by Thomas Adams
He wondered if he could disappear for the next sennight into the wilds with Bax doing whatever it was the warden did in the woods. He would ask Master Ivar and try and make his escape tonight. Kyrr walked up to Master Ivar and asked, “Master, would it be possible for me to help Bax in Tanic for the next sennight, just until the visit is concluded?”
Ivar chuckled, “Smart lad. You see the lay of things better than most. But no, I have been commanded to produce you for the Chancellor sometime during his visit. So you will be staying near the Hall. I have also just been informed by the princess’s lady you are to personally escort and attend the princess at the feast tonight and wait upon her pleasure until they depart in a few days.”
She was a princess. Kyrr was giddy at the thought of meeting a princess but also frowned. Wait on the princess. Whatever did that mean? His sense of foreboding was growing with each minute. “You know the girl then?” Ivar asked.
“I am not sure. I think so but my memory is not cooperating,” Kyrr said. His dreams! This must be the girl from his dreams. He’d seen her eyes in tens, no hundreds of dreams. She was the one from his dreams! That realization surprised and shook him to his core.
Ivar chuckled even louder at his remark, “Yeah, there are some tricks and what not afoot here. I feel it in my bones as well. Stay sharp and keep your guard up, best to keep your tongue between your cheeks as much as possible. Powerful men and their daughters are difficult to deal with. In the meantime I would strongly recommend a quick hot bath. You stink to Syndros and back. Princesses, from my limited experience in such matters, don’t usually like that sort of thing. Best go tidy up.”
***
There was a shout and raucous laughter at the barracks door. A voice called out, “Kyrr, a lady to see you!” Following the announcement were several sniggers and guffaws.
Kyrr’s head jerked up and he looked over towards the door. Rojr and a couple other students were clustered around the door with smirks on their faces. So it begins he thought. He walked over to the door and pushed his way through the knot of boys. A few whispered inappropriate comments followed him. Some jostling and pushing ensued but he waded through the smaller students and stepped into the hallway. A lovely young lady stood there with a bundle in her hands. She was clothed much the same as one of the women he’d earlier seen with the princess. She must be one of the princess’s ladies. She had on a green riding habit of some fine material. It was expensively cut and embellished. She also wore a veil like the princess had. She had sparkling grey eyes and honey blonde hair. She was beyond lovely.
Kyrr reached back behind him and yanked the door from the hands of his classmates and slammed it shut behind him. He bowed and brushed his lips to her gloved hand. “Excuse me my lady. They don’t get much cordial female attention around here so they forget how to act.” Kyrr said.
She laughed, “I can imagine. Not to worry my lord I have three brothers. I am used to it. This is for you, from my lady, the Princess Yfiria. She commands your presence with her at the fete tonight. You are to escort her. She will meet you at the repast hour by the entrance to the great hall.”
“Thank you my lady but it is just Kyrr. I am no lord.” and he gently took the proffered package from her hands.
“As you wish, Kyrr. I am Yfellia, cousin to the princess. Please be prompt. We will see you tonight.” she winked, her eyes dancing with amusement and departed quickly but gracefully down the walkway. He watched her go. She was charming beyond all expectation. Yfellia looked a lot like her cousin. The cousin was almost as beautiful as the princess he realized. The princess, Yfiria was her name he realized. What a lovely name. He turned and went back into the barracks. He placed the package on his cot and opened the heavy paper covering it. It contained a very fine set of clothes. There was a pair of tall black leather riding boots, black soft leather trews, a fine white cloth shirt, a tooled belt and a dark blue velvet padded gambeson with a rising sun sewn in gold and silver thread on the breast. Gold threading also was shot through many of the seams and cuffs.
He’d never had such clothes as these. Kyrr groaned to himself and wondered what he had done to earn them. Some of the boys whistled and edged up to his bunk to finger the items. Most of the boys that remained in the barracks tonight were poor or from families of no consequence. They had never seen such fine stuff up close. They discussed the clothes and the meaning of the emblem on the gambeson but Kyrr tuned them out.
He was foundering and way out of his depth. What did he know of Erlings and how to entertain ladies of rank? By Kimer’s Axe, he was to attend a feast and escort a Princess of Radnja! Whatever was the reason? So much for a simple life, a future poor unknown and humble kriger and hopefully, one day, Sword Master was going to escort a princess! Lana’s Lutes, the gods were playing with his fate for sure. He would really have to bathe before the feast.
***
Ivar rumbled, “Excuse me Aravin, I know who the boy is. We have suspected for some time. The girl, the princess, what is she to Kyrr? I saw how she looked at him earlier. She knows him?”
At Ivar’s request, Wulfgar, Bax, Erika and Aravin had gathered in Ivar’s study for an impromptu discussion before the feast. After introductions Ivar confronted the Druid about Kyrr. The Druid admitted he knew all about the boy and his past but he was being cagey. He seemed reticent to answer questions and when he did respond, was sparing with any significant detail. He said there were political implications and security concerns. He also said he did not trust all the people gathered with him now since they had only just met.
Bax said, “You can talk freely Aravin. We have delved into Kyrr’s past, discovered a few things and formed a concern for the boy. Everyone here has his best interests at heart.”
Heads nodded in agreement. Ivar asked again, “The Princess of Radnja is the other one in the Prophecy?”
The Druid sighed and nodded his head, “Aye, they have known each other since they were both very young. I believe she is the other. She is bound to him and him to her.”
“Tana’s Tits!” exclaimed Wulfgar, “Why bring her here? It is too dangerous. The Imperium has already sent Narasists here twice. The first time they sent one and the boy was nearly killed. He managed to survive but was gravely wounded.”
Erika said, “Think about it, a boy that age beating a Narasist in a knife fight, unheard of! I still can’t get over it. The second time they sent four of their bloody assassins. We caught them as they tried to scale the cliffs at night. They will send more. There could be some here even now.”
Ivar continued, “If they find out what the princess is and where she is they could kill them both and destroy the Prophecy utterly.”
“I did not know the situation here was so far gone. I am only recently hearing of these problems,” Aravin said with concern. “Two attacks already. I should have realized and come sooner. The Imperium has been receiving help from someone or something. It is hard for me to see their motives and designs now. Something dark works against us while aiding them. No matter, the girl will be gone in a few days.”
He then scowled and raised his hands, trying to placate the group, “I admit things have not gone according to plan. And, Princess Yfiria has spent the past twenty four hours upbraiding me for my past mistakes. We should have visited long ago. That said I can’t do anything about it now. We must think to the future.”
Bax replied, “Aravin, we understand, but why are either one of them here? Can’t you take them somewhere safe? And the boy, his memory is badly damaged. Canna you do something to help him?”
Aravin shook his head, “No, it is not my will that matters. Their paths are already charted and foretold. You must understand it is not a path of safety either. But, they must win through. The danger posed by the Narasists is nothing compared to what will come and what Brandt must overcome. You all know the Prophecy. It should be no surprise to anyone here.
“The great struggle lies ahead. There is no place to hide from what comes, from what seeks
him. There is great sorrow, pain, war and suffering in all our futures now. Even death is no escape. These two, above all others, can’t master their destiny from a hidey hole. But, I will see what I can do about Brandt’s mind.
“It is surprising and somewhat expected, based on our seerings. But I have had no experience with such arcane happenings. It explains many things though. I am not sure I will be able to do much. But we, the princess and I, will try our best. My advice is to give her free access to him. She will have the best chance of success in helping the boy.”
The group protested but Aravin reiterated that no place would be safe for Brandt. Even the Druids’ refuge in the Shadow Lands was no longer secure against their enemies. Ivar broke the meeting up shortly thereafter and asked Aravin to speak with them some more on the morrow.
***
Aravin knocked on the door to Yfiria’s borrowed chamber. The door swung open and he saw the princess sitting on a small bench. Her ladies were putting the final touches to her wardrobe for the evening’s feast. Yfiria turned her face towards Aravin and he could see the anguish and sorrow. She had been crying. She hung her head and cleared her throat, “It is so much worse than I expected,” she said softly.
“I know dear girl. I know. He will need your help. You have to be strong, stronger now than you have ever been in your entire life, for his sake.”
“I know. I will be,” she whispered. Her face was paler than usual, her look stricken.
“Good. You are strong. I know you can do it. Now, what do you think we should do? When you used your power earlier what did you discover?” Aravin asked gently.
“I saw confusion and loneliness, indecision and resentment. He is hurting and has been for years, all alone. There is also an unnatural darkness that plagues his mind and soul. Every time I try to fix it and look deeper, it slips away. I do not know what it is or what to do next. I need to think on it Aravin, when I am not so sad and full of grief. Give me some time.”
“Yfiria, I understand. Take some time and relax and when you are ready come to me. We can talk about it more and figure something out. But, time is something we do not have a lot of.”
She just nodded and dried her eyes with her handkerchief, “I know. I need to finish getting ready. Please excuse us Aravin.”
He nodded and turning said, “You look lovely. He will be captivated by you, again.”
She gave Aravin’s retreating back a small smile. The door shut and she drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out. Time was short and she had cried like a child long enough.
Chapter 14
Yfiria
SwordBreaker’s Story, Part I
I was there at the breaking dawn of a new era
The start of a gilded glorious age
Strong was I, valiant, undefeated, and celebrated
Pride was my downfall and Vidarr’s wage
All about, my foes vanquished and I elevated
In my arrogance I thought myself unassailable
Once too oft I returned to the well of death
A jealous and vengeful God you can’t cheat
He will always have your last breath
Brotjnar
***
Kyrr stood near the main entrance to the great hall of Castle Reave. He was nervous and fidgeted in his new finery. The clothes fit him very well. It was as if someone had thoroughly measured him somehow. He was clean and presentable at least but still very nervous about the night’s activities. Torches lit the entrance and a light breeze whipped their flames and sent shadows dancing around the entrance. It was a perfect summer night.
An honor guard of ten krigers in glittering chainmail and bared swords were posted by the great doors. It would take a lot to win through these men Kyrr knew. Guests and visitors made their way into the hall. Music, laughter and cheerful light beckoned from inside. Fridya came up the stairs with her father and a royal guard. The guard’s surcoat was emblazoned with a symbol very similar to the one on his tunic. That was strange Kyrr thought. Wasn’t that the royal coat of arms? Why was the one on this tunic similar?
Fridya wore a very nice gown, it was white with gold silk trim and had her family’s badge stitched in delicate golden thread onto the right shoulder. She was all made up and her hair was swept up and piled on her head in an elaborate style. She looked older and more like an Erling woman in the stunning dress. She was quite beautiful.
She saw Kyrr as she approached and steered her father towards him. She grinned at him. Her eyes danced with happiness and mischief. She said, “Father, this is the boy I was telling you of. His name is Kyrr.”
Kyrr gave a passable bow and said, “My Lord Chancellor, Lady Fridya, it is an honor.”
Chancellor Rumborg looked Kyrr over and when he saw the sigil on Kyrr’s tunic he gave a surprised grunt but only said, “A privilege young man. My daughter tells me you are a devil with the sword for one so young. That is great praise coming from her!”
Kyrr grinned and nodded and replied, “She is very good as well my lord. We spar together frequently and it is always a close thing. I consider her a very good friend.”
Rumborg tilted his head to the side and said, “So modest. You will go far. I look forward to speaking with you some more Kyrr. Enjoy the feast!” Fridya gave him a wink and a smile and went into the Hall with her father.
He watched them enter the Hall and turned back around. That was when he saw her. She walked up the steps towards him. She was the most graceful and elegant creature he’d ever seen. Her entourage followed slightly behind her. Yfellia was there as well and smiled at him.
Princess Yfiria was resplendent in a long flowing gown of pale blue silk. Silver threads outlined her family’s sigil which consisted of a crescent moon and three stars emblayed. Her long silky black hair was unbound and gently curled around her shoulders and down her back to her waist. Silver threads ran throughout her hair and a small silver tiara graced her brow. Delicate silver and sapphire pendant earrings sparkled at her ears. He thought she was about his age or slightly older. But, she seemed older, more mature. She carried herself like royalty with great bearing, poise and grace.
Her form was lovely and well developed and spoke deeply to his physical senses. She was charm, grace and beauty personified. His breath caught in his throat as he gazed on her. His breathing was deeper, his hands suddenly sweaty and his throat dry. He eventually remembered his manners and bowed and said, “Your highness, you outshine the brightest star in the evening sky tonight. I bid you good evening and welcome to Reave Hall.”
Her laugh was gentle but playful and she curtsied in return and said, “My lord, thank you, I wondered for a second if you’d forgotten all your manners. Manners I worked so hard to instill in you.”
He was flummoxed but recovered quickly, “Your highness, I am sorry, you have me at a great disadvantage. I’ve had memory problems for many years now. And, how one could ever forget your beauty and appeal is still a great mystery to me.”
She blushed at the slightly over the top compliment. She sighed and a sad smile graced her lips. “I’ve only recently heard as much Brandt and it troubles me greatly. We will discuss it in more detail later. For now, please take me in. My father is already inside waiting. It seems I am last to arrive as usual. He will, no doubt, have words for me about my tardiness again.”
Her calling him Brandt confused him but he didn’t correct her. Maybe she knew best he thought. She seemed to know him better than he did. He was certain he could trust her. He offered her his arm. She took it, possessively, and then slid her hand up to his and entwined her fingers in his. Her touch was warm and familiar and her fingers trembled slightly in his. The familiar warmth and buzzing flooded his body. She tucked in tightly to him and they moved towards the entrance to the hall. Her ladies and the old man in the black robes followed.
He was taken off guard by her intimate physical response to his escort, she was so very close, but it felt right to him. He felt completely confident by her side an
d smiled down at her. She was watching his face and smiled in return. Her gaze ad smile took his breath away.
As they entered the hall she leaned in and whispered, “You do you remember me? It has been a long time. I have missed you. Oh, the fun we used to have.”
Her name, Yfiria, it was such a beautiful name and so familiar to him. He was sure he’d heard it before.
The old man must have heard because he replied, “He did not forget you Yfiria. He remembers something, I can tell. The archania when he crossed back over must have done this. It was corrupted somehow. Maybe, or some twist of fate or some trick of the Dark One did it when he returned to Ellorhim. So, don’t blame the boy.”
She sighed sadly and looked over her shoulder at the Druid, “Aravin, it is so sad. We must fix it.”
Aravin? Kyrr only knew one man, well not really a man, called Aravin. Aravin was the name of the ancient head of the Druid Order of Ellorhim. Was this old man in the battered black robes, tied with a dirty rope around the waist and a patched cloak Aravin? Impossible! He was a figure from legend, a hero, thousands of years old. Not a scruffy old traveler. But, what did he know of Druids?
Aravin replied, “Yfiria, you know we are looking into it. I will do my best. But, remember what we talked about just a few moments ago. Think how you can influence the situation. You must continue to work on it.”
