by Rachel James
“How will I know where to hit?”
“You must focus on me to maintain balance. You should still be able to view everything else in your wider vision.”
She pointed her chin up and lunged forward with her stave.
“Good, see?”
She nodded.
“Focus. Your opponent may try to distract you with banter. He only needs a moment for you to let down your guard, and that’s it. A stab in the heart.”
Teagen shuddered. Was it the cold, or had he gone too far? This was why he chose to work with men. Women were too hard to read.
“Let’s take a break.” Ryce surveyed their surroundings. A small cove nestled under the foot of the cliff, forming a natural shelter. “We should get out of the rain for a bit.” He didn’t wait for her to answer, so he strode off toward the cove.
Perchance he could start a fire. He gathered a few dry pieces of driftwood and stacked them up.
“You’re not planning on us camping out here, are you?”
He continued to build. “Nay, but I’m freezing and could do with drying a little. You’re welcome to join me.”
She hesitated, eventually dropped opposite him, and warmed her hands above the small flames.
“Are you always this quiet?” Teagen said.
“Nay.”
Teagen raised her brow but didn’t probe him any further. Instead, she took to busying herself with cleaning some of the sand off her shoes. “How are you finding Angularem?”
“It’s different.” By the gods, this woman didn’t understand the meaning of the word rest. How could she catch her breath if she continued to use it up in talking?
“It will take a while to get used to our ways, I should imagine. We Wealdfolk live more orderly than the lifestyle to which you are accustomed.” Teagen gasped. “Beg your pardon, I meant not to offend, only that I lived as a Dyrahn for but a few years, and I found the readjustment great indeed.”
“Well, you were a slave. Now a princess. ’Tis a great deal to become accustomed to.”
Her mouth dropped open. “I have always been a princess. Slavery along the way did not cause me to lose my identity.”
“You never lost hope?”
“Of course I did. Thankfully I do not rely upon hope alone.”
“You speak in riddles, Princess.”
“Faith is what sustains us, when all hope is gone.”
“Faith is foolishness. We tell ourselves these things to make us feel better. I’ve witnessed good men in the battlefield cry out in desperation to gods that don’t exist. Naught happens. We live. We die. ’Tis all there is to it.”
Teagen stared at him, her eyes wide. “My faith is in one God, and anything else that claims to be a god is a lie. Did your friends cry out to the one true God for help? If they did, He would have answered them. Of that I am sure.”
“You Christians are even more foolish than Shieldoks. You put all your chances into one deity.”
She folded her arms and moved closer toward the fire. “You believe we’re wasting our time anyway. If no God, then how do we even exist? Where do we come from? Who put us here?”
“Do you think I’ve the answers? I don’t. Quite frankly, I know not, and care not.”
Teagen opened her mouth to go on, but bit her lip instead, her eyes moistening.
I’ve gone too far. “Let’s get back to work.”
He helped her up and threw her wooden stave at her, which she caught with one hand. The rain had now ceased, and a breeze picked up. The fire had not entirely dried out their clothing, but at least they were not as cold. The sun was now much higher in the sky, and the early morrow showers caused the island to sparkle. Teagen’s words reverberated in his mind. Had he ever truly pondered the world and how it got here?
“So, what do you think?” Sherwin asked.
Teagen glanced up. “Pardon me?”
“Of the new infirmary.”
Teagen surveyed the building with approval. “It’s very grand indeed. Truly, it is a mystery the men could build it so quickly.”
Sherwin nodded and motioned for her to sit on the infirmary bed. “So how are you, Princess?”
“I’m doing fine, thank you.”
Sherwin paused. “We’ve been through a fair bit together have we not?”
“Aye.”
“Tell me the honourable truth. How do you fare?”
She played with her hands. “Oh, you know. I’m adjusting.”
“Mmmnn. Let’s glimpse this shoulder, shall we?” Sherwin pulled at the neckline of her tunic to examine the wound. “It has healed nicely, although I’m afraid you’ll carry a small scar. I’ll give the man credit—Ryce did a good job with the cauterisation.”
Teagen chuckled. “Aye, though at the time, I thought it he who’d shot me.”
“You’re fortunate the arrow hit where it did—any further down would cause further impediments. Are you getting any irritation or pain when training?”
“Now and again, but naught too burdensome.”
“Good, well, keep applying the ointment I gave you. Ryce swears by the stuff, and he’s been injured too many times to remember.”
She studied the man in front of her. He was not as tall, or strongly built as Ryce, but his eyes were kind. “Thank you, Sherwin. You truly are a godsend.”
“’Tis an honour, Princess. Now then, what do you have planned next?”
She shrugged. “I know not. I confess to being a bit idle. I’m not used to having so little to do.”
“Do you regret coming here?”
Her eyes grew wide. “Nay, not for a moment. Only—”
Sherwin patted her shoulder. “I understand. Give it time. I’m sure your presence is an adjustment for everyone here, your brother included.”
“It’s not Niall I’m concerned with.”
“Oh?”
“Never mind. I’ve a terrible habit of running away with my mouth before engaging my head.” She flashed him a small smile. “Thank you again. I’ll leave you to get back to your work.”
Sherwin opened the door for her. “Very well, you know where I am if need be.”
She bid him a nod and walked out into the courtyard. Cinnia perched by the fountain with some embroidery on her lap.
“Good morrow, Sister. May I sit with you?”
Cinnia glanced up and sighed heavily. “If you must.”
They sat together in awkward silence. Teagen fingered the detail on the hem of her dress and gazed around, searching for something to instigate conversation.
“Niall mentioned you’d be giving me some lessons next week.”
“I believe so.”
Teagen chewed her bottom lip. Do I have to make all the effort?
Cinnia frowned and tapped her foot. “Was there something you wanted, Teagen?”
“Why, I...um...nay. I’ll leave you in peace.”
“Thank you. Some of us actually have work to do.”
Ryce shifted his position and yawned. He had always found night patrol the hardest. Forcing oneself to remain awake when clearly Mother Nature thought otherwise was beyond him. He was a fool to volunteer himself, but there was a need, and he had to play his part.
Secretly he hoped to earn some respect from the other soldiers if he mucked in with the rest of them. Alas, now, and only into the second hour of his shift, he regretted his earlier enthusiasm.
He rested his body against the tower wall and gazed out toward the beach. He had to admit, the view did compensate for the lateness of the night, even if the temperature bordered on freezing.
A quick movement in the shadows alerted his attention.
“Did you witness that?” he asked the soldier next to him.
“Nay. Probably a fox.”
“On the beach?”
The man next to him grunted.
He scoured the landscape. He knew what he saw, and trusted his own instinct, however the area surrounding the fort was poorly lit.
“I’m going to inve
stigate.”
The soldier lifted an eyebrow, but made no objections.
He withdrew his sword and scampered down the steps, which led out to the shore. He bent low, keeping to the tall marram grass that grazed his cheek as he hid among the sand reed.
I was right.
On the sand sat a huddled figure. He crept behind and dug his blade into the person’s cloak.
“State your business,” he snarled.
The person gasped and spun around, eyes wide with fear.
“Princess?”
Teagen stood before him with a tear-stricken face. “Beg you pardon, I...I meant no harm...”
His heart softened at her disheveled state. “’Tis the middle of the night, my lady. I thought you an intruder.”
“I know, I’m sorry. I couldn’t sleep, and...well, the fresh air is always a tonic for me.”
He drew in closer, wiped the tears from her cheek, and pushed the loose tendril of hair behind her ear. “What’s wrong, m’lady?”
Teagen gazed at him, a slight wrinkle in her forehead. “Naught. Everything. Oh, I know not.”
He chuckled. “Are you hurt?”
“Oh, nay, naught like that.”
He motioned for her to sit next to him on the sand dune. “Is it Niall?”
She sighed. “Nay, not directly.”
“Then what, Princess?”
She twisted the folds in her dress. “I’m struggling to see where I fit in. I wonder if I’m even wanted.”
“It will take some time. I tell myself daily.”
She fixed her gaze on him. “How selfish of me. Here I am so focused on my own woes, and I forget that you are in a similar position.”
He held up his hands. “Whoa, lady, I’m no candidate for being a princess. Trust me, you wouldn’t like to witness me in a dress.”
She chuckled until her eyes grew moist again. “In earnest, how do you fare? Are the men treating you kindly?”
“Well, now, they’ve not stoned me as yet.”
“You're right. I’m being impatient—not one of my virtues, I’m afraid.”
“Are you always so forthright with listing your shortcomings?”
She thrust her hands on her hips. “Nay. I can assure you my behaviour of late is entirely out of character.”
Ryce stood and pulled her up, and placing his hand behind her back they walked toward the fort. “Then pray tell, what are you really like?”
“Well, if I told you that, your life would be forfeit.”
Chapter Nine
Cinnia screeched, her voice unnervingly high. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Teagen swallowed. “I...I was helping Lunet.”
“On the floor?”
“Aye, we were making refreshment and had an accident.”
Cinnia scanned the room, the staff consumed with breakfast preparations. “Leave us.”
Teagen’s jaw dropped open. “They have much to do—”
“Teagen, close your mouth.” Cinnia crossed her arms and waited for the servants to vacate the kitchen.
Teagen eyed the boiling pans of water nervously. She’d better make it quick, or else the area will be aflame.
“Do you forget who you are, Teagen?”
“Listen, I know how this appears, but—”
“You’re no longer a slave. You might try acting like a princess henceforth, and princesses do not clean floors or help servants.”
“I only wished to show Lunet a recipe I knew. I’m a good cook. What is so wrong with that?”
“You’re acting below your station. Do you want these people to respect you?”
“I...I thought if I be kind, they’d value me.”
“Kindness will get you nowhere in this life. Trust me. I’ve learned the hard way.”
Teagen clenched her hands and rose to her feet. There was only so much of this she’d take. “Well, I disagree. You might be married to my brother, Cinnia, but that doesn’t give you the right to treat me in such a way, especially in front of the servants.”
“You’ve a lot to learn, Princess. May I remind you that we have a lesson after breakfast. I hope you’ll not be quite so defiant then, or there’ll be trouble.”
Niall scanned the garrison of men they had been training over the recent weeks. They had improved considerably, and a few of them showed exceptional talent. Perchance a tournament to provide a bit of healthy competition might be in order. It would not be long now before the snow set in. Still, the hall could be suitable if the weather turned grim.
“Garreth, what say you to a tournament?”
His head jerked back slightly. “Sire?”
“Not you and me,” Niall said, laughing. “I mean the garrison. It would give them something to focus on, do you not think?”
Garreth’s face relaxed. “Of course, aye. A fabulous idea, my lord. Something for the men to work toward, to raise morale and all that.”
“As I thought. When should we plan it for?”
“Well, Christmas is at the end of the month.”
“Aye, a contest on the day before Christmas, finishing off with a celebratory feast. Perfect.”
“What would you have as prize, my king?”
“I’m not sure... Coinage is of no real use here.”
“How about a kiss from the princess?”
“’Tis a bit obvious, do you not think? Still, you’re on the right line there. I will have to speak with my sister. Do you know her whereabouts?”
“I believe she is with your wife, sire. In the lower chamber.”
Niall wasted no time in seeking out his sister. He ran down the battlement steps, which overlooked the training ground, and headed to the west wing. The lower chamber was where his wife spent most of her days, a quiet place, far removed from civilisation.
He heard their voices before he had even reached the room.
“Sit up straight!”
The stern voice belonged to his wife.
“Start again. Read from the beginning.”
Niall had now arrived at the door but hesitated from knocking as he heard his sister say, “P-perfect love casteth out fear because fear hath torment... He that ferr...”
“Feareth.”
“He that feareth is not made p-perfect in love.”
“Terrible. Your reading is atrocious.”
Niall could stand no more and rapped on the door, not waiting for a reply before entering. “Ladies, good morrow.”
He gazed from wife to sister, both uncomfortable. Teagen’s head lowered into a manuscript, her face red and mouth firmly pressed together.
“Is there a problem, Cinnia?”
His wife held no such reserve and flung her arms. “I know not what we are doing here. This is hopeless. The girl can barely read at all. How you think she’ll catch up in time to marry her off is beyond me.”
Teagen’s head jerked up. “Pardon?”
Niall swallowed. When put like that, it sounded harsh. “Teagen, ’tis not as it seems.”
“You plan to be rid of me?”
“Of course you will marry eventually, but you’ll get a say in the matter.”
“This is the first I’ve heard of it. Seems the two of you have been scheming this together.”
Niall moved closer and placed his arm around Teagen’s shoulders. “We are married, Teagen,” he said softly. “Naturally, we’ve talked about this, and we want what is best for you.”
She stood, pushed him away, and rose in a confrontational stance, eyeing him directly.
“Then pray tell, why I sense some kind of ulterior motive here?” she said in a flat voice.
“Come, Teagen, you know how this works. Even as children we knew father had planned on arranging your marriage to the advantage of the kingdom. This is part of your duty.”
She gasped. “My duty?"
“Aye, and now more than ever your union is crucial. If we make a fortunate alliance with a neighbouring monarchy, we will not be so vulnerable to other raiders.”<
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“Who is left? I thought the Shieldoks had taken over most of the eastern part of Holmorra. Why, the majority of the remaining Wealdfolk have surely moved further north.”
Niall exhaled. He did not wish to inform her this way.
Cinnia rose from her chair. “You fool! Don’t you see? In order to unite the kingdoms, you will have to marry a Shieldok.”
Teagen stumbled back. “What’s your problem, Cinnia? I’ve been naught but agreeable to you since I arrived. Why can’t you find it within yourself to like me?”
Cinnia stiffened. “You turn up unexpected and merely want us to become friends? I didn’t even know you existed.”
“What?” Teagen turned to him. “Is this true?”
Niall sighed. “My past has been too painful to talk about. I found it easier to pretend I had no family than to face the reality and live with the grief.”
“That’s how much I mean to you? Why did I ever come back? I’ve been so foolish.”
Niall reached out to his sister and placed his hands on her shoulders.
Teagen jerked away. “I need to think.”
Teagen ran outside and into the courtyard. Her head was fuzzy, and her body shook. Where can I go?
No matter which way she turned, she bumped into people. She bypassed soldiers in drill practice and servants carrying out their daily duties. Aware her countenance attracted attention, she dared not stop to even think. In the distance, someone called out her name, but she could not look back.
She had to be alone.
She climbed the hill Niall had taken her on a few weeks prior, and then remembered the valley. He’d not shown her that part of the island yet, and her natural curiosity tempted her once more.
She slipped several times down the steep hill, her heart beating faster. She stopped to close her eyes momentarily, unable to look at what she might be tumbling toward. Fortunately, she made her way down with relative ease, except for a few minor grazes to her hands.
She paused, overwhelmed by such a place. The gentle lullaby of bird song filled the air, and she headed for a stream, which ran through the centre of the valley. The sound of trickling water instantly soothed her temperament.