the other day and pitched headfirst into a small table. He managed by some miraculous luck to be uninjured, except for his dignity, which was lightly bruised. This was not helped by Magic’s determination to kiss him all better as he lay there in the wreckage of spindly table legs and porcelain shards. Secretly, I thank him because I didn’t like the table at all once I got it home and was too proud to send it back. That has nicely solved a little problem that irked me every time I passed it.

  It would be wonderful if you came to visit. Perhaps you could bring Uncle, Auntie and Bumpy with you and stay with us for a while. There is plenty of room. Though Erdahn is run down in many ways, there are compensations. I really miss the times we had when we were in Samorsa and Surelia, going to restaurants and generally bashing around. It would be so much fun showing you Borsen’s.

  I put no spell on that very handsome young man, my dear, you did it yourself. I hope all goes well and that you’ve found something of value. I didn’t get to see much of him during our last visit, but he seemed very nice. Of course, a Menders’ Man is never a slouch mentally. Let me know if anything develops, if you aren’t too shy and maidenly.

  So Will is going to the altar! Kaymar said something about Miss Four, but his memory of her is a three-year-old baby who tried to take care of him when he was very ill with wounds infected much like yours were. He seems a little dazzled when I explain, kindly and slowly (he gets SO mad!) that Miss Four is now a young lady of twenty-two and more than old enough to marry Will. Let’s decide on a decadently extravagant gift from Borsen’s, though from what I know of her family through Stevahn, it probably wouldn’t equal what they have.

  Must stop now, I’m afraid, as I must do a fitting. The fellow is a great fat man, but very jolly and pleasant. It’s been fun working with him and making his suit turn out so he looks stately. He makes me laugh so much when he’s here that my stomach aches.

  Love,

  B

  Dear Borsen,

  First the sad news – my darling Dara died in her sleep the other night. Bumpy went to whistle her up and found that she was long gone. I’ve cried of course, but I can’t really be too sad because she was beginning to suffer from being so achingly old. Of course, that is because she had the best care and lived better than many humans – but there are drawbacks to such old age and poor Dara was becoming so infirm that I dreaded having to have Franz dose her with ramplane. Thankfully, nature took its course and Dara, after having a good dinner and a lovely time playing a bit with Menders and me before she went to bed, has drifted away to the place where all good dogs go.

  I miss her, of course and find myself whistling for her or snapping my fingers. She has been with me since I was six – imagine. Bumpy keeps talking about me choosing another boarhound puppy, but I want to wait a while. You can’t replace someone like Dara.

  As for good news, we are all well. I’ve gained another ten pounds and Franz has declared me to be quite well. My clothes fit right again.

  Every day I think about coming to see you and it’s easier each time. Now that summer is just about here, I think I’ll be able to make definite plans. The orphanage, as I’m sure Stev has told you, is going to be ready for children in the autumn, which will be good, as so many are in need as winter sets in. I still feel a little panicky when I think about being around the Palace, but I just tell myself that I’m not going there and it fades. So I hope to be there with you soon!

  As for Karlen – yes, something is developing but I’m taking my time. Since Karlen is posted here with Menders’ Men, there’s no sense in rushing and he knows I’ve been sick for a long time. He’s very sweet and kind, dances divinely and is interested in all the things I am. So far, it’s wonderful and I’m glad he was there when Dara left me.

  How did your fat man’s suit work out? I’ve been dying to know. And yes, the Mordanian silver set would be best – no point in sending Will and Four Surytamian porcelain!

  Love,

  K (I can do that too)

  Dear K,

  I am so sorry to hear about Dara, though it was obvius it would be soon the last time I was there. One of the disadvantages of being away is that I can see the changes in everyone when I come back. Sometimes this is a joyful thing, like being pleasantly surprised at how you’ve improved. It can also be painful, like the last time I saw dear old Dara. I’m glad it was easy and quick. I understand why you aren’t rushing to try to replace her. You never could and it wouldn’t be fair to a new dog to expect it to take her place.

  I’m thrilled to hear you’re still considering coming to visit! I think once you’ve come and nothing bad happens to you, you will be much easier in your mind. I’m so glad to hear that your clothes fit right again too. Having your clothes not right is bothersome, because you can’t be comfortable in them. When you come here, I’ll measure you up for some new things and you’ll have a new wardrobe for your regained health.

  As for my fat man, his suit turned out beautifully. He looked majestic, and was very happy with it, as he’s spent a lifetime looking like a sack of potatoes tied in the middle. To my astonishment, he also gave me the nancyboy version of a marriage proposal (he is not observant as my bonding ring is always much in evidence). He was disappointed when I told him I am already bonded and pointed out Stevahn across the street, who happened to be standing at his window watching the fat man’s final fitting. Thankfully, Stevahn, unaware that I was being mildly romanced by the rotund one, smiled and waved graciously.

  Mister Evanov was quite philosophical after my refusal, told me I have beautiful eyes and ordered another suit. I was concerned that he might continue romancing me, but he’s only been friendly. He desperately needs some clothing that fits him properly! I felt badly for him at first but he’s now go
t his eye on Petran, a very nice young fellow and my men’s hatmaker. Petran seems interested, so Mister Evanov might indeed find love at Borsen’s. I can then advertise that not only do I make the most exquisite clothing on the planet, but that I make love matches as well!

  An amusing sidenote to my fat man’s abortive romance with me was a brief jealous spell on the part of Stevahn. It lasted for only about five minutes, but was most gratifying. Sometimes he’s almost too calm and collected. He’s very reassured now that I was not at all tempted by Mister Evanov and his great belly – and he laughed very heartily at his flirtation with Dame Jealousy when I began to giggle over the thought.

  I’m glad you’re finding Karlen likeminded and rewarding company. In the long run (quoth he from his vast eight months’ experience as a bonded man) companionship is most important. All the other things, romance, passion, sex, are very important too, but if you aren’t good companions, all else would fade, I think. If something happened to Stevahn that made him unable to make love to me, I would still want to be with him. I know he feels the same way if something happened to me. We work well together, if you know what I mean. At least I hope you do.

  I’m late for a meeting, hells!

  Love,

  B

  Dear Matchmaker,

  I think I have what you do. At least it seems so and Karlen has already made noise about marrying, which I would be very happy about. The news from Menders’ network is that the Queen is considering having me drummed out of the Succession altogether in favour of my poor little cousin, Glorantha. Doctor Franz keeps sending reports that I’m still an invalid and unfit to take on the “duties” of the Heiress. I do so hope she removes me from the Throne line, because then I can get permission to marry and have a life free of the endless worry over the Royal Family! They can have the country and all that goes with it.

  About visiting - we’ve pretty much settled on a plan, so long as it works for you. We’d like to come there for a week right before the two weeks you and Stevahn had planned to spend here. That way we could all travel back together for your holiday. Would this be all right with you? If it isn’t, don’t hesitate to let me know, because we can alter this very easily from our end. I will have to be disguised, of course, since I’m supposed to be an invalid and can’t come walking up The Promenade all hale and hearty, but we’ll come up with something.

  Sometimes I think I would like to travel again, this time not as a youngster, but as an adult. If I got removed from the Succession, I would even consider going alone – or with Karlen, if things work out. I love The Shadows. We all do, but life is static for me here, as you know. Since it’s my property and not a Crown holding, it would remain with me and would always be home, but I would like to own other properties elsewhere. Boltholes in a way, but also places to help grow and prosper, like Menders built The Shadows from an abandoned old house and a few tenant farmers.

  In other news, the orphanage is progressing quickly. I’ve been contacting various Temples of Galanth as sources of children in need. Abbot Fahrin has been a great help – I’m so glad Menders wouldn’t let that friendship die and calmed him after my blunder in signing my real name! That seems so long ago.

  Let me know if our plans are goimg to work out. We all miss you both so much!

  Love,

  Katrin

  The Shadows, Mordania

  Erdahn, Mordania

  17

  We Go On From Here

  “P

  rincess? Katrin? What is it?”

  Menders moved quickly, catching up with Katrin, who was rushing down the corridor from the Men’s Wing. One glance told him she was disheveled and extremely upset.

  “What is it, my dear?” he asked, keeping his voice calm. It was obvious. Her clothing wasn’t even completely buttoned.

  “I’m all right, Papa,” she said shortly, though she had tears in her eyes. “I’d like to go on to my room now.”

  “I’d like to know what has happened,” Menders responded, keeping his voice very even.

  “I wasn’t attacked or forced,” Katrin said, suddenly looking him in the eye. “My damned wig came off. I had never told him I wear a wig. My stupid mistake. I could see in his eyes he was horrified and repulsed. So that’s over. Now, I am going to my room to make myself presentable.”

  She turned and rushed away.

  Menders clenched his fists and then turned toward Karlen Grenchev’s suite.

  ***

  “The hells you are!” Kaymar roared. “The hells you’re going to kick a man I recruited and trained out on the fucking street!”

  “He is not staying here!” Menders retorted. “Not after treating Katrin badly!”

  “He didn’t treat her badly. Her hair came off her head in his hand when he was stroking it. That would tend to startle anyone!”

  “The word she used was ‘repulsed’,” Menders growled.

  “Why don’t you mind your own damned business!” Kaymar stepped within arm’s reach of Menders – a direct challenge. “They’re of age. Katrin is twenty-three, Karlen is twenty-six. She can take care of herself and so can he!”

  “She has been sick unto death for two years! Now this little bastard has broken her heart and I’m supposed to act as though nothing happened?”

  “You said she was angry, not sobbing! I’ve broken a woman’s heart or two in the past. Broken hearted women don’t get angry, they go to pieces. I think they’ve both discovered that it isn’t the great love of the ages and it’s a damned good thing too, before they did something permanent.”

  Hemmett rushed in, drawn by the shouting. He immediately stepped between them.

  “Let’s calm down, gentlemen,” he began.

  Kaymar slapped him right across the face.

  ***

  “Didn’t anyone send so much as a note?” Borsen asked.

  “There are four notes, but I wanted you to know what was happening first.” Kaymar took out four envelopes, handing them to Borsen. He had just brought the news that after the incident between Katrin and Karlen Grevchev at The Shadows, Menders had decided against the family the next day coming for the planned week-long visit.

  Borsen surprised himself by opening the note from Eiren first, setting the one from Menders aside.

  Darling,

  As I’m sure Kaymar has explained, all has gone to madness over here, with Katrin disappointed in love, Menders getting his back up and arguments between them, between Menders and Kaymar and with Hemmett getting in the middle of it and being slapped.

  It is not a good idea for us to come there at the moment, though I know this will be a bitter disappointment for you. It’s really for the best that we put off, and I hope you and Stevahn will come to The Shadows as planned. We can make future plans then.

  Sometimes, Borsen, it all gets very disheartening. I’m so sorry that you’re hurt, and hope we can make it up to you. I’m very proud of you, darling.

  All my love,

  Auntie

  “What’s going on?” Stevahn asked, letting himself in, having seen Kaymar and Borsen talking heatedly from his office across the street. Borsen set Eiren’s note aside and let Kaymar do the explaining, tearing open the note from Katrin.

  Dear Borsen,

  I am so mad right now I could bite the leg off a chair! Once again everyone has decided to jump into my personal business. I’m ready to swim across the damned ocean to see you. I’ve had a horrible fight with Menders that had us both in tears, and now my stupid body has decided to get into the act and I’m feverish again. I’m not fit to be around. Kaymar said he would explain, as I don’t want to go into it.

  I’m so sorry Menders has decided to postpone. Please don’t get mad. Come when you expected to and we’ll make new arrangements. I’m hoping we’ll go back with you to spend that week – after all, I don’t have a lot of reason to linger behind now. I just wish I’d shown Karlen my head to begin with. I will never sleep with a man again without showing him. If he can’t dea
l with it, I’ll end everything there.

  I have to stop. Kaymar is ready to leave and he’s so mad I know he won’t wait long. I will get there, I promise. Please don’t be angry.

  Love,

  Katrin

  Borsen surprised himself by laughing aloud, and opened the note from Hemmett, while handing the other two to Stevahn, who was sitting on the edge of Borsen’s desk now, a hand on Borsen’s arm, while Kaymar leaned on Stevahn’s shoulder.

  Dear Inchworm,

  Well, we’re all so happy here at Misery House. Katrin and Karlen have had a bad scene and ended their affair. Menders got righteously wrathful. Katrin did too and argued him down. Menders and Kaymar started circling and yowling at each other and I decided to be a good fellow and intervene. Then Kaymar smacked me in the face. It didn’t half hurt either. Of course, it hit me as funny a minute or two later and I had to flee so I wouldn’t start haw-hawing during all the drama.

  Now poor Katrin’s sick again with a fever, so we’re not going to bring all this joy to you.

  Sometimes I think I just want to resign my commission and go live with Luntigré and Flori and forget about all this – but I could never abandon Katrin, particularly not now.

  Hopefully everyone will cheer up by the time you and Stevahn get here. Please don’t fly into one of your snits and refuse to come. I need to spend some time with my good mate. See if that man of yours would consider a trip to Sarmorsa sometime and we’ll arrange it – we could soak up some sport, food and joy.