Sword of Mist

by Tara Brown

  “I need to speak to Lord Ivor.” She was a ball of nerves and recalled only his name in a panic.

  “Who do you think you are, coming to the front gate like this? You get your ass to the servants’ entrance like everyone else!” He raised a hand to her, making his light armor clink. Asher neighed and reared, dragging Lenny up until her feet dangled and jerking her arm in a stabbing motion. She cried out in pain and fell to the ground, dropping the leather.

  “Now get, before you end up hurt!” The guard moved to kick her but the contact was more of a shove with his foot.

  She fell back more, wincing in pain and misunderstanding. “I’m Lady Hilde’s sister!” she hissed. “I must speak to Lord Ivor, at once!” she shouted from the ground.

  The guard moved to kick her again but one of the other guards shouted, “Banks!” He walked forward, noisy with the light armor. “Did you say Lady Hilde?” He held back the man he had called Banks.

  “Yes, you idiots!” she spat her words as she massaged her shoulder, checking to see if it was dislocated, which was how it felt. It had happened once when she was a child in nearly the same sort of accident.

  “Who the bloody hell—?”

  “The prince’s betrothed,” the man said to Banks. His face was stern and his eyes wide with fright.

  Banks stepped back, swallowing hard.

  “Just get Lord Ivor, now!” she shouted, knowing these men would do just as her father said, abuse her, unless she sounded like she belonged. Struggling and with no offer of help, she pulled herself up from the ground. She soothed Asher who was backing up and making snorts. Her leg hurt where the man had shoved her and her shoulder was throbbing. She could tell by how low her arm hung and by the unbearable pain, it was dislocated. But she managed to rub the horse’s face with her good hand enough to calm him. “Shhhhhhhh. It’s all right.”

  “I’m sorry, miss,” the guard who had saved her apologized, but Banks stood with his jaw clenched.

  “Hold my horse,” she growled.

  The man moved carefully, putting a hand up for Asher to smell. “He’s beautiful.”

  “Indeed.” Her eye twitched as one of the guards not wearing armor ran across the grounds, shouting. His words brought on more shouting until a figure she recognized hurried with lengthy strides down to the main entrance.

  He didn't run but he covered a vast distance quickly with his long legs. “What is this meaning of this?” Lord Ivor shouted and even Lenny flinched. “Lenny!” His tone softened as he rushed her. Seeing her arm, he gasped. “Who did this?” Her eyes flickered to Banks.

  Ivor spun, staring down the man whose head stooped the moment they made eye contact. Ivor didn't speak, vibrating with rage. The man bowed deeply at Lenny. “I beg your forgiveness, milady.” Banks stepped back, still bowing and only stood when he turned and walked away, to the left of the palace.

  “Lenny, I am so sorry.”

  “You have to fix it,” she whispered, holding back the tears and refusing to cry in front of strangers or Lord Ivor. “It’s dislocated.”

  “Gods, let me get a physic.” Lord Ivor licked his lips.

  “No!” Lenny shouted, unable to take the pain of the wait.

  “Fine,” he said frowning, then nodded. “Are you ready?”

  “Just do it.”

  He took her arm and hand gently in his, holding it out, he paused then moved it to the right, which the arm fought against, causing her pain until it moved back into place with a slight jerk. The pain became bearable as he swung the arm back to her body, nestling it under her breasts. “We’ll have to sling this. You won’t be able to move it for a few days.”

  “I have to go home tomorrow,” she murmured, trying to get her breathing back in order.

  “You’ve just arrived. The engagement party is tomorrow.” He was either disappointed or worried.

  “Wilfred has died,” she blurted and continued to fight the tears. “It’s why I’ve come, I need my family to come home.”

  He froze, a stunned expression claiming his face. “How?” he asked.

  “In the storm. We lost two ships from Blockley.”

  “Lenny,” Ivor whispered. “I’m so sorry.” He wrapped an arm around her good shoulder and held her to him. It was inappropriate but she found herself with her eyes closed and her head resting against his chest as he spoke into her hair at the top of her head, “I will take you to them right away.”

  “Thank you.”

  The kindness vanished from his tone, “Take care of that horse a far sight better than you did my friend and your future queen’s sister!” he shouted and every man at the gate jumped to attention. “We will speak on this tomorrow,” he seethed, then comforted Lenny again. “Come with me.” He walked her forward through the gates as Asher was led to the right.

  She glimpsed back at her horse and prayed he would be all right.

  “What will happen to that man, Banks?” Lenny asked as they neared the front doors of the palace.

  “What do you think we should have happen?”

  “I don't know, but surely he can’t be allowed to treat commoners that way,” Lenny said, cradling her sore arm.

  “You’re not a commoner.”

  “He didn’t know that.” Her father had been correct. As a peasant or common worker in the city she had been abused, and the only thing that saved her was being under Lord Ivor and the king’s protection.

  Lenny knew nothing of the city.

  Perhaps she knew nothing of life.

  Perhaps she belonged in Blockley.

  “I’m going to see to his punishment myself. Anyway, your mother and sisters are up here. I suspect they were preparing for bed, but I’ve sent word you are here,” Lord Ivor spoke softly. This was a side of him Lenny hadn’t expected. He was kind and compassionate, and she was in need of both those traits.

  Hilde’s last words to her flashed in her mind.

  And her mother’s.

  Both had been disappointed with her.

  Dread filled her as they made their way through the maze of a castle until they reached a large sitting area.

  “Lenny!” Hilde said loudly as she rushed forward from an ornate door. “You came.” She wrapped herself around her sister, squeezing with desperation as she whispered, “I’m so sorry, Lenny. I didn't mean it.” Hilde sniffled. “You didn't have to come. I am so sorry I said it.”

  “I love you, Hilde,” Lenny whispered back, fighting the pain and the tears she hid so well.

  “Ilenia, what the gods are you doing here? Did you ride alone? What are you wearing?” her mother’s voice rang out from the room as she rushed forward, stomping angrily to where Lenny stood with Hilde mauling her. She stopped frozen in her tracks when she saw Lenny’s face. Her eyes widened.

  Amaya rushed from her room, entering the parlor where her sisters and mother were. “Lenny!” She gasped but stopped when she saw her face. “Gods, Lenny. What’s happened?” Her eyes darted behind Lenny. “Is it the dogs?” she asked when she didn't see them.

  “I will leave you,” Lord Ivor bowed and stepped away from Lenny’s side, turning and exiting the room quietly.

  “Speak, Lenny!” her mother shouted but not with anger. She was terrified.

  “Wilf—” Lenny started but couldn't continue.

  “No!” Her mother lifted her hands to her mouth.

  “Lenny?” Hilde whispered.

  “The Vagabond sunk in the storm.” She shook her head, wishing her words were lies.

  “No!” her mother screamed and dropped to her knees in her gown. “No! My boy!”

  “No, Lenny. There must be a mistake!” Amaya said, taking a step back from Lenny, moving her head back and forth in disbelief. “You’re mistaken. He’s in a harbor somewhere. Maybe he’s hurt and can’t get word to us.”

  But Hilde knew Lenny. She knew this response would only have come if Lenny were certain. Hilde’s lip quivered and again she wrapped herself around her youngest sister.

  Th
ere was no easy way to explain it.

  There were no words.

  There was just weight and the transference of it.

  Lenny shared her burden and her loss and her pain, delivering it amongst her loved ones so they might be like Scar and Ollie, letting her lean against them as she let them lean on her.

  Chapter 19

  Lenny woke to silence and a smell. It struck her as odd, not because she had never smelled it before, but she had never woken to it. She’d only seen it in Knights Haberdashery and now the scent made her homesick.

  She lifted her head to find a steaming cup of coffee sitting on the table with a tray of pastries, fruit, cream, and honey. Obviously, someone had been in, but she hadn’t heard them.

  It was an unnerving experience.

  She sat up and winced at the pain in her body. She wanted so badly to go home, but the agony she was in meant she’d have to delay her trip a couple of days.

  She climbed from the bed and stared out the window at the gardens below. The view was incredible, same as the room. The same size as all their rooms back home put together. But it wasn't hers. She didn't love it.

  In fact, she couldn’t wait to be on the road.

  She sipped the coffee, cringing at the bitterness and remembering Wen always put in a splash of cream to mellow the taste. She did it and took another sip. It soothed in a strange way, relaxing her into her soul somehow.

  The pastries were perfect, so plump and crusty. She was sure she’d never seen their like. But her appetite had not returned.

  She cleaned with the washing water that was left for her, enjoying that it was warm and scented with lavender. When she was clean enough, she pulled her long, thick hair into a heavy braid and hauled on her britches and a tunic. Her mother would have a fit, but Lenny would save the agony of wearing a dress for the party. Her shoulder wouldn’t enjoy the stiff fabric of a gown.

  She slapped her legs to call the dogs and paused, realizing they weren’t there. It wasn’t the first time she’d spoken to them or called them since she got on the road. They were home in her heart, the way Tubby was in Hilde’s and Sir Kitty was in Amaya’s.

  A knock at her door made her uneasy. She called out, cautiously, “Come in.”

  The knob turned slowly and the face in the doorway was not one she expected.

  “Lord Ivor, good morning, sir.” She bowed, offering a respectful depth. His kindness the day before had given her a new lease on him.

  “Milady.” He bowed deeply as well. They had never been more formal nor polite. “I trust you slept well.”

  “I did.” She was confused by that. “The bed is the softest I’ve ever slept in, but I don’t know that I noticed it. I was so tired.”

  “How is your arm?”

  “Quite sore. Is the man who was cruel to me being punished?” The thought of it bothered Lenny.

  “He has been dealt with.”

  “How?” she questioned Lord Ivor in tone and gaze.

  “That is none of your concern. I understand you made it here in three days, which is not just remarkable but dangerous.” He had that warning tone again, like he was about to look to her father to scold and remind her to be a lady.

  “I did,” she confessed, allowing his tone this once, since she was certain the long days spent riding had been foolish and she could admit it. “And you are quite correct, I think I have broken my body.” She laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

  “I don’t mean because you are exhausted.” He stepped into her room which was rather odd and brazen but mostly incorrect for societal accepted behaviors. But she allowed it too. The door was open and she was not the sort of girl one would think he might have regarded in any way beyond perhaps that of a little cousin. “I am speaking of the dangers of a young woman riding to the city on a horse, alone. Surely, you gave that some thought.”

  “I didn’t.” She nearly continued as rudely as he was but decided to be honest with him in hopes he might understand her drive and not be angry. She didn’t want him to be angry. “My father is not the same. Which is understandable as he has suffered the greatest loss. A child dying before you is as my gran says, unnatural. It goes against our natural order. And he is not recovering. And so I came to plead with my mother to forget this nonsense of the courts and come home. He needs her.”

  “And now with that bad news, likely she will need him too.” Ivor seemed to understand.

  Lenny nodded.

  “Your mother and sister will leave immediately after the party this evening and ride directly to Blockley? Only stopping to change horses in Pyle?”

  “Yes, that is her plan. She and Amaya will go ahead, and Hilde and I will remain for a few days, until my arm is better. Then we will ride to Blockley.”

  “With an escort,” he added in a tone so Lenny knew it was not a suggestion.

  “I suppose that is Hilde’s life now. Escorts.”

  “And it ought to be yours. You’re far too reckless.” He wasn’t done judging her.

  “Then it’s lucky I’m not your burden,” she said, giving back his same attitude.

  “What makes you so certain you are not?” He took a few steps forward, coming well into the room. “I think I have made it perfectly clear I care about what happens to you, Lenny.”

  “Why, Ivor?” She used his name as he had hers. “Why do you care what I do? I’m no concern of yours.”

  He walked right to her, staring down at her with intensity. “Because—” he said without finishing, though his heated glare spoke volumes.

  “Because I am the bratty little sister of the future queen, and it’s somehow your lordship’s responsibility to care for me?” She didn’t back down or step away from him. “As if I need that?”

  A smirk lifted his lips. “At least you admit you’re bratty,” he teased.

  “I can also admit you’re an—”

  “Lenny?” Amaya’s voice cut in. “Oh, Lord Ivor, what a surprise to find you in here,” Amaya said with half her usual humor. She bowed, forcing him to bow.

  “Good morning, Miss Amaya.” He turned to Lenny, still smirking. “Perhaps, we can finish this conversation later, and you may get back to insulting me then.” He bowed to her and left. “Good day, ladies.”

  “Lenny!” Amaya scolded. “Why are you insulting poor Lord Ivor?” He closed the door and she lowered her voice, “He speaks of nothing but you, and here you are abusing him.” She went to the tray of pastries and took a bite of a horn-shaped one.

  The bite did not seem to satisfy her. Within a moment, she placed the pastry back and stared out the window.

  “I know what you’re thinking, but it’s the truth,” Lenny said as though she read her sister’s mind.

  “I just don’t believe it. Not Wilfred. He’s the strongest of us all.”

  “I saw him.”

  “His body?” Amaya turned sharply, swallowing the lump in her throat.

  “No,” Lenny whispered. “He called to me. I had a vision, I think. I saw him on the ship. Lightning flashed, and in the distance, I saw the guardians of Moyer high on the cliffs. Wilfred knew he was done for. And when it ended, I hurried to the cliffs and found a piece of sail, his sail with the V. I brought it back to Blockley—”

  “Gods, did you cry into the sea at Moyer?” Amaya’s eyes were flooded with tears and her voice thick with pain.

  “No,” Lenny whispered again, reliving it. “I managed to stay strong. I brought it to Blockley and I sobbed there, on the shores, bleeding and crying into the sea, hopeful I might call him to me.”

  “And did you?”

  Lenny nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. “He came to me. I have seen him every day since the accident in Blockley. He is a ghost and silent, but his eyes speak volumes. And he has nodded and shook his head when asked questions.” Lenny’s voice was soft and scared. She didn’t want Amaya to think her crazy.

  “Oh, thank the gods. I’m so relieved you brought him home.” Amaya hugged Lenny, squishing her inj
ured arm. “Did you happen to see Josu at all?”

  “No.” Lenny realized she hadn’t. “I was busy with the storm and then Wilf.”

  “Of course. I just thought perhaps he might have come to funeral. Or the lantern ceremony.”

  “He didn’t.” Lenny hadn’t considered his absence until that moment. “Maybe he got busy.” She tried to offer him an excuse.

  “Too busy to come to my brother’s funeral?” Amaya snarled.

  “He might have been out of town. At one of his family’s estates. I didn’t see him in town at all.”

  “Odd,” Amaya muttered, her brow setting heavily over her eyes.

  She was unhappy, it was obvious. But her annoyance at her betrothed was short-lived as Hilde entered the room, swollen in the eyes and lips and her nose red and shiny.

  “Oh, Hilde,” Amaya said, bringing her into her embrace.

  “How am I meant to be happy tonight? How can I celebrate when my brother is dead, and his poor dear wife is pregnant and alone? I need to call this off.” Her voice cracked. “But I don’t know how.”

  “I know.” Amaya held her and let her sob.

  The three girls grouped together, gripping one another. It was not the day Hilde had planned her entire life.

  Chapter 20

  Tired of listening to Amaya and Hilde cry or watching her mother stare at the wall while wearing her nightgown well into the day, Lenny left the suite. She needed to move and walk and try to force her aching muscles to recover from the days of riding.

  She roamed the hallways of the castle, staring at paintings and sculptures and the ornate designs on everything. It was an overload to the senses to attempt to see it all.

  The ceilings were her favorite part. They had to be four times higher than her ceilings back home and every one of them was painted as if it were a work of art.