by Megan McCoy
As king, he was responsible for all of the people in Bear Claw, and he wanted them to enjoy themselves with a regimented limit of alcohol. Zyon and Quinn had unanimously agreed, knowing how their own people could get when plied with too much of a good thing. To be certain the merriment was under control, Iver issued a warning for those participating that inappropriate behavior would be dealt with sternly the next day, when those who displayed actions that warranted removal were forced to explain themselves before him, and take the decreed punishment.
He also appointed Jai, Rajah, Ardjan and Odin to man the Draco Apple Wine dispensing. Those were some of the biggest and most muscular warriors on Insula, and with sheer size alone, were more of a deterrent to the villagers to think when contemplating overindulging. Iver gave them permission to cut anyone off they felt had imbibed too much, and to restrain and remove any causing a ruckus to a holding hut to await the wrath of the king upon their sobering.
It quickly spread throughout the village that foolishness like fighting and reckless actions would not sit well with the king. Zyon stressed the point to his own villagers, currently residing within the gates of Bear Claw, making a purposed visit to Owna, to couple the warning with one of his own.
Iver liked to walk the village and speak to his people personally each morning. It kept him connected and arguably made him a king to be admired and respected. People were able to approach him to seek council on things of importance, like food, health and issues with fellow villagers that needed an unbiased opinion.
He had excelled in his leadership role, unlike what Illayda had witnessed with her own father or brother in childhood. Illayda’s respect for him grew daily as she watched him interact with their people as an equal. Iver was a born leader, who knew that living by example, was one of the most effective traits a person in his position should exhibit.
It demonstrated both character and integrity, which a leader should embody.
“Do you think it might be too cold today?” he asked with concern. “I cannot see it being better than yesterday. The chill will be biting.” They knew the day was cold since snow had been pummeling Insula for a few weeks now. However, the day was still a mystery to both, as they had not glanced out at the village since the evening before. They had retired early, like most nights lately. With the darkness blanketing the sky for longer hours, their own mild hibernation became routine.
Grabbing his bear cloak from a hook at the door, he fastened it about his shoulders before returning to do the same for his wife. Illayda loved the white fox frock he had gifted her, and the color brought out her natural glow even more. She had regretted accompanying him the previous morning and he ended up cutting the walk short to return her to the hut. Illayda grew tired easily, and he didn’t like her out of his sight for long.
Illayda admired his tall and idol stature.
“What?’ he questioned, leering down into her seductive eyes.
They danced with merriment as she paused to give thanks, he was truly hers. “You’re very sexy, Your Majesty.” She winked, pulling the cloak tighter as she closed the small gap between them.
Reaching out, he captured a tendril of her sexy, wild from passion, hair that had fallen loose and pulled it playfully.
“I should declare clothing illegal for you. It should be against the laws of god to cover such sheer perfection. If I knew you’d never try and escape, I’d keep you naked here in this room awaiting my presence morning, noon and night.”
Illayda blushed, still unaccustomed to compliments. “You cannot cage a wild soul; I’d wither in your absence.”
Iver chuckled. “Tease. You’d grow horns long before you withered.” He bent and kissed her lips. “Coming?”
Quickly plaiting her hair, she slung it over her shoulder before approaching the door to retrieve her moccasin boots, which had been kicked to the side after a hurried removal of everything covering her body the night before.
Accepting his offered hand, Illayda grasped it and smiled. “Of course. I want to go outside and see if the snow has grown as we were sleeping.”
Iver pulled her closer, smirking as they prepared to exit their room for the coolness of the hallway.
“What?” Illayda asked, catching the examination he was doing of her body.
“Nothing.” He smiled appreciatively. “Just admiring my beautiful queen.”
Illayda blushed happily at the compliment. She had hit the point in her pregnancy where she felt increasingly self-conscious of her extra pounds. Sometimes, the last thing she felt was attractive.
“Well, stop it,” she ordered, “I cannot think with you gazing down at me like that. You’re making me self-conscious.”
Iver obediently flicked his eyes away with a controlled grin at her demand. She was so cute when she spoke like she was in charge.
Changing the subject, she decided to enact phase one of her plan to escape her husband’s ever watchful presence. She needed Iver to believe she was going to be well occupied, and there was nothing he hated more than sitting in when the women were discussing woman stuff, when he could be doing other more productive things with his time.
“Before we return, I need to check in with Irae, Owna, Syza and Len,” she commented casually.
While the girls were normally well behaved when they got together, Iver was entirely aware of how much mischief the wives could get into when they were left alone. For some reason, it seemed to be that they believed if they were in a group, they were less likely to be punished if they disobeyed their husbands.
Cocking an eyebrow at her in authoritative scrutiny, his voice hardened. “And why would that be?”
“We are working on our Solstice presents. The days are going quicker than we anticipated,” she said excitedly.
“You all better behave, my sweet. I think I can speak for both my brothers when I say that we have no time to be dealing with any shenanigans. You are usually the ringleader, so consider this your one and only warning.” Iver was serious, and his eyes matched the candor of his voice.
It was Illayda who had initiated the plan to follow the king and princes to the Eastern Camp only a month ago, and Iver had known immediately who had instigated the combined disobedience. Illayda was a worthy mate, but her courage often lacked the brains needed to carry out a plan from start to finish. Her temper was too hot when problems arose. It distracted her when things veered off course, leaving her weak to react appropriately in the heat of a moment.
He blamed Lutta, who should never have encouraged her dangerous plan. Since unveiling to Illayda that he was her father, Lutta had been overly indulgent, in Iver’s opinion, of Illayda’s behavior.
They could have been killed, if they hadn’t luckily witnessed Vicory and Syza’s arrival at the doomed Southern Camp. With Lutta’s gift of sight, Iver thought the old man should be dissuading any foolish actions that Illayda might take, but unfortunately, he seemed to be encouraging and giving her more confidence in acting recklessly.
Iver hated that, and if it was anyone other than Lutta, he’d be ruthlessly persuading the bad influence from cheering on his wife’s reckless behavior. Irae and Lenah had personalities that were more submissive in nature, but Illayda and Willow Pellor were wild cards. They needed no help in getting themselves in trouble.
Illayda grinned innocently. “Of course, my patient, loving, indulgent husband.” She batted her eyelashes. “What trouble could we possibly get into?”
Iver fastened a bear cloak over her shoulders, with cautionary eyes. “Don’t be facetious. We know the behavior you all exhibit when our backs are turned. Rules are rules, even when our presence is absent.”
Smirking, she linked her arm with his, and began to follow him to the door that linked with the hall. “Iver, we are just working on gifts for our husbands. Cross my heart and hope to die.”
“It is not your heart you should be wary of, little one. It is your backside that will suffer if you ignite my temper,” he vowed.
Illayda atte
mpted to put his mind at ease. She wasn’t up to anything but creating or finding a meaningful gift that would make the night even more special. They all were. Not one had any intent on reliving the punishments they’d suffered for leaving Bear Claw to help break the curse.
“We will be on our best behavior, Your Majesty,” she cooed, promising.
Iver still didn’t believe her. He knew her too well. With a questioning groan to convey his distrust, they began the walk down the mountain to greet the daylight and their villagers.
“Morning, sleepy head,” Zyon said lovingly to Irae, who had just opened her eyes.
Peeking out of one semi-closed eye, she groaned miserably as a wave of nausea overcame her and she darted for the pot she had become best friends with.
Rubbing her back lovingly, Zyon tried to sooth his pregnant wife as she dry-heaved with the morning sickness still claiming her body.
Lucca was still fast asleep, but Lily woke up when she felt the abandonment of her mother’s heat, running sleepily to Zyon, calling “Papa.”
Zy lovingly picked up his stepdaughter and flung her happily in the air.
She giggled with glee, drawing out his softer side.
“Momma sick,” she said, pointing to Irae.
“I know,” he agreed and tried to explain again why. “The baby in Momma’s tummy is making her sick. Can you say baby?”
“No!” the little one said crossly. “Me, baby!”
Zyon chuckled at the jealousy. Lily was a spitfire, and he adored her developing personality. “Yes Lily, you are our baby too” he reassured, kissing her head and then lowering her back to the floor. She was going to be as magnificent as her mother, he was sure of it.
Irae stood on shaking knees once she had regained her composure. “It is so unfair wives have to carry the young,” she said to her attentive husband. “I think at least once a man should have to experience this.”
He hated seeing her sick, but knew there was very little he could do other than listen to her complaints and help with their two young children. He walked over to the cradle holding Lucca, who had just started to fuss, and lifted him into his strong warrior arms.
The stark contrast between Zyon, the fierce leader and Zyon, the father was very noticeable. When she was feeling better, Irae had to admit watching how attentive and loving Zy was with the children, made her heart flip over. They were all blessed to have him as their protector.
“Stay in bed, wife. I will take the children down to Charlotte. Owna will bring you up some ginger tea and focaccia, so try and put something in your stomach. You’ll be sicker if you continue vomiting yellow. Rest and I’ll check on you later.”
Irae stood, looking pale, trying to dismiss his offer of help. “No, I told Illayda I’d help with planning the Solstice festivities. They are this week.” Another flutter of nausea overcame her senses, and she dashed again for the bucket.
Zyon folded his arms across his chest, watching her misery helplessly. Softening his voice, but making it clear to her he was serious, he said lowly, “I’ll explain to the queen why you are not allowed to help today.” He overstressed the not. In between her heavings, he added, “Illayda will understand. I’ll assure her if you are up for it tomorrow, we will both help. I’ll even recruit Iver, what fun that will be.” Zyon smirked thinking of how much Iver loved to be bossed around. “You will remain resting today, little wife. Am I clear?”
Irae took a moment to compose herself, before shuffling back to the bed, dizzy from queasiness. “Clear.” Was all she could muster, putting a hand to her head and closing her eyes.
Zyon opened the door to the hall and walked out with Lucca and Lily, just as Iver and Illayda were approaching from their room.
Lily saw her aunt first and let go of Zyon’s hand to dash toward her, giggling when Illayda dropped to the child’s level and scooped her up happily. “La da, La da,” Lily said happily.
“There’s my girl,” Illayda sang, twirling her niece as she secured her to her hip. “Where’s your mother?”
“Momma sick.” Lily said, looking sad.
Illayda turned her question to Zyon, who nodded, quickly adding, “I sent her back to bed. The morning sickness is a lot. She says tomorrow she may be more up to helping with the plans for the festivities. I’ll help too, if Iver gets on board. That is, if you need extra hands.”
Iver and Illayda were over that part of the pregnancy, but remembered the time well. “I don’t believe our help will be necessary, Zyon. Although, I’m pleased to know you readily volunteer my services,” Iver said, leveling his brother with a warning glare of disapproval.
Unfazed, his smile broadened. “The king has been known to participate in helping his lowly subjects when needed, as I recall.” Zyon’s teasing was clear, and with a wink he added, “However, I must admit, Illayda, you and the women do a lovely job of organizing all on your own. We would most likely get in the way.”
Illayda knew exactly what game her brother-in-law was playing; skipping with Lily to make her laugh, she commented, “Your papa is a sneaky man, Lily. He is trying to compliment me, so I let him off the hook.”
Zyon and Iver exchanged mischievous grins at the queen’s wise appraisal; looking at them, while addressing Lily, she added, “I think I will come up with a task, just to punish him for trying to best me. What do you think?”
The child matched her aunt’s happiness, trying to think, darting a glance to Zyon. He raised his eyebrows in playful warning for her not to get involved, but lost in giggles, Lily leaned in and loudly whispered, “Yes.”
Feigning injury, Zyon clutched his chest, making Lily and Illayda laugh harder at his dramatic expression of being hurt.
“It is best Irae rests, brother. My wife has a lot of help that can assist in her absence, right my love?”
Illayda would be lying if she said she wasn’t disappointed, but she wasn’t going to push Irae after so recently experiencing the wretched curse of pregnancy herself. It was debilitating. One minute all was well, the next you felt like you were so ill you wanted to die. “Of course, Zyon,” Illayda said kindly. “Tell her to feel better and she can join us when the sickness passes.”
Twisting and turning down the paths, the group halted when they noticed Lenah coming out of one of the barn rooms. She jumped when she saw her brothers-in-law and Illayda, but kept hold of the basket of eggs she had just collected.
“Anyone want some eggs?” she asked kindly. She still felt odd around Iver and Zyon since the episode with the curse. No one said they did not trust her, but her gut told her differently.
Len had confided in Quinn about her reservations, and he promised her no one harbored any grudge against her for what had happened. In the end, she had been the hero of the story and saved them all. It was not without its losses, but as Quinn explained, they felt it was a much larger one for Lenah herself, then for the people of Insula.
“I’ll help you, Len. We can try to prepare a decent breakfast for these burly men. I swear they eat more in one sitting than I do for a week,” Illayda teased.
“A warrior needs to keep up his strength. In this cold, we need the extra fat layer to survive these temperatures. What good is a man who is sickly and thin?” Zyon protested.
“A man is not a bear, Zyon. Without the vigorous training you and Iver are used to, that extra fat layer is thickening by the week,” Illayda smirked.
Iver glowered down at his playful wife, shaking his still hardened midsection. “You do not complain when it is keeping you warm, little one.” He wrapped his arms around her neck and walked stoutly behind her. Zyon had gained more weight than he, but Owna’s frequent bread making was to blame for that. Neither men were worried about the criticism. Come spring, the weight would go off as quickly as it had appeared.
“Tis the time of year we should be eating and drinking our fill. The Solstice is a wonderful time to gather and spread cheer. What good is all of our hard work in the other months, if these, with so much down time
, cannot be enjoyed?” Zyon defended.
“Agreed, brother.” Iver applauded. “I declare the week of the Solstice to be a week of enjoyment in Bear Claw. Allow us to start by gathering tonight. We will have a fire in our rooms and pass the peace pipe to uplift our moods. I think I remember the creation story Father told us as lads, Zy. It sounds like the perfect time we share the tale with our wives. Len, I hope, despite Quinn’s absence, you will join us. It will be nice for us all to spend some time together as a family.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I would be honored to join you.” Len blushed.
“Oh, I’m so excited!” Illayda exclaimed. “In recent years, the Solstice had become a day many of us dreaded. As children, I remember Mother gathering us around the great fire and telling us stories as the men indulged in food and drink. That changed as we grew. I think this is the first year in a long time, I am excited for the night to come.”
Iver squeezed her, trying to convey his empathy for the horrors she and Irae had gone through at the hands of Kavon, while Kovo turned a blind eye to his son’s abusive behavior. While neither he nor Zyon could erase those memories, they were determined to make more joyful experiences now that would fade the pain they had once come to know as normal.
Lenah grinned widely. “It will be the grandest we have ever seen. Our people have always enjoyed the Solstice, but the atmosphere is simply sparkling with merriment this year. Everyone you speak to seems happy and excited for the upcoming days. I can hardly believe the people who are in the village. I never knew Bear Claw could house so many.”
“We caught several wild turkeys and a few boars. There will be lots of food.” Iver said proudly. Opening the door leading into the hut, he praised, “May the gods reward our peace with a night that is as calm as our hearts.”
Owna overheard them entering, as she boiled water for cleaning some clothes. Charlotte was with her, already scrubbing some that had soaked overnight. The older woman turned, as the group appeared in the hut, that housed the door to Peetohwah. “Zyon, before Quinn left for the barns, he told me he placed two giant barrels of Draco Wine by the punishment hut. He said for you to house them in the cold rooms until the evening of the Great Fire,” Owna recited, fearful she’d forget. While the wine shouldn’t freeze, she feared leaving it out in the snow bank would ruin the batch. It was that, more than the food, she was most looking forward to.
