by E. D. Brady
Annie knew that Tol had a valid point, but she longed for Kellus with everything inside. She had gotten so close, yet he would still be kept from her.
“He has leave this coming weekend,” Tol continued. “I’ll close up the shop early on Friday and wait for him. I can explain everything to him on the ride home.”
“This weekend?” Annie screeched.
“Yes,” Tol nodded. “You won’t have to wait too much longer to be reunited with your husband.”
Annie lay awake for hours that night, swirling everything she’d learned around her head. It was not far off dawn when she finally slipped into unconsciousness.
Chapter 16
After a late breakfast the following morning, Markum led Max into the back garden to begin instructing him on how to use a sword.
Cora walked out behind them and stood next to Max.
Annie and Zifini threw each other a quizzical glance and went out after Cora to see what she was up to.
“What are you doing, Cora?” Markum asked.
“Learning how to use a blade,” she answered flatly.
“Really?” he asked with amusement.
“Why the grin, Markum?” Cora questioned. “Do you think self-defense is only for men?”
Markum pondered this momentarily before responding. “No, I suppose not.”
“So, you’ll teach me?” she queried.
“Yes, but I’m going to insist that Zifini learn also, and…” he turned to look at Annie. “It seems that you might need to defend yourself as well. Do you want to learn?”
“Yes, I would love to,” Annie answered.
“Okay then, if someone would run to the shed and grab a bundle of wasters, we can begin.”
“A bundle of what?” Cora asked.
“Wooden swords,” Markum explained. “We’ll be practicing with wooden swords until you get the feel for handling the real thing. I wouldn’t feel comfortable watching you spar with sharp blades.”
Cora ran to the shed and returned moments later with an armful of fake swords. “Why do you have so many of these?” she asked.
“Our father used to be a sword master,” Zifini answered. “He used to teach.”
Markum nodded. “He began training Kellus and me at the age of eleven and ten, along with some of the boys from our school,” he added.
“Are you very good?” Annie asked him.
“I won’t lie to you, Annie; I’m exceptionally good if I do say so myself,” he answered, “but, unfortunately, no match for your husband. He inherited my father’s talent for swordplay. He was the first apprentice ever to be named sword master at the Citadom.”
“Really?’ Annie responded, feeling pride swell inside. What other hidden talents did her husband possess?
“He didn’t tell you that?” Markum questioned.
“No,” she said, shaking her head.
They stood in a row and listened to Markum’s instructions. “Before we begin, I would like to make a few very important points,” he began. “First, remember, all of you, that if someone approaches you with a sword pulled, they mean to do you harm, and they will, given the chance. If you’re not prepared to kill in self-defense, there is no reason to be here.”
Annie winced at the ugly thought. Would she be prepared to kill? She guessed that she would if her life depended on it.
“Next,” Markum continued, “try to hit the closest target available. If you can only hit fingers, do so. No fingers means no holding a weapon. Also, remember that speed is not as important as timing and distance. After some practice, your opponent’s next move will become obvious. However, a skilled opponent will be able to deceive you. Don’t worry about your size, especially you ladies. Balance, a keen eye, and good intuition far exceed physical strength.”
He gestured for Max to come forward. “Ladies, watch us carefully.”
Markum held the wooden sword straight up in front of his face. “This is a vertical cut, named so because the sword is vertical to the ground. I will attempt to bring the sword straight down on your head,” he told Max. “You will raise your sword up high over your head with both hands, and slightly to the left.” On the count of three, Markum brought his sword straight down, but Max quickly blocked the strike. “Well done, Max,” Markum praised.
He continued to demonstrate different striking positions along with the corresponding defensive moves: the cut to the right and left shoulder, the right and left leg, and the thrust to the torso. Max blocked each attack.
“Me next,” Cora said, walking forward.
“Come then, little eager one,” Markum teased. He showed Cora the same moves and she, like Max, blocked every strike.
Zifini’s lesson followed, and then finally it was Annie’s turn.
“I’d like you to practice with each other,” Markum announced after he felt confident that they all understood the basic moves. “I can observe you better if I’m not involved in the match. Max, pair up with Zifini. Cora with Annie,” he instructed.
Max’s cheeks flushed red. He looked down at the ground as though he was suddenly uncomfortable. It was obvious to Annie that he didn’t like the idea of pairing with Zifini. She wondered why Max would have an aversion to the girl. Zifini and Cora were together all the time. It was clear they were the best of friends. She wondered if something had happened to make Max feel so opposite from Cora.
“I’ll spar with Max,” Annie said, giving her brother a wink, and noted his obvious relief.
Markum walked around in circles through the two pairs, firing suggestions at them. “Max, go on the offense, Annie block him. That’s it Annie, anticipate his next move. Your arms are too low again. Move your feet, Zif. See how Cora swings the blade? Excellent, Cora. Watch how she does it, Zif.”
After an hour of training in pairs, Markum was ready to spar with each one individually. “You first,” he called to Zifini.
Zifini stood still while Markum approached her. She blocked his moves three times, but was on her back within minutes, having tripped over his foot. “Not bad for the first time, and I hadn’t warned you to anticipate being tripped up,” he said, helping her to her feet.
“You next,” he called to Cora. She approached with confidence. “Keep your eyes on me, Cora,” he reminded. Markum moved towards her and swung his wooden sword. She blocked him easily. Then he swung down low, but her weapon was there to keep his at bay. He pressed forward, pushing Cora back in an attempt to trap her against the wall of the house. She ducked under his arm and was facing his back in a split second, but Markum was quick to turn on his heels. Again and again their swords banged together.
Cora was a natural, like she was born for this.
Finally, Markum had her where he wanted her: pushed up against the wall with no escape. His sword pushed hers back towards her face, but she would not give up. Her whole body trembled with the effort to hold him off. Sweat glistened on her forehead, teeth locked, she grunted loudly.
“Enough!” Markum called. He backed away, staring at her in awe. “I’m speechless, Cora. You’re absolutely astounding…unbelievable.”
Cora smiled smugly, but had no breath to answer.
“Zif, I want to see you as good as her soon,” Markum told his sister. “I want to see you able to take her down.”
Max went next. He was every bit as talented as Cora, but with the added advantage of physical strength. He had Markum working hard.
“Very impressive,” Markum complimented, “and neither of you ever trained before?” It’s hard to believe.” His eyes fell on Annie. “Okay, let’s see if it’s a family trait.”
Apparently, it wasn’t. Annie held on only a little longer than Zifini, but all too soon, she was on her back, the tip of Markum’s sword under her chin.
“A fair enough attempt, but I’d hoped that you shared the talents of your brother and sister,” Markum said, helping her to her feet.
It was unanimous that they break for lunch, so they headed for the house together.
/> “You’re a very good teacher,” Annie said to Markum as they walked along beside each other, towards the backdoor.
Markum put his hand on her elbow. “May I have a moment with you…alone?” he asked.
She stopped short and watched the other’s enter the backdoor. “What is it?” she questioned.
“I…I want to apologize for the way I treated you yesterday,” he stammered uncomfortably. “I was unfair to you. I can see now how much you love my brother and had no business doubting that.”
“And I can see how much you love my husband…and understand your position completely,” she replied. “We were never acquainted, so you owed me no loyalty.”
“I owed my brother loyalty, though, and I betrayed that loyalty when I insulted your character. Please understand, Annie, Kellus is much more than a brother to me. He’s my best friend. It hurt me to see him in so much pain…and, Annie…I thoroughly believed you were dead. When I saw you standing in the kitchen yesterday, in one piece, and looking completely healthy, I didn’t know what to think. I thought that maybe you regretted the marriage and ran off.” He shot her a sad, apologetic smile. “Please, forgive me.”
“There’s nothing to forgive. It’s in the past.” She took Markum’s hand in hers and squeezed it gently.
By late afternoon, they had begun to learn other moves, such as the one Markum had used successively on Annie and Zifini: how to trip, as well as ducking and jumping.
They stopped for the day when the sunlight started to fade.
“Just in time to help with dinner,” Sara said as they paraded through the kitchen door. “Annie, would you mind helping Cora set the table this evening?”
“Of course not,” Annie replied, feeling grateful for finally being treated like everyone else. She grabbed seven plates, and Cora followed with the silverware.
When they reached the dining room, Annie turned to make sure no one stood behind her, and then gestured for Cora to tilt her head towards hers.
“What?” Cora whispered.
“Have you noticed anything strange in the way that Max behaves when he’s near Zifini?” Annie questioned, checking over her shoulder to make sure no one else had entered the room.
“Yes,” Cora answered flatly.
Annie stared at her sister, putting her hands on her hips in expectation.
Cora rolled her eyes in her typical fashion. “He’s infatuated with her.”
“Oh, is that all? I thought he didn’t like her.”
“No, quite the opposite, he likes her too much,” Cora mumbled.
“And does she know?” Annie asked. “How does she feel?”
“They seem to expend great effort to avoid one another, but when they’re forced to interact, they both turn into awkward fools. It’s obvious to the rest of us, so I don’t see how she could not suspect. But, that said, it isn’t something that she and I have ever discussed, nor do I care to get involved,” Cora explained.
“I suppose…” Annie trailed off, pursing her lips in thought.
“Annie,” Cora chided. “I don’t know what you’re thinking, but remember, this is your brother and sister-in-law. May I suggest that you ignore their feelings—or lack thereof—for one another completely? The rest of us have agreed to let them sort it out for themselves. We’re living under one roof as a family. It’s the only way we could continue to do so in peace if it shouldn’t work out.”
As usual, Cora was a voice of reason.
The following day, their lessons continued again until lunchtime.
Markum explained that he wouldn’t be able to continue in the afternoon as he needed to check on the farm. “There’s not much work to do this afternoon,” he said to Max. “If you want to stay here, it’s fine with me. I thought I could give Annie a tour. She hasn’t been down to the farm yet, and it’s a perfect day as I only need to have a quick walk around to make sure all’s well.”
Annie set out with Markum after lunch, wearing a large pair of rubber boots, and a heavy, black, wool coat—seven sizes too big—that she grabbed from Kellus’s wardrobe.
They walked through the gates that divided the family garden from the rest of the land.
“To the right are two greenhouses; see right over there?” Markum said, pointing towards large glass structures. “I don’t go near them, haven’t been inside since I was a boy. That’s mother’s hobby. She grows tomatoes, peppers, beans, and exotic fruits.” He pointed further beyond. “Over there is our chicken coup…I believe I may have one or two of your chickens,” he said with a grin. “When Max and Cora came to live here, I went by your old house to collect some things for them. I noticed the chickens and thought it best to bring them.”
“Of course,” Annie said, nodding in agreement.
“In the large gray barn behind the greenhouses, we keep a few cows for milking purposes.”
To the left of the chicken coup was another enormous barn in the center of a large paddock—four horses grazed freely.
Markum took her hand and led her past the chickens. “Allow me to show you the prettiest part of the whole farm,” he said, walking to the far left. They walked through a tiny gate, much further past the horses, into a beautiful apple orchid. Trees formed rows and rows of archways, pretty canopies that offered a fairytale setting. The entire orchard was surrounded by hedging.
“You must yield enough apples to have pies for all of Vistira,” Annie said.
“Oh, no,” Markum answered in mock horror, shaking his head. “Kellus and I brew and bottle our own cider.”
“Really?” Annie questioned.
“Oh, yes,” Markum replied. “Your husband and I have spent many winter’s nights drunk from cider, much to mother’s disgust. There’s also a grape vine just beyond the orchard—”
“Let me guess; you also bottle your own wine,” Annie butted in.
“Correct,” Markum said, laughing.
“It seems like a lot of work,” Annie commented.
“Trust me, you won’t be idle come harvest season. There is ample work to be done in the fall.”
They walked through the apple orchard for a while. It was so peaceful that Annie planned to spend a day there soon, with one of the many books from Kellus’s bookshelves.
“Max has been a great help to me here,” Markum said as they continued on down the land. “Kellus strongly dislikes working on the farm, but Max seems more suited for it. And Cora has been a great help to mother.”
“How?” Annie questioned. She had only ever seen Cora set the table for dinner.
“You’ve been sleeping later than the rest of us,” he explained. “Your sister has been up milking cows at dawn with Zifini. When they’re done with that, they help mother in the kitchen.”
Annie felt a bout of self-consciousness. She realized she hadn’t been doing her part to help.
They walked further down, past rows and rows of vegetables, as far as the eye could see.
“What do you grow here?” she questioned.
“Cabbages, carrots, potatoes, and many other things,” he answered. “To the right, we have acres of wheat planted.”
“You really love this work, don’t you?” Annie asked, noticing the pride on Markum’s face.
“Yes, I do,” he answered. “There’s nothing else I would rather do for a living.”
“I’m glad Max has been able to help you so much,” she added.
“I’m really fond of Max,” Markum said sincerely. “It had always been just the two of us, Kellus and me, growing up. We were playmates since I can remember. Zifini as well, I suppose, but she could never keep up with us. We played rough as boys: fighting, wrestling, and then sword fighting when we grew older. I was pretty sociable at school, but as foolish as it sounds, it never occurred to me to form close bonds with others. I always had Kellus. When Kellus went to live at the Citadom, I hated it; it was like losing a limb. So Max has been a very welcome friend. Well, more than a friend, I suppose…he’s been a brother to me.”
Annie was suddenly overcome with an urge to throw her arms around this big man. She gave into the urge. Standing on her tiptoes, she hugged him tightly around the neck. “Thank you,” she said. “You can’t imagine how happy I am to hear that.”
Markum laughed at her sudden display of emotion. “No, it’s been my pleasure,” he assured her. “I only hope my sister realizes in time what a wonderful person he is. She would be a fool to pass him up.”
“Cora warned me that we were not to discuss that,” Annie said, letting go of Markum’s neck. She grabbed onto his upper arm as they turned to head back. “I’m surprised you have an opinion about that.”
“How could I not?” Markum replied. “I spend every single day with Max. He’s funny and smart, but when Zifini comes around, he turns into a tongue-tied fool. It’s rather painful to watch at times.”
“Poor Max,” Annie sighed, wincing at the thought of her brother’s discomfort.
“Poor Max, indeed,” Markum said, laughing, affectionately tapping the hand that held his arm.
Kellus Kir
Chapter 17
A sharp knock on the door woke Kellus from his dream.
“Kellus,” he heard Danus yell from the other side. “Kellus, are you awake?”
“I am now, Danus,” he answered in a weak voice.
“Sorry, but you’re going to be late for our lessons with Mandolis. Should I wait for you?” Danus asked.
“Give me five minutes,” Kellus yelled back.
He turned sideways in the small bed, feeling his insides burning, and sucked in a deep breath.
Damn dreams. Damn tormenting dreams. Somehow, this had been the worst yet.
She lay beside him in the little bed, facing the wall, away from him. Her beautiful naked body pressed up against his chest, his leg draped over hers.
He lifted a pile of her lovely brown hair with both hands and buried his face in it, the smell of lavender filling his senses. Her smooth, naturally tanned shoulders moved gently up and down in peaceful slumber, safe between his embrace.