Neither ceremony was very long. Towards the end Dale parted slightly from tradition. His face was serious and sad.
‘It is every parent’s desire to see their daughter happily married, and it pains us all that Raline’s parents are not here today. We will break from tradition to remember Raline’s mother and father.’ There was silence for several minutes. Finally, Dale began what was, in Alkiran tradition, the most important part of the ceremony.
‘Your Majesty,’ he prompted.
Kelian stepped forward. He took Raline’s hand and placed it in Rezon’s. ‘I give you now to be married to this man. May you live and love together in peace.’ And without missing a beat, he pulled a short dagger from his belt sheath and passed it to Rezon. ‘In accordance with the tradition of your people, I command you to protect this woman with your life, to love her and care for her forever.’
Rezon took the dagger and placed it over his own heart. ‘With my life,’ he declared. He placed the knife back in Kelian’s hand.
‘Isn’t he supposed to keep it?’ Kelian whispered to Dale.
Dale whispered back, ‘He can take it back any second he wants to, and I don’t think it matters as part of the ceremony. Besides, he’s not wearing a belt sheath and I don’t suppose he wants to be carrying it when I say...’ Dale raised his voice. ‘Seal your marriage with a kiss.’
Rezon leaned down and kissed Raline’s lips.
Dale glanced at Jemicka. She placed her flute to her lips and began another traditional melody, this time Nyinakun and lively and joyous. Everyone began to talk at once as Raline and Rezon turned to face them. Elena, Immosey and Louisa hugged Raline and then Kelian also gave Raline a congratulatory hug.
Dale glanced at the table and silence fell. He grinned. ‘No need to ask if everyone’s listening to my thoughts!’ he said. ‘Yes. It’s time for the wedding banquet.’ Elena and Louisa removed the cloth from the table and then turned to see Raline’s face. They weren’t disappointed. Her wonder at the spread was obvious. She felt overwhelmed with gratitude.
‘Well, let’s eat!’ Rezon said enthusiastically, guiding her to the table. He handed her a bowl. ‘You’d better fill up, it’s a bit of a walk to our destination tonight - not that you’ll be walking - unless you’d prefer to of course,’ he added, knowing from previous experience she had a particular fondness of being carried by him, to which he had absolutely no objection. ‘Well, fill up anyway. I can’t have you getting too thin. People might think I’m neglecting you.’
‘You have to try everything!’ Jemicka added, gesturing along the length of the table.
‘I’ll probably get fatter than a blood sucking leech and Rezon won’t even be able to pick me up!’ Raline observed, taking a lettuce wrapped meat parcel from the table. Rezon laughed and added a sweet pastry to her plate.
It was later than either Rezon or Raline expected when they finished celebrating and set off together through the forest and after half an hour’s walk it was dark. In the end Raline climbed onto Rezon’s back and he ran up into the hills. Even so, it took several hours to reach their destination. Rezon, with the help of the other warriors, had spent many hours fixing up the old deserted mountain cabin, and now it was unrecognizable. The walls were straight and sturdy looking and the roof had been entirely repaired. Inside there was a huge bed with soft, warm covers and thick feather pillows. There were two comfortable chairs outside and a small table. Raline preferred not to ask where the decorating pictures and furniture had come from, but the cabin was laid out like a beautiful, miniature house. The floor boards were clean and small tables holding oil lamps stood beside the bed. There was a set of shelves with table cloths, crockery and cutlery, ground salt, bowls of fruit and nuts, several bags of vegetables, and loaves of bread wrapped in clean cloths. In the corner of the hut there was now a traditional Nyinakun fireplace, a pile of firewood, flint and steel, a large tinderbox and a fire poker. There was a long lounging chair facing the fire place, and on the low table in front of the chair was a round wooden canister containing sweet biscuits. Next to the door a bow and a quiver of arrows stood. Raline supposed it had been left earlier, as when they left Cathaoir and Jemicka’s home Rezon was armed with several knives that Raline knew he used for hunting, but he’d not been carrying a bow.
Raline had packed what clothing she had, and several other personal items into a small bag belonging to Jemicka the night before and she knew one of the guardians or warriors must have brought it to the little cabin during the night, for there it was sitting on the bed. Rezon also had a small bag of clean clothing. She wondered if she might bathe even though it was already so late. Without a word, Rezon took her hand and guided her through the trees to the warm spring. He helped her take the lovely dress over her head and hang it carefully over a clean branch, then he untied her undergarment and slid it down, allowing her to step free. He stood back and stared at his wife.
‘You would have to be the most incredibly beautiful creature I’ve ever seen,’ he murmured and she blushed. He stood still as she removed his clothing. They slid into the water together. Raline trembled as she stared into his almost black eyes. She took a deep breath and ran her hands down his chest to his perfectly muscled abdomen.
‘I thought you didn’t like this warm water,’ she observed.
‘I’d probably jump into a volcano if I thought you were in there waiting for me,’ he said smiling. ‘Definitely if you were naked,’ he added jokingly. They laughed together as they sank deeper into the water.
Chapter 33
Stolen Lady
Stealing a ship turned out to be far easier than anyone had dared imagine. With the help of Callian, Timbul and Araas, they simply chose a ship and sat back and watched, as one by one those on board went ashore, each on some previously unnecessary errand to which attention suddenly became crucial as Callian planted such thoughts in their minds. Eventually Timbul and Araas went aboard the check the vessel was indeed entirely vacated, and then everyone else followed. Kelian deliberately chose the smallest ship, which was actually little more than a large boat, to make it easier for their small number to sail her back to Alkira. To everyone’s amusement the boat was called ‘Stolen Lady’. Once on board, it was easy to tell she had been used for smuggling. All over the vessel there were hidden compartments and disguised doors leading to unexpected hidey holes. In one compartment several sealed cases waited, and when Timbul snapped the lid from one case they found a neatly packed assortment of weapons, which everyone agreed had been made to look Alkiran. It was a single masted sailing boat, and Kelian hoped that the weather would improve somewhat as they set sail. It turned stormy the day Rezon and Raline had returned to Cathaoir and Jemicka’s home, or perhaps they had returned because of the rain. The upside was there was plenty of wind for sailing.
They took the boat to a small inlet which was uninhabited other than by millions of mosquitoes. Kelian insisted Elena, Louisa, Immosey and Raline stay aboard the ship, but everyone else went ashore. Eibhear, Rudiger and Milgorry headed back to the village around the bay. By the next morning they returned hauling a huge cart of supplies behind them. Kelian was pleased to find there was already an ample supply of water aboard the tiny ship, but Milgorry had taken the precaution of bringing more. Kelian didn’t ask where they had gotten the supplies. He was fairly certain the warriors would have taken the goods without alerting anyone and he hoped no-one had been hurt or returned in the process. Milgorry had laid his concerns to rest with a single insulted look. It took hours to take the supplies from the cart onto the ship via the tiny cockleboat. Kalinya fell asleep during the activity, and Dale carried him to a little cabin and placed him on a low bunk, deciding not to wake him for dinner.
They set sail as soon as everything was aboard. Kelian spent much time deliberating their course and finally decided to sail for the Dwellings and then head down to Castle once he had conferred with Tiernan and Karrijeuiga.
If it hadn’t been for the continued discussion around Pe
nn’s plans for the invasion of Nyinaku, one might have thought those aboard were taking a vacation. For the most time, relief to be heading home overshadowed their recent plight, and everyone was content to relax and enjoy the moment before they arrived in Alkira, at which time they would be forced to take action one way or another in light of what might soon be occurring in their less than friendly neighbor’s territory. Within days of sailing, Kalinya appointed himself as head chef, and whilst he had continual assistance in the galley, the young boy was insistent that he was in charge of preparation of evening meals. This quickly led to him supervising and giving orders to anyone who volunteered to help and to everyone’s surprise the boy had more than the usual talent for preparing simple but appetizing meals. When asked about his ability, he replied that with his mother working, it was his job to make the evening meals, so he’d had plenty of practice, and that it wasn’t much different from being back in Tathra, trying to make a nice dinner from very limited ingredients. No-one else aboard showed any better skills and Kalinya was delighted to be given such an important duty. He had been far more settled since Rezon and Raline’s wedding, and Elena was beginning to understand that every one of the little boy’s misplaced infatuations was a cry of grief as he missed his mother. She took much thought of how best to help the lad, but had not yet found a satisfactory solution, knowing it was impossible to replace a mother’s love. She sighed as the little boy walked past on his way across the deck to ask Kelian what the King would prefer for dinner, as he was wont to do at about this time each afternoon. She watched as he returned with a smile on his face and she waved at him to join her.
‘I can’t stay long,’ he announced grandly. ‘Tonight I’m making salted pork and oat bread.’ He paused thoughtfully. ‘Do you want something special Elena...? Majesty?’
‘Salted pork and oat bread sounds wonderful. Can I help you make it?’
‘You’re not very good in the kitchen.’
‘I haven’t been given much practice. I can improve.’
‘You can help make the dough. I’ll show you how.’
‘Kalinya, have you taken any thought as to what you wish to do once we reach Alkira?’
‘Maybe I could work in your kitchen,’ the little boy said eagerly.
‘Cooking is honorable work,’ said Elena, ‘but we already have adequate kitchen staff and I think you have the potential to do so many things.’
‘What’s potential?’
‘You have the ability to grow and improve. I don’t think you should limit yourself to kitchen duties, however honorable this might be.’
‘What do you think I should do?’
‘I don’t yet know Kalinya, let me think on it.’
‘Alright,’ said Kalinya, with a shrug. ‘But I’d be happy enough to just do the cooking.’ He disappeared below deck.
Elena went to stand beside Kelian. ‘I don’t know what we should do with the lad. He’s intelligent and he’s a good child.’
‘Hmm...’ Kelian put his arm around Elena and rubbed her shoulder and arm. ‘He needs a mother.’
‘Yes. He has no-one and he misses his mother badly. We can’t bring her back.’
‘Elena, I think he should stay in the Dwellings, at least for a while. There is no place better for peace and for healing a heart.’
‘He loves us. I can tell. If we leave him at the Dwellings it might just break his heart. It might be too much for him to bear.’
‘Let’s not make any decisions until we arrive there.’ Kelian gave Elena a reassuring hug. ‘And once we’re there perhaps the lad would like to be given the choice. If he comes with us...we’ll work something out. You know what I’m looking forward to most?’
‘Seeing Eijelin,’ Elena stated, knowing how much Kelian missed his little sister. ‘I’m so thankful she’s at the Dwellings. I know she’ll be missing you too Kelian.’
‘I owe the guardians more that I can ever repay.’
‘They won’t see it that way.’
‘I know. They’ll tell us it’s their duty to guard and protect us, but I’m not fooled. A dear friend once let slip that he feels more like our big brother, and I know I feel the same way.’
Elena’s eyes moved understandingly to where Timbul and Arras stood talking together. Her own feelings towards these guardians were far stronger than she could have believed possible. They turned in unison and smiled at the Queen.
‘So what do you think I should do with the child?’ she asked.
‘What would your mother have done?’ Araas sauntered across the deck as he spoke.
Elena considered Araas’ question. ‘He needs to stay with us in the castle. That’s what you mean, isn’t it?’
Araas nodded. ‘It seems like mere chance that he ended up here with us, but I don’t believe for a second that’s the case. I don’t know why, but he’s meant to be here. The purpose is not yet known, but deep inside I know he’s meant to stay with you. You will need him.’
‘I see.’ Kelian put his arm around Elena and gave her shoulders a squeeze. ‘That sounds fine.’
‘Perhaps you could give him the kitchen duty he has requested,’ suggested Araas.
‘No. I think not,’ said Kelian firmly. ‘After all he’s gone through, he’s proven himself incredibly brave for so young a child, and he shows no lack of intelligence. Please don’t misunderstand. We are proud of our kitchen servants, they are very skilled people, but if Timbul has been given some foreknowledge that he will be needed by my wife, I want to give him more opportunity to fulfill whatever it is he’s destined for. I’m going to make a Page of him - if he’s willing. Tappy can take his education in hand and we’ll see what happens.’
Elena smiled. ‘Yes. That’s good. I feel...relieved. It’s nice that he’s become such a part of our family.’ She looked between Kelian’s, Araas’ and Timbul’s faces. All three smiled in agreement. Elena sighed. ‘I’m a bit tired. How far are we from the Dwellings?’
‘All going well, we’ll arrive tomorrow,’ said Araas. ‘Would you like to rest now?’
‘No thank you,’ Elena smiled. ‘I’m not that tired. Besides, I have kitchen duty.’ She accepted Araas’ arm as he assisted her to climb down the ladder which led below deck. Once she had disappeared, he walked back to Kelian.
‘She is that tired, Kelian,’ said Araas firmly. ‘There’s something wrong.’
‘What do you mean?’ Kelian was alarmed. ‘She’s been ill since we arrived in Hosatabaht. Is she getting worse?’
Araas hesitated. ‘I think she is,’ he admitted. ‘Something isn’t right. She shouldn’t be as tired as she is. And as she went down the ladder just know, if I didn’t have hold of her arm, I think she might have fallen. She was...dizzy.’
Kelian frowned with concern. ‘I think I’ll override Colonel Kalinya’s orders and take her off kitchen duty,’ he decided. ‘Would you ask her to come back up here please? Or perhaps she should go straight to our cabin?’
‘No. I think she’d prefer to come up into the air,’ said Timbul. ‘She hates that cabin.’
‘Fine,’ Kelian felt a little impatient, wishing he could see his wife’s thoughts as easily as the guardians.
Araas ignored that thought. ‘Kelian, if Elena is agreeable, would you allow one of us to go deep into her mind? Sometimes we can find out enough to know what’s wrong. Sometimes it doesn’t work, but then sometimes it does.’
‘You will have to ask the Queen. She alone can give such permission.’
‘Understood,’ Araas dashed to the hatch and helped Elena to climb out. As soon as her feet hit the deck he fixed his eyes on hers and they stood for a few minutes in silent conversation. Eventually Elena sat on the deck, cross legged, arranging her long skirt comfortably. She placed her elbows on her knees and balanced her chin on her clenched fists. She waited expectantly.
Araas’ hand flashed in front of her face and her eyes rolled back. He caught her as she toppled over, and he rested her gently on the deck, taking the rolled u
p oilskin sheet offered by Timbul and placing it under her head for comfort. He sat beside her head, with his legs crossed and his hand on her forehead.
It was over half an hour before Araas moved and by this time Kelian was pacing the deck like a caged cat. When Araas opened his eyes Kelian shot to his side. He reached out for Araas’ hand and pulled him to his feet.
‘Well? Kelian prompted urgently. ‘Do you know what’s wrong?’ His heart accelerated and he felt dread as he saw Araas’ face.
The guardian’s mouth was half open and his eyes were filled with pain. He didn’t answer.
‘Araas!’ Kelian cried out, suddenly fearful of what Araas had seen.
‘Kelian...’ Araas’ voice cracked.
‘Tell me Araas!’ Kelian cried, his fear turning to panic.
Araas held up his hand pleadingly. ‘I will tell you,’ he said, his voice low and sad. ‘I’m sure you didn’t know this, but I think Elena was pregnant.’
‘What?’ Kelian’s face wrinkled in confusion. ‘Was pregnant?’
‘I’m sorry.’ Araas swallowed hard. ‘I’m so sorry Kelian. I’m not entirely sure. I thought she was pregnant, but now...I can sense nothing. I can’t seem to discern clearly what happened, but it doesn’t seem good.’
‘Araas…please… At least take a guess at what you think happened.’
‘I think Elena was pregnant, but she lost the child because of her illness. It was very early in the pregnancy.’
Child Of A Guardian And Of The Free (Book 3) Page 28
