“Lady Phaera says she is aware that you have prisoners who will need to be kept in the castle dungeon.”
“Of course she is.” Bain let out a wry chuckle. “She will never be a typical court lady.”
“What you may not know is that she has set up a temporary apothecary there.”
Bain’s eyebrows rose slightly. “No, but I might have expected as much. At least it means she remained within the castle.”
It was Kort’s turn to chuckle. “Indeed, though she has chafed mightily at the confinement.”
“So what is her request?”
“She says it will not work to have prisoners in the same area as those who seek her services. She requests, now that Marston once again appears secure, to be permitted to move the apothecary to the location you found for her.” He eyed Bain sideways. “I do not know where that is but …”
Bain grew serious as they neared the others. “Is it truly safe again? Are you confident that all dissenters and spies have been apprehended or have gone?”
“Captain Raskir believes so, but he wishes to wait until you have actually returned before lifting the order to remain in the castle.” Kort cleared his throat. “As you may imagine, this did not please Lady Phaera.”
Bain nodded. “And you, Kort, what is your opinion? You have the lay of the land.”
“I believe we are safe, Milord, but also think it wise to keep some precautions in place, especially around Lady Phaera.” He looked up at Bain, his expression one of slight embarrassment. “Lady Phaera has asked me if I might wish to apprentice as a healer.” He indicated the panniers his horse carried. “She has sent me foraging for supplies, as she cannot.”
Surprised, Bain stopped and faced Kort. He studied him a moment, then smiled. “Trust Phaera to think of something so unconventional. And I see it interests you, too.” He walked a few steps on before adding, “I can predict benefits from this. Women may not wish you to help them in some cases but certainly there will be those in the barracks who will welcome such services – those that can abide another man other than a field surgeon tending them.”
Kort looked doubtful. “Even if they see a lover of men? That will spread if even one man in the barracks discovers it.”
“Hmmm, that may be a problem. It will not remain secret.”
“Be that as it may, I have a suggestion, Milord.”
“Yes?”
“While I make my decision I will return to help Lady Phaera with the move to the new apothecary. You know I would give my life for her.”
Bain nodded.
“And Raskir can still post two guards with her at all times until you and Lord Makin deem it safe for her to venture alone again. I will pose as her assistant for the time being.”
Bain gave Kort a searching look before turning once again toward the group, which had by now added some distance between them, and resuming their walk. “The decision is not mine. I will speak with Lord Makin and present the request.”
They remounted and closed the rest of the gap in silence.
Chapter Thirty-Five
MOVING
Phaera wasted no time when she received the scroll telling her she could move her apothecary to the large out-building Bain had shown her. It rankled that two guards still hovered over her protectively and that Raskir had still posted two men at the back entrance to the dungeon, where she would cross in and out of the castle, as well as the new apothecary. But Kort’s cheerful company and able assistance replaced her lingering anger with elation and hope. They had spent almost the entire first day clearing the stone storage building, having bags and barrels, long abandoned there, removed, and sweeping and scrubbing the floor and walls. Whitewash would follow.
Kort looked over at her and broke into a laugh. “Milady, I think the scullery maids are cleaner and better groomed.”
Phaera struck a pose and quipped back. “If you see one that looks worse I have not achieved my goal.”
It felt so liberating to be in Kort’s company. He was the only friend who, when they were alone together, dropped his courtly deference and did not censor his speech. With the doors closed the two guards outside could not overhear. How long had it been since she had felt so free? She thought back and realized it had not happened since she left Kinterron … over three months ago.
She stretched her back, still holding the corn broom in one hand. A huge apron covered almost all of the plain riding gown she usually wore when she plied her healing.
Her hair was wound with a linen cloth that looked dustier than the floor she had just swept. From it hung several cobwebs, one of which dangled to the tip of her nose. She sneezed and swiped at the offending filament with the back of one grimy hand, leaving a smear across her nose and cheek.
“Well, my friend, my stomach tells me it must be time to stop for today and prepare for dinner.”
Kort gave her an appraising look. “I fear that will take longer than usual, Milady.”
Phaera made a face at him. “You look no better. Perhaps the guards will not recognize us and ban us from the castle.”
“I think you would like that.” Kort grinned over his shoulder as he drew the heavy door open and stepped aside to let Phaera precede him out. As soon as the guards posted outside could hear the doors open Phaera saw Kort drop his light demeanor and assume his court deference. She also took on her other self. Inwardly she still laughed. Two sorry drudges pretending at airs.
A small chuckle escaped her, which Kort noticed. When he caught her eye she gave him a tiny wink the guards could not see. She almost laughed aloud when Kort quickly glanced away, pinching his lips together to prevent himself from betraying his mirth.
Phaera beckoned the first maid she saw as they entered the main castle. “We will both need tubs and hot water for baths immediately.”
The maid tried to hide her distaste at their appearance before hastening to obey, but the look was not lost on Phaera. Her chin rose slightly in defiance but she said nothing and avoided looking at Kort in case they both succumbed to unseemly glee.
It took three more days of hard work before Phaera was content with the state of her new apothecary. It looked larger than she had thought, now that it had been cleared. It had been so dirty when they began that she had not noticed the two windows, covered by shutters that had not been opened in years. When she opened them they let in some light and a cross breeze. They had no glass in them, so would need to be kept closed in inclement weather until that lack could be remedied. At the far end a huge hearth stretched across nearly the entire width. It would supply not only warmth and some light, but provide the fire she needed to boil water and prepare those balms and medicaments that required cooking.
Phaera commandeered a trestle table long enough for a large man to lie on with room left over at one end for some bandages or medications. She had another smaller one placed in front of the hearth to use for preparing her supplies. To one side, against the right wall stood a cot, clean folded linens on top of it. On the left, all along that wall, hung several shelves, shallow ones at the top and broader ones within easy reach underneath. Most of these still stood empty but Phaera knew they could soon be filled with all manner of herbs, balms, tinctures, and powders.
Tomorrow Velna will see that I have all the bowls, jars, and corks I need. Phaera almost hugged herself in anticipation.
The clean, white walls now held six new sconces for oil lamps and six more for candles, each backed by reflectors to increase the light. Two standing oil lamps stood at one end of each table. The space would be filled with light even with the shutters closed. Three comfortable chairs sat along the wall next to the cot.
“You have done it, Milady.”
“No, Kort, we have done it.” She turned to face him. “I have not asked you for an answer to my offer to take you on as my apprentice. Have you decided?”
“I have. It will be an honour.” Kort looked troubled then he cleared. “I know I will face resistance but that will be no more than I a
lready see from those that know me for what I am. I have had a taste of what it is to do important work. I have no wish to go back to my former life.”
Phaera acknowledged that with an understanding nod. “That is so. But as my apprentice you will also have a measure of protection.”
Kort flashed her grateful smile and changed the subject. He swept his hand around the room, eyes alert with anticipation. “Soon this will be filled – with all your new supplies and then with those who come for your help.”
“I hope so. I wonder when I will be free to go gathering. And how soon we will see Nurias. I look forward to her advice.” She sighed. “My court duties will take me away from this more than I would like. That will slow your studies as well. If Nurias agrees would you also take instruction from her?”
“Of course … if she is agreeable.”
“Good. I will speak with her.”
Phaera took one last, satisfied look around, straightened and headed for the door. Kort anticipated her and reached it ahead of her to open it.
As they walked the short distance to the entrance to the dungeon and into the castle side by side Phaera mused, “I wonder how much longer it will take our men to return?”
“Not long, now, I think.”
After a short silence Kort looked at Phaera with and expression that suggested he was not sure he ought to speak.
“What?”
Kort kept his voice low and avoided meeting her eyes. “He truly loves you as you are. You are not merely a prize.” He glanced at her and looked quickly away again at the ground.
A guard stepped forward to open the castle door.
Phaera sighed. “I know.”
The guards escorted Phaera to her chamber as Kort turned off toward his own.
As she bathed and prepared for dinner she wondered, not for the first, or last, time, what her life would be after Bain’s return. How much freedom would she have to work? What would be expected of her at court when things returned to normal.
Yes, she did believe he loved her, but what would that really mean for her life? And would he stop loving her if she insisted on waiting to have his heir, if she insisted on having her healing work? Bain was not her father, whom she could always sway a little too easily. What pressure would come from Lord Makin? Would Nurias understand and support her? Or would she side with Bain if he insisted he wanted an heir as soon as possible.
How free would she be to gather her plants and medications? What would Bain think when he saw her drinking her anti-quickening tea? And how would she feel if that tea failed and she fell pregnant? The terror hit her again. She doubled over and clenched her hands over her abdomen. I am not ready to die. I need more time. Would she be able, and indeed allowed, to continue her healing work once she conceived or after the child was born?
She made herself straighten and raised her chin.
One thing she was sure of. If she survived childbirth she would not simply hand her babe to a wet nurse. She would not abandon her child to a stranger in order to do her healing work. The babe would have to come with her. She knew Nurias had kept Bain with her as a child. It must be possible. If she survived. If… I must have time before I conceive. I will not give up all I have worked for so soon. But a still voice in her mind whispered, “You may die”. She shook it off with effort.
She also wondered how the war might have changed Bain. Would he still feel the same toward her? And would she still want him? Had she ever, really? Was that one night merely her body betraying her true wishes?
No answers to any of her musings presented themselves. She knew Bain’s arrival was imminent, likely a matter of days. She slept fitfully, with dreams of dying in childbirth, alone, and of a furious Bain shouting at her when she told him she needed to work.
Chapter Thirty-Six
HOME
There it was, the hill topped by the familiar horizon that signaled home. Bain felt his heart speed up with anticipation. And Phaera. He looked to his left, where the two lords rode beside him and grinned at them.
“We will reach the castle by afternoon.”
Lord Makin’s return grin almost matched his own. “Yes, in time for dinner.”
“And a bath.” Bain gave an exaggerated shrug, as if he itched all over which brought a laugh from both lords.
“I think our ladies will insist on it.”
Lord Danza agreed. “A bath and clean clothes will be most welcome, perhaps even more than good food.”
Bain heard the chatter of the men rise behind him. When he turned to salute them and shouted, “We are home, men!” they pumped their fists in the air and cheered.
I am the heir, now, not the questionable bastard. The realization filled him with a deep satisfaction, and no small measure of pride. I have earned this. He sat straighter in the saddle, head high, shoulders back, all fatigue forgotten.
Yet, that pride was tempered by conflicting emotions, most of which circled around Phaera. I have changed. I am a warrior now, as well as the healer’s son. I have taken life. She will expect as much, surely. Will it turn her away from me when we have just begun? I know she will be pleased with the permission to set up her new apothecary. Will that be enough? How pleased would she be to see him again? Would she still see the same man she saw when he met her? He knew he wasn’t – yet he was. And how would she feel when she conceived? He had no doubt that would happen soon. Surely she would not refuse me. She had seemed agreeable the night he had first made love to her. Would she respond the same way again? She was strong-willed. It was one of the traits that attracted him to her. But what if that kept him out of her bed? He could order her to submit but she would hate him if he did. In any case that was out of the question. He had always known he would have her willing or not at all. She will wish to continue with her work, even after she conceives and our child is born. Will she choose her work over our child? Surely not. But how much will her work take her away from her court duties? And from me? Would they quarrel over that? Oh, Love, please let us not quarrel. His chest contracted at the thought.
Bain was brought out of his reverie by the approach of Captain Raskir leading an honour guard of ten men to welcome them home and escort them to the castle, which was now coming into view. Raskir halted in front of Lord Makin and saluted. “My lord. Welcome home. Congratulations on your victory.”
“Thank you Captain. It is good to be home.”
Behind the honour guard rode another ten soldiers. “My lord, may these men remove the prisoners to the dungeon? Your men will be weary.”
“Indeed, Captain. Have them do so.”
Once the prisoners had been removed the honour guard took their places and the entire party made its way to the gates of the castle. Cheers met them as soon as they came into sight. The people lined the road waving and shouting. They thronged through the gates after them. For a moment Bain wondered that Lord Makin did not have Raskir prevent this. While people were normally free to come and go the war had made it necessary to check all that entered and left.
Bain looked at the jubilation of the crowd and understood that his father had taken a calculated risk. The people needed to celebrate. He noted with approval that Raskir had placed many extra guards within the area, at strategic points, and that they were alert. A line of soldiers also stood at attention several feet in front of the door to the castle itself. Behind them …
Phaera stood next to Lady Flor, erect, dressed in the sapphire gown he had so admired that first night he saw her. Instead of the pearls she favoured, she wore a heavy necklace of the multicoloured jewels of fire created by the ancient cataclysm. Its many colours flashed in the late afternoon sun, lending her an aura of magic. Her raven hair had been left loose to flow down her back. Where the light breeze lifted it he thought he saw reflections of those jewels in it. The sight took his breath away. This was not the headstrong young woman he had left. No, this was a woman of power, regal and proud. His chest swelled with pride and awe ... and some doubt. And what do you see when y
ou look at me, my love?
The two lords and Bain dismounted and strode ahead, halting in front of the waiting women. The line of guards parted and the honour guard joined them as Bain and the two lords reached it. Then it closed again behind them.
Lady Flor rushed forward to her husband, decorum forgotten. He grinned and enveloped her in a long, deep embrace. “It is good to see you again. I have missed you.”
Lord Danza had stepped back and stood watching his daughter, a mixture of pride and concern in his face.
Bain waited, his heart twisting in agony. Phaera did not move but stood as if rooted to the stone under her feet.
Then, as if shaken out of a spell, she met his eyes and stepped forward to greet him. He took her hands in his, afraid to embrace her.
She looked up at him and smiled. The sun rose in her face and in his heart.
“Welcome home, Milord. I am so glad you are safe.”
Bain wrapped her in his arms, feeling her yield into him. The world faded.
From what seemed like far away the chatter around him brought him back. He heard the words “bath” and “banquet”, amid others. The spell broke.
He held Phaera’s hand as they followed the others into the castle and heard the doors thud closed behind them, shutting out the din of the people outside. Inside, however, the entry hall was also lined with the castle household, who took up the cheering, echoing the joy and excitement of those they had shut out.
They stood there a few moments, allowing their people time to voice their delight. Then Lady Flor let go of Lord Makin’s arm and stepped forward, clapping her hands for attention, her face still suffused with joy.
“Thank you all. But our lords are tired and hungry.”
The servants melted away, with many backward glances, the women tittering amongst themselves as they went.
Lady Flor once more had command of the castle. She called to a maid. “Kenna, escort Lord Danza to his chamber and see that he has all he needs to bathe and rest until the banquet.”
Altered Destinies- Earth Reborn Page 22
