Faerie's Champion

by M. H. Johnson

  Much as the day before, Jess simply smiled, giving the man a good-natured clap on the shoulder. “No worries, friend groom. I am more than happy to help care for the horses.” Her smile invited confidences. “In truth, I am an herbalist and rosarian by inclination, and no apple grove has ever suffered under my care. Yet what I have seen of the gardens on these grounds is nothing short of appalling, and the one disciplinarian I saw monitoring several students on duty there made it quite clear that I was most unwelcome.” She offered the stablemaster a flask of what was quite good brandy, earning an appreciative smacking of the lips and smile in turn.

  “My lady, that is fine stuff!”

  Jess nodded. "As it should be. It's a flask of Calenbry Red, and I helped tend the grove this wonderful nectar originates from, in fact." Jess smiled at the man's impressed whistle. "So I know my way around most growing things. And for all that the gardener was willing to assist me the other day making fresh fertilizer, it was only begrudgingly. I don't suppose you can tell me why some of us are given the cold shoulder with the garden?"

  The man visibly paled, before covering it with a nervous chuckle. "Oh, I wouldn't worry about such things if I were you, my lady. Commoners like myself are warned away most strictly by the caretakers, who act like we are out to steal all the roses, but in truth, it is in a sorry state. I suspect it is something of an embarrassment, and good as not to just leave it alone." He sighed, measuring his words. "Truth to tell, my lady, the head gardener gave me an earful last night, wondering why I was making you prepare mulch at all. It didn't matter what I said in turn, she seemed pretty irate about the whole thing."

  Jess blinked and shook her head. “How odd.”

  "Odd indeed," the man nodded. "But no matter. The school has its ways, if you'll forgive my saying so, and if you two fine young women would rather spend the day on other pursuits, I certainly wouldn't say anything but that you were here."

  "Well that was interesting," Rulia said some time later, both having insisted on doing their part for the overworked grooms, and earning appreciative nods of thanks in turn, both happy to break bread with the stablehands for the noon repast, and count a few honest souls as newfound friends.

  Jess nodded. “Indeed. The head stablemaster seemed almost nervous about the garden. Not that he had any secrets he kept close, just that it was something best left to itself, so to speak.”

  Rulia smiled. “I could have told you that straight off, Jess. I'm not sure what you were told when you first came to the school, but save letting you have some pots to plant some flowers in, the gardens proper are strictly off limits to all but a select handful of teachers and students." Rulia shrugged. "Rather elitist, if you ask me, since what little you can make out beyond the hedge bushes is nothing special, but there you are."

  "Agreed," Jess said before splashing a ladle of water over her head, the pair of them making use of the baths during the midday lull, happy to be free of the scent of sweat, leather, and manure. She gazed into Rulia's eyes, delighting in the sudden flush that came to her companion's cheeks. "Now we just have to figure out how to fill the rest of our day."

  Rulia chuckled throatily. “Oh, I can think of some ways.” Tenderly, she grasped Jess's hand. “The first gala of the season is but a handful of days away. Let's go to my quarters and you can tell me what you think of my dress. Then you can help me take it off.”

  Jess grinned. “I would love to.”

  And they did just that, enjoying sweetest sport in each other's arms with plenty of kisses, laughter, and wine. And after a gentle doze, what better way to while away the afternoon hours than challenging the academy guards to a series of martial contests, Jess wondered aloud, Rulia concurring wholeheartedly, such that daily bouts with the academy guard became the highlight of their afternoons, when not savoring the sweet pleasure of each other's company, as the autumn days passed.

  Apple looked almost pityingly at Jess as the day of the gala approached.

  "Oh, sister. It really is not fair, you know, that vile Grimsly so determined to break you. Why does she even bother? Whether it's mucking out the stalls or helping the scullions in the kitchen, you never complain a lick. You get your work done faster than any laborman, and even when Angelica or her cohorts mock you in the hallways, you just smile and look as if it's they, not you, being punished, for all intents acting like you have not a care in the world!"

  Apple sighed even as Jess favored her with a bemused look. “It's not all roses, sister. I don't really like washing dishes all that much, but in truth I find I actually don't mind it when I have company to share the task with, and an audience who enjoys my stories. But as you said, Apple, I've made the best of it, so what's bothering you?”

  Apple grimaced and looked away. "It's not right, even if you are making the best of things. Sure, you may like acting the boy, Jess, but this isn't preparing you for Court! And you and I both heard her threats, the power she claims to have over you, and I don't like it one bit." Apple sighed. "Besides, she's not even letting you attend the gala! Where all the young lords from the capital shall be here en masse to dance the night away, and perhaps find the love of their lives. And she's denying you the chance to show the world how you've blossomed. To show the future members of the King's Council what a vibrant jewel you are, worthy of friendship, courting, and alliances."

  Apple gave a frustrated shake of her head. “No, Jess. She is making sure you are excluded. That you are being cut out. You may feel like you pulled the wool over on her, as spending your afternoons sparring with your lover and your friends in the barracks just like you did at Highrock may suit you quite fine, but Lady Grimsly is no fool. She might have other cards up her sleeve still, and preventing you from catching the eyes of the young nobles from the capital is no small slight to our family. Bloody hells, Jess, when all is said and done? that's what this school is for!”

  Jess nodded. "I know. Even Rulia's excited about the gala. She showed me her gown and everything."

  Apple smiled archly. “I'm sure you enjoyed that.”

  Jess blushed and grinned. “No worries. We finished dressing up in plenty of time for Juliana's visit.”

  Apple's smile turned apologetic. “I really am glad that Rulia shares your protective tendencies. Rulia's a bit larger than life, much like you, though she still attends morning classes with Juliana, so at least our shy little friend is safe then.” Jess nodded, her sister's gaze turning fully upon her. “Jess?”

  “Yes Apple?”

  “Thank you.”

  Jess chuckled softly. “What in the world for? Sometimes I feel like I cause you far more grief than good, sad to say.”

  Her sister gave a soft shake of her head. “Thank you for not abandoning me. Thank you for spending the night in quarters with me, even though I know you would much rather be with your beau.”

  Jess gave her sister a gentle hug. "Silly Apple. Of course my place is by your side. Rulia understands, and besides, this way we make sure Juliana has a safe place to lay her head without being tainted by direct association with me, as she is far less the fierce, independent girl who could leave by her own volition whenever she chooses like Rulia is. I suspect half the reason why the proctors don't come down harder on Rulia is simply because she could leave at the drop of a hat, and perhaps poison the public ear with her own spin on things.”

  Apple smiled, already drifting off as she snuggled deeper in her covers. “You're probably right, Jess. Did you like my dress?”

  Jess smiled, having caught sight of her sister preening in the mirror earlier. “It is a lovely shade of evergreen. One of my favorite colors. You look gorgeous, and all the boys at the gala will adore you.”

  “Thank you, Jess.”

  Jess gently kissed her sister's cheek, but Apple was already asleep, smiling softly, no doubt dreaming of dancing the night away in the arms of some mysterious prince.

  20

  The morning began a bit differently than Jess had grown used to, Apple's suddenly nervou
s voice making it quite clear that no simple serving girl awaited them. Still refusing to be intimidated by the forces that would break her if they could, Jess took her time dressing herself to her own satisfaction before answering the door.

  "Jess, it's proctor Aislin," her sister whispered fiercely as Jess made her way from her bedroom to the foyer of their finely appointed suite. "She wants to speak to you right away."

  Jess gazed at the proctor waiting at the doorway. For all that her manner was that of the firm taskmistress, Jess almost thought she detected a trace of pity in the woman's eyes. Jess had not been mistaken then, the day of the beating, when it seemed almost as if Lady Grimsly's savagery had sickened Aislin, though her gaze was still hard.

  Jess dipped her head in the faintest measure of respect. She might dislike Lady Aislin's methods, her demands for propriety above all else, but Jess no longer detected even the slightest trace of hatred when the woman spoke, for all that Jess had grievously offended her when first they had met.

  “Jessica de Calenbry. The head disciplinarian has given me specific instructions to convey to you this day. As you have accepted your punishments with a grace that implies you at last have the humility to feel shame for your errors, Lady Grimsly will allow you this morning and afternoon to relax and reflect as to how you might better yourself, free of external tasks.” She paused a moment, as if expecting Jess to be suitably grateful. Jess did not break her cool gaze, careful to show no emotion, drawing her opponent out, just as Eloquin had taught her, many semesters ago.

  The disciplinarian seemed slightly troubled by Jess's measuring stare, self-consciously touching her tight graying bun, nearly the same shade as her charcoal gray dress. "In any event, Lady Grimsly expressly forbids you to go anywhere near the gala this evening. Instead, you shall be given the light task of a courier, to signify your rising above the status of lowly laborer. Should you continue to perform dutifully and well in the weeks ahead, you just might be worthy of redemption in Lady Grimsly and Headmistress Zerona's eyes, and be allowed to attend courses worthy of a lady of standing once more, upon semester break."

  Jess felt her sister squeeze her hand. Hard. She resisted the urge to tell Lady Aislin exactly what she thought of their opinion of her, and of the common working men and women of the academy.

  “What is this task?” Jess asked instead.

  The proctor nodded, as if relieved Jess had deigned even to speak. "There is a pack horse, one of several in the stall which you now no doubt know as well as any of us do. You will take the one that will have several gray saddlebags secured, and make your way to the inn just outside of the town closest to our academy."

  Jess tilted her head. "Can you give me more specific directions? How many leagues distant is this inn? Or how many hours away it is by trot, or a walking man's pace? What does this inn look like?"

  Jess sighed as the proctor gave an uncertain shake of her head. "Can you at least tell me which side of the road it's on?"

  Aislin frowned. “It is in the direction of your father's barony, away from the capital. I assumed you might have seen it yourself, as you came from Calenbry.”

  Jess grimaced. "That may be, but sadly I was not paying attention sufficient to recall it. At no point did I think I would be paying a penance to this school necessitating me trudging at night down an unfamiliar road, looking for a mysterious inn."

  Aislin, it seemed, was at a loss for words or suggestions. Jess did her best to look suddenly inspired. "I know, how about I bring a guardsman with me? I have no doubt any of them would know the area." Jess's gaze turned stern. "And I have absolutely no doubt that the academy would not wish to send a young lady of rank into the darkness alone, with absolutely no protection by her side."

  Lady Aislin blinked, genuinely shocked at the idea, before collecting herself.

  It suddenly occurred to Jess that perhaps the proctor before her hadn't considered the implications of the task put before Jess, merely focused upon following Lady Grimsly's directions.

  Aislin frowned and looked away. "Lady Grimsly made it clear to me that security was paramount this eve. She will, in fact, be performing a head count I... I'm afraid that I dare not risk a single man not being at his post."

  Jess felt a cold frisson at these words, even as Aislin collected herself, giving a relieved nod. "You have been compliant and humbled. I have no reason to think that you won't eventually earn your way back into the fold, and of course the well-being of all our charges is paramount to us."

  Jess tried not to laugh at that, remembering all too well Grimsly's hungry gaze when she was hammering into Jess with her leather baton with all the strength available to her. And perhaps the proctor realized the irony of her words, even as she said them. She quickly looked away. "In any case, I do know that both you and Rulia VonBurg are both quite the fencers. If you were to bring her along, equipped with the gear of any barracks armsman, well, I would see no reason to begrudge you those steps to assure your safety. Further, you shall not be leaving in the dead of night, but in the afternoon, with plenty of light to lead your way to the inn. I am given to understand that Lady Grimsly will give you leave, just this once, to bed outside of academy grounds, though she does expect you to show a receipt for your night spent at the inn, when you give your report the following day. Now, having seen you both sparring with the guards, I have no doubt that you two shall be more than fine.” She gave a satisfied nod at this.

  "You shall be discrete about this, of course. You shall deliver horse and packages to the inn stables, stating that it is a delivery for the messenger Raceling, presently staying at the inn. You shall obtain a receipt of delivery from Raceling when he picks up the packages he is to deliver, and you shall hand such over, along with your overnight receipt, when making your report upon your return. Do you have any questions?"

  “Yes. Why is my sister being prevented from attending the gala?”

  Jess blinked, not expecting this arch comment from her sister who had so counseled meekness and caution before the proctor gazing at them both even now.

  “It's all right, Apple,” Jess soothed. “I shall... appease the powers that be with this courier duty. That is what matters here, not whether or not I attend any particular dance.”

  Lady Aislin frowned nonetheless. “Your sister treads dangerous waters, young Appolonia. My counsel is to be grateful that your sister is deigned even to have a chance at redemption. You, on the other hand, are expected to attend the gala, as are all the young ladies studying at our academy.”

  She turned her gaze once more at Jess. “Your attitude does you credit. I sincerely hope, young Jessica, that this is a sign of you turning over a new leaf. I, for one, have no desire to see you in our offices again. You are expected at the stables by the third glass after the midday meal.”

  With that, the proctor turned on her heels and left.

  Some hours later saw Jess gazing solemnly into her lover's eyes, Rulia flushing with exertion and delicious release as she curled about her lover's body. “Are you sure you want to come with me, beautiful one? I would not be at all opposed to you staying here and keeping an eye on Apple in case... whatever.”

  Rulia tutted, gazing archly at her lover. “My dear Jessica de Calenbry. If you think for a moment this wild goose chase for some out of the way inn and courier delivery has the slightest ounce of danger to it, if you think it is anything more than yet another way to humiliate you and cut you off from your fellow classmates, then let us write to your parents right away, and end this farce.”

  "It's not that easy," Jess sighed. "In a moment of pique, Grimsly revealed her hand. She used what wiles and pull she had to assure that I came to this institution to be judged for the pleasure of king and Crown, no doubt with the added pull of her cronies assuring my family had no choice but to send me here." She flashed a bitter smile. "I have no doubt, no doubt at all, that eventually they will thrust some untenable choice down my throat, holding my family's well-being like a headsman's axe eternally
over my neck, hoping to slowly force my unthinking compliance, so that by the time I am done my term here, I am their pawn in all things."

  Rulia's nostrils flared. “Bloody conniving bastards. Just one of the things I hate about Erovering's court.”

  Jess smiled at that, pretending not to notice the slip. “Certainly our King's Council has its flaws, but my father has been a loyal King's Man all his life, so our ruler will not allow him to be sold cheaply, I'm sure. The gods know our political enemies have tried time and time again to destroy our clan, ever since the war ended and Father was granted lands in honor of his service, such that the sheer volume of levies he could summon to war outstrips almost any duke of the kingdom."

  Rulia's eyebrows widened in surprise. “And he was King Richard's right-hand man in all things during the war, was he not? Why in the world would the king bless him with such properties, without honoring him the title of duke to go along with it?”

  Jess flashed a bitter smile and shook her head. "I've always wondered that myself. Honestly, I think it's more than simply keeping him in line. If the dukes are forever envious and see the Calenbry barony only as a ripe fruit in desperate need of plucking, then they are expending all their energies conniving to discredit and appropriate the assets of my father. And while they are focusing their efforts and resources upon our clan, the king can stay fresh and on top of their antics."

  Jess sighed. "The dukes may think the king's feelings are ambivalent toward Father, having refused to honor him with the highest of noble titles, and, well, for other reasons that our family has forgiven long ago. What I suspect is that the king has always held my father in the highest regard, and appreciates his willingness to be the king's foil, so to speak, dealing with the brunt of the treachery and animosity of the more power-hungry members of Council, letting the king know who his enemies truly are. I suspect that King Richard, in turn, has nudged circumstances such that Father is pardoned of whatever gambit our enemies would trap us in, in such a way that the Council doesn't realize that king and Calenbry are really the best of friends."