Paladin's Oath

by M. H. Johnson

  “Probably,” Jess agreed. “But I only play for fun. I’ll let you be the card sharp of the family.”

  Her mother gave a confident smile. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she said, expertly reshuffling the cards and dealing out another hand.

  Apple gave her mother a teasing glance. “And more to the point, neither does Lord Turnsby.” Apple and their mother shared an evil chuckle and Jess glanced down at Twilight, luxuriating on the soft cushion seat next to her, purring as her hand absently caressed his soft, luxurious fur.

  “More to Mother than meets the eye, no?”

  Twilight cracked a sapphire orb in Jess's direction. "Considering how flustered she is when it comes to her oldest daughter, one can only hope there would be more to her than that, or Justice only knows how she ever caught your father.”

  “Twilight!” Jess said in mock outrage.

  Twilight just grinned. “It’s true and you know it, Jess. You never fit the classic mold of what a daughter of the nobility should be, and your mother, brilliant as she is, was never quite able to come to terms with it. Do you remember how hard she fought your father when you were dead set on attending Highrock? Or even learning the longsword?”

  Jess nodded. "Father and I had to sneak lessons for a while, until Mother finally got her head around it."

  Twilight subtly twitched his body, rolling over, directing Jess's attentive hand to where he most wanted a gentle belly scratching. "To be fair, Jess, you were hardly the easiest kitten to care for. Far more a hellion than your brother ever was."

  Jess nodded. “Geoff and I did get into a bit of trouble from time to time.”

  Lady de Calenbry, fan suddenly still, was staring daggers at her oldest daughter. “Jess! Please do not tell me you are having a conversation with your invisible familiar involving your mother who is sitting right across from you!”

  Jess flashed her mother an apologetic grin. “Sorry, Mother.”

  Apple snickered. “Seriously, Jess? It looks like you’re talking to yourself. You know I love you, but I don’t think you’ll make too many friends at the Turnsby’s gala, coming off as quite that eccentric.”

  Jess laughed, gently scratching her familiar's belly. “As if their opinion mattered to me. I told you I’m just in it for the fishies! Isn’t that right, Twilight?”

  “As always, my queen,” Twilight purred happily.

  Her mother sighed. “I swear, Jess. You will be the death of me. Look, at least try to make a good impression, all right? For mommy?”

  “Of course, Mother,” Jess assured. “Who knows? Maybe the men will have a fencing bout. That might be fun.”

  Her mother forbore to comment, dealing a fresh hand to Appolonia, pointedly ignoring her other daughter who happily closed her eyes. Twilight now shifted to her lap, and Jess felt herself start to drift off, gentle sunlight giving the tinted windows a rosy glow, purring cat in hand. Jess smiled as a warm sense of contentment came over her, letting the gentle motions of the carriage rock her to sleep.

  2

  “Jessica!” Her mother screamed.

  “Jess, focus on the here and now!” Twilight urged.

  Jess bolted upright, throat hoarse, hand firmly grasping the hilt of her blade. Her heart was racing. Her throat was sore. Apple was crying. She had been screaming, she realized. Hit by another nightmare. But it wasn’t over. Oh no. It had just begun. She quickly glanced outside. The warm summer day had turned to twilight. The customary time to begin a gala, with most guests sleeping over. And she knew they had just entered Turnsby’s lands. She could feel it. And she could feel something else. Something was wrong. Something that had triggered the nightmares again. But she just couldn’t remember what it was. It had burned through her brain so fiercely but a moment ago, yet had left not even the ash of memory in its wake. Only a terrible thirst. Jess took a deep, shuddering breath, suddenly wishing madly for a flask of her favorite apple brandy.

  “It's okay,” Jess soothed, gazing at her sister’s terrified face, her mother’s look of grave concern.

  "What the hell do you mean it's okay? You're the one who was screaming! Oh Jess, what is wrong with you? Why do you have to be so bloody scary? Why can't I have a normal sister?" Apple burst into fresh tears and her mother held her close, soothing her youngest child.

  Jess felt a deep sense of shame course through her. It would always be like this, she feared. Even when things were going well, when she felt warm and safe and happy, the nightmares, the terror, would sneak up on her. And she would react. She would lash out. Yell, shout, fight, even draw steel while she was half asleep. She would never be the innocent girl free of scars she once had been.

  She blinked, willing back the sharp, hot prickly tears of loneliness and frustration trying to pour out of her. “I’m sorry, Apple. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  "It's all right, Jess." Her mother soothed, before giving her youngest a firm squeeze. "Be at ease, Apple. Your sister just had a war dream. Your father had them for a long time after he came back from the border, Apple. You know that. Wounds of the soul sometimes cut as deep as wounds of the flesh.”

  Jess reached out and gave her sister a gentle hug. “I’m sorry, Apple. I’m sorry for screaming, I’m sorry for the nightmares, I’m sorry that I don’t know how to fix it, or that anyone can do anything to help me. I just… I just try to survive it. Just please don’t be too mad at your sister, okay? I do the best I can.”

  Her sister gave her a gentle smile. “I know, Jess. I know you are far braver than I will ever be, and your friends were lucky to have you fighting by their side. I’m just sorry you had to go through that. Sorry that it… hurt you.”

  Jess gave her sister a kiss on the forehead before returning to her seat. She forced herself a warrior’s laugh before drinking deep of her utterly unsatisfying well water flask. “At least I’m alive to bear the scars and tell the tale. That and warm mead and good companions is all any warrior can ask for.”

  Jess’s mother shook her head with gentle bemusement. “That’s just what your father used to say.”

  Jess grinned. “I know. He and Eloquin are sort of my role models for how a good warrior should act. In times of peace and in times of war.”

  Her mother nodded. “You could do worse than choose two of Erovering’s greatest generals as role models, Jess, for all that I might wish that Eloquin hadn't been quite so permissive in letting his prize students drink like fishes and carouse like hellions, when you weren't training.”

  Jess shrugged. “We trained as hard as any soldier readying for the front lines. Soldiers training for death have always had the king's permission to carouse free of censure, no matter their age, even during eras where calm sobriety was the norm. You know that already, Mother. And honestly, we needed to blow off steam after some of those, well, let’s just call them exercises, lest we'd explode like stopped up kettles left on the fire far too long.”

  "Do you want to talk about it?" Agda softly asked. "Do you need us to go back?"

  Jess shook her head fiercely. “Not bloody likely. And no, we don't have to go back. I know how important this is to Apple. I’m fine. I just… I just had a dream. I just can’t remember what it was. But something’s not right!”

  “That’s okay, Jess,” Her mother assured. “We’re almost there, see? The Turnsby chateaux is just ahead.”

  “Relax Jess,” her familiar soothed. “Whether bad memory or prescient warning, don’t let the dream hold you. Focus on the now. On good times to come. And tasty treats, of course.” Twilight gently butted Jess’s side with his head, and Jess was comforted by his very presence, stroking his sides as they approached their destination.

  Agda gave Jess a reassuring smile, gently stroking the sweat soaked hair off her cheek. “And may I say, dear Jess, that was quite the thoughtful gift you prepared dear Onnika for her birthday celebration.”

  Jess smiled at the compliment, hoping that the mix of flowers she had carefully nurtured over the last week
and presently resting in their planter on top of the carriage, as was her armor trunk which she had absolutely insisted on bringing on the off chance anyone would be up for a serious contest of arms, would be as big a hit with Onnika as it had been with her family when they had first caught its fragrance. “I hope they like it as much as you all did.”

  Her father had given her a hug earlier that day, beaming proudly, thinking it would make a wonderful gift for the king as well, and Jess had blushed, thinking she was being given too much credit. Working intuitively, she had carefully gathered up and kneaded just the right amount of moist aerated soil, carefully planting Angelica Herb, Begonia, Daisies, and Blue Lobelia all together in her chosen planter. Strands of Thyme, Peppermint, and Basil were also threaded through. Working carefully, she had entwined their roots, spending a diligent week nurturing her beloved plants. They had entwined together readily, blossoming in a riotous burst of color with the richest, most aromatic of scents.

  Jess, though grateful for her family's open admiration of her planned gift, had carefully avoided mention of what she had felt need to do near the beginning of their forced bloom, when she had sensed their hunger from being pushed so hard, and in a flash of intuition had carefully sliced her finger, squeezing out several drops of her own blood into the carefully prepared soil. after that, the bundle had grown as strong and vibrant as any plant she had ever nurtured before. Truth be told, she was a bit surprised at their potency. She knew that if her planter was well cared for, it would cross-pollinate with similar flowers in the Turnsby’s own garden and lead to richer, healthier plants throughout the Turnsby properties for medicinal use, as well as herbs for the kitchen.

  Jess glanced out the open window and gazed upon the large wall that ringed the inner property of the Turnsby estates. “Ladies de Calenbry here for the Gala!” Declared their carriage driver as they approached. Two guardsmen on duty snapped a courteous salute, spears ceremoniously uncrossed, hands to forehead even as a second pair hastily opened the gates.

  “I’m worried,” Jess admitted softly. “Maybe I should have insisted we head back home. I think that dream might have been a warning of sorts.”

  Twilight nodded. “I didn't sense anything offhand, but I was primarily focused on you, Jess. And just because trouble isn't blatant, doesn't mean it isn't slowly readying itself to strike. Best to nip folly in the bud, before it becomes catastrophic.”

  Jess sighed. "I don't sense anything specific, either. It was just this awful feeling. And now it's gone. Maybe it was just a nightmare. Still, it can't hurt to keep an eye out when we get there."

  Twilight bobbed his head in agreement. “Agreed. I’ll scout the periphery of the chateau. Come to think of it, I do smell… something. Faint, but perhaps worth investigating.” He then turned to his master, face deadly earnest. “Remember, Jess. Lots of fishies.”

  Jess couldn’t help laughing. “Take all you want, my beloved Twilight. You have my permission.” She winked and her cat purred contentedly. “You can even nibble it off my plate, if you prefer. I’d be highly surprised if anyone even noticed you.”

  Apple fixed Jess with a quirked eyebrow. “Jess. You’re doing it again.”

  Jess tried to look innocent.

  “Talking with invisible familiars is not going to cut it. Just follow my lead, sis. You’ll be fine.” Apple grinned.

  “Jess? If you or your familiar sense anything, you’ll come to me right away, won’t you?” Her mother was deadly serious, so different from the lighthearted creature of society she so often pretended to be.

  Jess nodded formally. "If something comes up, and I have time to do other than react, I'll let you know. Don't worry, I'll do my best to keep you two safe." She paused, considering. "Not to alarm you, Mother, but when April was tending the garden with me, she did mention that several families who staffed these estates had left abruptly. It's all rumor, since she heard it thirdhand, but apparently, there are wild beasts loose on the estate who have yet to be hunted down. In fact, one or two of the girls turned up missing, which is why those families left, even if the Turnsby guard now patrol the grounds for trouble zealously."

  Her mother nodded, expression grave. “I shall have a talk with Sissela in private. If she is having trouble with wild beasts, we’ll be sure to have your father assist with some huntsmen trained in taking down wild boar and bear.” She turned to her suddenly pale-faced younger daughter. “Now don’t worry about a thing, Appolonia! There will be dozens of guests with their retainers and servitors including, no doubt, many armsmen. No wild animal would think of approaching such noise and revelry! We shall all be perfectly fine.” She patted her daughter’s wrists consolingly. “We’ll be safely ensconced in the middle of the festivities, and have a wonderful time. Come now, my sweet. Give Mother a big smile! I’m counting on you to shine brightly and sparkle like the Jewel of our house that you are.”

  Jess, for her part, grinned. “I wonder how well my blade would fare against a wild bear?”

  Her mother’s icy blue eyes locked on Jess’s sheepish smile. “You are not helping, Jessica. I’m expecting a certain amount of decorum from you as well.”

  “Good luck with that, Mother,” a somewhat reassured Apple quipped. “At least she’s good with a blade. And I, for one, would love a nice bear pelt for a throw rug.”

  “That’s the spirit!” Jess enthused, happy that her sister was once again her assured, witty self.

  At last the carriage stopped, the footman calling their names as they were gracefully led up the bush lined path to the chateau proper. Jess whistled in appreciation, admiring the vast structure. It was gorgeous. The first floor was made of strong granite faced with marble to give it a brilliant warming sheen, the second and third stories were made of well cared for hardwood. It had a burnished glow in the setting sun and made the manor entire look warm and inviting. The many window shutters on the upper floors were open, catching the last of the sun’s rays and fresh air. It was, without a doubt, a beautiful place to live.

  But it did not have hypocaustic heating, Jess thought with a smirk even as she was led into the great ballroom deep in the Chateau, the fine wood paneled floor polished to a sheen. The curtains lining the windows were of burgundy and gold, and many of the great window doors were open to a second dance floor laid out on the open patio.

  The butler, having led them to the ballroom, bowed low to them before announcing the trio to the guests. "The Ladies de Calenbry." And with a final bow, he was off to the front foyer once more.

  A handsome woman nearing middle age and wearing a tangerine colored dress quickly approached with a look of delight on her face. “Agda! I’m so glad that you and your lovely daughters were able to make it!”

  Jess’s mother smiled warmly at the petite figure approaching. “Sissela. A pleasure as always, my friend. How fair your daughters?” Jess gazed at the elegant matron of the house approaching. Her cheeks were flushed with drink and good cheer, honey brown hair done up in careful ringlets, highlighting the curve of her neck. There was a pallor underneath her beauty that powders and creams couldn’t totally conceal, however. She held her hands closely, and Jess noted a slight tremble. Her eyes held a desperate hunger Jess could not name, gone in a blink as if it had never been.

  “Oh, quite well, thank you for asking!” their hostess gushed. “This is Onnika’s birthday gala, as you know, so she is quite excited. She's just reached her majority, and this is the perfect chance for her to reconnect with local Society. A small gathering, until it is time for us to head back to the capital, we thought this would serve as a nice diversion. And of course, Karine is enjoying her embroidery when not bothering her father, peering over his ledgers. I tell you I think she has a real eye for pattern and design. It is a pity she focused so diligently on trade and economics during her time at college. She could have so blossomed as a seamstress and artist! And she is so graceful on the dance floor.”

  She then turned to Jess and Apple. "And are these your lovely daught
ers? Oh, pray introduce me!"

  Agda nodded. “This is Apple, my youngest. Flower of my heart.” She grinned with pride, gently squeezing a beaming Apple's shoulders. “Fear not, when it is time to formally introduce her to society, you shall certainly get an invitation, my dear Sissela.” Agda then turned to Jess. “And this is Jessica, my eldest daughter, who, as you can no doubt tell, enjoys the freedom of movement her Highrock attire allows her.”

  The baroness gave an apologetic chuckle and Lady Turnsby seemed a bit at a loss for words, gazing at Jess's doublet and leggings, spending long moments staring at the exquisite mithril longsword sheathed at Jessica's hip. Jess grinned and rolled her shoulders, feeling her precious mithril mail wrinkling and bunching up the doublet worn over it. Her gloves were made of creamy calfskin, and they too had a layer of mail underneath. Her boots were of carefully treated rawhide, far tougher than boots of leather, and clashed wonderfully with her gloves. All made to Highrock specifications, including bronze inserts that would protect her lower legs against anything but the most zealous of slashes.

  Jess knew that most nobles would find her attire a bit jarring. It was a dilemma, yet she had managed to solve that insurmountable clash between form and function by just not giving a damn. All in all, Jess found the ensemble quite comfortable, and most importantly she could fight in it, so hardly cared what others thought of it.

  “Her attire looks very... unique. Worn by all the students of her college, you say?”

  “Oh no,” Jess deadpanned. “I just favor men’s attire because it’s more comfortable. Hard to draw a longsword and kill your opponent if your legs are getting all tangled up in fabric, wouldn’t you agree?”

  Twilight took that moment to gracefully leap up to his favorite perch. "Ooh look. Sissela's at a complete loss for words. Come. While she's distracted. Let's go look for the buffet table. I'm quite sure there's some tuna here calling my name,"