Ishar ran her fingers over the smooth pillows as she spoke. “Women who attain warrior status have equal rank with men. They can attend high council meetings and no father may arrange a marriage for that daughter without her permission. Plus, these women have equal standing with any man they meet, unless of course he outranks her.”
“I am surprised all of your women do not jump at the chance to be warriors.” Traevyn commented with irony.
Ishar gave him a wry glance. “Remember the reason my people sought a new land. Women among my people have good standing as wives and daughters. Even though the law exists among us that a father can arrange a marriage for his daughter, it rarely happens. And if it does, the woman can petition her case before my father, as can a wife who is mistreated by her husband. And though only a warrior can enter a high council meeting and vote, woman usually have a way of letting their men know their opinions.”
Traevyn smiled. “I am glad to know some women are the same no matter where they are born. Ber says Jaya lets her mind be known in subtle but indelible ways.” Ishar laughed. Traevyn nodded and inquired, “But when did you make the decision to become a warrior?”
“It is not a quick decision,” Ishar said. “Do you know when we begin training?” Traevyn shook his head “At seven. Children who feel a desire to be warriors begin training at seven years of age.”
Traevyn sat up straighter. “You have been a warrior since you were seven?” he asked, stunned.
Ishar laughed softly. “No. Children who feel that it is their chosen path to be warriors can begin training when they are seven. A person may not take the mark of a warrior till they are fourteen. That gives a person seven years to prepare before they make their final decision.”
Traevyn stood and stretched. He stepped forward and stirred the dying fire. “What if they decide after those years that they do not wish to be a warrior?”
“Then they chose to do something else with their life.”
Traevyn turned and stared back. “And no one is upset with the lost years of training?” he asked with surprise.
Ishar shook her head. “We are grateful to know this fact now rather than have this person to take the mark of warrior without the true dedication needed.” She shrugged. “Besides, we have the knowledge that the people who make this decision are still trained to defend and organize our people no matter what holding is attacked if the warriors happen to be away. In fact, all of our people are required to spend two years after the age of twelve in arms training.”
Traevyn nodded. “I see the wisdom.” He sat back down. “So you began training when you were seven and took the tattoo when you were fourteen? Were there ever any doubts?”
“The answer to the first question is no, I took the tattoo in my fourteenth year but when I was still thirteen. It was the year the Tourna were coming and so there were several of us who were allowed to take the mark of warrior status early. The answer to the second question is also no; I never had doubts. This is what I always wanted.” Ishar reached over and pulled her sword from its scabbard. She ran her fingers lightly down the elaborate markings before glancing up at Traevyn. “My father gave me this weapon on the eve of my seventeenth birthday. I had just been given command of my very own warband. It is perfectly balanced for my hand and has never failed me in battle.” She smiled faintly. “I cannot explain the feeling of being in a conflict and moving with an utter confidence of being, knowing I have the training required to face an opponent.”
Traevyn watched Ishar’s face as she spoke. He nodded softly. “This I understand. I, too, have felt the comfortable feeling and strength of having a sword in my hand.” He drew his legs up and rested his elbows atop his knees. “What will you do when this war is over and we still live? Will you be a warrior for the rest of your life?”
Ishar drew back. Her gaze turned thoughtful. “I really have not thought about it. Making preparations for the coming war with the Tourna has occupied my thoughts for many years.” She stirred her hand through the fur beneath the pillows. “I suppose when this war is over I will still stand and defend Alsaar, help make the peace last and grow stronger.”
“What of your personal life?” Traevyn asked curiously. “Do you not long at some point to be a wife and mother?”
She stood and stared at him with uncertainty. Then she shrugged. “My mother chose to retire from warrior status and marry my father. I understand her reasoning. She loved him. She still does. But it is difficult for me to imagine another path.” Her gaze was reflective as she continued. “I have been on this one for as long as I can remember. I have never looked at a man the way my mother looks at my father. It is not something I can imagine.” Ishar’s look was perplexed. It was as if his questions were new and strange to her. “It just seems so selfish and so final. The setting away of being a warrior and defending my people simply for the love of a single man.” Ishar shook her head.
Traevyn was bothered by her words but he chose not to dwell on them. “It is getting late,” he said as he rose, “and I should be going.” Traevyn glanced back toward the fire. “Do you wish me to stir the fire and add wood?”
Ishar looked at the dying embers. “No,” she said with a small shake of her head. “I like the cool night air. The fire is fine.” Ishar walked with Traevyn toward the door. If she thought his abrupt leaving strange, she said nothing. “Thank you for coming to check on me, and for the talk. Perhaps now sleep will come.”
Traevyn’s black eyes flickered toward the bed piled with blankets and furs, disturbed by the momentary image that flashed through his mind. He cleared his throat. “Yes. It pleases me to see that our afternoon training match did no permanent harm.”
Ishar raised and brushed her left fingers across his lips. “No more about the training match, do you understand me?”
The movement of her fingers across his mouth troubled Traevyn. He reached up and pulled her hand down gently. “Of course,” he said as he stepped away and toward the door. “No more. I promise you.”
“You know, it is strange. Somehow we managed to spend the entire time talking about my people but I have yet to learn about yours,” Ishar added with a dry note. “Do not worry. I will not let you forget that I wish to know more of you and from where these intriguing Raanan warriors I have come to admire in such a short time come.”
He did not acknowledge the question, he simply reached past her and touched the latch. “Good night, Ishar,” he muttered gruffly. Traevyn pulled open the door and started to step through.
Audris stood by the outside with her hand raised in the process of knocking. She blinked as she took in Traevyn’s presence. She looked past him toward Ishar. “Lady Eira sent me to check on you and see that you were resting well.” Her gaze flickered briefly to Traevyn.
Traevyn stepped out into the hall. He nodded toward Audris. “I came to see how Ishar was doing,” he answered her unsaid question.
Ishar smiled at Audris. “Please let Eira know my arm does not pain me.”
Audris brought up a cup in her hand. “Lady Eira sent me with this warm and fermented paera to help you sleep. She asks that you drink at least some portion of it.”
Ishar nodded and took the warm cup in her hands. “Give her my thanks, Audris.”
The young woman gave a bow to Ishar and Traevyn and left with the slightest frown upon her face. Ishar sighed.
Traevyn looked at the cup. He pointed toward it. “She is right. That form of paera is excellent for a good night’s rest. It does go down exceedingly well,” he added with a grin.
Ishar flicked a wary glance at Traevyn. He smiled and nodded encouragingly. Ishar took a tentative sip. She frowned and took another. She threw him a perplexed look. “Perhaps she gave me the wrong drink,” she asked puzzled, “It tastes very similar to what I had this morning.”
Traevyn laughed. “If you have never had fermented paera, I would suggest you go ahead and rest before you finish it. It will make you feel warm and wonderful and sleepy, especially
if you are unused to it. I would suggest you only drink one cup. Several more for a first time and you will regret it in the morning.”
Ishar’s look at the cup turned to concern. She glanced up. “Perhaps I should go ahead and say goodnight?”
Traevyn chuckled. He gave a low bow. “Goodnight, Ishar.” Traevyn stepped close, “We will continue the discussion of your people at a later time.” He turned away before she could comment about his words and made his way out of the fortress, as noiselessly as he had entered.
*
Ishar felt the cool morning breeze on her face as she stirred. The fire lay cold and dark, spent from the night before. She took a deep breath and looked out of the open window at the gray morning. She sat up and stretched her arms. A slight ripple of pain slid up her left arm, tight from the thread and the wrapping. She gave it a cursory glance, threw the covers off her body, and slid onto rumpled furs. Ishar felt refreshed. The paera drink had worked its magic. She scrambled for fresh clothes and slid into the wool pants and repaired undertunic, throwing the braided black leather overguard on top. The longer shirt covered her bandaged arm. Hopefully, that would help keep it out of everyone’s mind, Ishar thought, as she slid her sword belt over her head. Her daggers were slid almost defiantly into their scabbards. Ishar slid the leather thongs over them to keep them secure and laced her boots on her feet.
She decided to forego the morning meal. Coming out onto the top step of the fortress, Ishar moved quickly down and out through the inner gate. The sun was just above the east wall of the holding. There was a small crowd gathered around a wagon and a brown horse and she moved toward it. Eira was in the process of directing several women with baskets even as she spoke quietly aside to Lysandr. Ishar could see many of the Raanan warriors were either mounted or standing beside their animals, save for Ber; he was surrounded by four children of various ages. Jaya leaned in the back of the wagon setting what looked like netting into the back. Seeing Eira was still deep in conversation with Lysandr, Ishar made her way toward Traevyn. He watched the commotion with a casual manner as he sat relaxed atop his gray. She moved to his horse’s side.
“Wondered when you would be about,” he said. He stared straight ahead at the stir before them. “I take it you found the paera, helpful?”
Ishar narrowed her eyes. “Very. Though potent might be a more appropriate word. You know, for the life of me I really cannot remember drinking the whole cup,” she frowned, “but I must have.”
The corners of Traevyn’s mouth twitched. “I will keep that in mind,” he turned towards her, “if I ever need to lower your defenses.”
Ishar scowled. “I believe I will withhold from further excesses.”
Traevyn snorted. “One cup?”
Glyndwr rode his black mare up to her. “Good morning, Ishar. I am glad to see you are feeling better.”
Ishar looked up and smiled. “Good morning, Glyndwr. Yes, the arm is fine.” She flicked a glance back at Traevyn, “I told Traevyn that yesterday,” She glanced back at Glyndwr, “but he has proved willful in his disbelief.”
“Willful,” Traevyn said with a groan, “Look who is talking.”
Glyndwr smiled at his comment. Ishar looked around at the others. Gavin was standing on the ground beside his black gelding talking to a Britai woman with curly brown hair. He caught her by the shoulders, drew the woman near and kissed her boldly. The woman appeared to be kissing him back just as intently. Ishar raised an eyebrow and glanced back at Glyndwr. “One he favors?”
Glyndwr grinned, “One who favors him, more likely. I told you, our Gavin is not one to give his heart very easily.”
“You mean he is heartless more than likely,” Ishar muttered.
Traevyn chuckled.
Glyndwr frowned, “You are unfair. Gavin has never professed love to a woman to gain her attention. Can he help it if they are drawn to him?”
Ishar chuckled. “I cannot believe you just said that with a straight face.”
Glyndwr laughed with her. “Does it break your heart to see the line to Gavin is so long?” He leaned down and whispered into her ear, “I promise you, the line to me is much shorter.” Glyndwr sent a slow wink in her direction as he rose back up.
Ishar could not help it. Her laughter pealed out. “I shall keep that in mind.” Glyndwr smiled and moved his mount over to Davaris’ white gelding. Ishar turned back toward the group before her in time to see Traevyn watching her with a frown. She ignored him and instead focused on Ber. The big, burly man slowly rocked a baby in his left arm while he kept his balance with a boy and girl who held on to either leg. An older boy stood by Ber’s side. He had his right arm around the boy’s shoulder and was bent as he spoke with his son. The boy laughed as Ishar studied Ber. She had only begun to understand this stocky broad-shouldered man who showed, quite evidently, that he cared for his family.
Traevyn was silent beside her. His horse snorted and jangled the bridle he wore. Ishar took a deep breath and looked up. “Where is everyone off to this morning?”
Traevyn stared down. His expression had become unreadable since her exchange with Glyndwr. “The women are off to go net fishing at the river.” He made a motion with his hands in the direction of the river. “There is a fish called supai that all but spill over the river banks this time of year with the spring rising of the water. It is a clean tasting fish that is not bony. Hopefully the women will bring back many baskets.”
Ishar glanced up, confused. “But you? You are riding out also?”
He nodded. “There was report of a boat washed up on shore to the beach south of us. It may be nothing, but we will check out the rumor. I would not put it past the Tourna to send an advance scout into the area to check on our preparedness.”
She moved closer and looked up as she braced her hand upon Traevyn’s leg. “Would there be room for another rider?” Ishar asked.
Traevyn paused before answering, “Not today, Ishar. The men are on edge because of the report. We will have to ride hard and fast because Lysandr wants to check out the watch towers and other preparations we are making on several beaches before we return.” He hesitated. “I promise you, another time I will take you myself.”
Ishar fought her rising annoyance but did not pursue the request, though she all but bit her tongue in two trying. Irritated by his casual attitude, she finally asked, “What will you do if the rumor turns out to be true?”
Traevyn tilted his head in thought. “It’s too early for the Tourna to cross the waters, though we expect them soon. But I dislike the thought of Tourna spies riding our land. We must be wary of strangers,” he added.
“That may make it difficult for the Haaldyn to work with the Lute and Britai if you incite the people against trusting outsiders,” Ishar frowned.
“Then we are lucky that the Haaldyn, with their fair skin and hair, are so different from the Tourna with their dark looks,” Traevyn said. “The Britai and Lute know their enemy.”
Ishar was quiet for a moment before she replied, “I hope they do.”
Lysandr had apparently finished the conversation with Eira. He stepped to one side and mounted a black horse, shouted the command to move out and turned his horse away from the group and toward the outside gate. Davaris followed him with a somber air. Gavin gave his woman one more kiss and mounted, sharing a laugh with Glyndwr. Ber rubbed his children on their heads and handed the baby to Jaya, kissing her deeply as he did. Traevyn glanced down to where Ishar still had her hand braced against his leg. “We will return soon.” His eyes flicked up to hers. “Wish me well?” he asked.
Ishar drew back a step. For some reason, the words disturbed her. “Be well,” she answered simply.
Traevyn gave a small nod and turned his gray away. He joined the rest of the men as they made their way through the gate. Once outside, they broke into a steady canter and headed south. Ishar listened until she heard the hooves of their horses fade away. She walked to where Eira stood with Jaya and her children.
; Both women looked up. Eira smiled. “Good morning, Ishar. I am glad to see you are well.”
Jaya nodded politely in agreement.
Ishar nodded her head toward the wagon. “Traevyn told me of your fishing outing. I was hoping there is room for another hand.”
Eira frowned. “Are you certain?”
Jaya hesitated. “It is hard work. And your arm?”
“My arm is fine. It will not bother me with this work. Eira did an excellent job of stitching the wound.” Ishar bit her lip, “However if you are afraid my presence would disrupt your work—”
“No,” Jaya interrupted. “Truly, I do not mind your presence. If the peace that Eira speaks of occurs, I will be seeing many more of your people.” She smiled. “If they fight as well as you, the sight of more Haaldyn among us will be a good one.” She frowned. “My concern was for you. The work requires pulling in nets heavy with fish. I do not want the stitches in your wound to tear.”
Eira nodded in agreement.
Ishar smiled easily. “I understand your concern, but I know what my body can handle. The work will not harm the wound.”
Jaya shrugged. “Then I have no disagreement with your presence. I can use the company. I am driving the wagon that carries the baskets. The women in the village have another wagon in which they will ride. You are more than welcome to join me.”
“I would like that,” Ishar said. “Do you mind if I tie Simi behind? She could use the minor exercise and I might ride her back to work her more.”
“That is no problem,” Jaya smiled, “She is a pretty mare, though small. However, Gavin tells us she is very fast.”
“That she is,” Ishar turned to Eira. “My leaving is acceptable?”
Eira nodded. “Go. Have fun. It will be good for you to mingle with the others. Then they will learn a Haaldyn woman is as the same as a Lute or Britai and it may ease any fear that has arisen at your coming.”
6
A half hour later, Jaya and Ishar rode out of the gate. Eira had stayed behind to see to the duties of the holding. Jaya’s eldest boy, Tai, sat on the back of the wagon with his legs hung over the edge. Jaya had left her other children with a friend at the stronghold. Tai, a boy of seven, was old enough to help his mother reel in the heavy nets. They met the women of the village in their wagon and moved toward the river. Ishar saw several looks cast her direction. None appeared hostile, save for the woman, Isla, who drove the village wagon. There was a hatred that startled Ishar and when she had a chance, Ishar spoke of it to Jaya as they led the way toward the river.
The Treason Blade (Battle for Alsaar Book 1) Page 10
