Liberator

by Jones, Loren K.

  Dawn was clear and cool as Java and Robin said their goodbyes. Java had tears in her eyes as she left, a circumstance that left her embarrassed. “I didn’t cry when I left home to join the Firewalkers. Why am I crying now?” she sniffed.

  “Because you didn’t really belong to Equintain. You belong here, Java. You belong with us.” Naria held Java, squeezing her tightly before letting go.

  Java wiped a tear away, nodding. “I belong in Firedale, too. I’ll be back when I get things settled there.”

  Robin and Java led the Firewalkers out of Whitehall, pausing to wave back over their shoulders before they were out of sight of the gate. Arten and Naria were still there, watching them go.

  Java let Sergeant Petersburg lead once they were an hour away from Whitehall, she being the most senior of the Firewalkers, and fell naturally back into the patterns of obedience that had been drilled into her for years. Some things were hard for her to get used to again, such as being ignored, but she soon found herself enjoying the trip.

  *

  Java remained anonymous until they reached Overlook, the County Seat of Cotton County, and home of Lord Panishin. She had passed him by on her trip to Hiddendell in her effort to avoid drawing attention, but this trip was different. When they saw the city walls in the distance, Java asked Sergeant Petersburg to stop while she changed into a dress uniform. This was the first time that most of the Firewalkers had ever seen Java dressed up, and Perris whistled softly at the effect.

  “Damn, Java. You look great!” Perris whispered as she surveyed the young woman who stood before her, tugging at her blouse to get it settled just right.

  “Thank you, Perris,” Java said softly, all but blushing at the reaction of her companions.

  Java rode to the front with Perris and Robin, and smiled as she rode up to the gates of Overlook. A Greencastle Guards corporal stepped forward and stopped her before she could enter the city.

  “That’s far enough. Lord Panishin has left instructions that no armed parties are to be allowed within the city. You can camp over there, under those trees,” he said, pointing off to the left of the road. “You will be allowed into the city in groups of five or less, but you must leave all weapons in your camp.”

  Java looked at Sergeant Petersburg and received a nod before answering. “Thank you, but we would prefer an inn. Is Lord Canden in residence?”

  “He is, but what you’d prefer is irrelevant,” the corporal replied. “His orders haven’t been changed for any of the other groups who have passed through. I don’t see why they would change for you.”

  Perris nudged her horse up beside Java. “None of the other groups were escorting Princess Java of Hiddendell, corporal.”

  The corporal started at that, and Java brought a hand up to tap her ducal brooches. “Please escort me to Lord Canden, corporal. And the rest of my escort to an inn. We’ve spent enough nights in our tents for a while.”

  The corporal was blinking rapidly, and squinting into the setting sun, trying to get a good look at Java. Java maneuvered Sugar so that the sun was not in the man’s eyes, and he dropped to his knees and bowed his head.

  “Please forgive me, Your Highness. I didn’t know it was you.”

  “You’re forgiven, corporal,” Java said with a laugh, motioning for him to stand. “Please conduct us to a good inn with enough room for all of us. Or two inns, if necessary.”

  The corporal nodded, dusting his knees. “This way, if you please, Princess Java,” he said, leading off to the north. He walked rapidly through the streets, drawing a crowd as he passed with the Firewalkers riding closely behind him. He led them to an inn called the Dancing Barrel.

  A skeletally thin man stepped out to see what the disturbance was. “Corporal Forlin, what’s going on here?”

  “Innkeeper Leander Calisden, I am privilege to present Princess Java of Hiddendell. Her escort is in need of lodgings. Do you have room for them?” Corporal Forlin asked, glancing back at the Firewalkers.

  Sergeant Petersburg rode forward, addressing the innkeeper. “There are thirty of us, but we can double up if necessary.”

  Leander nodded, then shook his head. “I can only accommodate about fifteen or sixteen, even doubling up. A moment, if you please,” he said, looking between Java and Perris. At Perris’ nod, he turned and looked across the road to where the innkeeper of the Frothing Mug was straining to see what was happening.

  “Rod, do you have room for ten or fifteen women for the night?”

  Rodden Deverall looked surprised for a moment. “I think so, Lee,” he shouted back. “Who are they?”

  Archer Frenlis Coopersport was at the back of the Firewalkers and turned to answer him. “We are escorting Princess Java of Hiddendell back to Mountainstand County.”

  Frenlis’ answer left Innkeeper Rodden speechless, and Java laughed as she and Robin followed Corporal Forlin further into the city.

  Sergeant Petersburg dismounted and approached Innkeeper Leander. “Sir, we will need stabling for our horses. If you and your colleague would care to join me, we can see to the distribution of my women.”

  Innkeeper Leander waved his friend and fellow innkeeper over, and led Perris to a table. “There are thirty of you?” he asked, looking curiously at Sergeant Petersburg.

  “Yes. As I said, we can double up,” Perris answered.

  Leander nodded and looked at Rodden. “I can only handle sixteen, Rod. Can you handle the rest?”

  Rodden nodded. “Easily. You say you’re escorting the Princess of Hiddendell?” he asked, looking Perris in the eye.

  “We are,” Perris confirmed. “She’ll probably be staying as a guest of the lord. Lady Robin, too. Now, what’s this going to cost?” Perris grinned as she turned the subject away from Java.

  Leander looked at Rodden before answering. “Well, you’re taking all of our available space, sergeant. Twenty coppers a head?” he asked, looking at Sergeant Petersburg and Rodden at the same time.

  Rodden nodded, but Perris frowned. “That’s steep, especially for this time of year.”

  Rodden nodded. “Perhaps so. However…” he began as they settled in to a friendly bargaining session. Both men were in relatively good moods about the Firewalkers being there. A full house was unusual these days. The war had been hard on business.

  *

  One of the other Guards had run off to inform Lord Canden of his visitor, and Java arrived at his manor to find servants scurrying about, tidying up. Lord Canden was hurrying out of the doors, straightening his coat as he walked. Java grinned at Robin, then dismounted to greet the Lord.

  “Lord Canden, how nice to see you again.”

  Lord Canden bowed deeply over Java’s hand, kissing it before straightening to look her in the eye again. “Princess Java, welcome to my home. This is an unexpected pleasure.”

  “The pleasure is mine, Lord Canden,” Java replied, smiling at him. “Please allow me to present my close friend, Lady Mage Robin Cartwright.” She gestured to Robin, who had dismounted at the same time Java had.

  Robin curtsied deeply. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Lord Panishin. The princess told me of her trip to Greensboro, and your kindness.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you, Lady Robin,” Lord Canden replied, nodding his head to Robin. “Princess, you are very welcome indeed,” he said, grinning. “Now we can get the true story of your adoption.”

  Java laughed and allowed Lord Canden to lead her up the steps, Robin following a few steps behind them. Servants came to take Sugar and Spice to the stables while the butler gathered their belongings, appearing surprised that there was so little to carry.

  Lord Canden led Java and Robin to his study, introducing them to his wife. “Princes Java, Lady Robin, please allow me to introduce you to my beloved wife, Kelsanda.”

  Java nodded and smiled at the woman before her. Kelsanda raised her hands and, to Java’s surprise, used mercenary’s handspeak to greet Java. “Princess, I am very pleased to meet you at last.
My husband has told me just enough about you to leave me exceptionally curious.”

  Java’s surprise showed, but she answered Kelsanda in kind. “I am pleased to meet you as well, Lady Kelsanda. How did you learn Handspeak?”

  Lord Canden answered for his wife. “Kelsanda lost her voice to a growth in her throat years ago. The healer was an ex-mercenary, and suggested that she could learn their way of communicating in silence. We both learned, and have had occasion to use it when we didn’t want to be overheard. We assumed you would know it, seeing how you started out with the Firewalkers.”

  “Indeed,” Java answered, bowing slightly to the Lady. “Lady Kelsanda, please allow me to present my friend and companion, Lady Mage Robin Cartwright.” Java paused as Robin and Lady Kelsanda exchanged greetings. “We are passing through on our way to Firedale, and stopped to say hello.”

  “You are welcome for any reason, princess,” Lord Canden said, bowing deeply. “Come, the cooks should have something ready soon. May I offer you something to drink?”

  Java and Robin each accepted a glass of wine, and allowed Lord Canden to seat them in his dining room. “Princess, if you would, please tell us about your adoption. When word came that you had been made the Heir of Hiddendell, I’m afraid I called the messenger a liar.”

  Java laughed at that. “I would’ve too. But it was true. You see, Arten and Naria have never had a child…” Java continued, telling her hosts the story of how, and why, she had been adopted. Both were holding their sides by the time she had finished. “…So you see, I almost ran away. Being made the princess was a much bigger shock than being made a lady.”

  “Princess, that is the most absurd story I have ever heard. The only problem is that I can easily imagine Arten and Naria doing something like that,” Kelsanda signed, making Java laugh.

  Java turned the conversation to more pleasant topics, asking about trade and the success of the harvest. Lord Canden gave Java a detailed description of the year, along with information about the other counties, including Mountainstand. Java was surprised to find that, even this far from Frander, granite from her quarry was in high demand.

  “Indeed, princess. You own one of the best quarries in the duchy. Those mountains of yours are the best source of granite for building there is.”

  Java nodded, her wide eyes betraying how surprised she was. “I knew we were shipping a lot of stone to the new towns, but I didn’t realize it was making it this far. What about Lord Cavington in Riverside? I thought he had several quarries that were all larger than mine?”

  Lord Canden frowned, nodding his head. “He does, but he’s using most of his production himself. Amel is forting up in a very big way. My information is that he’s building a wall twenty feet high and ten deep around the entire city of Riverside. He’s even crossing the river with it to enclose his docks on the south side. He has six magi in constant use, spelling the stones together. He’s even gone so far as to channel the El, banking it in with stone so he can control access to the port.”

  Java frowned at that. “That’s not a good thing, Lord Canden. A lot of people depend on the El for transporting their goods. If Lord Amel is blocking the entire river, then he’ll be controlling all the trade in this half of Greencastle, and Lender’s Dale as well.”

  “I believe that is his intention, Princess Java,” Lord Canden said softly, looking Java squarely in the eyes.

  Java and Robin slept in Lord Canden’s guest rooms. He apologized for the size of the room, but Java waved his apology away. “Lord Canden, I could set my tent up on that bed and still have room for a fire. Please rest assured, I’ve slept in much, much smaller rooms. This is very nice.”

  Lord Canden bowed and left Java alone while he went to find his wife. “She is settled, Dearest. What do you think?”

  “She is quite a woman, Can,” Kelsanda signed back. “I am ever so glad you decided to cultivate a friendship with her. Amel and Corky are likely to be regretting their hostility toward her for years to come.”

  “Indeed,” Canden signed. Looking sideways at his wife, he asked, “Did you notice about her and the mage?”

  “Lovers!” Kelsanda signed, adding a cutting gesture with both hands. “You know how I feel about that kind of woman, Canden. It’s only her titles that keep me from throwing her out of my house. That, and the fact that she seems to be a very nice little girl under the facade.”

  “Do you think Kaster and Werrin know? I am sure Arten and Naria do, but I wouldn’t expect Naria to be civilized about it,” Canden signed, his head tilted to the side questioningly.

  “No, she wouldn’t.” Kelsanda shook her head. “As to Kaster and Werrin, I would say yes, they know. Werrin is strange enough, outlander that she is. She probably does not have any objections, and Kaster would follow her lead in a matter of this nature.”

  “Her relationship with Duchess Samantha is another reason to be nice to her,” Canden signed, his grin taking on a nasty curve. “I would hate to be caught on bad terms with either of them. I have a feeling it would quickly turn into bad terms with both of them.”

  “Telling her about Amel channeling the El was a stroke of genius,” Kelsanda replied, her grin matching his. “That is going to get her talking to Kaster and Arten. Amel won’t be able to interfere with our shipments if the dukes are watching him.”

  “Don’t forget Duchess Samantha. All of Lender’s Dale’s trade to the west flows down the El. If Amel interferes with her, then Kaster and Arten will have to interfere with him,” Canden added, and smiled as his wife nodded.

  “That is assuming we retake Lender’s Dale.”

  *

  Java and Robin met Perris and the rest of the Firewalkers at the Dancing Barrel as the sun was rising. “Are we ready to go, sergeant?” Java asked, her demeanor that of the unranked Scout she still considered herself to be, in spite of her titles.

  “We are if you are, Java,” Perris replied, signaling the Firewalkers to mount up. Java and Robin formed up with the rest, taking places five women back from the front. They left Overlook by the east gate and headed toward their home.

  Firedale came into view after an additional week and a half on the road, and Java felt a surge of adrenaline as the walls appeared through the trees. Perris saw the smile that came to Java’s face, and echoed it.

  “Welcome home, Java.”

  Java turned a dazzling smile on Perris and the rest of the Firewalkers. “Oh, Perris, you don’t know how much I’ve missed this place.”

  News of Java’s return hadn’t been sent ahead, her decision having been made on the spur of the moment. The first woman to recognize Java and Robin among the returning women was Leann Herricks. She was the senior sentry on duty, and she could hardly believe her eyes when she recognized Java riding beside Perris. She grabbed the rope for the alarm bell and started ringing it, rousting the entire company.

  Captain Freeholm was joined by her lieutenants as she responded to the alarm, confused by the bell ringing in the west tower. Running to the base of the tower, she looked up to see a trooper looking down.

  “Java’s back!” Leann shouted, continuing to ring the bell and grin like an idiot.

  Captain Freeholm began smiling and turned to see all the lieutenants grinning as well. Rushing to the gate, they waited for Java and the rest to arrive. Java was in the lead with Sergeant Petersburg and Robin, and seeing her caused a lump to form in Marta’s throat. Their princess had returned.

  Java stopped Sugar at the gate and dismounted. Walking calmly forward, she stopped and saluted Captain Freeholm. “Sir, I request permission to resume my duties.”

  Captain Freeholm returned the salute, then stepped forward and hugged Java. “Welcome home, Java. Welcome home.”

  Java held on to her captain, closing her eyes to keep from crying. “Thank you, sir,” she whispered as the rest of the Firewalkers cheered.

  Java’s return was cause enough for a celebration. Everyone was in high spirits, especially Samantha and the triplets.
They had been on the opposite side of the compound, and had reported to alert stations on the walls. When it was announced that Java had returned, they made their way to the captain’s office.

  Knocking and opening the door cautiously, Sam was the first to see Java, and to be seen in return. Java all but dropped her glass of wine as she rushed to Sam and hugged her.

  “Oh, Sammy, how I’ve missed you.” Tears again glimmered in her eyes as the triplets joined them in a group hug that almost dumped them all on the floor.

  Merrit steadied the massed girls, laughing as Java struggled to hug all four of them at once. “Easy, girls. Easy.”

  Marta called them to order. “Triplets, outside. Java will be available for hugs and kisses as soon as we’re finished hugging and kissing her. Wait your turn,” she laughed, watching the triplets obediently step outside, though they stayed by the window. Samantha stayed where she was, holding Java’s hand possessively.

  Captain Freeholm nodded, smiling at Java. “You could’ve sent word that you were coming.”

  Java shook her head, swallowing at the lump in her throat. “There was no time, sir. We got a chance to leave, and took it. Any message we could’ve sent would’ve arrived with us.” She grinned, looking around the room at the women who had become her family.

  “Well, we’re going to have to make arrangements for you, Java. The company has grown some since you left, and we don’t have all that many single rooms left.” Captain Freeholm looked at Daria, and she nodded.

  “How much space are you going to need, Java?” Daria asked, thinking back on the little girl she had called to her side that morning such a short time ago.

  Java thought for a moment, then glanced at Robin. “A double? Someplace Robin and I can share?”

  Captain Freeholm sat forward, looking at Java. “Are you sure? We heard about your suite back in Whitehall. Is a double going to be big enough?”

  Java’s grin was echoed by Robin. “Oh, yes, sir. A place that big is fine when there are servants to keep it clean and warm, but out here, Robin and I are on our own. There are a lot of things that I’d rather do than sweep a room the size of the royal suite.”