Paladin's Oath

by M. H. Johnson

  Jess found herself turning to the voice in the darkness that was her brother, and could almost imagine tears unseen, flowing from Geoffrey's cheek, as they gazed at the majestic beauty of the nighttime sky. “Now I look back and I feel almost embarrassed that I was originally treating it so casually. I didn’t realize, I didn’t appreciate how special she is.”

  Jess had grown quiet, taking in the full implication of her brother’s words. “Geoffrey?”

  "Yes, Jess?"

  “Well, Justice knows I’m no expert in the affairs of the heart, but it sounds to me like you might be in love.”

  Her brother burst out laughing. “Oh Jess, that’s absurd, and you know it! Why, such a thing could never be.” He sighed then, sounding almost sad.

  “Why not?”

  “Why not what?”

  “Why can’t you be in love with her?”

  “Our stations, Jess. It has to do with our stations! A dalliance is one thing. More than one noble worth his good reputation has been known to look after a woman or two, to act as their patron, and help them secure a comfortable station in life. A cottage with a generous garden, and perhaps an allowance to ease her way in life, or even set them up with a shop to own outright, if the girl has a head for trade and her patron is truly generous and noble of heart. But love? Between noble and commoner? You know as well as I do that that is just… out of the question.”

  Jess chuckled at that. “Seems kind of absurd to me, when you think about it, dear brother. What is the point of being a noble, after all, save that in return for our allegiance to our king and the rights earned from our ancestors we are afforded greater privileges than freemen, no? Yet we don’t even have the right to love the girl who catches our heart, that one of lesser privilege would be able to? That sounds like the opposite of privilege if you ask me, dear brother. If anything, it would seem to me that being of status, of means, would entail us greater rights to follow our hearts and passions than the common man. Don’t you?”

  Her brother sighed. “It is an interesting way of looking at things, I’ll grant you, Jess. And yes, one would think we should have greater rights to follow our heart, or at least, no less than any other man, but it just doesn’t work that way. Not for named lords and their heirs, at least.”

  Jess, not to be dissuaded, went on. “In fact, when you think of it that way, the greater your freedoms to live life on your own terms, the greater your true station, wouldn’t you say? And besides the king, who has license to live life as he or she chooses? Adventurers, of course! We Delvers can live as we choose, love as we choose, and who is to say otherwise? Our rights are established by treaty and precedent. You need only ask any bard for them to wax long and eloquent on that subject, I’m sure.”

  Geoff chuckled at that. “You certainly do live life on your own terms, Jess. Though I note you have taken pains to avoid formally declaring yourself a Guild member, for all that you’re certainly not loathe to take advantage of the privileges thereof.”

  Jess grinned wickedly in the dark. "Yes, well, I can't dispute that being able to walk off hand in hand with my hostess's daughter after challenging one of her guests to a duel, and trouncing him mightily, is a nice perk!"

  Geoff gave his sister a gentle thump. "Oh, you did make the rounds with that, dear Jess! However, I think it was your status as their liege lord's daughter more than that of being a Delver that facilitated you getting away with that outrageous series of events! Of course, your turning around to save the Turnsby estates and all its denizens, including the very noble guests you had so smartly scandalized, did much to temper initial shock at your scandalous behavior."

  Jess chuckled in fond reminiscence. “Yes, dear brother, and what an adventure it all was. What I remember of it, anyway. Besides, half the noblemen loved me, and reveled in my taking apart rat-face almost as much as I did. I get the feeling he had already managed to offend a fair number of that crowd. And so what if the other half couldn't forgive my not acting like a helpless damsel bursting into tears at their crass insults?” Jess frowned. “Be honest, Geoff, you know as well as I that had I been born the baron's son and not his daughter, there would have been no scandal at all at a properly fought duel. If anything, Sissela Turnsby would be maneuvering to see me married to her youngest, even as we speak.”

  Jess sighed, squeezing her brother's hand. “To me, Adventurers have the best of both worlds. Rights and privileges the equal of any lesser lord in all regards, save holding title to vast estates, or attending Court. And unlike nobles, they have the privilege to live, love, and marry as they choose, beholden to no one save their own heart! In that sense, they are more truly free than any commoner or nobleman, save for the king himself. And since you're the one in line to inherit and deal with all those headaches, thank the gods, being a Delver is the perfect fit for me! And no, I have no desire to join their Guild. I got the impression from my professors at Highrock that there were politics even within the Guild, and in case you haven't already figured it out, dear brother, I steer clear of politics of all sorts. Intrigue is not my interest, or I would already have been recruited as an Agent of the Crown. Adventure, excitement, and a wonderful tale to tell at the end of it, that’s what gets my heart thumping!”

  “And a pretty young lass in need of rescuing!” a bemused Geoffrey noted.

  “Your damn right on that, brother mine!” Jess laughed. “But I won’t let you displace my attack that easily, brother. It sounds like there is a certain lass that needs you to rescue her as well, or at least save her heart from grief. The question is, are you a brave enough knight to face the dragon and claim your princess?”

  “Oh Jess, it's just not that simple!... and what do you mean by dragon?”

  Jess grinned. “Mother.”

  “Oh gods, no!”

  Jess shrugged, gazing at the stars high overhead. “Do you know what I’d do if it were me and I hadn’t made that stupid agreement with Mother and Father?”

  “You mean the one that keeps the king's spies and soldiers from clamping down on our lands like a tight vice?”

  “Yes. That one. Anyway, do you know what I’d do if it were me?”

  Geoffrey laughed. “I can imagine. Let me guess. You’d sweep Rena off her feet, don your armor, claim adventurer’s privilege to Mother and Father, and run off to the Turnsbys; you, Rena, and Onnika living together in decadent splendor?”

  Jess laughed. “You know me so well!”

  “Of course. You are rash and impulsive, but you know your strengths, and are confident in your own abilities. You hardly care for anyone’s opinion, or you like to pretend such is the case, and you hardly need Mother’s stipend, between your skills as an herbalist and as a blooded Delver. Besides, you enjoy pointing out an adventurer’s privilege far too much for me to think you wouldn’t revel in flaunting social norms in pursuit of your own pleasures. And if there is one place you’ll probably be welcome, no matter how crazy your schemes, it’s with the family you saved from destruction.”

  “Pretty much,” Jess agreed, electing not to remind her brother of the diOnnis and the wondrous garden they had gifted her with. Her family knew her strategies too well already.

  Her brother sighed. "I'm sorry, Jess, but for me it's not so easy."

  “Why not? Claim nobleman’s privilege.”

  “I can claim nobleman’s privilege till my face turns blue! It won’t stop Mother from docking my allowance and forcing Rena back home in disgrace.”

  Jess sighed. “I think you should just run away with her. Father needs you to inherit from him, so Mother will have to forgive you eventually, and you’ll make their acceptance of Rena a requirement.”

  "Enough about Rena, Jess. I appreciate having you on my side, but trust me, it's not quite so simple as you make it out to be."

  Jess sat up to gaze down at her brother, his features barely discernible in the dim light of the moon overhead. “I think you’re just afraid to make a difficult choice, brother. But I have no wish to quarrel whe
n you share your troubles in confidence. I’m going inside, enjoy the stars.”

  “Jess?” There was something in his tone that gave Jess pause.

  “Yes, Geoff?”

  “Keep an eye on our sister during the festivities tomorrow. Obligations and duty will keep me by Father’s side when we speak to our visiting fellows from Court. I will feel better knowing you have her back, if any of our visiting peers or their sons seem a bit too eager to stake a claim.”

  Jess laughed ruefully. “So in addition to assuming that at least one agent for the king will have me under their eye, I must also be a chaperon. 'Twould be easier if Father would let me have my armaments on hand as would any other trained knight, but very well, brother. I will keep an eye on Apple, as if I wouldn’t already. You, in turn, should keep an eye on your heart and Rena’s, and make sure neither suffers mortal injury from the game you are playing.”

  Geoffrey gave her hand a relieved squeeze. “Fair enough, Jess. Fair enough. Thank you for keeping an eye on Apple. Sleep well, my sister.”

  “And you likewise, dear brother.” With an indulgent stretch, Jess got up fully and proceeded to her quarters, enjoying the feel of the cool green grass against her bare feet, the soft rustle of nearby branches blowing in the gentle breeze, and despite the obligations she felt pressing upon her, she was happy to be home.

  31

  The next morning Jess yawned and stretched luxuriantly in her silky soft bed, enjoying the morning cheer of birds calling for their mates, singing their songs of life and renewal. She found herself smiling as warm golden light played against her closed eyelids, rising luxuriously out of the sweet final caresses of a hauntingly beautiful dream. It was then she felt the sudden weight of a furry presence pressing his paws gently on her chest.

  “Good morning, Twilight,” Jess yawned. “Time to start the day, I suppose.”

  “And what a day it will be, my dear mistress. Your hero’s ball, and only a whole day to prepare for the evening gala.”

  Jess moaned at that. “Oh, bother. Why must we continue with this charade? I’d much rather be off on some grand adventure, wouldn’t you, my dear kitty?”

  Her familiar’s grin was downright evil. “What, and miss the spectacle of half a dozen seamstresses armed with pins and firm words striving to get you looking perfect for the grand fete? I wouldn’t dream of it! Arise, my great and terrible queen before whom all mortals should tremble. Your sister’s knocking on your door, and I’m hungry.”

  “No doubt Geoff’s taking a casual walk outside, coincidentally in sight of my prison window to prevent any last minute dodging of this whole silly affair. And you’re always hungry, Twilight.”

  "Actually, that's your father admiring your greenhouse blossoms. Your dear brother is helping a frantic Rena dress, having accidentally fallen asleep in her arms, and she's already late for service. Not that they will be able to keep their affair hidden much longer at this rate. And it's fortunate indeed that your brother has some of your floral extract, or Rena would be smelling like Geoffrey, as opposed to wildflowers."

  Jess chuckled evilly at that. “I guess he owes me one, then.” She turned to the door. “Hold on, Apple, I’ll be there in a moment!” With a gentle nod, her door opened softly and silently on unseen hinges.

  “Jess, you have to knock some sense into Geoffrey’s thick head!” were her sister’s first words, looking quite striking in her crimson morning dress. “If he and Rena go on like this, there is no way they will keep it secret from Mother for long. The servants are already trading knowing glances, and Father’s not stupid either.” She quickly closed the door behind her.

  Jess nodded in agreement. “He’s letting his passions get the better of him, I think. Not that I’m one to talk, mind you, but he’s always been one for calm deliberation and cautious strategy. That’s his strength. Between you and me, Apple, I don’t think he’s planned this through at all.”

  Apple flashed her sister a knowing grin. “Then you and Geoffrey should finally be seeing things eye to eye! But seriously, Jess, if Mother finds out, what are we to do?”

  Jess's gaze turned thoughtful. “And this is normally where you speak to Geoff, am I right? Only he’s the one in hot water at the moment, not me. Hmm… Frankly, Apple, I think he should just declare his love for her. I’ve seen them taking late night strolls when they think no one is up, and the way their faces heat up when they lock gazes during the day is priceless!”

  Apple sighed. "I know. It's the perfect romance. Star-crossed lovers, hearts blazing with passion as they embarked upon their forbidden affair, the impossible bridge between noble and commoner, the goddess of romance conquering all barriers." She shook her head. "But the goddess of romance won't save Geoff when Mother docks his allowance and sends Rena packing."

  Jess felt her own chest ache for the sweet perfection of her brother’s doomed romance. “They need a champion. I shall fight for the rightness of their cause. Anyone who would gainsay the purity of their love must prove their charge on the field of battle!”

  Apple’s exasperated gaze instantly wilted Jess’s grand fantasy of high romantic justice. “No, Jess. You can’t get Mother to change her mind by offering to fight! Really, Jess. Please try to keep one foot planted in the real world, will you?”

  Jess found herself pouting. She, for one, quite liked the idea.

  "Oh yes," Twilight purred, "I can't wait to see your mother's expression when you offer that challenge. Preferably when your arms are being lifted so the seamstresses can better sew you into that nightmare of a dress. The look on her face would be priceless. Like the gaze of a medusa, no doubt."

  “You just had to mention the seamstresses, didn’t you, Twilight? And the dress. You couldn’t let that one go.” Jess shuddered in recollection of the monstrosity of silk, embroidery, and crushed velvet that awaited her in the drawing room. She had been working very hard to think of that horror as little as possible. Not an easy task, considering that those awful seamstresses had been poking and prodding her while taking her measurements on and off for the past week.

  Her familiar's grin was positively wicked. “Of course! It is your big day, after all. You’ll look so fetching making knightly challenges in crushed velvet.”

  “Crimson, of all colors.” Jess shuddered.

  “It does match your hair,” Twilight noted.

  Apple rolled her eyes. “You’re talking to your familiar again? This is serious, Jess. Besides, I happen to think crimson looks lovely on girls with our coloring.”

  "I know it's serious, Apple, and please don't you start with that dress!" Jess paused, giving the matter at hand some serious thought. "Look, even if Geoff does get caught and trussed like a fish under mother's gaze, I still have some crowns left myself, and can see about securing Rena with a comfortable cottage, even if we have to secure her passage to the capital." Jess sighed. "It would be so much easier if we could just square her away with the Turnsbys. I know Karine's heart would melt for their predicament, but since Father is technically their liege lord, even if Karine is the true queen of the Turnsby estates, it would create a problem I would much rather avoid, so Onnika's home is out of the question."

  Apple nodded. “That is sound thinking. And pretty much what I came up with.” She paused then. “After saving your allowance for three years while you were at Highrock, you only have a few gold crowns left?”

  “I needed some decent training equipment,” Jess declared defensively. “I kept breaking father’s.”

  “Yes, I know. And you have the strength of legends coursing through your veins and must train endlessly, lest you encounter fell beasts popping out of dire dimensions to plague us at any moment. We all heard the excuses you told an utterly flustered Mother, and it is only because of Father's own philosophy of having his soldiers maximize their potential that kept her from making you put away your toys long ago.” She sighed. “Oh, very well. I have some silver saved up. I can help too, I suppose. And Geoffrey better remember he owes
me one, if it comes to that!”

  Jess grinned. “The real reason we are having this conversation. On the off chance I had an idea that would alleviate the need for my dear little sister to have to part with her own silver for the cause.”

  Apple smirked. “Well, I had to try. And don’t look so smug. I’m willing to do it for my brother and for the sake of love, but I’d much prefer it if we could serve the goddess of love in a way that didn’t hit my purse!”

  Jess gently laughed and enveloped her sister in a gentle hug. “You’re a sweetheart and you know it. Come, Apple. To breakfast. I do believe I smell fresh crepes.”

  "And freshly poached salmon, with just a hint of basil," Twilight purred happily. "I do so love your garden, my dear mistress. Come! Our meal awaits us." With that, her cat adroitly leaped to his favorite perch, and together they proceeded towards the delicious aromas of breakfast.

  “I know I’ve said it before, but It feels so nice to have everyone at table these days, doesn’t it, dear Arthur?” Agda declared, gazing fondly at her family busily devouring the scrumptious fare that their head chef and the Turnsby’s remarkable cook had prepared for them that day. “And to think, all this while busily preparing for the feast this evening!”

  Her husband nodded in warm agreement. “Indeed it is. One truth that holds; whatever our stations in life, few things are more satisfying than seeing one’s family hale and hearty, enjoying each other’s company over a generous meal.”

  “Absolutely, Father!” Geoffrey agreed enthusiastically even as a blushing Rena was refilling everyone’s cups with freshly squeezed apple juice. “Nothing is more important than being close to those you love.”

  Jess inhaled sharply, clamping down on her fierce reflexes when a suddenly shaky Rena managed to splatter Jess with some of the juice.