Rayna went in search of her pupil later in the afternoon, a list of questions written out on a piece of parchment in her neat handwriting. When he wasn’t in his room, she caught the sleeve of a passing servant. “Have you seen Master Arius, the one who is using this room?”
The girl bobbed a curtsy. “Yes, my Lady, I saw him heading for the practice yard with his blade at his side. He usually spends a few candlemarks there each day.”
“A soldier, then? Hm…” She waved for the girl to go on, and then turned and made her way to the practice yard. She had only been there a few times, as most of her students were rarely ever in a position to be concerned with protecting their own persons. Assigning bodyguards was much more practical than teaching some foppish boy-child how to use a sword.
The sound of clashing swords reached her ears before she made it to the yard. Surely they weren’t practicing with real weapons? But she turned the corner, and there before her, stripped to the waist, were two men at arms dripping sweat as they attempted to get the better of her pupil. He fought like a demon, and seemed barely winded as he held his ground before their battering. She kept to the shadowy hallway for awhile, watching, enjoying the scene before her. She could cross off one of her questions; with the graceful way he moved, if he couldn’t dance it wouldn’t take much to teach him.
Rayna enjoyed watching him move, and the way his soft breeches and shirt molded to his sweat-slick form was certainly pleasing to the eye. He handled his sword delicately with a sure hand, and barely seemed to consider any of his moves before he made them. The two men he practiced with could not come close to scoring a hit on him. He would be lethal in a real sword fight.
A delicious shiver crawled across her skin before she stepped into the light and cleared her throat softly. The fighting stopped instantly, all three men dropping their swords and turning towards her. A brief scowl passed Ari’s face before all emotion left his eye, but she had seen it. So he didn’t like to be interrupted, did he? She pasted on a gleaming smile and waved prettily. “Hello, gentlemen! May I please steal away Master Arius for a little while? You may have him back momentarily!”
The two men looked to Arius, and he waved them away. With a perfectly blank face, he approached her. “I apologize, I’m dirty and sweaty.”
She shrugged. “No matter, I only need a few answers and you can return to bashing at each other.”
“Bashing… Do you disapprove? Shall I put away my sword until you are done with me?”
Rayna arched her fine blond brows and tapped her lips with a fingertip, studying him for a moment before answering. “We had a nice ride this morning, Master Arius. But obviously something has changed since then. What happened?”
He looked away, not answering. She didn’t need to know about the worries that were swarming through his head.
She hesitated before reaching out to lay her hand firmly on his arm. “Shall I add another rule? No secrets between us?”
He rolled his eye and shook off her hand. “No secrets.” His laugh was chilling, and her shiver this time was far less pleasant. “I’m afraid that is one promise I will be unable to fulfill. If that is one of your stipulations, then we may as well end this right now.” He met her gaze squarely, his gray eye flashing steel. “My secrets are mine to keep, and only mine. But I will be frank with you. I’m not certain that I am up to the pretense of pretending to be something I am not. I am not a Lord, I am not well-born, and I most certainly am not a gentleman.”
Rayna took a step back and crossed her arms beneath her breasts. She took a small comfort from seeing his gaze flash down to her cleavage before he flushed and his eye snapped back up to her face. “Not a gentleman? Indeed? What exactly makes a gentleman, Master Arius?”
He frowned, his eye narrowing, wondering at her motives. “What do you mean?”
“You know exactly what I mean. You are correct, you are not a Lord and you may not be well-born, but you are the very essence of a gentleman. So what exactly makes a gentleman?”
Arius shrugged uncomfortably. “I have no idea. I assumed a title did.”
Rayna smiled tightly. “Hmmm. Being a gentleman does not depend on one’s social standing, Master Arius. It is a man’s behavior which makes him a true gentleman, and even the lowest born peasant may be a gentleman. I can tell that it is in your nature to care for those around you, to ensure that others’ needs are dealt with before your own. You are a gentleman in every sense of the word.”
He looked away, and she stepped close again, laying her hand back on his damp sleeve. “Master Arius, you can do this. Have a little faith in me, at least, that I can accomplish this. I have made do with far worse.”
Arius was silent so long that she was certain he would turn away from the path she had set, but finally he sighed deeply and shook his head. “I apologize, Lady Rayna.”
She smiled, far more pleased than she was willing to let on, and patted his arm softly before lifting her list. “I have a few questions, that I might better plan your lessons. Now, first off, can you dance?”
He shifted uncomfortably, flushing darkly yet again. “I have been taught before, but we weren’t exactly in… gentle company.”
“No matter, if you’ve covered the basics then it should be a simple matter to teach you the finer points. Now then, have you ever been to a social affair? A ball, or the theater, or…”
“No, nothing that could be considered an event, in any case. Consider me the roughest of peasants, and you’ll have an idea of my experience level.” He watched his men at arms practicing some wrestling holds together a little ways off, looking distracted, but Rayna was certain she still had his full attention.
“When I told you that you would be reading, I assumed you could read, and you did not correct that assumption.”
He nodded, crossing his arms across his chest. Her inquiries made him feel defensive, although that was probably his own insecurity and not doubts on her part. “I can read, and I can write.”
“The roughest of peasants cannot read, Master Arius.” She consulted her list again. “Do you know how the ranking tiers work, among the Lords? Do you understand rank, and the proper greeting for each level?”
He nodded again. “I do, to both. From the High Lord, to the Lord, to the Baron, to the Baronet, to the Knight, and then onwards down. Of course the feminine versions reflect; High Lady is the wife of the High Lord, to the Lady, to the Baroness, to the Baronetess. I do not believe there is an equal rank to a knight, since a lady may not be knighted. I, of course, am below rank to all of them, and so must show proper deference.” Arius worked hard to keep the snarl from his lips.
“Hm… as to that. Lord Wensella has decided that you must be a young Baron’s son, and so act accordingly. Can you adjust yourself to that title? For these lessons, at least?”
Arius hesitated, and then nodded yet again. “So I act as a Baronet would, although I do not hold the rank?”
“On the contrary, you act as a Baron would, and should be given the deference due any other Baron. You will inherit the title, after all.”
Arius thought that through. “All right; so I bow to a Lord, but none other?”
“Not unless you happen to meet the High Lord.” She laughed, and again the sound rippled through him, drawing at least a little light into his gray eye. Rayna hesitated and then grinned widely. “I know you are a mess, Master Arius, after your workout, but why don’t we go and get a basket from the kitchen and we can go over the rest of my list at our leisure?”
Arius cast another of his inscrutable glances towards her, but then nodded. “If you will fetch the basket, then I will go and clean up. I’ve had my share of the sword for today.”
She nodded. “All right, we can meet in the rear garden.” She flounced off, and he watched her go, wishing his heart didn’t still feel so heavy.
Waving to his men, he headed back to his room, thankful that he had finally gotten a measure of the maze of hallways through the manor. He ducked into his room for a fresh shirt and breeches, and then made his way to the one of the bathing rooms. Those were a new experience for him; one room for the women and one for the men, each lined with a dozen copper tubs. Water was somehow piped into those tubs, both cold and hot. Usually he enjoyed the novelty as long as possible after a training session with his men, but today he rushed through a swift wash, then braided his hair back after only a quick scrub dry with a linen towel. He threw his clothes on then stomped his feet back into his boots and headed back to meet Lady Fairhaven.
Rayna Fairhaven had never been one to back down from a challenge, and as she watched Arius cross the pebbled path towards her, fresh from a quick bath and in a new change of clothing, she knew it would take more than a little bit of temper and stubbornness to keep her away from this one. He was gorgeous, and not just in a skin-deep way. He was courteous when he tried to be, and while his modesty was almost a touch too intense, it was better than the other extreme. To top it all off, he had good manners and intelligence in spades. She suspected a clever nature behind that sober gray eye.
The dark blue shirt and black breeches he had changed into were close fitting, and she noted with satisfaction that he had chosen from the clothing she had had sent to his room rather than from the slightly more casual styles Eithna had provided for him. His long hair was twisted back into a braid that hung down his back, and she examined him while trying to decide whether or not he would need a haircut.
Arius almost hesitated as he approached the Lady Fairhaven where she was reclining in the shadow of a large tree, a blanket spread out beneath her with an appetizing lunch set out close by. She was back in her purple dress from this morning, and the color set off her alabaster skin nicely. Her blond ringlets were still neat and tidy, even after their morning ride, and she looked as fresh as if she had just risen from bed. Her gaze seemed thoughtful as it caressed him from tip to toe, and he suppressed a shiver at the intensity in her doe-brown eyes. He reached the edge of the blanket, and hesitated only a moment before sketching a suitable bow, peeking at her from beneath his thick lashes to gauge her reaction.
She laughed softly, and he concealed another shiver as the soft chime of her amusement washed over him. “Come now, Master Arius, sit beside me and let us enjoy this lovely meal.” She held a hand up to him, and he obediently pressed his lips to her fingertips before settling down across the blanket from her. She giggled and patted the spot beside her. “Come on now; do not be shy, not with me.”
He shook his head, and she let the matter lie with a deep sigh. “Such a stubborn boy you are.” Rayna tipped her head curiously and nibbled on her full lower lip charmingly. “I am only a few summers older than you, so at least we should suit just fine. I think we should play the role of lovers. Rumors are already running rampant about how Lady Eithna brought home a fine young specimen and who will get her claws into him first.”
The flush was back. He really needed to work on not letting her embarrass him. The idea horrified him. “Lovers? What do you want me to…”
“Does the idea repel you so?” She lifted that blond brow again and tapped her lips with one fingertip, and his felt his flush darken even more.
“Of course not. But in public? In front of everyone?” He was certain he looked as terrified as he felt. She confirmed his suspicion when her smile gentled.
“You won’t need to be so obvious. A few well-timed scenes will have every gossip spreading rumors. No one, and I mean no one, touches a man that I’ve laid a claim to, at least not until I’ve moved on. That should keep you safe from the preying mamas until you’re ready to handle them on your own.” She took the initiative and crawled towards him, and smiled as she saw his gray gaze riveted on her swaying cleavage. “But not safe from me, of course.” She slid around to settle herself beside him, cuddling his arm to her side. “I’ve decided that we should just go the easy route and become lovers in truth, Master Arius.”
“Wha-.” He tried to pull his arm away, but she held firm. What in the seven hells was she up to? Just this morning she was setting him in his place, and now she was nearly climbing into his lap. It took every ounce of his self-control not to dump her on the blanket and run for his room.
“Don’t act so surprised. I told you that I would make certain you knew if… when… I became interested. I’m interested. I can’t be much more obvious than that.” She reached up and touched his cheek as he stared at her, stunned. “Now kiss me, you foolish man.”
Arius swallowed hard, flush gone, skin gone clammy and pale. His heartbeat was thudding thunderously in his ears. He had never had a woman approach him so blatantly like this, and wasn’t exactly sure how to react. “I…”
She sighed and reached up to pull his head down towards her, tipping her own head until their lips met. He was shocked at the contact, and then suddenly, no matter his resolve, he was kissing her as if his life depended on pleasing her. A satisfied little hum sounded in the back of her throat, and before he knew it, he had her pressed down on the blanket and the kiss had deepened intimately. Chills raced through his blood, followed by a searing heat as she pulled him closer, nearly dragging him over her, running her hands up over his back and shoulders.
Arius heard a soft growl leave his own throat as he tore his mouth from her pouting lips and began to rain soft kisses across her chin and down her neck. She sighed and let her head fall back to the blanket, obviously enjoying his touch. He clenched his hands on the blanket, resisting the overwhelming urge to explore her curves.
It had been summers since Rayna had taken an experienced lover and the difference between those fumbling boys and this man’s intensity all but shattered her. She slid her hands across wide shoulders thick with muscle and shifted to press herself against his hardness. Her curves fit into his angles perfectly. She reached one hand up to pull the ribbon from his hair and the thick tresses fell around them, closing them off from the rest of the world. His scent surrounded her, woodsy and earthy and delicious. She tugged his head back up to meet his lips in another searing kiss that left her breathless. She tangled her fingers into his hair and wanted the moment to last forever, but she sensed his sudden hesitancy.
“No, no. Don’t stop now, Ari.” Rayna whispered against his lips, meeting his gaze pleadingly. She pressed a small kiss at the corner of his mouth when he would have pulled away. An agonized look flitted through his eye, and she reluctantly let him go. He sat up abruptly, moving away from her and turning his back on her. She lay where she was for a moment, every inch of her throbbing with need, and then she pulled herself together and sat up. His long hair was spread like a curtain across his back, and it tickled her fingers as she reached out to place a hand gently on his back. Rayna resolutely ignored his flinch at her touch. “Ari, are you okay?”
He shook his head, not answering. She moved onto her knees behind him, placing her other hand on his shoulder. “Ari, look at me.”
He shook his head again, and she frowned, her stubborn streak rising to the surface. “Look at me!” She struck his hard back gently.
He hesitated before glancing over his shoulder at her, clearly torn. “I can’t do this, Lady Fairhaven. Maybe I should just go home.” He turned back away from her.
Rayna rolled her eyes. “Lady Fairhaven! After all that? Ari, you cannot be like a spoiled child and just give up when you are worried. I apologize if I acted too quickly for you; I’ve never been one to wait on anyone else’s whims. I’m the sort of woman who reaches out with both hands and grabs onto whatever it is I want. And I will plainly admit that I want you. But if you aren’t ready for that, then I’ll accept it. At least for now, I will. I’m sorry.”
His bark of humorless laughter caught her unawares. “You’re sorry! I am the sorry one, Lady- Rayna. I cannot seem to make up my mind; I clearly have no clue what I want.” What was he supposed to do? A fortnight ago he thought he was heartbroken over Eithna, and now here he was wrapped in another woman’s embrace. Eithna hadn’t even crossed his mind until a moment ago. If that didn’t scream of a fickle nature, he didn’t know what did.
He jumped a little when Rayna leaned forward and rested her head on his shoulder. “It’s okay, it really is. You have time to figure that out. I’ll give you some space, and we can continue on as if nothing had happened. There is so much to teach you, after all.”
He shoved to his feet and strode away without a response. He felt her watch him leave, her gaze weighty. Neither noticed Eithna watching from the shadows.
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4/16/11- updated
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Post 4
Veyga kept to himself over the next few days, choosing to avoid supper in the great hall, and opting for a simple meal with his men in the barracks instead. He was restless, and only the constant practice with his two men kept him from crawling out of his skin. He wasn’t accustomed to so much time doing nothing. Eithna had been busy as well, with a sudden flux making its way through a nearby village. They hadn’t laid eyes on each other since that last night of supper, and Veyga felt it was best that way. He had only met Jared once, and barely a dozen words had passed between them. He thought it ironic, considering that Eithna had made an attempt to claim a kinship between them.
He had found a stack of books in his room upon returning from his conversation in the stables with Lord Wensellas. Poring through the titles, he found several books aimed at young noblemen preparing to enter Court, which he immediately committed to read. At the bottom of the stack, however, was a beautifully illuminated copy of ‘Bramble Rose,’ and inscribed in the front cover was a note from Lord Wensellas gifting the book to ‘Arius.’ Veyga had been touched, and the book was immediately tucked away safely among his gear.
On the fourth day, a page knocked lightly at his door late in the evening, and Veyga paused in his preparations for bed. He opened the door, startling the young page with the sight of his scarred, muscled chest covered with tattoos. “Uh, sir, please, uh, my Lord Wensellas would like to speak with you in his study.” Eyes round as saucers, the page sketched a quick bow.
Veyga sighed deeply but pulled his shirt and tunic back on before following the page down several hallways and to a closed door. The page knocked timidly, and at the Lord’s muffled ‘enter,’ pushed the door open and motioned Veyga into the room.
He stopped before the huge wood desk where Lord Wensellas was writing on parchment, the many candles throughout the room flickering across his face, casting strange shadows. The Lord glanced up with a wry smile. “Have a seat, Arius. We’re waiting for another party, and then we can chat.”
One finely arched brow raised, Veyga gingerly took a seat before the desk. Moments later a soft knock heralded the arrival of another, and Veyga couldn’t tear his gaze from the finely dressed woman who entered. Both Lord Wensellas and Veyga rose to their feet as she approached, and Veyga swallowed hard as she offered gloved fingertips to Lord Wensellas and then to him to touch to their lips.
Lord Wensellas motioned for them both to sit, and upon taking their seats he smiled widely. “I have to admit that on occasion, I enjoy a little intrigue. Arius, this is Lady Fairhaven, of Fairhaven manor. She is a widow, and therefore enjoys more freedom than many women of her station. My lady, this is Arius, a friend of Eithna’s that needs a little… help… with the vagaries of Court. I thought that you would be a perfect match for each other. Lady Fairhaven, Arius, finds herself currently at loose ends, and you find yourself in need of a… well… I’m not quite sure how to couch it…”
The Lady tossed long blond ringlets and cast a chocolate-brown gaze from beneath lashes darkened with kohl. “I believe you are looking for some instruction, are you not? Well, I am an expert in all things related to Court. As a matter of fact, I am often sought out to… instruct young men before they are formally presented to the High Court. I’m not a whore, let me make that very clear from the beginning. I do not take payment for my services, but as a widow, I am certainly freer in my choice of activities, and if I choose to educate young men in certain areas, and yes that does often include the bedroom, well then there is no sin to that is there?”
Veyga just blinked, looking from her to Lord Wensellas, and then threw back his head to laugh. “You have found me a courtesan, my Lord Wensellas?”
“A companion, Arius. She can spend as much time with you as you both would like, and no one will ever question it. Day, night, every moment or no time at all. You will find no one who is better suited to instruct you in what you need to learn, and she seeks no payment, as I suspect you may not be able to afford a formal tutor.”
He shook his head, still laughing. “There is that. What then, pray tell, is the catch here?”
She smiled like a cat that had caught a mouse. “Pretty and smart, I already like this post. The catch, Master Arius, is that you play partner to me for social events, and that travels beyond Lord Wensellas’ Court here. You need not make a mark for yourself, you are simply a showpiece on my arm as far as anyone else will be concerned, which will give you entry into more Court experience then you could ever hope to garner on your own. As a widow, it is true that I am free to choose my own… adventures; however to be a single woman at many events means to be partnered with potential husband material, and I have absolutely no desire to become a wife again. While I loved my husband, I also love the new life I have carved out for myself. Having a partner for these events ensures that I will not be bothered by any puppy-eyed wastrels.”
Veyga chuckled again. “I see. So simple, is it?”
Lady Fairhaven’s smile grew a little pinched. “It may seem simple to you, but I assure you it is not in the least. I have no current prospects for young sons seeking education, at least not for another summer, and so I find myself at loose ends. There is no reason we cannot both benefit from your current situation.”
Veyga’s smile disappeared and he nodded curtly. “Indeed, I agree with you completely. Well then, I suppose we should give it a try.”
Lady Fairhaven smiled now, her deep brown eyes not quite concealing how completely and utterly satisfied she was. “I suppose we should. Well then, I’ll leave you to your own ends for the time being. Thank you, Lord Wensellas, for thinking of me.” She stood and both men stood as well as she glided from the room.
Veyga wasted no time examining the luscious curves hugged by her expensive gown. He glanced over his shoulder at the Lord, who looked equally satisfied. “Thank you, my Lord Wensellas. Now let’s just hope she doesn’t eat me alive.”
The Lord grinned. “That wouldn’t be such a bad thing, would it?”
Veyga took a deep breath and declined to answer as he headed back to his own room.
Yet another knock on the door of his room woke him early the next morning. He rolled from bed, wrapping a robe around his bare form and pulling his eye patch on, and then he padded barefoot to the door. He cracked it open and peered out blearily.
A whirlwind nearly shoved him back as the Lady Fairhaven and a veritable bevy of handmaids bearing bolts of cloth and baskets of trim swirled past him and into his room. She spun about once inside, tapping a gloved finger against her lips as she eyed him up and down, taking in the long tousled braid and the sleep-smeared gray eye. “Still abed are we?”
“What time is it?” He wasn’t typically a late riser, but he’d had a hard time falling asleep the night before with all the thoughts churning in his head.
“Well all right, then, I’ll admit it is a tad early, but after all we have so much work to do!” She smiled and flung her cloak over a nearby chair, revealing her form-fitted purple gown. His gaze was immediately drawn to her ample cleavage, which of course was her intention when she had designed the gown in the first place. He flushed and tore his stare back to her lovely face.
She was truly a beauty, of the sort that would capture every male gaze when she entered a room. Delicate features and a pert nose, luscious cherry-red lips and dark chocolate eyes set off by the dark kohl along her lash lines. She was short; the top of her head barely cleared his chin, and her figure was nearly over-lush, if there was such a thing. Her blond hair was carefully styled into long ringlet curls pulled up at the crown and then cascading over her shoulders, again drawing his gaze straight to her cleavage. He felt a flush suffuse his skin as he jerked his gaze back to her face.
She simply laughed and waved to the flock of handmaids that were even now departing the room after depositing their bolts and baskets around the room. “It’s time to shop, and since I am afraid that few tailors will have much ready-made in your size, we will be doing it all ourselves. Well let’s be honest, shall we? I’ll be doing the shopping, and my Lord Wensellas’ tailor will be doing the sewing.”
“I-.” He shook his head. “Shopping?”
“Well you certainly can’t appear on my arm dressed like that!”
He just blinked dumbly at her. “Like this?” He looked down at his robe, thinking that surely that was obvious. She laughed, and the tinkling sound of her mirth sent shivers up his spine.
“No, of course not, but I assure you that while a tunic and shirt are fine and well, and I know that the Lady Eithna did make an effort to suit your coloring, we need much more. After all, you cannot be completely outshone by me, can you? You need an entirely new wardrobe, and I am making it part of my personal mission to make sure that happens. All you have to do is stand and let us take your measurements, and then stand some more while I drape fabric over you to check for shades against your coloring.” She was beaming, obviously in her element, and Veyga barely blinked as a gentleman accompanied by the valet who had previously helped Veyga to dress for supper entered the room, shutting the door behind them.
Lady Fairhaven approached him as she tugged her gloves off, tossing them over her cloak and then reaching for his robe. “Come now, off we go.”
Veyga was too shocked to put up a fuss as she pulled the fabric from his body, and he was standing there in his full glory. She wiggled her brows at him and purred a little as she did her own once-over, obviously pleased by his physique. He swiftly cupped his hands over his groin, flushing again, and cast a helpless look to the valet, who only shrugged.
Lady Fairhaven laughed and went to the wardrobe where the few garments that he already had worn were folded and hung, and she tossed him a pair of drawers. “Put these on, and let’s get started.”
What came next became a blur for Veyga as he was poked and prodded and measured and pinned. When they were finally finished, and he figured that every calculated inch of him was now written onto a hand-held chalkboard, the valet and the tailor left them alone. She handed him back his robe and motioned for him to sit with her near the room’s small fireplace.
Lady Fairhaven settled back into her seat with a satisfied sigh. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” He just raised one brow, and she laughed. “Come now, Master Arius, let us go over some… ground rules, shall we say?”
He nodded cautiously. “All right, what exactly did you have in mind?”
“Most of them are simple common sense, which I suspect you possess in spades, but it doesn’t hurt to lay them out all the same.” She held up her long delicate fingers and began to count. “One, I will sleep with you only if I wish to, and I will make it very clear if I wish to. As I said before, I am not a whore. Two, you will attend every event I accept on our behalf, without complaint, with no excuses. Three, you must trust my judgment in all things, and you simply must trust that I am the expert here. Four, I expect you to dress and behave as befits a gentleman, even if you possess no station or breeding, which I am told is the case, is that so?”
Veyga nodded, a wry smile twisting his lips, and she continued. “Five, I expect you to study in your own time as well- I am not to be your sole teacher; I’ll be sure to have appropriate books delivered to you, and you will learn from your experiences as well of course. Six, you will become the person I am making you into, at least while we are in public. In private, of course, you may relax to a certain extent. Think of this like an theater role, and you will be expected to learn your lines and prompts. Do you think you can handle that?”
“Yes, Lady Fairhaven, I believe that I can handle every one of those points.” Veyga decided then and there to become Arius in every sense of the word. Veyga, the man who was Veyga, would be packed away until he was needed again.
“Oh yes, and please, do call me Rayna, at least in private. Lady Fairhaven sounds so… formal. Is there a formal name I might use for you, or is simply Master Arius?”
Arius shrugged. “I suppose it is simply Master Arius. But please, in private, just Ari.”
“So be it.” She held her hand out to him, gentleman-style, and he clasped her wrist, feeling the silky heat of her skin against his. Then she clapped happily. “This is going to be an adventure, for certes! Now, the tailor will have at least a handful of things ready within the next few days, and the rest within a fortnight. You will be quite well dressed, which is fortunate because we have so much work to do! You are at least a good base to start with.” She tapped one fingertip thoughtfully against her lips, a habit he would associate with her for a good long while. “Since I know literally nothing about your upbringing, your past, or your parentage, I will assume you know nothing. Do me a favor and play dumb, and just listen as I go along. You will surely glean something along the way.”
He nodded again. “May I ask a question, Lady- er- Rayna?”
“Well of course.”
“What exactly have I gotten myself in to?”
She laughed prettily, and Arius shivered again, wondering at the strong reaction this forward woman was having on him. Not since Eithna had he even felt any sort of attraction to the fairer sex. Perhaps it was her confidence that appealed to him. “Now I’ll leave you to your valet to dress, and then I will return and we will break our fast together before going riding.” She hesitated as she stood and began to draw on her gloves. “You can ride, can’t you?”
He stood with her, and nodded. “I can, although I doubt there is any elegance to it.”
“That’s fine, you seem the graceful sort, and so I doubt you’ll be a complete clod in the saddle.”
Arius’s smile was slight as she tossed her cloak over her arm and left in a swirl of skirts. The valet entered moments later, and Arius obediently let himself be dressed in appropriate riding gear. Less than a candlemark later, she was back in his suite, having changed her own gown into an equally flattering red riding habit.
Rayna examined her new charge over the edge of her teacup as she sipped her tea. Granted, he was much older than most of her charges tended to be, but he was certainly pleasing to the eye; even with the leather eye patch which gave him a rather rakish air. She had been certain to choose fabrics that would drape across the well-muscled chest and cling to his narrow hips; she was sure she would soon be the envy of every single chit, and probably several of the married women as well. He had insisted on shirt styles which would cover his tattoos, which she had immediately agreed on, although she was looking forward to the possibility of exploring those dark etchings in the future. He hadn’t responded in any way to her subtle hints so far, so at least he wasn’t a complete lecher, but she had at least noticed him eyeing her cleavage. He was a quiet man, and although he had shown hints of a good sense of humor, she suspected he rarely showed that in public. Well, it would be up to her to draw that particular trait from him. It would take him a long way in any Court to be able to laugh, not only at those around him but also at himself. Rarely did any nobleman or noblewoman take life seriously, although she suspected this man had never been in such a position before. Well, that was fine; after all she would teach him to at least fake it well enough.
He finally set down a dainty spoon and scowled. “I don’t understand the need for all these pieces of silver. I really, really don’t. Why are there ten pieces, all for different things? A spoon and a fork and a knife I get, but…” He shrugged.
She set down her teacup and leaned forward. “Well then, this is a good start to a lesson, isn’t it? Pay attention, for using the wrong utensil will draw notice for sure, of the type you certainly do not want.” She gathered up her entire setting, and one at a time set out each piece of silver while explaining its use. He paid close attention, and once he understood the use for each piece, it made more sense.
“I still think it’s impractical to use all these different pieces when a set of three would work just fine.” Arius shrugged.
She reached across the little table and gathered his pieces next. “Now, you lay them out just as I did and tell me what each is for.” Her finely arched brows, so light as to be nearly white, lifted as he recited in near perfect detail. Each moment she spent with him became more and more promising. He was a quick study indeed.
“Let’s cover tea next, because one of the things you will have to endure while visiting is tea, and unfortunately not many manors brew tea as well as Lord Wensellas’.”
“Later, please. You said we could go riding.” Arius stared soberly at her, and she tipped her head to one side, quizzical at his interruption and his determination.
“So I did.” She stood, and motioned for him to stand beside her. Within a few moments she had instructed him on the proper way to escort a lady, and she laid her fingers delicately on his arm as he led her from the room and toward the stables.
Once two horses were saddled for them and they were mounted, she turned her horse to the lead. “Are you very familiar with the area, Master Arius?”
He shook his head. He had wanted to explore, but felt it would be more prudent to stay close considering the circumstances under which he had arrived. Rayna smiled. “Are you a very good rider Master Arius?”
“I am known to be a decent rider, yes.”
“Well then, we’re off!” She leaned into her horse’s mane and he could only shout once as his horse leapt after hers.
They rode hard until their horses were lathered. Rayna was a beauty on horse-back, even in the ladylike side-saddle she was forced to use. She took jumps over hedges and creeks effortlessly. He made no effort to pass her mount; there was no reason to. Instead he simply took pleasure in the ride, and enjoyed her flushed and grinning face as she continuously sent mischievous glances back over her shoulder.
They drew up to a long, wide lane and were able to ride side-by-side as they walked the horses to cool them. She giggled. “You kept up well, Ari!”
He let his lips curve into a small smile and shrugged. A companionable silence stretched between them as they rode along a slow-moving creek, the ground beneath the horses’ hooves dappled with sunlight and shade from the trees above as they left the fields where they had been galloping to follow the lane.
Finally Rayna cast him a sideways glance. “So, Ari, I’m sure you are simply seething with curiosity at my plans for you.”
Arius thought for a moment before answering. “Actually, I’m not. For once in my life, I’m not concerned with placing my entire future in the hands of someone else.” His smile didn’t reach his eye. “At this point it doesn’t much matter what I want personally, that’s been seen to. So I suppose I am just along and ready to submit to whatever you have in mind.”
The lady lifted one finely arched brow. “That sounds a little… melodramatic, if you ask me.”
He chuckled dryly, and then sobered again. “Lady Rayna, I’ve come to understand that some things are out of my hands. Perhaps it is fatalistic, maybe it’s just selfishness, but I will simply go along and do what I have to do.”
Rayna shrugged. “Well then, you will hear no complaint from me at having a willing, albeit not eager, student.” She studied him for a moment longer, and then sighed softly. “We will simply start with basic manners until I feel that you are prepared for an outing, which will most likely be tea somewhere. Or…” Her dark chocolate-colored eyes sparkled with mischief. “Or we can wait until the bulk of your wardrobe is ready to reveal you to the public. After all, I have already accepted an invitation to a little gathering… yes, that will do. That will do nicely.” She hummed softly. “I suppose I should inquire as to whether you have any personal plans, Ari. It hadn’t even occurred to me that you might; after all, most of my pupils are too young to really be pursuing their own events.”
He shrugged. “As long as I have a little time each day to myself, then I am content to allow you to fill my time as you will.”
She smiled again, although that roguish glint didn’t leave her gaze. “Perfect. So, then, how old are you exactly? I’d guess a score of summers?”
Ari shrugged. “A score and two, a score and three. I’m not sure, exactly.”
She hummed again. “A little older than I had guessed, but so young in some ways, no? And yet… I suspect so much older in others.”
He didn’t feel that her comment required a response, and they continued to ride in companionable silence for a long while. Then Rayna grinned. “Well, whatever the outcome, we shall have a grand time of it. I simply refuse to allow things to happen any other way. You’ll be finely polished in no time, and I will have a gorgeous specimen to show off along the way.”
He flushed slightly, casting a sidelong glance at her, and she giggled happily. “Oh, not only smart and gorgeous, but modest as well! You really are a perfect specimen! Now come, let’s return these beasts to the stable, and I’ll let you alone for a few candlemarks while I make more certain plans for the next fortnight.”
He nodded, and they completed their ride in companionable silence.
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4/16/11- updated
He had found a stack of books in his room upon returning from his conversation in the stables with Lord Wensellas. Poring through the titles, he found several books aimed at young noblemen preparing to enter Court, which he immediately committed to read. At the bottom of the stack, however, was a beautifully illuminated copy of ‘Bramble Rose,’ and inscribed in the front cover was a note from Lord Wensellas gifting the book to ‘Arius.’ Veyga had been touched, and the book was immediately tucked away safely among his gear.
On the fourth day, a page knocked lightly at his door late in the evening, and Veyga paused in his preparations for bed. He opened the door, startling the young page with the sight of his scarred, muscled chest covered with tattoos. “Uh, sir, please, uh, my Lord Wensellas would like to speak with you in his study.” Eyes round as saucers, the page sketched a quick bow.
Veyga sighed deeply but pulled his shirt and tunic back on before following the page down several hallways and to a closed door. The page knocked timidly, and at the Lord’s muffled ‘enter,’ pushed the door open and motioned Veyga into the room.
He stopped before the huge wood desk where Lord Wensellas was writing on parchment, the many candles throughout the room flickering across his face, casting strange shadows. The Lord glanced up with a wry smile. “Have a seat, Arius. We’re waiting for another party, and then we can chat.”
One finely arched brow raised, Veyga gingerly took a seat before the desk. Moments later a soft knock heralded the arrival of another, and Veyga couldn’t tear his gaze from the finely dressed woman who entered. Both Lord Wensellas and Veyga rose to their feet as she approached, and Veyga swallowed hard as she offered gloved fingertips to Lord Wensellas and then to him to touch to their lips.
Lord Wensellas motioned for them both to sit, and upon taking their seats he smiled widely. “I have to admit that on occasion, I enjoy a little intrigue. Arius, this is Lady Fairhaven, of Fairhaven manor. She is a widow, and therefore enjoys more freedom than many women of her station. My lady, this is Arius, a friend of Eithna’s that needs a little… help… with the vagaries of Court. I thought that you would be a perfect match for each other. Lady Fairhaven, Arius, finds herself currently at loose ends, and you find yourself in need of a… well… I’m not quite sure how to couch it…”
The Lady tossed long blond ringlets and cast a chocolate-brown gaze from beneath lashes darkened with kohl. “I believe you are looking for some instruction, are you not? Well, I am an expert in all things related to Court. As a matter of fact, I am often sought out to… instruct young men before they are formally presented to the High Court. I’m not a whore, let me make that very clear from the beginning. I do not take payment for my services, but as a widow, I am certainly freer in my choice of activities, and if I choose to educate young men in certain areas, and yes that does often include the bedroom, well then there is no sin to that is there?”
Veyga just blinked, looking from her to Lord Wensellas, and then threw back his head to laugh. “You have found me a courtesan, my Lord Wensellas?”
“A companion, Arius. She can spend as much time with you as you both would like, and no one will ever question it. Day, night, every moment or no time at all. You will find no one who is better suited to instruct you in what you need to learn, and she seeks no payment, as I suspect you may not be able to afford a formal tutor.”
He shook his head, still laughing. “There is that. What then, pray tell, is the catch here?”
She smiled like a cat that had caught a mouse. “Pretty and smart, I already like this post. The catch, Master Arius, is that you play partner to me for social events, and that travels beyond Lord Wensellas’ Court here. You need not make a mark for yourself, you are simply a showpiece on my arm as far as anyone else will be concerned, which will give you entry into more Court experience then you could ever hope to garner on your own. As a widow, it is true that I am free to choose my own… adventures; however to be a single woman at many events means to be partnered with potential husband material, and I have absolutely no desire to become a wife again. While I loved my husband, I also love the new life I have carved out for myself. Having a partner for these events ensures that I will not be bothered by any puppy-eyed wastrels.”
Veyga chuckled again. “I see. So simple, is it?”
Lady Fairhaven’s smile grew a little pinched. “It may seem simple to you, but I assure you it is not in the least. I have no current prospects for young sons seeking education, at least not for another summer, and so I find myself at loose ends. There is no reason we cannot both benefit from your current situation.”
Veyga’s smile disappeared and he nodded curtly. “Indeed, I agree with you completely. Well then, I suppose we should give it a try.”
Lady Fairhaven smiled now, her deep brown eyes not quite concealing how completely and utterly satisfied she was. “I suppose we should. Well then, I’ll leave you to your own ends for the time being. Thank you, Lord Wensellas, for thinking of me.” She stood and both men stood as well as she glided from the room.
Veyga wasted no time examining the luscious curves hugged by her expensive gown. He glanced over his shoulder at the Lord, who looked equally satisfied. “Thank you, my Lord Wensellas. Now let’s just hope she doesn’t eat me alive.”
The Lord grinned. “That wouldn’t be such a bad thing, would it?”
Veyga took a deep breath and declined to answer as he headed back to his own room.
Yet another knock on the door of his room woke him early the next morning. He rolled from bed, wrapping a robe around his bare form and pulling his eye patch on, and then he padded barefoot to the door. He cracked it open and peered out blearily.
A whirlwind nearly shoved him back as the Lady Fairhaven and a veritable bevy of handmaids bearing bolts of cloth and baskets of trim swirled past him and into his room. She spun about once inside, tapping a gloved finger against her lips as she eyed him up and down, taking in the long tousled braid and the sleep-smeared gray eye. “Still abed are we?”
“What time is it?” He wasn’t typically a late riser, but he’d had a hard time falling asleep the night before with all the thoughts churning in his head.
“Well all right, then, I’ll admit it is a tad early, but after all we have so much work to do!” She smiled and flung her cloak over a nearby chair, revealing her form-fitted purple gown. His gaze was immediately drawn to her ample cleavage, which of course was her intention when she had designed the gown in the first place. He flushed and tore his stare back to her lovely face.
She was truly a beauty, of the sort that would capture every male gaze when she entered a room. Delicate features and a pert nose, luscious cherry-red lips and dark chocolate eyes set off by the dark kohl along her lash lines. She was short; the top of her head barely cleared his chin, and her figure was nearly over-lush, if there was such a thing. Her blond hair was carefully styled into long ringlet curls pulled up at the crown and then cascading over her shoulders, again drawing his gaze straight to her cleavage. He felt a flush suffuse his skin as he jerked his gaze back to her face.
She simply laughed and waved to the flock of handmaids that were even now departing the room after depositing their bolts and baskets around the room. “It’s time to shop, and since I am afraid that few tailors will have much ready-made in your size, we will be doing it all ourselves. Well let’s be honest, shall we? I’ll be doing the shopping, and my Lord Wensellas’ tailor will be doing the sewing.”
“I-.” He shook his head. “Shopping?”
“Well you certainly can’t appear on my arm dressed like that!”
He just blinked dumbly at her. “Like this?” He looked down at his robe, thinking that surely that was obvious. She laughed, and the tinkling sound of her mirth sent shivers up his spine.
“No, of course not, but I assure you that while a tunic and shirt are fine and well, and I know that the Lady Eithna did make an effort to suit your coloring, we need much more. After all, you cannot be completely outshone by me, can you? You need an entirely new wardrobe, and I am making it part of my personal mission to make sure that happens. All you have to do is stand and let us take your measurements, and then stand some more while I drape fabric over you to check for shades against your coloring.” She was beaming, obviously in her element, and Veyga barely blinked as a gentleman accompanied by the valet who had previously helped Veyga to dress for supper entered the room, shutting the door behind them.
Lady Fairhaven approached him as she tugged her gloves off, tossing them over her cloak and then reaching for his robe. “Come now, off we go.”
Veyga was too shocked to put up a fuss as she pulled the fabric from his body, and he was standing there in his full glory. She wiggled her brows at him and purred a little as she did her own once-over, obviously pleased by his physique. He swiftly cupped his hands over his groin, flushing again, and cast a helpless look to the valet, who only shrugged.
Lady Fairhaven laughed and went to the wardrobe where the few garments that he already had worn were folded and hung, and she tossed him a pair of drawers. “Put these on, and let’s get started.”
What came next became a blur for Veyga as he was poked and prodded and measured and pinned. When they were finally finished, and he figured that every calculated inch of him was now written onto a hand-held chalkboard, the valet and the tailor left them alone. She handed him back his robe and motioned for him to sit with her near the room’s small fireplace.
Lady Fairhaven settled back into her seat with a satisfied sigh. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” He just raised one brow, and she laughed. “Come now, Master Arius, let us go over some… ground rules, shall we say?”
He nodded cautiously. “All right, what exactly did you have in mind?”
“Most of them are simple common sense, which I suspect you possess in spades, but it doesn’t hurt to lay them out all the same.” She held up her long delicate fingers and began to count. “One, I will sleep with you only if I wish to, and I will make it very clear if I wish to. As I said before, I am not a whore. Two, you will attend every event I accept on our behalf, without complaint, with no excuses. Three, you must trust my judgment in all things, and you simply must trust that I am the expert here. Four, I expect you to dress and behave as befits a gentleman, even if you possess no station or breeding, which I am told is the case, is that so?”
Veyga nodded, a wry smile twisting his lips, and she continued. “Five, I expect you to study in your own time as well- I am not to be your sole teacher; I’ll be sure to have appropriate books delivered to you, and you will learn from your experiences as well of course. Six, you will become the person I am making you into, at least while we are in public. In private, of course, you may relax to a certain extent. Think of this like an theater role, and you will be expected to learn your lines and prompts. Do you think you can handle that?”
“Yes, Lady Fairhaven, I believe that I can handle every one of those points.” Veyga decided then and there to become Arius in every sense of the word. Veyga, the man who was Veyga, would be packed away until he was needed again.
“Oh yes, and please, do call me Rayna, at least in private. Lady Fairhaven sounds so… formal. Is there a formal name I might use for you, or is simply Master Arius?”
Arius shrugged. “I suppose it is simply Master Arius. But please, in private, just Ari.”
“So be it.” She held her hand out to him, gentleman-style, and he clasped her wrist, feeling the silky heat of her skin against his. Then she clapped happily. “This is going to be an adventure, for certes! Now, the tailor will have at least a handful of things ready within the next few days, and the rest within a fortnight. You will be quite well dressed, which is fortunate because we have so much work to do! You are at least a good base to start with.” She tapped one fingertip thoughtfully against her lips, a habit he would associate with her for a good long while. “Since I know literally nothing about your upbringing, your past, or your parentage, I will assume you know nothing. Do me a favor and play dumb, and just listen as I go along. You will surely glean something along the way.”
He nodded again. “May I ask a question, Lady- er- Rayna?”
“Well of course.”
“What exactly have I gotten myself in to?”
She laughed prettily, and Arius shivered again, wondering at the strong reaction this forward woman was having on him. Not since Eithna had he even felt any sort of attraction to the fairer sex. Perhaps it was her confidence that appealed to him. “Now I’ll leave you to your valet to dress, and then I will return and we will break our fast together before going riding.” She hesitated as she stood and began to draw on her gloves. “You can ride, can’t you?”
He stood with her, and nodded. “I can, although I doubt there is any elegance to it.”
“That’s fine, you seem the graceful sort, and so I doubt you’ll be a complete clod in the saddle.”
Arius’s smile was slight as she tossed her cloak over her arm and left in a swirl of skirts. The valet entered moments later, and Arius obediently let himself be dressed in appropriate riding gear. Less than a candlemark later, she was back in his suite, having changed her own gown into an equally flattering red riding habit.
Rayna examined her new charge over the edge of her teacup as she sipped her tea. Granted, he was much older than most of her charges tended to be, but he was certainly pleasing to the eye; even with the leather eye patch which gave him a rather rakish air. She had been certain to choose fabrics that would drape across the well-muscled chest and cling to his narrow hips; she was sure she would soon be the envy of every single chit, and probably several of the married women as well. He had insisted on shirt styles which would cover his tattoos, which she had immediately agreed on, although she was looking forward to the possibility of exploring those dark etchings in the future. He hadn’t responded in any way to her subtle hints so far, so at least he wasn’t a complete lecher, but she had at least noticed him eyeing her cleavage. He was a quiet man, and although he had shown hints of a good sense of humor, she suspected he rarely showed that in public. Well, it would be up to her to draw that particular trait from him. It would take him a long way in any Court to be able to laugh, not only at those around him but also at himself. Rarely did any nobleman or noblewoman take life seriously, although she suspected this man had never been in such a position before. Well, that was fine; after all she would teach him to at least fake it well enough.
He finally set down a dainty spoon and scowled. “I don’t understand the need for all these pieces of silver. I really, really don’t. Why are there ten pieces, all for different things? A spoon and a fork and a knife I get, but…” He shrugged.
She set down her teacup and leaned forward. “Well then, this is a good start to a lesson, isn’t it? Pay attention, for using the wrong utensil will draw notice for sure, of the type you certainly do not want.” She gathered up her entire setting, and one at a time set out each piece of silver while explaining its use. He paid close attention, and once he understood the use for each piece, it made more sense.
“I still think it’s impractical to use all these different pieces when a set of three would work just fine.” Arius shrugged.
She reached across the little table and gathered his pieces next. “Now, you lay them out just as I did and tell me what each is for.” Her finely arched brows, so light as to be nearly white, lifted as he recited in near perfect detail. Each moment she spent with him became more and more promising. He was a quick study indeed.
“Let’s cover tea next, because one of the things you will have to endure while visiting is tea, and unfortunately not many manors brew tea as well as Lord Wensellas’.”
“Later, please. You said we could go riding.” Arius stared soberly at her, and she tipped her head to one side, quizzical at his interruption and his determination.
“So I did.” She stood, and motioned for him to stand beside her. Within a few moments she had instructed him on the proper way to escort a lady, and she laid her fingers delicately on his arm as he led her from the room and toward the stables.
Once two horses were saddled for them and they were mounted, she turned her horse to the lead. “Are you very familiar with the area, Master Arius?”
He shook his head. He had wanted to explore, but felt it would be more prudent to stay close considering the circumstances under which he had arrived. Rayna smiled. “Are you a very good rider Master Arius?”
“I am known to be a decent rider, yes.”
“Well then, we’re off!” She leaned into her horse’s mane and he could only shout once as his horse leapt after hers.
They rode hard until their horses were lathered. Rayna was a beauty on horse-back, even in the ladylike side-saddle she was forced to use. She took jumps over hedges and creeks effortlessly. He made no effort to pass her mount; there was no reason to. Instead he simply took pleasure in the ride, and enjoyed her flushed and grinning face as she continuously sent mischievous glances back over her shoulder.
They drew up to a long, wide lane and were able to ride side-by-side as they walked the horses to cool them. She giggled. “You kept up well, Ari!”
He let his lips curve into a small smile and shrugged. A companionable silence stretched between them as they rode along a slow-moving creek, the ground beneath the horses’ hooves dappled with sunlight and shade from the trees above as they left the fields where they had been galloping to follow the lane.
Finally Rayna cast him a sideways glance. “So, Ari, I’m sure you are simply seething with curiosity at my plans for you.”
Arius thought for a moment before answering. “Actually, I’m not. For once in my life, I’m not concerned with placing my entire future in the hands of someone else.” His smile didn’t reach his eye. “At this point it doesn’t much matter what I want personally, that’s been seen to. So I suppose I am just along and ready to submit to whatever you have in mind.”
The lady lifted one finely arched brow. “That sounds a little… melodramatic, if you ask me.”
He chuckled dryly, and then sobered again. “Lady Rayna, I’ve come to understand that some things are out of my hands. Perhaps it is fatalistic, maybe it’s just selfishness, but I will simply go along and do what I have to do.”
Rayna shrugged. “Well then, you will hear no complaint from me at having a willing, albeit not eager, student.” She studied him for a moment longer, and then sighed softly. “We will simply start with basic manners until I feel that you are prepared for an outing, which will most likely be tea somewhere. Or…” Her dark chocolate-colored eyes sparkled with mischief. “Or we can wait until the bulk of your wardrobe is ready to reveal you to the public. After all, I have already accepted an invitation to a little gathering… yes, that will do. That will do nicely.” She hummed softly. “I suppose I should inquire as to whether you have any personal plans, Ari. It hadn’t even occurred to me that you might; after all, most of my pupils are too young to really be pursuing their own events.”
He shrugged. “As long as I have a little time each day to myself, then I am content to allow you to fill my time as you will.”
She smiled again, although that roguish glint didn’t leave her gaze. “Perfect. So, then, how old are you exactly? I’d guess a score of summers?”
Ari shrugged. “A score and two, a score and three. I’m not sure, exactly.”
She hummed again. “A little older than I had guessed, but so young in some ways, no? And yet… I suspect so much older in others.”
He didn’t feel that her comment required a response, and they continued to ride in companionable silence for a long while. Then Rayna grinned. “Well, whatever the outcome, we shall have a grand time of it. I simply refuse to allow things to happen any other way. You’ll be finely polished in no time, and I will have a gorgeous specimen to show off along the way.”
He flushed slightly, casting a sidelong glance at her, and she giggled happily. “Oh, not only smart and gorgeous, but modest as well! You really are a perfect specimen! Now come, let’s return these beasts to the stable, and I’ll let you alone for a few candlemarks while I make more certain plans for the next fortnight.”
He nodded, and they completed their ride in companionable silence.
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4/16/11- updated
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Post 3
Veyga pounded Mik on the back not three days later. "Congratulations, Mik!"
The big bear of a man was grinning from ear to ear, proud as could be. "Thank you."
Little Lissana had been born in the pale beginning of the morning, and Eithna still couldn't decide who had been more concerned and who had paced the most, Mik or Veyga. Even now, Veyga was receiving as many shouts and waves of goodwill as Mik. Eithna smiled, pushing her hair from her face with a weary hand. The labor had been difficult, but both mother and baby had come through just fine. Both were catching up on some much-needed sleep. While Eithna should be in her own borrowed bed, she wasn't quite ready to meet oblivion. She motioned to Veyga, and he nodded and followed her through Ragged Valley to her tiny guest cottage. She waved to the little table and chairs inside the door, and he sat down warily.
Eithna laughed. "You don't have anything to worry about, you aren't in trouble. I just wanted to start making plans."
He smiled weakly. He'd been making an effort to seem happy around her, but she knew there was something else. At least the tension between them had dissipated over the last few days, and she was pretty sure his broken heart was on the mend. While she would always have a soft spot for him, it was for the best. If Veyga had claimed her before she married Jared, she would have gone anywhere with him in a heartbeat. But she was happy with Jared. While their marriage wasn't a passionate one, it was certainly based on a deep and abiding friendship, which she valued.
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Veyga sat before a fire near his cottage, absently shredding the bark from a stick, gaze staring unwaveringly into the flames. Eithna stood in the shadows watching him, her mind flashing back momentarily to four summers earlier when she had watched him telling stories to children. Her heart gave a little pang and she sighed.
She and Kayli had been able to talk Veyga into returning with her and taking a place in her father's court for a fortnight. If she was able to manage it, she would convince him to stay longer. While his manners were not completely without merit, considering the lessons he had undertaken from the teachers here in Ragged Valley, she doubted he was really prepared for the intricacies and intrigue that the High Court would expose him to.
She sighed, pulled herself together, and approached him. He looked up, silver eye sharpening as he saw her. She forced a smile and folded her legs beneath her across the fire from him. He stared soberly at her for a moment before looking away. "I hear the plan is to leave in the morning."
She nodded, and then realized he wouldn't see the gesture. "Yes. Kayli is doing excellent as a new mama, and doesn't need me anymore. Lissana is doing well. There’s nothing more to keep me here, and I do have patients back home to tend to." He nodded, making no response. She bit her lip, considering him carefully, before taking a deep breath. "I think we should tell everyone that you are a cousin of Jared's. He'll go along with it, to be sure, and little is known about his family. They are noble born, but rather impoverished at this point, so they don't often travel in the courtly circles."
He shrugged. "If your husband is all right with that, then that's fine."
"Are you comfortable with it, though?"
Veyga just shrugged again. Eithna frowned and resisted the urge to lean over and shake him. He seemed withdrawn. Kayli had said that it was just how he was, that he was always like that, but Eithna had been studying him closely over the last few days. There were rare moments when his potential shone through the quiet demeanor, and she was pretty positive that it wasn’t always in his nature to be so reserved.
Eithna wondered briefly if she were playing with fire, then steeled herself against pity and decided to stick with her well-thought-out plan. She was hoping fervently that Jared would agree with her and support her decision. He usually did support whatever she came up with, no matter how harebrained some of her ideas were. But she simply knew she was right this time.
“Well then, in a few days you’ll have a chance to meet Jared, and then we can get to work on polishing you up, right?”
He met her eyes briefly, and then returned his stare back to the fire. “I suppose so.”
She pushed herself to her feet with a lighter heart, confident that she was doing the right thing, whether Veyga wanted it or not.
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Veyga studied the manor that sat on the hill before them. All that was left was to pass through the valley and the clusters of villages that populated it, and then Eithna would be home with her husband. Veyga drew a deep breath, and then he nudged his mount and started down the hill into the valley.
The riders were all quiet, taking their mood from him; even Eithna was without her usual sunny smile. Two men accompanied them acting as Veyga’s men at arms. As they approached the small city surrounding the huge Wensellas family manor, Veyga looked down the main street to the manor gates, and dreaded these last moments of relative peace.
Eithna glanced towards him, reining her mount in. “Are you ready for this?”
A strange look crossed his face. "Of course not. I don't belong in a manor, behind such tall gates. I was born a peasant, never to be anything more."
Eithna laughed, drawing a dark look from him. "Veyga, you already are more. Now come, let's go meet my father and Jared."
Veyga, feeling uneasy, turned his horse to go down the street and toward the gates. When they stood before them, he followed her lead and dismounted to stand beside her. Eithna caught his hand, and frowned when he seemed to flinch. The strange look was back on his face. "Veyga? What is wrong?"
“Nothing. It’s nothing, Lady. Come, let’s wake the guards and return you to your family.” He couldn’t force himself to meet her gaze. He felt a tremble in his hands when he used the heavy metal knocker set in the solid wooden door that sat to one side of the gate. Feeling weak and stupid, he stayed silent as Eithna stated her identity and as a gangly steward led them across a large cobbled courtyard, down a maze of hallways, and to a small appointment room. While waiting for her father, he could not face her directly. He paced behind a table, his hands clasped in the small of his back. He felt her eyes on him, and there was nowhere to escape from her frustrated gaze. The two Ragged Valley men that had accompanied them stood to the side, silent. Hearing footsteps, he stopped his pacing and stiffened, spinning about to face the doorway. Eithna followed his gaze, and jumped to her feet as well.
“Daddy!” She threw herself into her father’s welcoming arms.
Veyga watched as Lord Wensellas clasped his daughter close, then his heartbeat sped as Lord Wensellas turned to face him, not releasing Eithna, but hugging her closer. “Eithna sent word ahead that you are one of Jared’s cousins, is that correct?”
Veyga hesitated, torn between honesty and protecting himself. “Yes. I hope this visit isn’t an imposition.”
Eithna’s father eyed Veyga closely, a strange light in his green eyes. He was a well-built man, with a trim figure and blond hair sprinkled generously with gray. He looked fit for his age, and Veyga had no doubt that the man could obviously be intimidating when the need arose. Now, however, his look was warm. “Of course it isn’t.” He held out his hand, palm up.
Veyga hesitated before clasping the man’s wrist in greeting. He felt the man’s strong fingers curl over his own wrist. “My name is Arius.” Veyga felt Eithna’s curious gaze weighing on him at his answer. His gut clenched, hating another half-truth, but he knew it was best not to use an infamous name that was so well known. It would be putting not only himself, but also Ragged Valley, at risk.
“Well then, Arius, Eithna, supper is starting soon. Why don’t you freshen up, and we can visit while we eat? Jared should be back sometime tonight from his rounds. Arius, I’ll have the steward show your soldiers to the bunkhouse.”
Eithna was grinning from ear to ear. “Of course, Daddy.”
Lord Wensellas nodded as a steward entered the room and cleared his throat.
“My Lord, I took the liberty of having hot baths drawn up for the Lady Eithna and our guest. Supper will be served in two marks.” He clapped his hands loudly, and two servants entered the room, each one leading a tired, dirty, and worn traveler away from a thoughtful-looking Lord Wensellas.
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Veyga relaxed in the hot, fragrant water, closing his eyes and allowing his tired muscles to go slack. He envisioned in his mind what Eithna was doing at this very moment, how her long strawberry hair would be covering her and floating about her pale body, hiding her from his mind’s eye. He felt his body react to his imagination, and didn’t force himself to stop. No one need know of his passion for this incredible woman he was forbidden to touch. A heavy sigh rent from some place buried deep within him.
Veyga’s heartbeat gradually slowed, and his breath grew deep and steady as he drifted towards sleep. Sometime later he woke, not sure what had startled him from sleep. He felt the scrubbing cloth he’d been using brush against his chest, and he opened his eye.
He nearly tipped the tub in his scramble to fully waken and find his knife. He stood before the fire that a servant had lit, his chest heaving and water running from his body in thin rivulets. He faced the young woman that held the scrubbing cloth with a gleaming silver eye, knife held before him. “Who in the seven hells are you?”
The young woman rose in one smooth, fluid motion from where she had been knocked to the floor in his haste to leap from the tub. “I’m Sarena. I’m here to tend to your every need.” She was small and slim, dressed in a pale blue gown that accentuated her bright blue eyes. She licked full red lips and reached up to smooth her long straight black hair. Her gaze was brazen as her appreciative eyes roved over Veyga’s slick chest, hard with muscle and wrapped with ink. Her bold stare roamed over his even facial features, pausing only momentarily at the eye patch. When she dipped her gaze lower, her cat-like smile widened.
Veyga’s eye narrowed as he stood there, disbelieving. “Why do I not doubt that?”
She took two full steps towards him, her every movement calculated to whet a man’s appetite. “Mm. Well, what needs would you like attended to?”
“None thank you all the same.”
“Oh, but don’t you need clothing, so that you might dine with my Lord Wensellas?” She motioned towards his travel-stained garments, piled on the floor near the tub. An outfit not fit for an ale room, much less breaking his fast with Lord Wensellas.
The woman’s eyes glittered dangerously. “Clothing, your bath, dressing, I can help with all of that. But in return, I want a little of what you have to offer.” She glided forward a few more steps, the vision of him outlined by flames acting as a beacon to her.
Veyga’s body was taut, and his mind spun, searching for a quick way out of the predicament. “I don’t think so.”
She reached up and untied the front of her dress, revealing the deep cleft between two full breasts. “Don’t you?” Her full lips turned down in a sultry pout as she moved closer. Veyga began to creep to his left, moving towards the bed. Her eyes gleamed as she approached, and his eye narrowed. He felt like a mouse being stalked by a cat.
Suddenly, the door to his room flew open and Eithna rushed in, her arms laden with a bulky bundle. She stopped abruptly upon seeing the young woman with her dress untied. “Sarena! What-” Her eyes flew briefly to Veyga, where he stood bare but with a knife held before him. She jerked her gaze away from him, frowning darkly as she glared at the intruder. “Out, Sarena. Out now!”
Sarena hastily retied her ribbon and rushed from the room. A dark flush spread across Veyga’s face, neck, and chest as he grabbed a pillow from the bed to hide his nudity. “Lady Eithna.”
Eithna closed the door after placing her bundle on a nearby chair. She took a deep breath, careful to avert her eyes from his flushed form. “I am so sorry, Veyga. I should have warned you about-. Well, about her.” He said nothing, only stood holding the pillow in one hand and the knife in the other. His flush darkened. She suddenly began to bustle about, shaking clothing out onto the bed. “These are for you. I hope they fit. Well-” She paused, glancing down at her heavy bed robe and briefly touching her damp hair. “Well, I had better go and get dressed myself. I will send Father’s valet to help you."
He only nodded. His knuckles were white where he gripped the pillow. She nodded curtly and spun on her heel, walking swiftly to the door. She paused only once. “Beware Sarena, Veyga. She is worse than she seems.” And then she was gone, closing the door quietly behind her.
Veyga dropped the pillow and leaned back against the wall beside the bed. “I highly doubt that. She seems as dangerous as anything I have ever seen.”
The valet arrived shortly thereafter and began to help Veyga to dress for his first formal event. It was strange to have someone help him dress, and even stranger to have a man dressing his long hair. Once the man deemed him ready, Veyga followed the aloof man, uncertain for the first time in ages. He tugged on the hem of his hip-length vest, glancing down at the form fitting hose with a heavy swallow. He tugged again at the hem, trying to pull the vest lower than it would go. The valet paused at the entrance to the dining hall, glancing briefly at Veyga and giving him a small, encouraging smile.
The page guarding the doorway smiled as well, probably sensing Veyga’s discomfort. Then he turned and announced Veyga’s arrival. “Master Arius...” He paused, since there was no surname or title to go with Arius, and then shrugged. He motioned for Veyga to enter the room.
Veyga took a deep, calming breath, touching his eye patch briefly before straightening his shoulders and entering the room with his head held high. He heard Eithna’s gasp from where she sat beside her father, and Veyga saw Lord Wensellas glance curiously at her. Then Lord Wensellas fastened his own gaze upon Veyga, and his eyebrows rose.
Veyga was now a far cry different from the dirty, bedraggled young man that had arrived early that morning. He stood tall and proud, with his long hair braided down his back and his face freshly shaven. His white shirt darkened his skin, his royal blue vest reflected his silver eye, and his snug gray hose defined every line and muscle in his powerful legs. His eye patch gleamed briefly as he scanned the crowd with an aloof gaze, even though his heart was racing. He could have been a prince and no one would have been surprised. But in his heart he felt like a liar. He strained not to show his discomfort. He looked about the room casually, taking in the full tables that formed a "U" shape along three walls of the room. Along the third wall was a dais with a table set up upon it, and this was where Eithna and her father were seated. When his eye rested again on the Lady Eithna, his gaze softened.
She was every inch a fine lady now, with her long red strawberry hair swept up into an intricate tangle of braids, and with her flattering cream and pale-green gown. She was a different looking woman now, and he felt as if he were mud on her slippers even as he stood the center of attention.
Lord Wensellas stood and motioned for Veyga to take the seat to his left. He hesitated for only a moment before walking over and stepping up onto the dais. He sat down and Lord Wensellas sat as well. The Lord called forward the meal.
Veyga watched in stark amazement as dish after dish was brought in. This mountain of food could feed his entire camp for a full turn of the seasons. A servant stepped forward and began to fill Veyga’s trencher with choice pieces of cold meat and poached eggs. Lord Wensellas leaned towards Veyga. “Well come, Arius. I hope that this meal suits you.”
Veyga only stared mutely at his trencher. After a long moment of silence, he nodded. “Of course, my Lord.” A strange feeling seemed to be creeping over him, like a wash of heat that had his heart beating faster.
Lord Wensellas sat back in his chair, a thoughtful look on his face. “How many summers have you seen, Arius?”
Veyga’s brow furrowed as he thought. “I suppose a score and two, or a score and three.”
“Were you raised with Jared?”
Veyga hesitated for only a moment. “No, I wasn’t. We hardly know each other. Our fathers were actually cousins, which makes us… second cousins, I believe.” He stated the rehearsed story by rote, refusing to meet Lord Wensellas’ gaze.
“Where are you from then?”
Veyga glanced towards Eithna. “I was raised in the same town as Jared, but we didn’t really associate with each other. There was some sort of family argument that tore the family apart. Jared and I are seeking to mend that rift.”
“Well you’ll have to wait another day, I’m afraid- word has reached us that Jared has been detained.”
Veyga just nodded mutely. Lord Wensellas nodded and turned to Eithna, asking about the patient she had left to tend. Veyga noticed that she carefully avoided all mention of where that patient had been. He pushed the food around on his plate restlessly, unable to settle the churning in his stomach.
Finally the meal was over and Veyga was able to escape to his room in relative peace. He stripped off the fine clothing and was asleep almost before his head hit the satin-covered pillow.
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Lord Wensellas watched from the alcove as the young man who had accompanied his daughter home practiced sword work with his two strange men at arms. The young man was dressed in plain homespun clothing, a far cry from the bright colors Eithna had chosen to dress him in last night. His long hair was pulled back and tied with a strip of leather, and while his weapon looked finely honed, it was also well-worn.
The young man moved like a master. Lord Wensellas was a fine fighter himself, but even his skills would come nowhere near matching those of their visitor. The two men at arms came at Arius together, and neither was able to land a blow anywhere near him.
He watched silently for nearly an entire mark before turning to search out his daughter. She was in her garden, as he’d expected. However, he was surprised to see Jared with her. “You’ve returned, I see. How went your rounds?”
Jared grinned from the shady spot he’d claimed beneath one of Eithna’s fruit trees, sprawled on his back, hands clasped behind his head. “Well, actually… Other than a stray dog that seems to be making off with some lambs, there was nothing to report. I’ve sent off a few trackers to flush it out.”
Lord Wensellas nodded and perched on the edge of a nearby bench. Eithna watched him warily, and the suspicions that were floating through his head solidified. He gave her a mild look. “Now, would you care to tell me the truth about this supposed cousin of Jared’s my dear?”
Jared sat up abruptly, his casual demeanor completely gone. Eithna swallowed hard and met her husband’s startled stare before turning to her father. “Only if you promise me that you won’t hold it against either Jared or… Arius. The entire plan was my own idea.”
He nodded soberly, and sat back on the bench in shock as she told her tale. When she was finished, she was flushed, but at least she looked a lot less guilty than she had. “So this young man represents the infamous Veyga, murderer and rapist?”
She sputtered. “Not at all! First of all, he represents Ragged Valley and its inhabitants, not just a man. And those are just stories, Daddy. Veyga isn’t really like that; he’s a very fine man. As a matter of fact…” A wondering look crossed her face. “As a matter of fact, Daddy, he’s a lot like you. He cares very much for his village and the people who live under his care. And while I will admit that there are criminals aplenty that he is protecting, they are all to a single man innocent of any actual wrongdoings. Most have failed to pay taxes or turn their daughters over to certain landowners. Lord Beys, for example.”
Jared turned his head and spat, but gathered Eithna’s hand in his for support.
“Not a single person there was from your lands, for example, Daddy. Every person is expected to carry their own weight, and to contribute. No crime is allowed in Ragged Valley. I know that the High Lord would like to see Ragged Valley come under his control; but I doubt that will happen if Veyga’s name is not cleared. His people will fight for him, most likely to the death. I am not exaggerating here, Daddy. If you don’t believe me, then you’ll just have to go visit for yourself.”
“Now, now, Eithna, I’ve said not a word about not believing you. I’ll take your advice under consideration, and I’ll meet with this Arius to make my own judgments.”
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Veyga’s appetite had fled yet again. The food smelled wonderful, and was seasoned masterfully, but he simply couldn’t force anything past his taut throat. The flavors blended into ash on his tongue. Finally he excused himself quietly and left the table, not realizing how much attention his calm departure had garnered.
Veyga slipped away and escaped to the stables, finally able to breathe deep as he left the gossiping nobles behind. He wasn’t sure how Eithna expected him to survive in the High Court if he couldn’t even handle the supposedly relaxed Court of her father. He slipped unnoticed past several stable hands working to clean stalls, and ducked into a shadowy corner. He dropped limply onto a bale of hay, willing all the overwhelming emotions to leave him in temporary peace.
Veyga sat with a dejected expression and his shoulders slumped. When he heard the steps of Lord Wensellas approach him, he didn’t bother to look up. At a single word from the Lord, the stable hands scattered. Wensellas sat down on the bale of hay beside the younger man. He copied Veyga’s posture, dropping his hands down between his legs and resting his elbows on his knees. They sat together for a long span of moments, and then Lord Wensellas sighed deeply. “I sense something is troubling you, young man.”
Veyga simply shrugged, and the Lord tried again. “Do you care to talk about it? I’m well known to be able to hold my tongue and keep a confidence.”
“I am sorry, my Lord, but I do not belong here.”
“Hm.” Lord Wensellas nodded, and then fell silent again. He waited for Veyga to speak. Several stuttering heartbeats passed before Veyga dared to tell the story he had never spoken aloud.
“I suppose that I am just overwhelmed by everything. I do not fit in with a place such as this. I have a confession to make, and I hope that you do not hold my sins against your daughter and her husband. I am not a cousin to that man; as a matter of fact we had not met before tonight. I was not born a nobleman of any sort. My mother was a barmaid that couldn’t keep work, and she used her body to keep us fed. I’m a bastard, I have never had a father, and there was never any way to know who it might have been anyhow. We never stayed in one place very long, and I have no roots to speak of.” He took a deep breath.
Wensellas turned his head to cast a sideways glance towards Veyga. “Might I ask you a question, Arius?”
Veyga hesitated, and then nodded, his gaze still on his dangling hands.
“How is it that you speak so well? You say you were raised in mean situations, and yet you speak finer than many a gentleman.”
Veyga sighed deeply. “Well, sir, when I was younger, my mother had a man that... kept her for quite some time. I was probably six or seven summers old by then, old enough to help my mother in the kitchens. The man pulled me aside one evening, and out of what I assume was kindness he told me that he would teach me to read. We were only there, in that fine house that we cleaned each day, for the span of one winter, but each long evening was spent in the library, with me poring over books as I painstakingly learned to read. When we left, I was addicted to books. I did every odd chore I could to earn a few extra coins. I saved and saved until finally I was able to buy my own book. It was a tattered copy of Sertes’ ‘Bramble Rose.’ I read the book many times before it became too fragile to read any more. I began anew to save coins, and soon I had a few more books to tote around with me when my mother and I moved from place to place. I had too many after awhile, I suppose. It became difficult to take them everywhere with me. My mother thought that I was wasting my time.
“But then the war broke out.” Veyga was silent for long moments, and Lord Wensellas spoke up.
“The Ikraden War?” His brow furrowed. Veyga nodded, and Lord Wensellas frowned darkly. “You couldn’t have been more than eight summers old.”
Veyga nodded. “Eight summers. The war broke out, and my mother decided to become a camp follower.” His voice turned bitter. “I spent each night foraging for food and fending off rats while my mother spent her time with the enlisted of the ranks. She never even cared which side she was sleeping with, as long as she got her coin. I was to all extents abandoned.”
He took a deep breath before continuing. “Then I began to overhear the enlisted complaining that they had received letters from home, or from their officers, or from friends in other camps, and many of them could not read. As you probably know, there is usually a priest that will write letters for a coin or two so that families can keep in touch. But there are no priests in war. I got it into my head to do just as the priests did, and I began to read letters for a small sum.
“Word quickly spread of my talents. I had a good voice, I had a good eye for handwriting, and I could usually explain some of the priests’ more confusing phrases to the enlisted that I read for. Soon I was spending every night reading. I didn’t always collect coins; sometimes it was food or shelter for a night, and even once a chicken. A beautiful chicken that laid me a fresh egg every morning. I gathered enough odds and ends uniform pieces and old cloaks until I could make myself my own small tent, and I followed the troops as dutifully as my mother. I was able to live like that for quite a few summers, all through the war. When the treaty was finally signed, I was known by officers as well as by enlisted. However, after the treaty, I had nowhere to go and nowhere to turn. My mother once again found a man to keep her, and with nowhere else to live, she took me in. One night, however, horrible noises woke me. I ran downstairs to find that the manor where we were staying was under siege by strange warriors on huge horses. As I was trying to escape, the Lord of the manor, the man that was keeping my mother, grabbed me and pulled me before him, just in time to catch a weapon in the chest. After that, I don't remember much. I woke a sennight later in the hospice of a druidic abbey. I don’t know how I got there, but the druids took me in out of sympathy for my plight. I couldn't return to my mother. She had been killed, and I was not going to ask the Lord of the manor for any assistance. In between cleaning the tiny rooms and cramped quarters of the abbey, I spent my time in the library reading books. Of course, by this time my vocabulary was quite extensive. One of the druids caught me one night sneaking into the library to return a book I had borrowed without permission. He took me to the Druid Clan Council, and when it was discovered that I could read, and indeed did so voraciously, the druids decided to take me under their wing. As long as I continued to do my chores, they taught me to write, and then they went on to teach me the old languages and the language of the Krangs. When I was ten and four summers, the Clan was attacked, and the whole place was burned down to the ground." He met Lord Wensellas’ intent gaze. “I nearly died. But I managed somehow to live. There is not much else to tell.”
Lord Wensellas’ eyes narrowed slightly. “Half a score of summers unaccounted for. What have you been doing lately, Arius?”
Veyga hesitated, torn between honesty and self-protection. “I have been teaching others to read, peasants like myself, that had no control over their birth, and that did not want to be born into their poor situations.” At least it was halfway to the truth. “I wanted to help others to become better people and to be able to do more than scratch out a living in some backwoods hovel.”
Lord Wensellas’ face had paled, and his eyes were mere slits by now. He stared so intensely at Veyga that the younger man wanted to squirm like a schoolboy. “Arius, your story is so incredible that I cannot help but believe it. You are an amazing young man. In comparison, my own life has been tame and easy."
“I doubt that, my Lord. Eithna has spoken highly of you, and of your struggles to maintain peace within your holdings. I know there are…” He had to pause a moment to wipe a snarl from his face. “I know there are other Lords who do not share your sense of fairness.”
Lord Wensellas nodded. “You are too right, Arius.” He paused for a moment. “I have my own confession to make, Arius. I knew you weren’t Jared’s cousin, and I appreciate your admission. May I be frank with you?”
Veyga cast him a sidelong glance simmering with suspicion, but nodded.
“My daughter obviously cares what happens to you, and she worked hard to bring you here for a reason, am I correct, Arius?” It wasn’t an accident that he placed stress on the name, and Arius nodded again as he met that knowing look. Lord Wensellas reached out to place a firm hand on Veyga’s knee. “Then let’s make sure all of her work doesn’t go unrewarded. Tell me what you need, and if it is within my power, I will do what I can to help. I trust my daughter’s instincts, and I also trust her judgment, so you have that going for you.” He pulled his hand back, certain that he had made his point.
Veyga took a deep breath, and then chuckled softly. “I need a little polish, is all? I doubt I will ever be able to stay afloat of the gossip and intrigue that is such a part of any Court, but I can at least understand the intricacies and particulars. Will you find someone to help me, someone that can teach me what every noble child learns from birth? I’m afraid it may be a long assignment.”
Lord Wensellas grinned. “I know just the person. I’ll make some inquiries, and send for you once I have.” He stood and dusted himself off, then reached down to offer his hand. Veyga once again clasped the Lord’s wrist, and with a lighter heart he let the man pull him to his feet.
“My Lord, thank you.” He met Lord Wensellas’ gaze squarely. “You don’t know how much I appreciate this.”
“Just don’t let my daughter down, Arius. Live up to the potential that she sees within you.” And with that, he turned on his heel and left the stables. Veyga ducked out as well, and went to seek out his men for more sword-work.
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4/16/11- updated
The big bear of a man was grinning from ear to ear, proud as could be. "Thank you."
Little Lissana had been born in the pale beginning of the morning, and Eithna still couldn't decide who had been more concerned and who had paced the most, Mik or Veyga. Even now, Veyga was receiving as many shouts and waves of goodwill as Mik. Eithna smiled, pushing her hair from her face with a weary hand. The labor had been difficult, but both mother and baby had come through just fine. Both were catching up on some much-needed sleep. While Eithna should be in her own borrowed bed, she wasn't quite ready to meet oblivion. She motioned to Veyga, and he nodded and followed her through Ragged Valley to her tiny guest cottage. She waved to the little table and chairs inside the door, and he sat down warily.
Eithna laughed. "You don't have anything to worry about, you aren't in trouble. I just wanted to start making plans."
He smiled weakly. He'd been making an effort to seem happy around her, but she knew there was something else. At least the tension between them had dissipated over the last few days, and she was pretty sure his broken heart was on the mend. While she would always have a soft spot for him, it was for the best. If Veyga had claimed her before she married Jared, she would have gone anywhere with him in a heartbeat. But she was happy with Jared. While their marriage wasn't a passionate one, it was certainly based on a deep and abiding friendship, which she valued.
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Veyga sat before a fire near his cottage, absently shredding the bark from a stick, gaze staring unwaveringly into the flames. Eithna stood in the shadows watching him, her mind flashing back momentarily to four summers earlier when she had watched him telling stories to children. Her heart gave a little pang and she sighed.
She and Kayli had been able to talk Veyga into returning with her and taking a place in her father's court for a fortnight. If she was able to manage it, she would convince him to stay longer. While his manners were not completely without merit, considering the lessons he had undertaken from the teachers here in Ragged Valley, she doubted he was really prepared for the intricacies and intrigue that the High Court would expose him to.
She sighed, pulled herself together, and approached him. He looked up, silver eye sharpening as he saw her. She forced a smile and folded her legs beneath her across the fire from him. He stared soberly at her for a moment before looking away. "I hear the plan is to leave in the morning."
She nodded, and then realized he wouldn't see the gesture. "Yes. Kayli is doing excellent as a new mama, and doesn't need me anymore. Lissana is doing well. There’s nothing more to keep me here, and I do have patients back home to tend to." He nodded, making no response. She bit her lip, considering him carefully, before taking a deep breath. "I think we should tell everyone that you are a cousin of Jared's. He'll go along with it, to be sure, and little is known about his family. They are noble born, but rather impoverished at this point, so they don't often travel in the courtly circles."
He shrugged. "If your husband is all right with that, then that's fine."
"Are you comfortable with it, though?"
Veyga just shrugged again. Eithna frowned and resisted the urge to lean over and shake him. He seemed withdrawn. Kayli had said that it was just how he was, that he was always like that, but Eithna had been studying him closely over the last few days. There were rare moments when his potential shone through the quiet demeanor, and she was pretty positive that it wasn’t always in his nature to be so reserved.
Eithna wondered briefly if she were playing with fire, then steeled herself against pity and decided to stick with her well-thought-out plan. She was hoping fervently that Jared would agree with her and support her decision. He usually did support whatever she came up with, no matter how harebrained some of her ideas were. But she simply knew she was right this time.
“Well then, in a few days you’ll have a chance to meet Jared, and then we can get to work on polishing you up, right?”
He met her eyes briefly, and then returned his stare back to the fire. “I suppose so.”
She pushed herself to her feet with a lighter heart, confident that she was doing the right thing, whether Veyga wanted it or not.
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Veyga studied the manor that sat on the hill before them. All that was left was to pass through the valley and the clusters of villages that populated it, and then Eithna would be home with her husband. Veyga drew a deep breath, and then he nudged his mount and started down the hill into the valley.
The riders were all quiet, taking their mood from him; even Eithna was without her usual sunny smile. Two men accompanied them acting as Veyga’s men at arms. As they approached the small city surrounding the huge Wensellas family manor, Veyga looked down the main street to the manor gates, and dreaded these last moments of relative peace.
Eithna glanced towards him, reining her mount in. “Are you ready for this?”
A strange look crossed his face. "Of course not. I don't belong in a manor, behind such tall gates. I was born a peasant, never to be anything more."
Eithna laughed, drawing a dark look from him. "Veyga, you already are more. Now come, let's go meet my father and Jared."
Veyga, feeling uneasy, turned his horse to go down the street and toward the gates. When they stood before them, he followed her lead and dismounted to stand beside her. Eithna caught his hand, and frowned when he seemed to flinch. The strange look was back on his face. "Veyga? What is wrong?"
“Nothing. It’s nothing, Lady. Come, let’s wake the guards and return you to your family.” He couldn’t force himself to meet her gaze. He felt a tremble in his hands when he used the heavy metal knocker set in the solid wooden door that sat to one side of the gate. Feeling weak and stupid, he stayed silent as Eithna stated her identity and as a gangly steward led them across a large cobbled courtyard, down a maze of hallways, and to a small appointment room. While waiting for her father, he could not face her directly. He paced behind a table, his hands clasped in the small of his back. He felt her eyes on him, and there was nowhere to escape from her frustrated gaze. The two Ragged Valley men that had accompanied them stood to the side, silent. Hearing footsteps, he stopped his pacing and stiffened, spinning about to face the doorway. Eithna followed his gaze, and jumped to her feet as well.
“Daddy!” She threw herself into her father’s welcoming arms.
Veyga watched as Lord Wensellas clasped his daughter close, then his heartbeat sped as Lord Wensellas turned to face him, not releasing Eithna, but hugging her closer. “Eithna sent word ahead that you are one of Jared’s cousins, is that correct?”
Veyga hesitated, torn between honesty and protecting himself. “Yes. I hope this visit isn’t an imposition.”
Eithna’s father eyed Veyga closely, a strange light in his green eyes. He was a well-built man, with a trim figure and blond hair sprinkled generously with gray. He looked fit for his age, and Veyga had no doubt that the man could obviously be intimidating when the need arose. Now, however, his look was warm. “Of course it isn’t.” He held out his hand, palm up.
Veyga hesitated before clasping the man’s wrist in greeting. He felt the man’s strong fingers curl over his own wrist. “My name is Arius.” Veyga felt Eithna’s curious gaze weighing on him at his answer. His gut clenched, hating another half-truth, but he knew it was best not to use an infamous name that was so well known. It would be putting not only himself, but also Ragged Valley, at risk.
“Well then, Arius, Eithna, supper is starting soon. Why don’t you freshen up, and we can visit while we eat? Jared should be back sometime tonight from his rounds. Arius, I’ll have the steward show your soldiers to the bunkhouse.”
Eithna was grinning from ear to ear. “Of course, Daddy.”
Lord Wensellas nodded as a steward entered the room and cleared his throat.
“My Lord, I took the liberty of having hot baths drawn up for the Lady Eithna and our guest. Supper will be served in two marks.” He clapped his hands loudly, and two servants entered the room, each one leading a tired, dirty, and worn traveler away from a thoughtful-looking Lord Wensellas.
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Veyga relaxed in the hot, fragrant water, closing his eyes and allowing his tired muscles to go slack. He envisioned in his mind what Eithna was doing at this very moment, how her long strawberry hair would be covering her and floating about her pale body, hiding her from his mind’s eye. He felt his body react to his imagination, and didn’t force himself to stop. No one need know of his passion for this incredible woman he was forbidden to touch. A heavy sigh rent from some place buried deep within him.
Veyga’s heartbeat gradually slowed, and his breath grew deep and steady as he drifted towards sleep. Sometime later he woke, not sure what had startled him from sleep. He felt the scrubbing cloth he’d been using brush against his chest, and he opened his eye.
He nearly tipped the tub in his scramble to fully waken and find his knife. He stood before the fire that a servant had lit, his chest heaving and water running from his body in thin rivulets. He faced the young woman that held the scrubbing cloth with a gleaming silver eye, knife held before him. “Who in the seven hells are you?”
The young woman rose in one smooth, fluid motion from where she had been knocked to the floor in his haste to leap from the tub. “I’m Sarena. I’m here to tend to your every need.” She was small and slim, dressed in a pale blue gown that accentuated her bright blue eyes. She licked full red lips and reached up to smooth her long straight black hair. Her gaze was brazen as her appreciative eyes roved over Veyga’s slick chest, hard with muscle and wrapped with ink. Her bold stare roamed over his even facial features, pausing only momentarily at the eye patch. When she dipped her gaze lower, her cat-like smile widened.
Veyga’s eye narrowed as he stood there, disbelieving. “Why do I not doubt that?”
She took two full steps towards him, her every movement calculated to whet a man’s appetite. “Mm. Well, what needs would you like attended to?”
“None thank you all the same.”
“Oh, but don’t you need clothing, so that you might dine with my Lord Wensellas?” She motioned towards his travel-stained garments, piled on the floor near the tub. An outfit not fit for an ale room, much less breaking his fast with Lord Wensellas.
The woman’s eyes glittered dangerously. “Clothing, your bath, dressing, I can help with all of that. But in return, I want a little of what you have to offer.” She glided forward a few more steps, the vision of him outlined by flames acting as a beacon to her.
Veyga’s body was taut, and his mind spun, searching for a quick way out of the predicament. “I don’t think so.”
She reached up and untied the front of her dress, revealing the deep cleft between two full breasts. “Don’t you?” Her full lips turned down in a sultry pout as she moved closer. Veyga began to creep to his left, moving towards the bed. Her eyes gleamed as she approached, and his eye narrowed. He felt like a mouse being stalked by a cat.
Suddenly, the door to his room flew open and Eithna rushed in, her arms laden with a bulky bundle. She stopped abruptly upon seeing the young woman with her dress untied. “Sarena! What-” Her eyes flew briefly to Veyga, where he stood bare but with a knife held before him. She jerked her gaze away from him, frowning darkly as she glared at the intruder. “Out, Sarena. Out now!”
Sarena hastily retied her ribbon and rushed from the room. A dark flush spread across Veyga’s face, neck, and chest as he grabbed a pillow from the bed to hide his nudity. “Lady Eithna.”
Eithna closed the door after placing her bundle on a nearby chair. She took a deep breath, careful to avert her eyes from his flushed form. “I am so sorry, Veyga. I should have warned you about-. Well, about her.” He said nothing, only stood holding the pillow in one hand and the knife in the other. His flush darkened. She suddenly began to bustle about, shaking clothing out onto the bed. “These are for you. I hope they fit. Well-” She paused, glancing down at her heavy bed robe and briefly touching her damp hair. “Well, I had better go and get dressed myself. I will send Father’s valet to help you."
He only nodded. His knuckles were white where he gripped the pillow. She nodded curtly and spun on her heel, walking swiftly to the door. She paused only once. “Beware Sarena, Veyga. She is worse than she seems.” And then she was gone, closing the door quietly behind her.
Veyga dropped the pillow and leaned back against the wall beside the bed. “I highly doubt that. She seems as dangerous as anything I have ever seen.”
The valet arrived shortly thereafter and began to help Veyga to dress for his first formal event. It was strange to have someone help him dress, and even stranger to have a man dressing his long hair. Once the man deemed him ready, Veyga followed the aloof man, uncertain for the first time in ages. He tugged on the hem of his hip-length vest, glancing down at the form fitting hose with a heavy swallow. He tugged again at the hem, trying to pull the vest lower than it would go. The valet paused at the entrance to the dining hall, glancing briefly at Veyga and giving him a small, encouraging smile.
The page guarding the doorway smiled as well, probably sensing Veyga’s discomfort. Then he turned and announced Veyga’s arrival. “Master Arius...” He paused, since there was no surname or title to go with Arius, and then shrugged. He motioned for Veyga to enter the room.
Veyga took a deep, calming breath, touching his eye patch briefly before straightening his shoulders and entering the room with his head held high. He heard Eithna’s gasp from where she sat beside her father, and Veyga saw Lord Wensellas glance curiously at her. Then Lord Wensellas fastened his own gaze upon Veyga, and his eyebrows rose.
Veyga was now a far cry different from the dirty, bedraggled young man that had arrived early that morning. He stood tall and proud, with his long hair braided down his back and his face freshly shaven. His white shirt darkened his skin, his royal blue vest reflected his silver eye, and his snug gray hose defined every line and muscle in his powerful legs. His eye patch gleamed briefly as he scanned the crowd with an aloof gaze, even though his heart was racing. He could have been a prince and no one would have been surprised. But in his heart he felt like a liar. He strained not to show his discomfort. He looked about the room casually, taking in the full tables that formed a "U" shape along three walls of the room. Along the third wall was a dais with a table set up upon it, and this was where Eithna and her father were seated. When his eye rested again on the Lady Eithna, his gaze softened.
She was every inch a fine lady now, with her long red strawberry hair swept up into an intricate tangle of braids, and with her flattering cream and pale-green gown. She was a different looking woman now, and he felt as if he were mud on her slippers even as he stood the center of attention.
Lord Wensellas stood and motioned for Veyga to take the seat to his left. He hesitated for only a moment before walking over and stepping up onto the dais. He sat down and Lord Wensellas sat as well. The Lord called forward the meal.
Veyga watched in stark amazement as dish after dish was brought in. This mountain of food could feed his entire camp for a full turn of the seasons. A servant stepped forward and began to fill Veyga’s trencher with choice pieces of cold meat and poached eggs. Lord Wensellas leaned towards Veyga. “Well come, Arius. I hope that this meal suits you.”
Veyga only stared mutely at his trencher. After a long moment of silence, he nodded. “Of course, my Lord.” A strange feeling seemed to be creeping over him, like a wash of heat that had his heart beating faster.
Lord Wensellas sat back in his chair, a thoughtful look on his face. “How many summers have you seen, Arius?”
Veyga’s brow furrowed as he thought. “I suppose a score and two, or a score and three.”
“Were you raised with Jared?”
Veyga hesitated for only a moment. “No, I wasn’t. We hardly know each other. Our fathers were actually cousins, which makes us… second cousins, I believe.” He stated the rehearsed story by rote, refusing to meet Lord Wensellas’ gaze.
“Where are you from then?”
Veyga glanced towards Eithna. “I was raised in the same town as Jared, but we didn’t really associate with each other. There was some sort of family argument that tore the family apart. Jared and I are seeking to mend that rift.”
“Well you’ll have to wait another day, I’m afraid- word has reached us that Jared has been detained.”
Veyga just nodded mutely. Lord Wensellas nodded and turned to Eithna, asking about the patient she had left to tend. Veyga noticed that she carefully avoided all mention of where that patient had been. He pushed the food around on his plate restlessly, unable to settle the churning in his stomach.
Finally the meal was over and Veyga was able to escape to his room in relative peace. He stripped off the fine clothing and was asleep almost before his head hit the satin-covered pillow.
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Lord Wensellas watched from the alcove as the young man who had accompanied his daughter home practiced sword work with his two strange men at arms. The young man was dressed in plain homespun clothing, a far cry from the bright colors Eithna had chosen to dress him in last night. His long hair was pulled back and tied with a strip of leather, and while his weapon looked finely honed, it was also well-worn.
The young man moved like a master. Lord Wensellas was a fine fighter himself, but even his skills would come nowhere near matching those of their visitor. The two men at arms came at Arius together, and neither was able to land a blow anywhere near him.
He watched silently for nearly an entire mark before turning to search out his daughter. She was in her garden, as he’d expected. However, he was surprised to see Jared with her. “You’ve returned, I see. How went your rounds?”
Jared grinned from the shady spot he’d claimed beneath one of Eithna’s fruit trees, sprawled on his back, hands clasped behind his head. “Well, actually… Other than a stray dog that seems to be making off with some lambs, there was nothing to report. I’ve sent off a few trackers to flush it out.”
Lord Wensellas nodded and perched on the edge of a nearby bench. Eithna watched him warily, and the suspicions that were floating through his head solidified. He gave her a mild look. “Now, would you care to tell me the truth about this supposed cousin of Jared’s my dear?”
Jared sat up abruptly, his casual demeanor completely gone. Eithna swallowed hard and met her husband’s startled stare before turning to her father. “Only if you promise me that you won’t hold it against either Jared or… Arius. The entire plan was my own idea.”
He nodded soberly, and sat back on the bench in shock as she told her tale. When she was finished, she was flushed, but at least she looked a lot less guilty than she had. “So this young man represents the infamous Veyga, murderer and rapist?”
She sputtered. “Not at all! First of all, he represents Ragged Valley and its inhabitants, not just a man. And those are just stories, Daddy. Veyga isn’t really like that; he’s a very fine man. As a matter of fact…” A wondering look crossed her face. “As a matter of fact, Daddy, he’s a lot like you. He cares very much for his village and the people who live under his care. And while I will admit that there are criminals aplenty that he is protecting, they are all to a single man innocent of any actual wrongdoings. Most have failed to pay taxes or turn their daughters over to certain landowners. Lord Beys, for example.”
Jared turned his head and spat, but gathered Eithna’s hand in his for support.
“Not a single person there was from your lands, for example, Daddy. Every person is expected to carry their own weight, and to contribute. No crime is allowed in Ragged Valley. I know that the High Lord would like to see Ragged Valley come under his control; but I doubt that will happen if Veyga’s name is not cleared. His people will fight for him, most likely to the death. I am not exaggerating here, Daddy. If you don’t believe me, then you’ll just have to go visit for yourself.”
“Now, now, Eithna, I’ve said not a word about not believing you. I’ll take your advice under consideration, and I’ll meet with this Arius to make my own judgments.”
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Veyga’s appetite had fled yet again. The food smelled wonderful, and was seasoned masterfully, but he simply couldn’t force anything past his taut throat. The flavors blended into ash on his tongue. Finally he excused himself quietly and left the table, not realizing how much attention his calm departure had garnered.
Veyga slipped away and escaped to the stables, finally able to breathe deep as he left the gossiping nobles behind. He wasn’t sure how Eithna expected him to survive in the High Court if he couldn’t even handle the supposedly relaxed Court of her father. He slipped unnoticed past several stable hands working to clean stalls, and ducked into a shadowy corner. He dropped limply onto a bale of hay, willing all the overwhelming emotions to leave him in temporary peace.
Veyga sat with a dejected expression and his shoulders slumped. When he heard the steps of Lord Wensellas approach him, he didn’t bother to look up. At a single word from the Lord, the stable hands scattered. Wensellas sat down on the bale of hay beside the younger man. He copied Veyga’s posture, dropping his hands down between his legs and resting his elbows on his knees. They sat together for a long span of moments, and then Lord Wensellas sighed deeply. “I sense something is troubling you, young man.”
Veyga simply shrugged, and the Lord tried again. “Do you care to talk about it? I’m well known to be able to hold my tongue and keep a confidence.”
“I am sorry, my Lord, but I do not belong here.”
“Hm.” Lord Wensellas nodded, and then fell silent again. He waited for Veyga to speak. Several stuttering heartbeats passed before Veyga dared to tell the story he had never spoken aloud.
“I suppose that I am just overwhelmed by everything. I do not fit in with a place such as this. I have a confession to make, and I hope that you do not hold my sins against your daughter and her husband. I am not a cousin to that man; as a matter of fact we had not met before tonight. I was not born a nobleman of any sort. My mother was a barmaid that couldn’t keep work, and she used her body to keep us fed. I’m a bastard, I have never had a father, and there was never any way to know who it might have been anyhow. We never stayed in one place very long, and I have no roots to speak of.” He took a deep breath.
Wensellas turned his head to cast a sideways glance towards Veyga. “Might I ask you a question, Arius?”
Veyga hesitated, and then nodded, his gaze still on his dangling hands.
“How is it that you speak so well? You say you were raised in mean situations, and yet you speak finer than many a gentleman.”
Veyga sighed deeply. “Well, sir, when I was younger, my mother had a man that... kept her for quite some time. I was probably six or seven summers old by then, old enough to help my mother in the kitchens. The man pulled me aside one evening, and out of what I assume was kindness he told me that he would teach me to read. We were only there, in that fine house that we cleaned each day, for the span of one winter, but each long evening was spent in the library, with me poring over books as I painstakingly learned to read. When we left, I was addicted to books. I did every odd chore I could to earn a few extra coins. I saved and saved until finally I was able to buy my own book. It was a tattered copy of Sertes’ ‘Bramble Rose.’ I read the book many times before it became too fragile to read any more. I began anew to save coins, and soon I had a few more books to tote around with me when my mother and I moved from place to place. I had too many after awhile, I suppose. It became difficult to take them everywhere with me. My mother thought that I was wasting my time.
“But then the war broke out.” Veyga was silent for long moments, and Lord Wensellas spoke up.
“The Ikraden War?” His brow furrowed. Veyga nodded, and Lord Wensellas frowned darkly. “You couldn’t have been more than eight summers old.”
Veyga nodded. “Eight summers. The war broke out, and my mother decided to become a camp follower.” His voice turned bitter. “I spent each night foraging for food and fending off rats while my mother spent her time with the enlisted of the ranks. She never even cared which side she was sleeping with, as long as she got her coin. I was to all extents abandoned.”
He took a deep breath before continuing. “Then I began to overhear the enlisted complaining that they had received letters from home, or from their officers, or from friends in other camps, and many of them could not read. As you probably know, there is usually a priest that will write letters for a coin or two so that families can keep in touch. But there are no priests in war. I got it into my head to do just as the priests did, and I began to read letters for a small sum.
“Word quickly spread of my talents. I had a good voice, I had a good eye for handwriting, and I could usually explain some of the priests’ more confusing phrases to the enlisted that I read for. Soon I was spending every night reading. I didn’t always collect coins; sometimes it was food or shelter for a night, and even once a chicken. A beautiful chicken that laid me a fresh egg every morning. I gathered enough odds and ends uniform pieces and old cloaks until I could make myself my own small tent, and I followed the troops as dutifully as my mother. I was able to live like that for quite a few summers, all through the war. When the treaty was finally signed, I was known by officers as well as by enlisted. However, after the treaty, I had nowhere to go and nowhere to turn. My mother once again found a man to keep her, and with nowhere else to live, she took me in. One night, however, horrible noises woke me. I ran downstairs to find that the manor where we were staying was under siege by strange warriors on huge horses. As I was trying to escape, the Lord of the manor, the man that was keeping my mother, grabbed me and pulled me before him, just in time to catch a weapon in the chest. After that, I don't remember much. I woke a sennight later in the hospice of a druidic abbey. I don’t know how I got there, but the druids took me in out of sympathy for my plight. I couldn't return to my mother. She had been killed, and I was not going to ask the Lord of the manor for any assistance. In between cleaning the tiny rooms and cramped quarters of the abbey, I spent my time in the library reading books. Of course, by this time my vocabulary was quite extensive. One of the druids caught me one night sneaking into the library to return a book I had borrowed without permission. He took me to the Druid Clan Council, and when it was discovered that I could read, and indeed did so voraciously, the druids decided to take me under their wing. As long as I continued to do my chores, they taught me to write, and then they went on to teach me the old languages and the language of the Krangs. When I was ten and four summers, the Clan was attacked, and the whole place was burned down to the ground." He met Lord Wensellas’ intent gaze. “I nearly died. But I managed somehow to live. There is not much else to tell.”
Lord Wensellas’ eyes narrowed slightly. “Half a score of summers unaccounted for. What have you been doing lately, Arius?”
Veyga hesitated, torn between honesty and self-protection. “I have been teaching others to read, peasants like myself, that had no control over their birth, and that did not want to be born into their poor situations.” At least it was halfway to the truth. “I wanted to help others to become better people and to be able to do more than scratch out a living in some backwoods hovel.”
Lord Wensellas’ face had paled, and his eyes were mere slits by now. He stared so intensely at Veyga that the younger man wanted to squirm like a schoolboy. “Arius, your story is so incredible that I cannot help but believe it. You are an amazing young man. In comparison, my own life has been tame and easy."
“I doubt that, my Lord. Eithna has spoken highly of you, and of your struggles to maintain peace within your holdings. I know there are…” He had to pause a moment to wipe a snarl from his face. “I know there are other Lords who do not share your sense of fairness.”
Lord Wensellas nodded. “You are too right, Arius.” He paused for a moment. “I have my own confession to make, Arius. I knew you weren’t Jared’s cousin, and I appreciate your admission. May I be frank with you?”
Veyga cast him a sidelong glance simmering with suspicion, but nodded.
“My daughter obviously cares what happens to you, and she worked hard to bring you here for a reason, am I correct, Arius?” It wasn’t an accident that he placed stress on the name, and Arius nodded again as he met that knowing look. Lord Wensellas reached out to place a firm hand on Veyga’s knee. “Then let’s make sure all of her work doesn’t go unrewarded. Tell me what you need, and if it is within my power, I will do what I can to help. I trust my daughter’s instincts, and I also trust her judgment, so you have that going for you.” He pulled his hand back, certain that he had made his point.
Veyga took a deep breath, and then chuckled softly. “I need a little polish, is all? I doubt I will ever be able to stay afloat of the gossip and intrigue that is such a part of any Court, but I can at least understand the intricacies and particulars. Will you find someone to help me, someone that can teach me what every noble child learns from birth? I’m afraid it may be a long assignment.”
Lord Wensellas grinned. “I know just the person. I’ll make some inquiries, and send for you once I have.” He stood and dusted himself off, then reached down to offer his hand. Veyga once again clasped the Lord’s wrist, and with a lighter heart he let the man pull him to his feet.
“My Lord, thank you.” He met Lord Wensellas’ gaze squarely. “You don’t know how much I appreciate this.”
“Just don’t let my daughter down, Arius. Live up to the potential that she sees within you.” And with that, he turned on his heel and left the stables. Veyga ducked out as well, and went to seek out his men for more sword-work.
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4/16/11- updated
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Post 2
Veyga lay on his cot, clad only in his trousers, and stared up at the sooty roof of his tent, thinking. Soon he would have to be sure that Eithna returned home safe and sound. She didn't belong here, in such rough surroundings, wearing such shabby clothing. She was better than all of them, no matter that she seemed to fit in so well. He should have sent her off days ago, but she always managed to talk him out of it. The long day intruded on his thoughts then, and he drifted off into a deep sleep. Slowly, his dreams crept up on him, and he began to toss and turn.
Eithna stood just outside his tent, her hand cupping the small flame from her candle, wondering if she should check on him. She and Kayli had spent a wonderful time talking and visiting, sharing their stories and their lives. She had her hand raised to scratch on the door when she heard him cry out in pain. Her healer's instincts took over and she rushed into the tent, barely able to see his outline on the cot, where he was thrashing about.
She quickly lit one of his candles with her own and set them in a candle holder on a nearby stool. She knelt down and grabbed his shoulders, pressing him back onto his pillow. He grew crazed, straining against her grip. If he had not been so weak, she never would have been able to hold him. Eithna crooned softly to him, trying to ease his dreams. Suddenly his eye snapped open, glazed and shining, and with a surge of strength he grabbed her wrists and pulled her on top of him, rolling so that she was pinned beneath him. She cried out in fear at the savage look on his face, understanding now how some of the rumors could be believed. He snarled into her face. "What are you doing here?!"
"I- I'm so sorry. You cried out. I thought you were hurt-. Ow! You're hurting me, let me go!" She tugged against the steely grip he had on her wrists.
The crazed light faded abruptly from his good eye, and a shocked look replaced it. "Lady Wensellas!" He threw her wrists away and scrambled off of her. In his haste, he knocked the stool over, tipping the candles and dousing the light. He tripped over the stool and fell back, cursing. Eithna fumbled on his small table for the flint Veyga kept there, then felt around for one of the candles and lit it, hands shaking. Her eyes went immediately to Veyga, and widened at the sight of blood on his chest.
She hurried to his side and crouched beside him. "Your wound. It may have reopened." She lifted his arm and began to peel away the bandage to check the injury.
Veyga jerked away from her touch and scooted away from her. "Please, don't touch me."
"But I need to check-"
"Don't!" The one word seemed torn from his mouth, and she looked at him with wide eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. Please, the wound is fine. It is healing well. It didn't open. I'm fine, I'm not bleeding."
Eithna looked at his bare chest again, plainly seeing the blood smeared across it. "But the blood-"
"Is nothing."
Eithna's eyes narrowed. "You are being ridiculous. I'm a healer. I'm your healer. You have to let me check." She reached a trembling hand out to touch the blood, concern written in every feature.
Veyga sighed deeply as her fingertips touched his skin, and came away wet. "I'm not hurt. It's just something that happens."
Eithna hesitantly crawled over to sit before him, gathering up a corner of her skirt to dab at the blood. When it was gone, there was only the small round scar she had noticed before. Then, before her eyes, a new trickle of blood appeared, seeming to come from the scar. She looked up into his face. "What happened here? How did you get this scar?"
He shook his head. "I don't really remember. I was just a child when it happened. It was a very confusing time."
"You don't remember anything?" Her eyes narrowed speculatively. "There is magic involved in this."
Veyga shrugged. "Probably. I only remember men on black horses, dressed in heavy cloaks. They were fighting, and I got involved. I think someone grabbed me and pulled me in front of them. Then I was run through with a weapon, maybe a sword. I don't know why I didn't die, I probably should have."
"How did you survive that?" Her eyes were wide.
Veyga hesitated for a moment, gently taking her shoulders and moving her away from him. She settled back on her heels reluctantly.
"I woke some time later in the hospice of an abbey, where I had been tended by monks. They could find no wound on me, only this scar." He looked down at the scar where her fingers had rested only moments before. "They didn't know what happened either. They claimed some God had brought me to their door one night, and asked them to help me. That's all I know. And now, when I have nightmares sometimes, this happens. But it doesn't last long."
Already the bleeding had stopped. She gazed up at him. "You were having a nightmare." She reached out and put her hand on his cheek, savoring the rough stubble of his beard against her palm.
His brows drew together in consternation and he closed his eye. "I often do." He started to move away from her, and she reached out to clasp his hand. His eye flew open and he looked at her, trying to guess what her next move would be.
"I wish I could protect you from them." Her hand slid down his cheek and throat to rest on his chest. She could feel his heartbeat thudding against her palm. Her gaze never left his.
"Eithna..." Veyga didn't know what to say. She was beautiful with the candlelight flickering over the concern on her face. He knew what he wanted to say, what he wanted to do. But she was a noblewoman and he was basically a common criminal. He didn't deserve to even touch her. The decision was taken from him a brief heartbeat later as she leaned forward to press her lips softly to his. A deep groan tore from him and he gathered her up in his arms, allowing the kiss to deepen as she clung to him. Veyga's head was spinning and his body ached as fire swept through him. He'd never felt this all-consuming desire. Never had any girl caused him to throw away his self-control. A soft mewling sound came from the back of her throat as she ran one of her hands through his loosened hair, clasping his head and trying to pull him closer as her tongue crept into his mouth to duel with his. The small sound inflamed him further, and he groaned, his arms clamping firmly around her as he tried to gather her even closer.
She pressed snug against him, and he slid his hands over her slim waist and up her side to the swell of one small, cloth-covered breast. She sighed into his mouth and seemed to melt into his arms. She tugged him back until she was laying on the fur rug that covered the bare dirt on the floor of his tent, with his body sprawled over hers.
Veyga felt surging heat rush to his loins, and he pressed himself against her, trying to ease the discomfort. She ran her hands up his bare back, and Veyga moaned, knowing that if things went any further he wouldn't be able to stop them. Then her hands crept beneath the waistband of his trousers and over his bare buttocks, and all control was gone. He tore his mouth from hers, pressing kisses along her throat to the top of her dress. He pulled the ribbon at her neckline loose and pulled the front of her dress down, his lips following his hands over one breast to the taut pink nipple. With another groan he sucked her nipple into his mouth, and Eithna arched into him with a gasp.
Neither one of them heard the commotion outside the tent. It wasn't until Mik shouted his name that Veyga even realized that something was going on. He swore beneath his breath, his face pressed into the valley between Eithna's breasts, and called out to Mik. "What is it?"
The big man's shadow shone against the wall of the tent. "Veyga, there's trouble. Our defenses have been breached. We expect an attack any moment."
Veyga rolled to his feet, agony showing on his face. "Give me a quick moment to dress, Mik." He looked down at Eithna with a look that she couldn't read. "I'm sorry, milady. I-." He rubbed the back of his neck, and looked away. "I should never have taken such liberties." She sat up, eyes flashing, and closed her dress up as he continued. "I'm sorry. Please, stay here, where you'll be safe." With that, he slithered into a tunic and grabbed a scabbard from beneath his cot. He rushed barefoot from the tent.
Eithna snorted. "Safe? Hardly! You, Lord Veyga, are not my master." She almost wished he were there to hear her. She stood and rushed from the tent, retying her laces as she ran.
All was chaos as Veyga ran towards the ruckus, not noticing or caring about his bare feet. He took in the sight of men fighting near the south wall of the camp in an instant, pausing only long enough to grab Kayli's arm as she rushed past with a group of sleepy-eyed children. "Get to the cave, Kayli. Find Lady Wensellas, please, and take her there as well. Hurry!" Kayli nodded sharply and continued on her way, herding the small group towards the other end of the camp.
Veyga jumped into the fray, swiftly counting the shaggy bandits that had managed to find their way to the secret camp. He drew his sword and tossed the scabbard away, and began to fight.
Eithna was headed towards the fighting when she saw Kayli, trying calmly to get several children to accompany her. She was carrying two of them, and trying to direct several more. Eithna caught up with her and took one of the babies from Kayli's arms. "Where are you going?"
"There is a cave back here, we'll be safe there. We need to get the children to it. Will you help me, milady?" Kayli's face was set in a look of fear and determination, but her eyes were calm and placid. Eithna nodded and helped Kayli usher the children through the camp. She saw other women among the tents, trying to get other children to the same area. Just ahead a dark form appeared, set into a rock wall. The camp must butt up against a mountainside. The form shaped itself into a cave, barely lit with a young girl standing in the entrance with an oil lantern. She was waving it, trying to show the way. Kayli pointed. "There. Please, help us."
Eithna didn't even hesitate. She hurried ahead to pass the baby off to another woman within the cave, then rushed back to pick up two other children with Kayli and carry them to the entrance. Kayli and Eithna got the children into the cave and returned to the camp for more. They'd made several trips when Eithna stumbled over a dog that was cowering beside a tree. She grabbed the rope tied about the dog's neck and swiftly loosened the knot. "Come on, pup. Come on, let's get to the cave."
When Eithna and the dog reached the cave, women were bustling about, trying to calm frightened children. Eithna took a moment to look around, amazed by the sheer size of the place, which could easily make a home for everyone in the camp and have room to spare. Crates and baskets were stacked up against the far wall, and bags hung everywhere, from hooks pounded into the ceiling. One whole wall was lined with cots and pallets, while another area was set up for cooking. Kayli grabbed Eithna's arm suddenly. "Come, help me!" She ran off, and Eithna followed.
Kayli showed Eithna where a huge boulder was. "We need to move this in front of the entrance.”
Three other women were already straining at the boulder, trying to push it in front of the opening. Eithna and Kayli put their backs in as well, and the boulder slowly began to roll. When it was almost completely covering the entrance, Kayli called for them to stop. They left a gap less that an arm length wide. "That will do. Now come, let's get these children settled down."
Veyga slashed and hacked his way to Mik's side. The big man was cutting a healthy dent through the attackers. There seemed to be close to two score of them, equal to the number of men that lived in Veyga's camp. A sword nearly managed to get through Veyga's defenses, and he swiftly cut the man's hand off. The man screamed, clutching the bloody stump of his arm, and Veyga thrust his sword into the bandit's throat. With a choked gurgle, the man fell and was silent. Veyga spun to cut down a man who had nearly made it to Mik. The two men stood back to back, and slowly the attacks came fewer and further apart. Veyga growled in anger as he saw one of his men fall. A red mist seemed to creep across his vision as he fought, and he knew that in mere moments he would be lost to blood lust.
Mik saw the tell-tale signs of Veyga's rage and swallowed hard. It wasn't often Veyga got this bad during a fight, but when he did he was unstoppable. No one was quite sure what Veyga went through when this happened, and most of the time the youth couldn't even remember what had occurred. Mik turned back to the fight, knowing that Veyga could handle himself.
Eithna paced restlessly near the big boulder that nearly blocked the entrance. Kayli looked up from one of the fires she was tending and her eyes softened when she saw that Eithna's dress was mussed and her lips looked bruised. She asked one of the other women to take over for her and she approached Eithna cautiously. She caught the other girl's hand and Eithna looked at her with frustration seeping from every pore. Kayli led her over to a quieter area and put a hand to Eithna's cheek. "He'll be all right."
Eithna shook her head and her lips pressed tightly together. "I'm sorry. It's just-." She let loose a deep sigh. "You're right, I'm worried about him."
"Just as I am worried about my husband." Kayli met Eithna's startled gaze. "Mik and I are married. But listen, they have done this before. They will be fine; don't worry so. I know how hard it is to wonder if the man you love is out there, injured or bleeding, but you have to trust that they aren't hurt. They will do what they need to do and then they will come to let us know they are fine. Don't fear."
"The man I-. I don't know, Kayli. Do I love him? How can I know?" Eithna's eyes filled. "How can I not? By the seven hells!"
Kayli drew back in surprise. "Milady!"
Eithna flushed. "I'm sorry. I'm a healer." She suddenly stared towards the boulder. "I can't help it, there are people out there, hurt and in pain, and I am a healer, damn it! Kayli, hurry! Do you have a pair of breeches I can wear anywhere in here?"
"Breeches? Well, I'm sure we can find a pair..." Kayli looked about, wondering where to look.
"Milady?" One of the other women approached cautiously. She held out a cloth bundle. "These are Ralf's, they might fit you. He's not a very big man."
Eithna's smile of gratitude lit the whole cave. She stood where she was and stripped her clothes off down to her shift, much to the surprise of everyone in the cave. One woman covered her older son's eyes when he tried to stare. Eithna held her hands out for the trousers and shook them out, finding a tunic as well.
Kayli's smile was faint when she noticed the red marks across Eithna's throat and the tops of her breasts. They looked like whisker burns to her. Eithna stepped into the trousers and had to cinch the drawstring as tight as it would go to get the pants to stay on. The tunic fell to her knees and past her elbows, but it would suffice. Eithna grabbed a basket that was set by the door, full of healing supplies, ready for the wounded to come, and with a quick hug to a startled Kayli, she dashed from the cave. Kayli didn't realize what she was doing until it was too late.
Eithna swiftly ran towards the fighting, determined to help in whatever way she could. As she reached the edge of the clearing where the battle was raging, she sought out one man. She found him fighting like a whirlwind, dashing and slicing and jabbing, moving so quickly she almost couldn't see him at all. Her mouth dropped open in amazement as she watched for several heartbeats, then suddenly she shook herself and dropped to her knees beside the closest of Veyga's men to check for a pulse.
Veyga couldn't control himself when the red mist came, but he didn't try to. His body seemed to know what to do all on its own as he cut down one marauder at a time. There were only a handful of bandits left now, and Veyga was headed their way when a stranger appeared at the corner of his eye, and it wasn't until he saw the long strawberry-blond braid that he realized who it was. The blood lust left him suddenly, and he nearly missed a block when a wounded bandit attacked him. "Eithna!! Get out of here!"
She looked up and shook her head, then turned back to her task. Veyga yelled at Mik, who was just pulling his sword free from a bandit's body. "Mik!! Get her out of here!" He motioned towards Eithna, and Mik's eyes widened as he rushed to her side. Veyga continued on, confident that Mik would get Eithna back to the cave.
Eithna looked up when a huge shadow loomed over her, uneasy. Mik's dark scowl raised the hair on her arms, but she set her lips firmly, determined to save the life she was struggling to save. "Lady Eithna!! You have to get out of here!! Go to the cave!"
"And let these men die? You're joking!" She turned her back to him and pressed a cloth to a bloody gash in the wounded man's side.
"Milady, you could be hurt!" Mik tried to grab her arm to pull her to her feet, but she dodged him and continued her work, holding the cloth with one hand and with the other fumbling in the basket to find the herbs she wanted. She ignored the fighting and yelling going on all around her. Mik tried one more time to grab her, and she pierced him with a look that stopped him cold.
"Mik, don't. I need to do this. I can't help it. I have to help."
Mik sighed deeply and nodded, and then turned to help Veyga and the other men finish the job. Eithna simply turned back to her work.
When the battle was done, and the bandits were dead to the last man, Veyga stopped and looked about, chest heaving, catching his breath and allowing his blood to cool. As things began to take shape in the dark, he headed off to join a group of men trying to put out the fires of several tents. He froze halfway there, his eye drawn to a flash of red-gold. When he realized that the flash was firelight reflecting off of that long braid of hair, his heart stopped. He ran towards her where she was kneeling next to one of his men. He overheard her telling the man he would be fine as she finished tying off a bandage. Veyga wrapped the fingers of one hand around her arm and dragged her to her feet, a vicious snarl ripping from his throat. "What in the seven hells are you doing?!"
Eithna gaped up at him. "What do you mean? I'm doing my job!"
Veyga's grip tightened and she winced. He put his face very close to hers. "I told you to get out of here."
Her back stiffened. "You are not my master! I was doing my job!"
Veyga's eye flashed, and he gritted his teeth. He took a deep breath and exhaled harshly before he spoke again. "You could have been killed."
Her green eyes softened suddenly and she touched his arm to lighten his grip. "But I wasn't. I was careful. I've been in the middle of battles before. I know you may not have known that, and I'm sorry to have scared you. But I could not sit by and let men die when I may have a chance to save a life. I'm a healer, Veyga. I can't help it."
His brows furrowed. His anger visibly faded. "What if you had been killed?"
Eithna leaned up to kiss his dirt-smeared chin. "I wasn’t."
Veyga felt several gazes on them, and his frustration rose again. "It was for your own good that I wanted you to leave."
"I know. But I could not have. You have to understand that." She pressed another kiss at the corner of his mouth as he released her, reaching up to wrap her arms about his neck. "Please, I'm unharmed."
Shouts were heard across the clearing, and Veyga wrenched her arms away from him. "Stop. Just stop." He spun away and she watched with wounded eyes as he strode away from her. Then with a heavy sigh she turned to the next wounded man to see if she could help.
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Eithna scratched on the outside of the tent, waiting for him to tell her to enter before doing so. He looked up from a sheet of parchment as she entered, and she feasted her eyes on his inscrutable features. "Yes?"
She swallowed hard. "Are you upset with me?"
"Should I be?" His voice was cool and no emotion showed. She, on the other hand, was trembling and trying hard not to show it.
"I don't know, I suppose so. I was just doing what I was trained to do. A healer cannot stand back and watch people suffer, even to protect myself."
"Fine." He looked back to his manuscript, dismissing her for all intents and purposes. "When do you wish to return to your father? My wound is fine now."
She gasped slightly, putting her hand to her throat. "Are you telling me you want me to leave?"
"He's probably worried." He still refused to look up.
Eithna straightened herself and clenched her small fists at her side. "Fine then. I don't know what else I can say to make things better." He didn't reply. "Veyga-. Veyga, please, won't you at least talk to me?"
"What is there to talk about, Lady Wensellas?" Again, he did not look up.
" Well then, I… I guess I'll go pack." She left him and walked slowly back to her tent, not noticing the stares that followed her. She took the few things she had and gently packed a bag, then looked around the tent to be sure she had not forgotten anything. It had been three days since the attack, and she knew that it was time to go home. Her heart was heavy, however, because Veyga had avoided her nearly the entire three days. A scratch at the door warned her moments before Kayli ducked inside.
The other woman's smile faded and her face became somber when she saw the bag packed on the cot. "Are you leaving?"
"Yes, if I can find someone to take me. I don't even know where I am right now." Eithna avoided Kayli's gaze, staring down at her slippers.
Kayli nodded. "I can respect that. I'll talk to Mik. Are you-. Well, did you-. Are you going to tell him you're leaving?"
Now Eithna looked up, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Probably not. He's avoiding me, I know he's angry, and he doesn't want to talk to me."
"Eithna-" She stopped when Eithna held her hand up. Then she shook her head and continued. "No, I'm sorry, but you're my friend- at least I'd like to think so- and you need to hear this. He's afraid to let anyone close. It's not that he doesn't care, but-."
"There are no 'buts.' I can't be like that. I grew up in a close family, with my brothers and a very loving father, and I can't handle this type of thing. I don't know what to do if he won't talk to me. Maybe he doesn't care anyhow, maybe all he wanted wasn't me, it was-." She flushed darkly. "Well, something he can get from any woman."
Kayli frowned. "That's obviously not true. He avoids women like they have the plague. You're the only one I've ever seen that he will let near him. Even I can't touch him without him shying away. And he is like a son or a brother to me. You can't let this stop what you two could have."
Eithna shook her head. "I'm sorry. If he wants something between us, he will have to take the first steps. I already took them, and I was knocked back because of it. I am not willing to do that again. I learn from my mistakes." She took a shuddery breath. "Now, I really have to go home. I'm sure my father is worried sick, and I miss him terribly and-. And-. Well, it is just time." She covered her face and gave in to the sobs that had been threatening her all afternoon.
Kayli sighed and gathered Eithna into her arms, stroking her hair gently. "Go ahead, milady. Get it out. I know he can seem heartless at times, but really he isn't. But you're right, if he really wants something from you, he'll have to do something about it." Over Eithna's shoulder, Kayli saw Mik peering into the tent. He had overheard at least part of the conversation. Kayli motioned him with her head in the direction of Veyga's tent.
Mik nodded and followed her direction, storming into the tent without scratching. "Seven hells, man, what are you going to do? She has her bags all packed and she wants an escort home."
Veyga didn't even glance up from the map he was studying. "Provide her an escort, of course. I'll let you decide who should go."
Mik didn't answer for a long moment, and he even turned to leave. But at the last moment he turned and slammed his big hands down on the table, scattering the few instruments Veyga had there. Slowly, Veyga raised his gaze to stare hard at Mik. Mik didn't give him a chance to speak. "You are one bloody fool, do you know that? That woman offers you something you want so much, so badly, something you crave, and you just let her walk away?"
"You mean her body? Yes, she did offer me that. I don't want it."
Mik raised his hand to strike the younger man, whose eye blazed. Then he realized what he was doing and lowered his arm. "I never thought I would say this, ever, Veyga. I am so, so disappointed in you. More than I ever thought I would be. I thought you were a man. Now I know you're still a boy. If you let her go without a fight, then you deserve all the regrets you will have." And with that, he turned to leave.
Veyga watched his retreating figure through the tent entrance, and then he put his head in his hands and closed his eye. "You just don't understand. She deserves something better than a bastard criminal."
Eithna's eyes were still moist and her cheeks were blotchy when Mik and three other men accompanied her on horseback to the entrance of the camp. The gate was opened, and without looking back she rode into the forest.
Mik watched Eithna closely as they rode, and when she started to look tired he ordered his men to set up camp and encouraged her to snuggle up beneath a warm fur blanket before a small fire. Then he sat across from her and with a deep sigh, tred to get her talking. "Only a sennight and we will reach your father's home, maybe a sennight and a half."
She looked startled. "That long? I don't remember being with that other bunch for that long."
He nodded. "If I am not mistaken, you were drugged part of the time. At least, that is what Louk told me. It's a nice night, though. We should have easy traveling." He waited for her to make a comment, any comment. But she only pulled the fur blanket up closer to her ears. "So... I hear you have some brothers."
She only nodded.
"Three of them, right?"
Again she only nodded.
Mik frowned. "What are their names?"
"Mikal, Eryc, and Jaymes."
After a long silence, Mik shook his head. "Milady, forgive me, but you should not let him do this to you."
She gazed at him at last, her eyes swimming with anguish. "What are you talking about, Mik?"
"You and Veyga. There was something between you, wasn't there?" She nodded and he smiled grimly. "I thought so. You know, he doesn't know a lot about trust. I don't think he even trusts me completely sometimes. I know it isn't an excuse, but... I don't know, I just think maybe you ought to take that into consideration is all. He's very lonely in spite of all of us being around. He has things he deals with that none of us understands. Nightmares and fears and... Well, it isn't really my place to say I suppose."
Eithna nodded. "I know, Mik. But I have things I have to deal with too. And I can't force him if he doesn't want to even talk to me." There was another long pause as she thought about how to say what she wanted to say. "Mik, when we get to my Father's, if I write a letter, will you take it to him?"
Mik nodded, gazing somberly at her. "Of course, milady. And I hope you tear him up good, too."
A small smile, albeit a sad one, tipped up the corners of her mouth. "No, Mik. I'm not going to do that. I just want a chance to explain some things to him. He didn't give me that, even. But I'm tired; I'm going to sleep now." She moved a small ways away and settled down to sleep, turning her back to the fire.
Mik watched her for awhile, seeing her shoulders tremble silently. Then with a dark scowl he set about getting comfortable for sleep as well.
Eithna listened to the heavy breathing of Mik and two of the men, as well as the soft off-key humming of the man who stood guard. The gentle crackle of the dying fire soothed her, and she tried in vain to sleep. Finally she drifted off into blissful oblivion.
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Mik studied the manor that sat on the hill before them. All that was left was to pass through the valley and villages that populated it, and then Eithna would be home with her father. The last sennight and a half had been tense. Mik was tortured though, torn between wanting her to be home and safe and taking her back to Veyga. What was he going to do now? Her father was probably furious with them for keeping her away for so long. He wasn't even sure he should take her all the way within her father's walls. Maybe it was best if he let her make her own way from the town proper that surrounded the manor. But if anything happened between now and then, he knew he wouldn't forgive himself. He glanced behind him as Eithna's horse neared, and then he nudged his mount and started down the hill into the valley.
In the end, Mik was able to hand Eithna over to a thankful steward. She impulsively hugged the big man as he turned to leave her in the courtyard. They had managed to track down a scrap of parchment and some ink at a small village nearby, and she had written her note. "Don't forget to give it to him, Mik."
He nodded and squeezed her briefly before stepping back. "I won't forget. Be well, Lady Eithna."
Her smile was bittersweet as a tall man called her name. She turned towards him. "Father!"
Mik slipped away during the happy reunion.
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Veyga glanced up as Mik ducked into his tent. Mik stopped and glared darkly at him. "Well, you're free of her now."
Veyga shrugged. "It isn't that simple, Mik. You don't understand."
"I don't understand? Well then, I guess I don't. But I don't think you do, either. Here, she asked me to give this to you." He tossed the folded piece of paper onto the table where Veyga sat, and then stalked from the tent.
Veyga stared for long moments at the letter where it had landed before reaching out to touch it with trembling fingers. He picked it up and lifted it to his nose, inhaling her subtle herbal scent before unfolding the parchment and turning it towards the flame of his candle to read it.
Dearest Veyga,
I won't pretend to understand the thoughts going through your head. I hope you have everything in your life that you want or need. I hope that you find someone special enough and stubborn enough to tear down your walls. I know I am not that person. I'm sorry you couldn't come to trust me even though I understand why. If I didn't have tasks at home to take care of, I would stay and invest the time to wear you down. But I have responsibilities, just as you do.
I made Mik promise me that if ever there is something I can do to further your cause, then he will send for me. I will drop everything to come at a moment's notice.
I wish you all the best. I'll miss you, and I don't for a single moment regret that one embrace.
Eithna
He closed his eye and let her words wash over him, a balm to his soul. He had wanted so much to give over to all his instincts and lose himself in what she freely offered. But something had stopped him. As much as he ached to hold her again, he knew it was for the best.
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Four Summers Later
Eithna looked up from the child she was treating in her garden workshop. Her father had built the cottage here nearest the outer gates to the manor so that she could treat her patients without having to always go out to them. The page that stood attentively in her doorway cleared his throat and glanced behind him nervously.
"There is a man here to see you, milady."
She nodded. "I'll be finished in a moment." She turned to her patient's mother, explaining how to administer her tonic to treat the child's cough. Once they turned to leave, she nodded to the page. "Send him in."
She was jotting notes in journal about the treatment for the cough when a large shadow fell over her. With a feeling of deja vu, she looked up, and up, and then a huge grin split her face. "Mik!!" She lunged at him and threw her arms around him. He laughed and squeezed her in a rib-crushing hug before setting her back on her feet.
"I'd ask if you were happy to see me, but I think that squeal tells me you are."
She laughed, eagerly running her eyes over the big man. He was dressed in his usual style, baggy shirt and trousers, with a shapeless hat in hand. But he looked fit and healthy, all in all. It had been four summers since he had dropped her at her father's gate, almost to the day. She had heard nothing from the camp since then. "What can I do for you, Mik? Anything, it's yours."
His smile grew grim. "I'm here for Kayli. She's pregnant, and she isn't doing well. I hate to ask, I really do-"
"Nonsense! I'll gather my gear and I'll be ready to leave in a candlemark at the most. Is that acceptable?"
He nodded, and she motioned outside. "Come, you can keep me company." He followed her as she bustled about her garden, picking bits of plants and herbs that grew in abundance. She chattered as she worked, peppering him with questions about people she'd gotten to know during her brief stay in Veyga's camp.
"We had heard that you got married."
She paused, then nodded and kept working. "Indeed. Jared is a very good man." She glanced sidelong at him. "And... dare I ask?"
Mik shrugged. "He's still his usual stubborn self. I think he puts so much of himself into our little village to make up for his lack of personal life."
She shook her head, a small pang tugging at her heart. She loved Jared dearly, but she had never felt the immediate burning passion that she had experienced with Veyga. "Even now stories bleed in about his accomplishments. There's word that High Lord Gregor will have him executed if he is ever captured. I hope that doesn't happen."
Mik shrugged again. "Who is to say? We know there are warrants out, but I don't think anyone will ever capture him. He's too wily for that."
Eithna chuckled softly as she closed her string bag, bulging with fresh-cut herbs. "All right, let me pack a bag of clothes. How far along is she?"
"She's pretty close. Things have been rough, but not like this." He crossed his arms over his massive chest. Eithna could clearly see the love and worry written across his face.
"I'll make sure things go well, Mik. Don't worry; birthing babies is second nature to me now. Come, I'll introduce you to Jared."
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Mik nodded soberly to the handsome man Eithna had introduced him to. "I'm sorry to call your young wife away, my Lord."
"Nonsense, I knew that Eithna's healing was important to her before we even met. I expect to have her disappear into the night at a moment’s notice." He was a good-looking man, just a few summers older than Eithna, with short-cropped black hair and gentle brown eyes. Eithna kissed him softly, and they rested their foreheads together, murmuring love words to each other.
Mik's heart lifted to see the two so clearly affectionate and fond of each other. At least Eithna had found some peace. "I'll keep her safe, I promise."
Jared nodded and waved as they turned to mount their horses. As they rode through the gates, Mik glanced over at her. A small frown creased her brow. "He seems nice enough."
She pulled her attention back to Mik and laughed. "He is."
"He trusts your safety to a complete stranger?"
She cast him a sidelong glance. "A complete stranger? You are no stranger to me, Mik."
He rolled his eyes. "You know my meaning."
Eithna laughed. "Indeed. Jared trusts my judgment. He knows I will do what's right and make good choices. As he said, he knew before we even met what would be expected of the husband of a healer. My work is important to me, and I had no intention of stopping it just to marry and have a family."
He nodded, considering. "I would trust Kayli as well. It would kill me to have her away, but I could do it."
"I had heard rumors that your camp had moved. Is that true? Or do I need to be blindfolded again?"
He chuckled. "There's no need for that. Yes, we did move, about three summers ago. We had outgrown our little space. We managed to raise the funds to purchase a small valley from a bankrupt baronet and we've really sunk in our roots. You won't recognize the place, that's certain. We've come a long way from tents in the woods."
The rest of the day passed in pleasant chatter, in spite of the rather urgent pace they set.
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Kayli sat among her nest of blankets, rubbing her hand across her distended tummy. The baby was kicking and twisting, and no matter how she moved she couldn't find relief from the pinching back pain that followed her everywhere. She was being waited on hand and foot by other members of the village that had grown from their ragtag camp. She gazed around her smugly, proud of what they had accomplished.
Veyga's camp was a place of peace and safety. Like any Baron's township, there were seamstresses and bakers and blacksmiths and teachers and arms masters. They had even created a formal militia. Veyga insisted that any man or woman able enough to wield a sword train for a certain number of candlemarks each fortnight, and not a single citizen had ever complained. On the extremely rare occasion that an attack was mounted, everyone did their part to keep the place safe. Several times men had come to cause trouble, looking for runaways. Every time the wall around the village bristling with armed citizens had dissuaded the troublemakers.
Although Ragged Valley had started out as a rough camp hidden in the woods composed of people unable to support their families any other way, it had since become a community. Little money changed hands. Instead, a group coffer was added to by anyone who could spare the extra. That was how they had purchased the land in their valley in the first place. Each member of their village continued to contribute in whatever way they could, whether it was simply chopping wood for their neighbors, or cooking for a crew of fifty.
Ragged Valley still lacked a healer, although occasionally they had visits from traveling healers. Few Lords treated their healers shabbily, and so none had found their way to take up residency permanently. Fortunately, Ragged Valley rarely saw sickness or serious injuries, and the two midwives were able to handle most minor problems. Everyone took care of each other, and anyone with possessive or selfish tendencies found themselves turned out. Veyga had no tolerance for those sorts of attitudes.
Veyga pushed himself hard, but he also expected the residents of his little village to push themselves. There were expectations and goals for everyone, from lessons in reading and writing to swordsmanship and self-defense. Children were expected to participate in their share of chores, although the tasks assigned were appropriate for their ages. There was a job for everyone, even old Hastey with his one arm. Anyone that didn’t cause trouble was welcomed with open arms. They had even began to attract people that weren’t on the run; some people just felt the Ragged Valley way was better.
Veyga himself was rarely in residence. Mik had built a cottage for him with his own two hands, and Kayli had worked to make it homey, but to no avail. He rarely slept in his own bed. No one was quite certain where he spent most of his time when he wasn’t sharing in the hunting.
Kayli shifted again, sighing deeply as the baby’s foot shoved up beneath her ribs. She would be thankful when this pregnancy was over. Not only was she uncomfortable, but Mik also hovered over her to the point of distraction. She loved him dearly, and she knew he was going to make a wonderful papa, but at the moment she was thankful to have had a break from him as well.
A commotion at the main gate drew her attention, and she looked up from her nest near her and Mik’s snug cottage. One of the hunting parties had returned, the young men boisterous and bragging to the maidens who were already gathering to flirt. One of the cooks hastened up to take stock of the group’s bounty, and Kayli smiled to watch the interaction among their people.
Another movement caught her eye, and she looked beyond the young men and their stamping horses to see Veyga ride up to the gate. Either he had met up with the hunting party or else it was just a coincidence that he was arriving at the same time. Either way, there was a disturbed look on his face as he glanced towards the flock of colorfully garbed maidens so blatantly flirting with the hunters. He maneuvered his horse around the group and dismounted, handing his reins over to one of the stable boys.
Veyga stretched, and Kayli chuckled as she watched the entire flock of girls turn towards him at once. It was a shame he was so loathe to flirtation. There were girls here who were practically panting over him, and he simply ignored them all. Kayli doubted he was even aware of their interest. He looked around, his sharp gray eye landing on her, and with a rueful smile he headed her way. Disappointed, the girls turned back to the hunters without missing a beat.
“How are you feeling, Kayli?” He dropped down to his haunches beside her.
She laughed. “You don’t want to know.” She rubbed her distended belly again. “I am so ready for this to be all over. I know, I know, women have been saying that for centuries. But you know I’d rather be up and about.”
“I know. Soon enough, though.” He rested his arms across his knees, letting his hands dangle as he looked over at the hunting group, which was just now started to disperse. “Looks like they had a good trip.”
“Did you meet up with them?” She turned a little to face him more fully, taking advantage of his distraction to look him over top to toe.
He had filled out, although he was still whipcord thin. His shoulders were broader, his arms corded with muscle. The loose shirt he wore did little to disguise his strength. He would never carry the bulk that Mik did, but he wore his strength well. He still wore his golden hair long, usually pulled back into a braid or tied with a scrap of leather into a tail. He looked tired, though. His eyes were sunk into their sockets, even beneath the patch, and his mouth looked pinched through his smile. She was sure he hadn’t been eating well.
“Have you thought about what I said before?” She looked away from him, avoiding the suspicious glare her comment brought on.
“Indeed. I still think your idea is pure foolishness.”
She chuckled softly. “Of course you do. That’s because you’d rather be running wild than attending Court functions. But I don’t think you’re going to have much of a choice.”
“I think that were I to turn myself over to the High Lord, I’d find myself at the end of a short rope and a long fall.” He rubbed the back of his neck; it was a sign she knew indicated he was stressed.
“Not if no one knew it was the miraculous Veyga in their midst.” The baby kicked hard, and she gasped, leaning back to relieve some of the pressure. He looked down at her belly worriedly.
“Are you well enough, Kayli? Really?” He reached out to touch her hair, and she knew then how concerned he really was. For Veyga to voluntarily show affection was almost unheard of.
Kayli reached up and grabbed his hand before he could pull away. “Help me up, would you? I need to walk around.”
He helped her to her cumbersome feet, and held her arm supportively as she leaned heavily against him. They walked slowly, but the relief of pressure was wonderful. It took all of her attention to concentrate on where she was stepping.
Kayli finally allowed him to settle her back into her nest of blankets, wringing a promise from him to return later that evening for another chat. He left her dozing in the shade as he sought his cottage.
Veyga ducked into the main room, tossing his cloak across the neatly made bed. Someone had already brought his saddlebags for him, and they sat beside the door, empty of the filthy clothing that had nearly filled them. He’d been on the road for more than a moonturn riding circuit, checking in with neighbors, and trying to decide where to strike the nobles next. Things were quiet, though, and his trip had been uneventful for once. Even so, he was exhausted, and he fell across his bed gratefully, not even bothering to kick off his boots before he was sound asleep.
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Eithna looked around in blatant curiosity. The village was as bustling and prosperous as any of the ones on her father’s lands, if not more so. Everything was clean and tidy, and the little cottages practically sparkled with their little gardens tucked up around them. Mik led her across a courtyard area that was just inside the gates and towards a tidy cottage tucked away near a well. Eithna noticed Kayli snuggled up in a mound of soft blankets near the door, and she laughed and ran the rest of the way to kneel before the older woman and gather her into an awkward hug over her bulging belly. The ladies chattered excitedly, and Mik was grateful to slip away and let them get reacquainted.
He found Veyga on the other side of the village, in one of the paddocks built for sword work. He leaned on the high rail, resting his chin on his crossed hands to watch. Veyga spun about, delivering a swift blow to his opponent's legs and knocking him to the ground. "Up!! Get up, and try again." The boy opposite Veyga stood and dusted himself off, grinning from ear to ear.
"'Ey now, 'ow'm oi s'posed to catch ya if'n ya go so fast-like."
Veyga scowled. "Practice your words. Don't speak like a street urchin."
The boy bit his lip, but spoke slowly and carefully. "But... I am... A street... Urchin."
Veyga shook his head. "Not anymore, you aren't. Now you're one of us. You need to learn to speak properly and you need to learn to defend yourself. Now prepare."
Mik watched for several more rounds as the boy finally began to hold his own. Veyga had been holding back to spare the boy some bruises from the wooden practice swords, but now he applied a little more pressure. By this time, the boy was drenched in sweat and covered in dirt. Veyga looked barely winded. Mik finally cleared his throat to interrupt. "Stop pestering the boy, Veyga, it's time for his lunch."
Veyga shrugged and saluted the boy, who returned the sign of respect with trembling hands. Mik smiled good-naturedly. "Go on, brat. Go eat some food." The boy waited for Veyga's somber nod of permission, and then he dashed off. Mik laughed at the look on Veyga's face. "You look like someone took away your toy."
Veyga's smile was small, but at least it was there. It was the first one Mik had seen in several moons. "I wish it were a game, Mik."
"Don't be so hard on him right now; he's only been here two moonturns." He tipped his head to one side. "Why don't you come join Kayli and me for lunch? We have a visitor.”
Veyga shook his head. "Thank you, Mik, but I'm not hungry."
Mik’s dark eyes took in the other man’s shirtless chest, noting the hollow in his belly and the slightly visible ribs. "You're beginning to be all skin and bones. You need to eat."
"Later. I'm going for a ride." He strode towards the stables where they kept the horses, catching up his shirt from a rail of the fence as he passed Mik. The bigger man frowned and sighed as he shook his head and watched him leave.
Veyga walked towards the stables, a strange feeling of restlessness washing over him. He couldn’t seem to sit still. Waves of dizziness struck him at unexpected moments. His skin seemed too tight for his body. His ruined eye, hidden behind the patch, burned and itched; although it looked no different in the looking glass Kayli had stubbornly hung in his cottage. As much as he tried to eat, he had absolutely no appetite. The sensations had begun about a summer ago, and were gradually getting worse. He’d even briefly considered visiting Eithna, but knew that would be a horrid mistake.
As if his thoughts had conjured her, he heard her voice. He stopped dead in his tracks, seeing the stable only a short distance away. Life in Ragged Valley flowed around him as people went on about their business, but his world seemed to have paused. He turned as if in slow motion towards Kayli and Mik’s cottage, a surreal feeling surging over him.
And there she was, kneeling beside Kayli, with a cluster of village women gathered around them. He stared hungrily, unable to catch his breath. She was as stunningly gorgeous as he remembered her, but more mature, much more sure of herself as she talked, using her hands to tell her story. Her beautiful golden red hair was pulled back into a soft braid, with loose tendrils framing her face. Her green gown, made of plain fabric but well cut, hugged her curves. His throat tightened and he swallowed hard, trying to dislodge the lump in his chest.
Kayli must have felt the weight of his gaze, and she glanced up to meet Veyga’s stare. She smiled tentatively, and reached a hand out to him. The ladies surrounding them grew quiet, and slowly, ever so slowly, Eithna turned to look at him.
The sadness and regret in her eyes nearly undid him. He hesitated, clearly torn between fleeing and approaching, and then he visibly braced himself and headed in their direction. The other women abruptly moved to their feet and away, leaving him alone with Kayli and Eithna. He swallowed hard and gathered Kayli’s fingers into his hand, leaning down to press a kiss to her knuckles.
“How are you feeling today?” He straightened and released her hand, avoiding looking at Eithna again. His heart was pounding ferociously, every pulse beat throbbing through his body.
“Much better, now that Eithna is here. Mik brought her to tend to me.” She seemed to be answering more questions than the one he’d spoken aloud, and he nodded jerkily.
Finally, he turned to face her fully, still not meeting her stare directly. “Lady Eithna. I trust your journey was not too difficult.”
She laughed awkwardly. “Much easier than my last trip to your camp.”
He nodded again. “Well.” He glanced briefly up to her eyes, then away before she could pin him with her gaze. “Well, enjoy your stay. Please, let us know if there is anything you need. I’m off.”
Kayli frowned. “Off? Won’t you join us for lunch at least?”
He hesitated, and then shook his head. “I’m afraid not. I’ve got things to take care of.”
Eithna watched as he spun on his heel and stalked towards the stables near the gate. “Well. That went well.”
Kayli sighed. “Better than I feared at least. I’m afraid he avoids the subject of you or anything related to you since we’d heard you married.”
Eithna’s laugh was bitter. “What did he expect me to do, wait for him to come to terms with my station? That isn’t ever going to change. Besides, as he said, it is for the best. We’re from two different worlds.” She shook her head and then turned a blinding smile on Kayli. “But enough of sadness and sorrow; let’s get you into your cottage for an examination, shall we?”
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Veyga stood in his gelding’s stall, visibly shaking. He’d ordered the stable boy away, insisting on saddling his own mount. He leaned into the horse and pressed his face into its rough mane, waiting for the current wave of dizziness to pass. Afterwards he felt weak and unsteady, almost as if he were being drained. But soon the feeling passed, and he dragged himself into the saddle up and rode off.
During his ride he began to notice two things. The first was that behind his patch, his eye was burning and itchy again. He rubbed at it through the patch, but it didn't seem to help. The second was that blood was seeping through the front of his tunic, and in concern he stopped the horse in a small clearing and tore his tunic off. In horror he watched as blood trickled from the scar on his chest. The sensation in his eye was getting worse as well, and he nearly fell from the horse and stumbled over to a nearby stream. He found a calm area of water then ripped the patch off and stared at his reflection. His bad eye was solid pale blue, a milky color that showed no iris or pupil. That was normal. But the light glowing from it right now was not usual. He touched one fingertip to his eyelid, and was startled to find heat seeming to pour from the socket.
Veyga gasped as another wave of dizziness hit him while he was examining his reflection. He tipped headfirst into the shallow stream, struggling to get his bearings and sit up straight. He was drenched now, his chest was smeared with blood, and the discomfort in his eye was turning into pain. He gripped his head and moaned as the dizziness and pain merged into one horrible sensation. He reached out to the bank of the stream and grabbed some branches, using them to pull himself out of the water. He was nearly out of the stream when he passed out.
Veyga came to slowly, strange sensations rippling beneath his skin. It was dark, and he was shivering, halfway out of the creek and halfway submerged. He crawled the rest of the way up the slight bank and looked down at himself, wondering if there were ants crawling all over him, but there was nothing. He felt his eyelid. It felt normal. He looked down and touched his scar. There was no blood, only dirt from the stream bank.
Veyga shook his head to clear it. What was going on? He stood slowly, still trying to gain his bearings. He stumbled to his dirty tunic and pulled it on, trying to still the shivers and cease the strange crawling sensation that seemed to be everywhere. He groped around the stream for his patch, and found it in the mud. He pulled it on anyhow. His hair was wild and snarled about him, wet and matted from the muck of the creek. He whistled softly, and seconds later his horse appeared, reins dragging. He gratefully grabbed the saddle and pulled himself into it. Veyga nearly collapsed against the horse's neck, but managed to get hold of the reins and turn his mount in the direction of the village. The ride was a nightmare, and he wasn't lucid enough to realize what was happening as he approached the gates, or as Mik rushed to his side and caught him as he slumped from the saddle. Mik swung him over his shoulder and carefully picked his way to Veyga's cottage.
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It was with a sense of déjà vu that Eithna stood beside the bed to gaze down at Veyga. They had started here. Maybe it wasn't the same dingy tent and the circumstances weren't the same, but here again she was, tending to him in a time of need. He was out cold, and she took advantage yet again to examine him.
In his sleep, he looked older than his summers even though she knew he wasn’t much older than her. Mik had wrestled him out of his bedraggled tunic and filthy boots, and he laid before her clad in nothing more than muddy breeches and his eye patch. She ran her eyes over his broad chest, amazed at the intricate tracery etched into his skin. The tattoos were a blue so dark they looked black, and the swirls seemed to coalesce into a bigger picture that she couldn't make out. His entire upper chest was covered, and the pattern traveled up over his shoulders and down both arms to just past the elbow. His scars, most faded now, were nearly hidden by the design. She wondered at the reasoning for the body ink, for he certainly hadn't sported these strange swirls four summers ago.
He looked too thin, like he hadn't been eating well. In spite of the muscles cording his arms and chest and abdomen, he looked wasted. She reached out to check his temperature, then gasped at the heat that she felt before she even touched his skin. She placed her fingers against his forehead, and frowned. His skin was cool to the touch, and yet she still felt that heat caressing her wrist.
He moaned and tossed his head restlessly, and she turned her attention to his flushed face. There was no softness to this face anymore. Although he had soft laugh lines bracketing his lips, there were deeper grooves between his brows. This was the face of a man who was worried. Eithna knew from her talks with Kayli that Ragged Valley was well on its way to running itself, so she wondered what Veyga would have to be so troubled about.
She shook her head and set about tending to him the best she could before she was due to check back in on Kayli.
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"How long will you be here?"
Eithna jumped, startled out of her doze. She met Veyga's icy gray stare with a stubborn tilt to her chin. "Until Kayli doesn't need me. She has at least another sennight before the baby comes."
He was standing right inside the doorway of the one-room cottage, hair damp and dressed in clean clothing. He must have snuck off to bathe while she slept.
He nodded. "Has Mik set you up with a place of your own until then?"
"He did. Is that your subtle way of telling me to leave? I was only keeping an eye on you." She crossed her arms over her chest, green eyes flashing as she eyed him. The tattoos were completely covered by the long-sleeved shirt that he wore.
He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. "Eithna..."
"No, I'm not going to play hide and seek with you. I have a feeling that you're going to do your utmost to avoid me, and I'll not have it. I've done nothing to offend you."
He turned to leave, and she snorted rudely. "Are you a child, to run from confrontation? All the stories tell about how proud and brave the infamous Veyga is, but all I see before me is a sniveling babe."
He slowly twisted to glare at her. "A sniveling babe?" His bark of laughter contained no hint of amusement. "That's the best you can come up with?"
She blinked dumbly. "What?"
Veyga gazed at her from lowered brows, his one gray eye piercing. "Lady Eithna Wensellas. Or no, I'm sorry, Lady Eithna Holt now, am I correct?"
"Yes. I was married two summers ago. Jared is a very nice man; he treats me very well. I don't understand why you are so worked up about this. You didn't want me, if I remember correctly."
He looked away, flushing, but didn't respond. She stood and walked over to reach up and touch his clenched jaw. "Veyga, this is silly. Can't we get along like adults?"
He jerked away from her touch, but nodded curtly. "Of course we can." He met her gaze again, but this time she saw all the torture that he was holding in.
"Veyga, you were right all those summers ago. We simply were not meant to be. But I admire you and all you've done here, and I think we could make a good friendship of things. Don't you want that at least?"
He shrugged, uncomfortable, but this time he didn't look away. She chuckled softly and leaned into him, wrapping her arms around him tightly. He hesitated, tensing, then abruptly relaxed and wrapped his own long arms around her, laying his head on hers. "I'm sorry."
"For what, you big idiot? It has to be strange to see me now, after all these summers, knowing the intensity that was between us so long ago. I still don't understand it. But I know that we can build a friendship from that. As a matter of fact, I'm insisting on it." She pulled away a little bit, leaning back to look up into his face. "Kayli and I have been hatching plots behind your back."
Veyga raised one finely arched golden eyebrow, and she was thankful to see that while his gray eye was still stormy, much of his tension had drained away. She smiled softly. "I know she's been pressuring you to visit Court. She wants you to act as an emissary, to smooth the way between Ragged Valley and the High Lord. The warrants on your head must be cleared in order for Ragged Valley to come under the High Lord's protection." He started to argue, and she shook her head sternly. "Hear me out at least. She's right, to a certain extent. Ragged Valley is doing well here, under your care. But what you don't know is that there are problems brewing in Anyon. The chances of war become stronger with every passing month. While I am thankful that your village isn't near the border, it still stands directly between Anyon and Carden."
Veyga released her and began to pace the small space, hands clasped behind his back. She could plainly see the thoughts tearing across his face. Doubt, worry, frustration, anger. Finally he turned to face her. "What's the plan?"
Eithna smiled and perched on the edge of the chair she had been dozing in. "I can convince my father that you're an emissary from Ragged Valley. He need never know your true identity."
The blond brow winged upward again. "You'd lie to your father?"
She blushed but nodded. "Yes, for this cause I would. But in reality, I doubt my father would really have problems with your actions regarding Ragged Valley. Yes, technically you've broken laws. I think that actions would warrant your reactions, however. It's just a matter of convincing the High Lord of that. You need a little polish, though, before you attend High Court. You could find that by spending a few moonturns in my father's Court. I'm sure my father, as one of your closest neighbors, would be happy to talk with you as well. I've already found a few trade items he'd be interested in. And Jared would help us, of course."
Veyga flinched as if she'd struck him. The sharp pain he'd expected to flare in his chest was only an ache, and he closed his eyes for a moment, testing out the sensation like prodding a sore tooth. Sure enough, that dark hole that had torn his soul for four summers was mostly closed, just like that. He laughed sharply, again lacking amusement. Eithna looked startled, and tipped her head to examine him closer. He shook his head and waved a hand at her. "It's nothing. Continue."
"Well that's about it. I just think you need to at least consider the idea. Kayli said you were adamantly against it, and I'd like a chance to convince you."
He shook his head again. "I think you already have."
Eithna beamed. "Well then, that's perfect. I'll leave you to make your plans then, and I'll go check on our mother to be." She pushed to her feet and walked past him to the door. As she brushed by, his hand snaked out and grabbed her arm. She cast him a startled glance, and he grimaced.
"Thank you."
She laughed softly and left.
Veyga sank into the chair she'd occupied only moments earlier. Ideas were roaring through his head faster than he could pin them down. Then a sudden thought occurred to him, erasing everything else from his mind. Eithna had never once asked him what had been wrong. He hoped to keep it that way.
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4/16/11- updated
Eithna stood just outside his tent, her hand cupping the small flame from her candle, wondering if she should check on him. She and Kayli had spent a wonderful time talking and visiting, sharing their stories and their lives. She had her hand raised to scratch on the door when she heard him cry out in pain. Her healer's instincts took over and she rushed into the tent, barely able to see his outline on the cot, where he was thrashing about.
She quickly lit one of his candles with her own and set them in a candle holder on a nearby stool. She knelt down and grabbed his shoulders, pressing him back onto his pillow. He grew crazed, straining against her grip. If he had not been so weak, she never would have been able to hold him. Eithna crooned softly to him, trying to ease his dreams. Suddenly his eye snapped open, glazed and shining, and with a surge of strength he grabbed her wrists and pulled her on top of him, rolling so that she was pinned beneath him. She cried out in fear at the savage look on his face, understanding now how some of the rumors could be believed. He snarled into her face. "What are you doing here?!"
"I- I'm so sorry. You cried out. I thought you were hurt-. Ow! You're hurting me, let me go!" She tugged against the steely grip he had on her wrists.
The crazed light faded abruptly from his good eye, and a shocked look replaced it. "Lady Wensellas!" He threw her wrists away and scrambled off of her. In his haste, he knocked the stool over, tipping the candles and dousing the light. He tripped over the stool and fell back, cursing. Eithna fumbled on his small table for the flint Veyga kept there, then felt around for one of the candles and lit it, hands shaking. Her eyes went immediately to Veyga, and widened at the sight of blood on his chest.
She hurried to his side and crouched beside him. "Your wound. It may have reopened." She lifted his arm and began to peel away the bandage to check the injury.
Veyga jerked away from her touch and scooted away from her. "Please, don't touch me."
"But I need to check-"
"Don't!" The one word seemed torn from his mouth, and she looked at him with wide eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. Please, the wound is fine. It is healing well. It didn't open. I'm fine, I'm not bleeding."
Eithna looked at his bare chest again, plainly seeing the blood smeared across it. "But the blood-"
"Is nothing."
Eithna's eyes narrowed. "You are being ridiculous. I'm a healer. I'm your healer. You have to let me check." She reached a trembling hand out to touch the blood, concern written in every feature.
Veyga sighed deeply as her fingertips touched his skin, and came away wet. "I'm not hurt. It's just something that happens."
Eithna hesitantly crawled over to sit before him, gathering up a corner of her skirt to dab at the blood. When it was gone, there was only the small round scar she had noticed before. Then, before her eyes, a new trickle of blood appeared, seeming to come from the scar. She looked up into his face. "What happened here? How did you get this scar?"
He shook his head. "I don't really remember. I was just a child when it happened. It was a very confusing time."
"You don't remember anything?" Her eyes narrowed speculatively. "There is magic involved in this."
Veyga shrugged. "Probably. I only remember men on black horses, dressed in heavy cloaks. They were fighting, and I got involved. I think someone grabbed me and pulled me in front of them. Then I was run through with a weapon, maybe a sword. I don't know why I didn't die, I probably should have."
"How did you survive that?" Her eyes were wide.
Veyga hesitated for a moment, gently taking her shoulders and moving her away from him. She settled back on her heels reluctantly.
"I woke some time later in the hospice of an abbey, where I had been tended by monks. They could find no wound on me, only this scar." He looked down at the scar where her fingers had rested only moments before. "They didn't know what happened either. They claimed some God had brought me to their door one night, and asked them to help me. That's all I know. And now, when I have nightmares sometimes, this happens. But it doesn't last long."
Already the bleeding had stopped. She gazed up at him. "You were having a nightmare." She reached out and put her hand on his cheek, savoring the rough stubble of his beard against her palm.
His brows drew together in consternation and he closed his eye. "I often do." He started to move away from her, and she reached out to clasp his hand. His eye flew open and he looked at her, trying to guess what her next move would be.
"I wish I could protect you from them." Her hand slid down his cheek and throat to rest on his chest. She could feel his heartbeat thudding against her palm. Her gaze never left his.
"Eithna..." Veyga didn't know what to say. She was beautiful with the candlelight flickering over the concern on her face. He knew what he wanted to say, what he wanted to do. But she was a noblewoman and he was basically a common criminal. He didn't deserve to even touch her. The decision was taken from him a brief heartbeat later as she leaned forward to press her lips softly to his. A deep groan tore from him and he gathered her up in his arms, allowing the kiss to deepen as she clung to him. Veyga's head was spinning and his body ached as fire swept through him. He'd never felt this all-consuming desire. Never had any girl caused him to throw away his self-control. A soft mewling sound came from the back of her throat as she ran one of her hands through his loosened hair, clasping his head and trying to pull him closer as her tongue crept into his mouth to duel with his. The small sound inflamed him further, and he groaned, his arms clamping firmly around her as he tried to gather her even closer.
She pressed snug against him, and he slid his hands over her slim waist and up her side to the swell of one small, cloth-covered breast. She sighed into his mouth and seemed to melt into his arms. She tugged him back until she was laying on the fur rug that covered the bare dirt on the floor of his tent, with his body sprawled over hers.
Veyga felt surging heat rush to his loins, and he pressed himself against her, trying to ease the discomfort. She ran her hands up his bare back, and Veyga moaned, knowing that if things went any further he wouldn't be able to stop them. Then her hands crept beneath the waistband of his trousers and over his bare buttocks, and all control was gone. He tore his mouth from hers, pressing kisses along her throat to the top of her dress. He pulled the ribbon at her neckline loose and pulled the front of her dress down, his lips following his hands over one breast to the taut pink nipple. With another groan he sucked her nipple into his mouth, and Eithna arched into him with a gasp.
Neither one of them heard the commotion outside the tent. It wasn't until Mik shouted his name that Veyga even realized that something was going on. He swore beneath his breath, his face pressed into the valley between Eithna's breasts, and called out to Mik. "What is it?"
The big man's shadow shone against the wall of the tent. "Veyga, there's trouble. Our defenses have been breached. We expect an attack any moment."
Veyga rolled to his feet, agony showing on his face. "Give me a quick moment to dress, Mik." He looked down at Eithna with a look that she couldn't read. "I'm sorry, milady. I-." He rubbed the back of his neck, and looked away. "I should never have taken such liberties." She sat up, eyes flashing, and closed her dress up as he continued. "I'm sorry. Please, stay here, where you'll be safe." With that, he slithered into a tunic and grabbed a scabbard from beneath his cot. He rushed barefoot from the tent.
Eithna snorted. "Safe? Hardly! You, Lord Veyga, are not my master." She almost wished he were there to hear her. She stood and rushed from the tent, retying her laces as she ran.
All was chaos as Veyga ran towards the ruckus, not noticing or caring about his bare feet. He took in the sight of men fighting near the south wall of the camp in an instant, pausing only long enough to grab Kayli's arm as she rushed past with a group of sleepy-eyed children. "Get to the cave, Kayli. Find Lady Wensellas, please, and take her there as well. Hurry!" Kayli nodded sharply and continued on her way, herding the small group towards the other end of the camp.
Veyga jumped into the fray, swiftly counting the shaggy bandits that had managed to find their way to the secret camp. He drew his sword and tossed the scabbard away, and began to fight.
Eithna was headed towards the fighting when she saw Kayli, trying calmly to get several children to accompany her. She was carrying two of them, and trying to direct several more. Eithna caught up with her and took one of the babies from Kayli's arms. "Where are you going?"
"There is a cave back here, we'll be safe there. We need to get the children to it. Will you help me, milady?" Kayli's face was set in a look of fear and determination, but her eyes were calm and placid. Eithna nodded and helped Kayli usher the children through the camp. She saw other women among the tents, trying to get other children to the same area. Just ahead a dark form appeared, set into a rock wall. The camp must butt up against a mountainside. The form shaped itself into a cave, barely lit with a young girl standing in the entrance with an oil lantern. She was waving it, trying to show the way. Kayli pointed. "There. Please, help us."
Eithna didn't even hesitate. She hurried ahead to pass the baby off to another woman within the cave, then rushed back to pick up two other children with Kayli and carry them to the entrance. Kayli and Eithna got the children into the cave and returned to the camp for more. They'd made several trips when Eithna stumbled over a dog that was cowering beside a tree. She grabbed the rope tied about the dog's neck and swiftly loosened the knot. "Come on, pup. Come on, let's get to the cave."
When Eithna and the dog reached the cave, women were bustling about, trying to calm frightened children. Eithna took a moment to look around, amazed by the sheer size of the place, which could easily make a home for everyone in the camp and have room to spare. Crates and baskets were stacked up against the far wall, and bags hung everywhere, from hooks pounded into the ceiling. One whole wall was lined with cots and pallets, while another area was set up for cooking. Kayli grabbed Eithna's arm suddenly. "Come, help me!" She ran off, and Eithna followed.
Kayli showed Eithna where a huge boulder was. "We need to move this in front of the entrance.”
Three other women were already straining at the boulder, trying to push it in front of the opening. Eithna and Kayli put their backs in as well, and the boulder slowly began to roll. When it was almost completely covering the entrance, Kayli called for them to stop. They left a gap less that an arm length wide. "That will do. Now come, let's get these children settled down."
Veyga slashed and hacked his way to Mik's side. The big man was cutting a healthy dent through the attackers. There seemed to be close to two score of them, equal to the number of men that lived in Veyga's camp. A sword nearly managed to get through Veyga's defenses, and he swiftly cut the man's hand off. The man screamed, clutching the bloody stump of his arm, and Veyga thrust his sword into the bandit's throat. With a choked gurgle, the man fell and was silent. Veyga spun to cut down a man who had nearly made it to Mik. The two men stood back to back, and slowly the attacks came fewer and further apart. Veyga growled in anger as he saw one of his men fall. A red mist seemed to creep across his vision as he fought, and he knew that in mere moments he would be lost to blood lust.
Mik saw the tell-tale signs of Veyga's rage and swallowed hard. It wasn't often Veyga got this bad during a fight, but when he did he was unstoppable. No one was quite sure what Veyga went through when this happened, and most of the time the youth couldn't even remember what had occurred. Mik turned back to the fight, knowing that Veyga could handle himself.
Eithna paced restlessly near the big boulder that nearly blocked the entrance. Kayli looked up from one of the fires she was tending and her eyes softened when she saw that Eithna's dress was mussed and her lips looked bruised. She asked one of the other women to take over for her and she approached Eithna cautiously. She caught the other girl's hand and Eithna looked at her with frustration seeping from every pore. Kayli led her over to a quieter area and put a hand to Eithna's cheek. "He'll be all right."
Eithna shook her head and her lips pressed tightly together. "I'm sorry. It's just-." She let loose a deep sigh. "You're right, I'm worried about him."
"Just as I am worried about my husband." Kayli met Eithna's startled gaze. "Mik and I are married. But listen, they have done this before. They will be fine; don't worry so. I know how hard it is to wonder if the man you love is out there, injured or bleeding, but you have to trust that they aren't hurt. They will do what they need to do and then they will come to let us know they are fine. Don't fear."
"The man I-. I don't know, Kayli. Do I love him? How can I know?" Eithna's eyes filled. "How can I not? By the seven hells!"
Kayli drew back in surprise. "Milady!"
Eithna flushed. "I'm sorry. I'm a healer." She suddenly stared towards the boulder. "I can't help it, there are people out there, hurt and in pain, and I am a healer, damn it! Kayli, hurry! Do you have a pair of breeches I can wear anywhere in here?"
"Breeches? Well, I'm sure we can find a pair..." Kayli looked about, wondering where to look.
"Milady?" One of the other women approached cautiously. She held out a cloth bundle. "These are Ralf's, they might fit you. He's not a very big man."
Eithna's smile of gratitude lit the whole cave. She stood where she was and stripped her clothes off down to her shift, much to the surprise of everyone in the cave. One woman covered her older son's eyes when he tried to stare. Eithna held her hands out for the trousers and shook them out, finding a tunic as well.
Kayli's smile was faint when she noticed the red marks across Eithna's throat and the tops of her breasts. They looked like whisker burns to her. Eithna stepped into the trousers and had to cinch the drawstring as tight as it would go to get the pants to stay on. The tunic fell to her knees and past her elbows, but it would suffice. Eithna grabbed a basket that was set by the door, full of healing supplies, ready for the wounded to come, and with a quick hug to a startled Kayli, she dashed from the cave. Kayli didn't realize what she was doing until it was too late.
Eithna swiftly ran towards the fighting, determined to help in whatever way she could. As she reached the edge of the clearing where the battle was raging, she sought out one man. She found him fighting like a whirlwind, dashing and slicing and jabbing, moving so quickly she almost couldn't see him at all. Her mouth dropped open in amazement as she watched for several heartbeats, then suddenly she shook herself and dropped to her knees beside the closest of Veyga's men to check for a pulse.
Veyga couldn't control himself when the red mist came, but he didn't try to. His body seemed to know what to do all on its own as he cut down one marauder at a time. There were only a handful of bandits left now, and Veyga was headed their way when a stranger appeared at the corner of his eye, and it wasn't until he saw the long strawberry-blond braid that he realized who it was. The blood lust left him suddenly, and he nearly missed a block when a wounded bandit attacked him. "Eithna!! Get out of here!"
She looked up and shook her head, then turned back to her task. Veyga yelled at Mik, who was just pulling his sword free from a bandit's body. "Mik!! Get her out of here!" He motioned towards Eithna, and Mik's eyes widened as he rushed to her side. Veyga continued on, confident that Mik would get Eithna back to the cave.
Eithna looked up when a huge shadow loomed over her, uneasy. Mik's dark scowl raised the hair on her arms, but she set her lips firmly, determined to save the life she was struggling to save. "Lady Eithna!! You have to get out of here!! Go to the cave!"
"And let these men die? You're joking!" She turned her back to him and pressed a cloth to a bloody gash in the wounded man's side.
"Milady, you could be hurt!" Mik tried to grab her arm to pull her to her feet, but she dodged him and continued her work, holding the cloth with one hand and with the other fumbling in the basket to find the herbs she wanted. She ignored the fighting and yelling going on all around her. Mik tried one more time to grab her, and she pierced him with a look that stopped him cold.
"Mik, don't. I need to do this. I can't help it. I have to help."
Mik sighed deeply and nodded, and then turned to help Veyga and the other men finish the job. Eithna simply turned back to her work.
When the battle was done, and the bandits were dead to the last man, Veyga stopped and looked about, chest heaving, catching his breath and allowing his blood to cool. As things began to take shape in the dark, he headed off to join a group of men trying to put out the fires of several tents. He froze halfway there, his eye drawn to a flash of red-gold. When he realized that the flash was firelight reflecting off of that long braid of hair, his heart stopped. He ran towards her where she was kneeling next to one of his men. He overheard her telling the man he would be fine as she finished tying off a bandage. Veyga wrapped the fingers of one hand around her arm and dragged her to her feet, a vicious snarl ripping from his throat. "What in the seven hells are you doing?!"
Eithna gaped up at him. "What do you mean? I'm doing my job!"
Veyga's grip tightened and she winced. He put his face very close to hers. "I told you to get out of here."
Her back stiffened. "You are not my master! I was doing my job!"
Veyga's eye flashed, and he gritted his teeth. He took a deep breath and exhaled harshly before he spoke again. "You could have been killed."
Her green eyes softened suddenly and she touched his arm to lighten his grip. "But I wasn't. I was careful. I've been in the middle of battles before. I know you may not have known that, and I'm sorry to have scared you. But I could not sit by and let men die when I may have a chance to save a life. I'm a healer, Veyga. I can't help it."
His brows furrowed. His anger visibly faded. "What if you had been killed?"
Eithna leaned up to kiss his dirt-smeared chin. "I wasn’t."
Veyga felt several gazes on them, and his frustration rose again. "It was for your own good that I wanted you to leave."
"I know. But I could not have. You have to understand that." She pressed another kiss at the corner of his mouth as he released her, reaching up to wrap her arms about his neck. "Please, I'm unharmed."
Shouts were heard across the clearing, and Veyga wrenched her arms away from him. "Stop. Just stop." He spun away and she watched with wounded eyes as he strode away from her. Then with a heavy sigh she turned to the next wounded man to see if she could help.
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Eithna scratched on the outside of the tent, waiting for him to tell her to enter before doing so. He looked up from a sheet of parchment as she entered, and she feasted her eyes on his inscrutable features. "Yes?"
She swallowed hard. "Are you upset with me?"
"Should I be?" His voice was cool and no emotion showed. She, on the other hand, was trembling and trying hard not to show it.
"I don't know, I suppose so. I was just doing what I was trained to do. A healer cannot stand back and watch people suffer, even to protect myself."
"Fine." He looked back to his manuscript, dismissing her for all intents and purposes. "When do you wish to return to your father? My wound is fine now."
She gasped slightly, putting her hand to her throat. "Are you telling me you want me to leave?"
"He's probably worried." He still refused to look up.
Eithna straightened herself and clenched her small fists at her side. "Fine then. I don't know what else I can say to make things better." He didn't reply. "Veyga-. Veyga, please, won't you at least talk to me?"
"What is there to talk about, Lady Wensellas?" Again, he did not look up.
" Well then, I… I guess I'll go pack." She left him and walked slowly back to her tent, not noticing the stares that followed her. She took the few things she had and gently packed a bag, then looked around the tent to be sure she had not forgotten anything. It had been three days since the attack, and she knew that it was time to go home. Her heart was heavy, however, because Veyga had avoided her nearly the entire three days. A scratch at the door warned her moments before Kayli ducked inside.
The other woman's smile faded and her face became somber when she saw the bag packed on the cot. "Are you leaving?"
"Yes, if I can find someone to take me. I don't even know where I am right now." Eithna avoided Kayli's gaze, staring down at her slippers.
Kayli nodded. "I can respect that. I'll talk to Mik. Are you-. Well, did you-. Are you going to tell him you're leaving?"
Now Eithna looked up, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Probably not. He's avoiding me, I know he's angry, and he doesn't want to talk to me."
"Eithna-" She stopped when Eithna held her hand up. Then she shook her head and continued. "No, I'm sorry, but you're my friend- at least I'd like to think so- and you need to hear this. He's afraid to let anyone close. It's not that he doesn't care, but-."
"There are no 'buts.' I can't be like that. I grew up in a close family, with my brothers and a very loving father, and I can't handle this type of thing. I don't know what to do if he won't talk to me. Maybe he doesn't care anyhow, maybe all he wanted wasn't me, it was-." She flushed darkly. "Well, something he can get from any woman."
Kayli frowned. "That's obviously not true. He avoids women like they have the plague. You're the only one I've ever seen that he will let near him. Even I can't touch him without him shying away. And he is like a son or a brother to me. You can't let this stop what you two could have."
Eithna shook her head. "I'm sorry. If he wants something between us, he will have to take the first steps. I already took them, and I was knocked back because of it. I am not willing to do that again. I learn from my mistakes." She took a shuddery breath. "Now, I really have to go home. I'm sure my father is worried sick, and I miss him terribly and-. And-. Well, it is just time." She covered her face and gave in to the sobs that had been threatening her all afternoon.
Kayli sighed and gathered Eithna into her arms, stroking her hair gently. "Go ahead, milady. Get it out. I know he can seem heartless at times, but really he isn't. But you're right, if he really wants something from you, he'll have to do something about it." Over Eithna's shoulder, Kayli saw Mik peering into the tent. He had overheard at least part of the conversation. Kayli motioned him with her head in the direction of Veyga's tent.
Mik nodded and followed her direction, storming into the tent without scratching. "Seven hells, man, what are you going to do? She has her bags all packed and she wants an escort home."
Veyga didn't even glance up from the map he was studying. "Provide her an escort, of course. I'll let you decide who should go."
Mik didn't answer for a long moment, and he even turned to leave. But at the last moment he turned and slammed his big hands down on the table, scattering the few instruments Veyga had there. Slowly, Veyga raised his gaze to stare hard at Mik. Mik didn't give him a chance to speak. "You are one bloody fool, do you know that? That woman offers you something you want so much, so badly, something you crave, and you just let her walk away?"
"You mean her body? Yes, she did offer me that. I don't want it."
Mik raised his hand to strike the younger man, whose eye blazed. Then he realized what he was doing and lowered his arm. "I never thought I would say this, ever, Veyga. I am so, so disappointed in you. More than I ever thought I would be. I thought you were a man. Now I know you're still a boy. If you let her go without a fight, then you deserve all the regrets you will have." And with that, he turned to leave.
Veyga watched his retreating figure through the tent entrance, and then he put his head in his hands and closed his eye. "You just don't understand. She deserves something better than a bastard criminal."
Eithna's eyes were still moist and her cheeks were blotchy when Mik and three other men accompanied her on horseback to the entrance of the camp. The gate was opened, and without looking back she rode into the forest.
Mik watched Eithna closely as they rode, and when she started to look tired he ordered his men to set up camp and encouraged her to snuggle up beneath a warm fur blanket before a small fire. Then he sat across from her and with a deep sigh, tred to get her talking. "Only a sennight and we will reach your father's home, maybe a sennight and a half."
She looked startled. "That long? I don't remember being with that other bunch for that long."
He nodded. "If I am not mistaken, you were drugged part of the time. At least, that is what Louk told me. It's a nice night, though. We should have easy traveling." He waited for her to make a comment, any comment. But she only pulled the fur blanket up closer to her ears. "So... I hear you have some brothers."
She only nodded.
"Three of them, right?"
Again she only nodded.
Mik frowned. "What are their names?"
"Mikal, Eryc, and Jaymes."
After a long silence, Mik shook his head. "Milady, forgive me, but you should not let him do this to you."
She gazed at him at last, her eyes swimming with anguish. "What are you talking about, Mik?"
"You and Veyga. There was something between you, wasn't there?" She nodded and he smiled grimly. "I thought so. You know, he doesn't know a lot about trust. I don't think he even trusts me completely sometimes. I know it isn't an excuse, but... I don't know, I just think maybe you ought to take that into consideration is all. He's very lonely in spite of all of us being around. He has things he deals with that none of us understands. Nightmares and fears and... Well, it isn't really my place to say I suppose."
Eithna nodded. "I know, Mik. But I have things I have to deal with too. And I can't force him if he doesn't want to even talk to me." There was another long pause as she thought about how to say what she wanted to say. "Mik, when we get to my Father's, if I write a letter, will you take it to him?"
Mik nodded, gazing somberly at her. "Of course, milady. And I hope you tear him up good, too."
A small smile, albeit a sad one, tipped up the corners of her mouth. "No, Mik. I'm not going to do that. I just want a chance to explain some things to him. He didn't give me that, even. But I'm tired; I'm going to sleep now." She moved a small ways away and settled down to sleep, turning her back to the fire.
Mik watched her for awhile, seeing her shoulders tremble silently. Then with a dark scowl he set about getting comfortable for sleep as well.
Eithna listened to the heavy breathing of Mik and two of the men, as well as the soft off-key humming of the man who stood guard. The gentle crackle of the dying fire soothed her, and she tried in vain to sleep. Finally she drifted off into blissful oblivion.
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Mik studied the manor that sat on the hill before them. All that was left was to pass through the valley and villages that populated it, and then Eithna would be home with her father. The last sennight and a half had been tense. Mik was tortured though, torn between wanting her to be home and safe and taking her back to Veyga. What was he going to do now? Her father was probably furious with them for keeping her away for so long. He wasn't even sure he should take her all the way within her father's walls. Maybe it was best if he let her make her own way from the town proper that surrounded the manor. But if anything happened between now and then, he knew he wouldn't forgive himself. He glanced behind him as Eithna's horse neared, and then he nudged his mount and started down the hill into the valley.
In the end, Mik was able to hand Eithna over to a thankful steward. She impulsively hugged the big man as he turned to leave her in the courtyard. They had managed to track down a scrap of parchment and some ink at a small village nearby, and she had written her note. "Don't forget to give it to him, Mik."
He nodded and squeezed her briefly before stepping back. "I won't forget. Be well, Lady Eithna."
Her smile was bittersweet as a tall man called her name. She turned towards him. "Father!"
Mik slipped away during the happy reunion.
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Veyga glanced up as Mik ducked into his tent. Mik stopped and glared darkly at him. "Well, you're free of her now."
Veyga shrugged. "It isn't that simple, Mik. You don't understand."
"I don't understand? Well then, I guess I don't. But I don't think you do, either. Here, she asked me to give this to you." He tossed the folded piece of paper onto the table where Veyga sat, and then stalked from the tent.
Veyga stared for long moments at the letter where it had landed before reaching out to touch it with trembling fingers. He picked it up and lifted it to his nose, inhaling her subtle herbal scent before unfolding the parchment and turning it towards the flame of his candle to read it.
Dearest Veyga,
I won't pretend to understand the thoughts going through your head. I hope you have everything in your life that you want or need. I hope that you find someone special enough and stubborn enough to tear down your walls. I know I am not that person. I'm sorry you couldn't come to trust me even though I understand why. If I didn't have tasks at home to take care of, I would stay and invest the time to wear you down. But I have responsibilities, just as you do.
I made Mik promise me that if ever there is something I can do to further your cause, then he will send for me. I will drop everything to come at a moment's notice.
I wish you all the best. I'll miss you, and I don't for a single moment regret that one embrace.
Eithna
He closed his eye and let her words wash over him, a balm to his soul. He had wanted so much to give over to all his instincts and lose himself in what she freely offered. But something had stopped him. As much as he ached to hold her again, he knew it was for the best.
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Four Summers Later
Eithna looked up from the child she was treating in her garden workshop. Her father had built the cottage here nearest the outer gates to the manor so that she could treat her patients without having to always go out to them. The page that stood attentively in her doorway cleared his throat and glanced behind him nervously.
"There is a man here to see you, milady."
She nodded. "I'll be finished in a moment." She turned to her patient's mother, explaining how to administer her tonic to treat the child's cough. Once they turned to leave, she nodded to the page. "Send him in."
She was jotting notes in journal about the treatment for the cough when a large shadow fell over her. With a feeling of deja vu, she looked up, and up, and then a huge grin split her face. "Mik!!" She lunged at him and threw her arms around him. He laughed and squeezed her in a rib-crushing hug before setting her back on her feet.
"I'd ask if you were happy to see me, but I think that squeal tells me you are."
She laughed, eagerly running her eyes over the big man. He was dressed in his usual style, baggy shirt and trousers, with a shapeless hat in hand. But he looked fit and healthy, all in all. It had been four summers since he had dropped her at her father's gate, almost to the day. She had heard nothing from the camp since then. "What can I do for you, Mik? Anything, it's yours."
His smile grew grim. "I'm here for Kayli. She's pregnant, and she isn't doing well. I hate to ask, I really do-"
"Nonsense! I'll gather my gear and I'll be ready to leave in a candlemark at the most. Is that acceptable?"
He nodded, and she motioned outside. "Come, you can keep me company." He followed her as she bustled about her garden, picking bits of plants and herbs that grew in abundance. She chattered as she worked, peppering him with questions about people she'd gotten to know during her brief stay in Veyga's camp.
"We had heard that you got married."
She paused, then nodded and kept working. "Indeed. Jared is a very good man." She glanced sidelong at him. "And... dare I ask?"
Mik shrugged. "He's still his usual stubborn self. I think he puts so much of himself into our little village to make up for his lack of personal life."
She shook her head, a small pang tugging at her heart. She loved Jared dearly, but she had never felt the immediate burning passion that she had experienced with Veyga. "Even now stories bleed in about his accomplishments. There's word that High Lord Gregor will have him executed if he is ever captured. I hope that doesn't happen."
Mik shrugged again. "Who is to say? We know there are warrants out, but I don't think anyone will ever capture him. He's too wily for that."
Eithna chuckled softly as she closed her string bag, bulging with fresh-cut herbs. "All right, let me pack a bag of clothes. How far along is she?"
"She's pretty close. Things have been rough, but not like this." He crossed his arms over his massive chest. Eithna could clearly see the love and worry written across his face.
"I'll make sure things go well, Mik. Don't worry; birthing babies is second nature to me now. Come, I'll introduce you to Jared."
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Mik nodded soberly to the handsome man Eithna had introduced him to. "I'm sorry to call your young wife away, my Lord."
"Nonsense, I knew that Eithna's healing was important to her before we even met. I expect to have her disappear into the night at a moment’s notice." He was a good-looking man, just a few summers older than Eithna, with short-cropped black hair and gentle brown eyes. Eithna kissed him softly, and they rested their foreheads together, murmuring love words to each other.
Mik's heart lifted to see the two so clearly affectionate and fond of each other. At least Eithna had found some peace. "I'll keep her safe, I promise."
Jared nodded and waved as they turned to mount their horses. As they rode through the gates, Mik glanced over at her. A small frown creased her brow. "He seems nice enough."
She pulled her attention back to Mik and laughed. "He is."
"He trusts your safety to a complete stranger?"
She cast him a sidelong glance. "A complete stranger? You are no stranger to me, Mik."
He rolled his eyes. "You know my meaning."
Eithna laughed. "Indeed. Jared trusts my judgment. He knows I will do what's right and make good choices. As he said, he knew before we even met what would be expected of the husband of a healer. My work is important to me, and I had no intention of stopping it just to marry and have a family."
He nodded, considering. "I would trust Kayli as well. It would kill me to have her away, but I could do it."
"I had heard rumors that your camp had moved. Is that true? Or do I need to be blindfolded again?"
He chuckled. "There's no need for that. Yes, we did move, about three summers ago. We had outgrown our little space. We managed to raise the funds to purchase a small valley from a bankrupt baronet and we've really sunk in our roots. You won't recognize the place, that's certain. We've come a long way from tents in the woods."
The rest of the day passed in pleasant chatter, in spite of the rather urgent pace they set.
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Kayli sat among her nest of blankets, rubbing her hand across her distended tummy. The baby was kicking and twisting, and no matter how she moved she couldn't find relief from the pinching back pain that followed her everywhere. She was being waited on hand and foot by other members of the village that had grown from their ragtag camp. She gazed around her smugly, proud of what they had accomplished.
Veyga's camp was a place of peace and safety. Like any Baron's township, there were seamstresses and bakers and blacksmiths and teachers and arms masters. They had even created a formal militia. Veyga insisted that any man or woman able enough to wield a sword train for a certain number of candlemarks each fortnight, and not a single citizen had ever complained. On the extremely rare occasion that an attack was mounted, everyone did their part to keep the place safe. Several times men had come to cause trouble, looking for runaways. Every time the wall around the village bristling with armed citizens had dissuaded the troublemakers.
Although Ragged Valley had started out as a rough camp hidden in the woods composed of people unable to support their families any other way, it had since become a community. Little money changed hands. Instead, a group coffer was added to by anyone who could spare the extra. That was how they had purchased the land in their valley in the first place. Each member of their village continued to contribute in whatever way they could, whether it was simply chopping wood for their neighbors, or cooking for a crew of fifty.
Ragged Valley still lacked a healer, although occasionally they had visits from traveling healers. Few Lords treated their healers shabbily, and so none had found their way to take up residency permanently. Fortunately, Ragged Valley rarely saw sickness or serious injuries, and the two midwives were able to handle most minor problems. Everyone took care of each other, and anyone with possessive or selfish tendencies found themselves turned out. Veyga had no tolerance for those sorts of attitudes.
Veyga pushed himself hard, but he also expected the residents of his little village to push themselves. There were expectations and goals for everyone, from lessons in reading and writing to swordsmanship and self-defense. Children were expected to participate in their share of chores, although the tasks assigned were appropriate for their ages. There was a job for everyone, even old Hastey with his one arm. Anyone that didn’t cause trouble was welcomed with open arms. They had even began to attract people that weren’t on the run; some people just felt the Ragged Valley way was better.
Veyga himself was rarely in residence. Mik had built a cottage for him with his own two hands, and Kayli had worked to make it homey, but to no avail. He rarely slept in his own bed. No one was quite certain where he spent most of his time when he wasn’t sharing in the hunting.
Kayli shifted again, sighing deeply as the baby’s foot shoved up beneath her ribs. She would be thankful when this pregnancy was over. Not only was she uncomfortable, but Mik also hovered over her to the point of distraction. She loved him dearly, and she knew he was going to make a wonderful papa, but at the moment she was thankful to have had a break from him as well.
A commotion at the main gate drew her attention, and she looked up from her nest near her and Mik’s snug cottage. One of the hunting parties had returned, the young men boisterous and bragging to the maidens who were already gathering to flirt. One of the cooks hastened up to take stock of the group’s bounty, and Kayli smiled to watch the interaction among their people.
Another movement caught her eye, and she looked beyond the young men and their stamping horses to see Veyga ride up to the gate. Either he had met up with the hunting party or else it was just a coincidence that he was arriving at the same time. Either way, there was a disturbed look on his face as he glanced towards the flock of colorfully garbed maidens so blatantly flirting with the hunters. He maneuvered his horse around the group and dismounted, handing his reins over to one of the stable boys.
Veyga stretched, and Kayli chuckled as she watched the entire flock of girls turn towards him at once. It was a shame he was so loathe to flirtation. There were girls here who were practically panting over him, and he simply ignored them all. Kayli doubted he was even aware of their interest. He looked around, his sharp gray eye landing on her, and with a rueful smile he headed her way. Disappointed, the girls turned back to the hunters without missing a beat.
“How are you feeling, Kayli?” He dropped down to his haunches beside her.
She laughed. “You don’t want to know.” She rubbed her distended belly again. “I am so ready for this to be all over. I know, I know, women have been saying that for centuries. But you know I’d rather be up and about.”
“I know. Soon enough, though.” He rested his arms across his knees, letting his hands dangle as he looked over at the hunting group, which was just now started to disperse. “Looks like they had a good trip.”
“Did you meet up with them?” She turned a little to face him more fully, taking advantage of his distraction to look him over top to toe.
He had filled out, although he was still whipcord thin. His shoulders were broader, his arms corded with muscle. The loose shirt he wore did little to disguise his strength. He would never carry the bulk that Mik did, but he wore his strength well. He still wore his golden hair long, usually pulled back into a braid or tied with a scrap of leather into a tail. He looked tired, though. His eyes were sunk into their sockets, even beneath the patch, and his mouth looked pinched through his smile. She was sure he hadn’t been eating well.
“Have you thought about what I said before?” She looked away from him, avoiding the suspicious glare her comment brought on.
“Indeed. I still think your idea is pure foolishness.”
She chuckled softly. “Of course you do. That’s because you’d rather be running wild than attending Court functions. But I don’t think you’re going to have much of a choice.”
“I think that were I to turn myself over to the High Lord, I’d find myself at the end of a short rope and a long fall.” He rubbed the back of his neck; it was a sign she knew indicated he was stressed.
“Not if no one knew it was the miraculous Veyga in their midst.” The baby kicked hard, and she gasped, leaning back to relieve some of the pressure. He looked down at her belly worriedly.
“Are you well enough, Kayli? Really?” He reached out to touch her hair, and she knew then how concerned he really was. For Veyga to voluntarily show affection was almost unheard of.
Kayli reached up and grabbed his hand before he could pull away. “Help me up, would you? I need to walk around.”
He helped her to her cumbersome feet, and held her arm supportively as she leaned heavily against him. They walked slowly, but the relief of pressure was wonderful. It took all of her attention to concentrate on where she was stepping.
Kayli finally allowed him to settle her back into her nest of blankets, wringing a promise from him to return later that evening for another chat. He left her dozing in the shade as he sought his cottage.
Veyga ducked into the main room, tossing his cloak across the neatly made bed. Someone had already brought his saddlebags for him, and they sat beside the door, empty of the filthy clothing that had nearly filled them. He’d been on the road for more than a moonturn riding circuit, checking in with neighbors, and trying to decide where to strike the nobles next. Things were quiet, though, and his trip had been uneventful for once. Even so, he was exhausted, and he fell across his bed gratefully, not even bothering to kick off his boots before he was sound asleep.
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Eithna looked around in blatant curiosity. The village was as bustling and prosperous as any of the ones on her father’s lands, if not more so. Everything was clean and tidy, and the little cottages practically sparkled with their little gardens tucked up around them. Mik led her across a courtyard area that was just inside the gates and towards a tidy cottage tucked away near a well. Eithna noticed Kayli snuggled up in a mound of soft blankets near the door, and she laughed and ran the rest of the way to kneel before the older woman and gather her into an awkward hug over her bulging belly. The ladies chattered excitedly, and Mik was grateful to slip away and let them get reacquainted.
He found Veyga on the other side of the village, in one of the paddocks built for sword work. He leaned on the high rail, resting his chin on his crossed hands to watch. Veyga spun about, delivering a swift blow to his opponent's legs and knocking him to the ground. "Up!! Get up, and try again." The boy opposite Veyga stood and dusted himself off, grinning from ear to ear.
"'Ey now, 'ow'm oi s'posed to catch ya if'n ya go so fast-like."
Veyga scowled. "Practice your words. Don't speak like a street urchin."
The boy bit his lip, but spoke slowly and carefully. "But... I am... A street... Urchin."
Veyga shook his head. "Not anymore, you aren't. Now you're one of us. You need to learn to speak properly and you need to learn to defend yourself. Now prepare."
Mik watched for several more rounds as the boy finally began to hold his own. Veyga had been holding back to spare the boy some bruises from the wooden practice swords, but now he applied a little more pressure. By this time, the boy was drenched in sweat and covered in dirt. Veyga looked barely winded. Mik finally cleared his throat to interrupt. "Stop pestering the boy, Veyga, it's time for his lunch."
Veyga shrugged and saluted the boy, who returned the sign of respect with trembling hands. Mik smiled good-naturedly. "Go on, brat. Go eat some food." The boy waited for Veyga's somber nod of permission, and then he dashed off. Mik laughed at the look on Veyga's face. "You look like someone took away your toy."
Veyga's smile was small, but at least it was there. It was the first one Mik had seen in several moons. "I wish it were a game, Mik."
"Don't be so hard on him right now; he's only been here two moonturns." He tipped his head to one side. "Why don't you come join Kayli and me for lunch? We have a visitor.”
Veyga shook his head. "Thank you, Mik, but I'm not hungry."
Mik’s dark eyes took in the other man’s shirtless chest, noting the hollow in his belly and the slightly visible ribs. "You're beginning to be all skin and bones. You need to eat."
"Later. I'm going for a ride." He strode towards the stables where they kept the horses, catching up his shirt from a rail of the fence as he passed Mik. The bigger man frowned and sighed as he shook his head and watched him leave.
Veyga walked towards the stables, a strange feeling of restlessness washing over him. He couldn’t seem to sit still. Waves of dizziness struck him at unexpected moments. His skin seemed too tight for his body. His ruined eye, hidden behind the patch, burned and itched; although it looked no different in the looking glass Kayli had stubbornly hung in his cottage. As much as he tried to eat, he had absolutely no appetite. The sensations had begun about a summer ago, and were gradually getting worse. He’d even briefly considered visiting Eithna, but knew that would be a horrid mistake.
As if his thoughts had conjured her, he heard her voice. He stopped dead in his tracks, seeing the stable only a short distance away. Life in Ragged Valley flowed around him as people went on about their business, but his world seemed to have paused. He turned as if in slow motion towards Kayli and Mik’s cottage, a surreal feeling surging over him.
And there she was, kneeling beside Kayli, with a cluster of village women gathered around them. He stared hungrily, unable to catch his breath. She was as stunningly gorgeous as he remembered her, but more mature, much more sure of herself as she talked, using her hands to tell her story. Her beautiful golden red hair was pulled back into a soft braid, with loose tendrils framing her face. Her green gown, made of plain fabric but well cut, hugged her curves. His throat tightened and he swallowed hard, trying to dislodge the lump in his chest.
Kayli must have felt the weight of his gaze, and she glanced up to meet Veyga’s stare. She smiled tentatively, and reached a hand out to him. The ladies surrounding them grew quiet, and slowly, ever so slowly, Eithna turned to look at him.
The sadness and regret in her eyes nearly undid him. He hesitated, clearly torn between fleeing and approaching, and then he visibly braced himself and headed in their direction. The other women abruptly moved to their feet and away, leaving him alone with Kayli and Eithna. He swallowed hard and gathered Kayli’s fingers into his hand, leaning down to press a kiss to her knuckles.
“How are you feeling today?” He straightened and released her hand, avoiding looking at Eithna again. His heart was pounding ferociously, every pulse beat throbbing through his body.
“Much better, now that Eithna is here. Mik brought her to tend to me.” She seemed to be answering more questions than the one he’d spoken aloud, and he nodded jerkily.
Finally, he turned to face her fully, still not meeting her stare directly. “Lady Eithna. I trust your journey was not too difficult.”
She laughed awkwardly. “Much easier than my last trip to your camp.”
He nodded again. “Well.” He glanced briefly up to her eyes, then away before she could pin him with her gaze. “Well, enjoy your stay. Please, let us know if there is anything you need. I’m off.”
Kayli frowned. “Off? Won’t you join us for lunch at least?”
He hesitated, and then shook his head. “I’m afraid not. I’ve got things to take care of.”
Eithna watched as he spun on his heel and stalked towards the stables near the gate. “Well. That went well.”
Kayli sighed. “Better than I feared at least. I’m afraid he avoids the subject of you or anything related to you since we’d heard you married.”
Eithna’s laugh was bitter. “What did he expect me to do, wait for him to come to terms with my station? That isn’t ever going to change. Besides, as he said, it is for the best. We’re from two different worlds.” She shook her head and then turned a blinding smile on Kayli. “But enough of sadness and sorrow; let’s get you into your cottage for an examination, shall we?”
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Veyga stood in his gelding’s stall, visibly shaking. He’d ordered the stable boy away, insisting on saddling his own mount. He leaned into the horse and pressed his face into its rough mane, waiting for the current wave of dizziness to pass. Afterwards he felt weak and unsteady, almost as if he were being drained. But soon the feeling passed, and he dragged himself into the saddle up and rode off.
During his ride he began to notice two things. The first was that behind his patch, his eye was burning and itchy again. He rubbed at it through the patch, but it didn't seem to help. The second was that blood was seeping through the front of his tunic, and in concern he stopped the horse in a small clearing and tore his tunic off. In horror he watched as blood trickled from the scar on his chest. The sensation in his eye was getting worse as well, and he nearly fell from the horse and stumbled over to a nearby stream. He found a calm area of water then ripped the patch off and stared at his reflection. His bad eye was solid pale blue, a milky color that showed no iris or pupil. That was normal. But the light glowing from it right now was not usual. He touched one fingertip to his eyelid, and was startled to find heat seeming to pour from the socket.
Veyga gasped as another wave of dizziness hit him while he was examining his reflection. He tipped headfirst into the shallow stream, struggling to get his bearings and sit up straight. He was drenched now, his chest was smeared with blood, and the discomfort in his eye was turning into pain. He gripped his head and moaned as the dizziness and pain merged into one horrible sensation. He reached out to the bank of the stream and grabbed some branches, using them to pull himself out of the water. He was nearly out of the stream when he passed out.
Veyga came to slowly, strange sensations rippling beneath his skin. It was dark, and he was shivering, halfway out of the creek and halfway submerged. He crawled the rest of the way up the slight bank and looked down at himself, wondering if there were ants crawling all over him, but there was nothing. He felt his eyelid. It felt normal. He looked down and touched his scar. There was no blood, only dirt from the stream bank.
Veyga shook his head to clear it. What was going on? He stood slowly, still trying to gain his bearings. He stumbled to his dirty tunic and pulled it on, trying to still the shivers and cease the strange crawling sensation that seemed to be everywhere. He groped around the stream for his patch, and found it in the mud. He pulled it on anyhow. His hair was wild and snarled about him, wet and matted from the muck of the creek. He whistled softly, and seconds later his horse appeared, reins dragging. He gratefully grabbed the saddle and pulled himself into it. Veyga nearly collapsed against the horse's neck, but managed to get hold of the reins and turn his mount in the direction of the village. The ride was a nightmare, and he wasn't lucid enough to realize what was happening as he approached the gates, or as Mik rushed to his side and caught him as he slumped from the saddle. Mik swung him over his shoulder and carefully picked his way to Veyga's cottage.
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It was with a sense of déjà vu that Eithna stood beside the bed to gaze down at Veyga. They had started here. Maybe it wasn't the same dingy tent and the circumstances weren't the same, but here again she was, tending to him in a time of need. He was out cold, and she took advantage yet again to examine him.
In his sleep, he looked older than his summers even though she knew he wasn’t much older than her. Mik had wrestled him out of his bedraggled tunic and filthy boots, and he laid before her clad in nothing more than muddy breeches and his eye patch. She ran her eyes over his broad chest, amazed at the intricate tracery etched into his skin. The tattoos were a blue so dark they looked black, and the swirls seemed to coalesce into a bigger picture that she couldn't make out. His entire upper chest was covered, and the pattern traveled up over his shoulders and down both arms to just past the elbow. His scars, most faded now, were nearly hidden by the design. She wondered at the reasoning for the body ink, for he certainly hadn't sported these strange swirls four summers ago.
He looked too thin, like he hadn't been eating well. In spite of the muscles cording his arms and chest and abdomen, he looked wasted. She reached out to check his temperature, then gasped at the heat that she felt before she even touched his skin. She placed her fingers against his forehead, and frowned. His skin was cool to the touch, and yet she still felt that heat caressing her wrist.
He moaned and tossed his head restlessly, and she turned her attention to his flushed face. There was no softness to this face anymore. Although he had soft laugh lines bracketing his lips, there were deeper grooves between his brows. This was the face of a man who was worried. Eithna knew from her talks with Kayli that Ragged Valley was well on its way to running itself, so she wondered what Veyga would have to be so troubled about.
She shook her head and set about tending to him the best she could before she was due to check back in on Kayli.
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"How long will you be here?"
Eithna jumped, startled out of her doze. She met Veyga's icy gray stare with a stubborn tilt to her chin. "Until Kayli doesn't need me. She has at least another sennight before the baby comes."
He was standing right inside the doorway of the one-room cottage, hair damp and dressed in clean clothing. He must have snuck off to bathe while she slept.
He nodded. "Has Mik set you up with a place of your own until then?"
"He did. Is that your subtle way of telling me to leave? I was only keeping an eye on you." She crossed her arms over her chest, green eyes flashing as she eyed him. The tattoos were completely covered by the long-sleeved shirt that he wore.
He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. "Eithna..."
"No, I'm not going to play hide and seek with you. I have a feeling that you're going to do your utmost to avoid me, and I'll not have it. I've done nothing to offend you."
He turned to leave, and she snorted rudely. "Are you a child, to run from confrontation? All the stories tell about how proud and brave the infamous Veyga is, but all I see before me is a sniveling babe."
He slowly twisted to glare at her. "A sniveling babe?" His bark of laughter contained no hint of amusement. "That's the best you can come up with?"
She blinked dumbly. "What?"
Veyga gazed at her from lowered brows, his one gray eye piercing. "Lady Eithna Wensellas. Or no, I'm sorry, Lady Eithna Holt now, am I correct?"
"Yes. I was married two summers ago. Jared is a very nice man; he treats me very well. I don't understand why you are so worked up about this. You didn't want me, if I remember correctly."
He looked away, flushing, but didn't respond. She stood and walked over to reach up and touch his clenched jaw. "Veyga, this is silly. Can't we get along like adults?"
He jerked away from her touch, but nodded curtly. "Of course we can." He met her gaze again, but this time she saw all the torture that he was holding in.
"Veyga, you were right all those summers ago. We simply were not meant to be. But I admire you and all you've done here, and I think we could make a good friendship of things. Don't you want that at least?"
He shrugged, uncomfortable, but this time he didn't look away. She chuckled softly and leaned into him, wrapping her arms around him tightly. He hesitated, tensing, then abruptly relaxed and wrapped his own long arms around her, laying his head on hers. "I'm sorry."
"For what, you big idiot? It has to be strange to see me now, after all these summers, knowing the intensity that was between us so long ago. I still don't understand it. But I know that we can build a friendship from that. As a matter of fact, I'm insisting on it." She pulled away a little bit, leaning back to look up into his face. "Kayli and I have been hatching plots behind your back."
Veyga raised one finely arched golden eyebrow, and she was thankful to see that while his gray eye was still stormy, much of his tension had drained away. She smiled softly. "I know she's been pressuring you to visit Court. She wants you to act as an emissary, to smooth the way between Ragged Valley and the High Lord. The warrants on your head must be cleared in order for Ragged Valley to come under the High Lord's protection." He started to argue, and she shook her head sternly. "Hear me out at least. She's right, to a certain extent. Ragged Valley is doing well here, under your care. But what you don't know is that there are problems brewing in Anyon. The chances of war become stronger with every passing month. While I am thankful that your village isn't near the border, it still stands directly between Anyon and Carden."
Veyga released her and began to pace the small space, hands clasped behind his back. She could plainly see the thoughts tearing across his face. Doubt, worry, frustration, anger. Finally he turned to face her. "What's the plan?"
Eithna smiled and perched on the edge of the chair she had been dozing in. "I can convince my father that you're an emissary from Ragged Valley. He need never know your true identity."
The blond brow winged upward again. "You'd lie to your father?"
She blushed but nodded. "Yes, for this cause I would. But in reality, I doubt my father would really have problems with your actions regarding Ragged Valley. Yes, technically you've broken laws. I think that actions would warrant your reactions, however. It's just a matter of convincing the High Lord of that. You need a little polish, though, before you attend High Court. You could find that by spending a few moonturns in my father's Court. I'm sure my father, as one of your closest neighbors, would be happy to talk with you as well. I've already found a few trade items he'd be interested in. And Jared would help us, of course."
Veyga flinched as if she'd struck him. The sharp pain he'd expected to flare in his chest was only an ache, and he closed his eyes for a moment, testing out the sensation like prodding a sore tooth. Sure enough, that dark hole that had torn his soul for four summers was mostly closed, just like that. He laughed sharply, again lacking amusement. Eithna looked startled, and tipped her head to examine him closer. He shook his head and waved a hand at her. "It's nothing. Continue."
"Well that's about it. I just think you need to at least consider the idea. Kayli said you were adamantly against it, and I'd like a chance to convince you."
He shook his head again. "I think you already have."
Eithna beamed. "Well then, that's perfect. I'll leave you to make your plans then, and I'll go check on our mother to be." She pushed to her feet and walked past him to the door. As she brushed by, his hand snaked out and grabbed her arm. She cast him a startled glance, and he grimaced.
"Thank you."
She laughed softly and left.
Veyga sank into the chair she'd occupied only moments earlier. Ideas were roaring through his head faster than he could pin them down. Then a sudden thought occurred to him, erasing everything else from his mind. Eithna had never once asked him what had been wrong. He hoped to keep it that way.
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4/16/11- updated
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