Updated 7/30/24

6

Sarah

[Ages- Sarah 10   David 13   BH 20   J, Sg, Dr, Ga 32   33rd year reign of]

Sarah peeled open her eyes as the morning sun winked from behind a blanket of pink clouds. Ma had already risen and started a fire that crackled, hot coals pulsing under the blackened cookpot. The smell of baked clapbread meant they’d be eating as they rode.

Sarah moaned, rolled over and covered her head with her cloak when she heard Benjamin laughing amidst the bursting pinecones he tossed into the fire. It was always her task to watch him.

It wasn’t that Ma didn’t discipline him, she did. But ever since her husband, Shaun, went to South Fort to trade—and hadn’t return—she’d often ignored Benj, staring off at nothing. As the weeks passed, they had less hope that he was just delayed. There were many hazards on the frontier.

Sarah groaned, feeling guilty. She couldn’t go back to sleep. She rose still wearing her wrinkled homespun clothes from yesterday. “Benjamin,” she whispered. Pointing at a praying mantis that crept up a tall stalk in the brush, she distracted him.

Ma thanked her with a nod.

She, Ma, and four-year-old Benjamin had stayed in Locke Castle many times. This time for three moons attending to two Locke women. The last had given birth a moon ago and was well. They would soon arrive home in Carington.

Ever since the duchess had chosen her adoptive mother, Kennah Decker, to be the family’s midwife, they had been frequent guests at Locke Castle.

Matylda, the old midwife, recommended Ma to her and they had come to an agreement. Kennah would stay for the two moons surrounding the time of confinement of any of the duchess’ sisters, daughters, or nieces, and Sarah would learn to be a lady, to increase her possibilities for a good marriage. But they returned to their village, Carington, at other times.

***

Today when they returned, they were escorted into a parlor.

Sarah thought she’d seen all the rooms. Twinkling chandeliers hung above; crystal vases overflowing with blooms of every color perched on each table; but all the walls closed in on her with expressionless faces of long dead Lockes. All staring at her with beady eyes and bulky jewels.

She stood by her ma when the duchess entered the opulent room. The blue velvet gown was embroidered with bright green leaves that vined up and down from her waist, and gold leaves dripped from her neck. Not her every-day attire.

Sarah gulped. Her heart thumped. She shifted closer to Ma.

Duchess Ellyth Locke was not smiling.

The duchess spoke in frustration, “It’s been two years. You must leave Sarah in Lexandria to keep her mind on learning to become a lady.”

Sarah had never seen the kind and noble lady so stern. Her eyes bore into each of them.

Sarah felt Ma curtsey beside her and rushed to do the same, trembling. “Yes, Your Grace.” Sarah echoed her ma. “Yes, Your Grace.”

“I will speak with Gregory. He has not yet made her his ward, but he will if I encourage him to make a decision. I think it is the only way. Do you agree, Mistress Decker?”

“Yes, Your Grace. It is in alignment with our agreement. Thank you, for the blessings you have bestowed already. For Sarah to be your ward—is beyond words.”

The duchess placed a soft hand on Sarah’s shoulder. “Fetch all your things from your home in Carington. This visit will be your last.”

Now Sarah was ten; the time had come.

Her ma would stay in Lexandria when attending to the Locke women nearing their expected confinement. Otherwise, she would live in Carington. Sarah would remain at Locke Castle.

Sarah bit her lip.

This visit home, she would say goodbye to Ned and all her other friends. This would be the last time Sarah would ever go to Carington.

***

It was five bumpy days. They could have taken the Lexandria-South Fort Road, a smoother thoroughfare. But Ma feared patrols of soldiers, wary of them ever since the debt collections that had caused them to move south years ago.

First, they traveled away from Locke Castle driving the wagon through bustling Lexandria. It was a maze of changing colors, and sounds, and smells, individuals merging into crowds, until the population thinned beyond the low wall surrounding it. Though the path was rugged and the wagon jerked often with creaking joints, the rest of their journey was filled with bird calls and cricket songs.

A patchwork of green and gold squares from scattered farms sprung up on their right, misty in the distance. Shining Mountain remained a stalwart companion on their left. Most days they continued in the shadow of the forest that skirted the high mountain.

Today began with the river crossing. It was too late when they reached it yesterday. Everything would have been heavy and wet through the chill of night. Instead, a bright sunny day dried their clothes in a matter of hours.

The giant twisted oak marked the last turn in the road leading to their cottage. Her face could not hold a bigger smile as they drew close. Sarah planned to visit all her friends and learn all she’d missed while away.

When the wagon stopped beside their home, Sarah poured herself out of the wagon. Her body still felt jostled, even standing on the solid ground.

Ma took the bag of flour into the cottage and soon white smoke drifted from the chimney. She handed Benjamin a bag he could carry, while Sarah brought in their clothes.

As soon as the wagon was unloaded, Sarah ran inside to get her practice sword.

“Take Benjamin with you. I have many visits to make. With so much to do, it will help if he is not underfoot.”

Sarah scowled. “Yes, Ma.” Then turning to the four-year-old, she sighed, cocking her head, she smiled at him. “Come on Benj. You can be the horse.”

Ma handed her a carefully tied bundle, the aroma of warm honey cakes tickled her nose.

“Ney. Ney,” the small boy whinnied as he ran after her.

Ma waved. “Be back by mid-day. There are many things to pack before you move to the castle.”

“I will, Ma,” Sarah said, taking Benjamin’s hand, skipping away, brandishing her wooden sword.

When they passed his cottage, Ned dashed out the door, sword in hand.  He was Sarah’s age. He must have been watching for her. “The tree?”

Sarah nodded, quickening her pace. “Yes, the castle needs our protection, King Ned.”

“Our land must remain free, Sir Sarahad,” he said.

Sarah bowed to him and scampered into the highest branches like a squirrel. From the treetop castle, she was the Knight of J’shua, Sir Sarahad, scanning the horizon from the tower, seeking signs of the approaching horde.

When she saw them, she yelled, her gleaming sword pointing to the heavens. “I’ll protect the people!”

Sarah imagined the door springing open, three ugly hordes-men storming in. Their toothless sneers stretched across pock-marked faces half-hidden by stringy black hair.

“Alas, evildoers. You’ll not harm anyone here. I shall cut you down.” She aimed her sword at the attackers. “Prepare to sleep until you meet the God of Truth.”

The horde growled and lunged. Sir Sarahad danced amongst them with precise strikes and parries. The horde poked their crude spears at her as they retreated in fear. Dealing each of them a last thrust, they fell from the tower with wretched screams. Having vanquished them, the knight lifted the sword again. “Long live the king!”

Ned’s squeaky voice called from the royal garden below. “Sarah, it’s my turn to be the knight. You should be the queen, because Benjamin wants to be the baby, not a horse.”

“Not a horse,” Benjamin declared, “I’m the baby.”

“I’m coming, Ned. Benj, you wanted to be the horse.” Sarah climbed down the tall oak, limb by limb, then hopping from the lowest branch. Her belted tunic flapped as she landed in a squat. She picked up Benjamin and cradled him in her arms, rocking him back and forth.

“Wah!” Benjamin smiled, his tunic already dirty. “I wanna cake.”

“You are one heavy baby.” She set him down and untied the package of honey cakes.

Ned huffed and sat in the grass against the tree, stretching out. “Sarah, let’s go fish in the river.”

She handed him a cake. Then snagging Benjamin, who was about to run off, by his tunic, she gave him a cake too. “I can’t. I have to watch Benjamin until Ma returns. I should go home. I still have chores to finish.”

“Yeah, me too,” Ned said with a frown.

Benjamin turned to them with a toothy grin, his face covered in crumbs.

***

It was time. They’d been home for two moons. Sarah played with Ned every day after chores until the sun touched the horizon and turned the clouds orange and red.

Ma was packing the wagon with a few final items, while she sat against a rain barrel, pouting.

Benjamin kept throwing rocks at the side of the wagon.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

“Stop it, Benj.” Sarah scowled at him, making his lip tremble.

She felt bad, but only looked away, wiping a tear from her cheek. She didn’t want to leave. Ned, the Cofke girls, Edna, and Banda. It had taken a year to get them to talk to her, to even acknowledge she existed. But now they were friends. Not best like Ned, but second best.

It wasn’t too bad when she would be away for a few moons. As soon as she returned, they played as if she’d never been away. But she would be gone for years, maybe forever. She might never see them again.

She sobbed like she had last night until she fell asleep. Snot ran down onto her upper lip. Wiping her face with her sleeve, she had to stop. Crying was for babies. J’shua would be with her.

But she couldn’t.

Sarah felt a tug at her elbow.

“Sawah? Don’t cwy. Please.” Benjamin said with a hitch in his voice. His face was wet with tears too.

She hugged him tight. “I love you, little man.” Her voice hitched too.

They held each other for a long time, until he pushed himself away. “Can we play stones in the wagon?” His big smile, made her laugh and she wiped the last tear away.

“I’m ready,” Ma said. “Let’s mount up while we have the whole day ahead of us.”

“Yes, Ma,” Benjamin replied as he pulled Sarah toward him.

She laughed as she stood and let him drag her to the wagon. She picked him up and set him on a soft pile, then she climbed in.

She was feeling better as they left the yard, until Ned appeared on the road a ways off.

Her face collapsed as she waved goodbye to him. He stood frowning with his wooden sword raised in the air until he disappeared behind the trees.

She loved the village and all her friends, Ned the most. This afternoon he had parried her blows with bold moves and she his. They had danced around the yard in a fierce battle, even jumping from log to log on the woodpile. He was her best friend.

Ma patted her back, but it didn’t help. “You will see him again..” After a long pause Ma said, “I will take him letters and return with what he sends.”

“Oh, would you, ma?” Sarah wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, already thinking of what she could write. He always asked questions about Locke Castle and the town of Lexandria. She would give him a full report of all she experienced. “I will need paper and ink. Do you suppose the duchess would give me some?”

“We will ask as soon as we see her. I expect you to learn much from the Lockes. There will come a day when you will be thankful for this.”

“I suppose,” she said without conviction.

“Let’s talk about your friend, Melyssa. What do you like to do with her?”

Sarah sighed, turning her thoughts to her future. In Lexandria, she had Melyssa.

***

The very night they arrived back at Locke Castle, Ma woke her before dawn. Sarah pulled on her shift in the dark, only one candle held high in Ma’s hand flickered over her things, still in piles on the floor. She rubbed her eyes as she followed the dancing candlelight.

Lady Mysha’s bed chamber was warm and dark, lit with candles all around. Sage and lavender oil filled the air, while the prayer-like low moans of the mother kept time. Each of the women whispered their encouragements as the mother continued the inner work. The child was coming very early.

Matylda toddled about with a dark knobby cane, wearing the deep mahogany-colored shift and muslin apron that all the midwives did. She could no longer crouch and lift as a midwife must, but reassured each of the kinswomen.

Ma had explained to Sarah that the duchess had been content with apprentices that Matylda supervised, but they lacked confidence and that made the duchess nervous. That’s why she chose Kennah to succeed her at Locke Castle.

After many hours Mysha delivered a baby girl. The child came out all red and wrinkled. The babe didn’t cry. She whimpered, but kept breathing. The placenta was white, like cooked fish. Sarah poked it and whispered to her ma, “It feels like leather.”

Her ma nodded, examining it. “That is a good observation, Sarah. It is a miracle of God that the child was born alive. You are a reliable assistant.” Kennah gave her shoulder a squeeze.

Matylda hobbled over, smiling. She patted Sarah’s head and said, “You did fine work tonight. Both of you. I can rest easy. All my girls will be in capable hands, when I am gone.”

Ma gave Matylda a sad smile.

***possible insert new David or Jonathan chapter - 2564

A few weeks later, there was a party to celebrate the new Locke daughter. Sarah watched from a balcony as many relatives from near and far arrived in splendid carriages. After the noble guests descended, colorful servants poured over each coach, removing boxes and bundles conveying them into the castle like ants after a rain.

Within the grand halls, laughter echoed as the duchess welcomed guests to a lavish reception.

Sarah heard ma calling her name. She scampered through the crowds, wide eyed, her heart full of wonder, and stood by her mother’s side, awestruck by the splendor and pageantry. Ladies approached and curtseyed, some dressed in exotic, bright colored silks and others in simple linen shifts. The latter were commoners, like her friends back home, which made her feel more comfortable.

She had difficulty learning the names of all the usual family and staff, so this great influx caused her to give up the mental exercise and enjoy the spectacle before her. Many ladies flocked about her mother, babbling about the difficult birth.

Sarah looked down at her fingernails. Oh, no. She forgot to scrub them after climbing trees in the garden. She held her hands clasped so that the dirt was hidden. As soon as the receiving line finished, she would find water and a brush.

Sarah’s gaze fell upon Melyssa, the duchess’ young daughter, who ambled toward her with a warm smile. Her friend, had light brown hair that curved over her shoulders, and kind blue eyes. Her dress was light blue and was covered with a lacey white apron. She was a vision of grace and always made her feel less homesick.

“Hallo, Sarah!” Melyssa greeted, her voice musical like the tinkling of bells. “Would you like to join me for some tea?”

Sarah’s heart soared at the invitation. She nodded and clapped her hands, her cheeks flushing with excitement as she followed Melyssa to a cozy alcove adorned with plush cushions and delicate lace curtains.

“Melyssa, I need water,” she said as she showed her the dirt under her nails.

“This is easily mended.” Melyssa turned to a servant boy that had followed them. “Bring us water and a nail brush.” Melyssa pointed to a chair beside a table full of rich cakes and colorful fruit.

Sarah sat.

When the boy returned, he bowed and motioned for Sarah to place her hands into the bowl of warm water. He proceeded to take each finger in turn and brush away the dirt with gentle strokes.

To have someone else do this task felt pleasing, but strangely wrong. She pulled her hand away, but with a sheepish glance toward the servant, she said, “I’m sorry.” Self-conscious, her cheeks warm, she looked at Melyssa, “May I do it myself?”

Melyssa nodded and waved the boy away. He backed up several paces to wait for another command.

Sarah took the little brush and scrubbed her fingers with brisk swipes, rinsing them in the water. As soon as she set the brush down, the boy retrieved it and the water bowl, disappearing out the door.

Seated at the small table, Melyssa served Sarah a sweet cake and the boy, reappeared out of nowhere, and poured fragrant tea into a cup. Sarah marveled at the translucent porcelain dishes and shiny silver platters, feeling as though she had stepped into a fairy tale.

Melyssa took a lidded jar and spooned out thick golden honey into her tea, then offered it to Sarah. “Honey?”

“Yes, please,” Sarah said, relaxing under Melyssa’s warm smile.

As they sipped their tea and nibbled on the sweet treats, Sarah and Melyssa told stories and giggled. Their friendship had blossomed over the last two years.

“Sarah, what’s it like in the village?” Melyssa asked, her eyes alight with curiosity.

“Everything is simple and plain, but full of warmth and love,” Sarah replied, her voice soft. “We may not have grand feasts or fancy gowns, but we have each other. That is what matters. We all have many chores to do that fill the time. We often eat meals together outside, when the weather is warm.”

Melyssa listened, with intense interest. Despite their different upbringings, Sarah felt drawn to her gentle spirit and genuine kindness. She told Melyssa of the chickens, each of whom she had named, and Ned, her best friend. He was the one she missed most of all.

“Would you like more tea, Sarah?”

“Yes, please.” Sarah fidgeted in the tall chair, feet tucked behind the spindle between the legs. “This is lovely, Melyssa.” She pressed her palms together. “Thank you for inviting me.”

Melyssa indicated that the boy should pour. “I was so excited when Mother said you were going to live here all the time.”

“At first I was afraid, but having you as a friend makes it easier.”

“I always wanted a sister my age that would play with me, and now it feels like I have one.”

“Me too. I play with Benjamin a lot, but he's a baby. And Ned is my best friend, well, in Carington that is. We pretend he is a king and I am a queen sometimes. Benjamin is always the baby, or a horse. Most often we pretend to be Knights of J'shua and we practice sword fighting. We have a special tree. It’s our castle.”

“That sounds fun. Maybe we can have our own adventures here, in a real castle. There are so many hidden places to discover.”

“I'd love that. And you can teach me more about being a lady. I want to learn everything.”

“Of course. We'll learn together. And you can show me how to be brave like a knight.”

“Oh, yes. We'll have great fun.”

“Definitely. Here, try one of these pink cakes. They're my favorite.”

“Mmm, delicious.”

“Sarah. I'm so glad we're friends.”

“Me too. To friendship and many more tea parties.”

They clinked the teacups together.

“It's nice to have someone to talk to and share things with.”

The afternoon sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the castle grounds, as Sarah and Melyssa promised  they would be friends forever.

***

Ma left, returning to Carington without her.

Lying in her bed, a glorious bed, with fluffy feather mattresses and quilts that felt like rose petals, Sarah bit her trembling lip. She could not remember a time she had ever been away from Ma. Not since—her first ma told her to run and hide—an older boy wearing red put her in a cage—a knight saved her—and then she lived with Ma.

But she remembered a passage of the Writings.

[And we know that all things work together for good to them that love the God of Truth, to them who are called according to his purpose.]

J’shua, that doesn’t mean I will like it. I’m afraid. Help me.

Melyssa knocked on the door with their secret knock, two slow knocks and two rapid ones.

Sarah leaped from the bed, her nightgown dragging across the lush green carpet. She scrunched up her toes against the cold stone floor when she reached the door and flung it open to see Melyssa’s smiling face.

She was a constant companion. They were two peas in a pod, inseparable, doing everything Melyssa had to do. She didn’t mind, for it was great fun. The days were filled with reading books and scrolls about historical events or letters written by famous Lockes. There was a different tutor for each subject. Both she and Melyssa would be tested on every book in their library.

Now that she was settled, she was learning to play the flute, which she slid into the pocket of her cloak. It was smaller than her sword. She could take it anywhere. It was a great comfort when she traveled with the Lockes throughout Lexandria. And the ladies had all taught her to dance. It was wonderful to follow, tripping along with Melyssa as her partner.

She noticed as she learned the Locke family tree, that every noble line contained Locke daughters, so Lockes were everywhere. However, the Lockes had trouble producing boys.

Melyssa was the youngest at ten years old, like Sarah. Her older siblings were each two years apart, Saryssa, Deryca, Rodyn, the youngest boy, Neryssa, Lyrena, and Danyth, the eldest. Rodyn was sixteen. Danyth was twenty-two, the oldest boy and the heir.

Today was Meeting Day, when the duchess taught her how to manage a household. It happened on the first day of every week; the new moon, the first half-moon, the full moon, and the last half-moon. These mornings, every department head in the castle reported. It was very boring.

After breakfast, the duchess left her chair and touched Sarah’s hand as she passed. “Good morning, my dear. Ready for our meeting?”

Sarah curtseyed. “Yes, Your Grace.” Sarah followed her a few steps behind, walk, skip, wait, trying hard to match her elegant gait. All the department heads waited by the door to her office. The cook was first in line.

“Come in, Betess. How goes the kitchen?”

Sarah listened, determined to answer all the duchess’ questions afterward. The kitchen was the best run of all, because the cook had a system. She was strict. Mistakes in the kitchen could cause illness, a fire, or any number of other problems for the whole castle. The cook was always gregarious. Today she said, “The grain I received last week was not dried properly, so it had sprouted, but not to worry, I made cockets with all of it, to not waste it.”

Sarah thought, how clever you are Betess to turn a bad situation into something useful.

She imagined the kitchen as a place of magic, where Betess could turn spoiled grain into delicious treats.

The duchess sighed. “Very well, Betess. That was good thinking. Procure grain from a few new sources, so we’ll have bread while we investigate the problem. Thank you.” She paused for a moment. “Send most of the crackers to the city watch. If that is all, you are dismissed.”

The gardener approached with his floppy wool hat in his hands. His leathery, tanned face held deep furrows over bright blue eyes.

Ellyth gave a warm smiled. “How are you, Joff? Is your leg mended? I don’t see a limp anymore.”

Sarah wanted to ask how he had hurt his leg, but she stopped herself.

“I am whole again, Your Grace. Thank you for asking. I already warned the cook that the beans are flowering already, so to expect an early harvest.” The man glanced at the door to make sure Betess was gone. “She doesn’t like it when she has to change her plans. I told her, I’d very much like to control the growing things, but I haven’t managed it yet.” He let out a nervous chuckle. “I’ve been seeing loopers, you know, inchworms on the cabbage so I was hoping you’d ask the children to help with a green caterpillar picking in the morning.”

He had the hardest job, because so many things affected his chores—storms, heat, drought, and bugs.

The duchess laughed, “Oh, they will enjoy that.” Ellyth winked at Sarah. “We will invite all the cousins, too. Sunrise, Joff? In the North Field?”

“Yes, Your Grace, that will be a good time to start. Thank you.” Joff bowed. When he left, all the lines in his face had relaxed.

Turning to Sarah, the duchess said, “Have you ever picked caterpillars off leaves in the garden?”

“Oh, yes, Your Grace, more times than I can remember. Can Melyssa and I help?”

“Of course. We’ll make it a competition. The children will all have a reward. And those that gather the most, a prize.”

Sarah wondered what the prize might be. I could win it. I am good at catching the little green monsters that eat the kingdoms food.

Next to enter was the housekeeper, Gretchin. “Good morning, Your Grace.” She curtseyed, but didn’t hesitate. “A few blankets were found to be moth eaten. I sent them to the stable. Lyster thought he could use them. We are washing all the others in the cabinet.”

Ellyth nodded. “Good.”

Rocking back and forth from heel to toe, Sarah thought of Lyster draping each horse in a blanket of lace.

Then she started.

She didn’t hear the last thing the housekeeper said.

Stop daydreaming. I have to make my way here.

Gretchin continued, “a maid reported that Rodyn didn’t sleep in his bed two nights ago. You’ll have to watch that one. She thinks he might have a miss he’s seeing in town. I’m just saying what I heard. And I knew you would want to know.”

“Thank you, Gretchin, I do. Whether he’s up to no good or not, I will speak to him.”

“There’s also talk of a romance blooming between Lyster’s stable boy and the new kitchen maid.”

“I will look into that as well.” Ellyth chuckled. “Ah, young love. Let them have their secret for now. But keep an eye on them. Anything else?”

“No, Your Grace.”

“Very well, my dear. Thank you for your diligence. Until next week then.”

Once the others were interviewed, the master of the wardrobe, the steward, the groundskeeper, the duchess asked Sarah what she understood.

She did her best to quote them each or at least say something about what each of them said. Every week it was something different. One time the cook mentioned the quality of the food, or the fruit, another the greens, or the rabbits. It was always something new. Then the gardener talked about weather and bugs. However, the housekeeper was a relief, for she told all the gossip, which was very entertaining and informative. The duchess never scolded her, for it was important to know the undercurrents in her home.

It is much harder to be a noble lady than pretending to be one.

***

[Ages- Sarah 10   David 13   BH 20   J,Sg,Dr, Ga 32   33rd year reign of]

The sun cast its golden rays through the eastern windows of Locke Castle, bathing its ancient walls in a warm glow. Sarah ran down the corridor, her wooden practice sword raised over her head. Melyssa ran two steps behind with a candlestick thrust out before her. Squealing servants careened out of their way as the two girls burst into the great hall with a roar, brandishing their fearsome weapons.

They had fought battles every day to retake the castle from barbarians.

Duke Gregory Locke and his officials looked up in surprise. The duke turned toward the doorway and said with a twinkle in his eye. “Brave warriors of Lexandria, you have saved us! Please go to the kitchen for your reward.”

Sarah thrust her sword in the sash tied around her waist and bowed low. As she rose, she said, “Thank you my lord. You are most gracious. We live to serve.”

Melyssa bounced on her toes. Then she gave a curtsy “Thank you, Father.” Then she handed her candlestick to a porter who frowned and scoured the room with his eyes for a place to put it down.

To a servant, the duke said, “Follow them and give them anything they want.” The duke returned to his discussions.

The two girls looked at each other and took off, the servant huffing to keep up.

Sarah Ch 16

[Ages- Sarah 15   David 18   BH 25   J,Sg,Dr, Ga 37               38th year reign of]

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.

Sarah Ch 24

Locke Estate, Lexandria

Sarah leaned back on her elbows, dangling her feet in the garden pond, the little fishes tickling her toes, while she listened to Melyssa carry on about Kel’shan.

“Kel’shan is so handsome. His dark skin glows and his brown eyes are so deep. When I woke up this morning, I remembered the most beautiful dream. I was surrounded honeysuckle and primrose flowers and Kel’shan was there. I think it means something.”

Sarah giggled. “It means you like Kel’shan.”

Melyssa laughed. “Well, yes, that’s true. But does it mean I will marry him?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. But don’t base a choice like that on a dream alone. Ask J’shua.”

“I will. What do you dream of, Sarah?”

“Well, it is silly. I dream the same dream, but lately I remember more of it. I am carrying a bright sword—”

“Of course, you’d be carrying a sword.” Melyssa chuckled. “Everyone thinks it strange that you wear a wooden sword.”

Sarah laughed. “I know. I don’t care. It’s part of me. I miss it when I can’t wear it. But this is a different kind of sword, a magical sword. It gives off light and the people I stab with it are healed.”

“Healed? Do they jump up on their feet when moments before they were dying?”

“Sometimes. Other times, they stop crying and begin to smile. Do you think such a sword exists? Perhaps I will go on a quest to find this sword. Oh, but I am not alone. I am a queen and my king is beside me. What do you think?”

“You can’t have Kel’shan though.”

“I am not interested in your Kel’shan. I would never do that. I’m not old enough to be a queen yet. I am sure it’s way in the future, who knows how many kings will meet by then.”

The sun had lowered a few more degrees making there shadows grow into the water when they saw a servant approaching. Each girl noticed the other rolled her eyes and burst out laughing as the servant drew close.

The middle-aged servant’s face pinched. “Lady Melyssa, your mother the duchess is seeking you and miss Sarah.”

“What for,” Melyssa asked.

“She didn’t tell me that. It is enough that she calls for you to attend her.”

Melyssa sighed loudly. “Come, Sarah, Let’s go see what new torture she has planned for us.”

[Why? embroidery? Protocol. ]

Sarah Ch 35

[Sarah and Melissa arrive at the wedding, with Sarah and Melissa having swapped places for fun

Kel’shan arrives as the two girls are swapping places

The Lockes don’t know that Kel’shan is going to the wedding]