The king of Dronak had a price on their heads, which meant Vahn’s posse could track them over the border with full royal support. This pleased Vahn immensely. He was prepared to defy anyone necessary to have justice, but this was perfect. He could exact his vengeance and earn an ally at the same time. His lips curled upwards at the thought.
“Who is with me?” he shouted.
“I am,” came the unanimous shout back. Raised fists and swords punctuated their enthusiasm.
“Then follow me!” Vahn roared. He turned to Patkus. “Take us to Keedrina’s farmhouse. We can pick up the trail from there.” Patkus nodded and urged his horse forward with Vahn next to him. In a cloud of dust, they vacated the East Gate.
The healer led the posse to the ashen ruins. The sight of the destruction only strengthened the collective resolve. The rural community noticed the knights led by the duke’s banner. Several farmers, even a few who were Itzi, asked to join the search. Eyebrows raised, but Vahn welcomed any who wished to help. Itzi could be courageous when they had a cause. In truth, more were willing than able because so few owned horses.
The hoof marks near the destroyed farm were clear, but doubtless the outlaws would use every tracking trick to their advantage. However, in all the excitement, Vahn had not thought to fetch his dogs. He still had time to send someone back for them, but two of the farmers brought hunting dogs, negating any need to wait.
Some Itzi women arrived while the posse sifted through rubble and bandied strategies about. Vahn was touched when the women offered satchels of food to the gathered knights—Elva men they didn’t even know. He thanked everyone and promised to avenge Silla’s family. The little cluster of rural neighbors cheered the duke and his men as they rode off.
The posse followed tracks to the stream where Captain Shil reminded everyone to water the horses and fill all waterskins. Although the party had formed quickly, they were not ill-prepared. With the food from the Itzi women, they had enough to cover the few who had been less than thorough in their excited preparations.
The dogs proved invaluable when the trail obscured at the stream, for there were numerous tracks both to and from the brook’s edge. The posse split for a while, following the meandering rivulet in both directions, each team taking half the dogs. After they found the trail upstream, the downstream group rejoined the whole and all proceeded east in pursuit of the outlaws.
Vahn felt cautiously euphoric. He had a large group of men, spanning different ages and occupations, even breeds, and all to a common goal that couldn’t have been more noble—defending the helpless and avenging an unspeakable crime. His “army”, though of course, it couldn’t be called such, had rallied to him in under an hour. If his goals were met, he’d make an ally of the king of Dronak in the process.
Chapter 8
Keedrina followed timna to Rebono Keep. The Itzi admired the twin Rebono crests adorning the wrought iron spindles of the double gate which stood at its entrance. In the center of the crest, a silver sword crossed an anchor inlaid with onyx. A stylized “R” in deep amethyst topped the design. In the lower left corner was a fish with hematite scales and the lower right corner depicted an orange overlaid in gold with a cabochon emerald for a leaf.
The guards looked to timna to explain the stranger. “This is Lady Keedrina. She is under Master Vahn’s protection and is to be quartered at the guest cottage until his return.” Keedrina was impressed with the authority in the voice of the slave. The guards took her word without question and opened the gates.
timna walked Keedrina to the cottage and opened the front door. Keedrina stood wide-eyed at the threshold, reluctant to set foot on the thick, luxurious rug. Inside were tables carved of costly teak and couches upholstered in velvet. Rich tapestries hung from the walls. All the windows had clear, smooth glass panes, not like the bumpy and mottled glass common everywhere else. Her jaw dropped.
The slave smiled at the farmgirl’s wonderment. She stepped in and motioned to her reluctant charge. “It’s all right, milady. This is where Master wants you. You wouldn’t want to see him angered, would you?”
Keedrina shook her head. “Absolutely not.” She bent over and removed her worn brogans, slipped sagging, home-knit socks from her feet, then stepped into the entry. timna smiled and started a tour, pointing out where everything was. Keedrina followed with her mouth agape, completely overcome with the opulence.
timna invited her to sit. Keedrina sat nervously on the edge of a velvet-cushioned couch. timna sank to her knees two feet away on a lush fur rug. Keedrina took one look and slipped from the couch to the floor, mimicking timna’s pose.
timna frowned. “Is there anything wrong with the couch?”
“No, not at all. I just feel strange up there with you down here.” timna didn’t object to her choice, but she still avoided her gaze. As Keedrina thought about it, moxi had done that too. It then hit her why she had been so uncomfortable around moxi. It felt incongruous being called “lady” and being treated as superior. It felt strange with someone older and even stranger with an Elva. She had always been taught that Elva were stronger, smarter, and better than Itzi. One would only have to meet the duke for proof that was true. Keedrina’s heart still fluttered at the thought of him.
“t-t-timna? Can I ask you something?”
“Of course, Lady Keedrina. What is it?” timna straightened her back.
Keedrina recognized that same regal kneel as the one timna held when the duke stroked her hair. Keedrina could almost see him doing it even now, so vividly had the scene been etched to her mind. That action had struck a chord deep within her. She was loathe to admit it even to herself, but she wanted to kneel at the duke’s feet, with his hand on her hair like it had been on timna’s.
“Are you happy being a slave?” Keedrina didn’t know how else to word it. She suspected timna might be forbidden to answer, but it was a start.
timna acted like the question didn’t bother her in the least. She held out her right forearm. Tattooed just below the shining silver wrist band in half-inch numerals was a 22. “Do you know what the numbers mean?”
“No,” Keedrina admitted.
“In 1022, on Queen’s Jubilee, timna will be free—”
“That’s next year!”
“Exactly,” timna continued. “In one year and two weeks, timna will be free. timna was sold to a merchant for three years to pay off a debt. When timna went to the ITC, Master Vahn bought timna from the merchant. He is strict and does not allow laziness or lax manners, but he never harms timna as long as timna obeys.”
Keedrina nodded thoughtfully. “Do you have to talk like that? Lord Patkus’ slave didn’t talk that way.”
“It is up to an owner what standards he wants of his property. Some masters think third-person speech is a silly old custom. Some consider it a mark of excellence. timna uses it because it pleases Master Vahn.”
Keedrina nodded, working up the courage to ask an awkward question. “Please don’t be afraid of me. I’m not trying to get you in trouble or anything...really.” Keedrina fidgeted with the hem of her tunic. “I just never met a slave before today. I always thought slaves were miserable wretches that were constantly whipped and worked to death.”
timna laughed. “You have heard too many tales. Perhaps the galley ships stocked with criminals and Permanents are treated that way, but they are rarely female. Are you thinking of selling yourself?”
How had timna guessed? Oh yes, she was a homeless orphan. Nevertheless, she had the henhouse and the chickens. “I’m not in debt,” Keedrina said. “And I’m legally an adult.”
The Elva blanched. “Please forgive timna, milady. She did not mean to suggest...”
“Stop,” Keedrina whispered. “You were right. I am thinking about it.”
timna breathed a sigh of relief. Evidently, it was important not to offend.
Keedrina reached out and patted timna’s knee. She felt so kindred in spirit with the slave, so aching to become what timna se
emed to be, but so much had happened, Keedrina could barely think straight. Could her mind be confusing wants with needs? Was she dreaming blindly?
“timna, you said the duke never harms you. But does he...” she took a deep breath—this was difficult to ask, “...does he force you to his bed?” Keedrina knew little about mating, even less about Elva customs or slavery parameters.
timna chuckled. “He would not have to force timna. If he wanted timna, she would give herself, but he is faithful to Mistress Saerula—even since she became with child. His heart and loins are completely hers.” timna paused; her brows furrowed a moment and then relaxed. “No one shares Master’s bed but Mistress.”
Keedrina released her held breath. That had been her greatest fear and the hardest question to ask. There were still more questions, but not for timna. “Thank you for talking to me.”
“You’re welcome. Is there anything timna can get you before she goes back to work?”
“Work? Have I been keeping you from something? Oh, I’m sorry. No, I need nothing, thank you.”
“No apologies necessary. Master Vahn asked timna to see to your needs. timna will bring back supper later. Please, enjoy Master’s hospitality. You appreciate it far more than the counts and barons.” She stood from her kneel in a single fluid motion and padded quietly away on bare feet.
Keedrina’s mind swam with uncertainty. She knew her perception was clouded. She leaned over on the fur until she lay on her side. Having slept so long the night before, she did not sleep, but she did some heavy thinking. Eventually, her defenses dropped and she allowed herself a private cry of grief for her family.
Chapter 9
Vahn and the posse followed the trail of the marauders east to Fendrus Sector, in Marquis Terzak’s territory. It was dusk now and the area they were crossing was densely forested. Vahn thought it wise to set up camp.
“Captain, have the best hunters set out in pairs to scout around on foot. No one is to attack—only observe and report. Make sure they don’t disturb the walls around Mors Manor, but I want it scouted and reported on as well.” If the Dronak Death Gang was connected to the marquis, this could get messy.
“Yes, your highness, consider it done,” Shil said with a bow. He carried out the orders, then addressed the remaining men. “I want twelve men on guard, rotating on two-hour shifts. Everyone else, get some sleep. No reason anyone should stay up all night.”
Vahn lay down on a wool blanket and closed his eyes. He was annoyed that the tracking had not led south. If these outlaws hid anywhere in his duchy, it meant he would have to tolerate vigilantes from the south, the same as he could have crossed the border to Dronak if the tracking had led that way. Essential to his long-term goals was the security of his people. He refused to allow skirmishes and raiding as his brother did in the north.
Vahn tossed and turned on the hard ground, but finally managed five hours of sleep before the first scouts returned. He prevented them from waking Shil. He wanted to hear the reports himself and let his captain sleep as long as possible.
“Two hooded equestrians arrived at Mors Manor, your highness,” the scout whispered. “They stayed for about three hours, then left. The manor went dark an hour later.”
“Could you tell who they were? Did you see anything else?” Vahn whispered back.
“No, it was too dark.”
“Very well, thank you, milords. See if you can get some sleep now.”
Scouts trickled back to camp thereafter. Some reported finding a camp of five men deep in the forest, with snares and traps set all around. Vahn woke his captain. By torchlight, the scouts drew maps in the dirt and described the snares. Once they finished reporting and planning, Shil sent the scouts to sleep, checked on the sentries, then lay down.
Vahn retreated alone into the woods. He emerged an hour later. “It’s time,” he announced. His voice was low and reverberating. It was not particularly loud, but it didn’t have to be. One third of the men woke with his declaration. A few nudges later, everyone was awake. Rubbing eyes and squinting in the predawn mists, they all gave attention to the duke.
“I believe we have them,” Vahn said softly. No reply met that statement except the crickets and the waking birds. Someone coughed. “Our scouts have spotted a camp in the forest. The outlaws are not aware we are here. They are depending on traps and snares to alert them. We will attack from all sides. They will be surrounded with no escape. Be careful. I do not cherish the thought of explaining to widows why numbers such as ours did not vanquish without loss.”
The men nodded while quietly rising from the ground. The duke talked as they broke camp. “Form into four groups. I will take the south. Captain Shil will take the north. This covers the two greatest risks—Dronak and the marquis. Lieutenant Windrider, take the west, Lieutenant Alnen, the east. Once we close in on them, everyone spread out. Those of you who know traps, go ahead of the others and point them out. When I give the signal, we all advance at once. Hold your weapons for defense only until I say otherwise. There is always a chance we have the wrong men. I will not compound the injustice by killing more innocents. If anyone lifts a sword without my orders, he will answer to me.”
By the time his quiet speech was finished, the camp was broken and the men munched on cheese and dried meats. They were in good spirits, clapping each other on the back and clasping wrists. They muzzled the dogs for stealth. Vahn mounted his horse and set his jaw in determination. “For Latoph!” he cried softly.
“For Latoph!” came the hushed enthusiastic reply. Within seconds, everyone mounted and formed four groups. Vahn motioned the duchy banner lifted, exchanged a salute with his captain, and rode off. The rest dispersed with only the sound of hoof beats on the grassy clearing.
Chapter 10
Keedrina wrestled with boredom. It was an unfamiliar feeling and doubly vexing with disturbing thoughts vying for her attention. She didn’t want to think about her family any more.
Bound in fine leather with gold embossed lettering, the storybook in the sitting room beckoned her. It was probably worth more than Mother had made in a year. Dare she touch something so valuable? They expected her to use fancy furniture and walk on luxurious rugs, so perhaps this was all right. She decided to take advantage of the opportunity for pleasant distraction. When timna returned with supper, Keedrina was curled up on the fur rug, reading by the light of an oil lamp.
The slave was flustered. “timna is sorry, milady. She couldn’t come sooner. Please forgive timna.”
Keedrina pitied her. “You aren’t late. This is fine. Will you be eating with me?”
timna’s eyes grew wide. She hesitated a second, then shook her head. “timna must see to Mistress Saerula’s needs or timna would be happy to. Thank you for asking.” As she set the plate down, she saw the book in Keedrina’s hand. “What are you doing with that?”
Keedrina gulped. “I was reading it. It was just on the table. I didn’t know—”
timna cut her off. “You can read?”
“Yes,” Keedrina admitted. She looked up at timna with shy eyes.
The Elva woman frowned. Her temples bulged as if gritting her teeth. timna glared at Keedrina’s shoulders, still not meeting her gaze.
Keedrina sighed, then lifted the book and read aloud. “Lady Bastra had six strapping sons, but it was Malcolm who was the apple of her eye. He was a winsome lad with eyes of bl—”
“You memorized the story!” timna interrupted. She bit her lip quickly.
Keedrina knew several stories by Itzi oral tradition, but this was not one of them. She shook her head and handed the book to timna. “Pick a page at random.”
timna grabbed the book and searched for a page with no illustrations. She handed it back to Keedrina with a satisfied grin.
Keedrina sighed and read from the chosen page.
timna stumbled. She caught herself on the sofa’s arm before slumping to the floor. “You really can read!” Her cheeks grew red and she looked down. “Oh milady, p
lease forgive timna. She didn’t know it was possible. timna thought you were trying to...” She trailed off mid-sentence, shaking her head.
“It’s all right,” Keedrina said, “most everyone thinks Itzi are too stupid to read.” She sighed. “I wish I never learned.”
“But why? You are smarter than we Elva give credit for.”
Keedrina shrugged. “I didn’t tell my mother what I was doing. She wouldn’t let me talk to the young Elva men who worked Lord Patkus’ field. I had to lie to attend my lessons. I told her I was praying to the Nymphs, but I was having reading lessons when the marauders came. If I had been home like a good Itzi, or at least in the woods like I told my mother, then I could have heard their screams. I heard voices in the woods, but all I could think about was Mother catching me where I wasn’t supposed to be. I only thought of myself. I could have helped...” Keedrina broke off, wiping a tear from her eye.
“No, Lady Keedrina, you would be gone now too. This isn’t your fault.”
“Maybe I should be dead now.”
“If there are any ‘shoulds’, then your mother and sisters should be all right. No one deserves what happened to them. Not even animals should be treated that way.”
“No,” Keedrina admitted, sniffling. “Animals are killed quickly... and the young are always spared.” timna was right. Keedrina would kill a chicken with more mercy than was shown her family.
“Exactly,” timna echoed. “You shouldn’t be dead. Your family should be alive. It would only further the tragedy for you to throw your life away as well.”
Keedrina slipped into thoughtful silence. Was timna still talking about her dying with her family? Or was she commenting on the discussion they had earlier? “If you died before next year’s Jubilee, do you think your life would be thrown away?”
The Duke's Handmaid (Book 1 of the Ascendancy Trilogy) Page 4