Destiny

by Fiona McIntosh

Delicately she lifted one foot away from the dwarf’s head and struck a dancer’s pose.

  The crowd went wild.

  Gidyon began to laugh. He could keep this up all night. It required so little of his power.

  Next Themesius stepped forward. It could not happen. This man already stood head and shoulders above the exceedingly tall younger man. Surely these three people could not balance on top of each other with the anchor man at the bottom just grinning.

  ‘Themesius…to me!’ Gidyon suddenly called.

  Many could not watch, including Gwerys, but as the giant began to lope towards the other three, Yseul burst into laughter and whispered to him: ‘Trust Gidyon.’

  Not only did the giant flip, he managed several somersaults before landing in the arms of the Fat Lady.

  The crowd broke into shouts of laughter. They pinched themselves, fully convinced they would never see such a bizarre sight again. Now Gidyon began to circle with his load, even daring to do a little jig which won more rapturous applause. Waiting in the wings, Tyne rubbed his hands gleefully. It was a pity the three men would leave tonight, although the giant—his prize—had assured him they would return shortly. Tyne could only think of the riches to be earned from this act alone. He began to imagine how he might structure the show around this piece, making it the climax—if only he had known earlier how spectacular it would be.

  Gidyon circled the arena once more with his friends suspended magically above him and then one by one they jumped down to be caught by him. People were still shaking their heads. If any suspected magic, it was not talked about. No one wielded that sort of enchantment these days, if ever.

  Back at the main caravan, Gidyon and his friends were congratulating themselves on a fine performance. The Fat Lady accepted their warm thanks but she was still in some shock and was in urgent need of a tot of something to steady her nerves.

  Once she had departed, Figgis looked seriously towards his friend. ‘What about the stone?’

  ‘Yseul has brought it. Would either of you mind if I escorted her home? She’s with her small brother.’

  They both shook their heads.

  ‘Tyne will be here any moment, I imagine, so you might as well make your escape now,’ Themesius suggested. ‘Where does she live, anyway? We can meet you there with the cart and horses.’

  Gidyon gave the same directions he had learned from Yseul earlier.

  ‘Hurry, lad,’ Figgis cautioned. ‘Keep your farewell swift.’

  ‘See you both soon,’ Gidyon said making to leave.

  ‘Gidyon!’ Figgis watched him turn back. ‘Make no promises to the girl. Dangerous times are ahead.’

  Gidyon nodded and disappeared into the dark. He found Yseul and Gwerys waiting for him at the back of all the travelling caravans where he had suggested they find one another. The show was continuing so the crowd was still to disperse.

  ‘Gidyon!’ Gwerys yelled and ran towards him.

  Gidyon grabbed the youngster and swung him high.

  ‘You were marvellous,’ the boy said breathlessly.

  ‘Was I?’ he replied, eyes only for Yseul who stood back a little self-consciously yet enjoying her brother’s pleasure.

  ‘I see you continue to be a man of many strange talents,’ she said. She leaned close and kissed him lightly on the cheek, pressing the stone into his hand at the same time.

  Gidyon was flooded with relief at having the stone back in his possession. He felt it gently hum in his palm before he pocketed it.

  He bent to hug Gwerys. ‘It’s good to see you again,’ he said before swinging the little boy onto his shoulders. ‘Hold on tight.’

  ‘Could you balance me like you did the giant?’

  ‘With the greatest of ease.’

  ‘Oh, do it!’ the boy begged.

  ‘Don’t you dare,’ Yseul cautioned.

  ‘I’d better not,’ Gidyon said to his excited friend. ‘Your sister will be furious.’

  ‘Oh, she gets cross with me all the time. I try to ignore her.’

  ‘And all your other sisters as well?’ Gidyon asked, taking Yseul’s hand.

  The boy sighed. ‘Yes, they’re all very tiresome,’ he said.

  This made Yseul laugh as much as it did Gidyon.

  ‘Women just don’t understand the needs of boys, do they?’ Gidyon said.

  ‘Exactly,’ Gwerys answered, matter-of-factly. ‘Which is why it’s nice to have Papa home.’

  ‘Your father’s back?’ Gidyon said with surprise.

  Yseul nodded. ‘This afternoon he returned. It’s lovely to have him back, if only to help with the patients,’ she said ruefully.

  They walked slowly into the town.

  ‘How are they all faring?’

  ‘Much better, thank you for asking. One of my sisters is recovered, I believe. My mother feels well enough to cook again so that’s a very good sign. The other two…well, they should be up and around before long.’

  ‘That’s good, then,’ he said, suddenly feeling uncomfortable but not sure why. ‘May I walk you both home?’

  ‘Oh yes!’ Gwerys answered. ‘You can meet everyone.’

  ‘No, little fellow. Not this time. I’ll see you home safely and perhaps visit when everyone is in good health again.’

  Gwerys said no more, pleased to watch his small world from this great height as they walked slowly back towards his home in the darkness.

  ‘You’re leaving again,’ she finally said flatly.

  ‘I have to.’

  She nodded and he felt her hand tighten against his.

  ‘I travel with Figgis and Themesius now,’ he said for no particular reason. The discomfort had deepened to awkwardness and this seemed the best he could come up with as they left the main part of the town behind them.

  ‘I see,’ she said, then added: ‘Do they protect you?’

  He paused. ‘That’s a good way to describe it.’

  ‘Where do you travel to?’

  ‘Tonight we go east. People are waiting for us.’ He was pleased she did not seem more inquisitive about their direction or the people about whom he spoke.

  ‘Is it safe?’

  ‘I’ll be safe, I promise,’ he replied, avoiding her question.

  ‘There it is, Gidyon,’ Gwerys said pointing. ‘That’s where we live.’

  Gidyon saw a large, neat cottage; a glow of light in the window and a chimney smoking. A small garden surrounded it and he caught a waft of lavender scent.

  ‘It’s such a pretty fragrance…my mother’s favourite,’ Yseul said, noticing his pleasure.

  ‘Your home is lovely. It looks like a welcoming and cheerful place to live,’ he said, setting the boy down on the ground again.

  ‘It is,’ she acknowledged. ‘You go on in, Gwerys. I just want a quiet word with Gidyon.’

  ‘Are you going to kiss him goodbye then?’ he asked, grinning.

  ‘Oh, I hope so,’ Gidyon answered, before she could. ‘Give me a hug then, scamp, until the next time.’ The lad obliged. ‘Now take care of your sisters. When your papa’s away, you’re the man about the house.’

  Gwerys nodded seriously. ‘Come back soon. Thank you for the show.’ And then he was gone, skipping away to the back of the cottage.

  They looked at one another in the darkness, the glow of candles burning in a few of the houses offering scant light. His sight was so good though, he could see her eyes shining with tears she seemed determined would not fall.

  ‘I was thinking,’ she said. ‘With my father returned and everyone recovering that perhaps I could—’

  ‘Don’t,’ he said, putting his fingers gently to her mouth. ‘Please, Yseul. You cannot come with me.’

  ‘Why?’

  The question hurt his heart. Why indeed? He wanted to be with her more than anything at this moment but he remembered his father’s sad voice in his head and imagined his mother lying wounded in the middle of a deserted track.

  ‘Because I follow a dangerous path just now.’ />
  ‘Can’t you tell me?’

  He shook his head. ‘No.’

  ‘Is it connected with that stone?’ She was sharp.

  ‘In a manner, it is,’ he answered, hoping that was enough for her.

  She nodded slowly, biting her lip. Then she summoned a bright voice he knew was a disguise for her true feelings. ‘Well, it was a treat to see you again. Gwerys will talk about this for days.’

  ‘And you?’ he asked, wishing he had not.

  ‘Me?’ she said, looking up now into his eyes. ‘I shall regret your coming because it makes saying goodbye so hard…much harder than before.’

  ‘I’ll come back, Yseul.’

  ‘You said that last time,’ she said sadly.

  ‘And I kept my promise.’

  ‘Yes, but you had something to return to me for…your precious stone. You have no reason to come here again. You have left nothing behind.’

  He cast aside his doubts and took his chance, pulling her towards him. ‘Yes I have. I have left something far more precious behind this time.’

  She did not resist his touch. ‘And what is that?’

  Gidyon leaned down and whispered in her ear. ‘My heart. I’m giving it to you for safe keeping. I need you to take the greatest of care with it because it’s fragile.’

  Her tears did fall now. They were not plentiful nor were they loud. Soft, silent drops down her cheeks which he kissed away.

  ‘I shall come back and claim my heart and its owner,’ he said gently.

  She composed herself. ‘You have to mean this. I won’t be able to believe it when you’re gone if I don’t believe it right now.’ There was an edge of desperation in her voice.

  ‘I mean it. I love you, Yseul. I will return to you as soon as I can.’

  Time was short. He knew Themesius and Figgis were not that far behind, possibly moments only did they have left. He pulled her towards the back of her cottage where it was dark in the street and kissed her, long and deeply. She responded, standing on tiptoe and wrapping her arms around his neck and losing herself in his kiss until they heard someone clear their throat softly. Gidyon, of course, had heard them long before they arrived but Yseul, it seemed, was surprised and she pulled herself away quickly, embarrassed.

  ‘I’ll be there in a second,’ he said, quietly.

  ‘We’ll carry on,’ Figgis said, just as softly. Catch up quickly, boy, he added, a note of caution in his voice. Remember what I said about promises.

  The cart rolled forwards and out of sight. ‘I must go,’ Gidyon said, kissing her face tenderly and wiping away the last of her tears. ‘Make your candles; be happy with your family and think of me kindly. When next I return, it will be to ask your father a question.’

  She made a sound of surprise. ‘Do you speak true?’

  ‘I make no jest. It is a promise.’

  ‘Then go now about your strange business and hurry back to me.’ She pushed him and he began to walk away. Then he returned for one more kiss.

  ‘I love you too,’ she whispered. ‘Be safe. I’ll watch over your heart.’

  He gave her one final hug and then reluctantly left her arms, loping away quickly into the darkness to catch up with his friends.

  Make no promises to the girl. He tried to ignore them but heard the carefully chosen words of Figgis again. Had he listened to the sound advice? No. He had ignored it and made a wild pledge of love and marriage to a beautiful girl who trusted him to keep that promise. Would he? Could he?

  Gidyon shook his head free of his doubt. Yes, he would keep his word. And with that firm promise to himself he broke into a run in order to catch up with his Paladin and whatever his destiny held.

  Cyrus awoke with a start and sat up. He was disoriented but only momentarily. Old habits die hard and the soldier gathered his wits in an instant and was out of the bed and on his feet in even less time. He was naked. He turned around to see Hela dressed.

  ‘Is that your normal waking technique?’ she asked innocently.

  Cyrus cleared his throat. ‘Actually no. I save that particular routine only for the ladies.’

  She smiled at his jest. ‘Last night was lovely, Cyrus—really lovely. But I have no need to discuss it.’ She meant it as reassurance that he owed her nothing.

  ‘I’m glad to hear it,’ a wicked look of amusement stealing across his face. ‘Because recalling now all those intriguing things we did to one another, I think it would make savoury conversation over breakfast with Sarel and Rubyn, don’t you?’

  ‘Speaking of which,’ she said, ‘we’d better hurry and meet them. Two young, hot-blooded people in a room overnight. Anything can happen.’

  Cyrus was almost dressed. ‘Indeed. It can even happen to two old, hot-blooded people!’

  They shared an intimate smile.

  ‘Let’s make a promise that last night carries no implications for either of us,’ she suggested. It hurt her to say these words but she knew releasing him from obligation was the only way she might win this man.

  ‘Agreed,’ he said, without looking at her.

  Cyrus linked and learned that Rubyn and Sarel had already left The Rose and Thorns and were now happily munching on hot cakes and bacon at one of Ildagarth’s eating houses.

  You’d better hurry, Cyrus. We have no money to pay for this. Why are you so late anyway?

  Mind your business, boy.

  Ah, I understand. Perhaps I too should have slept in.

  Perhaps not, with the company you were keeping.

  Cyrus was pleased to sense Rubyn’s amusement before the Link closed. It was a rare thing.

  They swiftly made their way downstairs, nodding their farewells and heading in the direction Rubyn had told them to follow. Both were relieved to hear, over a hearty breakfast, that Sarel and Rubyn had sat up most of the night talking. The youngsters shared their thoughts.

  ‘I agree totally with Rubyn,’ Sarel said, determined to convince Cyrus. ‘If we allow the Tallinese King and his men to arrive in Cipres uninvited, in number and clearly in no mood for discourse, our people will take umbrage. They will fight. Our people are peaceful but, like yours, if provoked or their land is threatened, they will do battle to protect it.’

  ‘Yes, and in the meantime,’ Rubyn said munching on Hela’s bacon, ‘Orlac, warned by such activity, could spirit Lauryn away if he was of a mind.’

  Cyrus scratched softly at his beard in thought. They were both right.

  ‘What do you think?’ he asked Hela, giving himself more time to consider the option.

  Hela noticed beard scratching was one of his habits. She rather liked it. She had discovered too that he was no clumsy bedmate; in fact he was skilled in his lovemaking and it had taken all of her creative wiles to finally surprise him. She loved feeling his body tremble in anticipation and that afterwards he had sought her mouth and kissed her more deeply than she could ever recall a man kissing her. Then Cyrus had held her close for several hours. She thought he had fallen asleep but he was just lying still, enjoying the closeness and the length of their bodies touching.

  Hela blinked and realised all eyes around the table were on her.

  Cyrus grinned. ‘Did I just speak in Elutian?’

  Sarel started to enjoy the joke but Hela admonished her with a glance.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Hela replied. ‘I missed the question.’

  She saw the enjoyment of her discomfort in his eyes. It was as though he knew what she had been thinking. She tried to reassure herself that he could not, of course, but this did not lessen the blush which rushed to her cheeks.

  ‘I wondered what you thought of this new plan?’ he said.

  ‘Well Sarel is right, of course. The Tallinese are surely wrathful that the Cipreans came galloping through their Kingdom. Why should it be any different the other way round?’ She shrugged. ‘Though I believe the Tallinese have an understandable grudge on their side.’

  ‘All right, then,’ Cyrus said, draining his mug of herb tea. ‘We le
ave immediately for Kyrakavia and hope we can intercept the King.’

  Alyssa’s eyes fluttered open. She felt drained of strength but found a smile for the concerned face of Tor hovering above hers.

  ‘Is it morning?’

  He nodded. ‘Just dawn.’

  ‘I’m not sure I can move,’ she whispered. ‘Saxon?’

  Tor reassured her. ‘He woke a little earlier. He’s weak but I helped him to bathe.’ Tor smiled. ‘Said he wanted to wash away the fevers.’

  She closed her eyes momentarily again and felt Tor reach for her hand.

  ‘Gidyon is coming, my love. He will be here soon with Figgis and Themesius. They will take care of you.’

  Alyssa was awake again. ‘And you?’ she asked, already knowing the answer.

  ‘I have to go after him.’ He saw her baulk and put his finger to his lips to hush her. ‘I have to. There’s a tea brewed. Drink it, both of you. Your strength will begin to return through this day. By tonight you’ll even be hungry. There’s plenty of food in the cart.’

  Saxon arrived by their side. ‘Morning, sweet one.’

  She smiled for him. ‘It had to be us that got in the way, didn’t it?’

  He was amused by her dry tone and knew this meant she was going to be fine. Saxon kneeled and helped her to sit up.

  ‘Punch him for me,’ she said to Tor.

  He looked momentarily puzzled. ‘Goth?’

  ‘No. Whichever sod let fly with the arrow!’

  Tor grinned…it was wolfish. ‘Oh, I’ll be doing much more than that to him, my love.’

  ‘I want to be there with you. I want to share it,’ Saxon admitted angrily.

  ‘Your place is here with my wife,’ Tor said and looked chagrined when they both turned to stare at him with surprise. He shrugged. ‘I can’t think of you any other way…I’m sorry.’

  ‘Don’t be,’ she said. ‘Go hunt your prey. Come back to me safely.’

  Tor kissed her. I promise, he whispered into her mind and then stood, as did Saxon. They touched fists in the Tallinese manner.

  ‘Happy hunting,’ the Kloek said wistfully.

  As he swung into the saddle, Tor reminded them both: ‘Remember to drink the brew until it’s finished. We’ll talk soon.’

  Saxon nodded. ‘Be wary—I don’t know how to save you from an arrow’s touch.’