~Again, I can not thank you all for the story/auther watches reviews or even visits! And as usual I'll ask you please to review, it helps me see where I may be straying from a Pierce characters true nature or if you as the reader would like to see something happen in particular!
~Yes I'm real, and I've a ocd for finishing things I love (this being one of them) I will give away that I've every chapter summarized right down to the last, but leave room should some review or idea inspire me I can add it, so I promise when I say regular updates and completion I mean it!
~Chapter four brought a personally touching review from Ashley. Though its anonymous I can't help but thank you so much for it. Reason I'm saying that is I understand completely. I'll admit to being a bit older then the normal crowed here (Same age as you actually!) But I proudly display my books. These characters were my Hero's and Roll Models growing up and I'll be damned if I ever forget that. To this day I still give the girls of my family (Niece, or cousin) a set of the Lioness and Protector series on their tenth birthday. As Pierce fan's its our duty to spread the joy her books gave to us AND teach the future generation (Cause lets admit some of them REALLY need it) Morals, Honor, and that they can do anything if they set their mind to it regardless of being a dainty girl or not!
~And now enough of my ramble enjoy!
Chapter Five
Kel could barely catch her breath as she raced through the halls after Baltasar's youngest daughter. The girl had more energy than the growing pup under Keladry's care, and it clearly showed. Nearly every morning started in the same fashion; she would find herself stirred by the chambermaids as they came in to stoke the fire, gather her dirty clothing, put out food and water for the wolf pup, then slip out the door. Even though they never entered the bedroom, just the fact that they entered her quarters was enough to stir her out of habit. Not even two days after arriving Baltasar's youngest daughter began showing up as bright and chipper as ever. With her faint freckles and devious green eyes, she would watch Kel practice her glaive before playing a game of 'tag'. Little did Kel know that the girl was training them her in her own way.
Racing around the castle had built up muscle Kel had rarely used, each passing day let her run further and a bit faster, allowing her to put more effort into burst of speed now and then. The pup, dubbed Onna, was growing by leaps and bounds too, reaching nearly forty pounds and was all paws. Her once nearly all black fur finally lightening, she was quite a sight. Now she was a blur as she raced before Kel, then back to make sure she kept up, then back towards Isabella.
"Isabella!" Kel laughed as she rounded the main hall to see numerous men wandering in and out of the huge open gates. The cold wind whipped at her cheeks as she slowed her pace. She had been here barely two months, and the days had changed rather quickly, the leaves had started to turn, and winters chill had set in. This didn't hinder training or any other activity of the people here; it was as if they were born with ice in their veins. Shivering, she wandered toward the door and stared wide-eyed at what she found.
The entire world had changed overnight. A blanket of snow lay across the grounds, roofs, tree limbs. Children and dogs were already out wrestling and playing in the new white world as if it had never happened before. Taking a step forward, Onna bounded towards her and sat down, yapping and talking in her own way. For each step Kel took, the pup took a step back and sat back down continuing her yapping conversation.
What month was it even? Late September, maybe early October… her thoughts quickly left her as a ball of snow collided with the side of her face. Onna leapt up, playfully yapping before doing that cute puppy bow toward her, ready to continue the chase or start playing. Kel looked toward the stables where Isabella stood grinning, another snow ball in hand and ready.
"Early winter?" Kel called out. Isabella just laughed before throwing the second one, this one cleared Kel's head as Onna raced after it before rushing the girl.
"No, on time!" She laughed again before grabbing for another pile of snow. Kel grinned from ear to ear and dove to her right, hand grabbing and throwing the fistful of snow as quick as she could.
Sitting patiently over dinner, Kel couldn't help but keep looking up at the King. His eyes were transfixed over a missive that had arrived late that afternoon. He had not lifted a single morsel of food to his lips, or even looked to his tankard yet.
"My lord?" Westly cleared his throat as he leaned in toward his friend. The king let out an audible sigh as he leaned forward, taking his tankard in hand.
"We need two deployments. One for the shore, the other west." He finally spoke up before taking a sip. A few people let out a great full sigh as they began eating. Lowering the tankard he spoke quietly, so as only those at his exact table could hear.
"Raiders hit two outposts in the west, Stonehand and Wintersbane, taking what livestock, materials, and people they could. Without supplies and rebuilding they will be lucky to last another raid, never mind the winter." He paused again to slip a bit of chicken into his mouth. After a few moments he washed it down before looking to his son. "But I'm willing to bet that the cowardly bastards are held up somewhere in the mountains, quarries, or even caves. I want them flushed out and dealt with." Byron leaned forward now, talking over his mother as she listened between them.
"If we travel the main road together and split, troops can move west and cutters north. It will make traveling far faster. Troop's will reach the west faster to rebuild and protect. While cutters make their way North, then back South and to the fiefs." He spoke up as his mother smiled.
"That's a lad, the merchants arrived far too early, they know it's going to be a rough winter. With the stores full from harvest we need to filter the extra out before it spoils." Aubyre spoke up as she picked at her own steak.
"So Westly will lead the First and Third. I want Second to cut up north." Byron started to eat and talk which let Kel relaxed even if only a little bit.
"Why not Third. Second is far too large and would be more use West." The middle child, of the royal couple, Tyra, spoke up.
"Exactly why we want them North. They will move faster and at a steady pace. In a few days time we can send transports after them. The Third are quick and can travel faster with the First division. By the time transports reach the north it will be perfect timing to reroute the supplies to our lords in Bane and Hand." The king spoke quickly as the girl looked confused then her mouth formed a small O and she nodded in understanding. He just simply looked to Westly who grinned.
"You ride tomorrow. Be ready."
"Me, I was just starting to get bored of being your armored statue." He grinned as the King laughed and supper continued.
"Remind me ya need another mount when the fair comes around!" Westly laughed as he looked over to Kel and Peachblossom.
"Peach is just fine, thank you." She retorted as Peach lifted his head proudly and puffed up as if to prove his mistress's point. Onna just looked up at them and cocked her head to the side confused.
"Fine yes, but he's starting to get tired on long heavy rides. He's aging, lass, and grows weary." Erikk piped up as he slipped beside them, packed and ready to go.
That much was at least true, Peachblossom had been in her care since her first week at the palace. He must have been four or five when she received him and that put him at fourteen or so now, a good age to retire and relax Kel thought to herself. Sighing she swung up and into the saddle, Peach turning his head to look her over as if reading her mind.
"Your still a grand warhorse, don't let them tell you any different." She quipped as he turned back to look at the goofy pup. Onna cocked her head to the side, tongue lolling out before letting out a whimper.
"Stay with Isabella." Kel said as the pup made a rather pathetic whine.
"Your companion comes with us, time to get her first taste of battle."
"She's barely…"
"What? Five months or so. She needs to learn how to work with you now. The maidens bring their pups everywhere regardless of age." Byron grinned before looking up. "It's time she learns." It was the echo of a horn in the distance that made Onna jump and Peach stand at attention. Kel could hear the hoof falls on the compact snow as they approached, and again the horn went off, this time the sound of howls echoed it as Onna tilted her head back and eagerly tried to join in.
"See, she was created for this Kel." The prince whispered after leaning over to get close enough to her ear.
What she saw next nearly took her breath away. Two banner carriers rode in front holding up silver banners; on the field itself were a crossed sword and pole arm over a shield, the shield itself was decorated with a raven and wolf. Shield Maidens. Kel had only seen a couple of them practice before, but now it was as if they were unearthly.
Each rode upon a proud war steed that would put Lord Wyldon's to shame. The beasts wore heavy leathers and furs around them as they tossed their heads at the sudden slowing of pace. A pack horse followed each maiden, as well as a guard to their right. She could see the shield and pole arm strapped to each pack before settling upon their armor. The helms were crafted to both deflect a blow as well as strike fear into their enemies. Styled to look like a snarling wolf's head, it covered the full face and head. A gorget of heavy molded leather covered their necks and over the chest and shoulders.
From here she could see the hint of a molded breastplate peaking out from their surcoats. The surcoat itself was of heavy leather speckled with tiny scale mail that fell to the ankles and was split for riding. Under that she could see a simple shift dress with a full skirt and winter pantaloons. Boots had guards around the calves and were meant for quick movement and riding. Nothing heavy like the grieves she used to wear. Some wore pauldrons, often molded and scratched to look like fur and an extension of the helm. The men beside them wore simple dark armor with fur cloaks and huge broad swords or axes.
These were the shield maidens and their Vaktares. Fluid and deadly on the killing field, the perfect balance of feminine grace and masculine aggression. In her opinion, these were true warrior women, flowing like water when they took up arms, but deadlier then most men. Kel couldn't help but envy them, knowing all to well that under the armor they could pass perfectly as any courtier and still tromp her on the practice fields. Kel barely realized one woman had stopped before her and Byron while she was lost in her own thoughts.
Nodding, the woman took her helm off to reveal snow white hair speckled with grey. It was pulled up and into a type of bun to keep out of her face. Her hazel eyes danced as well as the laugh lines at her mouth and eyes.
"Westly still a pain in the ass as ever?" She spoke to Kel as she just opened then closed her mouth and nodded. "See what you did Westly, telling her tales and stories, now she's to scared to even talk to me!" Kel tried not to laugh at the woman's teasing before she got a bit more serious. "So, you're to ride with us. Westly wants you trained in our ways, Lady Knight." Kel nodded once more before following the woman's gaze to her pup now.
"He calls you Little Wolf." She spoke quietly as Kel finally managed the courage to reply.
"I don't get it…"
"You will in time. Come, you ride with us, talk with us, dine with us. We'll train you and loosen that tongue and mask of yours this expedition. You'll need it in this damned city." She laughed before turning her mount about. The man behind her was just grinning like a fox before bowing his head to her. Kel nudged Peachblossom after the woman before the loud, audible sigh of Kelland could be heard over the entire grounds.
"Alas, another beauty lost to the maidens. I swear at this rate I'll never find myself a wife and have wee ones." Kel just blushed trying to hide her face in the fur of her robe as she followed the woman. Though, some part of being desired lit a small ember deep inside her. Perhaps Dom wasn't the only one, and maybe she could fine someone to treat her equally here and not as the Lady Knight or Protector.
It was early the next morning when someone shook Kel awake. Instantly she grabbed for her weaponry and armor before the woman shook her head.
"We train." Was all she said, leaving a rather confused Kel laying in her bedroll. The sun had not even risen yet and the sky was only just now starting to lighten, the first few stars fading to the coming dawn. Outside her tent women were already rushing around, some in just their heavy furs and gowns, others already starting to get armored up.
In truth it was the smell of breakfast that drew her to the main tent. Inside a woman worked over a large pot, stirring now and then before stopping to pour some of the mix to others. Kel approached hesitantly as the woman smiled up at her. She was hardly different than any other woman here, but seemed a bit more welcoming.
"You will need your strength, Little Wolf." She chuckled, forcing a bowl into Kel's hands. Seconds later a large chunk of a type of crumbling bread was balanced in the other and a slab of meat on that.
Venturing toward the only few chairs and small tables she sat down and looked at the creation. It was a type of heavy thick cut oat and pearled barley. Mixing it slightly with her spoon revealed dried berries and nuts. Taking a small bite she nearly melted into the spoon at the taste. It was rich and earthy, with hints of honey and cinnamon. Not hesitating she tried the bread next; it was rather simple in comparison and rather heavy.
"Corn bread." Another woman spoke up.
"Hmm?"
"It's corn bread, you looked confused." She laughed inching closer before offering a hand. "Deia."
"Kel." She shook the woman's hand in typical fashion before returning to her dish, hesitating a bit at the meat.
"Either elk or goat, they make sure we always have enough protein to keep us running." Again Kel looked at the woman like she had six heads. "Sorry, my mother was a cook for the armies. But protein, it's well, meat and things like it; beans, nuts, fish. There is something about it that gives our body's more energy than say bread or cheese. Using heavy grains; like the oats and corn, makes them last even longer." She nodded sagely before using the bread to soak up the last bits of her porridge before standing. "Best hurry, we have practice." Kel nodded once and proceeded to eat as fast as she could. She knew what Wyldon was like when she was late, never mind these women.
As she reached the small clearing she couldn't help but look at each one of them. The elders formed a circle, resting on their shields as they egged, cheered, or corrected the youth. Deia was in the center now with another girl standing back to back. Four other women circled them before lunging. Kel watched amazed as they fought so smoothly that even the Yamani's would envy their form for the size and bulk of their armor. In the end the four were defeated while Deia, her ally having turned on her, would have been as well.
"Use your shield as a weapon Deia, you hesitate to do so." Kel recognized the woman as the head of the Third, Rianna. Slipping up next to the woman she kept her mask up and waited. "Now, protector you must show us what you know. Take Deia's practice sword and shield." She whistled as the elders parted and let Kel slide into the center. Taking a deep breath she looked at the four women who circled her.
"Go."
The moment the word echoed the clearing, the first of the blows came. The first opening was clear, the girl moved her shield when she thrust forward, parrying the blow she brought her shield in then sword up. The blow would have plunged through ribs before the girl bowed out. Spinning, she barely raised her shield in time to block another blow, and took a swipe at one girl's legs. She felt the practice steel slap her as the girl skittered out. The third was just as easy; she put too much force into her shield and was easily disarmed. However that move left her open as the fourth girl had her blade to her neck. Holding her hands up, she slipped back.
"Very good. Again."
That was how it started. Each morning before all the stars disappeared in the early light Kel rose to train with the maidens. Breakfast was filling and burned off by the time they had finished practicing. By mid morning they were armored and saddled up, continuing their trek west. She had missed these routines, these habits she had forgotten since her days as a page and squire. Laughing to herself at the mere thought, she wondered if even Wyldon's training held a candle to these aggressive women. Though, at least here she never would have had the title of Probationer.
By the time they had reached Stonefist Kel felt an overwhelming surge of joy, for they finally met up with the First. Not realizing how much she missed Westly and the others, she egged Peachblossom into a trot up to his tent. Dismounting, a man pushed the tent flap aside and smiled up at her, Erikk.
"I was wondering when you'd show up, come in." He motioned as she followed and was embraced in half hugs as the men and Rianna were positioned around a table with maps. As they talked she got a full survey of the damage. They had slaughtered the livestock they could not take with them, burning whatever crops or supplies they could not carry. While the main storage buildings were saved, they held no food. They had lost over sixteen men and had countless injured. Along with the missing livestock and mounts were women and children.
"Slaves." Westly sighed as he looked up at Kel. He knew all too well how the very thought made her blood boil. "We will get them back Kel, they can't have gone far. They don't know these mountains well enough, especially with the storm." She nodded in agreement as Haden looked her over for a moment.
"For a protector you have a thirst for blood." His comment made her jaw drop as Westly looked up and glared at her.
"I do not. I just do not tolerate slavery; the mere thought is just…" She began to ramble.
"Calm down, I was only teasing at you. We all hate the thought and wish death upon those who practice the trade." He managed as his hand fell on her shoulder giving it a comfortable squeeze. "You must calm yourself and think clearly here, a single raised voice or wrong move can spell death. Now come, let's meet the lord."
For a barbaric people they had spent far too many hours over reports and discussions with the nobles. She could barely keep her eyes open as they neared the close. Stifling a yawn, Erikk offered her a water skein.
The one advantage to all these meetings was she was able to learn more about the lands. While most of the fiefs were still in a futile age, some were advanced in certain fields. All fiefs were ruled as if they had their own king. The lands were surely big enough to have counted as small kingdoms. These lords that ruled the lands all served in a council to the high king. While each land had its own laws and regulations, they did have to abide by the high kings law and judgment. Stonefist, though it was Wintersbane's neighbor, was its near opposite. Wintersbane's people were craftsman by trade, specializing in metals and gems from deep within the mountains. Its people were smaller, more lean and tall then tall and broad, and most had dark hair and green eyes. Stonefist was a land of armor and weapon smiths, its people could use the weapon and armor they could make though were not meant for hit and run raiders. While Wintersbane was attacked by pure brute force, Stonefist should have been able to defend itself.
"How did this happen?" Kel muttered as she leaned toward Erikk to return the skein. In the stronghold of Stonefist there were perhaps two hundred soldiers, and thousands more if you counted all its small villages and outposts. Though it meant the men and women had to leave their mines and anvils.
"Magics." Erikk frowned as he pointed his chicken leg at her. "Most of the people here are blind or even fear it."
"Why though, I thought your shamans…" kel started as she reached for her own fork.
"Are what? I can count the number of us on both hands. While we are growing it is slow, and the people still fear magic. It is a fear of something they do not understand."
"But why is magic so rare?" She had been dying to ask that question for weeks now, and hopefully finally she would get her answers.
"Lack of the gods grace I suppose."
"Why though?"
"Keladry, we are a land founded by Chaos's chosen and a battle maiden sworn to the goddess. She cast aside her vows and chastity to the Chosen, of all people. Your golden Mithros and Goddess dare not rally the cold north where their sister blessed the very land."
"So it's a god's vendetta that your people suffer or are not gifted. It seems rather foolish to me." She snorted.
"The gods, in all their power are fickle beings Keladry. It is only our belief, but that's exactly what it is, a belief."
~~~Want to see something in this story? Perhaps you've a favorite myth you think could work, or a character you want brought into the light. Maybe even an idea or critizism? Please leave a review, it helps me know people are reading (Be it short or long!) and I value Honest opinions!