The Heartstone

by Lisa Finnegan

  Alone in the moon washed woods she looked around wondering. Cerynus had said only it was up to her. He had also said she had to be naked under the moon for the ritual to work. She was glad he’d gone. Taking a deep breath she let the white cloth puddle around her feet. She stood naked except for the Heartstone. Her arms rose to cover her breasts. But some instinct stopped her and they fell back to her sides. She shivered, exposed, defenseless.

  The shadows deepened, more menacing every second. The Heartstone, it was drawing the shadows, she had to get rid of it, now. The desire to rid herself of the stone swept over her. She shook her head clearing it for a second. Cerynus had said to hold onto the Stone. The shadows were trying to trick her. She looked at the Stone concentrating.

  Memories flashed through her. But they weren’t her memories. She was her mother, three or four years old. She was dancing in a sunlit meadow and suddenly she was able to weave the sunlight, making patterns in the summer sun. She was part of the sunlight and as she danced thousands of blue and yellow butterflies flew around her until they spiraled up into the cloudless sky.

  Something woke her. She turned with a smile to her man, Aran. His golden brown hair tickled her nose. He slept his back to her. She cuddled close for a moment. Clink, the smallest sound, she tensed. Something was wrong. She slipped into her robes checked on the sleeping baby and went outside. There was a crack of thunder and even as she watched lightning hit the tower. She ran forward heedless of the rain. A great wind whipped around her and the earth shook under her feet. Someone was trying to steal the Heartstone. She ran to the tower. A sword slashed at her and she fell, her lifeless eyes filled with horror and the rain beating down on her pale face.

  No! Her mother had lived to save the stone, for her. Gritting her teeth she opened her eyes and looked at it. The shadows wouldn’t trick her. She was the Stonebearer. The Stone glowed blue and the hot honeysweet current engulfed her.

  She was mindless, whirling, in a maelstrom. She needed to focus the energy, to control it or be sucked dry. Left only with a drooling stare blinded by that seductive force. She wrestled with the Stone, visualizing it as a reservoir holding the power, forcing it back, leaving only vestiges within reach, a small conduit between them.

  Strength filled her. She flew among the birds, fled on scampering paws, panted hungry for hot blood. She was the river rushing to the ocean. She was the wind sweeping through the mountains. She was the sun bathing the world in heat. She became aware of darkness; starting as a small itch it became a persistent blight on the land. Gray smoke rose from burned land where no life grew. She fought against it a fresh wind whipped the smoke away and shoots pushed through the ashy soil.

  Brick buildings soot blackened gas lamps pushing back the soggy dark of early morning. The leaden sky drizzled on a slight black haired figure rushing down the cobblestones. Ariana couldn’t see his face. Around them loomed dark mountains stripped for their coal. In the distance the rattle of wheels on cobblestones made the boy stop for a moment. There was a flash of light; she could almost hear the scream. She strained to see his face.

  The sharp noise of a howling wolf and screeching eagle intruded on the vision. She heard rustlings in the surrounding woods. Creatures stepped forth and assembled on the verge of the glade. Small mice and chipmunks sat up on their haunches, birds perched on branches, rabbits stood, ears twitching in the morning breeze. Behind them stood deer poised within thickets.

  Opposite them the shadowy gray shapes of the wolf pack flickered in the depths of the forest. Hawks and eagles circled overhead, crying shrilly. On the far side of the grove in a stream she had never seen before a silver salmon glittered. The largest eagle dove into the stream with a great splash and grabbed something from the streambed. As it passed above her, something fell from its talons into Ariana’s outstretched hand.

  The eagle flew down and delicately perched on a nearby branch. One great golden eye peered at her. From either side of the grove came a great stag with a huge rack of antlers and a grizzled black wolf that gazed at her from amber unblinking eyes. Even the black eye of the salmon seemed to watch her. She opened her hand and looked down to find a small hazelnut. Looking at her audience she bit into the nut. The tough outer skin resisted for a moment but then the sweetness of the nut burst into her mouth. It was rich and heady and something more. She realized her hearing had grown more acute, she could smell everything and the delicate taste of the nut was the most incredible thing she had ever eaten. The feeling passed in a moment but something had changed.

  Silently the animals retreated back into the forest. The stone was tranquil, clear. It was time to go back. She blinked her eyes as she woke into a fresh morning with the dew beading on her lips and a great sense of warmth and joy in her heart. There was something in her mouth. She felt the last few traces of the hazelnut on her tongue. It had been real then. At the herb garden she stopped, facing the woods, putting her hand over the radiant Heartstone. “Thank you.” She whispered.

  There was no answer but she knew they heard. She needed time to understand what was happening, to discuss things with Cerynus but she was so tired. Cerynus was there when she arrived. He said nothing but wrapped her in a blanket and brought her to her chamber. A beaker of fragrant tea was waiting for her. She drank it quickly, stumbled up the stairs and fell

  into her bed.

  Chapter Six

  It was dark, thunder rumbled outside and rain pattered on the roof. But that hadn’t woken her. Something was wrong; she sat up pulling the covers around her trying to figure out what it was. Two riders, one leading the other, labored breathing, hoofs faltering through the forest, blood, pain and sorrow.

  “Cerynus.” She grabbed her tunic and belted it as she rushed down the stairs. Cerynus emerged from his room. He was in a nightshirt and his unbound hair fell over his shoulders like a silver shawl.

  ”What is it?”

  “Something is wrong. Someone is coming.” For a moment Ariana was terrified thinking it was one of Rhysin’s soldiers.

  She looked at Cerynus. His eyes were closed and his face was slack as he searched the perimeter of the forest. “It’s Jarod and someone else. Hurry up. He’s hurt.”

  Cerynus walked quickly to the kitchen preparing hot water and herbs for poultices. Ariana built up the fire. Cerynus pulled a simple pallet from the storeroom and put it in front of the fire. Then he gave her some cloth to rip into bandages.

  Someone pounded at the door. Ariana threw it open. Rua stood there with her hair straggling in eldritch locks down her back. She held Jarod by the waist with one nerveless arm over her shoulder. He was pallid, drenched in blood, hair plastered to his head. Ariana rushed over and together they got him inside. He was heavy and his dead weight threatened to take them both down.

  “Cerynus, help.” Ariana cried struggling to keep him from falling. Cerynus rushed in; together they lay the unconscious man on a pallet before the fire. Cerynus began unlacing his jerkin to take it off. He saw the Dragon Brooch and his hand stilled. He looked up at Rua. She nodded.

  “The Dragon Brooch, Lord Kievran is dead.” She said gravely. Tears started behind Ariana’s eyes and her throat tightened. Poor Jarod, he had no family now. She helped Cerynus take off Jarod’s bloody shirt. The pale blood streaked skin of his chest was exposed to the firelight. There was a burn above his heart in the shape of a stylized dragon. It looked raw and red and the skin around it puffed with infection.

  Ariana’s hands were sweating, her stomach grew fluttery, and she felt lightheaded. Ariana looked at Cerynus. He hadn’t noticed. Grateful she looked away and took deep breaths. She noticed Rua sitting, looking with a dazed expression at the wall. She was near the end of her strength. Ariana caught Cerynus’ eye and nodded at Rua.

  “Take care of her. Put her to bed then come back.” Gently Ariana went to the older woman and helped her off with her sodden cloak. Then she led her upstairs. Ariana got her changed into dry clothes and into bed. “Here drink this and rest.” Rua
shivered looking blankly at Ariana. She was too exhausted to argue. She drained the posset in one gulp then lay down sighing. Ariana hurried back down to Cerynus.

  “He’s lost a lot of blood. Let’s get the blood washed off and see to his wound. Get me the water and those herbs over there. At least he isn’t awake.”

  Cerynus wiped away the excess blood. Jarod had a nasty slash on his left shoulder. Ariana looked over Cerynus’ shoulder. The room started spinning. “Girl you can’t faint on me now.” He brought her to a chair and sat her down. Embarrassed she put her head between her knees taking deep breaths.

  “Pull yourself together.”

  “OK, I’m OK.”

  “Bring me that salve there.” Concentrating, Ariana thought about staying upright. “Hurry.” He spread the salve on the wound then a different salve on the burn. Then he forced a noxious brew down Jarod’s throat. He turned to her.

  “Ariana, listen to me. He needs to be stitched up. You have to do it. “

  “No way, you do it.”

  “I can’t with only one arm. It’s up to you.”

  “No. I can’t.... I’ll faint.”

  “You must. He’ll die otherwise or infect and lose the arm. He’s a warrior. He’d rather die. Do you want that on your conscience?” His hand slick with blood gripped her arm. He shook her.

  “Stop it. I can’t do it.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. He glared at her.

  “You kill him through your cowardice. Look at him.”

  Jarod lay on the pallet. He was pale except for the livid red infection spreading from his arm. He moaned. She glared at Cerynus. “I’ll never forgive you. You don’t play fair.”

  “Fairness is a luxury.” He said.

  “OK, show me what to do.” Her mouth tightened.

  The next half-hour was a blur of shaking hands pushing a needle into yielding flesh, the sour taste of bile in the back of her throat, panting breaths as she strove for calm. Cerynus guided her with words, his voice a lifeline. Sometimes she closed her eyes hoping when they opened it would be over. Her fingers cramped but she didn’t stop. If she did, she’d never finish. Finally it was done. She stumbled out the front door. Vomited until there was nothing left and rose, wiping her sweaty forehead. She walked shakily back inside. Cerynus handed her a cup of tea.

  “You did a good job. I know it was hard for you.”

  “Thanks.”

  “How is the bard?”

  “She’s asleep in Jarod’s room.”

  “We’ve done all we can for tonight. He’s asleep and warm. We should go to bed as well. Tomorrow we’ll find out what happened.”

  He left using the wall for support. She nodded too tired to speak. She sat watching the fire and Jarod. His wound was stitched salved and bandaged. He slept. It should be safe to leave him. She tucked in his blanket and turned to go. “Water. “ Jarod muttered clutching at her hand. Ariana helped him sit up and he gulped down some water. Even that small action exhausted him.

  “Slowly, slowly” said Ariana gently pulling the cup away.

  He looked at her in surprise. Realization crossed his face. “How did I get here?” He looked around, “Father...” He looked down at his shoulder. “The brooch?”

  “Its here.” soothed Ariana picking it up from the floor next to him. Relieved, he leaned back on the pillow.

  “Who treated my wounds.”?

  “Cerynus.”

  He looked at his bandaged shoulder puzzled. “Well... I stitched you up.” His eyes widened. She felt suddenly shy.

  “That was brave of you.”

  “We’re friends. You’d have done the same for me.”

  “Yes, but still I thank you, Ariana.”

  “Jarod,” She sat down next to him and took his hand. “If you need to talk about what happened at Dun Caer...”

  “Talking won’t help. There is no help for it. My father and brother are gone. I’m all alone.”

  He turned his head away and closed his eyes. His shoulders shook. She put her hand on his good shoulder. He turned convulsively toward her hiding his face on her shoulder eyes screwed shut. She held him, letting him grieve. She smoothed his hair, wishing she knew what to say.

  His tears were wet against her neck. Her throat tightened in sympathy. His breath was hot on her shoulder and she felt him sob. She kissed his cheek to comfort him. He drew back surprised. His hair was tousled, his face was red, tear-spiked lashes framed his eyes. The pain in them speared her. Tears burned her eyes. She leaned forward and kissed his forehead, it was hot and sweaty.

  “You cry for me?” He asked with a catch in his voice. She nodded. His face crumpled.

  She held him against her. She felt his lips against her cheek; gently he kissed her tears. She kissed him back tasting salt. The kiss begun as comfort changed. They drew apart, confused. Eyes locked on each other, until a popping ember broke the spell.

  “I...I’m sorry. Thank you for sewing me up so well.” Jarod looked at the blanket with sudden interest.

  “I didn’t mean...you need your rest.” Ariana leapt to her feet, tucked him in and fled to her chamber. Safe in bed, she closed her eyes, willing herself not to think about Jarod. Despite her resolve, her last thoughts were of tears, green eyes and firelight.

  The next morning the sun blazed through the windows. Outside she could hear the birds calling. She got up and dressed. She looked outside the window at the busy activity on the lawn at high summer. She smiled at the birds flittering around the trees. She braided her hair. It was getting long. The plait came well down over her shoulder. The sunlight had done a better job than any salon; it was a tawny gold instead of dishwater.

  She looked for a ribbon and realized she was primping. Ruthless, she scraped it back severely from her face tying it off with a small leather tie. Quickly she tossed her braid over her shoulder and went to check on the patients. Rua was not in her room. Ariana went downstairs.

  Jarod was still asleep. He looked pale even in the ruddy firelight. Ariana felt a pang of fear as she passed quietly through the room. Rua and Cerynus were in the kitchen. Cerynus looked up as she approached.

  “Fair Morn.”

  She poured herself a cup of tea and got a bowl of porridge. Settling herself between them she asked Rua, “How are you feeling?”

  “Fine, Lady Ariana. Thank you for your courtesy last night.” Rua looked wan, dark circles like bruises under her eyes. A cup of tea cooled in front of her and an untouched bowl of porridge.

  “Do you want to go back to your bed Lady?” asked Cerynus solicitously.

  “No Milord Cerynus.”

  “Just Cerynus,”

  Rua nodded. She sipped her tea. “You want to know about the fall of Dun Caer?” Her melodious voice was flat and hoarse.

  “Only if you wish it Lady.” Cerynus said.

  “She’s not ready yet. Give her a break.” Ariana glared at Cerynus.

  “No, I will tell you. You were there when Gareth’s forces came back in defeat?” Ariana nodded.

  “We prepared for a siege. But Lord Kievran was cunning. He sent the women and children away with the wounded to a hidden hunting lodge two days away. I was put in charge of the exodus. I got the first refugees away, probably two score. I was coming back for the rest when Rhysin’s forces attacked Dun Caer. Returning to Dun Caer I passed people fleeing. I tried to gather them together so they could make it to the camp. I don’t know if they made it.” She stopped and took a sip of the now cooled tea.

  “I watched from the perimeter of the forest as Rhysin’s forces broke the siege. We fought bravely but there was no hope. They came like black lightning. He outnumbered us three to one. Then they brought in the great cats. The din was horrible. Battle screams and then shrieks as the slaughter began. Black smoke pumped into the sky as the town burned. Everyone within the walls was either killed or taken prisoner.”

  Ariana closed her eyes. She had hoped her vision was untrue. Rua continued.

  “I had just turned away when Lord
Jarod burst through the bushes. He was wounded, just barely managing to stay on Firestorm. So I took the reins, tied him into the saddle and led him here.”

  “You saved his life Lady.”

  “He is the Lord of Dun Caer,” she said her face tired, “What else could I do? I am sworn to his service as I was to his father’s.”

  There was silence as they absorbed the tragedy at Dun Caer. Rua was the first to speak,

  “So Ser Cerynus have we a plan?”

  Cerynus had just opened his mouth to answer when there was a sound from the other room. Everyone rose and went into the sitting room. Jarod was pulling himself up to a sitting position. He was pale and his mouth was tight with pain.

  “Jarod what are you doing?” Ariana said rushing to his side.

  “My lord, please stay still.” Rua said.

  “You’ll pull out the stitches.” Cerynus said, going to Jarod and feeling his forehead, “Well your fever is broken. But don’t move. I’ll be back with something to help the pain.” He left.

  “I’m hale. Let me up,” He lifted himself an inch form the bed and fell back, “Damn.” He looked over at Rua.

  “Rua what do you do here?” He asked.

  Jarod, she saved you...” Ariana began. Rua stopped her with a look.

  “My lord I can guess at you purpose here. You go to Galancarrig. But you’ll need a guide, what better guide than a bard who knows her history and the ancient tales. So I offer my services.” She bowed elegantly.

  “I don’t know.” Jarod said.

  “My lord, who would recount your bravery if you have no bard along?” She said lightly, “It promises to be an epic tale. Would you deny me my livelihood?”

  “Very well,” Jarod closed his eyes. “I don’t remember all but I know I’m in your debt for my life and I thank you.”

  Rua nodded gravely “It was my pleasure and duty my Lord. On a sober note I ache for your loss.” The black eyes were tender for a moment as she held out her hand to Jarod.