Where to start? Thanks everyone for the reviews and I agree that last chapter was a bit choppy, perhaps because of the length and I did not get it to flow correctly. Hopefully this makes up for such AND answers a few questions.
As for regular updates, I apologies for such. My lovely hard drive decided it wanted to fry and deleted all my advanced chapters (All 22 of them .) So I'm in the process of trying to catch back up and at least be a few chapters ahead of what's posted.
Again, PLEASE leave true feedback, it lets me know your still reading and what you would love to see fleshed out or come to be.
That being said I wish you all had a great Halloween and enjoy Chapter 10!
Chapter 10
Ashely just curled up beside her grandfather and napped while Kel readied herself. She was happy the girl did such, rather than fret over the upcoming challenge. Stretching out was easier without worry and stress, as well as making it far easier to clear her mind and prepare herself.
The man did not look seem to give off the air of warrior, in fact Kel had noticed not a single callus on his hands, which meant he had never worked a day in his life with a weapon, or anything for that matter. Where was the money for his lavish home coming from if he never worked? Even the lords of fiefs Kel knew put in a hand when the harvest was coming in or if there was a storm.
Taking a moment she worked on flexing out her hands, working every drop of ice and stiffness from them. This was for Ashely's good; if he was her demon perhaps beating him would give her the strength and faith that her grandfather said she needed. And if she lost? Her mind blanked as that question surfaced. Shaking her head, she forced it back to the depths it came from before turning to face the grandfather. He sat there, with those midnight blue eyes working their way into her own.
"You know what will come of this should you win, Keladry?" He spoke gently, barely above a whisper but somehow his words drowned out the crackling fire at her back.
"Ashely will gain the strength and faith in the maidens you had hoped for?" He nodded at her answer before continuing.
"And much more. You are still new to Gaul, but have adapted so well. I fear they never told you all of our traditions." He patted the bed as Kel wandered to his side, biting her lips in attempt to control the slowly rising fear. After a moment's silence he took it as invitation to continue.
"When you are issued a challenge, should you win you can strip him of everything, if you so choose. It's how many nobles rise to power. We like to be ruled by the wise and strong, those who can and should be in power are because they can hold such a role. This man is neither wise nor strong, only cunning."
He ran his fingers through Ashely's hair. "He saw her potential and the blessing she received upon birth and cast her out. The man is not from Gaul, he loathes us and would love to see us fall. He's stolen from our people, turned his children and those of the village to hate the people. Should you win, you can restore balance to the village if you so take it." That single line carried the weight and realization of her burden. Should she win, the village would be hers; she would be the new chief. But should she lose, he could ask for her life in exchange. Taking a deep breath she nodded.
"The Maidens are not allowed to keep land."
"No, they are not allowed to belong to a fief, as in stay and rule such." He corrected the tiny hint of a smile danced across his lips. "One can leave someone, or even a council, to rule in their wake." Kel tried not to laugh at the man as she nodded. He was a wise gentleman, but then again that may have been a understatement for the man. Nodding once he moved to stir Ashely. "Go on, we will meet you in the field shortly."
Kel looked around at the villagers who came to circle around the field. The group of women and men who greeted Ashely hung together, whispering amongst themselves as those that supported her father were scattered, glaring at her. Minutes passed in silence as Kel paced the thin snows like some caged beast.
"Calm your mind." A familiar voice called out. Turning she couldn't help but smile as Ashley and her grandfather had walked into the clearing. Several men broke from the group to support him as Ashely ran to her teacher's side. She pretended to check the armor as she kept her voice low.
"He's never handled a blade, only whip. But he's smart, if he can outwit you he will, and it will not be pleasant. He has a gift for getting into one's mind." She hissed before pulling the strap tight on her breastplate. Kel just nodded as she saw the man approaching and skittered away.
"Are you sure you wish to do this, little girl? It seems a waste of time in my opinion." He shrugged when he came to a halt ten feet away.
"If I wanted your opinion I would have asked for it." She retorted as a maiden wandered toward them.
"Till you claim a killing blow, or draw three blood." She declared as both Kel and the man nodded. Turning she walked far enough away to give them free reign before raising a hand. Seconds passed before she dropped it.
The moment she did the man's hand flicked as his whip cracked out, aiming for Kel's feet. Bouncing back and out of reach, Kel looked him over. He was as fast as a damned snake with that, and all he would need to do is encircle her hand to disarm her. Her feet were another issue should he wrap those.
He advanced again, cracking the leather in a playful manner. He snaked it out to nearly touch her before it flew back toward its handler. Kel could tell by the grin on his face he expected to win with ease. Calming her mind she went to the place she often did before having to fight. It was serene, a calming place the Yamani once taught her to create. The moment she entered it, all tension left her body.
He perked a brow at the change and lunged again for her feet. This time she let it wrap around her ankle, moving her free foot down on the leather, pushing all her weight onto it. The man couldn't pull the whip back as she started to advance up the leather. Each step placed like a dancer, and keeping him from having the weight and strength to pull the whip back. The moment she was close again she lashed out with the pommel of her sword, cracking him hard in the chest. The action was enough to cause him to stumble back, releasing the whip. The man just stared at her, the anger crossing his face as Kel raised her sword.
"Yield and I won't embarrass you," she snarled. He let out a roar and lunged. Kel sidestepped him as he rushed her and brought her blade back down across the back of his legs, letting the flat of her sword hit hard enough to sting. He tried to take a step and fell. She was on him in a moment, sword point to his neck.
"Killing blow." Was all a Maiden called out. Kel just nodded and turned to walk toward a beaming Ashely.
"You lost, stand down!" The maiden's voice in the background was lost to Kel as she rolled her neck, trying to relax and calm her nerves as she started to make her way toward Ashely's and her grandfathers standing place. "Kel, behind you!" Ashely called out not a moment too soon as Kel spun in time to bring her sword up and block the dagger in the man's hands.
"Filthy whores, all of you, locked away in that village with your guards. The king eating out of your hand, tell me what did you do for him that his queen cannot!" This time the rage in Kel snapped, her expression going Yamani blank as she shoved the man away. He stumbled as she lashed out, her blade digging deeply enough into his chest that crimson immediately stained the white snows. She gave him no leeway as she brought her blade around, this time dragging down his lower arm, pushing deeper at the muscle that controlled the hand that held the dagger. With a scream his hand seized the dagger slipping into the snow as he fell back, grabbing at his arm. This time Kel stood over him, moving her blade she ran it slowly across his cheek, making sure the cut would scar.
"Your words alone are enough for treason!" Kel snapped as the man stared up at her, not with fear, but as if she was some sick animal.
"Seeing as Keladry here is the only one with authority over such matters, it is for her to decide his fate." A maiden spoke up as she nodded to Kel. "Lady Keladry, go clean yourself and meet in the town center. You may choose his punishment there." Kel nodded as the Maiden's guards picked them man up to carry him away. Ashely and her grandfather's calm hands dragged Kel from the bloody snow and toward their home.
The hot water was enough to wake Kel from her daze as she worked on scrubbing her skin dry. Ashely and her grandfather didn't say anything as she bathed, or when she rose from the tub behind the curtain. Taking a deep breath Kel looked at her reflection. She had never really seen herself nude in years. Her hair was now down past her collarbones, which were well defined.
Once she had seen her form as masculine, but that was near a year ago. She once questioned why Dom had never shown interest, or why he flaunted women before her as it became apparent that she was more male then female then. Now however a woman stared back at her. What once was described as a dreamer's hazel eyes seemed sharp, the greens popping against her lightened hair. The light brown danced with natural reds strands.
Her body had shed the extra bulk that she had acquired during training as a Knight. The Maidens had been training her as a woman who fights, not a woman who wishes to be a man. Her arms were leaner, but every inch as muscular. Her bust ample enough that one wouldn't need a corset to draw attention to it. Now though, she could see her hips and curves along the flat plans of her stomach. Was this what they meant? To reshape her body? Shaking her head she grabbed the simple, earth brown gown and pulled it over her head. When she slipped out of the room the grandfather sat there, dressed to leave again in his thick and heavy furs.
"Silver for your thoughts?" He questioned as Kel opened her mouth, then closed it again. "Don't be shy lass, I raised three daughters and now a granddaughter with no mother."
"I feel like I'm losing me, like… I'm turning…" Her hand made a quick sweep of her body before the man chuckled.
"Your people trained you the way they trained a man did they not?"
"Aye."
"Well see, men fight with their strength and rage. It is what makes a man a man, that pure primal instinct." He paused to tap his head with a finger. "It is why we are so weak compared to women, we can only harness rage and anger and keep it as such. A woman, well a woman has great strength from her core, she is swift and sharp. She can think clearly in times of battle, and shecan harness love. It is the strongest of all emotions; it can bring a man to his knees with just a look, Keladry. The Maidens are teaching you to be what it is you are, a woman warrior." He chuckled as he stood, his hand resting on her shoulder.
"You must not forget that is what gives you such strength. Is it not for your love for your King and for your people? That is why you came here, your love for those you met on the way, it is why you continue and train. Love comes with faith, and you are giving that to my granddaughter. I cannot tell you why she will need it, only that you are the Key to unlocking it." He smiled and started toward the door.
"Sir, are you like Erikk?" He laughed now and shook his head.
"A high shaman? Gods no, my family tend to be prophets." He smiled, tilting his head. "Now, shall we go to this meeting?"
The town center itself was nothing fancy. The huge empty hall seemed stripped of any luxury, as only benches lined the walls with a raised chair at the opposite end. The grandfather leaned over to whisper to Kel as he entered.
"When I was a lad, this place was lined with rich tapestries and some of the most beautiful carved benches and tables. Statues of our gods rose from the pillars to look over the townsfolk. This chief has since stripped it bare to line his own pockets. Claiming we needed the coin for seed and stock." He cursed under his breath as they advanced through the room. The elders of the village nodded their heads in respect as the youth kept their noses up. It was a shield maiden that pointed to the raised chair when she reached them.
"As an official you must take a seat and dictate what will come of your fief." The woman grinned as Kel's eyes went wide a bit. "Don't worry, make the judgment. We train as soon as it is done." Her words were heavy as Kel swallowed back the lump of fear that had risen in her throat. Taking a seat, she took a slow deep breath as Ashely's father was led forward by the Guardians. The men forced him to kneel, their blades resting across the back of the man's neck as they nodded toward Kel.
"Keladry of Mindelan, Knight of Tortall, sworn Sword Sister to crown prince Byron; has defeated Alexander Darkstorm in trial by combat for guardianship of Ashely Darkstorm. Upon his loss and Keladry's mercy Alexander Darkstorm challenged Keladry once more, this act has been decided by the Maidens as one of ruler-ship and title as he aimed to kill. Do you deny such?" The maiden's voice rang out over the hall as she looked to the man. Alexander spat at Kel's feet.
"Filthy whore, you're not even from Gaul!" He snapped before the butt of a sword hit him hard enough to send him sprawling out onto the wood floors.
"Your actions and words are treasonous, and Keladry is granted by blood, titles, and victory to decide your punishment. Pray she has mercy."
The maiden spoke a final time before moving to stand beside Kel. It may have been Kel's white face, the small beads of sweat at her temples, or the slight tremor in her hand that led the woman to place her hand on Kel's shoulder. That single action calmed Kel's nerves as she looked from Alexander to Ashely then to her grandfather. Her mind raced as the man didn't even dare look from the floor . He was greedy and vicious. How long till he drained the town dry and left them without food or decent housing? How long till sickness struck them and, without a healer, causing them to suffer heavy losses. Taking a deep breath, Kel's gaze did not find the man, but the grandfather. His eyes were as calming as the ocean as they washed over her, giving her the strength she needed.
"Alexander Darkstorm, your choices upon this village are what force me to take action. While I am allowed to ask for your life, I will spare you such with mercy." Whispers raced around the room as Kel turned to face the man.
"However, you are to be stripped of your title, your lands, and whatever wealth you have accumulated. You may take with you one mount, as well as any personal belongings you may have. These may be contested as property of your late wife, and such would be passed to her only child Ashely. You are to leave the village as banishment, and may the gods have mercy on you in finding another home."
"And the village my lady? Who will run it, you?" He sneered now.
"Both yes and no. I wish to run this village much like the kingdom is run, with a council of elders that can rule in my stead. Should they reach an impasse, I will be the deciding vote. I have faith in the people to do what is best for their future generations." At this, small chatter started rushing around the room. "From what I've gathered six families were the founders of SouthFall. I wish each family to appoint a councilman to report to me in the morning, they may each bring one advisor." She took a deep breath and nodded. "You are dismissed."
Kel's words echoed the room heavily as the guards lifted Alexander to his feet. They could not help but smile as they dragged him off. It was going to be a very long night full of paperwork, ledgers, and maps.
"It's spiced tea." Ashely spoke gently as she placed a mug in front of Kel. A large table had been dragged into the hall and covered with records and maps. "I've a feeling you'll need it. You did not eat much for breakfast." Kel tried not to laugh as she just nodded toward the girl.
"A lot going on." She spoke as the door opened. Three men and two women entered, bowing towards Kel and Ashely.
"Merry Met, Lady." An elderly woman spoke out. "I am Elsbeth, matron of Hart, this is my granddaughter Yllnda." She motioned to a young girl with eyes like snow. In an instant Kel knew the girl was blind, but her lack of sight seemed not to hinder her intelligence as she turned her head to listen to even the slightest noise in the room.
"A pleasure, please everyone be seated. I trust we will learn each other's names, as we make very important choices for the land." As each took a seat Kel was left to open a ledger. "I will be frank, from where we stand now we will not make it to fall. What little coin was left to the village and taken from Alexander will not buy enough grain, stock, or seed to harvest enough to last you next winter." One of the men let out a snarl as he pulled out a flask. "There must be more that the village can do beside light farming and clearing the forest. Any ideas?" Minutes passed as each member of council went over books and maps, their advisors pointing out small details as they whispered among themselves.
"What of the old orchards? They've not been touched in generations, but I'm sure at least some of the trees still stand and could produce fruit come spring. It won't be much but…" A gentleman pointed to an area on the map to the south east.
"Anything is better than nothing, Lyll." Darkstorm spoke up. "If we sent a small group of men they could clear a path wide enough for a cart and mule. Come summer, women can work clearing, pruning, and harvesting."
"The younger girls may have an issue with that." Yllnda snorted and Ashely laughed at the thought.
"Then they will get over it." Lyll chuckled now. "But the orchard used to be huge, even if we have a quarter of the trees we're still looking at thirty healthy apple and peach trees."
"Perfect. Now, I noticed not even three miles east of here there is a decent size river, but no fishing villages." Kel pointed out to the river and lack of any roads or establishments.
"The only fishermen we know of are in the north." A man pointed out as Kel perked a brow before the man introduced himself. "Derick of house Dwelly. But we don't know the first thing about fishing. We've only made pieces for ships and in winter the wood is so swollen it would leak come warmer weather."
"Then that is our solution, women can weave and make nets. It would be a perfectly suited task for the youth who aren't in the orchard or cutting wood." Kel nodded. "We can heat up this hall and make enough small ships to prepare us for the coming spring. When the rivers have thawed enough it will be time to start."
"Till then we should pull all the lumberjacks from the woods to clear a road to the river, then." Lyll pointed out again. "It would take them till the first thaw to clear enough of a path to transport the catch as well as the ships." As soon as the man finished speaking Ashely perked up.
"And to build a storage shed. In the winter we can station a few of the younger men out there to keep it warm so the boats don't suffer, and watch holes!" Ashely piped in then paused to blush as she looked at her feet when eyes focused on her,
"Look up lass and explain." Elsbeth spoke up.
"One of the girls in my room is from the north. She said they cut holes in the ice and drop lines down when the sun rises. Then, before it sets, they pull the line back in and tend to have the larger winter fish on the other end. It will be steady work and we'd have fresh fish all seasons."
"And freshly salted fish would sell well to neighboring villages." Yllnda nodded as Kel raised her mug.
"To apples and fish then!" She laughed as the others raised whatever they were drinking.
"To apples and fish!"
That night Ashely and Kel were laughing and joking in her grandfather's house when a knock at the door produced the Maidens.
"I'll leave you to your lessons." The man laughed as he grabbed his fur coat. "Besides, I think Gwen made fresh turnovers." He smiled bowing his head to the women before slipping out into the street. A light snow had started to fall that afternoon, though had little effect on the suddenly bustling and busy village. The maidens pulled their coats off and left them hanging by the fire as they moved to the table.
"The Matron would be very proud of you both." She declared as Kel poured them each a cup of tea.
"Why though, I thought we weren't allowed titles or lands." Ashely piped up as one woman laughed.
"No, you were not allowed the ones you were born with." She just smiled, taking the tea with both hands. "For instance I was once Lady Caramela of Foster. Only daughter born to the Duke." Ashely paled a bit as she looked at the woman. "But now I am just Caramela of the Maidens. I never sought to take lands or titles after I earned my shield." She picked up a shortbread scone as the other woman spoke up.
"See, when you forsake your previous ties, anything you earn from there on is truly earned. Anything earned is allowed to be kept." She smiled before lifting a signet ring hidden on a chain under her leather chest piece.
"For example, I was serving at Frostwolf years back. I saved the village's chief when marauders hit. Needless to say, holed up in a cave for two weeks led to… relations. His heir is my son, and as that I am the Lady of Frostwolf." Ashely opened her mouth to talk but the woman held up a hand. "I visit when I can; he's older, nearing eight, and understands the importance of my job. I visit as often as I am allowed, and often they come to see me. It's why our city is so close to the village Maiden's Shield, so lovers and children may visit, even if they are not allowed passed the gates." Kel knew that any male who did not serve as a Guardian to a Maiden he was not allowed past the gates.
"So…" Kel started to say slowly.
"So, as it stands you may take the title Keladry of SouthFall now while in Gaul. It is your fief, despite you leaving a council to rule in your wake. A very sound choice in my opinion." Frostwolf chuckled as they sat sipping tea for some time.
"Can I ask you something?" Kel finally spoke up as she drifted off to watch the fire.
"Of course we are here to instruct and answer any questions you may have, not just to guard you." The third woman laughed a bit.
"Well, how is it you call yourself Maidens but well, I mean, you have a son?"
"Ah, that question… well I'm sure the Matron told you about all aspects of the Great Mother." Frostwolf spoke up now as Ashely looked perplexed. "Ok, well the Great Mother, she isn't just a Maiden as some people portray her. She's shown throughout history as a warrior, fierce as Mithros and just as deadly for she had the cunning and the people's love to follow her. She was also the mother of many gods. It was through her they were said to be created."
"I've seen paintings of her like that, the Maiden the…" Ashely started before Caramela finished.
"Mother, and Crone. All aspects of being female. The Maiden's order isn't about one's body as it is one's soul. If that is pure, then why not let the woman be blessed with children, the joy of being a woman is experiencing every part of it."
"However, we must never wed. Our vows bind us to the Goddess, we may take lovers but never a husband."
"Is that why you do not need to wed here to be a couple?" Kel finally put the pieces together as the women nodded.
"Exactly. Some women retire after a child or two, like Brynha, for example, but they still must hold their vows." The third chuckled as Kel nodded slowly, the pieces finally falling into place. Why Westly and Brynha never wed, and why she was such a fierce woman. "If you choose marriage as your path though, you still have time to train before not taking your vows." She paused looking to the other two.
"So who is it for you hmm? Let me guess, that dashing Kelland?" Frostwolf spoke up over the silence. It took a breath or two to realize they were talking to her. Coughing Kel looked up in shock.
"Ke… Kelland? Gods no, he's nice but just…"
"Floral, a flirt? Good, I didn't think he was your type anyhow with all his… flourishes." They laughed as Kel looked back to her lap praying the red didn't reach her ears. "So who is it then? Not one of the twins, I see Ian as finding a lady but not Haden, he is far too… goal orientated." She rubbed her chin as the other women joined in.
"And Erikk while handsome in his age, it's just that far too old." The third giggled as Ashely joined in.
"What about the prince? He's taken a shine to you, naming you sword sister and all to make sure you stay close?" The maidens turned to Kel at Ashely's suggestion.
"Bryon? Gods, no. I mean he's handsome and just and kind and all. I won't lie and say I don't find him attractive but he's just… he's the type to want a woman who can fight but wants to settle and have his heir. That is not me."
"So did you leave someone at home when you came here?" Kels eyes flashed for a moment as Caramela questioned. "That's it, tell us about him!" Kel took a deep breath and let it all out, from his battle tossed but still perfect hair to his blue eyes and playboy smile.
"… and what I don't get is we are always working together and he's always flirting. Hell I've been around him in just my nightshift and it's like I'm just… I know I'm not blessed but still come on!" She groaned as her head fell into her hands. "Then it's like he flaunts women in front of me all the time. Does he really not see me as a woman?"
"Or is he doing it to see how you react? Men are often scared to make the first move less they know the woman's going to want it, especially when instead of a slap you could beat the living daylights out of him."
As Frostwolf spoke, Kel's eyes went wide.
"So... he was just hoping for a reaction?"
"Maybe." The woman shrugged as Kel let out a heavy sigh and let her head fall and connect with the table in a light thump.
"Why are men so damn confusing!"
"Tell me about it." Cara laughed as she pushed her own hair back. "So has no one in Gaul caught our Little Wolf's eye?" Kel perked up at the nickname.
"Rian is my uncle, I know everything." She winked as Ashely giggled. Kel paused for a moment, half tempted to ask the woman about Xamos before shaking her head.
"There was hesitation, so now you have to spill. It may work with the boys, but we're female and as such we can read you far better!" The third piped up as she poured another cup of tea. "More?" She asked as cups edged their way toward her. Not even a minute later everyone had a shortbread scone and tea in front of them.
"Well, I never really thought about him romantically and all. I mean, right before the Midwinter feast he kissed me."
"Oh do describe, you have to. Come on, girl talk. It's a rare thing not to talk about horses, dogs, armor, or weapons!" Frost laughed now.
"Well…fire, just burning. I wanted to touch him with every inch of me it was like those seconds lasted a lifetime and I forgot where I was, who I was…"
"Oh I know that feeling…" Frost fanned herself before laughing. "Go on…"
"Well, I didn't know what it meant but he ate the berries."
"Did he get sick!" The third interrupted as Kel shook her head no.
"Later that night we went riding, he took me up the mountains above the castle to watch the lights." Kel drifted at the memory as the woman took a deep breath.
"He took you to see the dancing lights?"
"Aye, he said it was his gift. Which it may seem selfish to say, but was the best gift I've ever got received. I've never seen anything like that."
"He sounds unreal… I've never seen the lights fully, just their dances over the mountaintops. It's so rare. You got to see the whole thing?"
"Purples, blues, greens reds whites…" Kel drifted smiling a bit. "Then he walked me back and ate the rest of the berries."
"And wasn't sick?"
"I don't know. He didn't see me off. But I can't blame him; everyone else was around." Ashely pretended to swoon into Kel as the other woman laughed at the girls antics.
"So, we need a name."
"I…." Kel stuttered as she rubbed the back of her neck.
"Come on, we're sisters. And we promise it will never leave this conversation." Frost and the other woman nodded as Kel chewed her lip looking them over. Her eyes darted back and forth as her mind weighed to spill or to not. Taking a deep breath she started to play with her nails.
"Xamos." She finally muttered, barely a whisper.
"Wait, what?" The third coughed. "Xamos, as in Xamos the Cold? The bastard? The Helm bearer?" The other women were stoic as they looked Kel over.
"He's just like anyone else who has been misunderstood. It's a mask, I've seen him smile and laugh. I just…it's not like I'm from around here, and in a few years' time I'll be back in Tortall." Kel started to ramble.
"Which is good, getting involved with him is not a good idea Kel." Frost spoke gently. "He's mad." Kel looked up to the woman this time, her own rage flaring.
"He is not 'Mad'." She snorted as the woman shook her head. "Imagine this, Frost, you're the mistress to the King's brother who has a wife and children. You give him his first son. When he's just old enough to remember his mother you pass and in comes the man who sired him. A man who sees the boy as his way out of his duties and wearing the helm. So he drags your son to court where he is flaunted as the bastard, tortured and trained to take anything that is thrown at him. The boy is raised with no love and only lives to fight and survive.
"Then when the boy is old enough to be named, he is given the responsibility of an entire kingdom, of a helm that is cursed by Chaos. No one dares to love him, or care or get to know him. Can you honestly tell me you would not go mad or hide behind a mask?" Kel finished rambling as the woman took a deep breath.
"He's a good man; just no one has ever given him the chance. Everyone judges him for what he is, not who he is. I see who he is, not what."
"I think Kel, that the Shamans were wise in their choice to bring you to us. I cannot imagine more pure a soul beside the Maiden herself." The third spoke gently.
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