by Jena Rey
Once in the Knight Proctor’s quarters, Lauret moved with the speed of a mother on a mission. Ensuring all the men were forbidden from entering, she helped Ephema out of her ripped, wet clothing. The only other clothes she had on hand were her own, which were too big, but would do for the time being.
Lauret threw the doors open and bustled Darian, who had also changed, inside before calling for blankets and something hot to eat. Only then did she take the time to shed her armor and change her own wet clothing.
Ephema leaned back against the wall, huddling in a blanket. There had been a moment in the tossing sea when she thought she would never be warm again, but the blankets were thick and the thin broth – the only thing the galley had hot on demand – was warming her from the inside. She looked at Darian, huddled in his own blankets and found a faint smile. He was here. They were safe. Everything was going to be all right. “Now, I owe you.”
“I am still behind, if we’re keeping track.” Darian smiled, though he looked exhausted. “Next time, we should choose warmer waters. It’s been a long time since I had to swim in water this cold. It’s still not fun.”
“I’d prefer neither of you swimming in the near future, thank you.” Lauret looked over as Ianel and Tabor entered the room. While Ianel was unharmed, Tabor was nursing a deep stab on his arm that he’d covered with a bandage of cloth and canvas. “Good to see you two made it.”
Ianel’s smile was wide and gleeful. “It was fun. It’s been years since I’ve participated in ship-to-ship combat. Whomever those attackers were, they were skilled. I pulled out some attacks I haven’t had the opportunity to practice in a long time.”
“Be sure to tell the families of those who died how elated you are to have been involved in their defense.” Tabor’s voice was dry, his words harsh. The smile melted off of Ianel’s face, but Tabor didn’t allow him to respond. Tabor’s gaze moved to Lauret. “I saw the flag. It was the same as you showed us, Knight Proctor.”
“The very same.”
“I got aboard their ship during the fight. It’s not a design I’m familiar with, but I’ll sketch down what I can remember.”
Ephema’s gaze caught on the blood-soaked bandage. She felt bad she hadn’t done more to help the Knights and the sailors. Maybe she should have stayed away from the fighting and healed them instead? She still wasn’t sure what was the right thing to do. She opened her mouth to offer to heal Tabor’s arm, but realized she was too tired, and she couldn’t form the words.
Sleep wrapped around her, though her mind resisted. There was too much activity, both in the room and in the whirling recesses of her choices. The day’s events kept playing over and over in her thoughts, until her gaze came to rest on Darian. He had come for her, just like he promised. The thought was calming and finally she relaxed as darkness came.
Chapter Thirteen
It had long been argued that the great city of Hawthan, a sprawling metropolis surrounded by thick walls to guard the city, was best viewed from horseback. Many claimed that the only proper way to experience the full beauty and strength of the massive city was to approach from the main gates with the twenty-foot-tall walls pressing down on you as the expanse of the interior was laid bare to the wondering eyes of fresh visitors. The first and greatest city built after the Fall of the Gods, Hawthan was meticulously planned, the city streets straight and wide, every building in its place as though set by the hands of the gods themselves. It was a masterpiece.
Those people, Darian mused, were missing out on what was truly the best way to experience the majesty of Hawthan. From the vast bay leading out to the ocean, the city was not hidden by walls, but protected by a wide semi-circle of natural cliffs. They had passed through the narrows and now from where he stood, he could see every east and west facing street all at once. The city population was abuzz with a hive of activity, people moving about their daily lives. Smoke from chimneys filled the air, collecting together in lazy clouds before the winds higher up tore them apart.
The harbor came into view, and everything was much as Darian remembered it. Nearly a hundred ships stretched before him, in all shapes and sizes, with more coming and going just like they were. To the far side of the harbor, the bay where new ships were launched was full; a newly-constructed steamer was set to sail soon, and people were gathered to see the vessel take to the waves.
As he watched the city unfold before him, Darian couldn’t help but smile. It had been nearly two years since he’d been home between training and his assignment to the convoy, but coming home always felt both new and familiar at the same time.
Soft footsteps approached from behind him, footsteps he recognized immediately from the lack of the click of a wooden heel or brush of a leather sole. Even now Ephema refused to wear shoes, much to his mother’s horror. There were many things his mother could command men and women to do, but making the healer protect her feet didn’t seem to be one of them. Watching Ephema wordlessly stare his mother down at the very suggestion was a memory Darian would always cherish.
She came to a stop at his side, staring out at the approaching city. They hadn’t had much time to talk in the days since the attack on the ship. Her resources had been put into caring for and healing the wounded wherever she could without being noticed. His efforts had gone to being part of the watch in case there was another attack, and helping to rebuild and shore up damaged parts of the vessel. The at-sea repairs weren’t as good as what could be done at dock, but they made sure the steamer made it through the remaining days of travel.
Ephema rested her hands on the rail before them, tapping her fingers slowly against the wood. Finally, she spoke. “I thought Eoth was big, but this is… I have never seen anything like it. Like a beehive full of people.”
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” He motioned to the eastern side of the dock. “Over there is where our family fishing boat used to be moored. And that big building, the one over on the far side? That’s where these steamers are built and sanctified.” He spent a few more minutes pointing out other details of the dock before he stopped himself. “Sorry. It’s been a while since I’ve been home, and I’m more excited about the prospect than I’d thought I would be.”
“I do not think you need to be sorry for that. Isn’t it always good to go home?” She didn’t look at him, and he wondered if she was thinking of her own home in the distant hills. It was nothing like the sprawling city before them.
“Not always, no. I’m lucky. Many don’t have a home to return to.” Darian moved closer to her and placed his hand over hers on the rail. Her skin was soft and warm beneath his calloused fingers. “I know this is a big city, Ephema, but I promise it won’t be that bad. And when all of this is done, you have my word, I’ll make sure you get home safe and sound. If that’s what you want.” He smiled and shrugged. “Hopefully, with fewer battles on the way there.”
She didn’t move her hand away, her fingers pressing softly against his. “I don’t expect to return to the cave again. There is nothing there for me anymore. My family is not returning home, and that was the reason I stayed.”
“Then I’ll escort you wherever you wish to go.” Darian’s voice was quiet against the backdrop of the steamer starting its docking procedures. “It’s a big world out there. I’m sure we can find somewhere you’ll be happy.”
Ephema still didn’t look at him, though he wished she would, her gaze stuck on the docks and the great city beyond. “My mother once told me that it wasn’t the place, but the people that made you happy. She could live in a cave or a palace and be contented, as long as we were there.” Her clear gaze turned to him, the wind toying with locks of her hair. Her hair covering had been lost to the sea, leaving her dark locks with their odd streaks of white visible and loose. Darian realized, for the first time he could put words to it that she was beautiful, but it was more than her physical beauty that drew his eye. “I think I understand what she meant, now.”
It took Darian a moment to find his voice. “She was a
wise woman.” He fell silent, his hand remaining on hers as the steamer pulled into port. He only released her once they’d fully moored and were beginning to disembark. He wished the moment didn’t have to end, but the other Knights would be looking for them soon. There was work to be done. “Guess we’d better head down to join the others.”
“I suppose.” She paused and shook her head, a little smile – the familiar one he liked seeing – touching her face. “Is a rocking ship on the water or a huge city more to worry about?”
“I don’t know. But there is less chance of pirates in town.”
He led the way to where the passenger gangplank had been lowered to touch the dock. In the distance the High Temple was clearly visible to all who entered the city. The building stood head and shoulders above the others; an impressive feat given how tall some of the merchant centers were. Twin stone towers stretched to the heavens at each corner. Even at a distance the dark stone shone, the detail work in the engraving obvious and meticulous. Darian pointed to draw Ephema’s attention. “That’s Hawthan’s High Temple. It’s where we’ll need to go first. Where I must take the scroll.”
“And where you’ll go through your ceremony to become one of us.” Ianel interrupted as he approached, giving a friendly nod to the pair. “I daresay there will be little doubt in the Elders’ minds as to your readiness, after the successful journey you’ve had. Are you ready for it?”
“It’s not my place to guess what the Elders will say, but if they allow me the chance, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.” Daria caught Ephema’s eye again and smiled. “I have someone rather important to defend now. I’ll do that more thoroughly as a Knight.”
“Hah. Indeed, you do.” Ianel laughed heartily and clapped Darian on the arm. “Good man. Well, I have a report to make and wenches to impress. It’s been good to journey with you, Journeyman Darian. And you, m’lady healer.” Ianel bowed low to Ephema. “I’m glad we were able to bring you this far.”
Ephema inclined her head to Ianel as regally as any queen. “Thank you, Knight Ianel. I am glad we met. Maybe we will meet again, at least if you can be found in this forest of buildings.”
“I’m sure I can be. To the Eternal Rest, my friends.” The Knight saluted and walked down the dock planks.
Almost as fast as Ianel left, Tabor brushed past them and disembarked the steamer, joining the other Knight on the dock. A few words were exchanged, then they clasped hands. Tabor pulled Ianel forward and grasped the other man’s arm with his hand, then nodded as he released him.
He turned and waited for Darian and Ephema to join him, inclining his head as they reached him. “And thus our journey, at least this part of it, ends.” He nodded at Darian. “It has been a pleasure to serve beside you, Journeyman. You’ll make a damn fine Knight one day, and Osephetin willing, I’ll be there to speak for you when the time comes for your Trial of Ascension. I’ll take Ephema to the High Temple, now, and stay with her until she can speak to the High Priest.”
“After she’s been introduced at the High Temple, I’d like to show Ephema around Hawthan.” Darian gestured broadly toward the city. “It is my home, after all, and…”
“If the High Priest allows, I am sure that can be arranged.” Tabor gripped Darian’s arm and slapped him on the shoulder. “Complete your mission, Journeyman. Though it will wait just long enough for you to report to Knight Proctor Lauret first. She said something about a homecoming ceremony.”
Darian nodded, flustered. He’d forgotten the ceremony, which wasn’t really a formal ceremony at all as much as a remembering. He hadn’t done it for years, but it was important to his mother. “Yes, Sir.” He turned to Ephema and suddenly felt like he didn’t know what to do with his hands, or how to say goodbye, even if it was only for a while. He hadn’t been away from her side for long for nearly a month. Finally, he bowed low and said, “Knight Tabor will guard you well. I’ll see you soon.”
She nodded, looking between Tabor and Darian. She started to step forward, then retreated as he turned, her voice chasing him as he walked away. “I hope so.”
“Took you long enough, my son.” There was no venom in Lauret’s teasing words. She glanced down the dock, watching as Tabor escorted Ephema away into the city. “I was beginning to think I had been replaced by a pretty face.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.” Darian also watched as the pair walked away, his gaze lingering on Ephema.
She chuckled, shaking her head. “Of course, you do. You spent every moment that you could with the shoeless Daughter of an insane Goddess, and your smile got brighter every time she entered the room. You’re fond of her, not that there’s anything wrong with that.”
“I suppose I am. But I’m not sure that means anything to her, or means anything besides friendship. It’s not as though our time together has been remotely normal.”
Lauret raised both of her brows, her smile warm. “You could ask her.”
Darian snorted softly. “I think she has enough to think about right now.”
“Just remember that if I’d waited to talk to your father about these things, none of you would exist. He was so sure a Knight of Osephetin wouldn’t look twice at a poor fisherman, even when he was the kindest and most handsome man I’d ever laid eyes on.”
As they walked, they veered toward the end of the dock where a large stall that sold flowers and other sundries was doing a brisk trade. Lauret glanced at Darian, shifting the subject. “Would you like to do the ceremony today or shall I?”
Darian sighed heavily. The ceremony for those lost at sea was an old tradition in Hawthan. He understood it was rooted in tradition and well-meant emotion, but it had never really appealed to him. He liked remembering his father as a doting, jovial man, not focusing on how they’d lost him. However, he wasn’t going to deny her whatever comfort she drew from it. “Would you? I think it means more that way.”
“I suppose.” Lauret approached the stall, looking over the flowers and trinkets. The man who ran the little shop, a rotund, balding man by the name of Kel, immediately turned his attention to them.
“Ah, Knight Proctor! And young Darian. It’s been quite some time since you two have graced me with your honorable presence.” His voice was gravely, the voice of a man who’d spent far too much time by the sea and pulling on his tobacco, but he spoke with a smile. He pulled a row of flowers out from the wall behind him, moving them into the pale sunlight. “If I remember right, and I always remember my best customers, you prefer the simple lily, m’lady Knight.”
“Your mind is as sharp as ever, Kel.” Lauret picked through the lilies, selecting one with a dark blue heart and bright yellow stamens. “And, I’m assuming, you’re going to refuse payment for this one as well? You’ve never once let me pay.”
Kel interrupted her with a scoff. “Bah! You’re a Knight of Lord Osephetin, m’lady! Your service to the people of this world is payment enough for a simple flower! I will not accept your coin today, or ever!”
“You’re a good man.”
“Tell my former wife that. Hah!”
Darian waved a goodbye to the man as they walked to the end of the dock, away from the largest crowd of people. A few people were doing the same as they were, holding their own little ceremonies to give thanks for safe passage or honor those lost to the waves. He saw a few familiar faces, but he’d been gone from Hawthan long enough that many faces were lost to him now. “Is this far enough?”
“Yes, this will do.” Lauret sat down on the dock, setting her staff to her side, her legs dangling over the water as she gazed out over the ocean. She waited until Darian sat beside her to speak. She closed her eyes and lifted her head to the heavens. “It has been years since you left me, but the love is still there.”
Darian closed his eyes as well and clasped his hands in his lap.
Lauret murmured softly. “Our children have grown up to be fine young people, walking their own paths, guided by your hand from afar.” Her voice cracked, but she continued
. “I have trod a lonely path without you by my side as my strength, but the fire of my love has never waned.”
She fell quiet for a time, then spoke in a whisper. “I miss you. I know one day we will be together again, and I look forward to that day.” She extended her hands, the lily resting on her palms for an instant before she released it. The flower fell toward the water, but a quick breeze sprang up and lifted it back into the air. It spun as it rose, turning and tossing before lazily drifting back down and settling on the waves.
Lauret’s eyes shone with unshed tears, but a smile touched her lips. She pulled Darian into a sideways hug. “Welcome home.”
Together they stared out across the water, enjoying the peace as mother and son. Soon they would return to being Knight Proctor and Journeyman Knight with work to do. But for now, all was quiet.
Ephema didn’t look over her shoulder as Darian and Lauret left, but only because Tabor’s bulk blocked her view. The large Knight smiled, guiding her down the docks with a touch on her shoulder. It didn’t take much guidance to keep her moving.
She expected questions from Tabor, or at least conversation as they walked the roads of the city, but he surprised her with his silence. She started to break the quiet between them, heavens knew there was no silence around them, but before she could speak a man emerged from the crowd, steering unerringly toward Tabor.
The man was dressed in the long, dark robes Ephema knew meant he was a religious disciple of Osephetin, but not a Knight or a Journeyman. However, his robes were brown and unadorned so he did not yet have rank among his brethren. Ephema was proud of herself for realizing all of these things, but the emotion was short-lived, replaced by shock as the man skidded to a halt in front of Tabor and grabbed the Knight’s hand, pressing it to his lips.
“Tabor! I mean…Knight Tabor! High Priest Calinin saw you would be returning today. He sent me to wait for the steamer, but you managed to go one way while I went the other. Isn’t that just the story of our lives?” He grinned and ran a hand through his long, thick hair, setting the pale locks fluttering around his face. Ephema was surprised at how white his hair was, as he didn’t look old. Without missing a beat, he turned to Ephema and bowed deeply enough that the wide sleeved cuffs of his robe brushed the ground. “And you must be the honored guest Calinin saw. How could you be anything else? You’re far too lovely to be one of the Knightly hangers-ons that Knight Ianel is so fond of and Knight Tabor so annoyed by.”