“I doubt anyone else will work against King Stefan once word gets out. You are formidable. The Court of Florenza is lucky to have you and I to count you as a friend.”
“Even though I’m frightening?”
“I never meant that hurtfully, Conran. It is just incredible that even when you are supposed to have a day off, you manage to save the kingdom.”
The warmth in her eyes melted any hurt.
“It would be nice to have a real day off,” I joked. “How was the rest of your picnic?”
“Roberto told me more about the court than I’ve learned in two months. We weren’t there much longer after you left. It’s such a beautiful day that I wanted to enjoy it longer.”
“The gardens here are beautiful. All of King Stefano’s land is lush and well-tended. Not a bad assignment, after all.”
We sat in companiable silence until Jamila broke it.
“What are you afraid of, Conran?”
I struggled to speak. I forced myself to meet her warm brown eyes. I started to say that I didn’t want people close to me to be hurt but found I couldn’t lie to her.
“I’m afraid of being hurt again.”
Jamila laid her cocoa hand over mine.
“Hurt is part of love. Look at all you have overcome since I have known you. You are brave and I want to take the risk with you.”
She spoke the latter part so softly I felt a lump return to my throat. Unable to immediately respond, I squeezed her hand. Impulsively, I bent forward and kissed her.
Her warm lips opened beneath mine and the kiss deepened into something more. We both pulled back breathless. A flattering blush colored her cheeks and I couldn’t stop looking into her sparkling eyes.
“That was unexpected but nice,” Jamila said as she briefly closed her eyes to break our contact.
A warmth suffused me. I hadn’t felt so happy in a long time. The day’s unpleasantness receded.
“It was. Thank you for breaking through my foolishness.” I played with her fingers, watching the play of light and shadow on her skin. “I could stay here forever,” I announced impulsively. I looked up, trying to bore into her soul.
“So could I, but is this not the perfect day for you to teach me to ride as you promised?”
It wasn’t what I had in mind but her flushed cheeks and the sudden shyness in her eyes stayed any impure thoughts.
I looked up to judge the dropping sun.
“We will have to hurry. How fast can you change into clothing you don’t care about?”
“Faster than you think. Shall I meet you at the stables?”
“Yes, I will have a gentle mare saddled for you.”
We both stood. To my surprise, she lifted herself up on her toes to kiss my cheek. Before I could react, she’d spun away from me.
“I will be quick,” she called over her shoulder as she walked swiftly away from me.
I looked after her before I turned towards the stables. I passed Evalina bent over the herb garden, snipping parsley. She straightened when she saw me.
“Master Conran! Did you enjoy the picnic? I was disappointed when Roberto returned the basket instead of you. He wouldn’t assuage my curiosity and seemed uncomfortable. Is there something I should know?”
“Only that we thoroughly enjoyed your repast and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to do justice to dinner tonight.”
“With your appetite, I’m sure you’ll do fine,” she teased. “I hope you don’t wait too long to take Jamila out and alone next time,” she chided.
My face burned but I couldn’t think how to respond. Evalina laughed merrily.
“That’s all the answer I needed! The two of you make a lovely couple!”
A buzzing bee flew by my nose; a welcome distraction. A voice sang, sounding like high pitched bells. Startled, I looked around. There was no one else in the small garden.
“Who is singing?”
“There’s no one singing,” Evalina said, looking confused.
“You don’t hear that?”
“No,” she answered, drawing the word out. “Mayhap you’ve had too much sun? I don’t think you should be instructing today. You should lie down with a cold cloth.”
“There is no need. Maybe my hearing is just better than I think.”
“I hope you’re right,” she said, rising with her basket. “I will send a fresh basin of cool water to your room if you change your mind.”
She bustled off as soft laughter rang from behind me. I whirled around, surveying the empty plot. The branches of the tree standing in the center of the garden began shaking, the leaves trembling. Even if there had been a wind, the branches moved in opposite directions.
Puzzled, I stepped closer. The rough bark undulated until I discerned a vague woman’s face. As I reached out to touch it, the eyes and mouth opened wide in warning. Startled, I froze.
“Would you touch me if I were a mortal woman?” a silvery voice demanded.
“What are you?”
“A dryad. What are you? No other has heard and perceived me in ages.”
“I’m Conran Pierce-Seahorn.”
“Not your name! What manner of man are you to discern me?”
“A wizard,” I replied, detesting the haughtiness I heard in my voice. “Or, so I’ve been told,” I added a little more humbly. “I thought dryads inhabited forests or woods. Why are you in a garden?”
“This once was one of the oldest forests in the country until your kind murdered most of my brethren,” she explained in her soft, whispery voice. “I was spared by a kind witch who told the first owner of the land that he would prosper as long as I was taken care of. He became wealthy and each generation has been advised to tend me else risk losing all.”
“King Stefano did not mention you,” I mused aloud.
“I did not say any of them knew what I was. They just think I am a special tree.”
I heard the pain and sorrow in her voice.
“I am sorry for your loss. Is there anything I can do?”
“Unless you can resurrect all my kin…no.” Her eyes seemed elongate for a moment. “There is one thing if you would be so kind.”
“Please name it.”
“I do get lonely with only the birds or insects to talk to. Would you come and speak with me regularly? I would dearly like to know how it goes in the world. The conversations I overhear are interesting but there are few who speak near me.”
“Certainly, and you can tell me about the past you have witnessed. Only if it will not cause you too much pain.”
“I would like that. Can we start now?”
“I wish I could but I have promised a friend to teach her to ride. I can return later.”
“The pretty lady you were with? I hope you will court her in my presence as that will entertain me,” she said with a high tinkling laugh. “I will wait for your next visit.”
The dryad’s leaves trembled and flashed silver in the sun. With a slow tremor, the face seemed to flow back into the trunk. Obviously, our communication was at an end.
“What a day,” I murmured to myself as I quickly made my way to the stables.
I had saddled Scimitar but was still saddling a gentle mare for Jamila when she entered the stables.
“Does it take so long to prepare horses?”
“No, I was detained by Evalina. You know how women love to interrogate about picnics or anything else dealing with another woman,” I exaggerated. “She thinks very highly of you and wants to ensure I treat you well.”
Jamila blushed as she tentatively stroked the mare’s neck. I tightened the bridle and did a final check of the side saddle.
“Are you ready, Jamila?”
“I hope so,” she answered in a soft voice.
Surprised at the worry in her voice, I turned to study her face.
“Are you afraid? You needn’t be and you don’t want a horse to feel your fear.”
“I did not realize how big they are,” Jamila commented softly as she st
ared up at Scimitar. “How will I get on?”
I was glad I’d picked the smallest mare for her. I well-remembered how towering my first horse seemed to me.
“Wait here.”
I fetched a stepping stand I’d noted earlier and set it next to the speckled gray mare.
“You always want to mount on the left side of a horse. Step up on this and grab the pommel,” I said as I laid my hand on it. “Pull yourself up and swing your right leg over. I will help.”
It took several tries before Jamila was atop the horse.
“Very good. I want you to practice mounting and dismounting until you are comfortable and don’t need my help.”
“How do I dismount?”
Slowly, I showed her and guided her back to the ground.
“I’m going to be tired before I even learn to ride!”
“We won’t do too much today as you can get very sore the first time you ride. We will just walk around the paddock until you feel at ease on the horse. We can ride every other day if that isn’t too often for you?”
“I would like that!”
Jamila almost bounded back onto the horse. She soon had mastered mounting and dismounting. Pleased with her enthusiasm, I slowly led her out of the stable as I explained how to control the horse with the rein, legs and her switch. Twenty minutes later, she begged to take the horse faster.
“Let me get my horse first.” I whistled and Scimitar came trotting out of the stable, shaking his mane; impatience evident in every muscle. I quickly mounted and pulled up beside Jamila.
“Press your heel into her while keeping a tight grip on the reins. We don’t want her breaking into more than a trot.”
Jamila nodded and tentatively guided the mare into a faster walk and then a steady trot. I stayed beside her as we rode around the paddock. Gradually, Jamila relaxed and began moving with the horse. I was pleased with her progress but didn’t want to push it.
“Are you ready for your first lesson to end?”
“Can we ride a little longer, please? I’m just beginning to feel comfortable.”
“You are doing very well. You’re a good student.”
“Thank you. Is it easier to ride astride?”
“It is. I think women have to be better horsemen on a side saddle. I cannot imagine not being able to control a horse without both my legs.”
“What time can we meet on Thursday?”
“King Stefano usually doesn’t need me until later in the morning, so why don’t we meet at seven?”
Jamila mock groaned. “I hate getting up early but this will be worth it.”
Laughing, I pulled up before the stable doors. “Why don’t we make it five in the evening, then? It will be good to ride after a day sitting.”
“So much better and I will be ready for some fresh air, too. Can we ride outside the paddock next time?” she asked as we rode back to the double stable doors.
“If you continue[p1] doing this well, certainly. Do you like this mare or do you want to choose another horse?”
“I prefer to keep this one. She is gentle.”
We dismounted outside the stables. I was pleased how smoothly Jamila got off her horse without my help. The dusty dimness within momentarily blinded me but I trusted Scimitar and let him guide me to his stall. When I turned back, Jamila was gently stroking the mare.
“She is so pretty.”
“Not as pretty as her rider,” I offered with a smile.
I immediately regretted my words when Jamila blushed and turned her face away. I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable.
“Why don’t you go in and I will take care of the horses?”
“Isn’t that the job of the stable hands?”
“Yes, but Scimitar does not let anyone else remove his saddle or brush him down. I might as well do the mare.”
“Conran, I think you should let them take care of her,” Jamila murmured softly. “You don’t want to offend them. I think they will understand about Scimitar but not if you do more.”
Her words recalled how one of the men had seemed affronted when I explained about Scimitar until one of the other men had assured him that I was telling the truth.
“You’re right. I will see you at dinner.”
“Thank you for the riding lesson – and, the picnic.”
“You are a good pupil and I enjoyed the picnic, too.” I wisely refrained from any effusive compliments. It was obviously not the type of courtship Jamila liked.
A groom silently appeared to take the mare. I nodded my thanks as I unsaddled Scimitar and began brushing him down. I enjoyed how his skin twitched and rippled in enjoyment but brushed quickly as I was curious about the dryad. I hadn’t met a magical creature before.
“Lord Pierce-Seahorn?” a high pitched voice asked querulously.
My stomach dropped at the formal use of my name. My time of freedom appeared to be at an end. Holding back a sigh, I forced a smile before turning around.
“Yes?”
“King Stefano requests you attend him at your earliest convenience.” He looked at Scimitar warily before adding, “shall I finish grooming your horse?”
“I don’t believe that would be wise. Do I have time to clean up before reporting to King Stefano?”
Scimitar snorted and shook his head as the messenger stepped closer. The herald swiftly stepped back. I thought I saw him shiver and repressed a smile.
“He did say it was at your convenience,” he offered tentatively. He eyed Scimitar warily. “Is he a warhorse?”
“I have never thought of him as such but he is steady in battle.”
I resumed brushing Scimitar, hoping King Stefano’s envoy would get the hint and leave.
“I will let King Stefano know you will see him after you have finished grooming your stallion and freshen up.” He gave a low bow and exited quickly.
The knot between my shoulder blades eased. I wouldn’t have time to make my promised visit to the dryad but I could make my apologies on my way in. I gave Scimitar a few last strokes before feeding and watering him.
“Be a good boy and I’ll see you tomorrow,” I promised as I rubbed his favorite spot.
Reluctantly, I left the stable and headed to the herb garden. Fortunately, there was no one around. As I entered the rear of the plot, I heard a high tinkling laugh.
“You kept your promise! I have been so lonely for so long.”
“Regrettably, I can only stay a short time. I have been summoned by King Stefano. I will come as often as I can.”
The branches vibrated, sending a shower of leaves flying into the air to fall on and around me. Unsure of how much power a dryad had, I instinctively raised a barrier around me.
“I will keep my promise but my liege has precedence.”
The branches stilled and I thought I saw eyes peering at me from the rough bark. A soft sigh rose in the air and seemed to surround me.
“I have little concept of time. You could have heard me this morning or months ago. I can wait.”
Her voice deepened ominously on the last sentence. My skin prickled. Hiding my unease, I bowed deeply.
“Until we meet again, have a good day.”
The tree dipped forward as a high thrill rang forth.
“Until you return, Lord Pierce-Seahorn.”
I kept a smile on my face until I was safely indoors. Part of me felt ridiculous to fear a tree but better to be wary than complacent at the unknown.
“Conran! What troubles you?”
“Ilena, what do you know of dryads?”
“Dryads? What have you been reading to ask such an odd question?”
“Not reading, we have one in the herb garden.”
“A dryad and I didn’t know? It must inhabit the silver beech. How did you find her?”
“I heard her singing. I realized it was the tree in the center of the plot and she told me she was a dryad. All she asked is for me to visit her and she’d share her story with me. Should I fear her?”
“Fear her? Dryads have a reputation for kindness. The only time they are fierce are when protecting their trees. As long as you don’t try to destroy her tree, you should be fine. When will you return to it?”
“Not until tomorrow as I have been summoned by King Stefano. I need to clean up, so I’d better hurry.”
“Of course. I will go and see if I can speak with it. I hope you can join us for dinner, so we can talk more.”
“Me, too. It’s a she,” I called out as I jogged out of the keeping room.
Chapter 12
“My bracelet! Why didn’t I think of it before?” I exclaimed hoarsely.
“You still have it?”
“I wish,” I lied. I doubted Andy was a spy but didn’t want to take a chance. I’d learned the hard way not to trust everyone. “My throat is getting very dry. Do you mind if I take a break?”
“No. It should be time for our food anyway. I didn’t realize you were a lord. This prison must be especially hard.”
“I don’t think it pleasant for anyone, Andy. Maybe we’ll finally get something palatable.”
Andy snorted on the other side of the slimy wall, turning my cracked lips up. Carefully, I pushed back my filthy and torn sleeve. I hoped the rune etched shackles would not bind the sigils in my bracelet.
How could I test it? I decided to start with something simple. Breathing deeply, I focused my energy on illuminating my cell. Nothing happened.
Undeterred, I tried again. A faint glow emanated from the sigils. I was weak and shaky but felt encouraged. Centering myself as Ilena had taught me, I tried again.
Slowly, my cell brightened causing a rat to flee the light by scrabbling under the cell door. I listened. All was quiet outside my prison. Cautiously, I strengthened the light until it was as bright as daylight but quickly dimmed it before anyone saw the light streaming under the thick door.
For the first time, I felt the first stirring of hope. I determined to practice each day until I could free myself from this stinking hole. My only decision would be whether I should try to take Andy or leave on my own.
The food slot screeched open, setting my teeth on edge. A bowl and cup were set inside my cell on the floor. Slowly, I shuffled to the door. The wooden bowl was filled with the same indistinguishable slop accompanied by a dry piece of bread. At least, the bread was free of mold today.
The Sigil of Sobek: Book 2 The Chronicles of Conran Page 18