by N. C. Reed
“Duchess” Parno bowed formally, taking the extended hand and kissing it lightly. “I am honored by your invitation, and don’t you look lovely,” he added.
Edema Willows was lovely. Blonde hair cascading down her back, radiant blue eyes, and a figure that would set any man’s mouth to watering. Parno didn’t know her exact age but it was more than her looks would reveal.
“Aren’t you sweet,” Edema slapped his shoulder lightly with her fan. “And so gallant. And how could we have a dinner and not invite a member of the Royal Family not more than five miles distant? Why, half these people are here just to say they rubbed elbows with you!”
“I seriously doubt that, My Lady,” Parno smiled crookedly. “No one wants it known they have ‘rubbed elbows’ with the Black Sheep.”
“Oh, stuff,” Edema said lightly, her fan striking him again. “What nonsense! Yes, yes,” she waved off Parno’s next comment, “I know that you and your father seldom see eye to eye. That changes nothing. You are still Prince Parno. Devilishly handsome, slyly charming, and quite a catch. There are numerous young ladies here tonight who have chosen to attend without escort. Young ladies who do not normally attend these gatherings alone, you understand? There’s no doubt why that is so.”
“I am flattered, My Lady,” Parno smiled. “Yet I doubt that any good father would want me within arm’s reach of his daughter, given my reputation. Still, I yield to your greater knowledge of such things.” The Duchess laughed lightly and took Parno by the arm. The Prince did not object. Edema was one of the few nobles who treated him as something other than a blot.
“Come, dear boy,” she said quietly. “We must make the rounds, of course. I would not be a good hostess otherwise.”
*****
Dinner, it turned out, was excellent. Beef, pork, and poultry, all having been slow cooked over roasting smoke wood, along with piles of vegetables fresh from the harvest and bread made from freshly gathered wheat. Parno had eaten well, as had Karls and Darvo. Both had been seated a fair ways away, though Parno’s obvious friendship with the pair had forced their inclusion in the main dining hall, otherwise they would have eaten with the other retainers.
Willard, a handsome young man and now a Lieutenant Colonel in the King’s Army, struck quite a figure in his uniform. It was obvious that he was enjoying himself and also the attention he received from at least three young women. The attention of their fathers, which was lost on the young soldier, had amused Parno. The men would say nothing in all likelihood since Willard was, in fact, a Royal retainer, but they brooded none the less.
Darvo, less interested in the female attractions, had set into the meal with gusto and was now leaning back, nursing a goblet of wine. He caught Parno looking his way and raised his glass in salute, a smile on his face. Parno nodded, returning the smile.
“Parno, dear,” Edema said suddenly, “let us walk out to the veranda, shall we? There are refreshments there, and music. The party should be moving there and no one will go until you do.”
“Of course, My Lady,” Parno rose at once. “At your service.”
“Such a dear boy,” Edema smiled, taking his arm. Sure enough, as Parno and the Duchess started for the veranda, others rose to follow. Parno hid a small smile at the thought of his being the center of attention.
“Such a smile,” the Duchess said at his side. “Much like that of your mother.”
Parno halted so suddenly that someone crashed into his back. A muffled curse was bit off as the source realized who it was he was mouthing about. Parno ignored it in any case, his attention focused on the Duchess.
“My mother?” he said, voice threatening, but not quite breaking.
“Yes,” Edema Willows sighed softly. “I knew your mother, Parno. Knew her quite well, in fact. We attended King’s college together. The main university, in fact, in Nasil. We were friends till the day. . .” her voice trailed off.
“Till the day I was born,” Parno nodded, walking again, albeit more stiffly now.
“Don’t go pouty on me, young man,” Edema’s voice hardened. “I was going to say ‘she died’, just for your information. I know how the Family has regarded you these many years as being responsible for Margolynn’s death. Such rubbish!”
“You - ”
“I do not think you are responsible for your mother’s death, Parno. No, nor do I blame you in any way. Your family is foolish to do so as well, though it’s not unexpected I suppose. Your father can be one of the most obstinate, pig-headed, foolish men I believe it has ever been my pleasure to spend the day with.”
“So you have met my father,” Parno grinned, and Edema laughed suddenly.
“Oh, yes, Parno McLeod, I have, indeed, met Tammon, King of Soulan. Edward and I met about the same time as he and your mother. We often took rides together, serving as each other’s chaperones. Hardly necessary, of course. Never went anywhere without a detachment of cavalry in those days.”
“Tell, me, My Lady, of my mother,” Parno said suddenly. His voice was one of wonder, of a child. Very few people had ever spoken to him of his mother, save to lay the blame for her death at his feet.
“Poor, dear boy,” Edema said quietly, her hand coming to rest on Parno’s cheek. “It has been very rough for you, has it not? These many years in the shadow of your father and the rest of your family?” She paused for a moment, then turned to look out over the lighted courtyard.
“Your mother was, without exception, the kindest, most gentle hearted person I have ever met. I have often wondered, even now, how she ever came to be married to Tammon McLeod. She loved him, I know. Loved him without reason, in fact. She was completely devoted to him in all ways, but never were two people so very different.”
“Your mother was my best friend, Parno,” she continued, looking him in the eye. “A wonderful woman, wonderful person. Someone who loved fiercely and without reservation, or hesitation. Oh, and she loved you.” Edema’s eyes watered slightly.
“The twins’ birth was hard on your mother,” the Duchess said. “She was so small, and both of them were large infants, built more like your father. When she had recovered, she told me that Smithe, the Royal Physician, had informed her that she could no longer bear children. Indeed, that she could no longer conceive. Tammon, of course, was upset, but with two healthy sons and a daughter, his line was secure.”
“And he loved your mother, Parno,” she said firmly. “Never doubt that. If there is an ounce of gentleness in the man, it was reserved for her. Only for her. There was no one in the world who owned his affections, save your mother. He simply told her, ‘we’ll raise the children we have and be thankful for them’. End of story.”
“But it wasn’t the end,” Parno said darkly.
“No,” Edema’s voice was almost a whisper. “No, it wasn’t. They were young, of course, and there was much love between them. Nature takes its course in such things. One day when I was visiting, Margolynn confided in me that she was, once again, with child. I was shocked at first, knowing that Smithe had told her this was impossible.”
“Your mother was convinced that you were her gift from God,” she smiled at the memory. “That you were a sign that He had not forgotten her. Smithe was insistent that the rigor of another child birth would be her death and suggested. . .” she stopped and looked at Parno.
“I know,” he nodded slowly. “Many is the time that point has been made to me. I am aware of the discussion.” Edema’s eyes watered at that admission, but Parno was not looking at her and did not see.
“Dear boy,” she voiced softly. “There was never any danger of that, I assure you. Your life was more precious to her than her own and she proved that. Your mother refused to even entertain the idea, saying that she would trust in God to take care of her. That whatever He decided, she would accept without question.”
“Tammon was furious, of course,” she laughed. “Stomped about the palace, making decrees, giving orders. He went to your mother and insisted that she end the preg
nancy. She refused, of course. It was a terrible argument, she told me later, but it was lost before Tammon started. There was steel in your mother, Parno, despite her frail looks. Steel far stronger than the furnaces of Tammon McLeod could ever harm.”
“The rest, you know, sweet child. Your mother died a few minutes after your birth. But,” Edema said, her voice suddenly stronger, “she held you in her arms before she died, Parno. Laid you to her breast and sang to you. Sang so softly that no one could hear. She told me that it was all she could give you, her time was so short. Then she smiled and told me that you were destined to do great things. That you would be a great man, a man of your people. That one day the name Parno would be yelled in every village of Soulan.”
“It was the last thing she ever said, Parno,” the Duchess concluded. “The last thought of her beautiful, peaceful soul, the last thing in her heart, was you.”
No one had ever had the kindness to tell him these things. Never. Not once. The household followed the lead of the older McLeods and had treated him only as well as his Royal birth had required. Even the women charged with his care as a child had never spoken to him about his mother, other than to remind him that her death was his fault.
“Thank you for that,” he said quietly. Edema hugged him tightly and after a few seconds, Parno felt himself returning the embrace.
This must be what it feels like to have a mother.
*****
Darvo Nidiad watched the scene between the Duchess of Cumberland and the Prince of Tinsee play out with concern. As the Duchess enfolded the young prince in her arms, Darvo glanced around.
Sure enough, the Duke was watching. He regarded the scene with interest, but with no apparent anger. Finally, as the two broke apart, the Duke returned his attention to other visitors. Darvo relaxed slightly, but vowed he would talk to Parno about his. . . actions. He did not need the ire of one of the wealthiest Dukes in all Soulan upon his head.
*****
“Forgive me, My Lady,” Parno said quietly, turning away from her and wiping away threatening tears. “I am too forward by half, but I thank you for taking the time to tell me of these things.”
“There is nothing to forgive, dear boy,” Edema replied, her own eyes misty. “If your father had the compassion of even a snake he would have told you these things long ago or had them told you, and he would have loved you as she would have. Sadly, he lacks in compassion as much as he does in true wisdom.” Her voice was hard.
“What do you mean?” Parno asked, turning to face her once again.
“Parno, do you know that Edward and I travel to Norland at least three times a year?”
“No, My Lady, I did not,” Parno admitted, his interest aroused.
“I thought not,” Edema nodded firmly. “Edward is a merchant, you know. He has taken great advantage of the new trade policies between the two kingdoms. You know of what I speak?”
“Vaguely,” the Prince allowed. “Memmnon and I were discussing that very thing, among others, the last time I was in Nasil, some months past.”
“Well,” the Duchess continued, “the policy of open trade has been very good to us, Parno. Edward was in a very good position to take immediate advantage of them and we have profited handsomely. But I have seen things. . .” her voice trailed off.
“What sort of things, My Lady?” Parno pressed, interest fully awakened now.
“The Nor have horses, now, Parno,” she said quietly. “Many, many, horses, in fact and they have trained cavalry to ride them. Not the helpless oafs they normally send, but real horsemen. And,” she added darkly, “I have seen several of the Wild Folk among them. Not in charge, exactly, but. . .” the Duchess paused, frustrated by her lack of military vocabulary.
“Training them, perhaps?” Parno offered, and Edema nodded at once.
“Yes! That’s it exactly. I was going to say instructing. And it’s not simply one or two, or even a dozen. There seem to be Wild Folk everywhere I look.”
“You believe that the Nor have made some type of treaty with the Wilds?” Parno asked. The lands across the Great River were all known as the Wild Lands, the inhabitants as the Wild Folk, or Wildmen. Fierce warriors who rode horseback just as most of the Soulan army did and fought from horseback even better, if anything, than most Southron Cavalry. An alliance between the two, Nor and Wild, could be trouble for Soulan. Bad trouble.
“That is my. . .opinion,” Edema said carefully. “I mentioned the number of Wildmen present in the Nor provinces that we visit to Edward once in passing. He brushed it off as no more than the Heathen taking advantage of the new trading policies of the North. Which would make sense, except. . . .”
“Except they aren’t trading?” Parno finished for her.
“Exactly,” she nodded firmly. “And the men I have seen, they are not ‘traders’ of any sort. They are fighting men, and fair ones at that, I’d wager.”
Parno considered this. The Wildmen were fierce fighters. The Nor were playing nice, and there appeared to be a connection of some importance between Nor and the Wild Lands.
Were the Nor training their men to ride, and fight, from horseback? And buying horses from the Wildmen? The Nor had never enjoyed the large herds that Soulan possessed. Their mounted units were limited in number, and their training was laughable next to that of similar Soulan regiments. But if that were to change?
Large numbers of Norland troopers, mounted on the tough and powerful horses of the Wild Lands, might be more than a match for the Soulan Army.
“We should rejoin the gala,” he said suddenly, smiling. “I have monopolized your good company for too long. But what say I call upon you again, soon. A week, perhaps? A bit longer? I would be very interested in hearing anything you can tell me of what you have observed.”
He extended his arm and the two walked back into the light, to the sound of music.
*****
“Lad, you’ve a mind of your own, I’m knowing. But it’s a bad business to play patty-cake in the dark with another man’s wife. Especially when the other man can see you.”
“What?” Parno turned in the saddle to face his adviser. They were on their way home, at last, and Darvo had waited until the others were out of earshot before speaking. Parno, thinking on what Edema had told him concerning Norland, had not been paying attention.
“I said it’s a bad business - ”
“I heard what you said,” Parno retorted. “I’m wondering what the hell you’re talking about.”
“You and the Duchess,” Darvo said quietly. “He was watching the two of you, in the shadows.”
“There was nothing in the shadows for him to see,” Parno shrugged. “Lady Cumberland was kind enough to tell me of my mother. More than simply that her death was my fault. She and mother were close, before my mother passed.”
“Ah,” Darvo muttered. “So that’s it, then.”
“It is,” Parno said, not quite testily. “Do you think me so foolish as that Darvo? Have I been such an ass during my life that you think I’d seek to seduce a man’s wife, in his own home? With a crowd looking on?”
Darvo didn’t know how to respond to that, so he wisely said nothing. He had angered his young charge, and was now sorry he had broached the subject.
“Ah, hell,” Parno said suddenly, anger gone in a rush of breath. “I did tell you to keep an eye on me, so I shouldn’t complain. But I assure you, what you saw was the Lady Edema telling me of my mother. Nothing more.”
“I know, lad,” Darvo nodded.
“So there is to be no more talk, even hint, of anything improper, where the Lady Edema is concerned.”
“It will be so.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
It was one day over two weeks before Parno had a chance to return to Cumberland House. He traveled early, accompanied as always by Sergeant Berry and his men. Parno had long since stopped trying to be rid of them. Berry had orders from both Darvo and Karls to protect Parno. And he wasn’t going to go away.
“I’ll likely be there for a good bit of the day,” Parno warned. Berry nodded.
“We’ll stay from underfoot, milord,” was all he had said. He had a basket prepared for Edema and Edward Willows, which one of Berry’s men had promptly relieved him of. Parno sighed in defeat, and set off.
When he arrived, Edema was actually on the porch of the great house, watching as some of the staff cared for the yard. She didn’t interfere, he noted, simply scowling when something wasn’t quite as she wanted it.
I suppose I could learn something from that, Parno thought idly as he dismounted, and reclaimed his gift basket. Berry and his men, careful not to intrude upon the work being done, carried his horse with them as they headed for the holding corral outside the barn. Parno heard Edema giving orders that his men be fed as he walked up the steps to where she stood. By the time he got to the porch, she was facing him, all smiles.
