by Rachel James
Ryce removed his helmet and ran his hand through his hair. “Rest assured, sire, I give you my life. Whether we live or die today, I’ll fight trying.”
“Surrender your life to God, not me. Only His will be done this morrow. But thank you, and I value your loyalty.”
Ryce looked at him. “I think it’s a little late for me.”
“While you still breathe, you have a chance with God. Remember that, won’t you?” The king patted his back. “Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to check on the villagers. Time I showed my face.”
Ryce nodded and watched Niall disappear down the tower and head out into the courtyard. Among the locals who only spoke Wealdic, were roaming animals leaving their business littered all over the ground. Comical to watch, but pure chaos. The women had their hands full.
Ryce watched Cinnia directing the distribution of food. As a native, she proved an unlikely source of calm around the place.
Teagen sat with a child on her knee. She appeared to be teaching the girl to braid hair.
Sherwin perched next to her.
“So, will you be joining the other men to fight?” said Teagen.
At the sound of Teagen’s voice, Ryce stopped his patrol and leaned over the tower. He couldn’t help but listen in to her conversation with Sherwin.
Sherwin looked across at Teagen. “If I’m needed. Although I think the king requires that I stay here and tend to the wounded.”
“The Dyrahns came three days ago. I thought this would be over already.”
Sherwin laughed. “Clearly you’ve never been in battle. These things can take weeks, sometimes even years.”
Teagen made a face. “Goodness, I do not think I’d possess the patience.”
“We soldiers don’t like it either.”
Teagen picked up the little girl who squirmed on her lap and let her free to play. “Have you spoken to Ryce?”
“He told me about it. I can’t say I blame you, but I am surprised.”
Teagen sat straighter. “What do you mean?”
“I understand how you feel in the natural, and that you can’t forgive him. I’ve not been a Christian long, but isn’t that one of the fundamental requirements? We exonerate those who trespass against us, so God may absolve us.”
Teagen looked taken aback. “I don’t think it is as simple as that.”
“God makes it so. We are the ones who complicate things.”
Teagen flung her hands in the air. “How can I trust him anymore? He’s a murderer, and he took the most precious thing from me.”
“What happened to you was unjust, but we live in a fallen world. You of all people should realize this. And yet, Ryce is as much a victim of circumstance as you are. Are you telling me Christ’s death wasn’t good enough to wash away Ryce’s sin? That’s not the kind of Gospel I understand it to be.”
“You’re right. But my heart does not agree.”
“Christ heals the brokenhearted, does He not? Besides, your father’s death was a lengthy time ago, and Ryce has changed since then. Are we all not allowed to make mistakes?”
Teagen slumped back into the hay upon which she sat and stared into the sky.
Sherwin picked a long piece of straw and chewed on the end. “You know Ryce was coerced by an evil man. Eadward is your villain, not him.”
Teagen stared at Sherwin. “What happened to you? I’ve been a Christian all my life, and I don’t think I’m as wise as you are. You been reading the Bible?”
“Actually, I am studying the passages you translated in your lessons. Niall passed them on to me. Do you mind?”
“Nay, not at all, especially if you can counsel me as you just have. Perchance you’re in the wrong path.”
“Oh?”
“Aye, Niall doesn’t like acting as minister as well as being the king.”
“Are you jesting?”
She laughed. “Nay.”
“I think I’ll stick to what I’m good at for the moment.”
Teagen rose and wiped away the straw that clung to her dress. “Thank you, Sherwin, you’ve given me much to ponder.”
Ryce ducked behind the tower wall before Teagen saw him eavesdropping. Indeed, he had witnessed the remarkable change in Sherwin over the last couple of months. His friend had always been a kind person, but now he possessed an inner peace, a quiet confidence, and more patience. Was the Christian God responsible for this change?
Had his determination to prove all gods a farce clouded his judgment? For the first time in his life, he no longer knew. He’d been so certain, and now he couldn’t help but long for a little piece of what Sherwin had.
Eadward sat in his tent looking over the battle plans with Kenric. “What’s this here?” he asked, pointing north of the fort.
“The aqueduct and sewage system.”
“Where does this lead?”
“Out into the sea.”
“Can we get in that way?”
“Nay, sire, the pipes are not large enough.”
“How big?”
Kenric made a circle shape with his hands.
“So, someone small and skinny.”
“It is possible, but all our soldiers are large, and they wouldn’t know their way in.”
Eadward rose, pulled the tent curtain back, and peered out on his men. He spotted some of the younger lads wrestling in the corner.
“Who is the boy?” he asked, pointing to the lad with freckles and gangly arms and legs.
“Godric? He’s just a water boy, sire.”
“Precisely. We send Godric through the sewers, which gets him into the fort. He can then open the gates for us, and we’re in.”
“You want to stake our entire mission on a small child?”
“We wouldn’t lose anything by his death would we?”
“I don’t think we can persuade him, sire.”
“Does he have family?”
“Aye, I believe so.”
“Then we can turn him. Now go get him. He needs to learn these plans by rote.”
As eventide drew in, Teagen helped Cinnia dish up the stew for the villagers. The cooks busied themselves with preparing food for the soldiers, and so Teagen stepped in to assist. She’d always been adept at making hotpot.
She watched as Cinnia took a sip with a wooden spoon.
“This is quite something. I wonder why we don’t eat stew more often ourselves.”
“I’d wager it’s considered a poor man’s meal, although it’s rich in vegetables and highly beneficial for you.”
“Then how do you know to make it? I thought you worked for a noble lady in Dyrah.”
“To be honest, I did a bit of everything. We had to cook for ourselves though, so I mostly made stews for us slaves.”
Cinnia stopped scooping. “Was your life very bad?”
“Nay. I could have been in a worse position. The hard work I coped with, but the lack of freedom was stifling. I must confess, I did enjoy keeping busy. I can’t stand to be idle.”
“And are you redundant here?”
“At times, perchance.”
“You might not remember this, but when you first came I was awful to you. I’m truly sorry.”
“Why?”
“Jealously, mainly. I’ve never had to share Niall before.”
“Oh, Cinnia, I wish I’d known. I hope we can be friends. With not many women aboard this island, we females need to stick together.”
“You’re right.”
Teagen brushed her hair, gazing out of her chamber window, watching the sea lap against the shore. The calm water was so peaceful. Didn’t the ocean realize what was going on in the world right now? She turned and sat on her bed, taking care not to step on Lunet, who slept on the floor.
She should sleep too. Lord knows she needed the rest. But she knew she’d be unable to at this moment in time. All day, pent up anxiousness had risen within. It had happened when Sherwin started preaching at her this morrow. She knew what she must do, but she didn’t want
to. She hurt, so bad. To forgive him would be unjust.
But I forgave you, child. That was not just either.
Tears touched her face. How could she? The angry feelings would not go away instantly.
Decide. I’ll do the rest.
Should she seek him out...in the middle of the night?
Write him a letter.
Grabbing a quill and parchment, she sat at her table and began writing. Awkward at first, soon lines turned into paragraphs, her heart pouring out on the page. The moment she wrote the words, “I forgive you,” she felt peace. The change within her was remarkable, invigorating even.
And she had not yet said anything to him. But God knew, which was enough.
After waving the parchment dry, she rolled the scroll and tied it with string, popping it inside her sleeve. She’d give it to him on the morrow. Without even removing her shoes, she flung herself back on the bed, exhausted but happy. Perchance now, she might be able to get a good night’s sleep.
Crash.
Teagen sat upright. Something had awoken her. She looked around her dark chamber. Still night. Had she been dreaming?
Again, metal grinding on metal, like the sound of the gate opening.
Glad she was clothed, she grabbed her bow and tiptoed out of her room, trying not to disturb Lunet. She managed to get as far as the end corridor before a war cry sounded. She ran to the battlements, heart pumping hard.
She stood, transfixed. Shieldoks flooded the fort, swords and spears raised high, ready to kill. With the fortress doors wide open, even more warriors charged in. Barrels knocked over, outbuildings set aflame, villagers ran, screamed, some not able to get away.
“Teagen!”
She shook herself from her numbness.
“Teagan!” Ryce shouted, running toward her. “Are you all right?”
“Aye.”
“You need to help these people to safety. Are you able?” She nodded in slow motion.
“Come on, Teagen, you can do this. Just focus and try to remember your training. Be on guard at all times.”
He turned to leave, but she had to say something.
“Wait! Ryce?”
He turned, and she ran to him.
Reaching on her tiptoes, she planted a tender kiss on his lips. “Stay safe.”
He touched his mouth, which turned to a smile. “You too.”
She darted for the steps, paused, and cast a lingering glance to Ryce, their eyes meeting once more. Another crash awoke her out of her dream-like trance. Without wasting any more time, she placed an arrow in her bow, and readied herself to shoot as she ran down the stairs. She had to find the villagers...where could they all go? Some place made of stone so that they wouldn’t be burned alive.
The chapel.
She’d gotten down three steps before she had to release her first arrow. Her second shot came directly after the first. The Dyrahns came out of nowhere. She sprinted across the courtyard and found Iana hiding under a cart, where evidence of tears streaked her face.
“Come on, lass, let’s get you some place safe.” In a hurry, she forgot to speak in Wealdic, but the girl seemed to oblige even if she didn’t understand her.
Thrusting her bow on her back, and holding Iana on her hip, she pulled out her seax and ran toward the chapel, dodging any Shieldok in her way. She muttered prayers under her breath to get her safely to the other side. She bumped into Cinnia as she neared the church building.
“Cinnia! Thank God. We need to move everyone into the chapel. Start directing the villagers.”
“But won’t it make us an easy target?”
“We’re safer inside stone than in wood. Come on, there’s nowhere else to go.”
“Nay, you’re wrong. Another way exists.”
“What? Where?”
“Through the cellars, a tunnel leads out to the river.”
“Why didn’t you mention this before?”
“I’d forgotten about it. We used to play in it as children, you see. I only stumbled upon it yesterday when hunting for supplies.”
“Are you sure this tunnel is safe?”
“Nay, but what choice have we?”
Teagen glanced at the chapel. Perchance Cinnia was right. If they escaped through the underground passage, they would be able to head for the watchtower. Niall had made sure it be heavily fortified since she’d found it weeks before.
“Very well, but let us be as discreet as we can. We don’t want the Dyrahns following us. From now on, only speak Wealdic. Agreed?”
Cinnia nodded. “Assentior.”
Cinnia led the way through the tunnel, but she had the only torch. Teagen waited at the back. She’d managed to rescue several villagers she’d found hiding around the fort. It had not been an easy task, and indeed, many were already slain.
In the end, they could wait no longer. When the final person was down, Teagen followed, closing the hatch behind her. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. The last time she’d been in an enclosed space, it was when she was kidnapped.
Opening her eyes again, she crept forward, keeping close enough to the other villager. She didn’t want to be left behind here all on her own. She scraped her hands on the walls as she went past to help her keep her balance, and shuddered as cobwebs touched her face. She screamed out in reaction, the sound echoing around the passage. “Sorry,” she whispered to the woman in front.
“Worry not, dearie. This place gives me the creeps too.”
The tunnel smelled damp and musty, but it was made of stone at least. It gave her confidence it would not cave in. She did not wish to survive the Dyrahns but die beneath the earth.
When the passageway panned out into a cavern, she drew her breath once more as light seeped into the darkness.
“I thought you said this would take us to the river?”
“I’m as surprised as you are. Perchance we went the wrong way.”
“Never mind. What matters is finding the way to the watchtower from here. Any ideas?”
Cinnia looked around to gauge their whereabouts. “We can’t be far from the river. We follow the water into the forest, and we find our tower.”
“So be it, but we must make haste. We don’t want to be seen by any Dyrahns.”
“They’re not at the fort?”
“Wouldn’t like to take my chances. I doubt they’d waste all their soldiers on one attack.” Teagen picked up Iana, and they made their way west toward the stream. “Where’s your grandmother?” she asked in Wealdic.
“The nasty man hit her, and she didn’t wake.”
“Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry. We’ll look after you now. Worry not.”
The little girl snuggled into Teagen and rested her head against her neck.
“She seems to have taken quite a shine to you,” Cinnia commented.
“Isn’t she adorable?”
“I befriended her mother when she was alive.”
“How did she die?”
“Childbirth. We had no physician. Only one of the locals claimed knowledge of the healing arts.”
“And where’s her father?”
“She never told us whom he was.”
“How sad.”
They had finally made it to the waterside and stopped for a few moments to rest. Teagen splashed her face and washed her dusty hands. What a night. Her thoughts drifted to Niall, and Ryce, and Sherwin. She prayed God would keep them safe. As she lifted her head, she froze.
“Teagen? What’s the matter?” Cinnia followed her gaze across the river.
They were surrounded.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Ryce swept his sword, left, right. Plunge. The Shieldok was down. Sensing another behind him, he swung around without hesitation. He caught the Dyrahn off guard, jutted him with the back of his blade over his shoulders, and slice.
One more down.
He scanned his surroundings. They’d been fighting like this all day. Non-stop. When would this end?
Bodies scattered a
cross the courtyard. Thankfully most of them Dyrahn. The Elmetian army might be small, but they seemed to have the upper hand.
Where was Teagen? He hadn’t seen her since the impulsive kiss of last night. If he’d had time to think, he’d be sitting starry-eyed somewhere gazing out over the ocean.
He tried to ignore the worry gnawing at his gut. She’d be all right. She was a smart girl, but then, she did possess a rather wild, daring side. The kind that would do good no matter the sacrifice.
Sherwin fought to his rear. Moving closer, he helped his friend rid his attacker.
“Have you seen Teagen?”
“Nay, nor any of the inhabitants."
He took a swipe at another Dyrahn charging at him from above. The man went flying.
“Are you injured?” Sherwin said.
“I’ll live.”
Sherwin thrust his sword into a warrior on his side. “Where’s Niall?”
Ryce glanced around. He spotted Niall on the battlements. “He’s run into some trouble.” Sherwin followed his gaze. “Kenric.”
They climbed the steps to the fort tower. Kenric had Niall cornered.
“Don’t even think about it,” said Ryce.
Kenric, still holding his weapon to Niall’s throat, cast a sideways glance. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t our two traitors. Come to save this pathetic form of a man?”
“Drop the sword, Kenric, or you’ll have one in your own back.” Kenric lowered the blade and turned to face Ryce.
“Where is Eadward?”
“That’s King Eadward to you.”
“He’s no king of mine. Reveal his location, Kenric.”
“Wouldn’t you like to know.”
“Stop playing games with me, fool. Now tell me where your king is, or you’ll not live to see another morrow.”
“I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
“Oh, and why not?” Ryce glanced up and paused. A warrior wearing a helmet covering his face had Niall in a headlock, knife to his throat.
“I should warn you,” Ryce said, “you don’t want to kill the king.”
“Oh, I think I do.”
