by P. A. Wilson
“Food will be brought in after we have bathed,” Arabela announced. “Lady Madeline, do you wish to forgo your weapons practice? You can catch up tomorrow before we ride?”
“No, I’ll get my throwing knives and practice before I bathe. Please don’t wait for me to join you for dinner. Just leave some for me when I get back. I need to burn a bit of energy.”
“It may be a good idea for you to speak to Blu,” Arabela said. “He can help you relax enough to sleep.”
“I’m sure I’ll have no problem,” Madeline replied. “Practice is more important than talk at this point.”
“If you change your mind, please call through the door.”
“Allow me to escort you to the training area,” Jode said. “Arabela, if you have no further use for me I can attend to Lady Madeline’s sword practice as well.”
“And I’m going to change and head out to some friends if that’s okay,” Simon said barely waiting for agreement before he rushed into the tent.
“It seems we all have separate plans.” Arabela waved goodbye to the guard, Caver, and AaLa as they stepped away. “Let us say goodnight now, then. I will spend some time with Blu before retiring. You will find food left for you out here in an hour.”
“Thank you,” Madeline and Jode said together.
“Madeline,” Arabela said. “I think this idea of sisters of the spirit is an excellent one. Your profession in your old world must have been interesting if it required such imagination. Goodnight.”
Thanking Arabela for the compliment, Madeline went into her room, retrieved her weapons, and tied her hair back with a black scarf, curls flowing down her back. A large tub sat beside her bed. A servant laying out tomorrow’s clothes looked up as she entered. “You will want to bathe,” the woman said pointing to the tub. “I’ll call for water.”
“No.” Madeline knew she would work up a sweat with exercise. “Is it possible to have something clean I can sleep in as well as clean clothes tomorrow? I want to throw these into the fire after practice. The smell of the Dray is soaked into them.” She remembered how embarrassing it had been to stand apart from everyone in the village to avoid making people gag.
“Yes, I’ll lay out a dress for you,” the woman said. “There are no nightclothes available, I am sorry.”
“Not a problem.” Madeline nodded towards the tub. “I will look forward to being clean later.”
The woman grimaced. “I will find some herbs to scent the bath to remove the stench of Dray. You will probably want to wash your hair as well, I’ll make sure there’s a fire built outside so you can dry it. Remember, one hour, or the water will be cool.”
Madeline promised to return on time and hurried out to meet Jode. He stood waiting, his tall form standing facing away from her, she stopped for a moment to enjoy the strong shoulders and nice butt. The loose white shirt and black riding pants gave him the look of a romance book hero. “Hmm, I guess the difference is he’s real, the book cover is a model.”
Jode turned. “Lady Madeline, did you say something?”
“Oh, nothing.” She felt her cheeks burn in embarrassment, or lust, or both. “Shall we go? I have strict orders to be back in one hour.”
“The same orders were given to me.” Jode gestured for her to walk ahead. “Hot water is difficult to create in camp and no one wants it to go to waste.”
“I’m not sure I could practice more than that anyway,” she admitted. “I’m feeling the weight of the day in my bones and muscles.”
“This is a good time to practice,” Jode said. They had reached the edge of the camp where a wooden post stood a little further away than yesterday’s tree. “An enemy will not wait until you are rested before attacking.”
Madeline laid her weapons out on the cloth holding her throwing knives. “Which first?”
“Knives.” Jode untied his sword belt and used it to mark the line for her to start from. “Throw each one twice and then I will count out a pace for you to learn speed. We will spend half our time on knives and half on sword. You are better with the sword so it won’t matter if we have to cut that short.”
“Makes sense.” She stepped up to the line and placed all the knives in the ground at her feet. The first throw missed by three feet. Of the first ten knives, she threw, only the last six hit the post. She retrieved them and started again, this time thinking about the effect of her fatigue before throwing. Nine sank into the wood.
“Now,” Jode said handing her a mug of water and a strip of dried fruit. “When you have eaten, place the knives in the ground in a row, two inches apart. When you are ready, you must pluck the first knife, and throw in one move, do not stop to set your body up for the throw: pluck, stand, aim, and throw. Move to the next knife when you have finished the movement, continue until all the knives have been thrown.”
Madeline chewed on the fruit while she looked at the row of knives. She would have to step to the side every other throw. She swallowed the fruit and gulped some water, before bending at the waist and plucking the first knife, standing, and drawing her arm back and up, and throwing the knife. Bent at the waist, repeated the throw, and took a half step to the left. It took her ten seconds to throw all ten knives. She stood at then of the row and realized that each knife had hit the post in a line, from six inches from the bottom to four inches from the top.
“Holy shit,” she said before she thought. “Did I do that?”
“You have a skill with edged weapons it seems.” Jode smiled at her and nodded his head. “You are tired. I think we should stop before you hurt yourself.”
“No, I’m all right.” She didn’t want to skimp on the training. If she had been better prepared, the Dray incident may not have happened.
“I don’t want to see you hurt,” Jode insisted. “These knives can cause serious damage if you are careless.”
Madeline felt her patience slipping. “So, whoever attacks me will make sure I’m fully rested first?”
“No, but there is no need to take foolish chances.”
“I am still alert enough to be careful.” Madeline wasn’t sure that was entirely true, but didn’t really want to stop practice.
“Get your knives, then. We will pull you back and see how well you do.”
She repeated the knife practice six times. Each time a foot length further away. On the sixth attempt, only four of her knifes reached the post, three of those bounced off. Her arm was burning with the effort.
“Rest your arm,” Jode said. “I will get your knives. It’s getting dark, but we have time to practice with the swords before we are done.”
Madeline rolled her shoulders and stretched her arms while Jode retrieved and wrapped her knives in the cloth again. Unsheathing her sword, he handed it to her. “I will show you some moves. You can practice these on your own. Tomorrow evening we may have time to spar a little.”
They stood beside each other, a sword’s length apart. Madeline felt the heat of Jode’s body on her side. She clenched her teeth to restore her focus. Ignoring the stench of the Dray, she followed him through a series of movements that mimicked a thrust and parry fight. After she had the movements down, they practiced until both were glowing with sweat. “If your task involves a swordfight I think you will be on even terms,” Jode said as he started a second set of moves.
“I’m surprised how much I remember from the fencing lessons I took back home,” she said, carefully following his lead, and stepping forward, sword held over her head point out. Her arms and shoulders screamed in pain. “It’s really a matter of concentration for me.”
“You concentrate better than some of my most experienced men at arms,” he said, stepping back at rest, sword held blade up in front of his chest.
“Whew.” She was only able to hold the final position for a couple of seconds, her arm shaking as she dropped the point towards the ground. “I’m done. Are we going to be late for the hot water?”
He wiped his face on his shirtsleeve. “We should be back jus
t as the water arrives.” Madeline’s hand was still shaking with fatigue so Jode took the sword and sheathed it for her. “There is a tear in your sleeve,” he said accusation in his voice, as he pointed to a slice in the fabric.
She poked a finger through. “It didn’t draw blood.”
“That does not matter.” Jode pulled her hand away from the tear. She could see his face tighten as he touched the fabric. “It could have been serious. A fraction of an inch and you could have sliced your hand off.”
“Yes, but I didn’t,” she snapped, her hand warm from his touch and a yearning building to lean into him. “I probably should have stopped after the first set, but it’s okay. I’m not hurt.” She took her weapons from him. They returned to the tents, Madeline feeling uncomfortable with the silence.
“Would you prefer to have your meal in your tent?” Jode asked when they arrived. “I can have a tray sent in if you wish.”
“No.” Madeline was feeling reluctant to be alone. She told herself it was residue from the kidnapping, not reluctance to be apart from Jode. “I’m sorry, you were right. I was too tired. I’ll listen to you next time.”
“Do not make promises you cannot fulfill.” Jode smiled. “As you say, there was no real harm.”
She felt warmed by his smile. “I would like to eat here, with you if that’s okay. I, um, would like to talk about…” what? Talk about her feelings, no, she didn’t need to do that, “you. Would you tell me about your life while we eat?”
“I’m sure there are more interesting topics, but if that is your desire, I will be happy to talk of my family and my people. Ah, see here is the water.” He pointed to a team of ten people carrying steaming buckets. “Go, and enjoy your bath. I’ll be here when you are done.”
Inside her room, the tub was half-full of water. The woman from earlier stood beside the bath and directed the men to fill it with most of the buckets of hot water. She had the men leave the last two smaller buckets and dismissed them.
“Now, take off those stinking clothes and I’ll set them to soak while you clean yourself.” Madeline dropped her clothes and stepped into the water, hot but bearable. “Here,” the woman said, handing Madeline a bowl of sandy soap and a rough cloth. Then she poured a powder in the bath and the scent of lavender and violets filled the room. “I’ll be back in a few minutes to wash your hair for you.”
“Wait, what is your name,” Madeline called as she worked up lather. “You have been so kind.”
“Thank you, my lady. I am called Alice.” She picked up the pile of clothes and walked out of the room.
The water turned gray as Madeline scrubbed the grime from her skin. She was looking at the buckets of clean water when Alice returned.
“You must feel better,” she said taking the soap from Madeline. “You look all clean and pink. The smell of those awful Dray is almost gone.”
Alice lathered Madeline’s hair and then made her duck beneath the water before lathering it again. “Now stand,” she ordered taking a small ladle and pouring hot water over Madeline’s head until it ran clear and one of the extra buckets was empty. Alice directed Madeline to stand in the empty bucket then repeated the rinse so that the last traces of dirty water were diluted by clean.
“You are almost presentable,” Alice said, picking up two towels and handing them to Madeline. “Dry yourself, then as much as you can your hair. There’s a brazier outside which will dry your hair completely before you sleep.”
“I feel perfect,” Madeline said as she finished rubbing her hair to dampness. “I don’t smell anymore. It’s like I’ve been in a spa.”
“I do not know what a spa is, lady, but let’s get you oiled and dressed so you can join that handsome Sir Jode.”
Madeline giggled, and then rolled her eyes at the silly sound. “He is handsome, but there’s no reason to get me all prettied up for him.”
“A man sometimes needs encouragement.”
“No,” Madeline pushed the pot of oil away. “That is the last thing he needs.”
Alice stepped back in surprise. “Why?”
“It’s complicated.” Madeline reached for the clothes.
“I do not think so, but you should still allow the oil. It will keep your skin healthy and the insects away.”
The small jug of lavender scented oil was sitting on a stool. Madeline applied a thin layer to her body while Alice massaged a tiny amount into her hair. When they had finished, Madeline was considering crawling between the sheets on the bed. Then her stomach growled in protest.
“I guess I do need to eat before I go to bed.” She shrugged into the white dress and tied the ribbons under her breasts to create an empire waistline. “I hope the food is ready, and I could really use a glass of wine. Thank you, Alice.”
“You do not need to thank me,” Alice said smiling and blushing. “You go. I’ll make sure this is cleaned up. I’ve put your clothes for tomorrow on the stool. Put the dress on the bed in the morning and I’ll get it after you leave.”
Madeline found her slippers, putting them on before making her way to the space in front of the tent. Jode sat at a small table waiting for her, the brazier glowing nearby. As she stepped away from the curtain, he rose and came towards her, eyes fixed on her face.
“You are beautiful,” he said.
“Jode, don’t”
“No, do not deny me the privilege of admiring you.”
Madeline lowered the hand she had raised to quiet Jode. “Okay, I guess I appreciate the compliment. You’re looking pretty hot yourself.”
He had changed to deep red pants that hugged his form, and he looked good. His shirt was another loose open necked affair, but this one was a cream color and looked so soft Madeline had to stop herself from reaching out to touch him. “I will also accept the compliment.” Jode bowed. “Come and sit near the fire before you catch a chill.”
Madeline sat with her back to the brazier, making sure her hair hung down so it would dry as quickly as possible. Jode joined her, sitting across the small table, and pouring wine into black pottery mugs. The food looked and smelled like the best food she had ever had served to her. There were small bowls of bright vegetables; beans, carrots, and radishes. There was a plate of sliced dark bread in the center of the table and beside it a bowl of butter. Another plate held slices of sausages and cheese. For dessert, there was a bowl of bright, shiny berries and tart, thick yogurt.
“Tell me about your home,” Madeline said as she reached for bread and sausages. “Do you have a castle, too?”
“My home is not as large as Lady Arabela’s. And it lacks the homely feeling that a family brings.” He picked at the vegetables. “I am not there often.”
“You have never married?”
“No.” Jode placed some of the cheese on sausage slices. “I have spent my life so far in service, first to Alric Lord of the Summer Lands, and now to his widow.”
“No children?” Madeline tried to sound casual, she wasn’t supposed to care, or rather didn’t have a right to care.
“No,” Jode answered. “I would not have children if I was unmarried.”
“Really?” Shit, was he a virgin? “It isn’t necessary to be married to have children where I come from.”
“Neither is it here, Lady Madeline. If I had sired a child, I would have married the mother, it would not be right otherwise.”
“Interesting,” Madeline said. “And what if you didn’t love her.”
“I would be obligated to support her and raise the child. What would love have to do with the situation?” Jode sighed. “Until now I hadn’t thought of the prospect of marriage without love as anything other than a duty. Now that I have met my true love, I see that it is fortunate I am not married.”
“Yes.” Madeline felt tension she hadn’t known she was carrying release in the confirmation that Jode was unencumbered. “I mean, yes, it is fortunate you haven’t been forced to marry out of duty.”
“My family is not important enough to wor
ry about marriages of political advantage.” Jode looked at her, his gaze intent on her face. “And you? Why aren’t you married?”
Madeline laughed. “I haven’t even come close. I guess men find me a bit intimidating.”
“Weak men perhaps.” Jode smiled. “Are you determined not to be married?”
“I’ve never thought of it that way,” Madeline pushed her plate away and poured them more wine. “I’ve never liked the idea of losing my identity in marriage.”
“Why would you do that?” Jode seemed genuinely baffled.
“Well.” Madeline sipped her wine. “I don’t know why it happens, but most of my friends who got married ended up changing. Some of them even stayed in bad marriages because they didn’t remember who they were as a person.”
“I still do not understand what you mean,” Jode said leaning forward. “Are the women kept away from the world? Are they sequestered in a harem?”
“No.” Madeline thought for a few minutes. Jode waited patiently, watching. “In my old world, there’s this concept that we are all only half a person, that we need someone to complete us. I don’t feel like a half person. If finding my true love means I’ll stop being a whole person, I don’t want to find him.”
“Why would someone fall in love with a half person?” Jode clearly couldn’t understand the concept. “Love is the attraction two people feel. Love is the thing that keeps them together when they disagree, when they are apart, until they die.”
“Yes, that’s what it is supposed to be.”
“Then why do you resist my love for you?” Jode took her hand. “I do not see you as a half person, Madeline. I am not a half person either. If at the end of the quest, you choose to leave, I will not stop loving you. I will survive here. I will be happier for knowing that you love me.”
Madeline felt tears rise, and swallowed the rest of the wine in her mug to cover the pause while she composed herself. “And if I choose to stay?”
“I will not make you marry me, if that is your worry.” Jode rubbed her hand. “If you stay, you are your own person. You will have land and income. You will not have to rely on a husband to support you.”