Burden of Stones

by James Dale

  "Don't flaming stop!" the Lion shouted at him. "Ride damn you!" Slapping Eaudrueil on the flank, Cyran started the Val'anna into motion once more.

  Soon blue and silver clad Doridanian cavalry came thundering down the street towards them. A quick shout from Cyran sent half the horsemen in the direction of the frightened screams, while their sergeant and of the rest the troop quickly encircled them and they hurried Jack back toward the palace.

  As they thundered beneath the outer wall a few minutes later, the sergeant roared for the tower watch to close the gate. Borg Cassaban could have learned something about real cursing from the grizzled Doridanian. Even though he was riding for his life, Jack was so impressed by the crude eloquence of the man's swearing, he filed away several phrases to pass along to the Lion’s commander, as well as for his own future reference should he find the moment called for swift action. Judging by way the heavy iron portcullis crashed to the cobblestone street, the tower watch must have smashed the pulley system used lower the tremendous barrier. They'd probably be a week trying to lift it again!

  The gate to the palace proper was beginning to lower even as Eaudrueil’s hooves touched the wooden bridge spanning the moat. By the time they reached the wall, Jack had to duck to pass beneath the descending iron bars. With a seasoned soldier's sense for danger, the two guardsmen standing watch at the palace’s as yet repaired doors had swords drawn as the Val'anna skidded to a halt at the foot of his two stone, carved brethren.

  "Fetch a doctor!" Cyran shouted, leaping from his mount and sprinting to Eaudrueil’s side. "Prince Braedan has been flaming shot!"

  One of the guardsmen disappeared inside at a run and the other rushed to assist the Golden Lion.

  "I'm okay Cyran," Jack argued as the Lion pulled him from the saddle. "Dammit! Let go of me! I'm not hurt!"

  Not trusting his lord's word, Cyran grabbed his tunic and ripped the silk apart with his bare hands, frantically searching for signs of blood.

  "That was a new shirt!" Jack cried, as Cyran spun him back around.

  "Thank Yh’Adan you were wearing your ithelmere," the Lion sighed with relief. "If that bowman had been a half decent shot, you'd be needing a burial shroud instead of another shirt. Let's get you inside."

  They were hardly through the palace doors when Jack saw Annawyn running towards him, holding the hem of her encumbering gown high to ease her strides. Enticing flashes of her long legs as she ran almost made him forget he was only minutes removed from violence. She nearly knocked him over as she rushed into his arms.

  "Jack!" she cried, tears streaming from her sea green eyes. "I feared...where are you injured?"

  "I'm not, Anna," he hurried to assure her, though a sharp flash of pain as she hugged him caused him to issue a betraying hiss.

  "I'll be the judge of that," she said, releasing him to swipe at the tears on her cheeks. "I'm taking Prince Braedan to his room. Tell Doctor Aldric to meet us there."

  "At once my queen," the palace guardsman saluted.

  "Cyran, help me!" Annawyn ordered the Golden Lion as she carefully slipped beneath his right arm and slid her own around his waist.

  "I can walk by myself," Jack smiled. "If you want to snuggle, just ask."

  "Hush!" she snapped. "Take his other arm Cyran."

  "Really, I can..."

  "Not another word! Cyran, now!"

  "Yes ma'am," the Lion nodded, quickly draping Jack's other arm over his shoulder.

  "Careful!" Jack muttered through clinched teeth.

  "You are injured," Anna said accusingly.

  "Well, maybe a little but it's not that..."

  "I thought I told you to hush?"

  "Yes ma'am," he sighed

  The pair had him on his way up to his room in short order, attracting a concerned crowd as they went. Sergeant Elhaer of the palace guard soon joined them and offered to relieve the young queen of her burden, but the look she gave him sent the huge guardsman bowing from their path. A helpful servant rushed ahead of them, hurrying to open the door to his suite as they ushered him inside. When others made to follow, Annawyn sent them scurrying for cover.

  "Out!" she ordered sharply, guiding Jack to his bed. "Everyone out! You as well, Cyran. I will see to him from here."

  "Yes highness," he bowed.

  When they were alone, Annawyn unbuckled his sword belt and tossed Grimrorr to the floor. "Lift your arms."

  "Why?"

  "I need to take off your mail so I can look at you.” She replied. "Lift your arms."

  "Shouldn't we wait for Doctor Aldrin?"

  "Now!"

  Jack slowly lifted his arms, steeling himself for the pain he knew was coming. He kept the sharp stab from his reaching his face, but Annawyn's eyes were only inches from his own and she wasn't fooled. She winced as if feeling the pain in her own body as she began to pull the scale mail above his head. He gasped involuntarily as she tugged the Ithelmere shirt free.

  "I'm sorry," Annawyn apologized, tears welling in her eyes again.

  "It wasn't that bad," he lied. The bolt must have hit him harder than he thought.

  "Turn around," she said quietly. She touched his shoulder and he winced before he could stop himself. "You're going to have a nasty bruise come morning." She said.

  "Is that so?" Jack asked, shuddering as her fingers caressed his bare back. "Tell the truth, you just wanted to get my shirt off. You've been itching to undress since you saw me wrapped in a towel, straight from my bath." He meant the remark teasingly, but when she didn't rise to the bait, he thought he'd went too far. He tried to turn and apologize, but Annawyn stopped him before he could see the heat flushing her cheeks.

  "I'm sorry Anna. I shouldn't have said that," he apologized quickly. "Forgive me?"

  Her only reply was silence.

  "Anna?"

  "The truth..." she finally whispered, her fingernails tracing lightly along his shoulders, "the truth is I have been longing to undress you since the moment we spoke our vows." Annawyn signed, then kissed his neck, sending shivers up his spine.

  "Anna..."

  "When the guard came running into the palace...shouting that you have been shot, I thought..."

  "Anna..."

  "I thought you would die," she whispered, slipping her arms around his waist and laying her head gently on his shoulder. "Before...before we could...know each other as husband and wife. Make love to me Jack," Annawyn said suddenly. "I will lock the door and we can..."

  "Anna," he said, turning despite the pain it caused him and looking into her eyes. "I haven't done many things in my life right the first time. With you...I want...I need, everything to be perfect."

  "It will be," she promised, taking his head in her hands and brushing her lips against his. "I have never...known a man. I never wanted to...in that way. Until I met you. Make love to me. I will try to be perfect."

  "That's not what I meant, Anna," Jack smiled, kissing her forehead with all the love he could summon. "When I...when we...I want you to be my wife. We have spoken the vows, but we are not married. Are we?"

  "No, my heart," she sighed sadly. "The Vows of Matrimony are not exchanged until one year after the Vows of Commitment. But...I cannot wait a year!"

  "Is it law or custom?" Jack asked, brushing tears from her cheek.

  “Beloved?”

  “Is it law…you know Holy, written down because “thus sayeth the Lord Gawd” or is it custom because someone a long time ago, thought it was a good idea?” asked Jack. He’d searched through several volumes on Doridanian and Whesguardian custom over the last day and none had shed light on where the year between Commitment and Matrimony originated.

  "Custom, Beloved," she replied. "But observed since Dorshev was a collection of scattered farm houses."

  "Just because it's old doesn't mean it can't be changed," he smiled.

  "Then I will order it changed tomorrow," she vowed. "Because I cannot wait a year...to have you as my husband! In every way."

  "So, let it be wr
itten, so let it be done," Jack smiled. Ignoring the pain, he took his queen in his arms.

  Their kiss was becoming quiet...matrimonial when Doctor Aldrin burst into Jack's room, out of breath and clutching his chest as if he were on the point of cardiac arrest.

  "I came as quickly as I could....oh! Forgive me, highness," he stammered.

  Annawyn reluctantly untangled herself from Jack's embrace and calmly straighten her gown. "There is nothing to forgive Eliayas, because you saw nothing. Is that clear doctor?" she smiled sweetly.

  "Ummm...well...perfectly clear highness," he bowed quickly.

  "Jack is not badly injured," she informed him. "But if he so much as lifts an eyebrow when you touch him, the next patient you treat will be an ally cat. Is that clear doctor?"

  "Ummm...yes, highness," he nodded, bowing even deeper.

  "Sergeant Elhaer!" Annawyn called.

  "My queen?" he asked, only his head coming into the room.

  "Remain outside this door and tell anyone who inquires, Prince Braedan is well and needs only rest to heal his injuries," she instructed the guardsman. "Let no one disturb him without my permission."

  "Yes, my queen," he nodded, disappearing again.

  "I'll see you in the morning," Annawyn smiled, leaning over to brush his lips with a kiss.

  "Anna?"

  "Yes?"

  "I love you," Jack smiled.

  "I love you too," she said, caressing his cheek. "Not so much as an eyebrow, Eliayas."

  "Yes, my queen," he nodded. "Let's have a look, shall we?" the doctor said when Annawyn closed the door behind her and they were alone. "Tell me when it hurts."

  "She wouldn't really put you out on the street treating cats, would she?" Jack asked.

  "I...I don't think so," Eliayas muttered. "But...but would you be so kind as to turn so I can't see your eyebrows?"

  After a thorough examination, Doctor Aldrin concurred with Queen Annawyn's initial observation. He would bruise, perhaps badly even, but there was no muscle tear or broken bones.

  "You'll be sore for a few days," the doctor warned him. "I'll put some Cold Root Salve on your shoulder and wrap you up to minimize movement, then check on you again in the morning."

  Doctor Aldrin's warning proved painfully correct. When Jack awoke the next morning, it felt like someone had spent the night pounding on his shoulder with a sledge hammer. That damn cross-bowman must have been close. If it hadn't been for his Ithelmere scale, the bolt might have ripped his arm off. He sat up with a groan and a bleary-eyed Sergeant Elhaer poked his head through the door.

  "Shall I send for Doctor Aldrin, High Prince?" he inquired.

  "I'm okay sergeant," Jack muttered. "Just sore. Jesus, you look horrible. Have you been out there all night?"

  "Someone wants to see you if you feel up to it?" the sergeant replied, ignoring his question.

  "Does Annawyn know?"

  "Your Horsemaiden is off shouting at the High Council," Tarsus informed him, slipping by Elhaer and through the door. "It was very amusing till she started in on me. The way she's yelling at everyone, you'd think you were ambushed in the throne room. How are you feeling?"

  "Like I've been hit in the back with the White Horse Tower," Jack replied.

  "You're lucky to be alive," the Amarian said bluntly, flopping down in a chair as Sergeant Elhaer quietly closed the door again. "Either Yh was watching over you or that Norgarthan cross-bowman was blind."

  "Norgarthan?" Jack asked.

  "Cassaban says he was," Tarsus shrugged. "He's the one who found the bastard's body."

  "His body?"

  "He's dead," the Amarian informed him. "Prince Thonicil…”

  “Thonicil is here?”

  “He arrived late last night apparently,” Tarsus replied. “Anyway, Thonicil says it looks like he poisoned himself. Just like the assassin in Brythond's east tower he said to tell you. I guess you know who he's talking about?"

  "Yeah," Jack sighed. A Norgarthan in Dorshev? He wasn't safe in Doridan. Maybe not even safe in the bloody palace! "Are you sure he was a Norgarthan?"

  "I didn't see him," Tarsus shrugged again, "but Cassy is convinced. Unfortunately, so is Annawyn. She overheard him telling Thonicil. When I left the council hall, she was threatening to send Doridan's fleets to burn Norgarth to the ground. And Thonicil was asking to lead them. Guess he's still pissed about what they wanted to do to Thessa."

  "Shit," Jack muttered. "I'd better get down there before she starts a war. We're not ready yet."

  "Morgan won't let her do anything rash," Tarsus assured him. "Theros and Cilidon are also trying to keep her under control. It might actually take all three of them. Word of advice, my friend? Don't ever do anything to make that lass mad at you. An angry Horsemaiden is a fearsome sight."

  He had no more said those words when the kings of Brydium and Ail'itharain were announced by Sergeant Elhaer. Jack thought for an instant they had come to fetch him for reinforcement against Annawyn, but both Theros and Cilidon were smiling.

  "If by some, unfathomable circumstance you ever hear Brydium has declared war on Doridan, do me a favor Jack," Theros grinned. "Come to Brythond and knock some sense into me."

  "Your intended is quite...forceful," Cilidon agreed with an amused chuckled. "She is Arianna's great-granddaughter. No doubt about it. I hope I live to see your first-born grow to an adult. The child will be the greatest warrior to ever walk the earth."

  "I hope I live that long as well," Jack sighed.

  "Yes," Theros nodded, sobering. "Graith is anxious to have you dead before you can draw Yhswyndyr. We were lucky it was some poorly aiming Norgarthan yesterday shoot crossing bow bolts, and not a Sorcerer of the Sa'tan throwing red fire. We must get you to Lordsisle. And quickly."

  "I know," Jack nodded. "How soon can we leave?"

  "Kaerl has his flagship, Muriel's Revenge, docked at Dorihil," Cilidon replied. "If you left today, you could be sailing for Lordsisle within a week."

  "I'm not leaving Dorshev until I'm married," Jack replied.

  "Annawyn is seeing to that as we speak," Theros nodded. "If...if we had time, I would not let you leave this room...until another Heir of Bra’Adan was assured. Just in case." He didn't have to add in case of what. With cross-bow bolts seeking his life in the heart of the Whesguard, there wasn't any need.

  "That might take longer than a day," Jack grinned. "I'm a little out of practice."

  "You will have ample time to...practice nephew," Cilidon laughed quietly. "If Annawyn has her way with the High Council you will be wed by nightfall."

  "That might be just a bit too soon," Jack muttered, "I'm so sore I can barely move.”

  "Who says you have to do the work?" Tarsus smiled.

  "Careful," Jack warned the Amarian, "You're talking about my wife to be."

  "It was just a suggestion," he replied, his smile growing.

  "Speaking of suggestions," Theros interrupted before their talk sank into the gutter. "We have finally come up with a plan, Jack. If you approve it."

  "Go ahead," he nodded.

  "I will return to Brythond to begin readying the legions," the king of Brydium replied. "Cilidon will do the same in Goldenbriar. Kaerl will return to Annoth and prepare the fleet. By the time you reach Lordsisle, the Whesguard will have begun to muster. Doridan can begin at once under Annawyn. She will raise likely protest about not going with you, but you must convince her to stay here. Though it's a close thing between her readying her kingdom for war or...being well, with you...the three months you'll be at sea. If the White Horse and Doridan's cavalry aren't ready when war comes, having Yhswyndyr might be a moot point."

  "I've been thinking the same thing," Jack admitted. "Okay, so who's going with me?"

  "I am," Tarsus replied. "And the Galekindar."

  "The Galekindar are returning to Amar to prepare your people," Jack informed him. "Most of them anyway. I’d Like Ennul and at least a dozen to stay and watch over the queen. With her Horse-maidens and a few
Galekindar, no one would dare attempt to harm her. Send a captain your trust to get Tereil moving. You’ll be coming with me Tarsus. I couldn’t go to sea without you.”

  "But you'll need..."

  "I'll take the Golden Lions with me for protection," Jack interrupted. "Cassy is recruiting here in Dorshev. He should have enough by the end of the week to keep me safe. Who else will be going?"

  "Thonicil will represent Brydium," Theros replied. "He'll hate leaving Thessa and little Jack for so long, but the Talon of the Hawk must be at your side if Dragonslayer cannot."

  "Arrinor, Ailicia and Lady Ara’fael will represent the Ailfar," Cilidon added. "I would send the twins as well, but I fear I shall have need of them. One Spellweaver and a Dreamwalker should be enough to serve you."

  "Of the rest," Theros said. "Kirstaen An’kaera will go as Annoth's representative. Malik has also demanded to be included. More because of the Lady Ara’fael I think," he grinned, "than a desire to return to Lordsisle. Take Captain d’Kenna and the High Kings Hammer. He’d probably swim after you if you ordered him to stay anyway. Perhaps also a platoon of Rangers and Dragons? More men will just be in the way. Agreed?"

  "Agreed," Jack nodded. "So that's it then? Except for when l can leave."

  Part of that question was answered as Annawyn entered the room and rushed into his arms.

  "We will be husband and wife in three days, Beloved!" she laughed.

  "I don't...ummm...know if I'll be...able in three days," Jack grinned.

  "Eliayas!" the queen of Doridan shouted. "Get in here at once!"

  Chapter Ten

  Leavtaking

  Three days is not a very long time. Only seventy-two hours. For Jack however, they were the longest seventy-two hours of his life. Annawyn had been strong enough to change the century’s old custom of the one year wait between commitment and marriage, but even a Horsemaiden Queen could not disregard religious tradition without impunity. And that tradition required bride and groom to remain secluded, from others as well as each other, for the three days preceding their wedding day.

  "Why?" Jack asked the priest of Yh’Adan who had performed Annawyn's coronation and blessed their Vows of Commitment. "I can live with the old, 'it's bad luck to see your bride before the wedding' superstition,’ but three days?"