by N. C. Reed
“I am so glad to see you,” she told him softly, her hand tracing his face in a much gentler fashion. “I have missed you so very terribly.”
“I would have thought that you would be too busy to miss me,” he grinned at her.
“Things are very busy,” she admitted. “We are of course training new surgeons, plus still caring for the worst of the wounded from the Gap. And there are training accidents all the time of course. And we've had three mothers deliver new babies, too-”
“How 'bout that?” Parno smiled.
“It was a great event, each time,” she nodded, smiling brightly. “How long will you be here?” she asked, changing the subject.
“A week, perhaps a bit more,” he told her, seeing the light fade at the news. “We're taking a short leave while awaiting the troops from the south to arrive. After that, we'll begin trying to push the Nor out of our land.”
“So you'll be back where the fighting is,” Stephanie's face fell.
“No, I won't,” Parno shook his head. “It's been pointed out to me from many places that I cannot take the lead or 'risk myself' in any way. Even Memmnon says I'm too important to the kingdom,” he snorted. “Can you believe that?”
“Yes,” she said simply. “I can.”
“What time is it?” he asked suddenly, looking to the clock on his mantle. “Eight fifteen?” he sounded dismayed. “So much for sleeping two days,” he said wryly. “I need to visit Cumberland House,” he told her suddenly. “I'm sure Karls will want to go as well, but I need to see Dhalia. I have news for her about something from my father. Are things in the hospital set enough that you can accompany me? We would be there at least overnight,” he warned.
“Absolutely,” she nodded, thrilled with the idea.
“Well, allow me to clean up a bit and send a runner to Karls, then,” he stood, pulling her up as well. “Meanwhile you can get ready and we'll try and ride in an hour or so. Sound good to you?”
“Very,” she nodded, smiling brightly once more. “I'll be ready by then.”
“Excellent,” Parno nodded, then called for his runner.
*****
“Colonel, we're about finished here.”
Bret Chad turned to see Major Hildebrand standing close behind him.
“Good,” Chad nodded. “We've been here too long as it is. We're lucky not to have been spotted or engaged.”
“I don't think it's luck, sir, to be honest,” Hildebrand shook his head. “The Nor were pretty soundly beaten here. I'm sure there are a few bands of unorganized Imperials still running around but we're not an isolated town or unprotected farmstead, either. We're a full battalion of armed men.”
“Escorting a vulnerable wagon train of women and children,” Chad nodded as if Hildebrand had just made his point for him. “We need to get out of here.”
“We'll be ready to ride in ten minutes, sir,” Hildebrand promised. “I've already got scouts out riding our road home.”
“Home,” Chad mused. “This used to be home,” he said absently, waving a hand about him.
“And it will be again,” Hildebrand said firmly. “Prince Parno will see to that, Bret. We just have to do our part.”
“Yes,” Chad nodded. “I believe he will. And our part right now is to get our people home, and then retrain and refit so we'll be able to do our part, as you call it.”
He followed Hildebrand to where Morely stood waiting with the reins to his horse. Taking them he mounted up, instinctively looking back down the line to where his wife and two daughters sat on a wagon with their most cherished possessions. The rest, if it survived, would be waiting when they returned. If not, they would be rebuilding and replace what was lost.
The most important things in his life were sitting on the bench seat of that wagon, anyway.
“All in readiness, Colonel,” a sergeant reported.
“Very well, Hardy,” Chad nodded. “Take the point if you will. Let's get out of here.”
“Aye, Colonel, let's do just that,” Hardy nodded back and led his squad of troopers forward to ride point for the train.
“Tom, let's get moving. Sitting still we're a target, battalion or no.”
“Ready to move!” Hildebrand called, though not nearly so loud as he might have. They had worked out a system where commands would be relayed down the line without the usual yelling and bellowing that might normally accompany a column like this if it were purely military in nature. Hildebrand watched as heads turned to pass the order, then raised an arm, motioning the front wagons forward.
“Move out,” he called calmly to the nearest group. In fits and starts the long, winding group began its slow trek back to the Gap, and from there to Cove Canton.
Chad considered what Hildebrand has said about Kent being home again, after the war. He wondered if it would be for him and his men. Technically they were now part of Parno McLeod's personal regiment. They had earned that position in combat, but not yet through the brutal training regimen that Parno's own men had survived to become the elite fighting force they were now.
If he and his men were able to complete it, they would be considered a permanent part of the Prince's Own regiment. Would that make Cove Canton their new home?
Of course, for any of that to matter, he had to survive the war. And for that to be more likely, he needed the training that awaited at Cove Canton. Which meant he needed to reach Cove Canton, where his family would also be as safe as possible.
“First things first,” he said to himself as he spurred his horse forward. He would concentrate on getting this train of wagons to the Gap, and then on to Cove. Safely. Then he would worry about the rest.
Well, after a good night's sleep anyway.
First things first, after all.
*****
“Sir, you should not be venturing about without your escort,” Berry insisted as forcefully as he dared.
“We'll be accompanied by Lady Freeman-Corsin's escort, Lieutenant,” Parno smiled. “Perfectly safe. And you and the others can remain here and rest and enjoy visiting with your families.”
“Sir, I will not be able to relax knowing you are going about the countryside without a proper escort,” Berry replied.
“Berry, relax,” Parno ordered, a bit more sternly. “We'll have forty troopers accompanying us. More than enough to fend off even the most desperate band of brigands. And Colonel Willard will be with us as well,” he reminded his chief protector.
“Sir-”
“Enough,” Parno's voice took on an edge that Berry knew quite well. “You'll all be in danger soon enough, trying to keep me safe. This is a social call with only a bit of official business on the side. Nothing more. We'll be a scant ten miles away, and surrounded by well-trained men.” Most of the escort were members of the Black Sheep who were now well enough to rejoin the Regiment in the field, and would be with them when the Lord Marshal returned to the battlefield in the west. For now, they were more than ready for any kind of distraction from camp life. A gentle ride through the countryside wasn't exciting, but it wouldn't be Cove Canton, either.
“Now go, and enjoy your leave,” Parno ordered. Berry stiffened to attention and saluted, then whirled and stalked away.
“Shouldn't be so hard on him, Parno,” Karls said gently from nearby.
“You and Enri shouldn't encourage him to be so stubborn, either,” Parno shot back. “I've surrendered more than enough of my private life to my new 'position',” he made the word sound like a curse. “There are four squads of highly capable soldiers assembled to ride guard. There's no reason to think they can't deal with whatever we might encounter between here and Cumberland House.”
“True enough,” Karls sighed. “He's just trying to do his duty,” he added.
“No, he does his duty,” Parno corrected. “And quite well, at that. There's no reason for him to doubt that. Make sure you tell him that when we return.”
“Why me?” Karls showed his surprise. “It would mean more coming from you,
I'm sure.”
“Don't underestimate your influence on all of them,” Parno replied. “Including Berry.”
*****
Edema Willows had finished lunch and was sitting on her front porch when one of her hands ran up the walk.
“My Lady, there is a small column approaching,” he said breathlessly.
“Who are they?” she asked, looking at the giant bell that hung from the porch. In an emergency she would ring that bell for a full minute or more to alert the estate and surrounding area of trouble.
“Don't know exactly as yet, but they're carrying the McLeod banner, My Lady,” he reported.
“Probably Doctor Corsin then,” Edema allowed herself to relax. “Take a glass and make sure however,” she ordered. There was no sense in taking chances.
“Already got a man on it, My Lady,” the man promised. No sooner had he spoken than another servant came racing into the yard on horseback. He left the saddle before the horse had stopped completely.
“My Lady!” he called excitedly. “Lord Parno is with them!”
Edema's face brightened like a cloudy day when the sun had finally broken through to shine it's light.
“Parno!” she almost laughed. “That's wonderful! Hank, alert the stable that we'll have guests, their horses will require care. Joseph, make sure that the empty bunkhouse is clean. Their escort will need lodging. I need to alert the kitchen we'll have extra hands for supper. Go on now!” she shooed them away. Both ran off to obey.
“Dhalia, dear!” Edema called as she entered the house. “Dhalia we're about to have company!”
*****
Dhalia Nidiad stood alongside Edema on the porch as the column approached the house. She always enjoyed visiting with Stephanie, and of course it would be good to see Parno again. But what Dhalia most desired to see was Karls Willard riding up to that gate to see her. Maybe with-
Her thoughts cut off as she watched one of the leading figures take shape, and her mouth dropped open in surprise.
“Karls?” she almost whispered. “Karls!” she shouted louder as she ran off the porch and down the walk.
“That girl had got to learn some patience,” Edema sighed in mock exasperation. “At least make him think she hasn't missed him that bad.”
“Karls!” Dhalia shouted again as she tore through the gate and began running to meet the approaching horsemen. One figure broke away, galloping to meet her.
“Karls!”
*****
“You didn't really think I'd ride all the way over here and not bring him with me, did you?” Parno asked, grinning.
“Thank you, Parno,” Dhalia said with heartfelt sincerity. She was nestled in Karls' arms across the front of his saddle, happier than she had been in weeks. “Thank you so much.”
“Anything for you my sweet,” Parno assured her as they arrived at the gate. Parno dismounted, then assisted Stephanie in doing so since she had insisted on riding horseback with him rather than following in her ambulance. The ambulance followed along further back in case of inclement weather, though Hiram Wiggins, the Cove Canton 'meteorologist', as he preferred to be called, had assured them of decent weather for at least three to five more days.
Karls lowered Dhalia to the ground and then dismounted himself, handing his own reins over then taking Dhalia by the hand.
“Hello Parno, dear boy!” Edema gushed as she embraced him, kissing his jaw. “Oh, it is so good to see you. Hello Stephanie dear, how are you?”
“I'm very well, Lady Cumberland,” she bowed slightly, only to feel the wrath of Edema's fan.
“Oh, stop that!” she ordered. “You're practically a member of this household. And you, young man,” she turned to Karls, “I expect to spend all of your time with this young woman,” she indicated Dhalia. “She has pined for you since the day you departed.”
“Edema!” Dhalia protested, her face going beet red. Karls' face was nearly a match though he remained silent. He was not on first name basis with the Duchess of the Cumberland.
“You know it's true, dear,” Edema said, her voice ringing with authority. “I'm sorry Edward is away, Parno,” she turned back to the prince. “He'll be sorry he's missed you, but he is actually in Nasil. There was a need for transport services by the Crown and he has taken the bulk of our people to try and help.”
“Interesting,” Parno mused, knowing of only one transport need at moment. He made a note to have Sprigs send a message that Edward Willows was not to be on any wagon carrying Roda's 'solution'.
“Well, come in, come in!” Edema waved them all into the house. “I'll have something to drink brought. Are you hungry? I'm afraid we've already had lunch ourselves, but there is always food here somewhere.”
“I could eat,” Stephanie nodded, blushing slightly. “I've had a rather busy morning.”
“I'm sure you have, dear,” Edema grinned knowingly.
“It's not like that.”
*****
“Dolly, before you run off into the trees, I've got something serious to discuss with you,” Parno said as he and the others finished their light meal.
“Parno McLeod,” she all but growled, but he continued on anyway.
“I spoke to the King before I left Nasil,” he told her gently. “He has awarded Darvo entrance to the peerage, posthumously, and bestowed upon you a title, through that grant.” He passed over the parchment he had received from his father for her.
“I. . .what?” the girl was cleared floored.
“You are now the Countess, or maybe Viscountess?” he looked at Edema, who smiled and nodded. “Anyway,” he looked back at Dhalia, “you are now Viscountess of Wolf, a small steading south of here, a few hours ride. It comes with some livestock and an annual stipend. I'm sure that Lady Edema can assist you in handling such affairs,” he looked again at Edema who nodded once more.
“Parno, what. . .how. . .what do I know about anything like this?” Dhalia was floored. “I don't even know where to start!”
“Well, as for that,” Parno nodded in Edema's direction, “you're sitting beside the best possible teacher, right now. I'm sure she'll be glad to put up with you a while longer so that she can teach you to act like a lady instead of a barracks solider,” he teased.
“I'll show you lady, you miserable-” she began, face red, then she stopped, glancing at Karls. She had been about to act exactly like a soldier would before she thought.
“It's all right,” Karls said softly. “I want to strangle him at least once daily myself,” he added in a mock whisper where everyone could hear.
“Such thanks I get,” Parno let loose a long suffering sight, shaking his head. He then turned more serious.
“The King felt that your father would have laughed in his face at the offer, but he was adamant that this be given to you. He insisted that your future be your own to choose, Dolly, and that you have the means to do so.” He took her hand gently.
“This is little enough to do for the daughter of the man who helped me save this kingdom, dear Dhalia. Do not think for even a moment that it isn't deserved. I know you would trade it all to have him back, and I would gladly take his place if I could, that he might be here with you instead of me. I am so truly sorry,” he finished, his own eyes growing damp in spite of his best efforts.
“Damn you, Parno,” Dhalia said softly, hugging him to her tightly. “You're making me cry. I hate to cry.”
“I know dear heart,” Parno hugged her tight, his love for the woman he considered his 'real' sister stronger than any embarrassment. “I'm sorry for that too.”
“Stop it,” she slapped his arm as she pulled away. “Stop apologizing for everything,” she ordered. “Do you think he'd have been anywhere else? He was a soldier, Parno McLeod. He died doing what he loved, beside a man he loved like a son. Fighting for his kingdom, his sovereign, and for me. I would never deprive him of that, even if it were possible.” She looked at him closely.
“See that you do not follow him,” she ordered.
“At least not for a very long time.”
“I will do my best,” he promised, meaning it. “Now, you and Karls are no doubt itching to explore the barns around here or something so I won't keep you. Let Edema put that scroll in a safe place for you. I'm sure that Karls would enjoy taking you down there to see your new lands before we head back.” He gave Karls a look that said he had better enjoy it, though it was unneeded.
“I would indeed,” he told her, smiling. “We can head down day after tomorrow if you like. How would that be?”
“I. . .I'd like that,” she admitted. She stood, hand out to him.
“Come, soldier. Escort your Viscountess around the estate!”
“By your command, madam,” Karls stood and bowed, then took her arm.
“We'll go explore the barns,” he winked at Parno, only to get a slap on the arm from Dhalia.
“We'll do no such thing!” she squealed, her face beet red.
“Go on, enjoy yourselves,” Parno ordered. “Take what time we have,” he added softly. The two departed, leaving Parno with Stephanie and Edema.
“Did you have anything to do with that?” Edema asked once they were out of earshot.
“No,” Parno shook his head as he sat back. “I had made my own arrangements with Memmnon to see that she was taken care of, but Tammon the Terrible did this of his own volition.”
“Parno!” Stephanie gasped. “Have some respect.”
“That was my respect,” Parno told her evenly. “I should tell you both as well that I am now officially the owner of Cove Canton and the surrounding area,” he added quietly. “Allowed to choose my own title, even.”
“Parno, that's wonderful!” Edema exclaimed. “You'll be nearby even after the war.”
“That is possible,” he nodded absently. “Anyway,” he forced himself to brighten. “I'm glad he allowed me to be the one to inform Dhalia. That has brightened my day considerably.”
“Did your day need brightening that badly?” Edema asked. Before Parno could answer, Stephanie interrupted.
“Edema, will I be in my usual room tonight?”
“Of course dear,” Edema nodded. “It's always there for you.”
