Zailia finally mustered the courage to speak. “Have you ever fallen in love, Meav?"
Meav gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. Had Zailia read her thoughts? On this island you never knew what ability someone had.
Zailia giggled. “Ah, me too."
The two broke out in laughter, as young women did when they talked about love.
Zailia moved close to Meav's ear and whispered. “My man is Ibrehem Chancelor, though I have not told him yet."
Meav had never met Ibrehem, but she had heard his praises sung by Wysteria. “I am happy for you, Zailia."
Zailia looped her arm through Meav's. “Now tell me yours."
Meav hesitated. She could not really call Rule her man ... especially when he wanted to rid himself of her.
"Oh, do tell,” Zailia begged. “I promise not to breathe a word to a soul."
Meav sighed. “For a wee bit of time I had thought ... hoped ... it would be Rule. But..."
"But ... what?” Zailia probed.
"'Twas all in my own head,” Meav said.
"Perhaps it could come true if you told him how you felt.” Zailia suggested.
Meav frowned. “I would sooner die than ever confess my feelings."
Zailia's eyes widened. “Why is that?"
Meav sighed again. “Because Rule thinks...” she paused. “He does not trust women."
Zailia's eyes saddened. “'Tis Devora's doings ... every hurtful and evil thing that takes place on Keronia has her mark on it. She twists and tortures other people's lives; robs them of hope and happiness. You must not blame Rule, he has been through a lot because of that witch."
Meav searched Zailia's face. “You sound as though you know first hand."
"I do.” Zailia pulled her arm free from Meav's. “There is something I need to tell you, and when I am through, I cannot blame you if you never want to set eyes on me again.” Zailia looked deep into Meav's eyes. “But first I must know ... are you a forgiving person, Meav O'Shay?"
Zailia's words set Meav's heart pounding. “I am almost afraid to answer that."
Zailia's voice shook. “Hopefully after today, neither of us will ever be afraid again."
Meav arched a brow. “I like to think I am forgiving."
Zailia squared her shoulders. “Then I would say soon you will know for sure, because I have a confession to make."
Meav inhaled sharply. “Speak, Zailia ... I am listening."
As Zailia shared the disturbing events that led to her seeking her out as a friend, Meav's face saddened.
"I want you to know,” Zailia quickly added, “that I could never have really harmed you.” She sighed. “But I was so torn at what to do. It meant my father's life.” She wrung her hands nervously. “Can you ever forgive me, Meav?"
Meav remained silent, tightening her grip on the basket of goodies she carried. Keronia sure had a strange way of welcoming new guests. Rule was ready to banish her, and Zailia had entertained thoughts of poisoning her. If anyone ever had a reason to worry or fear ... and not feel wanted, ‘twas Meav.
Zailia bit her bottom lip. “Please, say something, Meav."
"I cannot hold it against you, Zailia. As you said, you were torn.” Meav's face clouded with uneasiness. “You are forgiven, but what happens now?"
Zailia shoulders relaxed. “My father has taken control of the situation.” She looked around with caution, lowered her voice to a mere whisper and explained Tobiah's plan.
Meav thought of her own father. He was strong and handsome; always there for his daughters as well. Maybe if she had been as loyal to her family, they would be alive today. “You are blessed to still have a father."
Zailia's eyes saddened. Slowly she reached out and took Meav's hand. “I am so sorry for all that you have lost, but perhaps we could be your family now.” She smiled warmly. “I have always wanted a sister."
Meav nodded. “And I lost the two I had.” She looked down at the basket Wysteria filled with cookies. “Saints preserve us ... what about Wysteria? She plans on fetching me before dark."
"My father will find a way to get word to her about our plan.” Zailia squeezed Meav's hand affectionately. “Then from this time on, united as a family, we will put our fears and hurts behind us ... find closure with our losses and move forward with the hope of good things to come."
Meav frowned. “Do you believe there are good things to come, Zailia?"
Zailia's answer came without hesitation. “Aye, Meav, I do ... I truly do."
* * * *
Titiana stretched her tiny, naked form and yawned. The woven shelter of her cocoon had offered her warmth throughout the chill of the night, but now the sweltering sun made the cozy refuge unbearable. Spreading her wings she made her way out of the cocoon and to a giant palm tree. Standing beneath a leaf she lifted her face to catch the dripping dew. Each morning Titiana washed herself this way, starting her day with the morning's mist glistening upon her cheeks. But on this morning the foliage was dry.
Titiana frowned. Never in all the years she lived on Keronia had the island been deprived of the dawn's veil. She reached up and shook the leaf ... no droplets fell. She shook it harder ... nothing. Titiana grew concerned.
Just as she was about to fly away to find her sister Gila and question her about the abnormality of this new day, Titiana smelt the musty odor of a treog. Quickly turning around she spotted the tree dweller, his beady, black eyes staring rudely.
The treog crossed his arms over his chest. “What do you do here, pixie?"
Titiana's frown deepened. “What I do every morn ... bathe."
"But ‘tis not morn,” the treog snapped. “'Tis noon."
Titiana's eyes widened. “Noon?"
"Aye ... can you not tell?” the treog quipped. “The sun is high, the dew is dry ... ‘tis noon, silly fairie."
Titiana gasped. “Nay, it cannot be?"
"Well, ‘tis ... and comes each and every day at this time,” the treog retorted with a scowl.
Titiana brought her hand to her forehead. “I have to be somewhere else at noon."
"Well, you are not somewhere else ... you are here ... trying to bathe under a dry leaf,” the treog commented.
"But I am not supposed to be here,” Titiana moaned.
"But you are,” the treog countered.
You could never get a straight answer from a treog. To them everything has a double meaning and appears simultaneously black and white, ugly and beautiful, or right and wrong.
Titiana was becoming vexed by the snippy tree inhabitant and could feel her temper rise. “I know where I am, you misshapen little creature ... but I should not be."
The treog lifted his thin upper lip into a snarl. “Then stop wasting time telling me and go where you are supposed to be."
Angered, Titiana spread her wings and left without another word to the annoying being. As fast as she could, which was not as fast on an empty stomach, Titiana flew to Tobiah's cottage.
Peeking through the slits of the shutters Titiana saw Meav and Zailia sitting down to tea. Just as Meav was about to raise the cup to her lips, Titiana burst through the open window and flew straight for Meav; knocking the cup from her hand. The pretty china mug crashed to the floor ... shattering into a million tiny pieces. Titiana lay dazed not far away. Zailia jumped to her feet. “Good heavens, was that a bird?"
Meav looked around in the direction of the broken cup and spotted Titiana lying flat on her belly. “Nay, not a bird ... ‘tis Titiana.” Quickly she rose from her chair and went to the tiny fairie's aid. Gently Meav scooped the pixie up into her hands, fearful Titiana was badly injured.
"Is she hurt?” Zailia inquired, moving to stand beside Meav.
Meav carefully set Titiana down on the table and rubbed her belly with the tip of a finger. “Titiana, can you hear me?"
Titiana shook her head, golden curls flopping in her eyes. “Aye ... aye, I can,” she stammered.
Meav gently felt around Titiana's body. “Does i
t hurt anywhere I am touching?"
"Nay,” Titiana muttered.
"Can you move your arms and legs?” Zailia asked concerned.
Titiana straightened her legs, and raised her arms above her head. “Aye, all is fine."
"I am glad you are not hurt, but now you have some explaining to do.” Zailia placed her hands on her hips. “What on earth has gotten into you, crashing through folk's windows?"
Slowly Titiana sat up. “'Tis because of what you have done that I am here."
Zailia's eyes widened. “What have I done?"
Titiana cast a quick glance at Meav. “You know ... what Devora ordered you do to Meav."
Zailia gasped. “You know about that?"
Titiana nodded. “I was on the window ledge, listening."
Tears welled in Meav's eyes at the thought the little pixie cared so much for her. “Why, Titiana, you tried to save my life."
"I did save your life ... I stopped you from drinking the poisoned tea,” Titiana boasted.
Meav gently reached out and stroked the pixie's head, suddenly feeling a new found affection for this littlest hero. “Zailia could not bring herself to carry out Devora's orders."
"We have another plan, Titiana,” Zailia said. “That will free us from Devora from this day on."
Titiana's face brightened. “And I have taken care of that too."
Zailia frowned. “I am afraid I do not understand what you mean?"
"The blue flowers ... in the dungeon ... they are all gone. All the pixies banned together and wilted them. They are dead ... shriveled to nothing ... and soon Devora will be too,” Titiana said.
Zailia shook her head confused. “I still do not understand what you are talking about."
Titiana stood on wobbly legs. “The flowers ... the blue flowers ... they...” Her words were interrupted by the cottage door opening with a bang.
In walked three armed sentries.
Meav's heart fell to her toes. The man leading the others curled his lips into a sardonic smile and bowed politely. “Good afternoon ladies, enjoying your tea?"
Zailia shrieked and quickly grabbed Meav by the hand.
"Now, now, is that any way to greet company?” He said, making his way toward the women.
"I do not remember inviting you into my home, Shell,” Tobiah snapped.
Meav turned to see Zailia's father enter the kitchen.
"Papa,” was all Zailia managed to mutter.
"Take Meav to your room, Zailia,” Tobiah ordered. “I will handle this."
Shell threw his head back and laughed. “You think so, old man?"
Zailia cringed and Meav instantly read her friend's thoughts. Tobiah was no match for these men ... no doubt sent by the evil Devora.
"Go Zailia, and take Meav with you,” Tobiah again demanded of his daughter.
Shell drew his sword. “No one leaves this room."
The sentry's voice was absolutely emotionless and it chilled Meav down to her bones.
Tobiah gave Shell a hostile glare. “I do not take orders from you."
A tense silence enveloped the room.
Zailia squeezed Meav's hand.
Meav squeezed Zailia's hand in return, glimpsing the fear etched on her friend's face. ‘Twas all her fault their lives were in jeopardy. “'Tis me Devora wants, is that not so?” she said in a shaky voice.
Shell measured Meav with a cool, appraising look. “Aye, ‘tis, lass."
Meav freed her hand from Zailia's grip and stepped forward. “Then let us be on our way and leave these good people alone."
Shell was impressed at the maiden's bravado, the way she squared her shoulders and defiantly raised her chin. Slowly he replaced his sword in its sheath and studied her freely. For an instant his glance softened as he took in her innocence ... her beauty.
"You are not going anywhere, Meav,” Tobiah said.
Shell transferred his gaze to the old man. “Wrong, Tobiah ... my orders are from the queen. All of you are under arrest and will be imprisoned for your crime."
Tobiah stiffened. “And what crime is that, Sentry?"
Shell's eyes bore into Tobiah's. “Treason ... all of you have plotted to betray the crown."
Tobiah answered in the same cool tone. “And you have proof of this accusation?"
"Aye,” Shell said firmly. “Your plan was overheard by a..."
"Overheard, how?” Tobiah said.
Shell answered with the voice of authority. “It matters not how ... the fact is your plan was discovered and you are now under arrest.” He turned to the sentries that had accompanied him. “Seize them."
Zailia ran to her father. “Nay!"
Tobiah stood strong, pushing his daughter behind him.
One sentry grabbed Tobiah by the neck and shoved him to the floor. He forced Tobiah's arm behind his back and tied his wrist to his belt with a rope. When the sentry was sure the knot was secure, he yanked Tobiah to his feet, prodding the elderly man with the tip if his sword as he paraded him out the door.
The second sentry walked over to Zailia and moved her to stand against the wall. Then he tied her hands behind her back and marched her out of the cottage behind her father.
Shell moved toward Meav. “Your turn, lass.” When he spoke again his words were almost tender. “'Twill be much easier for you if you do not struggle."
Meav drew a deep breath and forbade herself to tremble. She tossed her hair across her shoulders in a gesture of defiance. “You can go to hell."
Shell forced his lips to part in a curved, stiff smile. “I have already been there and back, lass.” In one fluid motion he spun Meav around and bent her over the table, then bound her hands behind her with a piece of rope that hung from his belt. Taking a fist full of her hair, he bent her head back. “We must not keep the queen waiting."
Titiana flew at Shell's eyes. “Leave her alone."
Shell backhanded Titiana and the pixie landed on the table beside.
Meav's heart sank. “Titiana, Titiana!"
The little fairie shook her head to clear it and slowly stood. “I am fine,” she said softly.
"Then go ... warn Wysteria,” Meav whispered.
Titiana frowned confused.
"Just do as I say ... Wysteria will know what to do ... then ... find Rule,” she quickly added.
Titiana stood and spread her wings. Before Shell could do her further harm, she flew high to the ceiling, then out the window.
Shell grabbed Meav by the shoulders and turned her around to face him. “Rule cannot save you."
Meav met his eyes without flinching. “You will see."
"Nay, you will see.” Shell gave her a push ahead of him. “After you, lass.” He watched her walk out the door, head held high and with unhurried steps. Every curve of her body spoke insolence. Shell smiled to himself. He had the distinct feeling Devora was finally going to meet her match.
Chapter Fourteen
Zailia was growing increasingly worried for her father. The trek through the woods to the castle was one she took often when she came home to visit, but Tobiah had not walked much in almost a year. Since he had lost an arm, he had been in and out of bed with infections and congestion. His eating habits were poor, and he had become quite frail.
Zailia watched in horror as Carson, Devora's most brutal sentry, dragged Tobiah along beside him. The large guard's strides were long and quick, way too fast for an old, ailing man to keep up with. Tobiah had already collapsed twice and looked as though he might for a third time. Zailia had heard stories about Carson, his tactics with prisoners and his appetite for the unusual. He enjoyed his position, taking Devora's orders one-step beyond for his own pleasure. Carson fancied the bazaar, and he was now in charge of Tobiah.
Zailia looked over at the sentry guarding her. She knew him as Wesley, a pleasant man about her age. He smiled often at her while she worked around the castle. Several times he had struck up conversation. All in all, Zailia had no quarrel with him and knew he was only doing h
is job, fearing retribution from Devora if he disobeyed. She had heard Wesley question Shell on orders, and felt he had a conscience. Perhaps he would listen to her plea for her father.
"Sir, please,” Zailia began in a shaky voice. “Could you suggest being the one to guard my father?"
Wesley searched the young woman's face. Worry and fear filled her eyes. Instantly he took pity on her, but how was he going to convince Carson to trade prisoners? The man was a hard-nose, liked roughing up the men, then...
Wesley swallowed hard, knowing full well what was in store for the old man at the hands of Carson. “I ... I..."
"Please,” Zailia begged. “We both know what Carson is capable of."
Wesley arched a brow. “And you would inflict his ways on yourself, lass?"
"Aye, if it meant sparing my father,” Zailia said.
Wesley was not happy with the thought of putting this beautiful young woman in the hands of such a beast, but he understood her concern for her father. He gave Zailia a taut nod. “Let me see what I can do."
Tears filled Zailia's eyes. “I thank you a thousand times."
Wesley cleared his throat. “Hey, Carson,” he called out.
"Do not trouble me,” Carson snapped, not bothering to turn Wesley's way. He yanked on Tobiah's rope and laughed when the old man grimaced in pain. “Can you not see I am working?"
"I thought perhaps you would enjoy a change of scenery ... this pretty lass for that old codger,” Wesley said.
Carson turned briefly to look at Zailia. “She is a might easier on the eyes."
"She is easier to walk with too, will not keep falling as the old man does,” Wesley added.
Carson looked at his charge, then back at Zailia. “I am getting sick of picking this bag of bones up from the ground every few feet."
"Then let me take gramps and you take the bitch,” Wesley said.
Carson smiled. “Deal,” he finally agreed.
As soon as the prisoners were switched, Wesley allowed Tobiah to lean on him and slowed the pace.
A River of Orange Page 16
