Faerie's Champion

by M. H. Johnson

  Jess blinked, caught off guard by her father's disarming smile. Tentatively she found herself taking careful steps to sit at her customary seat, closest to the exit.

  Her mother too favored her with a surprisingly gentle smile. “Good morning, my love. I hope you rested well.”

  Jess nodded. “I did. Thank you, Mother.” A gentle unthinking reply brought on by her mother’s warm greeting. And with that, it was if all the simmering hurt and resentment between the two of them had popped like a bubble, as if it had never been. A bad dream of bitter sorrows fading away with the warm light of dawn.

  It was, Jess feared, too good to hope for. Carefully yet discretely, Jess gazed at her mother, looking for any warning signs of trouble to come. Yet Agda seemed not to hold a trace of anger or impatience for her daughter's movements or posture, and as a result, Jess relaxed and flowed more gracefully into the ladylike poise that she knew her mother took such pleasure in seeing.

  Tentatively Jess risked a smile, even as her familiar gracefully leaped from her shoulder to his own carefully delegated stool by her side, a tureen filled with delicately breaded whitefish awaiting his perusal.

  “Good tidings indeed,” her familiar purred approvingly as he sampled his fare.

  Jess gave her cat a fond stroke even as she gently lifted several crepes from the warmed platter, making liberal use of the various pots of honey, fruit preserves, and freshly churned butter by her plate before digging in, feeling quite ravenous indeed.

  "By the angels, these are exquisite, Mother!" Jess declared, shivering with rapturous delight as an explosion of delicious flavors danced happily upon her tongue. The delicate eggy texture complemented so well by sweet honey and butter, the perfectly ripe tang of the preserves, all melting together in a perfect melody of happiness, washed down with a cool refreshing glass of chilled fresh milk.

  Jess smiled, savoring every delicious bite.

  "I am glad you like them, my dear," Agda, baroness of Calenbry said. "But the credit is hardly mine alone. Another deserves your praise." With that, she nodded toward the suddenly shy looking youngest child of the Calenbry clan, beloved by all of them, for all that she wasn't a true Calenbry at all, as her auburn locks and regal features both did attest. For all that she looked nothing like the baron, the man who had loved and cherished her since birth, her kinship to Agda was undeniable, and none would doubt that she and Jess were half-sisters, different as they were in taste and manner.

  Though Appolonia's true heritage might have been an open secret, it was one no noble would dare to say aloud.

  “Mine aren’t really that good, Mother,” Apple cautioned.

  “Nonsense. They are delicious,” Agda insisted. “I personally favor a dash more of nutmeg, and with dedication, your future batches will no doubt be as delicate and light on the tongue as my own. I, for one, think you did an excellent job, especially for your first try.”

  Though trying to look above such things, Jess could tell her sister was pleased by their mother’s compliment. Jess herself was stunned. “Apple? You made these?”

  Her sister flushed and lowered her head, refusing to meet Jess's gaze. "Well, I thought it would be a good dish to try, you know? Just because, well, a lady should be able to prepare some meals herself, right? Have a few special dishes she can make for her husband and family, not be totally dependent on the cook for everything. So, I thought, why not start with Mother's favorite?"

  Jess, was openly grinning. "Thank you, Apple. I love them. Thank you so much for making them." Solemnly she made her way to her sister's chair, gracing her with a gentle hug. "I'm sorry, you know. It breaks my heart to know I caused you so much grief and anger."

  Jess felt her heart swell with protective love for her little sister. “I love you, Apple. If there’s something I can do to make up for the hurt I caused you, please tell me.”

  "Oh Jess, you are such an idiot!" Apple cried out, sobbing into her shoulder. "You were right, you big lout. Right about everything! Angels' mercy, Jess, the things he would have done to me… and you saved me…" At that her sister was at a loss for words, crying so hard, Jess doing all she could to soothe Apple, stroking her sister's back, kissing her forehead gently, even as her mind whirled with sudden questions.

  She threw a questioning gaze to her mother, whose solemn, tender expression conveyed so much without saying a word.

  "Apple? It's okay," Jess soothed. "You are safe now. With family. No one and nothing will hurt you here, not without going through me first."

  Apple hugged Jessica back tightly. “Thank you for being such a silly, paranoid idiot.”

  With those words, still sobbing, Apple fled the dining room.

  Jess was filled with a maelstrom of confusing emotions. Tenderness, love, relief, confusion, all roiling around endlessly. She looked towards her family as she sat back down, all of them sharing significant glances, as if they were having a silent conversation all their own.

  “Mother? Father? Please tell me what’s going on,” Jess asked at last, unable to bear the suspense of it any longer, no matter how delicious her breakfast truly was. She could sense that something had shifted drastically, but was unable to ascertain exactly what, and hardly dared to hope without confirmation.

  Her father favored her with the same gentle smile, infinitely wise and forgiving, that Jess remembered seeing throughout her childhood. Whenever she had an accident or made a mistake, or even had a particularly bad tantrum, her father's steadying presence had forever been a source of comfort for her, his compassionate gaze letting her know that everything would be all right in the end.

  In a very real sense, he had been the cornerstone of her childhood, and she knew she would be utterly broken if she lost him, which was why his words had held the power to halt her in her tracks, back at the Turnsby Estates, even sheathed in mithril armaments pulled straight out of legend, the eldritch powers of living dream and darkest Shadow coursing through her, giving her the strength and vitality of a dozen men.

  Yet not even that potency could ward her from her father's gentle gaze, her heavy heart having stilled her, when she could have run for days on end.

  "I fear, my dear Jessica, that an apology is owed. There is no greater folly than training a loyal retainer for war, bringing them into surroundings unfamiliar, then scolding them when they cry out at specters unseen, untrained for the surroundings they now find themselves in. Not only is that unfair to the retainer, it is twice the folly when the lord's loyal man was found to be absolutely right. That enemies were indeed at the gates, and none heeded the cry, leaving our backs turned to the threat that would have struck us down, had one of us not had the courage and temerity to do what must be done, regardless of personal consequences. And that, my daughter, results in a great debt of gratitude being owed to one who is already as close to our hearts as she could possibly be."

  Jess took a deep shuddering breath, almost unable to believe what she was hearing. A flood of emotions washed over her. More than anything else, what she felt was a profound sense of relief.

  "Your daughter is no retainer, but a peer of the realm," Agda reproved gently. "But your father is right, my dear. For all that I would wish gentle grace was your watchword, I well know that it is the call to battle, not the dance floor, that inspires you. And I mourn what it has cost you, as all too well do I recall the many nights you have awoken screaming with war wounds wracking your soul." The baroness's gloved hands tightly squeezed the table's edge. "It is with dread that I watch you fall into slumber, fearing that the fates will take you away from us for endless months, as the price to be paid for the unnatural struggles you have faced, if indeed it is your fate to return to us at all. Yet it is only because you did not shirk in accepting your fate, forging yourself into a valiant protector who is far more concerned with the threat of steel than the games of politics, that the Turnsbys and all the families under their care were rescued from the brink of Oblivion, a hairsbreadth from being sucked into a horror from which no po
litical maneuverings could have spared them."

  Jess gazed transfixed, even as tears slowly streamed down Agda's cheeks, captivating Jess's heart with the loving smile she had ached to see for so very long. "And it is only because my eldest daughter has chosen the hard path that our beautiful Appolonia is here with us today, saved from the vile clutches of a predator most foul."

  Jessica blinked back sudden tears of her own, confused, as she felt no sorrow at all but a curious lightness, as if a terrible weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She almost wanted to cry with relief. Not even knowing how she got there, she found herself in her mother's arms, even as her mother held her close and stroked her hair. "I'm sorry, Mother," Jess whispered. "I'm so sorry for the pain I caused you."

  "Nonsense, my child," her mother soothed. "It is I who apologize to you. I hardly treated you fairly, Jessica, knowing your temperament as only a mother could, forcing you into a mold that is difficult for you to fit into, even in the gentlest of circumstances. And well do I regret using bitter vinegar instead of gentle care, to help you best fit into the shape society does demand of you."

  Her mother took a deep shuddering breath, gazing at Jess with a look of such adoration that Jess was left speechless. "It is I who apologize to you, Jessica. You, who saved our dear Appolonia from a predator of such monstrous evil, I shudder to even think of the horrors so narrowly avoided. I can only hope the fates themselves punish him for daring to think he could prey upon our family."

  Jess nodded, words slipping free with fierce intensity. "When I caught the scent of Kipu's Malice, I could no more resist running him down than a wolf could ignore fleeing prey." Jess chuckled ruefully at her mother's shocked expression, her tone turning almost apologetic. "It's like Father says. When you strip away the fine filigree of it all, your oldest daughter is little more than a hound of war. Brilliant and savage in the dance of death, with a keen nose for scenting any who would hunt down her flock. But ultimately, when faced with the dance of politics of intrigue, I'm about as useful as the scent hound sleeping in the kennel."

  “Nonsense!” her mother snapped, before her voice turned gentle once more. “My daughter is a brave and valiant defender of the realm. Savior of the Turnsby estates, protector of the College of Highrock, and now champion of our own clan. Yours is a noble soul, my child; valiant and capable, fierce in spirit, virtuous and true.”

  She gave Jess a gentle squeeze and kiss before holding her at arm's length, smiling fondly into Jessica's flushing countenance. “And now, my brave daughter who has fought so valiantly on her family’s behalf, indeed, on behalf of the kingdom entire, it is another battle of sorts we must ask you to train and prepare for. Daunting as the discipline required may be, I nonetheless have the utmost confidence that you will persevere, even flourish! For fierce dedication and a generous heart is at the core of your nature, and the kingdom needs you once more, my child.”

  "Is there trouble?" An instantly perked up Jess asked excitedly. "Has a pustule of the Shadowrealms burst forth into the waking world to pull entire towns into abyssal nightmare once more?"

  Twilight's ears perked up at this, sapphire eyes locking with Jess's own. "Now there's a thought. Strange for me not to have sensed it, but should it be so, let us summon our Hound, and be on our way." He leaped to her shoulder and purred approvingly.

  Her father's amused chuckled caused Jess to grin sheepishly, feeling the slightest bit silly. "Not exactly, my dear. Your own noble actions regarding the Turnsby estates has hopefully put an end to that sort of devastation, or so we can hope. But it has indeed been noted by those of the highest authority that your… gifts may well be the key to preventing such maleficence from taking hold of our kingdom's lands again."

  Jess shivered in her mother’s arms, suddenly uncertain she wanted to hear more. Her mother’s chuckle was bemused as she gave her daughter a gentle squeeze. “No, my child. Now is not the time to bolt like a suddenly spooked deer. You are braver than that, I am sure.”

  “I'm sure we can find pustules of darkness to disrupt if we try hard enough,” Twilight whispered urgently.

  Jess took a deep, careful breath. “I thought we wanted to avoid the gaze of the powers that be, as you put it. That catching their scrutiny would lead to… difficulties.”

  Her father sighed. “For better or worse, my child, your actions have most definitely caught their attention. And it appears, thank the angels above, that as the truth of Kipu’s… nature has made itself known, your actions can only be seen in a virtuous light. That of a brave warrior acting with courage and fortitude in saving her sibling, indeed all young women of the peerage, from a monstrous threat within their very midst.”

  Jess nodded slowly. "So now they don't fear me because I'm an unknown wild card, but rather appreciate me for having taken care of a threat at their own doorstep?"

  Her father nodded. "Close enough, my child. You see? You do have a head for politics, when you put your mind to it. In any event, your acted with the noblest of intentions, even if your methods were a bit more… enthusiastic than some might prefer. And no need for us to worry about such unduly. It is the equivalent of an exquisite blade that merely needs a good polishing so as to fit gracefully in the hand of Justice, free of burr or mar."

  Jess grimaced. "If you're saying what I think you're saying… oh by the gods, I hope that's not what you're saying!"

  Her father raised a stern eyebrow. “Now Jessica, I raised no fools. I think you know exactly what is being said. You have shown yourself during your time at Highrock College to be the equivalent of a master artist among bumbling apprentices in the ways of war. It only remains for us to polish your grace and etiquette, so you may shine with all your splendor, in circles of grace and majesty."

  "Oh, gods! You're saying that even though I was right the whole time, saved Apple from a monster and didn't deserve to be scolded, I still have to go to finishing school?" Jessica's exasperation turned fierce as she lanced the topic her parents had been all too carefully dancing around. "And if I was right, and Kipu was the beast I thought him, where is he? He and I have unfinished business." Jess began cracking her knuckles.

  Her mother gave Jess a look that brooked no argument. "That, my daughter who I love with all my heart, is an issue you need trouble yourself with no longer. Kipu has been dealt with. He has been declared delusional and insane by Royal Decree. His father committed suicide from the very window his mother plummeted from, and the Trolos Estates are forfeit. The king himself is to determine the land's new heir, so that none may accuse your father of profiting from the Trolos downfall, for all that the future vassal will still owe tithes and fealty to your father."

  Jess dipped her head. "And the man chosen will be a King's Man, through and through, and not a puppet of the Council."

  Agda flashed an icy smile. "Kipu has been consigned to a sanitarium for the remainder of his miserable days, until he has the decency to put an end to his own life, as a courtesy to us all. So stay your anger, my child. Our foe has been broken, and will never be a threat to us again. And you, by showing control and accepting the Royal Decree with grace, show the Crown that you are of good temperament and thoughtful demeanor, as graceful in repose as you are righteous in battle."

  Her brother nodded, giving Jessica an encouraging grin. “You were right all along, sister. I’m sorry we didn’t give you more credit. Kipu was a mad dog, and a threat to every young noblewoman of marriageable age. Believe me, you’ve earned some appreciative nods in circles that matter. But of course, the idea that Erovering suffers from mad homicidal lords that actually prey upon their own class? The political ramifications are unconscionable. Thus Kipu has been declared insane, suffering from mad delusions, and in need of lifelong care. Out of the public eye, constrained, contained, a threat to no one.”

  “But what about the families of all the girls he did such monstrous things to?” Jess asked softly.

  "They have been recompensed, my love," her mother soothed. "Nothing can mak
e up for the loss of one's child, but for those women who were of the peasantry, their families, such as were able to be discovered, have come into modest means assuring a degree of security they did not have before. As for the poor young noblewoman he had preyed upon, her family's debts have been cleared, and a comfortable stipend provided for them. There will never be a formal acknowledgment of the crime, but it is an official gesture of sympathy and support."

  Jess nodded, heart heavy. “I guess that’s all we can do for their families. I’m only sorry I couldn’t stop him before he began his mad spree.”

  "You have done all you could, Jessica. And for that you should take no small measure of pride in your bravery and accomplishments." Her mother smiled encouragingly. "We are all very proud of you, my child. You have proven yourself to be brave and just, a loving daughter and sister both. You have served our clan well, and now we must ask yet another service of you. It is a far gentler task than that which life and circumstances had thrust upon you before, yet I have no doubt you will perform your duties with the same heart and zeal you have always shown in the things that matter, to our undying gratitude."

  Agda gently stroked Jess’s cheek, kissing her forehead softly. “You will be a lady of poise and grace, earning nothing but compliments and admiration. And in doing so, you will show the Royal Clan that you are a loyal noble of Erovering. Just as you have proved countless times before, when you fought for your very life against monsters foul and inhuman. Now your mission will be no less important, and far easier. We will show to the world a courtly-mannered young lady, polite and amenable, graceful and charming, so as to dispel any lingering rumors that would paint you in a less than flattering light."

  Jess cringed. “But Mother, finishing school? Why not simply let me honor my duties to king and country by completing my training as a Squire of War? The thought of sitting around in a stuffy drawing room full of ladies talking about babies and their land’s productivity… ye gads, I’d rather practice equations with Malek!”