A storm was brewing. The sky was sheathed silver, the heavy clouds darkening quickly. The ships in the harbor attempted to secure themselves, as those abroad raced for Luardian Fort’s port. The sheer rock face sloped downwards on both sides creating a large bay. The mothering arms of the cove protected those within its fold. The ones without tossed on the waves. A ship, struggling for the harbor, steered far to close to the cliff. With one heave a wave crushed it against the rocks. A bolt of lightening and a clap of thunder marked the moment.
From where she sat, Kai watched everything perfectly; and without emotion. When the ship crashed against the cliff, she sat forward in her seat, gazing down, to discern the macabre in the gloom. If she tried, she imagined she could hear the screams of the men as they drowned in the relentless waters. Kai winced at the thought, before sitting back. Composing herself again, she curled her fingers on the arms of her chair, and watched the rise of the sun. It was just barely visible; a small sliver of red, until it faded behind the grey.
The crash of thunder and lightening marred the noises of the Fort and peaked the colors of her room. Kai stared on with striking, yet dulled, pale lavender eyes. Blinking slowly, she tried hard to remember the gleam of the late afternoon sun as it peeked through the storm clouds, but it disappeared far too quickly for her liking. Without meaning to, she sighed heavily.
Kai stood, drawing the curtains closed. She hesitated. Her fingers were coiled around the draperies. The room was dark. It was preferable to the garish light most mornings brought, but Kai almost missed the sun. Winters had not yet come, but its long fingers could be felt on Luardian Island. It was always dull, in more ways than one.
Maneuvering around the chair she had placed in front of the window, Kai reached for her dresser. The ancient oak opened without a noise. With nothing particular in mind, she pulled a dress off a peg. She felt it. It was satin. One of her black gowns.
The maid’s were accustomed to her lethargic attitude during the colder months; therefore Kai was forced to put her corset on herself. She was as thin as a waif, making it easier to pull the strings and tighten the stiff garment herself. When she pulled it as tight as it would go, Kai tied it off. Pulling her gown on, she smoothed the bodice, fastening it. Tossing her long tresses she stood in the middle of her room. All was quiet.
Returning to her chair, Kai sat. She leaned back tilting her head. Waiting, she picked at the arms of the chair. All was quiet. All was silent. And so began her day; so alike all the others that had preceded it. There was no life for her within the walls of Luardian Fort, or without. Sinking deeper into the cushioned seat, Kai glowered at the curtains. Her eyes began to burn, as she remained unblinking. The fabric wavered, billowing gently. Kai watched it.
The door opened. A young woman entered, lighting the lamps in the room. Kai did not turn to look at the maid.
“Milady,” the girl whispered. She approached the chair. “Lady Tyeda and the others are awaiting you, Your Highness.”
“They can wait.”
The maid hesitated, unsure. She looked to the door, before glancing back at her mistress. Slowly she reached out. “Milady...”
“They can wait, Marie.”
Marie bowed her head. “Yes, milady.” She curtsied, disappearing quickly from the room.
Kai tilted her head completely, almost touching her ear to her shoulder. The patterns in the curtain shifted as it billowed to and fro. She saw a unicorn, a dragon, even a Loro, things she had never seen with her own eyes. They drifted in and out of the curtain. Dropping her eyes she blinked. Her mouth was set in boredom.
“Kai, don’t be insufferable.”
Turning, Kai regarded Tyeda. The fair haired, fair skinned, lady stood in the threshold, one perfect eyebrow raised. She crossed her arms over her chest. “We are waiting.”
“That is no concern of mine,” Kai replied, returning to her former position. “Amuse yourselves as you wish.”
“You are our host, Kai. Besides, you have been up here all morning,” Tyeda said. She approached the younger girl, holding out her hands. When she reached Kai’s side she placed them before her eyes. Kai glanced up at Raid’s cousin with indifference, taking the small fingers in her slender ones. Tyeda let her hold them for a moment, until Kai released them. “We are here for you.”
“I have no need of you,” Kai said. “Leave me.”
Tyeda laughed. She waved aside Kai’s objections. “Come.”
Gesturing toward the younger girl, Tyeda removed herself from Kai’s side. In no hurry, Kai arose, following Tyeda from her rounded, tower room. She stepped down the spiraled stone staircase. Its walls were lined with shelves of books; thin windows peeked through at times, from between the volumes, casting its light onto the musty collection Kai had acquired.
At the bottom there were two doors. One was latched tightly, leading off into the courtyard. The other was a small mahogany door, admitting entrance to Kai’s other chambers. A small sitting room, adjourned with two other smaller rooms. There was another door in the sitting room, also, one which had been boarded up. It led into the depths of the other apartments of Luardian Fort. A place inhabited, yet denied to Kai. She had detested the sight of it, ordering that a tapestry be put in its place. That was the first thing her eyes fell on as she entered the room.
Six young women were immediately on their feet at Kai’s appearance. Tyeda smiled encouragingly to them all, coming just on Kai’s heels. They curtsied, keeping their eyes from her face. Kai passed by them, stopping only once. She tilted her head, studying one girl thoroughly.
“You are still with us?” Kai asked. The girl looked up in alarm. “Did you not find Lord Ravedin to your liking?”
“Yes,” the girl replied. The others in the room giggled, softly. Abashed the girl stammered. “I mean no. I mean...”
With a wave from her waist Kai silenced her. The girl stared down once again. Kai lay down upon the divan, allowing Tyeda to sit on the chair at its head. Resting back, she placed one hand behind her neck. Closing her eyes, Kai shut out the sight of the nobility.
“Please begin, Lady Jydin,” Tyeda whispered.
Jydin opened the book. She struggled to find the appropriate place, before reading aloud. “‘Forsooth, good sir? I had not thought that was so,’ spake Encarla...”
Tyeda’s hands were soothing as she stroked Kai’s hair, and caressed her temples. Kai did not brush the lady’s fingers aside, as she might have down. She let the sound of Jydin’s voice wash over her. She knew the story of Haville and Encarla well. It was one she had read many times before, and Jydin’s voice did not do it justice. Ignoring the reading, Kai allowed herself to drift. But she was not altogether immune to the story. She found herself in sympathy with Encarla, who would never see her lover, Haville, again. Poor Haville was dead on some distant battlefield, and word would not reach her for many years. Kai sighed. The drone of Jydin’s voice pulled her deeper into a lull.
~*~He pushed himself up, toward the air above. When his head broke the surface his nostrils flared, filling his lungs. The water surged around him. With a desperate thrust, he kept himself above it. The chill of the ocean stung him. Off in the distance the sounds of men reached his ears. They were calling, but he did not go toward them. Somewhere in the vast, watery void was his master. And he could not abandon him.
Kicking out he searched frantically for some sign. Holding his head high, he attempted to brave the choppy waters. He pushed on; if his master died there would be no life for him. But the cold was draining his strength.
Suddenly his thrashing ceased. Waiting calmly he let the waves carry him. There was no hope; there was no sign. The waters would carry him where they willed, and he would go. He would go quietly to Ia if She so wished.
A pitiful whine rose above the thunder. A moment passed before another bolt of lightening shattered the sky. By its light he saw her. She struggled as he had. He wanted to call to her, to tell her it was useless, but she was young. She would not have listened. Struggling once again, he forced himself to her. He would not let her die alone. She whined again, calling out to him. When the lightening tore the rift of darkness once again, he saw a hand. It was his master’s hand.
New strength flooded his limbs. She held his master up; his arm was thrown over her back. He dove down, when he reached her side, coming back up under his master’s other arm. Turning his head, he calmed her. Her eyes were wild as she swam with him. Their two bodies made for the shore. He was stronger than her. The life in her was dwindling. He could only soothe her as the island approached.
The men’s voices were louder. Lights were bobbing on the dock, guiding them in. He pressed on, even though she had long since fallen back. He could do nothing for her now. The port was crowded with ships. He passed by the last one, the very edge of the dock was in sight. A porter stood in the rain, holding a lamp for the sailors. Gently he left his master’s side, letting his body drift toward the safety of the harbor; the porter was the first to see him, calling for help.
Slowly he swam back out into open water, searching for her. He kept close to the shore, unsure whether he would find her before his strength gave out. Calling he thrust forward, heading farther out. Her reply set his face back toward land. With his last ounces of vigor he stepped out of the ocean, crawling on his belly to her. She nuzzled him. Settling down, they curled their bodies around each other.
~*~ “Lady Kai?” Tyeda’s insistent voice awakened her. Kai opened her eyes, regarding Tyeda from under long lashes. “You fell asleep,” Tyeda accused.
“Boredom will do that,” Kai replied, her words poisonously sweet. Jydin blushed and bowed her head. “Is the story finished?”
“Yes, milady,” Tyeda said. “Perhaps you should choose another.”
“Let Jydin pick. I grow tired of catering to you,” Kai said. She reclined once again, allowing Tyeda to stroke her forehead. Tyeda nodded gently at Jydin, sending her from the room. When the lady returned, Kai opened her eyes briefly. “What tale is that?”
“Robendon,” Jydin replied.
Disinterested Kai turned away. Tyeda caressed her lady’s skin, giving Jydin a meaningful look. Jydin attempted to straighten her abashed features. Taking her seat once again, she opened the volume. The other ladies watched Jydin’s face carefully, sparing glances at Kai’s smooth countenance.
“The heavens did weep upon the merry earth, soaking the land in tears of soft water.” Jydin paused her reading. Clearing her throat she continued. “In this rain a man lay dying...”
With a cry Kai sat up. Startled Tyeda withdrew her arms, standing as she did. Jydin clutched Robendon in her hands, turning her knuckles white. Grasping at her heart, Kai stared around at the ladies. They watched her fretfully. Looking down Kai studied her hands, and her heaving chest. Under her fingers she could feel her heart racing. She fought to regain her composure, glaring at the others. Her fingers worked at the lace of her bodice.
“Lady?” A girl whispered.
“Leave me be,” Kai replied, standing. The air was hot iron in her lungs.
“Kai? What is wrong?” Tyeda was reaching out to her.
Wide and staring, Kai’s eyes roamed the room. A wild feeling clutched her. It was fear; unbounded and unjustified. Kai met the stares of Tyeda.
A knock startled the ladies in the room. Tyeda nodded to Jydin, before returning her attention to Kai. Jydin left the sitting room, unlatching the heavy door to the courtyard. Tyeda’s attention was riveted on Kai’s face, she could not turn away.
“Lady Tyeda!” Barely turning, she looked. A guard ducked into the room, followed closely by Sir Oddec. “Lady Tyeda, your cousin requests your presence.”
Tyeda was torn. “I cannot leave,” she replied. She waited, face to face with Kai.
“There are too many injured sailors. The physician is overrun. Lord Raid sent me to fetch you.”
Tyeda hesitated.
“Go,” Kai whispered. The spell of her fear was suddenly gone. She glanced scornfully around the room. “All of you. Go!”
Jydin dropped Robendon on her chair, ushering the other ladies from the room. Tyeda stayed a moment. When she finally quit the room, Sir Oddec remained behind. The guard escorted Tyeda from the tower.
“What happened?” Kai asked of her protector. “I saw a ship sink.”
“Nothing is amiss, milady,” Oddec replied, urging her to sit with a gesture. “Everything is as it should be.”
~*~“Bring the lamps!” Raid called. He reached the last of the stone steps, holding out his hand for a lantern. Some one provided him with one, as he strode down the length of the dock. Most of the sailors had made their way into the Great Hall for the warmth and sustenance being provided there in, but a few had remained. They watched the Duke of Luardian as he passed, following after him.
“We pulled him out of the water, milord,” the porter said, as Raid arrived. “I believe him to be dead.”
Raid gave the man a look. “You don’t know?”
“No, milord. I dared not touch him. It was unearthly how he came up out of the water.” A few grumbles of agreement followed the porter’s remark. Raid silenced them with a glance.
Stepping forward Raid held his light high. The shadows were cast back revealing the sprawled form at the edge of the dock. The man’s head was twisted slightly upwards and violently to the side. It was evident that his leg was broken, and most likely his arm. The pallor of his skin was ghastly, but his attire was royal; his clothes were tailored and clean. His eyes were closed, the skin underneath was bruise colored. Raid took in his appearance one more time before lowering his lantern.
“We must move him,” Raid stated.
“Is he dead?”
Signaling to his men, Raid nodded. “It appears so. His neck looks broken.”
A slight whisper of noise froze the men on the dock. The porter looked up into Raid’s face with surprise. Hesitantly, the Duke of Luardian turned round, raising his arm high as he did. Behind him the men craned to look.
The man was looking at them now. His neck was no longer mangled, but set right. It was tilted back. The man’s eyes were open and bright, staring darkly at Raid.
“How in the...?” Raid took a step back.
“Demon...” the porter whispered. The sailors crossed their arms over their chests, looking anywhere but at the man.
With fascination Raid approached. The stranger’s eyes followed him until Raid stood over him. Crouching down, Raid passed a hand over the man’s chest. His heart was beating steadily. However, when Raid placed the lantern dangerously close to his face, the stranger did not flinch.
“How come you here?” Raid asked in a whisper. The man did not reply. Glancing back out to sea, he gestured. “Did you come by boat, sir?” The man stared. “Was yours the ship that sank?” He made him no answer.
Raid took in the man once more. His hair was dark brown, cut short, yet long around his face. The man’s eyes were the same color, standing out against his deathly pale skin. He wore a simple white coat, which was twisted around his calves. The sleeves of his tight tunic were long, for the coat had none, and was deep red. A sash held two thin blades around his waist. Raid reached out as if to touch the swords. The man’s fingers were suddenly around his wrist. Raid drew back in surprise; he had not noticed him move. He looked at Raid.
“Pray tell...where am I?” He whispered.
“Luardian Island,” Raid replied, finally pulling his hand free.
In an even, quiet tone he said, “What a fortunate turn of events. I thought I had drowned.” He glanced at Raid. “For a moment I thought I had gone to Hell.”
~*~Tyeda wiped her brow, straightening. Her dark green gown was now muted by the light brown shift she wore. The stifling heat of the Great Hall was becoming unbearable. The fires and the bodies, long wooden tables laden with food, injured and sleeping men strewn about the floor, caused the sweat to trickle down her back. Tyeda carried her bowl and towel to the front of the hall.
“How goes it, Lady Tyeda?” A woman asked. She dumped the dirty water into a barrel, before filling it again.
“There are too many,” Tyeda replied simply.
Carrying her bowl down the line, Tyeda passed on words of encouragement. Kneeling she washed the face of a dying sailor. His face was sunken with disease. He did not stir as she drew the cloth down his arms and rubbed him down. Bent to her task, she did not mark Raid’s entrance until she stood. Handing her bowl to her attendant, Tyeda stepped through the long hall to Raid’s side.
“Cousin?” Tyeda’s voice was lilted in a soft question.
“Where is the physician?” Raid asked.
Tyeda gestured. “In surgery with a sailor who will surely lose his leg.”
“Then I have a task for you.” Raid turned. He beckoned, and Tyeda followed.
Out of the Great Hall Raid lifted his lantern to illuminate the murky figures waiting on the steps. Four guards stood before their lord. Two held a shade which, although it helped, was not meant to keep the rain off. They shielded the other two. A litter lay at their feet. Tyeda studied the face of the man bundled on the litter. She knelt; the guards with the shade shifted to protect her as well.
“Who is he?” Tyeda lifted the blankets, studying his clothing.
“A noble of some kind. I know not where he came from,” Raid replied. From where she was crouched Tyeda looked up at her cousin. “You must minister to him until the physician can be sent.”
“As you wish.” Tyeda gingerly tucked the blankets back around the man.
Raid handed over his lantern to her. Tyeda’s arm sagged for a moment, before she lifted it higher. Taking his cloak, Raid draped it over her shoulders. “I will send the physician as soon as is possible.”
Tyeda drew the hood of the cloak over her head. She gestured to the guards. “There are vacant chambers in the eastern wing.” Striding down the massive stone steps, Tyeda left behind the sweltering heat of the Great Hall. With a nod from Raid two of the guards lifted the litter, setting the poles on their shoulders; the other two followed with the shade. The jostling of the litter dislodged the man’s left hand. It dangled carelessly over the edge.
~*~ Oddec followed Kai with his eyes. She did not heed his scrutiny, for she was accustomed to it. When she set aside her needlepoint and stood to retire, Oddec rose to his feet as well. He bowed as she passed, then rushed to hold the door open for her. As she passed he caught the scent of her, and like many times before, was struck by her youth and beauty. But, as in those times before, he controlled himself, remaining the impassive protector. Ruegar was no fool. He had trained Oddec extensively, and commanded his loyalty with an iron fist. He trusted Oddec with Kai’s safety, and her honor.
Besides, Kai was young enough to be his daughter. Of course that did not sway Raid’s decision to marry her.
Kai allowed Oddec to trail her up the stairs. She paused at one point to replace Robendon in its place on the shelf. She happened to glance out the small window. Suddenly she leaned forward, grasping the sill with her fingers. Oddec peered over her head.
The gentle bobbing of a lantern passed across the courtyard. Tyeda’s face was illuminated in its ruddy glow. Like pall-bearers four guards accompanied her with a litter as cargo. Dark cloth obscured the body. Kai could just make out an arm dangling over the edge.
“Who is that?” Kai asked.
Oddec paused before answering. “Raid does not know.”
Kai raised her chin. She felt the need to smile slightly. “A stranger.”
“Yes,” Oddec said. “Raid believes him to be a noble of some kind.”
“Truly?” Kai mused. “I would very much like to meet him.” Without another word, Kai turned. She brushed past Oddec, who stared after her in alarm. He did not like the feeling turning in his gut.
~*~ “Lay him down in the bedchamber. And bring some wood,” Tyeda commanded, holding the door open for the guards. They stepped in from the hall. Two hurried off to do her bidding. The others followed her into the antechamber. “In there.” She pointed, dropping her cloak to the floor.
Tyeda twisted her shift in a knot at her knee, glancing around the room as she did. Linen lay over the furniture, and there was nothing but ashes in the fireplace. The snap of cloth and the swirl of dust filled the room as she removed the sheets. The two guards returned with logs for the hearth. Tyeda gave them flint and tinder, before removing herself to the bedchamber.
“How is he?” Tyeda questioned, stepping over the drape that had lain across the bed.
“No change, milady,” one man replied.
Tyeda approached, and they dropped back. She adjusted her skirt, sitting on the edge of the bed. Reaching out, Tyeda ran a hand across his cheek. The man did not stir. Once again she studied his attire. She turned to the guards.
“Find some simple clothing for him,” Tyeda said. One man left. She called the other forward. “Get him out of these clothes. I will return.”
The guard hesitated. Tyeda disappeared, her footsteps fading down the hall. Slowly, he reached forward. He stripped the man of his coat, throwing it over a chair, before stepping back. He did not dare touch the sash that held the sabers. He could only stare, awaiting Tyeda’s return.
“What are you doing?” Tyeda demanded. She held a goblet in her hand. “I told you to remove his wet clothing. It could make him...”
The guard suddenly jerked his head at the bed. “Milady...”
Tyeda turned. The man on the bed was regarding her. His mouth worked soundlessly for a moment. He closed his eyes, before attempting to speak again. “This is different,” he whispered.
“You are within the Fort,” Tyeda said. She sat once again on the edge of the bed. Handing the cup over, Tyeda watched his reaction. The man accepted the goblet, looking into its depths. “Pray tell, who are you?”
The man smiled, but did not answer.
“Please drink. It will help,” Tyeda said. She pressed the goblet closer to him. “Was yours the ship that sank?”
“It was.”
“How come you here?”
“I am a...” The man thought for a moment. “An explorer.”
Tyeda’s brow furrowed in disbelief. Pointing to the sabers she said, “You are well armed.”
“Not all places are welcoming.”
Shrugging Tyeda stood. “We must remove your clothes. You could become ill if you remain in them.”
The man attempted to sit up, spreading his arms wide as he did. The liquid in the goblet sloshed over the edge. “Be my guest,” he said.
“Drink first.”
The man finally complied. He raised the goblet to his lips, taking a long pull. Their eyes locked over the rim. Tyeda shivered and dropped her eyes. Suddenly the goblet crashed to her feet. Smoldering liquid splashed the hem of her dress. She snapped her head up.
“Witch!” The man shouted. Tyeda recoiled, and the guard leapt forward to protect her. “Witch! How dare you? What have you done?”
“It is nothing, sir!” Tyeda assured him. “Nothing. Just a kestia tonic; to help you rest...”
“What have you done?!” He shouted. He was twisting in bed, attempting to grab at her, but his weakness stopped him. “Get out!”
“But...you are unwell...”
“Get out!”
Tyeda gripped the guards arm while backing away. She pulled the guard with her.
“I am sorry...I don’t...”
“Get out!”
They passed the threshold, and Tyeda reached forward, pulling the door shut. She latched it, looking at the faces of the guards.
“Send for Raid,” she whispered.
~*~ A messenger hurried across the courtyard. He passed the guards on duty, making his way up the steps of the Great Hall. Finding Raid just inside, he tapped his lord’s shoulder. “The Lady Tyeda calls for you,” he said.
“I have already sent the physician to her aid,” Raid replied.
“That is not why she calls,” he said.
“What is it now?” Raid hissed. “Is he dead?”
“No, milord.” Uncomfortably he glanced around. “He refuses treatment. And calls your cousin a conniving witch.”
Raid groaned, covering his eyes. “Is he mad?”
The messenger shrugged. “I do not know. He will not let anyone in to see him.”
“Very well. Let us go,” Raid said.
With the messenger in tow, Raid quitted the Great Hall. He passed through the courtyard unnoticed, making it to the eastern wing. As he pushed the door open, to gain entrance, he happened to glance upwards. By the light of a candle, Raid saw Kai’s shadow imposed on the curtain. She flitted into view, then out again. The messenger pressed Raid, and with a glance, he entered the eastern wing.
As Raid passed down the hall, he could not help but feel pride. Luardian Fort had once been just that; a crude wooden fortress. His forefathers had sailed to the island long ago in such of land of their own. But in the time since then Luardian Fort had morphed into a palace. Raid admired the sound of his boots against the floor. Where once was wood and straw, now there was stone and marble. Luardian Island had grown into a profitable province. And Raid was sure, under his rule, it would grow even greater.
“In here, milord,” the messenger whispered, brushing past Raid. He opened the door, bowing as he did.
Raid entered. The linens had been removed from the furniture; they were cast into a corner of the room. A small fire was gaining life in the hearth. The four guards stood in the room, huddled around a small couch. Upon his arrival, they turned. From their midst Tyeda rose, to greet her cousin. The physician also stood.
“I did not know what to do,” Tyeda said, by way of an explanation. “He...”
“What did he say to you?”
“Not much,” Tyeda replied. “His was the ship that sank.” Softly she laughed and whispered, “He claims to be an explorer.”
Raid snorted in disbelief.
“He refused to give his name.”
“He would not answer me on that front, either,” Raid said. He scratched at his cheek thoughtfully. Tyeda glanced between him, and the bedchamber’s door. “How did he seem to you?”
“Distressed,” Tyeda replied.
“Mad?”
Tyeda shook her head. “He seemed in control. Only...” She broke off. Raid had left her side. He was approaching the door. “Raid, please...don’t upset him.”
Raid waved her words aside. She sighed in frustration, moving away. But in the end she went to stand behind her cousin. Raid knocked gently on the door. Pressing his ear to the door, he attempted to discern some noise from within. He could feel Tyeda behind him, her hands rested lightly on his shoulders. Slowly, Raid drew back.
“Perhaps he sleeps,” Tyeda said.
Raid was turning around when the door flew open. The man stood, staring at them, on its threshold. He had devoid himself of his sash and sabers, but remained in his drenched clothing. He and Raid studied each other, for what seemed like an eternity to Tyeda. Finally, the man spoke.
“You are Duke Raid, lord of the Luardian province, are you not?” He asked.
“I am,” Raid replied.
The man glanced him over. “I beg for asylum within these walls.”
“From what do you seek protection?”
He ignored Raid’s inquiry. “I hope that this Fort is as secure as I was led to believe.”
“It is,” Raid replied, with a defensive tone.
“Very good.”
“I have revealed myself,” Raid said. He shook his head. “No. Rather, you have revealed me, yourself. Yet, I do not know you.”
The man smiled. It was slow, growing across his face like a sunrise. “You shall know me soon enough, Lord Raid.” And with that he shut and bolted the door.
There was stunned silence in the room for a moment. Raid turned, meeting Tyeda’s eyes.
“So...” She whispered. “What do we do with him?”
~*~ Raid was preparing to retire when Oddec was admitted into his chambers. The two men greeted each other as comrades. Raid offered the knight a drink, but he declined. “What brings you hear, Oddec?”
“Kai.”
Raid whirled suddenly. “Is she...?”
Oddec held up a staying hand. “No need to worry. Nothing is amiss,” he said. “Although her mood troubles me.”
“How so?”
“She is...happier.”
Raid smiled. “That troubles you?”
Oddec shrugged. “It is unusual for her. Her mind is often closed to me, and all I see is her brooding demeanor. But, the coming of this man has...upset her.”
Raid sat, goblet in hand, to regard the knight. Taking a drink allowed him to ponder for a moment. “His coming is a wonder to all of us.”
“Then you have discerned nothing new from him?’
Placing the cup gently down on the table, Raid let his fingertips trace the rim. He watched his own movements. “He seeks asylum. Beyond that, I know nothing,” Raid said. “His mannerisms are strange. His speech is foreign, yet familiar. I cannot place it.”
“I wish more was known of him,” Oddec said. “It troubles me.”
“Do not fret. With time...”
“I don’t have time.”
Raid frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Kai wishes to meet him.”
“No.” Raid was incredulous. “No!” He stated again.
“I am afraid that is not your decision to make,” Oddec replied.
Standing, Raid approached the fireplace. He turned. Pointing to himself, he said, “I will be her husband soon. She will be governed by me in this.”
“Ruegar spoils her. She will have her way.”
“I must protect her.”
Oddec rose. “As you say, you will be her husband,” he said. “But not yet. Her protection is my concern.” He turned to go. “I will not extend her invitation until tomorrow. Perhaps you may speak with her before then.” Bowing deeply, he left.
Raid took up his glass once again. Tipping his head, he took a long drink. The wine was sour, as were his thoughts. With an angry thrust, Raid cast the glass in the fire. The goblet shattered as it hit the stones of the hearth. Raid leaned against the mantle, his thumb rubbing his forehead gently.
~*~Kai awoke before dawn, unusual for her during the colder months. Calling for Marie, she chose her gown with special care. The gown was white satin, trimmed with silver thread in the design of vines. The neckline was low, a sharp plunge from what she usually wore. Kai held onto her bedpost as Marie pulled the strings of the corset. It was no trouble for the maid, but her mistress insisted that she tug as hard as possible. When the dress was set, Marie laced Kai’s hair in pearls.
“Shall I stoke the fire in the sitting room?” Marie asked, stepping back.
“Yes,” Kai replied. She sat, gazing at herself in the mirror. “Have it ready when I come down.”
Marie curtsied. She exited the room, passing Oddec on the stairs. Kai smiled at her knight in the mirror. Turning, she stood. “Have you seen him?”
“Not yet, milady.”
“What detains you?” Kai asked.
“Lord Raid requires speech with you,” Oddec replied.
Kai hesitated. Returning to her seat, she rested her chin in her hand. Oddec stood behind her. Kai examined the picture of her and her knight in the mirror. He stood with his hands behind his back, ever the picture of perfect poise. Her own face was striking, she knew it. She traced her cheekbones with her fingers.
“What shall I tell him?” Oddec pressed.
“I will meet him,” Kai replied. She sighed. Oddec disappeared, like Marie, through the door.
Smoothing her gown, Kai lifted her chin. She traced her alabaster skin with a finger, before taking a breath. She lifted her skirts, walking down the steps of her tower. Storm clouds still obscured the dawn, casting the winding stair in darkness. At the bottom a candle, set in a niche, illuminated Oddec. He opened the door to her study. Raid waited inside. He stood, approaching her as he did. Taking her hands, he pulled her close, touching his cheek to hers in a familiar gesture. Kai’s smile faded shortly. When he pulled away, she tilted her head.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?” Kai asked, taking a seat on her divan.
“I have not seen you in many weeks.”
Kai carelessly flicked her head. “That was not so uncommon before we became betrothed.” She allowed Raid to sit alongside her. “In truth, before you went to my father as a suitor, I believe I only saw you once.” Kai laughed. “I was too small to remember the event.”
“I came to exchange words with you,” Raid replied, taking one of her hands.
Kai drew it away. “More likely a kiss. Whether chaste or not,” she said, denying his assertion. “But that I will not give...until I am wed.”
Raid attempted to laugh her words away. He stood, glancing at her as he paced the room. “You read too many tales.”
“What else is there to do for a lady such as me?”
“Pray.”
“To whom? Ia?” Kai’s face twisted. Raid did not see it. “She scorns me.”
Raid ignored her blasphemous words. He had never been a religious man, and her words stirred no indignation in him. “You are in a foul mood.”
Kai stared at Raid for a moment. Glancing away she chose not to temper her words. “You have interrupted my plans.”
Raid gripped the back of a chair. “I know of your plans, Kai,” he said. “Do not meet with this stranger.”
“But he interests me, Raid,” Kai replied. “And as I said, what else is there to do?”
“Kai...” Raid began.
“No.” Kai stood. “When you are my husband, then you can govern me. But not before.” She glared at him, before sinking back down. “Now...leave me. I have a headache.”
~*~“Where is he, Marie?”
“He comes anon, milady,” Marie replied.
Adjusting her skirt, Kai dismissed Marie. The maid scurried from the room, giving Oddec a worried look as she did. The knight stood with the door open, watching the man stride across the courtyard. His walk was so self assured. Oddec found himself hating him.
“I was called for,” he said, upon arriving.
“Milady is waiting.” Oddec stood aside.
The man passed him, looking Oddec in the eyes. He glanced around him, taking in the stone and tapestries. The door to the sitting room was open; he could make out Kai’s reclined form. When he entered, she stood. Oddec closed the door softly.
He bowed. “You called for me, milady.”
“Your presence has created a stir.”
“I have not been here long enough for that.”
Kai smiled. “We are reclusive here in Luardian. Any small disturbance creates large ripples,” she said. “No one knows anything about you. I know nothing about you.”
Smiling, the man closed in on her. “But I know of you.”
“Really?” Her voice dared him. “What do you know?”
“Ruegar is not your real father. You do not love Raid, yet you will marry him.” Kai’s smile disappeared, her skin became paler. “I know that you have contemplated your own death.” He raised his hand above his head, imitating a lofty perch. “It is a long plunge into the sea.”
“How do you...” Kai felt a flush creep into her face. She touched her hands to her cheeks. She fell back on the divan, her hands slipping from her face. When she looked up the man stood before her. He took her hands in his.
“It is good to make your acquaintance, Lady Kai,” he said. “I am Migele Kuel’Tusa.”
