by Lyndi Lamont
“Famished,” Kane said.
She led them down a hall to the kitchen and waved them to an oaken table. “Sit, while I fix you some breakfast.”
Kane sat on a wide bench facing the hearth. A kettle simmered over the fire, and herbs hung from the rafter, creating a savory scent that made him even hungrier. “Thank you, mistress…”
She smiled at him. “Since my daughter is so ill-mannered, I suppose I must introduce myself. You may call me Gerta.”
“Thank you, Gerta,” Kane said, giving Tova a pointed glance. She wore a rebellious look on her face. Apparently she hadn’t been joking when she said there were differences between her and her mother.
“Let me help, Mother.” Tova picked up a knife and attacked a loaf of brown bread, slicing it in thick, ragged pieces. She handed one to him, along with a hunk of cheese.
::Easy, love. We need her help.::
Tova gave him a startled look and then nodded her acquiescence. He was correct. They did need her mother’s silence, if nothing else. “Forgive my bad manners, Mother. It is good of you to take us in.”
Her mother smiled. “You are forgiven, daughter. I see you are as impatient as ever. Much like your father.”
Tova bit back an angry retort and smiled sweetly instead. “I never object to being compared to Father.”
Her mother’s compressed lips indicated her displeasure, but she said no more on the subject. She poured cups of cider for them. “Why are you here, Tova? And how is Mutti Zee?”
“Fine. In fact, she’s the reason we are here.”
“Perhaps you should start from the beginning.”
While Kane wolfed down several slices of bread and cheese, Tova told her mother about Mutti Zee’s vision. “As you can see, ours is an urgent quest. I was hoping to get an audience with the king to warn him.”
“That will be difficult,” her mother said. “He is not here. He’s off on his annual hunting expedition to stock up on game for the winter.”
Tova stared at her in horror. “At the Old Keep? But that puts him right in Bruno’s path.” She jumped up and paced around the kitchen. “How can we possibly warn him in time?”
“You shall have to speak to the queen,” her mother said.
::We shall have to fly.::
Tova whirled to face Kane. “Of course, but…” How do I explain that to the queen?
::She will not be surprised. She knows what I am, what my people are.::
Good goddess, he could hear her thoughts. How could they have such a deep connection after just one coupling?
“Come, Tova,” her mother said, drawing her attention from the man who occupied her mind. “You cannot see the queen looking like a peasant boy.”
Tova followed her mother upstairs, leaving Kane to yet another helping of bread and cheese. “I brought a gown with me. I was planning to change before going to the castle.”
“I should hope so,” her mother said with a sniff.
“I wore breeches for the trek over the mountains. It was the only sensible thing to do.” Tova knew not why she was trying to justify her actions to her mother. She was full-grown and could do as she pleased. But no matter how old she became, her mother’s disapproval stung.
She followed her mother into the room that had once been hers. A small bed took up one wall, with a fireplace opposite. At the far end, a window looked out onto the kitchen garden and the forest beyond.
Tova set her pouch on the bed, pulled out her green gown and attempted to shake out the wrinkles.
“That will never do,” her mother said. “Wait here.”
Ignoring her mother, Tova removed her breeches and shirt and washed up. Pulling her shift and hose from her pouch, she started dressing. Just then, her mother returned with a yellow linen gown trimmed in green embroidery and handed it to Tova. “This will look nice on you.”
“It’s beautiful,” Tova said, fingering the swirling green design on the bodice. “But I cannot take your gown.”
Her mother waved a dismissive hand. “It no longer fits me. Consider it a gift. Please, Tova, you must present your best appearance if you expect to be taken seriously at court. And it sounds as if the future of the kingdom rests on your credibility.”
Tova sighed. “Yes, of course, you are correct. Thank you for your assistance.”
Her mother helped her dress, then brushed her hair and braided it into a neat plait. “You look so much like my mutti.”
Tova smiled. She used to wish she’d inherited her father’s white-blond hair and crystal blue eyes, but now she was happy to look like her grandmother. “Mutti Zee says I am a true earth mage.”
Her mother studied her. “On the surface, yes. But there is much of your father in you, and I do not mean that as a criticism.” Her expression softened. “I know you still miss him.”
Tova bit her lip. “Yes. Mother, may I ask you a question? Did you ever love Father?”
Her mother glanced away. “What a question. Of course I did. That did not mean we always saw eye to eye.” She turned to look at Tova. “Not everyone falls in love with the one person who is perfect for them. Your father and I are a good example. And I worry about you and Kane.”
“I never said I’m in love with him,” Tova pointed out.
“But you have coupled, have you not?”
“Yes.” Tova held her mother’s gaze, refusing to look away.
Her mother smiled. “I thought so. Your aura is glowing. He must be good, this dragon of yours.”
“Mother!” Tova felt her face heat, and she had to look away.
Her mother laughed. “Sex is one thing; love is another. Earth folk and dragonfolk seldom mix. He is of the sky, like your father.”
Tova frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“It is a complicated story, child. And we have more important things to worry about. Come, I shall accompany you to the castle.”
CHAPTER 4
After a short walk into town and up Castle Hill, Tova and her mother finally arrived at the castle. Peeking over the edge of the pathway, they looked down upon the rows of houses and shops built on both sides of the meandering Novita River. Tile roofs gleamed red in the sunlight. Residents, unaware of the possible strife that could soon cause them great danger, went about their daily tasks, selling their wares, washing clothes along the riverbanks, and stopping to gossip with a friend. The very picture of normality. If only they knew. Tova smoothed imaginary wrinkles from her gown to hide the shaking of her hands.
Her mother stilled her movements. “All will be well, Tova.”
She lifted her chin and set her shoulders. “I am ready.”
Her mother smiled. “I should think so. After all, you faced a dragon in his den and flew on his back. The queen is not nearly so intimidating.”
Tova smiled back, grateful for her mother’s encouragement. Though in truth, meeting Kane had not been nearly as daunting as the prospect of begging a favor from Queen Clothilda.
Tova was amazed at how quickly her mother’s request got them ushered inside the castle. She looked around with interest. The interior was much as she remembered, tapestry covered stone walls and heavy wood furniture.
“I didn’t realize you and the queen were still friends.”
Her mother leaned toward her and whispered, “My husband being the royal jeweler does not hurt. Still, she has not forgotten her old friends.”
“Goddess be thanked,” Tova murmured.
When they arrived at the queen’s chamber, a page boy opened the door and they walked into the spacious room. The walls were covered by tapestries showing courtiers and strange magical creatures. Tova’s mother took her elbow and guided her to where the queen sat in a throne-like chair. Prince Leopold sat next to her.
It had been many years since she had seen Queen Clothilda. She was still lovely, though there were new lines around her mouth and creasing her forehead, and her brown hair was streaked with gray. She wore a purple velvet gown, and a gold circlet anchored a wi
spy veil to her head.
“Gerta, welcome. And young Tova. How long has it been, child?”
Tova curtsied low. “Too long, my lady.”
“You remember my son, Leopold.”
Tova pivoted to drop him a curtsy. “Prince Leopold.”
He smiled at her and inclined his head. His face was thin and wan, but he was alive, despite Bruno’s attempt to poison him.
“What brings you to Castle Novita?” the queen asked. “I understand it is a matter of some urgency.”
Tova faced the queen and took a deep breath.“Yes, my lady. I have reason to believe Bruno of Grimmdorn is leading an army of invasion to reclaim power in Velosia.”
“How can that be?” the queen asked, a quizzical look on her face. “I have heard nothing of an invasion. And our relations with the neighboring kingdoms are peaceful.”
“Two days ago, I was weeding in my garden when I sensed something wrong in the vibrations of the earth. Troubled, I went to my grandmother, Mutti Zee, for help. She looked into her scrying bowl and saw an invading force led by Bruno.”
“Only two days ago? How did you get here so quickly from Waldheim?” Clothilda asked.
Tova paused before speaking. Would she be putting Kane in danger by mentioning him? But she had little choice. He would be needed to warn the king. “Mutti Zee sent me to seek out the dragonlord. I found him in a cave under the Castle of Drakkenberg.”
The queen waved a hand. “The dragonlord is dead.”
“She means the outlaw Kane.” Prince Leopold stood, his hand on the hilt of his sword.
Tova’s heart skipped a beat. “Yes, my lord. He flew us here from Drakkenberg.”
“You are brave to trust him,” Queen Clothilda said.
“I had little choice if the kingdom is to be protected,” Tova replied. “Kane told me he heard about Bruno’s fall from power, so he returned in hopes of clearing his name.”
“Surely he did not proclaim his innocence!” The queen’s voice was scornful.
“No, my lady. He admits to killing some of Bruno’s guards, but he claims it was a fair fight in an attempt to free dragonfolk prisoners from Bruno’s dungeon.”
The queen’s brows knit in puzzlement. “I know not what to believe.”
“My lady,” Tova said hesitantly, “consider the source of the original information—Bruno of Grimmdorn.”
Prince Leopold sat down. “Bruno.” He spat out the name with disgust. “After what he did to me, I think I’d rather trust the outlaw.”
The queen sighed. “I see your point. In any case, Kane may be useful now. Can he fly to warn the king of the invasion?”
Hope stirred in Tova’s heart. “Yes, my lady. He can rescue the king if we hurry.”
“It isn’t just the king,” the queen said, rising from her chair. “Most of the noblemen in the kingdom joined in the hunt. If any are captured, Bruno will hold valuable hostages. We must find a way to stop him.”
“Kane can warn them, but he needs safe passage from you,” Tova said. “Otherwise, the king’s men will shoot him from the sky.”
“Yes, of course.” The queen turned to her lady in waiting. “Bring my secretary.”
As the woman rushed off , Tova released a sigh. Her part in the quest was nearly done.
Just then a young red-haired woman in a dark green gown rushed into the chamber. “Tova, I heard you were here.”
Tova ran to embrace her childhood friend, Princess Ilona. When Ilona’s rounded stomach pressed into hers, she stepped back. “You are with child.”
Ilona smiled and rested a hand on her waist. “I am.” She waved forward the man who had followed her into the room. “Meet my husband, Sir Rolf von Arnwalt of Klosterlupe.”
Tova curtsied to the handsome, brown-haired knight. She was still astonished by the story of how the princess had teamed up with a werewolf knight to break Bruno’s magical hold on the king and queen. “Sir Rolf, a pleasure.”
He nodded. “Likewise, Tova of Waldheim.”
Ilona took Tova’s arm. “Come, we can catch up in my chamber.”
“I cannot, my lady,” Tova said. “I must leave as soon as I have a writ of safe passage from your lady mother.”
Rolf stood to attention. “What is going on?”
Tova quickly told the story again, including Kane’s return, while the queen dictated to her secretary. Rolf and Ilona exchanged alarmed glances.
“A writ alone will not protect him,” Rolf observed.
At his words, a shiver passed throughTova, and she realized her quest was not at an end. It would not be enough for her to warn the castle. She would have to go with Kane to ensure his safety. “I will go with him.”
“What do you mean?” her mother asked in a sharp voice.
“Mutti Zee said—”
“To seek Kane’s help. Did she say you must face Bruno?”
Tova stared at her mother. “No, but something tells me I must be there, if only to protect Kane. The archers will not try to shoot him down if I am on his back. Otherwise, they may kill him before he can warn the king of the danger.”
“She speaks sense,” Rolf said. “This dragon shifter of yours…can he carry a man my size?”
Tova shrugged. “I’ve no idea, but I will ask if he can carry one more. Why?”
“I was thinking, Klosterlupe is on the way to the hunting lodge. Not far from it, in fact. If Kane can drop me there, I can bring help fairly quickly.”
“Why cannot Sir Rolf go alone?” her mother asked.
“I will need to organize the reinforcements at Klosterlupe,” Rolf explained.
“I will go with Rolf.”
She turned to see Prince Leopold standing beside her.
“No, Leo,” Ilona said, alarm writ in her face. “Mother would never agree.”
He grimaced. “I am a grown man. I do not need my mother’s permission to go anywhere.”
“I know, brother dear.” Ilona placed a hand on his arm. “But if something happens to Father, you will be needed to defend the castle.”
“Ilona is right,” Sir Rolf agreed.
Prince Leopold’s shoulders slumped, and Tova’s heart went out to the brave young man. “Duty can be a harsh mistress,” he murmured.
“What about my daughter?” Gerda asked, her tone sharp.
“But perhaps one of my men can take Tova’s place,” Sir Rolf suggested.
Tova looked at him skeptically. “Which of your men will volunteer for such a duty? Who among them is not afraid to fly with the dragon?”
*****
Kane stared into the flames of the fire on the hearth of the guest chamber. He’d rested for a short while after Tova and her mother left, but sleep eluded him. Worry for Tova filled his heart and clouded his judgment. Though he feared what would happen if he flew off without her, he could not in all conscience allow her to put herself in further danger.
Closing his eyes, he took a series of deep breaths until he began to relax. Slowly, he expanded his awareness outward, toward the fire, seeking connection with another of his kind. ::Flames, speed my thoughts into the ether.::
Eyes open, he stared at the hearth until a dragon messenger appeared, wavering in the flickering fire.
::You called, my lord?::
::I have need of help from my brethren. If any be near, tell them to hasten to Velosia.::
The messenger dragon bowed its head and then disappeared into the flames, sending sparks spiraling into the fireplace.
Kane sighed and stood. He had done all he could for the moment. Help would arrive or it would not. As the gods willed.
*****
Tova’s mother was subdued on the walk back to her home. “I wish you did not have to go,” she said as they walked inside. “I sense danger around you.”
Tova turned to face her. “I know, Mother. I am terrified of what is to come. But somehow I know I have to be there.” Rolf had tried, but none of his men had jumped at the chance to take her place. Despite her fears, she kne
w that if she and Kane failed, every knight and common soldier would be needed to protect the castle from Bruno’s army. Besides, she was able to communicate with Kane in his dragon form. Not everyone would be able to do so.
“Please take care of yourself,” her mother said, pulling her into an embrace. “I do love you.”
Tova swallowed the lump in her throat. “I love you, too, Mutti.”
Her mother wiped away a tear. “When we get home, I want you to rest for a few hours. I will see that you and Kane have a good meal before you leave.”
“Thank you,” Tova said softly, glad she’s had this time with her mother.
*****
Kane stared the second-floor window as he waited for Tova to join him. He’d breathed a sigh when he saw her and her mother return alone. He’d half expected to see a contingent of the king’s guard rush the house. Perhaps his exile was almost over. He’d known he was taking a chance coming here, but he’d been alone so long.
Until Tova.
He smiled, remembering her determination to reach the castle, her joy when they made love. She was quite a woman, his daughter of earth.
“Kane?”
He turned to see her standing in the doorway smiling at him. She looked lovely in the yellow and green dress, her hair plaited back, except where dark wisps had escaped to curl around her face.
“I take it your visit went well.”
She rushed to him, and he caught her hands. “Yes. The queen herself received us and listened. I bring a writ of safe passage for you. In addition, we have the support of Princess Ilona and her husband Sir Rolf.”
“My pardon?”
Her smile faded. “Only the king can rescind your murder conviction, but Queen Clothilda is certain he will do so when he learns the truth. He is on a hunting trip. We must fly to the Old Keep to warn him of the invasion.”
“We?” Kane asked, putting some force into his voice. “Your part in this is over, love.”
“I think not,” she said, withdrawing her hands from his clasp. “Sir Rolf wants you to fly him to Klosterlupe, if you can bear his weight.”