Duke Arten gave Robin and apologetic smile. “We were pretty sure she wouldn’t have wanted this, either. That’s one of the reasons we picked her. Mage Robin, Java is the type of woman who makes a good duchess. Strong, resourceful, caring, brave, take your pick. You know Java as well as anyone. Would you follow her?” He looked Robin in the eye, and smiled broadly when she nodded. “You’d follow her, and not just because you love her. You would follow her because she would sacrifice herself to save you, or anyone else who was following her. That’s why those women who were assigned to her patrol stayed with her. They stayed because she was more concerned with their welfare than with her own.”
Java sniffed loudly, trying to clear her head. “They stayed because I loved them, and still do.”
“A lot of people love you, Java. That’s why we don’t want to lose you.” Robin still held her lover, but not so tightly. Java was regaining her composure.
“You’re not losing me, Robin,” Java said firmly. She stepped away from Robin’s sheltering arms and turned to face the duke. “You can make me your daughter, but I’m an adult. And I am still a Firewalker Scout. I will not renounce that.” Her eyes bored into Duke Arten and Duchess Naria.
Naria pursed her lips. “No, I suppose that would be asking an awful lot.” Naria’s mouth twisted into a wry grin. “After all, just being a princess isn’t all that special. There are lots of princesses. But you have a lot to learn, Java. You’re officially the heir. What would you do if something happened to Arten and myself right now?”
“I’d run yelling and screaming through the streets and throw myself into the river,” Java answered immediately, much to Duke Arten’s delight.
“I would hope not, Java,” Duke Arten said as he laughed. “And I don’t think your sense of responsibility would let you. You’d struggle along, doing your best, until you could find some help. Someone like Marta or Shair.”
Java considered his statement for a moment, then nodded. “You’re right. Oh, Gods, what a mess.” She began pacing in a circle around the room, looking at the pattern inlaid in the floor. Stopping, she took a deep breath and turned to face her new parents. “All right, I accept what you’ve done, not that I have a choice. But I am myself. I’m still Java Mountainstand. Nothing can change that, and I really don’t want to renounce my father and mother if I don’t have to.” No more than I already did, at least. A grin curved her lips. Wait until Jah’Moke hears.
Naria nodded, though there was a trace of sadness in her eyes. “As you wish, Java. Perhaps we can arrange for them to visit you soon.” Naria stopped and cleared her throat. She had been speaking in a near-whisper, though she hadn’t intended to. “You’ll be staying in Whitehall for a while to get your education started. You are literate, but there’s a great deal for you to learn about managing a duchy. Robin may stay, along with Samantha and the triplets, though we would rather have the triplets return to Marta. Their powers are needed out there far more than they are needed back here.” Naria was standing, addressing Java as an equal.
Java nodded. “Sam will probably want to go with the triplets. She really wants to fight Frander, physically. I think she wants to get a knife between his ribs.” Java’s smile was feral, and Duke Arten looked surprised.
“A knife? Java, what have you been doing with Samantha?” he asked, staring directly at Java.
“Teaching her to be a scout, Duke Arten. She was carrying four knives in court today. Did you notice?” Java smiled as Duke Arten digested her words.
“No, I did not notice. And stop calling me duke. I won’t insist on father, but I won’t be called duke by my family, adopted or not. And that goes for you as well, Robin. At least in private.” Duke Arten looked at the two young women and received nods of acceptance. “Where was she carrying knives, and how did she get them past the Guards?”
Java smiled, then placed her hands behind her neck and stretched. Her hands were a blur for a moment and suddenly there were four knives vibrating in the wall. “Back sheaths. Samantha carried two on her back, and one on each leg. So did the triplets. As to how we passed the Guards, they didn’t even look at us. Who checks teenage girls for weapons?”
“Teenage girls? Teenage Firewalkers!” Duke Arten snarled. “Who taught you to do that?” The Duke had walked over to the wall and was looking closely at the knives Java had embedded in it.
“Lieutenant Skyhaven. She’s better than anyone I’ve ever seen.” Java smiled softly. “She can out throw me and the triplets together.”
“She cheats,” Naria commented dryly, ignoring Java’s insulted look. “Shair is good, but she’s never pulled a stunt like that. Wearing knives into open court,” she said, shaking her head. “What next?” Naria began laughing, holding her stomach.
“Wild mercenary women rescuing their friend?” Robin suggested. She turned to the duke with a serious expression on her face. “Java’s patrol is here, my Lord Duke. Don’t forget that they love her as much as anyone does.”
Duke Arten nodded. “I won’t forget. Now we all have to go back and face the court. I imagine there are any number of nobles who would like to use one of those knives on me for doing this.” Arten smiled widely. “I’d love for Denver to say something stupid again.”
Java wiped her face and looked into a mirror. “Gah! I look like day-old mush.”
Duchess Naria laughed and led Java away to get her face fixed. Duke Arten walked over to Robin and offered his hand. “Mage Robin, shall we go scandalize my court some more?”
At Robin’s laughing assent, they returned to the fray.
*
“Duke Arten, a moment, if you please.” Lord Broward stepped in front of Arten as soon as they returned to the room, blocking his way.
The duke stopped and cocked his head to the side. “Yes, Lord Denver? Let me guess. You will never set foot in Whitehall again. If you would only keep that promise, we would all be happier. I’m in no mood to deal with you right now. Be gone, or I’ll turn my daughter’s friends loose on you.” Duke Arten tried to walk on, but Lord Broward moved to block him again.
“You cannot do this, Arten. You can’t jump some lowborn servant up to the throne. It won’t be allowed. It can’t be allowed.” Lord Broward was puffing up his chest, trying to be impressive, but he made Robin giggle.
“Lord Broward, do you know a young mage named Marian Benset? She is a student of Master Mage Sherefin.” Robin made big eyes at Lord Broward, and batted her eyelashes.
Lord Broward looked surprised at this sudden change of subject, but he was proud of Marian. “Why yes, of course, she’s one of the finest magi in the duchy. Do you know her?” he asked courteously.
Robin’s smile vanished. “I am her superior, Lord Broward. And that jumped-up servant is a very close friend of mine.” Her eyes narrowed, and Lord Broward backed away, hands out in front of him.
“Denver, I have not jumped a servant up to the throne. I have adopted a daughter. I would suggest you remember that in the future. It would not be comfortable for you if you should be named an enemy of the duchy.” Duke Arten looked no less dangerous than Mage Robin, and Lord Broward beat a hasty retreat. The duke watched him disappear into a crowd of his followers before turning to Robin.
“Did you mean that, Robin? About being Marian’s superior?” Duke Arten asked conversationally. Denver was always bragging about his Warrior Mage.
Robin sighed and nodded. “Unfortunately. Marian spends too much time telling us how good she is, and not enough time practicing. She also disapproves of my relationship with Java. I almost called her my lover, just to see his face.”
Duke Arten wagged a finger at her. “Be careful about that, Robin. There are any number of people who think the Le’Ah are akin to demons. Some of them are fanatics, and will kill themselves to get to you. And Java.” His eyes were serious, so Robin simply nodded. “However, rumor has it that there is a young Latté Scout who shares your affection for Java.”
“Jah’Moke Cawfy. He’s a Vandal Sc
out, but he was born to the Latté. His parents are with the force that Carr’Bon Veer has in Greencastle. Jah’Moke is a wonder. His code of honor is as strong as any I’ve ever seen.” Robin smiled, then giggled. “Java’s going to have a hard time convincing him to come here.”
Duke Arten looked closely at Robin, surprised by her comment. “Do you think she will?”
Robin nodded. “Even if she has to tie him up and throw him over his saddle. I’m a bit jealous of him, Duke Arten. Jah’Moke owns a piece of Java’s heart that I can only touch.” Robin looked around and spotted the red and white of Samantha’s dress. “If you will excuse me, I should go reassure Sam and the triplets.”
Duke Arten watched Robin walk away to speak with Samantha, disturbed by her comments. Java is going to cause quite a stir in court even without adding a Latté to the mix. He was distracted by a commotion at the end of the room. Naria and Java had returned.
Java was again made up as befitted a lady of the court. The fact that she was still stunned by the sudden changes in her life was obvious. Her eyes were slightly unfocussed, and her smile was a trifle wooden, but all in all, she was doing remarkably well.
Few people dared approach Duchess Naria and Java directly. Java was an unknown, but Naria’s temper was a well-known and feared quantity in the capital. One of those who was not afraid was Phillip Ahern. Arguing with Naria was a recreation he enjoyed.
Lord Ahern stood directly in Naria’s path. “Just what in the five hells do you think you’re doing, Naria?” he asked, obviously outraged by Java’s adoption.
“Now, Phillip, calm down. Java’s having a hard enough time adjusting as is.” Naria held Java’s hand, keeping her close.
“Java’s not the only one. Here I thought she was going to return to us, and you pull this stunt? You just made this child a target for every malcontent in the duchy, and the other lords as well. Are you satisfied, or do you have something else in mind?” Lord Ahern stood with his arms crossed, glaring at Naria.
Java looked at her old master and said, “Lord Ahern, please calm down. Duke Arten and Duchess Naria have explained their reasons to me. I disagree with their choice, but their reasons are sound.” Java smiled slightly, trying to calm Lord Ahern.
“You don’t agree with their choice, do you? And just who would you choose as the heir?” Lord Ahern looked closely at Java and shook his head. The little girl he remembered was completely gone.
“Anyone but me,” Java answered with a smile.
“Indeed!” Lord Ahern exclaimed, and laughed. “Well, Java, it would appear that your star is rising far beyond the wildest dreams of anyone. Your father was hoping you might come back, seeing as you’ve made your fortune. But this changes everything.” Lord Ahern stroked his chin, thinking. “Yes, indeed. This changes everything.”
Java smiled and nodded. “I’m going to visit home, Lord Ahern, just as soon as I can. But Duchess Naria has my immediate future planned. I have to go back to school.” She made a wry face that drew a chuckle from both Duchess Naria and Lord Ahern.
“It won’t be all that bad, Java. Trust me. With your native ability, you’ll learn everything in three, maybe four years.” Duchess Naria smiled broadly, watching Java’s reaction.
“Years? Oh, no!” she whined. “I hate school.”
Samantha and the triplets converged on Java and Duchess Naria while they were speaking to Lord Ahern.
“Naria, we must talk,” Samantha said in a soft, intense tone. “Now.” Samantha’s eyes were cold, and she kept glancing around.
Duchess Naria nodded and led the girls all over to an alcove. “This is impolite, Sammy. What’s wrong?”
“First, of all the rotten things to do…Java wasn’t ready for this! Look at her. She can still hardly stand.” Samantha glared at Naria, looking like Duchess Neldan in her youth. And a very angry Duchess Neldan at that.
Java smiled and patted Samantha’s shoulder. “Sam, it’s all right. I’m all right. It was just such a shock. I never expected this.” Java looked at her friends, realizing for the first time that she and Samantha were, for all intents and purposes, equals now.
“No one did.” Naria drew attention back to herself and away from Java. “Arten and I have tried everything known to man to have a baby, but we’ve never managed it. We’re too old now to raise a child of our own, or even an adopted baby. We started looking for an heir like Java several years ago. Marta, Vince, Randy, and dozens of other people we trusted have been keeping their eyes open for a likely candidate, without knowing the reason. We received our first report about Java when she rescued Merrit, and said, let’s see, oh yes, ‘it would be worth the punishment’ to bring Merrit and Anness back together.’ How many of you would risk your whole future on an act of kindness?”
Naria looked closely at each of the women before her and smiled at their thoughtful expressions. “She reinforced our opinion of her when she risked being lashed again to bring in you three.” Naria’s eyes fixed each of the triplets. “After everything she went through, all the pain and heartache, she risked it all again to save three young girls. And then you, Samantha.” She smiled at the young woman beside her. “Java, you told us you almost shot her in the back. Did you ever tell Samantha about it? About why you held your arrow and simply knocked her on the head?”
Java nodded as Samantha smiled. “I did. Sam, girls, I’m all right. I accept what Duke Arten and Duchess Naria have done, and they accept my terms. I am still Scout Java Mountainstand, lady heir or not. I won’t change to suit anyone but myself. Now go on, scoot. This is supposed to be a party. I have to find some wine. My nerves are shredded.”
Samantha smiled. “You are all right. I was worried.”
“We were worried,” Mayrie said as she grinned. “I mean, how would we break you out of the palace if we had to?”
Duchess Naria laughed and smiled, shooing the girls back into the crowd. The triplets followed Samantha, discreetly melding their powers to watch Samantha’s back. Java collected Robin, and followed Duchess Naria, acknowledging people as Naria introduced her around.
The collected lords and ladies bowed or knelt, as their station demanded, and Java did her best to be gracious. Her smile was a little bit wooden, but there was a twinkle in her eyes. If they are shocked by me, wait until I bring Jah’Moke here.
CHAPTER 6: SHOCK AND DISMAY
Enemies are like flies: No matter how many you kill, there will always be more.
Ancient Wisdom
WORD OF DUKE ARTEN AND DUCHESS Naria’s action spread through the city like wildfire, and quickly became the talk of the town. Morgan, Ari, and the rest of the patrol heard the news at an inn called the Roosting Chicken where they were enjoying beer and sausages.
“Gods Above and Below! What the hells..?” Ari exclaimed when Dannett repeated the news.
Dannett was standing by the table where the rest of the women were sitting. “That’s what the innkeeper just said. His exact words were, ‘Duke Arten and that wild woman just adopted some servant wench and made her the heir. Name of Jaba, or some such.’ You don’t think Java’s really the heir, do you?”
“I don’t know if Duke Arten would do it, but Duchess Naria would. Maybe this is really why they ennobled her. To make her eligible to become their heir. Oh, what a mess.” Ari swallowed her beer in one gulp, and then grabbed Darla’s.
“Hey, get your own!” Darla said, laughing.
“I just did. Go get yourself a beer, Darla, and another for me. We have to toast our next duchess.” Ari laughed, raising her tankard high in salute, then drained it.
“Tha’ll be the day,” a drunk at the next table remarked. “Lor’ Denver will never allow some lowborn bitch on the throne. He won’t allow it.”
Dannett started to take offense, but Morgan stopped her. “Sir, just what do you mean by that?” she asked lightly.
The man turned slightly bleary eyes on Morgan and smirked. “Lor’ Denver will kill that bitch b’fore he gives up his claim on the thr
one. R’member, he’s the ol’ duke’s nephew. If Arten died, then we would be honoring Duke Denver Broward of Hiddendell.” The man smiled at the thought, ignoring the looks from the women.
Ari leaned forward and whispered. “We have to let Java know as soon as possible.” Aloud she said, “Well then, maybe we should hold up. After all, Lord Broward is a foe to be reckoned with.”
Dannett’s smile was feral as she whispered, “With a knife.”
Ari led the patrol to the palace, only to be turned away at the gate. “Princess Java will not be available for interviews until later in the week,” a supercilious upper servant informed them. “If you wish to send your congratulations, then I would suggest you find someone who can write and send her a letter. Perhaps she will deign to answer it.” He turned and walked away, his disdain of the women clear.
“I’m going to…” Darla began, but Ari stopped her.
“No, you’re not. Find someone who can write? I have a better idea. Morgan, you know where Emily’s brother lives, don’t you?”
Morgan grinned. “Oh, yes. Lord Captain Corban can write a letter for us, can’t he?” She began chuckling, then led off up the street.
A servant answered the gate at Captain Corban’s home, shocked to find six mercenaries waiting. “I am sure that you have made a mistake. Captain Corban does not know you.”
“Yes, he does, and so do you. Please tell Sergeant Emily Whitehall that Archer Corporal Morgan Roseville is here to see her on company business.” Morgan looked the man in the eye, daring him to refuse her.
The servant took a deep breath, then let it out in an explosive burst. “Oh, very well. How the lady ever got mixed up with the lot of you…this way.” He motioned for them to follow him, and led them to a side entrance. “Wait here,” the man said as he disappeared.
“I swear, one of these days…” Morgan muttered. She had been here with Sergeant Whitehall numerous times, and always received the same greeting. They do this on purpose.
“Morgan, bring your patrol up here,” a voice called from the terrace above them. Morgan looked up and grinned at Stephen Corban.
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