A Stag in the Shadows

by S E Turner

  The warmth settled into her thoughts and body, softening her pain and focusing her mind. She leaned her head back onto the rim of the tub and looked up at the ceiling. Right now, the simple structure of the room seemed perfectly balanced. A large full length mirror had been placed by another window to give her the best light. What a good idea that is she thought. A warrior in the making always needs a mirror to train with.

  Behind her, the sound of the cell door opening, jolted her out of her thoughts. It was Meredith bringing in a tray of eggs and toast.

  'Is everything okay Mistress Saskia?' She said, putting them on the small table .

  'It most certainly is Meredith, thank you so much.'

  'If there is nothing else, then I shall leave you until lunch time. There are lots of books to read, and board games to play.'

  Thank you Meredith.'

  The maid picked up the discarded clothes and went to close the grilled door behind her.

  'Oh Meredith.'

  'Yes.'

  'Could you ask Coben to come and see me when he has a moment. There is something I need him to do for me.'

  'Certainly, I will tell him as soon as I see him.'

  The door was locked and Saskia was on her own again. She sank down under the water and breathed bubbles out through her nose.

  Because something had changed in her. Saskia's mind flooded with memories of what her brother had told her. 'Be the warrior that you were meant to be.'

  Her pride and rage grew, her ambition flared. A huge reservoir of power surged into her newly polished skin. A power that had been dormant suddenly became very real, and she could taste the raw energy. Now she knew what Vlavos had meant.

  She would become that warrior. She would find her power. She would execute their revenge.

  Chapter Fifteen

  He came at six pm that same evening.

  'Good evening Saskia, Meredith told me that you have a request.'

  'That I do Coben.' A smile flickered across her lips.

  He smiled back, looking a little uncomfortable as her gaze lingered rather longer than was usual.

  'Well..?' he coughed.

  'I want you to teach me how to fight.'

  'What!' He shook his head stubbornly. 'I can't do that.'

  'Why not?' Her voice was querulous.

  'Because I just can't, I am here to take care of you, that's all. If the master found out...'

  'But he won't find out will he? You have the keys to everything. Just lock the doors. Meredith gives me my supper at five, then leaves me for the evening. She collects the dishes in the morning when she brings my breakfast, and then she prepares my bath.'

  'It won't work Saskia, the walls have ears, the candles have eyes. '

  'So you are supposed to protect me right?' She went on.

  'Yes, I am.'

  'So what if something happens to me when you are not around and I am unable to defend myself?'

  He was deep in reverie, as a past life he had tried so hard to forget, flooded his mind. He heard the screams, he felt the heat, he knew the weapons were there to kill.

  'Coben?' She could see his troubled mind.

  'I have mixed feelings about this,' his voice was low.

  'Why?' she continued.

  'It's too dangerous.'

  'I know it's dangerous. But there is something else that is on your mind. What is it?'

  'I can't tell you that.'

  'Please Coben.'

  'I can't tell you Saskia. It's too painful for me. I don't want to talk about it—but I will see you tomorrow evening at six pm.'

  She knew from the look on his face, that something dark and sinister had been pushed to the back of his mind. Who was she to open up old wounds? Instead she took his hands and kissed them. 'Thank you my friend.'

  He bid her goodnight, and she held on to the bars as she watched him go. When the sound of his feet had trailed off into the distance, she found herself alone again. She wandered round her lonely tower; aimlessly, hopelessly. Would she ever get used to being alone she thought to herself. She picked up a up a book, flicked through the pages, but decided she wasn't in the mood for reading tonight. The assortment of games, cards and maps were still in a tumble on the table. She brushed the dust off a board game, it looked a little complicated, and she didn't want to think too much right now. So she moved to the window, opened it wide and breathed in the air. The owl dived past, but she didn't want to see a vulnerable creature lose its life again. Shutting the window tightly again, and rubbing a shiver off her shoulders, she started to hum a tune. Then she began to sing; and as she sung, her body began to sway in time to the rhythm. She moved across the floor and encouraged an array of pitch perfect harmonies to come in. She conducted her arms to bring in the wind instruments and the harp. It was beautiful and poetic. The whole room had come alive. A flurry of air, as soft as a sea breeze, curled round her face and took her breath away. She saw a lonely man sitting by himself, so she beckoned him over. He took her hand and kissed it; a kind face looked up at her and held the gaze. They took the stance and waited for the first movement. He held her protectively, commandingly, pulling her close in to his warm embrace, and began to move her around the floor in time to the music. He looked at her the whole time, one hand in the small of her back, the other caressing her palm. He didn't speak. The music was all they needed. He smiled throughout the duration, lost in the moment. She felt the same.

  Saskia could feel the magic in him. His shoulders were pulled back and his posture strong. She felt his love for the dance and the movement flowing through his body. He was totally absorbed in her. She copied his stance and closed her eyes. She imagined she was free like the wind, and felt the sensations of a tempestuous storm; embracing, pounding, her cheeks were flushed and she felt enormous power coming from him. She moved her feet lightly and rhythmically in time to the music, keeping her movements fluid with the imaginary drumbeat and make-believe strings. She arched her back and pointed her toes as if she was being twirled through the air by the young man, and felt like a bird with all their beauty, grace and majesty.

  He could feel her beating heart against his own, and the vibrations from her vocal chords as she hummed quietly. He kissed her brow. Nothing else existed but them and the music.

  Her partner was incredibly handsome, with dark blond hair and brilliant blue eyes. He stood tall with a muscular frame; and in her mind, his voice would be as soft as velvet. Those beautiful eyes were enhanced by symmetrical, almost manicured eyebrows, and his features sat proud on a healthy tanned skin. She studied the colours around him; he exuded mostly yellow which suggested he was probably logical and committed to things, though a tendency to work too hard reminded her of her father. Around that was a pink hue, which showed that he was very romantic and would stay faithful, loving, and loyal for life. He would be a perfect husband with those traits, she thought. The green that she saw, demonstrated his love for beautiful things; for nature and being outdoors, noticing the change in the seasons, watching the animals prepare for transitions, being respectful of the weather and the differences it made. And finally, the blue indicated intelligence with a high level of intuition. She liked that and admired his qualities. He would make a fine partner, they would work well together.

  The owl screeched as it flew past her window.

  She shook herself free from analysing her imaginary companion. She knew it was all in her head, and slowly the image began to fade. The music began to slow. Her thoughts and humming muted to a stop. The young man held her small white hand gracefully, and with a gaze that held her own, he bowed to her. She felt the need to curtsey before him and lowered her face as she did so. Still, he didn't say any words. Instead, without letting go of her hand, he led her to the bed.

  She sat down and watched him walk backwards.

  'See you tomorrow,' she said. Her voice thin and sad.

  Her partner smiled back and blew her a kiss.

  'Thank you for the dance.' She didn't want him to
go. 'I promise I will practise.'

  She reached out for him again, but the image was blurred.

  'Goodbye,' she said.

  The partner had gone. She was alone again.

  She returned to the bed, closed her eyes, and tried to conjure him up again in her dreams.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Coben came in at six p.m. as promised. He looked shiftily behind to check that no one had followed him.

  Saskia put her book down and walked over to greet him.

  'It's good to see you Coben.'

  'It's good to see you as well Mistress Saskia, and I hope that you are comfortable here.'

  'I am, for the time being.' She looked around. 'It is early days, and I have enough to occupy me for now. Though I must know what is to become of me. You haven't told me anything.'

  He was unsure of what to say. If he told her the truth, it might unsettle her. If he told her a lie, it would unsettle him. He chose the former, because he knew she needed to know.

  'The king wants you for himself Saskia.'

  'What?'

  'When you are sixteen years old he will take for his wife. '

  She held a hand up to her mouth to hide the shock. 'But he is so old.' Tears came to her eyes. 'He is like a father, not a man I could lay with.' She thought of her imaginary dancing partner.

  'I am sorry Saskia, there is nothing I can do.'

  'I know Coben. I know that you have an allegiance to the king and are bound to him.'

  A tear ran down her cheek. She wiped it away in defiance. Her thoughts of escape were heightened more than ever now.

  'While you are here, and the king believes that you will be his wife, then both you and your father are safe.'

  'And my people.'

  He looked away.

  'Coben, my people, are they safe?'

  'Most of them. Like I say, I cannot interfere too much. It would be noticed, and then everyone would be in danger.'

  She hung her head in dismay as he continued.

  'I won't be able to do this every week Saskia. It will probably be once a month. It's too dangerous otherwise. If someone sees me, or if the king gets wind of this, then I dread to think what could happen.'

  'I understand.' Her head was still low.

  'I will check on you though, so as not to raise suspicion. I will tell you how your father is faring.'

  'Thank you, you are very kind.'

  Coben sighed a deep sigh. He still wasn't sure about this. But since Saskia had made the request, it had forced him to consider something from his past. What if his wife or his daughter had been more prepared? What if they could wield a sword or had developed a strength from hand to hand combat, would the outcome have been different? He didn't know. But he could make a difference to this girl's life now.

  'I will teach you the basics, and you will practise when you are alone. Is that a reasonable deal?'

  'Of course it is Coben, I know you are very busy with lots of things, so thank you for doing this for me.'

  'Hmmm.' He still wasn't entirely sure.

  Before he could change his mind, she forced a change in her demeanour. 'Come on then. Let's start right now.'

  It shook him out of his confused state.

  'I have brought a more suitable attire for you. You will not be able to move properly in what you are wearing.' He looked at the long dress that would restrict her gait. 'Take this and change. I will put a sheet over the grill on the door.'

  She took the small bindle and rolled it out on the bed. As it uncurled itself, a purple and green doublet, a pair of breeches, long grey socks and a pair of doe skin slippers tumbled out.

  'Wow, I really am going to be a scholar of the blade.' Her eyes lit up.

  'In time,' said Coben stuffing a sheet under the door. 'Just in case,' he said. 'Like I say, the walls have ears, the candles have eyes.'

  She cocked her head and puckered her face, as if to say what difference will that make.

  'Might give me a bit of time to conceal myself, that's all. '

  She changed her clothes behind the room divider and coiled her hair up into a bun.

  'I'm ready now,' she enthused.

  'And so am I.'

  He removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. His arms were huge. His fists gripped tightly.

  'What are we going to do?' her voice was anxious.

  'Copy me.'

  'What?'

  'We are going to start with getting you strong and focused. Now copy me.'

  Coben and Saskia moved from their positions on the outside of the room and met each other in the middle. They faced each other with stern faces, and Coben gave his first bit of advice. 'Remember to think of something you wish to conquer, and then feel the power of your muscles guiding you.'

  She nodded in complete seriousness.

  The sparring began. At first they moved with exaggerated slowness, creeping on their feet and focusing through raised fists. They didn't want to make any mistakes and needed to read their opponent. An invisible chord held them together as they bobbed and ducked, swerved and retreated, using the space in the ring to build momentum.

  Saskia was very inexperienced, having only had mock fights with her brother, and misjudged his first swipe. She came in too close and Coben struck out. Saskia recoiled and dodged the strike. A gasp from her mouth showed her reaction. She chastised herself immediately and took time to refocus. She channelled her strength and rooted herself to the ground.

  'Don't rush Saskia, we have plenty of time.' His words were encouraging.

  Of course he was experienced and three times as strong, he could knock her out with one strike, but he continued to advise her as he moved round the room.

  'Think with your brain Saskia and feel with your soul, then you will connect with your arms and fists.'

  'I'm trying, I'm really trying.' Her teeth were clenched, her fists tight. She raised her concentration levels, and channelled that energy into her body.

  The moves got quicker. Jabbing, hooking, striking as they hopped and skipped round the room, holding perfect concentration and focus.

  Coben went in with a succession of sweeps but Saskia blocked them with quick arms and protected her body. She responded with a two fist strike but that was defended well by Coben. They parried round the room and Coben launched with a perfectly executed full arm thrust, just missing her cheek bone by a whisper. Saskia recoiled and returned with a clean sweep. She caught Coben on the jaw who staggered back and shook the surprise from his face.

  'That's good, Saskia, you are channelling that aggression. Now, stay focused, keep your arms raised.'Saskia launched in again with the other fist and Coben only just blocked it in time. They refocused and eyed each other, dancing and jabbing with continual movements.

  To Saskia, she wasn't in a prison anymore. She was in a green field and felt the power of nature connect with her soul. She felt alive, and wiped the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. She didn't even notice Coben giving her advice and urging her on—she was immersed in her own world.

  Coben had been warning her of what he was going to do, and came at her with a swipe that knocked her off balance. The invisible chord was still taut but Saskia staggered and lost her footing.

  'Focus Saskia, never lose your focus.'

  She chastised herself for letting her mind wander, but Coben had momentarily looked at the door. He thought he had heard something outside. He was distracted.

  This was the opportunity that she was waiting for and a full arm forward thrust caught him on the chin.

  He quickly grasped her hand as she went in for another strike. 'You fight well Saskia. You learn quickly. You will become a strong warrior as you grow. Develop that aggression and channel that energy. Then you will beat any man or woman that you face.'

  'Can we continue Coben? I am just fired up.'

  That's enough for today Saskia, I have other commitments to attend to; including checking on your father. but keep practising, never stop practisin
g. In a few more weeks we will fight with a sword.'

  Chapter Seventeen

  Moira lifted her skirts and stepped lightly through the mud. It had been raining in the day and the fields were now sodden. In these misty damp evenings, the majestic structure of the mountains seemed grey and forlorn, and the many stone faces that peered from its walls were darkened by the mist and the wet of the rain.

  She was preparing the evening meal. Winta was in the meadow picking some herbs and wild mushrooms with Tiller; so Asher was helping her today. It was a chilly evening, and Asher wrapped her shawl around her and folded her arms tightly. The trestles were being laid out, where at the end of her serving table were jugs of water for the workers, and flagons of wine for the guards. It was always the best part of the day when the group could come together. They didn't socialise with other communities; not that they didn't want to, more that it wasn't allowed. So when a young, comely man, approached her table, she was surprised to say the least .

  Asher noticed him as well; and although short and slender of build, what he lacked in height and girth, he made up for by the way he held himself. He removed his hat to his hands, which exposed thick, brown hair and dark green eyes. To every one around, aside from the build, he bore a striking resemblance to the late Vlavos Von Aiden. Asher averted her gaze when his own met hers.

  'You are taking a bit of a risk aren't you young man?' said Moira, her chin receding into her jowls. 'You know the rules.'

  'I'm sorry ma'am, and I hope I don't get anyone into trouble—but I had to come and say hello to the beautiful lady here.'

  Moira looked at Asher, who had turned a pale shade of crimson, and trying her hardest to stop the flush.

  'Well you've said hello to her, now I suggest you get back to your station.'

  'Please, if I may be permitted just ten minutes with the lady. Perhaps we could share a glass of water before our meal.'

  Moira looked at Asher. 'Is this what you want?'

  Asher looked at the young man and nodded.