Giving orders again? Would Brax never learn she moved of her own accord? Valoria whirled around with a haughty attitude and raised her brow in question. “Yes?”
“That’s the second favor. Now you owe me one.” His lips curled ever so slightly before he turned solemn once again.
Dazed by disbelief, Valoria shook her head as she entered the back of the wagon. There was no doubt about it. The prince had flirted.
Chapter 18
Treasures of the Heart
“You have two choices: speak freely from your own mind, or babble on about every embarrassing detail of your life.” Valoria held her harp in front of the boy’s face.
He looked only a year or two younger than she was, reminding her of the stableboy at the House of Song. He had the same wide, blue eyes and curly black hair.
“I know your kind.” The boy snorted. “Weasels you are, oily slick tricksters who enchant innocents with songs that bend their minds.”
Valoria sighed. Did everyone in Ebonvale despise her? “We only show you what is truly in your heart. Now do you want to tell me freely, or should I pull it from your mouth?”
He sniffed. His nose was crusted with dirt. “There’s not much to tell, really.”
Valoria sat across from him. She placed her harp on her lap and drew out the knife she’d stuck in her boot, just in case. Nathaniel had tied the bindings so tightly, the boy’s fingers had turned white, but Brax’s words still haunted her.
He’d slice our throats in his sleep if he could.
She hoped it didn’t come to that. “Why don’t you start from the beginning?”
“You mean what I ate for breakfast? Nothing. Same for midday meal and dinner.”
Guilt panged in her gut. She popped the top of her sheepskin and offered him water. “No. I mean where were you born? What brought you to where you are today?”
He took a long sip. The water dribbled from the corners of his mouth, leaving streaks on his dirt-caked face. “I was born into this world of ash, in a barn with crumbling black walls.”
“Is that where you live now?” She offered him a piece of smoked beef.
He opened his mouth. She dropped the piece in and he chewed while talking. “No. My mother had a lot of food stored underground, where the wyverns couldn’t get at it. But the stores ran out. We had to move around, looking for food where we could get it. We tried living in the city on the streets, but she couldn’t find work.”
“What does she do now?”
He glanced at the floor. “She’s dead. Died of flu last year.”
“I’m sorry.” Sorrow thick as a heavy blanket covered her heart. “Why haven’t you tried working for the monks revitalizing the land?”
He snorted. “That’ll take years before they see any kind of food they can eat, not to mention make a profit. That’s if the land comes back at all. Gibson gives us food and shelter now.”
Valoria perked up. That was the same name the old man had uttered. “Gibson?”
He closed his mouth like a clamp and glanced away.
Valoria dangled another piece of smoked meat.
He gave her a snarly frown. “Why do you want to know so much?”
She shrugged. She couldn’t tell him she was to be the ruler of this hunger-plagued land. “Because I don’t know much about the south. This is my first time traveling here.”
“You should have stayed wherever you’re from.” He glanced at her servant’s garb as if it were a gown. “There’s nothing to be had here. It’s just a pack of wolves growling over scraps.”
Valoria stiffened. “I didn’t have a choice in the matter. Now, are you going to tell me about this Gibson man, or should I start strumming?”
He pursed his lips as if thinking of how much to tell her. “He runs things. Tells us who to attack. He offers us protection, and he takes care of his own.”
“Sounds like a reasonable man.”
“That’s if you aren’t on the other end of his attacks. It’s either join him or become his prey.”
A chill crept across her shoulders. “So, you didn’t have a choice?”
He glanced hungrily at the bag of beef. “I did. I chose to live.”
* * * *
The horizon glowed golden amber as the sun peeked from the edge of the dead lands. As eager as Nathaniel was to leave the barren grounds, he did not relish the thought of returning to New Shaletown. He hadn’t gone back since he’d left it in ruins as a boy.
Nathaniel glanced at Brax, trying to convince himself the ugly souring of his stomach was not jealousy. “You and the princess seem to be getting along better.”
Brax shrugged. “It makes no difference. The end result is the same.”
“It makes a lot of difference.” Nathaniel whipped the reins a little too hard and the horses picked up their pace. “If you want the union to develop smoothly, you must make an effort.”
“An effort?” He sounded like it was poison.
Nathaniel exhaled in frustration. “Talk with her. Develop a rapport. Discover what she finds dear and give her those treasures.”
The leather moved behind them, and Valoria peeked her head through. “The prisoner is sleeping. I have some information you may find of use.”
Nathaniel shifted uncomfortably, thinking of her keen minstrel ears. Had she heard any of their conversation?
“Join us.” Brax moved over on the bench to make room for her. “We are about to find a place to rest.”
“Then you will need to hear this.” Valoria climbed over the back and plopped down in between them. “Gibson is definitely their leader. He’s a mercenary who’s promised the raiders food and protection if they follow him and death to those that don’t.”
“He will learn the hand of justice.” Brax growled.
Nathaniel stifled the urge to subdue Brax like a master reined in his pit bull. He wished the world were as black and white as Brax saw it. But, it was not his place to lecture the prince.
Valoria pointed ahead. “We should rest in that burnt barn. There are two more ambush points along this road, so we’ll need to veer off course slightly to avoid them.”
Nathaniel regarded her with surprise and awe. “How did you get all of this information?”
She crossed her arms. “I promised him what he wants most.”
Brax’s eyes widened in disgust as if she’d promised him something illicit. “And what was that?”
“Safety and food. Oh, and leniency once we reach New Shaletown.” She spoke as if it were as easy as giving him a piece of copper.
Brax’s jaw tightened. “That is unreasonable. You have no right to impose your own will on the law of the land.”
Valoria’s face reddened and her eyes widened in fury. “I have every right to do everything in my power to ensure our quest succeeds.”
Brax leaned over Nathaniel’s lap, pushing his face a breath away from hers. “And that means letting a raider off the hook?”
To Nathaniel’s surprise, she didn’t back down. She stared right back at Brax, pushing her face even closer to his. Her determination and passion made her all the more beautiful. “His name is Ardent, by the way. He’s an orphaned boy who’s had to scrounge for food all his life. And we’re not letting him off the hook. We’re giving him the means to reform, to start a new life.”
Brax turned away as if the argument was finished and he’d won. “He will have to answer for his misdeeds.”
“That he will.” Valoria sighed.
Nathaniel studied her. Would she let this drop? He didn’t think so, and he was beginning to know her quite well.
Sure enough, Valoria spoke with her next breath. “But that doesn’t mean you have to kill him or imprison him for life. Think about what’s best for the land. We need workers to plant it.”
Brax’s fist clenched. “What’s best for the land is to purge it of scoundrels.”
“Enough.” Nathaniel raised both his hands.
If he didn’t stop this, they’d continue for days on end. Both parties were as stubborn as mules. Although Valoria looked as different from a mule as one could get. “We’ll talk about this once we reach New Shaletown. Right now we all need our rest.”
They both fell silent, like scolded children. Brax sat back with a tired, bored look on his face. Valoria crossed her arms over her chest and breathed deeply.
Nathaniel listened to the creak of the wheels as they simmered down beside him. He’d never thought a rickety wagon would be music to his ears. “I’ll check on our prisoner, if I can trust both of you not to kill each other while I’m gone.”
“You have my word.” Valoria glanced away haughtily. “Although for someone like Brax, restraint may prove impossible.”
“Helena’s sword.” Brax stood. “I refuse to be spoken to this way.” He pointed a finger to Valoria. “You should give your…brother more respect. I’ll check on the prisoner.”
As Brax disappeared into the back of the wagon, Nathaniel pulled on the reins, guiding the horses into the charred doorway of the barn. With the stalls burned to the ground, there was enough room to hide the entire wagon. Unfortunately, the walls stank of soot. Sunlight leaked from a hole in the roof.
Valoria held her head high as if her argument with Brax didn’t bother her. But, tears glistened in the corners of her eyes. Pain etched in the hard line of her delicate jaw.
Nathaniel longed to console her, but any gesture would only lead the way down the wrong path.
“He means well.” He jumped from the bench and gave the horses water. They’d ridden for too long without rest.
“So do I.” Valoria jumped down and petted the lead horse. Her aura of confidence had cracked to reveal her vulnerability. Even a minstrel princess able to charm an army had doubts. “Can you see my way? Or am I a complete fool?”
The façade Nathaniel had built to hold her at arm’s length melted. “I always see your way.”
Brax emerged from the back of the wagon, dragging the boy behind him. “I’ll take the first watch and keep an eye on the prisoner.”
“Good.” Valoria pushed by him. “If anyone needs me, I’ll be asleep.” She disappeared into the wagon.
Brax pulled Ardent to a beam that had fallen from the ceiling. He tied the boy’s hands to a nail. “There. You shan’t run away now. We’ll see if your suggestions are what they seem. But, if you plan to trick us, you won’t be alive to see the profits. I can guarantee.”
“I told her the truth.” Ardent seemed softer now, as if Valoria had brought reason to his thoughts. “She would have known otherwise.”
“We shall see.” Brax gestured for Nathaniel to join him on the other side of the barn.
When they walked out of earshot, Brax shook his head. “I’m not sure which one is more difficult, the raider or the princess.”
Metal clanged against metal. Golden amber light glowed from the forge at the center of the room. A figure stood before it, raising a hammer. He pounded it into a piece of silver, and red sparks flew. The figure wore a long, brown leather apron and tall black boots.
Father.
A sweeping wave of melancholy hit Nathaniel. He was back in Shaletown in his home. Everything was in its place. Horseshoes hung from nails on the wall. A pile of old, chipped swords lay in a heap by the fire. Jars of hand-forged nails sat on the worktable.
Why did he feel out of place?
The miller and his son ran by the windows outside, pointing at the sky. Then came Ludo, moving quicker than he’d ever seen him move before. He still wore his white baker’s apron and flour wafted after him.
Nathaniel approached the window with a growing sense of dread. He knew what they were running from. He’d been here once before.
“Quickly, my son. Put this on.” His father held a gleaming silver-pink breastplate built for a warrior twice his size.
Nathaniel shook his head in disbelief. Usually his father wouldn’t let him touch a finished product. He feared he’d scratch the shiny surface or smear the silver with his dirty hands. “It’s too big. It won’t fit.”
“It’s not meant to.” He lifted the armor over Nathaniel’s head.
When Nathaniel saw his father’s face again, he looked sad. “Crouch behind it and don’t move.” His father smoothed the hair over his head. “I only wish I’d been fast enough to make enough for ma and Pill.”
Outside, people screamed as someone rang a cowbell. A long, winding serpent curled in the air like a green ribbon. Then, two great, leathery wings unfurled like the masts of ships. The fireworm opened its narrow jaws. Fire lit the sky in a red streak.
His father pushed him behind the anvil, and Nathaniel ducked.
The son of a blacksmith was no stranger to heat. But, the gust of dry, searing air that surrounded him scorched his skin like no burn he’d ever suffered from before. His eyes ached so painfully, he couldn’t open them. He felt sticky wetness coming from his face. His nose was bleeding.
He called for his father, but no one answered. The world lay silent, like the dead of night. Except, he’d always heard crickets chirping out his window, and he didn’t even hear that now.
Nathaniel wiped his eyes and stood. The breastplate fell to the ground at his feet.
The world was soot and ash. Only one side of the barn still stood behind him, black and charred like bread left in the oven for too long. His father, his house, his family, everything was gone.
“Blue.”
Nathaniel clutched his arm against his chest. “No.”
A gentle hand touched his shoulder. “Blue, wake up.”
He opened his eyes. He lay in the black ash, with charred wood above his head. A gorgeous face hovered over him with eyes silver as gleaming fish in the stream.
“My la—”
She pressed a finger to his lips. “Shhhh. You’re not well.”
Helena’s sword! He’d almost given her identity to the raider.
Nathaniel sat up, trying to shed the haunting feeling clinging to him from his dream. Brax prepared the horses while Ardent lifted a bowl of soup to his lips. His hands were still tied, but enough slack was given to feed himself. “How long have I been asleep?”
“Most of the day.”
“In Horred’s name, why didn’t you wake me?”
“I’ve only just woken up myself.” Valoria offered him a bowl of soup. “Axel made dinner.”
“He cooked?” Nathaniel took the bowl and his fingers brushed against hers. His skin tingled where she’d touched.
Valoria smiled. “’Tis not tavern fare, but ’tis edible.”
Nathaniel brought the wooden spoon to his lips with hesitation. He sipped a light chicken broth. Large chunks of meat sat at the bottom of his bowl and a few leaves and herbs floated at the top. It was crude, but reminded him so much of Brax—simple, meaty, and to the point with no nonsense. He had to give Brax some credit.
“What were you dreaming of?” She dragged her spoon around, but her bowl was empty.
Nathaniel breathed heavily as the image of his father’s face resurfaced in his memory. “The past.”
Valoria raised an eyebrow as if intrigued. “What about the past?”
He didn’t want to delve into his tragic story, so he spoke in general terms. “How fate can take away everything you hold dear in a matter of seconds.”
Valoria nodded. “I know what you speak of. I lost my mother when I was a child.”
Nathaniel’s voice grew soft, so only she could hear him. “My apologies. I had heard something about the ruler of the House of Song joining Lyric in—what do you say—the rhythm of the world.”
“That’s correct.” She studied him. “Not many warriors know of the minstrels’ religious beliefs. But, you are not a warrior by birth are you?”
“No.” Nathaniel sipped another spoonful. Every turn of conversation led him back to his dream. “I’m not.”
Valoria placed her soup bowl
in a bucket of water and washed it with her hands. “My mother died long before her time.”
“If you do not mind me asking, what did she die of? No one ever said.”
Valoria’s face turned solemn with a hint of anger, or was it bitterness? “A starved heart.”
“A starved heart? How does one die of such a thing?”
She glanced back at Brax as if she’d already stayed too long. “When there is not enough love.”
Before Nathaniel could reply, Valoria stood and walked over to where Brax packed the wagon.
Nathaniel placed the bowl in the water and washed it with both hands. His eyes never left the princess as unease stirred in his gut. Was she anything like her mother?
Chapter 19
Ifs
“Break from the path here.” Ardent pointed to a ridge up ahead. “Best to be on higher ground. They tend to wait in the valley.”
Valoria nodded at Nathaniel. “Go ahead.”
Nathaniel raised both eyebrows. “Are you certain he’s telling the truth?”
Valoria had already tested Ardent with a slumbering awaken thee liar lullaby, but she didn’t want to give up all of the secrets of her trade. She strummed her harp. “Want me to sing the song of truth?”
Nathaniel shifted uneasily. “If you think it’s necessary.”
His unease piqued her attention. What secret was he hiding? Perhaps it was better she not know. It would go against the minstrel code to lure it out. “’Tis not necessary.”
Nathaniel breathed with relief. He spurred the horses up the incline. Whatever secrets he held dear, she wouldn’t know. It surprised her how much she wanted to.
Ardent threw a rock on the side of the road. A puff of soot and ash came up when it hit. “Go ahead. Try your song on me. You already know enough to imprison me until Helena and Horred walk again on this earth.”
“You will not spend your life in prison.” Valoria threw her own rock, stirring up another cloud of ash. “You’re to make something of yourself.” She couldn’t save everyone. At least not yet, but she could make a difference in one life. That’s if he’d let her.
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