Captain Freeholm frowned. “Java, we can put you in the Officer’s Quarters. It would be appropriate. Duchess Samantha and the triplets have rooms with us.”
Java shook her head. “With all due respect, sir, I wouldn’t feel right about it. About having the quartermasters cleaning up after me.” She looked at Captain Freeholm, then at Lieutenant Lerves.
Daria nodded, thinking. “I’ll have to put you in with the archers. Their barracks has the only open doubles.”
Java grinned. “Just so long as I’m not next to Morgan. Her snoring rattles the walls. The only other thing I’m going to need is some office space. I have a lot of paperwork that I have to catch up on, starting with the mills and the quarry.”
Lieutenant Lerves nodded. “I have a space in Supply that you can use, Java. I already have most of your papers there.”
“Thank you. Then I’m settled. Captain, I would like to get out and about, with your permission. I’ve been in Whitehall for too long. I’m out of shape.” Java looked at Captain Freeholm, and received a nod.
“Be careful, Java. Stay close to camp, and be back before dark. Frander is still giving us problems, and we don’t want to lose you.” Captain Freeholm grinned and allowed Java to be taken out of her office by Samantha.
The triplets grabbed Java as soon as she passed the door, hugging her and kissing her cheeks. “Why didn’t you tell us you were coming?”
Java kissed them back, laughing. “No time. Come on, let’s go unload my stuff and find that room. I have presents for all of you.” Java led the laughing girls to the barracks and was met by Daria.
“Room thirty, Java. Top floor, south. What do you need as far as supplies?”
“The usual, sir. We brought our clothes, but not much else.”
Lieutenant Lerves nodded and walked away, mentally tallying what the two women would need.
Once they were settled in the room, Java brought out her surprises.
Samantha opened hers first and sat transfixed by the sight of a pair of earrings made to match the Lender’s Dale Ducal Brooch that Naria had given her.
The triplets opened their presents and found three identical silver bracelets, each engraved with the Lender’s Dale crest opposite Java and Robin’s mountains and mill.
Robin produced a fourth bracelet and presented it to Samantha, smiling and showing off hers. “Java has one as well. The six of us together again, always.” This elicited another round of hugging and kissing which didn’t stop until Sergeant Branson arrived with sheets, blankets, pillows and the rest of the normal gear for a two-woman room.
Java was surprised to see the change of rank. When she left, Danis had been a corporal. “Congratulations, Danis. No one told me you’d been promoted.”
Danis smiled shyly and nodded. “Thank you, Java. It’s only been about two months.” She turned and motioned two other women forward. “This is Eviline Sandish, and Gloria Dranda. Girls, this is Java Mountainstand, and Robin Cartwright. Java is a scout and has six years with us, Robin is a mage.” She stepped aside to allow Java and Robin to meet the girls, though both seemed reluctant to get too close.
Eviline stammered and swallowed hard, trying to speak, but she couldn’t manage anything intelligible. Gloria curtsied deeply and managed to say, “Pleased to meet you, princess.”
“I’m not a princess here, so settle down. I was a quartermaster recruit before I transferred to the scouts. And I was a scout long before I became a lady or princess,” Java said gently, watching Danis grin at the reaction of her two assistants to Java’s announcement.
“We have a lot of new people, Java, so be careful for a while. We don’t want some recruit putting an arrow through your back because she doesn’t recognize you.”
CHAPTER 18: MASTER ROBIN
If there is one question that defines my life, it is this: What did you do?
Master Scholar Prince Stavin Zel’Andral, “Errant Thoughts”
SHEREFIN FOUND ROBIN EARLY THE NEXT morning. “Your letter frightened me, Robin. Did you really fight off a suicide spell and still manage to kill Master Mage Ansen?”
“Yes, Master Sherefin.” She pulled her collar down to show the small scar that she had received during the encounter. “Since then I’ve been keeping in practice watching Java’s back.”
Sherefin nodded. “Very well, Robin. After we eat, meet me in the Mage quarters, in the Supply Building. I must confirm your ascendance to Master.”
Robin walked in after the noon meal and found herself facing Sherefin in a dueling circle. “Before I can confirm you, you must defeat me, Robin. Begin.” With those simple words Sherefin began a simple attack against Robin, using a technique that Robin had faced before.
Robin had been expecting something cunning, not simple. She barely countered the attack, and initiated an attack of her own, surprising Sherefin. The two traded attacks, becoming more and more cunning and aggressive as the bout progressed. Finally, Robin tried a desperate gambit and slid through Sherefin’s defenses. Sherefin suddenly found herself bound, unable to summon any magic to her aid.
“Well done, Master Mage Robin,” Sherefin said and bowed. The duel was over.
Robin released her master and returned the bow. “Thank you, Master.”
Sherefin summoned the rest of her pupils. “Ladies, Robin has passed the test and is confirmed as a Master Mage.” She smiled as her students congratulated their former classmate.
Robin noticed that Marian wasn’t there and decided to ask Sherefin later what had happened. After supper that night, Robin approached Sherefin.
“Master Sherefin, what happened to Marian?”
“She’s still here, Robin. She’s moved in with Trooper Endealan.”
Robin gaped at her master for a moment before recovering herself. “You don’t mean that Marian is Le’Ah?”
“She is. Did you know she was jealous of you and Java? First of you, because she was attracted to Java, then Java because she was attracted to you.”
Robin shook her head and began laughing. “Who would’ve thought?”
*
Java spent the first week getting settled and meeting the new Firewalkers. Captain Freeholm had increased the size of the company to five hundred, matching the Thunderfeet and Vandals. Once the most urgent tasks had been seen to, she requested permission to travel to the Vandal’s camp.
“Java, you don’t have to ask permission. This is your county,” Captain Freeholm said gently, smiling at Java.
Java bit her lower lip, the one habit she’d never been able to break. “I still think I should, sir. This is your command, and your town. I don’t want to step on any toes.”
Captain Freeholm smiled and patted Java’s shoulder, sending her on her way. The trip was short and uneventful. The companies had improved the road between their towns to the point that it was as good as any in the duchy.
At Vandalburg, Java had a hard time getting past the sentries. “Halt! What’s the password?”
“Eh La Ke Ha. I’m here to see Captain Wilkinson,” Java shouted back, but the sentry didn’t reply with the counter sign.
“Stay where you are! I don’t recognize you! That didn’t sound like the words!” The man’s voice was sounding more and more panicky, and Java eased Sugar back a little. When she moved, he began ringing a bell, summoning help.
A contingent of ten archers soon lined the wall, each aiming an arrow at Java. Java sat very still, holding her hands out to the sides, until one of the archers suddenly recognized her and began laughing.
“Andal, you idiot! That’s Princess Java!” he shouted as he set his bow down and scrambled down the wall to come and greet her. Java was surprised to recognize Weldon Stanley with corporal’s stripes.
“Hello, Weldon,” Java said, grinning. “Who made the mistake in the laundry? Someone sewed corporal’s stripes on your shirt. You’d better take ‘em off before you get in trouble.”
“Now, be nice, Java. It’s taken me eight years to earn these stripes.
I don’t think I need to ask why you’re here. He’s in his room.” Weldon was leading Java past dozens of men who were all staring at her with wide eyes. Royalty seldom came to Vandalburg.
Jah’Moke had been awakened by the alarm bell, and was just leaving the barracks when Java and Weldon arrived. He stood transfixed by the sight, almost dropping his bow.
“Java?” he whispered, looking into her eyes as he began trembling.
Java was equally shocked. Her encounters with Ralf, Ander, and a few other men hadn’t changed her feelings for Jah’Moke. Walking slowly forward, she reached up and caressed his face.
“Jah’Moke, I’m back,” she whispered, then surged forward into his arms, kissing him with almost a year of pent-up passion.
Jah’Moke led Java back to his room, closing the door firmly behind him. “Oh, Java, how I’ve missed you!” he said, clasping Java in his arms again.
“I’ve missed you too, Jah’Moke. More than I can say.” She had already undone her blouse, and pulled Jah’Moke’s hand to her breast.
Weldon stood outside the barracks for a moment, then shook his head. “Well, sweetheart,” he said to Sugar, “I guess that leaves you with me.” He led Sugar to the stables and made her secure, then he reported to Captain Wilkinson. “Sir, if you don’t already know, Princess Java’s here.”
Randal Wilkinson’s head snapped up, looking Weldon in the eye. “Is that what the alarm was?” Standing, he looked around. “Where is she?”
Weldon grinned and flicked a thumb toward the barracks. “With Jah’Moke.”
Captain Wilkinson returned the grin. “We won’t see her for a while. Good, it gives us time to clean up a little.” He began issuing orders, and by the time Java and Jah’Moke emerged several hours later, the compound looked presentable. Walking to face her, he knelt briefly. “Princess, welcome to Vandalburg.”
Java smiled at Captain Wilkinson, and reached out a hand to him. “Captain, please. I’m still Scout Java.”
“As you wish, scout.” Captain Wilkinson grinned at the look on Java and Jah’Moke’s faces. “Let me show you around.”
Java nodded and followed Captain Wilkinson, marveling at what they had achieved in only one year. The town was large, easily three hundred paces across, and held numerous buildings and open practice grounds, as well as gardens by each door. Captain Wilkinson finished the tour by presenting Java to his wife, Marsa.
He prevented Marsa from kneeling to Java, and almost got smacked for his trouble. “Randy, what are you doing?”
“Mar, Java prefers to be treated as a scout. What do you expect from a Firewalker?” He grinned as Java nodded.
“I’m pleased to meet you, Marsa. This is some town you’ve built.” Java was still looking around, gauging the town’s defenses, and finding them more than adequate.
Others had heard that Java was there, and she was soon in the mess hall, enjoying a lively dance with as many Vandals as dared. All of her partners were young, and many of them were new to her. As the night wore down, Jah’Moke excused himself. He had a night patrol. Java had expected to spend the night in Vandalburg, but with Jah’Moke heading out, her plans changed.
“Jah’Moke, I’d like to go out with you.”
“Java, are you sure? It’s been a long time since you were out there,” Jah’Moke said, drawing nods from the archers in his patrol.
“Then you’re going to have to keep me in line, Jah’Moke. You’re right, it has been a long time, and I need to get out there. I can return to Firedale tomorrow. Captain Freeholm expects me to stay here tonight.” Java looked Jah’Moke in the eye, and he nodded.
“But remember, you are not the leader of this patrol.”
*
Java found, much to her dismay, that she was far more out of shape than she had thought. Keeping pace with Jah’Moke and his archers was a task that left her struggling for breath halfway through the night.
Jah’Moke saw her distress, and drew her into a whispered conference. “Java, this is dangerous. I’m taking you back to town.”
Java swallowed before answering, nodding her agreement. “I didn’t realize how soft I’d become. Sorry, Jah’Moke, I just can’t keep up.”
Jah’Moke nodded, and began leading his patrol back to their town when they all heard a commotion to the south. Toward Vandalburg. Jah’Moke looked at Java, but she had already nocked an arrow. Looking a question at her, he received a nod that she was all right, and ready.
*
Lanida Joris struggled with the unknown man, trying desperately to free her arm and reach a knife. She didn’t scream. Out here, it was more likely to attract his friends than hers. She had slipped out of Lender’s Dale after an accident had broken her amulet. Three other women were with her, but they were all hiding, as agreed. She alone was taking the risk of blazing the trail.
Jah’Moke eased into the area where he had heard the fight, and saw two figures struggling in the moonlight. Signaling Java and his men to spread out, he attacked, Weldon and another man joining him. Within moments, they had subdued both of the people.
“Who are you?” Jah’Moke hissed, not recognizing either face. The man continued to struggle, but having Weldon sitting on his chest was making it difficult.
“I have nothing to say. Get it over with,” the man said through gritted teeth.
“What about you?” one of the other men asked of Lanida.
“I’m from Lender’s Dale. I escaped from Brian’s Ford.” Relaxing, she attempted to get the men holding her to relax their grips, but they didn’t fall for her ploy.
“Tie them both. The captain will want to question them,” Jah’Moke said, setting the man struggling again. Weldon finally knocked him out, then threatened Lanida with a similar fate if she fought them.
“I won’t fight you. Is this Greencastle?” she asked, looking at the night darkened faces around her.
“The captain will tell you what he wants you to know,” Weldon said, tying her hands behind her back.
Java had held back, covering the fighters with her bow. Now she eased forward to take up a position behind Lanida. She had recognized the name Brian’s Ford: it was the triplets’ home town.
At Vandalburg, Jah’Moke led his entire patrol back into town. Java joined Captain Wilkinson as he questioned the two, but didn’t learn anything of interest from the man. He was a scout, his knives and dirk echoing the ones Java had captured so long ago. Captain Wilkinson had him bound and detained under guard until he could be sent to Greensboro. Lanida was another story.
“I’m from Brian’s Ford, near the border. A horse kicked me and shattered the amulet, and I escaped. There are three others out there, but none of them are in any shape to travel very far at night.”
“Would you care to clarify that? What do you mean, not in any shape to travel? And what’s your name?” Captain Wilkinson asked, keeping her focused on him.
“My name is Lanida Joris. The others aren’t fit to travel because they’re all pregnant.” She looked Captain Wilkinson in the eye as she spoke, then looked about, seeing Java and recognizing her as a woman for the first time. “You understand, don’t you?”
Java shook her head. “No. How did they end up pregnant? I thought Frander’s amulets controlled everyone. How could they form enough free will to have sex?”
Lanida looked at the floor. “They didn’t,” she whispered. “Frander’s men take any woman they want. Whenever they want. The amulet deadens your will, but not your mind. We knew, every time, but we couldn’t stop them.”
Java looked up at Captain Wilkinson, then stepped back. She was willing to let him deal with this problem, though she was going to speak with him later, alone. Those women needed to be found. Captain Wilkinson saw Java’s reaction, and nodded his agreement.
“Very well. You will be held, under guard, but you will not be bound unless you cause trouble.” Looking at Java, he nodded toward the door. Once outside, he stopped. “If she’s telling the truth, we need to find those women
.”
“Yes, sir. But not tonight. Is your mage available to find out if she’s telling the truth?”
Captain Wilkinson shook his head. “Morrel’s just a Journeyman. He can’t work a truth spell. Would Sherefin come over?”
“I don’t know about Sherefin, but the triplets will. You may not remember, sir, but they’re from Brian’s Ford. They may know these women.” Java was looking Captain Wilkinson in the eye, and saw his nod of agreement.
“How soon?”
“I’m on my way, sir,” Java replied, heading for the stables where Sugar was being kept. Jah’Moke and Weldon soon joined her.
“You’re not riding out alone, Java,” Weldon said in a tone that set Java’s jaw.
“I’m not a baby.”
“You’re not in shape, either, Java,” Weldon said coldly. “Your reflexes need to be sharpened, even if your knives don’t. Don’t kill yourself trying to come back all at once.” Weldon moved so he was looking down into her eyes.
Java blinked as her lips tightened into a straight line, finally accepting that he was right. Nodding, she mounted, waiting for her escorts to join her.
The ride to Firedale was short and quiet. Once they arrived, Java went to Captain Freeholm and explained what had happened.
“Java! You weren’t supposed to be risking yourself out in the woods at night. Do you know what Naria and Arten would do to us if you got yourself killed out there?” Captain Freeholm was staring down at Java, and saw her expression become contrite.
“Sorry, sir. But I was with Jah’Moke and his patrol. I was in no danger. They were the ones in danger. I’m too far out of shape. It won’t happen again, sir. But what about the triplets, sir? Captain Wilkinson is going to need them to find the other women.”
Captain Freeholm nodded and sent a sentry to fetch the terrible trio. When they arrived, Samantha was in tow, along with Robin.
“Ready, sir,” Samantha reported, not to Captain Freeholm, but to Java.
Java looked at Captain Freeholm, but the captain simply smiled. “I don’t suppose asking you to stay out of this would do any good, Duchess, but be careful. We don’t know if this story is true.”
Liberator Page 24