Liberator
Page 30
Shair was looking back and forth between her friends, grinning. “Do I have any say in this?”
“No!” Java, Marta, Randy and Marsa all answered together. Java went to Shair and hugged her, snuggling close.
“Shair, I still need you. I’ll always need you.”
CHAPTER 23: ARRANGEMENTS
I didn’t think it would be this complicated.
Master Scholar Princess Sharindis Zel’Andral, “Travels with Stavin”
JAVA AND JAH’MOKE SPENT THE NEXT two nights in Firedale with Robin, Marta, and Shair, making arrangements for Shair and Sabrina to build a second inn in Firedale.
“Shair, I am naming you my Lady High Chatelaine for Mountainstand County,” Java said as she handed a parchment to Shair. “Captain Freeholm is going to be Lady High Chatelaine for Link County. The Firewalkers have Firedale, but they still have a contract with Hiddendell to provide border defenses. Captain Rivers,” Java looked over to where Klamath was reviewing her own paperwork, “do you intend to keep up the compound in Linkville?”
“Of course, Princess. It’s too far to travel from Firedale to anywhere in Hiddendell for a force to be effective. Two hundred women will be there at all times, rotating back here at six-month intervals.”
Java nodded. “I wanted to make sure. Captain Freeholm will be in charge of the Firewalkers as well as the rest of the county.” Turning back to Marta, she grinned. “Do you want to stay in the compound, or the manor?”
Marta was looking at Java strangely. “The manor, Java?” she asked softly.
“Why not? I’m not going to be there much. And I do think it’s appropriate. After all, you are part of my family.” Java grinned.
“What about your parents?” Marta asked softly, looking in to Java’s eyes. “Your birth parents, not Arten and Naria.”
Java made a face. “Father’s so stubborn! He won’t leave Equintain.”
“So that’s who you get it from,” Jah’Moke commented, making everyone but Java laugh.
“I am not stubborn,” she said, looking at him with wide eyes. “Just determined.”
“I don’t want to get hit, so I won’t say what I am thinking,” Jah’Moke said with a chuckle, getting hit anyway.
*
Java, Robin and Jah’Moke traveled to the Latté camp in Lender’s Dale over the next five days. Captain Rivers detailed ten cavalrywomen to escort her, over her objections, saying that their contract to protect Hiddendell included protecting Hiddendell’s Princess.
The Latté had moved into an open area where they could graze their herds in relative security. Duchess Samantha had given them permission to roam the duchy in thanks for their help against Frander. Carr’Bon Veer greeted them with such enthusiasm that Java was swept off her feet.
“Princess, welcome!” he shouted in her ear, deafening her.
“Carr’Bon, you honor me!” she shouted back, laughing and making him laugh.
“What brings Hiddendell’s heir to the Latté?” he asked, grinning at Java and Jah’Moke standing side by side.
Java didn’t say anything, just turned and went to face Moh’Cah and Caloo’Ah. Kneeling at their feet, she placed her forehead against the ground. “Caloo’Ah of the Latté, I ask in humility for your son in marriage.”
“Why do you choose my son?” Caloo’Ah asked, following the ancient ritual that Java had begun.
“I choose Jah’Moke for love. I choose Jah’Moke for life. I choose Jah’Moke for the father of my children,” Java intoned.
“Java Mountainstand of the house of Carrington, it is my honor to grant you permission to marry my son, Jah’Moke,” Caloo’Ah completed the ceremony to the wild shouts of her family and friends.
Java found herself swamped in a sea of Latté as the entire tribe swarmed in to congratulate her and Jah’Moke. Java laughed and returned hugs and kisses all around. Robin was drawn in and showered with kisses as well. Her laughter blended with Java’s as they were accepted into the Latté.
Java’s escort stood back, smiling at Java’s reception by the Latté. Their princess was happy. Their princess was accepted. And in the future, their duchess, and duke, would always be a part of them, even if they were in another duchy.
About the Author
A U. S. Navy veteran, Loren K. Jones served as a nuclear reactor operator on attack submarines for six years before his honorable discharge in 1986. Loren makes his living as an instrumentation and controls technician, and writes because the stories won’t leave him alone until he does.