"The Dragon Child -Chapter 2-" by Christy Miller

 SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1Chapter Two

A Skilled Stranger

As the warm rays of sun became fewer, so did the constant trickling of the caravans, but we were only permitted to leave when it was full dark. I watched as the busy streets became barren with a few late night stragglers or drunken sailors singing to the night. I finally felt that I could let down my guard and take in the warmth of the night. It was only then that I sensed how stiff my shoulders had become. A hot soak in the baths would feel fantastic.

            The five Soldiers that I had been left with looked as if they would enjoy the same pampering. They retrieved their horses and waited anxiously for the rest of the troops from the other gates to join us for the short journey to the Keep. It felt as if hours passed before we heard the sound of hoof-beats on the dirt and soon we were at the Keep where all of us raided the kitchen for whatever food we could find.

I was able to snag a hard piece of bread and rough slab of cheese before I felt that the kitchen was too confining. I withdrew outside, breathing in the night-cooled air and watching the stars as they tried to out-shine each other. The moon was only a little sliver in the horizon, seemingly hapless against the Arna’fonika Star, which was named after the phoenix. A few straggler seagulls interrupted the scene, and a cool breeze from the sea caressed my face. I closed my eyes. I had never been out to sea, and although the Serpents came from that direction, I longed to try my legs on the deck of a grand ship. 

            “An eventful day?” someone commented, but all I could see was a shadow.

            “Not particularly,” I answered blindly.

            The shadow stepped into the light that spilled from the open door to the kitchen, and I was greeted by a warm smile from the stranger with the mismatched eyes. “The whole Keep has been busy preparing for the Harvest-festival. I haven’t had the chance to speak to you much,” he said as he leaned against the wall beside to me.

            I just nodded. There wasn’t much I could say to that. I had been busy and there were still four more days of this ‘caravan monitoring’ before the Festival would take place. Then there would be the constant regulating of the leaving caravans.

            “You don’t speak much, do you?” he asked, leaning on the wall next to me.

            “No, Sir,” I replied.

            “You may call me Ikane. I would prefer it actually,” he stated.

            “Very well, Ikane,” I acknowledged him. “You are staying here for a while longer?”

            He nodded. “I hope to have Master Eamon remember me, despite what everyone says.”

            I said nothing, but looked down at my feet. Eamon was just as stubborn as this man.

            We stood there in silence for a few moments before he spoke again. “You still haven’t introduced yourself, Soldier.”

            “Oh, forgive my rudeness. I am Keatep Fiatal, but I am known here as Kea.”

            “Kea,” he said, tasting the name on his lips. “It seems much too feminine a name for someone who fights as well as you.” At my confused look, he continued. “I’ve been watching the Soldiers drill in the morning, and you seem to have great talent. You have fought against axe, spear, knife, and short sword, but have you battled against someone with two?”

            “Short swords?” I asked.

             He nodded.

            “No, I haven’t.”

            “Would you like to spar with me? I would compare your skill against mine,” he smiled.

            I looked at his features once more. He was filled out befittingly, with muscles that strained his shirt in the shoulders. His back was straight and his stance was that of a man extensively trained in battle. It reminded me so much of the way Eamon used to stand. I frowned.

            “Kea?” he questioned, breaking me from my memory. “Where do you go? You have deep thoughts.”

            “Forgive me. Aye, Ikane, I would enjoy different competition,” I quickly responded and smiled in return.

            He pushed himself from the wall and nodded, but there was still a question in his eyes. “Tomorrow then?” he asked.

            I nodded. “In the morning. Before the rest of the Soldiers drill. The sun will barely be up, but it is the only time I have,” I announced.

            “Good. I will see you there,” he smiled, bowed slightly as I saluted, then left.

            I didn’t forget the hot soak in the baths that I had promised myself.

The morning was fresh and cold, forcing me to unpack the wool cloak from the bottom of my trunk. I remembered the request from last night and found myself eager to go. I slipped into my clothes and hurried to the kitchens where Mayama greeted me with a roll of freshly baked bread and a glass of warm milk. I ate, but forced myself to chew slowly. With such eagerness in my mind, I knew not how tedious a meal could be. I found it strange at how much I was looking forward to this spar. Perhaps it was something different, or perhaps it was someone different - or both?

            After a brief conversation with Mayama, mostly of the new dreams she’d recorded, I walked to the training area. The first rays of sunlight were barely straining to reach over the sea that buried it, bringing with it the crisp salty smell of the water. It was strangely quiet and Ikane was nowhere to be seen. I wondered if I had slept through the appointed time.

            I trudged toward the hut and looked over the many weapons. Spears hung neatly in one corner, organized by size and I pulled a thin, iron one from the wall. I had only used a spear once while training and I liked the way it moved with my body. It was light and easy to wield, though Eamon said it was not much good against a sword. I returned it to its place and turned to the swords. The short swords were light, yet one could not reach the enemy without putting one’s life in danger. I was instructed to use the long sword. It was heavy and harder to handle, yet I was confidant in the skill I had.

            “Choosing your weapon? I thought you had been instructed to use the long sword,” I was startled to hear Ikane so close to me. I had not heard him come up to the hut.

            “You were watching?” I asked. I felt a fool to have asked such an indiscreet question, but I had to say something.

            “You hold the spear as if it were meant for you.” Ikane reached for two short swords. It was then that I realized he had not brought his own. He held them with skill and confidence, as if they had just become an extension of his arms. “Weapons have personalities, too. When I was young, I always fought with two sticks against the other children. Eamon knew that these would be the right weapons in my hands and I was trained with them,” he stopped talking and turned to me, a sad look crossing his face.

            “He isn’t the same man anymore, Ikane. I’ve learned to let go of the Master and just see him as a man,” I attempted to convince him to neglect the past.

            He shook his head, his dark hair waving in the beat. “I wished to be as strong someday,” his voice trailed off, then he straightened his shoulders. “Now, let’s see what Eamon has taught you. I could show you how to handle the spear. It seems to be your weapon,” he said and moved out into the open field. The morning autumn air was still cool and I could see his breath, which was steady and calm.

            I removed my cloak and set it in the dirt before moving to face my opponent. Thus far, I had been able to defeat each weapon at least once. This one was different, and the man had been trained by Master Eamon himself. I would need to use caution.

            “You are not steady,” Ikane suddenly pointed out. “Is something the matter?” he asked. He lowered his swords to his sides.

            “I’m fine, just a little nervous. I’ve never sparred with anyone wielding two swords before,” it was a sort of truth. In all honesty, I was scared. I had fought Eamon once when I was younger and less skilled, and he had left me completely obliterated and sore. I knew my skills had improved much over the years, but a Master remained a Master. Therefore, the Apprentice would someday be the Master.

            I raised my sword so as to steady it in my hands. I closed my eyes to becalm my shaky breathing, and then opened them. “I am prepared,” I said.

            “Good, now let’s see what you can do,” Ikane charged, wielding one of his swords to meet mine then moved the other in to strike. I jumped back and met his second blade. He was fast and strong, catching me slightly off guard. I would have to be faster if I wanted to strike at all, but the weight of the sword in my hands left me at a disadvantage.

            I began to read his moves. They were simple and effective. He would charge, baring one of his swords to me, and once my blade was occupied, he would strike with the other then leap back to a safe distance where my weapon could not reach him. I knew though, in the back of my mind, that he was going easy on me.

            “You block well,” he said as he leaped back for a fifth time. I was beginning to pant and my arms burned. This time I charged and caught one of his swords hard. His second blade came at me and I dodged the blow, ducking so that it raced over my shoulders. It would have been too much effort to stand again with his second blade exerting my direction. I rolled past him and felt the sting as the blade scraped my leg in my tumble. I crouched behind him and took precious time to study the wound. It wasn’t deep, but it burned.

            I glanced up to see Ikane studying me. “An unexpected move. I like that.” He took on a different stance and I knew his attacks would change, yet I was filled with adrenaline, my hands trembling. I longed to gain control over my eager body, but found it even more tiresome than striving to attack. I charged a second time and swung my sword at him. He leaped back eluding the blade then pulled both swords close to him covering his arms with the steel. I charged again and my blade was stopped by a thrust so forceful I lost my balance.

            Ikane had used both of his words this time to block my attack. My blade was caught between both of his and as he ripped the two free, and I was hurled back, landing hard in the dirt by the movement. My sword was flung to the other end of the field and Ikane stood over me. He carelessly grasped the two swords in one hand and extended the other to help me to my feet. I accepted his offer, though I felt defeated and humiliated. It wasn’t a graceful landing and I was getting frustrated.

            “You have skill, yet I have to agree that the long sword is too heavy for you,” he said and went to pick up my sword. He handed it to me. “That counter-attack can be penetrated. Would you like to continue?” he asked.

             “If it will sharpen my skills,” I answered and took my stance holding my sword levelly.

            Ikane tossed his second sword into the air and caught it in his other hand, then took on his new stance. “Very well,” he said.

I grunted. “Show off.” Every weapon had a weakness, as well as the one wielding it. All I needed to do was discover the weakness and use it to my advantage. Ikane had used his upper body, time and time again to force me back, but I still did not know how swiftly his legs would work. I decided to test this theory.

            I charged, but did not lift my sword to greet his. Instead, I let myself fall and roll behind him. He turned, but not fast enough and I could see the amazement in his face. My blade grazed his lower arm as he tried to block. His second sword flashed before my face and I struggled to get out of its reach. I could hear the air slice in the speed of it and rolled to my left, then scrambled to my feet.

            He looked at his arm, watching as the blood leaked and stained his shirt, and then glanced at me. “A very good move, Kea,” he smiled. But something caught my attention. His green eye seemed to spark for a second, just as the smoldering embers in a fire did when one prodded them. I stood and readied myself for another assault.

            “Now I know your skill. Let’s see if you know mine,” this time he charged. I blocked both of his blades and leaped back to avoid a third strike. He charged again and again and each time I was forced to block and retreat. His speed seemed to increase with each attack and I felt as if I were becoming weaker. The weight of the sword pulled me down and the forceful blows of Ikane’s blades made the burning in my arms increase. This was truly the full strength of the apprentice becoming the Master.

            I was torn from my thoughts as his blade swept past my head. I hadn’t managed to block it. Yet I did evade it so that it did not cut my flesh. However, I found myself pinned against the wall of the hut. Ikane’s blades moved too fast for me to turn and run. I could do nothing but block. With each impact I was pressed against the wall, my arms shuttered and my hands burned.

            “Enough, Ikane,” I heard myself say, but he did not stop.

            “Ikane!” I screamed as a blade brushed past my cheek. I blocked again and again, yet it seemed no use. His eyes were cold and heartless and the green in his left eye shimmered with each stroke of his swords. My arms were reaching the limit of their strength.

            “Ikane, stop!” I pleaded and suddenly my sword was flung from my hands. I was defenseless and closed my eyes waiting for his blade to slice through my skin. When no pain was felt, I opened my eyes to see Ikane panting, holding one blade across my neck. He lowered it and backed away swiftly.

            “I’m sorry, Keatep. No one has ever managed to defend themselves for that long with those blows. I wished to see how long you could,” he excused himself, and then fell to his knees. His swords clanked as they fell with him. “You are better than I thought,” he admitted, almost laughing. He looked up at me, sweat beading on his forehead, and smiled. “Eamon has taught you well.”

            I let out a shaky breath and slid down the side of the hut, sitting in the dirt. My arms burned and my hands were red with forming blisters. I wished I had worn my gloves.

            “Early for once?” The familiar voice of Commander Holdan mocked me.

            I stood on shaky legs, using the hut for support. “Aye sir.” I saluted.

            Ikane stood and gathered his swords as I retrieved the one that had been flung from my grasp. “She fights well,” Ikane complimented, and I could see Holdan’s eyes shimmer with pride.

            “As do you, young man. Would you consider joining us? We could use a skilled fighter such as you,” Holdan said, placing a friendly hand on Ikane’s shoulder.

            Ikane shook his head, holding his wounded arm for a moment. “Thank you for the offer, but I prefer living my own life.”

            “Very well,” Holdan sighed, obviously disappointed.

            “But I would enjoy drilling with the Soldiers this morning,” Ikane announced.

            At this, Holdan smiled and nodded.

            The drill seemed much longer and more tiresome than all the others. My arms and legs were burnt out from the spar, but I managed to get through the drills without too many injuries. Once again, I promised myself another hot soak in the baths to relieve new bruises.

            After the early morning drills, Commander Holdan announced that we would be receiving new uniforms due to the coronation of Prince Sander and the Harvest-Fest. During breakfast, each Soldier was called to the two tailors for measurements. They announced that they had the basics of the uniforms already finished, but that they would be adjusted to fit each Soldier. We were assured that it wouldn’t take long.

            I found myself walking toward the training area once more. I watched the dust begin to pick up as others improved skills there. I sat down in the dirt with my back against the wall of the hut where Ikane had cornered me this morning. The men and women training here began to sweat and the dust clung to their moist skin. One young boy was just beginning to learn to use the axe, and another, two short swords as Ikane did.

            The sun was still rising, but some gray clouds gathered, darkening the autumn sky and making the afternoon air cold. I began to see my breath and I shivered. Slowly, the swordsmen and trainers excused their students, and then the real battles would begin amongst the teachers. The students lined the edges of the field and watched, cheering for their masters to win the spar. It was entertaining excitement for the late afternoons and would spark the interest of anyone who passed by. I found myself cheering with the students as the battles progressed.

            “Look, there is that stranger,” I heard one of the boys say to his friend. “You know, the man with the strange eyes?”

            “I heard he is an expert with the short swords. I would love to see him spar with my trainer. He wouldn’t last one minute,” the other smiled and pointed to the man leaning against a post. It was Ikane and he seemed to be enjoying the show as well.

            “Aye, that would be fun to see,” another student chimed in. “Go ask him to spar with your trainer,” and with that the boy sprinted toward Ikane while the other approached his master.

            At first I thought it would be an exciting event. I thought of all the other moves he had not shown me. Against another with experience, this would be something worth seeing. Then, remembering this morning, I knew Ikane was wounded.

            I observed as the boy approached Ikane and spoke to him. Ikane looked up at his opponent where the other boys were standing, then turned back to the lad. I saw him nod and the boy jumped with excitement. I wondered how children could have so much energy after a hard afternoon of training.

            Ikane stepped into the ring and drew his weapons. These swords were his own, unlike the ones he used before. The blades reflected the setting sun, blinding me every now and then. Although I could not see the workmanship of it clearly, I knew that these swords were made specifically for Ikane for he held them with such authority that one would think he ruled the world. He cradled them gracefully at first, and then took a stance that would send any unworthy opponent scurrying for shelter.

            The battle began. Ikane’s strokes were precise and refined, and I wondered if he had fought this way with me. The instructor fell back several steps after taking many heavy blows, but he appeared as determined as Ikane to win this battle.

            The students hollered with exhilaration with every hit the instructor was able to inflict on Ikane, yet the true warrior was already proclaimed. Ikane began his three pounding blows and I shivered, recalling how his green eye flashed during our skirmish. As he thrust his blows at the instructor for a third time, the swords were flung from his opponents hands. The students gasped in awe watching Ikane as he stood calmly, breathing deep.

            “You were a worthy opponent,” he said and extended a hand to help the man to his feet.

            “As were you,” the instructor accepted his offer.

            I sighed with relief, knowing that I had been silently cheering for Ikane. I shook my head and left the area, heading for the kitchen. It was time for another meal and then some rest.

             “Kea!” I heard Ikane call out.

            I turned to see him walking briskly toward me. I waited for him then turned back to face the kitchens.

            “I wanted to show you how well you withstood those blows of mine this morning. This man only held three of them, and then was defeated. You on the other hand held fourteen or more. I lost count,” he said as we walked into the kitchens.

            “It was just luck on my part. I thought you were aiming to kill. I would have let my guard down sooner had I thought of this as only a spar, but it seemed more of a duel,” I mumbled.

            “I would never hurt you, Kea,” he spoke softly.

            I stopped. “What is your interest in me, Ikane?” I demanded. “Why did you want to spar with me, and why have you been watching me?”

            “I’m not certain,” he admitted, and at first I thought I was an excuse, but then I caught his true doubt in his face. “I truly do not know, but I feel as though I am meant to know you. Do you truly believe that it is mere coincidence that we have both been trained by Master Eamon?”

            I shook my head and entered the kitchen.

            The soup on the hearth smelled wonderful, and even the old bread looked appealing. Ikane handed me a bowl from the table and poured some soup into his own. I followed him and grabbed some bread before sitting down at a table. I began to eat and my stomach was grateful.

            “I’m sorry if I hurt you,” Ikane said, sitting beside me.

            “Do not fret over it. I think I managed to harm you more,” I smiled wryly.

            “You are very talented, Kea. I did not know how skilled this army in Daram was. I’m sure that Prince Sander is proud to claim you,” he said, then took a bite of his bread.

            “He seems to ignore the coasts. There have been times when Daram calls for help, but no one is sent to aid us. It is surprising that she has stood this long against the Black Serpents,” I shrugged. “We do what we can.”

Prince Sander emerged as an excellent heir to the throne, and I believed that he would change everything if he had the power. But there were his counselors who decided the final verdict, and more often, the king and prince were overruled. To me, it seemed that their power over the land was dwindling.

            “The Black Serpents have much to fear here. Why, with you in the front lines they would turn tail and hide forever,” Ikane smiled.

            “That would be if I ever got in the front lines. I’m always a backup,” I chuckled.

            “Oh,” Ikane looked back down at his bowl.

            “Where do you fit in?” I asked.

            “Pardon?”

            “I mean, how do you know so much about the battles fought here in Daram when I have never seen you here before. You do not bear the crest of any member in another province of Athelstan, yet you fight with great skill. And you’ve not the mannerisms of a true nobleman. How do you fit in?” I explained.

            “I’m not sure yet,” he sighed.  

            After eating, I followed my fellow Soldiers to the stables where we retrieved our horses. I placed the saddle on my beast, named Gossamer, who’d been given to me as a gift from Lady Caitelyn when she tried to win my favor and marry me off to some nobleman. She believed that she was helping me, but I saw it as a threat to my freedom. I knew she meant well.

            “Kea?” Ikane asked, jolting me from my wandering mind yet again, nearly sending my hands to the knife hiding in the folds of my uniform. I hadn’t realized that he’d followed. “Truly, I did not mean to go so hard on you,” he quickly added.

            I shook my head and smiled. “Stop fretting. You’re as bad as Holdan’s younger students,” I stopped, unsure of how to speak of his eye that burned. I longed to ask about it, but I knew it was not my concern.

            “But what?” he pressed.

            I observed him, studying his eyes and every feature of his face. The scar that ran from his upper cheekbone to the small of his chin almost disfigured the handsome sculpture before me. It was completely tranquil. Not even the slightest sign of the sparks that had flashed in his eye could be detected.

            “Forgive me. I have much to do, Ikane. Will I see you at Harvest-Fest?” I inquired, mounting Gossamer.

            Ikane nodded and with that, I urged my creature forward. I did not look back as I left, knowing that Ikane would be watching me. Hastily, I left the stable and joined the troops outside.

            The next three days were occupied with drills, soaks in the hot baths, and trips to Daram City to regulate the traffic. For some reason I was relieved to not have any spare time to converse with the stranger. On the last morning before the Harvest Festival, the gates to the city were closed. There would be no more trading until the celebration was over. Upon returning to the barracks, I found my new uniform neatly lying out on my bed. The tunic was of a pale gray-blue material with the crest of Daram over the right shoulder. It was a silver Sea Lion, surrounded in an artistic weave of white threads to form the waves of the sea. The tunic was much longer than the one I was accustomed to, for it reached my ankles, but there were slits cut through the skirt of it, allowing my legs to move without hindrance. The darker woolen trousers fit snugly and were warm, perfect for the upcoming winter months. This uniform was comfortable, unlike the ones we had been given for the summer. All of the Soldiers were to wear the new uniforms tonight at the feast in the Daram Keep.

            I ran my calloused hands over the soft material, and it snagged, twice. I buckled my sword belt around my waist. The weight of it reassured me that I was protected, although I knew not from what. I knew there was no current danger here, but the Black Serpent raiders could attack during our festivities. I watched as the rest of the Soldiers took the same precautions, placing knifes securely in boots, or concealing another in an arm sleeve. We would not be caught off guard.

            Harvest-Fest arrived, and the whole Keep gathered within the great hall for the celebration. I entered the room and was bedazzled by all of the thick, perfume smells and some odd scents of body odor. Hundreds of colors and patterns which decorated each individual claimed my attention. My new uniform would have looked humiliatingly simple if the other Soldiers hadn’t been there dressed the same. A group of minstrels gathered in one corner of the great hall, playing lively melodies. As I moved from one end of the room to another, my nose was greeted with freshly cooked meat and steamed vegetables. One wall had been reserved for the tables and here the food was set, elaborately decorated with parsley, finely cut radishes which formed red flowers, and some random leaves of lettuce, framing the large slab of bread, or fish. Most of the meal consisted of vegetables such as squash, corn, pumpkins and several baskets filled with apples and pears. Another end was filled with crispy pies with all sorts of fruit fillings. My mouth watered at the sight.

            I thought of Mayama slaving away in the kitchens for the last week, and everything here was overlooked, seen as just another typical addition to the Harvest-Fest. Although much of it seemed to be invisible to most of the guests, I took some pride in knowing the hands that formed everything into what this meal had become.

            I found the bread and cheese. Mayama must have been thinking of me. It was fresh, and I spread some butter over the warmth so that it melted into the baked wheat.

            Some of the guests began to dance and sing, some voices clashing against the musicians’ melodies. As a very sprightly tune began echoing through the halls, several Soldiers jumped up and began to dance in lively movements, hammering their boots against the scented rushes strewn upon the stone floor. The rhythm contributed to the harmonious flute, pipe, and harp. I joined them, forming a circle in which anyone could fall in if they knew the steps. Someone found the wine, and the sweetness of it quickly spread throughout the dance hall. Most of the Soldiers were forbidden to drink, for if the Keep were attacked, they would need us at our best to defend it.

            I watched as the guests became merry with wine and I couldn’t help but laugh. They had come to the Fest so refined and dignified, but now everything they stood for was gone. By the end of the night they would be lying in corners vomiting.

             I stood against one of the walls, decorated with colorful banners of red, blue, and yellow and caught sight of Lady Caitelyn. Her pale blue gown was the most breathtaking of all, embellished in golden threads forming vines and blossoms that cascaded from her waist down the length of the dress. A golden circlet crowned her raven hair which had been pulled back in hundreds of fine braids. She nodded her approval to which I saluted. She then turned back to her guests. I watched them gossip as others danced and ate.

            Surveying the room, I discovered Ikane who stood by a table, attempting to push some food in his mouth before the young ladies surrounding him pelted him with greetings and questions, batting eyelashes and waving kerchiefs. Every one of them craved his attention.  He was a charming and handsome young man, and the ladies knew it, yet he appeared to isolate himself and refrained from giving any one woman more attention than another. He must have felt my stare for he turned to me and nodded respectfully. I turned away and felt my cheeks begin to burn.

            “Are you not hungry?” a familiar voice asked. Eamon stood next to me with a large piece of meat in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. Some of his food had stuck to his uncombed beard and wine dripped from it. He smiled and his eyes wrinkled. I knew he was drunk, as always. He hadn’t even cleaned himself for this celebration.

            I purposefully ignored him, leaving my drunken guardian to wallow in his own mindless merrymaking.

            As the night progressed, I began to feel confined in the great hall with all the drunks and merrymakers. The new uniform, made for warmth, began to feel uncomfortably hot, and the smells became intolerable. I made my way outside where the air was fresh and cool. It felt good, and I glanced at the Arna’fonika star that shining through the thin layer of clouds. The sea was especially loud this night, but louder still were other voices.

            “Why do you still deny that you know me?” I heard Ikane speaking, but I knew the words were not for my ears. I looked to see Ikane standing over Eamon who sat on the ground, leaning against the brick wall of the Keep, a wine bottle in his hand.

            “Why do you want me to know you?” Eamon retorted in a drunken slur. 

            “That isn’t the point, Eamon. You taught me what I needed to know the most and helped me when it was most dire. I’ve looked up to you and admired you from that day on. I never thought you would end up like this,” Ikane said, almost becoming helpless in his argument.

            Eamon looked at me. “Apparently she thought so too.”

            I jumped, realizing that I had been spotted. I turned and walked back into the Great Hall, hoping that my eavesdropping would remain unspoken of. The night progressed ecstatically for all the inhabitants of the Daram Keep, but for me, I felt for Ikane. I knew why he was hurting inside, and he needed to let go. 

            One by one, the guests began to retreat to their rooms, slowly letting the Great Hall become empty and quiet again. A few heavy drinkers had collapsed on the floor, snoring loudly, while the minstrels gathered what remaining food they could and left for the rooms they’d reserved for the night. As soon as we were sure the guests were sleeping soundly, the Soldiers were allowed to retire. I followed three of my mates to the barracks, but stopped upon seeing Ikane. He stood there, waiting for me. I knew he was beckoning me to speak to him, and I inclined.

            As I approached him, he spoke. “I’m sorry you had to hear that.”

            I shook my head. “No, I’m sorry I listened. It wasn’t my place, but you do need to let go of him, Ikane. I’ve watched him drink himself to sleep every night for the past five years. He’s not coming back,” I said.

            “I should have listened to you,” he sighed.

            “No, you needed to find out for yourself. One cannot make another do something against one’s will.” I recalled what Mayama had told me.  

            “Thank you for speaking with me, Kea. I hope to return the favor someday,” he said.

            “Are you leaving?” I asked.

            “Yes, I’m traveling to Meldron on business.”

            “When do you leave?”

            “Tomorrow. The snow storms might set in shortly, and I wish to make it there as soon as possible,” he answered.

            “I understand. Well, good journey to you,” I bid.

            He nodded and smiled gratefully, bowed, and turned away. I watched him fade into the shadows of the night then turned to the barracks, but before I could enter a servant called my name. I saluted as she came toward me.

            “Lady Caitelyn wishes to see you, Soldier Fiatal. As well as three others in your troop. Immediately,” she emphasized the last command. I wondered if my lady had used those exact words upon summoning me.

            The servant entered the barracks without knocking. I could hear her call for Soldiers Fernan, Coro, and Ropert. All three of them looked somewhat annoyed and sleepy as they followed the servant from the barracks. I took the tail.

            As it was so late in the evening the candles had already been blown out in the hallways of the inner-Keep. The servant held a single candle before her as she led us through the winding stairs and corridors. I would not be able to find my way back to the outside without direction.

            She stopped before one of the doors and knocked. The door opened, allowing warm light to spill out into the hallway. I followed the others as they entered the candle-lit room, and felt as lowly as a speck of dirt on fresh fallen snow. Tapestries detailing the beauties and elegance of court covered the walls and stone floor forming a warm and cozy chamber. A spacious, exquisite bed with velvet curtains dominated one of the corners, as tables cluttered with plants, paintings, literature and jewels crowded nearly every other corner. Three chairs, surrounding a single table, sat in the center, each of them cushioned with furs and elaborate pillows. And in the midst of all the jewels and royal finery, sat Lady Caitelyn. She was clothed in a robe of pink silk and flowery lace. Her sleeves hung neatly to her side as she worked on a piece of embroidery before her. Her long dark tresses were filled with large pink blossoms, braids, and ribbons, matching her gown. The entire room held the aroma of roses and honey, which was much less assaulting than the hallways had been.

            “My lady,” the servant began. “I have brought you the Soldiers you requested. Soldier Keatep Fiatal,” as she said my name, I stepped forward and bowed, then saluted, unsure of what I should do.

            “Soldier Fernan Gray,” my bunkmate stepped forward and used the same clumsy gestures I did as he bowed and saluted. His long, black hair had already been undone for the night and fell over his shoulders. He waved his head, so as to push it behind his shoulders as he stood. He didn’t quite succeed.

            “Soldier Valine Coro,” she also stepped forward, but did not salute. She bowed politely and gracefully, obviously having been trained in matters of nobility. Her hair was light brown and curled back. It seemed to be tangled enough that she didn’t need a tie to hold it back.

            “And Soldier Ropert Saded,” the last soldier stepped forward, saluted quickly and bowed, looking much less clumsy than Fernan and I had. He was a big man, built with large rippling muscles that strained his shirt, even his new one that had been fitted to him. His hair was long and blonde, pulled back in a warriors-tail, showing whiskers belonging to three days of not shaving. He was actually a charming man despite his brute-like build.

            “Thank you,” Caitelyn nodded to the servant, and she retreated to a corner. The lady stood, and began circling us, rubbing her fingers against her delicate chin thoughtfully. “Do you know why you are here?” she questioned, but it sounded as if she had an explanation waiting for us. After looking at each other, we shook our heads.

            “Good,” she frowned as she stopped by me. Unexpectedly, she reached up and turned my head to face hers, then turned it to the side as if she were studying my features fiercely. I was surprised as to how strong this shorter, slender woman was. She nodded to herself upon releasing me and returned to her chair and embroidery work. As she worked on a blue patch of forget-me-nots, she began to explain our mission. “You are to escort my niece, Lady Santita to Meldron to represent Lord Adair and myself to the new king. The uncertainties about the raids along this coast do not permit us to leave, even for this occasion. I would like all of you to be prepared to leave before the sun rises. She will be ready as well,” Caitelyn fought with a small knot in her blue thread, then continued.

            “She has taken the liberty of ordering new and presentable clothing for your stay in Meldron. The measurements taken for your new uniforms should have been enough, but as I can see now,” she looked over Soldier Ropert, studying the wrinkles and stretches in his new shirt, “they will have to do.”

            “Forgive me, lady. May I speak?” I asked, bowing slightly. 

            She nodded and I continued. “Why have you chosen us?”

            She smiled and licked her lips. “I’ve been watching all of you for a long time. You have all proven to be the swiftest to learn, the most polite to strangers,” she looked at me, “and most skilled in manners,” at this she turned to look at Soldier Coro. “The courts in Meldron are very dignified and depend on the ranking of regions. I will not have Daram look to be a barbaric area.”

            I nodded as she answered my question to its fullest. Soldier Coro apparently had a few questions of her own.

            “My Lady?” she asked and Caitelyn nodded to her.

            “It seems to me that two of these Soldiers could use a little more training in courtly manners and politeness,” she glanced at Fernan and I. “They seem to be very…  uneducated.”

            Lady Caitelyn nodded. “That is why you are here, Valine. I wish you to train these inexperienced Soldiers the manners of high living on your journey.” She paused and looked at us again. “Any more questions?”

            We shook our heads.

            “Good. I’m tired and I’m sure you are too. Rest while you can. The sun will be up shortly. Oh, you are to meet at the west side of the stables at the first rays of sunlight,” she motioned for the servant to return. “Guide them to the barracks will you?”

            The servant nodded and each of us bowed to our lady before leaving her room of comfort and warmth.