Mercy's Prince (31 page)

Valerian
moved closer to her, and Stripe took a step also.

“Merry,
I know you’re not used to wearing anything on your feet, but it’s dangerous to
go barefooted around horses, and the farther north we travel, the colder it
will become. You must wear those boots for protection.”

Kieran
came out of the house carrying a pair of boots.

“Merry,”
he called. “Lady MacNeil said to give these to you.”

Merry
mouthed her thanks and pulled them on. She appeared ready to climb on the horse
right away, but Valerian stopped her.

“What
about your hair?”

I
was waiting for it to dry before I braided it.
She pulled the hair
over her shoulder and tried to smooth it.

“Do
you need any help?”

Have
you braided hair before? Your horse’s tail perhaps?

“No,
but I have watched one of the grooms. Kieran, come help me.”

Merry
caught his arm before she turned around.

Just
divide it into three equal strands and take the outside one inside, alternating
sides.

It
sounded easier than it was to actually perform. He and Kieran took three times
longer to braid Merry’s hair than she would have taken alone. When they finally
reached the end, Merry fished the wooden clasp out of a pocket in the riding
skirt. Valerian fastened it to the hair, showing the emblem to Kieran.

“This
is her father’s symbol, a balmflower.”

“Apt
for a Healer,” said Kieran with a nod.

Merry
studied their handiwork and then curtsied. She gazed up at Valerian.

Not
bad for two beginners
.
She smiled.
I’m ready to learn how to ride now
.

First,
Valerian showed her the saddle and bridle and how to put them on. Then, he
helped her put her left foot in the stirrup so she could mount. She sat astride
the horse, grinning wide. It was only a matter of minutes until she was guiding
the horse forward, to either side, and bringing him to a halt.

Valerian
decided she’d done enough for one day. She could learn trotting and cantering
while traveling.

By
the time Merry had taken off the saddle and bridle, and turned Stripe over to
the stable boy, the sun was low in the sky and it was time for their evening
meal, the last they would share with Ruddy and Shannon. Kieran went ahead, and Valerian
gazed into Merry’s eyes.

“Before
we lose our light, was there anything you wanted to ask?”

Thank
you for my beautiful Stripe, but how are we safer if we each have a horse?

“If
we are surprised by another killer or robbers or the Horde, we can get away
faster with one rider on a horse. Riding double tires the animal much more
quickly.”

Do
you mean I might get to ride a horse that is running?

Valerian
heard the excitement in her mental voice.

“It’s
called ‘galloping,’ but yes, it’s possible.” He pretended to be stern. “Just
hold on as if your life depends upon it, because it will.”

She
appeared thoughtful and sad. He took her hand.

“What
is it?”

That
sounds like what I’m doing already, holding on because my life depends on it.

He
enfolded her in his arms, and she fiercely hugged him back.

“Then
hold on, Merry, and never let go.”

He
touched his lips to her hair. It smelled of lavender, and he smiled. His heart
yearned for her, but he refrained from kissing her again, because he didn’t
trust himself to stop there. She pulled away, as if she’d read his thoughts.

Thank
you for the best day of my life.

“It
has been the best for me, as well.” He seized her hand and kissed it. “Shall we
go in now?”

A
mischievous look came to her eyes.

Let’s
race
. Then
she let go of his hand and began running. Laughing, he caught up with her and
touched the door first.

It’s
these boots. Barefooted I would surely win.

“Then
we must have a rematch soon.”

Agreed
.

            *         

That
evening Merry sat between Valerian and Kieran on the bench. The five friends
lingered over the meal and afterward. Once Shannon had to step out to take care
of Nathan, but when she brought him back, Merry took charge of the babe.

Valerian
glanced down at Merry often. She had such a way with the infant that her calm
spilled over to him. He remembered what she had told him, how she’d mothered
the baby brother who would have been only four when he died. It must have been
like losing her own child. How much Merry had to grieve for! 

When
Kieran yawned, Valerian realized it was getting late. He hoped to make an early
start for Lord Reed’s. As everyone headed for the bedrooms, Valerian took Ruddy
aside.

“I
hope you won’t be angry with me, but today when I purchased the saddle, I asked
the saddlemaker if he could design a stirrup so you could ride again.”

Ruddy’s
eyes narrowed. But the anger quickly faded, and he took a deep breath.

“I
will nae lie to ye, Val. I want with all me heart to ride again, but I know it
will take a lot of work. Perhaps my stable boy will help me.”

“I’m
sure he’ll be glad to. He’s a hard-working lad.”

Ruddy
stared at Valerian.

“Just
like another lad I once knew.” He bowed, leaning on his cane. “You will make an
excellent crown prince, Your Highness, much better than yer brother, God rest
his soul, because you have a heart of justice tempered with mercy.”

Valerian
was too stunned to reply for a long minute.

“Thank
you, Sir Rudyard. I will endeavor to live up to the high standards you have
taught me.” He and Ruddy gripped one another’s arms, both too moved for any
more words.

***

When
Caelis entered the barracks, he found Drew playing chess with the young boy
from the Brethren village. Up until now he had managed to avoid any interaction
with the child.

“Drew!”

The
squire jumped up.

“Yes,
sir?”

“We’re
setting out for the Keep tomorrow.” Caelis stared at the boy. Other than the
girlish long hair, the child bore an uncanny resemblance to his lost brother
Caeden. It might be dangerous to keep the boy, but Caelis wasn’t yet ready to
dispose of him.

“I’ll
have everything ready, sir.” Drew continued to hover beside the child.

Caelis
ignored him and sat down in the seat Drew vacated. The boy looked at him
cautiously.

“What
is your name?” Caelis spoke quietly.

“My
name is Rafael. Why did you kill Papa? He was not very kind, but he was my
Papa.”

Caelis
crossed his arms and carefully chose his words.

“I
am a knight and must obey the king. The king’s son wrote a decree ordering that
all in your village must die. I was following orders.”

 “Did
you kill my Sissy, too?” Rafael stared at him, not nearly as fearful as he
ought to be.

“We
killed everyone quickly so they would not suffer.” Out of the corner of his
eye, Caelis caught the movement of Drew’s mouth as if he wanted to argue.

“Why
didn’t you kill me?” asked Rafael.

Caelis
glared at Drew, daring him to contradict him.

“My
squire here convinced me to spare you, which I was glad to do. After all, you
look just like my little brother.”

“You
have a brother?” Rafael’s tone was wistful.

“I
had a brother named Caeden, but he drowned.” Caelis’ throat constricted and he
had to clear it before continuing. “I wasn’t able to save him.”

“I
am sorry,” said the boy. “Do you miss him very much?”

Caelis
nodded. He hadn’t intended to open such an old wound, and hadn’t expected the
wound to still be raw.

“How
old are you, Rafael?”

The
boy held up four fingers and said unnecessarily, “I am four years old.”

“It
will be awhile before you can be a knight, but would you like to learn how?”

Rafael’s
face shone.

“Oh,
yes! I would like to be a knight. Drew says he is learning, too.”

“Yes,”
Caelis said with a growl in his throat. “Drew is a squire and must obey his
knight.” They locked eyes for a moment. “When you are six years old you can be
my page, and then when you are thirteen you can be my squire.”

“When
can I be a knight?”

“Not
until you are twenty.”

The
boy grew solemn again, appearing much older than his years.

“I
can wait.”

“Good.
You have a lot to learn before then. Do you know my name?”

“You
are Sir Caelis, and Drew is your squire, and I will be your page when I am six
years old.”

Caelis
stood and wiped his hands on his tunic.

“Very
good, Rafael. You are well on your way to becoming an excellent page. Now, help
Drew get ready to leave early in the morning. We have a long journey.”

“Yes,
sir.” The boy bowed and followed Drew.

Caelis
watched them leave, well satisfied. It would not be difficult to attach this
boy to himself, after all.

In
the morning, before anyone else was awake, Merry crept out of her room and went
to the great hall. She draped the scarf that she had won for her bread over the
frame of Shannon’s needlework. The blues and greens of the scarf highlighted
the dragon in the picture. Merry hoped that when Shannon found the scarf, she
would understand how much Merry valued the beautiful picture as well as their
friendship.

Not
long afterward, Merry had to bid Shannon and Ruddy farewell. She hugged the
older woman and kissed the babe in her arms. Then she curtsied to Ruddy before
turning to mount the patient Stripe.

“I’ll
miss you, Merry.” Shannon came closer. “You must come again, all of you.”

“We
will,” said Valerian, nodding at Ruddy. “You haven’t seen the last of us yet.” Then
he mounted his horse and led the way.

Merry
turned in the saddle to wave one last time. Her eyes filled with tears. Valerian
must have noticed for he moved his gray closer to Stripe.

“Are
you going to be all right?” He met her eyes.

I
never considered I would find friendship beyond my own village
.

“I
have come to see true friends as one of life’s greatest blessings.” He glanced
back. “And parting from them is never easy.”

They
followed the busy road, passing through two other villages by midday. After
stopping to rest the horses and eat a little, Merry was ready, though not
eager, to continue. Pausing beside Stripe, she stared up at Valerian.

I
do want to befriend your future wife
. She took the reins in her hands.

“I
know you do. But please don’t expect too much from her. She is not at all like
you.”

In
what way?
Merry frowned.

“She
has not your goodness and gentleness.” Valerian smoothed back a stray hair that
had escaped her cap.

Merry
smiled at him, but she quickly mounted her horse before she lost her head and
kissed him in front of Kieran.

            *         

They
reached the castle late that afternoon. Merry could only stare at the stone
walls and towers. Red banners fluttered in the breeze, and soldiers stood guard
at regular intervals. They rode through the gate, and Merry studied how it was
similar to the one at her village, only heavier and larger. Grooms took their
horses to the stables, and an older man greeted them.

“Good
afternoon. I am Lord Reed’s steward. What may we do for you?”

Valerian
stepped forward. He towered over the other man.

“I
am Valerian d’Alden. I am here to see Lord Reed.”

The
steward’s eyes widened and he bowed.

“Your
Highness. We are honored to have you visit. Please, follow me.”

He
led them into the castle. They walked through a hall similar to Ruddy’s on a
much larger scale. There were many tables and benches, and Merry could imagine
gatherings of hundreds of people. This room could hold an entire village
festival!

They
followed the steward down a well-lit passageway into a lavish sitting room. It
was so cluttered with furniture and tapestries and candles burning in ornate
holders that Merry didn’t know where to look first. The steward bowed again.

“Please,
Your Highness, be seated and make yourselves comfortable. I will alert Lord
Reed and bring refreshment.”

Merry
ran her hand over the red velvet cushion of one of the chairs and gingerly sat
upon it. Valerian sat nearest the door, his back rigid. Merry had never seen
him so uncomfortable. Kieran paced in front of the fireplace.

The
door opened, and Valerian stood. Merry did also. They shared one brief glance
before turning their attention to the middle-aged man and his daughter.

Both
had yellow hair and fair skin. Lord Reed was short but muscular, in glowing
good health, but Merry studied his daughter. She appeared perfectly beautiful
with a full figure which she displayed to best advantage in a low cut, fitted
red gown. Her full lips were painted red, like ripe cherries. She had eyes only
for Valerian.

“Greetings,
my prince!” Her father’s voice was resonant. “I welcome you to my humble
castle.” He bowed graciously as his daughter curtsied. “Of course you remember
my daughter, Hanalah.”

“Of
course.” Valerian took Hanalah’s hand and kissed it. Her sigh was audible from
across the room.

Valerian
indicated Kieran, who stood closest to Lord Reed.

“This
is my squire, Kieran MacLachlan.” Kieran executed a bow as if it were a dance
step.

“And
this,” Valerian continued, beckoning Merry forward, “is my cousin, Merry.”

She
curtsied, trying to be as graceful as Kieran. It was a little easier in the
riding skirt than in a dress.

Lord
Reed’s bushy brows raised. He stared at Merry.

“Cousin?
I was under the impression you only had the one. Prince Andemon’s son, Rupert.”

While
Valerian explained, Merry watched Hanalah. She scanned Merry, head to toe, and
her eyes narrowed. Sadly it would probably be impossible to ever befriend such
a haughty young woman.

“Yes,
we have recently discovered proof that King Sigmund founded the Brethren. Merry
is his direct descendant.”

“The
Brethren?” Hanalah’s voice was shrill and grating, to Merry’s surprise. “Those
pacifists have royal blood?”

Valerian
turned his head to glance at Merry. When he rolled his eyes, Merry had to
stifle a giggle.

“Not
all, Lady Hanalah, just Merry’s family.”

Hanalah
looked as if she’d swallowed a spider.

“So
do you have one of those long braids?” Hanalah reached up and raked her fingers
through her shorter locks.

Merry
nodded and turned around to show her the braid.

“It’s
so long, it looks like a rope!”

“Hanalah,
dear,” said her father. “Why don’t you take Merry to her guest room and settle
her there. We men have business to discuss.”

“Very
well.” She sighed dramatically.

“My
lady,” said Valerian. “I must tell you that Merry is unable to speak.”

“She’s
dumb?” Hanalah glared at Merry.

Valerian
frowned, obviously losing patience with Lord Reed’s daughter.

“She
is mute and cannot make a sound.” When he met her gaze, Merry saw his
frustration.

Please
don’t worry about me. I will be fine with her, and I’ll keep her away as long
as I can.
She
hoped he took some comfort from that thought.

He
nodded slightly, smiling with his eyes.

Merry
followed Hanalah down a hallway, up a spiral staircase and along another
hallway before they reached a sitting room that was a smaller version of the
one downstairs. Unlike Ruddy’s simply furnished manor house, Lord Reed and
Hanalah had surrounded themselves with every trapping of luxury—enormous
tapestries, carpets, ornately carved furniture, gold utensils and ornaments,
and hundreds of candles burning in wall sconces and on tables, even when no
eyes were present to need the light.

Hanalah
sat on a plush chair with polished arms that ended in bird claws and indicated
that Merry should sit in the matching chair beside it.

“So,
we are supposed to become acquainted,” she said in her shrill voice. “I don’t
understand how we can accomplish that when you cannot speak. I suppose you can
answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ if I ask you questions.”

Merry
nodded. Was the girl really trying to get acquainted? If so, perhaps she had
misjudged her.

“So,
you are Valerian’s cousin.” Hanalah pursed her lips. “I don’t understand how he
failed to mention this before.” She drummed her fingers on the arm of the chair.
“And you are one of the Brethren?” Merry nodded again. “Is it true you never
cut your hair? Doesn’t it get in your way all the time?”

Merry
nodded and then shook her head. So far, this new relationship was not
progressing as well as she’d like. Merry only hoped Valerian was faring better
with Hanalah’s father.

***

After
Merry left with Hanalah, Lord Reed gestured for Valerian and Kieran to be
seated. Servants brought in trays piled with bread, cheeses, and a few small
pieces of fruit, as well as a decanter of wine and three goblets. A servant
poured wine, bowed, and left the room. Kieran helped himself from the food, but
Valerian sat watching Lord Reed. Fortunately, there was enough light in the
room so he could
See
the man’s thoughts.

“My
prince, have you had a pleasant journey thus far?”

“All
is well, thank you.”
Except that someone wants me dead
.
I hope it is
not you
.

He
could not
See
any evil intentions in Lord Reed, however. The man was
surprisingly free of guile. He enjoyed the comforts of life and hoped to have
some influence once his daughter married the crown prince, but that was the
limit of his ambition.

Reed
worried a large ring on his forefinger.

“I
dislike being too blunt, Your Highness, but I do believe in honesty.”

“As
do I.” Even though Valerian knew what was coming, still he cringed.

“Have
you and your father had a chance to discuss my proposal?”

“Not
yet, Lord Reed.” Valerian smiled to put the man at ease. “We have,
unfortunately, been distracted by the Horde.”

“Ah,
yes. Please forgive me if I have been too forward. Those creatures have not
been a problem in the south and so I forget how they have harassed and
destroyed in the north. Your own brother, I know, was a casualty and I deeply
regret his loss.”

“No
one mourns Waryn more than I.” Valerian tightened his jaw.

“Yes,
well, I didn’t mean to bring up such a painful subject.” Reed appeared truly
contrite.

“The
past cannot be changed, Lord Reed. We must live in the present and hope for
tomorrow.”

“Well
said, Your Highness. As I once convinced your dearly departed brother, I would
like to point out the obvious benefits to a joining of our two houses. You know
there has ever been unrest between north and south, and joining my heir with d’Alden’s
heir could bring an end to that unrest.”

Unlikely
. He nodded. “Go on.”

“I
don’t know whether or not your father has begun to urge you to marry and
produce an heir, but that day will come, I assure you.” Lord Reed smiled. “Since
you and Hanalah have been friends since childhood, perhaps your union would
also be a comfort to you, rather than marriage to a total stranger.”

While
the man extolled his daughter’s supposed virtue and health and ability to bear
many sturdy children, Valerian had to detach himself and listen just enough to
nod and murmur in the appropriate pauses. He had never heard a man describe his
daughter as a “royal brood mare” before.

When
Reed paused to drink his wine, Valerian glanced at Kieran and envied his squire’s
ability to fall asleep anywhere, any time.

“During
your stay with us here—” Reed began, but Valerian had had enough.

“Pardon
me, Lord Reed, but we must leave in the morning. I left my men at the Southern
Garrison and need to return to them. Part of the reason I came here was to
report to you what we have seen.”

Reed
had a confused look on his face, and Valerian
Saw
the man’s thoughts
turn from anticipation to disappointment.

“Of
course, Your Highness. You are busy securing our border. I will not presume
upon you. Please tell me what you know.”

Valerian
leaned forward, fully engaged now.

“At
the four other garrisons there has been no sign of the Horde. Only at the
Southern Garrison have the Mohorovians made daily attacks on the walls,
apparently to no purpose. At first I thought it was only the Horde making a
feeble attempt at retribution before they become extinct, but something else
has happened that makes me wonder if those pointless attacks are actually a
diversionary tactic to deflect us from their more sinister plan.”

He
could tell Reed was having difficulty following him, so Valerian paused to
allow the older man a moment to think on his words.

“Are
you saying, then, the Horde are no longer in the north but have moved their
attention here?” His eyes widened.

“I
believe so, Lord Reed. Six days ago as Kieran and I were leaving the Southern
Garrison, we saw fires and went to investigate. It appears the Horde massacred
the entire Brethren village. Merry was the only survivor and had set the fires
as funeral pyres.”

Reed
wrung his hands, clearly frightened now.

“What
shall we do, Your Highness?”