This time the shock on reading the medallion literally drained the blood from Driscol’s face, though he quickly regained his composure. He took a deep breath and an entire mug of wine, before continuing.
All he could do was nod. He directed that the medallion be handed back, and asked Daray to conclude his history. Once he had finished, Driscol was silent before speaking.
‘Daray il Lykia; you have presented me with a gift beyond comparison and I find your family is of sufficient status to justify your nomination. If my daughter will accept a gift from you, I will allow you to be a suitor.’
As was customary, the court clapped. The first hurdle had been cleared. Now the next; Daray returned to his chair and collected a second wrapped parcel and instead of handing it to a servant, he took it himself, bowing as he handed it over. He moved back to address the Hall.
‘Healdend, Cliona, what I have today is just part of my offering. I will present the other half tomorrow morning if you agree.’
Cliona unwrapped the parcel enclosed in a priceless silk square richly embroided. Inside was clothing, made size perfect for her. Conn’s agents had spent a considerable amount of time getting her size right. It was a riding outfit; a silk embroided tunic with full sleeves and a subtle but very feminine spoon neckline, a silk choli as an undershirt, a pair of woolen blend jodhpurs in black, and a pair of polished leather boots made of the finest goatskin from Halani. Cliona almost squealed with excitement, her face flushed; the outfit was worth a fortune. Cliona spoke, in a hushed, excited but sweet voice, ‘This alone is a magnificent gift – may I ask what the other half is?’
‘Of course, Cliona, it is a horse, one of the best from the farms of the Thane of Hama.’
In a most unladylike fashion, Cliona’s jaw dropped. Horses from Hama were considered to be the best in Meshech – and ridiculously expensive. Conn’s breeding program was into its second generation of crosses; the black filly was three quarters Taransay bred, one quarter Meshechian. As it was, there were only twenty Hama horses sold a year outside of Lykia – all geldings. Conn kept the numbers down as his Silekians needed them first. For Cliona to have a Hama horse – a mare – would be special indeed. She looked to her father, tears in her eyes. ‘I will accept the Folctoga’s gift.’
Throughout the exchange, the Healdend had begun to look more and more concerned. Despite that, in response to Cliona’s acceptance, he announced that Daray was now an official suitor to Cliona. He added, ‘Tomorrow we will accept nominations from others who wish to be considered as suitors. It does concern me that no one in Moetia will be able to equal the gifts that Daray has offered, and I’d expect you not to try – because you can’t really succeed. It seems that none of us have the resources to match the Thane of Hama so proceed as you normally would.’ With that he declared that the feast was to begin.
No sooner had Conn turned to follow Finghin than a servant came to request that he join the Healdend at the main table. Finghin then escorted Allowena and Daray to a table where they were joined by Aerlene and a host of people who rushed over to make the acquaintance of both young people.
Driscol introduced Conn to his family and then enquired of his time with the Twacuman. Despite being Healdend, he explained that he had not been in touch with Halani during his reign; but he did know that his when his grandfather was a child he had met Brina soon after she became Aebeling.
Conn explained how he had rescued her granddaughter from slavers. Conn didn’t mention Piada or Silekia, as he was not asked. The discussion also gave Conn opportunity to offer to fix the roof.
‘You can fix it?’ He was no longer really surprised.
Conn nodded. ‘I have the craeftiga who can – but I will need to send for them.’
‘Our craeftiga make repairs but it never lasts. But if your people can, I’d be very grateful.’
Before they had a chance to speak further, they were interrupted by several Eaorls who came to be introduced to the Lykian Thane. There were nine Eaorls in Moetia – but only one domain was held by a member of the Healdend’s family; and that was Bricriu, Eaorl of Batra, who was his cousin. Conn also learnt that the Eaorl of Farah was related to Aerlene. They both descended from an Eaorl of Susa – and it was he who expected the domain to be given to his second son. Aerlene had told him that her mother was the daughter of a Thane in Susa, and granddaughter of the Eaorl of Susa; and she became bedda to the aged Eaorl to see if they could keep the domain in the family, but she was unable to have a child.
Conn also met those that who would be candidates for Cliona’s hand, and one in particular paid her a lot of attention. His name was Arlen, and he was the second son of the Eaorl Bricriu; so also her cousin, albeit distant. It was fairly clear that he was the Healdend’s favored candidate. Arlen spent a lot of time talking to Cliona, but yet she seemed to spend a lot of her time looking towards Daray.
Daray had successful positioned himself so that he could glance towards Cliona; but also stay focused on the other guests at his table. Both he and Allowena were inundated by well-wishers of both genders; they seemed to spend a lot of time fondling her clothes.
Conn finally escaped the Eaorls and found Aerlene; who despite the lesser quality of her clothing was definitely ravishing in her low cut choli.
‘Well, well, well, you are a surprise package, aren’t you?’ She greeted him as he turned up. She was with Cliona’s mother whom she introduced.
‘I only do what I think is right’, Conn answered smiling. ‘Daray will be a fine Aebeling.’
‘I will leave that judgment to you. Doneele tells me that Cliona has yet to develop a favorite amongst those that are going to nominate, so in that regard you are lucky. I think, however, you have made an excellent start – you have impressed us all. Arlen is looking worried.’
Cliona’s mother was Doneele il Nobah. She agreed. ‘Daray is a indeed a fine looking young man.’ She turned her attention to Conn. ‘I had heard of you, Conn il Taransay, in some intimate detail.’
‘Really – I am surprised.’ Conn had yet to touch a single female in Moetia.
‘I have a cousin – Ranait il Dahae – she passed through on her way to visit her family. She seemed to have fond memories of you.’
‘I’m flattered. Is she still there?
‘No – did you not hear? This very last winter we had the sickness and many did not survive. She was one of the unlucky ones.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that. I would have liked to see her again.’ Conn changed the subject. ‘What can you tell me about the Eaorl of Menia?’
Conn had met the Eaorl and his son previously, but they now sat talking animatedly with Daray and Allowena.
‘The Eaorl of Menia has a very large domain in the far north of Moetia. Menia is a poor but it is proud family with a noble heritage – they are the oldest surviving in Moetia. His eldest son is twenty five, and I know he plans to be a suitor, despite being the eldest child and heir to the domain. He has waited this long without taking bedda to be able to stake a claim.’
Doneele continued. ‘And it seems that he is cousin to your boy – which is a great surprise. I remember a story about the daughter of the Eaorl of Menia who eloped with the son of a Lykian Eaorl – apparently the son was travelling by boat and met her when he visited Menia’s port. They never knew what happened to her, but it seems her descendant is here today. The circle is closed, and now your boy has strong allies.’
The Burhgerefa was sounding the bell for the end of the feast, and they stood while the Healdend and his family left the room. The guests started to leave, and as she left, Aerlene whispered that she would indeed visit him later at the Inn, and he should stay up – if he understood what she meant.
Conn joined Daray and Allowena outside and they returned to the Inn in the cabs. A great crowd of people watched them leave the keep, dry and clean. Tomorrow an agent of Conn’s would be seeking permission of the Healdend to start a “taxi” service in Lykiak. As inducement was the free sample cab that
the agent would offer the Healdend.
Neither of the youngsters spoke much as they were overwhelmed; Daray had been surrounded by young women who declared themselves happy to be his rebound choice, and who were even prepared to be his second bedda – if Cliona did indeed choose him. They would be happy to wait until Cliona had her first son or second child as was the custom.
Allowena had so much attention from both boys and girls that she was still blushing from the compliments and endless fondling she had received. Conn sent them to bed; they were sure to have a restless night. Conn sat in the Inn with Wuffa when a figure in a black cloak arrived at his table. It was Aerlene and she nodded to Wuffa, who stood and left, bowing respectfully.
Aerlene leant forward, peering out of the hood, ‘There are some things I really need to discuss with you – urgently, in private.’ she whispered.
‘Perhaps we should retire to my room then, so that no one can hear.’ Conn said with a smile. He followed her up the stairs and into his room. Inside she turned and dropped the cloak. She was naked underneath, her full figure clearly visible in the candle light.
‘I didn’t want to waste time.’
‘Clearly.’
CHAPTER 18
Aerlene left well before dawn, and Conn spent the morning familiarizing himself with the cotlif and the docks with its surrounding commercial areas. Not surprisingly, it had a smattering of Lykian Craeftiga in newly established shops, that had been funded by the ‘Meshech Finance and Insurance Company” that had been established by Godric (and Conn). Ostensibly to facilitate trade; the MFIC also provided loans to more than a few Eaorls who needed help to maintain their expensive lifestyles, and was an excellent cover from the transfer of information from one location to another. No one thought anything strange about money going from one place to another under guard and in haste.
By midmorning Conn was back at the Inn, bathed, dressed, and ready to take a horse to the keep – a lovely black filly from the line of his stallion. When he arrived at the stable, he found an old man sitting watching the pinto filly in her stall. Strangely the filly seemed not to mind the man. He looked around as Conn arrived.
‘When my grandson told me that you had an Elfina, I didn’t believe him’ he said.
‘Your grandson?’ Conn responded cautiously. No one ever described the filly as an Elfina.
‘My grandson is the stable master. I haven’t seen an Elfina since I was a child – and then only once. I was in Farah near the great forest when a small herd of horses came out and grazed on the meadows when I was herding cattle. I didn’t know they existed anymore. Where is she from?’
‘She was bred in Halani – but her sire belongs to me. Her dam is from Piada.’
The old timer nodded knowingly, ‘My grandpa told me that these horses decide themselves who is their rider and master. Are you going to offer the Healdend’s daughter to her?’
Conn laughed. It seemed to be in reverse order, but it was also something that he hadn’t considered. ‘I hadn’t considered doing so but what you suggest sounds reasonable. The girl is a good idea – the filly sure doesn’t like men much. She tries to nip me all the time.’
He laughed, his old body rattling. He was the oldest man Conn had ever seen amongst the Priecuman. He stood and started to hobble away; and his parting comments gave Conn further concerns. ‘Then you are lucky; she must actually like you. They can kill people they don’t like. So if you are to give this horse to the Healdend’s daughter, you best make sure that you ask first.’
‘Thank you old timer,’ Conn called out as he hobbled away. ‘Come again, I’d like to talk more.’ But the old guy didn’t hear him and disappeared out of the barn.
Within minutes both Daray and the stable master had arrived. Daray informed him that the black filly was ready to go. Conn thanked him and spoke to the stable master. ‘Your grandfather was very informative. I hope I can talk with him again.’
‘My grandfather?’
‘Yes, the old guy you passed on your way here.’
‘What old guy? And my grandfather died thirty years ago; when I was a child…’ He and Daray looked at each other, and Conn strode past and looked around the corner. There was no old guy.
When he came back, he instructed Daray to take the pinto as well – and put the girl’s saddle on her.
‘But the filly has never been broken – or ridden – how can you put the girl on her?’
Conn walked up and patted the filly; she head-butted him in response. ‘She is Elfina – they are never broken. If she wants to be ridden she will be. Put another saddle of the black filly – as backup.’
The thanks he got for that comment was a nip on the backside, sending him a foot in the air.
‘Dammit girl. Will you stop that?’
Conn watched Daray bring the saddle and a bit-less bridle to the pinto and put them on her. She didn’t complain – or kill anyone. They looked at each other and shrugged. So far so good.
Finally ready, they rode to the keep, leading the colt. The filly did as she always did, trotting along at Conn’s side, nipping him whenever he didn’t pay her attention. ‘She’s like a bad mistress’, Conn muttered, evading her nip yet again. Finghin was waiting for them at the main gate, agitated, but still polite.
‘I don’t quite understand why I had to bring my horse’, he complained.
‘We thought we’d take Cliona for a ride on her new horse; and just so they don’t think we are kidnapping her, we’d take you with us.’
The six horses stood in the forecourt, side by side, while Finghin was sent to advise the Healdend and his daughter that the second part of her present was waiting outside. It took a few moments for them to arrive with a dozen other members of the court; including Arlen and Devlin, suitors to the daughter. As everyone arrived on the steps, the noise stopped completely.
Driscol and Cliona walked down towards Conn but only got halfway before the filly pushed through and walked towards the girl. She stopped and reached out her neck and nose, almost as a greeting.
Driscol stopped in his tracks, and saw tears in Cliona eyes. ‘She’s beautiful’, she whimpered. Before she touched her, Conn urged caution.
‘Cliona; please put your hand out and ask her if you can touch her, and then wait. She’s a little strange like that.’
‘What is her name?’
‘I have no idea; she won’t let me give her one.’
‘Aoife – that is her name. Aoife, can I touch you? With that the filly walked forward and nuzzled her chest. Conn noticed that she was dressed in her outfit from yesterday; she looked beautiful.
Driscol walked towards Conn. ‘You are going to be the death of me, Thane. I can’t imagine how a Thane from Lykia has an Elfina horse, so I’m not even going to try. That is an Elfina isn’t it?’
Conn nodded.
Driscol continued. ‘I presume that you know that such an animal is beyond any measure of value. They are animals of legend that no one thinks exist anymore. It is a devious plan you play, Thane.’
Conn looked at him. ‘I don’t understand, Healdend. I am only doing what I feel is right for Lykia.’
‘How do you imagine she is going to give back the horse if she doesn’t choose Daray? The sword’, which he wore, ‘is going to be hard enough, but the horse!’
Conn laughed; ‘You are quite right, that would be unforgivable – and she wouldn’t come back anyway.’
To the crowd, Conn addressed his next comments, ‘People of Moetia, as I stand before you I declare that this gift is not bound by the laws of courtship, it is a gift without ties – as is everything that Daray has given.’
‘I get to keep her for forever!’ Cliona cried out. ‘She is mine?’
‘Yes, Cliona, she is yours forever. Now would you like to go for a ride – if, of course, your father permits?’
Driscol looked at Conn, ‘I suspect that she is safer with you than almost anywhere else. Yes, you can go.’ Arlen wanted to object, but was unable to do
so.
Conn looked at Devlin and Arlen. ‘I have an extra horse; would one of you like to take it for a ride?’
Arlen took the offensive. ‘Thank you, but no thank you.’
‘As you wish.’ He looked to the next suitor who stood nearby, ‘Devlin?’
Surprised at being asked, he nonetheless answered quickly. ‘I would be delighted, Thane. It would be an honor and a privilege to ride one of the horses of Hama.’ He walked forward and claimed the reins of the filly. The others had already mounted and awaited Conn. Conn addressed the Healdend. ‘You look worried Healdend, but you have no need. I will return your daughter safe and sound.’
Driscol smiled; ‘I have little concern about the ride, Thane. If what they say is true, she is safer riding an Elfina then she has ever been. What concerns me is that where I thought I was in control of events, I’m starting to feel that I am not. And that is a feeling that I am not used to and one I do not enjoy.’
As they rode out, Conn noticed that Cliona was riding next to Daray, chatting quietly, followed behind by Devlin and Allowena. He rode with Finghin. They travelled for some time out of the Cotlif, up into the forest and finally overlooking the ocean. As they stood and rested their horses on a vast escarpment overlooking the town and the harbor, they saw several ships, including some of Conn’s, heading for port. They all had the brown sails and the golden sun symbol.
One of the many that were not his, was a long Meshechian Dhow with its steering oars at the stern and a lateen rigged sail; but it was larger than most, and its insignia defined it as Rakian. He was surprised to see a Rakian vessel in Moetian waters. He mentioned it to Finghin, and he was at a loss to explain its presence. Vessels from Gatina did visit, but had not for some time.
As they rode back to town, Conn rode with Cliona and talked. The girl, only sixteen years of age, was carrying the hope of a lot of people on her shoulders, but she seemed up to the task. She spoke easily with Conn, and asked him lots of questions about Atrak – it seemed that the port was becoming very well-known because of its innovations. All this time the filly did not try and bite him – not even once, until he asked.
The Aebeling Page 29