A bevy of ladies-in-waiting accompanied the bride to her chambers. They stripped her of the gown and tiara then perfumed, pampered, and dressed her in a delicate nightgown. An overwhelming sense of impending doom overwhelmed her as she climbed into bed.
A crowd of wedding guests and mandatory witnesses accompanied the groom to the bedchamber.
He and the guests laughed loudly at each risqué ballad or joke. He undressed, proud to display his fit body. “Now if you will excuse me, I do have some urgent business to attend to,” Willem reminded those present. Everyone left the bedchamber to allow the bride and groom privacy.
Willem locked the door as the last of their guests had stepped into the hall. He walked toward the bed with a grin, the sort one would expect a predator to show before killing their prey. He stood with arms akimbo, “I know just how to punish you for that little show.” The announcement came moments before he climbed into bed with his bride.
Emely was grateful that the door and walls were thick enough to prevent others from hearing her screams. At least she would not suffer that embarrassment tomorrow.
***
Chapter 8
Friends Reunited
Endless days of riding through the rolling fields brought them closer to the river crossing leading into the western land. The Olde World was a massive continent of varying landscapes and seasons. The rains returned as they neared a crossroads. The constant drizzle and colder temperatures did little to improve their pace. The learned that an aging bridge provided an easier crossing for the massive, icy river. It would aid their travel to the western lands.
Kaegan surveyed the roads and crossroads from a distant bluff. “We can attempt it. There is no sign of anyone as far as the eye can see.”
The horses broke into a canter. Best make the crossing now. Then they could make haste to find a safer path. A small, dapple grey horse approached suddenly in the distance. The cloaked rider was not identifiable at this distance. Kaegan clutched the ax tightly in one hand across the horse’s withers.
“Hallo, friend!” a voice called out as the horse drew closer. Ebin Quidell grinned at them from beneath the hood. Loud laughter came as he dismounted.
Kaegan and Loriann joined the young man. Kaegan bear-hugged the shorter man, lifting him off his feet. “You old dog! Have you come to take my woman?” he joked. The two had grown close during their time in Astor.
They exchanged greetings. The mood lightened afterwards. Loriann smiled for the first time in days. “Ebin! It’s so good to see you! You are well?”
“Aye, mum. I finally became an adept!” he replied, a broad smile showing his pride. “Archmage Orizahr trusts me with the potions now.”
“What brings you here, Ebin?” she asked.
“Archmage Orizahr sent me. He learned of your travels and thought an ally sympathetic to your cause might be useful. I’m here to take you to meet the Duke of Waelcombe.”
Loriann gave the man a hug. It warmed her heart to see him. “It would be an honor to have you join us, wouldn’t we Kaegan?”
“We would truly enjoy your company!” Kaegan clapped Ebin on the back so hard he nearly lost his balance. “Sorry, brother, I forget my strength sometimes.” The two men had forged a bond as close as brothers. The title came naturally as the bond strengthened.
They mounted their horses before continuing across the bridge. Ancient timbers creaked and groaned as they traversed its length. The bridge was in poor repair. A massive wooden crossbeam fell from beneath the bridge as they neared the end. A loud splash came as it landed in the swift, grey water a distance below.
“I’m glad that’s over,” Ebin chuckled nervously. “Close call.”
The land changed as they found footing on the western expanse of the continent. Rolling hills covered in thick grasses spanned the horizon for miles. An occasional solitary tree became dense forests to the northwest. Mist and fog obscured rugged snow-capped mountain ranges.
They chose a place to camp just off an aging, forgotten pathway choked with thick bushes and briars. The warmth of the fire soothed their aching bones. The icy chill had taken its toll. All three of them shivered for nearly an hour as they sat by the fire. The thick pine boughs overhead shielded them from the rain.
Ebin had snared a hare in a nearby briar patch. The flesh sizzled on a spit over the fire. Kaegan gladly accepted the first offering, a juicy hind leg roasted to perfection.
Just as they were settling down to enjoy the roasted rabbit, two men burst through the bushes blocking the camp from the road. One man carried a mace and the other a rusty sword. The men wore rough cloth breeches and shirts. Their stained, torn cloaks did not bear the king‘s crest.
Loriann knew the threat came not from the king’s guard. The danger remained, threatening two people she cared about.
“All right, laddies, drop yer weapons,” the short round man said. The men had a striking resemblance.
“Hands up,” the other called. “Give us yer coin.”
“We have none,” Loriann replied. “And we’ve had the last of the rabbit.”
Kaegan glimpsed a dagger in Ebin’s hand. He motioned for the man to drop the weapon. He knew the men would harm them if provoked.
Loriann did not fear the potential danger. She rose to her feet circling to the left, working her way between the men and the road. Kaegan saw the fire burning in her eyes.
“Now missy, ye better stop right there,” the short round man warned. “Watch out, Remy, she’s up to something.”
The man’s partner nodded. “I sees her, Willy.”
Loriann’s jaw clenched as she spoke again. “How about a game and a bet, lads?”
“What kinda bet?” Remy replied. “Ye says ye ain’t got no coin.”
“Riddle me,” Loriann smiled. “Riddle me this, riddle me that. Two guesses right and off you go. If I get it wrong, you can kill us and take everything we have.”
A twitching muscle in Kaegan’s jaw indicated his nervousness. He nor Ebin knew the full extent of her power. He feared the rage that had built after their baby’s death would explode with catastrophic results.
“Hrm...I don’t likes it, Remy,” Willy replied nervously. He inched farther away, putting more distance between himself and the lady. “They might have friends.”
“You can’t leave until we play the game,” Loriann stated, “I won’t stand for it. Where’s the fun in that gents?” A line of emerald flame raced toward the men before encircling them. The fire danced high above their heads. There was no chance of escape.
“We’s just kidding, mum, dinna mean no harm.” Remy’s eyes darted from Loriann to Ebin then Kaegan. He realized too late the mistake they made.
“Ask a question, anything at all. Remy is it? Your turn first.” She paced back and forth. The man’s silence enraged her even further. “Willy, let’s play the game since your brother refuses. That’s not very nice, you know.”
“What’s our name?” Willy stammered.
Loriann concentrated for a moment, her brow furrowing. Psion powers took considerable effort and skill to wield. Remy grabbed his head in both hands uttering a cry of pain. “Weber is your father’s family name. Pidgin your mother’s family name. Am I right?”
“Leave ‘im alone mum! Yer hurtin’ Remy!”
“It isn’t nice to play games on others, lads, but you already know that. The last people you did this to are dead now.” Loriann stopped pacing long enough to stare at Remy writhing in pain. She focused on him, a finger moving outward in a slashing motion.
Remy’s scream came as a high-pitched sound that faded into nothingness before he collapsed on the ground. Blood poured from his mouth, nostrils, and ears.
Ebin whispered to no one in particular, “Gods! She’s learned the psion’s blade!” His eyes widened in awe of Loriann’s power.
Willy stood gawking at his brother’s body lying on the ground. An ever-expanding pool of blood encircled Remy’s head. He fell to his knees begging mercy from t
he girl. “Ice or fire,” Loriann inquired.
“Please mum just lets me go!” Willy begged as a stream of urine wet the front of his breeches.
“I suppose I will have to choose,” she replied. “Fire it is.” The emerald flames imploded on the begging man wearing piss stained pants. “He could have chosen ice.”
***
The massive form of Waelcombe Keep loomed before them. The thick walls and iron-strapped door were strong enough to withstand most assaults. The keep had endured many battles over the past few hundred years.
The Duke of Waelcombe stood waiting in the courtyard. He was a man of forty-odd years. A scar down the center of the right side of his forehead and eyebrow told of the experience the duke had in battle. He was as formidable an opponent as Willem Jarin, though few people dared share the news with the Grand Meister.
Ebin dismounted after they entered the courtyard. “Derek, erm, my lord, it is good to see you again!” The men pounded each other on the back in greeting. “Let me introduce our guests.”
The guests dismounted before Derek Rainer. Kaegan bowed deeply, greeting the duke with a “My lord.”
Loriann curtsied as she responded with a similar greeting. “‘Tis a pleasure to meet you, my lord.”
“Ah, where are my manners! You have traveled far,” the duke replied, motioning for one of his men to lead the horses away. “You must come inside, I hope you are hungry. Cook has prepared a wonderful feast in honor of your arrival.”
They entered the expansive foyer then moved to the great hall. It amazed Loriann at the beauty of the long oak table gracing the center of the room. Heavy oak chairs sat along the length of the table. Two fireplaces, one on either end of the hall, contained roaring fires which warmed the room.
Kaegan, Loriann, and Ebin sat as the duke motioned for a nearby servant to serve the guests. Someone offered wine or ale during the meal service.
It amazed Loriann at the hospitality the duke afforded them. The servants served roast piglet surrounded by baked apples, tender mutton with dark, thick gravy, freshly baked bread, deviled eggs, honey, and jam. They offered pies, puddings, and even a spice cake with boiled buttermilk icing as a dessert. Kaegan and Ebin dug into their food as if starved.
“My lord, thank you for this wonderful meal. We really did not expect such hospitality,” Loriann offered as she enjoyed a slice of apple pie. “Ebin has told us you are sympathetic to our cause.”
The duke chuckled. “I suspected you would be straightforward as an arrow! Orizahr has told me much about you.”
“Archmage Orizahr is too kind. I have a deep respect for him and the others at the tower. I learned a great deal from them while I was there,” Loriann continued. She glanced at Ebin and Kaegan before smiling. “I think my companions were near death from starvation. I am eternally grateful to you for saving their lives.”
Kaegan and Ebin were engaged in a conversation of their own, oblivious to the one taking place between Loriann and the duke.
“It was my pleasure, my lady. Please, call me Derek. There is no need for such formality here.”
He paused briefly, taking a sip of wine before continuing, “Orizahr tells me you have quite the affinity with magic and potions. He encouraged me to see that you could continue your studies while you are here. I would like to show you the library and alchemy lab assembled for your use. I hope the collection of herbs and ingredients will be to your liking.”
Ebin and Kaegan stood, bowed slightly, but continued on with their conversation and meal as the Duke and Loriann left the table. The man led Loriann through a doorway at the far end of the great hall. They ascended the stairs to the second story of the keep. A short hall led to the west wing.
Loriann gasped as the duke led her into the library. “Thank you!” she whispered before darting forward to examine tomes neatly organized in shelves standing as high as the ceiling on all four walls. “My favorite, Orizahr’s tome on herbs and ingredients!”
Derek stood watching the young girl as she selected a few of the tomes. “If there are others you would like, please let me know. Orizahr has been helpful in ensuring this library would meet your needs.”
“May I take these with me?” she asked hesitantly. “I realize these are old and I cannot replace them. I promise to protect them with my life.”
“Child, those belong to you to do with as you please. Now, if you’ll come with me, the alchemy lab is nearby.” Derek led Loriann to the room across the hall. He could not suppress a smile as she gasped, placed the books on a nearby table, then ran to the table and shelves to inspect the assortment of herbs, ingredients, and alchemy equipment. “I hope it meets your needs, Loriann.”
She turned with a broad smile then hugged the older man before standing on tiptoes to press a kiss to his beard-stubbled cheek. “I don’t know how to thank you enough for this. It’s been quite some time since a stranger has been this kind.”
He placed a kiss atop Loriann’s head. “No thanks are necessary, my dear. Please, just enjoy your time here. We hope one day to see the prophecy come to fruition.”
“Archmage Orizahr has told me about the prophecy, but I’m not sure I am the one spoken of.”
“Let us speak of that another time. I wanted to show you your quarters,” he led Loriann from the alchemy lab to double doors blocking the rest of the west wing. He opened the doors of the quarters.
Loriann gasped, stood still, eyes wide with amazement. For a moment she thought perhaps he had led her into his own room. “How can I ever thank you enough? It is beautiful and more than enough to satisfy our humble needs.”
“I reminded the servants you and your young man may want a bath after the long trip. I hope you don’t mind?” She could not speak for fear of bursting into tears, only nodding. “Not at all, Lady Loriann. I’ll leave you to your quarters. I will have one of my men stand guard. If you need anything at all, please let him know. I’ll let your companion know where you are.”
Loriann knew she only wanted to be in the middle of the enormous marble tub filled with steaming water that stood near the fireplace. A long soak might wash some travel grime and soreness from her body.
***
Kaegan joined Loriann long after she exited the tub. She sat by the fire wearing a delicate linen gown, brushing her hair, humming softly. His breath caught in his throat to see her there. “You, my lady, are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”
She embraced him as he knelt before her. Burying her face against his neck, she smelled the faint scent of tobacco and wood smoke. “And you, my lord, grow more handsome every day.”
Trust built between them. In the days after losing their child, she saw the kind, caring man who put her needs before his own. She saw his eyes bright with unshed tears, filled with pain that matched her own when the child took his last breath. He was a good man, of that she was certain. More than fondness filled her heart over the past few weeks.
He could sense that she was more relaxed than she had been in weeks. “Derek is quite the host, is he not? Ebin tells me he is a benefactor of Baeliton Keep and is less than pleased with events of the past few months. We have a powerful ally, my lady.”
“He is generous. Did you see the books and herbs…”
“My lady, I have no interest in anything other than you at the present moment.” He pulled a ring from his pocket, a gold band set with a single diamond surrounded by emeralds. “Would you marry me, Loriann? Be my wife, please.”
Kaegan’s words caught her off guard. She stopped, frozen with shock and joy at his words. “Marry you? Of course, I will marry you!”
“You had me worried there for a moment, my lady,” those strong arms encircled her, rough hands stroking her shoulders and head gently. He pulled away for a moment to place the ring on her finger. “I have marked you, my lady!”
“It did not take a ring for me to know that I am yours, Kaegan. This just lets the world know for certain.” She smiled up at him, tears gathering on her la
shes. It was the happiest moment she had experienced since losing the child. “I love you more than you could ever know.”
***
The priest married them the next day in a quiet, private ceremony in the great hall of Waelcombe Hold. Ebin and Derek Rainer served as witnesses. Derek handed Kaegan a scroll affixed with the Duke of Waelcombe’s seal after the ceremony. “What is this?” Kaegan had asked.
“A gift for the happy couple. Open it, you’ll see what it is,” Derek encouraged.
Kaegan’s eyes grew wide as he read the scroll. He stammered, “You’re giving us that much land? I can’t accept, my lord, it’s too much!”
“You absolutely can accept. Along with that land, I will provide a hundred of my men until you can build your own keep and guard. You and Loriann should remain here until the keep meets your satisfaction,” Derek replied with a broad smile. “I hope that we can forge a long, strong friendship.”
“It would honor me, my lord, to call you friend. You’ve been as kind to us as any family or close friend would. Thank you,” the new groom replied.
Ebin beamed happily. He always wanted his friends to be happy and find a safe home. With the duke’s endowment, there was no question the young couple found just that in the hold of their new ally. Orizahr would be pleased.
***
Chapter 9
Enemies and Allies
Kaegan developed an interest in sparring with the men in the duke’s guard. His prowess with the sword, spear, and dagger improved drastically within a few weeks.
The duke complimented the young man on his skills one day as he visited the yard. On a whim, the duke challenged Kaegan to spar with swords. The younger man scored a win by presenting the tip of his sword to the duke’s throat. They repeated the process with spears and dagger.
Loriann wasted no time in exploring tomes in the library that contained new knowledge. A dusty time entitled Celestia captured her attention. She carefully turned the ancient, fragile pages, eyes scanning the words written there. Within moments, she knew the powers contained within the book would be valuable to the already expansive arsenal she had acquired. She spent several hours each day practicing astral stride until the skill was mastered. She spent more time in the alchemy lab as she experimented with new combinations of ingredients. She discovered powerful healing potions and poisons.
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