Minstrel's Serenade (16 page)

The talk of his father must weigh heavily on his heart. Bron wanted to reach out to the boy. His fingers tingled and he fisted them by his side. He had to allow Nip time to grieve.

Two rat-women stood at the door with washcloths and clay bowls filled with water. Oster waved them in. “These healers will tend to your wounds.”

One of the healers moved to Bron and he waved her back. “I’m fine.”

Danika shot him a stern look and mouthed, “Do not refuse their offerings.”

He sighed and nodded to the rat-woman. For Danika, he would do anything. “Okay. Do your worst.”

The rat-woman wiped him down and spread a white, cooling gel on his wounds. Valorian had the same attention to his face and fingers. Danika and Nip were dusty but unharmed.

The rat-women left and returned with trays of tough-looking meat. Oster waved his hand over the food as if it were a delicacy. “Grilled glowworms and lizard. Eat.”

With one look at Danika’s stern eyes, Bron knew not to turn this away. He picked up a strip of lizard meat and stuffed it in his mouth, swallowing the portion whole. Danika nibbled on a worm and Nip pretended to eat by hiding the pieces in the cushion underneath his rump. Valorian pulled a small knife and fork from his coat as if he was dining in the throne room.

“Please enjoy our root cider.” Oster handed them mugs of frothing liquid then took a seat at the head of the table. “The wyverns have been a concern of ours for almost a decade.”

Surprise flashed in Danika’s features. “Why? You live far removed from the surface.”

“Everything is linked in this world. The rain that falls on your soil trickles down to nourish us, bringing minerals and vitamins gleaned from your fertile lands. The bats that feed on your insects outside the caves distribute droppings that feed the glowworms, giving them energy for our light. If the wyverns take over these lands, this city will die as well.”

Oster took a long sip of his root cider. “That is why you need not have brought the rice. We will gladly give you the metal you desire to equip your army.”

Bron threw his hands up in the air. “Well, I’m not carrying that rice all the way back.”

Danika placed a calming hand on his arm. “No one said you were.” She leaned to Valorian and they whispered between themselves.

Biting on a chewy piece of lizard tail, Bron tried not to seem annoyed. He’d have to get used to being the third carriage wheel if Danika decided to marry Valorian. Imagining her in the minstrel’s arms sent a dagger to his gut.

Danika turned to Oster. “We will leave the rice with you for your stocks as a gesture of peace.”

“That is very kind of you, Princess. We’d fight by your side if the sun’s rays didn’t scorch our skin.” His eyes grew dark. “If the wyverns reach these mountains, we may not have a choice.”

“They won’t because my army”--she gestured toward Valorian--“and that of the House of Song will stop them. All we need is the alloy to strengthen our armor.”

Valorian leaned forward. “We don’t have much time.”

“Very well.” Oster signaled the women and they left in a hurry. We’ll get your metal and help you carry it as far as we can go. That is the best we can do.”

“’Tis enough.” Danika stood, gesturing for them all to rise.

Bron resisted the urge to rest in the cushions and fall asleep. “Just when I’m getting comfortable.” The root cider had given him a fuzzy serenity and made the lizard meat taste like chicken. He’d planned on finishing another plate and having a good nap before they left for the surface. Warriors had no time for the pleasantries of life.

Creaking came from the doorway. Three rat-men hauled their rice cart, now loaded with blocks of a silvery alloy. When Bron craned his neck the right way, the blocks shined in a pinkish hue, reminding him of the bellies of the fish he caught in the stream back at the farm.

Several more men stepped in, carrying bags of metal on their backs. Bron’s arms ached just thinking about how much more that metal weighed than the rice. He straightened, knowing he had to set a good example for the boy. “I’ll take the cart.”

The three rat-men handed Bron the rope and he pulled the cart forward. Audible gasps rang out around him as the rat-men stepped back. Valorian gave him an admonishingly weary look. “Haven’t you hauled enough today?”

Bron smiled, finally feeling as though he had a say in these discussions. “I can handle this.” The load wasn’t as heavy as he’d imagined. Besides, warriors never complained.

Letters

The albinos knew the caverns and tunnels like Danika knew the secret corridors of her father’s inner keep. Circumventing the cave in, the pale-faced men and women brought them to the surface in mere hours without waking a single peeper mouse or bittle bat.

As the light from the end of the tunnel came into view, the albinos stayed back in the shadows and set down the packs of metal at their feet.

Oster bowed, pulling his hood over his pale features. “This is as far as we can travel, Your Highness.”

Danika bowed. “You’ve done so much to help us. I wish our people could overcome the differences separating us and establish trade venues.”

Oster waved his pale fingers and soil-crusted nails. “Prejudice is a powerful evil and will take more than a mere load of metal to overcome.”

Danika thought of the temple monks and their exclusion of Halfast’s tale. “At least your peace offering opens the door to reason, if but a crack.”

The sun’s rays grew stronger behind them, and the line of shadows drew back.

“We’ll see.” The rat-man backed deeper into the darkness, and Danika knew their time together was at an end.

She raised her voice so Oster and all the others could hear. “We will return your kindness by protecting the borders of our shared lands.”

Oster’s voice echoed down the shaft. “So be it. May Halfast’s light show you the way.”

It took them an hour to haul the metal to the sunlight and load the carriage. The horses had dined on the fine, thin grasses by the lake in their absence, and they moved with restless grace.

Danika and Valorian took the lead, choosing the path for Bron and Nip as they carted their shipment behind them. The heavier load forced them to move at a slower pace, circumventing the deep forest in a southeasterly direction toward Ebonvale. Danika made use of the relaxed stride to lure more information from Valorian.

He’d sent piles of letters over the years. Letters she hadn’t answered, many of them lying unread. Perhaps if she’d reached out, even once, they’d be companions rather than acquaintances. An uneasy current spread through her gut as she played with the idea of turning back time. She’d be a different person, a different leader, and she was proud of who she’d become.

Danika glanced over to Valorian as he rode with nimble ease, poised and proud in his saddle like a true prince. “Why did you send so many letters?” Her voice came out softer and more vulnerable than she would have liked. Valorian’s hands fidgeted with the reins. His features grew guarded, as if he debated between telling her a sweet nothing or the stone, cold truth. “Because my father told me to.”

Danika nodded solemnly. She’d suspected such an answer, but didn’t think he’d give in to total honesty. Reality slapped her in the face, and a sliver of disappointment cut through her heart. She thought his advances of late had had some ring of truth, that he’d felt something for her. Hearing about his adherence to duty made him more real, someone she could relate to. Ironically, the truth drew her toward him even more.

Valorian pulled on his reins, turning his horse toward hers, stopping them both. “For many years I sought you out of duty. My father lectured me endlessly on how our two kingdoms would benefit from joining. I believed in his ideal of a strong union, so I wrote to you out of my love for my father, out of love for the House of Song and all the minstrel kingdom represents.”

He grabbed her reins and pulled her closer toward him. Their horses sniffed in annoyance, then obeyed. “Now it’s much, much more. I had no idea how beautiful and strong-minded you are, how your courage is inspired by a deep love for Ebonvale and how you fight for its security.”

Danika’s heart sped and every moment flew by too fast to grasp. She wanted to hold onto each word, studying these new, blossoming feelings. “Valorian--”

“Danika, you’re everything I’ve sought without knowing it.” He reached forward and grasped her hand, squeezing her palm as if he could hold her next to him forever. “I know now.”

The wheels creaked as the carriage rounded the bend, spooking their horses apart. They broke contact. Danika regained control of her reins and pulled a safe distance away, not wanting Bron to see them so close. Valorian gave her one last longing look, then continued forward.

Danika sat on her steed, unmoving, processing what had just happened. Valorian had so much as professed his love for her in a matter of seconds, turning her entire world around. She could no longer ignore and delay their relationship and what their union meant for Ebonvale. Their quest was almost at an end.

“Something the matter, Princess?” Bron had caught up, waking her from her trance. Nip had fallen asleep in his arms and snored peacefully, leaving the two of them to speak freely.

“We’re almost home.” Danika looked away as a surge of melancholy hit her. “So much is going to change.”

“Aye.” Bron’s face was stoic, his tender mouth solemn. “But, some things will never change.”

Danika snapped to attention, studying the warrior’s scarred face. What meaning did his words have? Their relationship would never change. His and her duties would never change. His feelings for her would never change. So many possibilities sat unspoken between them. If he wanted her to know, it would be better to say his feelings now than in the castle, full of listening ears and fluttering tongues.

She opened her mouth to ask but Bron had already snapped the reins, spurring the horses pulling the carriage forward. He spoke over his shoulder. “Ebonvale awaits.”

The castle’s ivory turrets poked through the tree line up ahead, decorated by Ebonvale’s purple and green flags fluttering in the breeze. A wash of emotions came over Danika. It was the only home she’d ever known. First and foremost, she thought of her father and his big, gentle hands full of callouses and scars from battle, his scratchy beard and his emerald eyes--eyes she’d inherited from him. She remembered how he had gazed at her with fondness, as if she was the only thing in the world that brought him happiness.

Then she thought of her mother. Since seeing her in the forest, her emotions had morphed from confusion and hate to pity and maybe more. She still had to sort those feelings out, and she didn’t know where she’d end up. Danika sighed, riding down a path into the valley of orchards where she and her mother used to walk. It didn’t matter, because she’d probably never see her again.

As apple and pear trees surrounded them, Danika’s thoughts turned to Bron and all the mornings he’d spent training her against her parents’ wishes. If only they’d known she’d need that training more than ever when they were gone. He’d come to the castle when she was still a young girl, but he’d made a lasting impression from the first time she saw him fight so bravely on the tournament field. He’d given her so much by believing in her abilities, by teaching her that a girl—now a woman--could fight as well as any man. How could she look at Ebonvale and not think of Bron?

As they neared villagers collecting ripened fruit in baskets, she pulled her hood over her face. Her dusty, dirt-stained travel clothes provided the best disguise. She would appear as the princess’ messenger and nothing more.

The orchards tapered off into a golden field of wheat. Up ahead, the stone walls of the palisade rose with archers positioned at even intervals throughout.

Valorian pulled back on his reins. “I can go no further.”

Danika halted by his side, a warm breeze caressing her cheek. “You’re not going to come in? At least for a day to rest?”

He smiled. “I wish I could.” His gaze traveled to the busy gateway bustling with traders, villagers and castle dignitaries. “Let’s just say minstrels are not highly regarded in Ebonvale at this time.” His eyes grew mischievous. “Someday, I’d like to change that.”

Bron’s carriage caught up, and he and Nip jumped out. Valorian dismounted and walked to them, offering his hand. “My journey takes a different path. I will return to the House of Song and prepare our minstrel army, bringing my father news of our success and what is to come.”

“Very well.” Bron took his hand. “You have proved yourself a worthy ally, and I commend your abilities, as well as express my gratitude again for saving my life.”

Valorian bowed his head. “You are a truly courageous and honorable man. Your respect is enough.”

Bron nodded but frowned as if he didn’t believe him. Danika wondered why the fact Valorian had saved his life irked him so.

Nip dug into his shirt and pulled out the pendant Valorian had given him in the forest. The boy bowed. “This belongs to you.”

Valorian accepted it, placing the cord around his neck. “Thank you for guarding it, son. Someday you may have one of your own.” He ruffled the boy’s hair. “You’re in good hands. Be good and we’ll meet again.”

Bron lifted Nip to the carriage and climbed in after him. He nodded to Danika. “We’d best be on our way to deliver this metal to the forge. Say your goodbye in peace.”

The carriage hobbled away. Why did Bron leave her with the minstrel when just two days ago he was reluctant to wake him? Had he given up? Surrendered himself and her to her rightful fate? No. She couldn’t believe he’d abandon her or else she’d lost him as a confidant and friend. Perhaps he was concerned about bringing the metal to the forge. Aye, that’s all it was.

She dismounted and approached Valorian. His silver eyes held a swirl of emotions: fondness, melancholy and a special sparkle reserved for her. She touched the new scars on his face. His skin was no longer flawless, but she thought him handsomer because of the scars. “Thank you for saving Bron.”