Battle for Tristaine

by Cate Culpepper

  Brenna glanced up into Jess’s face and wound both arms around her waist. Her gaze moved over the neat log structures on the perimeter of the square, including the large lodge that served as the village’s meeting house.

  She saw Theryn there, a striking figure, leaning against the rail of the lodge’s upper balcony. A beautiful woman stood beside her, her glittering gaze searching the crowd below. Her pale and exotic features were set off by the lavender glyph covering half of one cheek. The woman’s eyes met Brenna’s, and a cold shiver coursed down Brenna’s back.

  Her clinical training hadn’t included a psychiatric rotation. In the City, most chronic mental patients were not housed in richly funded Government Clinics, so she had only limited clinical contact with psychosis. But something in Brenna recognized real madness when she saw it, and her arms tightened around Jess until the woman looked away.

  Save for forty warriors and members of Shann’s high council, Tristaine’s lodges were deserted by dusk.

  Chapter Five

  Brenna walked through a ghost town. She had worked in the infirmary most of the day. Shann was needed everywhere, so Brenna was entrusted with tending a small series of mishaps and minor ailments. She avoided the casks of dried herbs on the shelves in favor of the conventional medicines she knew well.

  There had been nothing major, just the kind of injuries that accompany distraction and stress in large groups. The most serious was a broken wrist suffered by a young boy who held on to a wagon’s wheel a moment too long. Brenna had splinted his arm and given him aspirin for pain, which was in plentiful supply, as well as herbal analgesics. She was surprised to see the sophistication of Tristaine’s small hospital, in both equipment and medications. According to Jess, these supplies were bartered through Theryn’s City contacts.

  Now Brenna made her way carefully across the footbridge arching over the river, the echo of her feet on the planks hollow and lonely. She remembered that the Amazons called this rippling stream Terme Cay. A pleasant name for a river that might become a raging flood, Brenna thought, in under ten minutes.

  The village seemed all but deserted, though at least fifty Amazons still lived within its gates. She saw a lone sentry lighting the torches that marked the perimeter of the outer wall. Then other forms emerged, almost invisible in the dusk, standing watch at regular intervals on the catwalk on top of the fence. Night was falling earlier with each day’s passing, and the full moon was already edging up behind the tree line.

  “Hey, hi.” Camryn met her at the foot of the bridge. With the automatic courtesy of Tristaine’s warriors, she took Brenna’s hand to help her step down. “Shann sent me after you, Brenna. The council’s gathering in the firepit instead of the meeting lodge.”

  “That sounds ominous.”

  “The storyfire pit,” Camryn amended. “I think it’s a bad call, but Shann wants an informal setting. To defuse tensions, she says.”

  Brenna nodded, folding her arms against the cold as they walked through the deserted square. “Why do you think it’s a bad call, Camryn?”

  “The pit’s round. Seating is too equal.” Camryn scowled at the moon. “The table in the lodge is a big rectangle. Shann always sits at the head at high council, and that’s where Theryn and her crowd should see her tonight. Visibly in charge.”

  This was easily the longest conversation Brenna had had with Camryn in weeks. She murmured something that might have been agreement, then decided to speak her mind.

  “Maybe Shann’s really making a stronger statement by meeting in the pit. She’s showing she doesn’t need physical position to enforce her authority as queen, so equal seating doesn’t threaten her.”

  “Hey, that’s what Shann said!” Camryn’s shy grin made her look as young as her years. “You healer types are ganging up on me with your weird logic. Oh, look. Great, dinner’s ready!”

  As she and Camryn crested the edge of the storyfire pit, Brenna saw a dozen Amazons seated around the cooking fire in its center, passing platters of fragrant bread.

  The crackling flames, ordinarily a bonfire, burned only high enough now to heat the big pot suspended over them. Shann stood next to it, spooning deep wooden bowls full of something that smelled so heavenly, Brenna’s toes curled where she stood.

  “That’s Rae’s mutton stew.” Camryn’s tone was reverent. “Rae’s mutton stew and Jocelyn’s bread.”

  “I am so glad Amazons aren’t vegetarians,” Brenna said to no one. Impulsively she took Camryn’s hand, and she let her keep it as they moved down the risers.

  “Brenna,” Theryn called in greeting, “I’m delighted Shann asked you to join us.” She waited for them and smiled charmingly as she took Brenna’s other hand. “Hello, Camryn! Can I get you both some victuals?”

  “Thanks, we can grab our own.” Camryn stood still when Theryn patted her shoulder.

  “Fine, sister, but first, I’d like to introduce Tristaine’s newest Amazon to her high council.” Theryn offered Brenna her arm before turning to the gathering. “Sisters, adanin! Forgive my interruption of our feast!”

  The conversation around the cooking fire faded, and Brenna felt all eyes turn toward them. She sought out Jess and saw her next to Shann, who had paused in the midst of filling her bowl.

  “I’m proud to introduce Brenna, rescued from Caster’s clutches by our own stalwart warrior hero, Jesstin.” Theryn’s deep voice resonated around the circle. “Brenna is not only a superb healer and a fine fighter, but she also possesses a rare and specialized talent. She follows Julia, who guides Tristaine’s seers.”

  Brenna had told Theryn nothing about herself, and she wasn’t sure how these details had come out. She felt Jess’s quizzical gaze. She obviously wondered about Theryn’s prescience, too.

  “This is DeLorea, leader of Tristaine’s tradeswomen.” Theryn indicated a small black woman, who nodded a greeting at Brenna. “And Teresias, who guides the guild of mothers. This lovely flower is Opal, who rules over our orchards and gardens. And this is Constance, head of the guild of weavers, and Kas, mistress of our artists.”

  “Welcome, Brenna.” Constance lifted her cup, which steamed with a heavenly aroma of chocolate, mixed with Tristaine’s excellent coffee.

  “Brenna is well acquainted with Shann, our honored queen and high guardian,” Theryn continued. “And with Camryn, our council’s youth representative. And soon, I hope, her circle of close friends will include the humble Theryn, who uses her skills as a negotiator to serve Tristaine as liaison with the City.”

  “Let the kid eat, Theryn.” Teresias’s tone was teasing. “She needs a little more meat on her. She’ll starve by the time you run out of words.”

  “Teresias is Sarah’s cousin, Blades,” Shann called, and Brenna was pleased to understand why the remark brought laughter. “Sit down, little sister. Taste this.”

  Amazons had asbestos tongues, Brenna decided, watching the other women savor the steaming stew. But when she chanced a mouthful, the tender meat, the fresh vegetables, and rich broth filled her eyes with the same prayerful awe as Camryn’s. She’d never dreamed of such flavors.

  “That’s how vegetables taste, Brenna, when they’re not poisoned by City pesticides.” Opal’s smile was friendly as she passed her a fragrant platter of sliced bread. She didn’t look much older than Jess, while the other Amazons were closer to Shann’s age.

  “You’ll find Tristaine’s Amazons more robust than City-dwellers too, girl.” Teresias spooned a creamy slab of butter onto Brenna’s bread and topped it with fresh honey. “Mothers raised on this food give the best milk under Gaia’s sun and nurse a strong immunity into their young. Or both mother and babe answer to me,” she added, to more snickering.

  “We’ve harvested enough fresh produce to last through our own migration to the south meadows,” Opal finished, “so you’ll get a chance to sample the best Amazon agriculture can offer, Brenna. A few weeks on this stuff, and we’ll have you more fit than you’ve ever been.”

  �
�Well, I’ve noticed your warriors do heal fast.” Brenna winked at Jess between bites. “A pretty handy talent.” Some part of her floated above the firepit, amazed at the ease she felt among the governing body of an Amazon clan.

  “Adanin.” The woman named Kas, who headed the guild of artists, stood and brushed the breadcrumbs from her hands. “Before our lady opens this council, raise flagons, please.”

  There was a rustling of skins and leathers as the assembled women lifted cups of the flavorful tea.

  “In praise to our Mothers, for the safe return of our clan’s high guardian.” Kas’s eyes crinkled as she smiled at Shann. “Tristaine thrives tonight, lady, even scattered to the winds, knowing our queen sleeps safe among her sisters. And Gaia’s blessings, too, on Jesstin, and Camryn, and Kyla, and on our newest member, Brenna. Tervetuloa kotin, adanin.”

  Welcome home. Jess mouthed a translation to Brenna through the approving murmurs that followed Kas’s toast.

  “Our thanks, sweet Kasling.” Shann cupped the back of the smaller woman’s neck and rested her forehead against hers for a moment. “I’m blessed to have the wisdom of this council for guidance.”

  She addressed the others sitting around the storyfire. “Please know how grateful I am to all of you for tending Tristaine with such care while I was gone.”

  “Some with more care than others.” DeLorea filled a pipe carved of hickory and scowled openly at Theryn.

  Brenna clicked into listening mode, which wasn’t unlike the heightened senses and concentration Jess utilized when following a trail. Across the storyfire, Theryn’s handsome face remained pleasant, her voluptuous body relaxed against the earthen risers.

  “My heartfelt thanks, too, for preserving the sweet harmony that has long enlivened our council debate,” Shann added, and even DeLorea snorted laughter. Jess smiled down at her folded arms.

  “We’ll address the division among us presently.” As Brenna watched, Shann pulled that effortless transformation again, changing in seconds from a smiling friend to an Amazon queen. “First, let me recite what I’ve learned from you and our elders last night and today. I’ll want your counsel in anything I’ve missed.”

  “Gladly given, lady.” Constance fanned away DeLorea’s pipe smoke, frowning.

  “The City kept Tristaine under constant scrutiny after Jesstin and our sisters escaped from the Clinic,” Shann began. “Caster’s soldiers patrolled the two paths leading to our village throughout the summer.”

  Shann walked slowly around the fire circle, making eye contact with each Amazon in turn. “As we’ve learned, Caster is relentless, and her motivation is highly personal now. Public disgrace has to be anathema for a City scientist of her stature. She wants to redeem herself by capturing Tristaine, and our warriors stand ready to meet her attack.”

  Brenna folded her arms against a chill. Jess stepped quietly across the circle and sat beside her, then lifted one long arm around her shoulders.

  “The City wants to make Tristaine’s Amazons compliant Citizens,” Shann continued. “The Government wants our silver, our taxes, and an end to the constant trickle of City women escaping from the beds of their men to seek new homes with us. Caster wants professional salvation and private vengeance. Have I summarized our quandary?”

  “Well enough, Shann.” Teresias studied the flames, her expression dark with worry.

  “Jesstin, I want our warriors brought to full alert, beginning tonight.”

  Jess nodded. “I’ll double the watch, lady.”

  “As you order, Shann, of course.” Across the pit, Theryn looked grave in the red light of the fire. “But according to my sources, we have several days before Caster could possibly launch an assault, perhaps even weeks.”

  “Possibly,” Shann repeated. “But tomorrow marks the end of Tristaine’s grace period, according to Brenna.”

  “Oh,” Brenna said in a small voice, as several faces turned toward her. She could feel a flush moving from her collar to her hairline.

  Theryn responded as though Shann’s sentence made sense, which both relieved and disturbed her. “But, Shann, doesn’t it make sense that if young Brenna foretold any immediate danger to our clan, it’s more likely to threaten our traveling adanin, rather than the fortified village they left behind?”

  “Our sisters who migrate toward the southern meadows will be in our prayers.” Shann returned Theryn’s gaze evenly. “The majority of our warriors who ride with them are already on highest alert. Bringing our own vigilance to full strength costs us nothing. Jesstin, are we prepared?”

  “We are, lady,” Jess rose, and her low voice poured over Brenna’s tight nerves like liquid balm. “Vicar and Hakan have done well keeping our warriors fit. We’re as battle-ready as we can be, given the advantage our enemy has in arms.”

  “Thank Anath you’re back, Jess.” DeLorea’s eyes gleamed through the smoke of her pipe. “Short of Dyan herself, there’s no warrior better able to guide Tristaine’s defense. Will Vicar or Hakan stand as your second?”

  “I’ve chosen Camryn.”

  Camryn looked from Jess to Shann, clearly astonished.

  It was obviously an honor. Brenna beamed, almost as happy for Camryn as she’d been for Sammy when she graduated from high school. Then her smile faded, even as Camryn finally blushed with pleasure. Her younger sister’s diploma hadn’t brought her closer to the front lines of a battlefield.

  “Good choice, adanin!” Teresias slapped Camryn’s thigh. “Dyan handpicked this one for our council, Brenna, and we’ve never regretted it. She’s the sharpest of the young arrows in the guild of warriors, I promise you that.”

  Shann’s smile held nothing of maternal indulgence, only approval and respect. “Do you accept the office, Camryn?”

  “Sure.” Cam swallowed, and Brenna heard a dry click in her throat. “I do, lady, yeah.”

  “Jesstin.” Theryn stood. “I have every faith in your capable protégé, honestly. But given Camryn’s youth, I believe you’ll want a proven lieutenant. No insult to—”

  “Camryn will work closely with Hakan and Vicar, Theryn,” Jess said. “They’re both well versed in combat.”

  “And I intend no insult to Hakan, or to your blood-cousin, Jess, but I must mention that Patana has more actual fighting experience than either of—”

  “Aye, but only because Patana picks fights with every warrior in the guild. I’ve made my appointments, Theryn, thank you.” Jess nodded at Shann and sat down again beside Brenna.

  “Shann.” Theryn’s handsome face was filling with color. “Will the time come this evening when I’m allowed to complete a thought without interruption?”

  Shann nodded and gestured gracefully. “The council is yours, sister.” She sat down on one of the earthen risers.

  This abrupt acquiescence startled Brenna. She felt a new intensity in the energy of the women around the fire. Theryn seemed mildly surprised as well, but she rallied quickly.

  “Thank you, lady.” Theryn’s eyes met Brenna’s and held them for a moment. “Sisters, my agenda is no secret to anyone here. I call for a truce with the City.”

  DeLorea made a rude noise. “You proposed this same truce the last three times this council met, Theryn. I can only thank Gaia that Shann and our sisters are back. Lady, this Amazon hoped to force her pact down our gullets before our messenger falcon even found you!”

  “Lorea,” Opal reproved.

  “It’s all right, little sister. DeLorea speaks truly.” Theryn looked both grave and serene, if such a combination were possible. “We all know I had no luck in persuading Dyan to hear me in this matter last year. We all know our queen is opposed to negotiation with the City, as are Jesstin and Camryn. Yes, I hoped to sway the rest of you to consider it before they returned, for one simple reason.”

  Theryn strode into the firelight and turned quickly, so her cloak swirled around her. “I’m trying to force Tristaine’s survival down your gullets, sisters! I am desperate to avoid bloodshed! And frankly, i
t appalls me that none of you—”

  “You’re desperate for a power base, Theryn,” DeLorea spat.

  “Peace, adanin.” Shann touched DeLorea’s arm, and the uneasy murmuring that started to rise in the group faded.

  Brenna tried to catch every nuance of expression in those seated around the fire. Various shades of emotion were reflected in the faces there, ranging from worry to foreboding to banked anger.

  “Higher education and personal prosperity do not make me a villain, DeLorea.” Theryn looked at Brenna again, as if for support. “Amazons, hear me! This can be done. I’ve worked with City contacts for years. I can deal with one Government scientist!”

  “But to what end, Theryn?” Shann asked. “The concessions required for any pact with the City are unthinkable.”

  “With all respect, lady, the destruction of our home should be as well.” Theryn’s eyes flashed in the firelight. “Washing Tristaine from the face of the mountain can hardly be a suitable alternative to compromise!”

  Jess shook her head. “Death is preferable to enslavement, Theryn.”

  “Enslavement? Jesstin…” Theryn filled her lungs slowly. “The City wants to incorporate our village. Period. Yes, our goods would be taxed. We would be subject to some Government laws. But our clan would survive, adanin. We could even thrive!”

  Theryn knelt beside Constance. “Sister, the garments turned out by your weavers are sturdy and warm, but think of the glorious tapestries your women could produce if we had access to City textiles! Kas, imagine the creative output of Tristaine’s artisans, stocked with real oil paint supplies and decent—”

  “The City couldn’t possibly offer lovelier colors than our painters mix themselves, Theryn, from plants nurtured in Opal’s gardens.” Kas threw Brenna a friendly look. “Tell me, little sister, is Theryn correct? Do the finer arts flourish in the City?”