Una leaned back in her chair. “That sounds like the woman we met near Worcester.”
But Guyon frowned. “What amulet did she seek? She said nothing of an amulet to us.”
Medina shook her head. “Only stories. There are rumors of a small island just north of Anglesey, one that opens a portal to another world. They call it the Idle Isle. It is said that if you can survive the dangers on the other side, you will emerge with an amulet, one that will protect you from temptation. They also say that there is a thread woven through the chain taken from the very ropes that bound Odysseus when he sailed past the sirens.”
“That is remarkable,” said Guyon. “Would that everyone had a trinket such as that. Men would be cured of all that drives them to do ill. Imagine the things we could do, the prosperity we could build.”
“It’s nothing but an old wives’ tale,” said Kay, leaning back in his chair and shaking his head. “And besides, the woman disappeared before she could find anyone to take her there.”
“Perhaps she found another way,” said Una. “She told us she snuck aboard a boat that led to where her husband had gone.”
Medina leaned forward. “And where is that, exactly?”
Una then began explaining everything they had learned from the woman, and about Acrasia and her Bower of Bliss somewhere north of them.
“You don’t think this amulet is found on the same island, do you?” asked Guyon. “If they both have mystical qualities…”
But Medina shook her head. “There are dozens of small islands around these parts. And large ones as well. Further north you will find even more. And from the woman’s description, it sounds like this Bower of Bliss is located further north than where the amulet is rumored to be.”
“And where is that, exactly?” asked Guyon, leaning forward slightly.
“Well it’s a myth, remember,” Medina clarified. “No one has actually seen or touched this amulet in years.”
“If it ever existed,” added Kay, folding his arms.
Medina went on, “But all rumors place it just off the northern tip of Anglesey.”
“We have to retrieve it,” said Guyon, staring down at his dinner plate as though talking to himself. “With such a weapon we could easily withstand the powers of Acrasia.”
“I thought you already could?” said Una with an amused expression.
Guyon shrugged. “There are many already caught in her grasp. It could help them too.”
“And it is also rumored to help navigate the seas,” Medina pointed out. “Perhaps it could help you find this Bower of Bliss in the first place.”
Guyon looked at Una as though that settled the matter.
“Hold on, you’re not seriously thinking of going after this medallion thing?” said Kay.
Una shrugged. “It’s the best lead we’ve had so far.”
“Then you must have had a poor selection of leads,” he retorted.
Well he wasn’t wrong about that.
Medina spoke up next. “But you were right, Guyon, we have heard of men disappearing all over the land. Even the king has vanished. His steward sent the message out that all of us were to keep from traveling unless in an emergency.”
Guyon nodded, “Wise counsel. We...encountered some women who died trying to pursue their husbands. It is best to stay near one’s home.”
“Yes, Acrasia is not one to let things go,” Una agreed. “She traveled all the way to Worcester just to take her revenge of Sir Mordant for leaving, and Amavia for taking him away.”
“So you’re saying she’s one of these seven deadly sins?” Kay said, his skepticism still not completely worn off.
Una nodded, “My...friend the Red Cross Knight encountered all of them in a dark city within the Forest of Arden. Their leader, Duessa, sent them all out into the country to either kill or recruit as likely as not. We can only assume that Acrasia, the Sin of Lust, has taken up residence near Anglesey. Perhaps she is not the only one either.”
“Yes, something has to be done about this,” said Medina. “I can see that now. Especially if the king has truly vanished. That will imbalance all of the Southern Isles. We can’t let that happen.”
Guyon leaned forward and placed a hand on Medina’s. “I will find this Acrasia and put an end to her, you have my word on that.”
Una stopped herself from rolling her eyes, and instead backtracked. “Medina, you said the King was missing, do you mean King Pellinore?”
Medina nodded, “Indeed, he is the king of these parts. Do you know him?”
“I know him,” said Una, though she said no more. She wasn’t sure how she felt in that moment. Part of her was pleased that Pellinore had disappeared, it was good riddance in her opinion. However, if he had been taken by Acrasia, what would that mean for the future of this region, and what would she do if she encountered the king in her pursuit of Acrasia?
Yes, she was as devoted as any to stopping Acrasia. Despite what she felt in opposition to the Faerie Queen, she knew that Duessa and her minions were far worse. They would overtake this country if they could, and countless people would die or be driven out of their homes like she had been when the dragon arrived.
But what if some people deserved it, people like Pellinore? Not only had he been responsible for her imprisonment in Londinium, but he had ordered the assassination on Arthur’s life.
“I think Pellinore is overrated,” said Kay. “Let someone else take the kingship for a change.”
Medina frowned at Kay. “I thought you loved Pellinore.”
“Well, I did,” he said, hesitantly. “Until I...learned more about him...recently.” He spared a glance for Una.
“Well that is neither here nor there,” said Guyon, bringing the subject back around. “Una and I must be off to find this amulet before we can sail for the Bower of Bliss.”
“Must you leave so soon?” said Medina, her face a mask, but Una could tell she wanted Guyon to stay for a while. If it weren’t for the fact that the Faerie Queen had ordered her to find Guyon, she might have left him and searched for the amulet herself. It was nice to have a knight around, one who didn’t even look at her with a wandering eye, but it wasn’t as though she needed him. Maybe.
Guyon hesitated, and for the first time since Una had known him, he looked tempted. But eventually he shook his head. “I will return sometime if I can, but for now I must fulfill my quest. I made a vow to a dying woman that I would avenge her death, and that of her husband. And I have already witnessed others die at the hands of Acrasia. I cannot let that stand.”
“I see,” said Medina, appearing momentarily disappointed. But soon that emotion was replaced with one of forced happiness. “And what of the child?”
Guyon stared down at the baby who was still suckling on the tip of the milk-filled sheep skin. “We can’t take him with us, though I admit he has become something of a joy to my mind, a reminder of my quest, but also of what it’s like to be pure.”
“Perhaps you would see him again as well?” Medina prompted.
Guyon nodded, “I think I would.”
“Then let me take him for you. We’ll raise him here, and when you are ready, you can return.”
Guyon smiled at Medina, a true, genuine smile. “I think I would like that.”
Despite herself, Una found herself smiling as she watched the pair. It was good to see Guyon’s walls breaking down a little bit, even if it was somewhat nauseating. But even Una had to admit, Medina was just about perfect for the knight. She was temperate, kind, and good at controlling chaotic situations. It appeared she was single-handedly responsible for maintaining peace in the fort and in the city, following the passing of her father. Secretly, Una hoped Medina became the city’s leader. They needed someone like her.
But the exchange only reminded her of her own relationship with George. If Guyon hoped to serve the Faerie Queen, he would have to devote at least six years of his life to her service, away from Medina and the child. Perhaps he didn’t know about
that yet. It was what she and George had to put up with, though the Faerie Queen had promised they would get to spend some time together. Una was unsure if that would happen again until Duessa and the other Sins were defeated.
“Does he have a name?” said Medina, indicating the child.
“No,” said Guyon, looking at Una. “We never really settled on anything while we were traveling.”
Medina leveled her gaze at the boy. “Well, given that birthmark, I might call him something like Ruddymane, the Red Hand.”
Una’s eyes widened. That had been the name Guyon had suggested. What a thing to call a child.
Kay snorted, “Seriously?”
But Guyon laughed. “I thought of that myself.”
“Then it must be,” said Medina with delight in her gaze.
Una rolled her eyes. Whatever. She would let them name the child whatever they wanted. It wasn’t like it was her decision. These two had practically become the boy’s parents by now, and she doubted her objection would matter for much of anything.
So instead, she stared down at the child and grimaced, trying to apologize with her eyes for all the teasing he would receive growing up. Maybe they would find a suitable nickname to use instead. Like Scarlett or something, although that seemed like more of a girl’s name, which meant more teasing. Well, it was out of her hands now, apparently.
Medina walked around the table to pick up the newly-named Ruddymane and gently rocked him back and forth. The babe protested a little upon being disturbed by a stranger, but as Medina began to gently bounce him in her arms, he quieted and went back to his meal.
Medina put a hand on Guyon’s shoulder. “Thank you for bringing him all this way. If it weren’t for you, he would have likely died on the banks of that river you found him on.”
“And thank you for taking him in,” said Guyon, rising to his feet and putting one hand on her arm. “I swear to you both, we will find Acrasia and avenge the fate of his parents.”
Medina nodded, “I will make sure you’re laden with provisions. You can leave first thing in the morning.”
“So soon?” said Kay, looking to Una.
Una sat back in her chair. “Yes, I suppose so.” They had only just arrived that day, but it appeared events were unfolding without her help. She was unlikely to get much rest after this. Guyon was so focused on his goals, and now that the baby was no longer with them, they would ride hard. Well, she would just have to do her best to sleep as much as she could tonight.
Yes, sleep, came a voice in her head. Sleep and rest your head. Una swallowed. The reminder of the phantoms in her head didn’t do much to comfort her. Perhaps she wouldn’t sleep much tonight after all.
12
The next day Una awoke with a start, realizing that she must have dozed off. She hadn’t had much sleep the night before, worried as she was that perhaps her voices would take over her magic, or even her body while she slept. Just the thought was enough to bring her to full alertness.
But perhaps her concerns were a little misplaced. She had no evidence to suggest the voices would, or could, do such a thing. But that final comment after dinner had unnerved her.
Guyon was awake in the next room, judging by the sound of footsteps and the jingle of chainmail and armor coming from that direction. And light was filtering in through the windows. She had lost all chance for sleep now.
Groaning, she pushed herself out of the soft bed and placed her bare feet on the chill, stone floor. The coolness sent gooseflesh over her body, and she shivered as she stood.
It didn’t take her long to get ready. She’d taken the chance to bathe the night before, which was probably part of the reason why she had fallen asleep eventually. Warm baths were nothing if not soothing. It had helped, considering everything on her mind lately. But nothing could rid her of her troubles completely.
No indeed, said a voice. You’re stuck with us.
Case in point. She wasn’t sure which voice this was; it was hard to tell at times since they all sounded like her own voice. But she had clearly identified at least four by now. They all seemed to represent various emotions, perhaps different sides of her. She had so far defined representations of anger, cleverness, lust, and what she thought was fear. That was the timid one, and surprisingly, it seemed to be the most sensible of the lot, at least to Una. It was the only one who wanted to avoid confrontation, and seemed not to want to take her magic away from her.
Was she going mad? It was hard for her to tell. She wasn’t even sure a person would know they were going mad if it happened. To her knowledge, she was still the same person as before, just with voices in her head that wanted to steal control of her magic. That was all.
Dragon dung, but she was in trouble.
She packed up what she had and went outside to where Guyon was already loading up Fairstep. The gray gelding stamped a hoof impatiently, as though eager to set out. Silly horse. He only had one night’s rest. Why didn’t anyone seem to think it was a good idea to take a break now and then.
But no, she understood why. Acrasia wouldn’t be taking any rest, and nor would Duessa, Pyrochles, or Archimago. They were all out there somewhere, and they needed people like Guyon to get a move on so they could counter their evil. And it would seem they needed people like Una too.
May the gods help them all.
“Good, you’re awake,” said Guyon upon her arrival. “Medina is preparing us some last minute food and then we can leave.”
“Do you know where to start?” Una asked, stifling a yawn.
“We head for the northernmost point of Anglesey of course,” Guyon began strapping his armor into place. “Though I suspect we might find what we’re looking for by pursuing this Pyrochles fellow.”
Una blinked. “He hasn’t come back?”
Guyon shook his head. “Perissa is most distressed about it, and Elissa and Kay seem to think that means they won the right to the governorship.”
Una snorted. “Right. Medina’s the real one in charge of this place, whether they know it or not.”
Guyon stopped what he was doing, and absently began to stroke Fairstep’s mane. “Yes, she is. I expect by the time we return she’ll be practically running the place. The people will consent to it if her sisters will not.”
“And I doubt whatever Kay and Elissa have will last long,” said Una, staring back into the fort.
“Hm? What makes you think that?”
“I don’t know. Just a feeling.”
“Not your…” Guyon looked at her with a concerned expression.
“No, it’s not magic or anything,” she said, waving the idea away. “I just don’t think Kay is destined for someone so...well so dull.”
Guyon chuckled. “Yes, she is that isn’t she, and Perissa is quite the opposite. Like two ends of a spectrum, with Medina right in the middle, right at perfection.”
His eyes glazed over a bit, and Una stopped hers from rolling.
As if summoned, Medina came around the corner at that very moment, wearing a plain blue dress that matched the sky. In her arms she carried the unfortunately-named Ruddymane.
Guyon quickly stopped what he was doing and went to see them, while Una watched, leaning against the stable door.
Guyon waved a finger at the little child, who waved his own hands in the air with a joyous expression at seeing Guyon. Una smiled. When they had first taken the boy in, Guyon had been all but scared of the lad. Now they were greeting each other like friends, even though the boy could not talk yet. But his expression spoke volumes.
“Be safe on your journey,” said Medina. “I would hope to see you again sometime soon.”
“I promise it,” Guyon gripped both her shoulders. “And I do not make promises I can’t keep. I will be back for you.”
Una grimaced. Should she tell Guyon about the mandatory six year commitment to the Faerie Queen? She was certain now that he didn’t know about it, that he thought he could continue to go wherever he pleased. If that were true, he
might not take the news well.
But Guyon was possessed of an iron will, or at least so he claimed. If that were true, he could withstand time away from someone he loved and still keep his promises, even when parted from someone as seemingly perfect for him as Medina.
They bid the woman, and the babe, farewell. Una insisted on walking for at least the first part of the journey. She did not want Guyon’s arms around her again, at least not for now. Besides, they would need to move a little slower if they were to track Pyrochles.
“You think too ill of horses,” he said as they proceeded forward.
“If man were meant to travel so fast, we would have grown wings.” Una retorted. “I much prefer using the legs I was given for the very purpose of getting myself around.”
“I think men are just built to ride better than women.”
Una threw him a sidelong glance. “Seriously? Have you seen what happens when you jostle a man too soundly between his…”
“In any case,” Guyon interrupted, amusingly unsettled by what she had been about to say. “At least it can carry our things. We can take turns riding if you want.”
“We’ll see,” said Una, and fixed her gaze forward.
They travelled all day, and into the night. It wasn’t bad terrain, so Una walked for most of the way, though she did take a brief ride for an hour or so when her legs were beginning to tire. But that was enough to give her strength for the rest of the day.
They made camp that night back on Anglesey, having long since passed the bridge from the Holy Island. Guyon, as was his way, said very little that night, and they didn’t have the baby to keep them up by filling the silence.
It was odd not to have the child with them. They’d spend more than two weeks with the lad, and already he had felt like a part of their company. But where they were going was no place for a boy.
“I have a question,” said Guyon as he picked at a piece of dry meat they had taken with them. “If we encounter combat, will you be able to defend yourself?”
Una glanced at him, then pulled a knife out of her belt. She’d carried it all the way from Londinium, and it gleamed in the firelight. “I’m not defenseless.”
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