Yes, I know it took me forever to update. The time I thought I had got lost in the mail and I was sick on top of that. OH, not to mention a case of writer's block. I make no guarantees on when the next update will be, but I really will try to update sooner. All right, next chapter!
The next morning Brian decided to get herself acquainted with the castle. Her "lessons" would not start for a while and would mainly consist of private tutors helping her plan Lord Randall's downfall and occasionally giving her facts she could present in case someone asked her what she had learned.
Still having misgivings about the whole mission, Brian wandered out into the well-kept gardens. Stone paths meandered through well-trimmed trees and neat flower gardens. One plant caught her eye, and she stopped to look closer. Marigold, also known as Calendula. Good for treating open wounds. It was about the only herb lore she knew. Her father had taught it to her when she was learning to clean and bandage whatever wounds he got fighting the Scotti. Gently, she touched the yellow petals, tears starting to creep into her eyes. Why was she on the verge of crying? Learning to act like a girl must have done something to her brain.
"Lady Brianna?"
Brian jumped. "Son of a..." She whipped around to see Lord Randall or Felix or whatever she was supposed to call him standing a few feet away, smiling. She'd been training to be a Ranger for almost a year and this guy had sneaked up on her. Will was not going to be happy.
"I'm sorry, did I startle you?"
Brian took half a moment to regain her composure. "Slightly. What are you doing out here?"
"I thought I'd take a little stroll. You?"
"The same."
"Well then, perhaps we could take a little stroll together."
Brian mentally cursed him. There was no immediate way out of it without making it look like she was trying to avoid him. Why hadn't she said she was looking for someone? "Very well, my lord."
"Please, call me Felix."
Brian would have liked to call him a lot of other things as well, but refrained from doing so. "Very well, Felix. Do you take strolls often?"
"Occasionally, when I feel the need for fresh air."
They lapsed into silence. Brian was racking her brain. She was supposed to make conversation, she knew, but what was she supposed to talk about? Nothing came to mind other than swords and how much she hated this mission, and she couldn't really discuss either with Felix.
"How was the weather in Celtica?" Felix asked.
"Rainy, most of the time." Brian answered after a moment.
"Do you like rain?"
"Not really. I prefer sun." That, at least, was the truth. Rain in Norgate fief tended to be cold and usually resulted in mud everywhere.
"You said last night you lived in Redmont, correct?"
"Yes."
"Is it usually sunny there?"
"Usually. Except when it rains or snows or there's cloud cover."
Felix laughed. Brian carefully hid a grimace. Why did this creep have to have such a nice laugh?
"I do enjoy having a conversation with someone of wit." he said.
"Am I to understand there is a lack of wit here?" Brian asked, carefully neutral.
"Oh, there is wit enough, but many seem reluctant to show it. It's as if they are afraid they might say something wrong."
"That is always a possibility one must be aware of."
Felix nodded. "True, but one could be a little more daring." He paused for a few moments. "You said you come from Redmont fief. Do you know the Ranger there?"
"Will Treaty? Of course. Doesn't everyone know him?"
"Of course everyone's heard of him, but do you actually know him?"
She was starting to tread dangerous ground. "I've seen him a couple of times, but I've never actually spoken with him. Rangers are so...dark and mysterious. They give me the chills."
"Have you ever seen his apprentice?"
"Once."
"What did he look like?" The question was asked in an off-hand way, but Brian could feel the intensity of it.
"I didn't see his face. He was walking next to Will Treaty and was wearing one of those odd cloaks with the hood up, so I naturally assumed he was an apprentice Ranger. Might I ask why?"
Felix gave a small laugh. "Oh, I just like to know these things."
I bet you do, Brian thought. Hopefully, though, this little conversation would throw him clear off her trail. "Well, do you know anything about him?" she asked innocently.
"Only that his name is Brian and that he is apprenticed to Will Treaty. I have heard rumors about him being an expert with a sword, but as of now that hasn't been confirmed."
Crud. There's been rumors about my skill with a sword. That isn't good. Will is definitely not going to be happy. "Do you have any skill with a sword?" Brian asked, hoping to change the topic.
"Some. I've been practicing lately."
"Lady Brianna, there you are!" Ruth's voice came from behind them, causing them to turn. Ruth curtsied deeply. "Pardon me for interrupting your conversation, but it is time for your embroidery lesson."
"Oh, of course. I had forgotten." Brian curtsied slightly to Felix. "If you will excuse me." She followed Ruth out of the garden and into the castle. After they had gone into their rooms Ruth closed the door while Brian collapsed into a chair with a sigh. "Why was I chosen for this again?"
"You are the most qualified." Ruth replied gently as she pulled out a sewing basket and handed Brian a pillowcase. Brian made a face as she began working on the simple design she was embroidering around the edge.
"You mean I was the most qualified one they could think of off the top of their heads."
"Perhaps. How did your conversation go?"
Brian summed up everything she and Felix had talked about. When she was done Ruth nodded approvingly.
"Good. You're doing quite well for only having learned court manners a few weeks ago."
"Maybe you should tail me next time just in case I say something stupid."
Ruth smiled, but didn't respond. Brian got the feeling that she had been doing that the whole time. With another sigh Brian turned her attention to her pillowcase, silently wishing she was back in the tiny cabin in the woods where the worst mistake she had to worry about didn't result in possible death.
If this seemed like a filler chapter, that's because that's what it kind of turned out to be. The next one might be one as well unless I get a good idea. If you have one, please tell me. I don't bite, promise...Siblings don't count, by the way.
