“Probably,” conceded Lardian, sounding bored. “The people love reading about the Lemonstars.”
I looked over at those seated in the Elder’s podium. It seemed they were rather impressed with the quick show of skill - especially the Elder, who sat posed with a wide grin on his face, clad in streaming purple.
I looked forward again as the next match was about to begin - another famous name entering the fields. This time the contestant was one of more prominence, as he was a higher and not just the son of one.
The crowds cheered the Higher of Hollow Dens. He was as equally an impressive figure as the Lemonstar son before him. However, his entrance was a more confident and measured one; whilst the Lemonstar had been a blatant and belligerent bombardment.
The Higher and the Unknown faced the Elder’s podium and each bowed and saluted. A smile, aimed at the Higher, was seen on the Golden Ruler’s face, a sentiment I recognised as familiarity; for the Higher was the Elder’s vessel and, more importantly, was one who had been on campaign with him back on Gathe.
“The winner of this match,” noted Lardian, “will stand with the other victors in the Champions Pit.”
The Champions Pit was the prime contest. On the last day of the Karnaea, which would be on Liberation Day five days from now, all the winners who competed in the duelling category would be matched all at once against each other. It was a last-elf-standing arrangement that promised an exhilarating watch.
Judging by today’s showing, I would wager my coin that a Lemonstar would once more take the champion’s belt. And yet, just a few moments into the match, I found myself assailed by doubt.
“The Higher of Hollow Dens fights well,” commented Lardian.
Through my peripheral vision I noticed Tegerian gaping as the three of us watched the dance of blades, for the Higher was indeed turning it into a dance. Just now it was a dance of defence as his opponent went on the attack, but then later, a dance of violence when it was his turn to retaliate.
“The Unknown is holding his own out there,” Lardian noted.
I narrowed, not convinced by my friend’s assessment. “The Higher is conserving his energy. He is tiring his opponent out.”
“Playing the long-game might help the Higher now,” offered Tegerian. “But if he is to face the Lemonstar in the Champion’s Pit, it won’t work.”
“You forget,” replied Lardian. “The Higher is a seasoned warrior; he knows what he is doing. And besides, that Lemonstar might be mighty, but so is this Higher. He fought on Gathe. I think tact, experience and patience will win the Higher the belt at the end of this whole contest.”
“At least he puts on a show,” I said. “The match with the Lemonstar was over as soon as it began.”
The fight was eventually done with the Higher’s opponent knocked onto his back, staring at the point of the victor’s blade, hands raised in surrender to the applause of us all. It was truly a most entertaining match, but when the sky began to darken, the the spell of the event suddenly broke. I found myself reminded of Stasanda; the possibility that I might not see her this afternoon becoming a blade in my gut.
“I need a drink,” I said, already turning to remove myself from the stands. On my way to find a stall selling refreshments, I became conscious of those around me, my eyes fooling me into thinking that I saw Stase everytime I came across one who had dark hair.
I wondered now if she had found my note that I had slipped into the pocket of her cloak. Though I had expected the gesture to touch her heart in some way, or at the very least make clear my interest in her, I suddenly considered the possibility that it was why I hadn’t come across her since.
Was she intentionally keeping her distance? Had I scared her off with my straight-forwardness?
I found a stall selling refreshment and finding my place at the back of the short line, I decided I would think of something besides Stasanda, when ----
“Hello!”
I looked to my left and was completely shocked as I unexpectedly came face to face with Stase, her endearing smile like a summer breeze on a hot day. I smiled back. I realised in that moment that her gentle and innocent beauty was going to have me falling by the time the Karnaea was done.
“Fair day, Stase,” I said, keeping my composure and trying to act casual, even though a jolt of energy deep inside me was bringing me to life.
She pulled out something from her cloak, a different one than she had been wearing that night at the Market. My eyes saw the note I had made for her and the look she gave encouraged me.
“So, I found this in my pocket the other night…”
I looked at it and feigned obliviousness. “Oh,” I said. “A note? How nice. Who is writing you notes?”
“That is the question,” she said, sounding pleased. “I had thought to ask you?”
I shrugged. “How would I know?” I asked her, casting her an enigmatic look. She smiled knowingly and put the note back into her pocket.
“When did you get here?” I asked.
“Early,” she answered, edging along the line as I stepped forward. “The dancers were to compete first. Alardia didn’t want to miss them.”
“And who did you not want to miss?”
She spread out her hands, holding them high and upwards above her head. “This. The entire Karnaea.”
I couldn’t help but smile. I enjoyed looking at her face. “And where is Alardia?” I asked, not really concerned truthfully.
“She is with Nendia. They are in the stands. And where are Teegs and Lardian?”
“In the stands as well. What do you think of the duellists so far?”
Her eyes went wide. “So exciting! Did you watch the match with the Lemonstar?”
“I did!”
It was my turn to place my order. I turned to Stase and asked her if could buy her anything. She shook her head.
“No. I am fair and well, thank you.”
“One cup of the red,” I said, pointing up towards the top barrel on display behind the stall owner. Unable to forget Stasanda, I looked at her and asked her if she has ever been to the city of Hillmallow.
She shook her head again. “I do wish to visit there one day, though.”
I had learnt that night at the Market that Stasanda had been infected by the travel bug, an ‘insect’ that had affected her friend Alardia as well.
I gave her an enquiring side glance, my body facing the stall owner. “So, you would be okay with being in a city filled with Nune-elves?”
Stase laughed. I was falling in love with her laugh. “I would have to,” she said, “have you met my friend Nendia, back there? I believe I am doing well enough with her to make it out of Hillmallow alive.”
I showed her I wasn’t quite convinced. “I wouldn’t be too sure. One Nune-elf compared to hundreds. I might never see you again, should you dare to cross the Auless River.”
She chuckled, “I can handle myself.”
I faced the stall owner, accepting my cup and handing him five copper stars in turn. When I stepped out from the line, my instinctive thought was to initiate our return to our friends, but I found myself doing no such thing.
“To think that you, at one point, were not allowed to be here in the city.”
“I know,” she playfully nudged my shoulder, “but I am here - because of you!”
I thought it time to tease her. “Yes, so I implore you not to sacrifice any elf, seeing as I got you in here!”
She feigned offence, smacking me across my shoulder. “And what about you? How am I supposed to believe you’re not of the Old Way? If I were the suspicious type, I would say that sneaking into the city rather than entering through the gates, would inspire great concern.”
“And who would report that to the authorities?”
“Might be me, if you aren’t kind. I am not of the Old Way!”
I liked how defensive she got. It made her that much more adorable. “I know,” I said tenderly, turning to have us on our way back to the stands. �
��Either way. I am glad you’re in the city.”
“Oh, me too.”
Chapter 7
I delicately applied the thin brush to my lips. This particular shade of lip-spread was a favourite of my cosmetic collection and while I focused on the reflection in the mirror, my friends imposed their questions upon me.
“Where is he taking you?” asked Alardia, sitting on the floor with me, sounding very intrigued.
Then came Nendia in one of her more pronounced patronizing tones: “Does he realize it’s raining?”
I regarded her through the mirror. The Nune-elvess lounged on the couch further behind Alardia, sipping from a cup like she was some Lady of the Moon.
“He isn’t taking me anywhere,” I said. “We are staying in tonight.”
“Is that why you wanted Nendia and I to visit the Inn’s common room this evening?” asked Alardia.
When I glanced at her, I couldn’t hide my smile. That was when Alardia gasped, throwing the closest pillow at me.
“You like this Jaydan character, don’t you?”
I immediately stopped what I was doing and turned around to face her. “No, I don’t!” I protested, but Alardia flashed me a look that told me she remained unconvinced. Facing the mirror again, I added, “We’re just buddies.”
“Buddies?” came Nendia from her couch.
I glanced at Alardia through the mirror and then at Nendia. “Yes. Do you two not use that term where you’re from?”
Alardia laughed, “Certainly not! What does it mean?”
I set my focus back to the mirror, carefully guiding the brush over my bottom lip. “It means we’re just friends.”
It was over an hour later when the knock on the door came. I went to it and twisted the nob, pulling it open to reveal my guest, Jaydan.
Immediately he smiled at me, “Fair evening, Stase,” he said.
“Hello,” I replied, gesturing for him to enter.
He walked past me and I closed the door, suddenly feeling on edge over what to say, for this was the first time he and I were alone together.
“Where are Alardia and…” he turned around, raising a brow in question. “What is your other friend’s name?”
“Nendia,” I said, making my way towards the couches where I had placed a jug of wine on the table.
“Yes, that is it,” said Jay, casually joining me. “I trust she is preparing you well for your eventual visit to the Nune lands?”
Unable to hide my smile, I said, “Oh, indeed she is.” I leaned forward over the table to pour the two of us some wine and when I handed him his cup, I made myself comfortable against the feathered pillow, told him of Nendia’s most recent and testing propensity.
“Since the Karnaea began,” I began, “Nendia has been insisting that we find our place closest to the Elder’s podium and when eventually we managed to find seats today, they were the worst ever!”
“The corner seats?” jeered Jay.
“That’s right!” I said with emphasis.
Jay laughed, saying in-between sips, “and when she found out that the Elder wasn’t to appear today, what did she do then?”
I shook my head. “She was upset, obviously!” I said without sympathy, “yet no more than myself and Alardia had been, who were then stuck with our seats and all for nothing! Do you recall the archery contests? With that elf from the Singing Isles? The one who apparently had one eye?” Jay nodded. “Well we hadn’t even been able to properly see this one-eyed archer, nor were we able to tell when he hit his mark and won. That was how bad our seats were!”
Jay chuckled. “Hopefully next time you decide not to heed Nendia’s superstition. All those elves across the river over-praise the Great Servants.”
I felt myself more relaxed in Jay’s company and so presently, I got comfortable on the couch; crossing my legs, keeping my cup in my lap, adding to the topic of today’s Karnaea.
“Well if it is true that the Elder is caught up by some ailment, we can’t expect to see him attend the next few days either.”
Before bringing the rim of his cup to his lips, Jay’s grin was mocking. “Whatever will Nendia do then?” he asked, making me laugh.
Eventually the two of us found ourselves on the floor by the hearth, where a pot of water hung suspended above the flames. We waited for the water to boil, the sound of rain outside creating a pleasant and relaxing feel while Jay spoke of his ambition to one day publish a written manuscript.
“Since I was young,” he was telling me now, “the idea to write a full-length novel appealed to me greatly.”
Guiltily, I confessed to him that I wasn’t much of a reader, but before he could chide me for that, for indeed I saw that it was on the edge of his tongue to do so, I added quickly that I wanted to read the Sorcerer books, a popular series in the Realm. I could see by Jay’s expression that he agreed with my intention to do so.
“You must,” he said with earnest, “it is a good read.”
“I have heard so.”
The two of us drank our herb-tea, still seated on the floor by the hearth, the flames slowly subsiding while Jay explained the full extent of his book idea. His usual casualness, which I liked, was eroding to a more energetic persona when speaking of his book. I enjoyed listening. I enjoyed not having the pressure of carrying the conversation.
“How do you come up with all that?” I asked, referring to the story he had just unpacked.
“A lot of planning,” he sighed, exasperatedly.
“Well, it seems so indeed,” I said, regarding the embers, not sure what else to say next.
Jay asked me if I would read his story once published. I looked at him and smiled guiltily, “probably not,” I confessed, knowing my interest lay in other things, having never been one to see the appeal in sitting around while reading books.
Surprisingly, my reply made him laugh. “Well at least buy a copy and give it to someone who does enjoy reading,” shaking his head at me.
I leaned forward and took his empty cup. “Sounds like a deal,” I said, getting up to take the cups to the basin.
Jay got up and followed me. “Have you run into any trouble with sentinels who might have recognised you from the city gate?”
Gently, I put the used cups into the basin. “No.” I looked at him, not wanting to even imagine the possibility. “How terrible that would be! Not even your friend Lardian would have been able to get me back in if I had.”
Jay smiled, “Well at least we would all be able to sleep soundly at night,” he teased.
I narrowed at him. “Well just for that, you can be sure if ever one of those sentinels does recognise me, I will inform him on who got me into the city in the first place – and that those who did are as devout to the old gods as I am.”
Jay laughed. He leaned back against the counter, folding his arms, “Where would we go then, if we were kicked out together?”
I avoided eye contact, “Well I would prefer not to get kicked out at all!”
“I too would prefer that you were not kicked out. Where else am I to hear a laugh like yours?”
Alardia and Nendia’s return came sooner than expected. We heard them coming up the stairs and when the door opened, Nendia was the first to walk in, her indifference towards seeing Jay and I standing there in the kitchen was obvious; as obvious as Alardia’s blatant grin when she entered afterwards.
“Fair evening, you two.”
“Fair evening, Alardia,” Jay greeted. “Where did you both come from?” he asked, making himself comfortable upon a nearby stool, sitting with arms folded and expressing his carefree demeanour.
“Downstairs in the common room,” replied Alardia.
“Did you see Teegs and Lardian?” Jay asked.
Alardia nodded, “We did. They said to tell you not to keep Stasanda up too late, lest she misses her Meetings?” Alardia cast me an enquiring glance, whilst Jay shook his head.
“By ‘them’, I assume you mean Tegerian?”
“Yes. He fo
und his request very amusing. As did your friend Lardian.” Alardia looked at me again. “What meetings are they speaking of?” she asked me.
I shook my head. “It is nothing. Tegerian jests.”
“Why does he call you the Weeping Lady?” came Nendia from the couches.
Both Jay and I regarded her. Luckily, Jay responded to the question, saving me from doing so.
“Because Tegerian is a forsker.”
Alardia and I burst into laughter. Jay remained in his regular position, looking very pleased with himself.
“That one is quite the character,” Alardia told Jay, “You know, he refused to tell us what Tree he belongs to.”
“Ah,” came Jay. “He refuses to tell Lardian and myself as well.”
“And what Tree do you belong to?” I asked Jay, finding it curious that I hadn’t enquired before.
Jay gave me a smug sideways glance, the corners of his mouth slanting upwards. “Why do you ask, Stase? Do you want to see if my family name goes well with Stasanda?”
Immediately I blushed. Alardia choked on her laughter and once more, Jay looked very pleased.
When it was time for Jay to leave, I walked him to his room. “Thank you for coming to visit,” I said.
He smiled. Without warning he took my right hand into his and looked me dead in the eyes with an intensity I couldn’t turn away from.
“Am I wasting my time, Stase?” he asked me.
Heat rose to my cheeks. Awkwardly, I smiled and through my teeth I weaved out a feeble, “No.”
He caressed the top of my hand with the ball of his thumb but then released it, smiling. “Good.” He turned slightly, opened the door to his room and when standing just above the threshold, looked at me again.
“Fair night, Stase.”
When I returned to my room, I found Alardia standing near the door waiting, a wide grin on her face.
The Broken Rose Page 5
