Liberator

by Jones, Loren K.

  Java smiled and reached out to clasp his hand over Merrit’s shoulder. “I’m pleased to meet you, sir. Anness and Merrit have been my mentors for years. Meeting the man who produced two such outstanding women is an honor.”

  Savvin was looking rapidly between his daughters, his duchess, and the Hiddendell princess. “I don’t understand.”

  “Papa, Java was one of my scouts in the Firewalkers,” Anness explained. “She brought Merrit back to the company at the start of the war, and has been our student and friend for years.”

  “You knew I was employed by Duchess Neldan before the war, Papa,” Merrit continued. “Duchess Samantha was my student then. She returned to us three years into the war, and became my student again, and Java’s as well.”

  “Anness and Merrit, Java and Robin, and the triplets are my family, Savvin,” Samantha continued. “So are you.” Her grin made Anness laugh and Merrit giggle.

  “Papa, did Mama survive the war?” Anness asked hesitantly, dreading the answer.

  “Oh, yes. It would take more than running across half of the continent to kill your mother. Your brother didn’t come back yet, but we heard he’s in Hiddendell. He should return as soon as he hears that the war is over.” Savvin was recovering a bit of his composure, so Anness and Merrit eased their grip on him. “Come inside. Duchess,” he bowed as low as his daughters would allow, “please be welcome in our home.”

  Samantha grinned and followed closely behind him as he led the way. Merrit turned back and issued orders for the army to set up camp, then hurried to catch up. Anness and their father were almost to the door when Florian Sheridan walked out onto the porch stood staring at the people before her. “Savvin?”

  “Mama!” Anness shouted and rushed forward to hug a very startled woman. Merrit was close behind, and they almost crushed their mother between them.

  “Girls, girls, girls!” she finally shouted, making them back off and let her breath. “Oh, girls, welcome home. But who’s this?” she asked, seeing the shy smiles on Samantha, Java, Robin, and the triplets.

  “You always said you wanted granddaughters, Mama,” Anness answered with a grin. “We adopted a few in our spare time.”

  Merrit brought her adopted family forward. “Mama, this is Samantha, Duchess of Lender’s Dale. Java Mountainstand, Princess of Hiddendell. Master Mage Robin Cartwright. Master Mages Mayrie, Maygren, and Maylee Salem.”

  Each of the girls curtsied to Florian as they were introduced, and she was left speechless. Not an easy task. Her mouth opened and closed a few times, but no sound came out.

  Java solved the problem by walking forward and hugging her. “Hi,” she said softly, suddenly and unreasonably shy in front of her mentors’ mother. Samantha joined her, as did Robin and the triplets. Florian found herself in the middle of a group hug that was leaving her breathless.

  “All right, girls. Let her breathe,” Merrit laughed, patting her friends on the back. “Mother, we are home to stay.”

  Florian and Savvin were somewhat taken aback to find out she meant that literally. The farm had room to spare, and Merrit moved Samantha and the triplets into her old room, while she and Anness shared. Java and Robin got a room in the stable. Both Savvin and Florian objected to putting the princess out with the horses, but Java shook her head.

  “It’s all right, Savvin. Robin and I won’t be here long.”

  Sam overheard that comment and confronted Java later that day. “Java, what did you mean you and Robin aren’t staying? I need you.”

  Java smiled softly at her friend. “I have to go back to Whitehall, Sammy. You know that. I also need to see to things in Mountainstand County and Link County. Now that the war is over, there are a number of things I have to do. I ignored them before, but I don’t have an excuse anymore.”

  Samantha and the triplets all had tears in their eyes when Java and Robin rode out two days later. Java and Robin were in no better shape. Tears trickled down Java’s cheeks unheeded as she said goodbye to her family.

  “Sammy, you be careful and listen to Merrit and Anness. They’ll do everything in their power to make Lender’s Dale flourish again.”

  “I know, Java,” Samantha whispered. “Come back soon.”

  The triplets joined the parting hug, then linked their arms around Samantha. Java smiled, knowing that, whatever happened in the future, Samantha was well guarded.

  *

  The ride to Firedale was quiet. Merrit had sent along a squad of cavalry with Java, and every time she looked at them, she was reminded of Caitlin. After ten days, Firedale appeared through the trees. An alarm bell announced their arrival.

  Captains Freeholm and Rivers greeted Java as she dismounted. “Welcome back, Java,” Marta said as she hugged Java’s shoulders. Klamath added her hug of greeting, and led Java and Robin back to the officer’s quarters.

  “Java, we have to have a discussion as soon as you’re rested. There are some changes here that you need to know about,” Klamath said softly, causing Java to look at her closely.

  After a quick bath and a change of clothes into one of her dress uniforms, Java knocked on the captain’s door. Peeking inside at the captain’s acknowledgment, she found both captains present. “You asked to see me, sir?”

  Marta smiled softly at Java’s continued diffidence. “Yes, Java. We have a few changes that you need to be made aware of. The first is that effective in three days, Klamath will be the sole captain of the Firewalkers. I should have retired several years ago, but the war kept me here. Now it’s time for a new woman to lead the company.”

  Java’s stricken look said more than words about how she felt. “You’re leaving us?” she whispered, tears starting in her eyes. “But, what will you do? Where will you go?” Java’s chin quivered as she fought back tears at the idea of losing her captain.

  Marta smiled and went to hug Java quickly. “I have my savings, and my retirement from the League. I don’t know where I’ll end up, but I’ll be fine.”

  Java clung to Marta tightly. “I don’t want you to go,” she whispered against the captain’s breast.

  “I have to, Java. If I stay here the company will always be looking to see if I approve of Klamath’s actions and decisions. I can’t allow that. Klamath is the captain, and there can never be any doubt about that.”

  “Then come with me,” Java said suddenly. “Back to Hiddendell.”

  “What would I do there, Java? Live off your generosity? No. You know me better than that. I could never be anything less than self-sufficient.” Marta pushed Java back so she could look her in the eye.

  “Linkville,” Java said firmly. “Link County. I can’t be there enough. I have to be in Whitehall. I’ve been relying on Mayor Grendalstone for too long. I need a Lord Chamberlain. Or Lady Chatelaine?” She grinned as she looked up into Marta’s face. “Or Mountainstand. I can’t stay here anymore than I can stay in Linkville.”

  Marta stared at Java, surprise warring with flattery. “Java, do you realize what you’re saying?”

  “Captain, I know exactly what I am saying. What I’m asking. Will you be my Lady High Chatelaine in Link or Mountainstand County?” Java paused to swallow, her throat tight with fear at the thought of Marta turning her down.

  Marta gently ran her hand through Java’s short hair. “Linkville was my home for more than twenty years, Java. Do you know what you’re offering me?”

  “Yes, sir. Something better than a porch and a rocker-chair.” Java looked deep into Marta’s eyes, then smiled. Her answer was plain in the captain’s eyes.

  *

  The Change of Command ceremony was burned into Java’s memory for years afterward. Captain Freeholm stood facing Captain Rivers in her dress uniform, with the entire company present to witness the passing of an era. A simple baton carved with the Firewalkers’ crest was first offered to the Gods Above, then handed from captain to captain. With that, Freeholm’s Firewalkers became Rivers’ Firewalkers. The cheer that went up from the assembled women echoed
hollowly for Java. The company could never be the same without Marta Freeholm.

  Java was to receive another shock before the day was through. Lieutenant Skyhaven asked to see Captain Rivers, and invited Java to be present as well.

  “Captain, it’s my time as well. I was there when the Firewalkers were first formed. After more than twenty-three years in harness, it’s time to go. My last act as Lieutenant of Scouts is this.” Turning to Java, she nodded her head once. “Scout Mountainstand, it is my unpleasant duty to ask for your resignation. You may refuse, but you are no longer effective in the field. Your position as the Heir to Hiddendell has rendered you unfit for duty.”

  Java was shocked beyond words. “Lieutenant? I don’t understand. Why?” she began to tear up, fighting not to cry, but failing.

  Captain Rivers stepped forward as well. “Princess Java, however much you want to be the simple girl we all love so dearly, you are the princess. Shaireese is right. You cannot maintain your status as a scout and be the princess as well. And no, you may not resign as princess.” Klamath smiled at her own joke, making Java laugh a little.

  “But, this is who I am.” Java fingered her uniform, sniffing to clear her head. “This is who I always wanted to be.”

  “It is who you always will be, princess. But you cannot live our life anymore. Your life is too important now. As is Duchess Samantha’s life. You couldn’t allow her to take an active part as a scout any more than we can allow you to continue as a scout.” Klamath stepped forward and placed her hands on Java’s shoulders. Looking down into those deep blue eyes, she almost relented. But duty came first. “You may, if it is your wish, continue to wear the uniform. You’ve earned that right.”

  That was the final blow for Java. Bursting into tears, she fled the captain’s office and jumped on to Sugar’s back. Riding hard, she headed for Vandalburg, and Jah’Moke.

  *

  Jah’Moke stroked Java’s hair as she cried on his pillow. She had gasped out her story as soon as she arrived, still crying and choking over the captain’s words. “…But I don’t want to quit! I still want to be a Firewalker!”

  “Java, you will always be a Firewalker,” Jah’Moke said as his hands soothed her back. “You will never lose that, any more than I will lose being a Vandal.” He slid a hand under her shoulder and rolled her over to face him. “Java, I don’t know if I’ll be staying here now. I…”

  “No!” Java surged up from the bed and clasped him as tightly as she could. “I can’t lose you as well.”

  Jah’Moke found himself unable to breathe, and had to pry Java loose before he could continue. “Java, you can’t lose me. We are bonded, heart to heart, if not legally by the laws of the duchies.”

  “Then we will be bonded,” Java said, suddenly afraid that her entire world was about to fall apart.

  “I must ask your parents, Java.” He looked Java in the eye and saw her understanding. “My honor demands your fathers’ permission. Both of them.”

  “And I have to ask your mother.” She grinned as she sat up and wiped her eyes. “I want to see Naria and Arten’s faces when we have a Latté wedding.” The picture that formed in her mind got her laughing. “Arten thinks Naria is loud.”

  Java went with Jah’Moke to see Captain Wilkinson that evening. “Sir, I respectfully request to resign from the Vandals.” Jah’Moke stood at attention in the captain’s office, facing the man he had served for seven years.

  Captain Wilkinson looked at Jah’Moke, then at Java. “Scout Java, what do you have to say about this?”

  Java had to swallow around the lump that had jumped into her throat when the captain had called her Scout. “I’m not a scout anymore, Captain. Captain Rivers asked for my resignation this morning.” Her voice cracked, and she saw a teardrop fall to spatter on her boot.

  Captain Wilkinson was surprised, but he hid it well. “So, will you now accept the title of princess?”

  “Yes, sir,” she whispered, not looking up.

  “Princess Java, do you have anything to do with Scout Cawfy’s decision to resign?” Captain Wilkinson was watching Java closely, but Jah’Moke answered.

  “No, sir. I had decided to resign a while ago. I was just waiting for the right time. I intend to petition Java’s fathers for permission to marry her…”

  “…and I’ll petition Jah’Moke’s mother for permission to marry him,” Java finished, looking up at Captain Wilkinson.

  The captain smiled, then bowed to Java. “Princess, I wish you and Jah’Moke happiness.” Turning to Jah’Moke, he nodded. “Scout Cawfy, your resignation is accepted. Please remove your company patches from your clothing. I will instruct the quartermasters to have your account paid out in the morning. On behalf of the company, I thank you for your years of good service.”

  Jah’Moke saluted, then led Java to the alehouse that had been built just outside the gates by three freshly retired Vandals. Morning would be soon enough to cry. Tonight was a night for joy.

  “Everyone, listen!” he shouted into the noise of the main room, raising both arms to attract the attention of his friends. “My friends, the captain has accepted my resignation. Tomorrow we will be leaving for Hiddendell.”

  Weldon saw Java hiding behind Jah’Moke and began laughing. “And I know who ‘we’ are. Java, come out here.” He held out his hand and she went to him hesitantly. “Why so shy?”

  “Captain Rivers asked for my resignation this morning,” she said softly, letting Weldon digest her pronouncement for a moment. “She pointed out that I can’t be effective as a scout if I’m the princess.”

  “Then you’re taking Jah’Moke home to meet your adopted parents?” he asked, grinning. “I’d love to see that.”

  Java laughed. Weldon had never changed his attitude toward her. Scout, lady, or princess, she was still the shy little girl he had met in the forest. “It should be interesting. He’s going to ask for permission to marry me from both of my fathers, and I’ll be asking Caloo’Ah for him.” Java grinned, her spirits returning with her stability.

  The night turned into a wild party celebrating Java and Jah’Moke’s betrothal and his resignation. Java laughed and danced, buying drinks all around. There were advantages to being rich. The sun peeking over the trees announced the new day, and Java and Jah’Moke staggered to his room one last time. “Oh, Java, I don’t know if I’m more tired or drunk.”

  “I do. I’m more drunk. Do you think Captain Wilkinson would mind if we slept for a while? Jah’Moke?” A long snore answered her, and she grinned as she collapsed onto the bed beside him.

  *

  A hand shaking her shoulder woke her some time later and she looked through blurry, bloodshot eyes at Marsa Wilkinson.

  “Drink this, Princess Java,” she whispered softly, pressing a mug of something warm into her hand. Jah’Moke still snored beside her, and she wondered why she was being awakened. The mug was full of very strong willow-bark tea, sweetened with honey. She gagged a little on the mixture of sweet and bitter, then finished it. Following Marsa quietly out of Jah’Moke’s room, she saw the reason for Marsa waking her. Marta and Shair stood talking with Randy Wilkinson in the late afternoon sun.

  “There she is,” Captain Wilkinson said softly as he spotted Java.

  Marta turned and smiled as Java gingerly walked toward them. “When you didn’t come back this morning, we got worried.”

  “Sorry, sir,” Java said automatically. “Jah’Moke and I proposed yesterday, and we had a bit of a party to celebrate.” Her eyes itched and weren’t staying focused, but she was too happy to care.

  “Really? Java, what about Arten and Naria?” Marta asked, looking closely at her.

  “Jah’Moke is going to ask them, as is proper. First, I have to get permission from his mother. We’re planning to go down there in the next day or two.” Java’s smile was so happy that neither Marta nor Shair dared say anything negative for fear of breaking her mood.

  Shair stepped forward and hugged Java. “Be happy, s
weetling. I’m going to miss you.” She kissed Java’s cheek, then drew away to wipe a tear from her eye.

  “Miss me? Lieutenant, where are you going?” Java was sobering up quickly, but didn’t remember that Shair had resigned yesterday.

  “I’m moving in with Sabrina, Java. She invited me to join her, and if things work out we may be bonded.” Shair’s smile was soft and tender as she spoke of her friend.

  “But, I…” Java stopped, her mind finally catching up with her. “You resigned yesterday,” she said softly, turning to look at the ground as she took a step toward the porch of the barracks. Turning back, she saw Marta standing beside Shair and an idea quickly formed. “Captain, you’re coming back to Linkville with me, but I still need someone here.”

  Marta picked up Java’s idea and grinned at Shair. “Lady Shair, I think you’re going to be staying in Mountainstand County.”

  “Now, wait a minute…”

  “The Dragon is going to be a bit short of customers for a while, and you’ll be able to handle everything,” Java quickly continued.

  Marta grinned as she put an arm around Shair’s shoulders. “Sabrina asked me two months ago about building an inn by Firedale. Klamath likes the idea, and it’ll keep you busy.” Helping Java convince Shair that staying and running Mountainstand County was a good idea.

  “I really need a caretaker who cares. You do still care, don’t you?” Java asked, tilting her head and looking up at Shair.

  “Under what conditions, Java? Will I be in charge, or do I have to run to you for permission to do what needs to be done?” Shair was looking closely at her former charge, and saw her grin.

  “Of course you’ll be in charge. Gods, what do I know about running a county?” Java’s grin was infectious, and Randy and Marsa joined in.

  “Shair, you’re perfect. You’re smart, strong-willed, and you’re one of us.” Looking at Java, Randy grinned. “I’ve been a little worried about who you were going to leave in charge when you went back to Whitehall. Most nobles don’t have the highest opinion of mercenaries.”