Tokens and Omens

by Jeri Baird

  Greydon wrapped the reins loosely around the pommel. Zander had a death grip on his, but he loosened his fingers and tried to look relaxed. He had to ride to earn Elder Warrin’s respect and pay off his debt. Greydon aimed at a nearby ash tree. At the thunk of the arrow hitting the bark, Star’s head jerked up. Zander grabbed for the reins and pulled them to the left. Star turned and Zander pulled tighter until they spun in a circle.

  Fulk laughed, distracting Zander even more, and he pulled hard on the reins which caused Star to rear. Zander’s throat closed as he flailed forward, desperate to stay in the saddle. Star kicked her heels, and Zander flew to the ground. His breath slammed from his chest. He skidded across the rough ground, slicing his cheek on a rock. When he glanced up, he caught Star’s backside as she disappeared into the woods. Fulk leaned over Tipper, chortling good-naturedly.

  Greydon raced after Star, and Zander soon glimpsed him returning with Star walking docilely beside Lady.

  Still on the ground, Zander held his head. He had a killer headache and his cheek throbbed.

  Fulk reached out and pulled Zander to his feet. “You better hope Star’s not hurt, or you’ll be working the rest of your life to pay for her.” Fulk wiped the sweat off his forehead. “But I swear, that was the funniest thing I’ve seen in a long time.”

  “It wasn’t my fault! And look at my face,” Zander protested as he rubbed blood from his cheek. “She startled and threw me before I could control her.”

  “Bah! If you’re riding her, she’s your responsibility.”

  There was no sense arguing. Fulk was right. Zander flushed as Greydon handed over the reins for Star. No way was he getting back in the saddle, no matter how hard Fulk and Greydon tried to convince him. Finally, they gave up and trotted away.

  After Zander limped into the stable with Star ambling behind, he rubbed down the bay and checked her for injuries. Fulk and Greydon were gone and that was fine with Zander. He didn’t need Fulk’s teasing or Greydon’s glances of sympathy. Shadow skulked under Zander’s bed, peering out as Zander went about his chores.

  He dumped a scoop of oats in Star’s trough, and when she ate, relief spread through Zander. He relaxed muscles he didn’t realize he’d been tensing. She would be all right. He pressed his forehead against the mare’s neck and calmed to the crunch of her teeth as she ground the grain. Why couldn’t he overcome his fear of riding? Greydon was right. If Zander couldn’t ride Star, he couldn’t ride.

  He mucked the stalls, and the stench of manure burned his throat as shame burned his gut. One fact wound through his mind, repeating until Zander thought he’d never think anything else. If he couldn’t ride, Moira would never allow him to be a Protector.

  After he finished his chores, Zander grabbed his bow. “Come on Shadow. Let’s hunt.”

  He opened the door. Odo and Kaiya were walking up the path to the stable. Odo had a bow slung over his shoulder. His yellow kitten, Boo, trailed behind. Kaiya carried six arrows with tattered fletches. Her crow, Korble, soared high above in lazy circles, riding the thermals.

  “Hoy!” Odo hollered at Zander.

  Zander jogged out to meet them.

  Boo arched his back and hissed when Shadow bounded up to sniff him. Zander held his hand between the two patrons. “Friends.”

  Shadow sat and the kitten’s tail curled over his back. Boo rubbed his nose against the coyote’s neck. Shadow licked Boo from his head to his tail as the cat purred.

  Zander grinned. “Good boy.” He turned to the cousins. “What are you doing here?”

  Kaiya stared at the ground. “We know you’ve been hunting for us.” She knelt to pet Shadow and glanced up. “Thank you.”

  Zander reached for the heart token under his tunic to calm him. He didn’t know they’d figured out he was the one leaving food. “You don’t need to be hungry.”

  Odo’s eyes danced. “Will you teach us to hunt, so we can find our own meat?”

  Zander arched his left eyebrow. “We?”

  A smile lit Kaiya’s face. “Both of us.”

  “Let me see the bow,” Zander said. After Odo handed it over, Zander stood it on end next to Kaiya. “This one’s too long for you.” He handed it back to Odo. “Wait here.” He disappeared into the stable and returned with a shorter bow. “I’ve outgrown this one. You can have it.”

  Kaiya placed it over her shoulder and accepted the quiver of arrows Zander held out. He handed a second quiver to Odo. “We’ll use yours for practice, but you need better arrows to hunt.”

  Zander led them to Elder Warrin’s practice field and demonstrated how to hold the bow, nock the arrow, and draw the string. He shot a bull’s-eye. “See?” He grinned and rubbed his tongue over his chipped tooth. “Easy.”

  Odo elbowed Zander. “Easy for you. How long have you been shooting?”

  “Since I was five.” He’d practiced for hours before he got it right. Maybe that meant there was still hope he could learn to ride.

  The cousins spent the next hour shooting arrow after arrow before either came close to hitting the target. The tension from earlier disappeared in the laughter Zander shared with Odo and Kaiya. Even Shadow perked up from Zander’s better mood and enjoyed the extra attention from their guests.

  Zander moved between Odo and Kaiya as he corrected Odo’s stance and touched Kaiya’s shoulder to remind her to keep it relaxed. Once, he stood behind Kaiya and wrapped his arms around her to correct her aim. Lavender drifted from her hair, and Zander found himself distracted as he breathed in her scent. With that shot, she hit the target for the first time. She turned to Zander with a huge grin and gave him a hug.

  He blinked in surprise. “Uh, good job, Kaiya. You’re shooting better than Odo.” He blushed. It was a dumb thing to say to a girl who hugged you.

  But Kaiya didn’t notice as she danced over to Odo and said, “Told you I’d hit the target first.”

  Odo shrugged and kept shooting until he tagged the corner. Soon, they were both hitting the target more often than not, although Kaiya outshot Odo and teased him mercilessly. It was the most fun Zander had had in a long time.

  When it was obvious by the sloppy shots the cousins were tiring, Zander called a stop to the practice. “Keep working on it, and I’ll take you hunting soon,” he promised.

  They relaxed together in the grass. Zander threw sticks for Shadow. Boo chased white butterflies while Odo reclined on his elbows. Kaiya fed Korble dried apples. None felt inclined to talk, and Zander felt more comfortable with the cousins than he did with anyone.

  The sun had moved several hands to the west by the time Odo stood and scooped Boo into his arms. “Time to go.”

  “You’re a great teacher.” Kaiya said. “Thanks for the bow.”

  Her smile made Zander forget all about being thrown by Star.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Alexa

  It was Mother’s birthday, but it was a market day. They’d celebrate that evening. As Alexa sold bread, she studied her mother and wished she could see her secrets. Then she’d know if Paal was her brother. She wanted proof, but she didn’t dare ask. She chewed on a fingernail.

  After the market cleared, Alexa rushed to her bedroom and unfolded her embroidery cloth. She’d stitched the forest in vibrant greens on the edges of the round cloth. Sparrows, hawks, and owls flew across the trees. Gray doves nestled on the roof of the Quinary. In her mind, she mapped out the important landmarks. She would add the bakery and the church. She debated the importance of stitching the other questers’ homes and chose to include them. She knew where they all lived except Zander, who resided somewhere outside the village.

  Merindah would help Alexa if she didn’t suspect her motive, and Alexa was determined to keep her embroidery a secret. She thought of a plausible plan as she trudged the short walk to Merindah’s home.

  “Mother’s birthday is today. I’m going to
Zander’s father to see if he’ll trade a small fur for bread. Will you go with me?” She held up a sack of almond bread.

  They asked directions and found themselves on the far side of the village in front of a hut made of mud and straw tucked into the forest. Alexa glanced at Merindah. It appeared deserted except for the hides hanging around the side and the stink of lye from the tanning pit in back.

  “Maybe we should leave.” Merindah pulled at Alexa’s arm.

  Alexa started to agree. Maybe this wasn’t her best idea. Before she could reply, a man stepped around the corner of the house. He glared at them and then dropped the wire brush he held. He took his time before he stooped to pick it up.

  “Excuse me, Sir? We’re questers with Zander, and I want to trade for a pelt for my mother’s birthday.”

  The man grunted his reply. “What kind are you after?”

  Alexa swallowed. “What will you trade for this bread?”

  She held out the sack, and he reached for it with shaking hands. Glancing inside, he muttered. “I have a red fox. Zander hunted it himself.”

  She expected a rabbit pelt or a small ermine, not something as nice as a fox. “Mother would love a fox. Thank you.”

  Zander’s father turned and strode to a thatched hut behind the house. He returned with the pelt. “For your mother.” His eyes met Alexa’s.

  Merindah gasped and then clapped her hand over her mouth.

  “Th-thank you, Sir. It’s perfect.” Alexa folded the pelt into her bag.

  Once Alexa and Merindah left the wooded path, they sprinted the rest of the way to the bakery, paying no attention to the late afternoon shoppers they dodged as they entered the market.

  Safely in Alexa’s room, they collapsed on the bed, giggling at their fright. “Did you see how rough he was?” Alexa remarked. “No wonder Zander is backward.”

  Merindah added, “And the way he fumbled with the sack of bread? How does he make any profit trading a fox for so little?”

  “I think we made him nervous. Maybe he’s not used to dealing with girls.” Alexa rolled to her side to peer at Merindah. “Why did you gasp when he handed me the pelt?”

  Suddenly serious, Merindah hesitated. “Did you see his eyes?”

  A sudden knot in her throat silenced Alexa. She nodded.

  Merindah whispered, “Your eyes are like his.”

  After her friend left, Merindah’s words tumbled round and round in Alexa’s head. “Your eyes are like his.” She pushed her confusion deep into her gut, telling herself the words meant nothing. Lots of people in the village had dark eyes.

  She wrapped the fur in a deep purple cloth she’d traded for a piece of embroidery. Mother would be pleased with the gift. Alexa carried it downstairs and laid it on the serving table in the dining room. Her mood lightened when she spied her mother’s oldest friend. “Eva!”

  The midwife pulled Alexa in for a long hug. “It seems like yesterday I helped your mother birth you, and now you’re a beautiful young lady.”

  Alexa grinned. “Mother says you’re busy since Beatrice has gotten too old to midwife.” A chill ran through her. Eva would know if Paal was her twin.

  Eva laughed. “This is true. I’m busy with babies. That and gathering herbs in the forest leave me little time for social visits.” Eva plucked Fiona from Alexa’s pocket. “Look at this cutie. If I’d known you had a ferret patron, I would have brought Pixie. Nothing’s cuter than two ferrets playing.”

  Alexa stilled. Would she be a healer like Eva? The village needed more than one. Taking Eva’s arm, Alexa led her to the dining table they seldom used. During their meal of roasted duck and potatoes, Alexa chatted about her studies and the quest.

  She abruptly turned to Eva. “We learned about the curse of twins in the quest. Have you delivered many twins?”

  Her mother gasped.

  Eva startled and then exhaled before answering. “I’ve birthed two sets. Why do you ask?”

  “Was the cobbler one of them? Melina Odella said his twin sacrificed his life for George.”

  “Yes, that’s true.” Eva pursed her lips and glanced at Alexa’s mother. “I don’t believe it’s a curse to be a twin in the quest. Elder Rowan is a twin, and they both survived.”

  Paal’s father was a twin. It had to be true then. He was her father. “Where’s his twin now? I’ve never seen him.”

  “Their father’s estate was too small for two sons. He left to find a wife in a village near the sea.”

  Alexa bit her lip. Dare she ask? With her blood racing, she took a deep breath. “Who are the other twins?”

  A mug of cider hit the floor.

  Alexa jumped from her chair and rushed to her mother. As Alexa wiped at the mess, Mother trembled. “What’s wrong?” Alexa asked, although she knew the answer. Mother didn’t want Alexa to know she was a twin.

  Rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand, her mother hesitated. “It’s this talk of the quest. You know I’m nervous with you going into the gulch alone.”

  Alexa tried not to shudder. She hated the gulch and the rumors of Puck haunting it. “I’ll be fine, Mother. I have more tokens than omens, and the priest and fortune-teller are preparing us well.” She disliked seeing Mother upset. She wouldn’t ask any more questions.

  “I know, Alexa.” She twisted her napkin. “You’ll return to me.”

  Eva cleared the table and returned with a small cake. Trying to lighten the mood, she teased, “So Alexa, are there any cute boys in your class?”

  Blushing, Alexa glanced at her mother who stared back with interest. “Well, there is one boy. His name is Dharien, but he’s an elder’s son.”

  “Ah, you can dream, can’t you?” Eva grinned as she handed Alexa a slice of walnut carrot cake.

  Alexa wasn’t sure she wanted that dream anymore. “Eva? Are you sad you didn’t marry and have a family?”

  Laughing, Eva spread her arms. “With the babies I deliver, I have plenty of family. And leaving in the middle of the night to care for the ill wouldn’t leave me time to care for my own. I have Pixie for company.”

  “But wouldn’t you like a husband to take care of you?”

  Searching Alexa’s face, Eva shook her head. “A strong woman can take care of herself.” She nodded toward Alexa’s mother. “Your mother’s done all right by herself.”

  Alexa twisted her mouth. She’d never thought of her mother as strong, but Mother had no other choice but to be tough. She managed the bakery without a husband’s help, rising before dawn to bake. She provided well for Alexa. A pang of guilt coursed through her for wanting to leave.

  As she ate cake, Alexa contemplated Eva’s assertion she didn’t need a husband. She almost forgot the fox pelt. “Mother, I have a present for you.”

  Her mother’s eyes lit at the beautiful purple cloth, and she fingered its rich softness. Her eyes held a question her mouth did not speak.

  “Open it!” She couldn’t wait to see Mother’s face when she unwrapped the pelt.

  When Mother untied the cord and glimpsed the fox pelt, she clutched the table. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths as if to calm herself before she stared expressionless at Alexa.

  It wasn’t the reaction Alexa expected. Even more perplexing was Eva’s smile.

  With a ragged voice, her mother whispered, “Where did you buy this?”

  “Zander is in my class. His father is a furrier. I traded bread for it.”

  Peering intently at Alexa, her mother asked, “You traded with Zander or his father?”

  “With his father.”

  “You are never to go to him again. Promise me, Alexa!”

  Not trusting her voice, Alexa nodded. Never had Mother forbidden her to see anyone in the village. What was it about the furrier that frightened her so? He’d seemed rough mannered, but not dangerous.

&nbs
p; Mother calmed at Alexa’s agreement. “Thank you for the gift. Eva and I will clear the dishes. It’s late. Go on to bed.”

  Alexa hugged Eva and went up the stairs to her room. As Alexa pulled her door shut she heard Eva.

  “Katherine, you need to tell her. It’s not a curse to be a twin. Explain how she needs to complete the quest alone. She’s a good girl. She’ll be fine.”

  She sagged against the door frame. It was true. Paal was her twin. Alexa stepped quietly into the hall and hoped they couldn’t hear her heart thudding. She had to catch Mother’s reply.

  “Theron wants to tell them, but I can’t take a chance, Eva. I can’t. The village has kept the secret for sixteen years. Why would Melina Odella talk about it in class?”

  Who was Theron?

  “Who knows why the fortune-teller does what she does.”

  “You don’t know how hard it’s been, Eva. Every time I look at her and see Theron’s eyes staring back at me, I want to tell her everything.”

  Merindah’s words slammed into Alexa’s gut. Your eyes are like his.

  Alexa choked back sobs. Was the furrier her father? If he was, Paal wasn’t her twin.

  Zander was.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Zander

  After the cousins left, Zander was anxious to get away from the stable. He skipped dinner to hunt for his father. With Shadow as his retriever, Zander caught four rabbits, an ermine, and a prized fox. When he approached the hut, Zander found Father still working at the pit, tanning a deer hide. Zander hadn’t caught one lately, so it must be from an elder’s hunt. The harsh stink of lye drifted over. His nose burned and he coughed.

  Father looked up and Zander’s insides lurched. He’d hoped Father would be happy to see him, but the frown crossing Father’s face made Zander nervous. He dropped his catch on the work table, and together, they skinned the animals, falling into the quiet pattern they had shared for years.

  Breaking the silence, Father glanced at Shadow. “How’s the training?”

  A grin lit Zander’s face. “Shadow’s smart. He knows my commands, and he’s learning hand signals.”