by Rachel James
“It has been eight years.”
“You’re a woman now.”
“Don’t sound so shocked. It does happen, you know.”
“Let me get a look at you.” Ansgar stepped back. “Are you injured?” His face showed concern.
“You could say my journey here has been an eventful one.”
“And it is not yet over, Princess. We must take you to your brother at once.”
She looked around the threadbare room, a table and chairs, a makeshift bed, some books, naught more. “I thought he was here.”
“Nay. We wished you to think it so.”
“But what is this place?”
“My home, for the past week.”
Panic rose within her. “Where is Niall?
“Hush, Princess, you’ve naught to fear. He is safe on another island. I hope you’re ready for a boat ride.”
Chapter Six
The Isle of Angularem
Niall stood in his bedchamber and gazed out of the window. The winter sun was strong this morrow, its rays glistening and bouncing off the water that surrounded the small island. Movement behind him caused him to turn.
“You’re up early,” said his wife, whose disheveled appearance echoed the state of their marriage.
“Couldn’t sleep.” He could not remember the last time he’d had a peaceful night’s slumber. “How are you?”
“How do you think?”
Niall sighed. His wife was hurting, but she was not the only injured party. “Can I get you anything?”
She gave a cynical laugh. “Nay, naught will help this situation, do you not think?”
Niall sat on the bed and placed his arm around her. “Oh, lass, we’ll get through this.”
“I don’t know how.”
“We can try again.”
“Again? How much more can my heart endure? Nay, I simply cannot carry a child.”
“We’ve only been wed a year. We need to give this a chance.”
“Easy for you to say. Your body doesn’t change, you don’t suffer the same emotions…every time I lose a babe, I lose a part of myself.”
He stroked a tendril of hair from the side of her face. “I do feel, Cinnia. Mayhap not in the same way as you, but I grieve the loss too. We need to hold on to each other, and God.”
“God has deserted us.”
“Oh, lass, don’t say a thing like that. It’s not true. We’ll keep praying.”
“I don’t believe so, Niall. Not anymore.”
“What are you saying?”
She sighed. “I know not. Perchance I need some time to myself. To think things through.”
He studied her face. The worry lines did not suit her. Her usual olive skin was pale, and her chestnut hair hung limp over her shoulders. She was withdrawing. If only she would fight and keep believing. “Very well, love, I’ll give you some distance. If you need anything, I’ll be out with Garreth doing the rounds.”
She nodded but said naught.
Niall closed the door behind him and headed up the steps to the battlements.
“Sire, good morrow to you,” Garreth said.
Niall smiled at his steward, who was waiting for him by the west tower. “So what are we doing this day?”
“I thought it time we reviewed the renovations. The chapel restoration is almost complete, and the reinforcements to the watchtower will commence today.”
Niall turned to view the watchtower on the other side of the island. The old building was still in remarkable condition, but it did need repair. “How long will the project take?”
“Several months, I anticipate. Although things would be sped up with better materials from the mainland.”
“Nay, we’ve survived this long, purely because the Shieldoks haven’t discovered us yet.”
“Of course. What would you like to inspect first?”
“Let’s go to the chapel. I confess a little spiritual enlightenment at the—” Niall stopped in his tracks and stared out to sea. “Garreth, when was the last time you spoke with Ansgar?”
“A week ago. You had him stationed at Lyndisea, if you recall.”
“Then why is his boat heading toward us?”
Garreth turned in Niall’s direction. “How strange. I didn’t expect his return for several months. Unless—”
“Trouble is afoot.”
Teagen sat in the small ship huddled between Ansgar and another soldier. Opposite her were Ryce and Sherwin. They appeared odd in their Dyrahn attire among her Elmetian counterparts.
“So why were you stationed at Lyndisea?” she asked.
Ansgar turned toward her. “To be Niall’s eyes and ears. The location of the island is useful. With so many travellers passing through, it is a good place to learn of any local information.”
“It’s true Niall plans to reclaim Elmetia?”
“Aye, in time, but first he is building his defences at Angularem and preparing the soldiers.”
“Where is this island? I’ve never heard of Angularem before.”
“We happened upon it purely by chance. After the night of the Dyrahn raid, many of the men escaped, along with your brother. We ran to the coast and set sail for Lyndisea. However, a storm hit us that eventide, our ship was taken off course and we were shipwrecked. We found ourselves at Angularem.”
“The island was already inhabited?”
“Only by a few Wealdfolk. The isle has proved an ideal home for us over the last few years.”
She leaned out of the boat straining to glimpse a view of Angularem.
“Careful, Princess. I don’t want to lose you now that we’re so close.”
“Oh, pardon me.”
Ansgar placed her hand in his. “We all thought you were dead, you know. The Dyrahns announced they’d found your body. If we’d have known you were indeed alive...”
She patted his arm. “I understand. ’Twas my own fault. After hearing father slain, I was fearful the same would happen to me. I swapped my clothes with Hilda’s so that they would think me dead.”
She glanced across at Ryce—his complexion had gone pale. Perchance he suffered from seasickness.
“What happened to you after the raid?” asked Ansgar.
“I was gathered with the rest of the survivors and taken to the slave market. Remarkably no one recognized me. That is until last week.”
“Well, I can’t begin to imagine what you must have been through. You are a far stronger person than I.”
“Nonsense. I’m not as brave as you make out.”
“I can scarce believe it.”
She bunched her legs and rested her chin on her knees. “I’m scared of many things.”
He quirked an eyebrow. “Like what?”
“The dark, small spaces...the sight of blood...”
Ansgar’s shoulders drooped. “’Tis a shame,” he said in a flat voice. “The young Teagen I remember was carefree.”
“Aye, but I was a child. We all must grow up sometime and wake up to reality. It’s a pity life isn’t the fairytale we like to imagine when we’re younger.”
“I suppose you’re right.” He gazed out into the distance. “Well, there she is. Angularem.”
Teagen twisted around. “By all that is good, the island is much bigger than Lyndisea.”
As they drew in closer, a large fort loomed over the top of the cliff. Two figures stood watching them.
“Is that...?”
“Aye, it’s your brother. I’ll warrant he’s might surprised to see us.”
Ryce took in the looming fortress with mixed emotions. He was happy Teagen would be reunited with her brother, but how would he and Sherwin be received? The frosty countenance from Ansgar and his men had not gone amiss. Would Niall be the same?
Ansgar got out of the boat first. “Wait here while I talk with Niall. He’s not expecting us.”
Ryce glanced across at Teagen as she toyed with her cloak and chewed her lip. “It will be all right, Princess.”
She flash
ed him a small smile. “I fear my nerves threaten. Will he even recognize me?”
“Ansgar did.”
“True.”
He watched as Ansgar neared the fortress and was greeted by two men, one whom he presumed to be Niall.
Teagen gasped. “He’s coming over. Do I look agreeable?” She gazed at him with immense, vulnerable eyes, the concern showing on her forehead with a little wrinkle.
“Adorable,” he said honestly.
“Well, here goes.” Teagen attempted to smooth the wrinkles out of her dress and stood straighter. Ryce held out his arm to steady her.
The man followed Ansgar to the shore where the boat was moored. “So tell me, Ansgar, what is of such import that you need to return to us so suddenly?”
“There is somebody I would like you to meet, sire.”
Niall glanced around the small group and stiffened. “Surely not.” Niall strode forward. “It cannot be!” He cupped her face with his hands.
A tear ran down Teagen’s cheek. “I assure you, it is true, Brother. I am very much alive.
“I thought you dead.”
“And I you—at least until but a week ago.”
Niall leaned back, his hands now resting on her shoulders. “You have changed,” he said, his gaze brushing over her.
“Aye.”
“You’re just like mother.”
“So I’ve been told.”
As if snapping out of his trance, he pulled Teagen into a warm embrace.
“Ow, careful, Brother.”
Niall stepped back. “What’s wrong, are you hurt?”
“A little.”
“Well, then, let’s get you seen to. Come, I’ll show you inside.”
Ryce followed the rest of the party up the steep slope toward the old fort. He glanced across at Sherwin, who seemed quieter than usual. Sherwin answered his questionable face with a nod.
He’s apprehensive too.
They reached the fortress and entered in through the courtyard entrance.
“Is this stone?” Her voice grew higher.
“Aye, the Angularems knew how to live, to be sure. Their technology and building methods were far superior to ours. Why, the bathhouse even has under-floor heating!”
Teagen chuckled. “Is that to be my chamber? I’ve always been drawn to warmth in excessive amounts!”
“Aye, that’s right. I remember finding you curled by the fire like a cat in winter.”
“Well, you were often found up a tree.”
“I was not the only one, if I recall correctly.”
Teagen laughed again, then winced.
Sherwin stepped forward for the first time since arriving on the island. “Sire, if I might interrupt.”
Niall stopped mid-stride and turned. He glanced at Sherwin, then Ansgar, as if for an explanation.
Teagen grabbed her brother’s arm. “Oh, Niall, sorry. How rude of me. These are Sherwin and Ryce. They have been of immense help to me. Sherwin in particular has been seeing to my injuries.”
Upon Niall’s nod, Sherwin continued. “Your sister has been through a fair deal in the last few days, and her bandages need tending to without delay. Is there somewhere she can be taken?”
Niall stood in a confrontational stance.
“It’s not what you think, Brother. Sherwin is a physician. Nay harm will come to me, I assure you.”
“Very well. Ansgar, kindly show them where to go. Once you are done, mayhap you’d wish a bath?”
“Pray tell me, Ansgar, what on earth is going on?” Niall sat at his table, his chin resting on his fingers. He’d just left Teagen in the care of one of the servants and then shown Sherwin and Ryce to the bathhouse.
“Teagen has been working as a slave. She ran away from her master as soon as she learned of your existence.”
Niall drew a breath. “What kind of slave? She wasn’t a—”
“Not as far as I’m aware, sire. I believe she was a lady’s maid of sorts.”
“How did she find out about me?”
“She overheard her master talking.”
He leaned back and kicked his legs on the table. “So where do these two Shieldok rogues fit in?”
“They helped her escape when she was captured by King Eadward. Apparently, he recognized her and planned to execute her to draw you out of hiding.”
“Is Eadward aware of her whereabouts?”
“Nay, sire.”
Niall stood and paced the room. “Why would these men risk their lives to save her?”
“I know not, my king. Do you think it’s a trap?”
Niall exhaled. “Mayhap. To your knowledge, you were not followed?”
“Nay, but what if these Dyrahns are spies?”
“I’d like to think I’m a fair judge of character. I will speak to them and find out what they have to say for themselves.”
“You mean you’re not going to lock them up?”
“Not unless they’re dangerous.”
“But they’re Shieldoks, sire. They cannot be trusted. They can have naught to gain through helping us.”
“Mayhap. Still, there can be no harm done in talking to them.”
“They’ll still be bathing, sire.”
“Good, perchance I can catch them off guard and learn the truth.”
Niall darted outside and headed toward the bathhouse. Fact was, he needed some fresh air to clear his head. In less than an hour, his entire world had turned. He had already grieved the death of his sister and lived all these years with the guilt that he’d not looked out for her.
Now, by miracle of miracles, she was here, alive and well, bar a few injuries at least. He wondered how Cinnia would take the news. He’d never mentioned to her that he had a sister.
The heat hit his face as he entered the bathhouse. Nodding to a servant, he proceeded through to the changing rooms. Even from his position in the corridor, he heard the men’s voices echoing throughout the chambers.
“So, what do you think we should do? We can’t very well return to Dyrah now.”
“Nor any other Shieldok-owned land near it.”
“Neither would we be welcome in any land belonging to the Wealdfolk. We stick out like a sore thumb.”
“You do. My darker colouring could pass for a Wealdman. Perchance we must be rid of our Dyrahn clothing.”
Niall walked in. Ryce and Sherwin were perched on the bench, cloth wrapped around their waists.
“What’s wrong with staying in Angularem?” Niall asked.
The two men glanced up and instantly adopted a formal stance.
“Sire, we did not realize—”
He lowered his hands, gesturing for them to sit. “I meant what I said—you are welcome to stay here.”
Ryce shifted on the bench. “Sire, we’re grateful for your hospitality, but considering the circumstances, I think it would be wise that we left posthaste.”
“And why is that? Have you somewhere else to go?”
“Nay, on the contrary—”
“Then stay. We don’t have anyone here with the healing arts. We could use your expertise, Sherwin.”
Sherwin looked at Ryce. Clearly the idea appealed to him.
“Ryce, what position did you hold with Eadward?”
“I was his knight.”
“You were in charge of his soldiers?”
“Aye, at one time I trained them for battle, but that was years ago. More recently we ran his er...personal errands.”
“So you were spies.”
“At times. We had undefined roles. We simply did the king’s bidding.”
“I see.”
He sat on the bench opposite the men, put one leg up, and rested his chin on his knee. “My steward suspects that you are still working for Eadward and are here to spy on us.” He held Ryce’s gaze. The man didn’t even flinch.
“Nay, sire. We left because we could work for Eadward no longer.”
“Why?”
“He’s a cold-hearted, selfish king,
and uses people to satisfy his bloodlust and desire for more power. When he threatened the princess, we decided enough was enough.”
“Would you fight against him should the need arise?”
“Aye.”
“Good. ’Tis all I needed to know. Ryce, I wish you to train my soldiers. We can benefit from your inside knowledge and skill.”
“I’m not sure how your soldiers would take to a Shieldok training them.”
“You leave my men to me. Are you willing?”
Chapter Seven
Teagen sunk into the bathtub with the aid of two servants. The water was scorching hot and she grimaced with pain, forcing herself down. Since the men were using the bathhouse, a wooden tub had been brought into her bedchamber.
The heat from the bath went straight through her skull, and she wavered.
“Rest your weary head, Princess. Don’t want you passing out on us.”
Teagen obliged her maid. She was fatigued. The journey had been an arduous one and now that she was safe, it felt surreal in its entirety.
“Are you hungry? Lunet here will fetch you something to eat should you wish it.”
Suddenly remembering her stomach, she realized she could use some sustenance. “Aye, that would be grand, if not too much trouble.”
“Of course not.” Lunet left the room.
Teagen momentarily closed her eyes. The pain in her shoulder was severe. Sherwin had promised to redress it for her after she’d bathed. Right now though, all she could think upon was slumber. She eyed the sumptuous-looking bed to the side of the chamber. She’d never seen anything so grand in her life. But then again, the Shieldoks were not known for their luxurious standards of living compared to the Elmetians. Her gaze crossed to the ornate dresser and mirror.
“Whose chamber was this?”
“It belonged to the queen before she and your brother were wed.”
“Niall is married?”
“Of course. Did he not tell you? Well, I suppose he had other matters on his mind. There’ll be plenty of time for the two of you to catch up anon.”
Lunet entered the chamber carrying a tray of bread cakes and cheese. “The Dyrahn wishes to know whether you are ready for him, Princess.”
