Dragon Wife (13 page)

“Maybe we should talk outside,” Orwenna suggested, grabbing his leather doublet and leading him through the tent flap. The sun had just set; its fading light coloring the sky in pale hues, like the inside of a shell.

“You’ve got more wounded coming,” Huroth said, pointing to a horse-drawn wagon, full of injured men, creaking up the slope. “You should try some healing on them, to see how it works.” He pulled on his doublet, his movements smooth and pain free.

“I suppose I could.” She did want to learn how to raise and control this new energy. The soldiers wouldn’t have to know what she was doing.

“I’ll leave you to it,” he said, fastening his doublet and starting to walk away.

“Where are you going?” His departure seemed too abrupt. She wasn’t ready.

“I need to speak with the king,” he answered. “It shouldn’t take long. Then maybe you and I can pick up where we left off?” He grinned, warming her right down to her toes.

“I’ll be looking forward to it,” she called after him.

Chapter Ten

Tending the wagonload of wounded men took longer than expected. After a time, a soldier came by the tent bringing two lanterns to hang from corner poles. As night fell, their feeble illumination was barely sufficient. Orwenna hoped the physicians’ tents had better lighting.

She cautiously tried accessing her healing energy. Now that she’d experienced it once, it wasn’t difficult to call it up again. Though her heady embrace with Huroth had greatly magnified the energy, she could draw on small amounts of it, in other ways.

Compassion and intention seemed to be the key elements. The results weren’t as dramatic with the soldiers, but the energy made a difference. She was sure of it.

Though she expected the process to drain her, Orwenna’s stamina held. Unlike other spells and charms, the healing seemed to improve her physical state, as if it was working on her as well as the patient. As healing light flowed up from her center and down her arms, it reenergized her, keeping her mind clear and focused. What a marvelous discovery!

There were three men, still in need of tending, when one of the king’s young pages popped his head around the tent flap.

“Lady Orwenna?” he asked, looking questioningly from her to the nurse.

“That would be me,” Orwenna answered. “What do you need?”

“The king wishes to see you.”

“As soon as I finish with these soldiers.”

“I’m sorry Milady, but the king wants you right away.”

Orwenna frowned, mystified as to what could be so urgent.

“It’s all right,” the nurse assured her. “You go. I’ll see to these last few.”

“Very well.” Orwenna shrugged and followed the page outside.

In the dark, the horrors of the battlefield could no longer be seen. The camp was lit with sputtering torches, casting fitful orange light over the canvas tents. The ground had long since been churned to mud, and it sucked at her boots as she walked.

“Is Lord Huroth still with the king?” Orwenna asked. She had expected him to be finished by now.

“No Milady.” The page looked surprised. “He and the other dragons left some time ago.”

“Left?” Orwenna stopped, disconcerted. “When are they coming back?”

“They aren’t, as far as I know. They flew off toward the mountains, like they were done.”

How was that possible? Surely Huroth wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye! She was more important to him than that. Wasn’t she?

A swarm of doubts materialized in her mind. Had she misread their interactions? Huroth seemed sincere in his feelings, as if she mattered to him. But if that was true, how could he disappear like this, without a word?

Had she been nothing but a diversion for him, a bit of fun, with no real significance? The thought stung as bitterly as his discourtesy. And to make matters worse, she had no idea when or if she would see him again. It was a helpless feeling.

“You could ask King Elric,” the page suggested, seeing she was upset. “Lord Huroth met with him, before flying away.”

“I’ll do that.”

The king’s tent glowed brighter than the rest, the eagle crest lit in sharp detail along each side. The banners which hung limp in the afternoon’s drizzle, now snapped in a brisk breeze.

The page announced her arrival then ushered her inside.

“Welcome, niece,” the king said. “Please have a seat.” He gestured toward a cushioned chair.

His tent was furnished lavishly, by camp standards, with carpets, a bed, and an oak table set with the remains of dinner. There was even a full-length mirror hanging in one corner, next to his gold armor.

“Would you care for something to drink?” the king asked.

His gracious tone put Orwenna on edge. She was used to him dismissing her without a thought. Perhaps her questions about Huroth could wait, till she figured out what was going on.

“A drink would be nice. Thank you.” She spoke cautiously, sitting in the offered chair. The brocade armrest was satiny under her hand, making her aware of her dirtiness and rough attire.

“Wine, or something stronger?” he asked, rising and walking to the table.

“Do you have white wine? Something light?”

“You’re in luck,” he answered, pouring from a graceful silver carafe. “I had chicken for dinner, along with this excellent Dousalle. You’ll like it.”

Why wasn’t a servant fetching the wine? Orwenna looked around, realizing they were alone. Her uneasiness increased.

“What did you want to see me about?” she asked, preferring he get to the point. If he was going to punish her for running off and abandoning Rollin, this was an odd lead up.

“You’ve had an eventful few days,” the king observed, bringing her a goblet, half full of wine. “I thought we should discuss the ramifications of what has happened.”

“I’m not sure I know what you mean.” She might as well play stupid. Her uncle’s manner gave nothing away.

“On one hand, you abandoned young Rollin and offended your father,” the king said. “On the other hand, you brought dragons to your kingdom’s defense. I’m not sure whether to scold or praise your courage.”

“I’ll take the latter,” she said, sipping her wine.

“Yes, I’m sure you would. However, my approval will hinge on one important factor.”

“And what’s that?”

“If you accept Lord Huroth’s marriage proposal, then I’m ready to forgive your transgressions. It would be a boon to Rhelaun to count two dragon wives among our royal family.”

Orwenna stared at him blankly. What had he just said? Lord Huroth’s marriage proposal! What in blazes was going on?

“I see from your face, this is a surprise,” the king said. “Lord Huroth did not make his intentions clear to you?”

“No. He didn’t.” Orwenna felt as if she was floating up out of her body, a sensation of unreality rising through her like mist. “Is that what he came to talk with you about, before he left?”

“Indeed.” The king gave her a thin smile. “He expressed his desire to take you for a wife and generously offered a dragonstone as bride price, along with the continued loyalty of his clan, of course. It’s a most advantageous arrangement.”

Orwenna was speechless. One part of her was elated to think Huroth wanted her, but the rest rebelled against his arrogance.

He’d not even bothered to ask what she wanted. He went straight to the king and made the deal, purchasing her for the price of a rare jewel.

She’d thought better of him. She believed he saw her as a unique individual, much more than chattel to be bought and paid for. How could she have been so wrong?

“Surely you recognize the importance of this union,” the king went on. “Rhelaun would have lost, today, without the intervention of the dragon clan. We must do all we can to keep them happy.”

“So, you’re telling me to do my duty, and go warm our ally’s bed?” She spat the words, anger beginning to burn away her fog. It was outrageous. Here she was again, with males deciding her fate, explaining what she ‘must’ do, without once considering her feelings. Huroth might be handsome and dynamic, but he was made of the same insufferable stuff as her father and uncle.

“There’s no need to be crude,” the king objected. “Lord Huroth is a mighty…”

“Spare me the lecture. I know, better than you, what Huroth is, and I understand perfectly what’s happening here. He realized I could be an asset to his clan, just as you have seen how valuable dragon warriors are. So you’re both making a tidy little trade…one woman, for the price of an expensive bauble and a continued political alliance. Deal done.”

“I hope you’re not going to be difficult about this. I’d prefer things not get unpleasant.”

“Oh gods no,” Orwenna retorted. “We can’t have things getting unpleasant.” She let out a humorless laugh. “After all, there’s nothing unpleasant about discovering you’ve just been sold to the highest bidder.

“Poor Rollin can’t compete with a dragonstone and fire-breathing warriors. I suppose you’ll have to retract your blessings for that wedding, so you can bless this one instead.”

“Now listen here!” The king’s face reddened. “I won’t have you speak to me in that disrespectful tone. I’m your uncle and your sovereign. You will do as I command.”

“Or what? You’ll lock me up in the dungeons?” She glared at the king. “I hardly think Huroth would approve of that. You need to stay out of it. This is a matter between he and I…no one else.”

“You will accept his proposal.” The king spoke each word slowly and with emphasis.

“No. What I will do, is go home.” She drained her goblet and stood. “If Huroth wants me so damn much, tell him he can come to Mirra Muir and ask me himself. Then we’ll see.”

She turned and walked out of the tent, ignoring King Elric’s protests. In the past, his anger would have cowed her, but things had changed. She’d had enough of living her life by other’s strictures. The time had come to be her own master, and that included choosing a husband for herself, or not at all.

Orwenna wanted to believe that Huroth’s marriage offer was a sign of his deep feelings for her, but his method drew that into question. It seemed more like a deal, brokered to win his clan the services of a healer and magic user. It was no coincidence that he’d hurried to King Elric, after witnessing the extent of her powers. He’d seen, first hand, what a valuable commodity she was.

Emotions battled in Orwenna, as she made her way through the camp. More than anything she needed to be home, where she could relax and regroup. She was worn out from all the strangeness and intensity of the past days. Some of it had been wonderful, and some of it horrendous. There was a lot for her to process.

The moon had risen, bright and nearly full. It would make riding to Mirra Muir possible, even if she was too tired for a night vision spell. The thought of sleeping in her own bed was compelling.

At the edge of the battlefield, she found a horse wandering loose, reigns dragging on the ground. Its rider must have been lost in the fight. She couldn’t tell from its gear whether the horse belonged to Rhelaun or Keska…not that it mattered. The animal had four legs and a strong back. That’s all she cared about.

With a potent sense of relief, she pulled herself into the saddle. Home was just a few hours ride to the west. She couldn’t wait to rest her head on a soft pillow and tuck into a stack of Tyna’s oatcakes for breakfast. Adventures were all well and good, but home had its benefits.

Chapter Eleven

Huroth stepped out of King Elric’s tent, his mood lighter than he would have thought possible, especially at such a dark time. Wen hadn’t just healed the wounds of his body, she’d soothed the pain in his battle-scarred heart. Life brought its sadness and loss, but it also brought miracles. Wen was a true gift.

He couldn’t help smiling as he remembered the exquisite passion of their kisses. If the nurse hadn’t come in, interrupting them, who knows what might have happened. Wen aroused a powerful desire in him, more than he’d felt in a long time, possibly ever. They were made for each other, two pieces of a puzzle that fit together perfectly.

Wonder of wonders, Wen was also smart, brave, funny, and kind. She was more than he’d dreamt of in a mate. With her, he could have it all, an admirable and enjoyable companion, as well as a lover who stirred his deepest longings.

He wanted to know her better, how she thought, what she dreamed of. Seeing the world with her was like seeing through fresh eyes. It renewed his lust for life, as well as for other things, long denied.

Such bounty was well worth a dragonstone and continued loyalty to Rhelaun. He’d have given more, if the king drove a hard bargain, but Elric quickly agreed to the proposal. Wen’s previous engagement with Rollin didn’t seem to be a factor of any concern.

The most critical step remained. Huroth needed to ask Wen if she was willing to be his mate. He’d spoken to the king first, because he wanted to ensure there were no obstacles in the way of their union. Now, the path was clear.

As Huroth strode through the camp, he felt a tremor of disquiet. What if Wen refused? Her behavior indicated she wanted him, but could he be sure? She was female, after all, and a human on top of that. It made her something of an enigma.

You must return quickly. We’re in danger. Trolkin are here!
An urgent voice spoke inside his head. It was Tirza.

He reeled from shock at her words. Trolkin at Dragonvale! How could that be? Not a single trolkin had been seen in all these years. Where had they come from?

Huroth grabbed the nearest soldier, who was slouched against a wagon drinking ale. Flagons of the stuff were being handed out as thanks to the victorious army.

“Go to the smallest medic tent,” he told the man. “Tell Lady Orwenna that I…that Lord Huroth had to leave unexpectedly. Tell her I’m sorry, and I’ll return to see her as soon as I can.”

“Have you got that?” he asked the bewildered soldier, wanting to shake him to make sure he took the message seriously. It felt woefully inadequate, when there was so much he needed to say to Wen. Unfortunately, this would have to do. She’d expressly forbidden him from linking minds with her, and he wasn’t about to endanger her trust now.

Without a second to waste, he shifted to drake form and took to the air. The other dragons also leapt into flight, having received the same mind link from Tirza. They grouped together, in arrow formation, and raced toward the mountains.