Slipping a bridle on in a practiced motion, but not bothering with a saddle, Gwain mounted his horse. Pulling Amelia up behind him, Gwain lightly touched Gabriel’s neck before guiding him down the path, racing away from the battle.
“The men,” Amelia protested.
“Are sworn to protect you first.”
Responding to the danger, Gabriel moved swiftly without any encouragement, leaving Gwain grateful for the smooth path and nearly full moon lighting their way.
Gwain quickly realized they were not alone; one of Yarin’s riders had managed to make it past his men to give chase.
Guiding Gabriel to the forest edge, Gwain lowered Amelia to the ground mid turn. “Go to the trees,” he instructed, watching her run in the indicated direction without hesitation. Gwain managed to pull his sword in time to meet the oncoming man.
Without a saddle, Gwain struggled not to fall under the force of the weapons’ collision. Gabriel instinctively shifted to better support him. When the swords drew back, the other man jumped from his own smaller horse, launching himself at Gwain, who dismounted as well.
“Never did like fighting on horseback,” the stranger said. “Always preferred on foot myself.”
Gwain did not respond, but lunged toward the man, bringing his sword to the attacker’s right side. The man parried, blocking the intended strike. Gwain swung up, causing the man to step back to avoid losing control of his sword. At the retreat, Gwain followed, thrusting his blade toward his opponent’s chest. The man jerked back, twisting out of the attack before bringing his own weapon to Gwain’s right.
The captain sidestepped the stroke, turning to bring his elbow into the man’s arm, pushing with all his strength. The man struggled for balance, his body turning farther than he’d intended as Gwain followed the motion with his sword, slicing the sharp edge into his attacker’s shoulder and upper back.
The man screamed in pain, retreating again.
Gwain followed his attacker, delivering a second blow to the center of his back before the man managed to step far enough away to turn.
With a crooked posture, the man held his blade in a defensive stance. Gwain advanced, swinging toward the man’s injured shoulder. To his credit, he managed to stop Gwain’s sword, but a grimace betrayed his pain.
Gwain again swung to the man’s right, down upon his injured arm. On the fourth stroke, the limb gave way, the attacker’s blade falling to the ground. Gwain thrust up, the sword’s deadly tip slicing into the man’s now vulnerable throat, spilling blood and splattering both their shirts with the hot, sticky substance as the man fell to the ground with a gurgling sound, never to rise.
Chapter 13
Gwain scanned the area. Gabriel stood at the tree line where he’d left Amelia. He walked to the horse, holding out a hand, which Gabriel pressed his nose against as Gwain grasped the reins attached to the bridle.
“Good boy,” he praised softly, stroking the stallion’s mane.
Fearing the man he had killed might not be the last, he called the princess’ name, half expecting her not to answer.
To his surprise, Amelia appeared at his call, emerging from a thicket, stray pieces of grass tangled in her long locks.
“Are you all right, my lady?”
“Yes,” she answered, looking alarmed. “Are you?”
“I am,” he assured, watching her reach toward the side of his face, though she paused before touching his skin. “The blood’s not mine,” he said, only now realizing how he must appear, face and neck covered by arterial spray. Tearing a piece of cloth from his cloak, Gwain swiped at the blood.
“Here.” Amelia stepped closer. “Allow me.”
After he handed her the cloth, she wiped at the thick liquid. “As good as I can do without water.”
“Thank you. May I suggest we move from here, in case others head our way?”
Amelia nodded, allowing the knight to again lift her onto the horse before he climbed behind her, looping the attacker’s horse’s reins into his belt so the horse would follow them.
For a time they rode in silence until Amelia remarked, “I don’t understand.”
“My lady?”
“Why did they fight in human form? I mean, if they came to take me, and they had more men, would it not have been…”
“Dragon fire could burn the forest, especially this time of year. We’re very close to the temples. If they had, even accidentally, burned down a temple, Yarin would have been held accountable for it. And, this close, the temples would have seen the battle and sent reinforcements. Far safer for Yarin to try and grab you in human form.”
“Oh,” was Amelia’s only response as they continued down the moonlit path.
Gwain also grappled with what had transpired. Yarin’s words rang disturbingly true.
By the time they’d reached the final turn toward the temples, Gwain was reasonably sure they were safe, and hoped his men had fared as well as he with their attackers.
As though reading his mind, Amelia broke their silence. “I’m sorry if any of the guardsmen were harmed. They were only doing their job. I would never wish any of them ill.”
Surprised at her gentle sentiment, Gwain pulled on the reins and, after handing the smaller horse’s tether to Amelia, directed Gabriel from the path into a thicket of trees. He dismounted, stepping cautiously to better lead the horses through the underbrush.
“What are you doing?” Amelia asked in alarm.
The captain did not answer, instead leading the two horses and remaining rider deeper into the woods.
They traveled for half an hour, until they reached a bubbling spring where he pulled her from the horse’s back, lifting her effortlessly, and then tied the two horses’ leads together, trusting Gabriel to stay put.
“What are we doing here?” Amelia asked, her voice holding fear.
“What I should have done from the beginning. Give you a choice.”
“A choice?”
Gwain nodded. “My lady, what Yarin said about the temples…” His words, laced with sorrow, trailed.
“I heard him speak, but I don’t understand what he meant.”
“Gwen.”
“Who’s Gwen?”
The knight drew a deep breath. “She was my sister. I was seventeen, barely a man. She was only six, and terrified when they took her away. Everything happened so suddenly. Without any warning, they appeared, and within minutes, my only sister was gone.”
“She was selected to become a priestess?”
He nodded. “My parents were largely absent in her upbringing. We were everything to each other. Best friends, if there can be such a thing between siblings. I was very protective. Her fear, that she put aside at my urging, still haunts me.”
“I don’t understand. It’s an honor to be chosen to speak for the goddess, is it not?”
“That is what I was told, and how I encouraged her to go. But you see…the truth is a different story.”
Chapter 14
26 years ago
“Happy name day!” Rob greeted, entering the room without bothering to knock. “Any special plans?”
“Not really,” Gwain answered as his friend plopped down on a chair beside him. “Finishing a letter,” he added, writing a final line before putting down his quill and glancing up.
“A letter?” Rob offered a teasing smile. “Did you finally get a girl?”
Gwain rolled his eyes. “You know who I’m writing.”
Rob sighed. “Yeah, but come on, Gwain. Does it have to be every single day? What could you possibly have to tell her different from yesterday? And it’s not like she writes you that frequently. What’s it been? Three weeks since her last letter?”
“I made a promise,” Gwain defended. “A fact you know well.”
“Kind of weird. If you were writing a girlfriend, sure, but—”
“Leave it alone,” Gwain warned.
Rob moved his arms palm-up in a gesture of surrender. “Why don’t you finish and we�
�ll go flying? Visit the field you like?”
“Sure,” Gwain replied. “Sounds great.”
After sealing the letter, and dropping it off to the carrier, Gwain enjoyed flying through the warm winds of a wonderfully sunny day. Time off with friends was a rare treat among upper academy students.
He had returned home only a handful of times over the years of training, having never forgiven his parents for the cruel way they surrendered his sister. When Gwain had confronted his father upon the lord’s return, he had been met with more indifference than sympathy.
“An honor,” his father had said, “to be chosen to join the temples. Not only for your sister, but for our house, and name as well. She will receive the finest education, and an esteemed position upon her completion.”
“She was terrified!” Gwain had spoken with thick anger. “No one explained what was going on. She was…” He had drawn a breath, pain seeping through his voice. “I understand she had to go with them, but please, Father, allow me to visit her.”
“Whatever for?”
Gwain had stared at his father, disbelieving. “To ensure she’s all right. To let her know she has not been abandoned. To—”
“Your sister is in the temples. It is unbecoming of you to question their care of her.”
“That’s not what I—”
“You, Gwain, will leave your sister to the temple’s care.” His father’s voice took on a commanding tone, which left no room for further arguments. “You going there would only confuse her.”
“But—”
“You will report to the academy at once.”
“Father, please.”
“This is my final word on the matter.”
And hence, it had been years without seeing the sister he had promised to watch over. The sister he loved. More recently, mature enough to be comfortable defying his father’s edict, he had made multiple requests to visit, but the temple had refuted all of his attempts.
The communications he received from his sister were few, and far between, but those that arrived read cordial in nature. So casually worded the letters might have been written by a stranger.
He knew temple education had some similarity to a knight’s training. Both involved a level of emotional distancing from one’s family. Yet the cold, impersonal nature of Gwen’s letters burned the edges of his heart. He wondered if his sister blamed him for allowing her to be taken in such a heartless manner. Did she hate him?
The questions were not frequently on his mind. But today, on the celebration he had spent years sharing with his sibling, the guilt weighed heavily.
Grateful to Rob for the day’s distraction, Gwain was surprised to find a parcel awaiting his return. Assuming the package to be from his estranged mother, Gwain picked up the thick envelope, planning to discard it, when he spied the temple seal.
Heart leaping, Gwain closed the door to his chamber and opened the parcel. Within he found a leather-bound book, and a sealed letter, his name inscribed elegantly on the outer folds. With more care than he had used opening the package, Gwain unfolded the perfectly creased parchment.
My Dearest Brother,
Happy name day! I hope this finds you well, enjoying this day, and your continued academy training. Thank you for all your recent letters. Reading your kind words causes my heart to swell. I am delighted to know you are happy with your training. You will become among the most honorable and courageous knights the queen could ever hope to find.
Enclosed is a simple gift. A journal that, I hope, you will fill with your many adventures as your training ends and you fulfill the dreams you always hoped to live.
With Love and Affection,
Your Sister
p.s. I’ve included an additional gift in the center pages. I hope you enjoy, and had a wondrous name day.
Placing the letter on the bed with care, Gwain opened the journal, thumbing through the pages until he found the one to which the letter referred.
His breath caught.
Gingerly, Gwain walked to his wooden desk, and placed the open book upon it.
Between the pages: a pressed rose, petals flat between the bound pieces of parchment. Reaching out, Gwain touched the delicate remains.
I don’t understand. Gwen would never pluck a flower, let alone a rose. He delicately lifted the blossom from the page.
Underneath, he read a final note.
Gwain,
This beautiful rose reminded me of the ones you picked and placed on the table the last day we were together. I hope it brings as many pleasant memories for you, my dear brother, as it has always done for me.
With Love,
Your sister
Chapter 15
While I had long suspected, I knew then that she needed me,” Gwain informed the princess.
“The first time someone had given Gwen a cut flower, she fell to instant tears. She couldn’t stand the thought of something so beautiful dying for her selfish pleasure. On her name day, I wouldn’t have dreamed to cut the roses she loved. Instead, I took her up into the mountains to enjoy them. With the message, everything clarified.
“The cold, impersonal responses. The lack of communication. Someone was watching. Reading her letters. I could feel it in my bones. I knew…”
Gwain drew a deep breath, staring at the bubbling spring as he summoned the will to continue.
“I increased my requests to visit her, receiving a firm reprimand from my parents as the temple reported my pleas. I attempted to explain. Tried to convince them to visit instead, if they did not wish for me to do so.” Gwain sighed. “They would not heed my worries.
“By the time I finished academy training, I was desperate. I considered going to my captain, but feared my request would negatively impact my pending assignment, making it even more difficult to help her. My sister was in the care of the temples, after all. Among the highest authorities in the land. I, on the other hand, was only in my mid-twenties, not even fully a knight yet. I…” His gaze remained intent on the water.
“What did you do?”
“I went myself.”
Chapter 16
26 Years ago
Careful planning. Forbidden secrets. Heartbreaking lies. Yet eventually, Gwain managed to find his way into the restricted sanctuary where his sister was being held.
Wearing loaned attire, Gwain entered the temple under the false guise of a visiting, high-ranking representative of the crown. One of the priestesses greeted him happily, and then escorted him to a surprisingly luxurious quarters with a bed draped in silken cloth, and chest inlaid with gold embellishments.
During the evening prayers, Gwain watched as those in training approached the altar to accept a sip of wine, which each worshiper was required to partake, in honor of Kamar. His heart raced as he watched the procession, each fire maiden lifting a red veil to sip from a golden goblet. When the fourth trainee reached the pyre, Gwain’s breath caught.
Older, yet unmistakable. A rare beauty with golden hair, unblemished skin, and eyes like deep blue sapphires. It took all his strength to resist running toward her, lifting her into his arms, and begging her forgiveness. Breathing deep, Gwain resisted, watching his sister take the cup in her hands, and press the goblet to her lips, before replacing the veil, and returning to the pew from which she had risen.
Whatever you do, he had been cautioned by the organization who had helped procure his false documentation, do not single her out in public, in any way. They are always watching, especially as the girls come of age.
Forcing himself to remain on script, Gwain spoke with the head priestesses for several days, inspecting the grounds under the false pretense of having been sent by the crown. Visiting dignitaries, on behalf of the queen, were not unusual. For the most part, he simply nodded in silent acknowledgment as the priestesses proudly toured him around the grounds they were charged with overseeing. He saw lush gardens, towering buildings of worship, and church railings inlaid with strips of gold and silver supported on sp
iraling beams embellished with occasional jewels. Building interiors sparkled from the filtered light of stained glass windows, while depictions of ancient battles and famous dragons played out across delicate glass panels.
Each evening, he schooled his features as his sister approached the altar and accepted her sip of wine. Each night, his heart recoiled against the notion he was so close, and yet so far. He waited, dutifully fulfilling the mundane tasks required by one of his position, dining with the upper-level women, employing a limited answer policy, to decrease his chance of giving his identity away.
On the fifth evening, he was relieved to find the list of required visit elements completed. “Lady Penelope,” Gwain addressed one of the high priestesses, “am I correct in my belief that an ascension ceremony is soon to be performed?”
“Yes, my lord. Four days from now, in fact.”
“As is custom, the crown must be allowed to inspect the well-being and compliance of the girls, prior to the taking of their oaths.”
The woman smiled. “Of course, my lord. Now I know why you’re here. Would you like to meet with them as a group, or individually?”
“How many are there?”
“Three, my lord. Though I’ve a feeling, inspecting one of them might satisfy you. A true beauty, my lord, whom I’m sure would be happy to speak for her sister priestesses.”
“What family was she selected from?”
“Noble enough for you, I promise. Daughter of a politician.”
Gwain struggled to keep his expression indifferent. “Send her to my chambers, if you believe her to be the best representative. After I am done questioning her, we shall see if I need to speak with the others as well.”
Penelope winked. “As you wish, my lord. I’m sure you’ll give her a thorough examination.”
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