The Wayfarer King

by K. C. May

  Satisfied, Feanna went to her room, impressed with its soft, richly-woven fabrics and polished wood furnishings. The mattress was thick and firm unlike the one she slept on at home, suggesting a good night’s sleep was in store. On the dressing table sat an empty washbasin.

  Someone knocked at the door, a middle-aged woman with a kindly twinkle in her eyes. She had a bucket of steaming water in one hand and another on the floor at her feet, and clean white cloths draped over her shoulder. “M’lady.” She dipped a half-curtsy as she came in. “I’m Martia and I’ll be looking after you and your young’uns during your stay. Whatever you need, please ask.”

  While Martia poured the hot water into the washbasin, the innkeeper brought in the satchel with their clothes. Feanna had only one such bag, and she and the children had limited garments to wear. “If you have laundry,” Martia said, “please leave it on the floor outside your room. We’ll see that it’s washed and hung to dry right away. Downstairs we have four private bathing rooms where you may soak for as long as you like in warm, rose-scented water.”

  Feanna thanked her and offered a coin from her meager purse as a gratuity.

  After she washed the road dust off and changed her clothes, she tried to take a short nap. Despite the comfortable mattress and down pillows, she tossed and worried. Questions tumbled about in her mind, questions about Gavin and his life. She finally realized she wouldn’t be able to relax until she’d spoken to Edan. When she stepped into the hallway, Martia was coming up the stairs with a girl of about seven, whom she introduced as her granddaughter. “I thought the children could play together and keep each other out of mischief.”

  Feanna laughed. “Or help each other get into it.”

  Downstairs, she found Edan at the table, hunched over his books. He stood politely, inviting her to join him. After pulling a chair for her, he sent for some food and wine. It had been years since she’d had a gentleman seat her. Edan was as different from Gavin as a man could be, with an entirely different set of charms.

  “You traveled all this way to see Gavin,” he said, taking a seat. “I’m sure you have a pressing concern. Please tell me how I can help you.”

  Feanna chewed her lower lip for a moment. She didn’t want to needlessly worry Edan, especially now that she knew Gavin wasn’t dead. “He gave me his warrant tag to wear until he returned.”

  Edan’s mouth dropped open. “Oh?” She pulled it out from under her dress once again, feeling Gavin’s unceasing anxiety within, and showed it to him. He leaned forward to examine it, turning it over in his hand. “Forgive me, my lady. I hadn’t understood the nature of your relationship when you first arrived. Gavin has begun courting you?”

  “Yes, I suppose he has. His sister-in-law has been trying to introduce us for months. I think Gavin and I were both a little wary of her matchmaking, but in retrospect, I understand why she was so eager for us to meet. There’s something distinctly different about him. He has so many qualities I can’t help but admire.”

  Edan nodded, smiling. “I know exactly what you mean. He may not be the most refined gentleman you’ll meet, but he’s well worthy of our respect and affection. I’m rather fond of him myself. So this is a social visit?”

  “Not exactly. You see, I’m an empath. I sense the feelings of others when I touch them, but also when I touch one of their belongings. With his warrant tag, I could tell he was well. That is, until this morning.”

  “What happened this morning?” Edan asked.

  “It stopped. I couldn’t feel his emotions any longer and worried that something had happened to him.”

  Edan nodded, but his expression told her he wasn’t worried. “Gavin’s one of the best battlers I’ve ever known, and he has a Viragon Sister with him. I’m sure there’s no need for alarm.”

  “Yes, I met Miss Daia too. She seems very competent. I hoped that by coming here, I could see for myself and put my worries to rest.”

  He patted her arm. “It’s her job to ensure Gavin’s safety, and she takes it seriously. Rest easy, my lady. He’ll be home soon.”

  “Her job? I thought Daia was a traveling companion. May I ask why a warrant knight would need a protector?”

  “Ah. I gather he hasn’t told you,” Edan said. “You see, Gavin’s no longer a warrant knight.”

  The short-haired Viragon Sister who’d been standing guard outside the inn rushed into the dining hall. “My lord, forgive the intrusion. The Lordover Tern and his men are approaching.”

  Chapter 37

  Edan stood and bowed. “Forgive me, Miss Feanna. Please help yourself to the refreshments while I shoo him away.” He winked as he pulled on his jacket, then strode into the great hall.

  Feanna pondered Edan’s words. No longer a warrant knight. Why would Gavin abandon his life and livelihood? Had that been what he’d tried to tell her?

  Tansa and Jilly appeared at her elbow with clean faces and combed hair tied in crisp, white ribbons. “You girls look lovely.”

  Jilly curtsied, smiling proudly. “We’re hungry,” Tansa said. The innkeeper’s granddaughter stood politely by, hugging a doll to her chest.

  Feanna sat them at another table so they wouldn’t accidentally soil Edan’s papers and books, and began to fix them each a plate of food. “Did you make it down the stairs by yourselves?”

  Jilly shook her head and pointed to a swordswoman, who was sitting on a step mending some clothing.

  Clutching the handrail, Trevick made his way carefully downstairs and joined them.

  “Where’s Iriel?” Feanna asked. She tucked a napkin into the collar of each girl’s dress.

  “She’s coming.” Trevick smirked. “She’s afraid of the stairs, but she wouldn’t let me help her.”

  “Remember, we’re guests here. Whisper to each other so as not to disturb our host.” When Feanna returned to Edan’s table, she saw him talking to a tall redhead. She guessed the redhead was the lordover, and judging from his posture, he was livid. Bending back to her meal, she pretended not to eavesdrop, but she couldn’t help glancing their way.

  “As I told Jophet only an hour ago,” Edan said, “Gavin and Daia are away on important business.”

  “Her name’s Dashielle, and she’s a fugitive. They’ll both be arrested the moment they step foot in the city.”

  Feanna stiffened. Why would the Lordover Tern arrest Gavin as a criminal? What had they done to anger the lordover?

  Almost too quietly for her to hear, Edan said, “Trust me. You don’t want to do that.”

  “Then let me speak to the king,” the lordover said.

  The king? Feanna thought. We have a new king?

  “I’m afraid he’s away.”

  “Let me guess. He’s with Kinshield and my daughter. Who is he, Edan? Tell me the man’s name, for the sake of Asti-nayas, and I won’t arrest you for obstruction.”

  Now it made sense. Given Daia’s manner of speech and fine bone structure, Feanna was not surprised to learn she was the lordover’s daughter. What sort of man would label his child a fugitive?

  “Is that a threat, my lord?” Edan asked.

  “This isn’t Lalorian. You’ve no standing here. Any courtesy I grant you is out of respect for your father.”

  Edan sighed. Feanna glanced over and saw him rubbing his temples. “All business conducted at this inn is done in the name of the king. Since Tern is within his jurisdiction, his authority supersedes yours. I speak for him while he’s away, therefore you cannot arrest me for obstruction. On the contrary. I submit that you’re the one who’s obstructing the king by arresting his appointees. See that none of the king’s guards visit your gaol again, sir.”

  Feanna fumbled the glass in her hand as she set it on the table. The truth came to light in her mind like a flash of lightning illuminating the dark clouds around it. Gavin had a champion. He carried a jeweled sword.

  He’s no longer a warrant knight.

  Gavin Kinshield was Thendylath’s new king? No, he couldn’t be. She p
rayed he wasn’t. Asti-nayas, I humbly submit my life to you. Please, if you grant me one wish my whole life, let it be that Gavin isn’t the king.

  She hung her head, ashamed that she’d rather have him for herself than give her country the king it so desperately needed, and saddened over the possibility that love would be taken from her after the hope for it had bloomed so colorfully. She could manage loving a soldier, even one who traveled as a warrant knight did. There was no hope for love when the object of her affection was the king.

  “Tell me who he is and I’ll give you something in return,” the lordover said. “I’ll give you the keys to the palace doors. Ronor Kinshield himself left them with Portulus Celónd, then Lordover Tern.”

  “Keys? You must be jesting. Any decent locksmith can remake the keys.”

  The lordover pursed his lips and tapped his chin. “All right, then. I’ll give you the rune Ronor Kinshield discovered with Queen Calewen’s body. That, too, has been left in my family’s care for generations.”

  “A rune? Do you know what it was for?”

  “No, I haven’t the slightest idea.”

  Edan held out his hand. “Agreed.” When the lordover shook it, Edan said, “The king’s name is Gavin Kinshield.”

  Feanna slumped in her chair, her body feeling as heavy as her heart did. Her thoughts slowed as sorrow numbed her mind. King. Gavin was the king.

  “Kinshield?” the lordover yelled. “That big...? No, I don’t believe it.”

  Feanna didn’t know whether to go quietly back to Saliria and hope never to see him again, or wait until he returned to— to what? To chastise the king for filling her with false hope?

  “I was there when he deciphered the final rune,” Edan said, “as was Daia and three others. We saw him do it. He has all five of the gems from the rune tablet. Had you taken more than a cursory glance at him, you might have noticed them in the hilt of his sword. I’m afraid you’ll have to swallow your self-righteous indignation this time, Lord Celónd.”

  The lordover quieted for a time and paced the length of the great hall twice before stopping. “You aren’t playing some sort of cruel game, are you, Edan?”

  “No, my lord.”

  With one hand stroking his chin in thought, the lordover paced the length of the hall once more. “He’s unmarried, is he not?”

  Edan caught Feanna’s eye and gave her a reassuring smile. “He’s courting a lady.”

  The lordover followed Edan’s gaze and settled his attention on her. Oh, no.

  “Is that her?” He took a step toward her.

  Feanna’s heart leapt into her throat. Please, no.

  Edan blocked his path. “Perhaps after she’s rested from her long journey, she’ll be inclined to socialize. I ask that you don’t disturb her today, my lord.”

  “Who is she? I don’t recognize her. Who are her parents?”

  Feanna’s face and neck warmed with embarrassment. The last thing she wanted was the Lordover Tern scrutinizing her, judging her. She didn’t need him to tell her she wasn’t worthy of being courted by the king. She already knew it.

  “You’ve probably never met,” Edan said. “Now, if you’ll pardon me, I must return to my guest. I’ll ask His Royal Majesty if he can spare a few minutes to see you when he returns.”

  The lordover shot Edan an indignant look. “Tell him it’s urgent.”

  Edan gave him a shallow bow. “Good day, my lord.”

  When the lordover was gone, Edan returned to their table. “I apologize, Miss Feanna,” he said as he took his seat. “I didn’t mean for you to get the news that way. Gavin should have told you himself, but since he didn’t, I should have been more forthcoming.”

  Feanna gulped the rest of the wine in her glass. “Goodness, I don’t know what to make of it all.”

  He uncorked the bottle and poured her another. “I know this news must come as a horrendous shock to you.”

  “I don’t understand why he would lead me to think he intended to court me if he’s the king. Why would he do such a thing?”

  Edan gave her a gentle smile and put one hand on hers. “My lady, Gavin and I have been as close as brothers for a dozen years. I know him like I know my own five fingers. The reason he’s courting you is because he’s chosen you to be his wife and queen.”

  Chapter 38

  “That can’t be,” Feanna whispered. “I’m no one. What would possess the king to choose someone like me?” Gavin could have his choice of young, beautiful, virtuous noble-born women. To choose a poor widow before he’d even surveyed all his options simply made no sense.

  Iriel joined the other children at the table. Feanna stood to help her, though Iriel waved her off, insisting that since she was brave enough to navigate the stairs alone, she was grown-up enough to fix her own plate of food. While Iriel ate, Jilly, Tansa and their new friend played with their dolls, and Trevick sat silently with a pensive expression. Edan tried his best to reassure Feanna of Gavin’s sincerity, but that only made her more anxious. The king of Thendylath wanted to court her, a poor widow in danger of losing her home. She was no noblewoman. In fact, she didn’t even feel like a member of the gentry class, despite the deed to the farm with her name on it.

  “Gavin had lost both of his parents by the time he was twelve,” Edan told her. “When we met, I was fifteen, he was fourteen. My father offered to adopt him, but Gavin declined. He proudly wears his father’s name, while most battlers, including myself, take epithets. He’s not a man inclined to turn to noble-born women to seek a bride. That he would set his eye on an unmarried woman with children is, admittedly, a bit of a surprise but not completely out of character.”

  While Daia had interrogated her, Edan seemed willing to accept her without question. Feanna felt the need to explain her circumstances to him. She told him about her childless marriage, her husband’s untimely illness, and the misfortune that had befallen the children which had brought them together.

  Edan studied her with renewed interest. “You take in orphaned children and love them as your own, yet you doubt the wisdom of Gavin’s choice of bride?” He chuckled.

  Feanna felt the tickle of heat on her face and bowed her head. “I didn’t mean to disrespect the king. Given that he was an orphan himself, it does seem natural that he would be drawn to me.”

  He put a comforting hand on her forearm. “Forgive me for teasing you. I misjudged the impact this news has had.”

  “I... I just need time to take it all in. The news has come as quite a shock.”

  “I understand, my lady. Why don’t you take a walk? The fresh air and distraction of the city might help clear your head.”

  The day was late and would be dusking soon, but a few minutes’ walk would do her much good. “Yes, I think I will.” She turned in her chair. “Children, would you like to take a walk with me?” Her question was answered with a resounding chorus of yeses.

  The street outside the inn was wide enough to accommodate three wagons side by side, but most other streets were much narrower and more crowded. Many of the buildings stood so close together that even Jilly would have been hard put to make her way between them, and some buildings appeared to share a wall with their neighbors. As they strolled along the street, they passed a pinmaker and glassmaker, several tailors and shoemakers, jewelers, grocers, and a bookseller. Feanna had learned to read as a child and longed for a collection of books and the time to read them. She stared longingly into the shop’s front window until Iriel and Tansa dragged her by the hands toward the confectioner they’d discovered two doors down.

  “May we have a candy?” Tansa begged. “Please?”

  “I’m afraid we haven’t the money to spare,” Feanna said, though she did enjoy the smell of the goods wafting into the street.

  Trevick opened his coin pouch and pulled out a kion. “I’ve a little money. I can buy it.”

  “For us too?” Iriel asked.

  “Of course for you too, dunce.” He ruffled her hair. “Where’s the p
leasure in enjoying something alone?”

  “Oh, Trevick, how generous of you.” Feanna put her arm across his shoulders and kissed his temple. He blushed and squirmed and hurried into the shop. Moments later, he emerged with a bundle of cloth. The girls hopped excitedly, waiting for him to dispense the treats. To Feanna’s surprise, he’d purchased one for her as well. She hadn’t wanted one, but the gesture was so sweet, she didn’t want to disappoint him by refusing.

  The six of them stood outside the shop, quietly enjoying their square of candy. It was a dark-brown cake within a light pastry, topped with an almond and drizzled with buttery cream icing. Every sweet bite was a slice of heaven in her mouth.

  “Don’t eat it so fast,” Trevick warned Iriel. “Make it last.”

  “But it’s so good!”

  “It’ll be over sooner if you gobble it like a starving dog.”

  Convinced, Iriel chewed more slowly and took smaller bites.

  Passersby smiled at the children so obviously enjoying their dessert. Feanna thought she might have moaned in pleasure once or twice too, and looked around self-consciously to see if anyone had heard her. That was when she noticed the Viragon Sister about fifty paces behind them.

  Like the others guarding the inn, she wore a plain brown tunic over beige trousers with a short sword hanging from her belt. Her straight, brown hair was cropped short, like a man’s. When she caught Feanna’s eye, she turned quickly to look through the window of a shop, then stepped inside, out of sight. Perhaps she’d received instructions from Edan to follow discreetly. No matter. Feanna appreciated his concern and understood his desire to keep her safe. Gavin would undoubtedly not take news of an assault upon her or the children with good grace.

  The following day, as she and the children were out once more, touring the city and ogling the many shops of fine merchandise, Feanna caught sight of the same battler following a few dozen paces behind. The children were captivated by the items on display in the window of a toy maker’s shop, oblivious to the swordswoman’s presence.