Bain bit his lip to suppress a retort. I will not wed her against her will, no matter it be strategic. Instead he schooled himself to calm. “We shall see.” Or not. It took Bain a while to understand why he felt so angry. Her hand is being forced, as is mine. His mother’s words echoed in his mind. “Duty can be a painful burden.” He saddled his horse and rode out to the countryside where he gave his mount his head and galloped full speed across the grasslands to clear his mind.
“Whoa, friend, what sends you off at such a pace?”
Bain looked up, startled, and recognized Kort riding toward him. “What brings you to Marston?”
Kort made a mock face. “What? Did you not invite me when we spoke in Kinterron? I have news.”
That brought Bain to the present. He managed a smile. “Of course. I am happy to see you. But what brings you here at this time? What is this news I need to hear?”
“The grapevine tells me you expect a certain visitor soon.”
Bain grew grave again. “So I am informed, though I dare not set hope on it.”
“Why not? Surely this bodes well?”
“Strategically, perhaps, but I need more than that.”
Kort eyed him sideways a while as they walked their horses together, reins slack. Finally he ventured, “And what is it you ‘need’, my friend?”
“If, and that is not given, the visit is to suggest a betrothal, I will not accept unless she is truly willing. A union with one who resents it is not one I wish to enter, no matter my feelings for the lady.”
“Ah, I see.” They walked slowly in silence for a time. “Perhaps I can offer some assistance in that regard.”
“I doubt it.”
“Did you know she wishes to meet your mother?”
Bain swivelled his head to meet Kort’s eyes, which crinkled with mirth. “No, that was not in the message Lord Danza sent. How is it you know so much?”
Kort grinned. “I suspected as much. That would give too much away. But I have it from a good source that she insists on it.” He gave a sly wink. “Why do you think she has made such a request?”
Bain shrugged it off. “I suspect she wishes to learn from her, to add to her healing knowledge.”
“Hmmm, perhaps, but there is also the possibility she wishes to learn more about you, no?”
“Doubtful. Even if she does it will only be to see if she can tolerate me.”
Kort laughed again. “Such pessimism. But the request suggested a possibility to me – a way you might gain her trust.”
“I fail to see a connection.”
“Think, my friend. What does she love most?”
Bain stopped is horse and waited for Kort to do the same. “Her work – her healing work.”
“Yes! Correct the first time.” When Bain did not respond he added, “Think. Who else in the land has the understanding and wish to see her able to continue with that work? Who can make this possible? And what rewards might that man reap?”
Bain let that sink in. He stood for several moments in silent thought, wondering if it would be possible, and if he could somehow make it a reality. It certainly might gain her respect, if not admiration, possibly even love. Then he gave himself a mental shake and shrugged again as he faced Kort. “Kort, I appreciate what you are suggesting, but it is not possible. If she becomes my Lady she will have too many duties at court. She will not have time to do any healing work … and once she has a child she will have even less.” When Kort looked about to protest he added, “And my father will never agree to such an unusual arrangement. It is bad enough that his heir is a bastard. To have that bastard wed a woman who chooses such a vocation over her court duties would destroy any respect I may have gained – and may also see my father lose his.”
“So you refuse to woo her in a way she will appreciate?”
Bain made a cutting gesture with his free hand, and shouted, “I refuse to entertain wishes that cannot be! I have a duty. I must do mine, even if she will not. If she cannot then I must find a bride who can. – No, enough, Kort. You speak dreams, not possibilities. Leave it be.”
Now it was Kort who shrugged. They climbed back onto their horses and resumed their ride back to the castle. As they approached it Bain said, “Forgive my harsh words, my friend. Will you stay a few days?”
“Of course. No apology necessary. I know how close to your heart this is.” After a short silence he ventured, “But think on it, Bain. Do not dismiss this so easily.”
Bain only shook his head, his expression pained.
Chapter Eleven
TO MARSTON
Six days later Phaera gave brief instructions to her maids about which gowns to pack and left the rest of the decisions to them. Knowing that she would be required to take at least one maid with her she chose the one she suspected of having a lover. She had no wish to dismiss her in shame for the possible results of her dalliance. This journey would, at least, delay the inevitable. Both maids showed disappointment in that decision, though for obviously different reasons.
When she examined the packed trunks she added one of her work shifts. For when I meet Bain’s mother. So … I am ready, Papa. She chose her most comfortable riding gown for the journey that would begin after breaking fast the next morning.
Phaera drank in all she could of the scenery on their journey, fearing she would soon have to leave her beloved Kinterron for good. June was the perfect month for travel, burgeoning with new life, the greens still bright and fresh and the newly sown fields just showing the first tips of growth and the promised harvest. Most orchards had passed their bloom, but here and there, cherry trees still showed a blush of pink.
The forest’s trees had achieved their full leaf and provided shade during the hot midday. Wild flowers, white, yellow, and lavender, dotted the forest floor. It rained only one day and night, but they found welcome shelter in a village they passed. Phaera noticed the next morning that the land looked even brighter and fresher than before.
The journey took six days, as they travelled in state and slowly enough that the people would be able to see as they processed by. The party managed to find shelter in village inns for all but one night. In each village children ran to greet the travellers and direct them to the inn. In two of the villages men approached his head guards asking for an audience. The first wanted Lord Danza to settle a dispute over who owned a calf that had been born. The cow had drifted onto a neighbour’s field to give birth and that neighbor insisted that the resulting calf belonged to him. Lord Danza told the man to give the calf back in exchange for three chickens. Both were satisfied. The other dispute was over an inheritance after a woman’s second husband died. Both her son and her husband’s son lay claim to the land. In that instance Lord Danza ruled that, as the woman’s son was the elder, and the land had first belonged to the son’s father he had the right of inheritance. The other son, while not happy, accepted the decree, knowing that it was correct.
The one night spent on the trail in tents was the most enjoyable for Phaera, though her maid complained she missed a warm bed and cooked meal. Phaera preferred it to the fuss made over them by the village people, honoured to be visited by their lord and wanting to make a good impression. She crept unseen out of her tent to drink in the night sky and breathe the perfumed, earthy air. It was the only time during the journey she felt truly at peace. Though she had travelled with her father before, this was the first time she managed to be completely alone- no ladies, no guards, just quiet punctuated by the occasional melancholy hoot of an owl.
Her father seemed to be enjoying the journey as well. They spoke little, but the silence was a comfortable one. Even the men with them seemed affected and were unusually quiet. Why have I never noticed all this before? Did I always resist these visits so much that I missed the beauty along the way? What else have I been unwilling to see?
As Marston shared a long border with Kinterron they had no alien territory to cross. They encountered only one band of travelling trader families, with
whom they shared a midday meal. Though the guards kept a careful watch, they met no threats to their safety.
Late morning on the sixth day they reached the stele, the stone obelisk that marked the border of Marston. The land opened up more here, the trees thinned and gave way to grassland. Phaera saw sheep and cattle grazing, kept together by well trained dogs that seemed to know which animals belonged to which shepherd, in spite of no visible boundaries. In the distance she spotted two shepherds’ huts. When she waved at a shepherd he returned her greeting with enthusiasm, as though not surprised to see visitors.
They had not entered far into Marston when an honour guard rode up to greet them and escort them to the castle. Phaera’s peace was over. From now on she would be expected to act like the “Lady” she was. She caught her father’s warning glance, though he said nothing.
Phaera did not see Bain in the group that came to escort them to the castle. Did I really expect him to be here? She brushed aside the hint of disappointment and concentrated on the scenery. The road here was broad and well-travelled. Marston city, and the castle at its centre, stood a normal day’s ride from the border with Kinterron, making this last leg of the journey easy – no more rivers to cross, no more narrow forest trails. In fact, Phaera saw only a few small copses of trees. This terrain was quite different from the more rugged and hilly countryside of Kinterron. She could understand why the city had been set here. With little natural protection available the wide view of the countryside would give ample warning should an enemy choose to attack. The only barrier to approaching the city lay in the river that seemed to arc around its walls, creating a partial natural moat. She recalled from her studies that Marston was the only fief to have a double wall built around the city and an additional one around the castle at its centre as well. She remembered, too, that it had withstood a long siege once because of the natural spring at its centre that offered a clean supply of water even when the people could not exit to draw water from the river.
They reached the outer wall by early afternoon. This time Phaera paid more attention to the layout of the city than the last time she had been here. It pleased her to see that the outer and inner walls both looked in excellent repair and were well-guarded.
They collected an entourage of curious children as they processed through the city. The fact that they could follow unsupervised boded well for general safety. The city appeared well run with few beggars or ruffians in the streets. Just like at home. And so different from Exalon or Belthorn. It seems Lord Makin respects his people and has earned their respect in return.
As soon as they entered the castle itself maids and porters hurried to show them to their chambers and see to their needs before dinner. The tea, a mix of several herbs that she recognized but had not seen blended in that way before, refreshed her as she and prepared for dinner. I must inquire after it so I can make it at home.
When told that the first formal banquet would wait until the next day Phaera was relieved. The reprieve allowed her to enjoy a bath in the large copper tub without the need to fuss over gowns and the dressing of her hair. I will wear my pale blue gown and only the gold earrings. Riya can put my hair up into a simple knot. That must be enough, Father. Let them see that I am not a preening Dandybird. She allowed Riya to hold the silvered mirror and nodded, satisfied.
“Milady, are you certain you will not add the gold chain around your neck?”
“No, Riya. This is enough.” Seeing her maid’s disappointment she added, “They will soon see that it is I who decide and that it is no reflection on your skills.”
Riya bobbed her head, eyes lowered. “Yes, milady.”
Chapter Twelve
MARSTON
Phaera endured two days of being on public display, dressed, banqueted, and introduced to all and sundry of any importance. She tried to make the most of it by leaning all she could about Lord Makin, Lady Flor and, of course, Bain. The fief of Marston was slightly smaller than Kinterron and somewhat less wealthy. This was reflected in the degree of opulence with which she and her father were hosted. Phaera approved of the calm manner in which both lady Flor and Lord Makin interacted with their subjects, from the highest rank to the lowest. It lent an air of respect and efficiency akin to that in Kinterron under her own father.
Do I imagine it or have they deliberately held back? Is this how things always are for important visitors or did Bain tell them I do not appreciate being feted? While she could see that all protocols were properly seen to, in keeping with their status, she got the impression that somethings were deliberately understated. If that was on her behalf she appreciated the gesture, but could not be sure if she had judged correctly. I hope it is not on our behalf. If this is normal that is so much the better.
Both nights, at the banquets, her father was seated directly across from Lord Makin, at a side, with no one at the actual end of the table, as was proper due to their equal status. To Phaera’s relief, she had been seated next to Lady Flor and not near Bain. Bain sat at the opposite end of the table – a place of honour, to be sure, but away from her. She had expected he might be seated beside her, which would give the court the impression that a match was imminent. That they seemed to have intentionally avoided this impression eased some of the tension and expectation Phaera felt. She found Lady Flor gracious and actually began to enjoy conversing with her. Lady Flor seemed genuinely interested in Phaera, and drew her out about her healing work. Neither Bain, nor his mother, were mentioned until the end of the second night.
It was Lady Flor who brought up Bain’s mother. She did it so naturally that Phaera’s estimation of her rose considerably. “Since you have so much in common might I suggest that you visit with Nurias. Perhaps tomorrow will be a good time. A ride in the country may please you as well. The weather looks to be fair tomorrow.” Lady Flor smiled as she added, “And it will no doubt be a welcome break from this.” She indicated the long table filled with guests with a sweep of one hand, before leaning toward Phaera conspiratorially so the others would not hear. “I find this somewhat tiring. I find I need some quiet or a good ride outdoors in between my duties as hostess.”
Relief flooded Phaera, along with gratitude for Lady Flor’s insight. “Thank you, Milady, I would like that very much. I had hoped such an opportunity would arise. I expect I will benefit from … Nurias, is it? … from her knowledge. She has been a healer much longer than I.”
Lady Flor nodded her understanding with a genuine smile. “Good, that is settled then.”
“Thank you, Milady. I shall look forward to it.”
A sudden thought struck Phaera, robbing her of the glow she had begun to feel. Will they send Bain to take me there? I want to be alone with Nurias. But that was a question she knew she must not ask. It would either be seen as improper or could leave the impression that she wished to see more of Bain.
In spite of her fatigue Phaera slept little that night. Her mind raced with conflicting thoughts about the day to come. On the positive side she would finally meet Bain’s mother, the one thing she wanted from this journey. Will she be willing to share her knowledge with me? Will she respect me? Will Bain get in the way? Does she know I am under pressure to accept Bain? Does he want that? Oh, I hope Bain stays away.
Since her arrival she had had little contact with Bain. It had given her the opportunity to observe him from a distance, in his court environment; how he acted there, and how the members of the court responded to his presence. What she saw left a good impression, both of Lord Makin’s court, of Bain – and indeed of Lord Makin and Lady Flor. In spite of having had only two years at court learning the duties of a future lord, Bain showed no vanity, put on no airs. He seemed at ease in his new role. Others showed no resentment to his presence or his authority. It seems there is much of his father about him. It bodes well for the future of Marston.
However, the lack of contact or conversation between them also left Phaera uneasy. She had expected Bain to make more effort to engage her. Is he avoiding m
e? Has he been warned not to approach me directly? Has he lost interest? Her mixed feelings left her unsettled. Her efforts to convince herself she did not care met with only limited success.
The next morning Riya protested when Phaera chose her working shift. “But Milady, ought you not to wear your riding gown?”
“No, I am a healer going to meet another healer.”
“But you are a Lady. Surely you wish to make a good impression. The people must see you as a member of court, not as a peasant.”
“Enough, Riya. Do I not wear this garb when I work at home? This is how I wish to be known.” Irritated, she spat out, “You forget your place.”
Riya paled at the rebuke but said nothing.
Phaera felt her staring at her back as she left the chamber. She did feel a pang of guilt, as she was not in the habit of speaking to her ladies that way, but was too stubborn and too stressed to soften her comment. She still did not know who would accompany her on her ride. And she had to admit, finally, that she would not only be speaking about healing with Nurias. The subject of Bain would most certainly come up and Phaera had no plan as to how she would handle that. And if Bain is present? It did not bear thinking about. The whole day would be for naught.
Her worst fears looked about to be realized when Bain approached her after breaking the fast.
“Lady Phaera, I must apologize for being unable to introduce you to my mother today. I will be hunting with Lord Danza and my Lord Father. Lord Danza expressed an interest in seeing more of our countryside. Lady Flor has arranged for an escort and has decided to accompany you. I hope your day is a pleasant one. I trust you and my mother will have much to talk about. I look forward to dining with you again tomorrow evening. Lady Flor has informed me that dinner will be simpler tonight as she expects you will be too fatigued for a full banquet.”
Altered Destinies- Earth Reborn Page 7
