Hot air blasted Layla's face and arms as she heaved a pan of steaming tubers from the oven. She set it on a counter and grinned in satisfaction. She had seen this dish from a pile of dusty roots in a sink to the delicious culinary masterpiece sitting before her now. With help, she moved the huge pan to the line of food waiting to be dished out on platters and taken to the tables. The feast for Haligon was well underway, the first wave of platters already emptied and brought back for a second round. Whichever lucky table was reloaded with Layla's tubers was surely in for a treat.
"Winna, the tubers are done," she called to the headwoman where she was overseeing the roasting spits. "Is there anything else?"
Winna shook her head and waved Layla out. "No, you're free to go."
Layla spun in a little celebratory jig, careful not to bump any hot metal. Her contribution to the feast was finished. She doffed her apron and rolled down her sleeves, scowling at a stain on her front. There wasn't enough time to go back to her room to change. She had promised to sing with Dared and Ransom after her kitchen shift.
Layla slipped out from the kitchen, humming quick arpeggios to limber up her voice. The main hall was decked out for celebration, banners flying from the crossbeams in the ceiling. Some folk had already begun dancing, a few couples whirling in the open space below the head table. Ransom and Dared were playing a sprightly ballad on the corner of the dais while Roe sat at their customary table. They all were turned out in their best, boots shined and shirts crisp. Ransom's hair was even combed. A bit still stuck up in the back, but at least he had tried.
Layla headed toward the table, not wanting to interrupt the harpers' playing.
Roe stood as she approached, his eyes shining. "You look…" he trailed off, his hands moving automatically as he searched for the right word. "Good. You look good." He held her gaze with a peculiar little smile.
Layla tucked a loose curl behind her ear, suddenly self-conscious. "You look nice too, Roe."
He grinned and dug something out of his pocket. It crinkled softly as he placed it in her hand. "For you."
A folded paper flower rested on her palm, petals curling outward. "It's lovely!" she exclaimed. "Thank you."
Roe dipped his head in a slight nod. "I have," he began, "…tell you…" but the words seemed to escape him. With a self-deprecating sigh, he pulled out his slate and chalk. I have something to tell you, he wrote. Brenthon officially named me as his mentee today. I'm to work on the tapestry full-time.
"Roe, that's wonderful!" She flung her arms around him, but she couldn't help feeling the tiniest twinge of envy. "We should do something to celebrate!" she said, her hands on his shoulders.
Roe reddened and shook his head.
"Really," Layla pressed. "You deserve it! Come on. What would you like to do?"
Roe's eyes darted to the couples dancing on the floor and a smile crept over his face. He hopped to his feet and made an elaborate bow. "Dance with me?"
Layla felt herself blushing and grinning like a fool. She stood and echoed Roe's bow. "I would love to."
With that, Roe seized her hands and whirled her out onto the floor as a lively coastal melody lilted around them. Layla instinctively tried to move to the beat of the music. She made it a few bars before Roe pulled her out of step. He was dancing to a beat of his own. A wide grin split his face and his eyes shone in the bright glowlight of the hall. Layla tried to follow his lead, but she lost her balance. He caught her against his chest with a laugh.
Her face warmed as she looked up at him, a funny feeling fluttering in her gut. "Roe, I'm afraid you're a terrible dancer," she said. He only looked at her with the same peculiar smile and spun her around.
All too soon, the song came to a close. Applause broke out around the hall. Around them, couples broke up and began filtering back to their tables. Roe, on the other hand, kept dancing.
"The song's over, Roe," Layla said, tugging on his sleeve to get his attention. "Everyone else has stopped."
Roe shrugged, as if to say, "So?" and twirled her around again as the sounds of conversation and feasting swelled. Layla reminded herself that her partner was deaf. He didn't dance because music was playing. He danced simply because he wanted to. She let go of her inhibitions and let him lead her around the floor.
The dancing floor was empty and Layla was breathless by the time Roe had his fill. He bent in a formal bow, winking. Following his cue, Layla curtseyed and took his arm. They walked primly back to the dais like a pair of stuffy old courtiers.
"You two are more entertaining than a whole barrel of harpers," Dared said as they approached, his blue eyes twinkling in amusement. "You can take the floor for the rest of the evening. Ransom and I will hang up our harps and relax."
"Have fun out there?" Ransom asked, signing as well for Roe's benefit.
Roe grinned and signed something back, eliciting a laugh from his brother.
"What?" Layla said. She couldn't help feeling slightly piqued whenever the boys left her out.
"Roe said you dance like moonlight on night-blooming blossoms," Ransom said, clasping his hands and sighing like a lovestruck sod.
Roe punched him in the shoulder.
"Ow! I need that arm to play!"
"Speaking of which, I guess I should join you. Thanks for the dance, Roe."
Roe lifted her hand to his lips and bowed. She knew it was still part of his gallant act, but she couldn't help blushing. Her face was still hot as she pulled up an empty stool to Ransom's right. Ransom grinned smugly at her as she took her seat.
"What?" she asked.
He snickered to himself. "Nothing."
"I'm glad you could join us, Layla," Dared said, leaning over his gitar toward them.
Layla winked cheekily. "Someone's got to make you all easier on the eyes. This one's not helping you much." She jerked her thumb at Ransom, who scowled. "See what I mean?"
Dared shook his head, chuckling. "Save some of your wit and Ransom's dignity for later. Let's get started."
Ransom adjusted the hand drum between his knees and Layla straightened up. For all the times she had sung with Dared, her heart still thudded whenever she looked out over the crowded dining hall. She took a deep breath to settle herself.
Dared named an old mountain tune and strummed the jaunty opening chords. Ransom's hands danced over the drumhead as skillfully as if both were still whole. Layla added her voice to the mix, her pulse keeping beat with the music. The exhilaration of performing with talented musicians flooded her body and she poured her heart into the song as it filled the hall to the rafters.
Five songs later, the three of them left their stools and returned to the table where Roe waited. The harpers would take a short break to eat before resuming the music again. Layla poured them all mugs of klah and Roe dished out hot greens and tubers.
"You really don't sing half bad, Ransom," Layla said, passing him a mug. "You never told me you could sing."
"You never asked," he answered. "Where are Miyra and Barrak?"
"At their cot," Dared replied. "Kara's too small yet to bring Holdside. I wish they could be here. I still haven't seen the baby."
"We should drink a toast," Layla said, struck by sudden inspiration. "To Miyra, Barrak, and little Kara."
"With what, klah?" Ransom gestured to the porcelain jug on the table.
"Of course not!" Layla lowered her voice conspiratorially. "I know where the Benden white's stored in the wine cellar. Surely the Hold can spare enough for three glasses."
"Make that four," Dared said, leaning in on their conversation with a wink.
Layla turned to him in genuine surprise. "What? Harper Dared volunteering to drink wine? I thought you hated it."
"I don't choose to drink it, but I must say a white Benden is very tempting. And what kind of man would I be if I didn't join in toasting the birth of our friends' beautiful first daughter?"
"That settles it," Layla declared, standing. "I'll get the wine and come back before you have to play again."
Roe stood as well, motioning between them and then in the direction of the kitchens, a question clear on his face. Layla understood before Ransom had a chance to translate.
"No, you don't need to come, Roe. If someone saw you going to the cellars, they'd get suspicious. I'll be just a few minutes. Don't let these harpers get out of hand while I'm gone." She skipped down from the dais and cut through the merrymaking towards the kitchen doors.
It was cool and quiet when Layla finally made it to the hallway, a welcome change to the bustle of the steam-filled kitchen. Her feet confidently traced the path down to the wine cellar, echoing in the empty passageway. For once, she was grateful for all the errands Winna sent her on. She would never know her way around the store rooms of the Hold otherwise.
A residual chill clung to the stone in the lower passageway below the cold rooms. The door to the wine cellar hid in a recessed alcove. Layla pushed it open and stepped inside. A glowbasket sat at the top of the steps leading down to the racks of barrels, but she left it lidded. The glowlight leaking in through the open doorway was enough to see by. She wouldn't be long.
Ransom was already on his second plate when Roe leaned over and caught his attention.
Can I ask you something? he signed.
Ransom nodded, wiping his mouth on the back of wrist. For Miyra's sake, he saved his sleeves.
Roe shot a quick look at the kitchen doors before beginning to sign, What happened the day father left? Why did you run away from everyone?
Ransom slowly set his fork down. He had hoped Roe wouldn't bring that topic up. For the past few days he had successfully avoided it, but he and his brother were too close to hide much for long. It's a long story, he hedged.
Roe arched his eyebrow expectantly. He wasn't fooled.
Ransom set his teeth and sat forward. Dared told me some things that were hard to hear.
About what? Roe prompted.
Ransom took a deep breath. Father. And my mother. He looked down at his hands, but he still caught Roe's surprised reaction in the edge of his vision. I'm sorry Roe, but I'm not ready to say more.
Roe nodded slowly. I understand.
I promise I'll tell you when I'm ready.
I know you will, his brother signed, giving him a lopsided smile. He looked anxiously over at the kitchen doors for the second time.
What are you looking for? Ransom asked, relieved to have that weight off his mind.
Layla's been gone a long time, Roe signed, an uncharacteristic frown creasing his forehead.
She probably just got distracted, Ransom replied with a shrug.
His brother shook his head. Something's wrong. We should look for her.
You worry too much. Ransom helped himself to a forkful of tubers. "What could possibly have happened to her?" he added aloud.
"Don't know," Roe replied. I just have a bad feeling.
"I know you like the girl, but I think you're overreacting."
Roe stared at his plate, prodding his limp greens.
"You're really worried about her?"
Roe nodded, his mouth pressed into a thin line. I don't know why. I just am.
"Maybe you're right. Maybe we should look for her." Ransom checked over his shoulder. Dared had occupied Daxel's vacated seat at the head table and was deep in conversation. "It looks like Dared doesn't need me right now." Ransom pushed his plate away and stood. "Come on. It might be useful to do some exploring."
The brothers left their table and followed Layla's previous path through the hall. They ducked around drudges carrying jugs of wine and steaming klah and into the kitchen. Hot air rushed into Ransom's face. Clanging pans and running water clamored in his ears.
"What are you boys doing in here?" a flushed woman asked crossly from behind a cauldron of murky water.
"Looking for someone," Ransom said quickly and pulled Roe past her. "We won't be long."
"You're not supposed to be in here!" the woman shouted after them.
"Ransom!"
He winced, fearing for a second that they had been caught. Then he saw Gabrien waving him down from a narrow alcove, a bowl of soup in one hand. Ransom grinned and waded his way toward him.
"What are you doing in here?" he asked, once they were close enough to speak normally over the kitchen racket. The guard looked completely out of place in his black tunic. He was hunching his broad shoulders close to his neck, as if trying to take up less room.
"I asked one o' my pals to take the end of my watch shift. Did I miss your music?"
"No, I'm just taking a break to look for a friend. We'll start up again in a few minutes or so." From the corner of his eye, Ransom spotted Winna headed in their direction, a dangerous look on her face. "We have to go! See you later, Gabrien."
"Hope you find your friend!" the guard called to their departing backs. Ransom and Roe barely escaped the headwoman, dodging around an empty baking rack and high-tailing it out of the kitchens.
"That was close," Ransom panted once they were out of Winna's beady sight. He straightened and looked up and down the empty hallway. Do you know which way she might have gone?
Your guess is as good as mine.
Ransom's answer was to lick his finger and hold it in the air as if to catch the wind. Rolling his eyes, Roe pushed past him and headed down towards the lower levels. Ransom hurried to catch up. The air grew steadily cooler as they walked. It seemed like a good sign.
Ransom nudged his brother. So, Roe. What are you going to do about Layla?
What, once we find her?
No. I mean, you obviously like her. Roe didn't say anything in response. Ransom interpreted his silence as an encouragement to go on. So what are you going to do about it?
What should I do about it?
Ransom held his hands out in a shrug. You're the one who flirts with girls all the time. Why are you asking me?
I don't know. Layla's not just any girl. She's different. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. I don't know what to do.
You could tell her how you feel.
Roe gave him an annoyed look. I can't do that. What if she doesn't feel the same? His eyes lingered askance on the younger boy.
Ransom snorted. She feels the same, all right.
Has she told you?
No.
How do you know then?
I have eyes. She lights up like a fresh glow whenever you're around.
For a few steps, Roe didn't sign anything. He looked up with a sheepish expression on his face. I thought she might like you.
Ransom nearly choked in surprise. What?
You're always laughing together.
At my expense. If you could hear, you'd know I'm always the butt of her jokes. The girl is merciless. Ransom pressed his hand to his heart in mock pain.
A small smile turned up the corners of Roe's mouth. Poor Ransom. Did the mean girl hurt your feelings?
You have no idea.
They descended a short set of steps and turned the corner to see Layla stepping unsteadily from an alcove.
"There you are!" Ransom called, nudging Roe and fighting back a grin. "We've been looking for you." It was a good thing he had decided to sign their conversation instead of speaking aloud. Who knew how far voices carried down the hallways?
Layla started at his voice, looking wildly in their direction. The girl's eyes were glassy and red-rimmed. Moisture and dust streaked her pale face. Roe was already at her side before Ransom realized something was strange. She shrank away from them, breathing raggedly.
"Are you all right?" Ransom asked anxiously. "What happened?"
Layla shook her head, her hair straggling from its pins and looking even wilder than normal. "I need to go," she said in a tight voice, "I need to go to Levine."
Roe touched her chin and she jerked violently away, her whole body beginning to shake. "Who did this?" he asked, raising icy blue eyes to his brother. Ransom saw it then, the blotchy red mark on her cheek. His breath came harder as anger tightened around his lungs. He had been hit in the face often enough to recognize the signs.
Layla only shook her head more violently. "I need to go to Levine!" A sob escaped her trembling lips.
"All right," Ransom said, stepping to her other side. "We'll take you to her." He caught Roe's eye and jerked his head back in the direction they had come. "She's probably at Miyra's. Come on, Layla." He held out his hand to her. After a moment's hesitation, she took it. Her fingers were clammy and cold. "You're going to be all right," he said, squeezing her hand in reassurance.
She nodded, biting her lip to keep from crying.
"Let's go, Roe." Holding tight to Layla's icy hand, Ransom hurried down the passageway, trying to fight the sinking feeling that everything was only going to get worse.
Layla was crying silently into Roe's shoulder when they finally arrived at Miyra and Barrak's cothold. He held her upright with an arm around her waist, repeating "It will be okay," to her over and over.
Ransom winced as he knocked on the door, hoping he wouldn't wake Miyra or the baby. Behind him, Roe's soothing litany continued, punctuated every so often by a sob from Layla. Ransom knocked again, louder this time.
Barrak opened the door, confusion and concern alternating on his face. "Ransom? What are you doing here?"
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Barrak, but is Levine here?" Ransom asked breathlessly. "Layla needs her."
"No, she left an hour ago. Is something wrong?" Barrak's brows rose as he noticed Layla's weeping. "What happened to Layla? Is she hurt?"
"I think so, but I don't know for certain. We couldn't get her to say what happened."
"Bring her inside. I'll fetch Levine." Barrack opened the door wide and stood back to let them in.
"Thank you," Ransom breathed, hurrying back to Layla's side. He helped Roe walk her into the warmly lit room while Barrak shoved his feet into boots. The cothold was still comforting, but it didn't seem to have any effect on the girl.
"Barrak?" Miyra peered out from the bedroom. "Ransom, Layla, Roe!" she exclaimed. "What's the matter? Is something wrong?" She shut the door behind her and hurried to them, barefoot and clad only in a nightdress.
"Something happened to Layla," Barrak replied. "I'm fetching Levine. I'll be back soon." He kissed Miyra on the cheek and stepped outside. The door closed firmly, shutting out the cold, dark night.
Miyra shephered them to the kitchen table, her face lined with worry. "Come and sit. What happened, dear?"
Layla shook her head, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. Pale and wide-eyed, Roe reached for her hand.
Miyra's keen eyes traveled over the girl, taking in the mark on her face, her disheveled hair and rumpled dress. "Let me get a cool cloth for your face."
Wet hiccups jolted Layla's body and interrupted her attempts to breathe normally. She leaned her head into Roe's shoulder. He carefully wrapped an arm around her and stroked her hair in an awkward attempt at comfort.
Ransom watched them, at a complete loss. He couldn't decide if he should say something or stay quiet. "Who hit you?" he blurted out.
Layla sat up, shrugging away from Roe's attentions. Her green eyes narrowed and Ransom wished he could sew his big mouth shut. "Daxel," she managed to get out between hiccups.
"Daxel?" Ransom repeated dumbly. His mind spun its wheels like an overturned cart, gaining no purchase and going nowhere. "How did it happen?" Ransom asked, still struggling to understand the unexpected turn of events. What quarrel could Lord Haligon's son have with a weaver apprentice?
"In the wine cellar," she said haltingly. "He came in soon after me."
"But why?"
Layla's face twisted and she held a hand to her mouth. Her shoulders shook with silent tears. Miyra returned with the compress, offering it to the girl with quiet encouragement.
At that moment, the cothold door opened. Levine burst in, her face pink from exertion, her short hair wild. She must have run from her room. Barrak was close behind her. At the sight of the journeywoman, Layla dissolved into sobs that shook her entire frame. Alarmed, Levine strode to her and wrapped her in an embrace.
"I'm here, Layla. I'm here." Levine murmured into her hair.
Ransom could barely make out what Layla was saying through her tears. "He hurt me, he hurt me, he hurt me."
Levine shot Miyra a significant look over Layla's head.
The midwife's face went grim. "Let's go into the other room. Barrak?"
The big man was already at the bedroom. "Don't worry, Miyra. I'll look after Kara."
Roe helped Levine get Layla to her feet. The journeywoman held the weeping girl close and motioned Roe back to his seat. "I'll take her from here," she said with a smile that was just reflex. The dark worry in her eyes hung like a cloud over her face. Levine turned and half-carried Layla into the back room, shutting the door behind them.
"Thank you boys," Miyra said to Ransom and Roe as the flurry of activity left the room. "Layla's lucky to have friends like you." She cleared her throat. "But maybe it's time that you go."
"We don't mind staying," Ransom said quickly.
"I know. You're wonderful boys." Miyra squeezed his shoulder. "But I think Layla needs some privacy."
"Will she be all right?" Ransom asked, standing. Roe followed suit.
"She'll be fine," Miyra said firmly. "Levine and I will take care of her."
Ransom nodded his assent and followed his brother out, his mind still whirling.
What happened? Roe asked once they were outside, breathing white clouds in the cold night air.
They didn't say, but it was something bad, Ransom replied grimly.
What should we do?
Wait, I guess. A sudden shiver shook him violently. Come on. He clapped Roe's shoulder and turned back up the dark path. Let's get back to the Hold. Dared will be looking for me.