Once Lexin was seated with a plate heaped with warm eggs, buttered bread and ham, Cerise sat next to him. “Where are Drace and Ki?” she asked while he chewed.
Lexin swallowed and followed with a sip of cold milk. He then explained to Cerise what had happened the past night.
“They are speaking with the child’s parents. They will be here soon, I expect. Cearan is seeing to getting the prisoners settled into cells in the cellars.
He resumed eating awhile Cerise sat quietly beside him, observing others in the hall. She placed a hand on his arm.
“I’m worried about Riordan,” she said, concerned.
Lexin glanced up at the man in question, and then shifted his gaze to Cerise. “Why? He was not injured.”
“I know,” Cerise replied, watching Riordan as he stood by the fire in the huge hearth. “When he got here, he barely ate and now he’s brooding.”
“I spoke of his being the king’s son. I imagine that may become public knowledge very soon,” Lexin theorized. “Is there more ham and bread?” he asked, rubbing at the stubble on his chin.
“Yes, and I’ll get it for you in a minute. Do you think Riordan is angry with you?” she questioned as she rose from her chair.
“No,” Lexin answered. “I have already heard speculation on the training field. It was not meant to be secret and is better out in the open with all that has happened. The warriors will wonder who he is to be singled out for taking. Riordan understands that.”
Lexin ran his fingers through his hair tiredly until he snagged his queue. “He just needs to find a warm female to grace his bed and comfort his soul. We men like that sort of thing,” Lexin added with a leer.
“Oh?” Cerise smiled warmly as she blushed.
“Oh yes,” Lexin assured her. “However, I do not know how I will manage when I am nearly starved. I have little strength left, you know.”
Cerise gave him a gentle swat to the back of the head as she laughed. “Oh shut up. I’ll be right back.”
Ki and Drace, along with Cearan, entered and took seats down from Lexin. They exchanged in small talk as they ate and then headed for their respective chambers.
Lexin put a hand to Cerise’s back as she began up the stairs. “Go on up, ehmar. I will be along shortly.”
His gaze was on Riordan, who still stood staring into the fire.
Cerise followed his gaze and then nodded. She kissed him quickly. “Of course,” she said and resumed her climb.
Lexin came to stand next to Riordan, his hands behind his back. “Cousin?” he inquired.
Without changing the direction of his attention, Riordan spoke, “Part of me is wishing you had never found me.”
“Hmm,” Lexin murmured. “And why is that?”
“My being here may put others in danger as it did that child,” Riordan said in such a low voice Lexin had to lean a bit to catch his words.
“Perhaps,” Lexin replied, sounding more casual than he actually felt. He understood that feeling of responsibility all too well. He straightened. “But I do not think that will be so. If you go back, it will not be the same. Who and what you are has been awakened. You are a true king and will be a great leader of men.”
Riordan finally looked at him. His face showed his tiredness, but also some of the inner turmoil. “And how do you know this? What makes you think I will succeed?”
“Because you know kindness and humility as well as the skills of a warrior. You were able to reassure that little girl and help her be brave in her own way. There are some who never understand the fears of others.”
Riordan sighed and turned back to the fire. “I appreciate your confidence in me. It just may take some time for me to be that sure of myself.”
“From what I have seen of others such as Ki or Drace, it is a confidence that never totally sits with you, but I think that will be what makes you a better leader.”
He clapped Riordan on the shoulder. “All will be well. Find yourself a woman and lose yourself in her for a time.”
Riordan laughed at that comment. “I do not think I am fit company just now, but thank you for your words. They have been taken to heart.” He turned and moved away from the hearth. Lexin walked with him. “I think I could sleep for a whole day.”
“Do that then,” Lexin prompted as they went up the stairs. “Things will look better when you are rested.”
They parted company at Lexin’s chamber door with Riordan continuing up the stairs to the next floor.
Lexin went into his room and began to strip out of his armor. Cerise rose from where she sat on the side of the bed. “Well?” she asked as she moved to help him lift the mail shirt over his head.
Lexin grunted a response she didn’t quite catch.
“Excuse me?” she said as he handed her the chain mail. She carried the shirt to a chair. It still amazed her that someone could wear that much weight all day. All the men she knew wore them like they were no more than a sweatshirt.
“I said,” Lexin replied as the rest of his clothes followed, “Riordan will be fine.”
He stepped into the waiting tub, sighing in bliss as the warm water welcomed him. Cerise sat on the low stool next to the tub and picked up one of the rags and began rubbing it with soap. After a rich lather, she began to wash his chest. He hummed his pleasure and sank deeper.
“Lexin?” she asked as she moved the cloth over him.
“Yes, ehmar?”
“Can we…I mean….”
Lexin caught her wrist against his chest and opened his eyes to look up into her blue ones. “Do not be afraid to speak what is in your heart to me, Cerise.”
She blinked at his direct stare.
“Does something trouble you?” he prompted her as he released her wrist.
“I’m not really troubled,” she answered, resuming her washing of him. “I’m just ready to be more settled, to start thinking of us and our baby.”
“You want to nest,” Lexin suggested, looking at her through half-closed lids.
“What?”
“Nest. You want to start making plans for a home and this child. You do not wish to ride here and there for someone else no matter how important. You wish to nest.”
Tears filled Cerise’s eyes and overflowed slowly down her cheeks. “Yes, I want to nest—with you. I’m ready to put down our roots here.”
Lexin reached up with a soapy hand and wiped at a stray tear. “I want that too, my love, more than anything.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Lexin and Cerise moved into a new suite of rooms, including a sitting room and a small room that Cerise began to set up as a nursery.
The couple watched as their baby began to show itself and Cerise bloomed with an uncomplicated pregnancy.
Riordan became acquainted with his new family and friends, making ties that would serve him the rest of his life. He made several visits to the village to see little Kareema. Her parents too much pride in hosting the future king in their home.
Winter passed quickly and spring began to make itself felt.
One morning, Riordan asked Lexin to join him on the corner of one of the tower rooftops. Icicles were melting from the edge of the slate roof tiles, making the stone floor slick. Riordan walked carefully to the edge and leaned his elbows on the low wall.
Lexin moved to stand next to him, pulling the edges of his coat closer together and waiting patiently for Riordan to speak. He had a strong notion of what was on the other man’s mind.
Riordan gazed out in the direction of Bellmore for a moment while he composed his thoughts. “One of the MacKinnon’s prize black mares foaled last night,” he began.
“That is what I heard. I planned to go down later and see it. A filly I believe,” Lexin replied, leaning on the wall as well.
“There is growth beginning in the herb gardens,” Riordan added to his observations.
Lexin began to chuckle softly, causing Riordan to look at him cur
iously.
“Why do you not just say what is on your mind, cousin. The season of rebirth is beginning,” Lexin said, still laughing. “You want to know when it is time to travel, am I correct?”
Riordan grinned. “Exactly. I am nervous about going there, but have found myself thinking about my father quite a bit the last several days. I am ready to meet him.”
He stepped back a bit from the wall and closed his eyes as a chilly wind caught at his loose hair. He sighed and opened his eyes again. “I will miss it here,” he admitted. “I do not guess I will be able to visit whenever the notion takes me.”
“Probably not,” Lexin agreed. “But I do not see why you cannot find the occasional excuse, and we will do the same and come to Bellmore when we can. Besides, I wish for you to meet my child once it arrives.”
Riordan smiled broadly at that. “You are a lucky man. I would be honored to see your babe. Perhaps one day, if the gods are willing, I will have occasion for you to return the favor.”
Lexin clapped Riordan on the back with good humor. “I would like that very much. Now to your unspoken question. Give it two seven-days and I think the weather will be improved enough to make the trip to Bellmore. “Now come with me and we will see the new foal. Perhaps we will find Drace and you can give him the news of your departure.”
It was still quite cold and the roads were muddy from melting snow when Lexin left with Riordan for Bellmore two weeks later, accompanied by six other warriors.
Cerise chose to stay behind, feeling well but not wanting to take any chances with her pregnancy.
There had been a large feast the night before. All of Oralia was invited to celebrate with the king’s heir and family, and wished him well and safe journey.
They left the village on the road that led to Bellmore. Riordan rode Marlhowh who was completely recovered from the deep slash on his left shoulder. All that remained was a stripe of white hair over the scar.
Just past a gate that marked the end of the village proper, a lone woman stood with a small child in her arms. Riordan reined in beside them.
“Reya,” he greeted the woman. “Kareema.”
Reya made a graceful curtsy, despite holding the girl. “My lord,” she returned and then made a sound of protest as Kareema held up her arms for Riordan to take her.
“It is alright Reya,” he said as he leaned over to take her and settle her in front of him in the saddle. “May I ride with her a bit? I will send her back with one of the men in a moment.”
Reya nodded, tears in her eyes. “My lord, I can never thank you enough for what you have done. Kareema is everything to us.”
Riordan put the back of his hand gently against the woman’s cheek. “May the gods watch over and bless you.”
She nodded, unable to speak and watched as Riordan touched spurs to his stallion and trotted away, her daughter giggling in his arms.
“Kareema the Brave,” he addressed her after they had ridden awhile. He slowed Marlhowh to a walk. “If you or your family ever has need of anything, I want you to go to your Lady or the Dark Lord and ask for it in my name. Do you understand what I am saying to you?”
“Yes, my lord. I understand,” she nodded. “I will miss you.” She twisted in the saddle so that she could embrace him tightly.
Riordan felt his throat tighten. “And I will miss you as well, young one, very much.” He returned her hug, aware that the others in his party discreetly turned their heads away to give what privacy they could.
“Be good for your parents, and pay attention in your learning.” He stopped his horse and touched her hair.
“I will,” she promised. “Riordan?”
“Yes?”
“Are you scared?”
Riordan smiled slightly at her. “Yes, I am, but let that be our secret, alright? Do you read yet?”
Kareema looked up proudly. “I can read some, my lord.”
“I will write to you and let you know all about Bellmore and the king, but you must write me back.”
“I will, I promise,” she said, happy to know that there would still be some connection to Riordan.
“Now, young one, it is time for us to go our separate ways. Remember my words to you.”
Kareema nearly choked him when she hugged him a second time. “I love you, Riordan,” she whispered in a teary small voice.
“And I you. Now go with Merrick and he will see you safely to your mother.” He carefully handed her over to Merrick who settled her in front of him in his saddle.
Riordan nodded to her and waved, then turned once more toward Bellmore and his new destiny.
After a trip that took almost three weeks due to road conditions, Lexin pulled his horse to a stop at the top of a large hill and waited for Riordan to come beside him. Across a large valley, the village that lay at Bellmore’s feet could be seen. Smoke from numerous chimneys sent tiny spirals up into the afternoon sky. On the large hill behind it, Bellmore stood proudly.
As the group descended the hill, a group of ten riders could be seen headed to intercept them. Once on the valley floor, Lexin’s group slowed to meet them.
As the Bellmore riders grew closer, Lexin swore. “By the gods, I cannot believe my eyes.”
Riordan looked over at him in concern as Marlhowh danced under him. “What is it? What is wrong?”
Lexin looked amused. “Apparently the news of your return has brought health back to the king, for he rides at the head of the greeting party.” He turned to grin at Riordan. “I believe you get to meet your father very soon.”
Riordan went a bit pale. “Then we should not keep him waiting.” He touched spurs to his horse and it eagerly trotted forward.
The man who had asked Lexin to start this quest, who had then looked nearly an invalid, now rode at the head of his men, glowing with life and vigor.
The two groups stopped mere feet from each other, Riordan and Yeager both looking unsure.
“My Leige,” Lexin greeted. “I have safely brought to you Riordan Lionblade, your son.”
Yeager moved his horse forward until he and Riordan were stirrup to stirrup. “My son,” he whispered. His hand trembled as he reached to touch Riordan’s arm as though to make sure he was real. A single tear escaped down his cheek. “By Arahtok’s Mane you have the look of your mother.”
Riordan sat his horse tensely, studying the man who was his sire, overcome with emotion.
“I hope,” he began, his voice cracking harshly. He cleared his throat and tried again. “I hope that you will tell me of her,” he reached up and covered the older man’s hand. “Father.”
A strangled sound came from Yeager and he too cleared his throat. “Come then and get settled. You all must be hungry and tired.”
Riordan was too strained to eat but he did not have the heart to tell his father anything different. Lexin and his men fell in behind Riordan, Yeager and Yeager’s men. He could see that neither man spoke in the ride across the valley, each unsure of the other.
Villagers crowded the street as the group rode through it, dropping into low bows or curtsies in homage to the king. Lexin realized as they passed that the people were acknowledging Riordan as well. He supposed that Yeager had spread the word that his son had been found and that the heir was returning.
If Riordan was uncomfortable with their attention, he did not show it. Instead, he rode next to Yeager with his head high and his back straight, a carefully emotionless expression on his face. The only hint of his feelings showed in the dancing of Marlhowh under him. Crowds excited the stallion, but he was more wound up than usual, showing he felt Riordan’s emotions.
Once inside the gates of the fortress, there were more of the same prostrations. Yeager stopped in front of the stables and the horses were handed over into the care of the stable lads. Lexin saw Riordan run a hand over his face when Yeager was engaged in instruction on the care of the visitors’ horses. He stifled a chuckle at the look of awe on his cousin�
��s face.
Once inside the main hall, Yeager bid Lexin and Riordan sit with him at the head of the table, their backs to a roaring fire in the huge hearth. A large black hunting dog came to lie at Yeager’s feet, putting her head on his knee.
Yeager reached to stroke the silky head absently, his eyes on Riordan as his son removed his gloves and sat near him.
“I find that words I have wished to say to you have fled my mind,” Yeager began. “I do not know where to begin.”
Riordan gave a shaky laugh. “I was just thinking the same thing, my lord.”
“Please, call me Yeager or if you would, Father. Between us there is the informality of family.” He signaled to a servant to bring ale and food and then he leaned forward. The dog laid her head on the floor as his attention left her.
“I cannot undo what was done that took you from here and from your family. I know it is overwhelming to be brought here and I will not rush you to accept all of this,” Yeager began. “I am just so pleased that you have come to Bellmore.”
Riordan ducked his head for a moment and then looked up at Yeager. His eyes were dark with the sheen of emotion. He swallowed hard and his voice was hoarse when he spoke.
“The man who raised me did so with love and discipline. I will always know him here.” Riordan touched at his chest briefly. “But I always felt a bit out of place, that something was not quite right. It feels right to be here, although I must admit that I will need time to absorb it all. I hope that I can please you.”
Yeager leaned back, a proud smile on his face. “Lexin has told me all about you and what you did for him and for his woman. I think you are a good man. It will take time for us to get used to each other,” he added. “Forgive me if I rush you.”
Riordan sighed a bit in relief and returned his sire’s smile. “Agreed. It will all be well.”
There was small talk as they were served a meal and then Yeager had a serving girl show Riordan to the chambers that would be his until he acquired the throne and he inherited the king’s chambers.
There was a room with a small fireplace and a few chairs by it so that he could rest or sit with visitors. A big table sat on the opposite wall for his use as a desk.
Lexin's Quest (Knights of Kismera Book 2) Page 23