by Rachel James
“You think he will truly invade Elmetia?”
“I do, but he will not risk striking until the spring. At least we’ve time on our hands. We should attack them unawares, not wait for him to come to us. Would Freya be able to find this place again?”
“Aye, she says as much in her message.”
“Send for her. We will need to devise a plan.”
“And what of Ryce?”
“We’ll deal with him when the time comes. I must confess, I would like to acquire a bit more land. Another island you say? Little wonder we couldn’t find the scoundrel these years passed. All our enemies in one place. Should make for an easy kill.”
“Ah, Sherwin, do come in. Teagen is already here,” said Niall.
The physician followed him into his chamber. Sitting at the table was the princess, head deep in a large manuscript, her forehead wrinkled in concentration.
Teagen glanced up. “Sherwin, such a pleasant surprise. What can we do for you?”
Sherwin shot a glance at him. “Didn’t Niall mention my being here?”
Teagan blinked. “Nay.” Her gaze moved to Niall’s. “Brother?”
He shuffled his feet. “Oh, it’s naught. Sherwin is to observe, ’tis all. He would like to see your progress.”
“I’m being observed?”
Sherwin held his hands up. “Forget I’m here, Princess. ’Tis naught to fear. Besides, I understand from your brother you’ve been translating Old Wealdic passages. I must say I have a keen interest in the New Religion.”
Her shoulders relaxed. “Ah, well then, please join us.”
Niall sat next to Sherwin at the table and picked up a piece of parchment. “Before we delve into translating the Scriptures today, I thought we might test some of your vocabulary.”
Teagen let out a moan. “Very well.”
“Worry not, sister. I’ll be easy on you at first. I’ll give you the Wealdic, you tell me the translation.”
Teagen crossed and uncrossed her legs, then wetted her lips.
“Munitionen.”
“Fortress,” she said quickly.
“Oves.”
“Er...sheep.”
“Angularem.”
“That’s easy,” said Teagen. “Cornerstone.”
“What a strange name for an island,” Sherwin interjected.
Niall gazed across at the physician. “Did you not know that was the translation?”
“Nay. I had wondered upon its meaning, but—”
“The Holy Scriptures refers to Christ being the chief cornerstone, and this is where the inhabitants drew their inspiration.”
Sherwin rubbed his temple. “But what does it mean?”
Niall laid his parchment down and leaned across the table. “In this instance, the church is being compared to a building, and the cornerstone was the principal stone placed at the corner of the structure. It was the strongest, largest, and most integral part of the edifice.”
Sherwin looked puzzled.
He does not understand.
“Let me describe it another way. As Christians, we put our faith and hope in Christ. In our weakness, He makes us strong. He is our firm foundation. This fortress is symbolic. A daily reminder that Christ is our rock and strength.”
Sherwin leaned his head back. “Indeed, if true, it is a comforting notion.”
Teagen gazed at Niall and cleared her throat. “Right. The test, beg your pardon.”
Ryce groaned as Sherwin pushed him out of his bed.
“Come on, lazy bones. You’re late for practice with Teagen.”
“Nay.”
Sherwin thrust a bowl of cold water in Ryce’s hands. “What do you mean?
“Today is Sunday. Says she can’t train on a Sunday.” He plopped the basin down on the ground and returned to bed, not caring he’d spilled some of the water.
“What’s Sunday to do with anything?”
Ryce pulled the cover over his head to block out the sunlight. “Something about not working on the Sabbath. Now let me sleep.”
“Actually, I recall the king talking about this a while back.”
Ryce lifted the pillow from his head. “Sherwin, you are making little sense.”
“Most of the people here are Christian. The Sabbath is when they observe what they call the ‘Lord’s morrow,’ I do believe. The Sabbath is supposed to be a time of rest.”
“Sounds like a good idea to me.”
“Christianity is a strange religion, don’t you think? They say they only have one God, but I count three, or is one of them God’s child? I confess I’m not sure.”
Ryce sighed. Sherwin was off on another tangent, and there would be no shutting him up now. “Nay, Sherwin. God the Father, God’s son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. One God, but in three persons.”
“Well, how do you know?”
“Teagen told me,” Ryce replied.
Sherwin scratched his head. “Do you believe her?”
“Nay.”
“Why not?”
Ryce huffed. “Because I don’t.”
“But these Elmetians are different. There’s no denying it. There’s a certain way about them. They have an inner peace. Their Christianity must play a part.”
Ryce rubbed his face and ran his hands through his hair. True enough, he had noticed too, but hadn’t put it down to religion. “You know your problem, Sherwin? You think too much.”
“Mayhap so, but don’t you ever wonder if there’s more to life than this? What if this is true and we’re missing out?”
“I suppose you want to find out,” said Ryce.
“I can’t lie and say I’m not curious.”
“Well, go and speak to Teagen. I’m sure she’d love to converse with you.”
The morrow gong sounded in the distance, signalling the rest of the garrison to wake up.
Ryce’s stomach rumbled loudly.
“Come, we need something to eat,” said Sherwin, laughing.
Ryce finished tying his shoelaces and wrapped them around his calves. “I agree.”
They made their way to the hall, passing by the infirmary. They caught Teagen sitting outside. Lunet beside her.
“I presumed you were taking breakfast in your room.”
“Nay. I thought you could carry me into the hall."
“Does Niall know about this?”
“Nay, I thought I’d surprise him.”
Ryce glanced at Sherwin, who tried to suppress a smile. He lifted Teagen with ease and headed inside. “Certainly smells good this morrow. The kitchen staff do us proud.”
They were the first to arrive. Ryce placed Teagen at the table next to Niall.
“Teagen! You should be in bed.”
“Good morrow, Brother.” She flashed him a sweet smile that spread to her eyes.
“I must say you look in good health. I presume you approve of your newfound freedom.”
“Suits me well. I believe I’ve you to thank.”
“Nay, nay, ’twas Ryce’s idea.”
Her eyes locked with his, and she gave him a shy smile then glanced away again, tucking into her breakfast of fruit and porridge. His own stomach growled and reminded him to take some nourishment. The rest of the meal continued in relative quietness until Cinnia walked in. She made no apology for being late, but sat herself down and poured some fruit juice.
“Ah, there you are, love. We started without you. I hope you do not object.”
Her face displayed disapproval, but said naught to the contrary.
“My dear, I do not believe Teagen’s met you yet, at least, since the accident.”
The queen cast her sister in-law a cold glance while wearing a polite smile.
“You’re married?” Teagen peered from her bowl and studied the woman. “When?”
“A year ago,” Niall replied.
Teagen’s mouth dropped open. “Why did you not say anything before?”
“In truth, I’d forgotten you did not remember Cinnia. You both met p
rior to your accident.”
Teagen waved her hand. “Matters not. Come here. I would get up and give you a hug myself, but...”
With a forced smile, Cinnia leaned forward so the two women could embrace.
“This is going to be so much fun! I’ve never had a sister before. How did you meet?”
Cinnia blinked, and her mouth dropped open. “Um, actually, we met here, at Angularem. I was the chieftain’s daughter.”
Teagen’s eyes grew wider. “How romantic. And where is your father now?”
“Oh, he passed away several years ago.”
“So, you were queen here before you even married Niall?”
“Aye, I expect I was, although I was never called by that title. There are not many original inhabitants left on the island now.”
“In fact, most of them work for us here at the fort,” Niall said.
Teagen turned to Cinnia. “I presume you’ll miss this place when we return to Elmetia.” Cinnia lowered her head and played with her food.
Teagen raised her brow. “What did I say?”
“Your archery is coming along nicely,” said Ryce.
Teagen angled her head to see him, perched on a tree stump next to her. They were enjoying a five-minute break. “Why don’t you use your bow more often? You’re always with the sword.”
“Archery is good for keeping your distance, which is why this type of weapon is ideal for you. You want to avoid danger as much as possible. For me, I need to get in where the action is, and the blade is the best.”
“Would you teach me?”
“I did already, before the accident, but I won’t be showing you anything else until your leg brace is removed.”
Teagen stroked the bow she had resting on her lap. She liked the feel of the smooth wood between her fingertips. “Have you killed many in battle?”
A muscle jerked in his jaw. “You know I have.”
“What’s it like?”
“Your worst nightmare, and more.”
“Are you remorseful?”
“Every time.”
“Then why fight?”
Ryce picked a piece of grass and started to chew on the end. “I never wanted to be a soldier. This life was chosen for me.”
“By whom?”
“Fate, I suppose. My father died when I was young. In battle, so I’m told. We were left penniless. My mother’s debts became so immense, the king took me from her as full payment, and I enlisted in the army, required to undertake fifteen years of service. I was but thirteen.
“Life was not so terrible in the beginning. The early days were consumed with training, I was cared for, fed, and clothed, but I knew there would be a cost. To this morrow, I will never forget my first kill.”
“Did you ever see your mother again?”
“Aye, briefly when I passed through on one of the king’s errands. But she was unwell and had no one to care for her. She died not long after.”
“I’m sorry.”
Ryce rose to his feet and strolled the area. “Don’t be. I’ve come to accept that death is part of the life cycle.”
“So what would you do if you could choose anything?”
He paused and looked down. “I had planned on farming.” Teagen quirked an eyebrow. “You’d like to be a farmer?”
“Nay, but what else is there?”
“You should stay here and continue to train Niall’s soldiers.”
Ryce stretched his legs and leaned on the tree stump. “I enjoy the training part. It’s the killing I’ve more of an issue with. I’ve seen and done too much, Teagen.”
“Well, mayhap you should try cookery. I could teach you.”
His eyes widened, then all of a sudden he burst out laughing, not a little, but full-on ferocious laughter. Teagen chuckled along too. It was infectious.
“Come on. We’ve got more practice to do before breakfast, and I’m starved.”
“Let’s skip this part and go eat. Mayhap if we close our eyes, we can imagine me pulling the bow to perfection.”
“You are a dreamer, for certain.”
“Helps keep me positive.” She placed an arrow in her bow and hit the target straight on the head.
“So how is the Wealdic coming on?”
Teagen scrunched her face in concentration. “Slowly.” She shot another arrow, this time even quicker. “I do not find studying easy.”
“Is your memory improving?”
“My long-term recollections are fine, and I can recall newly made memories without difficulty...”
“And what of our journey here? Do you remember getting shot in the back?”
“You wounded me?”
“Nay, I didn’t. You were running away from me at the time, but one of Kenric’s men attacked you.”
“I’ve been wondering where the scar came from.” She touched her shoulder self-consciously. “I’m glad you were not the culprit. Here I was starting to warm to you and all.”
Ryce turned. “You are warming to me?” He came closer.
Her heart beat faster, his face so close to her own. Despite everything her head was screaming at her to do, in this instant, all she wanted to do was...
A twig snapped. Teagen drew back, and the moment shattered.
“Is everything all right here?”
She daren’t look up.
“Aye, all is well. What brings you out into the woods, Sherwin?” Ryce didn’t seem rattled. How did he remain so calm? Was it entirely in her imagination?
“You’re late for breakfast, and the king’s looking for you. I said I’d come and fetch you.”
She didn’t miss the glare Sherwin sent Ryce.
Chapter Twelve
The lesson was going well. Teagen stretched her arms, arched her back, and enjoyed a large yawn. It was about time she went outside. Surely Niall would soon conclude the session.
“I’ve been meaning to speak to you about Christmas.”
Teagen closed the Bible she had been trying to decipher on the table.
“Oh?”
“Before your accident, I was planning on holding a tournament for the garrison prior to the Christmas feast.”
“I confess I have lost track of the calendar. When is Christmas?”
“In five days.”
Teagen’s jaw dropped. “Nay, why didn’t you tell me?”
“I am telling you.”
“Men!” she said, almost to herself. “I need more warning than mere days with so much to plan.” She stared out of the window and studied the building. They could decorate it with boughs of holly and ivy, like in Elmetia.
“Oh, Cinnia has all the particulars organized. We did not expect you to worry yourself about the occasion.”
Teagen cast her eyes to the floor. “I see.”
“We want you involved, Teagen, only Christmas has always been Cinnia’s domain. She likes organizing the various feasts and celebrations.”
“She does not need help?”
“Nay, she prefers to do things by herself.” He strode across and rested his arm around her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Teagen. We should have included you. When was the last time you even celebrated Christmas?”
“Nine years ago.”
“Aye, I suppose the Dyrahns have no cause to celebrate the season.”
“Oh, they follow many pagan festivals, including Yuletide, but of course, I never wanted to partake in those.”
“How insensitive of me. I will speak to Cinnia. Leave this with me.”
“Nay, let your wife get on with the preparations. Perchance once I witness how you do things here, I can be more involved next year.”
Niall rubbed his jaw. “Anyway, I thought a tournament for the men would be beneficial. Could you help me?”
“I don’t see how. Surely you don’t expect me to take part? I’ve had little practice.”
Niall laughed. “Nay, Teagen, not in that way. A prize is customary for the winner. I wondered if, as an eligible maiden, you might consider being offer
ed—”
“Offered?”
He leaned back. “Not like that. Perchance you could spend the afternoon with the victor, or the first dance together at the feast. Whatever you’re comfortable with.”
“You forget I will still possess a brace on my leg. I won’t be able to do any kind of dancing.”
“Why don’t you let me know. In the meantime, let’s work on translating this Bible passage, then we can read the Christmas story at the service.”
“You wish me to recite?”
“Only if you want to. I plan to invite all the fort residents to the gathering. Do you think I should make the event compulsory?”
“Nay, what good would be in that? Did you ever listen to anything you were forced to attend? Besides, I’m sure most people will come of their own accord, although mayhap not Ryce and Sherwin. They’ve probably never experienced a Christian festival before.”
“Oh, I think you’d be surprised. Sherwin is very inquisitive. Perchance if we can manage to get Sherwin to come, Ryce may tag along too.”
“Well, we can pray.”
“Teagen seems her usual self again,” Ryce remarked the next morrow.
“Aye, I’ll give you credit, getting her out of doors has done the trick,” said Sherwin. “Or perchance her recovery was helped along by the company.”
Ryce paused and eyed his friend. “What are you implying?”
Sherwin held his hands up. “Me? Naught at all. If you think I’m insinuating you and Teagen seem to be getting, shall we say, a little closer, I’m not, because of course, you know better than to get involved with the king’s sister.”
“I have no intentions toward her.”
“Pray tell then what the two of you were doing when I caught you in practice yesterday.”
“Talking.”
“Oh? Is it a requirement to talk quite so close to each other’s faces?”
“You’re jealous.”
“Nonsense!”
Ryce folded his arms. “You mean you don’t care for her in the slightest?”
“Well, of course I do. I think she is a remarkable young woman, and I’m sure she will make some prince an admirable wife someday, but royalty marry royalty. There’s not a chance for the likes of you and me.”
