by J. R. Castle
“I told you that I need to get back. My guardian expects me home before noon. I promised. Perhaps next time I’ll meet your mother. I’m sure she’s delightful.”
Yes, he’d wanted Mother to meet Lady Anabelle. Mother would know if something was off. She had a gift of discerning things about people. But Anabelle always seemed reluctant to meet any of Leon’s friends or councilmen.
She walked at a fast pace toward the main street, then turned off onto one of the side alleys that eventually took them to a smaller secondary road. A few shops, such as a tailor and furniture maker sat along this less traveled street. Whereas the main thoroughfare hosted the inns and taverns where people could find somewhere to stay or have a meal made for them. All the finest shops that sold clothing, medicines and specialty foods, lined the white cobblestone road. The one they now traveled wasn’t even paved and was still mostly a dirt path.
Lady Anabelle breathed out a long sigh, closing her eyes for a moment as they walked along the boarded sidewalk. For a quick second, Leon thought her ears had grown into sharp points. He blinked and the vision was gone. What was wrong with him?
Shaydon help me, I must be working too hard or something. I’m beginning to see things that aren’t even there.
Perhaps the golden-haired girl had been an apparition, as well? Why had seeing the maiden near the fountain caused a series of warning bells inside his heart telling him that he’d forgotten something very important?
Blast it all!
He needed to get a grip. This was his time to get to know Lady Anabelle, to see if she would be a good helpmate for him. Would he be able to trust leaving the province in her care if he needed to leave for a while? Father had often taken trips to Radiance and neighboring provinces attending council meetings.
Mother, along with the Advisory Council, took care of everything during his absence. Could Lady Anabelle be trusted to do the same?
Leon kept his gaze on the narrow road ahead, not wanting to be distracted by Anabelle’s smile or those mesmerizing eyes. “I have been a little distracted of late, my lady. Matters concerning the province. I’m wondering if you would be willing to let me share my concerns. I’d be interested in your thoughts on the matter.”
Her steps slowed. She turned to him, but he continued to focus on the end of the block where they’d cross a bridge that led to the Commons. She and her guardian had been staying with Koloman at his town residence.
“Yes, tell me of your concern, Leon my love.”
He was not her love. Not yet. But he proceeded on anyway, not bothering to correct her. “I wish to escort a group of people to Radiance soon.”
“When?” she asked, her tone demanding. “When will you leave?”
“Oh, not for a while. My problem is that none of the towns are willing to send their youths to accompany me. More and more are coming of age and not making the trek to meet King Shaydon.”
Her expression twitched, but with a couple of blinks, the furrows running across her forehead smoothed. “Why should they?”
Leon’s eyes widened. Had she just asked….
Lady Anabelle quickly added, “I mean, if they wish to make that journey, won’t they do that on their own? Why do you need to coddle them?”
“That’s not—”
“I believe they should be free to choose what they wish to do. Or are you one of those demanding rulers who will order people’s lives? Tell them what they should do, think, feel?”
“No, I—”
“I’ll never understand how people in power allow their authority to go so quickly to their heads. Why, just because they are put into a position to oversee the province, they think this gives them the right to dictate their subject’s everyday lives. Your father wasn’t like that, now was he?”
“No, but—”
“He was one to live and let live. As it should be, if you ask me.”
“Is this really what you believe?” Leon couldn’t believe it. He put a little distance between them. What was he doing with someone like her…except, he didn’t think he’d allowed his position to go to his head. Had he? Riyah had once asked him if he was going to be a leader or a ruler. He’d wanted to be a leader, someone who encouraged his people to do better. He certainly didn’t wish to rule their lives. And his father…only cared for his own comforts. Leon didn’t even want to go down that road. “I think you misunderstand what I’m—”
“Oh, I’ve displeased you,” Lady Anabelle’s bottom lip protruded. She turned so they were facing each other. He wasn’t sure it was proper to be this close to her. Would her guardian approve? Now that he thought about it, why hadn’t Darson accompanied her this morning? She’d simply showed up early, catching him as he left his cottage and asking that he take her for a stroll around the orchard.
Leon rubbed at his throbbing head. Why hadn’t he denied her? What was he thinking spending time with her alone? He knew better! He moved to get around her, needing to be walking again. The sooner he deposited her at Koloman’s manor, the sooner he could collect his thoughts and sort everything out. It was easier when she wasn’t hanging on to his arm. “We should—”
“No, wait,” Anabelle’s arms circled around his neck. “Please don’t be displeased with me. I will not part with you being vexed with my simple-minded rant. What do I know about ruling a province?”
This was only getting worse.
Her arms tightened around his neck, pulling him closer to her and before he could stop himself, he was kissing her and as he did so, everything went gray and foggy. Before Leon was able to gather his wits, he stood before the door of Koloman’s manor where his former advisor was motioning Lady Anabelle inside.
“Good of you to walk her back, Leonard,” Koloman patted his shoulder. “I had no idea she’d left so early. We thought perhaps she’d gone shopping. But of course, she would be safe in your care. Such a good lad, you are. Respectful to the core.”
Leon’s mouth still burned. He touched his bottom lip, wondering if he’d really allowed himself to kiss her. If so, why? That wasn’t like him at all.
“Listen, Leonard. I’m going to take my guests out to the family farm for a couple of weeks. The lady isn’t accustomed to such a bustling city, and it’s starting to wear on her nerves, I fear. So, I thought perhaps a few days out in the country might do them some good.”
Leon dragged in a long breath, cooling the fire burning inside his chest. “That’s probably a very good idea.” Maybe a little distance from her was what he needed to clear his head.
“She’ll return at the end of this week. I’ll send her and Darson in my carriage. So, keep your schedule open on the fourth day from today. I’m certainly pleased over how well the two of you are getting along.”
Leon wasn’t so sure, but his mouth wasn’t working correctly. All the words he wished to say remained garbled inside his throat, tangling together until he feared he might choke on them. Before he was able to tell Koloman that perhaps he was wrong about Lady Anabelle, Koloman bid him a good afternoon and closed the door.
He hadn’t even been invited inside. So strange. Leon took a few steps backward, his hand resting on the medallion tucked under his shirt. Hooking his thumb around the chain, he pulled it loose, clutching the disk tightly in his palm and pressing it against his forehead. The warm metal brought a little comfort. Leon stumbled a few more steps until he found a bench to collapse on. The bench sat at the corner of a major crossroad. Carriages passed by. The clanging of the horses’ harnesses went off like loud gongs in his troubled mind.
Resting his elbows on his knees, Leon buried his face in his hands and closed his eyes, pulling in several deep breaths. “Shaydon help me. I don’t understand what’s going on with me. Why are my thoughts so scattered? Why can’t I stand firm against this woman that Koloman is suggesting will make a good helpmate? None of this fit. Why is everything feeling so wrong?”
“Sir?” A soft voice broke into the whirlwind whipping around inside of him. “Regent sir, a
re you okay?” A gentle hand rested on his shoulder and warmth radiated from the point of touch. Peace settled over him, calming his frazzled nerves and clearing his mind. Slowly, his rapidly beating heart returned to normal. He blinked as the town came back into focus around him once again.
Leon looked up into the kind green eyes of the golden-haired girl. Of course, Riyah had asked him to look out for her. How could he have forgotten? He sat up, brushing the sleeve of his jacket across his weary eyes. “Kardia, isn’t that your name?”
Why was she so oddly familiar? For some reason, he had a gut feeling that he’d met her way before Riyah brought the lass to his orchard.
* * * *
Kardia hugged the bag containing a new skirt and shirt to her chest. The outfit was made of lovely soft cotton. Unlike the scratchy kind of fabric that was only available in Goia, her new shirt was soft and supple against her skin and didn’t require buttoning or tying. All she needed was to slip it over her head. Once the seamstress had noticed Kardia’s hands she insisted that she knew of just the thing for a functional skirt.
She’d brought out a garment the color of the sky in the spring. After measuring Kardia’s waist, the shop owner made a couple of adjustments then showed how the band was stretchy and would fit her without needing to be tied or buttoned. It was perfect!
“How wonderful,” Kardia exclaimed. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
The woman smiled and added a matching headband adorned with pretty little silk flowers as a gift for the newcomer. “I learned most of my skills at the Academy in Aloblase. If you come back in a couple of days, I’ll have a second outfit made for you, now that I have your measurements.”
Kardia wanted to protest, but both Nellie and the Seamstress stopped her. “You’ll need a second outfit, dear. It’s what we do for those who are passing through on their way to see the King.”
She couldn’t thank them both enough. As they exited the shop, Nellie said she needed to make a stop at the toolsmith before they ventured over to see the shoemaker.
“You wait here and enjoy the view. Don’t wander off this block, Goia-girl.” Nellie gave Kardia’s cheek a gentle pinch. “I’ll be out in a jiffy.”
With a nod, Kardia strolled along the sidewalk, her boots sliding over the smooth glittering pavement. She bent down to examine the stones lining the street, wondering if they were the same kind the Elderad had given her as protection against Fajer. As she rose to stand, someone, slammed into her, almost knocking her into the street.
“Excuse me,” she said, annoyed that the man didn’t even bother to apologize. Then she realized from the way the poor man stumbled along, mumbling to himself, that something was definitely amiss. For a moment, she followed until recognizing the same damask jacket the regent had been wearing before. “Why it is… him.”
Kardia followed a few more paces, arguing with herself that she should stay away. But when he fell onto the bench and buried his face in his hands, she knew something was terribly wrong. A sense of needing to help, or to ease whatever distressed him, rose up inside her. Perhaps a remnant of her Sano gifting, she wanted desperately to fix whatever ailed the regent. Before she could stop herself, she was at his side, resting her palm on his shoulder and asking if he was all right.
His glazed eyes cleared, and he finally recognized her, even remembering her name. That had to be a good thing, right?
He held a gold disk in his hand attached to a long chain draped around his neck.
She motioned to it. “Is that… did you get that from King Shaydon? Miltie had one of those.” Before she could help herself, she was sitting beside him. “Can I see it?”
Regent Leon smiled and sat up. His golden-brown eyes seemed clearer, and he no longer acted as if he was ill or… losing his mind. Kardia hadn’t been sure which.
“Absolutely.” He extended the disk toward her. “Who is Miltie?”
She yearned to reach out and take hold of the disk but tucked her hands under the bag instead. “A friend of mine from back home.”
“Miltie…” he held up the medallion so it twirled from the chain. A tree was engraved on one side. When the sunlight hit the leaves and branches it almost came alive. The other side had a hammer and chisel inside a circle of leaves. “I’ve met someone with that name before.” His eyes narrowed as if he were trying to see deeper into her.
Kardia stood. “Should I find someone who can help you return to the Hall? You seem better, but—”
“No, I feel fine now, thank you.” The regent leaned back on the bench, allowing his medallion to rest on his chest. He still kept one hand circled around the chain. His gaze traveled down from her face to the bag hanging from her shoulder. “I see you are in town doing a little shopping. That’s good. Whatever you need will be provided.” His gaze rested on her scruffy boots. “That would include more comfortable shoes. Those look a little travel worn. Are you here by yourself, Kardia?” He kept saying her name in the oddest way.
She wished she could know what he was thinking. “No. Nellie, the—”
“Ah, I know Nellie.” He turned, looking up the street one way, then the other. “She came with you?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Leon. Please call me Leon. I’m sorry for not checking on you sooner, Kardia. This has been a… trying week. But that’s no excuse. I promised my guardian, and he’s going to be sorely disappointed to find out I neglected his request to take care of you.”
She blushed and ducked her head. “I can take care of myself, but thank you.” It didn’t feel proper to call the Regent of Rodonal simply Leon.
He finally stood, towering over her by almost half a foot. “I have this insane feeling that we’ve met before. What town did you say you came from? Maybe we met when I passed through yours during my tour. Though I’m sure I would have remembered you more clearly. Did you come to Rodon with your family? No, Riyah brought you.” He rubbed at his head again. “My thoughts have been so scattered lately. I wish I knew what was wrong with me.”
She almost reached out to touch him again but restrained herself. That would be impolite and most unwelcome, she was sure. “I should find Nellie. She said—”
The regent’s hand clamped onto her upper arm. Not in a harsh way, but she was sure in a way to keep her from running off. “You still need some shoes. Let me accompany you to make sure you get something that will suit your…your…um…”
Of course, he’d noticed her hands. At least he didn’t seem to consider her a thief like some of the other workers had. Sometimes she wondered if that was the reason Steward Pavlina was so impatient with her. The woman couldn’t argue with the regent who’d insisted she be given a place to stay and work to do, but she didn’t have to like his demands.
Kardia slowly lowered her damaged hands. “I was hoping to find something that wouldn’t require laces like these do.”
“There you are Goia-girl,” Nellie called out as she skipped over to Kardia’s side.
The regent’s eyes widened as he let out a sharp breath. “Goia? That’s where….but…?” He shook his finger at her. “It is you.”
Chapter Fourteen
Darnel rode out to the farm along with Fajer. They’d taken one of Koloman’s carriages, and followed the hand-drawn map. Blast Anwynn for sneaking off so early! What had she been thinking going off by herself? Koloman believed she’d gone shopping, but Darnel knew she’d gone off to try again with the regent. A sharp stab pierced his chest. Why had she left him behind?
No, he’d not let jealousy get the better of him. This was all part of the plan. Bad enough Fajer suspected they were banding together to overpower him. Darnel doubted Fajer’s claim of sending word to the Brethren of his plan. To do so would risk revealing his compromised powers.
Besides, no one from the Order would dare attempt to come into the capital city until Fajer and Darnel had it completely under their control.
Darnel didn’t wish to share power. His patience with Fajer waned. And he had no
interest in allowing the Brethren a chance to take what he’d worked so hard to attain. Maybe this time away from the city, that had been such a drain on all their nerves, would offer an opportunity to reason with his mentor. Maybe.
If not, he’d need to find a way to deal with the sorcerer in a swift and sure manner. He’d not be able to harm Fajer by his own hands, their bond stopped that from happening. Had Fajer made such a bond with Anwynn?
Darnel needed to find out.
Koloman had stayed in Rodon to wait for Anwynn’s return. He would bring her out later in the afternoon once Fajer sent the carriage back to town. Darnel’s jaw tightened. The adviser had better mind his manners with her.
“I think that’s it. Right ahead,” Fajer pointed to a stone house, two stories in height, sitting atop of a knoll. Trees circled the home and beyond them spread acres and acres of barley and corn.
Koloman had said that hired workers took care of the fields and the house which had been left to him after his parent’s passing. The servants had made a binding vow and would tell nobody of what happened inside the Manor. Seemed Koloman also had a few tricks, and potions, up his own sleeves.
Darnel let out a deep, calming breath. Already, the strain of being inside the protected city was starting to ease from his tense shoulders. Yes, this place would do them a world of good. Koloman would stay in the city to keep his eyes open for a gifted one they could use to boost Fajer’s powers. The longer that took, the better.
Nearly everyone in Rodon had a medallion. If they could find someone who’d not received theirs yet…someone they could trick into coming to the farm willingly…. There had to be some gullible fool in the thousands of folks occupying the mountain city.
By the time they reached the farmhouse and had brought in all their baggage and Lady Anabelle’s many trunks full of dresses she absolutely hated, the sound of another carriage approaching reached their sharp hearing. The horses pulling the second carriage hurried at a gallop, dust flying up in their wake. What was their rush?
