A dance ended just then. Derex glanced at me, but said nothing. I knew he wanted to ask me to dance, but was afraid to because of how much higher my social status was. He cleared his throat and fidgeted a bit. Then he looked at my face. “Lady Scarlett, would you … well, I was hoping that perhaps you would like to dance. Only if you would like to, my lady,” he added quickly.
“I would love to.” I took his hand, and we walked to the center of the Hall as the musicians began to play. I blocked out the disapproving looks I was receiving from bystanders. Derex seemed like a loyal and humble young man, and I wasn’t going to turn down his offer to dance just because he was poor.
Derex messed up one of the moves slightly, and I began to laugh. Right after, I messed up too, and we laughed again, causing our movements to be sloppy. Derex even talked to me while we danced, which made me even more comfortable.
He told me he lived right in Darrenberg village, next to Silas Elis’ house. He also told me more about his father, a struggling merchant who wasn’t home often because of how much he traveled. Derex helped his father with his work occasionally, but worked full time as the town butcher’s apprentice. He hoped to take over his master’s work when he gave it up because of old age.
When the dance ended, servants quickly began setting up tables for the feast. Three jugglers entered from the side door of the Great Hall to entertain guests during the feast. “Thank you for dancing with me, Lady Scarlett,” Derex said.
“Of course. I’ll find you after the feast to say good bye.”
“Very well.” He smiled and walked away.
I joined Father on the dais at the highest table in the room. Cordel sat to Father’s right, as he usually did, and Grizelda and her family sat beside him. Jack and I sat on the other side of the table. Also joining us at our table were other upper-class guests, including Duke Aaron and his wife and daughters; the Duke of Rugart; the priest, who was dressed in a white robe trimmed with gold; and several other men who I didn’t recognize.
The cooks brought out the dishes once all the guests were seated. The plates were so pretty and fancy, arranged in an elegant way. I glanced down at one of the lower tables and saw they were being served vegetable pottage and bread as their first course.
Jack began wolfing down his food, eating like he was starved. After about five minutes, he had downed everything on his plate and was asking the servant boys to dish him some more meat, all the while telling me about the “beautiful maidens” he danced with.
Soon, the cooks came in again with the second course. This time they brought in several dishes containing cooked fish, baked spiced apples, bread drizzled in gravy, and an assortment of colorful vegetables. Jack seemed just as hungry as when the first course was passed out, and he filled his plate with everything but vegetables, including extra gravy.
He tried to force me to keep on eating, telling the squire to fill up my plate for me.
“Eat, Scarlett,” Jack said. “Tonight is a special night. Everyone is going to feast, and you must, too. You have become too skinny.”
I grimaced at him calling me skinny, but at least he had said it for my ears only. I knew Jack well enough to know it was a mere joke, and he hardly cared about my appearance.
There were magicians, jugglers, and young squire boys shuffling around each table in the Hall. As I looked at the faces of each guest, they all looked satisfied. I spotted Derex sitting down at one of the lower tables. He looked slightly uncomfortable there with people whom he didn’t know. But when he caught my eye, he smiled.
The men at the lower tables, I noticed, were each downing tankard after tankard of wine, and were becoming rowdy. The lower class seemed to be enjoying themselves much more than the people at my table. For a moment, I wished I could join Derex at his table. But the scandal that would create was unimaginable.
When I felt like I couldn’t eat anything more, a huge goose was brought out and placed on our table, along with all the sides. Jack grinned as a large piece was placed on his plate, and he asked me, “Do you want some?”
I shook my head and smiled. “I am not an endless pit like you, Jack.”
He shrugged, then turned his attention to his own food.
Father spoke then to everyone at our table. “It is an honor to celebrate the arrival of my son, Lord Erguston, with you all. We are so happy to have him back in Darrenberg after missing him for more than two years.” He raised his tankard of wine toward Cordel, and the guests joined him. Cordel didn’t smile, but simply gave a curt nod.
The guests ate and drank the last course, and soon desserts were placed on the tables.
When everyone was finally finished — Jack must have been the very last — the leftover food was taken back to the kitchen and all the plates were cleared. Jack told me there would be three more songs played, and then people would begin to leave.
The tables were hauled out of the Great Hall and the band of musicians began playing again. Fewer people seemed to want to dance this time around — except Jack, of course. He had to soak it all up before the ball ended. I found him dancing, once again, with Gwen, and I almost laughed aloud.
I leaned against a large marble pillar and watched my brother dance. With a deep breath, I thought about the night’s memorable moments — dancing with Cordel and meeting Derex, who seemed like a loyal friend — and I knew I would cherish them.
My arm, which was wrapped slightly around the pillar behind me, touched something. Startled, I stepped away and quickly turned around. Derex.
“Pardon me, my lady. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
I smiled and put a hand on my hip. “Is this going to keep happening?”
When we both laughed, I knew Derex Peterson would make a good friend.
“Are you leaving soon?” I asked him.
“Yes. My father heads for Rugart in the morning, and I need to get back to take care of my mother and little sisters. But perhaps I'll stay a little longer, if you will dance the next dance with me?” His grin was slightly mischievous, but so endearing.
I grinned back. “Perhaps. If you do not use poor footwork this time.”
“Let's not forget the time you messed up yourself, Lady Scarlett,” Derex reminded me while bowing. I couldn't help but laugh at the bossy tone in his voice.
“Because you made me laugh, Sir Derex Peterson!”
His face lit up, and I was sure I was the first to ever address him as “sir”.
Then he chuckled. “Well, if you don’t want to dance, I believe I’ll be on my way.”
“Oh, Derex, please don’t go yet. I’ll dance with you.” I took his hand, and we hurried to the dance floor once more. My last dance at the ball was very enjoyable. Derex and I laughed and talked, and he messed up again. But it only made the moment more amusing.
The dance sadly came to an end. Derex and I walked to the big door of the Great Hall, leading outside, where his father waited patiently.
“It was very nice meeting you, Derex Peterson,” I said.
“And you as well, Lady Scarlett. Will I see you again?”
“Yes. I am certain I’ll see you soon, when I come to the village.”
“Good.” Derex bowed. “Until then. Farewell.”
I curtsied. “Farewell, Derex.”
He smiled at me a moment longer, then turned and went out the tall doors.
The ball ended without any more excitement. The guests said their goodbyes and the Hall became empty.
Jack looked a little disappointed that it had come to an end. I saw Cordel kiss Grizelda’s cheek before she left with her family. Then he went to his chamber without a word to anyone.
I was tired, so I wished Jack goodnight and walked out the side door of the Hall.
Malachi accompanied me to my chamber. When I got there, Britta helped me change into a white nightgown, then I climbed into bed.
I still couldn’t believe my older brother had asked me to dance with him.
Of course, by tomorrow he’d hav
e forgotten I was his sister. Or at least, he’d act that way.
When I woke up, things would be back to how they had been for the past six years, how I had come to accept they would be forever.
CHAPTER 10
“Cordel actually asked you to dance?” Merida asked me.
“He did.”
“I don’t believe it. Perhaps you were right all along. Perhaps he is changing!” She took my arm, and her smiled flashed in the bright, early summer sun. Four days had passed since the ball, and I hadn’t been able to visit her until today.
Merida, Sir Malachi, and I walked in the field just outside the town gates. Merida’s arm was linked through mine, and Malachi trailed along behind us.
“Merida, you are so optimistic.” I shook my head. “I think you were right. People don’t just miraculously change overnight, like I was expecting him to do. And I have decided not to get my hopes up. If Cordel wants to start acknowledging Jack and me more often, then that is his choice. I’m not going to wait for years for him to change.” I was assuring myself more than telling my friend. Although I made it sound like I didn’t give a care about him anymore, I couldn’t deny I did. Deep down, my wound still festered. Being hurt by him as a child bruised my heart, and caused me to no longer trust the person I’d looked up to most. I wished I could forgive him despite the fact that he wasn’t sorry for the way he treated me, but I was only human. I had emotions and feelings, too. Only a sincere apology from my brother could fix the damage completely.
“Has Cordel spoken to you since the ball?” asked Merida.
“Hardly. He hasn't been around much the past few days. I assume he’s been visiting Lady Grizelda.” Today he was out in the forest hunting. Again. It seemed to be his escape from his family and reality.
Merida, Malachi, and I came to the edge of the field, where the woods began.
“I had better get back,” Merida said. “I need to go to the market before I go home. My family will be expecting me.”
“Why don't you go on? I'm going to keep walking for a while longer.”
She hugged me and we parted.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Malachi asked suspiciously after Merida had walked away.
“I want to take a walk in the woods. To clear my head.”
“Lady Scarlett.” He looked very unsure. “That is not a good idea. Do I have to remind you of what happened last time?”
He wasn’t going to let me go. I could tell.
“Everything turned out fine, Malachi. We were both unharmed. And if you come with me, I promise I’ll stay right beside you. Please, Malachi?”
He looked up at the sky, then into the thick woods. “You can’t possibly understand the dangers of what lurks in that forest.” His voice was far-off and thoughtful.
“But I have you to protect me! What harm can come from these fatuous woods?” I rolled my eyes.
“More than you know, my lady.”
“If something happens, I will take full responsibility for it. I am Duke William's daughter, so you must listen to me.” We both knew that wasn’t true. I was just being feisty with him.
“Duke William has ordered me to protect you, so I will. And I take orders from him.” Malachi looked slightly agitated in a way I had never seen him look.
“And you will. Pursuant to my father’s orders, you will protect me while we take a quick walk through the woods.” I began walking in that direction.
“Why do you want to go in there so badly?”
I looked back at him. “Because I love the woods, and I never get to go in there anymore. You’ve got to ease up. Please, Malachi…you'll be my favorite bodyguard for sure,” I teased.
“I'm your only bodyguard.” He didn’t look amused. “I don't think it's a good idea, Lady Scarlett. If something were to happen to you, I would be blamed, not you.” With that he began walking toward the castle.
“Fine!” I called after him. “I'll just find a different escort.”
“Good luck,” he called over his shoulder.
Now he was getting feisty.
I followed him back to the castle, refusing to walk beside him. After going inside, I searched for Jack and found him in the solar. I could usually convince my brother to do what I wanted him to, but it was going to be hard to tear him away from his chess game.
“Will you please accompany me on a walk through the woods, Jack?” I asked.
He mimicked Malachi's unsure face. “I was just about to beat this fellow in a glorious game of chess.” He grinned at his opponent.
The man actually looked intimidated.
“Come on, Jack.” I took his hand. “Go on an adventure with me.”
He looked to be thinking it through, then he stood up. “All right.” He leaned over and pointed a finger at me, smiling slightly. “But I know I’m going to regret this.”
I clutched his hand and pulled him toward the door.
“This game isn’t over!” Jack called back to his challenger.
Then we ran out of the castle and toward the woods, completely oblivious of the dangers Sir Malachi warned me about.
We entered the trees, stepping over broken tree limbs and walking around thick trunks. The bright, late afternoon sun filtered down through the leaves. If Jack allowed us to walk far enough, we would come across a big gorge. Some sections were very steep, but there were also paths that Cordel, Jack, and I used to hike up and down years ago.
I hoped I didn't get in trouble for going out there. I shouldn’t — Jack was with me. He was armed with no weapon, of course, but I carried my bow and quiver of arrows on my back. I was probably more capable of defending us than Jack was, anyway.
“So, tell me about this Gwen who you seem so fond of,” I said as we walked.
Jack’s immediate smile gave him away. “Well…she is the daughter of Duke Emmett’s brother, Lord Hanz.”
I nodded. “I see. And how old is she?”
“Seventeen.”
I smiled. “Well, that is perfect!”
Jack blushed.
“Where does she live?”
“In a large manor house in the region of Wenburk. She lives there with her parents.”
“And does she have any siblings?”
“Only an older sister, who is already wed.” For Jack’s sake, I didn’t submerge him with more questions. It was enough that he looked happy. Perhaps he would marry this girl.
We reached the big gorge. Jack and I looked over the steep edge. It was a long way down, but I wasn’t worried. We used to climb up and down it all the time.
“Remember how Cordel would always do something stupid and then regret it after he injured himself?” asked Jack.
I laughed, remembering him falling out of trees, chasing bear cubs, and crawling into caves, only to realize coyotes had made their dens there. He used to be fun like that.
“Yes,” I said. “He’s always been very daring. Does he do dangerous things like that at the warriors’ camp?”
“Sometimes, although he usually tries to appear mature and superior in front of his army.”
Jack went to the camp to train every once in a while. He hated going, but if Father asked him to go, he would obey. I didn’t think it was necessary for him to train, especially when he didn’t enjoy it. The men in my family – specifically Father and Cordel – held combat skills in very high regard. To them, if you weren’t good with a sword and a crossbow, you weren’t a real man.
I walked along the edge of the big gorge. I was only a few feet away from my brother when the ground suddenly broke beneath me. “Jack!”
I was falling down the gorge. This was it.
I heard myself scream, and knew I was dead.
My body slammed against a tree growing out of the side of the gorge. I clutched the slim trunk and held on with all my strength. My grip almost slipped, but I clung to the tree for my life.
“Scarlett!” Jack ran to the edge of the cliff.
I moaned as a rush of pain spread
through my right side. Thankfully, I had only fallen down a few yards. If I hadn’t grabbed the tree, I would have fallen all the way down the gorge and into the small stream of water at the bottom. This section was so steep, I was sure I would have died.
“Careful, Jack!” I called, worried that the ground where he was standing was unstable as well.
Jack let out a breath of relief and muttered, “Glory and praise…” It was what he always said when he was relieved or thankful to God. “I’ve got to get you up, but I…I’m not sure how.”
I wrapped my arms around the trunk and told myself not to look down.
“I don’t know if I’m strong enough to pull you up.” He shook his head. “But I can’t just leave you there!” Panic rose in his voice.
Jack looked over his shoulder, and I heard footsteps rustling in the woods above me.
Then Cordel looked down at me over the edge of the ditch. “Scarlett?!”
What was he doing out here?
Cordel turned to Jack. “What have you done?” Anger tinged his voice, as though it was Jack’s fault I was in this predicament.
Cordel quickly lowered himself down, stabilizing himself on two trees just above me. Then he reached down. “Here. Grab my hands.”
I took his hands — his strong, capable hands that had held mine so gently while we danced at the ball and now were so powerful and safe. Cordel pulled me up to him as though I weighed little more than ten pounds. Then he wrapped his hands around my waist and lifted me above his head until I could grab Jack’s hand. Once I was safe, he hoisted himself up the rest of the way.
Jack hugged me. “I thought you were dead, Scar! I couldn’t have lived with myself. Father would kill me.”
“It’s all right, Jack. You don’t need to be sentimental.” Then I turned to my other brother. “Thank you, Cordel.”
Cordel scowled. “You should be more careful.”
“What are you doing out here?” Jack asked.
“I was hunting nearby. Then I heard Scarlett scream, so I came to see what had happened.”
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