Liberator

by Jones, Loren K.

  Well before the appointed hour, Naria led the girls out of seamstress’ shop. Each was dressed appropriately for court, and more dresses were being made. Java had butted heads with Naria briefly over who was paying for the dresses, Java demanding to pay, and Naria telling her that she was paying. Naria finally allowed Java to pay for herself and Robin, but claimed Samantha and the triplets for Hiddendell.

  “You are an incredibly stubborn young woman, Java,” Duchess Naria commented as they rode back to the palace.

  “Thank you, Duchess Naria. I try,” Java quipped back, watching as Naria’s face lit with a smile. The rest of the ride back was filled with the history of Whitehall as Duchess Naria spoke lovingly of her city.

  “Whitehall wasn’t originally the capital of Hiddendell, but Rampart was utterly destroyed by Blackmoore. Whitehall originally referred to just one building, the quarry office, but, because the office was the most important building in town, the whole town was known as Whitehall. It was built from solid marble blocks. The rest of the city was built of wood and other stone. Then, during the revolution, the city was leveled by Blackmoore and his army. When he had passed, the dragon Amberdrake came and aided the city fathers in rebuilding. Then he went after Blackmoore. No one knows the true reason, but some claim he had been living in the town as a man when Blackmoore attacked, and a woman he loved was killed. Anyway, as you probably know, Amberdrake destroyed Blackmoore and his army of Magi, burning the entire army to ash. Then he flew away, never to return. At least not yet. He’s said to still be living in the mountains to the far west.”

  “Duchess Naria,” Robin asked softly, “why did they build the rest of the city out of marble? Isn’t it awfully expensive?”

  “It was before the revolution. You should see Glimmerrey, the capital of the old kingdom. Marble, polished granite, hundreds of different shades of stone. But with the fall of the kingdom, the market dried up. Marble is the most common quarriable stone in the area, so they rebuilt with it since no one else wanted it. These days new buildings are normally just faced with marble, but older buildings like the palace are built of solid marble blocks.”

  They passed into the palace again, and Java led her girls back to their rooms to prepare while Duchess Naria saw to some last-minute preparations of her own.

  “Java?” Robin stuck her head into the room where Java was admiring herself in a mirror.

  Java turned a brilliant smile on Robin. “Oh, this is like a dream, Robin. I’ve always wanted to look like this.”

  “You look fantastic, Java. How do I look?” Robin twirled in place, showing Java her flames in all their glory.

  “I think your seamstress did a better job than Mistress Fran. You look wonderful.” Java had walked over and took Robin’s hands. “Is something wrong?”

  Robin shrugged. “Just nerves. I’ve never been around so many highborns before.”

  “Me too. I mean, me neither. Oh, you know what I mean. I’m about to collapse. I don’t know how Samantha can remain so calm.” Java glanced at the door to the suite where Samantha and the triplets were getting their faces painted, then back to Robin. “The maid who did my makeup did a good job. So did yours.”

  Robin smiled. Java’s makeup hardly showed. She looked like a young girl, with a hint of womanhood for good measure. Robin was made up to look older, at her request. She liked feeling young, but didn’t like being disregarded because of it.

  “Are you really carrying your knives?” she asked, looking at Java to determine where they were, and failing to find them.

  “Yes.” Java bent over and flipped her hair out of the way to show Robin four back-sheaths. “If someone tries anything against Samantha, I want to be prepared.”

  “And if someone tries something against you? Java, you’re important here as well. Especially to me.” Robin moved in and hugged Java, holding her tightly.

  “We’re ready,” Samantha said as she burst into the room. “Oops!” she immediately added, grimacing. “Sorry, should have knocked.”

  Java laughed, holding onto Robin but loosening her grip. “It’s all right. Where are your knives?” she asked, looking critically at her young friend.

  “Both legs, two on my back,” Samantha answered, coming to attention and speaking like a scout reporting to her officer.

  The triplets had entered behind Samantha, and they all nodded. “We match Sam,” Maylee said for them all.

  “Very well. Now all we have to do is avoid insulting the entire court, and we’ll be fine.” Java’s nervousness showed in her fluttering hands and rapid speech.

  Samantha grinned. “Java, relax. We’re supposed to insult the court. That’s what clearing the cobwebs is all about.” She was laughing and happy, happier than Java had ever seen her.

  “This is your element, Sam, not mine. I’d rather be out on the border dodging arrows. At least there I can shoot back and mean it.” Java’s wide eyes and wolfish grin got the rest of the girls laughing.

  Duke Arten and Duchess Naria walked into Java’s quarters to find six pretty young women giggling and teasing each other. Java saw them and whispered, “Attention.” The giggles stopped abruptly, and all six assumed a stiff posture.

  Arten seemed impressed by their discipline. “Well done. Java, we will be presenting Samantha first, to show everyone that she is indeed alive. Then we will introduce you, and present you as the Lady of Link County. After that, you will be free to mingle with the nobles. There is a sort of party scheduled, and you may not duck out.” He fixed Java with a stern glare.

  “Yes, my Lord Duke,” Java said softly, embarrassed by his obvious reading of her intentions.

  Duchess Naria stepped forward to hug Samantha. “I have something for you, Sammy. I had it made when we found out you were still alive.” She pulled an ivory box from her waist and opened it.

  Samantha looked into the box and covered her mouth with trembling fingers. “Oh, my…Naria. Oh my…” She stood transfixed, looking at the box with wide eyes.

  Java looked past Samantha’s shoulder at the Lender’s Dale ducal brooch that Duchess Naria had commissioned and nodded. “Go on, Sam. It’s yours by right.”

  Samantha reached out a shaking hand and picked up the brooch. She fumbled and almost dropped it, but finally, with Duke Arten’s help, pinned it to her dress. “Oh, thank you. Thank you so much,” she managed to whisper, trying not to cry and ruin her makeup.

  “Welcome home, Duchess Samantha. Welcome back to the world.” Naria hugged her hard, trying to convey her love without words.

  Samantha hugged Naria as hard as she could, then reached out to Duke Arten. He joined the embrace with a slight chuckle. Finally, Duchess Naria broke it up with her announcement, “It’s time to go. And Java, stay up front so you’ll be available when we call for you.”

  Java nodded, then she and her girls formed up, three abreast. Java and Robin bracketed Samantha, with the triplets following on their heels. Those who saw them in the hallway stepped back as they marched through the palace like warriors. Samantha’s brooch drew stares, as did Java’s twin brooches and her skull and dagger pin. She hadn’t wanted to wear it, but Duchess Naria had insisted. They were pinned, not to the sash she had asked Fran to make, but to the sash Robin had made.

  Court was an enormous room, filled with people who turned and stared at the sight of the six young women who entered together. The room hushed as Samantha was recognized, and Java was guessed at.

  “Is that really..?”

  “Well, now, look at that….”

  “Damn my eyes! It is…”

  “Java!” a voice called out, and Java found herself facing Lord Ahern. “I didn’t believe it was really you we’ve been hearing about.” Lord Ahern stopped several feet from Java and looked her over. “Damn, you look good,” he said as he stepped forward to hug her, a move that earned him stern glares from the triplets.

  Java laughed and smiled at her former overlord. “Lord Phillip Ahern, please allow me to present Duchess Samanth
a of Lender’s Dale.”

  Samantha smiled and nodded to Lord Ahern, the proper response for a duchess to a minor lord. Lord Ahern went to one knee, as was proper for a man of his station. “Duchess Samantha, it gladdens my heart to know that you truly did survive Frander’s attack.”

  “Lord Ahern, these three young women are the Salem sisters from Lender’s Dale, Duchess Samantha’s retainers. And this is my companion and friend, Mage Robin Cartwright.” Java finished her introductions and bowed to Lord Ahern.

  “I’m pleased to meet you all, even if this disobedient child did run away to join the Firewalkers against her father’s wishes.” He shook his head and smiled. “She has done far better than any of us ever expected her to. Far better.” Lord Ahern seemed about to continue when a herald banged his staff on the dais.

  “All hail Duke Arten of Hiddendell and his lady wife, Duchess Naria,” he announced in a loud voice, then stepped aside to let the duke and duchess through.

  Duke Arten stepped to the edge of the dais and surveyed the hall before addressing the gathered nobles. As the room fell silent, he spoke softly.

  “My Noble Lords and Ladies, welcome with us our cousin, Duchess Samantha of Lender’s Dale.” He gestured to Samantha, and she climbed the steps of the dais to receive a hug and ritual kiss on the cheek while the assembled nobles clapped politely.

  Samantha turned and faced the audience, looking at the assembled faces. Her eyes narrowed, and she seemed to be mentally noting friends and enemies. It’s so much like home I almost feel like crying with happiness. Or screaming in rage.

  “Lords and Ladies of Hiddendell, I thank you for your welcome. It has been many long years since the death of my mother, but I have assumed her place in the leadership of my government in exile. With the help of my cousins, Duke Arten and Duchess Naria, along with Duke Kaster and Duchess Werrin of Greencastle, we shall regain Lender’s Dale.” Samantha looked at the gathered nobles, then smiled at Java.

  Duke Arten placed a hand on to Samantha’s shoulder, then addressed the court again. “We have Lady Java Mountainstand to thank for the rescue of our cousin. Her courage, perseverance, and good heart have delivered Samantha to us, whole and healthy. Lady Java, please join us.” Duke Arten waved his hand at the spot beside Samantha.

  Java calmly walked forward and stepped up beside Sammy. Her hands shook a little, but she managed to keep her voice level. “I thank you, Duke Arten.” She bowed her head slightly, as Samantha had coached her to, then turned to face the crowd.

  Duchess Naria stepped forward and placed a hand on Java’s shoulder opposite her husband. “Lords and ladies, please welcome Lady Java Mountainstand of Link County.” Duchess Naria paused to allow for some polite clapping. She shared a look with her husband, then an evil grin.

  Duke Arten raised a hand to attract attention away from Naria. “It was in acknowledgment of her rescue and guardianship of Duchess Samantha that Lady Java was given Link County, and her lands in Greencastle. It is in acknowledgment of her self-sacrifice and character that brings her this further honor.” Duke Arten reached back and joined hands with Naria on the silver circlet that would designate Java their heir. Lifting it behind Java’s back, they quickly placed the circlet on her hair, surprising her.

  “What…?” Java asked as her hand came up to touch the circlet, and then Samantha turned and gasped.

  Samantha wasn’t the only person shocked by the suddenness of Duke Arten’s action. Lords and ladies began jostling one another, pointing at the dais and yelling questions.

  CHAPTER 5: PRINCESS

  If you’re going to make a splash, make a big one. Nothing less is worth the time.

  Master Scholar Prince Stavin Zel’Andral, “Governing Principles”

  “SHUT UP, ALL OF YOU!” Duke Arten bellowed, shocking the court into silence. “Lady Java Mountainstand is hereby, on this day and forever more, designated our daughter, and Heir of Hiddendell. Any who object may leave.” His eyes were cold, and his voice carried to the farthest corner of the room.

  Java looked wide-eyed at Samantha, who was staring at Java’s hair. “They did it, Java,” she whispered, her own disbelief clear. “They adopted you.”

  Java felt her knees wobble, and she sat abruptly on the edge of the dais. Tears began to roll down her cheeks, ruining her makeup, as her life was once again ripped from her control.

  Duchess Naria reached down and pulled Java to her feet. “Come with me, sweetie. Let’s get you settled.” Naria led Java out of the courtroom and back to the duke’s private quarters.

  *

  Java was seated on a low stool in the duchess’s sitting room, her shaking making it impossible for her to do more than gasp for air.

  “Sorry about that, sweetie,” Naria said, patting Java’s shoulder. “We would have asked if we thought you would’ve said yes. We’ve been looking for a woman like you, or a man for that matter, for years. Someone who loves with all her heart, who knows right from wrong, and who faces life head on with both eyes open. When Marta first told us about you, we weren’t sure. Link County and that land in Greencastle were just the start. It was a test to see what you would do. You could have resigned from the Firewalkers and gone back to Linkville, and that would have been the end of it. But you stayed, fighting against Frander.”

  Duke Arten entered the room and picked up where Naria left off. “Nari and I, well, for one reason or another, we have never had children. We wanted an heir who was interested in the good of the people, not themselves. You have demonstrated that particular trait for years. You’ve also demonstrated your intelligence and wit. It’s taken a strong-willed woman to handle Samantha and the triplets without crushing their spirits. A woman who cares for others, and not for her own self-aggrandizement.”

  Duchess Naria laid a piece of parchment by Java’s hand, and she automatically read it. “Java, as of today, by Ducal Decree, you are our daughter, with all of the rights and responsibilities of the Ducal Heir.”

  “But, I don’t want to be a duchess!” Java cried softly. “I just want to be me!” She again broke down into tears, and Naria gathered her into her arms.

  “I’m so glad to hear that, Java. Being the duchess or duke makes a person a little crazy. There’s an old saying; ‘Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’ Anyone who wants this much power over their fellows must never be allowed to have it.” Naria rocked Java slowly back and forth, stroking her hair like a child to calm her.

  *

  In the courtroom, the crowd was buzzing about Duke Arten and Duchess Naria’s action. Most of the assembled nobles were appalled at their choice. Some had felt so insulted, they left. One small group of young women huddled together, unsure of what they should do.

  “Sammy, what in the hells just happened?” Robin demanded, holding Samantha’s hand tightly.

  “They adopted her. Arten and Naria adopted Java.” Samantha was swallowing nervously and looking around the room with wide eyes. “They never have had children. I don’t know why. But I remember there were questions about who would succeed Arten if he died. But Gods, to adopt her and not even ask if she wanted to be adopted? Have they gone mad?”

  “They may not be mad, but I’ll bet Java is,” Maylee said softly. “Can you imagine? Remember how mad she was when we started calling her the Captain of the Lender’s Dale Guard?”

  Robin looked off into the distance, not seeing the room they were in. “No, she’s not mad. She’s shaken. She feels trapped.” Robin shook herself. Her bond with Java was deeply emotional, and with Robin’s magic it had become one that let them feel each other’s emotions. “She’s calming, but she was on the verge of running away for a moment.”

  “I’m going to have words with my cousins. Harsh words,” Samantha said as she glared around the room, daring anyone to approach. “They know how Java feels about her authority. I wrote and told them how she reacted to receiving that strongbox.”

  “What should we do now, Sam?” Mayrie asked.
/>   “We scout. I want to know what’s being said in this room and any others we can access. If there’s trouble coming, I want to know about it.” Samantha assumed the leadership role naturally, exercising her right as duchess. “Robin, why don’t you see if you can get to Java? She’s probably in Arten and Naria’s private chambers.”

  Robin nodded and walked away, her angry expression driving back the few people who tried to approach her. Leaving the court, she mentally searched for Java. A thread of near panic made her turn to the left. Following her feelings, she walked through the palace to a guarded door.

  The sentries saw her coming and the lieutenant stepped forward to bar her way. “You can’t be here, lady. These are the duke’s private chambers.”

  Robin stopped and looked at the man. “I am seeking Java Mountainstand. Is she with the duke and duchess?”

  “I can’t say, lady. Please return to the party. The duke will return when he wishes to.” The lieutenant was gently insistent, but remained in her way.

  “Please tell the duke that Robin Cartwright wishes to see him.” Robin kept her voice soft and calm, not yelling the way she wanted to.

  “Lady, I told you. The duke will return when he wishes to. Please return to the party.” The lieutenant sounded like he was becoming annoyed.

  “No,” Robin answered softly. A gesture caused the wooden doors to reverberate. “Duke Arten will see me now.” Another gesture and the doors again boomed as the lieutenant’s expression turned to one of near panic.

  “What in the hells..?” Duke Arten began as he threw open the doors, but stopped when he saw Robin. “Oh, it’s you. Come in. You don’t have to break the doors down.” Robin slipped past the duke as he glared at the lieutenant. “Try to keep things quiet out here.” He returned to his chamber to find Java sobbing in Robin’s arms.

  Robin glared at Duke Arten, and he stepped back. “This was a rotten thing to do to Java, Duke Arten. Duchess Naria. You both know she doesn’t want the lands you gave her before. What made you think she’d want this?”