The Gift

by Bryan M. Litfin

  “And?”

  “And for my people. The people of Chiveis.”

  “You still hope to return and win them to Deu, don’t you?”

  Ana met Teo’s gaze with a resolute look. “I do,” she said.

  He smiled. “Then I guess we’ll have to see what Deu has in store for us. You’re strong enough to travel now. Tomorrow we depart for Ulmbartia. Maybe that kingdom will have the answers we seek.”

  “I hope so,” Ana said, her eyes bright and expectant. “I’ve been praying for this.”

  Commander Duilo opened the camp storehouse and began preparing a feast in the castle when Lieutenant Celso’s expedition party arrived. Teo appreciated that this time the sentries didn’t confront him as a stranger but as a conquering hero.

  Although everyone remained watchful for Rovers, the mood at the castle was as festive as it could be out on the frontier. A fire blazed in the hearth, and large tables had been set up in front of it. Lieutenant Celso was seated at the commander’s right, while Teo, as the first man to cross the pass and reach the fort, was at Duilo’s left. The Ulmbartians rejoiced to have discovered this second pass over the mountains. It was hoped that a military presence could be established to control both, preventing the Rovers from making incursions into the kingdom.

  The feasting hall fell silent as Commander Duilo stood from his chair. “Men, today we celebrate the presence of national heroes among us. The lords and ladies of Ulmbartia might look down their noses on the military profession, but they can’t deny the great things we accomplish for our land!” Cheers of solidarity resounded from the gathered soldiers.

  The commander turned to his right. “Lieutenant Celso, tomorrow I will be sending your expedition straight to Giuntra. A messenger has been dispatched already. For your outstanding achievements, you will be granted a royal audience!”

  “Where’s Giuntra?” Ana whispered to Teo.

  He shrugged. “I don’t know, but I guess we’re about to find out.”

  Duilo raised his goblet, and all the men followed suit. “To my old friend Celso—the best brawler I’ve ever knocked down!” The toast drew a chorus of laughs as tin cups clinked around the room.

  Turning to his left, Duilo continued the toast. “And to Teofil of Chiveis, who . . . who”—the tipsy commander searched for the right words—“who has brought to Ulmbartia the best-looking woman I’ve ever seen!” A raucous shout went up from the roomful of men. Teo laughed and nudged Ana with his elbow, but she only blushed and stared at her plate.

  The feast continued late into the night. The wine was better than anything Teo had tasted in Chiveis, and the food was creamy and rich. Apparently even common soldiers ate like kings in Ulmbartia. At last Teo and Ana were escorted to a private chamber by the commander’s personal aide. A bed had been set up in it, with a clean straw mattress and enough space for two. A candle on the bedside table cast a soft glow across the room.

  “Commander Duilo apologizes for the lack of more comfortable accommodations to offer you on the frontier,” the aide said. “He ordered his own bed moved here for you. It’s the only thing better than a soldier’s cot in this whole place.” Teo thanked him, and the aide closed the door behind him as he left. The room was silent for a long moment.

  “Everyone assumes we’re . . .” Ana’s voice trailed off.

  “Lovers?”

  “Right.”

  “But of course . . . we’re not.”

  Ana shook her head. “No! Of course not.”

  Teo wasn’t sure what to say next. He tried to think of some witty remark to relieve his discomfort, but no words came, so he and Ana just stared at the bed until the awkward silence became unbearable.

  Finally Teo spoke up. “I guess I’ve slept in much worse places than on the floor of a room like this.” He grabbed one of the blankets off the mattress. “You can have the bed.”

  “Okay, good idea.” Ana hopped onto the bed and quickly blew out the candle.

  The next morning the expedition party departed for Giuntra after a hearty breakfast of cured meat, cheese, and bread with jam. They rode alongside the river until it finally left the foothills and ran out onto a broad and fertile plain. By nightfall they had arrived at a fortified village that provided a safe home for the peasant farmers whose fields lay in a patchwork across the landscape.

  “Welcome to Ulmbartia proper,” Lieutenant Celso said. “It’s a very good land.”

  The riverboat trip to the Ulmbartian capital took the better part of the next four days. Teo was impressed by the scale of the kingdom. It was much bigger than Chiveis, and most of it was rich bottomland that yielded excellent crops. Lieutenant Celso showed Teo a map that depicted the various towns and natural features of Ulmbartia. To the north and west lay the great arc of mountains from which the Rovers sometimes descended to raid the frontier villages. To the south was the coastal kingdom of the Likurians, a people whose luxurious territory stretched lengthwise along the Great Salt Sea. An area to the east was marked “The Forbidden Zone.” When Teo inquired about it, Celso said it was a toxic wasteland from the time of the Ancients’ great war.

  The main river in Ulmbartia was called the Padu. It was a large waterway whose springs originated in the high mountains, flowing from west to east. The expedition would be traveling on the Padu toward its confluence with another river that ran from a freshwater sea in the north. At the two rivers’ juncture lay the Ulmbartian capital, Giuntra.

  “Giuntra is a splendid city,” Lieutenant Celso said, “and we’ll see it at its best. It’s rare for commoners like us to get a royal audience. Only a historic contribution to the kingdom would merit it.”

  “I’ll have to clean up first,” Teo said, brushing dust from his jerkin.

  “I should say so. We Ulmbartians are very conscious of our appearance. Style is important to us.” The lieutenant shrugged. “But in the end it won’t matter. A soldier is still a soldier, even if you dress him like a prince. We’re no better than chimney sweeps in the aristocrats’ eyes.”

  “Men in uniform aren’t respected in your land?”

  “Soldiers perform a service like any other craftsman or farmer. Some people make shoes, some people raise cabbages, some people weave silk. We beat back the Rovers. To those in the upper crust, we’re all the same: commoners. The aristocrats like their lapdogs more than us. We count for nothing.”

  “Really? Even a man of rank like Commander Duilo?”

  “Duilo got where he is because of his family connections. He’s in the aristocrats’ club because of his uncle. But believe me, unless somebody lets you in, that world is closed to people like us. If you’re not admitted to their inner circle, you’re always the object of their arrogance. Or worse—their pity.”

  “And yet they’ll honor us for our discovery?”

  “There’s no reason not to. It makes them feel benevolent and patriotic. But don’t think for a minute they consider you an equal.”

  Teo shook his head but didn’t reply. He wasn’t sure what to make of Ulmbartia.

  When the riverboat rounded a curve on the afternoon of the fourth day, Teo discovered Lieutenant Celso wasn’t exaggerating when he had bragged about the wonders of Giuntra. Even from a distance Teo could see the city was full of splendid palaces and impressive, monumental buildings. The high walls shone brilliant white, and flags fluttered from every possible spire or turret. Marble was present in abundance. The expedition disembarked at a pier amid the cheers of the onlookers.

  A handsome man with gold loops in both ears strode out to meet them. “Welcome, brave adventurers,” he said.

  After greeting Lieutenant Celso, the man turned to Ana and bowed deeply. “You must be Anastasia of Chiveis. I received word that you are a woman of substance, and now I am pleased to discover those reports are true.” He smiled warmly. “I am the king’s steward. Tomorrow His Highness will meet with you. Until then we have prepared rooms for your comfort. Everything you need for your royal audience will be supplied.
” The steward glanced at Teo, looking him up and down, then turned back to Ana. “Your bodyguard will also be given a suitable outfit.” He gestured with an open hand toward a waiting coach. “Shall we?”

  As the party boarded the coach, Teo found himself irritated. Bodyguard? What happened to “national hero”?

  Ana had to admit: the gown was lovely. Gorgeous, in fact. It was made of a luxurious, burgundy-colored fabric the valet had called taffeta. The bodice was fitted to the waist and trimmed with an embroidered pattern of grapevines. Long, loose-hanging sleeves adorned the arms, while the neckline was studded with red gemstones called garnets. The back was open and scooped low, a style to which Ana wasn’t accustomed. She tried on the gown in front of the mirror. It was a stunning dress, no doubt about it.

  The king’s steward arrived and escorted Ana down the hallway. Lieutenant Celso and Teo awaited her around the corner. Like Ana, Teo had been given a fresh change of clothes. Ana had only seen him in his leather jerkin, rough breeches, and high soldier’s boots; so to see him dressed in such a fashionable way startled her at first. He wore a close-fitting, navy-blue doublet with brass buttons, an upturned collar, and gold trim at the cuffs. His dark gray pants were made of fine wool, and his low black boots were polished to a shine. On his hip was his sword—the sword Ana’s grandfather had once worn. With his dark hair combed and his chin freshly shaved, Teo had exchanged his usual wilderness look for something more sophisticated. He looks so handsome, Ana marveled. She glided forward to greet the waiting men.

  “Can you believe this gown they gave me?” Ana smiled and twirled so the skirt would flare out.

  Teo nodded. “They say Ulmbartia is a fashionable place. You certainly fit in.”

  “Really? You like how I look?”

  “Sure. It’s great.”

  Ana tsked. “Don’t get too enthusiastic all at once.”

  Teo noticed the little edge in her voice. “I’m sorry, Ana. You do look nice.” He shook his head. “My mind is just preoccupied with something Lieutenant Celso told me.”

  “What?”

  Teo turned to Celso and asked him to explain.

  “I told Teofil that the king will be making some decisions about your futures in Ulmbartia,” the lieutenant said. “As foreigners, you’re here by his permission. His Majesty will have some thoughts about where you should fit into our society.”

  “Indeed he shall,” the steward agreed, “and it’s time to go see him now. This way, please.”

  The palace steward led the group to the throne room. The doors opened onto a brilliantly lit hall with a thick red carpet on the floor. The king sat at the head of the room, while the royal courtiers, princes, and ladies-in-waiting lined the walls. As Ana was led down the carpet with Teo beside her, a murmur swept through the crowd. The steward and Lieutenant Celso knelt before the king. Ana and Teo knelt too. The king bade them to rise.

  “Welcome home, Lieutenant Celso. Or should I say, ‘Major Celso’? I ordered your promotion today because of your intrepid work on behalf of Ulmbartia.”

  “It will be my honor to serve you in this new rank, Sire.”

  The king turned to Ana, staring at her. She politely averted her eyes. “Anastasia of Chiveis, I greet you. The rumormongers told me you are a princess from a mysterious and exotic kingdom over the high mountains. Now that I have beheld your beauty, I believe those rumors.”

  “No, my lord. I am only a simple woman seeking a simple life in your land.”

  “Doing what, may I ask?”

  “I can spin wool and sew, Your Highness.”

  When the king burst into laughter, the rest of the room followed suit. Ana didn’t know what was so funny. Leaning forward on his throne, the king stared at her. “I do not think, my pretty, that sewing and spinning will do for you. Not at all. I don’t know how things work in your land, but here in Ulmbartia we do not consign women like you to the tasks reserved for the ugly.”

  The remark startled Ana. She had no words for a reply.

  The king smiled benignly. “Never let it be said that such a lovely foreigner came to our land, and we failed to treat her as her appearance deserves. You are welcome here in Ulmbartia, Anastasia of Chiveis. Even a rosebush as prolific as ours can make room for another glorious bloom.”

  “Thank you, my lord,” Ana replied, more than a little bewildered.

  The king scanned the crowd until his eyes fell on a pretty young aristocrat standing along the wall. He summoned her with his fingers. The woman walked forward, her blonde hair flowing behind her. Jewels dangled from her ears and draped across her ample bosom.

  “Anastasia, meet Lady Vanita Labella. She is of noble birth from an ancient family. You will live at her palace.” The king glanced around the room with an impish smile. “It’s big enough for that, don’t you think?” The question drew laughter and nods of affirmation. The king turned his attention back to Ana. “You will live in Vanita’s little cottage and learn the ways of the Ulmbartian highborn. Does that suit you, Anastasia of Chiveis?”

  Not knowing what other options were available, Ana nodded her assent. Deu, may you go with me into this future, she prayed.

  Now the king fixed his eyes on Teo. “As for you, mercenary, I hear you were the first man over the pass. Commander Duilo speaks highly of your skills in the military arts. You will be commissioned into the Ulmbartian army as a private and will be deployed to the frontier.”

  Ana’s blood turned cold. What? I’ll live in the heartland and Teo will be on the frontier? She hadn’t anticipated this turn of events.

  “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Sire,” Teo said. There was a sharp intake of breath from several of the courtiers. A hush descended on the room.

  The king arched an eyebrow. “No?”

  As Teo started to speak, Ana knew exactly what he was going to say. His protective instinct was at work. He was going to ask to be stationed somewhere close to her. Ana wanted the same thing, yet she understood the social dynamics well enough to see that Teo’s request would be considered improper. She stepped forward and intervened. “Sire, if I may speak, Teofil is not only a good soldier, he is also a . . .” What’s that word again? She desperately sought the right term in Talyano. “A chaser.”

  An uncomfortable titter arose from the watching courtiers.

  “A chaser?” the king asked with a sly expression. “What does he chase? The skirts at the soldiers’ brothel?” Everyone in the room burst into laughter.

  Ana felt her face flush, but she gained control of herself. “Excuse me, Your Highness. I am only beginning to learn the Talyano speech. I meant to say ‘teacher,’ not ‘chaser.’ The words are similar, and I was confused. Teofil is a teacher.”

  Vanita Labella broke in. “I think I know what Anastasia is asking. She wishes to retain the services of her bodyguard and find useful employment for him somewhere nearby. Am I correct?” Ana nodded, and Vanita turned back to the king. “Your Highness, at my home we have a tutor called . . .” Her words trailed off as she tried to recall the man’s name. “Well, never mind his name, but he’s an overworked old geezer nearing retirement. He could use some help.”

  The king chuckled at Vanita’s directness. “Very well, then. Mercenary Teofil will become Teacher Teofil. He can start training all those urchins your oversexed father keeps siring. And if they happen to be your mother’s children too, so much the better!” The room exploded with laughter at the hilarious royal jest.

  Vanita giggled, then stepped close to Ana and took her by the hand. “We’re going to have a lot of fun, you and I,” she whispered. “And now you owe me a favor for helping you keep your lover handy.” She glanced at Teo. “He’s cute. I think you might have to let me borrow him.”

  “So you’re from over the mountains, yet you’re not a Rover, eh?” The scrawny teacher with long white hair grinned at Teo.

  “Yes. I’m from a land called Chiveis.”

  The old man switched into a dialect of the Chiveisian speech. “I
greet you with warmth. I am named Sol. Welcome to the Labella estate.”

  Teo was taken aback. “How do you know my language?”

  “Am I not a teacher? Should I not have things to teach?”

  “There are many things you might teach, but I wouldn’t imagine the language of a distant people would be one of them.”

  Sol laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “There are tribes among the Downstreamers who speak a language like yours. Long ago they migrated over the mountains from the north. I was among them for a time.”

  “Downstreamers?”

  Sol fluttered his fingers in a flowing motion. “They live downstream from us. On the Padu. It goes all the way to the salty sea.”

  “Well, it’s nice to hear my own language spoken. Only Anastasia and I use it here.”

  “And now there is a third! Yet I do not think it will be needed. Your command of Talyano is quite good already. I’ll help you make it even better.”

  “Thank you.” Teo offered his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sol. I’m Teofil.” They shook hands, then Sol invited Teo to have a seat in his spartan living room.

  The journey northwest to Vanita Labella’s home had taken two days. The king had obviously been speaking with sarcasm when he expressed doubt that Vanita’s house could accommodate any guests. It was an immense palace with more rooms than a man could use in a lifetime. The palace lay at the center of a vast estate of farmland and vineyards. Strangely, many of the fields were flooded.

  Teo had been led to a stone cottage near a garden brimming with flowerbeds and fountains. The cottage’s downstairs floor served as a schoolroom, while the upstairs contained living quarters for the teachers. There was an empty bedroom Teo could use.

  “Lady Vanita’s family must be very wealthy,” he remarked.

  Sol bent to a sack of grain and removed a tiny, light-brown seed. He placed it in Teo’s palm. “The wealth you see around you is generated by this.”

  “What is it?”

  “It’s called rice. You’ll be having a lot of it in the days to come.”