Back From Chaos (22 page)

Marja nodded distractedly. “Gaelen, Summer Festival is in two days. At home in Catania, I would have been riding in the hills, gathering greens and flowers to decorate the castle. I miss that sorely. It makes me homesick. And I need exercise. So does my mare. I want to take her out and acquaint myself with the countryside. I need to breathe, Gaelen. I know you want to keep me safe, especially now, but this confinement is driving me mad. I wish to take Brensa and ride outside the city. If you must increase the guard, then do so, but I truly need to ride.”

Before Gaelen had time to answer, another thought popped out. “And we need to find a good midwife. I will want to interview several to find one I trust and who has knowledge and experience. I will not have a surgeon. I will not trust a man with this. What can men know of childbirth? Midwives have borne their own and have seen many births.” Marja stopped and looked at him anxiously.

Gaelen decided to deal with the second request first. “I am certain there are excellent midwives who would serve well. There is no need to insist on a surgeon. I tend to mistrust them myself and prefer to go to a healer woman with my ailments. Their knowledge of herbs and medicinals seems more effective.” He stopped for a moment, stuck by an idea. “I wonder if Liethis might assist in choosing one.”

“
Liethis, the seer you sent for?”

“
Yes. She arrived early this afternoon. I have already spoken with her. She plans to remain here for Summer Festival. I would like you to meet her. I think you will find her very interesting.” He nodded, having made up his mind. “I will have her come to meet you tomorrow … and perhaps she will be able to say if it is safe for you to ride out.”

He regarded her closely as if making up his mind. “Marja, she has given me much to think on. I can only speak of this with you in strictest confidence, but I think it important for you to know. It will help you understand why I keep you under such strong guard. Do not even speak of it to Brensa.” He eyed her, waiting for agreement.

Marja nodded slowly, waiting for him to continue. When he did not, she answered, “You may depend on my silence.”

“
Both Klast and Liethis have informed me that I have a traitor among my most trusted men. Liethis does not know his identity. Klast does because he overheard his name spoken by the men who took Brensa. You need to know his name so that you may be vigilant for your safety, since his first treasonous act was his attempt to remove you. The attack on our party was meant to take you, not Brensa. You probably already know this.”

Marja nodded.

Gaelen continued, “Though it will be much more difficult here, I fear he will make another attempt on your life. His identity has given me great cause for concern. I would have trusted him completely had I not the information Klast gave me.” Gaelen hesitated, rubbing his hand over his eyes.

Marja placed her hand on his arm in reassurance and waited silently a moment. When Gaelen did not continue she whispered, “Who is it, Gaelen? I swear it will not leave my lips.”

Gaelen’s answer was barely audible. “It is Sinnath.” He shook his head. He still could hardly believe it. “One of my father’s oldest and most trusted advisors. I have Klast looking for proof.” Gaelen sat down on the garden bench and sighed.

Marja sat beside him and wove her arm through his. “You will overcome this. He is the only one? Liethis does not see any others?” Gaelen shook his head. “Then he will be found out. And now our child will strengthen the union of our peoples. You will succeed … no, we will succeed, all of us together. If he is the only one, it means you have many who stand with you. Look to them.”

Gaelen tried his best to give a hopeful smile and squeezed her arm. Then he straightened and rose. “Will you see Liethis then? Tomorrow?”

“
Certainly. Do you have time to have tea with me before you leave? Brensa could join us. She is afraid to be alone. I fear I have already left her overlong.”

Gaelen hesitated. There was so much that needed to be done. Then he made himself relax. This, too, was important. “Tea would be most welcome.”

Marja called to Brensa to have one of the guards send for the tea and invited her to rejoin them in the garden.

Over tea Gaelen admired the women’s garlands. “How are the preparations for the Festival going?

“
I have planned the menu with the cook, and the great hall is decorated. These garlands are for our chambers,” Marja told him.

During a lull Brensa gathered her courage and inquired of Gaelen, “My lord, has there been word from Catania? Have you heard how Nellis and Mikost fare? Has she delivered her child?”

At Brensa’s anxious expression Marja’s face fell, and she looked guilty. “Oh, yes, my lord. What news of Catania? I have been remiss. Thank you for reminding me, Brensa.”

Gaelen shook his head. “None yet I fear. I expect a messenger soon. When he comes, I will be certain to inquire about your friends. Perhaps he will carry special messages for each of you. Of course, I have sent word to Argost of events here, since we arrived in Bargia.”

He gave the women what he hoped was an encouraging smile. “Soon we will have better news. It is too early to speak of the coming child, but I am certain your friends will welcome the announcement when we are able to tell them.”

Gaelen turned. “Brensa, I am aware that you already knew of this from Klast. I must demand that you speak of it to no one until I deem it safe.”

Brensa nodded. “Of course, my lord, I understand.” She looked pleased at being included in this important secret.

Gaelen stood. “Ladies, I regret I must leave you now. There is much that requires my attention.” He turned to Marja. “I will send for Liethis. Tomorrow I promise to give you an answer regarding riding out.” With that he gave her a quick, worried embrace and left.

~ 47 ~

LIETHIS SEES

Liethis arrived with a single guard as escort. Common belief held that to harm a seer would bring years of darkness and bad luck upon the people. No one wished to test that belief. Liethis thought it to be untrue, that Earth’s ways were inscrutable, but she did nothing to dispel the idea. It would be impossible to dissuade people, and the belief did no harm.

Liethis felt drawn to Marja immediately. She warmed to her calm demeanour, her clear, open gaze and welcoming smile.

The guard left her at the gate to the garden. The air was still quite warm for this late in the afternoon, so Marja led them to two small benches facing each other in a shaded corner. They provided comfort without shutting the women inside. The tea and cakes, along with some fresh new cheese she had ordered, arrived right behind Liethis.

Before they sat, Marja held out her hand. “Liethis, I am honoured to meet you. My lord speaks of you as a trusted friend and tells me he relies on your talents. Any friend of my lord is most welcome. It would please me if we should also become friends. Please, will you sit down?”

Liethis took the proffered hand and held it a moment, gathering impressions of this woman who had experienced so much in such a short time. She sensed a mixture of warmth and coolness and a strong core that would not be easily bent. She felt decisiveness, well balanced by compassion. Yes, this woman must be kept safe. Gaelen would rely on her insight and strength in the trials to come.

Liethis smiled warmly at Marja in acknowledgement. “Thank you, my lady. I am confident it shall be so.” Then she turned her attention to Brensa.

Brensa had remained behind Marja, as became her position, but Liethis could sense the effort it took Brensa not to blurt out her own questions. Liethis reached around Marja and offered her hand to Brensa, who took it timidly and allowed herself to be drawn forward. As soon as she had, she relaxed noticeably. The sense of calm Liethis sent her put her at ease. The tension left Brensa’s shoulders and she met Liethis’ eyes with gratitude.

Liethis could feel turmoil emanating from Brensa. She knew what the girl had gone through and understood her need for reassurance. In spite of the girl’s fear, Liethis sensed a small gift of healing in Brensa’s hands. This would be useful during Marja’s pregnancy, as it would help her give comfort to her lady. In her turn, it would assist in Brensa’s own healing process, which Liethis saw would be long and difficult.

As Liethis looked into Brensa’s eyes, her foremost question came to her mind. There was a man she felt a connection to … yes, the man who had rescued her. The longing to know what might become of this attraction was so strong that Liethis could almost touch it, as though it were a physical thing. She sighed inwardly. She could not divine the outcome of this connection. Klast, too, had his demons to wrestle. Yet she sensed a thread there, still connecting the two.

Liethis kept Brensa’s hand in hers as she spoke. “Brensa, you will heal from the ordeal you have been through. It will not be easy, but you are stronger than you think. Your lady will need you during her pregnancy. You will be a comfort to each other.”

Liethis hesitated, still feeling the longing emanating from Brensa around Klast. “Brensa, I cannot be certain where the path leads with regard to Klast. That way is unclear. All I can say is that he cares for you and will never knowingly hurt you. He watches over you.”

Brensa sagged with disappointment as she nodded her understanding. Her pain made her thoughts as clear as if she had spoken them aloud. Klast had been candid with Brensa that he could never entertain thoughts of a relationship with a woman. His duties made that impossible … but Liethis said the path was unclear. Did that mean that there might be a way? And Liethis said he cared for her, watched over her even. Brensa knew there was something between them. She felt it. Whenever Klast was near, even though he seemed invisible to others, Brensa always knew where he was. She saw him even when he did his best to avoid her notice. Brensa also knew Liethis’ sight was true. How else could she have known what Brensa ached to ask her? Hope. She must hold on to hope.

Liethis suppressed a sigh of sadness and addressed Brensa gently. “The way is still unclear for you. Do not despair.”

She turned back to Marja. “My lady, you, too, have been though a difficult time.” She glanced back at Brensa to include her. “You will rely greatly on each other in the time to come.”

Liethis then gave her full attention to Marja, pleased that she sensed no jealousy after the consideration Brensa had received. “Lady, Lord Gaelen will rely on your wisdom. Others will advise him to act more rashly and swiftly than is prudent. It will rest with you to provide the balance. He will need your strength and your sense of justice.”

Then the grave expression left her face and it became wreathed in a broad smile, “Your son is strong. Keep him safe. He will provide the people with the hope they need to follow Lord Gaelen’s rule.”

She grew serious again. “He must be kept safe until he is born. I sense danger to yourself and to him. But I have told Lord Gaelen that you need to be seen by the people, so I have suggested he agree to your request for more freedom.”

She sensed the next question from Marja. “Your health is not in danger. Riding will be good for you. The menace I sense around you comes from someone close by you, perhaps within the castle itself. Lord Gaelen has agreed to increase your guard so that you may move about Bargia as you wish … under one condition, which I suggested. You must always take Brensa with you. I sense that her presence is linked to your safety.”

Marja’s elation lit up her face. “Thank you, Liethis. You know what this means to me.” Then she stopped as what Liethis had just told her sank in. “A son, lady? You say I carry Gaelen’s heir? Are you certain?” She turned to Brensa and gave her a spontaneous hug. “Did you hear, Brensa? An heir! Gaelen will be so pleased.” She released Brensa and turned back to Liethis. “Thank you, Liethis. I will take care not to overstep my freedom. Lord Gaelen must have his heir.”

Liethis rose to leave. She smiled warmly as she turned to go. “Take care of each other.” With that she opened the door and nodded to the guard waiting for her that she was ready to go.

~ 48 ~

A RESCUE

Marja greeted her beloved Keisha with a nose rub and a carrot. She felt lighter and more optimistic than she had since before the invasion of Catania. Even Brensa seemed less fearful as she took the reins of her small mare, Senna. The double guard put the only wrinkle on the day. The weather shone sunny and bright without being overly hot. A kitchen maid had filled their saddlebags with a lunch of fresh dark bread, new cheese, potted meats, cakes and wine. Marja exclaimed in delight when she discovered the inclusion of some honeyed fruits left from last fall’s harvest.

The party left by the north gate. This road wound into the low hills that made up the best lands for growing. Green meadows dotted it; small copses of trees showed the bright greens of new leaves. Some still bore pink and white blossoms that promised apples, pears and plums come fall. Fields of grains gave evidence to the richness of the soil. In between, cottages and small steadings nestled.

Once well away from the castle, Marja called to the guards. “I wish to give my mare her head and put on some speed.”

They did not like the idea, but Marja insisted. They all galloped down the beaten dirt road until Marja and Brensa were both flushed with colour and covered in fine dust. Marja slowed Keisha and bade the guards find a good place to rest and eat. She had intended to pick flowers and branches to decorate with, but had noticed that preparations were mostly finished and decided just to enjoy a day out.