“Do you like being an apprentice?”
“I like working with the animals.”
“I like animals, too.” Milvari blushed as she remembered the feel of the comb as it slid through the horses’ manes and they way they listened when she talked to them.
“Being apprenticed to a stable master is a good position and Master Jarrett is one of the finest. A person could do worse.”
Milvari thought about that for a moment. “I should like to be an apprentice,” she said.
Harl turned his gaze on her, his eyes opened wide. “But you’re a lady! You’re bound to marry a rich holder and go live in some far off region. Isn’t that what all fine ladies dream about?” He added with disdain.
Milvari’s face became fever hot. “Not all,” she said harshly. She stared at the smoldering fire. “Besides, according to my mother, I’m not much of a lady.”
“I think you’re a fine Lady,” Harl said, the scorn gone from his voice. “The horses think so, too.”
Milvari glanced over to see if he was teasing her. He refused to look at her. His ears had turned deep scarlet.
They stood in silence and watched the fire dwindle.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Kira led Trad outside and eased the stable door shut. Frost twinkled under bright moonlight, breath rose in steamy clouds, and boots and hooves crunched on frozen ground. Shorter days allowed less time for hunting and outdoor lessons as Winter Turn approached, and each morning Kira set out earlier. But no matter the hour, Brilissa was in the kitchen before her, a bundle of provisions and a cup of hot tea at the ready. Kira was grateful for the tea and food, but she wondered if the woman ever slept.
The main gate stood open and a rider astride a black and white dappled horse waited in the predawn moonlight outside. Kira paused as a sensation washed over her. Not fear, something else. The gatekeeper stood outside the gatehouse, waiting to close the gate. He made no sign that anything was amiss. The tingling struck, trickled along her scalp and ran down the back of her neck.
The figure on the horse nodded. “I bid you good morn, Hunter.” Though he spoke quietly, the holder’s voice carried clear on the wintry air. “Although, it is still some while before the sun will wake the land with a new day.”
Kira drew up her hood. “Good morn, Holder Tem.” She stepped into the stirrup and casually pulled herself into the saddle. Trad ambled through the gate and Kira drew up beside the holder’s horse. A bow and a quiver of arrows were slung on his back and a long blade hung from his waist. His presence at this hour surprised her and wariness folded itself over her as the heavy gate swung shut behind them.
“Are you traveling today, Holder?”
“A short distance, perhaps.” He stared up at the night sky where silver stars winked against indigo. “As they will be wintering on my land, I think it is time I met your companions.” He gestured in the direction of the forest.
Kira sat still. A small worry gnawed her. She wondered how he would react to the sight of Kelmir. Would he change his mind about allowing them to stay? She pushed the thought away. What was it Heresta would say? To worry about what may come is to throw away the moment. “As you will, Holder Tem. Do you know the small glade southwest of the ravine?”
“It is long since I spent much time in the woods.” He shifted in his saddle. “I’m sure you know the way better than I.”
Trad snorted, steam rising from his nostrils. Kira nudged him to a slow walk and the holder followed. They made their way across the wide swath of cleared land separating the hold from the forest.
When they reached the edge of the woods, Kira paused. With daybreak still some way off, darkness held the land and filled the spaces between the trees. She knew Kelmir waited not far inside the tree line, ready to lead the way deep into the heart of the forest where game was plentiful, but Kira was afraid his scent would frighten the holder’s mount.
“Is there something amiss?” The holder sounded concerned.
“No, only that it would be better to skirt the woods until dawn,” Kira said, turning Trad eastward. She sent out a quick thought. Kel, meet us at the cave.
Holder Tem reined his horse around to follow her lead. “I wondered how you meant to traverse the forest in the dark.”
Kira pushed Trad to a faster walk, but held him from breaking into a trot. The holder, an adept rider, brought his horse up to keep pace beside her.
Milos Tem was a somber man, but he did not seem to be a threat. It had been a long time since she’d ridden with someone who wasn’t a snarling guard. Kira found herself smiling as the two animals matched stride. She relaxed in the saddle and loosened her grip on the reins.
Ahead of them, the stars dimmed and the sky lightened, as if a doorway to a lit room swung slowly open. Kira gave Trad his head and he loped into a slow trot. The other horse kept pace.
The sun crested the mountains as they reached the eastern edge of the forest, and the holder slowed his mount. Kira pulled Trad to a halt and waited as the other horse and rider drew up even with her.
“The sunlight looks like liquid fire when it glances off the mountains,” he said.
His beautiful words astonished her. Kira glanced over. His face was ruddy and she caught herself admiring the strong contour of cheek and jaw. She pulled her eyes away and turned Trad southward.
Within a league of the northern edge it was light enough to enter the forest. The cave was still some distance south, but they needed to cross the ravine where it wasn’t too steep. Kira had just the place in mind. She paused at a narrow deer track that led into the woods.
“Holder Tem,” she began, eyeing the sturdy-looking stallion with its black and white dappling, “how bold is your horse?”
“Zharik is a valiant animal,” he said with certainty. “If you are concerned about him being alarmed at the first sign of the Moon Cat, you may rest your mind. He has been with me through worse than the scent or sight of a dangerous animal.” He gave the horse’s shoulder a firm pat and the animal raised its head and let out a short bluster. The holder smiled.
The warm sense of pride he exhibited toward the animal surprised Kira. She led the way into the woods and followed the winding animal track to the edge of the ravine, where they picked their way down the slope. The water streamed shallow, and they dismounted and let the horses drink their fill.
Kira pushed back her hood, then unrolled the oilcloth that held the day’s provisions and passed it to the holder.
He tore off a hunk of bread and handed the rest of the food back to her. “Thank you, Hunter.” While chewing the bread, he opened a worn saddlebag, polished with age, and pulled out a brandy flask and some fine white cheese, offering them to Kira.
She took a portion of cheese, but refused the flask. “Nay, Holder. My thanks, but I have game to hunt this morn.”
He nodded and returned the flask to its place. “Wisdom is a welcome guide,” he said, taking a drink from his water skin.
Kira heard Heresta in his words. “I know of at least one other who would agree with you,” she said as she slid back into the saddle.
* * *
When they emerged from the trees, the glade was awash with flaxen light and Kelmir sat on his haunches in the midst of the clearing, his mottled fur reflecting the sun. Holder Tem held his mount steady. With slow movements, he slid down from the saddle, keeping a wary eye on the big cat.
Kel, please stay still. Kelmir’s tail flicked almost imperceptibly.
Kira dismounted and dropped Trad’s reins. “Holder Tem, this is Kelmir, my long-time companion.”
They heard a loud screech and the holder’s horse gave a nervous nicker.
“Easy, Zharik.” The holder stroked the animal’s neck.
Kira stepped away and extended her arm. A multicolored flutter flashed from above as Vaith swooped down and landed on her wrist. “This is Vaith. A prince among wyverns.” Vaith flourished his wings before folding them.
“A dazzling display,” Holder Tem
said. He stood with his hand over his horse’s nose to keep him calm.
“Yes.” Kira smiled. “He does like to show his qualities.”
“How long have they been with you?”
“Kelmir has been my friend for more than ten turns. Vaith I’ve known for only five, but he is the best of his kind.” She ran a finger over Vaith’s head and he arched his long neck moving gracefully against her touch.
“May I?” the holder asked.
“Of course. Shall I take Zharik’s reins, or do you prefer to tie him?”
He watched Kelmir, who sat unmoving. “I think he’ll do best tied,” he said. He led the horse to a tree and looped the reins over a sturdy limb. He reached into his saddlebag, brought out a small apple and gave it to the horse. Trad raised his head at the crunching sound and gave a questioning blow. The holder extracted another apple, walked over to the grey and offered the treat on the flat of his palm. Trad lipped the apple into his mouth and bit into it with a small sigh.
When the horses were settled, the holder walked back toward Kira, arm extended and a youthful eagerness on his face.
Kira lifted her arm and Vaith leaped up, flew once around the glade, then landed on the man’s forearm. Holder Tem held Vaith up and examined him. “When we were boys we tried everything to trap and tame a wyvern. How did you manage it?”
Kira hesitated. No one but her parents and Heresta had known about her abilities. Her secret was now hers alone. She was beginning to like this man, but she had no reason to trust him. She gave him the lie that wasn’t a lie. “He was a gift.”
The holder continued to inspect Vaith. “A handsome treasure to be sure.” Finally, with some reluctance, he stretched his arm toward her. “But I am keeping you from your work, and I would still like to make better acquaintance with your cat.”
Vaith, go and scout. Fowl or small game today. Kira made a low trilling sound and Vaith unfurled his wings and swept up and away.
The holder watched as Vaith launched himself out of the glade, a bright arrow of color that was gone in a moment. “Is it sound he responds to?”
“And some words. We manage to understand each other.” Another partial truth.
Kira turned to Kelmir, who sat in the sunlight, still and patient. “As for Kel, we’ve been together so long he often seems to know my mind.” Kira smiled as much at the double meaning of her words as her feelings toward Kelmir. She went over to where he sat and stroked his fur.
The holder moved a few paces nearer and halted, keeping a close eye on the cat.
“He’s no threat to you as long as you’re no threat to me,” Kira said. Kelmir closed his eyes and pushed his head into her hand, and she scratched behind his ears.
Holder Tem stepped forward, arms down at his sides, clearly alert for any sudden movement. As he approached, Kelmir opened his eyes and turned his calm gaze on the man. “How well does he listen to you?” the holder asked.
“Kel, lie down,” Kira said. With slow careful movements Kelmir stretched out his front legs and sank down onto his belly.
The holder shook his head. “I would not have believed it if I hadn’t been witness to it. And they hunt for you?”
“We work together.” Kira nodded. “Would you care to join us?” The words left her mouth before she realized she would have more half-truths to tell, but it was too late to take them back.
He replied without hesitation. “Yes.”
In the past she and her companions had always hunted alone. Another person would have questions about their methods. So be it, she thought. “Trad is practiced in following Kelmir. He knows his scent,” she told the holder.
He smiled at her, untied his horse, and stepped into the saddle.
She picked up Trad’s reins and remounted. Kel, Vaith is headed southwest. Let’s make a short morning of it. “Kelmir, find Vaith,” she said aloud. Kelmir swept to his feet and loped out of the clearing.
* * *
The morning sun warmed the open spaces and the early frost that had clung to branch and limb had dissolved. They stood beside their horses at the edge of a large clearing. Six fat brush hens hung from Trad’s pommel and a brace of rabbits were tied to the holder’s saddle strings.
Kira was satisfied with the morning’s catch, but Holder Tem was enthralled by the hunting tactics of Vaith and Kelmir. He sat motionless as Vaith soared overhead searching for more small game. “I still have no idea how you managed to train him to signal with a tilted wing, nor how the cat could possibly learn such a signal,” he murmured.
Kira shrugged. She had chosen to spin a complicated story rather than expose her gift. “I merely used what came naturally to the wyvern,” she lied. “I noticed the action each time he sighted just before he dove and struck, and I used it to my advantage. As long as he keeps to the air, the game stays still, frightened that movement will attract his attention. It distracts the prey so Kelmir can more easily sneak up.”
Vaith spotted another rabbit and tugged her attention away. She let herself become a gateway between the two animals. A moment later, Kelmir emerged from the brush, a large rabbit in his jowls.
The holder gaped. “Do they ever miss?”
“Rarely,” Kira said. She knelt and took the rabbit from Kelmir. The holder bowed his head as she held the animal out on the palms of her hands, moving it in a circular motion and giving thanks for its life. Then she tied a loop around its back legs and handed it up to the holder.
“I find myself captivated by their abilities,” he said, tying the rabbit to his saddle.
“I need to call Vaith in to rest,” Kira said. “And to eat. He’s always hungry.”
“As well they both should be after so much effort. I’ve grown hungry myself merely watching them work.” He tied Zharik to a sturdy branch, then opened his saddlebag and drew out two large rolled cloths and the flask he’d offered Kira earlier.
Kira whistled high and loud. Vaith, Kelmir, come eat. She drew off her cloak and spread it out on a dry patch of grass in the dappled sunlight at the edge of the trees. From her pouch she took out the rest of her morning rations and sat on the edge of her cloak, leaving room for the holder.
Holder Tem stood at the edge of the cloak in obvious embarrassment. “I should have spread out my cloak for you,” he said. “It was unthinking of me not to be chivalrous.”
Kira gave him a crooked smile. “Holder Tem, consideration is not for men alone to exercise.” Vaith chose that moment to land between them. He furled his wings, squawked and gave Kira an expectant look. “Nor does it come naturally to wyverns.” She laughed and held out a scrap of cooked fowl for Vaith.
The holder unrolled his parcels and spread out a small feast of breads, meats, cheeses, and fruit.
“You seem prepared for more than a morning of hunting,” Kira said.
“Thank Brilissa. She feeds me as if every meal might be my last.” He was silent for a moment, a frown drawing his face down.
Kira focused on tearing off another piece of meat. She held the morsel out to Vaith and caught the holder staring at her. Vaith took the fowl from her hand and shredded it into strips. One by one he plucked the pieces up and swallowed them. Kelmir padded out of the brush and sat beside Kira. She gave him a hunk of fowl.
The holder picked up a thick slice of meat and held it out toward Kelmir. “May I offer him this?”
“By all means,” Kira said. Kelmir stepped around the edge of the cloak to stand beside the holder. Without taking his eyes from the holder’s face, he leaned forward, sniffed, then tilted his head sideways and took the meat from the man’s hand, each movement slow and deliberate. With the meat in his mouth, he glanced at Kira, then lay down a few feet away to enjoy his prize.
“It’s odd,” the holder said, watching Kelmir and Vaith eat. “After my brother’s death, I thought I would never hunt in these woods again.” He took in a deep breath before continuing. “Yet, today, with you and your companions . . . ” He shrugged. “I was so taken with them, with the id
ea of them, I had no other thought. It was if I had forgotten . . .”
“I’m sorry, Holder Tem, I hadn’t considered—”
“No.” He held up his hand. “I’m glad of it. It has been a long time since I was able to forget, to think of something else for a time.”
“That we think of the living doesn’t mean we have forgotten those who have returned to the wheel,” Kira quoted. She heard Heresta’s voice echo her own as she spoke. “And sorrow must someday give way to hope.”
He gave her a strange look, the corner of his mouth contracted into a half smile. “I once thought I would never be hopeful again. Kamar’s death was more than the loss of a brother. It was the loss of freedom for me.”
Kira found his words strange. She knew the loss of freedom, knew what it was to be caged, but what could a man of privilege know of such things? “I don’t understand.”
“My brother was firstborn, heir to Tem Hold by both tradition and law. When I was very young, I was jealous of his position, yet I admired him. My father tried to instill in both of us the roles and responsibilities of leadership. But as I grew older, I realized I was grateful that Kamar, not I, was Tem Hold’s heir. It allowed me freedoms my brother never enjoyed.”
He picked up a handful of dried berries and chewed them one by one, his eyes focused on some distant place or time. “Kamar was suited to be holder. I never was,” he said finally.
“It seems to me you’re a fine holder. Your hold is prosperous. And your people seem content.” Kira nibbled at a piece of cheese.
“Content? Yes, they are that. But I would have them more than content.”
Kira recalled her discussion with Brilissa. “You would have them rule themselves.”
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