The Wildcat of Braeton

by Claire M Banschbach

“Good. That saves us fifty men that we can put some-where else.”

  “Aye, Cadfael could use some more men. It’s close enough to the coast if we have a problem with the Raiders.”

  “Enough talk of business. It’s the Festival, and you boys promised,” Queen Elain reprimanded.

  “Sorry,” they said, not very contritely.

  “They take after you, don’t they, Celyn?” Maldwyn chuckled.

  “Darrin?” a young woman said breathlessly as she approached with Amaura.

  “Rhian?” Darrin exclaimed. She ran to him and he took her hands.

  “Oh, I heard you were alive, but it’s so good to see you!” she exclaimed.

  “What happened to you?” Darrin asked.

  “Father made Mother and me leave Caer Benllech when the Calorins got too close. We were to go to Cyndor. I wanted to wait and tell you, but we hadn’t heard anything for weeks. We met with your uncle and went with them,” Rhian said.

  “I wish I had known where you were. I would have come.”

  Amaura came to stand by Corin. “They were going to get married. But then the Calorins came,” she said. It was the only explanation Corin needed as they watched Darrin and Rhian reunite.

  “There’s someone I want you to meet,” Darrin said. He brought Rhian over to his siblings. “My brother, Corin.”

  “I’m so happy to finally meet you,” Rhian said warmly, taking his hand. “Darrin used to tell me so much about you!”

  “I hope he didn’t bore you too much,” Corin said with a grin.

  Rhian laughed. “I only heard the best. And it seems that we still hear about you.”

  “You really shouldn’t believe everything you hear,” Corin said.

  Rhian smiled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Darrin again took her hand, and she smiled up at him. Amaura took Corin’s arm.

  “Kara is about to race Kieran. I told her I would be there, so you can come with me,” she said.

  “Then let’s go. I told both of them I’d watch. The winner gets an extra day of leave,” Corin said.

  “We’ll see you later. I’m so glad you’re back, Rhian,” Amaura said.

  As Amaura and Corin left the hall, she let out a sigh of contentment.

  “Oh, this makes me so happy!” she said, and Corin smiled.

  “They do seem happy together,” he agreed.

  “Did he ever tell you about her?”

  “No, but I know what it’s like to not talk about someone you think you won’t ever see again,” Corin replied, and Amaura briefly tightened her hold on his arm.

  “Mera is going to be there,” she changed the subject.

  “Really?” Corin attempted to sound disinterested.

  “Oh, come on! You like her, don’t you?” Amaura prodded his ribs.

  “Maybe I do, but I don’t see her that often despite your and Mother’s efforts.” Corin retaliated with a gentle tug to her hair.

  Amaura was unabashed. “Well, then you should talk to her now.”

  “Despite what you would like to think, I don’t need ‘someone special’ right now. I just got my family back.” Corin looped his arm around her. But it was more than that, he thought. Something was coming.

  They walked out the main gates and through the town to the open grounds where farmers and craftsmen displayed their wares. Further along, various competitions were being held where warriors tested their skill against one another. Horse races were constantly run. Most of Aredor’s warbands were mounted, and there were few foot soldiers. These races had always been the biggest part of the Festival for there was no poor horseman in Aredor.

  “Captain!” Kieran greeted Corin.

  “A few of our cousins wanted tae race as well, sir,” Kara said. “Is that all right?”

  “It’s your race,” Corin said. “If one of you wins, you still get the extra day.”

  The twins grinned.

  “Grand. They think they can beat Kara. I was going tae let her win, but since we can still get that day…”

  Kara shoved her brother. “Just for that, I will beat you.”

  Two young Braetons walked up with their horses. They were slightly older than Kara and Kieran and wore the purple plaid of Clan Gunlon.

  “You sure you want tae race, Kara?” one teased.

  “Are you sure you want tae?” Kara retorted as her cousin laughed.

  The four riders tightened their girths, and Kara and Kieran shortened their stirrups. The Braetons removed their cloaks and mounted. The twins, dressed similarly in breeches and shirts with sleeves rolled up to the elbows, also mounted.

  Members of the Hawk Flight had gathered and they called encouragement to their riders as they went to the starting line. The horses shifted in excitement as they saw the dirt track.

  “Captain, will you give the signal?” Kieran asked.

  He and Kara gently touched their horses with their heel as Corin stepped forward. Their mounts’ ears turned back toward them in expectation. Corin put his fingers to his mouth and gave a piercing whistle that rose on two notes. The horses sprang away, obscured at first by a cloud of dust.

  The onlookers soon caught sight of the riders again. The four horses were running evenly together. When they came around the last bend of the track toward the finish, a nod of understanding passed between Kara and Kieran. They eased up into the stirrups, and their horses began to pull ahead. When their cousins began to try and come even with them again, the twins tugged on the reins to move their horses in front of the others. The race was now between the twins, and they put all their effort into beating each other. In the end, Kieran barely won, coming ahead by a nose length. Their cousins were not far behind.

  The four riders dismounted and congratulated Kieran with no hard feelings.

  “Och, you’ve finally beaten us, Kara,” her cousin said.

  She smiled. “I always used tae tell you that I would one day.”

  “So you did,” he said. “Congratulations tae you and that wee horse of yours.”

  “Thanks, Micheil. Since I beat you, do I get a dance tonight?” Kara asked.

  “Sure you do. And if you’re as good as you used tae be, then maybe more than one,” Micheil replied.

  As he began to lead his horse away it spooked suddenly. Delyth danced nervously. As Kara tried to pull him away he dodged forward and, caught off guard, she stumbled backward into Tam. He steadied her, and she brought Delyth to a standstill.

  “I’m sorry,” she said as she turned to him.

  “That’s all right,” he replied. “You’re pretty good.”

  “Thanks. My brother and I spent the war outrunning Calorins so we know a bit about racing.” She loosened Delyth’s girth.

  “If you don’t mind my asking, how did you become part of the warband, being a Braeton…?” Tam asked.

  “And a girl?” Kara finished for him with a laugh. “Our father was Aredorian, but we were raised in Braeton. He and Kieran were here visiting some of his family when the Calorins invaded. They never came back, and I convinced an old warrior tae give me some training. When I was seventeen, I came looking for them. The warband found me instead, and the Captain let me stay on as a runner.”

  “Did you fight as well?”

  “Only when I had tae. The Captain tried tae keep both of us away from it, and I’m very glad he did,” she said somberly.

  “You still ride with them, don’t you?”

  “Aye, it’s our family now. But most outside the warband don’t approve. I think it’s mostly because I dress like a boy,” she said with a grin.

  Tam laughed. “Do you get much trouble?”

  “Och, I can handle the women who don’t think it’s appropriate for a young woman tae spend her time with a warband. As for the warriors in the other warbands, most don’t think I belong and try and make things difficult. I usually try and settle it when I can. If not, then they have tae face the Captain or any of the Hawk Flight.”

  “Does that happen often?
”

  “Not as often as it used tae,” she replied. “The lads in the Hawk Flight take care of me and make sure I’m all right. I’m sure it’s strange tae anyone outside of the warband, but the way they see it, I helped the best I could during the war. And I haven’t left.”

  “I don’t think I know anyone quite like you,” said Tam.

  “Anyone as crazy?” Kara laughed, but she blushed slightly. “I don’t usually talk tae anyone about it. Usually the young warriors are trying tae prove that they’re better than me.”

  “Kara! Why’d you let that worthless brother of yours beat you today?” a warrior of the Hawk Flight called as he passed.

  “Even a girl can’nae win all the time!” she called back, laughing with the warrior. She turned back to Tam. “There’s the dancing tonight down in the town square. Are you going?” she asked as her breath decided to desert her for a moment.

  “Aye, I’ll be there. They asked me if I’d play,” replied Tam.

  “You’re a bard?” Kara asked in surprise.

  “I haven’t earned the name yet. Maybe one day.”

  “Well, I’ll see you tonight then,” she said.

  He nodded, and Kara led her horse away.

  * * *

  “How are your new students?” Corin asked Martin at dinner.

  “Sore and humbled,” Martin replied cheerfully.

  They were seated at one of the lower tables with Trey, Aiden, and Will.

  “They’re not the only ones who’ll be a bit sore. I can barely lift my arm right now,” Aiden said.

  “Too much technique?” asked Corin with a grin.

  “Way too much crammed intae a few hours,” Aiden replied. “Reminds me why I gave up the bloody great thing.”

  “You working them again tomorrow?” Trey asked Martin.

  “No, I’ll only need to give them one more day. Eornan is training them in Braeton so they don’t really need my help anyway,” Martin said.

  The meal began to finish, and everyone started to leave the castle hall and go down into the town in preparation for the dancing.

  “I’m starting to think this might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” Martin said as he stood, favoring his injured leg.

  “We’ll still know how to find you by following the trail of fainting, heartbroken women,” Trey told him.

  Martin laughed sarcastically. “But before you know it, I’ll be the only bachelor around here,” he remarked innocently.

  Will smothered a grin as Corin and Trey shot glares at Martin.

  “Do you dance?” Aiden asked Corin in something like shock.

  “Amaura made me learn. Be grateful you don’t have a sister,” Corin replied as they followed the others out.

  The square was brightly lit with lanterns as the last light faded from the western sky. The wide square was already filled with dancers as the music played. Musicians from Aredor and Braeton and even a travelling group of players from Cyndor traded places, never letting the music falter.

  Aiden saw Corin and Amaura join the dancers. Will, Trey, and Jamey also found partners. He saw Rona nearby. He held out his hand. She took it with shining eyes and he drew her into the dance.

  “I didn’t know you danced,” she said as the song finished.

  “Not very well. It’s been a while,” he admitted.

  “It’s not too hard,” she said.

  “Then should we give this next one a try?” He matched her smile.

  Trey claimed Amaura, and Corin asked Mera and was shyly accepted. Kara whirled by with one of the young men of the Hawk Flight. There was finally a pause in the music, and Rona and Aiden left the crowd to sit on the benches that lined the outside of the square.

  “What do you think of all this?” Aiden asked her.

  “I don’t know. It’s so different from Scodra,” Rona said. “But I’m glad I came. You?”

  “Aye, me too.”

  “I’ll be glad tae go back though. I’ve never been away from Scodra for so long. I don’t know how you did it.”

  “When I first left, I thought I would never go back.” Aiden found himself admitting.

  “Why?”

  “Anger drives you further than you know.”

  “And is it still there, this anger?”

  “It’s hard tae let go of, but it has faded with time. And now that I have come back, I hope I’ll never feel it again,” Aiden said.

  Rona slowly reached over and took his hand. He let it stay there.

  “There doesn’t seem tae be a need for it anymore,” she said.

  Aiden smiled. Now that he had made peace with his father, there was no place for the anger that had once filled him. He looked to the young woman sitting next to him.

  “No, there isn’t.”

  Tam found Kara as she was escorted back by a partner. “Are you claimed for this next dance?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “Not yet.”

  They stepped into the dance. It was a slower tune, allowing them some conversation.

  “You have no shortage of partners,” Tam commented.

  “I noticed you don’t either,” Kara replied. “What do you think of the Festival?”

  “There’s always something new tae see,” Tam said. “I’ve never traveled much before.”

  “I hadn’t either before I left Braeton. It was like I never realized how big the world was outside the boundaries of my village.”

  “Do you like Aredor?”

  “I’ve seen almost every part of it. It is a beautiful country. I don’t regret coming here,” she said.

  The dance ended and they withdrew to the benches. They took two mugs of ale from the servers who circled the square. Kara sat on a table and rested her feet on the bench as Tam joined her.

  “Have you ever seen a Festival before?” he asked.

  “No, this is my first. What is Scodra like?” she asked.

  They took turns telling each other of their lives. Tam asked about Will’s time in Aredor, and she was curious to hear the tale of the battle at Scodra that had been circulating among the Clans.

  “There you are!” They were interrupted some time later by Kieran and Ian.

  “We wondered where you’d gone off tae,” Kieran said.

  “Just resting my feet a moment,” Kara replied. She introduced Tam and Ian. “He’s Will’s younger brother.”

  “Then it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Ian clasped Tam’s hand. “He’s a welcome relief especially since I usually have to deal with these two.”

  “What a friend!” Kieran said. “Tam, did you know that Kara is the best rider around here? Except for me, of course.”

  “And Kieran is the most annoying twin anyone could have,” Kara said.

  “I’ll drink to that,” Ian said.

  Kieran frowned at him. “You’ll do anything for a drink.”

  Ian shrugged. “Will I be able to have another dance later, Kara?”

  “Sure, if you get me some more ale,” she bargained.

  “And you think I’d do anything for a drink?” Ian turned to Kieran.

  Tam was laughing, and Kara smiled. A merry reel was struck up by a fiddler from Clan Strowen. Kieran grabbed Kara’s hand and pulled her down from the table.

  “Come on! I’m really good at this one,” he said.

  “Ha! You wish!” Kara said.

  “A challenge then?” Kieran asked.

  “Is it a challenge if you know I’m going tae win?” Kara returned.

  Kieran made no reply as he whisked her into the dance. They staggered back a few minutes later, and Kara collapsed on the bench.

  “You might not get that dance later, Ian,” she said, fanning her face.

  “I’ve never quite managed tae master that one,” Tam said.

  “Neither has Kieran apparently,” Kara said.

  Kieran flopped onto the bench beside her. “It’s not fair that it speeds up at the end.”

  Kara laughed. “Are you playing later, Tam?�
� she asked.

  “We’ll see,” Tam said. “I’ve never played for this many people before.”

  “Please? Ian’s never heard a bard play before,” she said. “You’ll be wonderful.”

  “It looks like I’m about tae get my chance,” Tam remarked, seeing Blair and Will coming toward them.

  “Come on, Tam! Canich is calling for you!” Will said.

  “No excuses! We have tae show them that only the best come from Canich!” Blair said.

  Tam pulled a face as they escorted him away.

  “He seems like a nice enough fellow,” Kieran commented.

  “Yes, he is,” Kara agreed thoughtfully.

  Ian and Kieran exchanged a knowing glance.

  “What?” Kara demanded.

  “Oh, nothing. You two just looked like you’ve made good friends,” Ian remarked. “I promise I’m not jealous.”

  “Stop it. It’s nothing like that!” Kara protested.

  “I’m sure you’ll be wonderful!” Kieran mimicked, fluttering his eyes.

  “Shut up!” Kara pushed him off the bench.

  Ian obligingly helped him to his feet. They simply smirked as they backed away.

  “Boys!” Kara muttered to herself.

  Chapter 4

  The next morning the castle and all its guests were caught up in anticipation for the race. All activity halted as midday approached. The crowds that had gathered at the training grounds parted as Corin and Trey walked to the starting line. Kara and Kieran followed leading their horses. Zephyr held his head high, snorting and dancing in excitement. Trey’s mare, Nerys, arched her neck and pranced alongside Kara.

  Martin was already there with an excited Gwilym. The king and queen were seated on a raised platform. Mera and Amaura pushed up beside Martin.

  “Please be careful!” Amaura begged both of the riders.

  “You shouldn’t worry so much, Maurie,” Corin told her.

  “I shouldn’t worry when you insist on trying to kill yourself?” Amaura exclaimed.

  Kara and Kieran handed the horses to Corin and Trey. They both leapt easily onto the horses’ bare backs. Corin nudged Zephyr forward, and the stallion reared. Corin rode it and turned him in a quick circle. Nerys backed away, and Trey turned her on the forehand before pushing her sideways to the start line.