With his bow in hand, Teo crept to a position in sight of the opposite bluff where he had noticed the movement of the enemy archer. “Ready?”
“Ready when you are.” Ana opened the box of Vulkain sticks. “But, Captain, try not to burn down the entire forest. It’s such a pretty forest.”
She struck a match and held it to the cloth-wrapped arrow in Teo’s bow. Immediately it crackled and sparked into a small blaze. Teo raised the burning missile to the sky and let it go. With a smoky whoosh, it arced across the river and landed near the enemy’s position. Teo and Ana fired a dozen flaming arrows in rapid succession. Within minutes the opposite bank was ablaze. The tinder-dry forest, desiccated by the recent drought, took the flames into its bosom like a forbidden lover.
“Okay, let’s go! Stay right beside me!” Teo threw his crutch aside and lumbered as fast as he could across the unprotected open space to the canoe, making sure he kept his body between Anastasia and the opposite bank. He half expected an arrow to come sailing out of the wall of flame, though he knew the smoke would frustrate an archer’s accuracy.
Shoving the boat into the river, Teo began paddling upstream. Now he was back in control. His leg might be sorely injured, but the powerful muscles of his shoulders bore no such harm. He dug in with the paddle, and the canoe leaped forward.
“There they are! Two of them! Behind us!”
Teo turned and saw two figures on the shoreline, standing in a place the fire hadn’t yet reached. He heard the whizzing sound of an arrow, followed by a splash as the missile hit the river just shy of the stern. The impact of the arrow on the water spritzed his hand. Moments later, a second arrow impaled itself in the gunwale of the canoe, and a third bounced off his paddle on its recovery stroke.
“Let me help!” Ana grabbed a paddle, adding her strength to his. Soon they rounded a curve and left their enemies behind, though they didn’t dare stop. For an hour they moved quietly upstream, hugging the far bank, not wishing to make a sound lest they draw the attention of any other marauders.
Teo finally broke the silence. “Anastasia, can I ask you something?”
Ana lifted her dripping paddle and turned her head from her position in the front, awaiting Teo’s question.
“May I see what you’re carrying in these two giant sacks?”
Ana threw back her head and laughed. Turning again toward the front, she answered, “Sure. I think you’ll be pleased.”
Teo stooped and peeked inside the mouth of each burlap bag. A smile crept across his face, and he let out a long breath. With new admiration, he stared at the woman in front of him. In all the excitement, he hadn’t bothered to take a good look at her. Her shredded gown was covered in blood and soil, and her tangled hair was tufted with leaves. Yet she held her head high and her back straight as she paddled toward her home. Teo’s smile widened into a broad grin. And though he couldn’t see her face, he was certain Anastasia was smiling too.
CHAPTER
2
The village of Edgeton came into view as the sun’s rays were beginning to angle lower in the sky. Teo noticed that when Anastasia saw the wooden dock jutting into the river, she began to paddle harder, in the knowledge she was almost home.
The town was located, as its name implied, on the edge of the Kingdom of Chiveis. Because the Fifth Regiment was permanently deployed to guard the frontier around this region, Teo knew a thing or two about Edgeton, though he had experienced little of its day-to-day life. The headquarters and barracks of the Fifth Regiment lay about a league down the river on a hill, and the soldiers communicated with the Citadel by boat or by carrier pigeon when speed was required. While the regiment’s cooks and quartermasters might have had reasons for commerce with the local villagers, a captain like Teo reported directly to the Warlord, and so had little cause for interaction with the area farmers. Teo believed one of his primary duties was to protect these rustic, openhearted folk whom he admired so much. Yet it shouldn’t be expected that the shepherd would mill around with the sheep.
As the canoe approached Edgeton’s dock, a barrel-chested young man with no shirt roused himself from the nap he had been taking on the riverbank in the shade of his own hat. He pitched his fishing pole onto the sand and stood up.
“Anastasia! It’s me—Fynn! What are you doing with the guardsman? Are you in trouble? Can I—is there—what can I do?”
Before she could answer, Teo called back, “She has no need of aid, my friend. She’s with me.”
Fynn didn’t give up but ran along the riverbank, dodging branches, trying to stay even with the boat’s progress.
“I’m in good hands, Fynn,” Ana said as the canoe pulled close to the dock. Fynn joined several other young men who had been making their way to the waterfront.
“You’re covered in blood, Anastasia,” one of them said.
“And your hem is ripped up to your—up to there,” said another, pointing at Ana’s legs. His voice trailed off.
“Let me, uh, give you a hand.” Fynn reached down and helped Ana onto the dock. A few snickers arose from the young men. Blushing, Fynn stepped back into the little crowd.
From the boat, Teo watched the scene unfold. Obviously the girl was beloved in her hometown. She was at peace here; this was her natural place. Her friends surrounded her with their affection, and she returned it freely. She shone as one of Edgeton’s brightest constellations. In fact, she seemed to be its polestar.
Teo climbed onto the dock, leaning casually on his sheathed sword, holding his left leg as straight as he could.
“If you think she’s done something wrong, guardsman, you’re mistaken,” Fynn said with his chin out. “She’s not that type of person.”
“What type of person never does any wrong?” Teo leaned forward a bit, and the men on the dock bunched together.
Ana stepped between Teo and the men and defused the tension. “My dear Fynn, Captain Teofil isn’t arresting me! He has bravely escorted me from many dangers.” It was only partly true, but Teo was glad she had said it.
“Fynn, could you please help me with a heavy task?” Ana rested her palm on his thick shoulder. “There are two sacks in my boat. If you could lift them out for me, I’d appreciate it.”
“Of course, Anastasia!” The burly youth bent to the water and grabbed the sacks, effortlessly hauling them up. As he maneuvered for space on the crowded dock, Teo tried to step out of the way, but his injured leg buckled. He stumbled, grunting in pain.
Ana took him by the arm. “Captain Teofil, we must find you a place to rest! My house is close by. Come with me.”
Teo hesitated. He knew he shouldn’t delay reporting the encounter with the outsiders to his superiors, yet he was more than a little curious about Ana’s home life. Perhaps a brief greeting to her parents wouldn’t hurt. Convincing himself that his duty required seeing the citizen all the way to her house, Teo followed Ana up the rise toward the village. An intense ache pounded in his leg, but he ignored the discomfort and walked with a normal-looking gait.
“Oh, and by the way, boys,” Ana called over her shoulder, “if you’d carry the boar meat to the butcher, I’d be so grateful. As for the bear I took today, you fellows can keep the steaks for your trouble. Thank you!”
Ana let her gaze linger a moment on their faces, their mouths making little round holes like the doors to a birdhouse. She left her friends on the dock in stunned silence. Teo smiled and shook his head at this spirited girl. They don’t make them like this in the Citadel, he thought.
The gate to the wooden stockade around Edgeton lay open, for dusk, though coming on strong, had not yet fallen. Midsummer in Edgeton was a time for long days in the fields followed by long evenings of relaxation. Teo and Ana had arrived just as one was giving way to the other. The farmers were streaming into town for an ale, a meal, and an evening with friends—in that order.
Ana’s house was a modest affair. It was a chalet of rough-cut timbers with overhanging eaves, a cedar-shake roof, and numerous w
indows whose green shutters were flung open to catch the evening breeze. A wide balcony spanned the upper level of the building, its railing decorated with intricate carvings in a wild-animal motif. Flower boxes spilled color down the dark brown walls. Above the main door, a heraldic crest bore the image of a bear, the symbol of this frontier village. Teo guessed the home was neither the biggest nor the smallest in Edgeton. It stood at a crossroad on the main square. That’s appropriate, he thought. The girl is the center of this town. I wonder how many hopeful suitors have called her out to that balcony over the years?
As they approached the home, a middle-aged couple emerged from the doorway with welcoming expressions, though Teo discerned questions behind their eyes as well. The man was well built, not paunchy as men of his age often are. The frontier men’s arduous days rarely allowed them the luxury of a belly. He wore a beard, whose smattering of gray spoke more of wisdom than of feebleness. His linen shirt was tied loosely at the neck and overlaid by a vest of forest green. A wide leather belt seemed to trim his waist and broaden his shoulders. He was the quintessential Chiveisian farmer—sturdy, sober, hard working.
Ana’s mother clearly was the source of her daughter’s good looks. Either she was much younger than her husband or she was remarkably well preserved. In her day, she must have been quite a beauty. No, Teo admitted, she’s a beauty right now. She was slim, slightly shorter than Ana, but had the same honey-colored hair. Her smile was sweet, and Teo could tell by the way she carried herself that she was the more gregarious partner in the marriage. The woman exuded charm and grace. Ana’s father must be quite a man to have won her heart.
“Welcome to my home,” the man said, extending his right hand to clasp Teo’s. “Judging by your presence here, guardsman, and by my daughter’s appearance, it seems you may have run into a bit of trouble. If you’ve come to her aid, you have my thanks. I am Stratetix of Edgeton, and I bid you to feel at home in our midst.”
“I’m Captain Teofil of the Fifth Regiment. Thank you for your hospitality.”
“Captain Teofil? Ha! Imagine that! A tournament champion in my home! The other day during our wagering, the men at the public house were debating your skills. I defended your merits, young man. In fact, I have a fair amount of steel coin resting on your shoulders.”
“I’ll do my best to earn you your winnings, sir.”
“If you do half your best at the tournament, I think it’ll be enough. I’ve heard how well you ride and shoot. They say you can put an arrow through a bird on the wing.” Stratetix turned and gestured toward his wife. “Captain Teofil, may I introduce you to my beloved? This is Helena d’Armand of Edgeton, my bride for these past twenty-five years.”
Helena stepped forward and bowed from the waist. Teo did the same.
“D’Armand?” he asked, straightening. “Are you related to Armand of Edgeton, the warrior?”
“He was my father.”
“Was he indeed? He’s highly regarded among the men of the Fifth. We all know the stories of how he fought at the side of the king, back in the days when battles were still waged with outsiders.”
“I remember him not as a man of war but of gentleness.”
“And no doubt of wisdom, too. It’s said he carried great weight with the High Council and had the king’s ear in all things.”
“Yes, he was most wise. He taught me to value wisdom in a man above all else.” Helena gestured to Teo’s knee. “It appears you’re wounded. Is there something we can do to make you comfortable?”
“Ah, thank you, but I have to be going.”
A voice interrupted from the street. “Anastasia! Come join us! We want to hear the tale of your bear!” It was Fynn, with a gaggle of young men and women, laughing together with mugs in their hands.
Ana turned to Teo. “Captain Teofil, I wondered—that is, I believe—I believe the wild boar is your kill. The butcher will deliver it shortly. Perhaps you should rest your knee here. My father would be happy to broil the meat for our evening meal. You could discuss the hunt and politics and the things of men. It would be my honor to host you.”
“Anastasia! Don’t keep us waiting!” Fynn waved his empty pewter stein. “Escape from your guard and come drink with us! He can’t catch you with that leg of his!” The crowd of revelers burst into laughter.
“Thank you for your kind offer,” Teo said to Ana, “but unfortunately, I can’t stay. I have other things to do than remain here in Edgeton.”
Teo could see from the way Ana’s face fell that he had said the wrong thing. Her chin dropped slowly, and she gazed at her feet for a long moment.
“What I meant is, I have important business. You know, kingdom affairs.” Teo searched for the right words. “I have high-level duties. I need to make an immediate report to the Warlord. I have to file documents.” Documents? No, Teo, that isn’t it.
Ana looked up at him, her long-lashed eyes opened wide. For a moment he feared there might be tears lurking in their depths. She had such pretty eyes. They were a vivid blue, shimmering with an undertone of green.
“I certainly understand, Captain,” Ana said quietly. “One must put first things first.”
“Right. My professional duty is my priority. And I have friends I need to see.” Ach! Wrong again. Teo knew it should have been his feet that got moving, but somehow his mouth did so instead. He tried to salvage the damage. “It’s just that I’ve been in the field for some time, and I need to visit a companion of mine.” A companion? Get going, Teo!
“For a man of your status, I’m sure a companion won’t be hard to find among the highborn at the Citadel. I wouldn’t want to keep you from the enjoyments of your companion.” Ana bowed slightly. “I truly thank you for helping me today, Captain Teofil.”
The two of them stood looking at each other. Teo wasn’t sure what to say next.
Helena stepped in. “Ana, my love, your dress is ruined, and you must be exhausted. Come with me, and I’ll prepare some food while you rest.” She waved off the crowd of young revelers, then took her daughter by the arm. Turning to Teo, she said, “Captain Teofil, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I pray the gods will fare you well.”
“Thank you, Helena. It was very nice to meet you.” Teo faced Stratetix. “And thank you, sir, for your welcome. But as you can see, I’ve encountered significant difficulties today. Things are happening that demand attention at the highest levels. I apologize, but I have to be on my way.”
“Well, son, if you must leave, I understand. A man’s affairs are his own. But grant me one favor, will you? Win that tournament for me! Then this old man can take a break from his labors. What do you say?” Stratetix smiled, and Teo returned the grin.
“So you’ll be in attendance?”
“Of course! Me, my wife, and Ana, too. We wouldn’t miss it. In fact, we have front-row seats among the Edgeton contingent. I’m sure the three of us will be cheering you on.” His smile was genuine.
Teo shook the man’s hand again, then turned stiffly and limped down the hill toward the dock. From there he could catch a ferry to the regimental headquarters.
As the ferryboat slipped into the current, Teo reflected on the events of his day. He had met some interesting people under some remarkable circumstances, but the most intriguing of them all was Anastasia—or Ana as her parents had called her. Teo sighed and leaned against the gunwale with his hands behind his head. Well, I wish her the best, he thought. I doubt I’ll ever see her again.
Ana poured water from a pitcher in her bedroom and washed her hands in the basin. “I had hoped Captain Teofil could at least stay for dinner,” she said to her mother, who was emptying a kettle of boiling water into a wooden bathtub. “Offering him a meal was the least we could do.”
Suddenly all the pent-up emotions of Ana’s day overwhelmed her. The fierce bear, the attack by foreigners, and now Teofil’s apparent indifference—it was all too much. Ana turned away from her mother, pressing the heels of her hands to her eyes. She prided hers
elf on not being the type of woman to cry, but sometimes the tears welled up unbidden.
“I’m sure he meant no offense,” Helena said. “Come now, give me your gown. At least the rag man will be happy today.”
Ana studied herself in the mirror. Her hair was askew with bits of leaves and even a clump of moss stuck in it. Her gown was covered in mud and blood, and her skirt’s ragged edge exposed her legs nearly up to her knees. She was sweaty and grubby, and there was a bright red blemish on her forehead.
“I’ve never looked so bad, Mother,” she said with a sniffle. “I know I’m not fancy like the aristocrats. I’m tanned by the sun; they’re pale from their ease. I’m a girl of the forest; they’re dainty girls of luxury and elegance. I don’t mind that. I’m content being a farm girl from Edgeton. But sometimes a little voice nags inside my head. It’s hard for a woman not to doubt herself.”
“You, my love, are the most elegant woman in Chiveis. There’s much more to beauty than braided hair and golden baubles and fine clothes. There is the beauty of the inner disposition—a spirit of peace.”
Ana looked at her mother. Many men through the years had found her beautiful. There were even rumors that men had died over her, though Ana didn’t know the details of those stories. She shrugged. “I’ve trusted your wisdom for twenty-four years. I suppose I shouldn’t cease now.”
“Then obey this wise crone’s advice, and slip out of your gown and into your bath.”
Ana sank into the steaming water. She felt refreshed as it washed away the grime of the day.
“You’ve always cherished your cleanliness.” Helena’s smile turned mischievous. “In fact, you consume half our supply of firewood so you can indulge in your tub!”
The Sword Page 4
