Savior

by Loren K. Jones

  “Princess?” he asked, looking puzzled.

  “Come along, Lord Stellin. Let’s get you into your chair.” Java had a shoulder under Lord Stellin’s arm and was guiding him to his manor, much to the surprise of some of his retainers. Jah’Moke simply held Sugar’s reins and smiled as his chosen wife showed her heart.

  “Princess, really, I don’t understand. How do you know that I use a cane?” Lord Stellin asked, looking suspiciously at Java.

  “Because she has been here before, Lord Stellin,” a voice said from his other side, making him cringe. “Honestly, you should know better.” The voice continued, and a pretty young woman joined Java in leading the startled lord into his home. Peeking around the old lord, she grinned. “I wondered if you were ever coming back, Java.”

  “Debran!” Lord Stellin scolded. “Speak respectfully to the princess.”

  “The princess and I have known each other for our whole lives, Lord Stellin,” Debran replied evenly.

  Smiling at Lord Stellin, Java answered his unasked question. “I’m Ambros Mountainstand’s daughter, Lord Stellin. I used to come over and help with the harvest.”

  Lord Stellin looked perplexed at that, then he sighed. “I don’t remember. But you said you’re the princess.”

  “Arten and Naria adopted me two years ago, Lord Stellin. Didn’t you get the notice?”

  Lord Stellin frowned and shook his head. Debran frowned at Java to keep her from asking more questions, and Java nodded. “I’m happy to be here again, Lord Stellin. When I heard that Debran was here, I had to come visiting.”

  “Yes, well, you are welcome, Princess. Welcome indeed. Come inside, you should meet my wife,” Lord Stellin said, his back firming up and the strength coming back to his step.

  Java let him take the lead and looked a question at Deb. She shook her head and mouthed the word “Later.”

  “Desinta! Desinta, come welcome our guest. She is the princess. Desinta! Oh, forgive me, she seems to be out. Well, come in, come in.” He led Java and Debran to his library and poured all three of them drinks. Java courteously accepted, but Debran simply placed hers beside her. Lord Stellin sometimes forgot that she was his nurse, not his guest.

  “He’s losing his mind, Java,” she whispered while the lord’s back was turned. “His wife has been dead for years.”

  Java nodded, then smiled brightly at Lord Stellin. “I’m traveling, visiting old friends and just stopped in to say hello, Lord Stellin.”

  “Yes, indeed. Who did you say you are?” the lord was looking at her with a confused and suspicious expression on his face.

  “This is Princess Java, Lord Stellin,” Deb said patiently.

  “Arten and Naria’s daughter? I don’t remember them having a child the last time I traveled to Whitehall.” Lord Stellin was looking perplexed again, so Java created a convenient fiction.

  “I was in Greensboro, going to school with my cousin Dena,” she said levelly.

  “Indeed, indeed, I remember now. Just need a reminder once in a while. Excuse me please, Princess, but I tire easily these days. Please, be welcome in my home.” Lord Stellin wandered toward his chambers, Debran in close attendance. Java sat quietly, waiting for her return.

  A man in his late forties entered the library and stopped dead in his tracks. “Who are you?” he asked suspiciously.

  “Java Mountainstand. It’s a pleasure to see you again, Lord Everdin.”

  Lord Everdin Stellin looked closely at the woman in his study. “Princess Java?” he asked, tilting his head to the side.

  Java nodded. “When I want to be. How are you, Lord Everdin? It’s been years since the last time I was here,” she replied, smiling softly.

  “As well as can be expected, Princess. When were you here?” he asked, suddenly confused and curious.

  “When we used to come over to help harvest, Lord Everdin,” Debran said from the door. “Your father is asleep, my Lord. He’s not well today.”

  “Come help harvest?” he asked, looking back and forth between them.

  “Lord Everdin, may I please present my big sister, Java Mountainstand, Princess of Hiddendell, Lady of Link County, Lady of Mountainstand County, and all-around troublemaker.” Debran grinned as Java snarled.

  “Your sister, Deb?” he asked, incredulous. “The name was familiar, but I didn’t think...I think I need a drink.”

  Debran laughed and handed him the one that his father had poured for her. “He forgot again.”

  Lord Everdin nodded, gulping the drink. “Princess, welcome to Lord Stellin’s Orchard.”

  “I am pleased to be here, Lord Everdin. It’s a shock to see your father this way,” she said, looking him in the eye.

  Lord Everdin nodded. “He’s been getting worse for the past year. It used to be just small things, but lately he has been forgetting just about everything.” Lord Everdin looked at the floor and sighed. “Sometimes he forgets who we all are.”

  Java nodded. “He was calling your mother to come meet me when we came in. Then he forgot who I was. He was always such a vital, strong man...”

  Lord Everdin nodded and went to sit, gesturing Java to the seat opposite him. “Yes, he was. I suppose you came to see Debran?”

  “I did. I didn’t know that she had gotten married until I got to Equintain and Mother told me. I still cannot believe she didn’t even send a message.” Java pouted, making Lord Everdin laugh.

  “Debran, you are excused for the rest of the day. I’ll get Melissa to see to father. Princess, be welcome.” He stood and bowed, then left Java and Deb alone.

  “We all wanted you here with us, Java. But you know Mother. ‘She has more important things to do,’” Debran said, mimicking their mother’s acerbic tone, which made Java grin. “She wouldn’t even let us send you a message.”

  “She told me,” Java said sourly. “Mother can be so...Aaarrgh!” she said, throwing up her hands in frustration.

  “From what I hear, you’ve inherited that trait.” Deb laughed, then stopped and looked up. “Yes?”

  Jah’Moke entered slowly, looking for Java. Java stood and grabbed his hand. “Deb, this is Jah’Moke. We are officially betrothed now. Father gave us his permission a week ago.”

  Debran smiled and curtsied to Jah’Moke, while he bowed. “Be careful, Jah’Moke. She gets mean when she is in a bad mood.”

  “I know,” Jah’Moke replied, making Deb laugh.

  Java slapped his arm, glaring at him. “I do not!”

  Debran started laughing. “See. I’m pleased to meet you, Jah’Moke. Come with me. You should see Framin.” She grinned at Java. “He remembers you, but I’ll bet you don’t recognize him.”

  Java and Jah’Moke followed Debran out of the house and down a path. A pressing mill creaked and groaned by the stream, and Debran led Java inside. “Framin, can you take a break?”

  “If it’s important,” Framin’s voice replied from somewhere in the mill.

  “Framin,” Debran said in a tone that reminded Jah’Moke so much of Java that he almost laughed.

  “Oh, all right. Be nice, Deb.” Framin came out from behind the press and Java was surprised. His face was the same, but the lean boy was a barrel-chested man now. Walking forward, he kissed Deb before speaking again. “Yes, oh light of my life?”

  “I want you to meet Jah’Moke Cawfy, of the Latté, and his betrothed, my sister Java,” Debran said, then laughed as Java’s name registered.

  “Princess, I, ah, I, oh, ah...” Framin stuttered and stammered, trying to find the right words, while Java and Jah’Moke joined Debran in a hearty laugh.

  Java solved Framin’s problem by hugging him and kissing his cheek. “Hello, Framin. It’s been a long time.”

  “Java, Princess, ah,...” Framin was still shocked, and was having a hard time regaining his composure.

  “And you say I’m mean?” Java said to Deb, making her laugh.

  Deb got control of herself, then smiled broadly. “Are you staying, Java? I’ll make
arrangements for you if you are.”

  “Just tonight. I came over to see you and introduce Jah’Moke. We’re going to go see Berry tomorrow,” Java answered, letting Deb lead her back to the manor.

  “That shouldn’t be a problem then. I counted twelve?” she said, looking to Java for confirmation. At Java’s nod, she continued. “The Guardsmen will have to make do with the servant’s quarters. You and Jah’Moke can have the guest rooms.”

  “Who’s the chamberlain, you or Mistress Avana?” Java laughed, making Deb scowl.

  “Mistress Avana, of course. But she can’t be bothered with such trivialities as seeing to the comfort of guests. She’s too busy trying to worm her way into Lord Merick’s will.” Debran’s eyes were narrowed to mere slits as she spoke of the woman who should have been the mistress of the house.

  “Another one?” Java asked in an impatient tone.

  “Always. She almost had the poor old man convinced that she was his wife. That was how I got assigned as his nurse. Lord Everdin doesn’t trust her anymore.” Debran was leading them into the manor, and up the stairs. “This will be your room, Java. Jah’Moke, I’ll put you over here.” Debran was leading Jah’Moke over to another room when Java cleared her throat.

  “One room will be enough, Deb.”

  Debran looked at Java with wide eyes. “Java, that is not...”

  “...Proper. I don’t care about proper, Deb,” Java said, then she moved in close to her sister. “Jah’Moke and I feel kind of self-conscious at Equintain, Deb. We haven’t been alone in over a week.”

  Debran looked shocked, then she began to laugh. “Oh, Java, you’re terrible. Worse than before.”

  “Thank you,” Java said primly, bowing slightly.

  Debran left them alone while she saw to the Guardsmen. Jah’Moke chuckled as he said, “Your sister is very much like you.”

  “She’s the next in line. We were always close while we were growing up. I’m glad she found a good man.” Java hugged Jah’Moke’s arm, then led him to the bed. “There’s time before supper.”

  Jah’Moke grinned and they were quickly in bed, enjoying the feel of one another’s bodies for the first time since they had become betrothed. Java was feeling especially sensitive after riding for so long, and Jah’Moke quickly had her in a frenzied state that left her all but unconscious after her orgasm.

  Java and Jah’Moke were clean and dressed when Debran came and knocked discreetly on the door. “Are you ready? For supper, that is?” she asked, grinning broadly.

  Java smiled like a sated cat and stretched. “Yes, we worked up quite an appetite.”

  Debran’s eyes widened, but so did her smile. “If you will come with me, I’ll show you to the dining hall. Lord Merick is still asleep, so Lord Everdin is presiding. He’s a bit lost, so be nice.” Debran’s look had Java curious, but she remained quiet.

  Java and Jah’Moke entered the dining hall and looked about. Lieutenant Norstrand was there, his birth being high enough to warrant his inclusion. Lord Everdin sat at the head of the table, and a statuesque brunette woman sat at the foot of the table. Deb escorted them to seats at the center of the table, then departed.

  Lord Everdin cleared his throat. “Princess, please let me introduce my wife, Lady Constantine,” the woman at the foot of the table nodded her head deeply to Java, “my sons, Elgin and Davin,” two teenage boys stood and bowed deeply, “and my daughters, Sara and Dara.” Twin carrot-tops stood and curtsied, grinning broadly. They appeared to be seven or eight.

  Java stood and bowed to Lord Everdin. “I thank you for your welcome, Lord Everdin. May I present my betrothed, Jah’Moke Cawfy of the Latté,” Jah’Moke stood and bowed to their host, “And Lieutenant Emin Norstrand, of the Hiddendell Royal Guard.”

  Lord Everdin nodded to his guests. “I’m afraid that you have taken us by surprise, Princess Java. We weren’t expecting anyone to visit this late in the year.”

  “Please don’t go to any trouble on our account, Lord Everdin. Jah’Moke and I are very comfortable in almost any situation. As you already know, I came to see my sister. We will be leaving in the morning to see my other sister, Berrisan, at Devinstand.” Java’s smile set the lord at ease, and his smile relaxed the rest of his family.

  The twins immediately lost some of their awe of Java and began asking her questions. “Princess Java, are you...” Dara began asking.

  “...Really a mercenary?” Sara finished asking.

  “Yes, I am. Or I was. I resigned from the Firewalkers before I returned to Whitehall this time.” Java smiled at the twins.

  “Is he a...” Sara began.

  “...Mercenary too?” Dara finished, grinning.

  “I am.” Jah’Moke answered, grinning at the girls. He had spent too much time with the triplets to have a problem following just two girls trying to whiplash him. “Do you two...” he tapped Java’s hand under the table.

  “...Always try to...” Java picked up. Tap.

  “...confuse your...” Jah’Moke continued. Tap.

  “...Guests?” Java finished, much to Lord and Lady Stellin’s amusement.

  The twins were looking at Java and Jah’Moke in open-mouthed awe. No one had ever turned their trick back on them. Their brothers were fighting to stay in their seats and not laugh out loud.

  “My girls used to do that to us all the time. It won’t work.”

  “Princess, forgive me, but your girls?” Lady Constantine asked, looking at Java curiously.

  “War orphans who were placed in my charge. You may have heard of the Salem Triplets? They were instrumental in defeating Frander’s armies.” Java smiled as the triplets’ name registered. “Jah’Moke and I got this all the time.”

  “They did the same thing?” Sara asked, slightly put out. This was their trick.

  “Not quite the same,” Jah’Moke answered. “There were three of them. You two are easy to keep track of.”

  Both girls were completely put out by that, and their brothers excused themselves to go laugh outside. The sound of their laughter carried clearly back into the dining hall, making the twins frown. Lord Everdin smiled at his daughters, then turned the conversation to Lender’s Dale and Duchess Samantha.

  “Is the Duchess going to build a new capital city, Princess?”

  “She may. She has to wait until Lender’s Dale is prospering again before she does anything. I’ve made my profits and produce from Mountainstand and Link County available to her, but she is seeing to needs first. Wants will wait,” Java answered softly, happy to talk about Sam.

  “And in return? Forgive me, Princess, but to give her so much, especially after everything else you’ve given her? What do you get in return?” Lady Constantine asked, looking slightly embarrassed by her own question.

  Java smiled softly. She had answered this question too many times. “Nothing. Samantha was my charge during the war, along with the triplets. We are a family, and I would give her everything I own if she needed it.”

  Lieutenant Norstrand choked on his wine at that. “Excuse me,” he muttered, standing and leaving the room.

  “I wonder what that was about?” Lord Everdin said, looking after the lieutenant.

  “He’s a spy, Lord Everdin. He’s been having a hard time finding out what my plans are. I think he’s supposed to find out who I favor to take over Link County, even though I have already made my plans clear,” Java said, smiling. “My sources say he is related to Lord Barstin of River County. I think Lord Barstin wants one of his younger sons there instead of me or Lady Freeholm.”

  “Lady Freeholm?” Lord Everdin asked, his eyebrows climbing his forehead.

  “Yes. Duke Arten ennobled Marta Freeholm, and she is my Lady High Chatelaine for Link County. She will hold the county in trust for our children, as will Lady Skyhaven in Mountainstand County. We have made it clear that I won’t relinquish either Link or Mountainstand for the benefit of one of the other lords. The only people I would relinquish them to are Captain Freeholm or Lieuten
ant Skyhaven, but neither of them wants a county.” Java’s grin left Lord Everdin feeling uncomfortable.

  “Princess Java,” Sara asked softly, “what are the triplets like? We have heard of them, and they say that they’re Mages.”

  “They are Magi, but they are also girls, just like you two. They have their good days and bad days, the same as everyone. They have devoted themselves to Duchess Samantha’s service, and are her closest friends,” Java answered seriously.

  “Do they look the same, like we do?” Dara asked, once again emboldened by Java’s friendliness.

  “Yes, they do,” Jah’Moke answered. “The only way to tell the apart is by experience. Mayrie is always thinking, and it shows in little lines around her eyes. Maylee is very sensitive, and that shows in how she looks at other people. She is always wide-eyed and interested. Maygren is calm. Nothing ruffles her feathers, except Mayrie. Once you find the subtle differences, you can tell them apart.”

  The boys had returned and were listening with interest. They could tell their sisters apart but had never analyzed how. “Princess, what was the war like?” Elgin, the elder of the two, asked eagerly.

  Java looked at him calmly, then pulled her blouse loose at the neck. “I received these two arrow wounds when I was sixteen, Lord Elgin.” She showed the white puckers with the crosses from the war heads. “I almost died. My best friend did die, trying to save me. The war was frightening beyond description, dangerous, uncomfortable, and a miserable mess most of the time.”

  Jah’Moke took up where Java left off. “When Java was hit, the armies of Mage Frander almost overran the Firewalker camp. They lost ninety women in that one battle. One third of their company. War is not something to be glorified, Lord Elgin. It is to be feared and avoided whenever possible.”

  “But, the songs about your battles, Princess. The song about you finding the Duchess. That’s exciting.” Lord Davin picked up his brother’s enthusiasm.

  “That song is pure horse-crap, made up by a minstrel who never even made it into Greencastle. This is the true story...” Java told the story of finding, and almost shooting, Samantha.

  “But, the song is nothing like that!” Lord Davin complained.