by J. R. Castle
Leon stared at the fire, trying not to scowl and hoping his face wasn’t turning red. Again. “I was simply taken by surprise.”
Brock chuckled. “Right. You are so taken with her, admit it. And she’s a gem, Leonard. A real treasure, you have to see that, otherwise you wouldn’t have bothered to help her as much as you have.”
Mother sat on the settee with her own cup of tea. She said nothing in response. Leon knew why. Because despite how much she enjoyed Kardia’s company today, Mother would tell him to be careful of where he placed his affections. The girl was a commoner, despite how delightful she might be. He needed to pick someone who would understand what it took to run a province.
Brock set his cup down on the side table and leveled his gaze on Leon. “Admit it. One doesn’t need to be a Curian to see how—”
“My feelings make no difference. Yes, I’m fond of her. She healed my leg. And I feel bad about abandoning her town when I sensed something was wrong. I should have stayed instead of being tricked so easily into leaving. Maybe I could have—”
Brock leaned forward, elbows on knees. “How were you tricked into leaving?”
Leon explained about Mother’s letter, insisting that he return home immediately.
“Which,” she added, “I never asked you to return, even if I was wishing you would. I knew what you were doing out in the townships was important work. And, as much as I wish for Leon to take a wife who will help in running the province, I have to agree with my son. He needs someone who was raised by a Regency family. Someone who will understand what is required of their position.”
Leon shot his friend an I-told-you-so look.
Brock leaned back in his chair. “And I thought my people were narrow-minded and rigid.”
Mother sighed. “I suppose it seems that way, Brockley. The truth of the matter is, I truly enjoyed spending time with your protege today. She has a sincere servant’s heart and she’s very knowledgeable in what the King’s Book of Letters has to say on various matters.”
“She’s read it several times over,” Leon interjected.
“Your subjects will not accept her because she does not have a Medallion. Not to mention, that despite your amazing gloves that will help her function normally again, her injury still raises questions about her past. Whether she was punished for thievery or under a wizard’s contract, both will mar her standing in the public view.”
Brock waved his hand dismissively. “I believe her story. If Riyah revealed himself to her, then took the trouble to help her get here to Rodon, there’s something important about her. Leonard, I’ll call you a fool if you dismiss her so easily.”
Leon folded his arms over his chest and glared at the flickering flames. “I’m not dismissing anyone. I’m fine with how things are right now. I’m gaining some respect from the council and the people who come to the weekly meetings seem to enjoy my talks. What I need is time and for people to stop pressuring me into doing things I….” He thought once more about Lady Annabel’s letter. “Things I do not recall agreeing to.”
He stood, wanting to end this discussion. Today had been one of his best in some time. Kardia had been so grateful for their gift. They’d worked with her all day, helping her to adjust to using fingers again. Several times he’d caught a stray tear slipping down her cheek when she was able to pick up a dried pea, or when she was able to write her name without it looking garbled or as she’d said, “As if I was just learning my letters.”
Kardia had beautiful penmanship, he’d found out once she got the hang of how to make the mechanical hands abide to her will.
Brock had been so excited, saying how many people this invention would help. He wished to make copies but would need to return to Kinti and ask for more materials. He had enough to make one more glove to show what they’d accomplished. Leon’s idea, Brock’s ingenuity. They made a fine team. He’d hoped his friend would stay and take up residence in his province. He could use someone with such a brilliantly inventive mind as Brock’s.
“I’m tired and wish to call it a day.” Leon headed for the door.
Mother’s brows furrowed for a moment before she asked, “What about the young woman you’ve been courting? I’ve been meaning to ask why you haven’t invited her to dine with us.”
“I have. Many times, but she always comes up with an excuse as to why she can’t.”
Brock took the cup and saucer into his hands. “Is this the Lady…what’s her name? Anna-something.”
“Lady Annabel,” Leon answered, ignoring the squirming his insides made every time he thought about her. Unlike the peacefulness that seeped over him like warm honey when he thought of Kardia. “I don’t believe…” he had to force himself to speak the words, “it will…work out…with…her.”
Something wasn’t right. He shouldn’t feel so discombobulated around Anabelle. It made no sense. Shaking his head, he excused himself. He was simply tired and needed to get some rest.
“What is on her Medallion, son?”
Leon froze. “She hasn’t shown it to me. She said she doesn’t wear it around her neck, she keeps it tucked somewhere safe. And I know other women keep theirs in a pocket or—”
“Perhaps,” Brock said in a musing tone, “she doesn’t have one.”
Leon folded his arms over his chest. “Impossible. She entered Rodon with Koloman. She would have had to—”
“Not necessarily,” Mother interjected. “There are other ways into the city.”
“No,” Leon started, but then questioned his reasoning. “Why would…? That makes no sense. The city is protected by the White Tree and the paved roads are covered in white—”
“Cobblestones,” Mother finished. “Mainly. Your father thought the expense of having the true White Stones imported wasn’t worth it. So…there are some parts of the roads that are true, but not all.”
Brock laughed. “That doesn’t surprise me. Other province capitals are guilty of the same. But you are lucky, Leon. You have an Elderad assigned to you who is laying real paths.”
“But not here. He is laying a path through the province so people can make the journey if they wish. Some of the paths link the towns, but not all.” Leon sat heavily on the arm of the chair he’d recently occupied. “I’ve always taken pride that Rodon is a safe place.”
Mother set down her empty cup. “If you think Rodon is safe from invasion, or from those who are intent on evil, you are quite misguided, my son. Wizards can infiltrate our city, just as easily as they’ve infiltrated other places. Yes, even in our own province.”
Brock gave a nod. “From what I heard, this has been the Order’s main tactic. Placing individuals into positions of power and nobody is any wiser.”
“Why haven’t I been told this before? My advisers never once mentioned any of this.”
“Because,” Mother’s lips formed a tight line as her countenance darkened. “Lonnell forbade any of us in his inner circle from discussing this matter. He knew but chose to ignore it. They were causing us no problems. He didn’t believe in dealing with problems until they needed to be dealt with. I do hope you’ll not follow him in that manner.”
Leon stood again. “Absolutely not! This needs to be dealt with…but how?” He started pacing, his mind racing again. Then he stopped, knowing what to do. “I’m going home. I’ll see you tomorrow, Mother. Brock, you are welcome to stay here, unless you’ll miss the couch in my study. Good night.”
First thing in the morning, he’d send a message to Riyah and hope his guardian would be easy to find and willing to return. Leon needed his guidance more than ever.
* * * *
Kardia hurried to Hilda’s cottage. Before entering, she tucked her new hands under her cloak, wanting to surprise them.
Nellie opened the door and welcomed her in. “What are you doing out so late, young lady? Have you been with the regent all this day?”
When Kardia entered the warm kitchen, Hilda was cleaning up from their dinner. “Hello, goose-girl. Ar
e you hungry? We actually have some leftover stew.”
“No thank you, they fed me well while I was at the Meeting Hall. I met the Regent Mother! She was wonderful.” Kardia bubbled over with joy and excitement.
Kellie raced into the room, her hair still damp from her bath. From the next room, Kardia heard the younger children playing in the tub water.
Until Kardia’s family moved into Goia’s Meeting Hall, she’d never even seen an indoor tub or been able to bathe with warm water. This was much more common in Rodon where everyone was used to such pleasures.
“So,” Nellie nudged her. “What did our handsome regent call you in for?”
Kardia’s smile widened as she looked at her dear friends. “You’ll never believe what he’s done for me. I’ll just have to show you.” And she flung back her cloak to reveal her hands. Opening and closing them into fists. “I only need to think about what I want to do and…just like my real hands, they’ll do it.”
Hilda let out a scream of excitement. “Oh, bless Shaydon! What a marvelous invention! Our Regent did this, truly?”
Kardia explained how the idea was his, yet the actual building was done by his friend. “I met a real Curian! He even had the marks on his face and those funny ears that hang down his neck. Though not very far. I think he’s still young for a Curian. But he and Leon are good friends.”
Kellie giggled. “Listen to her calling our regent by his nickname.” Her hands clasped under her chin as she batted her eyes and mouthed, “true love.”
Mother swatted the girl with her towel. “Hush you and go take care of your siblings. I don’t want water traipsed all over my floors. Now get on with you.”
Stomping her foot, Kellie demanded, “I want to see how Kardia’s new hands work. I’ll stop teasing her. Even though I love how her face always turns so red. Such fun!”
“Yes,” Nellie coaxed. “Show us how they work, Kardia dear.”
And she did, picking up large and small objects. “They can take being in the water and won’t rust. Brockley used a special metal that he got from a place called Kinti.”
Hilda gasped with a knowing nod. “A fair price it cost him, I’m sure.”
“He did something to them that makes it so they’ll not come off unless I want them to come off.” She held out her hand to Nellie. “Give it a pull.”
When she did, Kardia was nearly pulled off her feet. Laughing she said, “Now watch. When I say release, pull again.” As Kardia thought of wanting them to come off, Nellie was able to remove the glove easily.
“Amazing,” Hilda hugged her eldest daughter and once again sent up thanks to Shaydon. “We’ve been blessed my dears. Truly blessed with a regent who honestly cares about us. Praise Shaydon, things are going to start changing around here, you’ll see. You’ll see.” The other children had gathered to watch Kardia’s demonstration.
Eventually, Hilda shooed them all off to bed, including Kellie.
As Kardia reattached her left glove, she couldn’t stop smiling. “He truly is kind, Nellie.” She sighed, her heart full, yet aching from spending time with him today. It was silly, actually. Kardia was nothing more than a goose-girl. She certainly wasn’t a Sano anymore, which had been her one special quality, even if she’d never been allowed to use it.
Chapter Twenty-one
Darnel’s eyes closed as the steady clomp of the mare’s hooves lulling him to sleep. When he started to tip to the side, he woke with a start
Aside from a couple of short stops to allow the horse time to rest, he’d kept up a steady pace, wanting to return…not home. He didn’t have one. Certainly not to Fajer. The more he thought of his association with the wizard, the more concerned he grew about his choice to partner with Fajer.
Emmalyn had said his choices were leading him wrongly. How much had she actually been able to read off that one careless touch of their hands? Enough, at least, to provoke her into fighting him. Logorians were the King’s Warriors, but most of them would rather not engage in battle if given a choice. They liked their comforts.
Strange finding one living alone. One related to him, no less. Had her brother’s transgression brought about scorn to her, as well? Maybe the whole family had been shunned, just as Darnel had.
He would expect such treatment from the Curians, but not so much from the Logorians. Not his father’s whole family being shunned. But who knew?
Darnel shook his head. “I’ll never understand any of them. Ah, I see the Leukos River.” The sliver of pink in the eastern horizon shone off the still waters. He patted the mare’s neck. “Almost there.”
They’d parked the wagon deep in the woods before entering Rodon with Koloman. He’d known of the secret way into the city to bypass the gates. Cunning old man. To think he’d spent so many years advising the ruler of this province. No wonder it was in such a sorry state.
And no wonder Koloman worried so much about the new regent, even if he was an inexperienced whelp. The man had already made some progress during his first season. If they hoped to seize the capital city, he needed to be disposed of.
Darnel pulled out the vial Orelia had given him. Add a few drops to his food or drink to gain control of his mind. The one who administered the potion would be the master. He’d have to keep this potion from Fajer. He wasn’t even sure if he’d allow Anwynn to drop it into the regent’s drink. Darnel wanted that control.
After unlocking the back door, Darnel entered the caravan and found a change of clothes. He’d left his town garb here after changing into his traveling outfit. Once properly dressed, he laid down on Fajer’s comfortable bed, so much softer than the narrow mat he was forced to sleep on when they traveled. What if he tied the mare to the caravan and just left? He’d have a fine shelter to get around in.
Except, where would he go?
He suspected there might be other Wizarding Orders in the north, but…if they were anything like the Brethren, he wanted no part of them.
For a few minutes, he let his mind wander and plan. What if he did find a way to rise to power? Would he make alliances with the Wizards? They, aside from the Light King’s warriors, were his greatest threat. Perhaps an alliance wouldn’t hurt.
Then his thoughts drifted back to the elf maiden waiting for him to return. He’d promised her. Despite how hard he had tried to not think of Anwynn during this trip, she filtered through his mind like the sun’s rays through storm clouds.
He’d truly lost his heart to her.
He cursed to himself for allowing it to happen. And no matter how much he desired to leave and be on his own, he knew he’d never leave her behind.
“Ah, enough of this!” Pushing off the bed, Darnel went to fold his traveling clothes and checked to make sure he had everything he needed. He had few personal belongings. The only thing of value to him was the Imagi-sphere. Once he locked the door, he sat on the bottom stoop and took it out, needing to see her. Needing to resolve his troubled mind to what he planned to do.
“Show me Anwynn.” He’d asked this so many times from the globe it now knew who Darnel referred to. The picture forming showed the elf sitting up high in a tree. She seemed worried. He widened his view until he could see she was still near the farmhouse. Koloman walked in circles, calling out her name.
“My Lady, please reveal yourself, my dearest. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to protect you from him. But I’m here now, my love.”
Jealous fury burned in Darnel’s heart. Only he should be calling Anwynn dearest or love. Koloman was starting to overstep his boundaries.
Fajer was also walking along the back garden, looking furious. “My patience is running out with her. Darnel should have returned by now. Everything is falling apart! I need her to return to town and bring that regent back with her. Perhaps I can use his giftings to strengthen myself. I’m tired of waiting!” he bellowed, his fist waving like a child having a tantrum.
Darnel dropped the globe back into his pocket. He whistled for the horse. Time to get back before something ter
rible happened between Anwynn and Fajer. Despite everything else he wanted, one thing he knew for sure was that he didn’t want to lose Anwynn. He loved her and needed her.
* * * *
“I was hoping you’d stay for the festival, Brock.” Leon yawned as he walked beside his friend. The sun shone through the morning haze just enough to chase away the night shadows. They exited the Meeting Hall and headed toward the courtyard fountain. A hawk was perched on his gloved hand, a message tucked in its pack. “It’ll be our grandest event in years. I’ve finally decided on a gift for everyone. The White Tree is producing a lot of fruit this season, I was going to allow every family a chance to pick one.”
“Brilliant idea.” Brock smiled. “Wish I could stay as well, but since you requested the portal…”
“I only needed you to open the portal, not go through it.”
Brockl patted his back. “I believe I’ll return soon, my friend. But I have enough of the model glove built that I can present it at the Halls of Knowledge. I’ll go there first. Perhaps someone will see ways that I can improve it before I return to Kinti to petition for more material. If you need me, I’ll most likely be there by the next full moon.”
Leon sighed. “Very well. I am grateful for your help. The gloves are amazing, and I hope many others will be helped by them, as well.”
Brock stopped beside the fountain. “We will have to see how they perform with Kardia. Keep me posted on her progress, will you?” Turning to face him, Brock added, “And, Leon, remember you have the final say. Don’t allow others to dictate how you live your life. I know you are avoiding finding a mate because you are under so much pressure. But I think…well, I’ll not add my opinion to the growing mountain of them you are already contending with. I’ll only advise you to follow your heart.”
Leon embraced Brock who he loved like a brother. Being an only child, he often adopted his dearest friends into his family circle. “Please don’t be a stranger.”
