The peasant's village, more formally known as Arduway, was riddled with the ills of poverty. Yet, a refreshing feeling filled the small town. In the light of day, the beauty of the etchings in the pillared structures shone through, it was once a mark of resistance in the days of the peasant rebellion, now they stood as reminders to never cross the throne.
Though the cottages were cramped together in the small village it resulted in family-like engagement which Shadaya sometimes envied. The nobles' estates were miles apart, separated by miles and miles of pasture lands and forestry. Throughout her youth she had preferred exploring the woods and traversing the pasture lands with Mister wiggles, and Pit at her side rather than visiting with anyone.
The carriage bumped along the stony street and Shadaya was sure to wave to the villagers who dared look directly at her. She was a regular in the village but though her presence was now welcomed and expected, many still did not dare treat her as anyone less than who she was, a noble woman. Especially now that they were being ruled by a man who had a personal vendetta against the rebels. Arduway was home to the strongest rebel following and thus a usual target for Haddin’s show of power.
Being a member of one of the seven wealthiest families of Dravia, the third family in line for the throne and favored by Rad himself, there were certain expectations of Shadaya. But she had boldly ignored those expectation after her father’s death. For generations these families, known as the Pillars of Dravia, had kept Dravia running. Not only did they each contribute a valuable product to trade, but they were old money, some like the Quadins had lineages connecting to the Demeris line in some way or another. Their contributions and support to the crown had always been the life blood of Dravia, even the prince knew this. In all his cruel exploits with the citizens of Dravia he never dared to risk his relationship with the Pillars. She was yet to fully understand what her father had done to deserve such an execution.
The carriage drew to a stop just outside an old battered dwelling, with the area below barred off into what was now a bakery. In the distance Shadaya could hear a man bellowing into the streets.
“Turn away from the darkness I tell you, light is here! Life is in the light. The ways of Dravia are against the ways of the one true God!”
Shadaya eagerly alighted from the carriage, ignoring Bertrand's displeased frown. She never waited for him to help her down except when it was official estate business where she was meeting with fellow nobles.
“Well he’s a brave one,” Shadaya muttered, jerking her chin in the direction of the raving man.
“Rebels,” Bertrand replied, “always stirring up trouble.”
"Hmm, I hope he doesn’t get hurt. Unpack the baskets Bertrand, I will go find Stacia."
Bertrand tipped his hat, "yes mi lady."
She lifted her dress so the hems would not be soiled from the wet cobblestone. Years of Eunice's scolding had finally set in and only because Eunice had carried her down to the wash to see for herself how difficult her dresses were to launder.
She could still remember her saying with a serious frown, "your mother might be able to afford to buy you dresses every week, but I cannot stomach throwing away such pretty dresses when there are girls who wear one all year through!"
That had put her straight, since then she had been taking extra care of her dresses and to Eunice's pleasure, her trips to the tailor since she was thirteen had drastically reduced. It had also helped that Eunice had taught her to mend and sew like any other servant girl.
As she stepped into the Inn, a squeal of delight reached her ears, drawing a wide grin from her. The inn keeper's wife bounded toward her, her short robust frame only adding to her bright personality.
"Stacia!" Shadaya greeted warmly as the woman reached out and took her hand.
"I am surprised to see you here..." Stacia lowered her voice and leaned toward Shadaya, "after everything that has happened, I was sure we would never see you again. I thought surely you nobles would be under lock and key since the burning of the barracks and the princess was freed."
Shadaya's smile faltered and she drew her hand from Stacia's hold. She had tried to stay away to be honest, for their sake. She still remembered the details of the daring mission she had taken part in. An act that would surely result in a charge of treason.
"I needed to make sure that you guys are doing okay. I heard the prince have set his sights on you guys and the community is under so much more pressure now than before. And well…I miss you."
Stacia's eyes crinkled, "Yes, well we miss you too. I am happy you came, always a blessing to have you.”
“We you say, we both know Stiller’s thoughts towards me,” she leaned towards her and whispered conspiratorially, “I’ve rejected his God and I continue to use magic, remember?”
Stacia smiled sadly, Stacia was a dissenter from Dravian ways. She was a follower of what they called ‘the way’, a group of people loyal to the God of Aldor but in a different way. They had grown out of the rebels, and though they were a more peaceful group, were still considered dangerous threats by many. It was only recently that Shadaya learned of Stacia’s persuasion, and that Stacia had learned about Shadaya’s… activities as the Shadow. Stacia was sure that she was standing on the right side of the mythical great war. Shadaya doubted a lot of things.
Stacia turned to the door leading to the back-storage room, just as Bertrand was entering the bakery, pushing the doors open with his back as he hobbled in under the weight of two baskets.
"Over here Bertie," said Stacia before tossing a pleased glance at Shadaya, "the villagers really do appreciate what you are doing here."
Shadaya followed her to the back room where she directed Bertrand with the baskets, "it is the least I could do."
Stacia smiled, "and despite what you may think, Stiller would have been happy to see you. He really appreciated the help you gave to us with Princess Ruby.”
Shadaya chuckled, "Stiller? Happy to see me? The day that happens I will accept my suitors' calling cards."
"Why not give those poor chaps a listening ear, one of them just might meet your very high standards," Stacia winked at her, earning her an amused grin.
"I highly doubt it.”
She bent to help Stacia stack the baskets as Bertrand left to get the others.
"I heard that the Shadow stopped another Selection grab,” Stacia said with a knowing glance at Shadaya.
Shadaya sighed, “I know I promised to lay low, but… I have responsibilities, that are very personal to me. And with the prince in command, I think the people need the Shadow now, more than ever.”
Stacia smiled, “no need to get defensive dear. I am happy Reeva and the others were saved but I just hope it does not stir up the prince's wrath, even more than it already is. Even before his father’s death he has been itching to make an example of us for our faith. I respect what you do.”
“Really? I thought you were against violence… and magic.”
"I am, but someone has to take a stand. When was the last time you heard of anyone standing up to the throne in such a way?”
“Well if you ask me, the rebels have been standing against the crown and paying the price for it for years. They are the true heroes.”
Stacia frowned at her, “I never knew you were partial to the rebels?”
Shadaya shrugged, knowing that this would most likely lead her into one of her talks with Stacia where she would try to convince her to take her God as her own.
“You are just people of a different faith, fighting for a different cause. Yes, it is a cause that costs the crown, but I am partial to anyone who stands up for what is right.”
Stacia arched a brow, “Right according to who?”
Shadaya chuckled, “I know where you are trying to go with this, but I will tell you this. It is what is right according to the laws of humanity; kindness, value of life and the obligations of relationship.”
“Everything has to start somewhere you know, and besides do you
really think those values come naturally to us?”
Shadaya shrugged, "I just wish the crown would focus on diffusing the tension between us and Aldor. I do not even want to think about what will happen if a war happens. I hope Drayton returns to put an end to this madness. The kingdom of Aldor is growing and expanding all around us, even into the regions beyond the border. They have proven themselves to be a formidable foe why do we insist on keeping them as enemies? I would never know."
Stacia straightened up, "The Aldorians hold themselves to a standard that Dravia would never bow to. You still reject the reality of the division of our world and the coming great war. Until you grow to accept that, you will never fully understand Aldor’s ways and Dravia’s hatred."
Shadaya rolled her eyes at Aldor’s ‘ways’, as she adjusted a crate on a shelf beyond Stacia’s reach. She was short, as most Dravian women tended to be, but Stacia was even shorter, her plump hands barely stretching above her head.
“If you ask me, I believe that they think too highly of themselves. I cannot understand why Dravians would even want to seek refuge there, they must really not be happy here.”
Stacia sighed, "many left with King Kalgary’s last offer. It was hard for Stiller."
"At least now you’re sure that those who remain are loyal to the land, to the kingdom and to the cause. Even one that seems to be quickly fading away."
The older woman looked right at her now, her sky-blue eyes somber.
"Yes, I suppose you are right," she looked away and sadness filled her eyes, “Dravia has taken so much from us but..." she shook her head and smiled.
Shadaya knew she was remembering her son, the one she had lost many years ago, during a time when Arduway was under curfew, because of a string of vandalism that had been happening. From what Shadaya knew, the young lad had slipped outdoors just when the kings’ men were sweeping the streets after dark. He never returned home. The Stiller's had searched all Dravia for him until they accepted that they had lost their only child and would never know exactly how he was taken away from them.
Shadaya looked back to ensure that Bertrand had not returned, before posing the question that had been on her mind for over a week now.
“Umm so… have you heard from them?”
Stacia perked up from her momentary bout of gloomy reverie and beamed up at her.
“Stiller says they are still taking refuge with one of our brothers on the outskirts of the city. The prince is still on the lookout for them, we’re trying to find the right time to get them back home. I hear the prince asks about you almost every day.”
“Oh, he does?” Shadaya winced at the hopefulness in her voice and judging by the knowing glint in Stacia’s eyes, she did notice.
“I mean, is he well? Has he recovered from his injury?”
Stacia smiled, “He is doing well, he will probably be even better if he gets to see you. He has been wanting to thank you.”
Shadaya nodded, “but we can’t risk it.”
“No, we can’t.”
It was then that Bertrand stuck his head in to inform them that he had carried in all the baskets into the bakery.
“Very well,” Stacia said, “I will get someone to help me pack away. You two should be on your way.”
✽ ✽ ✽
Three weeks before the Aldorian Princess is captured
Blood hounds! The horrific image in her of being torn to shreds urged her to dig her heels deeper into the sides of her horse, sending her barreling through the woods near Arduway. She could hear the blood thirsty mutts rushing through the forests after her. Gritting her teeth, she tightened her grip on the reins and fought the urge to double over. Her head was light from all the blood loss, and the pain of her wound roared through her. She had to get help soon, or her crusade would be over before it even began. Still she clutched the satchel which held the object of her trouble. Some very precious stones, worth a fortune, a loss that would surely put the king’s treasurer in trouble but would feed numerous hungry families. If she lost her life tonight however, it would all be lost.
Lord Kesing’s hounds were gaining on her, but she was almost to the edge of his land, once she cleared the woods, she could find refuge in the city of Arduway. The stench of the place she hoped, would be enough to throw them off her trail. Or if she was lucky, Kesing would not want the uproar. But where could she go?
With the last reserves of strength, she possessed, Shadaya managed to lead her horse to a familiar door. Once nearby, she slipped off the horse and with a swat on his hind quarters, sent it hurtling away from her. She managed to climb up the side of the pillared cottage and was able to pry a window open. Breathless and feeling like inches from death, she tossed herself inside. She fell onto the floor with a low thud and surprisingly managed to stay awake long enough to see a blurry image of Stacia’s face hovering over her before she passed out.
When she woke up, it was bright, and she was free of the weight of her disguise. She looked down at the brown, itchy dress she now wore, it was several sizes too big. Her limbs felt heavy, yet she attempted to sit up. Pain like she had never known shot through her leg and she cried out pitifully. Running feet alerted her to the presence of another. Stacia’s worried face came into view.
“Don’t move my dear,” came the motherly croon.
She looked up at the woman gratefully, but her words failed her, as she fought to catch her breath.
“She can’t stay here.”
The low rumble behind her belonged to Stacia’s husband, Stiller. He was leaning against the doorway, his face set like stone.
“We can’t send her off like this,” Stacia protested.
“Stacia,” her husband said firmly, “she is the Shadow, she’s wanted by the king’s men, she’s a thief.”
“She is lady Quadin, we know her. We can’t toss her out into the streets for the king to find her. Besides, the Shadow has done a lot of good for our people.”
“So, I guess that justifies the means.”
“Please,” Shadaya started, “just send word to Bertrand, he will come get me. I will make up an excuse for my being here. But please, you must not tell anyone.”
“Then why did you come here?”
“You are the only people I know I can trust. Please Stiller.”
Stiller regarded her down the length of his nose, then sighed, “I must admit you have my respect. I would have never thought you could do what you do. And you do give the people hope... your secret is safe with us.”
When he left, Stacia lifted the bottom of the dress to tend to her wounds.
“Who did this to you?”
“Blood hounds,” Shadaya replied wearily.
She chuckled weakly at the look of horror on Stacia’s face, “you should see the other guy,” Shadaya joked.
She could feel herself teetering on the edge of feverish insanity. Stacia reached out and touched her forehead.
“Oh no, you’re burning up! There’s no way I can let you leave like this.”
Chapter 3
Shadaya left her final drop off at Mudder's Inn with a scowl. Despite the beauty of the village and the warmth of some of the villagers, there were pockets of unpleasantness that Shadaya always wished she could avoid. Mudder's Inn was one of them.
The Inn keeper there always gave her a hard time. He was a trickster, not to be trusted but the only Inn Keeper in that section of the peasant village that was able to work as a central location for her food basket distribution. She usually left Mudder's Inn for her last stop, that way she and Bertrand could linger to ensure the villagers got their baskets. This always made Darfield Mudder even more insufferable.
She left his Inn with a pout, squinting against the sunlight which shone in stark contrast to the dark musky Inn.
"I will go retrieve the carriage mi lady," Bertrand said nervously as he came to stand beside her.
"I will not be long. Don’t move you hear."
Shadaya smiled at him, "Don’t be so jittery, what
could happen to me in a minute? Go."
He sighed and stalked off, as usual he was annoyed at her insistence on being careless. It brought a smile to her lips but a short lived one. Because as she turned her gaze toward the street, she caught sight of something that turned her stomach. A drunken brawl over a basket; Mudder's Inn seemed to draw the like. Maybe it was his never-ending supply of strong ale, or that this was the part of peasant village where most of the unsavory characters resided.
She took a step back, despite the temptation to step in and demand they act like civilized adults. But as she did, someone shoved her forward. She fell unto the dusty street with a grunt as her assailant leapt over her and ran toward the alley ways, her purse dangling from his hands. Before she could push herself upright, a shadow fell over her.
"You alright miss?"
She looked up, her gaze following the gentle baritone to a ringed brown hand, outstretched towards her. Beyond the helping hand, was a concerned frown and warm, gold flecked hazel eyes.
She swallowed her pride and took the extended hand. Her petite hands seemed to drown in his gentle grip. She knew she was no damsel in distress and that she was perfectly capable of handling herself in these situations, but in this moment, it would not do her cover well to reject a gentleman’s assistance.
The stranger helped her to her feet and as she stood up the smell of Aris petals caressed her nostrils, it was a stark contrast to the peasants she had been interacting with all morning. Her business was in fragrances, so it was hard not to notice. She took a step back and took a closer look at him, he was no peasant and he was no Dravian. With his white trimmed burgundy tunic and leather knee high boots, complete with sword and cape, he was surely not from here. His features stood out and from the look in his eyes he knew it.
Shadaya dusted off her hands on the front of her dress, grimacing as her bruised palms rushed against the fabric.
"You have to be careful out on these streets," he was saying, he had enviably long lashes, framing deep set eyes and smooth brown skin that only made his eyes pop the more. His eyes were the most distinguishing feature about him, they were large and piercing.
Shadaya: Out of Darkness (Gemstone Royals) Page 3
