All Hail Calla

09

Changes

Written By Mark Moore

Author's note: Sorry for the delays. I have to divide my time between Real Life, my original fiction, my other fanfics, and other hobbies. Also, this chapter ending up getting way longer than I expected before I even got to what was supposed to be the main storyline, so I'm going to continue it in the next chapter. That way, this chapter doesn't get overly long, and I'm not short-changing the story, the subject of which requires more space.

There are references to various episodes in this story. During breakfast, Calla makes a joking reference to her father's engagement to Marzipan in "Eye of the Beholder". The tavern located within the castle walls was seen in "The Crimson Avenger Strikes Again" and the non-Calla episode, "He Who Laughs Last". Cavin's grandfather, Sir Gawain, was seen in the non-Calla episodes, "Over The River And Through The Trolls" and "He Who Laughs Last". Gregor refers to the final test in "Girl's Knight Out".

Writing times for this story: Thursday, March 28, 2019, 7:22 PM - 8:31 PM; Friday, April 12, 2019, 10:55 PM - 11:40 PM; Thursday, April 25, 2019, 4:19 PM - 6:30 PM, 7:59 PM - 9:41 PM; Monday, April 29, 2019, 8:57 PM - 9:23 PM, 10:19 PM - 10:30 PM; Tuesday, April 30, 2019, 9:00 PM - 10:19 PM; Monday, May 6, 2019, 9:10 AM - 10:06 AM, 10:38 AM - 12:10 PM; Tuesday, May 7, 2019, 9:40 PM - 10:16 PM; Friday, May 10, 2019, 9:51 PM - 10:29 PM; Saturday, May 11, 2019, 10:37 PM - 11:07 PM; Monday, May 20, 2019, 9:19 PM - 10:23 PM; Monday, June 3, 2019, 9:29 AM - 10:04 PM; Tuesday, June 4, 2019, 7:32 PM - 8:10 PM; Friday, June 14, 2019, 8:00 PM - 10:08 PM; Sunday, June 23, 2019, 9:00 PM - 9:52 PM; Tuesday, July 2, 2019, 3:19 PM - 4:02 PM, 9:12 PM - 9:57 PM; Tuesday, July 9, 2019, 9:00 PM - 9:57 PM; Wednesday, July 10, 2019, 4:04 PM - 6:29 PM, 7:28 PM - 10:10 PM

Feedback is appreciated. Enjoy the story.

The following story is copyright © 2019 by Mark Moore.

CALLA

The morning after Marie left, Calla woke up as usual and got dressed. She went down to the dining hall to have breakfast with her father. A breakfast of pancakes and orange juice was already set on the table.

"Hello, Father."

Gregor smiled. "Ah, Calla, good. Have a seat. I have something to tell you."

Calla sat in her chair. "You're not getting married, I hope."

"Oh, heavens no. I wanted to let you know, as of today, you will no longer be tutored."

Calla was surprised. "Why's that?"

"Well, I had a discussion with your tutor, and we both agree you've done very well. After a decade of tutoring, there's really not much more for you to learn. If you wish to study more specialized subjects, you are free to arrange that for yourself. Instead, you'll spend more of your time on the engineering crew." Gregor set his fork down. "Speaking of which..."

Calla squinted her eyes. "Yes?"

"Sir Percival pulled a muscle in his leg last night. The doctor says it was pretty nasty, and he'll be laid up for at least a few days, if not more. You'll have to take over the engineering team for the duration."

Calla took a sip of her orange juice. "Understood."

"Sir Percival has given me his paperwork with his schedule of tests and list of necessary repairs. I'll pass those along to you at the morning meeting."

Calla swallowed a piece of pancake. "Okay."

CALLA

Calla was sitting at the round table with the other knights - minus Sir Percival - and her father.

"Sir Percival suffered an injury last night and will be laid up for the foreseeable future. Dame Calla will be taking over the engineering department for the time being. Dame Calla, here is the required paperwork." Gregor pushed the papers to her.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Calla took the papers and read them silently.

"Sir Tuxford and Sir Duncan, you will lead today's patrols."

Sir Duncan, a large man with medium-length black hair and a goatee, frowned. "Sire, perhaps we should go after Igthorn and Bane-"

"Out of the question. They have magic. We don't."

Duncan scowled but said no more.

Calla came across something and gasped.

Gregor looked at her. "What is it?"

Calla looked at him. "We're exhuming my sister's body?"

"Yes, for transfer to the official royal crypt, which will take place tomorrow at noon. The morning meeting will cover the details. All work will be delayed until after the funeral." Gregor could see the look of distress on Calla's face. "You don't have to perform the task yourself, if it makes you feel uncomfortable. You're in charge now. You can delegate the task."

Calla nodded, still a bit weirded out.

CALLA

Calla led a handful of squires down to the secret room where her sister's tomb was located. She watched in silence as the lock was broken, the chain was removed, and the heavy stone door was pulled open. The squires entered the tomb.

Calla waited in nervous apprehension. The room was warm, and the air felt heavy. She wanted to get this over with and get out of here.

She heard a large piece of stone being removed and set down: the cover of the outer casket. Then came some grunts. Finally, the squires exited the tomb, carefully carrying the simple wooden casket. They set it on the floor.

"Would you like to see the body, Your Highness?" one of the squires asked.

Calla frowned angrily at him. "What body? At this point, it's just a bunch of bones covered by some musty old clothes."

The squire bowed. "My apologies, Your Highness."

"Forget it." Calla looked around at the empty room. "So undignified. Let's get her out of here. She is to lie in state in the throne room."

CALLA

After the casket was brought to the throne room, four knights were summoned to keep vigil, and the populace was admitted to come and pay their respects. Calla and the squires returned to work.

By late afternoon, Calla had had enough. She was looking forward to unwinding after the afternoon meeting. She was making her way toward an entrance into the castle.

"Hey, Calla."

Calla turned to her right and looked. "Oh, hey, Cavin."

"I heard you were put in charge of the engineering crew. Congrats."

"It's just temporary."

"So how is it?"

Calla groaned. "Exhausting. It's draining work on its own, but to supervise a team of squires and pages on top of that..." Calla shook her head. "I don't know how Sir Percival does it."

"So you don't like it?" Cavin asked.

Calla shrugged and smiled. "It's fine, and it's kinda fun telling people what to do."

Cavin apparently didn't have anything to say to that - or at least kept it to himself.

"So how'd your first day of squirehood go?" Calla asked.

"It was pretty good. I went out on patrol to a nearby village. Didn't see any action, though."

Calla gave him a teasing smile. "What kind of action were you hoping to see?"

Cavin stared at her, clueless. "What do you mean?"

Calla rolled her eyes. "Never mind. Anyway, I'm going on patrol tomorrow around noon, after we knock out some of the more complex tasks. I figure I'll stop by Viviane's and start learning about Avalon and what it means to be a priestess."

"Is your father okay with that?" Cavin asked her.

"Father gave me permission to pursue the learning of specialized subjects. He also seems to be okay with Viviane, judging by his reaction - or lack thereof - to that part of my account yesterday. Furthermore, he knows I like the fact that I'm a priestess of Avalon - a fact that he told me himself." Calla smiled. "Therefore, he's okay with me learning this stuff from Viviane."

Cavin looked at her doubtfully. "I'm sure there's logic in there somewhere."

Calla briefly stuck out her tongue at him. "Anyway, after the meeting, I'm gonna drop by the tavern for an ale. Care to join me?"

"Thanks, but I gotta eat dinner and get to bed early. Tomorrow, I'm training some new pages."

"Okay, well, good night."

"Good night."

CALLA

The afternoon meeting was uneventful. Calla reported on the various tasks that had been completed on that day and what was to be completed tomorrow. Her father and some of the other knights brought additional needed repairs to her attention, and she added them to her list.

After the meeting let out, Calla went to the tavern that was housed within the castle walls. Upon entering the building, Calla walked over to the bar and sat on a stool.

The bartender looked at her. "What can I get for you, Your Highness?"

"A pint of ale, please."

"Warm or chilled?"

"Chilled."

The bartender got a clean glass mug out of an ice chest and filled it with ale from a particular tap. Calla guessed the ale was probably watered down but didn't particularly care. She was hot and thirsty.

The bartender set the mug on the counter. "Three coppers."

Calla took out her money pouch, took out three coppers, set them on the counter, and put away her pouch. She picked up her mug and pressed it against her face, cooling her forehead, nose, and mouth. Then she took a few gulps of the ale, which felt so soothing and delicious to her after such a long, hot day.

"What a special occasion! Her Highness has decided to grace us with her presence!"

Calla turned and looked. The comment had come from Sir Duncan, who was sitting at a nearby table with Sir Tuxford.

Calla frowned. "Actually, I'm here as one of you today."

"Yes,...you are."

Duncan's comments got a few laughs from the patrons. Calla was well aware that her shirt and trousers were soaked through with sweat, and her hair was in disarray. She smiled and laughed. She couldn't care less.

"Well, perhaps you would like to engage in the tavern games like the rest of us."

"What do you have in mind?" Calla asked.

"Cards?" Duncan suggested.

"I've never played. I could fetch my chess board."

"That's too high-brow for Duncan!" one of the knights exclaimed.

Various patrons laughed. Duncan scowled. Calla casually gulped her ale, amused.

"Perhaps you'd like to wager on a cock fight?" Duncan suggested.

This time, Calla scowled. "How horrible! When I am Queen, such activities will be banned!"

Duncan scoffed. "That'll be the day."

Calla gulped down the rest of her ale and set the mug on the counter.

"What about arm wrestling?" Duncan suggested. "Think you can take me?"

"Under the right circumstances." Calla was, of course, thinking of Gummiberry juice. "Not today, though." She stood up and headed for the door.

"What, that's it? You're just gonna leave?" Duncan asked. "Afraid to take me on?"

Calla looked at him. "I have nothing to prove to you. We did the same training. We passed the same tests. We are equals." She resumed heading for the door.

"Of course, Dame Calla. It's not like an alleged master archer such as yourself needs to prove she can beat me at, say, darts."

Duncan stood up, walked to the center of the room, picked up a dart, and threw it at a dartboard. It hit the bullseye. Various patrons clapped for him. Duncan made a show of bowing to them.

Calla paused and noticed a dagger stuck in one of the tables. She briefly contemplated what sort of incident occurred here that a dagger would end up piercing a table, but she quickly decided it didn't matter. She picked up the dagger, turned, and threw it at the dartboard from clear across the room. It split Duncan's dart in two and lodged itself into the dartboard. Hollers and cheers went up from the patrons, and they applauded Calla.

Duncan returned to his chair, glowering.

Sir Tuxford laughed. "The master archer sure showed you, eh, Duncan?"

"Bah!" Duncan retorted.

Calla turned and left the tavern without comment.

CALLA

The next day, the details and logistics of the funeral were worked out at the morning meeting. After that, Calla went to the throne room to observe the long line of people that were still there to pay their respects to her sister. Some lay flowers near her coffin. Calla broke through the line and walked up to Sir Gawain, who appeared to be tiring.

"Sir Gawain, I suppose you're one of the few left in the court that actually knew my sister."

Gawain nodded. "Your father swore me to secrecy. She was a fine girl, Your Highness."

Calla nodded. "Are you not feeling well?"

"Oh, I'll be fine."

Calla smiled. "You're relieved. Get some rest before the funeral."

Gawain smiled. "Thank you, Your Highness." He sheathed his sword and walked away.

Calla took his place at the foot of the coffin, drew her sword, pointed it at the floor, lowered her head, and kept silent vigil over her sister's body.

CALLA

After the rest of the allowed crowd walked passed the coffin, it was carried in a procession to St. Mary's Church. Calla and her father were two of the pallbearers. They set the coffin down in front of the altar and then took their seats in the front row.

The priest conducted the funeral Mass. Calla listened but didn't feel any emotion at the words, save being weirded out whenever her sister's same - her name - was mentioned.

After the Mass, the coffin was carried in a procession to the royal crypt below the castle. Gregor, Calla, and some other knights lowered the coffin into the vault. The priest sprinkled holy water on the coffin. Then Gregor and Calla each grabbed a handful of red earth from a silver bowl and dropped it on the coffin. Then they watched as the elder Calla was buried.

When they emerged from the crypt, they went out into the courtyard.

The priest looked at Calla and bowed. "Your Highness, my apologies for doubting you earlier."

"Don't worry about it."

He looked up at her. "I would be honored to baptize you."

Calla felt uncomfortable. "That's really not necessary."

"It certainly is."

Calla's facial features hardened into a stern look. "I must decline."

"For what possible reason?"

"That's none of your business."

"Calla!" Gregor exclaimed in shock. He looked at the priest with a pained expression. "My apologies, Father. I don't know what's gotten into her."

Calla looked at her father. "It's a private matter. I will not be baptized. I make no apologies for it. The matter is closed."

Gregor stared at her for a while. Finally, he sighed. "It's your choice."

Calla turned and walked away without comment.

CALLA

As the weeks passed, and summer dragged on, Calla grew in strength and stature. The backbreaking work wore her down but also built her up, toning her body and giving her some muscle, and a growth spurt also took hold within her. Calla soon was as tall as Unwin. Her old clothes no longer fit, so she donated them to a charity in a nearby village, but she refused to stand still and be fitted for dresses, instead purchasing shirts, trousers, and shoes from a local vendor in the courtyard. Calla's breasts grew, and her voice deepened somewhat. That wasn't the only change that was occurring, but she could think of only one person that she could talk with about it.

One morning, when it was her turn to go out on patrol, Calla led her team in doing some of the most involved tasks on her list. She then delegated authority to some squires to oversee the more mundane tasks. Then she went to the stable to get Morgana and rode out to the forest.

She passed through Gummi Glen and saw the familiar tree, under which was the Gummis' former home, now sealed up. A pang of sadness hit Calla as she realized things had changed so much from what she had known for the past few years.

She continued through the forest and eventually came to the glen that included the lake and Viviane's house. She dismounted Morgana, tethered her to a tree, and fed her carrots. She went and knocked on the door.

There was no response for a while, even though this was close to their usual meeting time.

"How long does it take to put on a robe?" Calla asked herself. Then she realized Viviane might be occupied. She silently debated whether to interrupt her or not. "Viviane, it's Calla!"

"Just a minute!" Viviane called, sounding perhaps somewhat angry.

After a while longer, the door opened. Viviane was standing there, completely disheveled. She was sweating. Her hair was a mess. She had put on a sleeveless shirt and a pair of very short trousers. She was barefoot.

Calla smiled slyly, a bit overwhelmed by the sight. "Why, hello."

Viviane stepped aside. "You're early."

"Obviously." Calla walked into Viviane's house.

Viviane closed and locked the door. She started preparing the table. She lit a candle. She filled a cup with water. Calla picked it up.

"No, don't touch that."

Confused, Calla put the cup back on the table.

"This is part of today's lesson."

Calla looked around the room. She noticed an oven, sitting neat Viviane's altar, and guessed it was a portable model for use outside, which made sense to her.

Archie walked by and rubbed against Calla's legs.

Calla looked down and smiled. "Hello, Archie."

"Meow!"

"Yes, meow." Calla crouched down and pet Archie. "Meow, meow, meow." She scratched Archie between his ears.

"Meow!" Archie started purring in delight.

"Give him these."

Calla looked and took the pieces of cooked chicken that Viviane was offering. She offered them to Archie. Archie took his time but eventually ate all of it. Then he walked over, hopped up onto Viviane's bed, and took a nap. Calla stood up.

Viviane sat down at the table. Calla sat opposite her.

"Okay, today, we're going to cover elemental manipulation."

"You think I'm ready for that?" Calla asked.

Viviane smiled. "We've done enough meditation. I think your mind has been sufficiently conditioned. I am going to manipulate the flame on this candle to burn faster than normal. At the same time, I want you to focus on the water in the cup and try to make it rise. Then extinguish the flame."

"Okay. Before we do that, though, there's something that I'd like to discuss with you." Calla paused briefly. "It's kind of embarrassing."

"Oh?"

"Well, lately, I've been having to, um, 'take care of things' a lot. It's become kind of distracting. I've found myself looking for excuses to sneak up to my bedroom for-"

Viviane smiled in amusement and raised her left hand to silence Calla. "It's part of growing up. We all go through it. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. Just enjoy it while it lasts."

Calla felt relieved. "Thanks, but what about lost productivity?"

"How much time are you talking about?"

"An hour per day, and that's just during work."

"Um, well, yeah, that's a lot. Um, maybe try reciting one of the mantras that I taught you. It'll keep your mind focused."

"I'll try, thanks."

"Okay, now, concentrate on the water."

Calla stared into the cup. For a long time, nothing happened. Then Calla started noticing the water starting to rise, ever so slightly. She kept up her concentration. Meanwhile, the candle was melting at a rapid pace. Calla became frantic and lost her focus. Soon, the candle had burned almost completely. Suddenly, the flame spread to the table. Viviane picked up the cup and poured the water on the fire, extinguishing it.

Calla looked up apologetically at Viviane. "Sorry."

Viviane set down the cup. "Did you do that?"

"You mean it wasn't you?" Calla asked.

Viviane stared at her for a moment. "Why would I set my own table on fire?"

Calla felt embarrassed. "Oh, yeah, true."

"Hmmmm, you manipulated fire...while concentrating on water. Interesting."

"What do you think it means?" Calla asked.

"It means you need more practice."

Calla frowned.

"But we'll leave that for another day. Let's talk about what it means to be a priestess."

"Yeah, may I make an observation about that?" Calla asked.

"Of course."

"You've been teaching me how to make various folk remedies and how to treat various aches and illnesses, because one of the duties of a priestess is to be a healer, and that's certainly good. You've also been teaching me how to perform various rituals, because another duty of a priestess is to lead the community in various rituals for one purpose or another. That's good, too. I've noticed, however, there's a lack of spiritual guidance and comfort."

Viviane frowned in confusion. "How is that an issue?"

"Well, from what you've told me, the religion of Avalon grew up alongside the various religions of old; in those days, clergy were not expected to offer counsel or a moral example to follow. The Way changed that; priests and other members of the clergy show interest in their followers' spiritual well-being; people have come to expect it. By not providing it, we can't possibly compete against the Way, which is quickly claiming all of the people."

"This isn't about competing with what's popular at the moment."

"But shouldn't it be?" Calla asked her. "If people don't feel they can come to us with their spiritual and personal problems, what reason do they have to listen to anything that we have to say? If the Lady's priestesses don't seem to care about their spiritual needs, they'll abandon the Lady and seek the Way's male god and his male messenger; yes, even the women and girls."

Viviane thought about this in silence for a while. "Maybe you're right. How would you suggest we proceed?"

"Well, when we visit people to heal them or perform a ritual that people attend, we could offer to listen to their concerns and try to help them. Y'know, let them know they have people that they can talk to."

"Okay. I just hope they don't expect us to absolve them of their 'sins'."

Calla shook her head. "We won't make an claims of authority to do so, and we'll dissuade them of the notion, if they bring it up. It might lose the Lady some potential followers, but I've never been comfortable with the Way's basic premise that we're inherently sinful, but their priests can wipe away our sins, if we confess them."

Viviane raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, that does sound pretty messed up."

Calla thought for a moment. "What kind of concept of sin do you have?"

Viviane shrugged. "We don't, really. Obviously, stuff like murder and rape is wrong. We don't really have a set moral or legal code."

"Then maybe we should craft a statement, something that will clearly explain our belief on the matter for anyone that asks."

Viviane thought about it for a while. "'If it harms none, do as you will.'"

Calla thought about it. "But what constitutes 'harm'?"

"It should be obvious in most cases. In cases where it isn't, we can offer our opinion if asked."

Calla thought in silence for a moment. "Y'know, that seems rife for abuse by everyone involved."

"Well, if you think about it, so is the Way - as well as every other religion."

"Yeah, true."

"We can only warn against abuse; we can't prevent it."

The two ladies sat in silence for a moment. Suddenly, a thought appeared in Calla's mind.

"Inspiration!" Calla exclaimed, grinning and pounding her left fist on the table.

Viviane was startled. "Oh?"

"Everyone is a priestess or a priest! Everyone has the authority to perform rituals!" Calla proclaimed, though she knew not from where it came.

Viviane was skeptical. "Then what makes us special?"

"Nothing!" Calla replied. "Isn't that bold?!"

"It's reckless. That's something that's rife for abuse." Viviane stood up and started prancing around the room. "Tee-hee, look at me! I'm a priestess of Avalon! Pay me, and I'll do a love spell for you! And, hey, would you like to buy a vial of pixie dust while I'm here?! Only one silver! Hurry, hurry, hurry! Offer expires while you wait!"

Calla laughed. "Okay, you've made your point. Still, I think the idea has some merit. Each person is going to be practicing on her or his own most of the time, anyway. It'd mean so much to them to learn they have the authority to connect with the Goddess and with the entire universe and not be at the mercy of formal clergy. Avalon could be about self-empowerment and reclaiming your own power!"

Viviane stared at Calla, transfixed. Calla's face shone with a radiance that she'd never seen before. "I suppose so. However, we'll need to make absolutely clear that priestesses and priests of Avalon are not to collect money for any reason. We're expected to hold our own jobs within society - um, present company excluded, of course."

Calla smiled. "Oh, I have a job. Unlike the other knights, I don't get paid, though, since Father gives me a generous allowance. You do have a point, though. The work that we do should be for the benefit of the people, not to enrich ourselves."

Viviane nodded.

Calla stood up. "Well, I should get back to patrolling the forest, and I'm sure you'll wanna get back to doing...what you were doing."

"Oh, take one of these with you." Viviane walked over to a shelf and picked something up. She walked over to Calla and offered it to her.

Calla took it. It looked like a cupcake, but it was black.

Viviane smiled. "It's my latest creation: a chocolate cupcake."

Calla took a small bite. It tasted heavenly to her. She smiled and stared at the snack with love in her eyes. Her eyes watered as she meditated upon the sheer deliciousness of the chocolate cupcake. She took another bite.

Viviane laughed. "Enjoy."

Calla looked at her. "Same time tomorrow?"

Viviane nodded.

Calla turned and walked to the door. She unlocked it and walked outside.

CALLA

That afternoon, Calla reported on the repair work done by her crew and the lack of any suspicious activity in the forest.

Gregor looked at his notes and then at Calla. "I'm afraid that it'll still be probably another week until Sir Percival is able to return to duty. I have received a request to repair and add onto the eastern wall in the coastal city of Waterforge in the east." He turned to address Cavin's grandfather. "Sir Gawain, is that economically feasible at this time?"

"Um, well, I'll have to look over the numbers, but I think so."

Gregor looked at his daughter. "Dame Calla, are you up to heading this project?"

"I believe so, Your Majesty. When would we be leaving?"

"In three days. Well, is there any other business that anyone wishes to bring up?"

No one said anything.

"Then the meeting is adjourned."

All of the knights stood up and started heading for the door.

"Calla, stay behind for a moment, would you?" Gregor requested.

Calla returned to her chair and sat down.

"I've been meaning to talk with you about something. It's not a conversation that I wish to have, and it might make you uncomfortable, but-"

"I'm growing up, Father."

"Yes, and that means-"

"I've been going through some changes, physically."

Gregor felt uncomfortable. "Uh, that's not-"

"I have nothing to hide. I'm not ashamed to admit it: I mas-"

Gregor covered his ears. "That's not what I wanted to talk with you about!"

Calla didn't know whether to feel amused or disappointed at her father's reaction. "Then what?"

Gregor removed his hands from his ears. "It's about your future. Calla, someday, you will be Queen of Dunwyn. You need to start thinking about potential suitors and...producing an heir."

Calla was surprised. "Father, I'm only sixteen!"

"Plenty of girls younger than you are married and have children already, and they don't have the responsibility of continuing the royal bloodline."

Calla was disappointed and upset. "Father, I will not be Queen for a very long time."

"I'm not getting any younger. Besides, I'd like to see my grandchildren."

Calla felt sick at the thought of physically having a child; that wasn't the only thought that was making her sick, but she felt she couldn't talk with her father about it.

"Would you at least be willing to court a knight or a squire?" Gregor suggested.

Calla didn't say anything. She wasn't exactly sure how to respond.

"Perhaps Sir Victor?" Gregor suggested. "I recall you being quite smitten with him."

"It was just a little crush. I'll pass."

"What about Cavin?" Gregor suggested. "You like him, don't you?"

Calla shrugged. "Well, at least Cavin isn't Unwin."

Gregor frowned. "Don't remind me of that coward. I should have knocked him down to page along with Gar and Roland, but he was the only one that even tried standing up to me."

Calla still wasn't sure. "Father, I'm happy with myself for the time being. I love myself, and that's all that I need. Isn't that enough?"

"Just try, Calla. Please?"

Calla sighed. "Very well, Father."

Gregor smiled. "Splendid. Invite Cavin to dinner tomorrow evening."

"Yes, Father."

CALLA

The next day, after work, Calla went to find Cavin. She found him teaching some pages stick fighting and watched while keeping a distance.

"Okay, that's enough for today." Cavin tossed his stick to one of the pages. "Put these back in the armory."

The pages walked away. Calla noticed Cavin had gotten taller and more muscular as well, and his voice had deepened. She walked over to him and realized she was a good deal taller than him.

Cavin looked at her and smiled. "Hi, Calla."

"Hi, Cavin. How are the new pages coming along?"

Cavin raised his right hand to shoulder level and wobbled it. "Eh."

Calla laughed. "They'll get there. Give them time."

"We haven't seen much of each other lately."

"Yeah, well, we've both been busy, it seems."

"What brings you by?" Cavin asked.

"I was wondering..." Calla paused. "It's Father's idea, really. He suggested I invite you to dinner tonight."

Cavin was surprised. "Oh?"

"Yeah." Calla paused in embarrassment. "He's playing matchmaker."

"Why?" Cavin asked.

"Why else would a king try to pair off the heir to the throne with someone?"

Cavin thought about it for a moment, stumped.

"Babies!" Calla finally blurted in frustration.

Cavin blushed.

"Sorry, I realize this is a weird spot to put you in, but Father wants this."

"Well, I'm not gonna refuse; it'd be impolite." Cavin bowed. "I accept your gracious invitation."

Calla shrugged. "Okay. Meet us in the dining hall in two hours." Then she turned and walked away.

CALLA

After the afternoon meeting, Calla had a servant draw a bath for her. After she bathed, she put on slightly more formal trousers, shoes, and a shirt. She had her hair braided. Then she headed down to the dining hall.

Her father was already sitting at the table. Calla sat to his right.

Gregor frowned at her. "Is that what you're wearing?"

"What? It's my third-best outfit."

Gregor's face twisted in confusion.

The two of them sat in silence, waiting. Calla casually sipped her water to pass the time.

"You did invite him, didn't you?" Gregor asked her.

"I did."

They waited a while longer. Finally, the door opened, and Cavin walked into the dining hall. He walked over to the table.

Cavin bowed. "I'm sorry that I'm late."

Calla noticed Cavin's slightly disheveled look and guessed he had trouble deciding which clothes to buy, because he was wearing a completely ridiculous, loud outfit that looked more like a jester's costume. She stifled a laugh.

"That's quite all right, my boy." Gregor gestured at the chair to his left. "Please have a seat."

Cavin sat down.

"Dinner will be served shortly."

Cavin nodded. "Very good, Your Majesty."

Gregor laughed, sensing his unease. "Don't be so stiff, my boy! Relax! Enjoy yourself!"

Cavin tried to relax.

Soon, the chef and his staff entered the dining hall. They set various dishes and silverware on the table. The chef also filled the three goblets with water. Then they left.

Cavin noticed something odd. "You don't have a plate or utensils, Your Majesty."

"Of course, I don't. I've already eaten." Gregor picked up his goblet and drank his water. He set the goblet back on the table and stood up. "Enjoy the meal. I apologize for the choice of beverage, but we've run out of wine, and I've heard you don't care for ale."

"That's quite all right, Your Majesty."

"Well, good night." Gregor walked away.

Calla frowned in displeasure and stared at his back as he left the dining hall.

"Is something wrong?" Cavin asked.

Calla had expected her father to dine with them. It was a shock to her that he would leave her alone with Cavin. She hadn't planned on this. She didn't say anything, however, and simply started helping herself to a steak and vegetables. Cavin did the same. They didn't say anything for a while.

"So how are things going with you?" Calla finally asked.

Cavin nodded. "Okay. You?"

Calla nodded. "Okay."

They fell silent again. Calla realized she really had nothing to talk with Cavin about.

"Anything exciting to tell me about squirehood?" Calla finally tried.

"Not really. I get to assign smaller tasks to the pages, but I have more responsibilities."

"Oh." Calla smiled. "Well, at least you don't have to shovel horse shit out of the stalls."

"Uh-huh."

Calla sighed in frustration and blew her bangs away from her eyes.

"How's your priestess training going?" Cavin asked.

"Pretty good. Viviane and I have been discussing things. Thank the Lady for her. I don't know who I'd talk to, now that Marie's gone back home."

Cavin felt a bit offended. "You have me."

"That's nice, but..." Calla left the sentence unfinished, unsure how to express her feelings.

They silently ate their meals for a while.

"So how many kids do you want?" Cavin finally asked.

"Cavin!" Calla exclaimed, surprised and a bit angry.

"What? It's a fair question."

"I think one would be sufficient." Calla paused for a moment. "Honestly, I don't know if I'd be that good of a parent."

"Oh?" Cavin asked, surprised.

Calla shrugged. "Just a feeling. Anyway, it's a long way off."

They resumed eating their meals in silence.

"This steak is so stringy. I'll probably be picking it out of my teeth all night."

Calla stared at Cavin, a bit grossed out.

CALLA

"Thanks for walking me back to my room."

Calla smiled at Cavin. "No problem."

"I really enjoyed our date, Your Highness!" Cavin exclaimed loudly.

Calla frowned. "Could you say that a little louder, Cavin? I don't think they heard you in Agrabah."

"Sorry."

"Well, anyway, good night."

"Good night."

Calla quickly kissed Cavin on his right cheek and then turned and went back to her room.

CALLA

The next day, in addition to the tasks around the castle, Calla started preparing for the trip. She had the needed supplies rounded up and stored in an unused room. On the following day, she chose her team from among her staff, handed out to-do lists for jobs around the castle to the squires, and supervised the loading of the supplies into wagons. After work was over, she ate, bathed, and packed clothes for the trip.

The next morning, she ate breakfast in her room, got dressed, and went to attend the morning meeting.

"Finally, let's wish Dame Calla a safe journey as she travels to Waterforge."

At the King's invitation, the other knights gave Calla various well-wishes.

"Dame Calla, if everything is in order, you may leave."

Calla stood up and bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Oh! One moment." Gregor dug through various documents until he came across an envelope. He picked it up and offered it to Calla. "Present this to Lord Biffa."

Calla took the envelope. It was affixed with the royal seal. Calla nodded and left the room.

She went down to the courtyard. She saw Cavin and walked over to him.

Cavin smiled. "Safe journey, Calla."

Calla smiled. "Thank you, Cavin. Take care of Morgana while I'm gone."

Cavin nodded.

Calla walked over to the royal carriage. A squire opened the door for her. Calla stepped inside. The squire closed the door. Calla sat down and checked her provisions. Then she knocked twice on the front of the carriage, signaling the driver to proceed.

The carriage went at a slow pace as they made their way through the courtyard. Her team, on horseback in front of and behind the carriage, pulled the wagons of supplies. They crossed the drawbridge, and then they picked up the pace as they headed east.

CALLA

It was three days' travel to Waterforge. They arrived as the sun was setting on the third day. Calla saw the walls of the great city in the distance. Waterforge was an important shipping hub, and it was the most populous city in Dunwyn.

After credentials were presented, the main gate was opened, and the caravan proceeded into the city. It went to Lord Biffa's manor.

The carriage door was opened, and steps were placed for Calla. She exited the carriage and entered the manor.

Lord Biffa - an overweight man with black hair, a mustache, and a beard - stood in the main hall, waiting.

"Presenting the envoy from Dunwyn Castle!" a herald announced.

Calla walked up to Lord Biffa and smiled. "Greetings, Your Lordship."

Biffa smiled in amusement. "I was led to believe this was an engineering crew. What's a girl doing on it?"

Calla frowned. "I'm leading it."

"You?!" Biffa burst out in uncontrolled laughter.

"As a knight of Dunwyn, this is the field that I have chosen to work in."

Biffa tried to get his laughter under control. "Yes, sir. Very good, sir."

"My proper form of address is 'Dame'."

"I stand corrected, sir." Biffa started laughing again.

"Or 'Your Highness' will do just as well."

Biffa suddenly stopped laughing and stared at Calla in shock. "Princess Calla?!"

Calla smiled sweetly at him.

"A thousand apologies, Your Highness!" Biffa grabbed her left hand and bent to kiss it.

Calla pulled her hand away. "One is sufficient."

Biffa clapped his hands twice. "Take Princess Calla's things up to the finest room!"

A servant looked at him in confusion. "Yours?"

Biffa looked at him angrily. "The second-finest!"

"Yes, Your Lordship!"

Biffa grinned at Calla a bit nervously. "Your Highness, please allow me to escort you into the dining hall for the feast."

Calla smiled. "Thank you, Lord Biffa."

He offered her his right arm. She linked arms with him, and they started walking.

"I'm afraid tonight's food isn't the best that we have to offer. I wasn't expecting you, Your Highness."

Calla smiled. "That's fine. I'm here as a knight."

CALLA

Lord Biffa sat at the head of the table in the dining hall, and Calla sat to his right as his guest of honor. The chef and his attendants brought the food out and served everyone.

Biffa filled Calla's goblet with wine. "I think you'll like this, Your Highness. It's probably the last of the good wine left in Dunwyn." He set the bottle down, picked up his own goblet, swirled the wine around a bit, and sniffed it. "It has a pleasant aroma, wouldn't you say?"

Calla bent over and sniffed her wine. "I guess. I don't usually sniff wine; I just drink the stuff."

Biffa smiled. "Then bottoms up." He gulped his wine.

Calla picked up her goblet and sipped her wine. She'd tasted better, but she didn't want to appear to be rude. She gulped it all down.

Biffa set down his goblet. "Ah, I can't wait until fall arrives, and we have the wine harvest."

Calla set down her goblet. "Oh, yeah, sure. Plus, y'know, it might cool down."

Biffa refilled Calla's goblet. "Oh, yes. I don't envy you working in this heat, Your Highness."

"I've been doing it all summer. I've gotten used to it." Calla started on her steak. "I'd like to be up at daybreak and get a look at the eastern wall."

"I'll send someone to wake you."

"Thank you."

"Oh, I sent some papers to your father, His Majesty, King Gregor. Has he sent a reply?"

Calla suddenly remembered the envelope and took it out of her pants pocket. She offered it to Biffa.

Biffa took the envelope, broke the royal seal, opened the envelope, and took out a letter. He unfolded it and read it silently. "Very good."

Calla was kind of curious as to the content of the letter but figured it wasn't her business. She chowed down on her steak.

Biffa set down the envelope and letter. "Now for some entertainment!" He clapped his hands twice.

Calla thought perhaps they'd hear from a bard or a minstrel band. Music started playing. Calla was shocked when naked women entered the dining hall and started dancing sensually. The squires and pages cheered and whistled.

Calla looked at Biffa. "I certainly wasn't expecting this."

"My apologies, Your Highness. If I'd known you were coming, I would have gotten a male dancer for you."

"No, that's quite all right." Calla watched the show as she ate and drank.

CALLA

After taking a bath, Calla slept in a fine room in the manor; it was actually more luxurious than her own room back home.

She was woken by a servant early the following morning, borrowed a horse, and was escorted to the eastern wall, eating a breakfast of sausage on the way. She had studied the various plans and notes that her father had provided her, but it helped her to actually see the wall up close and walk about it. It was an imposing structure, made of grey stone, with only one gate and two guard towers.

Calla returned to the manor and waited for the others to wake up and eat, and then she assigned tasks to the squires. They prepared to head out to the wall in the wagons, which were parked in the manor's courtyard.

Lord Biffa walked out of the manor. "Oh, Princess Calla!"

Calla looked at him. "Yes, Your Lordship?"

"I have arranged for additional laborers to supplement your team."

Calla smiled. "You're sending some of your staff?"

"Oh, no, I can't spare any of them. I'm sending prisoners. Ah, here they come."

Calla looked in surprise at him, and then she looked at the front gate. A few horses stopped outside, each pulling a wagon. Each wagon was filled with bound prisoners and two guards.

Calla looked at Biffa and frowned. "They won't cause any trouble, will they?"

"If they do, I'm sure the guards will put them in their place. Anyway, good luck." Biffa turned and walked back into the manor.

Calla stared at him for a moment, and then she turned and walked over to her borrowed horse, which a page helped her mount. The gate was opened, and Calla and her team rode off the manor grounds.

Calla looked at the prisoners in the wagons. Most of them were grown men of various ages, but she also saw two teenage girls that appeared to be about the same age as her. One had long brown hair, and the other had long red hair. They were very pale and thin, and they appeared to be malnourished. Calla was surprised and stared at them.

The red-haired girl looked at her. "What?"

"Your Highness, we need to get moving."

Calla briefly looked at the squire that addressed her but then looked at the guards in the wagon that the two girls were in. "Excuse me, why are these girls here?"

"What's it to you?" one of the guards asked her.

"I'm curious."

"Well, we're not. We're paid to guard them, nothing more. If you wanna know, ask 'em yourselves."

"Your Highness."

Calla looked at the squire in irritation. "Bloody hell! Give me a moment!"

But then the squires and pages started moving, and so did the prisoners, so Calla had no choice but to cease her inquiry and ride.

CALLA

Calla and the others set up their supplies at the wall, and then the prisoners were divided among the various work groups. The two girls were assigned to one of the squires.

"No, I want them in my group!" Calla called.

One of the guards shrugged. "Suit yourself." He shoved the girls toward Calla.

The girls walked over to Calla. Calla drew a work knife and cut the girls' bonds between their hands. The girls threw off the ropes.

Calla sheathed her knife. "You will be helping me work on fortifying the structure of the wall itself. The stones aren't being held together as strongly as they should be. Now, come on, grab a mortar and pestle and help me grind up these minerals. We're going to need a lot of cement."

The three girls got their tools, sat down on the floor, and got to work.

"What are your names?" Calla asked.

The brown-haired girl looked at her. "I'm Jordan."

The red-haired girl looked at her. "I'm Rachel."

Calla smiled. "I'm Calla."

"Any relation to the princess?" Rachel asked.

"That's me."

Jordan's eyes went wide with surprise. "Shut up!"

Calla frowned at her. "Excuse me?"

Rachel smiled. "She means 'You're kidding!'"

Calla laughed, but then she lost her smile. "Why are the two of you here?"

Rachel shrugged. "It's common for prisoners to be used for free labor. Their 'earnings' are then sometimes - but not always - given to the victims of their crimes."

"That's not what I meant."

Neither girl said anything. They turned and focused on their work.

"Don't wanna talk about it?" Calla asked.

Rachel looked at her, upset. "Why do you care?"

"I'm curious. Besides, if I know, maybe I can get your sentences reduced."

"We haven't been sentenced yet." Rachel turned back to her work.

Sensing she'd get no more out of them, Calla focused on her work.

CALLA

Work proceeded fairly smoothly. Some of the prisoners caused problems, but Calla felt grateful to have an experienced team to help her. They broke for lunch around noon. Calla and her team washed their hands, and then Calla got a few chicken drumsticks and sought out Jordan and Rachel. She found them eating some slop out of bowls, under the watchful gaze of a guard.

Calla sat across from them, stared into their bowls, and made a look of disgust. "What the hell is that?"

Rachel shrugged. "Dunno."

"May I?" Calla asked.

Rachel shrugged.

Calla swiped the inside of Rachel's bowl with her left index finger and tasted the substance. She immediately wished she hadn't. She spat it out on the ground, revolted by the acrid whatever-it-was. "Yuck!" She looked at the girls. "Here, have some of my drumsticks."

The guard frowned at her. "Those have been provided for the work crew by Lord Biffa."

"And these girls are part of the work crew." Calla held out her drumsticks.

Rachel and Jordan each took one and eagerly devoured them.

"Thank you!" Rachel told Calla between bites.

"Yeah, thanks!" Jordan added.

Calla marveled at the appetite that these girls had.

CALLA

After lunch, they worked until just before sunset. Calla and her team made sufficient progress on the eastern wall.

A squire walked over to Calla. "Your Highness, a bunch of us are going down to the tavern by the pier. Wanna join us?"

Calla was distracted from answering by the sight of Rachel and Jordan, hands bound, climbing into a wagon and being taken away.

"Where are they taking them?" Calla asked the squire.

"Probably back to the prison. Can't leave 'em here. So...join us for some drinks?"

Calla looked away from the departing wagon. "Yeah, sure."

CALLA

Calla and the squires came to a ramshackle tavern. A man was leaning out one of the open windows, throwing up on the ground. A chair suddenly smashed through another window.

Calla shook her head. "Aw, hell no!" She turned to leave.

"Where are you going, Your Highness?" one of the squires asked.

"Back to the manor!"

CALLA

Calla had a private dinner with Lord Biffa at his insistence. As they ate roast chicken and vegetables and drank mead, he attempted to strike up a conversation.

"So how are things at Dunwyn Castle? Anything new?"

Calla shrugged. "Other than me temporarily taking over for Sir Percival and my friend Cavin being promoted to squire, not much."

Biffa smiled. "Oh, you have a 'friend', do you?"

Calla almost blushed. "He's just a friend, nothing more."

"Well, I'm sure His Majesty will be able to find a fine suitor for you."

"Yeah, no, that's not happening."

The two of them ate in silence for a while.

"How has the work gone today?" he asked.

"Good. The walls should be completely repaired by tomorrow. Then we'll start on the gate and the new guard towers. Everything should be done within the next three days."

"Good, good. Any of the prisoners give you any trouble?"

"Not me, personally. Actually, I've been working closely with two of the prisoners, and I've been meaning to ask you about them. Two girls named Jordan and Rachel."

Biffa lost his smile. "Oh. Them. What's your impression of them?"

Calla chewed a piece of chicken, swallowed, and shrugged. "I don't have much of one. They're not very talkative. I really can't get much out of them. They're decent enough workers. A bit lazy. Oh, and afraid of heights; they won't climb the ladders. They're malnourished and weak as a result."

"They get the standard stuff that all prisoners get."

"They're famished. I gave them some of my chicken."

Biffa laughed in amusement. "Don't waste good food on them."

Calla frowned. "I wasn't 'wasting' it. I was feeding two hungry girls."

"Well, they won't need it."

"Why's that?" Calla sipped her mead.

Biffa stared at her in surprise. "You don't know?"

"Know what?" Calla asked.

"They are to be executed in three days' time."

Calla was shocked. "What?! On whose authority?!"

"Why, on your father's, of course. Who else can authorize executions?"

Calla stared at him, slack-jawed. She was at a loss for words.

"His authorization was in that envelope that you delivered. Didn't you know?"

Calla shook her head, shocked that she'd been used for such a purpose. "No."

"Oh." Biffa felt awkward.

Calla swallowed, trying to compose herself. "What were their crimes?" She had a feeling that she already knew.

"Murder."

Calla inhaled. Her breath caught in her throat. "I want to see them."

To Be Continued...