by Bronwyn Eley
I looked over at Jesper, her white hair glowing in the candlelight. Come as you aren’t. I couldn’t bring myself to say what I was really thinking – that she was a fighter. She was a warrior.
‘Nothing too imposing,’ I began. ‘Simple black clothing to start. A chainmail shirt over the top, and perhaps some outer leather armour over the shoulders, hips and arms. Stylish but still practical. Not as heavy, either.’
‘That sounds like a lot of work.’
‘It is, my lord. Normally a project like this would take weeks, but since we don’t have that kind of time, I would suggest repurposing pre-made armour.’
‘What would you need?’
‘A chainmail shirt and lots of uncut brown leather.’ I drew my hands together. ‘And the use of the forge, of course.’
‘How would you do it?’
‘Let’s not spoil the surprise,’ Jesper beamed. ‘You can do it, though?’
Rennard’s look gave me pause. Here was a man torn between his own reservations and his desire to please his wife. I was hoping his love for Jesper was stronger than his love for himself.
‘I can.’
Rennard watched me for a moment. Then, with a curt nod, he returned to his papers. ‘Very well. I will inform Warren of your project. He can organise the mail and leather for you. When I am in meetings, you may be dismissed for this project, as well as after hours.’
‘My lord.’ I bowed my head.
That afternoon Rennard had a meeting, so I headed eagerly for the forge. Was Jesper’s request purely selfish or purely selfless?
I had an inkling it was the latter.
The directions I coaxed out of a bored city guard were accurate and I soon spotted the smithy. It was quiet, perfect in all its loneliness. Not a single tree or bush near. The grass around it deadened down to nothing but rich, dark soil. I was sure Warren had done so on purpose.
As I drew closer, I stilled my breath enough to hear the crackling fire. There was no sound of Warren from within. No sounds of metal or swearing or grunts of effort. The door was made from thick timber and was incredibly wide. I knocked loudly.
No answer.
I unlatched the door. The empty workshop was unsettling at first, until memories of time alone in my own smithy flooded back to me. Tosh had hated it at first, coming in to find me using his smithy, as he put it, without his supervision. But he eventually accepted that I wasn’t trespassing as much as I was practising. When he saw how my skills improved after frequent unauthorised visits, he stopped telling me off. For that, at least.
All smithies were the same, for the most part. You would always find the three essentials: a fire, a hammer and an anvil. Perhaps a cranky Blacksmith or two.
Even though Tosh was a hot-headed bastard, and even though my skin often felt like it was melting from my very bones, I belonged there. Inside those heated walls, with tools in my hands and dirt on every inch of my body. For a while I forgot what it was like to be clean, until Shae made a comment, insisting I wash so that she could hug me when we met after days apart.
On the left side of the fire, the wall was lined with tools. I made my way to it, admiring the number of tongs, hammers, punches and chisels.
The scuffle of heavy boots pulled me from my adoration as Warren hurried through the doorway carrying a thick bundle of leather. Oblivious to my presence, he scurried to the centre workbench and unloaded his burden with a satisfied sigh.
‘Alright,’ he said when he spotted me. ‘You’re here early.’
I shrugged. ‘Is that for me?’
‘Yeah. I already got your mail.’ He gestured to the bench by the fire. ‘I’ve been told you know your way ’round a smithy?’
‘It’s what I did before.’
‘Good. This is no place for hand-holding.’ Despite his curt words, a smile formed on his face. Tosh never bothered with smiles, unless he was really, really happy, and that always involved large amounts of money.
I huffed. ‘You’re telling me.’
Warren chuckled. ‘Get to it then.’
I hefted the mail until it was lying flat and was pleased to see the links were butted together, as it was the style I was most familiar with. It was a smaller vest, clearly sized for a smaller man. All I had to do was remove enough of the links and then restitch the mail back together so it wouldn’t swim on Jesper. I lifted the sleeves. They would need to be shortened, as would the overall length.
I glanced down at my body. There was a time when my muscles reflected the years I had spent working as a Blacksmith. Now, my body had begun to waste away. Thanks to the poison of the Relic, not to mention the fact that I was barely eating, my once-strong figure had faded. I was thinner. Less muscled. The only good thing about it was that now my figure was somewhat similar to Jesper’s, which meant I could use my body as a rough model while making her costume.
‘Kaylan.’ Hearing my voice from Warren’s mouth, in this place, froze me. It wasn’t threatening. I wasn’t frightened. I wasn’t dreading what he was about to say. In fact, I was eager. ‘That’s your name, right?’
I nodded, fiddling with the heavy metal. He simply went back to his work. I took his lead and fell blissfully into mine. Pulling two scrolling tongs from the wall, I set about removing the unnecessary chainmail links. Since the vest was made of steel, the links weren’t welded together and were easy to open. Anyone else’s hands might have cramped up after a few minutes, but years of forge work had made mine strong.
A few hours later, I had to return to Rennard, but I was pleased with my progress and planned to return that night after dinner. Warren wouldn’t be there, so I would have the forge all to myself.
I hurried down the hall behind Rennard and Thorn, carrying Rennard’s papers from his meeting. After a few words that I couldn’t make out, Thorn detached himself and headed off in the opposite direction.
‘What do you think of this costume idea?’
Surprise overtook me long enough for Rennard to throw me a look of impatience. I wrestled with the desire to be honest, finally settling on it. ‘I think it’s a fine idea, my lord.’
Rennard led us up the stairs leading to his chambers. ‘I admit it’s a better costume than the one I had planned for her. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her in anything but a dress.’
‘I will put my best effort into it, my lord.’
‘No doubt. Perhaps I should go as a damsel in distress.’ He chuckled to himself as we entered the hall. ‘But I should hate to draw attention away from Jesper on her night. Besides, these legs haven’t seen daylight in many years, and it might shock some if I chose to parade them about.’
I faltered when he looked back at me, a smile dancing on the edge of his lips. He had never tried to make conversation before. Not like this. He certainly had never made a joke before. Up until now, he had always been hard and cruel and professional. What had changed?
‘What is your costume, my lord?’ It was the only thing I could think of to say.
Since his smile was so insignificant, it was hard to tell if it dropped slightly at my question. He directed his attention ahead. My stomach twisted uncomfortably.
‘It’s a surprise.’
We had reached his chambers, so I was excused from having to respond. I held out his papers, which he took silently, and I reached to open the door.
‘Prepare my horse,’ was all he said before vanishing into his room.
Chapter 11
As I stepped back to take in my work, nerves fluttered in my stomach like wild vultures circling a carcass. Jesper held out her arms, twisting them to see as much of her new costume as she could. The celebration was tomorrow, and I had spent every moment I could working on the armour to ensure it was ready.
Bringing her hands up to her throat, Jesper pulled at the leather.
‘Is it too tight, my lady?’
‘Oh, Kaylan.’ She dropped her hands. ‘It’s wonderful!’
‘Are you sure?’ I hurried to her side, running my fingers
along the edge of the leather that covered half her neck. ‘If it’s cutting into your neck, tell me and I will adjust it.’
‘It’s perfect.’ Jesper grasped my arms, forcing them away from her neck. ‘Really. You’re very talented.’
‘Just doing my job, I suppose.’
She shook her head. ‘Look at this detail! Warren, look!’
She turned to where Warren sat on a stool near the entrance. He smiled warmly. ‘Not bad work.’
‘Not bad,’ she chuckled, throwing her hand at him. ‘The details on the leather are beautiful. I think Ren will appreciate the feminine touch.’
I hadn’t been sure Jesper would like the additions, but it seemed my decision to etch patterns into the leather had been the right one. Some were soft and swirling, like the vines of flowers or the curl of flames, while others’ were harsh and strong, like sharp blades.
‘There should be enough give in the straps to loosen and tighten each section if needed.’ I demonstrated by tightening one of the straps on her forearm.
‘I will be a strong contender for best-dressed!’ Jesper ran her hands over the leather across her chest. I had constructed armour for her chest, neck, arms and, finally, a section to sit around her hips and cover the top of her thighs. Her stomach and mid-section were exposed to give her flexibility, but that was what the chainmail shirt was for. It hung down to her hips, with a narrow section at the front extending down to mid-thigh.
‘What are you coming as, Warren?’ she asked.
‘A peacock.’
The way he said it had us all laughing. He was anything but a delicate, beautiful bird.
‘Are you dressing up?’ Warren’s question was directed at me.
‘I will be there simply to serve Lord Rennard. I wasn’t told I had to dress up.’
‘They usually wear their service uniform to events,’ Jesper said quietly. They. The other Shadows.
‘Ah.’ Warren shifted uncomfortably. ‘I hadn’t ever noticed. I just figured since everyone was dressing up, they would too.’
They. They. They.
I shrugged. ‘There’d be no time for it anyway, since the celebration is tomorrow night.’
I set about unfastening Jesper’s leather, careful to avoid her eyes, so carefully trained on me. The sharp tink, tink, tink of metal told me Warren had gone back to work.
Just as it always did, conversation around the topic of Shadows died instantly.
For once, Lord Rennard was attentive to his wife. It seemed even someone as noble as Rennard doted on loved ones on their birthday.
‘Ren.’ Jesper reached over to hold his hand. Instead of sitting at the head of the table as he always did, Rennard had chosen to sit next to Jesper. ‘I was wondering about the plans for my celebrations tonight?’
‘I’ve arranged everything, not to worry.’ He kissed her hand.
Jesper laughed – unnaturally, the way Shae would laugh at the jokes of men who spoke to her on the street, hoping to sway her with kind words and heavy purses.
‘No, I meant what will we be doing?’
Rennard’s expression lightened as his hands crept forward.
‘Whatever you wish,’ he purred, a gentle thumb caressing her palm. I took a small step back, ever the intruder, repulsed to be so near him during such an intimate moment.
Jesper sucked on her bottom lip for a moment. ‘I would like you all to myself. All night.’
I couldn’t see Rennard’s face, but he stilled. His breath was even, slow, deliberate. ‘That can be arranged.’
I dropped my gaze. I couldn’t imagine ignoring the people in the room, whispering in private moments, saying dangerous threats. How did they do it? Maybe I was invisible to him, but surely not to Jesper?
‘What about Kaylan?’ she asked. I looked up to find her eyes on me. They looked cold, but I knew better. ‘I don’t want her hanging around you all night. I don’t want her in my way.’
Lord Rennard’s mouth twisted as he considered his wife’s seduction. I considered it too. She couldn’t want to be with him all night, especially on her birthday. My body ached from the Relic, but my mind tingled with interest.
What was she up to?
‘Kaylan,’ Rennard boomed. ‘I do not require your services tonight.’
‘Thank you, my lord,’ I said, bowing my head, even though his eyes had not left Jesper. The idea of a night all to myself was certainly appealing. My eyes passed to Jesper. She was sublime. Her smile, her gaze, her tone – it was all perfect. She was a natural seductress.
‘Oh, and Kaylan.’ Her voice was distant, her gaze focused on her husband. ‘You are welcome at the celebration as a guest, of course.’
‘Oh. That’s alright – I don’t want to intrude.’
Would it be intruding? I knew she wouldn’t think so. My mind flashed to Markus, insisting I come to the party. What was Jesper doing? By relieving me of my duties to Rennard and inviting me to the party as a guest, she helped protect the lies I spouted to Markus. Unless she saw it as my opportunity to tell him the truth.
‘Your Lady has extended an invitation.’ Lord Rennard turned a harsh eye on me. How quickly his mood could change. ‘And a very generous one, at that. It is Jesper’s night and you would be rude to refuse the invitation.’
I stared blankly. Jesper’s smile turned smug. The little schemer. I frowned from my position, cornered by the intimidating pair. Clearing my throat, I bowed my head to Jesper. ‘Thank you, my lady. I would love nothing more.’
I knew she could see the glare in my eyes.
The mood of the room changed when Thorn entered. He moved silently toward his Lord and whispered something in his ear. Rennard shifted back, surprised. He hurriedly gestured for Thorn to lay the papers in his hands on the table before him.
Thorn straightened and turned his head slightly to cock a brow at me. I took two large steps back. Satisfied, he bent back down.
It occurred to me that the matter taking up their attention likely pertained to Bellamy. Not knowing what Rennard had done with my information on Min gnawed at my decaying insides. Involving me in his search for Bellamy was almost crueller than exposing me to his magic. My mind begged to know more, my fingers itching to get hold of those papers.
Don’t be an idiot. That will only kill you faster.
The wiser decision would be to go back to my work. So I did, moving to pick up Jesper’s plate. As I approached, she slid a little too quickly from her chair, her purple dress whisking out of sight. I glanced back to make sure the men were distracted before following her into the hallway.
‘My lady.’ I hoped she could hear the mockery lacing my voice. By her amused expression, I knew she could. ‘Why did you do that? You couldn’t possibly want to spend all night with him.’ It was a bold statement, but in my aching gut, I knew I was right.
‘Don’t presume to know anything about my life,’ Jesper snapped.
I dropped my head at the unexpected assault, her intense gaze on me as silence wrapped around us. After a safe pause, I peered up. Her eyes softened when they met mine. She looked around and dropped her voice.
‘You shouldn’t say things like that, not here.’
With that, she turned and strode down the hall, out of sight.
I let out a breath. She was right. I had been an idiot. What if Thorn or Rennard had heard us? In reality, there wasn’t much more they could do to harm me, but Jesper was a different story.
Would he ever punish his own wife for disobedience? Something told me he would. Or perhaps the Relic would egg him on. Still, I didn’t know anything about her life. I could see the lack of wanting in her eyes, but maybe he was a good husband, considering their situation. He didn’t demand that she remain with him all year round. She was free to travel and explore, which was more freedom than I had ever had. She was given a flowering garden and luxurious gowns.
At least she had the illusion of freedom.
I wandered back into the dining hall, reaching for Jesper’s plate.
She had barely touched her meal. Lord Rennard coughed and my head snapped up. The two men appraised me with a look that told me I needed to come up with an explanation, and quick.
‘I wanted to thank her Ladyship again for her very generous offer, my lord.’ I dipped my head.
Rennard wasn’t amused. Thorn’s chest heaved. But they went back to their work. I followed suit, moving all the dishes into a pile that would be easier to carry once Rennard dismissed me.
A heavy buzz descended upon my ears, as if something was trying to crawl its way into my mind. I shook my head, trying to push the feeling away. Nothing worked, so I did my best to ignore it.
‘Kaylan!’
My head shot up. Lord Rennard’s harsh stare gave me pause. I looked around and noticed that we were alone. I hadn’t heard Thorn leave, but was grateful to have him gone.
Now to be rid of Rennard.
‘Yes?’ I blurted out. The buzzing in my head fought against him for my interest.
‘Pay attention.’ He turned back to his papers. Relieved, I closed my eyes briefly. ‘As I was saying, I need you to prepare my chambers before you are relieved for the evening.’
I opened my eyes, awaiting instructions.
‘Make sure the room is immaculate. Pick some roses from Jesper’s garden and scatter them on the bed.’ He gazed out into the empty room, one hand brushing his lips slowly, the other caressing his Relic. ‘Yellow ones. Ensure not a cover is out of place.’ He turned to me with glistening eyes. I resisted curling my lips in disgust. Yellow roses. ‘Light candles around the room just before you leave, but not too many.’
‘Yes, my lord.’ I moved quickly, eager to be free of him but as I passed, his hand shot out. His heavy fingers laced around my forearm.
‘Before you go.’ He nodded to the seat closest to him and released my arm.
I stood frozen for a moment, staring as if he had just asked me to take a dive off the top of the castle. He cleared his throat, eyes on his papers. It was enough to get me into the chair, but I shifted it back, leaving a healthy gap in case I needed to make a quick escape.
‘We were unable to apprehend the man you spoke to the other night,’ Rennard began quietly. I leaned back into my chair, insides a mix of relief and fear. Relief that my big mouth hadn’t sentenced Min to suffering. Fear because Rennard was talking to me about it. ‘I need you to go over everything that happened again. Nothing is insignificant. Start from the beginning. What happened when you walked into the tavern?’
