The Duke's Handmaid (Book 1 of the Ascendancy Trilogy)

by Caprice Hokstad

  At suppertime, one of the older Itzi brought a tray of food down. “Master Vahn says you are both to eat,” she said. Frightened eyes regarded timna in her bindings.

  timna feigned indifference to her situation. “It’s all right, lopi. There has not been—nor will there be—any beating. timna deserved far worse, she assures you.”

  “Would you like lopi to feed you?”

  “I will do it,” Kee said. lopi’s eyes grew wide with skepticism. “Really, I’m here to watch her at your master’s behest. Ask him yourself.”

  “It’s all right, lopi,” timna confirmed.

  lopi shrugged. “As you wish, milady,” she said, then set the tray down and hurried out.

  Kee fed timna like a mother nursing an ill child. timna was so embarrassed that she wanted to skip it, but she had not eaten since the eggs early that morning. Besides, lopi had reported that Master Vahn ordered her to eat. timna took the opportunity to explain to Kee that a relayed order was to be respected as if he had delivered it personally. Misquoting the master or mistress was a very serious offense.

  About the time both were done eating, the fourth hour expired and Master Vahn reappeared at the door. “Ah, I see lopi delivered my message. Are you ready to get up, timna?”

  “timna could not get up now, Master Vahn. timna wants to obey, but there is no feeling in her legs.”

  “I know. I won’t ask that of you.” He turned to the Itzi. “Kee, would you please unlock her?”

  “Yes, Master Vahn.”

  When the padlock was removed, Kee gave timna a brisk massage, urging blood back through arms then legs. Master Vahn watched while Kee kneaded her limbs back to function. He inspected her wrists for damage and found none.

  “timna, when you are ready to take the stairs, I would like you to walk Kee to the guest cottage. Please come back, though. I don’t want the others assuming I left you down here all night in chains. In fact, you will be sharing quarters with the Itzi from now on.”

  timna nodded. She knew that was coming. Her private quarters had been part of her position as optimess.

  “Kee, when you are with anyone besides timna or myself, you are Lady Keedrina. You need to speak and act as a freewoman until you are banded. timna will bring meals to the guest cottage and keep up with your plans. Please come to me if there’s anything I can do to assist you, all right?”

  “Yes, Master Vahn. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He turned and stepped toward the door.

  “Master Vahn?” timna called after him in a meek voice.

  “Yes, timna?” He paused in his retreat.

  timna left Kee’s ministrations and approached her master, crawling on knees that prickled with returning circulation. She stopped in front of him and folded her body into the Submissive Kneel. She placed a kiss on each of his boots then spoke sincerely without lifting her head. “Master Vahn Rebono, prince of Latoph, timna, your humble slave, thanks you for punishing her. That a slave is alive after such an offense is tribute to your kindness. Thank you.” Master Vahn had never insisted that his slaves thank him for punishment. She had done it freely from her heart.

  He bent over and caressed her shoulder. “timna, you may have lost a title, but you have not lost my favor. If you earn my trust back, I will consider the Unringed bands again. Go in peace. Your master’s wrath is sated.”

  timna got up from the floor. A tear dripped over the confines of her eyelid onto her cheek. He brushed it away without a word. He kissed her forehead, dipped his head in farewell to Kee, then disappeared through the door.

  Chapter 30

  Captain Shil rapped sharply on the great ebony doors to Rebono Keep. timna opened the door wearing steel Ringed bands instead of her usual silver Unringed ones. His smile faded. He stared at her neck, hoping she’d offer an explanation without prodding. timna saw his reaction and looked away. Her silence and dejected frown convinced him not to ask. “Good morning, timna. I need to see the duke. Is he busy?”

  “timna is not sure. Please come in and wait. timna will inquire.” Her voice was quiet and less enthusiastic than her usual. He took a seat on the bench in the foyer and waited, resisting the urge to stare at her bands. She returned shortly. “Master Vahn will see you now, if you’ll follow timna?”

  “Lead on, milady.” He bounded up from the bench.

  timna led him to the duke’s study. She paused at the door and held her hand up to halt him, then turned her face into the doorway and announced, “Lord Najost Shil, Captain of the Castle Guard, sworn vassal knight to Duke Vahn Rebono.”

  Shil nodded to her. The encouraging wink he tried was futile, since her gaze was downcast. He suppressed a sigh, entered, and sank to one knee before the duke.

  “Thank you, timna. Please close the door and see we are not disturbed,” Duke Vahn said.

  She complied with a soft, “Yes, Master Vahn.”

  Duke Vahn motioned Shil to rise. “Please, be comfortable, Captain.” He swept a hand over the two chairs opposite his desk as he seated himself in the high-backed chair behind it. “What can I do for you today?”

  “I heard something in Dronak that may interest you,” Shil said as he took the nearest seat and pushed timna out of his thoughts. “I didn’t mention it when I brought the ring because I wanted to check out the source. Seems he’s trustworthy as far anyone can tell. Still, it’s not very much...”

  Duke Vahn leaned back, steepled long fingers, and arched a well-defined brow. “You have my full attention, Captain. Please, continue.”

  “I met an Itzi who said he was traveling in Ganluc near the border with Senkra about a year ago...”

  Duke Vahn’s inky eyes glinted to life.

  Shil smiled and continued, “He said he witnessed a wagon carrying bodies, headed north. He thought nothing of it at the time. Thing is, he swears Jester was pulling the wagon. That’s why he stopped me.”

  “Your horse?”

  “That’s what he says, your highness.”

  “How does he know for sure?”

  “He’s a farrier by trade. Says he never forgets a horse’s legs. And Jester’s legs are rather unusual,” Shil reminded. The duke had bought Jester for him nine months ago when his previous horse died. Hopefully, he remembered the little streaks of black on otherwise gray legs.

  Duke Vahn nodded then peered intently into Shil’s eyes. “Why do you think I would care what your horse was doing a year ago, Captain?”

  The captain shrugged. “You probably won’t, your highness. I’ll let you decide. I questioned the farrier about the wagon and bodies. He didn’t see any faces, but he did mention the colors they wore—scarlet and gold. All but one, and the one out of uniform was not the driver.”

  “Scarlet and gold? You’re sure?”

  “I’m sure. The farrier had no idea of the import of the colors. He thinks some lord went to battle and was transporting dead for burial. I asked him what he thought of the non-uniformed body. He said it could have been a squire or some innocent bystander. He admits he didn’t give the matter much thought.”

  “And don’t you think it odd that he never came forward with this information before? We offered rewards for any information about what happened to the scarlet and gold uniformed men.”

  “But the farrier wasn’t in Senkra where we offered rewards. He was in Ganluc. Besides, he was only passing through on his way home to Dronak and he’s Itzi. Our reward posters had no drawings. He still has no idea that he may have seen your father’s party.” Shil paused only a moment to gauge his lord’s reaction. Duke Vahn was rapt, as expected.

  “I didn’t want to tell him this information was valuable before I could check him out. As far as I can tell, he’s honest and has no motive to lie. He thinks he was just giving me some colorful background on ol’ Jester, nothing more.”

  “Hmmmn.” The duke pondered. “We don’t know for sure there aren’t any lords in that area who use scarlet and gold, do we? In fact, we didn’t investigate in Ganluc a
t all because we found the bodies in Senkra.”

  Duke Vahn stood and eyed his captain. “I want you to take someone you trust and head northeast. Dress as merchants. Once you get past the rapids, cross the Synchow and sneak across the border into northern Ganluc. Ask the local commoners—casually—what colors the lords in the region wear. Say that you’re trying to return a lost cloak or something. If you happen to hear of any lords who do use scarlet and gold, go visit them. Find out if they lost a group of men about a year ago. Dig up whatever you can without drawing attention. I do not need my brother or father-in-law to trace this back to me.”

  Shil stood and bowed. “Understood, your highness. It shall be done.” The two Elva clasped each other’s wrists in a hearty knight’s handshake.

  “Excellent. Safe journeys to you, Najost,” the duke whispered warmly.

  Shil smiled back. It wasn’t often that the duke let his mask fall. Shil suspected he could have answered back using only “Vahn” and nothing would be said. His love for his liege transcended the oath of fealty, but he wouldn’t let respect for the young noble slip. He hoped the duke knew that he’d go to the very ends of Byntar for him. “Thank you, your highness,” he whispered. Shil showed himself out, sighing when he didn’t see timna on the way.

  Chapter 31

  Vahn hid his longing to accompany Shil to Ganluc. Saerula would probably throw a fit if he mentioned it. He had promised to stay home until the baby was born. This was likely nothing and not worth breaking his word over. Besides, Captain Shil was the best he had. If Shil couldn’t find anything, then there was nothing to be found.

  Vahn cleared his desk and prepared a parchment. As much as he wanted to share equally in the investigation of his father’s death, he had been rudely thwarted at every attempt. His brother always refused his help. If he offered information, it was either scoffed at or scrutinized for ulterior motives. This had even led to the tainting of sources and loss of leads. After several crumpled parchments were discarded, he finally wrote:

  Dear Arx,

  Far be it from me to question the Royal Palace on its investigation of Father’s death. You probably no longer care who killed him, assuming you didn’t plan the entire thing yourself. I suspect you will balk at my request, but I make it nevertheless.

  For some unfathomable reason, I happen to care who murdered King Brendax, even if he was the worst father in Latoph. Now if you dare to withhold what is already in your records, I will have no choice but to start rumors that you are covering something up. We wouldn’t want any nasty civil wars to start, now would we? So do the brotherly thing and just tell me what I ask, all right?

  I need to know how well all the bodies of Father’s party were identified. Were the wounds obfuscating? Were any of the soldiers new recruits? I have reason to suspect Father was betrayed by one of his own.

  Saerula and I send love to Phinia. You know, you could come visit us sometime. Maybe when my son is born?

  Vahn

  He blew on the ink as he reviewed the letter. A sly smile wended over his lips. It was rather gratifying to accuse Arx of conspiracy to murder his father. The little jab about the soon-expected baby was a nice finishing touch. By all accounts, Arx was more than a little anxious about Queen Phinia’s barrenness. Vahn wished he could deliver the letter in person, just to see Arx’s face. “That ought to make him angry enough to send me everything he has,” he chuckled to himself.

  He rolled the parchment, imprinted the seal with his signet, and then placed it within a silver cylinder to protect it from the elements. Now, whom to send on such a delivery? Captain Shil was occupied. A name came to mind. He nodded to himself and set the cylinder aside, then left the study.

  Chapter 32

  Kee spent her days exploring the life she had chosen. She learned the names of the other house slaves, helping them in their work as circumstances allowed. They warmed up to her when she wore her own clothes, possibly even suspecting she might be joining them, though she made no mention to that effect.

  When the others were too busy, or the mistress made one of her rare emergences from the sitting room, Kee retreated to the guest cottage and concentrated on securing release from her vow. Conditioning her knees coincided with fervent prayer to the Nymphs. Surely, they would give her some sign. Clutching the scrimshaw pendant, she implored Elysium. Please, Mother, I need to belong. I need to be needed and wanted. Please let me have this. Couldn’t Mother see her heart and understand this was no whim?

  Kee couldn’t bring herself to look for other living arrangements. To do so would admit it was an acceptable option. Her entreaties would be less than sincere if she acquiesced. She was beyond that; she was happy here. She was home.

  She and timna were gathering laundry from a clothesline when Master Vahn appeared. They bowed their heads in greeting.

  “Good afternoon, ladies.”

  “Good afternoon, Master Vahn,” they chorused.

  “I have an errand for you both, in town. Please leave the laundry inside, then return to me here.”

  Kee loved that he already treated her as his own. “Yes, Master Vahn,” they answered as they hurried off. They returned empty-handed and knelt on the grass, Kee taking a position behind timna at his feet.

  “Please go find Lieutenant Windrider. Tell him to report here as soon as possible, after finishing any pressing business. Don’t leave the impression this is an emergency.” He paused. “Do you remember where his shop is, timna?”

  “Yes, Master Vahn, timna remembers. But if he is not there, nor at home, are timna and Kee to keep searching all of Ny?”

  “No. If he is not in his shop or home, you are to leave word with his family, then return. Searching like that needs to be done on horseback.”

  “Yes, Master Vahn.” timna bent over and kissed his boot.

  Though Kee didn’t meet his gaze, she saw him smile at timna. “timna, slave of the house of Prince Vahn Rebono, duke of Latoph, I your master send you forth. Wherever you go, you represent me and my house.”

  “timna wishes only to bring honor to your house and name, Master.”

  Kee watched, shivering in awe at the noble words.

  “Then go as I have sent. I place my trust in you and charge you to return to me. May the Heavenlies deal with you severely if you violate this sacred trust.”

  “May this slave’s very life be forfeit if she violates your trust or honor, Master Vahn.”

  “Rise and hasten to the task, my faithful servant.”

  timna sealed the pledge with another kiss to his boot, then rose from her kneel. Kee could almost feel timna’s relief that the oath was accepted. The Itzi scooted forward to repeat the ritual.

  “Keedrina,” the duke said quietly as he took her hand and urged her up, “this is one thing that should wait for banding. I appreciate your willingness to learn, but I take this pledge seriously, and I’d rather you not repeat words that are not yet true.”

  Kee nodded sadly. “Kee would not have said anything untrue, Master Vahn.”

  “I know. But I cannot call you my slave without the bands, and if you are not my slave, the ritual is meaningless.”

  “Yes, Master.” While she still felt she could have modified it to fit her situation, it did little good if he did not wish it done.

  For a second, she considered begging for his bands right then. If her mother were alive, she would have declared herself of age and set out to live her own life. She consoled herself with the fact that he would not respect her if she broke the vow. He had asked her to seek release, not break it. If she broke a vow to deities, he might conclude that she were untrustworthy. timna took her hand and the two set off hastily to find Lord Windrider.

  Chapter 33

  Vahn watched them until they exited his gates. A whisper escaped his lips: “Mine.” Just as he was about to return to the keep, he caught sight of a winsome young man heading up the path. From the muscular build, Vahn assumed it was a knight looking to join his Castle Guard.

/>   “You there! Might I help you?” Vahn called.

  “I have an appointment with Duchess Saerula. Please announce me.”

  Vahn hid considerable irritation at being assumed a servant. He decided to go along with the false assumption, if not for espionage, then for the entertainment it promised when his identity was revealed. He looked down and adopted a meek tone. “Yes, milord. She’s expecting you. How should I announce you?” Vahn walked toward the front doors, looking back to be sure the man followed.

  “I am Laban Jallor, son of Hannon, son of Zaern; member of the Royal Order of the Suns, esteemed Bearer of the Sacred Chalice, twice honored as High Diamond Servant. Be sure to mention my family’s illustrious history of 50 years of service in the various royal houses of Ganluc...”

  Vahn was thankful he was in front of the man. It was nearly impossible to keep a straight face. “Are you sure you want me to say all this? Perhaps the duchess would be more impressed with the humble approach.” As they entered the keep, several of the house slaves bowed their heads. Vahn nodded silently then stole a look at Jallor. The ignorant stranger actually believed the slaves were bowing to him and not the master of the house leading the way.

  “Yes, I’m sure, boy; now repeat it back to me,” Jallor ordered as they started up the stairs.

  Anger burned deep and Vahn grit his teeth. He wanted to take the man directly to the dungeon and teach him a lesson, but decided to let Saerula see this for herself. “No, I don’t believe I will. I’ll announce you as I wish. I highly recommend you change your tone with me and never call me ‘boy’ again.” Jallor reached out to grab him, but Vahn anticipated the move and quickly took two stairs at once, eluding his grasp. “Just remember, I asked you nicely.”