Liethis’ power as a seer was renowned. She intuited that Gaelen’s man would come for her. When she saw him riding up the path, she met him already mounted on her old roan mare, saddlebags packed. She handed the awed rider half a loaf of fresh dark bread, a slice of fragrant cheese and a skin of watered wine.
“I know Lord Gaelen wishes to see me as soon as may be. These will refresh you on our way.” With that she led the way back to Bargia castle, leaving the dumbstruck messenger to catch up.
Liethis kept her senses open along the way, collecting as many impressions as she could. Once she reached the castle it would be harder to sort out the tumult that would assault her mind.
She knew Gaelen was aware how hard it would be for her at court. His father had always kept a private room prepared for her, deep within the walls of the castle. There the thickness of the stone filtered out at least some of the press of information. This is where she would meet with Gaelen as soon as she arrived. Her presence would be kept as quiet as possible, though she knew that would not last long.
Liethis enjoyed the ride to court in spite of the reason for it. This was late spring, almost summer. On the way through the low, rolling hills they passed several crofter’s steads.
Liethis lifted her eyes to meet those of a passing crow. The crow agreed to share his view, and through his eyes, Liethis beheld a varicoloured patchwork of greens interspersed with the occasional brown of a field not yet grown or a patch of an orchard in bloom. She saw pinpoints of colour where flowers grew amid the green and on the thatched roofs of the crofters’ cottages. When she had enjoyed the view she thanked the crow, and he flew on.
Bargia glowed verdant in its quilt of many shades of new growth: the blue-green of oats, the darker green of barley and the bright, vibrant green of new spelt. Meadows showed patches of white, yellow and lavender where wildflowers had not yet been cropped by sheep, cattle or the occasional mule or horse. Here and there, a willow waved its yellow-green withes in welcome, and evergreens stretched out new tips of fresh needles. Oak and maple still had not reached full leaf, and the sun played between their branches, leaving dappled patterns on the earth below. The paths to the crofters’ cottages were lined with bright patchworks of yellow, pink, purple and white, their doors framed in ivies or rambling rose vines, still vibrant with the newness of the season.
Soon the heat of high summer would mute the colours. The soil would dry and roots would reach deeper for the moisture that gave them their strength. Dust would cover the fields with its dun haze, and the world would settle into a slow buzz. But for now, Earth revelled in Her new life and danced in Her best clothes.
Liethis took all this in with quiet contentment. Her special sight allowed her to commune with Earth and feel Her joy at being reawakened. Another cycle begun.
Summer solstice was only days away, the time for Summer Festival. With crops planted and growing, the people had time for gathering together and celebrating the new season with dancing and music. They celebrated Festival with feasting, with fresh roasted meats, new greens, honey cakes and other small, sweet pastries made with hazelnuts and walnuts, with new ale and old wine. A prized treat was the tiny lumps of sugar boiled down from the sap of the maples.
The cheerful activities of the birds and wild animals were mirrored in those of the people, especially the women and girls busy preparing for the festivities. Hearths held bubbling stews and roasting meats, ovens filled with baking, and perfumes wafted from the garlands decorating doors and windows. The air filled with inviting aromas. Optimism and anticipation kept smiles on faces normally more dour.
Liethis felt buoyed by the new life around her. It helped her forget, for a while, the darker signs she knew Earth would expect her to understand and respond to.
In spite of her modest gown of unbleached linen, customary for seers, and her unremarkable mount, Liethis made an imposing figure. She was uncommonly tall for a woman, spare of build, with thick, chestnut hair that she kept in a single braid down her back. Though she did nothing to draw attention, she had an aura about her that caused those in her path to stop what they were doing and stare. To those who managed to catch her eye, she gave a simple wave and smile, which they returned with small bows of respect.
Liethis dismissed her guide as soon as she had made arrangements for him to stable and care for her horse. Only a handful of people knew the location of her chamber, and she preferred to keep it that way. She made her way there as quickly and unobtrusively as possible. At the door she paused, letting her senses flow into the room, checking for signs of occupation. While the door could be barred from the inside, the lock on the outside was a simple one that could be easily breached. Sensing no signs of life, she entered the room and barred the door.
She smiled as she saw that the bed had been made with fresh linens, and a bouquet of wild flowers adorned the small chest at the foot of the bed. A small fire glowed in the hearth to take off the chill that never quite left this inner room. The square table in the centre had been set with dried fruit, fresh dark bread, a wedge of soft, new cheese, and a small crock of ale. Gaelen had remembered that she preferred it to wine. In the far corner stood a stand with a basin and a pitcher filled with cool water to refresh herself. If it were not for the constant noise of the sendings she could not block, she might almost feel at home.
Liethis had time only to wash her hands and face before a rap announced Gaelen’s arrival. His smile of welcome was both genuine and relieved, as she unbarred the door to admit him. He entered swiftly. Liethis pulled the bar back across the door behind him, motioning him into one of the two comfortable chairs beside the table.
She eyed him with a teasing, mischievous smile, and before he could speak, said, “The child your lady carries is a son, your heir.” Gaelen’s stunned reaction told her that Marja had not yet informed him of her condition. Perhaps she herself did not know, as it was very early yet. “I am eager to meet this woman who has stolen your heart. She must be special, indeed.”
“Liethis,” Gaelen stammered, flustered for a moment, until he retrieved his self-control, “this is news to me. Wonderful news to be sure, but I did not know it.”
Liethis laughed, a rich warm sound. “It is possible that Lady Marja herself is not aware yet. You have been together such a short time. She was not prepared for it. I suggest you let her tell you when she is ready. She faces enough without taking that joy from her.”
Liethis poured ale as she spoke and offered a goblet to Gaelen, gesturing to the food. “Please, eat with me while we speak of more serious matters. I will tell you what I can. However, you know that my gift is not always certain. Sometimes events change Earth’s rhythms. I can tell you only what is now and what appears likely to come.”
Gaelen nodded and remained silent, waiting respectfully for Liethis to continue as he accepted the ale from her.
Liethis closed her eyes and opened her senses. There was much she already knew, but here, closer to the centre of activity, there might be more to glean that could prove important. “Someone you trust has betrayed you. It is he who arranged the attempt on your lady’s life that led to the abduction of her maid. The treason causes him conflict, but he has convinced himself he does this for the good of Bargia. I cannot see where this will lead. Events may bring about a change of heart, or may lead to further treason. If so, they will require decisions from you that may shake your position as lord.”
Liethis became still a moment before continuing. “You must keep your lady and her maid safe. They are bound together, and one cannot continue long without the other. Her maid returns even now with the rescuer, though her experience will leave her much changed. Catania remains stable, and your position there will continue to strengthen … I sense a threat from the east. This may be linked to the treason I spoke of. Beware of news from that direction.”
Liethis opened her eyes and looked directly at Gaelen. “Your greatest weakness is not your attachment to your lady. It is your desire to see
k justice in all situations. It causes you to doubt yourself. You cannot afford the luxury of doubt. Your lordship is too young. Leniency will make you appear weak. You will be required to make decisions that will cause you sleepless nights, but you must make them swiftly and with confidence. Your advisors cannot be allowed to see your doubts.” Then she smiled. “Perhaps you may earn the luxury of indecision in your dotage.”
Gaelen gave her a brief, distracted smile in return, but said nothing for several moments. Liethis could sense that he had many questions but wanted to choose the right ones. After some time, Gaelen sighed and raised his head.
“Liethis, this news of a traitor close to me troubles me greatly. What can you tell me that will allow him to be identified and brought to justice? I have inherited the men who sit on my advisory council from my father. There is not one he did not trust completely. My spies and war leaders, too, have earned trust. I am at a loss where to begin to find the traitor out. I have spies in the east. Do you sense his presence there?”
Liethis let her senses flow for a moment before responding. “The traitor is here at court, close to you. His disloyalty is to yourself and your lady. He gave your father no reason to doubt him. Use the rescuer to unmask him. The rescuer will play a greater role than expected in your future … and that of your lady. He can be trusted, though he is not a native of Bargia. His decisions, too, will prove thorny, as will those of the maid he restores to your lady.”
With that, she gave a weary smile and added, “I can tell you no more. I must rest. I will remain at court a few days, until after Summer Festival, and will meet with you again before I return home.” Then she brightened a moment, as if struck with a new sending that pleased her. “I can tell you that your lady is loyal, as is her maid. Do not look for deceit there.”
Liethis knew Gaelen had not dared to ask that question, and his relief was almost palpable. He smiled his gratitude as he rose to leave. “Liethis, I know you are not comfortable at court. I am most grateful for your presence and your advice.”
She nodded her understanding as he opened the door and turned to go. When he had left she barred the door and lay wearily on the bed. Though she longed to spend the Summer Festival at her own home, she resigned herself to being at court for the festivities. She did not look forward to the barrage of impressions and sendings that would assail her at that time, even more than usual.
~39~
KLAST AND BRENSA
Klast waited two more days to give Brensa time to gain back some strength. He had to coax her to eat, the first time even spoon-feeding her. She obeyed his requests listlessly and made no moves on her own. Klast had found a spot close to the entrance of the cave where Brensa could relieve herself without being seen, but where he would know if anyone else approached. After the second day of inactivity he assessed that Brensa could walk, albeit slowly. Movement would speed her healing and help her regain strength.
Klast’s sense of urgency had not left him. He still needed to reach Gaelen as soon as possible. Perhaps it was already too late. But the journey would take several days more, as the pace had to be adjusted to what Brensa could manage.
The first day they made very poor progress. Brensa moved with painful slowness, and Klast had to support her much of the time, something she accepted with wary reluctance.
Nights were still cold on the mountain so late in spring, but Klast risked only a small, smokeless cook fire each day before dark, which he put out as soon as he had prepared their supper. Even though Klast gave Brensa all the blankets, he could tell the first night that the cold was preventing her from falling asleep. And she needed sleep or she would not have the strength to walk. He decided to test her trust.
“Brensa, I know you cannot sleep due to the cold. If you do not sleep you will not be rested enough to go on tomorrow. We will need to share our body heat. Will you to permit me to lie behind you under the blankets, to warm you? I swear I will do no more. Can you allow this?”
Brensa remained silent for a long time, showing no sign that she had heard. Then need overcame suspicion, and she jerked a tiny nod. Klast spooned himself behind her and rewrapped them both in the blankets. It took some time before her shivering subsided, and her rigid body relaxed against him into a fitful sleep. To his surprise, in her sleep she took the arm that Klast had wrapped around her and tucked his hand under her chin, as though it were his blanket.
Klast only dozed, holding himself still so Brensa would not wake and become afraid. He had never lain touching a woman before. Her hair pressed against his face. Even after all this time, he detected a hint of lavender there, a feminine scent. That, and her slight body against his, stirred him in spite of himself. The fear that she would wake and notice spurred him to regain control. It would be disastrous to have her think he wanted her. His arousal troubled Klast, too. He had always successfully denied he had any feelings for women.
The pattern became familiar, with Brensa growing stronger each day and less rigid every night. Yet, in all this time, Brensa gave only one word answers to his questions. Her silence was convenient, but it concerned Klast. He hoped that reuniting with Lady Marja would induce her to speak again.
It took them six days to reach the ford in the stream that bordered Bargia. Klast became even more alert as they approached it. He took a hidden, though more difficult, route. They could not afford to be seen. He knew this territory well, so he had no trouble keeping them out of sight.
When Bargia came into view, they waited in a nearby copse of oaks for the light to dim. As the shadows lengthened to cover their approach they crept up to the wall.
Klast led her through a hidden, seldom used passage inside the stone wall to a tiny, cell-like room, unfurnished except for two rickety, wooden chairs. This was one of several hidden meeting and interrogation rooms. Besides Klast, only Gaelen and Argost were privy to their existence. The cell had no window and no fireplace. Its walls were thick stone. No sound could escape to attract attention.
Klast looked at Brensa, making sure he had her full attention. “Brensa, I must leave you alone while I fetch Lady Marja to you. You will be safe here until I return. No one knows of this place.” He lit a small oil lamp that he had taken from behind a loose stone in the wall outside the cell and set it on the floor. It threw shadows against the walls with a thin, wavering light.
Brensa quailed. “How long?” she whispered, shrinking into herself.
“No more than two spans. If I cannot bring Lady Marja back, I will return myself to see you to safety.”
“I … she …” Brensa’s voice trailed off in indecision. “I cannot go back to her. She will not want me … not now.” Her face crumpled and she sat dejectedly on the chair, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. “I am ruined.”
“No, Brensa. Your lady has great need of you. You are her only friend.”
Brensa merely hung her head, shaking it sadly.
“Brensa, your lady is with child. Do not ask me how I know. Trust that I am certain it is so. She needs you by her more than ever now. Who else will she confide in?”
Klast knew that what he said was true. It did not occur often, but very occasionally he just knew things. He had never told anyone of his gift. It was not something he could control, not even something he wanted, but when it came it was always true. Seers were always women, but occasionally a boy would be born with a shadow of the gift. If others had known this about him, his life would have been very different in ways he could not have controlled. It was best kept secret.
“I will return as soon as I may.” He turned and left, closing the door tightly behind him, and waited until he heard her slide the bar into place as he had instructed. Then he hurried as quickly as he could, aware how frightening that dark cell must be to Brensa, all alone.
~40~
REUNION
Klast found Marja in the courtyard garden outside her quarters, cutting flowers for the table in their chambers. The guard announced him as he entered.
&
nbsp; So. She was still under protective guard. Good. Klast was relieved to see that she was unharmed though clearly not happy from her posture and expression.
Marja straightened immediately and was about to speak when Klast raised his hand to forestall her, saying immediately, “She lives, my lady. If you will come I will take you to her straightaway.”
Marja put down the flowers and called to the guards to follow. Klast intervened. “My lady, Brensa is in a safe place that is known only to Lord Gaelen and myself. We must keep it so. The guards cannot come.”
“That is impossible!” Marja sputtered in indignation. “They have strict orders from Lord Gaelen himself not to leave me for any reason. And how do I know I can trust you?”
Klast had anticipated her reluctance. “My lady, Brensa is alone and very frightened. If you cannot come I must go back to her without you. She has been through an ordeal you cannot imagine. If I inform her that you have refused to come, I fear for her sanity. Yet, I cannot reveal the location of this place to anyone without compromising the safety of Bargia and Lord Gaelen, to whom I am sworn. If you come, it must be alone. I have kept Brensa safe. I will do the same for you. It is your choice. Trust me, or see me leave without you. I must see Lord Gaelen with all haste as well. I have news that cannot wait. You must choose now, my lady.” With that he turned and headed for the entrance. He paused there, turning to see if Marja would follow. She stood rigid, plainly unable to decide.
As Klast turned once more to leave, she called, “Wait.” Marja turned to the guards, hoping they would obey her. “Felson, I will leave with Klast. Go immediately to Lord Gaelen and tell him what has occurred.” She looked at Klast. “Is there a sign you can give the guard that will inform Lord Gaelen where we are?”