by Billy Wong
Claire waved a gloved hand dismissively. "I doubt it goes that far. When the wealthy suffer from restricted trade and pass it onto those less well off, your father will feel the pressure from the people rich and poor. I imagine he'll bend. They always do in the end."
"And you think that's a good thing?"
"It's good for my country. Besides, wouldn't you rather not see this land's soil watered with blood from another war?"
"My brother would say that war between High Waloros and Fian is of little concern to us. I suppose less bloodshed in the world can't be a bad thing, though." He frowned. "But is it really peace you seek, or to uphold the established hierarchy at the top of which sits the Hierarch? And is it really fair that High Waloros always gets the better of these contests of royal will, just because of its strength?"
"Do you think fairness exists in the world? You were born a prince and some other child a beggar, after all."
He scratched nervously at the back of his neck. "I don't know." She posed some difficult questions, but he didn't mind. Her boldness was one of the things that made her so interesting and encouraged him to be bold in turn. He didn't have a proper answer for her, though. "What is your relationship with Lily, anyway?" he asked as he saw the girl walking towards them. "You must be closer than the typical master and cook, to be taking her along to other countries."
She smiled, allowing him to deflect her question without resistance. "She once saved my cousin's life when he fell ill by feeding him special soup every day for a month. We've been very close friends since."
He turned his gaze to the younger female, who stopped partly behind Claire so the latter stood between them. Maybe she wasn't the most comfortable around strange men, but he hoped not to be a stranger for long. "So you're more of a healer than cook?"
"I have some healing knowledge passed on by my dad, but my cooking skills see more everyday use. So I would call myself a cook first."
"She can make amazing dishes from trail rations and spices alone," Claire said. "She might be more the First of Pans than I am First of Spears."
"You flatter me too much, Lady Claire. I haven't a tenth the fame you do."
"It's not as if the world divides fame up fairly, though."
Exaggerated or not, Theo felt saliva fill his mouth. "Then I'd like an opportunity to experience this divine cuisine for myself."
"Maybe someday. I doubt we'll be given access to your castle kitchen, and starting a fire in our room doesn't seem like a good idea. About the situation in Ailune, how much truth is there to the rumors I've been hearing? I think I keep decently informed about things, but the recent reports seem questionable."
"We don't know much more than you. All we have to go on is word from Ailune... it's being said the new military advisor there is an elf."
"An elf?" Lily looked puzzled. "Didn't their race die out?"
"It's thought most of them did, when the world magic that let plants and animals grow larger back then and sustained the elves ebbed. But some turned to dark arts to survive, becoming corrupt and twisted in the process."
"A dark elf," Claire said. "I hope it isn't true."
They shared a moment of somber quiet. "So the Hierarch sent you all the way here to deliver his message with only Lily to accompany you? That seems dangerous."
"I can take care of myself," she said with a wink. "By the way, how good are you with a sword? I could tell you've trained hard before, but you didn't come off like you loved it."
"It comes and goes. I keep training, but my enthusiasm isn't always at its peak. I've improved enough to make fourth place in last year's city tournament, at least. Although, Gunther is easily better than me and he didn't take part.
"Would you like to test my blade sometime?" he added.
"I think embarrassing their prince might be enough to push some of your countrymen over the edge into violence."
"You think you'd embarrass me? I might be top five in the nation... if nobody better abstained from participating."
Claire shrugged. "You're top five, maybe, in your little kingdom. I'm probably top three in my much, much bigger one. Logically, it doesn't seem to be even."
His eyes widened. "Really, you're top three in High Waloros? At your young age?"
"You're one to comment about age. I've beaten the Silver General, the second best in the military. The Gold General has avoided giving me a match, and I haven't had a chance to test myself against the Hierarch himself. I don't know if I'll ever get one, given the difference in our positions... but in my opinion, I don't think it would be too disrespectful as a challenge between warriors."
He could scarcely believe it. On the other hand, her perfectly even voice gave no indication that she lied or spoke in jest. First of Spears... well, assuming the Gold General and the Hierarch didn't also wield spears. So that was why she had reacted negatively to his comment that she could someday earn the title. Maybe she felt she had already earned it, and didn't like the less majestic nickname that stuck to her.
"But perhaps my people are of better warrior stock than yours and I would beat you," he said.
She laughed. "It is possible, I suppose. Your folk do have a certain roughness about you. Perhaps we should spar before I leave to find out. And, maybe trying out a better dance partner would motivate you to develop even more of your potential."
"How about we do it tonight, in the training yard at midnight? There won't be anyone there, so we can keep any embarrassment that happens a secret. Either way."
He had thought to surprise her with such a sudden proposal, which was only half serious, but as usual her serene expression didn't falter. "Bold words. Tell me the directions and I'll meet you."
"Are you sure? We could get in some trouble."
"How much trouble can it be? We won't be trying to kill each other, and if anyone tries to claim I am you'll just deny it. I know your desire to dance with me is pretty strong. Are you going to let the possibility of a scolding stop you?"
"If you back out," Lily said, "you might never get another chance to fight Lady Claire."
He didn't so much want to fight her as be near her, which fighting would make a good excuse for. "All right, let's do it. But don't think I'll let you win!"
#
They parted ways for the time being, Theo not wanting to be too conspicuous talking for an extended period in the hall. He paid limited attention during the rest of the day's activities, more of his mind occupied with his upcoming spar with Claire than concentrating on the present. He wondered at her fighting style with that magnificent spear, and what reward he should ask for if he won. He could win, right? She may be famously skilled, but was smaller than him and a woman besides. He should have the physical advantage.
When it came time for sword training, he snapped back to full alertness. "Master Gunther," he asked as they met in the same practice yard where he would face Claire, "would it be possible for us to focus on fighting against a spear today?"
The big man's eyes narrowed in an intense questioning look. "A spear? Why the sudden interest in that? It's that girl, isn't it?"
His swordmaster saw right through him. "She c-could prove a formidable adversary for us in the future. So if that comes to pass, I should be prepared-"
Gunther threw back his head and let out a booming laugh. "That's not it at all! I know what you're on about. You want to defeat her in a friendly match, thinking she'll be impressed and want to court you. I should remind you you are a committed man."
He had never agreed to said commitment. But he didn't say that, knowing Gunther a traditional fellow who supported his parents' decision. "I've no thoughts of courtship." A lie, but who did it, or thoughts for that matter, hurt? "If I defeat her, won't that be a good thing, to let her take back to her land the knowledge that one of their top three warriors is not even a match for our fifth best at most."
"I'm not sure she would make the results of your match public, if it's to be what I imagine."
"I could make
them public."
"Would you, and harm her pride?"
Theo hesitated. "It would benefit our country, to know High Waloros's warriors are not our betters." But if she didn't want others to know of her loss, spreading word of it could make her view him less favorably.
"Your indecision is understandable. What man's heart doesn't soften before a ravishing woman? Anyway, no need to get ahead of yourself. You don't even know if you'll win yet."
"True. If her skill matches her confidence, she'll no doubt be a challenge. So please show me some of your tricks for fighting against a spear."
After a nerve-wracking pause, as Gunther could be uncooperative sometimes like when Theo felt tired and asked him to go easy, he nodded. "I'm not as good with a spear as a sword, so I might not be able to replicate a spear specialist perfectly." That he even admitted to that hinted at what he suspected the level of Claire's abilities to be. Not so reassuring. "But I've fought against and beaten my share of spears. The techniques I'll show you are tried and true."
Gunther took a spear off one of the weapon racks at the edge of the yard, and they practiced for hours, Theo doing his best to familiarize himself with a spear's range, its typical attacks, and how to get inside and negate that reach advantage. It was hard at first, Gunther's speartip crowding him with daunting ease from so far away, but he got better and better at managing it. Of course, he couldn't have beaten the king's champion going all out even with a weapon he didn't prefer, but he did well enough against a holding back Gunther to feel hope. After all Gunther was much bigger and no doubt stronger than Claire, on top of having many years more experience and being a master warrior.
"You're a fast learner," his hulking teacher said after a grunt, as Theo had slipped inside and given him a solid whack to the ribs with the flat of his sword.
"You wouldn't have gotten hit by that if you didn't give me the opening." He smiled. "But I'm feeling like I can beat this girl."
"You shouldn't underestimate her. You're skilled enough that being one of the best in another country doesn't necessarily mean she's better than you. However, I sense she is more than credible."
Theo looked down, realizing he had been getting carried away in his evaluation of his chances. He didn't have any true idea what his odds of victory were. "I didn't say she isn't credible." He remembered something. "Wait, if you think she's that good, why did you say the Hierarch mocked us by sending her?"
"Even if she is competent, the issue of image remains. It's as if the Hierarch is saying we are so weak, High Waloros's men are not even needed to deal with us."
Theo didn't necessarily agree. If she was qualified for the job, why should it be considered an insult to have her do it? This probably wasn't the first time she served as an envoy. He doubted the Hierarch meant to belittle every country he had her visit. "Anyway, I really hope I can do it.
"Do you think she won't like you if you lose?"
"I don't know. It would make me seem more like a worthy man if I win, though."
Gunther's brow furrowed harshly, and his gaze suddenly felt quite heavy. "Need I remind you again that you are engaged, Prince?"
"Uh, I mean, our nation's position would be stronger if I win."
"If you say so. Anyway, fine performance today. I like when you're motivated. We should probably stop now and save some of your energy for later."
He appreciated it when Gunther showed he could be considerate. "That's a good idea, thanks. I'll tell you how it went tomorrow."
"I hope you win. It would make me proud for a student of mine to overcome this First of Spears."
Theo dipped his chin slightly in a halfhearted nod. He was glad for Gunther's support. But the way he worded it didn't do wonders for Theo's confidence.
#
Just before Theo would normally have gone to bed—he planned to stay up tonight until the time came—there was a knock on his door. He opened it to see his mother Queen Talia in her heavy gown, thin face looking even narrower with the scrunched up disapproving expression she wore. "What's the matter?" he asked. But he figured he had a good idea.
"From what I hear, you have been looking far too glad to talk to that woman. You would do well to remember she is not our friend."
"What do you mean, not our friend? We appear to be starting off on pretty friendly terms."
"You know what I mean."
"I'm not allowed to make friends with people from countries we don't like?" He spread his hands in a flustered gesture. "Don't you think being in good graces with someone of decent standing there could be helpful?"
His words only made her frown deepen. "They are not like us over there. We are simple and honest in our dealings, as far as royalty can be. They are conniving, schemers who would manipulate and subjugate you with words as much as swords. I fear you would prove ill equipped to deal with such."
"There may be people like that over there, I'm sure there are, but there are some here too. Don't the shrewder merchants ply their trade by the same methods?"
"It would be worrisome to let you handle negotiations with them as well."
Why, because he was young and inexperienced? That was actually a fine reason. But, "I don't think Lady Claire is that way. She seems like a stout and earnest warrior, like Gunther."
His mother shook her head as at a child's naivete. "She was sent by the Hierarch as his sole representative. I would think he trusts her in that capacity for a reason."
"Can't a person be wise to the ways of silver-tongued deceivers without being one themselves?"
"And your reason for thinking this might be the case for her is?"
"I don't know, I just feel... right about befriending her."
She sighed. "She is very attractive."
The implied accusation of him letting the wrong head do his thinking made him flush. "I mean, there isn't any evidence she's the way you think either."
"It is best to err on the side of caution in such matters."
Theo couldn't make a rational argument against that. He could only sulk while his queenly mother left him to let her words sink in. Yet though he acknowledged Claire was probably a very dangerous person, and in more ways than one, he intended to meet her as promised. What was youth but the time to take risks, and who if not royalty should have the boldness to take them? Besides, his dependability and courage would be in question if he failed to keep his word.
He went to his wardrobe in search of the best clothes he had which would still be comfortable to fight in.
Chapter 2
Claire lowered herself down on a bench at the fringe of the training yard, having gotten there early as she'd allotted herself some extra time to sneak over only for it to go more than smoothly. Lily sat looking nervous beside her, like she always did when they had to do something stealthy or defiant of authority. Well, maybe "had to" wasn't accurate here. But she wanted to see Theo—handsome and pleasant of voice, but more importantly so readily welcoming towards her while his countrymen regarded her with disdain and fear—as much as she could while she had the chance.
"He seems like a good man," said Lily, "but you can't have him. I hear he's engaged to an earl's daughter, in an agreement made by the very king."
Why did there always seem to be a reason why she couldn't have the good ones? Maybe her standards were too high, but a First of Spears should hardly be paired with a nameless dagger. "There's nothing saying we can't be friends."
"Other people aren't likely to see it that way..."
"Oh come on, we're just going to have a friendly match. No need to be preemptively warning me already about this and that."
Lily hung her head. "I just wanted to remind you of what happened before."
She swallowed. "It was sad. But how was I supposed to know the girl would react like that? I didn't even let him do anything, I was just pushing him away when..." She might've been fast enough to do something, but when that young general's fiancee drew a knife Claire had expected her to attack. She'd been mortified when
the girl slit her own throat instead.
"It wasn't your fault. She definitely overreacted. People are unpredictable, though, so you have to tread with care around them."
"I'll be more careful this time." Renowned for her daring on the battlefield, it was a challenge for her to act differently in her personal life. But she didn't want to ruin anyone else's life, other than those of her enemies, so she would have to. Still, it should be just fine to be friends with Theo, kindred spirits, comrades some day perhaps, and-
She heard a sound from one of the yard's two entrances. "Theo, is that you?"
A short unfamiliar figure topped by a round stubble-covered face stepped into view, followed by a much taller one, lean and long of features and hair. Though she didn't think right away to run, she glanced towards the door on the opposite side just in case. It opened to reveal another new arrival, slightly shorter than the tallest but quite heavyset with a great beard. Three men, all wearing armor and carrying weapons. From their hilts and where they wore them, Stubbly had a longsword, Long a bastard sword, and Huge a greatsword. All swordsmen, then.
"Who are you?" she grumbled.
Stubbly raised his hands as in supplication. "Whoa, why so quick with the hostile tone? We're the triplet captains of Egrent, sent by Prince Theo to test you before your match proper."
"Somehow... I don't believe you."
"Well, if you were stupid enough to buy the last part you wouldn't have been allowed to speak for the Hierarch in the first place." Huge giggled like he'd made a hilarious joke. "But we are triplets."
"You look hardly a bit alike." They didn't even sound alike, Stubbly deep-voiced, Huge's pitch surprisingly high. Although, they were all hairy come to think of it.
"We share the same talent in swordplay," Long said in a low rasp. She noticed a scar across his throat from a devastating wound he must have just survived. "Can you guess what our purpose here is?" It didn't escape her notice that they started to close in.
"To test me with your swordplay," she replied casually. She could hear Lily's teeth clattering beside her, and since she didn't know how good they were, she herself felt enough trepidation that her nails dug painfully into palms with the tension. Yet if she had to admit she was worried, she should make them feel moreso. She stood up. "So before I kill you, how did you know I was here?"
