It took them two days to reach Harlen. The town was teeming with activity, the innkeeper’s eyes flickering nervously at Muir’s request for rooms. ‘For the lady, of course; if you’ll allow me a moment.’
There were signs of hasty tidying in the room she was eventually allotted, causing her a flicker of remorse for its previous occupant. Muir went to gather news.
‘Donnel is likely not far away,’ he told her, an hour later. ‘He was outnumbered at Breck but the raiders broke and ran. Our troops are harrying the countryside for the last of Fratton’s soldiers.’
‘Is there news from Othbridge?’
He gave a single terse nod. ‘Cantrel was injured. Bayer got him back across the bridge, but he’s not yet able to travel. Margetta is safe; Barc and Emett escorted her to the citadel.’
She could see there was more. ‘What?’ she demanded.
‘Harl.’ Muir took a breath and blew it out. ‘After the bridge was secured, he returned to Fratton to search for you. But … Harl’s a survivor,’ he added, seeing her face. ‘He’s more likely still hunting you than come to harm.’
Risha said nothing.
‘Kern’s unit remains at Othbridge, but there’s been no trouble since.’
She frowned. ‘If the raiders didn’t cross at Othbridge, how did they reach LeMarc?’
His face showed a mix of reluctance and anger. ‘It would seem they crossed near the marsh.’
She felt cold. ‘Then—’
‘There’s more to this than is yet clear. To have acted so quickly Somoran must have had troops stationed near the border, but to raid in winter—’ Muir dragged a hand across his jaw. ‘It’s possible we stung him into action early.’ Seeing Risha’s wince, Muir shook his head. ‘That’s to LeMarc’s advantage, Risha. The attack was ill-planned, else Donnel wouldn’t have seen the raiders off so easily.’ He paced the small room, making it feel even smaller. ‘Our next meeting will be on Fratton’s soil.’
‘Must there be another? With both Margetta and I safe—’
‘And our people killed? Their homes burned, farms sacked? You’ve seen it, Risha. It can’t be ignored.’
He was right, but still she felt sick with dread.
Lost. All dead, all lost.
The wail caused her to stiffen. Nonno?
‘My lady? Are you well?’ She met Muir’s gaze blankly. ‘You look touched by a ghost.’
Perhaps she was. Nonno had been silent through their long winter in the marsh. ‘It’s nothing. Just … a memory I can’t place.’ Her fingers rose to the brooch she had pinned to her collar after Tummel.
Muir studied her a moment before accepting her explanation. ‘Come. Let’s see whether the innkeeper can find us a meal.’
That night she slept little and woke tired and ill-tempered. Muir had secured fresh horses and a dozen soldiers to accompany them south.
Two days later, as the afternoon’s wintry light began to fade from the sky, they met a column of two hundred soldiers with Donnel riding at its head.
Muir beckoned Risha and rode forward. Her mount sidled restlessly in the face of the oncoming troop. Donnel seemed a stranger, the hand that halted his column lowering to settle on the sword hilt at his hip.
‘My lord.’ Muir’s tone was formal.
Risha’s tongue had cleaved to the roof of her mouth. This man, this warrior, was her father.
‘Make camp,’ Donnel barked. ‘Tain, arrange pickets and provisions.’
His eyes never left Risha. As the soldiers dispersed he spurred his mount closer. Her own sidestepped warily and Risha fought to control it.
‘I thought you dead or, at best, a prisoner of Fratton.’ Donnel’s voice was level but still seemed to accuse her.
She took a breath. ‘I am sorry to have caused you worry, my lord.’
Without reply his eyes shifted to Muir. ‘You were charged with Lady Arishara’s safety.’
‘It is my privilege to deliver her safely back to you, my lord.’
Donnel’s nostrils flared. ‘Would that there had been no need.’
‘Father.’
His attention snapped back to Risha.
‘Muir would have given his life to protect me, and came close to doing so. Without his aid I wouldn’t be here.’
‘If he had not put your life at risk, we would be spared this debate.’
She flushed. ‘I made my own choice.’
‘Such a decision is not yours to make. You are a child.’
‘The child I was I left behind in Torfell,’ she snapped. ‘That girl’s father was Pelon — but he is no longer my father. And I am no longer a child.’
They stared at one another, breathing fast. Risha could feel the anger flaring in her cheeks, as she could see it in her father’s.
‘My lord,’ Muir began.
Donnel raised a hand. ‘Find Captain Tain and tell him you are detained on charge of treason.’ He ignored Risha’s gasp. ‘I will hear your excuses when it pleases me to do so.’
Muir’s face was expressionless as he pulled his horse’s head around and set him at a canter toward the slope where the captain was directing arrangements for the night.
‘You can’t charge him with treason! He—’
Donnel’s voice overrode her. ‘He broke an oath and put your life at risk. By my count he faces two charges of treason.’
Risha’s chin rose defiantly. ‘If you mean the promise you extracted that he should keep me ignorant of a truth I was entitled to, I can assure you he did not. Lord Donnel, Muir deserves gratitude for the service he has rendered me. You cannot doubt his loyalty.’
‘When I wish your counsel on my dealings with men, I will ask for it,’ he answered her coolly.
He glanced briefly towards the camp then motioned her to dismount. As he swung from the saddle a trooper hurried to take their horses.
Donnel stripped off his gloves and slapped them against his thigh. ‘If Muir did not tell you, Arishara, must I assume Cantrel an oath-breaker?’
‘You surely know him better than that!’ Her answer didn’t appear to please him. She tossed her head, her braid flicking across her shoulder. ‘It was Barc who told me, and only because I insisted.’ She could feel herself losing ground. She straightened her spine. ‘He’d not have needed to had you told me yourself.’
An awkward silence settled between them. Donnel broke it with an exasperated sigh. ‘This is not how I would have had this conversation run. It was always my intention to tell you, Arishara. I regret now that I didn’t do so when I had the chance but … I had hoped you might first come to know LeMarc. And me.’
Risha said nothing.
Donnel compressed his lips. ‘Arishara, I—’
‘My lord,’ she interrupted. ‘Would you please call me Risha?’
Donnel took a breath and released it loudly. ‘In return, perhaps … Donnel, if any other title is too difficult.’
Risha’s anger had faded. ‘Donnel.’ She tried the name and rejected it. ‘Father.’
A muscle twitched in his cheek. ‘We have a lot to catch up on, daughter, and I regret it is not the ideal time. This war —’
‘I’m sorry,’ Risha burst out. ‘It’s my fault. If I hadn’t—’
‘Yours? It was Barc’s foolhardy plan that forced Somoran’s hand — and mine. You are no part of it — at least, not now I know you are safe.’
She drew a breath, her guilt rising in her chest. ‘I’m responsible for the farms that were raided.’
‘How so?’
‘When Fratton’s soldiers were hunting us, we escaped into the marsh. They—’
‘Muir took you into Lacstone Marsh?’
‘Muir was barely conscious. Torfell couldn’t outrun them double-burdened so I turned her into the marsh. It was the only way I could think to escape. But—’
Donnel surprised her, as he had once before, with a sharp bark of laughter. ‘The longer I know you, daughter, the more you astound me. Come.’ He placed a hand on her shoulder. ‘Are
you hungry?’
Over their meal Risha told Donnel of the marsh. ‘The Nan-Irem treated us well, but it was claustrophobic; the fog like a wall all around. I’m truly glad to be back in LeMarc.’
‘I’m delighted to hear it,’ Donnel answered dryly. ‘When I returned from Havre I didn’t expect to find you gone.’
She bridled at the censure in his tone. ‘If you want me here, why go to Havre at all?’
‘I made a promise to your mother when you were born. I failed in my vow to keep her safe, Arishara. I won’t fail in this.’ He pushed his plate aside. ‘After the extent of Goltoy’s perfidy became clear, I swore that I would see not just Havre but all the royal houses reinstated.’
‘And if Havre doesn’t want me?’
‘Havre’s people will welcome you; the burghers may need to be won over. They would prefer not to give up the autonomy they’ve awarded themselves.’
She didn’t blame them. Why should Havre’s merchants want their comfortable world re-ordered for the sake of a girl they’d never met?
‘I left Timon to represent your interests. It had been my intention that you would visit Havre at mid-summer, but — thanks to Barc — it will now have to wait.’
He paced the small space, his energy too potent to be contained. ‘So. Tomorrow I will go north to deal with Somoran and you will continue your journey south.’
‘But—’
‘Margetta will be grateful for your company. And perhaps you will oblige me by staying where I expect you to be until I return.’
‘It wasn’t my intention to cause distress, my l— Father. My action was rash. I’m sorry.’
He waved a hand. ‘It is done. We will set it behind us.’
She gathered her courage. ‘Have you news of Cantrel? We heard in Harlen that he was injured.’
‘In that, he was fortunate: he has been safer in Othbridge than in my company.’
‘You surely don’t believe that Cantrel and Muir have committed treason? Both would die for LeMarc, and for you.’
‘As they would for you, it seems,’ Donnel answered. ‘Nor them alone. Gorth was ready to lay siege to Fratton single-handed when we heard that they’d taken you, and Harl appears to have done so.’ He gave a thin smile. ‘You win men’s loyalty, Arishara. Perhaps the smug burghers of Havre will find things do not go entirely as they plan when you take up your birthright.
26
Lady of the citadel
By mid-morning Risha and Muir were riding south at the head of a small column, the hooves of their horses stirring the almond blossom that had fallen in the road. The fresh green of the land should have soothed Risha’s discontent, but did not.
‘Is something troubling you, my lady?’
‘I feel like I’m being packed away for safekeeping.’ Donnel had been apologetic that he could not spare the time to escort her, making her feel more burden than daughter.
Muir cocked an eyebrow. ‘Would you rather ride to war, Arishara?’
‘I’d rather there was no war.’
‘LeMarc will be revenged, my lady.’
Muir’s response, when Donnel had rescinded the charge of treason, had been to request permission to ride at his side against Fratton. It irritated Risha afresh that men were so eager to kill and to risk their lives.
Faced with her scowl, Muir relented. ‘You’ll have plenty to occupy you, Risha, at least until Cantrel’s return.’
She huffed a sigh. ‘What do I know of running a citadel?’
‘What you don’t know, you’ll learn. Donnel wouldn’t have placed the citadel in your care if he hadn’t confidence in your abilities.’
Risha glanced at him sidelong.
‘In Kern’s absence Galyn captains the citadel guard,’ Muir offered. ‘Go to him if you have any problems. Or to Fretha.’ His lips quirked at her expression.
‘How long will the war last?’
Muir flicked his reins against his horse’s neck, shifting a fly that had settled there. ‘Your friend Barc might answer that better than I. FrattonSeat has never fallen without assistance from within.’
‘Is Barc in Fratton? I supposed him still at the citadel with Margetta.’
‘He returned north as soon as she was safely delivered, to argue for Donnel as ally rather than threat. Or so we believe.’
Risha eyed him curiously. ‘You don’t like him, do you?’
‘I don’t like spies,’ he said shortly.
Two days later they came within sight of the citadel, its walls and towers as formidable as the craggy peaks above. So much had changed since she’d first arrived in LeMarc. Almost, it felt like coming home — but without Donnel and Cantrel, Gorth, Harl and soon Muir, would it still?
As they clattered into the dark barbican Risha suppressed a shiver. Muir touched her shoulder. ‘Start as you mean to go on,’ he said quietly.
On her first arrival it had been Cantrel who greeted them. Now, it was Fretha who stood starchily straight on the steps. ‘Lady Arishara. I’m relieved to see you back.’
And surprised, Risha decided. Mindful of Muir’s advice, she faced the woman squarely. ‘Has my father sent word ahead of us?’
Fretha’s mouth rounded. ‘Your father—’
‘We met Lord Donnel on the road,’ Muir said. ‘He has placed the citadel under Lady Arishara’s care until Cantrel is able to return.’
Fretha hesitated only fractionally. ‘I am your servant, my lady.’
Risha was suddenly aware of her tattered, soot-stained clothes, which still had about them the slight taint of the marsh. ‘We’ve been long on the road, Fretha. I wonder if I might trouble you to organise a bath and fresh clothes?’
‘Of course.’
‘Muir, you’ll join us later for a meal?’
‘My lady.’ He turned slightly as he bowed, so that Fretha wouldn’t see his wink.
‘How is Margetta?’ Risha asked, as Fretha ushered her up the stairs.
‘I have endeavoured to help her settle. She’s not one to chatter.’
The girl’s happiness would be her first priority, Risha decided. ‘I’ll go and see her as soon as I’ve changed.’
‘I’ll let her know she might expect you.’
‘No, that might make her nervous. I’ll surprise her.’
‘As you wish.’ They had reached Risha’s rooms. ‘I’ll send Lyse to assist you.’
‘Thank you, Fretha.’ Risha hesitated. ‘And thank you for all you’ve taught me. I know I still have much to learn.’
The woman’s mouth worked as if she was trying out words. ‘I’m glad Lord Donnel has finally spoken to you. Your mother … your presence eases his long grieving.’
Risha was still blinking in surprise as the door closed in the woman’s wake.
Margetta had the fragile timidity of a sparrow. Risha smiled reassurance. ‘I was unsettled when I first arrived but I’ve come to love LeMarc.’
‘Have you not always lived here?’ Margetta’s voice was high-pitched and hesitant.
‘I grew up in exile. My mother died when I was young. Sometimes I think I remember her a little, but I’m not really sure. I’ve only just met my father.’
‘I don’t remember either of my parents. In Fratton I’m forbidden to speak of them.’
‘Well, here you may speak of anything you like, but only as you wish. Have you made any friends yet?’
Margetta looked down. ‘Fretha is helpful,’ she said politely.
Risha laughed. ‘Fretha means well, but do you not find her a little bossy?’
Margetta’s cheeks reddened. ‘She is not half so bad as one of my ladies at Fratton.’
The sound of horses in the courtyard drew Risha to the window, but the jut of the wall blocked her view. ‘Do you ride?’ she asked. ‘We could go out tomorrow if you like.’
‘I’m not a very good rider. I wasn’t often allowed out of the castle.’ She twisted her hands.
Risha felt ten rather than just two years older than the girl; far older than
she’d felt a year ago in Torfell. ‘I’ll have them find you a quiet mount. We can lay our plans over dinner.’
Fear gathered in the girl’s face. ‘I’ve been taking meals in my room. I’m not sure I—’
‘It would be nice for my first night back, don’t you think?’ Risha smiled. ‘I’ll send Lyse to fetch you so you don’t get lost in this rabbit warren. Is the castle at Fratton as bad?’
‘I — I don’t know. There’s a lot of it I haven’t seen.’
As she set about her errand, Risha wondered how long it would take for the girl’s confidence to grow. Riding would be a good start, but— Her musing came to a halt as she rounded the corner of the stables. ‘Emett!’
The young man spun around. ‘Risha, thank Sargath!’ She hid a smile at his use of the southern idiom. ‘We thought you’d been taken by Fratton’s men. Where have you been all this time?’
‘It’s a long story; I’ll tell it later. Let me hear your news first. How badly was Cantrel hurt?’
‘A sword wound in the thigh. He lost a lot of blood, but Barc was confident he’d recover.’ He pushed his hair from his face with a movement so familiar it pulled at her heart.
‘Oh, Emett, it’s good to see you!’ Impulsively she embraced him.
Emett returned her hug awkwardly. As she stepped back Risha caught sight of Muir emerging from the stable.
‘Have you met Margetta?’ Emett asked.
‘Just now. How does she seem to you?’
‘She’s very shy and … scarred by the things that have happened to her. She didn’t enjoy the journey any more than I did, though I’m getting accustomed to the saddle now. Sometimes I even enjoy it.’ He gave a self-deprecating grin.
‘Perhaps you ride well enough to join me then.’ Muir sauntered towards them. ‘My lady, I’d like your permission to ride north in the morning to join Donnel.’
Risha frowned. ‘He said that you should. You don’t need my permission.’
His half-bow was somehow mocking. ‘But I would not leave without it. The troop who saw us here will ride with me.’ He paused. ‘And any others who choose to lend their swords to LeMarc.’
Emett flushed as Muir’s eyes swept over him. Abruptly he reached for his horse’s reins and turned for the stable.
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