by Emma Miles
Kesta opened her mouth to speak, but hesitated, folding her arms across her chest. Why would the Dark Man be buying her a horse after complaining about her bonding with animals? She gave her head a quick shake, realising she was being rude. ‘Thank you, I’d love to see the pony.’
Nip quickly pulled his cart out of the way and looking around for something to clean his hands on settled for the front of his tunic. He had curly hair in mousy ringlets and dark grey eyes that Kesta found it hard not to be captivated by. Few had eyes of that colour in the Fulmers.
‘This way!’ Nip grinned, showing a chipped tooth; but the grin fell away, and the boy’s eyes widened. Kesta span around to see the only man who could hide from her knowing standing a few feet away.
‘My Lord?’ she tried to hide how startled she was, but her heart was pounding.
‘A raven has returned from Taurmaline.’ Jorrun lifted his left hand and uncurled his long fingers to show a tiny roll of paper. ‘I thought you would wish to know at once that your mother, Dia Icante, is alive and well, as is your uncle Worvig. King Bractius says that they lost nineteen warriors but held off the attack from Chem.’
‘My mother understands that it’s Chem and not the Borrows?’ Kesta held her hands together to stop them shaking.
‘So it seems,’ Jorrun replied coolly, closing his hand over the small scroll. ‘We have sent messengers ahead of your father, but your mother is a very clever woman, she will understand much already. I won’t keep you from your work; I will see you later.’
Jorrun turned and stalked out of the stables. Kesta watched him like a kestrel watching a cat leave.
‘Nip, run and get these ladies a glass of wine,’ Nerim growled.
‘Kesta?’ Rosa touched her arm while Nip darted away to one of the ladders.
‘I’m fine.’ She shook her head. She hadn’t realised how tightly her fear for her mother and uncle were coiled in her belly until relief had released the knot. She drew back her knowing; not wanting to taste any pity from those around her. Then she saw Nip coming back down the ladder with a glass of deep red wine in each hand; gripping the wood with his forearms only as he scampered down as surefooted as any goat. She laughed, and the cramping tension eased from her back and shoulders. ‘That is a boy worth keeping.’ She smiled.
‘He is a good boy.’ Nerim’s eyes lit although he did not smile.
‘Your son?’ Kesta asked.
Nerim nodded.
Nip handed them the wine, and they sipped at it while they went to check on the pony. Kesta ran her hands over its ribs and winced at the sores from the old ill-fitting harness. It snuffled into her shoulder while she stroked its cheek.
‘Do you ride, Rosa?’
‘I rode out with the queen sometimes.’ Rosa held her glass with both hands.
‘Then if you’ll ride out with me sometimes, I’ll give you this pony. What will you call her?’
Rosa looked startled. ‘Oh, well; I would think she would be called Nettle. She’s tough but has a wild beauty.’
‘I like that.’ Kesta stroked the pony’s soft nose. ‘Nettle. Come on then; we have more work to do today.’ She turned to Nerim. ‘Thank you for your hospitality; I think I will enjoy working with you.’
‘My Lady.’ Nerim gave a small bow and, after kicking his son, Nip did the same.
***
They took a slow stroll around the outer circle of the stronghold between the two walls. They were greeted by open stares; some of curiosity and some of hostility. Most of the women acknowledged Kesta and Rosa with a curtsey or ‘good morning’; but the warriors and the few tradesmen among the houses barely grunted. She could feel that Rosa was uncomfortable and nervous, and she had to fight to stop it infecting her too. For the most part the houses seemed to be in good repair. The amount of thatch concerned her, and every building was constructed out of wood, except the blacksmith’s forge, which had a three-sided building made of stone and a roof of slate.
Completing their circuit, they left through the gateway and followed the track down toward the lake. Kesta heard one of the warriors guarding the gate speak behind her.
‘Look, she’s had enough of Jorrun already.’
The other warrior snorted in amusement and she gritted her teeth, pretending not to have heard. So; not all the warriors at the stronghold respected their Thane. That was certainly something to think about.
As they approached the small cluster of cottages, they saw a woman emerging from the smokehouse. She was dressed in dull grey with her hair gathered up under a scarf. She stopped when she saw them and waited for them to approach.
‘Good morning.’ She gave a small curtsey. ‘May I help your ladyships?’
‘Good morning; we are looking for Kurghan. I have some work for him.’ Kesta studied the woman. Lines creased the corners of her brown eyes that were underscored with dark shadows. She radiated composure and confidence and Kesta felt no sense of pre-judgement or expectation from her. ‘May I ask your name?’
‘Aven, Lady. Kurghan is just finishing off a fishing boat; I’ll take you to him.’
‘Are you his sister?’ Rosa asked to make conversation as they followed the path to the large work shed. Kesta could hear wood being sawn and the voices of two men.
‘I am indeed. I hear you’re from the Fulmers?’
‘Oh, I’m not!’ Rosa replied quickly. ‘But Kesta is. I’m from Cairneridge but have been at the court of Taurmaline for most of my life.’
‘You might find it a little quiet and … rustic here.’
‘Not with Kesta here.’ Rosa laughed.
Aven raised an eyebrow and glanced around at Kesta. ‘There were some of us thought that Jorrun would never marry; he never seemed interested. You were quite a surprise, Lady Kesta.’
‘It was purely political,’ Kesta murmured.
‘Oh, I’m sorry.’ Aven winced. ‘Still, I don’t think you will be treated badly. The Thane is somewhat protective of the women of this hold.’
Kesta and Rosa looked at each other but before they could ask more Aven called out to her brother. The sawing stopped and Kurghan came out of his boathouse; gesturing for his companion to join him. He held out his hand and Kesta took it, gripping firmly, before he realised his error and flushed with embarrassment.
‘Lady, what brings you out here?’
‘I’m getting a feel for the stronghold and its people; but to get to the point I’m here to offer you a large job.’
Kurghan gave a pull on his beard. She could feel his curiosity and excitement; this man loved to work and was eager for something challenging. ‘What kind of job?’
Kesta grinned and it caught all those around her. ‘Well; to start with I’m having the ward cleared out and several areas for planting dug. I’ll need some fencing to segregate the animals while you build me a large barn with storage for hay and crops. I’m having the area around the hold taken back in all directions so there will be plenty of wood. I’ll need more fencing then to separate pasture. The land outside the hold will remain common, of course, with areas designated for haymaking. Does anyone here grow wheat or corn?’
‘Only in very small quantities,’ Aven supplied. ‘More is grown across the river beyond the mill.’
Kesta nodded. ‘So, other than the excellent boats you build, what is the industry of the hold? A lot of supplies are obviously brought in but what do you exchange for it?’
Aven and Kurghan looked at each other and she picked up both awkwardness and surprise.
‘Why, the Thane is paid in gold for protecting Elden with his magic,’ Kurghan said.
Kesta’s face warmed with a blush and she tried hard not to let her smile slip. She should have known that; now she’d revealed her ignorance to these people. Rosa shifted beside her. She was relieved when all she felt was sympathy; these were good people.
‘I would be happy to hear any suggestions you have for anything else the hold needs,’ Kesta said. ‘We start tomorrow but I understand if you have oth
er work that you’re committed to first.’
‘We can get this boat finished in a couple of days. I can send you my two eldest lads to start with some sawing and fencing; feed them and slip them a wheel of cheese and a bottle of wine to take home and they’ll be happy.’ Kurghan’s mouth curled upward to show his teeth in a grin. ‘My niece is as good at fishing as either of them and can catch enough to make up the loss; if Aven can spare her?’
‘Aye, I’m up together with the smoking and we’re out of wool to weave.’
‘I am happy to take on women to work with me, if you can spare a little time and are interested?’ Kesta told Aven. ‘I shall be clearing and digging myself.’
Aven looked from Kesta’s earnest face, to Rosa and Kurghan’s shocked ones and placed her hands on her hips. ‘Well now, that’s something I wouldn’t miss! I’ll nip by between smoking the catch. I might see if any of the other girls want to tag along if that’s okay?’
‘I would love that,’ Kesta said genuinely. ‘I intend that the gardens – especially the herb garden – be something to benefit everyone.’
‘Hey now,’ Kurghan grumbled. ‘I hope my supper will still be on the table when I finish my day’s work!’
‘Supper will be in the great hall for anyone working late with me,’ Kesta said firmly. ‘Nothing special, just filling; but there is to be a big feast when the work is done.’
‘Well then.’ Kurghan threw up his hands. ‘We’ll be with you in a couple of days!’
Kesta held out her hand, and he shook it with a chuckle.
‘Aven; see you tomorrow.’ She turned and walked back toward the hold and Rosa hurried to catch up with her.
‘I like what you’re doing,’ Rosa said slowly.
‘But?’
‘But; have you spoken to the Thane about your plans?’
Kesta stopped and looked at the earthworks and wooden ramparts that protected what was now her home. ‘He told me I could have the running of the household but that isn’t enough. I should be in the Fulmers, fighting for my people. I should be at my mother’s side using my powers to fight off the necromancers of Chem. I was raised to rule, Rosa; raised to lead and defend. Jorrun doesn’t rule this stronghold; he neglects it to do whatever it is he spends his days doing in that tower. Even Tantony, much as I like him, seems to do nothing more than keep the place trundling along. If this is to be my home, if this is to be where I have to stand and defend, then I will do it to the best of my ability and Thane Jorrun will just have to put up with it.’
Rosa slipped her hand around Kesta’s arm and squeezed it. ‘I can’t wait to see all your plans come to be!’
Sadness seeped from Kesta’s heart into her blood, but she refused to let it push at her eyes. Instead she turned her thoughts away from the Fulmers and her family and considered how much she’d achieved that morning. It was a good start.
‘Let’s grab something to eat and then go let Tantony know how much of the hold’s funds we have spent so far.’
***
They found Tantony behind a desk piled with parchment. He stood as they entered and Kesta noted how often his eyes went to Rosa when the older woman was looking away.
Tantony stood and knocked the desk with his thighs, his chair scraping back. ‘Have you been told of the message we received from Taurmaline?’
‘Jorrun found me,’ Kesta told him and seeing a chair, pulled it toward the desk to sit down. ‘Has there been news on my father’s progress?’
‘He is only a day into his journey back to the Fulmers. I hear you’ve had a busy morning.’ There was a hint of reproach in his voice and Kesta felt a moment of guilt that she might have shamed the old warrior.
‘I’ve come to discuss my plans with you and to ask your advice.’
Tantony looked up sharply.
‘You know the hold and its people better than me. I’ve made some progress and most reactions have been positive; it will cost us in time, labour, and of course gold, but most people see the benefit. What do you think we should do?’
‘Well, there is strategic benefit to what you have suggested,’ Tantony said slowly, studying her face. ‘Although it has been several generations since any enemy has struck this far inland. It’ll be expensive but in the long run will save us money. We should also gain enough extra timber to float some down to Taurmaline to sell.’ He sighed. ‘Some will take umbrage at a foreigner – and a woman at that – coming here and instantly making huge changes. I presume that you wouldn’t want to make the changes more slowly and subtly?’
‘Actually, Kesta has been quite clever and diplomatic,’ Rosa spoke up.
Tantony looked at them both. ‘That may be so among the woman and tradesmen, but you will find some of the warriors a bit … set in their ways.’
Kesta placed a hand on the table. ‘Do you really believe that if Chem has truly taken all the Borrows we won’t see war this far inland? Even if they don’t come here, the chances are our warriors will be sent to the coast. The work needs to be done while we have the people to achieve it; do the men want their families to starve or be less than adequately protected?’
Tantony nodded reluctantly. ‘You put forward a strong argument. I’ll get the warriors on board but be prepared for some … muttering and resentment from some quarters.’
Kesta gritted her teeth, trying not to let her anger rise. The men of Elden would just have to put up with the fact that she was used to commanding.
‘Thank you for your advice, Merkis. Was there anything else that needed my attention today?’
‘Well, young Catya came here asking after you and I suggested she await you in your receiving room.’
Kesta felt a twinge of annoyance; she really didn’t want to take on this woman of Jorrun’s. She wondered again who she was and what she meant to the Dark Man.
‘I’d best go and see if I’m willing to take her on. Good day to you, Merkis.’
***
When they passed through the great hall to return to their tower, there were still several warriors seated at the tables. Kesta made a point of meeting their eyes and two of the older men stood briefly to bow; most of the others quickly followed suit but Kesta noted that three young men remained seated. She chose to ignore it although her anger rose, and she felt a strong desire to march over and remind them who she was. But then, who was she? Not a queen, not here. In Elden women did not command. Still, it galled her that they showed her so little respect and through her, Jorrun as well.
When they walked into the receiving room, they found a young girl standing by the window. She couldn’t have been much more than thirteen years old and looked as thin as a wheat stalk. She had long brown hair that hung down over her face and she peeped out at them with expressionless blue eyes. There was a stillness to her that shouted and Kesta suppressed a shudder, for some reason afraid to use her knowing. The table had been set with food and everything had been placed with perfect precision. The girl gave a curtsy without lifting her eyes.
‘Are you Catya?’ Kesta asked.
The girl nodded.
Kesta regarded her with narrowed eyes but lifted her chin and took in a breath; the girl was shy, not rude. ‘I am Kesta and this is Lady Rosa. Have you eaten?’
The girl glanced up, surprised by the question; or perhaps wary of an accusation. Catya’s face was as hard to read as Jorrun’s. She wondered if they were related. Perhaps an illegitimate daughter?
‘Pour us some wine and then sit down and join us.’
Catya didn’t stir until both women were seated, then she cautiously crept forward and poured wine from the jug. She froze when Kesta spoke.
‘Usually I like to take hot tea with my noon meal. Nettle is a favourite of mine, but I also love fennel and mint. Could you see to that for tomorrow?’
Catya glanced at her and nodded.
‘Very good. Now sit down and eat, you look half starved.’
Catya waited until both Kesta and Rosa were eating before reaching out tentatively
for some bread. Kesta handed her the butter without looking at her.
‘If I can get some parchment, I’ll draw up some plans this afternoon and we can list what tools and materials we need,’ she said. ‘I’ll present them to Jorrun and see what he thinks.’
‘Will he get a say?’ Rosa grinned.
‘As long as his answer is yes.’ Kesta grinned back. ‘But I was thinking about what you said, and I think you’re right; I should have discussed it with him first.’
‘I know you’re angry, and I don’t blame you, but your life will be much more pleasant if the two of you do get along.’
Kesta became aware of Catya in her peripheral vision, hunched over her bread like a squirrel. Just what was this child to Jorrun? Would she report back all that was said? Slowly she opened up her knowing, but it was almost as though no one was sitting there. It was not the same as when she tried with Jorrun; with him it was like being brushed by cool, empty air. Catya was like bumping into a stone wall.
She’d met someone like that once before in her life; years ago.
She drew her knowing back quickly and swallowed some wine to hide her discomfort. It was not something she wanted to remember.
‘Catya; what would you like to learn?’
The girl flinched and glanced up briefly; there was a storm of anger and hatred in her eyes and Kesta drew in a sharp breath.
‘Learn?’ The girl dipped her head and let her hair fall over her eyes again.
‘Yes. You also Rosa. I don’t know what ladies-in-waiting are taught in Elden but in the Fulmers we learn all we need to survive and fend for ourselves. For example.’ She leant across the table. ‘Archery, knife fighting, fishing, horse-riding …’
‘Knife fighting?’ Catya sat up and her gaze was steady as she stared at Kesta.
‘Yes Catya. Even a woman who is not a warrior should be able to defend herself. Generally, we are not strong enough to wield a sword against a man but knowing how to use a knife could save your life.’
