“Lady Java, may I present Lord Alendal Garber, Lord Mayor of Greenbriar.” Garen bowed, motioning the lord forward.
“Lady Java, it is a pleasure to meet you at last. Duke Kaster set all the lords on their ears by ennobling you and making the border your domain. On behalf of the Greenbriar City Council, welcome to our fair city.” The mayor bowed and kissed Java’s hand, surprising her. No one had ever done that to her before and she found the sensation distinctly pleasant.
“I’m pleased to meet you, Lord Mayor. This is a surprise. I hadn’t thought to make a fuss while we were passing through.” She looked at Sergeant Whitehall, but Emily shrugged and looked at Garen.
“Lady Java, please. We get so few of the major nobility through here, especially with Frander in Lender’s Dale. I didn’t think it would hurt to bring in some of the local notables and introduce them. Forgive me if I’ve overstepped myself.” Garen smiled charmingly and bowed.
Java nodded, thankful that Garen hadn’t introduced Samantha as well. “I understand, Councilor Garen. Very well, gentlemen, this is your party. Shall we?” She motioned them into the room and followed their lead.
Java was run through a gauntlet of introductions and hand kissing. Some of the younger lords seemed very interested in her, and she found herself blushing after some of the introductions.
Robin escorted the four younger women to tables placed discreetly against the walls. Samantha was gazing at the throng with longing plain in her eyes. Robin leaned over and took her hand, squeezing gently. “Missing the past, sweetie?”
Samantha bit her lip and nodded, never taking her eyes off the crowd. “I remember when I was ten, being led through my first receiving line,” she whispered. “Everyone was so nice, and they made me feel more grown-up than anyone ever had before.”
“There will be other times, times when you can be yourself. Java doesn’t look like she’s having a good time, does she?” Robin looked back to where Java was trying to gently disengage herself from a very fat old man.
Samantha smiled softly, a glint of evil in her eyes. “Mama taught us how to handle men like that. All she has to do is get his wife’s attention and say something catty. She will get him away from her.”
“Isn’t that a bad move? Making enemies?” Maylee asked. She and her sisters had been listening to the conversation intently.
“Java doesn’t have any friends here. They’re all enemies. Everyone out there is looking for some advantage, something to use as leverage against her. Some way to compromise her.” Samantha’s eyes were bleak as she spoke of the hazards that she had been taught of as a child.
“Should we warn her?” Maylee asked.
“How?” Robin answered. “We don’t dare go out there.”
“Then we have to get her over here.” Mayrie looked sharply at Java, and, before Robin could intervene, a nervous young man dumped his wine down the front of Java’s blouse.
“Oh, Gods! Lady Java, I am so sorry!” he began, but was interrupted by his father.
“Nembar! How could you—?” Turning his back on his son, he addressed Java. “Lady Mountainstand, please forgive my son. He is not accustomed to being in such high company.” He bowed deeply, then retreated when Java nodded.
Robin could clearly hear him berating Nembar as they left the hall. Java came to where her friends were sitting, dabbing ineffectively at her soaked uniform with a hand towel. “I have to go change. Stay and get something to eat. I’ll be right back.”
Samantha stood. “I’ll go with you Java. There are some things you need to know.” She smiled at Java’s mystified expression, then led the way out of the hall.
Back in their room, Samantha closed the door and stood with her back against it. “Java, you have to be careful about everything you say and do out there. Knowledge is power, and those people all want to get some bit of knowledge about you. Some bit of dirt, something embarrassing. Don’t assume that a smile is friendly.”
Java looked at Samantha and held up her soaked blouse. “This was not an accident.”
“No, but I didn’t tell them to do it. I just said we needed to get you out of there.” Samantha smiled as she nodded toward Java’s blouse. “That was Mayrie’s idea.” Then Sam giggled. “You know Mayrie’s always unhappy about being restricted to the sidelines.”
“Well, at least it was white wine,” Java said softly, considering what a burgundy would have done to the camouflage of her Scout standard. “And it gives me a chance to change. Help me with my dress uniform.” Java began smoothing out the blood-red and orange-and-yellow flamed uniform. “I want them to see a Firewalker and know it.”
“And the ducal brooches, both of them. And yes, the pin.” Sam waited until Java nodded before continuing. “They may not know much about you, but they’ll know what that means. It may keep some of them from bothering you. Mama said that men are nervous around women who kill for a living.” Samantha smiled, remembering something pleasant from the past.
“Very well, Duchess Samantha, you know a hell of a lot more about things like this than I do.” Java nodded, buttoning her dress blouse to the neck.
“After you, Lady Mountainstand.” Samantha swept her arm and bowed to indicate that Java should precede her. “And watch your back. Not all knives are made of steel.” Samantha’s expression was calm, but there was still a worried cast to her eyes.
Java’s return to the party caused quite a stir. The rest of the Firewalkers nodded, and Sergeant Whitehall grinned at the expressions that many of the lords now wore. Many of the men present had apparently assumed that Java was some sort of honorary merc, just playing the part. The sight of her in dress uniform with two ducal brooches pinned side by side, and the skull and dagger pin of a blooded warrior centered above them, had a number of the men swallowing and clearing their throats.
Java’s demeanor had changed as well, though she wasn’t aware of it. She stood straighter and taller, and there was something about her eyes that left people swallowing nervously and wondering if they really wanted to be there. The councilors saw it as well, and each shared a significant look with the others. Whatever Java was, scout or lady, she was dangerous.
The night went fast from that point on, with people begging off far earlier than most had intended. Java’s reappearance as a true merc had left many of them with the feeling that it was better not to know too many of her secrets. After all, she was a warrior, and warriors were notoriously short-tempered.
Java smiled pleasantly at the mayor as he departed. “Yes, well, Lady Mountainstand, it was a pleasure to meet you. Yes indeed, a pleasure. If you come through this region again, please stop by.” The mayor slipped out the door, moving far faster than was necessary.
Garen’s smile was tight as he bid Java good night. “Lady Java, you are a study in contradictions. I pity the poor fool who underestimates you. Pleasant dreams.” He bowed over Java’s hand, but did not kiss it. He wasn’t a noble, and that would be a terrible breach of etiquette.
Erin paused and grinned as she passed. “Marta has done well. Very well,” she whispered, then departed.
Warren Harrison simply smiled and bowed, then offered Java a jaunty salute. He departed before Java could return the salute, a smile brightening his dour face.
CHAPTER 3: SO MUCH FOR INCONSPICUOUS
When betrayed, be dangerous. Even a minor betrayal can be deadly.
Master Scholar Princess Sharindis Zel’Andral, “Travels with Stavin”
MORNING FOUND JAVA’S PARTY BACK ON the road to Hiddendell. Sergeant Whitehall signaled Java forward, then led her a short distance in front of the rest of the group before speaking softly.
“Java, that party last night was what we wanted to avoid. Everyone knows who you are now, and that makes us targets. I can’t believe Garen is that stupid, which makes me think he isn’t.”
“You don’t think he did it intentionally?” Java asked in a disbelieving tone as she looked at Emily closely. The look in Emily’s face made her spirits
fall. “You do think he did it intentionally. Shit! May all the Gods wither his—Why? Why would he do that?”
“To make himself look more important? To make the Greenbriar Hostel look more important? Who knows? But you can bet the next city, which should be Forestfall, will be looking to welcome Lady Mountainstand. And possibly Duchess Samantha.” Emily looked into Java’s eyes to make sure she understood.
“We’re in danger now. Gods Above and Below, what a mess.” Java hung her head for a moment, then shook it quickly. “Well, the triplets need to be warned, and Robin. They may know about us, but they don’t know about them.” Java’s eyes had hardened, and Sergeant Whitehall grinned.
Emily almost chuckled as she said, “Someone may be in for a very unpleasant surprise.”
Java dropped back to rejoin her girls. Looking at Samantha, she grimaced. “We’re in trouble. Sergeant Whitehall thinks Garen threw that party to let everyone know who I am. The next town may be asking for me. And maybe you. We’ve lost our anonymity, so there may be others looking for us as well.”
Samantha nodded and asked, “Are we in danger?” in a cautious tone.
“Not yet.”
Samantha nodded and looked around again. She’d lived for six months on her own, and suddenly the wild-animal wariness that had kept her alive reasserted itself. At the same time, she felt a sense of familiar anticipation. If the next town knew who Java was…
“Java, I have some things to explain to you. In the next town, assuming they know who you are, you’re going to have to assert your authority. That or let them boss you around. Now, the first thing you’ve got to remember is…”
Robin and the triplets listened in rapt attention as Samantha instructed Java on how to be a “real” noble. Some of it sounded like a good way to get put in stocks to the common-born girls, and they were quite happy that Java was the one who would be trying it.
They spent that night in an unimposing inn, anonymously. Java asked Robin to scan the inn, then set the triplets the task of scanning the area out as far as they could reach. When they reported no armed parties within their sensing range, which was farther than they could ride in a day, she relaxed enough to join them at supper.
The innkeeper muttered and fussed at Sergeant Whitehall, but Emily insisted that everyone would either sleep indoors, or everyone would sleep in the barn. The force was not to be divided.
*
When the entire patrol was settled in the barn that night, Sergeant Whitehall walked to the center aisle and called for everyone’s attention. “Ladies, we have some company business to take care of. Scouts Samantha, Mayrie, Maygren, Maylee, front and center,” she snapped, and the four young women hurried to face her, coming to attention automatically.
“I talked to Java about the action at Drover’s Point. The four of you performed up to the highest expectations of the Firewalkers for girls facing their first battle. Each of you strung your bow and waited for the command to shoot before you did. And each of you took down at least one bandit. I got these from the councilors in Greenbriar.” She grimaced. “If they hadn’t thrown that party, you would have received them last night.” She pulled four small boxes from her pouch. Opening one, she showed the girls: it was the silver Skull and Dagger pin of a blooded warrior.
“These are to be worn on your dress uniforms. They identify you to your fellows as a blooded warrior.”
Each of the girls took a box and opened it. They all had tears in their eyes when Sam got them to come to attention. Saluting Sergeant Whitehall, Samantha said, “Sir, yes, Sir!”
Emily smiled and patted Samantha’s shoulder. “Go to sleep now. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.”
The four young warriors returned to their bedrolls, and Java watched them carefully. I’m glad their first kills were so far away. Far enough that they couldn’t really see the death of those men. And they saw what had been done to the town. They knew those men deserved to die. Unlike that boy. I still don’t know he deserved what I did.
*
Another day in the saddle brought them to Forestfall. True to Emily’s prediction, a welcoming party of local lords and major merchants met them, asking for Lady Mountainstand.
Java rode forward, and, at their disbelieving looks, drew the box containing her brooches and displayed them. “I am Lady Mountainstand. Is there a good inn with enough available space for all of us? We will not be split up.”
Lord Venster Wintches, the Lord Mayor of Forestfall, hemmed and hawed, but Java remained firm. She and her escort, as the Lord chose to look at the Firewalkers, would remain together. Finally, after Java dismissed all his objections, Lord Wintches threw up his hands in exasperation and led them to the Silver Dragon, an inn that served the nobility.
Java shared a small smile with Sam as they rode through the city. “Your instructions on how to force the local lord to do exactly as I want worked perfectly.”
As the Silver Dragon came into view, she was left speechless. The inn was huge, standing three stories tall. The sign gleamed like it was really made of silver, and there was a small carving of a golden dragon in the corner.
As they dismounted, Samantha muttered, “Now this is more like the inns I remember Mom staying in.”
The innkeeper of the Silver Dragon appeared shocked to have twenty-four mercenaries walk into his common room. His apparent shock turned to terror when he saw Lord Wintches in the lead.
“Lord Wintches, welcome. Is there some trouble? Something I have done wrong? Please tell me, and I will do everything in my power to rectify the situation.”
Lord Wintches angrily waved him away, then gestured towards Java. “Caran, this is Lady Java Mountainstand, of Mountainstand County. She is passing through, and has refused my invitation to stay at my estate. She doesn’t want to be separated from her escort, so they will need your entire top floor. Send the bill to the city council.” Turning blazing eyes on Java, he bowed as he clenched his teeth together. “Lady, since you have asked it, I leave you to your rest. Good evening to you.” He bowed again slightly, then turned and grabbed Caran, whispering in his ear before stamping out of the inn.
“That man is really mad, Java,” Mayrie whispered as they watched the lord depart. A sound at her shoulder drew Java’s attention.
“Lady, what is your wish? I have only six rooms on the third floor, and they are not furnished to accommodate a lady of your station. How shall I place your people?” Caran wrung his hands, nervous sweat dripping down his forehead.
Java regarded him calmly. “Innkeeper Caran, six rooms shall do nicely. As to arrangements, I will be keeping my personal staff with me. That includes these five young women. Please make what arrangements you can to provide beds for each of us. As for the rest of my escort, Sergeant Whitehall is their commander. She will decide who sleeps where.” Java nodded to Emily, and the sergeant took over while Java looked around.
The Silver Dragon was a well-to-do inn, and Java was surprised to see a number of different dishes on the tables. Most of the inns she’d visited served only one meal at a time, be it bison, pork, or mutton. Java saw all three of these meats, as well as assorted fowl.
Sergeant Whitehall touched Java’s shoulder to get her attention. Caran was again wringing his hands, looking truly miserable. “We have the rooms, Lady Java, and you shall be between us, as far from the stairs as can be arranged,” Sergeant Whitehall said deferentially.
“Your forgiveness, please, Noble Lady, but it is truly the best I can do…” Caran began, but Emily cut him off.
“There’s no way for more than four beds to be put into one of these rooms, lady. What are your commands?” Sergeant Whitehall’s eyes were dancing, waiting to see what Java would do.
“Is one of the beds large enough to hold more than one person?” she asked, and at Caran’s nod, she smiled. “The triplets have shared a bed for most of their lives. They will make do together. That allows my other two women and myself private beds.”
“But, lady, the extra b
eds are quite small,” Caran said quickly, and he was once again wringing his hands.
Java briefly wondered Why he is so afraid? Aloud, she said, “They are bigger than a mercenary’s cot. We have all slept in them before without any trouble.” She directed her gaze to her uniform sleeve. The Firewalker blaze was clear for all to see.
Caran swallowed, visibly discomfited. “As you command, Lady Mountainstand. If you and your escort would care to dine, I will see to your rooms.” He bowed very low, then backed away with Java’s pack, and headed toward the stairs.
Java watched him leave with her head tilted to the side. “I wonder what that’s all about?” she muttered as she was led to a table.
Sergeant Whitehall signaled the triplets aside for a moment. “Link up, you three. I want a thorough search of this inn and the surrounding area. Look for armed men, armed women other than us, anything unusual. Then look for poison. That fool is too nervous. There’s something very wrong here. Very, very wrong.” As she spoke, she scanned the room. Every eye was on Java.
All three girls nodded, then went to Java’s table and dropped their packs. The innkeeper had only taken Java’s. Discreetly linking their hands under the table, they scanned the area as instructed. After a few breaths, they looked at Java. “The area is clear, but the innkeeper is running up the street. Shall we follow him?”
Java nodded slightly, as if responding to some inconsequential remark. “Find out where he’s going, and who he sees.”
A serving girl came at Java’s table, looking as if she was about to fall apart. “L-l-lady, what will you have, please?” she asked in a soft, timid voice. She was a plain girl who looked to be about fourteen, and her frightened green eyes touched a note in Java’s heart.
Java smiled softly at the girl. “I’ll have roast bison, rare.” Looking to Robin, she received a nod. “For my mage as well.”
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