by Shawn Sodman
Fidelma smiles and says, “No, it isn't, but it’s all you need.” She takes the coins and puts them into a pouch. She then signs the bottom of the parchment and says, “Here is your proof of payment.”
“Thank you,” he says as he takes the receipt and folds it before placing it in the drawer.
“Now,” Fidelma says as she walks back to the table. “I couldn't help but notice that some of these plants are looking rather wilted. It would be a shame for so many plants to die and go to waste. Fortunately for you, I can help with that. You see, I can heal plants and make them grow more rapidly… but it will cost you.”
A few minutes later, Fidelma and Samantha exit the shop. Samantha says, “Maybe we should just go around to all the apothecaries and heal their plants.”
Fidelma laughs. “I think it may pay more than collections.”
Chapter 41
A Long Day
The night sets in over Sheathelm. At the King's Shield Inn, Chance is sitting at his usual spot in the corner. Vindalia, from the Sea Griffin, is up on the stage playing her fiddle. Sven pulls out a chair and sits with Chance. He says, “Sven is lucky his hands are not blistered after digging so many holes for spikes this afternoon.”
Chance replies, “We accomplished a lot today. In two days, the goblin air ships will arrive, and then the orcneas will have no way of taking Sheathelm.”
“Sven hopes you are right,” says Sven as he looks up at the musical performance.
Chance says, “Still, I am glad that we were able to get the women and children away from here.”
The music stops and the crowd of soldiers and Amazons clap for Vindalia. Across the room, Evelena is there with Yentroc, Gelana, and Rehma. Gelana says, “Evelena, why don't you sing a song for us?”
“No,” replies Evelena. “I haven't sung in a while. I don't even know what I would sing.”
Yentroc says, “You can sing, 'Sleep my young love.'”
“Yes!” exclaims Gelana. “That would be perfect.”
Evelena looks at the stage nervously and says, “I don't know...”
“You’ll be great,” Rehma assures her.
Gelana calls out, “Vindalia! Evelena would like to sing 'Sleep my young love.' Can you play it?”
The Amazons in the room all cheer as Vindalia begins to play a melody on her fiddle. Evelena looks at Gelana and says, “I can't believe you got me into this.” She turns and walks to the stage while Vindalia continues to play an almost haunting tune. The cheers and the applause quickly die down as Evelena begins to sing in the elven language. Evelena's voice is in perfect harmony with Vindalia's instrument. Around the room, many of the Amazons of the Silver Moon sing quietly along with them. It is a song that most Amazons know by heart.
Every soldier has their eyes on the stage as beautiful music serenades them. Isen enters the inn and makes his way over to Sven and Chance. When he gets to the table, Isen says, “Hey, what are we talking about?”
Sven, completely entranced by Evelena's singing, motions for Isen to sit. “Quiet, Sven wants to hear this.”
Isen replies, “But it's in elven, you can't--”
“Quiet,” Sven repeats. Isen watches the stage with the others. As Evelena continues singing, Sven says under his breath, “So beautiful.”
When the songs stops, everyone applauds loudly for Evelena and Vindalia. They bow, and Evelena returns to her table. Sven makes his way over to her and says, “Evelena, that was wonderful. Sven did not know you could sing so well.”
“Thank you,” she replies.
“What is it about?” he asks.
Evelena looks at Gelana with a knowing smile. Gelana explains, “If I told you, it would only ruin it for you.”
Yentroc and Rehma both try not to laugh, but it is apparent that they find something amusing. Sven looks at them and asks, “What is funny?”
“Nothing,” Yentroc replies, still holding back her laughter.
Sven smiles and asks, “It is not really beautiful song, is it?”
“Oh, it is,” Rehma insists.
Gelana explains, “It's a lullaby elven women sing to their young.”
Sven laughs, “Well, it sounded beautiful to Sven, even if he could not understand it.”
Chance walks over and says to Evelena, “You sang beautifully.”
“Thank you,” she says.
Chance says, “I was hoping to speak with Lyra, do you know where I could find her?”
Isen joins the group as Rehma says, “Don't you think you’ve said enough to her?”
Gelana quickly gets in Rehma's way while Sven steps in front of Chance. Gelana says, “Calm down, Rehma.”
Isen asks, “What's going on?”
“Nothing,” Chance answers shortly.
“Nothing?” asks Rehma angrily. “You upset her so badly that she ran off crying.”
Sven says to Chance, “Lyra is fine now. She told Sven all about what happened.”
Chance nods and says, “I would still like to apologize to her.”
“Well, you should,” snaps Rehma.
Isen, having no idea what happened, asks, “What did you say to her?”
Chance, wanting to avoid saying too much, says, “I snapped at her for something. It is not important what I said or why, but what is important is that I tell her I am sorry.”
Yentroc says, “She turned in early tonight. She was going to try to finish a book that she was reading.”
“Well, I certainly don't want to disturb her if she has already gone to bed,” says Chance.
Gelana, changing the subject, turns to Isen and asks, “I thought you were spending the evening with Kristieana. Where is she?”
Isen shrugs and says, “She said that she was going to take the dress back so that it didn't get ruined, and then she said was going to go to bed.”
“I never did get to see what she looked like in a dress,” Evelena says.
Isen says, “She looked good.”
“Good?” Gelana asks. “She looked amazing.”
“I'll bet she did,” Evelena says.
Chance, not wanting to hear any more about how beautiful Kristieana looked, says, “I think I am going to get something to eat back at the castle and turn in early, myself.”
As Chance exits the Inn, Isen says to the others, “Has anyone else noticed lately that something is bothering him?”
Everyone involved in the conversation already knows what has happened between Kristieana and Chance. Sven shrugs his shoulders and says, “Sven is sure that it is just war.”
“Of course,” Isen replies. “I think I’m going to get something to eat, too. I'll see you all tomorrow.”
Isen leaves as well and Sven says, “Sven feels sorry for Chance and Isen.”
“Why?” Evelena asks.
Sven says, “Lyra told Sven everything that happened.”
Gelana shakes her head and says, “I think everyone knows what's happened except for Isen.”
Down at the docks, Fidelma and Samantha have returned from collecting debts for the Goblin Trade Company. Fidelma sighs, “Oh, what a long day it has been.”
Samantha says, “I’m sorry we didn't earn very much.”
Fidelma smiles, “We at least earned enough for one payment for the ship.”
“But aren't we three payments behind?” asks Samantha.
“Yes, we are,” sighs Fidelma as they reach the Sea Griffin. Fidelma calls up, “Fay! Janette! Lower the plank.”
Fay comes over the railing and looks down. She says, “Right away, Captain.”
As the twins begin to lower the plank to board the ship, Samantha asks, “The next time we collect payments, can I be the 'good' collector? I always seem to play the 'bad' one.”
Fidelma laughs and says, “Look at this face.” She points to herself and continues, “With these dimples and this smile, no one will ever believe that I’m going to hurt them.”
Samantha starts to board the ship and says, “That’s because they don't know w
hat you are truly capable of.”
Fidelma, following behind her friend, replies, “It’s always good to keep at least one trick a secret.”
The women step onto the deck and are greeted by Fernando. “Buenas noches, Captain.”
Fidelma, surprised to see him, asks Fay, “What’s he doing here?”
“I’m sorry, Captain,” Fay replies. “I didn't think it would be a problem.”
Samantha says, “Would you like me to throw him overboard, Captain?”
Fernando smiles. “Such a warm welcome.”
Fidelma says, “I am not in the mood for your shenanigans.”
“I assure you, my darling, I am not up to any shenanigans,” replies Fernando.
Samantha grabs Fernando's coat at the shoulder and says, “Please, Captain, let me show him the way off the ship.”
Fernando grins at Samantha and says, “And here I thought we were starting to get along so well.”
“You were wrong,” Samantha replies coldly.
Fay says again to Fidelma, “I’m really sorry, Captain. I didn't know it would be a problem.”
Fidelma sighs. “It's all right, just make sure you don't let anyone aboard when Samantha and I are not here.”
“Yes, ma'am,” she replies.
Fidelma adds, “And watch out for Mr. Greythorn's charm.”
Fernando says, “The only one I am trying to charm is you.”
“Well, you’re just going to have to keep trying,” Fidelma says.
“Oh, Fidelma,” he says as he takes her hand. “I will.” Then he lifts her hand to his lips and kisses it. “I almost forgot,” he says as he turns and walks over to a barrel on the deck. He picks up a small bouquet of flowers and brings them to Fidelma. “These are for you.”
Fernando holds out the assortment of wild blossoms, and Fidelma takes them. “Thank you,” she finally says. The look on her face seems distant.
Samantha looks at the flowers and sees dozens of daises within the mix. Fernando says, “I saw these when I was out digging holes with the soldiers today. They reminded me of the daisy in your hat. Of course, these ones are white, and not purple.”
Fidelma forces a smile and says, “That’s sweet of you.”
Fernando notices a sad look in her eyes. He says, “If there is one thing I know, it is when I have made a mistake. I am sorry, Fidelma. Clearly, these flowers were a mistake.”
Fidelma hands the flowers to Samantha and says, “Sam, could you please put these in water?”
Her friend asks, “Are you all right?”
“Yes, Sam,” Fidelma replies. “I'll be fine.”
Samantha climbs down the steep stairs below deck and Fay and Janette follow behind her. Fernando says to Fidelma, “You really don't have to keep them. I would understand if you would rather throw them out.”
“No,” Fidelma says, “There’s nothing wrong with them.” She takes the dark violet flower from her hat and says sadly, “This midnight daisy is a reminder of the man who hurt me most. It is a reminder that even when you think you’re secure and safe, anything can happen, and even your best friend can betray you. My former fiancé used to bring these to me.”
Fernando says, “I should have just gotten the roses instead.”
“No,” Fidelma laughs. “It was sweet of you to do, and nice to know that you were thinking of me.”
“I am sure that you must think that I am just after one thing,” Fernando says more seriously. “But there is more to me than just that.”
Fidelma studies his face for a moment. “You know, I almost believe you. Look, Fernando, I don't know where you think this is going, but I have to tell you, I am far from ready to put my trust in anyone.”
“I don't blame you,” he replies. “You have no reason to trust me, but I hope to earn that trust someday.”
“I wouldn't waste your time waiting for that,” says Fidelma as she starts to walk over to the plank leading to the docks below. “Besides, I may not stay around much longer. My ship wasn't meant for war. I could be gone tomorrow.”
Fernando nods and says, “As I was telling a friend of mine last night, perhaps we should not worry about tomorrow or where we are going and just enjoy this moment of our journey.”
“That is sound advice,” Fidelma says. “But I don't think that tonight we will be on the same journey.” She looks at the plank and says, “Goodnight, Mr. Greythorn.”
Fernando steps onto the plank and says, “You know, when you said that tonight we will not be on the same journey, you left open the possibility for tomorrow.”
The two look at each other, both grinning. Fidelma says again, “Goodnight, Mr. Greythorn.”
“Goodnight, Fidelma,” replies Fernando before turning and walking off.
Chapter 42
Untamed Hearts
In the dining hall of the castle is an enormous table that can seat up to forty guests. The room is empty now except for Isen and Chance, who are finishing a late meal. Isen leans back in his chair and says, “I’ve been meaning to ask you if everything’s all right.”
Chance wipes his face and says, “No, not really.” He pushes his plate back from the edge of the table and continues, “The orcneas will strike in several days, and even though we will be prepared for them, many lives will be lost.”
“Don't worry,” Isen says. “I'll make sure that nothing happens to Ya'leigh or Princess Kianna.”
Chance nods and replies, “I know you will look out for them, my friend. Thank you.”
“Of course,” says Isen as he picks up his mug. He takes a drink before setting it back down on the table. “Aside from the war, how have you been doing?”
“Why do you ask?”
Isen shrugs. “I heard that the Red Dawn is docked at Sheathelm. Have you had a chance to see Red Beard's daughter?”
Chance sighs. “Her name is Ariella, and yes, I have seen her.”
“You don't seem to be too happy about it,” Isen notes. “Is she still as attractive as she used to be?”
“Even more so.”
“So, what is the problem? Is she married?”
“No,” Chance says. “I am not so certain any man will be able to get her to settle down. She has a rather untamable heart.”
Isen laughs. “I know what you mean. Kristieana is the same way. I don't know what I’m going to do with her.” Chance only responds with a smile and a silent laugh. Isen continues, “She’s always insulting me. She calls me a fool and an idiot constantly.”
“I wouldn't take it too personally,” says Chance. “Many of the Amazons are confrontational. I think they do it to chase away the men that are weak.”
“You managed to win one over,” Isen replies. “How did you do it?”
“Patience,” replies Chance. “It can take some time to learn when an Amazon—or any woman—is just testing you, or if she is truly upset. You must tread lightly until you know the difference.”
Isen shakes his head, “I don't know if I like being tested.”
“Not everyone does,” Chance replies. “I was lucky when I first met Sha'al. I didn't have to guess whether or not I was being tested. She made it perfectly clear. It was afterward that I had to learn the subtle differences in her behavior to know what mood she was in. Most of the time, though, it wasn't that difficult to tell. She had a way of challenging me when she wanted me to be more assertive or aggressive.”
Isen stands up and says, “Kristieana definitely likes aggressiveness. When we were alone in Ogre's Mead, she liked it when I—”
Chance, interrupting his friend, stands up and says, “I don't really need to hear the details of your exploits, thank you.”
Isen laughs and replies, “Of course.” He walks to doorway of the dining hall and says, “It would be interesting to see how you would handle Kristieana.”
Chance holds back his laughter. He smiles and says, “You never know, I may fare quite well with her.” Chance walks out into the hall and adds. “The only advice I can give you
is just to be yourself. After all, it has gotten you this far.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Isen replies. “So, are you going to retire for the night?”
“Yes,” Chance answers. “It's been an exhausting day, and there is still much to do tomorrow.”
Isen says, “I'll see you in the morning, then.”
“May your dreams guide you safely,” replies Chance.
Chance walks down the corridor and up a spiral staircase until he reaches the upper level of the castle. He then walks down another hallway before stopping at the door to his chamber. He reaches for the handle, but hesitates. He listens for moment and smells the air around him.
Chance smiles and says, “I know you are there. I can smell you.” He opens the door to his room and enters. He stands back from the doorway and waits a moment before saying, “Are you coming in?”
The door suddenly closes, seemingly under its own power. Kristieana then appears as she pulls back her magical cloak. She turns to Chance and shoves with both hands. She says, angrily, “Don't talk with Isen about me like that ever again.”
Chance, puzzled, asks, “What do you mean?”
Kristieana pushes him again and says, “I am not some wild animal that needs to be tamed. Let me make something perfectly clear, though: If I were, you would not be capable of such a task.”
Chance laughs to himself and says, “I thought I did a pretty good job when we were in the Northwind Range.”
Kristieana calms herself before saying, “Yes, you did. At least until you ran away.” She turns her back to Chance and as she walks towards the door, she says, “Ariella is right about you. When it comes to women, you are just a coward.”
Kristieana reaches for the door when she feels the firm grip of Chance's hand on her shoulder. He forcefully turns her to face him before slowly pushing her against the stone wall. He presses his left arm high on her chest, just below her neck, to keep her from moving. With his right hand, Chance takes her by the chin, forcing eye contact. He says, “Look at me now and tell me if you find any fear.”
Kristieana, surprised by his actions, doesn't know how to respond. After a moment, she tries to pull Chance's arm away, but the harder she pulls, the more force he uses. His forearm moves up across her neck, making it difficult for her to breathe. She gasps, “Chance, please, you're hurting me.”
