Birthright

by L. Fergus

  “Why do they come out of the Wastes?”

  “No one knows. Someday I hope to venture out and discover why. But, it’s not one of our primary missions, just an interest of mine. Ravagers are a serious threat to the Legion because they inhabit our underground homes, called tubes. The Legion sends out daily patrols to keep the tubes as clear as possible. We’ve sent our forces to aid the king’s because we’re fighting a common foe.”

  No one said anything about fighting monsters. What have I gotten myself into?

  A brown-haired boy appeared through the hatch.

  “Excuse me, my lady, the duchess requires you to remove your cat from the kitchen.”

  Kita laughed. Henrietta would be in knots. Hopefully, Sarge hasn’t ruined dinner.

  “Is it alright if I take care of this, Angus?” Kita asked sweetly.

  “Yes, of course. I can find my own way down. I’ll see you at dinner.”

  Should I salute? And if I should, what is the proper salute? Instead, she gave a quick bow of the head and followed the boy to the kitchen.

  In the kitchen, ten stoves belched heat making Kita sweat under her armor.

  “Kita!” Henrietta demanded in an elderly but stern voice. “Your mangy feline is in the stockroom making a mess. Get him out before he destroys my dinner.” Before running the kitchen, Henrietta had been Kita’s nanny and never stopped treating her like it.

  Kita sighed. If today wasn’t such a mess, she’d be tempted to let Sarge run free. Instead, she navigated her way through the maze of cooks. Henrietta must have called in every one of her staff, and some from the nearby nobles’ houses, to help. She’d bet Henrietta had commandeered the other nobles’ kitchens as well. Kita didn’t know how large the guest list was, but judging by the activity, the party wasn’t going to be small. Every station was busy, except the pastry station. So much for a special dessert.

  “Hey, Sarge! Come here! Come on!” she called. The big, normally snow leopard-print cat came trotting out covered in flour. Kita looked at him and laughed. “You’d better be careful. Henrietta might stick you in the oven. You’ll be a cat in a blanket.”

  Sarge shook out his coat, sending a large cloud of flour airborne.

  “He couldn’t have waited until he got outside?” Henrietta cried. “If he ruins one of my dishes, I’ll skin him!”

  Sarge’s whiskers drooped.

  Kita gave Sarge a sympathetic look. “Come on, hero. Let’s get out of here before we both have to cook.”

  As they made their way to the door, Sarge darted between a cook’s legs, sending him sprawling on the floor. Thank the bloody moons he wasn’t carrying anything. Still, it didn’t stop Henrietta from yelling at them as they left.

  “You know you could save us both a lot of trouble by staying out of there,” said Kita.

  Sarge gave her a quizzical look.

  “I know, what fun would that be?”

  Sarge huffed happily.

  “Come on. Let’s go back toward the main hall and see if we can find Angus. I’m sure he’d like to meet you.”

  He better let me take you. As a trained war cat, Sarge was useful.

  “My lady!”

  Kita turned around to see a servant running toward her. “Yes?”

  “I…” The girl paused, out of breath. She composed herself. “The duchess requests you.”

  Kita rolled her eyes. “Lead on, then.”

  The servant girl led Kita through the castle to the shower room. Her mother had been horrified at the hygiene of Kita’s father when they moved in together after they met and insisted on the room’s construction.

  “Her ladyship said for you to give me your armor and clothing while you shower. She’ll have something for you when you’re finished.”

  How could Mother put me in a dress on a day like today? She was about to leave for battle as the trainee of one of the greatest men in Yorq. How embarrassing would it be to stand in front of him in a ball gown? And she would have to put up with the chatty hairdresser from Champignon.

  Stripped naked, Kita turned on the shower and stepped in. She gave a slight smile as the girl turned up her nose at the smell of her gear. Don’t let the housekeeper see you make that face.

  The servant girl stood waiting with a set of towels when Kita finished. She took one and dried herself.

  “So, what dress is it this time? The green one or the blue one? Please, not the pink one,” she said with a pathetic groan.

  “No dress, my lady. I’m supposed to take you to her room.”

  “She wants me to walk across the castle in a towel?” Kita said pointedly with a dubious look at the servant.

  The girl pointed to a pair of sandals.

  “Great.”

  Kita slipped them on and followed the servant girl across the castle. She ignored the curious looks from the staff as they hustled by, and she gave menacing stares to the guards who ogled her. Maybe this was a training exercise for her arranged by Angus. Someday she might have to carry on in her underwear or only a towel. Better to lose all modesty now.

  When they reached the duchess’ room, the servant girl bowed and hurried off. Leana sat on a bench, working on a needlework project. Kita knocked on the door, and she was given permission to enter.

  “Kita, my dear!” The duchess greeted her with a big smile.

  Kita frowned. “Any particular reason you made me walk across the castle like this, Mother?”

  “I thought the guards could use something to brighten their day. What I’ve selected for you to wear tonight was something I couldn’t send to you. So instead, you had to come to it. Before we get to that, sit.”

  The duchess pointed to a chair. Kita sat, crossing her legs against the draft. The duchess took the chair across from her. Between them on a small round table sat a teapot and some cookies. Kita's stomach growled approvingly. The duchess poured the tea while Kita ate a handful of cookies. Hmmm, sugar cookies. My favorite.

  “I thought you might be hungry. It’s been a long day, and Henrietta said you didn’t grab anything when you were in the kitchen.”

  Kita raised an eyebrow. Mother must have magic or she should be a spymaster for the Shadow Guild.

  “I’ve been a little busy,” Kita said around mouthfuls.

  “Yes, and it sounds like you’re to remain that way. Do remember to eat. You’ll need your strength.”

  Kita nodded.

  “Now, I’ve several things I need to talk to you about.”

  Several?

  “We’ll get the most stressful issue out of the way first.”

  Oh goodie, another woman-to-woman session.

  “I spoke to your father, and he wants to talk to you before you leave.”

  Dammit! What the bloody moons does he want? She’d hoped to avoid seeing him beyond the banquet. She wouldn’t be hurt if he didn’t say goodbye. “About anything in particular? I doubt it’s to say goodbye.”

  “That’s not fair to your father. He loves you and cares about you very much.”

  He has a funny way of showing it.

  “I know the last seven years have been hard, but it’s time for you and him to move beyond it. Your father agonized over the decision not to break ties with Cunningham. I don’t agree with him, but he thought he was doing what was best for all of us. We’re a new noble family, and your father fears the king will take it away. His fears aren’t unfounded, either. You nearly killed a high noble, and he didn’t want that to enter the rumor mill and give his detractors any more reason to drive us from the king’s court. Your father believed Cunningham learned his lesson.”

  Kita scowled. How could you, Mother? If anyone should understand it should be you! “You sound just like Father when I went to him. Cunningham raped me. Why do none of you take it seriously? I was humiliated and scared, and all Father worried about was how Cunningham felt.” Tears filled her eyes.

  “I said I didn’t agree with him,” the duchess replied sternly.

  I should have known tear
s wouldn’t work. I guess I’ll have to play as tough as her.

  “It was wrong for him to put politics ahead of his daughter.” The duchess’ eyes narrowed. “Personally, I think you should have slashed a little more to the left.”

  “I tried, but Cunningham had me in an arm bar. I had to stab blind.”

  The duchess nodded. “Our experiences make us who we are. It’s made you stronger and independent. I understand your father hurt you, but it’s forgivable. You shut him out of your life completely, and when you did interact, it was hostile. You need to be willing to give him a chance to apologize, and I think you should apologize for your embarrassing public behavior and open disrespect of him.”

  Kita turned up her nose.

  “Do you think you could, at least, let him apologize?”

  Kita concentrated on the teapot, her eyes trying to burn a hole through it. Father can say anything he blazing wants. He can’t take back what happened or his reaction. Nothing can fix the hole in my heart or replace the hate and anger that’s filled it. But, to get out of here, I’ll do whatever it takes.

  She sighed, softening her face, and squeezing out a few tears. “I guess I could,” she whispered.

  The duchess got up and gave Kita a hug. As her mother sat, Kita glanced around the sparse room—only the necessities and no decorations. Taking a cue from the room, Kita put her feelings for her father away and cleared her mind.

  The duchess spoke once Kita looked at her. “Your father has more to apologize for. He should have supported you as much as he supported Jeffrey. If someone attacked your brother, there would be a war on. I’m sure a great deal of it has to do with you not being a traditional Yorqian woman, but he still could have been more encouraging. It’s been challenging to get him to see things my way, but he had Jeffrey, and I had you.”

  “I don’t understand. I’m not like you,” said Kita.

  The duchess smiled. “You’re more like me than you know. I wanted you to take up the sword. It’s a perfect pastime for a rambunctious tomboy. I have enjoyed watching your progress. You’re such a fast learner. I was impressed by the way you were able to learn from the Champignons.”

  “For them, it’s all about finesse and fluidity, like ballroom dancing, unlike the boot stomping the Yorqians call swordplay.”

  The duchess smiled as she sipped her tea. “How much do you know about how your father and I met?”

  “Only what Scholar Miknel told us.” The duchess’ smile widened. Kita took it as a sign to explain. “He said Father commanded Duke Cunningham’s forces, and you serviced the men in the camp.” Serviced the men? Oh…bloody moons. “But…I’m sure that’s not what he meant…”

  The duchess’ chuckled into her cup. She stood. “I think we’ve chatted long enough. We should get you ready for the banquet.”

  The duchess went to the door and spoke to Leana. “Get Gabrielle and tell the pastry chef the cookies were excellent.”

  What is it with the pastry chef?

  The duchess answered a knock at the door, and let Gabrielle in. The hairdresser originated from Champignon and had a thick accent. She motioned Kita toward the vanity. Kita sat looking at her damp and stringy hair.

  “Madam Duchess, how good it is to see you,” Gabrielle cooed as she set up the vanity around Kita. “For Mademoiselle’s beautiful hair, I’ve some wonderful ideas. Up with many braids and curls, or we go down. Lots of curls and ribbons. Maybe do something sleek, over one eye, very sexy.”

  The duchess shook her head. “No, not this time, Gabrielle. For tonight, I want you to cut her hair to just below her shoulders—”

  “Cut my hair?” Kita tried not to screech. No! I love my hair.

  It ended just above her butt. She loved the way it waved and whipped around when she moved and turned during a fight.

  Kita’s mother shook her head. “Dear, you’re going into battle. The last thing you want is another way for someone to grab you.”

  Kita gathered her hair over her shoulder and stroked it nervously. I can’t lose my hair. I don’t care if someone can grab me. It’s me. It’s mine. Kita gave the duchess a defiant glare. “I don’t want to join the Legion if it’s going to mean cutting my hair.”

  “That is no way for a commander to behave and you don’t have a choice,” the duchess said firmly. “Gabrielle, cut it, and I want it in a plain peasant ponytail.”

  “Madam, you can’t be serious? Je n’en reviens pas! To destroy this beautiful hair, and then put it in such a…a simple and boring style?”

  Glad I’m not the only one upset.

  “You heard me. I’ll be back shortly.” The duchess left.

  Kita and Gabrielle watched her go in stunned silence.

  “Well, Mademoiselle, we shall do as she instructs, but we’ll add our own little flourishes,” suggested Gabrielle. “How about some small braids and we’ll use your hair to hold it all together? We’ve some ribbon we can add and maybe we can do something more around the gathering point. Sounds good?”

  Kita nodded. The tug of the first snips of her hair made tears slid down her face. She felt naked and exposed. I’m leaving a part of me here. I’d rather it be blood.

  The duchess stopped in the doorway. “Leana, go get Zidin.” She came over and inspected Gabrielle’s handiwork.

  Four small braids, each with three colors of ribbon, ran back to the gathering point of a ponytail. A lock of hair held it together.

  The duchess frowned at Gabrielle. “Madam Duchess, she is a young girl. Even going into battle, she should have a little beauty, no?”

  The duchess sighed. “Since tonight is a social event, it will be fine. She’ll learn soon enough.”

  Kita giggled over her mother relenting. I don’t care if you don’t like it, I do. And I hate you for cutting my hair. I promise I will never cut it again. Even as a Legion commander, I won’t always be in the field and should be allowed some personal pleasures, right?

  “Thank you, Gabrielle. I’ll call for you when it’s my turn.”

  “Of course, Madam Duchess.”

  The duchess showed Gabrielle out.

  “You aren’t going to put me in one of those damn ball gowns, are you?” said Kita.

  The duchess gave her a mischievous grin. “I take it ruffles and lace are only for your girlfriend? You’re going to be the next commander of the Legion of Yorq. I wouldn’t dream of it.”

  Kita’s ears and cheeks burned. Correction. Mother should be running the Shadow Guild.

  The duchess laughed. “You thought I didn’t know? I’m sure your father doesn’t. You were probably right not to say anything. He does want grandchildren. I doubt it’s crossed his mind that as a legionnaire, you won’t be having any. No matter. Choose wisely. But when you do take a partner, I want to meet her. I always wanted two daughters—more of us to gang up on your father.”

  Kita, still very red, nodded.

  “Now it’s my turn to tell you a few things. When your father and I married, as a condition of marriage, I gave up my past. It’s true I was in your father’s service. Not as a camp servant, but as a mercenary commander. I served him for five years, and along the way, I fell in love with him. I believe your father fell in love at first sight, but he’s never admitted it.”

  I don’t picture the two of you young and in love. I think you’re both made of stone.

  “When we were married, it was a scandal across the region. After thirty years of throwing a foreign power out, the last thing many of the nobles wanted was a newly minted duke marrying a foreigner. So, I adopted the customs of Yorq. I gave up my swords and took on the traditional role of a lady in a noble house.”

  Kita recoiled. “Why would you do that?”

  “I love your father. I’ve never regretted it. Being the lady of the house has its own interesting challenges, probably more than leading an army. I…was also tired of fighting. My company saw more combat than any other under your father’s. In the end, I was tired of burying my friends and comrades. It�
�s a hard thing to do, and you’ll learn soon enough. Then maybe you’ll understand why I chose to do what I did.”

  I’ll take a battlefield over a soft bed any day. “How many troops did you lead?”

  “Not as many as you’re going to have. When I started, I had over a thousand. In the end, a little over two hundred.”

  Kita shrugged. “It’s one of the risks of being a soldier.”

  The duchess gave her a bemused smile. “They all died doing what they were born to do. A good commander can win the battle. A great commander wins with as few casualties as possible. Now, let’s get you out of that towel and into something more appropriate.” The duchess moved to a giant armoire that contained her formal attire.

  Kita stuck out her lip. “I thought you said I didn’t have to wear one of those.”

  The duchess grabbed an armful of dresses and dumped them on the bed. She emptied the armoire and its twin, then pressed a hidden button on the back panel of each. The panels in the first armoire opened, revealing a suit of black leather armor, the edges trimmed with silver. In the second, a weapon stand held a katana, a short wakizashi, and a compound bow. Each sword had a matte black finish, the only color being the silver cutting edge.

  Kita looked at the equipment, then at her mother, then back again. She didn’t realize her mouth was open until she tried to speak. “Those…those are yours?”

  The duchess’ face betrayed no emotion. “It’s what I used for over twenty years. The armor is adjustable. The inside is padded and lined with silk. Much nicer than what you’ve been using. It was passed down to me from my mother. It should fit you fine.

  “The swords are named Dusk and Dawn. The metal has been folded over ten thousand times, and the cutting edge is perfectly straight. They can cut through the thickest plate armor and never dull.

  “The compound bow, Midnight, has enough pull to put an arrow through a 24-inch stone wall, so you don’t have to draw very far at close quarters.

  “All three weapons were forged by the master smith Earnan. His weapons are masterpieces. Someday, maybe you’ll have time to search for more of his work.” She motioned Kita to take a look.