Chapter 9
"Unanswered Questions"
Two months later…
As swift as the robins that fly across the sky and as quick as the leaves that are blown away by a strong breeze so were the days and weeks that passed. Soon, two full months had passed since the strange scarlet haired lass came to Waldǖrth castle.
No word or news from the battlefield of Groidoin arrived and everywhere there were whispered rumors and faint mutterings that the battle had grown all the more fierce and men on both sides were greatly diminishing. Nevertheless the West folk continued on living their lives as usual, though, secretly, they were all beginning to worry.
Arianna, on the contrary, was oblivious to the subtle anxiety of the Western people and continued with her lessons knowing that there would less skepticism and discrimination from the Western people in accepting her if she could prove that she was really one of them. Riding across the fields on Lastoth, became an immediate part of her daily routine that she awoke just before dawn to get a head start on the day. She ate her meals regularly in the kitchen and in a few days nearly every servant in the castle knew her and vice versa. Arianna was especially close to the cook and of course with Clavetti, who she established a special bond with.
Before the end of the first month, Arianna memorized every secret passage in the castle and could travel from end to end in just a matter of minutes. She was so eager to utilize her newfound achievement that even Clavi, who knew the castle's passages well, had a difficult time locating the young lass so as to call her for supper.
With all Madam Danae's as well as Master Grêth's lessons and daily conversations spoken in the Western dialect, Arianna soon mastered the language so perfectly, most of those who heard her speak for the first time never once gave a thought that she was a foreigner; though the color of her hair and eyes, and Clavi's prompt corrections, gave it away in the end.
It was incredible how each day brought out so many new and wonderful events and realizations that Arianna could barely take it all in at once. She was grateful to the gods for sending her there and wondered when they would reveal the answers to all the mysteries surrounding her past. Someday, she told herself, she would find out exactly what the gods had in plan for her but meanwhile she still had to face all the challenges the days and her reckless desire for mischief and curiosity brought her.
Splash!
A thunderous sound of water crashing and spilling all over the hard ground followed by dozens of women's shrieks, a boisterous neigh of a stallion and the sound of damp footwear running and sliding around sent Clavetti running with haste towards the laundry area.
"By the gods' above! Now! What is this confounded racket all about?" belted Clavetti when reaching the area only to find laundry maids fleeting about screaming and foamy water flooded the floor. Newly washed garments laid forgotten on the ground and bubbles flitted to and fro blocking Clavetti's view from the cause of the chaos.
Then she heard a very familiar voice and a whinny rise up from the array and Clavetti shook her head in a fit of ire and rushed to the site where the main basin was situated. There she found Arianna soaked in lather from head to foot, her new riding wear ruined and her scarlet hair was disheveled and dripping all over her face while tugging forcefully at the reins of Lastoth. The enormous black stallion was standing inside the large basin meant for the laundry and seemed to be evidently enjoying himself as he nickered and stubbornly refused to be led out.
"MISS ARIANNA!" cried Clavetti angrily.
Arianna looked up in utter surprise and while still keeping a tight hold of Lastoth's reins, smiled innocently, "Why Clavi! What brings you out here to the laundry on such a fine and splendid day?"
Clavetti, clearly not the least amused by Arianna's reply walked towards the scarlet haired girl and tried hard to suppress her outburst, "Might I ask my young lady what in the gods' glorious names she means by allowing her horse into the laundry area thus causing such havoc?"
Arianna's smile faded and she grimaced as she tried to find words to explain, "Now, don't be too hasty to surmise Clavi. It wasn't meant to turn out like this at all. I mean, uh, I was merely taking Lastoth out for his ride as you know and… uh… it's been a terribly scorching morning and I believe, we lingered longer than necessary though I was supposed to have him in for his bath but we..err… I mean, I… I..err…forgot and…"
But every word she spoke only deepened the older woman's frown.
Arianna swallowed hard, "I suppose he only wanted some water and as we passed here on our way to the stables, he…uh… impulsively jumped in…"
Clavi gave her one last long glare before turning around and seeing a scullery maid standing a few feet away frozen, probably with fright at the sight of the huge beast, and she called out, "Ye over there! My girl! Fetch Nimfold, the stable master at once! Haste!"
The girl, confused at first at being spoken to, nodded dumbly and ran out towards the stables.
Turning back to face Arianna, Clavi placed both her hands on her hips, "How many more times must I repeat myself to ye, my girl? And I thought that blasted food fight ye caused in the town square not yet three days ago was the worst of it all! But NAY! This will be the final bout of mischief ye cause this week!"
When Nimfold arrived to take Lastoth back, Clavi gripped Arianna a little tighter than usual by the arm, "Now, come away my girl, ye has to get cleaned up and I have a few small chores I need done and I think ye wilt be kept away from such childish games if ye could do them for me."
Arianna groaned silently and then glowering at Lastoth, whispered, "Bear in mind that 'twas YOU who were the cause of this horrid mess."
The stallion replied with a muttered neigh and a shake of his head as he was brought out of the tub by Nimfold.
"There will be no more apple halves for you, that I guarantee!" Arianna said in a low voice to Lastoth.
"Apple halves, eh? So, 'twas ye who's been pinching off Cook's well-picked apples meant for his minced apple pies. Hmm… I reckon apple picking in the orchard is an added chore to yer list, my girl." Clavetti stated humorlessly.
Arianna looked up at her in disbelief at being overheard.
Shaking her head, Clavetti muttered more to herself than to Arianna, "By the gods! I know not what comes over this girl! I try my very best to keep her civilized but nay! She cares not for her demeanor nor her reputation! Kannaham above! What would Master Grêth say when he hears what mischief she's done!"
"Clavi, I—"
"Cease! Not another word from ye, miss."
Arianna held her tongue as Clavi continued to chide.
"I don't know what to do about ye, Miss Arianna! When ever are ye going to open yer eyes and grow up! Why must ye be so like a child and not the lady ye are! My gods! Girls yer age are wives and mothers now! With a child and another one in tow! And tell me, what ye are right now, Miss Arianna! And here ye are learning to become one of us!"
Arianna sighed jadedly and rolled her eyes, Gods! What have I done to deserve all this!
It was late afternoon, just before dusk, when Arianna stumbled into her room and collapsed upon her bed, her entire body laced with ache and exhaustion. She couldn't move.
As she lay there grimacing in pain trying not to recall the events that led to her current situation such as helping to mop up the mess she caused in the laundry area and helping the women wash, rinse and hang all the garments all over again. After having her fingers pruned up and her skin smell of zopas, she then picked up a basket and headed towards the castle's orchard to pick some fresh apples but the good ones were up so high so Arianna had to climb the tree and having no experience in climbing apple trees, she fell to the ground repeatedly sustaining bruises and minor scratches. When she had finished, her next task was to help clean the stables, brush the horses and refill their food and water bins. Just as she finished, Clavi called for her and she spent the rest of the afternoon dusting old porcelain vases, furniture and portraits in rooms she'd never even known existed.
Arianna groaned and rolled over to her side and tried to sleep off the pain when a knock came on the door.
"Yes?" she called out wearily.
"Forgive me if I intrude, miss." It was Elly. "But Madam Clavetti wants to know what time ye will come down for supper."
Arianna whimpered, "No— No supper, Elly. I'm completely exhausted. Please inform Madam Clavi that she need not prepare anything, I simply cannot bear to move at all… at the moment. Supper is insurmountable in my current state."
"As you request, miss." Replied Elly and Arianna heard her footsteps walking away from the door.
Arianna sighed with relief and closed her eyes.
She swore she had only closed her eyes for a few seconds but when she opened them again, it was pitch black dark in her room. Berating herself for not having lit any torches or candles in her room when she came in, she forced herself to sit up. The pain was slightly numbed but was still pulsing as hard as ever. She put a hand to her head and rubbed her forehead trying to ease the splitting headache that was commencing rapidly inside.
Just as she was about to get up on her feet, a voice sounded in the darkness, "'Supper is insurmountable in your state', you say?"
Arianna yelped and fell back unto her bed in shock.
"Now, where in the gods' heavens above did you conjure up such a unique turn of phrase?"
The voice lit a match, illuminating the amused face of Master Grêth who was seated on a small stool beside her bed. He lit a few candles by her bedside table adding some light to the room.
"Master! Criastus, you gave me quite a fright!" Arianna gasped placing a hand above her heart.
Chuckling good-naturedly, her Master said, "Your rapid adaptation of our tongue astounds me Arianna, was it only a short time ago when you were just stuttering your first words?"
"Well, I mean not to boast Master but I am quite the fast learner."
"Indeed you are."
Looking outside, Arianna asked, "Has the hour grown so late, Master?"
"No, not at all I believe. The moon has just only appeared."
Then shrugging her shoulders, Arianna flopped down on the bed, "Well, so be it then, I might as well retire once more. Good night Master."
"You care not for any late supper? Some dessert perhaps? Cook has reserved one of his prized minced apple pies for you."
Her eyes closed, Arianna replied, "I don't think I can bear the sight of another apple in the next three months!"
"You will most certainly reconsider what you just said in about… hmm… say, three days?"
"You belittle my words Master. When I say I won't care for any apple sort for the next three months I do mean the next three months Master."
Nodding, Master Grêth smiled, "So be it then. But I must protest to your retiring back to bed Arianna. There's still one more task you have yet to accomplish."
"At this, Arianna groaned with desperation, "Must I, Master? Have I not been through enough in the day?"
"Get up Arianna!" commanded her Master.
Almost instantly, Arianna was on her feet. Holding her head that was spinning wildly from standing up too fast, she tried to figure out how she had done it when her Master spoke again.
"Do you remember this, Arianna?"
From the inside of his pocket, the old man pulled out a tiny rock and held it in the palm of his hand.
Arianna looked up at her Master and said listlessly, "Master, you know how weak and untamed my, how you say, my magical power is. I simply cannot do what you ask of me. It is too difficult."
"You only say it is difficult Arianna because you think it is. Try putting your doubts aside and start believing. Faith is the key to unlocking what magical power you might possess and I have to witness it for myself."
"But why?"
There was a brief pause.
"So I can attain the answers to all those questions of yours."
Arianna started, her amber brown eyes wide and awake. From the old man's very words, Arianna immediately forgot her aches and bruises and she drew nearer to her Master.
"You are seeking answers to who you truly are, are you not?"
"I am." Arianna replied with emotion, "If I succeed in doing as you request, shall I have the answers I need."
Her Master's cobalt blue eyes reflected sincerity, "We shall see."
Tipping his hand over, the rock fell to the wooden floor and landed with a sharp thud. Gazing down at the rock on the floor, Arianna stretched her hand above it with strong resolve. Closing her eyes, she could see the rock in her mind slowly rising. Focusing on that exact action, she commanded,
Rise! Rise! I command you to rise!
With every ounce of mental and emotional strength she could muster, she commanded it to rise knowing that if it would, she would find the answers to her forgotten past.
Rise! Gods! Please make it rise!
Just when she was about to lose mental contact with the object, suddenly, a new and strange voice whispered through her thoughts…
Ǽÿþßø!
Rise!
"By the gods! Arianna! You've done it, child! Open your eyes and see!"
Arianna did so and she gasped when she saw what she had done. The rock was hovering a few inches above the floor at her waist level and Arianna, wondering what else she could do with the floating rock, bent down and turning her palm upwards just below the stone, she slowly straightened up. As she did, the rock too floated higher and higher above her palm until she situated it above her head. Arianna lowered her hand and watched as the rock stayed hanging in mid-air.
"Criastus! Indeed, my child, you are a keeper of some strange magical power." Whispered Grêth as he slowly circled around Arianna, gazing keenly at the hovering stone.
"A voice!" gasped Arianna, her amber brown eyes alert.
The old man tore his stare away from the floating object and looked intensely at Arianna, "What voice?"
"A voice… I heard inside my head just before I my eyes opened."
"Whose did it belong to?"
"I do not know."
"Was it a man or a woman speaking?'
Arianna furrowed her brows trying to recall, "I…I do not know, Master. I am not sure. It suddenly seems so vague and distant now."
They didn't speak for a short moment.
"Arianna… your arm…" her Master said softly.
Arianna looked to where the old man indicated and she saw a faint glow underneath her sleeve. Pulling it up till her elbow, she peered down at her forearm where her mysterious mark was… it was brightly glowing blood red.
"It's…it's…" Arianna stuttered.
Then, slowly the glow ebbed away but a minute part of stayed making her mark clearer than ever.
"Master… I—"
Abruptly, the bedroom door swung open. The floating rock fell to the floor with a loud clatter while both Arianna and the old Master stared surprisingly at the door. Clavetti strutted in with a huff.
"Well, by the gods Master Grêth! Is the lass to have any supper or not? It's been three hours now since I've had her meal set by Cook but, what's the use of it now, it's possibly gone all cold now!"
An awkward tension filled the air and Clavi looked around, suspicion clouding her dark brown eyes.
"Well, Clavi…" started the old man, clearing his throat and stroking his grey beard, "I believe Arianna sent word by Elly that she would not partake in any supper as it was 'insurmountable in her state', meaning of course she couldn't move as it was such that the state she was in after submitting her to such numerous chores were…very trying for her indeed."
Clavi blinked nervously then followed gave a slightly embarrassed look, "Oh, well, aye, I received Elly's message but… oh, by the gods, Master Grêth! I, well, I daren't believe she stated such a thing."
Wiping her hands unnecessarily on her apron, mumbled, "But seeing as it is so. I beg yer pardon for my abrupt intrusion. A pleasant evening to both of ye."
Arianna and Master Grêth returned her greetings and, after a formal bow, Clavetti left them.
Once Clavetti had closed Arianna's bedroom door behind her, Arianna bent down to pick up the rock that had fallen.
"I believe it's time for a few of my questions and your answers, Master."
The old man cleared his throat again and looking around, decided to recline on Arianna's dresser chair. Stroking his beard slowly and his eyes focused on something Arianna could not see, replied, "Don't expect I have all the answers Arianna. Honestly, I have only quite a few but let us not wear the night out in long confessions and assumptions. For these are truly all I have for you at the moment. But, go on child, ask your questions. I will entertain what I can."
"Why were you so certain I was capable of such...power?"
"When I saw your mark, I knew it was no ordinary tattoo or brand so of course I was suspicious and then there were certain events that took place these recent months that befuddled me and so I was not entirely certain you were capable of possessing magic powers, it was just a speculation that needed proof and, as you yourself witnessed by tonight's activity, you have proven it, Arianna."
"When was the first time you saw my mark?"
At this question, her Master took some time before answering, "The night we rescued you from your village. You were gravely wounded, at the point of death actually, and while I tended to you, I saw it as I bandaged your arm."
Arianna sat at the edge of her bed facing Master Grêth, her eyes focused and serious, "The night you took me. What happened?"
The old man sighed wearily, "I perceived this question would arise sooner or later."
"I asked this very same question before Master. I remember it. But you avoided it then. Tell me now."
"You are not ready for that answer, Arianna. I assure you."
Arianna stood up defiantly, "You told me you had answers and I am holding you to your word, Master."
"No, Arianna. Not to this question. It would be too much for you to contend with."
Her amber eyes blazing, and she cried out, "How would you know that? How would you know what I can or can not accept? You do not know me! You never knew me! No one does…"
At this she walked towards her balcony doors, turning her back on her Master. It was the first she had released such an outburst especially towards Master Grêth and she grew puzzled at this sudden change in her character.
"Arianna."
At the sound of her name, Arianna stopped, her back still to him, "Ever since I came to live here in this castle, I thought I could start my life all over again."
"But you can and you have, my child."
Shaking her head, she turned around, "No, I have not Master. I realize now that I can never begin a new life when I cannot even remember much less understand my former one. I know I have not acted as suitably as expected of me these past few weeks but when it comes to matters such as these, I think I am more than capable in handling and accepting them."
Her eyes grew misty as she continued and her voice dropped to almost a whisper, "I am a girl who has no past to speak of or even call my own because for some unexplained reason… it's dark, unfamiliar and foreboding. And somehow it is you, my Master, my mentor who has the answers to the mysteries of my past and you can't share it with me because it is too much for me to contend with!"
She sighed a shaky sigh, "You speak of faith, Master. Well, show me how I can attain some of it when you yourself have no faith in me. I see through your words… You think me still a child, innocent and untouched. But I am not! Time and again, people reproach me and say I should act my age and grow up. Well, finally Master, I am doing so right now, yet you take this moment above all others to hinder me."
Grêth remained silent and simply gazed at her with his cobalt blue eyes. Arianna looked away and said, "You spoke of certain events, Master—"
Knowing what she was asking, the old man interrupted, "Those I also can't speak of to you at the moment."
Arianna lips tightened and she nodded her head, "So be it then. Seeing as all my promised answers seem futile, I see no reason why this conversation should persist. I bid you good night, Master. I pray your dreams are pleasant… just as mine never are!"
Arianna turned and retreated to her balcony hastily. Master Grêth watched her leave and an odd mix of concern, compassion and something else he couldn't describe tugged excruciatingly at his heart that grew stronger as he walked towards the balcony doors and saw the girl he took in as his own leaning against the ledge, her head on her arms and her bright scarlet hair was being whipped around by a strong evening breeze.
He knew it would be better for the both of them if he would just leave her be and return to his room but then he couldn't help but open the balcony doors and clear what animosity they had between them.
Just then, a streak of silver flashed and flew down towards Arianna. Grêth moved sideways to get a clear view of what it was that rested beside Arianna and to his surprise, he saw his silver flacon and Arianna was speaking to him.
"So this is where Paladin has been spending his nights. I've been often wondering why he hardly comes to visit me these past few weeks. I was starting to suspect he was on another of his adventures that would last a few nights, sometimes a few weeks or otherwise he had a mate but I doubted that, Paladin is a committed bachelor. Though I see he's very much taken by you."
Arianna replied in a guarded tone, "He visits me every night and we converse with each other."
"He converses with you?"
"Well, actually, only I perform the verbal way of communicating but Paladin has his own way of speaking. But then you would know that, wouldn't you?"
Nodding, Grêth replied, "Of course."
Arianna stroked Paladin's feathers gently with the tips of her fingers, "He's not like most falcons I've come across. He's so…different. He's much more intelligent and loyal. He seems to be one of the few creatures on this earth that understands me and what I've been through. Though, he can't speak, I find him to be one of the wisest, cleverest being in the land. He listens to me and I regard him with as much honor and dignity as I would to a king or a knight."
"He is very fortunate indeed."
"No," Arianna disagreed, "I am the one who is fortunate to have him as a friend."
Master Grêth drew near Arianna and leaned on the ledge beside her, Paladin was between them.
"I see animals like you just as much as you like them."
"That is because I treat them as I would any other living creature on this earth. In my eyes, both man and beast are equal. They both have the same purpose in life, which is survival since they are sources of the next generation and so on. For we are all animals… man is just simply another more advanced kind. So what authority have we to say that every other kind is of a lesser intellect? Even the gods are of creature likeness. Criastus, Borotus and Minurtaus were bears, were they not? Enormous black bears to be precise." She smiled grimly and looked up towards the stars.
"You have learned well our culture and beliefs, Arianna. I am sure even the Lord Knight himself would not hesitate to make you one of us." Said Grêth softly before giving a short sad sigh.
Arianna looked at him with her soft amber brown eyes, "How fares our knights at Groidoin? Any word at all?"
Shaking his head, the old healer replied, "No, no news."
Arianna gave Paladin a final stroke then she said, "He will return Master, I do not doubt that he will. But, as for me, I fear I cannot stay awake any longer. So I bid you good night, Master Grêth and to you Lord Paladin."
Arianna curtsied and quietly went back into her bedroom.
Chuckling under his breath, Master Grêth looked amusingly at his feathered companion, "So, it is Lord Paladin now, is it?"
The falcon gave an expression as if saying he deserved every bit of that title bestowed on him.
The old man laughed and said, "Well, so be it then, my lord. I leave her to your care as it seems she has already outgrown mine and she seems to find you a more comforting confidante."
The falcon cocked his head and blinked his bright amber eyes.
"I know I should have told her but I fear, she is still too… vulnerable to hear her story. If you could speak, I would have left the task to you and see how you cope with it. But," here he sighed, "Some things are meant to just be this way. The gods mean for it this way and I must acquiesce to their will. Her time will come when all will be told to her. I suppose I was a tad bit tactless… as usual."
The silver bird of prey gave a soft call before taking flight.
"Yes, good night Paladin. I only pray her night would be far better than ours." Muttered the healer to himself before turning around and just at the far side of the veranda, opened up a hidden stairway from underneath a block of the floor. But before he disappeared underneath, he gave one last look at the darkened bedroom, "Choilin frenzua, pleasant dreams, Arianna."
