Part 8

Updated 8/25/24

Chapter 15

David

After a moon of torture, David was preparing for his escape. He threw back the thick fur with a huff. The bear hide covering the doorway had kept in the warmth of the council hut. The Mestel Chief, Draven Bjorn, and the seven other chieftains had talked on and on for weeks, each one proclaiming their complaints and solutions for the attacks along their border with Freislicht. David wasn’t sure if he’d convinced them to heed Daikon Crispus.

Most auspicious Fathers,

The responsibility to govern has been given to mankind. It is within your power to punish those who attack you. I beg you to restraint yourselves. Lest you find yourselves a tool of the Serpent. Convene with the other fathers of the Mestel clans to share your wisdom and knowledge and flow as one river.

[Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors, they are established.]

[For by wise counsel you shall make your war: and in multitude of counselors there is safety.]

Daikon Crispus

David’s fellow knights, Kanden, and Martuk, would meet him at the Border Inn before returning to the school. Kanden had taken the invitation to this meeting north and Martuk, south. David remained to pray and prepare for each leader’s arrival. This was the last clan meeting he would facilitate. They

The chiefs had been arguing for hours. Some urged for war. Others offered alternative ways to answer each offense from David’s countrymen. The young knight considered all their words as their hard eyes studied him. He must give a full report to Daikon Crispus when he returned to Shining Mountain.

My first mission. Words and more words, the same words, and so much sitting. Complete torture.

***

After many weeks of travel and drawn-out councils like this all along the border, David was finally back in the western hills of Freislicht. His heart ached as he descended the hill, approaching a cluster of hastily built lean-tos. Underdressed children played with rocks. Old women carried bundles of roots and herbs to a boiling kettle. In the midst of a crowd of gray and disheveled refugees, settlers of the western-most borderlands, one woman stood in a bright green shawl, handing out thick blankets.

Now close enough to see her better, he watched, nudging his horse into a trot. She brushed away hair from an old woman’s face and pointed to another dishing out soup into tin cups. The long ragged line snaked through the hovels.

To answer the rumors of Mestel raids some nobles had sent soldiers. But the Mestels, a resilient and migratory people, merely withdrew into the woods and moved up into the forest of their highlands. But when some of their clans did retaliate, it was the common folk of Freislicht that were attacked, not the high-minded nobles.

A large troop, at least fifty soldiers, came down from the northern ridges, most likely from Mestelina. Their Captain arrived ahead of them. He dismounted and pushed through the disheveled women and children. David sensed this would bring trouble. He dropped lightly to the ground and led his horse, determined to remain non-threatening.

“Feed my men, woman,” the captain demanded. “We’ve had a hard ride and fought more than one battle.”

“Yes, sir, J’shua will provide, have your men join the queue.”

The soldiers dismounted, grumbling and shouting as they hobbled horses, and adjusted their weapons.

“No, my men will eat now.”

With hands on her hips, this fascinating girl – for David could now see that she was young – stood face to face with the squat captain as she pointed to the unfortunates behind her. “Some of these have had no food for weeks. Please sir, your soldiers are well-dressed and, it seems, well-fed. Perhaps they could help dispense—”

The soldier pulled his sword, pointing it at her. Every refugee distanced themselves from the threat, creating a circle around her like an opening flower. She went down on her knees, then touched the blade with her praying hands.

David walked briskly toward her, praying in the spirit. With no thought of what he’d do or say, he began, “Good day, Captain. Welcome back to Freislicht. We’d gladly offer this vegetable pottage, but it is very thin and not the sort of fare you’re used to.” He forced a smile to his face, continuing cheerily, “I passed the Border Inn only a mile south of here. The aroma of hearty mutton and sweet potatoes made my stomach growl. If I had not been in such a hurry, I would have certainly eaten there.”

The officer retracted the sword and studied David, who continued, “They have adequate staff to meet your needs quickly. I have at times seen soldiers encamped near it, with their officers housed in its ample rooms upstairs.”

“Thank you, young man, for the recommendation. We were forced to return to resupply.”

“They also have a store. Perhaps they’ll have what you need.”

Eying his navy-blue cloak and the sword on his hip, the officer asked as he scanned the surroundings, probably for more potential combatants.

“You are a Knight of J’shua?”

David bowed. “Yes, sir.”

“Are you with them?”

“Yes, sir, I’ve just arrived to help.” David remained still, seeking to avoid violence.

The scowling captain’s eyes flicked to David’s sheathed sword, then he muttered, “Good day to you.” Replacing his blade, the captain turned, then signaled his lieutenant. “We ride south to where there’s food fit for us.” With more grumbling and complaints, the men remounted and rode away.

The maid looked up, tears in her eyes. “The God of Truth bless you, sir.” She inhaled a shaky breath. “My name is Cynthia Gardonet.”

His gaze lingered on her light brown hair and eyes that sparked with apprehension and curiosity. “My name is David.” He almost never added his last name because mentioning it brought his notorious father to mind along with a variety of reactions, much to the consternation of both. “I seek refuge for the night. Would I be welcome?”

The others in her group drew closer. An older man with a weathered face and a solemn demeanor, stepped forward, having returned from the forest with an armful of firewood. “Hail, traveler,” he called out, his voice carrying the weight of authority. “Thank you for interceding for my daughter.” The man smiled fondly at the maiden. “What brings a young Knight of J’shua here?”

“I am returning from my first mission into Mestelina.”

Cynthia gasped. “Your first mission was into Mestelina. Alone?” Her eyes went wide and then she looked down. “Forgive me sir. I overstep.”

David chuckled. “Not at all. It would be crazy if the rumors were true. But the knights have long traveled in Mestelina. For some of us, it is safer than Freislicht.” He thought of his father.

“Oh. According to that officer, there is much fighting.” She glanced at her father.

“I heard him as I came out of the woods,” he assured her.

“Only if they had attacked a Mestel clan. The clans will defend themselves.”

Her father smirked, showing his agreement with the sentiment.

David twisted his foot in the dirt, looking for his next words. “I heard that refugees were gathered nearby. I thought it prudent to pay my respects and seek respite from the road.”

The older man nodded. “You are welcome to share our camp,” he said, gesturing toward those  warming their hands before a dancing fire. “I am Gregan Gardonet, and these are my companions.” He pointed to the two men that had just dropped more wood near the fire. “And this is my daughter, Cynthia.” He pointed to the young woman, who blushed and looked up at David from under her lashes as her father gave her a stern look.

David bowed. “I am David Otual.” He wasn’t sure why he told him his surname but the man did not react.

“Thank you for interceding with the soldiers. You handled that skillfully. My daughter can be a bit dramatic at times. But J’shua has always blessed her actions. Join us for supper. We have provisions enough.”

“I would be honored,” David replied, his voice carrying relief for he was weary. As he followed Gregan towards the campfire, his eyes briefly met Cynthia’s once more. His breath caught. In that fleeting moment, a warmth passed between them.

Gregan cleared his throat. “We were sent by our lord, the Duke of Lexandria to bring provisions to the refugees. And if I find any of his nieces, I am to bring them home if they wish it.”

“His nieces?”

“Young people.” Gregan shrugged. “Three of his sister’s daughters have married and settled in the borderlands. Their husbands are untitled, so they sought the deeds the king has offered for settling here. But since so many have been uprooted from their homes, we don’t know where to find them.”

Chapter 16

Sarah

The giant twisted oak came into view. “Beat you, Benj!” she yelled as she spurred the mare.

“No you won’t!” Her nine-year-old foster brother, Benjamin, kicked his horse but shot into the forest. He was bound to win, taking the shortcut. Benjamin had been here only three moons ago, because he always traveled back and forth with Ma between Locke Castle and Carington. The village was their home ever since they had escaped the debt collections, but Sarah lived in Lexandria now, being schooled in the ways of nobles as part of the agreement Ma made with the Lockes.

An old woman, Ned’s mother, rushed beside a tree as Sarah raced past. “Hallo, Mother Garvey. It’s good to see you,” she said with a wave.

Benjamin was sitting on the stoop grinning when she rode up.

“I suppose you won.” Sarah sat next to him waiting for Ma who drove the wagon with all their baggage. As it clattered into the yard, she asked him, “Would you help me unload?”

Benjamin grabbed a box as soon as Ma stopped. Together they finished in an hour, everything stowed in precisely the right places. He seemed very grown up, as he elbowed the door, carrying the last sack of lentils over his shoulder.

After the midday meal, Ma handed her a bundle of spring tonic herbs. “Take these to Mother Garvey and say hallo to Ned.”

“Thank you Ma!” She grabbed her wooden practice sword as she ran out the door.

It had been five years since she saw Ned last. Her fingers twisted the sleeve of her simple pale green dress. She hadn’t worn breeches in Lexandria—very unladylike—and none of her old clothes she’d left at home fit her. Her excitement grew as memories flooded back while she walked the familiar path.

In the distance, she spotted a tall boy chopping wood in the yard.

Who would Mother Garvey have hired to help her? Why wasn’t Ned doing it?

She sucked in a breath as she realized and her eyes took in the sight of him. Ned had changed. He was a man now. A lock of his long brown hair hid his face, having fallen out of the tail he wore it in. When he brushed it behind his ear, she saw his features were sharper, but still soft. He took another swing with the axe and the split logs hit the ground. He bent to toss them in his pile.

“Ned?”

He turned, a slight nervousness and a question formed in his eyes as he saw her. Then his expression lit up with recognition, but uncertainty flickered.

“Sarah—Is it really you?”

“Yes, it’s me. I’ve returned.” She glanced at her fingers, rubbing the fabric of her sleeve.

An awkward silence grew as they stared at each other taking in all the changes.

“It’s been—five years, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, it has.” Ned cocked his head a bit. “You look—different.”

“So do you. You’re taller, taller than I and—grown-up.”

Ned lowered his head, scratching the back of his neck. “Uh, thanks. You look—beautiful.”

Sarah’s cheeks flushed at the unexpected compliment. “Th-thank you, Ned.”

Another awkward pause fell between them, sounds of village life warbled in the distance.

“So—how was Lexandria? I bet you saw amazing things.”

“I did. One time a man brought a monkey that did tricks.”

“That sounds—exciting.”

They exchanged shy glances, the tension easing slightly.

“It was. But I missed this place. Missed home.”

Ned nodded, his lips quirked.

“We missed you too. I mean, I missed you.”

Sarah’s heart skipped a beat at his admission, her eyes crinkled at the corners. “I missed you too, Ned.”

Their gazes lingered, unsure how to bridge the space between them.

“My ma sent this bundle for your mother…and I brought my sword.” Her lips upturned as she lifted the small wooden blade. “Have you been practicing while I was away?”

“Of course. Have you?”

“I did not have a good sparring partner in Locke Castle. And they kept me in dresses. You may best me yet.”

He struck the axe into the waiting log and ran into the cottage. When he returned he carried his practice sword, but also a metal sword in a leather sheath. “My da gave this too me after you left. Isn’t it fine?” He drew the blade out.

Sarah ran up to touch it. “It is wonderful. May I hold it?”

“Sure.” Ned handed her the sword.

“It’s heavy.” Sarah swung it in a figure eight. I would need a moon to gain the strength to wield this. Would you show me your practice routine?

“It is my pleasure.”

Sarah beamed with pride as Ned danced with the sword, crouching and lunging just as she had taught him years ago, when they first met. Just as her real da had taught her.

When he came to the end, he bowed. She clapped her hands. “That was beautiful. I hope to have a real sword as well someday.”

“You will.” Ned laid down the sheathed sword and picked up the wooden one, tapping it against his palm. “Now, let’s see who wins this time.”

Sarah smiled, swirling her sword in the air. After a few test lunges, she rushed in, attacking like a hornet. Ned blocked every strike, returning very ably with clever blows. Though she parried each, she felt them jounce up her arms. He had grown very strong. She circled around him, squeezing the sword tighter.

He charged. His barrage was terrifying and fast. With the last strike, her sword flung to the ground.

Her chest heaved with each breath as she picked it up. Ned was barely sweating. With a bow she said, “Clearly, you are the better swordsman now. I best find a real sword soon and practice to regain my lost ground.” She sat on a log.

“Sarah, you taught me all I know.” Ned sat on another.

“Yes, well, we must find a better teacher. Have you seen Lyster, the manager of the hunting lodge, much?”

“Every so often. But we haven’t really spoken more than to say hallo. He has been here for a moon now.”

She nodded. “I’ve seen him often at Locke Castle when I go riding. He seems a friend. I’ll ask him if any of his men know the sword and would enjoy sparring with us.”

Ned’s eyes lit up. “That would be great!” He moved to hug her, but hesitated, putting a hand on her shoulder instead. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Me too.” Sarah rubbed her palms together. She didn’t understand why it had grown uncomfortable again. “Well, I must get back.”

“Oh, already?” Ned glanced down. “Well, I should finish the woodpile too.”

She turned to go.

“Sarah…will you be at the community dinner at weeks end?”

Sarah grinned. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss it.”

Ned smiled back. “Good. I’ll look for you.”

***

Sarah’s eyes popped open. Horse hooves. Tonight was the night.

She had come home with Ma this trip, because there was a Locke baby coming at the hunting lodge.

Bradley Locke, the duke’s brother, rode up so fast and loud that Ma was at the door before he could dismount. Everyone knew what a night visit meant.

Sarah ran to her horse, secured her Ma’s pouch of remedies with the other things they took to every birth, and mounted. She was finally tall enough. She sat relaxed in the saddle, waiting for him to lead.

Though Ma returned to Carington regularly, Sarah joined her this time, only because one of the duke’s daughters, Lorena, who lived in the western borderlands, was staying at the hunting lodge, at her father’s insistence, until the birth. Gregory Locke expressed worry that Kennah wouldn’t make it in time. It was a two- or three-day ride to his daughter’s home in the wilderness. So he’d begged Lorena to move into the lodge, which was only a few miles from the Decker shanty. That way Ma would be close enough to assist at her birth.

Sarah attended every Locke birth. They all trusted her after many years of helping the midwives. Ma had taught her herbs and roots and explained all the maneuvers to help when a birth was impeded. Although she never called her New Ma anymore, she made herself think it to remember she had a real ma and da out there somewhere. They were on a quest and would find her someday. She trusted J’shua that they would.

“Don’t worry, Bradley,” Ma said, sitting tall in the saddle, eyeing the nervous uncle beside her. “We’ll make it. First babies always take longer, and your niece is a strong girl.”

“I know, Mother Decker. But you know how Gregory gets with anything involving his daughters,” Bradley said.

“I’ve seen your brother fret.” Ma turned to Sarah. “Do we have skullcap and jasmine oil?”

“Yes, Ma. We have everything we need.” She was eager to be going to another birth. The earthy smells, the red wriggly babies, and the way each momma nursed their new little one. She could stay awake forever. Best of all, everyone admired Ma. They even showed Sarah a bit of respect since she was Ma’s assistant.

After an hour’s ride, the big house appeared, the biggest for miles around. She remembered seeing it for the first-time years ago. Compared to anything in her humble village, or almost anywhere else, it was a grand estate.

As they approached, the duke was pacing on the porch.

“All’s well, Your Grace,” Kennah said. “We’re here.”

“Yes, yes, I know.” He waved them inside. “Don’t waste time soothing me.”

Sarah gave a curtsey, and the duke chuckled as Sarah hurried to follow her ma.

The deep moans of advanced labor met them when they entered. The birth was close. Lyrena swayed in her husband’s arms from the power of the surge.

Sarah closed the door quietly, gave her ma one bag, and then set out the herbs and oils from the other.

A few hours later, The sounds of Lyrena’s travail stopped. The cry of a newborn child pierced the air.

They sent riders to announce the joy far and wide, for it was a boy. Gregory’s other daughters had only borne girls. Sarah hurried about to stoke the fire and bring the new momma a plate of food.

Hours later, Duke Gregory gave her a nod of thanks as they were leaving.

As the horizon glowed softly with the rising sun, Sarah smiled sleepily all the way home.

***

The sun hung low in the sky, casting its golden glow over the rolling hills. A vibrant tapestry of wildflowers bloomed at the edge of the village commons. The ladies’ favorite dishes overflowed the familiar long table. The other villagers milled about from one group to another, enjoying the peace and fellowship. Laughter mingled with the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze.

Sarah wore the plainest shift she had, not wanting to stand out. She wasn’t trying to hide her good fortune, but she didn’t want to feel the distance that she’d felt earlier, talking with Ned. She hadn’t thought she had changed, but clearly, they both had. Tonight, she wanted to just be home. Be normal.

Ned was standing with two other boys talking. One pointed at her and gave Ned a shove. They all laughed.

A rush of embarrassment ran through her and she glanced down, but kept walking toward him.

Ned turned, a grin spreading across his face as he strode toward her. His piercing brown eyes must see right through her. “You came.”

Her heart, pounding with excitement, Sarah probed all the changes in his face looking for the old friend she was so comfortable with. Then she hugged him tightly and sighed with relief. It wasn’t awkward. “Of course.”

She spread a blanket beneath the shade of a small tree and sat gazing up at him. His eyes flitted over her until he blinked suddenly. The aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted meats filled the air as the women took off all the lids. “I will make us plates. Wait here.” He dashed off.

He returned shortly with two plates brimming with all her favorites.

“This is wonderful, Ned. I don’t know if I can eat all this.” she said with a laugh. “Thank you.”

He handed one to her and they both set to the task of eating. They spoke of people and events during the time that passed while she was away. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, memories of their shared childhood flooding back as they reminisced together. The sun was setting when Kennah approached them, Benjamin trotting behind her.

“Hello Ned. It’s good to see you.”

He stood and gave a bow. “It is good to see you too, Mother Decker.”

Kennah smiled and continued walking. “We need to be getting home, Sarah. Say your goodnights.”

“I’ll be along right away, Ma.”

Ned gave her his hand to help her up. When they folded the blanket, their hands touched.

“There’s something I’ve been making for you. I prayed I would see you again.

Sarah tilted her head in curiosity as Ned retrieved a small, finely crafted wooden box from his pocket and placed it in her hands, his cheeks blushed. “Open it.”

Her fingers trembled slightly as she lifted the lid of the box, revealing a delicate wooden flower, intricately carved with astonishing detail. Its petals capturing the essence of nature’s beauty. “Ned, it’s breathtaking. How did you—?”

“Do you like it? I carved it while guarding the sheep. I wanted it to be perfect, like you.”

Sarah’s heart overflowed as she gazed at the gift, a lump forming in her throat.

“Thank you, Ned. This means more to me than you’ll ever know.”

“Let me walk you home.” He took her hand in his and they slowly made their way to the Decker cottage.