The Heartstone (11 page)

“I watched from the perimeter of the forest as Rhysin’s forces broke the siege. We fought bravely but there was no hope. They came like black lightning. He outnumbered us three to one. Then they brought in the great cats. The din was horrible. Battle screams and then shrieks as the slaughter began. Black smoke pumped into the sky as the town burned. Everyone within the walls was either killed or taken prisoner.”

Ariana closed her eyes. She had hoped her vision was untrue. Rua continued.

“I had just turned away when Lord Jarod burst through the bushes. He was wounded, just barely managing to stay on Firestorm. So I took the reins, tied him into the saddle and led him here.”

“You saved his life Lady.”

“He is the Lord of Dun Caer,” she said her face tired, “What else could I do? I am sworn to his service as I was to his father’s.”

There was silence as they absorbed the tragedy at Dun Caer. Rua was the first to speak,

“So Ser Cerynus have we a plan?”

Cerynus had just opened his mouth to answer when there was a sound from the other room. Everyone rose and went into the sitting room. Jarod was pulling himself up to a sitting position. He was pale and his mouth was tight with pain.

“Jarod what are you doing?” Ariana said rushing to his side.

“My lord, please stay still.” Rua said.

“You’ll pull out the stitches.” Cerynus said, going to Jarod and feeling his forehead, “Well your fever is broken. But don’t move. I’ll be back with something to help the pain.” He left.

“I’m hale. Let me up,” He lifted himself an inch form the bed and fell back, “Damn.” He looked over at Rua.

“Rua what do you do here?” He asked.

Jarod, she saved you...” Ariana began. Rua stopped her with a look.

“My lord I can guess at you purpose here. You go to Galancarrig. But you’ll need a guide, what better guide than a bard who knows her history and the ancient tales. So I offer my services.” She bowed elegantly.

“I don’t know.” Jarod said.

“My lord, who would recount your bravery if you have no bard along?” She said lightly, “It promises to be an epic tale. Would you deny me my livelihood?”

“Very well,” Jarod closed his eyes. “I don’t remember all but I know I’m in your debt for my life and I thank you.”

Rua nodded gravely “It was my pleasure and duty my Lord. On a sober note I ache for your loss.” The black eyes were tender for a moment as she held out her hand to Jarod.

He grimaced and took her hand in his. “Thank you for your kind words milady.”

Ariana’s eyes filled at the misery in his face. At that moment Cerynus entered with a tray containing a bowl of light broth and tea.

“This will have you back on your feet soon. Ladies if you would, I’m sure Jarod would rather not be watched like a chick. So we’ll be back in a few minutes to check on you.”

Jarod looked gratefully at Cerynus, “Thanks to you.”

The rest of the day was spent recuperating. Everyone was exhausted. Despite the urgency of the quest, Cerynus decreed a day of rest. Even Ariana got a chance just to swim in the pool and sit out in the sunlit clearing without worrying about her lessons. Her mind wandered to Jarod and their kiss. She hoped it didn’t cause problems. But she was feeling so warm and lazy she couldn’t worry for long. Periodically she looked in at Rua and Jarod. Cerynus had dosed them both with herbs and they slept soundly.

The next morning they had a council of war in Jarod’s room. Cerynus pulled out a table and unrolled a large scroll. Everyone crowded around. It was a map of Ledrith, strange places and symbols; spidery lines resolved themselves into a peninsula. Fascinated Ariana peered at it. Everybody had ideas. Ariana listened silently.

“Directly north then turn west.” Jarod said.

“It’s out of the way. We should go northwest to Amathwyr...” Cerynus said.

“Those thieving traders, they’d sell their own mother. But if we go over the plains by Gwerrinned...” Jarod said.

“At Amathwyr we can buy a boat and use the river...” Cerynus said.

“The river is faster,” agreed Rua

“My way we stay on dry land.” Jarod said.

“My lord I know people in Amathwyr. I can get us a boat.” Rua said.

“Using the river we miss the forces in the North. Pedair may already be lost.” Cerynus said.

“But if we go north...” Jarod said.

“We run smack into Rhysin’s forces. Vengeance must wait. We dare not risk it.” Cerynus said.

Jarod nodded. The silence lengthened.

“So, where are we now?” Ariana asked to break the tension.

Cerynus pointed, she looked closer. She saw the cottage and surrounding forest in miniature. What craftsmen, she thought studying the tiny leaves on the tree, blowing in an invisible wind. She looked a question at Cerynus.

“It’s a magic map.” Cerynus smiled.

Fascinated she pored over the map. Absorbed in studying the route to Galancarrig, she didn’t notice when the voices died away. Ariana straightened yawning and realized she and Jarod were alone.

“How are you feeling?” She asked.

“Fine,” He said.

“That’s good.” She stretched, “Well, I’ve got to get going... Things to do, you know.” She turned away. “See you later.”

“Wait.” She stopped looking at him.

“I need to tell you...” Jarod’s face was red.

“
I hope you can forgive me. It was unforgivable to commit such a breach of honor against someone under my protection.”

“Jarod, you’re taking this way too seriously. It was just a kiss.” He continued as if she hadn’t spoken, “Please forgive me.”

“There is nothing to forgive.” She came over and put her hand on his good shoulder.

“Thank you,” he said. His smile lit the room.

“Well I have to get to my lesson.” She left him with a smile.

They decided to stay at Shady Vale for another week. Once Jarod could travel, they’d start the journey. The days settled into a routine. Ariana spent the mornings with Jarod. These sessions were difficult. Jarod was not a good patient. He was moody and sometimes when he got too bad she could hardly wait for Rua to come and cheer them both up with a song or a story. The afternoons were Cerynus’: interludes of concentration and gentle guidance a calm lifeline in her storm. Ariana grew frantic to learn everything before they left. Impatience beat around her concentration like pigeons bursting from a dovecote, distracting her. Cerynus looked at her.

“You must learn that nothing can interfere… if people die in battle around you… concentrate… if you’re wounded… concentrate. It’s your only chance.” He said.

The final morning dawned fresh and clear. The saddlebags bulged with supplies and weapons. They all carried maps, Cerynus the magic one, Rua, Jarod and Ariana copies. Sighing Ariana looked at the cottage that had become a home in such a short time. Turning she followed the others into the forest away from her last sanctuary.

Ariana sat by the fire’s dying embers eating breakfast, brown bread and cheese. Rua finished, sat cross-legged on a log inspecting her harp. Silence, reigned for the moment, Jarod and Cerynus had just finished their daily discussion about the proper route. Argument was more like it. Jarod sullenly traced patterns in the dirt with his knife. Cerynus slammed his map into its tube. Rua looked up. Rising, Ariana wiped her hands on her thighs wincing as stiff muscles protested and strode over.

“What is the problem here?”

“Nothing, Ariana.” Cerynus looked down.

“It’s nothing, Stonebearer.” Jarod’s tone didn’t invite more conversation. Ariana flushed. He knew she didn’t like being called Stonebearer. Cerynus turned to rebuke Jarod’s tone. Ariana stopped him with a look.

“What is wrong with you, Jarod? Don’t take out your foul mood on us. We aren’t the enemy. It’s not easy for anybody. But we have to get along. Stop arguing with Cerynus. Work it out. Both of you. I’m sick of it.” They looked away.

“I’ve been hunting in these woods for years. But he won’t listen…” Jarod glared.

“Jarod you can’t trail in the shape you’re in. You don’t have the strength. If you weren’t so stubborn you’d take help when it’s offered.”

“I don’t need any help. I am no mewling babe.”

“My Lord Jarod, no one thinks of you as a child. But sometimes prudence will win when valor is set aside.” Rua said soothingly.

“The Lord Kievran put
me
in charge of this journey.” Jarod said glaring at Cerynus.

“Did your father also say you should be a stubborn mule who won’t use his brain? Everyone needs help sometimes. Let me help you.” Cerynus said.

“Leave me alone. What do you know of my father?” Jarod turned stalking off into the woods.

There was silence.

“He’s taking it ill.” Rua looked at the trail Jarod had left.

“We have to get him back.” Ariana said.

“Let him stew in his own juices for a while mayhap it will sweeten his temper.” Cerynus muttered. The women looked at him. He sighed, “Ariana you follow him, and maybe he’ll listen to you. Lady Rua will you help me with the horses?”

Jarod’s trail wasn’t hard to find. He’d stomped so hard his boot heels had left depressions in the soft loam. After a few minutes she found him. He sat on a boulder shredding a twig and looking at the tranquil forest. She sat down next to him. He ignored her. She waited for him to begin. It was hard to keep still but she knew he had to open up in his own time. Gradually the peace of the woods settled her restlessness. She closed her eyes, there was no sound except buzzing insects, and the breeze was fresh and the sun warm on her face. She could hear the birds overhead squabbling over territory and singing out. They could have been the only two people in the world.

She ached for Jarod’s pain. He’d shut down. She wanted to tell him, he didn’t need to. She was his friend. They were all his friends and they would be there for him if he would just let them in. Jarod watched the white peeled wood emerge as he pulled off the gray bark exposing the tender green core. Once it was bare and naked he swished it through the air. He sighed deeply and threw the switch away.

“I heard you three miles away,” he said.

“We can’t all be gods of the forest.” She teased gently.

He nodded, tried to smile. “I’m sorry I lost my temper back there. But…” He gestured, “I feel so helpless, my arm…”

“It’ll heal.” She said.

“I know. It’s just that I…”

Ariana reached out and took his hand. He squeezed it hard.

“Sometimes I miss him so much. I failed him… I shouldn’t have left him. I should have disobeyed his orders, gotten back sooner. I lost Dun Caer, lost my honor, lost everything.”

“No Jarod, you’re not to blame.”

“If I’d been there…”

“No Jarod listen…”

“Ariana you don’t understand.”

“Yes I do. Just listen to me for a second.”

“What do you know about it? You’re an outsider.” He snapped.

“What did you say?” Her voice shook.

“I’m sorry. Ariana I…”

“Shut up for a minute, Jarod. Yes, I’m an outsider. But guess what? I do know how you feel dammit. My mother died in an accident when I was fifteen. I always felt like I should have died too. So don’t you dare throw it back in my face, as if you are the only person who has ever suffered.” She stood up abruptly. “Screw you! That’s a little outsider slang for you, guess what it means!” She turned and walked away. Tears started in her eyes. She’d be dammed if he saw her cry.

“Ariana, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.”

She ignored him, kept walking. An ache began in her stomach. She’d cared about him, thought he was her friend. The forest blurred into watery blue and green. She shouldn’t have gotten involved, started caring. It had felt so right here despite the hardships. She’d almost believed she finally belonged, wrong again Ariana.

“Ariana. Please stop…”

She shook him off. “Leave me alone.”

“Ariana please,” He held her by the sleeve. She had to stop or tear the material. She stood; fists balled facing away from him.

“I didn’t mean it the way it sounded.”