by Rachel James
“It must be difficult for you. Aren’t they your old friends?”
Sherwin shrugged. “Nay, I don’t think I know any of them. Thank the Lord. Ryce and I, we travelled a lot, but often on our own. We tended not to socialize with the other soldiers in the king’s employ, except Kenric, but him we share little sympathy with. Actually, I was hoping you’d assist me when I go over to them. Tell me if you’re not comfortable, and I’ll request Lunet instead.”
“Nay, I’ll help you. They are bound though, aren’t they?”
“I’m not sure. I’ll get Ansgar to come with us, if the situation worries you.”
“Aye, that might be best.”
An hour anon and they had finished seeing to all the injured. There had been considerably few casualties considering the sheer numbers of Dyrahn warriors. God seemed to be on their side.
Teagen lifted a box of medical supplies and accompanied Sherwin underground into the “pit,” a large, dark chamber cell with no windows.
If she thought she’d be frightened, she was wrong. When seeing the Shieldok warriors, wounded and broken, she felt only pity toward them. These men were like Ryce and Sherwin, possibly forced into an occupation they neither wanted nor enjoyed.
She reached into the crate for another gauze, but her hand touched bare wood. Rummaging through, she realized they’d run entirely out. “Sherwin, do we have any more bandages?”
“Aye, back in the infirmary. Do you want me to get you them?”
“Nay, just tell me where they are. I don’t mind fetching more.”
“Should be another box on the shelves in the front part of the infirmary.”
“Thank you. I’ll be back in a moment.”
She left the pit and strolled through the courtyard, passing by other Dyrahn soldiers who were finishing loading their ships. They were being watched by Gais’s men. She shivered, knowing they were still around the place.
Going into the infirmary, she popped her head in the back to check on Ryce, who slept soundly. He had a little more colour in him, a reassuring sign, although his recovery would take a few weeks.
Next, she went into the front chamber and searched for the shelves Sherwin had talked about. How had she not seen them before? They were huge, stretching the entire breadth and height of the wall. Typical. None of the boxes were identifiable. She would speak to Niall today about his getting an assistant. He needed to organize his supplies.
She grabbed a stool and started at the top, checking the contents of each crate. She came to the last one on the shelf, and rather than getting down and moving the stall, she decided she’d try to reach. Her fingers barely touched the box, and with an extra pull she had the crate in her hands. With her head buried, she paid little attention to the door open. “Oh, Sherwin, I don’t seem to be having much joy in finding...” She lifted her head out of the box and stared, her legs paralysed.
“Well, this is a surprise.”
She pressed her hand to her chest, but couldn’t move any further.
“Cat got your tongue?”
“What is it you want, Kenric?”
“You made a fool out of me. I seek revenge.”
She took a step backward. “We are allies now. If you lay a finger on me, you’ll ruin the treaty.”
“Good. This agreement is a farce! Eadward has lost his senses—no thanks to you and your brother.”
“On the contrary, he’s finally wised up. What can be gained by fighting?”
“He’s a Dyrahn. He seems to have forgotten that. Dyrahns don’t negotiate.”
She stiffened as he closed in on her.
He tugged her hair.
“Get off me!” She slammed her knee hard into his groin and shoved him against the shelves, causing boxes to fall atop of him.
“Why, you little swine! You think you can get the better of me?” He grabbed the edge of her skirt and pulled her to the floor. She tried to break free, but he was much heavier than she.
“Take your hands off me!”
He gripped her throat and squeezed tightly. “Be quiet, you wench. If you’re a smart girl, we’ll get this over and done with.”
Dizziness overwhelmed her as he cut off her air supply. She saw spots. She attempted to stop him, flailing her arms and legs, but she was running out of fight.
“The princess said get off!”
His hands loosened on her neck, and she gasped as an influx of air filled her lungs again.
“Nice and slowly, get up off the floor.”
As soon as Kenric was off her, she turned on her side. The doorway to the infirmary from the chamber was wide open, and there Ryce stood, with a longbow pulled, aiming for Kenric’s heart.
“Teagen, are you all right?”
“Aye,” she managed to whisper, although her throat burned with pain.
“Teagen, grab a rope. Tie Lord Kenric’s hands together, nice and tight.”
She did as instructed, thankful Ryce had taught her how, only weeks earlier. She had thought it a waste of time then.
“Good. Now, Kenric sit on the chair.”
Kenric didn’t move, so Teagen pushed him from behind. “He said move.” Once she had him placed on the stool, she bound him further with the rope.
“Is he secure?”
She nodded.
“Go and get Niall. Quick as you can.”
She didn’t journey far. He was walking in the courtyard with Ansgar. “What on earth is going on in here?” Niall asked as he entered the chamber.
“Lord Kenric attacked your sister.”
Niall’s gaze went from the tied-up Kenric, to the broken shelving, to a distraught Teagen. “Ansgar, take this man to his ship. Make sure he remains bound.”
The moment Ansgar left with Kenric, Niall gave Teagen a lingering hug. “Are you hurt, little sis?”
“I’ll be fine.”
The sound of Ryce collapsing to the floor caused Teagen to break from her brother’s embrace. “Ryce!”
Niall and Teagen ran over to him and helped him back to his bed.
“Well, at least I know my legs work,” he said.
Teagen tucked him in and took his hand. “Mayhap you should wait a while more before trying to get up again.”
“So long as you keep yourself out of trouble.”
“Thank you,” she said. “You saved my life.”
“Let’s just say we’re even.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Three Months Later
Teagen watched as the third ship sailed into the southern harbour. She had been put in charge of seeing to the new arrivals. Since the Dyrahns left Angularem three months prior, the men had been busy rebuilding the inner part of the fort and the village. This time, however, they made many more huts to house all the occupants being imported from Dyrah.
Against all odds, Eadward had kept to his word and allowed the Elmetians their freedom and safe passage to Angularem. She shook her head to think she had ever wanted to return to Elmetia. This was her home now.
“So, I hear your birthday is coming up,” said Ryce, from behind her.
Teagen smiled to herself. She did not need to turn around. “Aye. Tomorrow in fact.”
“Got anything special planned?”
“Naught in particular. Although, I did have a notion.”
“Oh?”
“Well, if I recall, a certain tournament winner owes me a river-boat ride.”
“Is that so? I don’t suppose the time when you were almost unconscious and suffering from cold counts?”
“Nay. Being conscious is a necessary ingredient to enjoying a boat trip.”
“Very well. Meet me by the river at daybreak tomorrow.”
Teagen turned to face Ryce. “So, how’s the reading coming on?”
“Great. I’ve gone through all your scrolls and am now even attempting to read the Sancta Biblia.”
“Already? You put my studious attempts to shame.”
“I’m hungry for answers, and I can’t learn fast e
nough.”
She laughed. “This is nice, seeing you like this. I’ve been a follower of Christ nearly my whole life. My conversion was a bit less dramatic.”
“You had a big part to play in mine.”
“Don’t you ever stop to think how you survived your fall?”
“All the time. God reached down and touched me. What’s shocking is that I had no broken bones.”
“I wonder if you had not fallen and been so desperate to call out to God whether we’d be standing here now.”
“I’m sure God would find another way to get through to me.”
“True.” She sat on the hilltop watching the newcomers come off the ship. “With so many people arriving, the place is going to be different, mayhap even a kingdom in its own right.”
“So, what will your title be now?”
“I know not. I’m meeting with Niall later this afternoon to discuss the particulars, although I suspect the ‘Princess of Elmetia’ will soon be forgotten.”
“Well, best you get on with your work. Just because the Dyrahns are defeated doesn’t make you a lady of leisure now.”
She rolled her eyes, “Don’t I know it.” She sighed as she let her gaze follow Ryce heading toward the fort. She had been so sure of her feelings when she thought she might lose Ryce forever, but after the Dyrahns departed, naught more was spoken about their relationship. At first, she had given Ryce distance. His recovery took several weeks before he was fully mobile again. His conversion also shifted his focus.
But now?
Had he changed his mind? Mayhap he was waiting for her to make the first move. She had rejected him the last time he’d made the effort.
She picked a wildflower and breathed in its calming scent. Perchance it was for the best. She doubted Niall would approve of her marrying the soldier anyhow.
Picking up her skirt, she scrambled down the shallow part of the cliff to get to the harbour. She inwardly reprimanded herself. She was late again. What would Niall think?
She scuttled over to where the new people congregated and searched for a suitable rock to stand on.
She scanned the crowd with interest. Most of them wore Dyrahn clothing. Well, they’d blend in soon enough.
Her mouth opened in sudden surprise. “Esma? Is that really you?”
An elderly lady turned slowly and looked her up and down. “Princess Teagen?” She shuffled herself closer. “Well, I’ll be!”
Teagen ran to her old nurse and embraced her with far too much enthusiasm. “Esma, I thought I’d never see you again.” She stroked the woman’s silver hair with fondness. “How I’ve missed you so.”
The old maid laughed, her voice coarse with age. “Well, my princess, you may have grown a few feet, but not much else has changed with you.”
“I hope I’ve matured into a young woman.”
“Aye, and where is your husband and bairns?”
Teagen patted her back. “All in good time, Esma, all in good time.”
Teagen sucked in her breath as Lunet pulled her bodice tighter. “Please, my lungs need a bit of room to function,” she said between puffs.
“Well, you must look your best.”
“I can’t think why. I’m only visiting my brother.”
“I spoke to Niall, and he said you were going to be meeting someone of great import. You are to dress smart.”
Teagen stared in the mirror. She hardly recognized herself. Why she appeared quite the lady. “I know not who...unless someone arrived today.” She fiddled with her brooch. “I hope not.”
“Princess, you’re starting to mumble.”
“Do you think he’s fixing me up...in marriage, I mean? I knew this day was coming. To be sure, but I’m not ready.”
“Do not fret yourself. The king wouldn’t do anything quite so rash without discussing the matter with you first.”
“You’re right. I’m running away with the fairies.” She gazed back in the mirror and pursed her lips.
“Do you think I’m pretty, Lunet?”
“Of course you are.”
“If I weren’t a princess, but a slave girl. Would I still be fair?”
“Lassie, you of all people should understand what you are on the inside counts.”
“Isn’t that what mothers say to their daughters who aren’t pretty?”
Lunet laughed. “Teagen. You are beauteous inward and outward. Anyone could tell you. Now where’s this all come from? You're not normally so insecure.”
“Oh, I know not, I don’t like the sense of my life not being in my own hands.”
“It’s not, Princess. It’s in God’s, remember?”
Teagen drew a breath and glanced herself over one last time. “I guess there’s no point in delaying the inevitable.”
“I’ll come with you.”
“Nay, I’m good.”
Lunet squeezed her hands but said naught. Her eyes turned moist.
Teagen glanced back, making sure her maid was okay, and took to the stairs.
She was to meet Niall in his chambers, part of the inner fort, which hadn’t burned during the raid.
That’s strange...the door is closed. Placing her ear to the wood, she tried to ascertain if Niall had any visitors. It opened before she had the chance to step back.
“Teagen. Still listening at doors, I see. Some things never change.”
“Niall, I was curious to know if you had anyone in here with you.”
“Nay. Please come in.”
She noted he closed the room behind him again. “Where is everyone? I thought you wanted me to meet somebody?”
“I thought we’d converse first.”
“A chat?” She didn’t like the sound of where this was going. Why was he acting strange? Obliging him, she sat in front of his table. “I have been thinking on it, and I will settle for Princess of Angularem. What say you?”
Niall blinked. “Beg your pardon?”
“My new title, of course. It seems nonsense to be a princess of a kingdom that does not exist.”
“I see.”
Now it was Teagen’s turn to look surprised. “Isn’t that why you summoned me here?”
Niall shook his head. “Of course, right you are. Forgive me. My mind was...elsewhere.” He paced the room, hands behind his back. “How’s your memory now?”
“It never fully returned, but I do not seem to miss the parts that are no longer there.”
“Do you remember the day you got into your accident?”
She settled herself in the seat opposite his table. “Nay, but Ryce explained he found me in the forest. He said he thought I’d fallen from a tree.”
“Well. I’ve never told you this, but it was my fault. We had a fight, you ran away, and ended up hurt.”
She gasped. “What were we fighting about?”
“Marriage.”
“Whose? yours?”
“Nay. Cinnia had let it slip you would enter into an arranged marriage at some point in the future. You got quite upset. I suspect it was because you thought we’d conspired against you.”
She gulped. “Did you have someone in mind?”
“Not then.”
She rose and squared her shoulders. “But now?”
Niall leaned on his table. “What would you say if I did?”
She circled the room like a caged animal. “Nay.”
“Before you even hear me out?”
“Aye. Whom I marry should be my choice, not yours.”
“Why is that?”
“Because marriage is about love and commitment. It was designed by God. If you make me marry someone simply out of convenience for you, or for the kingdom, it be wrong.”
“Don’t you trust me, Teagen?”
“What has trust to do with anything? You had the chance to marry for love, why shouldn’t I?”
“Is there someone you love?”
Teagen stopped pacing and stared at him.
He repeated himself. “Have you fallen in love?”
“You’ve lost your chance?”
“Well, he’s never said anything since.”
“In which case an arranged marriage might be the best option for you.”
She planted her hands on her hips. “How did you come to that conclusion?”
“Because I know you better than you think, Teagen.”
“Nay, Niall. This is not what I want. I’m not ready to leave here.”
“Who said anything about leaving?”
“But I thought...”
“You should marry some royal from another kingdom? Aye, the notion had entered my mind. That would benefit Angularem...”
Teagen caught her breath.
“I am not blind. I know a girl in love when I see her.”
“Niall?”
“I think you should wed Ryce.”
She gasped. “Why?”
“You aren’t in love with him?”
“Aye, but I did not presume you’d be agreeable with the match.”
“We are living in unconventional times, and the last thing I wish is for you to be bound in an unhappy marriage.”
“Nay. I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t want to force a man into matrimony purely because I wish it to be so.”
“You think we’ll be forcing him?”
“Why, aye. If he had wanted to wed me, wouldn’t he have said so by now?”
“What if he did?”
Teagen stared at her brother. “He...he did?”
Niall came around from his table and put his arm on Teagen’s shoulders. “Lass, we’ve been planning this for months.”
He opened a second door which led out into the courtyard. Standing outside was Ryce, dressed in smart tunic and hose.
In a daze-like state, she followed Ryce out of the building. He took her by the arm and escorted her to the chapel, walking through flower and ivy arches, and the ground scattered with rose petals.
Ryce halted before arriving at the church gate.
“Marry me, Teagen.”
“You want this?”
“It’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
“Truly? Now?”
“Uh-huh.”
“But what about our boat ride?”