I worked really hard on this I hope you like it! In the last chapter Karigan found out that she would be going to the King's home for the holidays.
When Karigan had fallen asleep, the only things in her room had been her bed, a trunk, a rather large wardrobe and herself. She awoke to find several rather large packages, all wishing her a happy birthday.
"I can't believe it's been a year already." She said as she studied the packages. How could she have forgotten her own birthday?
Three of them had been from her father. She opened the two larger ones, only to discover dresses much like the one he had sent previously when Braymer Coyle had come to visit from Rhovanny. While that one had been a beautiful shade of midnight blue, the one she held now was her other clan color, purple, but a much lighter tint that looked more like lilac. It had off the shoulder sleeves that were slashed in the arms to show snow white silk underneath, while golden thread was woven in intricate designs at the hem. She took out the next dress and let out a small gasp. While the first gown was fit for any noble, the next one looked made for a queen. The dress was made of pure white silk layered by a thin elaborate black lace design that made the gown sparkle as the light hit it. Its sleeves were off the shoulder as well, with the silk and lace portion only lasting a couple of inches and the rest being made up of a sheer material that would hang loosely around her arms. Remembering her father's letter and Estral's package that she had received the night before, she raced around to her enormous wardrobe and grabbed the letter and package from their hiding place. Laying the bundle from her friend Estral to the side, she slowly read over her father's letter.
Karigan,
Happy birthday my sweet Karigan, I can only hope that your gifts arrive in time. I know you didn't like me setting you up with that lad, Coyle, but I hope that if you do attend any parties over the holidays that these will be to your liking. Also, I want you to know that the white gown, as well as the jewelry box, once belonged to your mother. She looked absolutely stunning in it and I know you will look just as beautiful. Happy birthday again and know that we all miss you terribly, so come home once in awhile!
A small tear trickled down her cheek as she finished reading the letter. She had already agreed to travel with the king to Hillander this winter but she vowed she would find a way home as soon as she returned. She opened the remaining package from her father to find her mother's jewelry box. Roses and humming birds were carved into the deep cherry wood and its tiny knobs were made of small pearls. Carved into the very top was a small crest made of a sword in the rest position with horses about to charge on either side, she didn't know the insignia but it seemed vaguely familiar. The bottom compartments branched outward and settled into place on the ends while the lid of the box swung open to reveal several precious jewels, necklaces and other decorative pieces in the middle. Each section was layered with rich red velvet which enhanced the beauty of the pieces that laid within. It was truly beautiful but it looked too shallow compared to the outside of the box for that to be it. She examined the inside edging, looking for any sign of a secret compartment.
"Aha!" she exclaimed in satisfaction when she had managed to pry open the bottom of the main panel. Inside laid a small folded up piece of paper. She took it out slowly, her hands trembling in anticipation of what it might reveal. She opened it to find a letter, written in a feminine hand, addressed to her.
Karigan,
My sweet, beautiful daughter, happy birthday! I knew you'd find this secret compartment; you love to get in to everything! You have no idea how I much I wanted to watch you grow up. I have nothing to fear though because you have your father's fighting spirit. Wherever you go men will be lining up to meet such a beautiful yet fiery young woman. I'm sorry that I cannot be here with you, now at a time that you need me most. I can only pray that I influenced you enough with the little time we were together and that your aunts brought you up to be a proper lady. I could go on, for there is so much I wish to tell you but there are some matters of great importance that I must inform you of. Soon, within a couple of weeks of your birthday, there shall be several visitors looking for you. I'll let them tell you who there are but do know that they are friends. Karigan, no matter what life offers you, you always have a choice. If you're alone and confused and don't know what to do, just follow what's in your heart. I know you'll do amazing things in life. I love you, my Karigan. Enjoy the jewelry box! It was your great-grandmother!
Love Always,
Kariny
Karigan slowly placed the letter down on her bed in disbelief. It had been a letter from her mother! She drew her legs close to her chest as tears started falling freely. She had known that her mother had loved her but to actually receive such a letter had made their bond seemed much more real. She had been very miserable and alone and her mother's letter had healed all her recent pain. Nothing seemed as big a problem as before. Somehow her mother had known just what to say all those years ago. Perhaps all women went through the same problems but she doubted it. She chose to believe that her mother knew just what type of woman she'd become and hoped that she'd be proud. She put away the gowns in her wardrobe and hid the jewelry box in her trunk, not wanting to share such an intimate gift with anyone else.
The last of the packages had been from her fellow riders who had left for home already. It consisted of mainly chocolates from Master Gruntler's shop, as well as some beautiful colored dyes from Tegan and a dazzling red rose from Yates. She remembered the bundle from Selium and she opened it to find several bottles of wonderful smelling perfumes. Estral's note had been a short and simple one.
Happy Birthday my friend, may these remind you of simpler times.
Your friend,
Estral
Everyone she knew might be at their homes already but they were there with her in spirit, and as long as she had her mother's letter, she would never forget it. Realizing that she was expected for training soon, she dressed quickly and took off in the direction of the practice field. There was a nagging sensation in the back of her mind that she had forgotten something but since she couldn't pinpoint what it was exactly, she figured it wasn't urgent and ignored it. She had hoped that with the winter already here and snow on the ground, that Drent would take their sessions indoors. She was soon exonerated of such thoughts when Drent stated that enemies never stop killing due to weather and neither would they. So there she stood, facing him, trembling inside her greatcoat.
It felt like she practiced for an eternity as time dragged on slowly. At first she had thought that the exercise would warm her up as they went along but the longer they were out there the more numb she got. Normally, Karigan would have been beaten up by the fearsome Arms Master, however she was feeling too good today and wanted to show him a thing or two. She had been saving the moves that Arms Master Rendle had taught her, waiting for just such an occasion to use them. She moved in to perform the method, smiling in anticipation. He brought down his weapon in a vertical slice and she swiftly blocked his attack, switching his blow around to perform the reversal moon slice technique Rendle had shown her. Shock emerged on the Arms Master's face as she managed to send his blade flying and with extreme satisfaction, land the kill point.
Drent stood there momentarily baffled by the recent display. "Well," he said clearing his throat. "It is impossible for anyone to know all the different methods of attack using a sword. This only proves to me that you've been holding back. From now on if I feel that you aren't giving me your all, I will up the level of intensity until I'm sure you have nothing left to give."
Normally Karigan would have groaned at this but she was feeling quite proud of herself.
"I can't wait." she said intently, perplexing Drent for the second time that day.
Hearing the bell ring in the tenth hour, Karigan started to walk away intent on grabbing some breakfast and then perhaps having a ride with Condor despite the cold.
"GIRL!"
Karigan swiveled around to see Drent fuming. She swallowed hard, what had she done now?
"You're dismissed when I say you're dismissed." His eyes dared her to challenge him, she didn't. "Now, I assume you've heard you'll be training with a new instructor while you're in Hillander."
She nodded yes but he didn't notice.
"BOY! HERE! NOW!!" he bellowed as she noticed two figures emerging from the shadows. One was a Weapon and the other was...she gaped openly in shock. The boy Drent had called for was none other than King Zachary himself.
"You can't seriously mean to have the king train me?" she asked incredibly.
Zachary chuckled softly. "Do you not think I'm skilled enough to train you?" He asked in a mock
hurt tone.
"N-no, that's not it at all." she stammered. "It's just that you're the king. Surely you have better things to do than spar with me. Also, this trip is supposed to be a vacation for you. What kind of vacation would it be with constant training? Not to mention what happened last time..." she paused, King Zachary's face had turn ashen.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you." She was looking at the ground now, fearing anything more her traitorous mouth might utter.
The king merely shook his head in disbelief. He placed two fingers gently beneath her chin and raised her head to look at him. "Like I said last time Karigan, it was my fault. You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm the one who should be apologizing." he had a grim smile and she could tell that he was apologizing for more than just whacking her in the head.
"Thank you." she managed to mutter.
"Besides, Drent's assured me that you are much stronger, quicker and more skilled with the sword than last time. So it will be a pleasure fighting someone who will use full force on me, other than Drent." he said, his eyes dancing merrily.
"Ahem." Their eyes turned to Drent. "That's very touching and all but you're both here to train not socialize."
"My apologies Arms Master Drent, I assure you that I will take the training of our young Rider Sir G'ladheon very seriously." King Zachary said a glimmer of laughter still in his eyes.
Karigan groaned. "Excellency, I've been wanting to talk to you about that."
Confusion past over the king's face momentarily as he considered something. "You wish to talk to me...about your title?"
"Yes Excellency. Can't I just remain Rider G'ladheon? I've never been fond of titles." she said with all the seriousness in the world.
He studied her moment before speaking, "You can tell others to call you what you like but I'm afraid at formal events and meetings others must address you as Rider Sir G'ladheon."
She sighed it looks like she'd never get rid of that title.
"I said no socializing!" Drent growled.
Karigan flinched but Zachary didn't seem to notice "Of course Arms Master Drent." he said calmly.
"Now boy, I've already gone over what I want you to work on with her but I'm going to tell the girl here anyways." he turned towards her. "You are to continue with the shackles around your ankles and add an extra ten pounds to your pack. I want you to be running twice as many laps when you come back," He barked "and you better be able to hit the bulls-eye on the target dummy next time I see you throw a blade."
Karigan sighed my wonderful day is turning out to be very depressing she thought. Her stomach made a low growling noise which the king heard.
"Hungry?" the king asked amused.
"Famished," she said blushing in embarrassment. "So if we're all done here I'd really love to go now."
"Yes, I think we should be good for now. Drent?"
The Arms Master blinked at the sound of his name. "What? Oh no I believe we're done for the day."
At his words her heart jumped for joy and, not before bowing to the king, she instantly took off in search of something to eat. Most of the cooks were gone now but there were a few left and the one she talked to was a sweet dumpling of a lady named Lola. She had thought Karigan looked far too thin and far too young to be in such a dangerous profession. She immediately overflowed Karigan's plate with fruits, muffins and other pastries demanding she eat all of it. Karigan laughed at how the lady fussed over her and accidentally mentioned this being her best birthday breakfast in a long time. Well that was a mistake, for as soon as she heard that, Lola made it her main objective to pamper Karigan in every way possible and had insisted that she return later that evening for a delicious feast. Not having anything better planned since all her friends were gone, Karigan agreed whole-heartedly that she would return at the appointed time. After she was well fed, she judged the next thing to do on her good day was check up on Condor and see if he was up for a ride despite the winter chill.
He looked out his study window amazed to find her out on the fields, one with her horse. No matter the weather she loved to ride and he loved to watch her. It could be a harsh spring's storm or a winter's blizzard and he knew if she could, she would ride. He chuckled slightly at the thought.
"Is something funny your Highness?"
He sighed, "No, it's nothing. You were saying?" King Zachary looked wearily over at his council of advisors.
"Well, we are all packed and ready to travel for next week. The Tomb Weapons will remain below. Lady Estora took about a fourth with her back to Coutre, another fourth will remain here at the castle for an extra bit of precaution and the rest will travel with you to your estate in Hillander. Most of the messengers have been sent home but you will have a few on hand due to the Weapons' request to have Rider Sir Karigan there and if any emergency comes up that you may have to address. Everything has been taken care of." Colin Dovekey declared gruffly.
King Zachary glanced around the room observing his advisors. He could see that Captain Mapstone was in her own private world while Castellan Sperren snoozed in his chair. Colin was alertful as ever but Zachary was growing restless with anticipation of seeing his home again.
"I think," he whispered quietly but firmly gaining everyone's including the now awake
Sperren's attention, "we should call it a day. Go out and enjoy yourselves. I personally am tired of these unrelenting meetings day-in and day-out."
His advisors could only stare at him, speechless.
Captain Mapstone was the first to speak, "But your Highness, we have to make sure everything is in order before we leave. Who knows what may happen before we could receive word of an upcoming disaster? We need to make sure-"
"Laren, I know that everything will be taken care of." he said rationally. "All our gear is packed. My home in Hillander has been informed of our upcoming arrival and has already sent word back that all the preparations are in order. Weapons will be here to protect the tombs and castle and the people will be satisfied to know that I have handpicked a judge for public audience days. If anything is of dire importance Connly will be here and can use his special ability to send word of any problems through Trace. Everything is ready. Now go relax and enjoy the new snow."
"But-"
"Dismissed." Zachary turned away from the Captain's annoyed expression and walked through the secret passage behind the tapestry. He dashed through the corridors not really knowing where he was going, his mind pondering if Karigan was still out riding Condor and if he could catch her in time. He still needed to talk with her alone, even more so after her admission earlier of how she had wanted to speak with him concerning her title. If she had wanted to see him, even if about some silly title, why would Laren tell him she wished to be alone? Something was very wrong and he needed to find Karigan. He haltered his step for a moment, another thought dawning on him. What if she had only recently wished to see him? If that was so, he was about to make a fool of himself. He thought of how Karigan reacted when Drent informed her that he, her king, was to be her new trainer. She had looked terrified.
"I suppose she wants nothing to do with me." he mumbled painfully.
Not only was he not permitted to be with her but she was drifting unbearably far away from him. How could he coax his shy maiden to remain by his side, if he could not wed her? He had not a clue and was made all the more miserable by it.
"Excellency?"
Zachary turned around startled to hear another's voice when he had thought he was alone. "Yes Fastion?"
"If I may be so bold, I've seen the way you and..." Fastion paused momentarily thinking better of what he was about to say, "I've seen the way you and her look at one another. There's love on both sides." He waited for Zachary to say something before daring to continue. "She may be a shy lass but I can tell. Yet she knows as well as you what could happen to the country, to her home, to her loved ones."
Zachary sighed, "Yes, Fastion, I know. I know what will happen if I...it's why I've been so slow to admit my feelings to her. Still I feel that even if I could marry her, she still wouldn't come to me. She always runs."
Fastion smirked and Zachary raised a questioning eyebrow. "Excellency, it's just this girl has done more remarkable things that I can scarcely imagine. I feel there is more to her than even she is aware of and that very soon many questions will be answered. Many doors once thought locked will be opened for new possibilities. Everything will come down to her and she will help lead us into a golden
era."
Zachary smiled thoughtfully, "You sound like an old prophet."
"I like to leave people thinking, your Excellency." the weapon chuckled, clearly amused.
Zachary continued strolling down the hall aimlessly until he came upon the kitchens. I am hungry he thought but I need to find Karigan. He started to walk away when he noticed several servants rushing in and out of the kitchens. That's odd, there should be less to do now that the castle is so empty...I wonder what the commotion is all about...
"Excuse me," he said to a young boy who had just come from the kitchens. "Can you tell me what's going on that here?"
"It's just some rider's birthday...y-your Majesty!" the boy cried as he realized who he was talking to and quickly fell to his knees.
Zachary chuckled, "Do you know which rider? I am quite sure it is not Laren's but I was unaware it was anyone else's birthday."
"Y-yes your Majesty, I believe the rider's name is K-Karigan."
"Karigan's?" the king said startled. "I did not know, thank you young man."
"Y-your welcome your Majesty."
Zachary stood there determined to figure out some sort of present to give to Karigan but as to what, he was unsure. The last time he had tried to give her something, she had returned it enraged that he would give her anything that intimate as his signature dried on his marriage contract to Lady Estora. What could he give her that she would like and except from him? Certainly not the mirror and brush set or even jewelry. Perhaps something that could be used in her line of duty? Maybe something for her horse? No, he wanted it be a bit more personal than that.
I got it! He thought victoriously It's something she definitely can use and I don't think she owns a set!
With a new purpose in mind, Zachary strolled off in the opposite direction to see to the construction of his intended gift.
Laren wearily fell into her chair to start examining paperwork that she had been putting off. She was truly grateful for all the new riders that had been coming into her office of late but it had left her with an abundance of work to do, which frankly she just didn't have time for. The only reason she had time now was because the king had just dismissed his advisors telling them to relax. Well that's all good and fine for him but she had other things that needed to be looked at and taken care of. For one matter, she still had to talk to Zachary about his interest in her rider, Karigan. If Karigan was of noble blood or even if Zachary had not become king she would have gladly looked the other way if not tried to help them. However that was not the case and she had to ensure that Zachary did nothing to risk an uproar among the other nobles, especially the eastern lords. She was terribly frightened that Zachary would shun her for destroying his letters to Karigan the way he had shunned her recently that summer for telling him the former Lord D'Ivary told the truth to a rather horrendous lie.
"I would certainly deserve it." she sighed. "I doubt he'll ever forgive me for this one."
She stood, stretching her legs from their cramping position. Karigan would probably never forgive her either if she ever found out. Though from what she could tell, Karigan had been trying to stay away from Zachary. For all Laren knew, Karigan might be extremely grateful that she had destroyed the letters. She could only hope. She walked over to her bookstand, grabbing a rather large volume from the shelf. She had found a book full of old Sacoridian "fairytales", that she had thought Karigan would enjoy, and had sent it out to be translated. She wasn't sure if there were any truth to these tales but a few years ago she also hadn't believed Eletians existed anymore, until she had met Karigan that is. If anyone was destined to prove these fairytales were true it would be her.
She carefully wrapped the book in some paper and picked up a letter from Alton that had arrived earlier that day for Karigan. She could only hope that the two were on talking terms again, so one of her plans to distance Zachary and Karigan might work. She had sent out orders to Alton to stay away from the wall due to Dale's recent report stating his anxious and peculiar behavior but she couldn't allow him to go home because he most likely would sneak away to the wall when the others were asleep. So to make both of her plans work, Alton would be meeting them at Zachary's estate in Hillander Province.
She arrived at Karigan's room pleased to see a light shining beneath the door. She knocked less than confidently still troubled by what she was doing to Karigan's relationship with Zachary. There was a
momentary pause where Laren could hear someone hopping off the bed and shuffling their feet to the door before opening it.
"Captain Mapstone!" said a startled Karigan. She had obviously not been expecting a visit from her captain.
"Karigan."
"How can I help you, Captain?" Karigan said as she waved an arm inviting her in.
Laren smiled mischievously, "I make it a point to give all my riders some small token on their birthday." she said handing over the book.
Karigan stared at it for a second before looking back up, frowning. "A book is no small token, especially one that's been translated."
Laren had to stifle a laugh. "No, I suppose not but you have done many great things for all of us including myself. Besides, no one said I couldn't up the quality of the gift for my more favored riders." she said with a wink. "Not to mention I think this book would benefit you more than anyone else. Who else has ridden with Salvistar and ghosts and fought Eletians and Mornhavon?"
Karigan blushed slightly, for what reason Laren didn't know. "Thank you, Captain. I will take great care of this."
"I know you will. One more thing, this came for you." she said as she pulled Alton's letter out from her greatcoat pocket. "It's from Alton, who I've ordered to join us in Hillander due to him being overworked and stressed at the wall. Nothing can be done anyways until the book is translated."
Karigan accepted it with trembling hands. "This is from Alton? He's going to be with us in Hillander?" she said rather shocked. Laren was afraid the two might still be fighting but her worries were discarded right away when Karigan broke out in a huge grin. "This is wonderful, thank you!"
Laren could only smile. "Happy Birthday rider."
She didn't stay to see Karigan read her letter; such things were best done in private. She headed back slowly to her office to finish her paperwork.
For my birthday she thought miserably as she took a document from the top of the pile, I want someone to get rid of all this paperwork!
Karigan spread out on her bed, astonished from the events that had happened that day, getting a letter from her mom and King Zachary becoming her new training instructor. Now she had gotten a letter from Alton, apologizing for ignoring her and asking her forgiveness. She was so happy that she rolled around in her bed unable to suppress her joy.
"He doesn't hate me!" she said in delight as she pressed the letter tightly against her chest. "I'm so relieved. This truly is the best birthday ever!"
She carried on this way for several more minutes not wanting anything to ruin her good mood but eventually her stomach cried out demanding food and she headed out to the kitchen for her birthday feast. She arrived at the appointed time and was disappointed to see no one there.
"Lola? Anyone? Hello?...I wonder where everyone is?" she questioned out loud.
"I sent them away after everything was finished."
She whipped around, her hand flying to where her saber should be if she wasn't on castle grounds. As she took in the room recognition dawned in her eyes, forcing her to take a step back in apprehension.For the second time that day she stood before the king. Her eyes fell nervously to the ground, not wanting to meet him in the eyes.
"Karigan," he murmured softly "I heard it was your birthday and I was wondering if you would dine with me and the Captain in celebration?
"Oh," she said stunned. She had thought that...well she wasn't quite sure what she thought but she hadn't expected him wanting her to dine together plus the captain. She could only assume he had moved on but still cared and the thought touched her. She could be friends with the king if that is all he wanted. Perhaps that would help her feelings cool towards him as well.
"A-alright." she said warily.
She returned to her room later that evening thoroughly confused and exhausted. Throughout the whole of the dinner, she had noticed King Zachary gazing at her with, what she thought was desire in his eyes. Yet when he bothered to talk it was a different story. His side of the conversation remained completely neutral not hinting to any of his feelings but it didn't stop him from enjoying himself. Captain
Mapstone on the other hand had watched them both with such attentiveness, that Karigan had to wonder if the Captain knew of their feelings for one another. It certainly felt like she had directed the conversation onto safer territory during the duration of the dinner, for which Karigan was glad for but she still couldn't help but worry that someone else besides Estral might know her true feelings for the king. So she had spent the evening trying just as hard not to give away any of her true emotions and the act had left her worn out. Thank Aeryc she hadn't been born into the aristocratic society, she would have never survived all the politics and underhandedness of it all. She paused for a moment considering it all, if she had been of noble blood she could marry King Zachary, the irony was not lost on her. She sighed and rubbed her temples, why was everything so complicated? Well, besides for the dinner, it had been one of her best days in a long time and she closed her eyes thinking of her mother as she fell asleep.
Zachary laid in bed quietly reflecting on the day's events. When he had been in the kitchens with Karigan he had wanted to say...wanted to do so much. He had wanted to take her into his arms and never let go. Tell her that he would find a way for them to be together. Yet if he had, she would have run. He had restrained himself from giving in to...his urges and was rewarded with her agreeing to dine with him and Laren. He had to restrain himself during the dinner as well. He didn't want to give away anything to Laren or frighten off Karigan, who might guess at any hidden meaning him might imply. No, if he was going to strengthen their bond, he would have to be slow and careful in everything he did and said. In the meantime though he would look through all the history records, study all of his country's laws and do anything else he could think of to find a way to be with his Karigan.
okay so this was a lot longer than the first chapter but what do you think?
