The Exile and the Sorcerer

by Jane Fletcher

  The war band formed an untidy phalanx on the dunes. Tevi, her mother, and the matriarchs of the families stood detached from the warriors, behind the Queen. They had barely reached position when the boat rounded the Stormfast Cliffs. The figures of several women were visible, taking in the sail as the small craft cut across the blue waters of the bay.

  Behind her, Tevi heard the excited exchanges between members of the war band.

  “What do you think they want?”

  “Might be some sort of ultimatum.”

  “As a pretext for war?”

  “Could be.”

  “Perhaps Queen Fearful wants her brother back.”

  “I say we should let her take him. He’s useless.”

  “You’ve had him?”

  “Only once.” The exaggerated exasperation in the woman’s voice brought yelps of laughter that were quickly stifled by glares from the matriarchs.

  The boat ran aground in the shallows. Seven women jumped out, up to their thighs in the waves. Together, they hauled the boat up beyond reach of the tide. An older woman then disembarked and splashed through ankle-high water. The green pennant from the boat was tied to a long spear in her hand. A dozen yards from the Queen, she stopped and planted the butt of her spear in the sand.

  The two groups studied each other in silence. Tevi looked at the leader, taking in her spiky white hair and the twin scars across her left cheek. Seeing a face you could not recognise was so strange; months, even years, could pass without it happening. When it did, the temptation was always to try mentally forcing the features into familiar contours.

  At last, the stranger spoke. “I am First-in-battle, cousin and envoy to Queen Fearless-warrior of Rathshorn.” Her clear voice was loud over the waves.

  “I am Fists-of-thunder, Queen of Storenseg,” Tevi’s grandmother replied, at her most austere.

  The envoy’s gaze raked over the Queen. “My companions and I have travelled far to speak with you. We bring an offer that will aid both our islands.”

  “Then we will be pleased to hear to it.” Despite the conciliatory words, there was an icy edge in the Queen’s voice.

  The envoy was unflustered. “May I introduce my companions? This is Raging-shark, foremost in victories, whose courage is famed in song throughout the isles.” A tall, redheaded woman nodded. “This is Steadfast-shield-wall, the despair of all who stand against her, fearless and invincible. This is...”

  Tevi stopped listening to the meaningless formality. Custom demanded that the women be identified before the parley could commence, but the ascribed feats were fictitious and the warlike birth names were always abandoned in favour of abbreviations, puns, or (as in Tevi’s case) acquired nicknames.

  Once the envoy finished, the Queen continued the ritual, naming the small group between her and the war band. Brec’s grandmother, Lizard, was introduced as Dragon-heart; Miam, ancient, half blind and deaf, as Mighty-sword-arm. All were credited with feats of valour. Tevi would have found it funny if she had not been dreading her own introduction.

  The Queen was nearing the end, with only Red and Tevi to go. “This is my daughter, Blood-of-my-foes, a warrior whose name is spoken with awe, who has triumphed in countless battles.” For once, the acclamation was completely true. The envoy looked with interest, but her attention was fixed on the crutch under Red’s arm. “And this is my granddaughter, Strikes-like-lightning, who boldly leads the war band.”

  Tevi tried not to wince. It was decidedly weak praise, but anything stronger might have drawn sniggers from the women behind her. Now, at last, they could return to the royal hall in Holric and learn the nature of the envoy’s mission.

  *

  Thick brown wax sealed the stopper of the terra-cotta flask. Tevi’s hands shook as she picked at it with her knife, aware that everyone was watching. Not that there were crowds; in fact, Tevi had never seen the royal hall so empty. Apart from herself and the Queen, the only ones present were the women from Rathshorn, the matriarchs, and three veteran captains of Storenseg’s war band, including Red. Everyone else had been ejected. Guards outside the doorway were keeping the curious at a distance, but undeterred, folk had gathered around the square and were peering in as best they could. Shouts drifted on the morning air, but no one inside was yet talking.

  The Queen was the only one seated. Tevi stood before her, struggling with the stubborn cork. She could feel eyes burning into her back, imagining the shame should it be said that the leader of the Storenseg war band could not fight her way into a wine flask, but soon the sealing wax was gone, and the stopper was loose enough to be pulled.

  Tevi balanced the flask in the crook of her arm and poured the yellow wine into a drinking bowl. The sweet, sickly smell seemed too heavy for the early hour, yet custom had to be observed. She offered the drink to the Queen, who accepted with a nod and took the smallest possible taste. No one with her grandmother’s experience would risk negotiating when drunk. Tevi moved to the envoy and again offered the bowl. The woman from Rathshorn also swallowed a sip, barely wetting her lips, but enough. The tension in Tevi’s neck eased. Whatever else the envoy might say, by all rules of honour, she had shared their hospitality and could not declare war.

  Brec’s grandmother, Lizard, was the next to be offered the wine. Thereafter, it passed in order of seniority. Some accepted with exaggerated formality; others knocked back the wine as if throwing down a challenge. Last of all, Tevi herself took a draft. The sweet liquid rolled over her tongue like waves over sand. She had not realised how dry her mouth was.

  With the wine ritual over, benches were pulled from the sides and arranged about the hearth. The drinking bowl was refilled and commenced a second, less formal circuit. Tevi found herself seated at the end of a bench next to her mother. Her eyes flicked from person to person. The older women sat in postures of rigid authority, their backs as straight as swords. The younger ones were more blatantly aggressive, with bodies tensed as if ready to leap up and hit someone, and with fierce expressions as if watching for an excuse to do so. Tevi tried to imitate the pose, but she felt ridiculous, a poor burlesque of her sister. She prayed the women from Rathshorn did not realise.

  It was hard not to flinch as she met Blaze’s eyes. Blaze had been the one charged with the impossible task of training Tevi in the arts of war—impossible not because Tevi lacked strength or enthusiasm, but rather due to her inability to put what she knew into effect. The set exercises were easy—the feint, parry, thrust, and advance. But as soon as she was pitted against a living opponent, Tevi’s defence crumbled so completely that she might as well have been blindfolded. “Watch her feet out of the corner of your eye. Don’t just follow her sword!” Blaze had screamed over the years until even she had given up in disgust. Her caustic remarks about Tevi’s incompetence were common knowledge. Blaze swore that Tevi was the worst excuse for a warrior she had ever attempted to train.

  The voice of the Queen broke the silence, pulling Tevi back from her brooding. “And now, may we ask the reason for your visit?”

  The envoy got to her feet. Her gaze travelled over the assembled women. “I speak on behalf of Queen Fearless-warrior, head of the families of Rathshorn, rightful ruler of all the Western Isles—” She got no further.

  “You must be aware I would also claim that last title.” The Queen’s voice was firm.

  “As would several others.”

  “Not all have history or law on their side.”

  “True. However, the rival claims of Rathshorn and Storenseg are not the subject I wish to discuss.”

  “Then perhaps you should leave the titles until such time as you do.” Steel underlay the Queen’s voice.

  After long seconds of silence, the envoy continued. “I have come to speak concerning the island of Argenseg. This island is subject to the crown of Rathshorn. But as you know, twenty years ago, traitors overthrew their lawful rulers. They have not honoured the oaths of their mothers. They have not sent tribute; instead they have sent bands of
pirates to harry our villages. The insult can go unpunished no longer. Our Queen intends to reclaim her rightful property.”

  “Why do you come to tell us? Surely she is not seeking our assistance.”

  “We do not ask you to fight beside us. But Storenseg is blessed with mines that yield ores of the highest quality. Your swords are the envy of the islands. It sometimes happens that these blades find their way into rebel hands. Queen Fearless-warrior would take it as a sign of goodwill if you would stop this trade.”

  “Swords may get from Storenseg to Argenseg by many routes. What benefit do I get from interfering in the concerns of traders?”

  The envoy paused, as if weighing her next words. “There are some who say Storenseg has given aid to the rebels. Some, no doubt misguided, even say Storenseg first encouraged the treasonous revolt. A friendly gesture would silence the calls for retaliation. Otherwise, Queen Fearless-warrior might be hard put to ignore the council of war.”

  “Thank you. I think you have made yourself clear. Is this all you wish to say?” By her tone, the Queen might have been bored.

  “It is.”

  “An interesting offer, and one I must consider further. While I prepare my answer, you will be our guests.”

  “My crew and I are willing to camp on the beach.”

  “Lodgings will be found for you. And so that none of your misguided councillors may say I slighted the envoy of Queen Fearless-warrior, tonight we will hold a feast in your honour.”

  The Queen stood, signalling the end of the debate. The meeting broke into small groups. The matriarchs huddled together, clearly waiting for the envoy to go before expressing their opinions. However, the envoy had other business before she was led from the hall. She made her way around the hearth and intercepted Red.

  “Blood-of-my-foes, it has been some years since we met, and the last time I saw you was over the rim of a shield. I’m sorry we did not have time to talk on that day.”

  “It was a brief visit to Rathshorn.” Red spoke so calmly that it took Tevi a second to realise they were talking about her mother’s last, ill-fated raid.

  The envoy went on. “But you went away with such valuable souvenirs. The Queen greatly misses her brother, not to mention the fine jewellery and weapons.”

  “And no doubt she complains I scorched the roof of her hall.”

  “She was none too pleased.” The envoy’s tone was also light-hearted. “But I heard you were wounded returning to your boat. Now I see you with a crutch. Has your leg not healed?” There was no mistaking her interest in the state of Red’s health.

  “One souvenir of Rathshorn I would rather not have taken.”

  “It has been a bad time for Storenseg, losing both you and Abrak’s chalice.”

  “Neither loss is unbearable.”

  “Of course.” The envoy’s eyes shifted abruptly to Tevi. “Now your daughter leads the war band. She must be a great comfort to you.”

  The urge to shuffle out of view swamped Tevi, but somehow, she managed to meet the envoy’s gaze. Before anything else could be said, they were joined by Blaze, who addressed the envoy.

  “My name is Blazing-sword. If you are ready, I have been appointed to lead you to your lodgings.”

  “Ah, yes. Thank you. I was just commending Strikes-like-lightning. Although young, the child of such an illustrious mother must surely be a warrior to be reckoned with. Doubtless the defence of Storenseg rests safe on her shoulders.”

  “Her skill with a sword is the talk of all the island. I’ve trained many warriors, but never before have I met her like,” Blaze said, deadpan.

  The crowd outside moved apart as Blaze led the women from Rathshorn to a hall with sleeping space to spare. After a short discussion, two of the visitors trotted to the beach to collect their things. Several young girls tagged along, whooping in excitement. The rest of the population, eager to learn what had happened, surrounded the matriarchs as they emerged from the royal hall.

  Tevi stood by the doorway, watching until the envoy disappeared. As quietly as possible, she slipped around the edge of the square. Few would choose her as a source of information, but she had no wish to get involved in the overblown and facile arguments that she knew would take place.

  Brec jogged over. Her habitual grin was replaced by an anxious frown.

  “Tevi, what’s happening? What did they say?”

  “They’re playing some sort of game; the goddess knows what the point is. Our grandmothers will have a better idea than me.”

  “Someone said they’ve given an ultimatum about selling swords to Argenseg.”

  “I’m sure there’s more to it. Come on, let’s get away from all this, and I’ll tell you everything they said.” Tevi gestured for Brec to follow.

  The pair started down a narrow passage between two halls, leaving the noise of the square behind, but before they had taken a dozen steps, another voice assailed them.

  “Tell me, did the women of Rathshorn tremble in their boots at the sight of our mighty war leader?”

  Tevi turned around. Laff stood at the end of the passage with her arms crossed and a sour expression on her face.

  “I’m sure you won’t be surprised to learn they hardly noticed me.”

  “What? You managed to avoid drawing attention by walking into a bench? You must be having a good day.” Laff moved closer until she was less than an arm’s length away.

  The two sisters glared at each other until Tevi sighed in exasperation and dropped her head. She was not in the mood to deal with her sister’s hostility. “Look, I know you’re angry that I was at the meeting and you weren’t. Honestly, I’d much rather you’d been there instead of me, but I wasn’t given the option.”

  “I couldn’t care less about the meeting.” Judging by her tone, Laff’s words were blatantly untrue.

  “Then what are you so wound up about?”

  “You, and the way you’re going to bring shame upon our family.” Laff spat out the words.

  “I’ll try my best not to.”

  “Your best is pathetic. Strikes-like-lightning. They named you well. You couldn’t hit the same spot twice for trying.” Laff rephrased one of Blaze’s jokes.

  “And you could do so much better?”

  “Of course I could! I should lead the war band, not you.”

  “Then perhaps you should go to Mother and suggest she reschedule our births.” Over Laff’s shoulder, Tevi saw women gathering at the passage entrance, attracted by the raised voices. It was time to cut the argument short, but Laff was not about to let it drop.

  “How do you have the nerve to bring Mother into this? She was a great warrior. She must be so ashamed to have you as a daughter.”

  “Oh, she is. She makes that quite clear.” Tevi spun about and began to walk away.

  “You aren’t fit to follow her. You should have been a boy. You go out of your way to act like one. How far do you take the act?”

  Tevi knew she should have kept walking, but there was an edge to Laff’s voice that could not be ignored. She turned back and snarled, “At least I don’t act like a girl who has to think with her sword since she keeps her brain between her legs.”

  Laff grinned in satisfaction at provoking a reaction. She looked her sister slowly up and down before saying, “Oh, no. No one would ever accuse you of that. I don’t know about being a real warrior; you’re not even a real woman.”

  Tevi could feel herself shaking. Getting into a game of trading insults with Laff had been a bad move, but she could not back off now, not with the audience. “I’m enough of a woman to ram that stupid remark back down your throat.”

  “You think you want to try?” Laff was getting louder. “Where were you and Brec going? Off to hold hands and stare into each other’s eyes? But I’m being unfair to Brec. She probably doesn’t realise you’d like to play the man for her—on your back, with your pants down.”

  Laff had gone much too far. Tevi leapt forward, fist swinging for her sister’s face.
The sudden attack took Laff by surprise, but she managed to raise an arm to parry. Even so, the punch clipped the side of her head and knocked her back against the wall. Tevi moved in for a second blow, but her sister kicked at her legs, causing her to stumble and miss.

  The fight was short and predictable. Tevi attempted to take the offensive, knowing that she was better in attack than defence. Unfortunately, Laff was equally well aware of this. They traded a few easily blocked punches. Then Laff connected with a hard kick to the knee. Tevi did not see the unexpected low strike coming. She never did. The first she knew was pain exploding in her leg. She crumpled forward, straight into another vicious punch to the stomach that sent her crashing to the ground.

  Laff stood over her fallen sister. “You should have been a man. Even our brothers can fight better. You’re—”

  “What do you think you’re doing?” Blaze pushed her way through the spectators.

  “Tevi and I had a disagreement.”

  “This isn’t the time to pick fights with her.”

  “Tevi started it.”

  “Then she’s a bigger fool than I thought. And you’re no better.” Blaze’s voice was low but biting. “Supposing the women from Rathshorn had seen this.”

  “So what if they had?”

  Blaze pulled Laff around and glared into her eyes. “We all know Tevi is as much use to the war band as a straw dummy—in fact, slightly less. We could burn the dummy to cook our dinner over. But she’s your mother’s eldest daughter, and she has to lead us. How would they react in Rathshorn if they learnt the truth? Have you considered the boost it would give them? Because when you’re as old as me, you’ll know how confidence can win a battle against the odds.” Blaze paused while the defiance faded from Laff’s face. “Try to act like adults, at least until the envoy leaves.”