"There were a lot of things I never saw in Lamonte," he told her as they walked, "I didn't see a lot of fresh meat, other than fish. That's one of the things I've really come to love about Valishna. There are hunting grounds not far away. I've been able to enjoy fresh bison and deer meat for the first time in some years."
"But..." Penny said.
"There wasn't much in the way of fresh fruit or vegetables either," Peter went on. "They just didn't grow right in Lamonte. I guess it's too swampy. The best thing we can grow are bananas, but I've never been able to enjoy an abundance of strawberries or grapes or potatoes. Not like I can here in Valishna."
"There are other things too," Peter said, "Rice. Wool. Ore. Things you trade for using your animals and your farmland profits. We don't get those things in Lamonte because we have nothing to offer. Unless you want a banana."
Penny frowned at Peter's light chuckle.
"People would wake up and ask themselves how to stop the problems," Peter said, "They would ask themselves how to change. I'm not speaking of soldiers, Lady Arris, but of mothers and fathers, regular people. When their children would go hungry, they would have to figure out to feed them. When there was no food, or no money, they would ask themselves what they could do."
"Then Richard Sullivan gave us a chance. He wants to create a world of equality and prosperity. I knew it wouldn't be an easy road but it would end with all of Cartharia leading lives that many of you northerners take for granted."
Penny's frown deepened, "He's slaughtered thousands of people, Commander. He just wiped Valishna out."
Peter nodded, "I would never wish death upon the innocent. I know King Sullivan had no other choice though. None of us want these deaths on our hands. Not the ones that have already happened, or the ones that will still come, but we have a responsibility to look to the future. We must sacrifice now, so that our children will inherit a world where everyone has a chance to be happy."
"You can't really believe this," Penny said, "You're too smart to think force is the way to achieve happiness."
"It's the only way," Peter said, "and I hope you can see that someday too. We're almost at your home."
"What about the soldiers?" Penny asked, "What about them? How do you justify what they do?"
Peter looked up at the moons, wistful again, "I do my best to control them but they're still people. You can't hold all of Lamonte responsible because of the actions of a few bad apples. Is everyone from Arinford a good man?"
Penny thought about the people she'd grown up with. She thought of her mother and father, too proper to allow Robert his little bit of happiness. "No."
"No indeed," Peter said, "Here we are, Lady Arris. I do hope you travel with someone from now on. Just to be safe."
Penny nodded, and let herself in the gate. She walked up the path to her large manor, thinking about what Peter had said. She realized he wasn't a bad man. She looked back at him and saw him watching her. It hurt to know that someone so good, and so righteous could be part of something so wrong. He wouldn't be much help in the city.
Penny let herself into her home and was greeted immediately by Thomas. "Lady Arris. It's good to see you back. How was your father today? And your lovely mother?'
"They're the same as ever," Penny said with a hint of a smile, "Some people don't change, Thomas."
"No," Thomas said, "I suppose not. Will you be going to the city tomorrow? I can escort you, should you wish it."
Since Craig Dalton had saved her, Penny had avoided going back to the city. Thomas had noticed. He thought she was afraid of going out alone, and that was certainly part of it. The other part of her was ashamed.
Because of Craig Dalton. Because of the look he'd given her. She knew he was right in his disgust -- she might as well be part of Lamonte. Tonight only solidified that. She'd walked along with one of the Lamonte soldiers, listening to him, listening to his words.
"I may," she told Thomas, "and I would enjoy an escort, certainly, but Thomas... do you believe there is truth in what Lamonte preaches?"
Thomas gave her a thoughtful look and then shook his head, "No, my lady, I do not."
"Peter Sterling told me about Lamonte, about how poor they are," Penny admitted, "It didn't sound like a good place to live"
Thomas nodded, his expression serene, "No, perhaps not. But is Valishna a good place to live?"
Penny recoiled, "No."
"This is the Lamonte version of equality," Thomas said gently, "it might be a noble idea -- certainly for some, Peter Sterling perhaps -- but it is not a viable one. There are too many who would take advantage of those who work hard, both financially and physically."
"Then what is the solution?" Penny asked, "For a place like Lamonte? How do they escape their poverty if not by force?"
Thomas raised a brow, "How indeed. What would you suggest, Lady Arris?"
Penny thought for a long moment, "If I'd been in Richard Sullivan's shoes, I would have used my position to educate," she finally said, "You don't have to be a good farmer to turn a profit. My father's family certainly didn't."
"Quite right," Thomas said, "Education is important to society."
"So they did have choices," Penny said. She felt a rush of relief.
"There are always choices," Thomas said.
Penny nodded, "I think I will go back to the city tomorrow, Thomas, but not to the market or places beyond. I have something else to do now. A new choice, I suppose."
Thomas nodded but she could see the curiosity in the gentle raise of his eyebrows.
She thought of Craig Dalton. That spark of anger that had first lit at her father's house suddenly grew into a bright blaze. "I'm not going to be one of them, Thomas. My husband was a brave man and he died doing what he thought was right."
"But he wasn't like me," she said, "Perhaps that's why he wanted me to fight with him. He knew I could do what he could not, and he needed me. I didn't understand then. I didn't understand my place here in Valishna."
Thomas simply waited.
"I've made plenty of decisions in the past," Penny said, "and most were selfish. I was a selfish person, Thomas, but enough is enough. It's time to make a change. I can't live feeling so ashamed anymore."
"What are you going to do?" Thomas asked.
"I'm going to finish what Kenneth started," Penny said. She thought of Peter Sterling and her parents and all of the soldiers and the seedy looking merchants. The city didn't belong to them though. "I'm going to take back Valishna."
ELEVEN
He Hath Much Land and Fertile
"LADY CATHERINE?" MATILYN RAPPED HER KNUCKLES AGAINST the door of the captains' quarters to get Catherine's attention. "Will you come out?"
There was only silence from the other side of the door. Matilyn sighed. Since they'd set sail from Lamonte, the princess had been sulky and unresponsive. Often times, she would send her food back, untouched.
Matilyn would have been happy to leave her in her sorrows had Sullivan not requested that she try and speak to Catherine.
"Princess?" Matilyn called again. She bit back the urge to sigh.
When there was still no answer, Matilyn shrugged, placing her shoulder against the door. She lifted the handle of the door a little and then shoved the door in. It didn't take much to break the flimsy lock.
To her surprise, Catherine was not lying on her bed silently as Matilyn had expected. Instead, she was sitting cross legged on the floor with her eyes closed and her palms outstretched. She seemed unaware of Matilyn's presence.
Matilyn watched for a moment, and then almost let out a gasp of surprise. A spark of fire had grown in her left hand, yet it didn't seem to burn her. Matilyn had seen plenty of fire manipulation so she knew what Catherine was doing was possible. Yet still, she'd never seen such confidence and talent.
She knew from Samuel, who'd heard from someone else in the castle, that Catherine had been turned down for manipulation lessons from the head priest in Sullivan's castle. She must have ta
ught herself.
When the flame had flickered down again, Matilyn said, "Quite impressive, Princess Catherine."
This time, Catherine heard her. She glanced over her shoulder and a small smile played on her lips, "Is it?" she asked, "I can do that and so much more."
"You taught yourself," Matilyn said.
"I'm a quick study," Catherine said.
"What else can you do?" Matilyn asked.
Catherine rose to her feet, turning to face Matilyn. Not for the first time, Matilyn thought about the girl's eyes were so much like her father's, the Good King.
She pushed the sleeves up to her elbows. She concentrated and an instant later, a large gash appeared on her arm. Matilyn strode into the room, quite concerned, but it was unwarranted worry: an instant later, Catherine had mended the wound.
"I can do much more," Catherine said, "Water manipulation, wind manipulation... it turns out I have a talent for this."
"You're more like your father than you know," Matilyn said.
Catherine tilted her head, "Am I?" she asked. "I suppose I should be grateful of such a comparison, as my father is a powerful man, but I can't currently stand the thought of him. I've never felt so angry."
There was no anger in her face though, only a serene look that didn't quite match the words.
"I understand your anger," Matilyn said, "Yet, you have to understand. You are playing an important role in the reshaping of Lamonte."
"I could have played an important role at home," Catherine said, "My father has shipped me off out of pure malice."
"No," Matilyn said, "I don't believe he would do that, Princess. Your father loves you very much."
Catherine shrugged, "It hardly matters anyway."
"Why is that?" Matilyn asked.
"Because," Catherine said, "In the end, I always get what I want. Do you really believe I'll marry that boy over there? Oliver Sanders?"
Matilyn nodded, "I believe you'll do your duty for the king and kingdom."
Catherine smoothed down her skirts and said nothing for a long moment. Instead, she appraised Matilyn silently. "You know, you could be one of mine."
"One of yours?" Matilyn asked.
"One of mine," Catherine repeated. "I'm a collector, you see. I collect loyalty from people who never thought to give it. I will show proper gratitude for anyone who works directly for me. You'll have power soon."
"What are you talking about?" Matilyn asked.
"I have friends," Catherine said vaguely, "They take care of unpleasant business."
Matilyn sighed. "I don't want you to be angry with your father, Princess Catherine. He only does what he thinks is best."
Catherine looked annoyed at the return to the previous subject. "Perhaps," she murmured.
"I need you to eat your food when it's brought to you," Matilyn said, "and I need you to promise you'll do nothing to sabotage your upcoming nuptials."
"Do you think if my father cared, he would have come to my wedding?" Catherine asked. "He won't even be there to witness it."
Matilyn sighed. "He's a busy man," she said, "he couldn't leave Lamonte with the war waging so heavily. He has to be there for his troops."
Catherine shrugged, "I've heard the excuses. I believe he simply wanted to get rid of me. It worked. But I'll never be truly gone from the castle -- not as long as there are people there who's loyalty is wisely placed."
Matilyn realized Catherine was only going to continue to talk in vague, circular terms. Perhaps Samuel would have better luck.
"You need to eat," Matilyn said, and then ducked back out, closing the door behind her.
When they arrived at the dock in Terifille, they were greeted by a mixed party of Terifille royalty and nobility. Lee Sanders stood with one hand on his son's shoulder. He was a tall boy, with sandy hair and a nervous smile.
Catherine observed him for a moment, trying to gauge what sort of person he was. Then she climbed down off the ship, escorted by Matilyn and Samuel.
Lee stepped up to meet them, "You must be Catherine," he said, offering a small bow to her.
Catherine bowed her head in acknowledgement. Then she dipped into a curtsey and said, "I am. You must be King Sanders. It's an honor and a privilege to make your acquaintance."
She was still angry about being sent away like a naughty child, but she wouldn't show that -- not until she needed to. It was a lesson she'd learned young. You could be kind and people would assume that's who you were. The moment you showed strength (in her head, cruelty was only a way of showing your strength) you'd never be seen as kind again.
Catherine hadn't yet come to that conclusion when she was in her father's court. She burnt bridges too quickly and had left herself with no way to mend them. She wouldn't make the same mistake here: these people would believe what they wanted of her, and she wouldn't dispel that illusion till necessary.
"I was sorry to hear that your father could not make the journey," Lee said.
"The war takes much of his attention," Catherine said, "however, he sent me with two of his most trusted soldiers." She nodded back at Samuel and Matilyn.
"Commander Samuel Frien," Samuel said, offering out a hand. The king shook it. Then he shook Matilyn's.
"Commander Matilyn Malevus," she introduced herself.
Lee made pleasantries with both of them and then stepped back. "I suppose I should introduce my son," he said.
"Please," Catherine said.
Lee beckoned the young man in the back forward. Catherine silently compared him to Will. She'd only seen Will twice -- once at dinner, and once in the cells. Still, those meetings were engraved in her mind.
It was Will she was destined to marry. Not this weak looking man, who bore no resemblance to his dark haired father.
But she could be kind. She'd be kind until she couldn't.
"Prince Oliver," she greeted, curtseying, "It's wonderful to finally meet you in the flesh."
Oliver's face flooded with color. "Princess Catherine," he mumbled, "It's good to meet you too."
Catherine was used to men losing their nerve around her. Since she was old enough to grow breasts, she'd drawn attention. Like her mother, she had delicate, doll-like features. She had long legs and a tight, muscular abdomen.
"I do hope we'll enjoy our time together," she said.
"We will," Oliver promised furtively. He glanced at his father briefly but then his eyes fled back to Catherine's face. "You're very beautiful," he stammered out.
Perhaps he could come in useful after all, Catherine mused. "Thank you," she said. "You're very handsome. I believe our children will be beautiful. You do want children, correct? A little son with your name?"
He clearly hadn't been expecting the question. He stared at her in wonder before getting his wits together and saying, "Yes, of course. Yes, I do."
Lee Sanders chuckled. Behind her, Matilyn and Samuel exchanged glances. The sullen girl from the ship was gone. Catherine seemed in her element now. Samuel offered Matilyn a little shrug, which she returned.
Then Catherine stepped away from her betrothed and back to Lee. "Thank you, again, for welcoming me so graciously into your kingdom."
Lee offered out his arm, "Allow me to escort you to the castle, Princess Catherine. Your guards can come too."
He looked back at Matilyn and Samuel. "We have quarters set up for you."
"Wonderful," Matilyn said. Samuel nodded his thanks.
Together, they set off.
Matilyn stood next to the large window in her chambers, looking outside. She couldn't help the sense of wonder that filled her. She'd never left Arinford before the war, and so the world had been somehow stuck in her imagination as the hometown she grew up in.
Lamonte had been a bit of a surprise, with the swamps, and the desserts, and the poor. Terifille wasn't just a surprise though -- it was a downright shock.
Unlike Richard Sullivan's castle (and the few she'd seen in her journeys through the kingdom), the castle wasn't set in the m
iddle of a boisterous city. Instead, it was surrounded on all sides by mother nature.
The trees were like nothing she'd seen before. They had large, fan like leaves and spiraling vines that interconnected the jungle-like forest. What she noticed most though was how green it was. Everywhere she looked was either a light, colorful green that shocked the eyes or a dark, brilliant green that seemed somehow foreboding. Even the ground was this color, covered in moss, long grasses, and huge colorful bushes.
It had started to rain shortly after they arrived, and according to the people around her, this rain was as common as the sun. It wasn't an unpleasant rain, but one that was sweet, and full of life.
She couldn't help but wonder what Penny would have thought of this beautiful, exotic place. As she stared out the window, she imagined the two of them there together, exploring the kingdom, remarking over the unique creatures that made it their homes, holding hands in the rain, and inhaling it's intoxicating scent.
"Enjoying the view?"
Matilyn turned to see Samuel leaning in the doorway of her chamber. She narrowed her eyes, but quickly realized he wasn't mocking her. If anything, he looked just as impressed and surprised as she did with the expansive forest.
"It's different," she said.
Samuel nodded, "It is. I saw a waterfall from my window."
Despite their assignment together, Matilyn still felt uneasy around Samuel. She knew they couldn't forgive each other as easily as Sullivan wanted. So when he spoke, she only looked at him.
"It made me think of my wife," Samuel said. "I know how that sounds, because we've never been around a forest like this, but I kept thinking of her anyway. She's a painter, and she'd have loved the view."
Matilyn's coldness broke when she realized Samuel had been thinking of the same thing she had. She felt a wave of warmth wash over her and gave him a more sincere smile, "Do you miss her?"
"More than you can know," Samuel said, "and my daughter too."
"Where's Catherine?" Matilyn asked.
"In her chambers," Samuel said, "That's actually why I'm here. She's putting on act for these people, and I don't trust it."
Revolution (Cartharia Book 2) Page 11
