Robin curtsied deeply, glancing at Java. “Java has spoken about you many times.”
Java took the hint and walked to Robin’s side. Taking her hand, she kissed it. “This may come as a shock, but Robin and I are lovers.”
Ambros staggered to the doorframe and leaned against it, but Nightingale simply nodded. “I thought so,” she said softly. She stepped forward and hugged a very surprised Robin. “As Java may have told you, I’m not a follower of Cabal. Lady Tanith is more enlightened. My husband, now, he’s just easily shocked.” She glanced over her shoulder at Ambros where he was leaning on the door frame. She didn’t say anything aloud, but her expression spoke volumes.
“Well, it’s not every day you’re presented with your daughter, the newly made heir to the duchy, and told that she is, um, well, not what you expected.” Ambros was embarrassed by almost calling his daughter a foul beast.
“We say Le’Ah. It’s polite, Daddy. Oh, this is wonderful! I was going to come see you when I could, but things never worked out the way they needed to.” Java smiled and led Robin to her father. “Come on, Daddy. Be nice.”
“Mage Robin, if you are loved by my daughter, disobedient as she may be, then I welcome you to our family.” He took a deep breath and bowed to Robin, formally accepting her.
“Thank you, sir,” Robin said around tears that threatened to erupt any second.
Samantha and the triplets barged in then, interrupting them. Sam stopped when she saw the other people in the room and said, “Uh, hi.”
Java laughed and made introductions again. Ambros and Nightingale both went to their knees and bowed their heads when Java introduced Samantha, but she quickly made them stand back up.
“Java was my guardian for a long time, and still is to some extent. Please, don’t kneel to me.”
“As you command, Duchess Samantha,” Ambros said softly, not truly believing her.
Samantha gave Java a wry look, then shocked Ambros by putting her arms around his neck and kissing his cheek. “Java adopted me, so that makes you my grandfather. Stop being so formal.” She laughed a little as she reached out to Nightingale.
“No one’s going to believe this,” Nightingale said as she stepped forward to receive a hug and kiss.
*
Java spent the rest of the day getting reacquainted with her parents and the rest of her family. “Daddy, would you like to move to Linkville? Take over my estate?”
“No, sweetheart, but we appreciate the offer. Java, we are who we are.” He smiled and shrugged. “You know that.”
Java laughed. “Family trait.” At his puzzled look, she explained. “I said almost those exact words to Duke Arten and Duchess Naria when they adopted me.”
Ambros laughed a little. “Indeed. Sweetheart,” he said softly, “Lord Ahern is returning to Equintain tomorrow, and we’re going with him. It was good to see you again, and good to meet your friends.” He smiled at Robin.
Java smiled and then a glint of gold caught her eye. “Daddy, take these,” she said as she picked up the five gold royals Lord Ahern had returned to her. She put them in his hand and smiled at his expression. “Just in case you or my sisters need them.”
Ambros nodded as he put the coins away. “Just in case they are needed.”
Nightingale smiled at her husband, then turned back to face Java. “Be careful, Java. And you can afford paper, so write once in a while.” Nightingale smiled and kissed her daughter, then allowed Ambros to escort her out of the suite.
“I like them, Java. I really do.” Robin scooted close to Java and slid under her arm, then hugged her waist. Then she giggled. “Sounds like your sisters are a lot more like you than you let on.”
“I think they liked you as well, Robin. Once they got used to the idea of us being together.” She looked at Robin and made a wry face. “I’m surprised that none of my sisters are married yet. Deb is eighteen now.” She shook her head. “Oh, what a day. I didn’t get anything done at all,” Java complained, but Robin just laughed.
“Tomorrow is soon enough, Java. And did you see your dad’s expression when you told him about Jah’Moke? It was like he was relieved that you are with a man as well. Then he looked at me as if he was wondering something.”
Two new maids appeared that evening, and Java looked them over closely. “Princess Java, Duchess Naria sent us herself. She said to tell you, ‘If I have to play the game, you have to play the game.’ And that’s a direct quote, Princess,” the older maid said, standing so she faced Java squarely.
“Very well,” Java muttered. “It would seem that I can’t avoid being fussed over.”
Java reluctantly allowed the maids to see to her bath and clothes. She again shocked them by displaying the lash marks and the scars from her wounds, but didn’t make an effort to frighten them away. She also didn’t allow them to see her to bed.
“Enough is enough. I can tuck myself in, thank you very much,” she said, glaring at the elder maid.
“Yes, Princess,” the maid replied, though she didn’t sound entirely certain that Java was correct.
The second maid came out of the servant’s quarters. “Mage Robin, your bed is also ready.”
Robin thanked the girl and went into the room, but came back out as soon as the maids were gone. “You know, that is a comfortable bed, Java.”
“Robin! You aren’t really going to sleep in there, are you?” Java was stricken by Robin’s actions, but Robin simply laughed.
“No, but I did go mess up the bed. We want to avoid rumors, don’t we? If I didn’t sleep there, then we must be a pair of sellikkers, and the court would never stop buzzing. This way there’s a doubt.” Robin dropped her robe and did a flip into the big bed.
“Oh, good. You had me frightened for a minute.” Java did a handstand on the footboard, pirouetted, then collapsed beside Robin.
Robin caressed Java’s hair softly. “I am afraid, dear heart, we’re going to have to be very circumspect,” Robin said, snuggling close, “and maintain the illusion that we’re nothing more than close friends.”
“Oh?” Java asked.
“We both like men, Java. I think a demonstration of that may be necessary in the near future. If the opportunity presents itself, don’t be alarmed if I drag some young man in here.” Robin smiled, seeing Java’s eyes light up.
“I can too, can’t I?” she said softly, but Robin shook her head.
“Only if you’re very careful. Like Duchess Naria told Sammy, there are any number of ambitious bastards here, legitimate and otherwise.”
*
Java and Robin spent the next few days setting things up the way they wanted them. “Java,” Duchess Naria said when Java asked about the gold, “your money is not locked up in Linkville. You, like most of the lords and ladies, have an account with the Gold Merchants’ Association. Those worthies act as bankers for most of the duchies.”
Master Gold Merchant Brandar Caviston bowed very low as Duchess Naria and two young women entered his shop. “Duchess Naria, this is an unexpected honor,” he said, smiling at his duchess and watching Java and Robin from the corner of his eye.
Naria smiled, nodding to return his greeting. “Master Caviston, this is my daughter, Java, and her friend, Mage Robin. Java needs to know the status of her account for Link County.”
Master Caviston bowed deeply again to his new princess. “Princess Java, I am honored to meet you. A moment, please, while I find the account listing.” He bowed again and turned away momentarily. He turned back after a few breaths with a large ledger. “Now, Link County. Here we are. As of the last deposit, which was last spring, your account was at forty-three hundred twenty-two gold royals,” he said, pulling out an abacus and sliding beads about. He mumbled to himself while Java and Robin stared at him, slack-jawed with surprise. “With interest from the Association for allowing us to lend it out, your account is now at forty-three hundred ninety-six gold.” Looking up, he saw the young women’s faces and glanced at Duchess Naria.
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Naria smiled softly at Java and Robin. Turning to Master Caviston, she grinned broadly. “That is sufficient, Master Caviston.” Looking at her new daughter, Naria nudged her to get her attention. “How much did you need, Java?”
Java’s mouth worked several times, but no sound came out. Finally, she cleared her throat and tried again. “I was guessing at thirty gold, along with what I already have. How did the account get so large? Mayor Grendalstone didn’t say anything about this before.”
Master Caviston cleared his throat, catching Java’s attention. “Princess, forgive me for interrupting, but perhaps I can explain. We in the Association are aware, of course, that you have only held the county for slightly more than a year. The account was at,” he glanced at the ledger, “three thousand sixty-two gold at that time. Your Mayor Grendalstone has made deposits on a regular basis and has only made one withdrawal to pay taxes.” He slid the ledger around for Java to see as he spoke, and she read the lines without really understanding them. The Gold Merchants had their own accounting method, and Java had never seen anything like it before.
Java nodded and looked up after a moment. “Very well. I don’t really understand your accounting method. Am I the only one allowed to access this account?”
“You and your designated representatives,” Master Caviston said, pointing to a list of names at the head of the listing. Lord Darby, Lady Shavin, Avin Grendalstone, and Kellem Grendalstone were listed, along with Java herself. All the names were lined out except Kellem and herself. “Mayor Grendalstone is the only other name listed at present, Princess Java.”
Java nodded. “Please add Duchess Samantha Lender, Duchess Naria Carrington, Robin Cartwright, Mayrie Salem, Maygren Salem, Maylee Salem, Ambros Mountainstand, and Nightingale Mountainstand as well.” At Naria’s curious look, she shrugged. “My family may need money, and I don’t want them to have to wait and ask.” Turning back to the gold merchant, she smiled. “Please have that list sent to your associates in Greensboro.”
Master Caviston had noted down the names as Java spoke, shaking his head slightly. No one ever gives so many people full access to their accounts. Even the children of the lords usually have to get the money from their parents. “Very well, Princess, if that is your wish. Is there anything else?”
Java looked at Robin and Naria, then shook her head. “No, just the thirty gold royals I mentioned earlier.”
Master Caviston quickly fetched the gold and made a notation in the ledger, asking for her mark beside it. Java signed her name with a flourish, adding her titles at Naria’s prompting, and they departed with Naria in the lead.
Naria smiled down at Java as she said, “Your name will be added to the duchy account soon as well, Java. Arten has to do that, in person, though as heir, you’d have access if something happened to us.”
Java glanced at Robin, then looked up at Naria and timidly asked, “How much is in there?”
Naria shrugged. “I don’t know. The Firewalkers were already on the payroll, but adding the other companies and your supplies is expensive. But we have plenty.”
Java nodded. And you can have mine if you need it.
*
The women of Ari’s patrol were one and all amazed and gratified by Java taking them to get some nice dresses made. “Java, this is silk. Real silk,” Dannett said softly. “I’ve never worn anything made of silk before.”
“Well, I didn’t get here alone. You all played a part in making me what I am, and I want to say thank you. Wait until you see what I’m sending back to Firedale with you.” Java grinned. “The captain is going to love it.”
Morgan looked at Java sideways. “What are you up to, you demon?”
“I ordered six hundred wool blankets, one thousand pairs of wool socks, and enough cloth to make everyone at least two heavy coats and over-pants. Remember how cold we were last year? Well, this year Lieutenant Lerves is going to have the extras she needs.” Java finished with a smile, but the women all just looked at her.
“Java, that must have cost a small fortune,” Morgan said softly.
“I had a small fortune to spend, Morgan. Remember all the money Mayor Grendalstone sent? I had more than twenty times that much on account with the Gold Merchants’ Association. I simply sent an order to the same supplier Lieutenant Lerves uses. Everything will be ready to go in the next few weeks.” Java smiled as the importance of what she was saying hit her patrol.
“You aren’t coming back, are you, Java?” Dannett asked softly.
Java looked at the floor and shook her head. “No, not this season. Duke Arten and Duchess Naria want me in council with them through the winter, and in school when I’m not. Come spring, I’m coming back. Samantha and the triplets are going with you, though. They’re needed out there.”
“Oh, Java, we’re going to miss you so much.” Ari moved first, hugging Java hard.
“I’m going to miss you, too,” Java whispered, burying her face in Ari’s ample bosom.
On the tenth day after their arrival, Java and Robin sat their horses with Captain Corban, waving at Sergeant Whitehall and her command as they rode out of sight.
“Well, Java, you’re on your own now,” Robin commented as they turned back toward the city.
“Not so long as you’re with me, Robin,” Java whispered.
CHAPTER 8: THE HORNET’S NEST
Never turn your back on a forest fire.
Ancient Wisdom
THE DRESSES THAT DUCHESS NARIA HAD commissioned arrived within days, but Java eagerly awaited the arrival of her uniforms. And the jeweled knives she had commissioned at a local cutlery shop. The first time Java wore one of her outfits, even Robin was impressed.
“Java, you look great!” Robin exclaimed as she walked around Java, inspecting the cut and fit of her uniform.
“It’s not exactly like the Firewalker uniform, but its close enough. And what do you think of this?” Java held up the bandoleer/sash she had commissioned from the tanner.
“I think Duke Arten’s going to have a stroke,” Robin whispered. The bandoleer was made of blue leather, with gold lacing on the sides, and had six sheaths made of green leather.
“Oh, I hope not. But he is going to be shocked. So are Naria and the rest of the court.” Java slipped on the sash and slid her six, shiny-new jeweled knives into the sheaths. “Shall we go shock someone?”
Java entered the council chamber and bowed briefly, then took her seat. Duchess Naria leaned over as soon as she sat down. “What are you up to?” she asked softly.
“Just reminding them that I’m not a court flower,” Java whispered back.
Naria grinned. “No, more like a thistle. Watch carefully. There’s a storm brewing.” Naria sat back and looked serenely at Duke Arten.
Duke Arten nodded to Java. Before him stood Lord Broward, glaring at Java.
“Lord Duke, it has come to our attention that the possibility exists that your chosen heir may not be acceptable to the nobles of the duchy,” Lord Broward said in a pompous, loud voice.
“Yes, we know. Would anyone other than yourself be acceptable, Lord Denver? We have had this discussion several times before, and my answer remains the same: Java is my heir. She has been formally adopted by my wife and I, and there is nothing you or anyone else can do about it. As our only child, her claim cannot be negated.” Duke Arten sat with his back straight, clutching the arms of his chair so tightly his knuckles were white.
“And will she also need to adopt a child, Lord Duke? She has received any number of marriage proposals from noblemen from throughout the duchy, yet she refuses to so much as meet with any of them. This is not the action of a normal woman. She does spend an inordinate amount of time with that young woman who claims to be a mage. Is it friendship,” Lord Broward slowly turned to look at Java, “or something else?” Lord Broward finished speaking and stood, glaring at Java.
Before Duke Arten could answer, Java began laughing. Not the quiet tittering that was considered appropriate i
n court, but full-throated, knee-slapping howls of laughter.
“Oh, Gods Above and Below,” she gasped, wiping a tear from her eye. “You expect me to respond to one of those letters? Lord Broward, you must be joking. Of all the letters I’ve received, the only ones I took seriously were the ones that threatened me. Was I supposed to run willingly into the arms of some fool like your nephew, Lord Garret? His letter was one of the silliest things I’ve ever read.”
“Now see here…” Lord Broward began, but Java cut him off.
“Do you really want to know what I think of those proposals, Lord Broward?” Java demanded loudly as she stood and leaned forward to brace her hands on the table with her arms straight. Her lips pulled back from her teeth in an expression that would never be mistaken for a smile. “I would rather spend my life alone than let some sodden drunk like Garret touch me.” Java’s demeanor changed, and suddenly she was glaring at Lord Broward like he was one of Frander’s Scouts.
“Not every female is susceptible to the blandishments of men like your nephew, Lord Broward. I have a man, a real man, who I love with all my heart. He is a warrior, unlike your nephew. A man who stands up for what he believes in, and doesn’t back down to curry favor with anyone.”
“How dare you…” Lord Broward began, only to be cut off again.
“How dare I? How dare you!” Java shouted. “How dare you question what I am? How dare you question what I do? Who in the five hells are you, Denver Broward, to question anyone else? Have you ever acted to aid your duchy? Have you ever picked up a sword to oppose an enemy?” Java turned and stalked around the table until she was looking up into Lord Broward’s face.
“Have you ever felt an arrow slice through your chest, Lord Broward? I have.” Pulling the top of her blouse loose, Java displayed the arrow wounds in her chest. “Look, Lord Broward. Have you ever even seen a real warrior before?” Java’s eyes narrowed, then she turned to the rest of the nobles before Lord Broward could answer her.
“My Lords and Ladies, I was not born to your society. I don’t have the refined manners you are accustomed to. I may not be related to any of you by blood, but I have spilled my blood defending you.” She paused to scan the men and women who faced her. “If I am unacceptable to Lord Broward and his friends, so be it. I’m a Firewalker Scout. I won’t take any man to my bed who I don’t respect.”
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