Dare to Defy (9 page)

Baldric shook his head and removed a roll from his saddlebag. He took out a small jar and removed the lid. “Bend over onto your stomach and remove your clothing. I will apply this salve to your bruises this one time. After this, however, you either petition the gods for help or you suffer in silence.”

“I am not intending on this happening again, thank you!” Daynel snapped, “and I can apply my own salve.”

“Yes, but do you know the enchantment that comes with it?”

“No, of course not. Damn you to hell, Baldric!” Daynel stomped her foot, yelping as another sharp switching sensation landed across her rump. “Will you please stop that!” she yelled to the skies. Glaring at Baldric and the amused look on his face, Daynel reluctantly leaned against Firestar and slowly lowered her cotton drawers to expose her well-spanked backside to her chuckling guide. He withheld his comments as he gently rubbed the stinging ointment over the angry welts, chanting Runes as his hand gently massaged the potion into her skin. Daynel whimpered painfully at first, gripping the horse’s mane in her fingers as she fought not to slide away from the gentle ministrations.

Baldric tsked sympathetically, trying to focus on his task and not the rounded, firm curves under his callused hand. He fought back the ache in his groin as he tended to her needs, working the liniment deeply into her flesh and singing the chant for healing. Daynel felt the pain slowly ease from her body, leaving behind a deep, throbbing ache. She blushed as he slid her cotton underclothes up and over her hips, reaching around her to tighten the silk strings. On impulse, he hugged her tightly.

Daynel burst into tears, suddenly missing her brother, Ilesbet, and home. She turned and buried her face into Baldric’s shoulder, her tears quickly soaking through the linen cloth. He pressed her head to his chest and began to stroke her back lovingly as he lifted fervent prayers to the gods. The trees huddled in hushed silence around them, offering comfort in the secure protection of the small grove. After kissing both cheeks, Baldric lifted her chin to face him.

“Are you ready to go?” he asked with gentleness.

“Yes. Thank you. And,” she glanced down for a moment, “I’m truly sorry for causing you so much grief. I will mend my ways. I give you my word.”

“My purpose is to guide you east where you might be safe, and to care for you on the journey. Your choice to follow my direction is no longer my responsibility. The gods guide me and should you decide not to heed me, the gods shall discipline you. Onto your horse, young princess. We have many hours to travel yet.”

Wordlessly, Daynel sighed, pulling on her riding leathers with only a slight grimace. She tapped Firestar’s flank and waited as the animal lowered his huge body to ground to allow her to mount him. Once settled, she touched his neck and held her breath in suspense as he raised himself.

“Is the salve working?” Baldric asked, eyeing her facial expressions.

“It is. Better than I would have believed. I thank you again. Baldric?” Daynel turned to glance at the slender man riding next to her left knee. “This priest…the man in my dream. Does he have a name?”

“He is called Draiken. His given name was given as a sacrifice by fire on his Acceptance Day. No man knows from where he has come, or where he resides.”

“Draiken? Does that mean The Charmed One?”

“Indeed, it does. And his is a charm that protects the dragon magic.”

“I do not believe in magic, Baldric. Ah…” she raised her hand to prevent him from arguing, “you are a very effective healer and my sit-upon most greatly appreciates your skill. The rest…they are merely dreams. Dreams so powerful that they caused me pain, but dreams nonetheless.”

“Princess, surely you must…”

“The gods are not magic, Baldric. They are gods. Yes, I will admit to believing that they exist and hold some sort of power, but you must also be reasonable. Would gods that hold true magic and all power require the assistance of the measly worms of this world to do their bidding?”

“You do not understand. The gods take pleasure in helping their followers reach full potential of being.”

“And those who do not follow? Are they considered disposable? Or simply obstacles to overcome in order to prove one’s faith? Please! Do not look so abashed, my friend! A god who is secure in power and position would take no offense to my questions. Rather, that same god would seek to show itself as being true.”

“You speak blasphemy, Princess. One does not question the ways of the gods.”

“This one will,” Daynel said firmly. “If the gods wish me to serve as their priestess one day, then they must be willing to prove themselves worthy of my service.”

Baldric gasped, stunned by her fearless comment. He was equally surprised when he did not hear the yelp from the gods’ discipline. Could she be correct? Were the gods unbothered if they were questioned? Satisfied with her companion’s silence, Daynel rode on with a small smile upon her face. A smile that was forced as every movement of the beast beneath her reminded her of the gods’ power and control. How long would they tolerate her defiance, she wondered?

The ensuing three days were spent primarily in hushed contemplation. Baldric disappeared into the woods every evening for prayer while Daynel hunted for food for their fire. Her dream of Draiken had not recurred, leaving her feeling both relieved and emptied of his undeniable presence. The void left inside her heart caused a deep ache, making no reasonable sense to anyone outside of the spirit world; and each night as she closed her eyes, she wondered if the priest would again make his appearance to her and fill her with pleasure.

True to her word, she offered Baldric no resistance and conducted herself with dignity and grace when they were together. Her behavior raised the guide’s suspicions, yet he could not inquire regarding her motives without causing insult. The time to reach their destination was drawing closer and Baldric seemed to grow more apprehensive. Tired of the nervous glances that frequented over Baldric’s shoulder, Daynel spoke out and demanded a reason for his unease.

“Our time together grows short, Princess, and I have much to teach you,” he responded in a strained tone of voice.

“You are acting as though we are being followed. This disquiet comes not from my failure to learn a task. Tell me what ails you, guide,” Daynel commanded, sliding off her horse and making it clear that she did not intend to move until he unburdened his worry.

Baldric closed his eyes, gathering patience, before turning his mount to rejoin the stubborn woman. He joined her on the grass and held out his palms for her to take hold of, squeezing her hand gently.

“When we reach the shore, my time with you is over. I fear for your safety, but not just from those who follow us, but from the gods as well. They will not be merciful forever. You continue to test their patience with your impertinence. Are your spoken words merely an act to convince me that you are unwilling to comply with their plans for you? Only they know the true thoughts within a man’s heart.”

“I’ll deal with the gods when it’s time. And I am telling them exactly what I think of them. There is nothing hidden behind my words at all. Now you must explain to me what you mean about those who follow us?”

“The one who seeks your life had found your trail, Princess. He will be at the shore when we arrive.”

“How do you know this? Oh, Dragon Sight, right?” Daynel snorted.

“No,” Baldric chuckled sadly. “I am not given the gift of Sight, although I am known to be able to see much more than what is presented before the eye.”

“Oh, that’s right. You are called Eagle. Don’t eagles scan the ground below for unsuspecting prey and they dive down to claim it?”

“Do you feel like unsuspecting quarry, Princess?” Baldric asked, raising his brow with curiosity.

“At times, indeed I do. I know not what your true plans are for me, or where this journey is heading. Now speak of how you know about those who seek me out.”

“A traveler shared some tale about the southern prince rescuing his abducted bride-to-be. His men have sought answers in every town we have traveled through and have discovered our destination. That continues to baffle me, however.”

“Oh,” Daynel said, blushing slightly. “I may have revealed some of our plans as I was drinking. Please forgive me.”

Baldric shook his head, trying to keep his temper in control.
Foolish girl!
“My forgiveness is not our concern. It is your safety. We must find a way for you to gain passage on a ship heading to the Eastern Islands without those men stopping you.”

“A ship? You said nothing about me sailing!” Daynel turned slightly pale at the thought. Born and raised in the high flatlands, she learned to swim well enough to keep her head above the icy waters of the small fjords in the event she accidentally fell in. She had heard of the great waters to the east, so expansive that one could not see land for weeks after setting sail.

“Silly child,” Baldric chuckled. “How are you to venture to the Eastern Isles except by boat? Did you think your dragon was going to swoop down and fly you there?”

“There is no need to be cruel! Stop laughing at me.”

“I am not laughing at you, Princess. I am simply pointing out that you have not thought through this journey behind your immediate path. Rest your anger, child,” Baldric smiled softly. “Let’s lay camp here. I wish to rest before we lose the protection of the trees.”

Daynel scowled as she watched him set the charms of protection around the small area. He looked thinner, drawn, and pale since the time they had first met. It was almost as though this trek was draining life from him.

“Baldric? These…charms you perform. Do they cause you harm?” she asked softly, watching him lower himself to the ground in exhaustion.

“For every spell I cast, a year is taken from my life. It is but a small price to pay to see to your safety.”

“A year? Since our start, you have cast at least twenty!” Daynel exclaimed, grabbing his wrist. “You do not have that many more years to spare!”

“I have enough to see you on your way, Princess. The gods are just. They will take care of my needs as they see fit.”

“Well, I am going to take care of your needs tonight! You sit still and I will prepare our meal. What is that frown you give me? Every hunter is taught how to cook as well. After all, what is the purpose of hunting if we starve, yes?”

Baldric watched the young woman prepare the camp, concoct a hearty stew, and then sit back to mend the stirrup from his saddle. As she performed her tasks, she took on a glow of contentment, feeling useful and needed. Baldric praised her thoroughly for every chore she performed, and watched her puff with pride for a job well accomplished. As they began to settle for the night, Daynel touched Baldric’s wrist.

“If I prayed and asked the gods to restore your years, would they?”

“That is only for them to decide, Princess. The lost years mean nothing to me when I know they were the price to see prophecy fulfilled. Worry not about them. Life is fleeting and none knows how long any have in living.”

“Well, I am going to ask anyway!” Daynel announced stubbornly. She suddenly blushed. “How do I do it?”

“You have never laid out a prayer to the gods before?”

“No.”

“Close your eyes, open your heart, and allow your inner voice to rise to the heavens. I cannot tell you much more than that,” Baldric said quietly, eyeing her.

Daynel nodded and walked to the other side of the campsite, sitting in a deep crevice of a boulder and gazing through the thick copse of willows. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes and tried to do as Baldric instructed. She sat in silence for an hour, waiting, when she realized that she was surrounded by an uneasy silence, sans crickets or cicadas. The only sound she heard was a dull thunk and something falling to the ground.

She opened her eyes and turned to see Baldric’s body upon the forest floor, his chest stained red around an arrow piercing his heart. There was no time to grieve as her hand found the sword at her side and she slipped from the boulder’s protection. Two men stood on the edge of the camp, blind to her appearance. Anger rose in the woman when she realized that Baldric had protected her, and not himself, from invaders. With a loud yell, she ran toward the men and in two swipes, left their heads upon the ground. Blood raging inside of her, she kicked the headless body of one, recognizing him from her father’s stables as one of Ethan’s entourage. The evil one had found her!

Uncertain as to how long the charm would last, Daynel crawled to where Baldric’s still body lay, touching the blood timidly as it spread upon his chest. A tear fell upon him and she looked up into the heavens.

“Is this what you consider righteous, fair, and just? You are as cruel as the one who seeks after me!” she hissed angrily. “He gave all to help you! You are selfish and ungrateful gods, and I have no desire to serve the likes of you!”

“No, but you will serve me,” a light voice said from behind her. Daynel stood, sword in hand, to face Ethan and at least twelve of his guards. “You led me on a very long and boring hunt, girl. My time is short and I must return to my father’s kingdom to prove I have you in my possession. Bind her.”

“Touch me and you will die,” Daynel hissed, eyeing the quarry. She knew she stood no chance against thirteen men, but she would not surrender without claiming the lives of several more. She felt the fang burn upon her chest as she lunged for the closest man, the blade ripping through his torso as it slid under his protective mail. He stood to watch his intestines fall in a heap to the ground before his body followed. Daynel released a war cry, dismembering a second man with a signal swipe. His hand, sword in grip, fell to the ground and was followed by his head.

“Draiken! Help me!!” the warrior princess called out, ducking a third man’s weapon and spinning to slice through the back muscles of both his thighs. He collapsed on the ground as four of the men charged her at once in a combined effort that she was unable to escape from.

She managed to cause damage to the eye of one of her assailants and the balls of another, before she found herself disarmed and tightly bound with hard leather straps. Daynel growled as she was shoved to her knees. Her cheek was pressed into the ground by a booted foot against the other side of her face and two gold-topped boots appeared before her eyes.