by Rachel James
“Nay.”
“Mmm...do you see clearly?”
“Aye.”
Sherwin perched next to her. “All right, Teagen. What is it? You’ve not been yourself ever since the accident.”
Teagen sat motionless, unable to return his gaze.
Sherwin held her hand. “I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me.”
The door opened, and in stepped Lunet. “Oh, pardon me.”
“Come in, Lunet, I’m done here anyway.” Sherwin let go and stood. “I’ll check in on you at day’s end.”
After Sherwin had gone, Lunet bustled her way over. “What was all that about?”
“Oh, naught, he simply wanted to see if I was well.”
“Seems to me he cares for you a little more than a usual invalid.”
“Nonsense.”
“Of course he does. Wouldn’t hold your hand otherwise.”
Alarmed, Teagen glanced up.
“Oh, don’t you worry yourself. He’s as harmless as they come.”
“I would not be too sure. He is a Shieldok.”
“And what’s his origin to do with anything? You're not telling me you’re prejudiced?”
“Nay!”
“What would you call it?”
“Call what?”
“Your sheer determination to find fault.”
“I do not.”
Lunet quirked an eyebrow.
Teagen faltered. Was she being unfair? Perchance she was, a little, but what if she let her guard down and allowed herself to be taken for a fool? “I’m merely taking caution.”
Lunet crossed her arms and cocked her head.
Teagen sighed and stared again out of the window. “I wish I were out there instead of stuck inside here all morrow.”
“Oh? And miss out on the fun?”
Teagen’s gaze shifted to Lunet. “What fun?”
“So now I’ve your attention.” She lifted the bundle she’d brought in with her. “I saw your brother earlier—he wants you to continue with your Old Wealdic.”
“Why do I need to understand an ancient language?”
Lunet pulled the purple cover away. “He thought you might be interested in this.”
Teagen eyed the enormous manuscript and the words on the front caught her attention. “Sancta Biblia?” She sat bolt straight. “I daren’t touch it.”
“Nonsense. Your brother trusts you.”
She allowed herself to turn the pages. They were thick and crisp to touch. “How will I learn with no one to teach me?”
“Didn’t I say? Niall said he’ll come to you this afternoon.”
“Of course. I had forgotten he had been taught Old Wealdic. I must confess studying is not my favourite pastime, but if I can read this...”
“And it will help with the boredom you were talking about.”
“Indeed.”
Ryce took a swipe at Niall, but he blocked the broad sword skilfully. With quick movements, he charged forward, backing the king into a corner. At the last minute, Niall swung his body around and worked his way to the centre again, both men striking at once and meeting in the middle.
“A truce, sire?”
“Truce.”
The men’s swords parted, and Ryce threw Niall a rag to wipe the sweat accumulated through hours of practice. Ryce sat next to the water casket and helped himself to a drink, the coolness refreshing.
“How’s Teagen?”
Niall dropped next to Ryce and accepted the cup. “She fares well. Her leg seems to be healing nicely. Sherwin thinks she will be up and about in less than a month.”
“But...?”
Niall drew out a heavy breath. “She is not herself. Still she has no memory of the past few weeks, and... she’s overly suspicious.”
“She’s been through a lot.”
“Aye, but my fear is the accident affected her mind.”
“Does Sherwin agree?”
“Nay, he remains hopeful. I’m going to teach her some Wealdic and Sherwin will observe. Only time will tell, I presume.”
“I wish there was something I could do. Perchance I might pay her a visit?”
Niall played with the cup in his hands and stared at the ground. “I fear that may not be such a good idea.”
“Oh? Is she still hostile toward me?”
“She is convinced it was you who attacked her at Hunter’s Forest. As I said, Ryce, she is acting without reason...she trusts no Shieldok at present.”
“Even Sherwin? I wonder he has not disclosed any concerns in this regard.”
“Nay, I suppose he wouldn’t.”
“So, she does not remember our journey here at all?”
“Nay, her last waking moments were of being attacked by masked men in the forest. She knew you had been commissioned to kill me.”
“To be clear, I was only to capture you. I had no intention of killing anyone.”
“But if Eadward had ordered you to execute, you would have done so?”
Ryce stared at his hands.
“Ryce?”
“I always follow orders, sire. At least, all but one.”
“What was so different this time? You'll abide by an order to capture a king, but not allow a pretty princess to die?”
“Nay, sire, not at all...”
“Did you hope by rescuing Teagen I’d grant you her hand in marriage?”
“Not on any account.”
“Never?”
“Nay, the princess is above my station, I am fully aware, sire.”
“Then why?”
Why indeed. I killed your father, and the memory of it has plagued me daily. “Eadward used me and broke his promise to grant my freedom. When he threatened to execute Teagen, I no longer wished to play a part and ignore my conscience. I cannot serve a king I have lost faith in.”
The two sat in prolonged silence.
Niall circled the area. Leaning himself over the handle of his sword, he stared at Ryce. “And do you have assurance in me as king?”
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”
“Teagen thinks this is all pretence, and you’ll end up stabbing me in the back.”
For some reason, the knowledge hurt. “Then I’m going to prove to her, and to you, that my intentions are honourable.”
“Well, if you can persuade Teagen, you’ll convince me.”
“Yet I’m not permitted to visit her.”
“It doesn’t help she is bed-bound. I remember as a child she never liked to be confined. She was born free-spirited. God knows how she survived the last eight years in slavery.”
“The princess is a survivor, my lord. If anyone can conquer this, she will.”
“You’re right.”
“Perchance we can speak to Sherwin and see if there’s a way we can get her out and about a bit.”
“I already tried, but you know him better than I.”
Ryce dove into his meal of mutton and ale without waiting for Sherwin. His friend’s lateness for the eventide supper had become a regular occurrence.
Almost right on cue, Sherwin rushed in. “Sorry. Was held up with a villager suffering from the chills.”
“Well, seeing as it was a matter of life and death,” said Ryce with a grin.
Sherwin accepted the lukewarm food that Ryce had kept for him. Ryce waited for Sherwin to get a few mouthfuls in before badgering his friend.
“Why didn’t you tell me about Teagen?”
Sherwin glanced up. “What about her?”
“She is still awkward with us. Niall said she thinks I attacked her in the forest.”
“Oh, that.”
“Well, don’t you think you should have mentioned it?”
“Why? What good would it do? Only time will tell if her memory returns, and until her leg heals, she’ll be cooped up. She is bound to become a little despondent.”
“Surely we can help.”
“Aye, by giving her space.”
“I agree. She needs to be out in the
fresh air and doing something useful.”
Sherwin stabbed his knife in the mutton. “I cannot let you take her out. If she knocks her leg, she risks being lame for the rest of her life. This is not worth the jeopardy.”
“Is complete respite entirely necessary? We bound her leg brace pretty well.”
“I don’t want to take any chances and risk her falling again.”
“Come now, surely I can carry her outside. And perchance we would be able to resume with her training.”
Sherwin swallowed his mutton too fast, setting off a serious bout of coughing, and tears streamed from his eyes. Ryce thrust a jug of ale into his hands, and Sherwin gulped down eagerly.
“What on earth has gotten into you?” Sherwin said between coughs. “Why are you Teagen’s advocate all of a sudden?” He swallowed some more liquid to clear his throat.
Ryce ignored the question. “I know sword practice is not possible, but I was thinking about archery. We could devise a way for her to remain sitting with her leg propped up. It’s possible, is it not?”
Sherwin placed his knife down and leaned on his elbows. “You might be on to something. Giving her a positive focus and getting her out of her confined space would be beneficial. We shall start off small and increase her time out of doors.”
“Remember whose idea it was. You can thank me anon.”
“Don’t let it get to your head.”
“Leave this to me. So long as I’ve your permission. Wouldn’t want to be upsetting the physician, now would I?”
“Well, glad we set that one straight.”
Ryce laughed as he got to his feet.
“Where are you off to?”
“Outside. Need to make preparations.”
“This very hour?”
“The night is still young.”
Teagen opened one eye as the window shutters were opened. The sun had barely risen. “What is the urgency to wake me today?”
“You’ve a busy schedule, Princess. I’ve brought you a light snack which will keep you going till breakfast,” said Lunet.
She raised her head above the covers. “By all that is good, have you forgotten I’m bedridden?”
“Nay, simply following orders.”
She sat upright. “Whose?”
“Mine.”
Teagen gasped and pulled the cover higher as Ryce entered the room. “Who do you think you are, ordering around my maid without my consent?”
“I have the express permission from the king, of course. Now, Princess, I do believe we are late for practice.”
“Practice? Are you daft, man? I cannot train with a broken leg.”
“I beg to differ. You’ll need time to dress.”
“Why of all the—”
“Good. I’ll wait outside.”
Ryce left without another word and whistled annoyingly, hovering around the entrance. She glared at Lunet, but her maid avoided eye contact, busying herself in finding a suitable tunic for her to “practice” in.
“It’s a bit nippy, so you’d best dress in your furs.”
Bewildered, Teagen complied without further protest. She was curious, but hated being dictated to. Still, if it meant she were able to leave this tiny room...
As soon as she was ready, Lunet sent for Ryce. He scooped her up with ease, taking extra care to support her broken leg.
Despite reminding herself she did not like this man, being in his arms brought out myriad emotions. Lunet held the door, and the moment they stepped outside, a cool breeze caressed her face. She wallowed in this newfound freedom.
Teagen eyes grew wider. “I’m allowed outside?”
“If you are careful. We don’t want you falling and breaking the other leg.”
Teagen shot him an indignant look. “I can assure you, I’ve little intention of incurring further injuries of any kind. To be quite frank, I know not how I did the first one.”
Ryce smiled. “You and me both, Princess.”
“Where are we going?”
“To the woods for target practice.”
“You mean, with a bow and arrow?”
“Aye, have you ever tried archery before?”
“Nay. Well, I did a little when I was a girl, but I struggled to even to pull the string.”
“How old were you?”
“Oh, I know not, eight or nine mayhap?”
“The bow is a hard weapon to master and requires real strength, skill, and most of all, patience.”
“Not sure it is for me. I seem to lack any patience.
They soon came to a small clearing in the woods, and a fair distance away stood a marked tree.
Teagen gaped. “That’s the target?” She looked to her skinny arm muscles and knew this would be a waste of time.
“Oh, don’t worry, we’ll try farther anon. This will do, though, to learn the basic skills.” They came to a halt next to a range of bows and arrows stored in a wooden rack.
“Do many people train here?”
“Aye, the men use this place to practice, which is why we had to arise so early. Don’t want you putting them to shame with your newly acquired skills.”
Teagen snorted. “An optimist, are we?”
“Nay, I wouldn’t say that, but I’ve faith in you, Teagen. It’s about time you did so yourself.”
She bit her lip. She was being harsh on herself. She wasn’t usually like that. She was fearless. She was the optimist. “Very well. Tell me what to do.”
Ryce seemed pleased with her response, and perched her on a tree stump and used a wooden stool to support her wounded leg. “Are you stable enough?”
“I...I think so.”
“Don’t worry, I’m right here so I won’t let you fall.”
“I must appear very peculiar.”
“Nonsense.” He scanned the array of different-sized bows, settling on one of the smaller ones. He stood behind her and placed her hands on the bow, his own hands on top of hers.
She tensed. He was so close she could feel his breath on her neck.
“Relax, Princess, you’re not going to be able to fire anything if you remain as rigid as a post.” He let go of her arms and rested his palms on her shoulders. “Here. Loosen this muscle. We’ll do the first one together, and then you’re on your own.”
She nodded and tried to focus on the board in front of her. His large hands soon returned on hers again.
“Now as we pull back, we breathe in. Look at your target, keeping the arrowhead in view. Sense the wind direction, and when you’re confident, breathe out and release. Are you ready?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Let’s do this.”
They both breathed in, and as they drew the bow back, she felt the strength in his arm far greater than her own. With sheer effortlessness, they released the arrow, hitting the centre of the target with ease.
“You forgot to breathe out.”
“Did I?”
“How can you forget to breathe?”
“I...I’m not sure, mayhap I was concentrating so.”
Ryce laughed, its sound deep and warm. Teagen shook her head to refocus.
“You all right? Not getting dizzy at all?”
“Nay, thank you, I’m fine.”
“Right, let’s try this next one by yourself. In your own time.”
A nervous flutter built within. Her palms sweaty, she wiped them on her tunic before taking the bow again.
“Nay, your hands need to be higher.”
She gripped the weapon with all her might and inhaled.
“Hold on, your hands are too tight. Loosen them a little. Relax those shoulders.”
She drew the string, the pain cutting into her hand. Her nerves threatened to overcome her and her arms trembled.
“Steady now...find your target...hold still...when you’re ready, breathe out and release.”
She closed her eyes momentarily, opened them again and viewed her mark with clarity. With sudden strength, she pulled back even more and released the arro
w. She watched as the arrow soared through the sky and headed toward the tree. Her heart sank as it landed yards from her target.
“Excellent! Not a bad first attempt.”
She glanced up at Ryce in surprise. She expected him to shout at her for being so feeble. “But I missed!”
“Oh, everyone misses on their initial attempt. What’s important is that you released and with relatively good skill. Now, we focus on building your strength, so you can shoot farther and quicker.”
“So you think I have a chance?”
“Of course you do. Shouldn’t take too long either, if we practice daily.”
She studied his face. She had always been a good judge of character, and looking into his eyes she read genuine sincerity. Had she been too quick to form an opinion of this man? He’d had plenty of opportunity to treat her badly if he had so wished.
“Why are you being so kind to me?”
Her question seemed to startle him. Was that pain showing in his face, or just confusion?
Chapter Eleven
Cynehofa, Dyrah
Lord Kenric unrolled the parchment that he’d tucked into his leather belt, and placed it before the king.
“What do you have for me?”
“A message from Freya, sire.”
“Our ally at Lyndisea?”
“The very same. She reports Ryce and Sherwin aided in Princess Teagen’s escape.”
Eadward slammed his fist on the table. “Where did she get her information?”
“They took the princess to Freya at Lyndisea in the hope of finding Niall.”
“Did they succeed?” he said flatly.
“Aye. Freya followed them to an island north of Lyndisea. It appears they’ve made themselves quite an establishment.”
“How is it we’ve not found this place ourselves?”
“We've not ventured that far north, my king. After all, the isle is in the middle of the Misty Sea."
Eadward paced his chamber like a prowling lion. “How many live on this island?”
“She does not say.”
“Was she seen?”
“Nay, my lord, and no one else knows.”
“Good. Let’s keep it that way for the time being. We need the element of surprise. I dare say the scoundrel is building an army to claim his kingdom back, no less.”
