Bardess of Rhulon

by Verna McKinnon

  “It was my dream, but I had the best bard master in the worldBelenus Aylecross. I realize now he gave me more than any academy could offer. I have been gifted with something more important that I can offer my people. You know it’s true, even if I try to run from it, the magic will follow me along with its danger. I freely want to stay and offer you my talents, if you still want them.”

  “When people learn of your ability, it will make you a target for unscrupulous people. I swear by Ursas and Ishar that I will protect you.”

  “I know you will. I trust you too. I just hope Belenus can help me with this magic that I do not understand.”

  “There are too may mysteries of late,” Culain said grimly. “What Zula found in that crypt was dark magic more powerful than any changeling could conjure.”

  “We’re all in jeopardy. I would rather fight evil than be oblivious to it.”

  “Gods, you’re so young and so terribly stubborn. Also, your hair is tumbling down.”

  Rose’s hands flew up to her head. A few long locks had escaped the pins. “These are all faults I can’t change. I would rather help the side of right than turn away. Just promise you won’t tell my mother. I don’t think she could adjust to me being both a spy and a bard.”

  Culain grinned, a rogue again. “Then welcome, Rose Greenleaf, to the cabal of light.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  The cold sea wind nipped at Rose as she waited on the deck, bouncing up and down to keep warm, despite wearing her woolen cloak and scarf. Digby and Becky Crofton hugged her goodbye before turning to Meg with fresh tears.

  “Now Becky, please don’t cry,” admonished Meg.

  “I can’t help it,” Becky wailed. “I feel like I’m losing two more daughters.”

  “You’re not losing us,” Rose assured her. “I’ll write so often, you won’t know I’m gone.”

  Digby put his arm around Becky to comfort her. She blubbered uncontrollably against her stout husband, wiping her eyes with a damp hanky. Even dour old Digby flushed with sentiment, his lower lip quivering.

  “Well, I’ll be praying for you both. Be good girls now,” Becky sniffled, handing her and Meg large baskets overflowing with foodstuffs for the voyage.

  She looked through the basket, filled to the brim with cheese, apples, bread, oatmeal cookies, and a small bundle of oranges and limes. “By goodness, these are amazing. I could live on this for days!”

  “Not the way you eat,” Meg teased. “You know they will feed us on the ship, but these are wonderful.”

  “The oranges and limes will prevent the scurvy,” Digby informed her.

  “Thank you so much, but I don’t think we’ll be on the ship that long,” Meg said, smiling.

  “They’re still good for you,” Becky told her. “I’ve also included a packet of special tea from the apothecary. He swears it prevents sea sickness.”

  “He charged you a high enough price for that packet of weed too,” Digby complained.

  “Oh, stop being such a skinflint, Digby. The man swears it will ease even the most severe seasickness,” Becky protested.

  “Good to know,’ Rose grinned. “Thank you. I’ve never sailed before, so being prepared is a good thing. I’ll miss you both so much. Thanks for giving me a home. I will always be grateful for that.” Rose felt her eyes welling and blinked back her tears, knowing it would unleash a fresh flood from poor Becky.

  Skullcap and Zula arrived just in time to say goodbye. Owena was perched on Skullcap’s shoulder, cawing loudly. Rose secretly hoped Skullcap and Zula could find love again. She also prayed Zula had truly tamed her tempestuous temper.

  Zula rushed over and hugged her tightly. “Goodbye, little Rose.” Rose was comforted by her scent of cinnamon and sandalwood. “I just know the Rhulonese court will be at your feet! Just be safe and stay away from those nasty changelings!”

  “I shall definitely do that,” Rose laughed.

  Zula wildly threw her arms around Meg, embracing her with gusto. “My life is so tragic. How can I lose my dear friend, Meg? It’s so cruel. Despite my deep sorrow, I wish you bright luck. May the light spirits watch over both of you! But I still hope you return home soon.”

  Zula turned back to Rose and whispered in her ear, “I know you’re healed, but please send me a letter now and then so I don’t get lonely.”

  “Of course I will. We are both magical, so in a way we are truly sisters. I wish you were coming with us too.”

  “Yes, so do I,” Zula laughed. “And we are the best kind of sister. Ah, banish that frown, little one. It makes wrinkles, though I make a cream for that too.”

  “That’s enough! It’s my turn, Woman!” Skullcap grumbled and edged between them. Owena hopped to Zula’s waiting arm. Skullcap swept Rose off the ground with a boisterous hug and spun her around. “Goodbye Rose! If you ladies ever need me, just send word. Promise?”

  “I promise,” Rose cried. “Take care Skullcap, and Owena too. Give her some treats for me.”

  Skullcap gently put her on her feet and turned to his fellow Ranger. He crumbled a bit when he embraced Meg. “Farewell, Commander Sparrow. Don’t go looking for another drinking chum either. I won’t stand for it.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it,” Meg replied.

  Zula linked her arm with Skullcap’s and gently drew him away. “Come away now Robert, they will be taking off soon. We can drown our sorrows together with wine.”

  “Ale,” Skullcap sniffed, wiping his face with the back of his hand. “Wine is for fancy folk.”

  After more tears and hugs, their friends departed.

  Rose felt a pang of loneliness when she saw them on the docks waving.

  She asked Meg, “Have you ever traveled by ship before?”

  “A few times,” Meg replied. “But never to Rhulon. I hear Rhungar the capitol is magnificent. I just hope they took my height into account when they assigned my berth below as well as my chambers at court.”

  Rose laughed, but she did relish being on a vessel which was Rhulonese. The Dwarven sailors were stout, rugged men, though clean and uniformed in dark blue and white since this was a royal vessel. She had almost forgotten she was actually a statuesque girl among her own people.

  “I just pray I don’t get seasick,” Rose said. “That would be too embarrassing.”

  “Hopefully the tea Becky gave us would cure that, just in case,” Meg answered. “Something tells me you are too sturdy to be swayed by the sea.”

  “I’m glad the Emperor chose you to come with us,” Rose said in a low voice.

  “I’ve done my fair share of spying before as a Ranger, but this is different. Now I’m an agent of the Tirangel Empire working with other countries under a shared goal. Rhulon is the heart of this alliance, so that’s where Aristide is sending me.”

  Rose studied her friend and asked, “I suspect you and the Emperor have an interesting history. Is it something you can tell me?”

  “You are always the bard looking for a story, aren’t you?”

  “It’s a curse,” Rose quipped.

  “Another time perhaps,” Meg suggested. “But rest assured there is no impropriety involved. I saved his life once, that’s all. He remembers. Not all kings remember, but he does. Perhaps over a glass of rum I will share my story, as long as you promise not to put it in a poem or song.”

  “Very well, but keep my rum well diluted with tea. Hangovers are wicked. My curiosity is even more piqued. It’s so strange. I was just getting used to White Thorn and the tall folk. Now I’m leaving. It’s not just a diplomatic exchange, but an alliance of crowns for a single purpose.” She looked at Meg, wearing black leather trousers and boots, a blue and black brocade vest, white shirt, and of course, gloved as always. “It’s also odd to see you out of your Ranger green. The only other time I ever saw you out of your uniform was when we met in that awful cave when I was kidnapped.”

  “I do feel peculiar,” Meg admitted, looking down at her elegant clothes. “My role now is n
ot as a ranger, but as the special agent for Emperor Aristide.”

  “Do you know why he picked you? Did Culain ask the Emperor to choose you?” Rose asked. “I’d feel guilty if you were pushed to accept and had to give up your ranger status.”

  Meg laughed and shook her head. “No worry. My status as a ranger is not endangered. I’m on special leave, sanctified by Aristide and only Captain Nerlis and Skullcap know why. I think the Emperor just wanted someone he could trust. He also chose me because I’m not officially attached to the court. Though your influence with Culain is considerable, I doubt it extends to confidential imperial appointments.”

  “I doubt I influence Prince Culain that much.”

  “If you say so,” Meg noted dryly.

  Meg looked at her so strangely Rose finally asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  “No reason. I’m going below deck to check on Fayre. Poor girl has never sailed before. I’m going to give her some of these apples. I’ll be back in a bit.”

  After Meg left, Lady Thera Sule boarded the ship and strode toward Rose like a goddess embodied in mortal form. The sailors parted swiftly for her as she walked past, gazing on her regal beauty. They also kept a respectful distance.

  “Lady Thera!” Rose exclaimed. “I’m surprised to see you here.”

  “Before you left us, I wanted to say farewell and to give you a gift, little Rose.” She removed a parcel from her drawstring bag and placed it in her hand.

  Rose unfolded the yellow silk. Within was a delicate, small gold pendant on chain. It was gorgeous, with a brilliant blue stone at its center and marvelous intricate engravings on the round disc. “It’s breathtaking. It’s too extravagant, Thera.”

  Thera closed her hand over Rose’s and smiled, brooking no refusal. “It’s for you, Bardess. This is not just jewelry. I know such trinkets would matter little to you. This is a sacred temple seal. It will bestow certain rights to the bearer, like a token but more powerful. The symbols engraved on the gold are runes of our ancient language. They represent the ancient Elementals of my faith. If you’re ever in my kingdom and require shelter, food, sanctuary, or even protection, go to any Elemental Temple and show them this emblem. They will help you freely. They will even fight to the death for you. They must do this, for only a High Priest or Priestess can bestow this holy gift and it must be honored.”

  “Thank you, Thera,” Rose gasped, genuinely moved.

  “Walk in the Light,” Thera replied, bestowing the ancient Uragon blessing. “May your enemies be as dust beneath your feet, little Rose. We will meet again one day, of that I am sure. We share the same patron goddess, Karta, so that makes us sisters.”

  “I hope we meet again,” Rose replied earnestly. “Walk in the Light, Thera.”

  Thera inclined her head and walked away without another word.

  “What did Lady Thera want?” Culain asked, joining her.

  “To give me a parting gift,” Rose answered, wrapping the exquisite piece in the silk and putting it in her pocket.

  “Thera is an unusual woman,” Culain commented. “She is usually aloof as an owl, but for some reason she likes you.”

  “I cannot explain it,” Rose shrugged, equally pensive. “But then I have come across a few mysteries since running away from Stone Haven. She is just one.”

  The ship pulled anchor and headed out to sea. Even in the brisk morning air, buffeted by gusts of cold sea air, Rose was warmed by the affection of friends as she waved a final farewell to them. Among them in the background, she glimpsed Darius standing on the pier, apart from the others, wearing a wide-brimmed feathered hat and a grey cloak. He was foolishly alone, without guards. He bowed to her and tipped his hat when she looked his way. A twinge of sorrow threatened to shadow her mood. She watched her friends vanish as she sensed the speed increase beneath her feet. Soon there was only ocean. The kingdom of Tirangel faded to a bittersweet memory with the distance.

  Rose refused to endure sadness today. The threat of evil may still lurk in the world, but she decided it must be cast off for this moment. She clutched her lute like a talisman as she looked across the water.

  The ocean was so amazing. She felt transported and free. Her life had changed so much and it was still changing with every breath. So far her stomach remained calm, even if the wind was not, the gales lashing her. She welcomed the brisk cold. Despite the mercurial events since she left Stone Haven, Rose remained her own woman and free to become the person she imagined.

  Rose whispered a quiet prayer to Karta, thanking the goddess for her good fortune and blessings. She took Thera’s gift from her pocket and put it around her neck.

  Meg joined her on deck and together they watched the ocean in comfortable silence. She was grateful for Meg Sparrow’s companionship and knew she had found the truest of friends.

  Culain joined them and leaned against the side of the ship next to her. “The sea is magnificent, isn’t it?”

  Rose nodded and smiled, studying her royal companion, the man of so many secrets and contradictions. Culain was enigmatic and a constant challenge. He intrigued her and infuriated her. She trusted him with her life and knew Culain would never abandon her. It was more than friendship and certainly more than benefactor and bard. She had no name for it. But they were together. She was free to choose her life. She accepted that as enough for now.

  “You are unusually quiet, Rose.”

  “I’m just enjoying the moment. My life has been so tumultuous of late, I had forgotten to stop and breathe.”

  “Are you excited about going home to Rhulon?” Culain asked.

  She smiled and looked directly at Culain, her answer honest. “I’m a Bard. My home is the road.”

  The End

  About the Author

  Verna McKinnon was born in Omaha, Nebraska. From an early age, she loved science fiction and fantasy—the only genres on television that allowed women to be more than an apron baking a pie. At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, she studied theater. She developed a passion for history, mythology, Shakespeare, and the literary classics, considering them health food for the mind. She graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. When she finally pursued her love of writing and storytelling, she chose fantasy and science fiction as her genre of choice. A published author of over thirty short stories published various webzines, print magazines and anthologies, including Aberrant Dreams, Mystic Signals, Scribal Tales Webzine, Descending Darkness, High Fantasy Online, Chaos Theory-Tales Askew, Aphelion Webzine, Gothic Revue, and Fantasy World Geographic, Bards & Sages Quarterly, and Forest of Dreams.

  Verna lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband, author Rick Hipps, two spoiled cats named Bridget and Duncan, and too many books.

  Books Published by Sky Warrior Books

  and Garnet Mountain Press

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  Verna McKinnon