“I didn’t know he was smiling,” I said as I quickly folded the small cloth around his bottom and pinned it together with steel pins and fasteners.
“He doesn’t do it often. I’ve only seen him smile a few times.”
“It’s sweet.” I kissed his head and held him in my arms again. He snuggled into my chest and then bit me. I disengaged him, wincing. Although he had no teeth, the little nip had strength to it. “Um, I think he’s hungry.”
“Is he trying to nurse off you?” She sighed, placed the tray on the floor, and stretched her arms to me. “Give him here.”
Reluctantly, I handed the babe to Mediera. I had hoped to be able to keep him a while longer, but I did not wish him to suffer if he was hungry. There was something so comforting about having him close. He was a piece of me now, even though he wasn’t mine. Mediera lowered the neck of her sleeping gown and Uthur nuzzled into her and started suckling.
“Gorman is going to let Carenhail have Barriershire. He doesn’t see a way around it. And there’s worse news. He said that furies have been approaching the southern gate. Not many of them yet, but more are expected.” I didn’t tell her that the fat man was going to order the skins to leave the city walls. The plan seemed pointless and terrible, and it wouldn’t mean anything to her, as Mediera likely didn’t know the skins existed. Still, I hoped she would take the threat of furies at the gate seriously.
“That’s unfortunate,” she said.
“Maybe you can try talking to Carrenhail again. He should at least be informing you when the wall is attacked. This is your house.”
“Oh, Ani. It doesn’t matter. Cedric and I are going to leave tonight for Courtshire. Although I’m not sure how we’ll manage it. The western gate is closed, and I doubt we can just ask Carenhail to open it for us. Cedric is talking with some of the soldiers he knows to try to figure out our options for travel.”
“Have you considered going across the ocean to the new world? My brother has a ship in port. He could take you, Cedric, and Uthur across the ocean. The three of you would be safe there.”
Mediera’s lips twitched. “It’s a tempting offer, Ani. As is so often the case, my decision has been made for me.” After she shifted Uthur into the crook of her arm, she handed me a sheet of paper rolled into a cylinder that had been resting on her night table.
I untwisted the twine and unrolled the paper. It crinkled as it flattened.
Dearest Cousin,
I am in receipt of your latest missive. I am saddened to hear of the passing of your lord husband. Colin was a strong leader and had been greatly influential in keeping the war funded. The lords’ council met not one hour ago to discuss the matter of Lord Colin’s demise. They intend to sponsor one of the captains of the army, currently stationed in Barriershire, to command the city. His name is Viktor Carrenhail, and he is a nephew of the Lord of Courtshire. You and Cedric ought to cross the mountains immediately. You can still vote on the lords’ council if you are here, and I need your vote if I am to continue to influence the council to fund this war. Lord Colin’s advocate no longer has the power to vote for him, now that Lord Colin is dead. I need you. Make haste.
Remember Queen Minerva of Weavren.
My best wishes are always with you,
T
The timing of Thomas’s counsel was convenient. Although I would have put them on a ship if it had been my choice, Mediera would certainly follow Thomas’s directive. If he needed her in Courtshire, then that was where she must go.
“Fynn can get you out of the city. Well, I think he can.” The fat man might prevent it from happening. But I was willing to take the chance. The fat man should want Mediera to go to Courtshire, for he should appreciate the logic behind the move.
Mediera bit her lip. “I’ll ask Cedric to talk to Fynn if he has failed to make headway with his other leads. Fynn already knows so many of our secrets that one more shouldn’t make much of a difference.”
My eyes flitted back to the letter in my hand. There was something confusing in Thomas’s words. “What does he mean about Queen Minerva?” I asked. “Wait, she’s the one whose children were slaughtered after she married Sir Reynard of Candel,” I said, remembering a history of Weavren I read in Thellium’s study a long time ago.
Mediera nodded. “I looked up the story last night. We have several books on the island kingdom in our library. Every story seems mired in tragedy. That one in particular.”
“Why do you think he wanted you to be privy to that tragedy?”
“Because I’m going to have to remarry. Thomas is telling me that Uthur won’t be safe, for my new husband will want his children to be in line for Barriershire’s seat. I think he’s trying to tell me to leave Uthur here.”
“Oh,” I whispered as I slumped back onto the cot. “Oh no.” Why hadn’t I thought of it? Of course he would be at risk. No man ambitious enough to marry Mediera would stand to let his offspring’s claim on a lordship be superseded. “What will you do?”
“I don’t know. He can’t come with me, but I don’t wish to leave him here either.” Mediera closed her eyes and placed her lips on Uthur’s head.
The gate to the port on the eastern edge of the city was open, but once I passed through, I noticed only a handful of people. The shore shops and taverns were boarded up, as if their owners knew already that the port was to be closed and they had fled for more profitable venues. I had expected the harbor to be filled with ships, but there were only two floating by the docks. One looked like a tiny fishing sloop, but the second looked more promising, with tall masts and square rigs. From a distance, I could see men balanced atop the rigging making repairs.
While I walked down the pier clutching the small bundle to my chest, squawking seagulls flew in circles overhead. A man and a boy sat on the ledge, fishing poles in hand. They looked up at me as I walked past, and I hoped they would soon forget me.
At the end of the pier, two men were moving cargo into the hull of the tall ship. My name was painted in black lettering on the side, and I knew that I had found it–my brother’s ship.
“Can we help you, sister?” one asked.
“I’d like to speak with the captain.”
“Do you now? Are you seeking passage to the new world? This is the last ship sailing out before the port is closed. Most of the available berths are spoken for, so you’d better decide soon. Two silvers and the captain won’t charge for the babe.”
“I imagine he won’t.”
“I’ll get him then.”
After only a few moments, Simon emerged from one of the lower decks and walked toward me. He broke into a grin as our eyes met.
“Ani. I had hoped I would see you before we set sail. You should come with us. Gil has even agreed to give this place up. Tomorrow at first light we set sail.”
“Gil told me. But I can’t go,” I said, looking down at Uthur.
Simon’s smile fell when he noticed the baby in my arms.
“Is he yours?” Simon asked with a look of horror on his face.
I considered saying yes. Would he be safer if my brother thought he belonged to me? Would my brother care more deeply for him? If Anabella wasn’t my mother, had she taken ownership of me to protect me? Once again, a baby was being hidden. It seemed that events could be recreated again and again, with only little twists of detail. I wouldn’t lie. Uthur deserved the truth.
“No, he isn’t mine. Simon, I need you to take him with you. He’s not safe here.”
Simon’s eyes widened. “You want me to take a baby with me? What about its mother?”
“She knows, but she can’t go.”
“Why?”
I shook my head, not wanting to say anything in front of the other men.
“Ani, how would we feed it? It’s a long journey.”
“We have another nursing mum traveling with us, sir. And we have the goats. It’s not impossible,” one of the men piped up.
I didn’t say it, but I was going to talk with Dahl
ia to see if she would go with them. I hadn’t wanted to approach her until I was certain Simon was still in port. There had been a very real possibility that I would be returning to the Great House with Uthur having failed to find my brother.
“You sure this is what you want?” Simon asked. “I would rather you came too.”
“I wish I could. But there are things I must do here.”
“What will I do with him?”
“Protect him. Perhaps father will take him once you reach shore.”
I handed the bundle to my brother, who hesitated but finally accepted the boy.
“What’s his name?”
“Uthur,” I whispered in my brother’s ear. “When he grows up, tell him he is Uthur Pendragon, the son of a great lord and lady, and that he was born to be a leader of men.”
Simon’s eyes widened, and he shooed the other men away.
“Oh Ani,” Simon murmured. “This is a very bad idea. A lord’s son will be missed.”
“His father is dead. And his mother is going across the mountains. She fears that once she remarries, the boy will not be safe, and she’s likely right. It will be less dangerous for him in the new world, where he will be free from the obligations of his birth.”
“Will someone come looking for him?”
“I don’t think so. The captains have larger problems to deal with than a missing child.”
“I’ll do this for you. But I don’t like it.” Simon sighed deeply.
“I’ll try to talk his wet nurse into going with you.”
He nodded. “Good. It will be easier with someone aboard to be responsible for him.”
Uthur offered Simon a smile, and Simon smiled back. It was hard not to be charmed by him.
Simon shook his head and then looked back at me. “Go before anyone else sees you. If they realize the boy is gone, I don’t want them coming after me. The sweet sisters only know what they do to men who steal lordlings.”
CHAPTER 8
“SISTERS,” A SOLDIER said as Zilla, Tatiana, Dahlia, and I approached the eastern gate. The four of us were on foot, for we had not been able to find a carriage that was willing to travel this far east. Although Dahlia was no sister, she could pass for one in her black wool coat, given that she was in our company. “We’re closing the gate in less than an hour. Unless you’re bound for the ship, you shouldn’t be passing through.”
“I’m going on the ship,” Dahlia squeaked. It had taken some time to convince Dahlia to abandon her home for a chance at a new life, but she had eventually accepted the opportunity. I hoped it would prove a suitable solution for the quiet girl.
“And the rest of you?”
I shook my head. “We’re just accompanying her to ensure she boards safely. We won’t linger.”
A carriage screeched to a halt in front of the gate, interrupting our discussion with the soldier.
“Wait, wait, wait. Don’t close the gate. I’m here,” a breathless voice gasped as a large man lumbered out of the carriage. It was my uncle Gil, holding a small case in his hand. Two men followed him out, moved to the back of the carriage, and removed a large crate.
The soldier sighed. “I take it you’re one I’ve been waiting for.”
“That’s me.” Gil looked at us and grinned. “I see I’m not the only one passing through. Anais, you came. I knew Simon would talk sense into your pretty head. And you’ve brought friends. Well, I’m sure Simon can make room for all.”
“We’re not all going. Just Dahlia.” I looked at Dahlia, who was staring at the ground. I hoped she wouldn’t lose her nerve.
Gil sighed. “That’s unfortunate. I wish you would change your mind, girlie. Your father will be unhappy when he learns that we left you here.”
“Gil. I can’t.” A part of me badly wanted to go with them. I could be with Uthur to protect him and watch him grow up. I could flee the nightmare that was about to overwhelm the city. It was a chance–a golden opportunity. But I had promised Fynn that I wouldn’t just let him die. And more importantly, my power could turn the tide in the war. I couldn’t ignore it. I would just have to accept that my ties to Uthur could not be permanent. Maybe they would fade with time, and I would grow content knowing that I had tried to do what was right for him. Maybe.
“So if you’re here, I can close the gate,” the soldier said. “I need to get to the southern gate as soon as possible. The captains want us all at the ready.”
“No, you can’t close it yet. Two more carriages are coming with crates full of goods,” Gil told the soldier, and then dropped two silvers into the soldier’s palm. “Make sure the gate doesn’t close early. I need those crates.”
The soldier groaned but slipped the coins into his pocket. “Fine. You have one hour and no longer.”
“That’s fair. That should be enough time. My thanks to you, fine sir.”
Gil picked up the small case from the ground, and we followed him and his men through the open gate.
As we walked toward the docks, the sounds of gulls squawking and the thick smell of brine surrounded us. The ocean held a potential for unimagined adventure. And I would have to turn my back on it. I was suddenly overwhelmed by a sense of regret for the path not taken.
Once we reached Simon’s ship, two deck hands jumped up and started moving three planks next to the one that was already in place. The single plank would apparently not be enough to support Gil’s weight. After they positioned the planks, one of the men opened a trap in the floor of the ship and slipped down beneath decks, disappearing below. Within a few moments, Simon emerged from the opening and walked nimbly across the boards. He hopped onto the dock and approached us, smiling broadly. It was impressive that he could maintain his balance while holding Uthur to his chest.
“A baby?” Gil asked. “Where did you get a baby?”
Simon looked to me as if he was waiting for a direction.
So I tilted my head to the side and glanced sidelong at Dahlia. She stepped up to Simon and took Uthur out of his hands. He nuzzled into her chest as soon as he was safely in her arms.
“I believe the sweet little babe belongs to this woman here. He’s hungry. I did try to give him some goat’s milk. But I think we just made a mess. I truthfully have no experience with babes.”
“I’ll feed him,” Dahlia said as she stroked Uthur’s forehead. “It’s been too long.”
“Let’s get you comfortable onboard.” Simon put an arm around Dahlia’s shoulders and led her across the wide planks. “You can have my cabin while you feed the little mite.”
“That’s so kind,” she whispered, looking up at him with big doe eyes.
“That’s me–the sweetest captain that has ever sailed the high seas.”
“Well, well, well,” Gil said. “I never thought I would see the day that Simon would be smitten with a baby or a woman.” He looked over at the two men who held his crate. “All right boys, we need to get the cargo aboard.”
Two of the deck hands scrambled across the planks and took the crate from Gil’s men. “We’ll do it,” the deck hands offered. “Should we place it with the others?”
“Yes indeed,” Gil responded. After the deckhands carried the crate across the planks, Gil enveloped me in a big bear hug. “Looks like it’s my turn,” Gil said, before waddling across the boards and onto the ship.
I stared at him as he disappeared below decks. I had wanted to hold Uthur again before we parted. Although I had said my goodbye to him, it felt unfair that I couldn’t have one last moment. Was this really the right choice? Would I ever know if I had doomed him or saved him?
“We should leave,” Tatiana said, touching my arm. “It’s getting late.”
“Yes,” I nodded, numbness creeping over me. The two men who had accompanied Gil in the carriage were already walking back to the eastern gate without us. I didn’t want to go. But, we couldn’t stay here. I took a long breath.
I looked at both Zilla and Tatiana. “You could go with them on the ship. There’s
no need for either of you stay in the city. It’s not too late to change your minds.”
“I’m not getting on a boat,” Zilla said.
“We won’t leave,” Tatiana agreed. “We’re sisters of mercy. We belong here, no matter the danger.”
“You’re not leaving,” Zilla added.
I sighed. I couldn’t even tell them why I needed to stay. “We’ll go. If we’re lucky, Jacarda will take you until there’s a way to return to the Abbey.”
On our way back, we passed two men carrying a large crate. We did not stop to speak with them, as they looked as if they were in a rush, as would be expected if they knew how little time was left.
When we reached the gate, the soldier motioned for us to walk through. “I’m closing the gate. Sisters, you need to make haste.”
“How will those men get back into the city?” I speculated, worried that the men we had passed would be trapped.
“That’s not my problem,” the soldier answered.
Breathless, the two men who had carried the crate ran up to the gate, and I sighed in relief. I didn’t like the idea of anyone being trapped outside the relative security of the walls of Barriershire.
“Thank the sweet sisters we made it in time,” one of the men coughed.
“You lot are the last ones through. You’re lucky I’ve held it open so long. Now get moving,” the soldier said to all of us, clearly growing impatient.
After we walked through the archway, we watched as the lone guard closed the gate and set the barricades, closing us off from the escape and freedom of the ocean.
Jacarda’s townhouse stood within a block of five others, two streets past Gailin Fairweather’s vacant estate. It was a rectangular white stone building with flowers tumbling out of beds along the entrance, looking as if they hadn’t been tended to in weeks. Had she abandoned Barriershire, like so many of the other wealthy elite? Had she found a way out even after the western gate had closed? I had hoped she would prove stalwart, for I had no idea where Zilla and Tatiana could go if Jacarda would not take them.
Anais and the Broken War (The Blood Mage Chronicles Book 5) Page 6
