《Astra Fabulam》


 Chapter 1- The Copper Cauldron Company

    Meetings, meetings, and more meetings the Duke of Bells thought to himself. Perhaps, one day things would slow down and he could take a day off, leave the meetings to Steward Olman and take the kids fishing. He hardly knew the twins anymore let alone Erda. Guy was growing more distant becoming almost too devoted in his studies and Crista was turning into a woman before his eyes. Suitors were already sending missives requesting a meeting with her, but the Duke knew she wanted to go to the University of Ardinum with Guy. He needed to find some time and soon before it was too late. The Duke turned his attention to the gnarled Onaki woman who just entered the audience hall.


    Nan Bowerbird of the Copper Cauldron Company. She was a legend in her field. Fortifications, bridges, roads, bell towers, if it was built with stone and mortal, block and brick her company did it. As far as he was concerned, he got a great deal for the seawall expansion, but he had a feeling that was exactly what she wanted to discuss. ¡°Mistress Bowerbird, how can I help you today?¡±


    The old woman took out a piece of parchment and pointed at a portion of it with her massive, weathered hands. ¡°As you can see in section four of our contract, I¡¯ve the right to ask for certain accommodations from you.¡±


    ¡°Were the housing arrangements I made not sufficient?¡±


    ¡°No, they are good Duke of Bells. I wanted access to tutors for my boys.¡±


    ¡°This is most unusual¡­¡±


    ¡°You mean to deny the contract?¡±


    The Duke did not have time for this. ¡°No, Mistress Bowerbird I just they would take over the company from you and that they would learn from you.¡±


    The old lady folded her arms across her chest and took on a defiant look. ¡°This is the last job for the Copper Cauldron Company. I don¡¯t want the boys to live like this. Traveling, breaking their backs I don¡¯t want what happened to their father to happen to them. They are smart boys ya know. Jodoro will make a name for himself someday and Derry, well Derry will do whatever Jodoro says.¡±


    ¡°They can study with my kids and Scholar Barkley. Is that sufficient?¡±


    ¡°No My Lord, I would like arms training for the boy as well. Also, I would consider it a favor if you do not tell the boys about the company.¡±


    The Duke almost laughed as that one. ¡°I will not tell them, send them to Sargent Horn at dawn and the scholar at noon.¡± With that the old lady left and the Duke¡¯s meetings went on.


    ***


    Nan slapped the stone walls as she walked through the halls of the Castle of Bells and listened. Good stone, great stone, great stone, adequate stone, piss poor stone. She stopped and committed the stone to memory; she¡¯d send Derry to fix this one. It¡¯d be a good assignment for the boy. Boys needed to feel important and Derry more than most. He¡¯d been picking up the trowel behind her back, sneaky like and it was time for things to come to a head. The Castle of Bells was old even older than the Duke knew. The stones knew the truth all anyone had to do was listen to them. People looked at stone and block as lifeless things, but they were wrong. Stones have their own life, their own character. They did not like to be played with. Playing was an affront to their dignity. When working with stone, you had to work with purpose. Nan stopped as she came to a window overlooking the seaward wall.


    She watched her crew work from afar. People didn¡¯t know that slapping mortar and placing stone was an art. Each worker did it differently and some were true artists born the talent, while others got there through hard work and development of technique and skill. Old Trews was the latter and she watch the old man move with extreme efficiency. He was not the fastest or strongest, but he wasted no movement. Old Trews was dying and he thought nobody knew. She knew it was Old Trews that had placed the trowel in Derry¡¯s hands. After all he did the same thing with Jodoro five years ago. He thought it was time, but he was wrong. He loved the craft and the boys, but this love blinded him. You can¡¯t lift stone every day for forty years and not pay some price. The stone takes as much as it gives and that was the truth of it. There was no future in this for them. This was the company¡¯s last job.


    Harra was the strongest, a mountain of a man that lifted blocks as if they were made of air, he could do the work of two masons, but his mortar work was only passable. It¡¯s the mortar that makes the wall not the stone and he would never understand that. Sweet Ceta was the best with mortar. She understood its temperament, when it was too loose and too stiff.


    Sweet Ceta.


    Ceta Honeybee.


    Poor Ceta, she did not love the work like the others. She did it because she loved Jodoro. Even now she snuck glances at him every few moments. Poor Sweet Ceta Honeybee and Poor Jodoro Fool. He did not know; boys were blind to these things ya know. Jodoro was born with talent and he worked hard to boot. He could do it all, with hardly a flaw and in a few years, he could become one of the greats, maybe as great as the legendary Immin. He could feel the stone and read the earth, but he was still in some ways just a boy. Nan sighed as she approached the stairs. It was going to be a long walk down.


    ***


    ¡°Ceta Honeybee is staring at you again,¡± Derry said to Jodoro. ¡°What are you goin¡¯ to do about it?¡±


    ¡°Is the mortar ready?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Derry said as he hefted the half barrell, ¡°you know she probably wants to kiss you.¡±


    Jodoro couldn¡¯t help but look at Ceta who was indeed looking back at him. He nodded to her and flashed a smile. Maybe she did like him. Ceta Honeybee was beautiful. Her skin glowed like burnished copper in the afternoon sun and wisps of her hair escaped her wrapped head on the sides. They glistened red, brown and gold. For a moment he imaged what it would be like to kiss her. No Ceta is my friend we¡¯ve known each other forever. This is not normal. He saw Derry looking at him with that glint in his eyes and a gapped tooth smile.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Whatever your about to do. Don¡¯t do it.¡±


    ¡°Im not going to do anything,¡± derry said as he set the mortar by Jodoro, took the empty half barrel and walked back to the mixing pit. ¡°I¡¯m just going back to the pits. Just going to do my job. That¡¯s all.¡±


    Derry could be mischievous sometimes but Jodoro guessed he was a decent little brother. He never stole his stuff at least. The same couldn¡¯t be said for Hamsa and Harra. Those two went at it like two ornery old tomcats in a small alley. The bricks were flying out his hands today. Sometimes it felt like he wasn¡¯t even working like the wall was building itself. Old Trews called this workflow. When the body separates from the mind and the mason didn¡¯t have to think about the task. You could daydream in a state like this for hours and then wake up to find the day was over and you accomplished more than you thought possible.


    ¡°How bout a song Jodoro?¡± Harra shouted from down the wall. Ceta liked to say that Harra could win noise competition with an avalanche caused by an earthquake during a thunderstorm and Jodoro never had reason to doubt it.


    ¡°Fuck you Harra, you all left me hanging during the last one. Singing afront the whole damn castle alone like a liquored-up lark.¡±


    ¡°Cuz we thought the that since you be the object of all the ladies attention, the apple of their eyes so the expression goes, the reason they peak out of the castle windows that the least you could do, being a gentleman and all was to give them pretty birds a song. So, in a way we was doing you a favor.¡±


    ¡°Here, here,¡± said Old Trews.


    ¡°T¡¯was a favor was all,¡± said Hamsa, ¡°No need to retort as so.¡±


    ¡°Damn impolite, if you ask me.¡± Nan shouted.


    Of course, everyone along the wall heard Harra¡¯s rebuttal and agreed that Harra had indeed done him a favor and that Jodoro was wrong to bite back at the man who only tried to look out for him. Now even Nan was in on the gag as well. Whenever this sort of thing happened the victim was always faced with two options. First, they could resist and endure the days of ridicule that would come from the incident. It was all good and fun, but a guy could get tired of being teased and the butt of practical jokes for a few days until some other poor fool took the center of attention. Workers had to have their fun. The second option was to concede. Oh they¡¯d still make fun of you but at least they wouldn¡¯t call you a coward.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°It was mine turn to sing Harra.¡± Derry said from his mixing pit. ¡°I¡¯d like to sing a new one. It goes to the rhythm of the Chicken song.¡±


    ¡°Well have at it boy, stop flapping on about it.¡± Harra shouted as he rolled his eyes. ¡°You Jarrell boys always flapping on and shirking ya work.¡±


    ¡°Here, here.¡±


    ¡°Get on with it.¡±


    ¡°Are we going to get a fucking song already?¡±


    ¡°Seen walls built in less time.¡±


    ¡°Fucking sing already.¡±


    ¡°Come winter afore we get a fucking song¡±


    ¡°Hey Rajo! Remember when I was sixteen and started having me three kids, born natural and all? Well I reckon I could have three more kids and raise ¡®em up afore we get a fucking song.¡±


    ¡°Hey Trepa! Remember that time I went whoring in that port city.¡±


    ¡°Terras it was.¡±


    ¡°Yeah Terras it was, remember when I got into that scuffle and they threw me in the stocks for four days? Well I reckon I could do that over thrice afore we get a fucking song.¡±


    ¡°Be night afore we get a fucking song already.¡±


    ¡°Here, here¡±


    ¡°Be harvest and the next ten-year stew afore we get a fucking song.¡±


    ¡°Sing,¡± Said Nan.


    Derry cleared his throat and began to sing.


    Jodoro felt it physically. The sound of laughter, cheers and jeers erupted like a wave from where he and Derry stood and shook the quarter mile of scaffolding. Forty men and women stopped their work, stomped, clapped, pointed, they humped the wall, they kissed it, they held tools between their legs, they called his name, they called Ceta¡¯s, one woman slapped another¡¯s ass, and one of the new guy¡¯s let out an ass belch so loud it probably disturbed the lady Duke¡¯s tea. Just when the merriment seemed to die down. Harra began to sing the song. Then another two dozen voices. Jodoro looked at Ceta and saw her looking at him. He mouthed the word sorry and smiled as he joined the refrain.


    ***


    Crista stood next to Guy and Jean DeVorn in the scholarium trying to keep her hands still. The game was tied and there was only one question left. Scholar Barkley stood in front of the slate board peering down at the paper he held in his hands. The other students sat at their desks. Some were dozing off, but others looked at the three competitors with rapt attention. Crista could not help but toy with her ring, twisting it in circles around her finger. Just ask the question already. What is taking so long. He can¡¯t be serious right now. Guy wore the same stoic look as always. He would know the answer to the question, so she just had to raise her hand before him no matter what was asked. Jean DeVorn was a different matter. If it came to mathematics or religion, her goose was cooked. Jean loved those subjects. Please be science or history. Science or history. Pleassssssseeeeee¡­


    ¡°And now for our final question,¡± the Scholar began ¡°it is a science one.¡±


    Guy gave her a nudge of encouragement, ¡°Spinning it awful fast there sis¡± he whispered.


    ¡°Please recite the first law of ancestral¡­¡± the Scholar began but was cut off by the ruckus that drifted in from the seaward window. Students flew to the windows.


    ¡°What¡¯s that noise?¡±


    ¡°Typical workers.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that woman doing to the wall?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that woman doing with that other woman?¡±


    ¡°Now they¡¯re singing.¡±


    ¡°Awww he has such a sweet voice for a little boy.¡±


    ¡°Undisciplined I say.¡±


    ¡°What a strange name, Ceta Honeybee.¡±


    Scholar Barkley could no longer ignore the commotion and went over to the window. Guy and Jean shortly followed. No, No, No, this was my moment. Come back everyone. No matter how much she wished them back they were absorbed by the scene below.


    ¡°This is more important than watching workers.¡± Crista accidentally blurted out. Everyone turned and stared at her. She twirled her ring. Ooops. Scholar Barkley turned to her with a face that made her flinch.


    ¡°Come over here Lady Crista¡± he beckoned, ¡°Look at them. Take your time. I am going to ask you a question about them in one minute. A question that only you can answer. If you answer it correctly you win the match. Take your time and look. No, do not look¡­see.¡±


    Crista studied the scene below her. The people were strange to say the least. The men wore headbands of various colors and patterns while the women wore scarfs of similar design that covered their heads. Their frolicking had died down as they all took up the song. They began working with an efficiency that outstripped the Bell Battalion¡¯s training regimens. Course after course of stone blocks went on the wall while men and women cranked up the scaffolding at a rapid rate. Though she knew it was foolish Crista believed they could have the whole seaward wall finished in one week.


    ¡°Now Lady Crista¡± Scholar Barkley interrupted, ¡°Can you tell me the name of the company that breaks their bodies so that you and your kin may be safe from sea raiders for posterity?¡±


    ¡°I cannot,¡± She said with resignation.


    ¡°Lord Guy can you?¡±


    ¡°No I cannot but I while find out.¡±


    ¡°Lord Jean?¡±


    ¡°No sir I cannot¡±


    ¡°Can anyone tell me the name of this company?¡± The Scholar asked.


    Crista looked around the class waiting for someone to raise their hand or speak up, hoping that no one else knew the answer. Her little sister raised her hand. ¡°They are the Copper Cauldron Company,¡±


    ¡°You are correct Lady Erda but do you know how they got that name?¡±


    ¡°No, I do not but I¡¯m sure Guy or Crista will make it their life¡¯s goal to find out.¡± Crista looked at her sister sternly while the other students laughed.


    ¡°It is time for a challenge. The student who finds the answer to the question first will win a letter of recommendation to the University of Ardinum from me. I trust that I need not remind you that Headmaster Garillion and I are friends.¡± Crista looked around at the class and saw some eager faces, but the majority seemed underwhelmed by the offer. While most of them were guaranteed admission into the University based on their pedigree and performance. Standing and privileges while at the University had to be earned through merit. Recommendation letters and the recommenders influenced important decisions like course placements, accommodations and mentorships. It was a generous prize. One that Crista intended to win.


    As soon as Scholar Barkley dismissed class she sprinted to the library with Guy and Jean close on her heels. The library was one of her favorite places in the castle and where she spent more time than anywhere else. Her mother always told her she needed to go out, but Crista felt like she saw enough of the outside world in her books. She knew about the luminescent waters of Indigo Bay, the purple sands of Illym and even the sky mountains of Roraat. She knew the historians of they¡¯re kingdom and others too boot. As she stepped into the library she paused for a moment. Guy and Jean raced by her shouting challenges at each other. Jean looked to be headed toward the construction section and Guy was headed to the copies of Ardinum¡¯s Royal expenditures.


    Both were sound assumptions but there was a major problem. Would they really discuss the explanation for a company¡¯s name? The answer could not be found here. There was only one place to go and she could not believe she did not think of it before. It was time for her to go outside.


    ***


    Erda walked along the seaward courtyard among the bergamot trees looking at the workers. They all seemed so busy. She was surprised to see quite a few women among the men but whenever she tried to make eye contact with or give them her best pleading or quizzical look, they ignored her and went back to their work. She did not know why she was trying. She did not really want to go to the university and even so she would not be eligible for another year. She was not jealous of them and their love for books, as far as she was concerned the library could burn to the ground. Maybe she was just tired of Guy, Crista and Jean thinking they knew everything. They used to all have fun together but when Scholar Barkley arrived two years ago everything changed. Mother insisted they be in school most of the days and when they were not in school, they were studying or doing homework for school. Those three made it into a competition to see who the best could be. There was no more playing on the beaches, riding the eastern hills or walking the streets of town.


    Because of this her and Crista grew apart. She missed the old Crista who used to talk with her about boys they found cute or what they wanted for their birthdays. Sometimes they would build boats or breed roses. But what she missed most of all was when they would simply talk about nothing. Her mind turned back to her thirteenth birthday two years ago. She was crying about the death of her twin Ezra and Crista walked into her room. ¡°You¡¯re crying about Ezra, aren¡¯t you,¡± Crista said. She was so overcome that her voice would not work. Crista looked at her with a slight smile, ¡°come.¡± She grabbed her hand and Crista led her to the south tower observatory and pulled some blankets out of a cupboard and placed them on the floor. ¡°Lay down with me and look at the stars.¡± The night sky shown bright with thousands of stars that reminded her of dew drops on a spider¡¯s web. Beams of light poured in through the glass of the observatory ceiling casting the room in an ethereal glow of lustrous blues. She laid with her sister for countless moments pretending that they were among in the night sky, sailors adrift on a celestial sea floating directionless among the whitecap constellations. They sailed for years until they came to the Star Court, where it was said that gods, hero, and great ancestors lived. ¡°See that star, the little one by the two big ones¡± Crista asked.


    ¡°The one that looks like a little pearl?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I like to think that Ezra is that star for it is bright and little just like him. Whenever I miss him, I just come here at night and imagine that he is watching over me when I¡¯m sleeping. I wish to share this secret place with you so at least when we miss him, we need not be lonely too.¡±


    ¡°Do you think he¡¯s up there with them?¡±


    ¡°The Star Court?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Erda replied breathlessly.


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Crista paused for a moment and then said more firmly, ¡°he must be.¡± They slept there that night and Erda had no bad dreams.


    Erda did not know if that Crista still existed. She continued walking but as she reached end of the worker¡¯s scaffolding, she saw her sister there approaching two worker boys. She was fooling with her ring.


    ¡°Hey, Crista wait for me,¡± she shouted. Crista gave her a brief glance then lifted her chin and turned to the workers.


    ¡°You boy, I would like to ask you a question.¡± Crista called.

 Chapter 2- School

    Jodoro was starving and they still had another hour of work to do. Now that the song had finished the workers had drifted back into a more leisurely rhythm. Derry was behind him jabbering about how it was a crime for him to not be allowed to lay stone and how he did not care what Nan said anymore and if she would not let him lay stone then he would lay stone himself and that he might as well leave and work as a carpenter for he would be doing the same amount of stonework as now.


    ¡°And if that old gnarled bird thinks she can beat me into submission like she does the rest of you louts she has another thing coming. I know twice as much about stone as her and three times as much about mortar.¡± Derry stopped mixing and looked at him. ¡°When was the last time you saw her pickup a trowel, cut block, repoint, or mix Jodoro? Hmm¡­okay ignore me. We both know the answer is never. Supposed to be the greatest mason to ever live yet hasn¡¯t done a lick of work in fifteen years. Meantime she tells me...¡±


    ¡°More mud.¡±


    ¡°¡­that I¡¯m not ready. And another thing,¡± Derry grunted as he lifted the half barrel, ¡°this mixing all the damn day is coming to an end soon. I¡¯m not the one Jodoro. I¡¯m telling you I¡¯m not the one. I was born a free man not some mud mixing slave for the blasted Copper Cauldron Company. I have half a mind to walk of this line right¡­¡±


    ¡°You boy, I would like to ask you a question.¡± A voice called.


    ¡°now don¡¯t dare me to do it Jodoro, because you know I will not continue to stand here up to my dingdong in¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut it Derry.¡± Jodoro snapped. He turned around to see two girls looking at them with surprised faces. They both had long waist length red hair and wore expensive dresses. Royals. The older one wore spectacles and had the look of someone who thinks they¡¯re owed the world. If he had to guess, she was his age. The younger one wore her hair in two braids and stood half behind the other girl, presumably her sister. ¡°Are you talking to me?¡± Jodoro asked.


    ¡°Who else would I be talking to?¡± The tall one said. ¡°Do you see any other BOYS on this wall?¡±


    Right, one of these types Jodoro thought. Their kind expected bowing, scraping and no backtalk. Derry gave him a look that said it all. Let¡¯s have some fun.


    ¡°How can I help you GIRL?¡± Jodoro replied. It was worth it alone for the look of ire on the tall one. The shorter one looked shocked.


    ¡°Why I should have you jailed for your words.¡± The tall one spouted. ¡°This is Ardinum not the bog-begotten backwater you came from, I can have you punished for this, stripped from employment and evicted from the town.¡±


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t.¡± Jodoro said.


    ¡°Yes, I can under Article 56 of the Ardinum code.¡± The tall one smirked. ¡°Which says, in case you were wondering that ¡®no insults, defamations, or scandalous observations may be made or directed to a person of royalty or, or, or¡­¡±


    ¡°I love seals,¡± Derry said.


    ¡°Or,¡± Jodoro laughed ¡°any person in direct employ of said persons. Is that right?¡± They both looked at him flabbergasted and the tall one turned red when the smaller one let the hint of a giggle slip out. ¡°We know the law too and there is nothing wrong with calling someone who is a girl, a girl. Even if it was you called us boys first and we are under direct employment of the Duke and thereby protected equally under Article 56.¡± Jodoro went back to work.


    The tall one paused and collected herself and put on what was clearly a false smile. ¡°From where does the Copper Cauldron Company get its name?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s named after a Copper Cauldron,¡± Derry said.


    ¡°Clearly but why little boy?¡±


    ¡°Hell, if I know. I be just a little boy malady.¡± Derry said as he flexed his muscles. ¡°I know not of such worldly and important things. Just a little boy up to his porker in mud and sand. Curse you Nan.¡± Derry said under his breath.


    ¡°Excuse me Mr. Stonelayer. Do you know why the company is named like it is. Our teacher sent us to find the answer and we would appreciate it if you could help.¡± Said the smaller girl to Jodoro.


    Jodoro paused to look at her. She was pretty and seemed sincere enough. ¡°I¡¯m afraid your teacher may have done you a disservice. There is no one answer to your question and I am not being ornery about this. Our people do not think about origins like yours do.¡±


    ¡°Then how do the Onaki think about origins?¡± the tall one asked him as she tapped her foot.


    He turned toward the smaller one. ¡°Some origins can only be captured in song. I regret to tell you, but we cannot sing the song right now.¡±


    ¡°Can I ask why?¡± The smaller one said.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have the required voices.¡± Derry replied impatiently. ¡°And were trying to work here. Ya know us backwater bog-clods has to work for a living.¡±


    ¡°Well there is a simple solution,¡± said the tall one. ¡°When you are done gather the required voices and sing it to us. We will pay you in coin. How¡¯s that sound?¡±


    Jodoro clutched his trowel tightly, looked at Derry and shook his head. In all their lives they had never suffered such a grievous insult. Derry looked as if he was about to leap at the woman and Jodoro snatched him by the back of his headband as he turned toward them. Maybe they did not know or maybe they did not care. He did not care. ¡°Mark my words GIRL. We will never sing for you.¡±  With that he turned back to the wall. He could almost feel their eyes on his back, but he did not care. He was no prostitute and he would be damned if he let two royals proposition him. ¡°You can stop mixing Derry.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Come on Derry Dog, I don¡¯t want to be late.¡± Jodoro said.


    A freshly groomed Derry turned to Jodoro and slowly put one arm through his sleeve. Seta Blackspider had just cut their hair the night before. Derry now wore shoulder length hair with the faint makings of a mustache.


    He wants a reaction out of me, Jodoro thought, as he walked to the door. Let him keep delaying if he wants. I¡¯m leaving.


    ¡°Wait up bro, I was just kidding.¡± Derry shouted as he ran out the door. Jodoro¡¯s mind drifted back to Nan¡¯s revelations. She wanted them to go to school for some reason and be trained in the use of weapons. None of it made sense to him. Why now? Both he and Derry could read and write. Nan insisted that he learn how to run the company since he was twelve and in the four years since he learned bookkeeping, contract law, and all the other ins and outs of the Copper Cauldron Company. Hell, Old Trews had even taught them a few languages. So why now?


    The rising sun was just beginning to peak over the hills that formed the eastern border of the small city of Bellguard. Many were already awake fetching water from the wells that dotted every street corner. The smell of bread from a bakery wafted through the air accompanied by the noise of creaking wagons, clanging tools, and barking dogs. Bellgaurd was a border city. Over the past few months Jodoro had gotten to know some of these people. In some ways they were less prejudiced then those closer to Ardinum¡¯s capital. Some however were still wary of the Onaki that made up the company. That¡¯s why Nan made sure to set the companies wagons and yurts up on the beach. They approached the battalion¡¯s courtyard just as the first bells began to ring. It was a wide-open space covered with small gravel and sand. Weapon racks covered a whole length of a wall while archery targets stood against another one.


    ¡°Enough with the blasted bells.¡± Derry shouted fist raised to the towers.


    Jodoro felt a mix of nervousness and excitement as he saw dozens of men and boys filter out what he assumed was a barracks door. ¡°Easy Derry, easy.¡±


    The men began to equip themselves and break off into groups. One tall, well-built man stood apart from the rest. He was dressed in simple brown pants and a dark blue tabard. As Jodoro walked toward the man he could see Lord Bell¡¯s coat of arms stitched onto the man¡¯s chest, a copper bell beneath two crossed tridents and the Bell creed- Hear us, heed us.


    ¡°Good morning my name is Jodoro and this is Derry. Do you know where Sargent Horn is?¡± Jodoro asked.


    Sargent Horn looked them over. ¡°Yes, you two must be the new trainees. Do you have any skills with weapons?¡±


    ¡°No sir.¡± Jodoro and Derry echoed still wondering if he had indeed found Sargent Horn.


    ¡°I don¡¯t take on shirkers.¡± Sargent Horn warned. ¡°If you train with the Bell Battalion you give it your all. I¡¯ll make one thing clear.¡± He paused and stared at them for a few seconds. ¡°If you miss one day you might as well not come back. Is that understood.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir.¡± They said.


    ¡°Everyone here learns the spear,¡± Sargent Horn said as he walked toward the weapons racks. ¡°But you need a secondary weapon as well. Pick something that feels right for you and don¡¯t take all day.¡± He stopped and stared at them. ¡°You boys tend to treat weapons like they¡¯re toys when they are tools.¡±


    Jodoro was under no illusion that these weapons were toys. He picked up a few different swords but finally settled on a comfortable short sword. When the Sargent asked him if they had any skills with weapons, he told a slight lied. They had fought off bandits before while on the road and both could use a bow. Derry was not big on reading but Jodoro loved military history. The short sword would pair well with the range of a spear and be easier to draw in tight situations. Jodoro was a little irritated to see Derry choose the same.


    ¡°There are ten training groups here that are defined by level of proficiency.¡± Sargent Horn spoke as he paced in front of them. ¡°You will begin in training Group One affectionately known as The Lady Dogs. When you master the skills there you will ascend to Group Two. If by some long shot, you make it to Group Five you become eligible to enlist with the battalion. Corporal Rask.¡± The Sargent bellowed across the training grounds. ¡°You have two new trainees.¡± He turned to the boys. ¡°Go on and grab a spear and round shield on the way.¡±


    Jodoro trotted over to shields and spears and selected one of each. When he put his hand on the spear he was overcome with a feeling of deep tranquility. The wind blew in from the sea bringing the scent of salt and something that was far out and indescribable. The rays of the early sun felt somehow more tangible. A spark of calmness ran up his spine and spread out through his limbs. He could feel the grains of what appeared to be ash as he clutched the haft.  They whispered to him. We are strong. We are steady. We will not fail you.


    He took a place beside Derry in the line of thirty or so boys. Most were younger than him. He listened to Corporal Rask¡¯s instructions and performed the motions like everyone else. He tried to waste no movements when he thrust and always brought his shield up as quick as he could to cover his weak spots. This went on for another few hours before Corporal Rask dismissed them. Most of the other men flopped to the ground.


    Derry jostled him with his shield. ¡°Didn¡¯t even break a sweat did ya bro?¡±


    Jodoro looked up at the sky it wouldn¡¯t be long before the bell marking eleven tolled. ¡°Even still we must wash before going to school. I fear Nan has set a path for us. One that takes us away from our world of stone.¡±


    Derry looked at him oddly. ¡°Why the hell are you talking like that?¡±


    ¡°Like what?¡± Jodoro looked at him.


    ¡°Like an actor in a cheap penny play. ¡®I fear Nan has set a path for us.¡¯¡± Derry mocked.


    Jodoro knocked him over with his shield as they walked to return their weapons.


    ***


    Crista¡¯ glasses began to fog as she stared out of the seaward window in the scholarium. She pulled them off and began rubbing them with her handkerchief. The other students would begin to arrive in a few minutes and interrupt her mission. Not that it mattered. She had not been able to spot the builder boy anyway. She thought that studying him would give her inspiration for a new angle of approach. She would have that song if it killed her. Getting into university was all that mattered now. She had to get away from here. She had to get away from him.


    Her thoughts drifted back to that day two years ago. It was shortly after Ezra died and she was crying alone on the eastern hills among a field of coneflower, tickseed, and lavender when he came. She always had a crush on Ronald Olman the steward¡¯s son. But what happened that day would forever be imprinted in her mind. He told her don¡¯t cry. He held her. He kissed her tears away. Then he grabbed her and threw her to the ground. That was when she knew something was wrong. Something dark had come over him. He groped her and she slapped him. She threatened to tell her father, but Ronald told her that he would deny everything. She fought him off and he left. She did not know what to do so she said nothing and avoided him. Sometimes she felt like she wanted to get revenge for what he done but she did not know how.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    She pulled herself away from the window and went to her seat in front of the classroom. The clock ticked echoing through the room as she pulled out her notepad and pencil. She almost slipped from her chair when she saw the two workers boys enter the room.


    ¡°Bull¡¯s balls this place is huge.¡± The smaller one exclaimed. ¡°You could fit the whole company in this place wagons and all. Even that brood of anklebiters that Seta calls children.¡± They both wore white shirts with black breeches and patterned headbands. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the older one. The pattern on his head band was a vibrant mix of small orange, white, black and gold squares. His white shirt complimented his tan skin and handsome features. Though he was probably her age he had a body that most men could not achieve- broad shoulders and a wide chest that tapered down to a narrow waist and long legs. His brother nudged him and nodded toward her. Her heart skipped a beat and her breathe caught in her throat as he walked toward her. What is wrong with me? He paused for a moment in front of her desk.


    ¡°I apologize for my behavior yesterday.¡± He looked into her eyes. ¡°I overreacted to an insult that you clearly did not mean to give. Can we start over?¡± He thrust his hand out. ¡°My name is Jodoro Jaguar and this is my brother Derry Dog.¡±


    Christa stared at him in shock. Say something! Why am I not speaking? Is my face turning red? She heard a giggle to her left and realized that Erda had arrived and was bearing witness to the loss of her wits. That would not do. She took his hand in hers. It a worker¡¯s hand. Coarse and scared. If he were to squeeze, he could break every bone in my hand. The subtle yet intoxicating scent of bergamot, fig and sandalwood wafted from him. ¡°Thanks for your apology.¡± She twirled her ring. ¡°My name is Christa Bell and this pile of mirth over here is my sister Erda Bell.¡± He stood there as if expecting something else from her. What does he want?


    ¡°My sister and I are sorry for any offense we may have given you two.¡± Erda interjected with a giggle. Was she flirting? Jodoro flashed Erda a smile in return and Christa felt a pang of something deep in her chest.


    ¡°All right, all right,¡± Derry interrupted as he grabbed his brother by the arm. ¡°That¡¯s enough big shooter. Let¡¯s find some seats afore this place fills.¡±


    ¡°Seats?¡± Christa yelped.


    ¡°Yes seats.¡± Derry said as he and his brother took the two behind them. ¡°I¡¯m told that you half to do a lot of sitting in school.¡±


    ¡°School?¡±


    ¡°Yes school.¡± Derry turned to Jodoro. ¡°Is it me or is Lady Christa repeating everything I say?¡±


    ¡°I would not say everything.¡± Jodoro responded. ¡°She only repeated two words. That barely qualifies as everything in my book.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d think the educated elite would be less surprised that two fine, upstanding young men such as ourselves have decided to become educated albeit it against our will.¡± Derry smacked his hand on the table. ¡°Damn it Jo but I think I may actually like attending this school.¡±


    ¡°Your attending this school?¡± Christa turned in her seat and asked.


    ¡°Alright I concede.¡± Jodoro said to his brother. ¡°Yes, Lady Christa apparently our Nan made a deal with your father or something to that affect. As a result, we were told in no uncertain terms, by Nan that is, that if we did not go to school, we would regret it.¡±


    Christa¡¯s mirth erupted from her and Erda¡¯s laughed chimed along. ¡°That¡¯s all she said? That you would regret it?¡± She looked at there faces and saw that they were serious.


    ¡°I doubly concede Derry Dog.¡± Jodoro said then looked into her eyes with his amber colored eyes. ¡°When Nan Bowerbird speaks it is wise to listen.¡±


    ¡°Aye, that¡¯s what they say but I¡¯m tired of that old tart.¡± Derry said to Jodoro. ¡°I will not put up with this coddling any longer, I¡¯ll leave. Don¡¯t say I won¡¯t either Jo because you know I will.¡±


    Jodoro looked at her again and rolled his eyes. ¡°Yes, Derry Dog I know you will.¡±


    Guy and Jean walked in, looked at the worker boys and paused for a moment but made their greetings and went to their seats. Other students began to trickle in with varying exclamations of shock and whispered inquiries. Then strutting as if they owned the castle the Butterflies of Bellguard waltzed in led by Lady Amethyst Ridge the daughter of the general. Bimbos. Amethyst was tall, busty, blonde and beautiful. Boys either swooned over her or were rendered speechless. It was rumored that the third prince of Ardinum, Heliodor, was trying to court her.


    ¡°Oh Chrissy, you must introduce me to that boy.¡± Amethyst whispered in her ear as she sat in the desk next to her.


    Conversation stopped as Scholar Barkley walked in. ¡°Welcome class as you may have noticed we have two new students here, Jodoro Jaguar and Derry Dog. Let us get one thing out of the way.¡± The scholar paused and looked sternly around the room. ¡°Both are clearly of the Onaki ethnicity and I will brook no xenophobia or racism in the scholarium. As I have said before all are equal in this room.¡± The scholar turned to the chalkboard and began writing. ¡°I realized that I have neglected two significant portions of your education. The first is the ability to work in teams and the second is the practicalities of various occupations. I will begin remedying them today. From now on there will be no individual competitions in the scholarium. All competitions will be between teams. We will form four teams of six which will be selected in a draft by our four top students. These students will be the team captains and bear the responsibility of delegating tasks and ensuring that all assignments are completed.¡± He turned from the board. ¡°These captains are Guy, Jean, Christa and Melissa. Each of you pick a corner of the room to stand in.¡±


    Christa was caught off guard by this turn of events. She did not want to be part of a team, but she was also grateful for the opportunity to be able to compete against Guy and Jean. ¡°We will start with Guy¡¯s pick.¡±


    ¡°Jeff Gram.¡±


    Christa had to admit it was a solid pick. Jeff was strong in a lot of subjects and one could argue that he should be fourth ranked instead of Melissa.


    ¡°Jean.¡± Scholar Barkley called.


    ¡°Jade Ridge.¡±


    Damn you Jean. Jade was Amethyst¡¯s sister. She favored her sister and was particularly strong in military history and literature.


    ¡°Lady Christa.¡± The scholar called.


    ¡°Nova Coldwater.¡±


    The selection process went on and eventually she ended up with Nova Coldwater, Grant Hedges, Amethyst Ridge, Jodoro Jaguar and Derry Dog. She was reluctant to pick the worker boys, but she was willing to take a risk on the unknown if it gave have a chance to beat Guy and Jean.  After some desk moving her team carved out their own corner of the classroom and waited for further instructions.


    ¡°I will return in ten minutes. You have until then to pick a team name.¡± The scholar called over his shoulder. The pronouncement set the room abuzz. Christa took out a sheet of paper and looked around at her team.


    ¡°Well any ideas?¡± She asked with her pencil poised above the paper.


    ¡°Clearly we are the Butterflies.¡± Amethyst announced while tossing a smile at Nova. ¡°Are we in agreement?¡±


    ¡°I second that.¡± Nova chirped.


    ¡°No, we are not the Butterflies.¡± Grants stated flatly.


    ¡°I agree with Grant.¡± Christa replied.


    ¡°That two against two. Derry?¡± Amethyst asked. Christa turned to Derry to find the youth sleeping with his blue, green, and white headband pulled over his eyes. He was an almost perfect likeness of his brother except he was a few inches shorter and had longer hair. Jodoro jostled him awake with an elbow to the ribs. He shot up in his chair.


    ¡°Sure, whatever works.¡± He said while fighting a yawn. ¡°Nothing strikes greater fear in the hearts of their enemies than butterflies. Yeah the Butterflies that pure badassery right there.¡±


    Christa was getting frustrated it seemed Amethyst was trying to undermine her. I am captain I could just veto the name and pick whatever I want. But that might backfire. She needed the team to trust her, to work for her even. She could not beat Guy or Jean¡¯s team alone. ¡°Jodoro, what say you?¡± she asked with her hands clasped together under her desk.


    He looked around the table as if measuring them. ¡°I am not necessarily opposed to the idea.¡± He turned to his brother. ¡°I agree with Derry that Butterflies are badass but I think we should compromise. Perhaps instead of just calling the team the Butterflies we add an adjective before it or name it after a specific species like Red Admirals, Monarchs or Stargazers.¡± He paused and turned his intense amber gaze on Christa. ¡°But I will defer to our captain¡¯s decision of course.¡± Derry let out a sigh but everyone else was silent for a moment.


    Amethyst poked her and whispered with a smirk, ¡°I think he means you Chrissy.¡±


    Christa hated being called Chrissy and especially hated it when Amethyst did it. ¡°I think the Stargazers is a good name. Any objections?¡± No one voiced a protest. After a few minutes the scholar returned and wrote the names on the board.


    ¡°Right so we have Guy¡¯s Bellringers, Jean¡¯s Knights of Knowledge, Christa¡¯s Stargazers, and Melissa¡¯s Deathdealers. You will be competing in these groups for the whole year and your group performance will be a factor in your grade. Each day one point will go to the best group and the group with the most points at the end of the year will get the last week of class off.¡± Cheers went up around the room and Christa knew that everyone was in it to win. The scholar pulled out four large blank sheets of paper and gave one to each group. ¡°Today we will be a geography test. The task is simple. Make as complete a map of the known world as you can. You have two hours. Begin!¡±


    Christ quickly huddled together with Grant and Nova. They drew an outline of the continent and labeled the surrounding oceans. Next, they drew the outlines of the other three continents. After that they began to draw the lakes, mountains and rivers. They kept going for awhile labeling all the cities and towns that they could. After about an hour they were stumped. I know Guy and Jean have gotten farther than this. Come on think. Am I missing something important? She looked up to see Amethyst filling her nails and the worker boys laughing at something.


    ¡°This is serious stuff you know.¡± She hissed at them. ¡°This counts toward our grade and the scholar is watching.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t fret Christa I doubt they know much about geography anyway.¡± Nova consoled.


    ¡°Lady Nova is right Lady Christa we do not know much about geography.¡± Jodoro said. ¡°But let us look at the map.¡± He gently pulled the map to his side of the table. ¡°Maybe we can add some things.¡±


    Christa twirled her ring as the two of them looked over the map and talked back and forth. Jodoro grabbed a pencil and began to mark things on the map. He¡¯s going to mess this up. She walked around the table and peaked over his shoulder. She saw towns that she never heard of dotted throughout the continents.  She watched with surprise as Jodoro drew some of the smaller tributaries and ponds on their home continent.


    ¡°You remember Capitia Jo?¡± Derry asked wistfully. ¡°They have the most beautiful women.¡± He gave Nova a lecherous wink. ¡°Aside from Bellguard of course.¡± Christa was surprised to see her blush.


    Jodoro smiled and Christa twirled her ring faster. Amethyst shamelessly leaned over toward him and placed a hand on his writing arm. ¡°Do you agree with your brother Jojo? Does Bellguard have the most beautiful women?¡± He paused for a bit and resumed drawing. Is he tracing the outlines of city walls?


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t agree.¡± He said. ¡°There are beautiful women everywhere.¡±


    ¡°Wrong.¡± Derry laughed.


    ¡°You¡¯re right my mistake.¡± Jodoro laughed.


    ¡°For there are no women in Terrelio. Only men married to the sea.¡± They both sang. Christa exchanged confused looks with her friends as Jodoro put the city of Terrelio on the map.


    ¡°But surely you cannot argue that Bellguard and Capitia have a disproportionate number of beautiful women.¡± Derry said in a voice that sounded a little similar to the scholar Barkley¡¯s. ¡°Academically speaking.¡±


    ¡°Bellguard is clearly the winner here.¡± Amethyst interjected. ¡°I mean you only have to look at Lady Bell¡¯s entourage. And the women of this class. Right Chrissy?¡± Christa ignored her and stared at the paper as Jodoro began labeling forests. He knows some stuff. I don¡¯t think Guy even knows these places.


    ¡°I might concede that they both have a high number of attractive women.¡± Jodoro paused and looked almost forlornly at the wall. ¡°But Hytia¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, god no.¡± Derry moaned.


    ¡°Does it have more attractive women than here?¡± Amethyst asked coyly.


    ¡°Balls woman! You¡¯ve given him the excuse now.¡± Derry rasped. Jodoro had the same dreamy look on his face.


    ¡°No not all of them.¡± Jodoro answered. ¡°But they have the swans of Hytia.¡±


    Grant leaned forward eagerly. ¡°Swans you say?¡±


    ¡°Imagine it Grant.¡± Jodoro said. ¡°Four perfect women from four ruling families. Their beauty is unsurpassed. To look upon them is to stare into the essence of a goddess. It is said that one touch from them could break a man¡¯s heart.¡± He started penciling in the streets of a city she never heard of. ¡°That¡¯s not the half it though Grant.¡±


    ¡°We bloody know!¡± Derry interjected and turned to Grant. ¡°He¡¯s going to tell you that they¡¯re bloody smart and nice, that they are charitable and take care of the poor and cook good food and tell funny jokes all while shooting rainbows out of their arseholes and juggling cups of the finest ale.¡±


    ¡°Is it true though?¡± Grant asked?


    Derry looked at Jodoro with frustration- then looked at Grant -then looked back at Jodoro and then back at Grant. ¡°Yeah mate. They are that and more, but I¡¯d throw the lot of them into the abyss if would stop big shooter over here from mentioning Hytia again.¡±


    ¡°Look this over please and thank you.¡± Jodoro said as he passed the map to Derry. Christa watched as the younger brother studied the map. They were running out of time and she was getting anxious. Nova slid Amethyst a note across the table while Grant pestered Jodoro with questions about women and far off places. Derry made some marks on the map then slid it over to her.


    ¡°It¡¯s not exactly to scale but we did the best we could do without any measuring.¡± Derry stated. The scholar called for the maps and Christa nervously handed it to them.


    ¡°I will have these returned tomorrow.¡± The scholar said as he pulled a black velvet back from his worn brown satchel. ¡°I have solicited permission from various individuals in Bellguard to begin a tutoring program. You will each select an name from this bag and report to them every Friday for the duration of this term. We will no longer have classes on Friday¡¯s.¡± He paused and bowed as people cheered then continued in a serious tone. ¡°You are to observe and learn. You will do what they ask of you and if I hear any complaints, I will notify your parents immediately.¡±


    The scholar eventually came to her group¡¯s table and her hand shook as she pulled out a piece of paper.


    ¡°Lady Bell,¡± Derry raged. ¡°What the hells am I supposed to learn from a Lady?¡± He tapped his brother on the shoulder. ¡°Jo, this is balls bro. Who do you have?¡±


    Jodoro looked resigned. ¡°General Ridge.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you are going to love daddy.¡± Amethyst vouched. ¡°He can be a bit moody, but he is a fair man.¡± She paused as she read her own. ¡°Does anybody know who Seta Blackspider is?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s vice president of the Copper Cauldron Company.¡± Jodoro responded. ¡°She¡¯s a brilliant mathematician and surveyor.¡±


    ¡°Yeah when she¡¯s not bloody pregnant.¡± Derry deadpanned. ¡°I swear she has a hundred kids.¡±


    ¡°Seven,¡± Jodoro said.


    ¡°More like seventeen.¡±


    Christa wanted to laugh at Amethyst assignment but could not hide her own nervousness. Please don¡¯t let it be Steward Olman. She slowly unfolded the paper. Her heart beat faster as she read the name- Nan Bowerbird. She looked around the table to see the worker boys mouths agape.


    ¡°Did I say that out loud?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Derry responded. ¡°And may the Star Court have mercy on your soul.¡±


    ¡°She can¡¯t be that bad.¡± She said as she looked to Jodoro for a verdict. He looked thoughtful. It seemed Jodoro had two looks. Either a light smile or that of someone with the cogs of a clock spinning inside his head. She could almost see the clogs working behind his copper face, spinning thoughts around and around. He looked up at her.


    ¡°I think you two will get on well.¡±

 Chapter 3- Friday

    Chapter 3- Friday


    Jodoro was up before the ringing of the first bells. He quietly slipped out of bed amid Derry¡¯s snores grabbed a change of clothes, soap, and the hickory wood spear that he had BangBang the company smith make. Nan was in the main room sleeping curled up facing him. She looked peaceful and something else. Happy maybe? For a moment the dawn light caught her face as he opened the tent flap and Jodoro could see the beauty beneath Nan¡¯s weather-beaten face. They said that Nan was a beauty twenty years ago and that another forty back she could turn the heads of kings, emperors and priests. Jodoro could almost believe it now.


    ¡°The hell you staring at boy?¡± Nan grumbled. ¡°Close the flap, your letting the cold in.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Nan.¡± Jodoro said as he stepped outside. There was a nice sea breeze in the air, and he walked toward the water passing other yurts and wagons on the way. The beach was littered with kelp and other sea debris. He put his clothes on a rock and walked into the ocean until the water came up to his waist and held out the spear like the Corporal had taught him. He went through the movements as the waves pulled at his legs and core. He thrust spun and danced among the waves. All was whole. He was water, air and sand. He was as indomitable as the sea.


    He thought about how much things had changed in the past few days. He found that he enjoyed school and weapons training, but he missed working on the wall. Not the work but the people. At least Nan said that he and Derry could work on Saturday¡¯s which were typically half days. He took comfort that a more well-rounded education would make him a better president of the company. He needed to see Ceta Honeybee soon. They had not hung out in a while and he was afraid that she might think he forgot about her.


    Jodoro washed in the freshwater stream that ran along the south side of Bellgaurd and into the sea. He felt refreshed and made a promise to repeat this routine every day. He walked toward the yurt and saw Derry leaning against their wagon arms crossed.


    ¡°Who pissed in your porridge?¡± Jodoro asked as Derry fell into step beside him.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Derry said as he pulled a biscuit out of his pocket and began eating. ¡°We have those bloody assignments today is all.¡±


    Jodoro knew what he meant. He was a bit nervous about meeting the General at all let alone spending half a day with the man. There was nothing to be done though. The scholar made it a point to remind them that the nature of their tutorships was completely dictated by their respective tutors. This meant that each of the students was going in blind. Over the past few days there was much speculation about it among the Stargazers but know one knew what would happen. He and Derry were starting to get close to their classmates. He originally thought they would be treated differently because they were Onaki but that did not seem to be the case. The training grounds were different. Some of the soldiers from the upper groups would hurl the occasional slur at them but that was not unusual. Onaki learned to live amid discomfort and resentment.


    They walked through the training courtyard and equipped themselves then waited. The sound of the killdeer and goldfinches that permeated the morning was interrupted by the crunch of hundreds of boots on the sand gravel of the training yard. Men and boys began rummaging through the practice weapons but instead of the normal morning joviality a somber businesslike mood wafted off them. Jodoro felt uneasy as three boys about his age walked up to him and Derry. The one in red leather boots nodded at the two others and walked up to Jodoro. He was so close that Jodoro had to resist the urge to push him back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think this has gone on far too long Onaki?¡± Red Boots said. ¡°Look around,¡± he gestured toward the other men. ¡°You are not like us and we are not like you. Each of us has our own place in this world and our own talents. For the sake of balance go back to building walls there is no shame in doing this.¡±


    ¡°We are fine where we are but thanks for your concern.¡±


    ¡°Concern?¡± Red Boots laughed. ¡°Do not confuse my words with concern. I care not for you but for natural order and if you refuse to leave.¡± He pointed over his shoulder. ¡°We will make you.¡±


    Jodoro tamped down on the anger building in his chest. By now a crowd had gathered around them. Several people were egging them on. People loved to watch fights for some reason. Jodoro never understood why. It seemed a man would run to watch a fight no matter what he was doing. He could have the most beautiful woman on his arm but the instant he heard the commotion of a fight he would drop her. He looked at Derry who wore a look of angered impatience then looked at Red Boots, ¡°Fuck off.¡±


    Much to his surprise Red Boots immediately punched him in the face. Jodoro managed to roll with the punch minimizing the damage. He saw Derry leap toward one of Red Boots goons and could only hope his brother could hold his own against the grown man.


    Jodoro immediately put distance between him and Red Boots as the other goon tried to flank him.  He angled to his left putting the goon between him and Red Boots. As he moved closer to the goon, he lashed out with a combo of punches that set the goon reeling. The goon tried to close the distance and tackle him to the ground. Jodoro¡¯s knee met the goon¡¯s face and he crumpled to the ground. He caught a glimpse of Derry on his back getting pummeled and let out a bellow or rage. ¡°GET THE FUCK OFF MY BROTHER!¡±


    Before he could do anything, Red Boots tackled him to the ground and thrust an elbow into his ribs. The pain was immense and Red Boots face glowed with glee as he rained blows down on him. Jodoro regained his senses, jerked upward with his hips causing Red Boats to plant both of his hands on the ground to maintain balance. Jodoro hooked his right arm over Red Boots¡¯ left, clamped it to his side and thrust the forearm of his other arm into Red Boots¡¯ neck. The maneuver pushed Red Boots¡¯ off him and allowed Jodoro to rush over to Derry. The crowd let out a shout.


    His brother was still and bloody. Time seemed to slow and Jodoro¡¯s vision narrowed. I¡¯m going to kill this bastard. He ran full speed to the man who was astraddle Derry. As the man was set to rain down another blow Jodoro kicked him in the ribs with all his power. The man let out an animalistic cry as Jodoro sat on top of him raining blows down on his face.


    ¡°IM GOING TO KILL YOU PUSSY.¡± He was shouting and crying now. ¡°YOU LIKE HOW THIS FEELS?¡± He continued to rain down blows like a hammer on stone. He felt someone punching him in the head, but he did not care. More people were punching him now, but he did not care. Arms wrapped around him and tried to drag him away. ¡°FUCK YOU ALL.¡± He said as he fought them off. He broke free of the restraints and threw a haymaker at Red Boots. More arms restrained his head, neck and arms and he lashed out with his feet kicking anyone that came close. ¡°DERRY!!!¡± He shouted as two men finally stilled his legs. ¡°DERRY!!! COWARDS I WILL KILL YOU ALL!!!¡±


    The men who were restraining him were talking and he continued to struggle for minutes. Eventually he grew tired and could barely move. In his mind he saw the lifeless form of his brother on the ground completely vulnerable to the goon on top of him. His anger peaked again, and he thrashed and cursed. His throat was raw from screaming and he was still crying. He saw a group of men ushering Red Boots away. The bastard looked at him and smiled.


    He realized he was on the ground in a tangle of men when Sargent Horn¡¯s face appeared above him.  ¡°Are you done son?¡±


    Jodoro stopped his struggle but could only think of his brother. ¡°Derry?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s fine just was out cold for a bit.¡± Sargent Horn answered calmly. ¡°Look,¡± he sighed, ¡°you two can¡¯t be on the yard today. Tensions are too high right know go home and rest up. Don¡¯t come back until I send for you.¡± The Sargent turned to two men. ¡°Spaka and Jimbo, help these two home.¡±


    ***


    Christa did not want to go to the seaward wall alone so she did something that she normally would never do. She invited Amethyst Ridge to accompany her. Normally Amethyst¡¯s constant nattering would drive her crazy but today, with nervousness energy roiling in her chest, it provided some comfort.


    ¡°So, I told her that it simply was not Butterfly behavior and that my brother was strictly off limits.¡± Amethyst said.


    ¡°How dare she.¡± Christa said with mock indignation.


    ¡°I know,¡± Amethyst clucked. ¡°The gall of that girl and to think she offered to do that to him. Sometimes I wonder if Thomas has any standards.¡±


    They turned the corner and came into view of the seaward wall. For the first time in a few months Christa stopped and marveled at the Copper Cauldron Company¡¯s progress. The wall was visibly higher and several of the old grey stones were removed during the restoration and replaced with shining white ones creating a grey-white patchwork. Dozens of workers were scurrying about on the scaffolding and the sounds of hammers on stones permeated throughout the air. She spotted two old women sitting on top of the wall. Both wore the head scarfs of the Onaki. ¡°That must be them,¡± she said as she pointed up at the wall.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Clearly but how do we get up there. I¡¯m not climbing a wall in a dress.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we have to worry about that.¡± Christa responded. As they were talking the two old women spied them and began climbing down the scaffolding with nimbleness that defied their age. Are they racing? They reached the ground simultaneously and began walking over toward them.


    ¡°She must be Seta Blackspider,¡± Amethyst said nodding toward the woman in trousers. ¡°I have never seen a woman with limbs that long.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Christa responded but her eyes were fixed on Nan Bowerbird. She was a short woman with large frying pan hands and a wind ravaged face. She would be lying if she said she saw any familial resemblance between her and Jodoro or Derry. Nevertheless, she was determined to make a good impression and perhaps even unravel the mystery origins of the company¡¯s name. The woman advanced on Christa and looked her up and down. Seta Blackspider stood silently by.


    She was surprised when the old woman hugged her and kissed her on both cheeks. She noticed that Amethyst was less stiff when it happened to her. ¡°Nan Bowerbird President and this old hag is Seta Blackspider Vice President,¡± Nan in a voice that sounded like the sandpaper rubbing gravel. ¡°Ya always do that when ya nervous?¡±


    Christa stopped her fingers but before she could answer Amethyst butted in enthusiastically. ¡°That she does. Mother says that the world will stop spinning before Chrissy does.¡±


    Nan looked at them sternly. ¡°I¡¯ll say this once for you ladies. We deal with a lot of men.¡± Christa saw Seta nodding solemnly in agreement. ¡°They won¡¯t hurt you or disrespect you but give a man any excuse to talk to a lady and he¡¯ll take it.¡± Before Christa could react, Nan pinched her cheek. ¡°You gotta have thick skin and give as good as you get around here. You two are to follow us and learn. Today we will start with the basics of scheduling and shift management which are skills that are¡­ how would you say it old coot?¡±


    ¡°Translatable, ¡°Seta provided looking not in the least offended.


    ¡°Yes translatable, now come walk with us down the line.¡± They set off on the heels of the old women as the began to walk the length of the wall. Nan stopped in a few places to give the occasional worker a piece of advice or an admonishment. She seemed to have an eye for slackers even though to Christa it looked as if everyone was working hard. They stopped briefly and watched a pretty Onaki girl about their age work. She moved with the same efficiency that remined Christa of when her and Erda watched Jodoro and Derry.


    ¡°I see you Ceta Honeybee,¡± Nan shouted as they moved away. Nan turned to Seta. ¡°Your little girl is growing up. I thought she would slack off without Jodoro here for her to show off to.¡±


    Amethyst gave her a nudge and a wink.


    ¡°Aye I was ¡®fraid of that too,¡± Seta responded. ¡°But I¡¯ll never have it said that one of Seta¡¯s is a shirker.¡±


    ¡°Bump her pay a bit,¡± Nan commanded, and Seta pulled out her notepad in anticipation. ¡°Not too much mind you. Three percent seems fair.¡±


    Christa watched as Seta beamed with pride. Her smile lent her face a beautiful cast. Some said that Onaki did not age like everyone else, but Christa did not believe them. People were people. Though she had to admit that these women were old they had a certain youthfulness about them. Seta Blackspider scrolled on her pad with the enthusiasm of a young quartermaster who sought to impress her superior. They continued walking down the line. No one said anything to them and by the time they reached the end of the scaffolding word had seemed to spread that Nan was on patrol. There was little chatter and everyone¡¯s work areas were clear of obstructions and debris. Nan stopped as they came to a ruined part of the wall. She pointed things out to Seta who hastily took notes. The sea was spread out before them and the morning sun was well into the sky. Yurts and wagons were set up along the beach and Christa could see a few old people milling about while children ran along the sandy beach.


    She hoped that this beach would some day become her legacy much like the expansion of the seaward wall would be her father¡¯s. Guy did not want to take the title so it would fall to her. She hoped people would remember her as the greatest rule of Bellgaurd ever. If she had her way, she would find a way to build a harbor or port for Bellgaurd as of now most of their trade moved up and down the river. This left Bellgaurd without a share of the profitable sea trade. If they had a port, they could also have a navy, if they had a navy, they could strike back at the sea raiders who pestered the small towns surrounding the city. Thus, securing more taxable income for Bellgaurd.  But starting all this cost money and who knew how long it would take for the coffers to refill after the seaward wall expansion.  She would go to university to study economics and hope to make connections with the political elite and merchants in the capitol. Maybe then she could secure enough financing. Maybe then she could find a solution to her other problems.


    Nan and Seta began lecturing them about shifts and scheduling. They eventually went into the logistics of the business discussing shipments from the quarries and merchants. It was interesting to learn all the planning that went into something as simple as building a wall. Christa listened closely but out of the corner of her eye saw Amethyst staring out toward the beach.


    ¡°Is that Jodoro and Derry?¡± Amethyst asked hesitantly. Christa turned along with Nan and Seta.  She saw Nan¡¯s friendly demeanor change as they walked through the gap in the wall. As they got closer, she saw Nova¡¯s cousin Spaka Coldwater and another man helping a bloody and bruised Jodoro walk toward the flap of a yurt that Derry was holding open.


    ¡°DERRY!¡± Nan shouted. ¡°What happened to your brother?¡± The boy flinched at the sound of her voice but gestured the men inside.


    He seemed to hesitate for a bit when Nan stormed up to him. ¡°There was a fight on the training grounds and Jodoro took a few licks.¡±


    Nan brushed past Derry and went into the yurt. Christa looked at Amethyst for a moment then followed Nan and Seta inside. The interior of the yurt was larger than it appeared on the outside. Pads of low furniture lined deerskin walls and the floor was covered in lush red carpets with strange symbols and designs. The ceiling was the most interesting part though. It was covered with etchings of stars and various constellations. Jodoro lay in one of the beds his eyes swollen shut. Dried blood surrounded his lips but did nothing to hide his grimace of pain.


    ¡°Seta fetch Old Trews.¡± Nan barked without taking her eyes off the boy. Just as Spaka was about to leave she grabbed his arm. ¡°What happened to my boy?¡± She growled.


    Spaka to his credit wore a calm expression. ¡°Him and the other one got into a fight with a few other trainees. Things got out of hand¡­¡±


    ¡°Out of hand? A Few?¡± Nan yelled. ¡°Does this look out of hand to you?¡±


    ¡°Yes mam. I mean no mam.¡± Spaka stuttered. Christa had never heard Spaka stutter before. He tried to pull away from Nan¡¯s grip put got nowhere. ¡°Three of them jumped them. But your boys gave as good as they got mam. I took five men to restrain him. I¡¯ve never seen a man go that berserk before.¡±


    Nan was silent for awhile and Christa could not help noticing that Jodoro had drifted of to sleep. ¡°I want their names.¡±


    Spaka hesitated. ¡°Mam please let this go.¡±


    ¡°Names.¡±


    ¡°The Sargent is going to handle it mam.¡±


    Nan tightened her grip. ¡°Names.¡± Spaka looked at Amethyst and her in exasperation.


    ¡°Spaka she has a right to know.¡± Amethyst prodded.


    Just then the tent flap burst open and Ceta Honeybee flew in and flung herself down next to Jodoro¡¯s bedside. ¡°Jo¡± She called. ¡°Jo talk to me are you alright Jo.¡± She turned to face Nan as if noticing for the first time that other people were in the room. Christa got a good look at her and was struck by how pretty she was. She did not have the body of Amethyst, but she would have no shortage of suitors. Is this Jodoro¡¯s girlfriend.  ¡°Nan what happened?¡±


    ¡°Tell them who it was Spaka.¡± Christa said. As soon as the words left her lips, she almost immediately regretted them.


    He looked down. ¡°Hal Bridges, Tug Kline and¡­¡±


    ¡°And?¡± Nan asked.


    ¡°Ronald Olman.¡± Christa¡¯s stomach hit the floor. She saw Nan thinking pensively.


    ¡°The steward¡¯s son?¡± Nan asked as she let go of Spaka¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Yes mam.¡±


    ¡°Derry.¡± Nan called. ¡°Stop hiding from me and get in here.¡±


    Derry walked into the yurt. ¡°Wasn¡¯t hiding Nan. Was just catching some air.¡±


    Nan looked at him pointedly as she sat in an old wooden rocking chair. ¡°Go you know to the wall.¡± She pulled out a pipe from her skirt pocket. ¡°Tell them all to stop work immediately.¡± She swung a match along the inside of her hand, and it sparked a light. She puffed for a few moments. Christa looked at Derry was still standing there. Run you fool. Go. ¡°Tell them we will have a congress by the big rock in an hour and don¡¯t stop for air.¡±


    Derry lit out of the room as the old woman puffed smoke in the air. Clouds of cherry scented tobacco wafted throughout the room. She turned to Amethyst. ¡°Help Ceta Honeybee take Jodoro to his room.¡± Soon Christa was alone with the old woman. ¡°Sit next to me chile.¡± Nan gestured to the low sofa next to her chair. ¡°The first thing you must learn is to take care of the people. You hear that? The people. Everything starts with them. It doesn¡¯t matter how much money I have if I don¡¯t treat my people right someone else will pay them.¡± She paused and took a puff from the pipe. ¡°You could be a good ruler if you learned this.¡±


    ¡°I know the people must be taken care of.¡± Christa said indignantly. ¡°Are you trying to say I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Chile you cant take of the people if your cant take care of yourself.¡± Nan put the pipe down and turned in her chair. She locked eyes with Christa for a few uncomfortable moments. ¡°What happened to you? When was the last time you had fun? I¡¯ve never seen you outside the castle keep. Your pale chile. Your pale. Get some sun, rebel a little, fall in¡­¡± Nan paused her onslaught and appeared to be in deep thought. So that¡¯s where Jodoro gets it from. ¡°Chile your soul is all fucked up. Who hurt you?¡±


    Christa¡¯s eyes began watering and she felt a wave pressure mount in her chest. I¡¯m not going to cry in front of this woman. But the floodgates opened when Nan gently set her hand on hers. She sat there for what seemed minutes crying in front of an old woman that she did not know. When she calmed down, she told Nan what happened between her and Ronald Olman. She told Nan about Ezra. She told Nan about how her family wasn¡¯t a family anymore. How she hated her mom because her mom acted like everything was alright.  Nan by now had moved beside her and pulled a scarf from the folds of her skirt. It had the same pattern as Derry¡¯s. She wiped Christa¡¯s face off and place the scarf in her hands. ¡°It feels good don¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°I think so.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing like a good cry to make you feel better. I can¡¯t do much bout ya brother or ya mother, but you can be damn sure the steward¡¯s boy will get his. I¡¯m going to tell you this once. You better never let a man make you cry again.  But you know what Nan is going to do for you little Redbird?¡± She picked up her pipe again and blew a cherry scented ring into the air. ¡°I¡¯m going to make sure that when it happens. You got a front seat.¡±

 Chapter 4- Trial of Stone

    Chapter 4- Trial of Stone


    ¡°¡­and until those responsible go through the trial of stone the good Duke Bell will see no progress on his wall.¡± Nan¡¯s voice carried over the beach as she stood on the big rock that Derry called Hamsa¡¯s turd. This proclamation of course was met with cheers and Derry could not blame the others. There¡¯s nothing that workers love more than not working. Derry however knew what was coming when Nan jumped down from the rock and shuffled through the crowd toward him. The company loved her. She kissed the women on each cheek and slapped the men on their backs. Yes, yes, yuck it up you old bird. She caught his eye and her smile faded for a brief second. The message was clear- stay right there. The future before him was writ plain as day. That¡¯s why he had already cleaned up before the congress. Brushed his hair, changed his clothes and everything. He even stole some of Jodoro¡¯s cologne. If he was to play the fool in this whole thing, he¡¯d at least look damn good while doing it.


    Jo was going to take this hard. He crossed a line earlier. A deep personal one. He still saw himself as Derry¡¯s protector and when shit hit the rafters earlier, he lost control and could have killed a guy. There¡¯s one thing that Jo hated more than anything and that was feeling vulnerable. He took a licking at the hands of several men. Some people never got over that. They let fear dominate them and spent the rest of their lives looking over their shoulders. Waiting for the next attack. Others choose to go on the offensive and exert their dominance whenever and wherever they could. Hamsa was like that especially when he was in the barrels. Derry hoped Jo wouldn¡¯t change at all. Nan approached him and pulled hooked his arm into her.


    ¡°Derry my boy you must go to Lady Bell now.¡± Nan whispered while giving Trepa and Rajo a nod. ¡°Learn what you can from the woman, but I warn you. Don¡¯t get caught up in any of her games and for the love of the Star Court don¡¯t make any promises on the company¡¯s behalf.¡±


    ¡°And what if they ask me about all this?¡± Derry gestured around the beach.


    ¡°Tell them the truth.¡± Nan replied. ¡°I know you and I have not gotten on recently and I accept responsibility for that. Just know that your Nan loves you boy.¡± Nan paused and looked toward Christa who was standing at the edge of the crowd. ¡°I still have business here yet but I will go to the Duke soon.¡±


    Minutes later Derry stood before the door to the Great Hall as a guard gestured for him to enter. The Great Hall was modestly decorated but the architecture was flawless. A series of large marble arches ran the length of the room while rose windows shed enough light to bring out the sparkle of the stone. A dark blue carpet ran from the doorway to dais. The thrones were made of copper and were placed in front of a bell-shaped window of clear glass. There were about a dozen women in the room, but they were all seated around a large table on the right side of the room. The guard flicked his hand toward the table and returned to his post. Unhelpful fucker could¡¯ve at least given an introduction. As Derry walked toward the table conversations stopped.


    A handsome woman who Derry would have bet all his money was Lady Bell spoke. ¡°You must be Derry. Come have a seat behind me.¡±


    ¡°Why is this Onaki boy bruised Lady Bell?¡± Asked a dark-haired woman in her twenties. Lady Bell paused to look at him as he took his seat.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Erelda perhaps you should ask him.¡±


    The woman turned to Derry and his heart nearly stopped in his chest as her green eyes met his. ¡°Boy, why are you bruised?¡±


    Derry bristled at the word boy but kept his cool. ¡°My brother and I got into a tiff wit¡¯ some blokes on the training grounds. But don¡¯t you worry none about old Derry. From good stock I am.¡±


    ¡°And how did this tiff start? The Bell battalion is known for its discipline.¡± Lady Bell asked pointedly.


    ¡°Well its not really a long story. Me and my brother Jodoro were accosted by three shit breaths who probably couldn¡¯t find their dingdongs if they were shoved up their asses¡­¡± Gasps interrupted Derry.


    ¡°Less invective young man.¡± Admonished an elderly lady who probably could have given Nan a run for her money if wages were placed on a race to the grave.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Lady Bell agreed. ¡°Part of this apprenticeship is to teach you professional conduct. This is not a work camp. You are before royalty.¡±


    ¡°My sincerest apologies.¡± Derry said putting on his best courtier face. Fine I¡¯ll play by their rules. ¡°As I was saying Jodoro and I were accosted by a few men who took exception to the presence of two Onaki on the training grounds.¡± Derry gaged the room. ¡°Those Onaki, meaning my brother and I, took exception to their taking exception. They of course took exception to us taking exception of their initial proclamation of exception. Before we knew it this guy with shi¡­an unorthodox taste in footwear decided to punch my brother in the face.¡± Derry paused here and looked around. He had them hooked. ¡°Now this is a bad idea for a few reasons but chief among them are three. First Jodoro does not like being touched. Second what Jodoro dislikes even more than being touched is getting me involved in conflicts. Now I know what you all are thinking. ¡®Why would Jodoro Jaguar, Jodoro Jungle Cat, be so protective of this strapping specimen of young manhood standing before you?¡¯ And I don¡¯t blame you for wondering about this as I have indeed sought the answer to this query myself and the only logical explanation is that Jodoro despite his intelligence can be quite foolish at times. This foolishness naturally brings us to reason number three. When Jodoro fights he does not think about consequences. He is a fool after all. What to you may seem like a good-natured fray or boys exchanging fisticuffs is WAR to Jodoro. Naturally this kind of disposition was only exasperated when I got knocked out and Jodoro thought I was dead.¡± Derry stopped for a moment and looked pointedly at the plate of cookies in the middle of the table. Lady Bell pushed them toward him, and he took one.


    ¡°I know this is tough for you but do try and go on.¡± Erelda said and Derry almost lost his fa?ade to a fit of barely restrained laughs.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a troublesome lad. I know that when people look at me, they see a handsome young Onaki teenager that cusses too much but I never start trouble and I work hard at everything I do.¡± By now Erelda had moved her chair closer to his and had begun rubbing his back. ¡°When I regained consciousness Jodoro was bellowing my name like a mad fool while fighting off the five men who were restraining him. As it turned out he thrashed the other guys pretty good but in order to stop him the men restraining him had to lay into him pretty good. Now he is recovering in his room in the company of two beautiful woman mind you, while I am forced to go about my day as if I was not just clouted out.¡±


    The ladies shared some concerned looks with each other. ¡°Those responsible must be punished.¡± Lady Bell said.


    Derry looked at her and hesitated for a moment. Best to get out in front of this thing. ¡°I am relieved you think so because my Nan agrees. In fact, she has order for all work on the wall to stop until the end of a trial by stone.¡± Derry said as he ate another cookie. Erelda had stopped rubbing his back at this point and he was a little miffed about it if he was being honest.


    ¡°You mean no one is working on the wall.¡± The elderly woman asked.


    ¡°Nope. Not until me, Jodoro, Hal Bridges, Tug Kline and Ronald Olman go through the trial.¡± Derry said.


    At this Lady Bell stood up from her seat and paced. ¡°This is inconvenient. We need work on the wall to continue as soon as possible. There are rumors of an alliance between the Farki and the sea raiders. It is no secret that the Farkian empire has been pushing into neutral land this past year. If the get naval help from the seas raiders Bellgaurd could be in trouble.¡± Lady Bell paused and stood in front of a tapestry of two trident wielding woman. Derry thought she looked fierce. ¡°Erelda go to the Duke and tell him of this. Renda gather Hal Bridges, Tug Kline and Ronald Olman. They are to meet me on the beach in an hour.¡± She paused for a minute and chewed her bottom lip. ¡°Derry take me to your Nan.¡± Derry got up slowly and brushed crumbs from his shirt.   Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    ¡°But what about the budgets milady?¡± One woman asked.


    ¡°We will sort that out after this. Its not like we have much to work with anyway.¡±  With that she swirled out of the room with Derry hot on her heels.


    ***


    ¡°You got a tough task ahead of you and the stakes will be high.¡± Nan said to Jodoro as Christa watched from a stool next to the cook fire. Amethyst had left with Seta Blackspider minutes ago to prepare for the trial of stone. Jodoro lay on the couch with a cold cloth over his swollen face while Ceta Honeybee was draped over half of his body. It was a sight that made Christa uncomfortable. ¡°Derry is untested. That means you may have to outlast all three of them.¡± Nan put more tobacco in her pipe and lit it. ¡°You will not quit my boy. I don¡¯t care how much it hurts. I don¡¯t care if the crawlies start biting ya. Hells, I don¡¯t care if the tide comes in and ya drown. Ya can¡¯t quit.¡±


    ¡°Nanna can¡¯t we put it off until he¡¯s healed?¡± Ceta asked.


    Christa watched silently as Nan stared the girl down for an uncomfortably long time. ¡°Sweet Ceta Honeybee the wall must be built. The Farkians or the sea raiders will come and when they do the wall must be built. You know as well as I that no Onaki will work until justice is served.¡±


    Christa was about to argue against the urgency until her mother walked in with Derry Dog hot on her heels. Her mother paused as if surprised to see her then gathered herself. ¡°Madam Bowerbird I ask you respectfully to withdraw your case for punishment and let the laws of Ardinum adjudicate this incident.¡±


    ¡°Apologies Lady Bell but I cannot. T¡¯was not accident and I have no doubt that your laws will like as not paint it as one and leave the fools responsible walking away freer than the bird that serves as my namesake.¡±


    ¡°My husband and the steward will press this issue to the fullest. There¡¯s no way they will allow a trial of rocks.¡±


    ¡°Stones,¡± Derry interjected.


    ¡°A trial of stones then. We are paying you to build this wall and we will not tolerate any stoppages.¡±


    ¡°Lady Bell I think your husband has not informed you about the specifics of our contract.¡± Nan blew a cloud of peach scented smoke into the air. ¡°The Copper Cauldron Company has financed the cost of the wall.¡± Nan looked Lady Bell in the eye. ¡°Did you think your husband suddenly had a windfall of coin?¡±


    Christa watched as her mother¡¯s face morphed through a series of emotions. ¡°Nevertheless, Madam Bowerbird the kingdom¡¯s justice must take precedence in cases involving non-Onaki.¡±


    ¡°Please read section nine of our contract. You will find that your husband has already agreed to the application of Onaki justice to any matters involving an Onaki. He will concede the point.¡± Nan said confidently.


    Christa saw her mother bite her lip in thought. Her mother would not take this well and she was sure her and father would argue about it later but even she would have to admit that the terms of the contract would have to be adhered to. Thus was the nature of things in the Kingdom and part of what made Ardinum the greatest nation in the world. ¡°Do I have your word that no one involved will get hurt?¡±


    ¡°All parties involved will be able to withdraw from the trial whenever they want. The losers will pay damages to the winners. That is the way we settle things among us when it comes to conflict. When the two parties entered physical conflict, they did so in an uneven fashion. The aggrieved have a right to redeem themselves in the eyes of the public and seek compensation. We will see if those men are tough enough to beat these boys. We will not work until this is done. I suggest you make that clear to the asses who jumped my boys.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not boys anymore Nan.¡± Derry whispered under his breath as he followed Lady Bell out of the yurt.


    Soon Christa found herself standing amongst a crowd before five shallow man-sized holes on the beach. Her father was there, and he did not look pleased. Steward Olman was next to him undoubtedly voicing his displeasure with the events. Christa always liked the steward who was nothing like his son. He was her father¡¯s most trusted friend and always treated her as a niece. That¡¯s what made the whole situation with Ronald so troubling. Nan Bowerbird walked through the crowd of spectators as the Onaki remained silent.


    She saddled up to her and in a whisper said, ¡°don¡¯t worry chile. Just do as we talked, and everything will be fine.¡± The old woman stood before the gathered crowd and waited for complete silence. ¡°The trial of stone will begin. Let the participants come forward.¡± Nan waited as Jodoro, Derry, Hal, Tug and Ronald walked to the front. All of them were stripped down to their undergarments which Christa thought was unnecessary. ¡°The rules are simple. You will be placed in the holes and rocks will be put on top of you. You may quit the trial at any point but whoever lasts the longest has the right to demand any reasonable compensation. Because there are multiple individuals the trial will function as a relay. Each side will choose who goes first. Are there any questions?¡±


    ¡°And what could I possibly gain that would be of worth when I win?¡± Ronald Olman asked.


    ¡°Well,¡± nan began. ¡°You could keep what¡¯s yours and ask anything of Jodoro be it monetary or services. Now enough delay send your first participants forward.¡±


    Christa watched as Derry crawled into the shallow one-foot grave as Ronald ordered Tug Kline into another one. Piles of small rocks stood to the side. Ceta Honeybee began placing the rocks on Derry while Seta Blackspider did the same for Tug. The rocks were small but after a few minutes Christa could see that the weight of all the small rocks would be immense. Ceta finished slightly before her mother and Christa could see that each participant was completely covered except for their nose and mouth. The crowd had started milling about and in a few minutes cook fires were started and barrels of ale were rolled out. To Christa this didn¡¯t look like a punishment but a party she took a seat by Ceta Honeybee on the beach.


    ¡°How long do you think this will take?¡± She asked.


    Ceta thought for a bit. ¡°Hamsa once stayed for ten hours but he wasn¡¯t as bruised up as our guys. They say Old Trews did the trial for eighteen hours but that was before I was born.¡± She looked at Ronald and Hal. ¡°I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll last an hour. There are a lot of ants on the beach today and they look like men accustomed to warm fires and soft beds.¡± She looked at Christa. ¡°No offense.¡±


    ¡°None taken, but the training for the upper groups of the Bell¡¯s Battalion can be intense. They will not give up easily.¡± Christa replied as she watched Jodoro. He was kneeling beside Derry. Her eyes were drawn to his toned torso. She had never seen a boy her age with a body like that. He really did resemble a jaguar. He was built for power and speed.


    ¡°He¡¯s beautiful, isn¡¯t he?¡± Ceta asked. ¡°Just like a jungle cat.¡±


    Christa flushed briefly. ¡°He¡¯s cute,¡± she admitted.


    Ceta looked at her strangely. ¡°Cute? That¡¯s it? He¡¯s a fucking god.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t go that far but I¡¯ll admit that you two make a good match.¡±


    ¡°Ha,¡± Ceta laughed. ¡°I hope we will, but I think Jodoro will always see me as his best friend.¡±


    ¡°You mean you two aren¡¯t¡­haven¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°No and no but only time will tell.¡± Ceta replied. ¡°Your eyes aren¡¯t the only ones drawn to him.¡± Ceta said pointedly looking Amethyst and the Butterflies who were lounging on a blanket a few yards away. She pulled out the scarf Nan had given her and wiped her glasses clean. ¡°Derry Dog pattern?¡±


    ¡°Nan gave it to me. I had probably better return it.¡±


    ¡°No need it was a gift. You should be honored. It was the same pattern that their mother had.¡±


    ¡°What happened to her?¡±


    ¡°Diodora Desertdeer died in Farki during a job. No one really talks about it. She was Nan¡¯s only daughter.¡± Ceta took a sip from a cup of cider. ¡°My mom says Nan aged twenty years that day.¡±


    ¡°Sorry for bringing it up.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine just don¡¯t mention it to the boys.¡±


    Christa looked around and saw her mother sitting next to her dad on two wooden chairs that were brought to the beach. Steward Olman stood behind her father whispering something in his ear. She saw her mother¡¯s eyes occasional glance at the trial, but she seemed distracted. She got up and brushed herself off. ¡°Might as well see how Derry¡¯s doing.¡±


    Derry wasn¡¯t doing so good. Jodoro was telling him to give up and let him take over but that only seemed to make Derry more upset. ¡°It¡¯s the fucking ants Jo, they¡¯re crawling around my pubes.¡± Derry explained from beneath the rocks. ¡°But I can hold out longer than this fucktit over yonder.¡±


    ¡°I never doubted you my brotha. We just gotta get through this.¡± Jodoro said. ¡°just beat this guy and I¡¯ll handle the other two.¡±


    ¡°You know what I want from these fuckers Jo?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Jodoro said with a smile, ¡°but I suppose you¡¯re about to tell me.¡±


    ¡°Not a fucking thing. I don¡¯t want a damn thing from those Onaki hating sons of bitches. YOU HERE THAT ASSHOLES?¡± Derry began to shout from his stone grave. ¡°I¡¯LL OUTLAST YOU ALL IF I HAVE TO.¡±


    Christa watched as Derry continued to rail and Jodoro shook his head. To be honest the idea of the trial seemed interesting at first but now it just seemed idiotic and boring. The Onaki on the beach treated it as a celebration but to her it was just sad. ¡°Look at your face¡± she said to Jodoro. ¡°How is this justice? How can you last against them when your more beat up?¡±


    ¡°Ceta Honeybee?¡± Jodoro said with what could be a smile on his swollen face. ¡°How does one look at their face without a mirror?¡±


    ¡°You know what I mean you dolt.¡± Christa fired back but Jodoro was not paying attention to her. The noise of the crowd had died down but was quickly replaced with shouts of alarm. Her father was standing on his chair and looking out toward the sea. As her gaze turned, she nearly lost her legs for on the horizon was a fleet of ships. The sea raiders had come. Nan Bowerbird ran toward the front and began helping Jodoro dig Derry out while Ronald Olman and Hal Bridges began to extract Tug Kline. General Ridge and his staff rode onto the beach and spoke with her father. In a scene that looked like a tapestry. The Duke jumped onto the rock that Nan Bowerbird stood on hours before as one of the general¡¯s men sounded a horn. The crowd went silent.


    ¡°What in the hells man,¡± Derry shouted as he rose out of his grave. ¡°I did not call to be pulled out.¡±


    All eyes turned to him. Nan clouted him on the back of his head and his face turned red. Her father gave the boy a stern look but turned to the crowd. ¡°Everyone inside the walls now.¡±

 Chapter 5- Locked Down

    Chapter 5- Locked Down


    ¡°Scholar Barkley send missives to the capitol, Hernit, and Delonica.¡± Duke Bell ordered from a platform in the courtyard. The scholar scurried off to the rookery. The grounds were packed with townspeople, Onaki workers, and castle denizens. Everyone¡¯s eyes were fixed on the Duke. Mothers held children close to them as men murmured to each other. Nervous energy permeated through the crowd.  Nan Bowerbird with a dozen Onaki driving wagons entered the courtyard just as the gates were closed. ¡°Madam Bowerbird, I ask you to please get your people to work on the walls immediately. Press any amble bodied man into your service.¡± Christa saw the woman nod in acceptance and take command of her company. ¡°Steward Olman take whoever you see fit and begin preparing the castle for a siege. I want halls cleared. The infirmary set up and an accounting of all the castle stores.¡± Christa¡¯s father turned toward the crowd. ¡°Citizens of Bellgaurd. I want all those over fifty-five and under fourteen prepared to room in the castle within six hours. Take only what you can carry and any foodstuffs. Stay strong in this hour of need and together we will see this through. Together we will see a new morning, a new dawn for Bellgaurd and Ardinum.¡± Her father turned to guy. ¡°Son off to the bells, let them ring. Let the enemy know that Bellgaurd will stand today, tomorrow and forever more.¡± A cheer broke out in the crowd and everyone set to their tasks.


    ***


    Christa legs burned as she climbed the scaffolding with the pail of mortar clutched in her blistering hands. Her legs burned from countless trips up and down stairs. She had given up cleaning her glasses long ago and her hair clung to the sides of her face and the back of her neck. This had to be enough. How many more trips could he need? When would they be done? She knew the answer. It would go on until the raiders attacked but everyone had limits. She reached the top and poured the mixture into Jodoro¡¯s half barrel. She took Derry¡¯s scarf from around her neck and began tying it around her head like she saw Ceta do. Amethyst struggled next to her and poured her mixture into the barrel with Nova shortly after. Grant was struggling with the stairs. Poor Grant his weight was keeping him back even with Jean calling out encouragement he was about to collapse. Derry was next to Jodoro passing him the perfect sized stones with unerringly participation. The brothers could anticipate each other¡¯s needs without communication. Derry was jabbering away as usual. Nan Bowerbird walked along the platform shouting commands and came to a stop behind Jodoro. She watched his work for a moment then checked his barrel.


    ¡°How are they keeping up?¡± She asked him. Christa shared an exasperated look with Nova and Amethyst.


    Jodoro with a now purpling but amazingly less swollen face spoke without pausing. ¡°Grant needs a break before he gets hurt. Jean makes a trip and a half for everyone the girls make but they¡¯re giving it their all. Perhaps a break would do them good, but I need more mortar and fast.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle it.¡± Nan said as she gave his head a tousle in a gesture that seemed out of sorts to Christa. She turned to Christa, Nova, and Amethyst. ¡°Take five and get some water in ya. Bring Grant too.¡± Christa lead Nova, and Amethyst over to a watering station set up on the scaffolding. ¡°SETA,¡± Nan shouted down the wall. ¡°Get those three eggheads from the trial up here. I want them carrying mud for Jodoro and Derry right away.¡±


    Jodoro slipped his hand into his shirt while the other one spread mortar on the wall. In a fluid gesture he flung an extra headband toward Nova and Amethyst. The two girls jumped like maidens at a royal wedding with Amethyst smiling victoriously as she caught the prize and wrapped her hair. Derry undoubtedly amused by the gesture did the same for Nova. The raiders were still on the horizon and their sails showed dark in the setting sun. She had heard the General say they would make landfall until tomorrow afternoon. The general was an experienced man and she hoped he was right. Amethyst was uncharacteristically silent and looked tired, worried yet still more beautiful than her or Nova could ever dream to be. Things were going to change. People would die. People she knew. She looked toward the nearest tower and saw Erda tolling the bell. She resisted the urge to run to her and tell her something. Anything.


    ¡°Look at Nan go.¡± A breathless Amethyst nudged her out of her reverie. The old woman was climbing the steps with two pails of mortar on the ends of a staff straddling her shoulders. She passed Jean rudely along the way and deposited the contents in the barrel without pause before scampering back down. ¡°How? Just how? I can¡¯t deal.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a monster.¡± Nova agreed. Christa watched as Tug, Hal, and Ronald showed up and appeared to be arguing with Nan. The old woman slapped Ronald and the wall erupted in riotous laughter. Steward Olman materialized out of no where and grabbed his son by his shirt thrusting him toward the mixing pit. Soon Hal and Tug were following Ronald up the scaffolding with Nan on their heels shouting abuse. Its about time he gets what he deserves. She couldn¡¯t believe she once mooned over the guy but even know she felt a bit of pity for him.


    ¡°About time someone slapped him.¡± Amethyst said. ¡°He¡¯s been way to rude and vindictive toward me lately. You¡¯d never believe what he¡¯s tried to do.¡±


    ¡°You too?¡± Nova asked.


    ¡°Yep, me too.¡±


    ¡°We need to fight back.¡± Christa said before she could stop herself. The two other girls looked at her. It was an uncomfortable feeling, but she wanted her own justice.


    ¡°How he just denies everything.¡± Nova asked.


    ¡°Well what do the butterflies do best?¡± Christa asked.


    ¡°Besides look irresistible and conduct ourselves with the outmost class.¡± Amethyst said. ¡°But you¡¯re not a butterfly and said you never wanted to be.¡±


    ¡°But I am a stargazer and we¡¯re the leading group in the class. I suggest psychological warfare.¡± The other girls nodded in agreement mischievous smiles appearing on their faces.


    ¡°We may need some help though. Who do we know that has a knack for the crass, an acumen for theatrics and a wanton disregard for conventions and authority?¡± Amethyst asked.


    Christa thought for a few seconds as she washed her scarf with a cup of cool water. The rich pattern of blue, greens, and whites looked revived. She looked up and smiled at the girls.


    ¡°Derry would you mind helping us for a moment?¡± she called.


    Derry passed a stone to Jodoro. ¡°Can¡¯t ya see I¡¯m flippin busy over here with raiders on the shore and all.¡± He called over his shoulder. ¡°What help could you need? Its water ya pick up the cup, drink then put it back. Star Court be damned Jo I don¡¯t know what else I can tell ¡®em bout it.¡±


    Must that damned boy always be the wrong side of a donkey. Thickheaded lout. Amethyst touched her shoulder. She had put Jodoro¡¯s headband on wrong somehow and the backend that tied was in the front. ¡°Let me try. Watch this.¡± Amethsyt walked over to Derry and said something that caused Jodoro to break out in laughter. She walked back with a curbed Derry beside her.


    ¡°Be quick I haven¡¯t much time afore Nan gets back and wonders why I¡¯m not working.¡± He said as he glared at a smirking Amethyst.


    ¡°We need help making fun of Ronald Olman. Let¡¯s just say we don¡¯t like him. We need a away to extract maximum humiliation.¡± Christa said.


    Derry looked at them as if they were idiots. ¡°Ya sing a fucking song about him then. Get Jodoro to do it. He has the strongest voice and will actually get away with it without Nan throwing him in the sea.¡± He looked at Amethyst again. ¡°Plus, I think he¡¯s a bit keen on Red over her.¡±


    ¡°Keen on me?¡± Christa squeaked. The thought of it brought a flush to her face and a strange sense of giddiness. ¡°He likes Ceta Honeybee not me.¡±


    ¡°Maybe, maybe not.¡± Derry said as he walked away. ¡°I¡¯ll handle him just join in on the chorus.¡± He stopped by his brother and whispered something. Jodoro shook his head and turned back to his work.


    ¡°We better get back to work Red.¡± Nova teased. ¡°Won¡¯t do to shirk especially not in front of your beau.¡± Nova was right. They climbed down the scaffolding and made a few trips each time the reached the top Derry ignored them prattling on to Jodoro. Ronald, Tug, and Hal were silent throughout their trips. But each time the passed them they either leered or made rude kissing noises. Eventually Amethyst broke first and marched up to Derry.


    ¡°Do it or I¡¯ll tell her.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Okay, damn.¡± He said as he walked toward a burly mason aways down the wall. He said something to the big man and clapped him on the back. When he got back Jodoro gave him a stern look. ¡°What? Just saying hello to Uncle Hamsa.¡± Christa was about to give up all hope for plan when a booming voice cut through the air followed by the most obscene string of verbal abuse she had ever heard.


    ¡°Been awhile since we had a fucking song¡±


    ¡°Too long since we had a fucking song if you ask me Hamsa¡±


    ¡°How bout Jodoro give us a fucking song¡±


    ¡°Now we all know the Jungle Cat is too good ta sing for us now.¡±


    ¡°Been putting on airs in the castle lately if ya ask me Rajo¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t have to ask you to know that Trepa.¡±


    ¡°Can we get a fucking song already¡±


    ¡°Ass all up his back and nose in the air.¡±


    ¡°Be an invasion and all before we get a fucking song.¡±


    ¡°Enough with the chatter give us a Star Court cursed song.¡±


    ¡°Stick up his ass if I didn¡¯t know better¡±


    ¡°More like his own nose if ya ask me Harra.¡±


    ¡°Hard to sing when your nose is up your ass. That¡¯s what I heard leastways.¡±


    ¡°I heard a nose up the ass song is better¡¯n none Nan.¡±


    ¡°Right you be Ceta but we shouldn¡¯t jump to conclusions. Could be he got his as up his ass.¡±


    ¡°Shut up Derry!¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up Derry!¡±This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Go take a walk off a tall scaffold Derry¡±


    ¡°My gods that boy is daft Nan¡±


    ¡°Ass up his ass¡±


    ¡°Ass up his ass he said¡±


    ¡°Yeah like a nose up the ass is more plausible.¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up Derry!¡±


    ¡°Plausible he says.¡±


    ¡°Yes, plausible I said.¡±


    ¡°Gods be damned Derry shut the fuck up.¡±


    ¡°A fucking scholar in the making ladies and gentlemen.¡±


    Christa stomach hurt from laughing as more invective was brought down on Derry. Jodoro kept a straight face for awhile until he saw Derry get more defensive and cleared his throat. What happened next would live in her memory forever. Jodoro called for silence then sang.


    I¡¯ll tell you a tale of a place far away


    A city of chimes that rang every day


    And in that city, there once lived a boy


    The son of the Steward who¡¯s name was Roy


    Now Roy had a problem and it was a shame to see


    For Roy had to sit whenever he peed


    Roy, Roy be careful my boy


    The ladies won¡¯t love you if you haven¡¯t a toy


    But Roy just laughed again and again


    Cause Roy much preferred the company of men


    Roy had some troubles in the city of chimes


    His toy got him in trouble a couple of times


    And one day Roy was caught in a bind


    He was at a bar, he was sipping some wine


    Soon enough he could not ignore natures calls


    His ding-dong was so small he pissed on his balls


    Roy, Roy be careful my boy


    The ladies won¡¯t love you if you haven¡¯t a toy


    But Roy just laughed again and again


    Cause Roy much preferred the company of men


    The wall erupted in laughter as Jodoro sang another verse in his clarion voice. He could sing and sing good. Soon everyone joined in singing the chorus. Christa suspected Ronald was catching on when she, Nova and Amethyst began singing with extra vigor when they passed him on the stairs. Eventually Nan came up behind them and told them that they were off duty. Exhausted beyond belief Christa and her friends walked back to the castle. I need a shower. Actually, a really long bath. The sun had set hours ago and the Onaki were cleaning their tools under the light of torches. The wall was not finished but it loomed tall in the night. It had to hold or they were doomed.


    ***


    ¡°Daughter of mine you bring me joy,¡± Duke Bell said as he tore into the mutton on his plate. ¡°Seeing you and your friends helping with the wall gives me hope for the future.¡± Christa¡¯s mother nodded in agreement. ¡°Guy, Erda I want to thank you two as well for managing the bells. It is no less arduous a task and the importance cannot be understated. Even now people on the fringes of Hernit and Delonica will be preparing. The king has sent a missive announcing the impending arrival of troops.¡± Her father took a sip of water from a plain pewter goblet. It was widely known as his cup. He did not go for the gold, silver or crystal of other rules. No, the Duke of Bells kept expenses low and his people happy.


    ¡°I was only doing my duty father. We all must come together in this time of crisis.¡± Christa said, putting her fork down and pushing her plate away. Her family ate in a small apartment on the third floor of the castle. It was not the luxury that most ducal families enjoyed but it was all she knew since she was a child. ¡°How many troops will the king send?¡±


    ¡°Heliodor was already in route with 1,000 men and should arrive in three days. Hernit and Delonica should arrive within the week.¡± Her father put done his cutlery. ¡°What I wouldn¡¯t give for 300 Delonican archers.¡±


    ¡°Will the wall hold?¡± Her mother asked.


    Her father just nodded as he got up from his seat and kissed his wife. ¡°I will be meeting with Ridge. Don¡¯t worry.¡± He said as he left the room.


    ¡°I say it does not even matter at this point.¡± Erda butted in receiving a reproachful look from Guy.


    ¡°I asked Jodoro and he said it will hold.¡± Guy said then gave Christa a wink. ¡°You know how he is.¡± Christa felt like she could kill him in that moment.


    ¡°And how would she know how he is?¡± Her mother asked.


    ¡°Oh simple,¡± Guy replied innocently. ¡°Christa can¡¯t keep her eyes off him.¡±


    ¡°GUY, I DO NOT LIKE HIM,¡± Christa fumed. ¡°AND YOU HAVE NO RIGHT CONSIDERING HOW YOU AND JEAN CARRY ON.¡± She instantly felt bad for Guy. Guy never meant to hurt anyone. It was just sometimes he was oblivious. How could she be so cruel to him? Guy did not deserve for his business to be put in front of everyone. Christa left for her room. She needed to think. Too many things were changing lately. Would they all live? Would life go back to normal. Now more than ever her dream of the academy seemed farther away.


    She heard a knock at her door and Guy walked in. She stared at him for a moment unsure what to say. He spoke first. ¡°Sorry¡­I didn¡¯t mean to say that. It was wrong. I understand if your mad at me.¡± He wondered over to her window and stared outside. ¡°They won¡¯t expect me to fight tomorrow but I will. I know I can¡¯t do much, but I got as much to lose as anyone else and I want to make father proud.¡± He turned to her and the moonlight lit one side of his face. He looked more serious than usual. More something. More manly? ¡°I¡¯m afraid to die Christa but I¡¯ll fight.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the one who should be sorry Guy. I shouldn¡¯t have said anything about you and Jean.¡± She ran to her brother and gave him a hug.


    ¡°Its no big deal mother and father already know. I told them last summer.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯d they take it.¡±


    ¡°Father did not care at all but mother, well you know how she is.¡±


    ¡°Guy you¡¯ll live through this. We all will.¡± She looked out into the courtyard and saw the Onaki sitting around a fire in the cold night. Nan was talking to Old Trews while Jodoro was eating. Derry was a few feet behind him lounging on a mat and tossing small pebbles at his head.


    ¡°Get some air. I¡¯ll cover for you. This is not a night for staying inside.¡±


    ¡°What about you? Let¡¯s go together.¡±


    ¡°I got plans with a certain someone.¡± He said as he walked to the door. ¡°Maybe you should seek the company of friends too.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Gods damn Derry stop it,¡± Nan shouted. ¡°Fucking aggravating.¡± Jodoro had a headache and was tired of getting pelted by a surly Derry who was still bumsore from being pulled out the hole before Tug Kline. He finished washing his bowl and pulled out a quiver of arrows from his bundle of belongings. Nan figured setting up the yurt was a bad idea and Jodoro agreed so they¡¯d be sleeping under the stars tonight which was fine with him. He sat with the quiver and began inspecting his arrows. Some needed new feather while others needed their tips sharpened. Soon Derry broke out of his mood and joined him with his own their fingers moved without thought. Derry liked to paint a small band of green and white around the middle of his. Jodoro¡¯s arrows were black with a single band of orange around the end just below the feathers. Hamsa liked to tease them about it, calling it juvenile, but fuck Hamsa he thought farting and tripping people was funny. Nan was smoking from her pipe and staring at him and Derry. She whispered something to Old Trews and they went off together.


    The fire flared brightly in the night as a log slipped. Motes of sparks drifted into the air as the cool breeze came in from the sea. Maybe that¡¯s all they were Jodoro thought as he looked around at the Onaki. Just sparks of life drifting along directionless in the night. They were a people with no loyalties, yet they would be trapped here tomorrow like everyone else, caught in a current that they had no control over. Nan made it clear that they would not abandon the people of Bellgaurd. The Onaki ways were dying many other groups were integrating. Lords like Duke Bell on the fringe of the Ardinum kingdom were inviting Onaki to settle and work the swaths of lands that ran across the frontier. More people meant more taxes. More taxes meant more income. More income meant roads, walls, and aqueducts. More men and women to fight raiders and if the gods were not merciful the Farki as well.


    ¡°Well looks like they¡¯re back together again.¡± Jodoro said drifting out of his musings.


    ¡°Who? Nan and Old Trews?¡±


    ¡°No, my ass cheeks, of course Nan and Old Trews.¡±


    ¡°Is Old Trews our pap?¡± Derry asked.


    Jodoro thought for a moment as he pulled a bottle of Hytian wine with a swan logo on it from his pack. ¡°It quite likely. You favor him.¡±


    Derry just nodded and accepted the bottle from Jodoro. He took a swig and passed it back. ¡°Hmm, never noticed,¡± he laughed.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny,¡± a voice said from behind them. It was Christa in the company of Ceta, Nova, and Amethyst. Her red hair was tied into two braids and the glow of the fire danced across the lenses of her glasses. She wore a plain brown dress and shivered under his gaze. Nova wore the same stern look as usual and Amethyst as always was the picture of perfection.


    ¡°Sweet Ceta you brought guests. Come and warm by our fire.¡± Jodoro said as he spread some wool blankets on the ground. Derry tossed some wood on the fire and started sidling up beside Nova. That rascal. Jodoro fetched another bottle of wine and passed it to Ceta. They locked gazes for a moment and his spine shivered. She looked expectantly at him the picture of mischief in the night as stars danced in her eyes. As quick as it was there it was gone. She playfully shoved him the old Ceta returning. He remembered simpler times when they would run through the streets of different cities together, exploring new places pretending to be adventures, warriors or brigands. ¡°I was just telling Derry that I believe Old Trews is our grandfather.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know who your grandfather is, idiot?¡± Nova asked Derry who had somehow positioned himself to share a blanket with her.


    ¡°Lady Nova you wound me,¡± Derry clutched at his heart. ¡°Our customs are a bit different that yours. We do not think of relationships the same way as you all. We believe a man and a woman may do what they want.¡±


    ¡°You mean that a man can lay with whoever he wants while the woman raises the children.¡± Christa snapped back fiercely while taking the bottle of wine. Jodoro took the open seat next between Amethyst and Ceta, across from Christa.


    ¡°No, no, no men must help as well for no true man would let his children be raised without two adults.¡± Derry replied.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t make sense to me but I hope whoever I marry will help with the children.¡± Amethyst said.


    ¡°Come girl we all know you will marry Heliodor.¡± Nova retorted.


    ¡°I will marry him if I love him. I have not met him yet. He could be an arsehole for all I know.¡± The women giggled at the use of a curse while Jodoro gave Derry a perplexed look. ¡°I want a man who loves me for who I am not for who they want me to be.¡±


    ¡°I want a man with enough sense to know when I don¡¯t want to be bothered.¡± Nova said with a side-eyed glance at Derry. Derry looked wounded but smiled when Nova passed the bottle to him. ¡°What about you Christa?¡±


    ¡°You mean Red.¡± Amethyst butted in to everyone¡¯s laughter. Jodoro couldn¡¯t figure out why this comment was so funny to everyone. Maybe they were drunk. Maybe he was.


    ¡°I guess I want someone who will help me achieve my dreams maybe even share them.¡± Christa said. ¡°Someone who will know when I need to be picked up but also when I need to do things on my own.¡±


    ¡°And what about his looks.¡± Ceta asked. ¡°Nobody wants to lay with someone with the face of a dog.¡±


    ¡°Hey I resent that.¡± Derry said.


    ¡°Not you Derry Dog.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I want someone attractive. But what about you Ceta Honeybee?¡± Christa asked.


    ¡°A man of strength and kindness is all I need,¡± Ceta responded. ¡°Looks matter not. Though I do not believe in the thing you call marriage so I may have a few lovers throughout my life and hopefully many children.¡± Jodoro watched as the women around the fire giggled at Ceta¡¯s response. It seemed logical to him, but they obviously found it humorous.


    ¡°I have already found the woman of my dreams.¡± Derry proclaimed loudly into the night. ¡°Her name is Erelda and I will win her heart through valor and wit. Afterall I never met a woman who could refuse me.¡±


    Nova slapped him in the back of his head. ¡°That¡¯s my big sister you fool. She¡¯s off limits idiot. She will likely marry Carl Ridge.¡±


    ¡°Erelda Coldwater. So she¡¯s not married yet?¡± Derry said dreamily. ¡°I have never met a more exemplar woman. Why I would journey the skies for her and plead my case in front of the Star Court for but one-¡±


    Nova clouted him again. ¡°Stay away from my sister pervert.¡±


    ¡°Carl is smitten with her, but I think he dreams of glory in the capitol.¡± Amethyst said. She leaned against him bumping him slightly as she passed him the wine. ¡°Maybe she¡¯ll move for him. What about you Jodoro? Would you follow someone out of love?¡±


    He took the bottle from her and took a deep gulp. He looked into the fire and relished in the warmth of the two women pressed against him. ¡°I suppose I would if I knew that person would do the same for me.¡± He leaned back propping himself up on his arm and gazed into the night sky. ¡°Love that is unequal will never last. But right now?¡± He took another sip and passed the bottle to Ceta with a smile. ¡°It is enough for me to enjoy the company of good friends, a warm fire, and the finest wine in the kingdom.¡± Ceta laughed at this a laid down next to him folding her arms behind her head. The scent of cinnamon and honey wafted off her. His eyes drifted toward Christa a found her quickly looking away from him.


    ¡°What in all hells ya¡¯ll got going on over here?¡± Hamsa asked as he BangBang and Harra walked over. Jodoro sat up. Hamsa was carrying his drums while BangBang had a set of pipes. Harra had his lute that was gifted to him by his late father. It was his prized possession. ¡°You¡¯ve been hoarding the good stuff again Jungle Cat.¡±


    ¡°Got to keep it from prying eyes and fast hands Hamsa Heavyhorse but I¡¯ll exchange a bottle for a lively tune on a chilly night.¡±


    ¡°Only if Ceta Honeybee agrees to take a dance with me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll dance with ya Hamsa Hardpressed.¡±


    They took turns dancing around the fire that night and Jodoro couldn¡¯t remember having that much fun in a long time. Late in the night he found himself with Christa in his arms. Her face was placed against his chest as the drums beat as loudly as his heart. The moment was interrupted when a voice shouted from the wall. ¡°TO ARMS, TO ARMS.¡±

 Chapter 6– Bouncing It

    Chapter 6 ¨C Bouncing It


    In the moments after the alarm was raised Jodoro, Derry, and Ceta were directed to the southern portion of the seaward wall. The rest of the Onaki were there with weapons ready. Normally they could see the mouth of the Nowell River as it emptied into the sea, but it was still dark. Jodoro couldn¡¯t see anything and was beginning to grow tired. The fight, the excitement of trial and the wine had all taken their toll. Each wall around Bellgaurd was 800 meters long and with only 2,000 fighters defending the small city would be a strenuous effort if the enemy managed to encircle them.  I can¡¯t hear anything. Shouldn¡¯t an army be louder? It seemed impossible that the enemy would manage to deploy and attack so quickly. Just as Jodoro was thinking this Sargent Horn came up to them. ¡°Good job getting up here quickly. This was just a drill get some rest.¡±


    With silent curses the Onaki began to trudge down to the courtyard. Derry and Jodoro went to their fire to find that the girls had left. They bedded down. Too tired to converse. That night Jodoro dreamed of war but also the feeling of a certain redhaired girls face pressed against his chest.


    When Jodoro woke up the next morning the sun was already well into the sky and the courtyard was abuzz. About 400 soldiers were staged in the courtyard. The men looked solemn. Most had already donned their armor and were sharpening their spears or testing the strength of their bowstrings. Someone had set up a station against the castle wall where a fletcher was teaching young boys and girls how to make arrows while even younger children carried bundles of arrows to staging points along the walls. Not enough bowmen.


    The smell of food wafted through the air and Jodoro walked toward their fire where a groggy Derry was mixing a pot filled with sweet smelling porridge. Jodoro took a bowl for himself and savored the taste of nutmeg, honey and cherries. Nan with eyes closed, was beside her belongings going through her morning meditations and exercises. When he and Derry were younger, they would stand behind her mocking her movements with barely surpassed laughs.


    ¡°I remember when you couldn¡¯t cook for shit.¡± Jodoro said.


    ¡°Well you know what Nan says?¡± Derry asked.


    ¡°If a man don¡¯t cook he don¡¯t eat.¡± They both repeated. Old Trews joined Nan in her meditations. It was good to see them together again. Maybe he would move back into the yurt soon. Maybe they all would get to.


    ¡°Have you been up to the wall yet?¡± Jodoro asked.


    ¡°Yeah, beaches are clear, but the boats have gotten closer. I heard Rask saying they wont land until late afternoon. But there¡¯s a helluva lot of them. They estimate a force of 10,000.¡±


    Jodoro nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll be hitting them with arrows for awhile likely but I worry that there are not enough bowmen.¡±


    ¡°Yeah I noticed that too.¡± Derry replied solemnly then brightened up. ¡°Last night was fun eh? Saw you and Red have a bit of a moment.¡±


    ¡°Just a dance Derry.¡± Jodoro said as he began to oil the black leather armor that Nan purchased last year. The roads were dangerous in certain parts of the kingdom and Nan spared no expenses when it came to safety. He and Derry had a decent set. Plain cuirasses, pauldrons, and bracers. They didn¡¯t have much leg protection, but they¡¯d likely be up on the wall walk behind the protection of the merlons.


    ¡°Saw you and Amethyst have one too and Ceta as well.¡± Derry said as he began to do the same.


    There was the problem wasn¡¯t it. All of them were beautiful. ¡°Sweet Ceta is like a sister to us.¡±


    ¡°Sister my ass,¡± Derry laughed. ¡°She¡¯s been giving you bedroom eyes for months. She wants it Jo. She¡¯s ready to go. Hot in the leathers if you know what I mean. You better be careful or Hamsa will swoop in.¡±


    ¡°Ceta can take care of herself.¡±


    ¡°She wants you to take care of her if you know what I mean. Play a little game of hare in the honeypot if you know what I mean.¡± Jodoro let him talk for awhile while he washed in a wooden tub nearby. When Derry started throwing around if you know what I means or the equally derivate if you ask me it was best to let him get it out of his system. The cool water felt good against his bruised body. At least he didn¡¯t have broken ribs like he thought. Nan eventually walked up to him.


    ¡°Get your naked ass out of that tub and get dressed. I have to meet the Duke in half a bell and your coming with me.¡± She paused with a smile then shouted across the inner bailey. ¡°FREE PEEP SHOW.¡± Then walked away.


    ***


    ¡°Now do not get me wrong.¡± Lady Bell said as she pulled the curtains open in Christa¡¯s room and tossed some clothes that were on the floor into a basket. ¡°I¡¯m glad that your getting outside more but you should not be alone with boys especially at night.¡± Christa¡¯s head was thumping from the wine and the light piercing through the window did not help. Her mother stopped by the window and let out a shriek. ¡°Is that the Bowerbird boy naked in a tub. By the Star Court what indecency. I have half a mind to forbid you from being around them.¡±


    ¡°Mother I was not alone Nova and Amethyst were there.¡± Christa retorted as she got out of bed and walked to her basin. She paused briefly by the window and her mother shoved her lightly in the direction of her tub.


    ¡°Darling you are becoming a woman and when that happens you begin to get certain urges.¡± Her mother explained tentatively. Christa groaned outload as she got into the tub. Not this again. ¡°I urge you to preserve your chastity. You will be married before you know it.¡±


    ¡°I know mother.¡± Christa droned.


    ¡°You girls will be helping Erelda and I today. We have cooks to organize, an infirmary to deal with and hundred of townspeople to accommodate. A battle is not just fought by the soldiers you know. But first we must meet your father.¡±


    ¡°I know mother.¡± Christa said. She quickly dried off, dressed and ate. On the way to the war room. They passed the Great Hall and Christa couldn¡¯t help and marvel at the changes. Sleeping mats were laid in long rows and women and children were being served food. She saw Amethyst and Nova waiting for them outside of the war room up ahead. They looked as hungover as her and for that she was grateful. At least I¡¯m not the only one. They entered the room and stood behind her mother as she sat next to her father. Duke Bell¡¯s war room was dominated by a larger circular table with a map of the kingdom but with Bellgaurd at its center. General Ridge sat next to her father with his son Carl behind him both were in beautiful steel armor with the Bell family crest emblazoned on tabards, a copper bell beneath two crossed tridents and the Bell creed- Hear us, heed us. Steward Olman, Scholar Barkley, Guildmaster Fretcher, Erelda Coldwater were all present.


    Greetings were passed around and then the door opened again. Nan Bowerbird walked in wearing a silk gown of all things, with a giant battle axe strapped across her back. The scene naturally rendered everyone speechless and would have been funny if not for the severity of their circumstances. Jodoro was behind her in black leather armor with a round shield strapped to his back. He was holding a spear and had a dirk and hatchet sheathed around his waist. He gave the room a brief smile and a shy wave as he stood behind his now seated Nan. Duke Bell cleared his throat and looked around the room.


    ¡°Now that we are all hear let us begin. Scholar Barkley what is the status of the reinforcements?¡±


    ¡°Duke Roald of Hernit sends word that they are levying troops and should deploy by the end of the day. With current travel conditions it would take them two weeks to get here. They estimate 1,000 soldiers. Count Yuile of Delonica sent notice that the Farki have been scouting and he can only afford to send 200 archers. They will be traveling by barge down the Nowell River and should be here tomorrow evening. The capitol sent word to Heliodor who is patrolling the southlands. He sent a bird moments ago. He will be here in two days with 300 calvary. The remaining 1,000 infantry in two weeks.¡± The scholar relayed.


    ¡°Can the capitol not send more troops? There are at least 10,000 raiders on our doorstep.¡±


    ¡°The Grand Steward regretfully informed us that Farki are taking aggressive actions in the east. They can only spare Heliodor and his Flying Donkey¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°That leaves us with 2,000 here now. But only 1,000 are trained fighters. Tomorrow we will be joined by 200 Delonican archers and in two days Heliodor with 300. We will have to hold and whittle them down for two weeks.¡± Her father paused and looked to her mother. ¡°What is the status of our supplies?¡±


    ¡°We have enough emergency food stores for three weeks. If we dip into the winter stores early, we can have more but making it to spring may cost some money. The shepherds are currently bringing in the eastern flocks early. This could give us a boost but too much slaughter will leave our flocks depleted for next year. We have shortages of crucial medicines in the infirmary which could lead to more infections. We have taken more cooks from the townspeople and I hope to start organizing triage groups today.¡±


    ¡°General Ridge what strategy do you advise?¡± The Duke asked.


    ¡°Right now, we estimate a total of between 10,000-12,000 raiders from the seas. Scout have confirmed reports that Fraki scouts have been spotted a couple miles south of the Nowell. While the seaward wall is not at the final height it should be enough to hold. Our main concern is that the wall walks are not finished and are only three feet wide in some places. This will present a challenge during any concerted attack. We only have 200 trained archers, but we have a surplus of arrows. Our strategy should be to rain hell down on them as they make landing. If we can keep harrying them it will delay the construction of their siege equipment. Hopefully that will keep them from making a concerned assault on the wall. I also advise that you consider ordering a sally onto the beach after a few hundred of the raiders land. It will decrease their numbers and also provide a boost to moral.¡± The general finished.


    ¡°See that it is done. I am placing all military strategy in your hands.¡± The Duke turned to Steward Olman.


    ¡°Olman, I want you to work with Lady Bell and see to the comforts of the people. I want you to also act as a liaison between me and my people with the help of the Guildmaster. They are to be made as comfortable as possible during this time.¡± The Steward nodded his approval and Duke Bell looked at Nan Bowerbird. Her father was a kind man and Christa knew what he was going to say. ¡°Madam Bowerbird I understand if your people wish to leave now. This is not your battle and I will not ask for you to stay and fight it.¡±


    Christa looked at Nan and saw her start a conversation with Jodoro. He stooped down to hear her and said something that made her smile and pat him on the cheek twice so roughly that it could have been confused with a slap. ¡°Duke Bell my boy reminds me that the wall is not yet finished and that it is still our responsibility. We will stay and we will fight with you. The wall walks are narrow, but my men and women are used to working on much narrower. You can use us on your seaward wall.¡± She paused for a moment considering something. ¡°We also have numerous supplies of anti-septics that we are willing to share. We can feed ourselves and arm ourselves. I have also sent a bird to my sister who was planning to visit. She will be here this afternoon. With her company and mine we have a combined strength of 100 fighting Onaki all of which are deadly with bows.¡±Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Her father looked speechless for a moment but gathered himself. ¡°Many thanks Madam Bowerbird for all your help and may the Star Court bless you.¡±


    ¡°May the heavens shine on you too Duke Bell. You are a good ruler who treats Onaki fairly. Let the gifts of my people be shared with yours.¡± Christa throat began to tighten, and her eyes grew moist. Her mother had pulled out a white kerchief and was blowing snot into it in a most unladylike manner. With that her father adjourned the meeting.


    ***


    Jodoro was on the seaward wall with Derry preparing his black horn bow. The afternoon sun was high and the boats had gotten closer. A few hundred troops under the command of the Carl Ridge were staged in the inner bailey. They were set to sally forth whenever a sufficient force was on the beach. The archers on the wall were to be ready to cover their retreat. They had just ate a meal of smoked sailfish and cheese. Old Trews was with him decked in his leather armor. His long salt and pepper beard blowing in the wind. Jodoro saw Guy and Jean walking toward them on the wall. The two seemed inseparable.


    ¡°Room for two more?¡± Guy asked as he set down his quiver. Jodoro nodded with a smile. Guy and Jean were cool enough sorts. They stuck to themselves mostly but were always polite.


    ¡°What¡¯s up bros,¡± Derry greeted. ¡°Yous missed some good wine last night.¡±


    ¡°I heard,¡± said Jean. ¡°Nova and Amethyst wouldn¡¯t shut up about it at lunch.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind a taste of the Hytian wine next time.¡± Guy added as he struggled slightly to string his bow.


    ¡°Our fire is yours to share whenever it suits you.¡± Jodoro said as he took the bow from Guy stepped through it and brought the string up to the notch. He passed the bow back and looked at the two of them seriously for a moment. ¡°Are yall any good with those?¡±


    The two shook their heads slightly. ¡°I¡¯m afraid we are a bit out of practice.¡±


    Jodoro nodded in understanding. Guy and Jean were smart they would go to University and become merchants or ministers. They weren¡¯t warriors. ¡°Fortunately, we have more arrows then we can use. Aim for the center of their groups. Don¡¯t shoot anywhere near our troops and let us handle the close shots.¡± Maybe he was talking down to them. ¡°Don¡¯t worry you¡¯ll get the hang of it.¡±


    ¡°Have either of you ever killed anyone?¡± Jean asked tentatively.


    ¡°A few bandits on the way to Bellgaurd. Its not easy.¡± Jodoro said. ¡°Derry hasn¡¯t yet.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯d it feel?¡± Guy asked.


    ¡°Well I threw up all over myself. Pissed my pants and couldn¡¯t sleep for three days. But eventually things became more normal.¡± Jodoro said.


    ¡°Signals up boys.¡± Old Trews interrupted. ¡°Ware and be steady.¡± The gates opened on the postern and Carl Ridge¡¯s men ran out onto the beach. A group of 100 sea raiders had landed and were desperately pulling their boats out of the water. Hundreds of other boats were behind them. The distance was too great for Jodoro to shoot now but he watched as Carl¡¯s men shouted a yipping war cry clashed into the barely ready raiders. The sound of steel on steel rang through the air and screams of men could be heard. It took awhile for Jodoro to notice that the Bells were tolling a frenzied melody. Blood filled the water as Jodoro and the others watched Carl¡¯s men carve through group after group of raiders.


    ¡°Back, back,¡± Old Trews was yelling and Jodoro took up the call also. He put an arrow to his bow and saw the others do the same. Guy and Jean were shaking as they drew their bows and he directed their aim toward the flanks of Carl¡¯s men. He let off a shot as he exhaled and quickly nocked an arrow without checking. Carl¡¯s men were still engaged but the flanks were closing in on them. A horn sounded on the wall and the men on the beach began to disengage. They were close to being closed off. ¡°Aim lower,¡± he said to Guy and Jean. Derry began retching and coughing beside him. ¡°BREATHE¡± he shouted to his brother who shakily knocked an arrow. He fired for what seemed minutes. Sweet Ceta ran up beside him started firing into the group of men trying to flank Bellgaurd¡¯s troops. When the were younger they spent hours practicing and she was as good of a shot as him. Men began filtering into the courtyard. One man was limping toward the gate but looked like he wouldn¡¯t make it. Raiders were yards behind him but gaining fast.


    ¡°There!¡± Old Trews shouted as he trained his bow on the raiders behind the man. Ceta, Jodoro and a much steadier Derry began training their arrows there too.


    ¡°Carl!¡± Guy shouted and Jodoro watched as Carl ran toward the man. He wasn¡¯t going to make it. Time seemed to slow as Jodoro fired shot after shot. There were two many of them. Carl reached the man as two raiders were about to gut him. He slew them with his short sword and scooped the man up in his arms. He began running toward the gate his boots slipping in the sand. He won¡¯t make it. Two blue armored raiders approached him from behind at incredible speed. Arrows bounced off their armor. Carl was struggling with his burden obviously tired but refused to drop the man. Two more men ran out from the postern to help but they wouldn¡¯t get there in time. Carl sensing the danger dropped the man and turned barely block an axe aimed for his head. Archers stopped shooting for fear of hitting Carl.


    ¡°Jodoro the neck!¡± Old Trews desperately shouted as his string broke. The angle was wrong and Jodoro felt his nerves fray as he aimed his bow. ¡°Bounce it boy! Bounce it!¡± Old Trews shouted. Carl blocked another blow from the raider and killed him with a stab to the throat, but he was exposed to the other one. Jodoro said a quick prayer to the started court, aimed, and released his arrow. The world seemed to stop as the arrow sped toward Carl. The flat side of the tip bounced slightly off his right pauldron and struck the raider in the throat. Carl wasted no time and ran toward the gate. Archers continued firing at the flanks until the gates closed. They continued to fire at the raiders as they were getting established. A cheer rose up along the walls of Bellgaurd as the raiders retreated out of range. Jodoro put down his bow. His hands trembling.


    Guy turned to him out of breath with vomit on his shirt. ¡°What they fuck was that?!?¡± Jodoro shrugged struggling for words.


    ¡°That my friend was Jungle Cat badassery,¡± Derry interrupted.


    ***


    ¡°Lady Christa will I die?¡± The soldier asked her as she pressed down on his wound with bandages. Men had begun to filter into the infirmary some staggering some carried by others. Her mother was stitching a wounded man¡¯s arm while Healer Tilda was sawing a man¡¯s leg across the room. The primal screams of dying men combined with the shouts for help. These were the sounds of war. It was a sound she would never forget. So much blood. So much pain and death. Why do the raiders hate us? Why do they want what is ours? Nova and Amethyst were fetching whatever was shouted at them. ¡°No, you will live, and the Star Court will bless you.¡± She responded. Her mother told her the most important thing for her to do was to tell the well-placed lie. People needed hope as much as medicine to recover. These men were dying for them. She pulled the bandage up for a moment and looked into the thigh wound. She was about to put needle to thread when someone grabbed her hand.


    Seta Blackspider shook her head. ¡°Watch and learn.¡± She picked up a bottle and poured a stringent smelling liquid on the wound. ¡°First the anti-septic,¡± she said then she pressed down on the wound with cloth. ¡°Can¡¯t have infection spreading or he¡¯s as good as dead.¡± Seta deftly began stitching the wound and pulling the cloth back along the cut inch by inch. When she was done, she looked at Christa and said. ¡°Got it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam Blackspider.¡± It dawned on her that she almost killed a man, but she felt sure she could repeat the process. Pressure, Anti-septic, then stitch. She was stitching another man when Carl barged into the room.


    ¡°Carl!¡± Amethyst shouted as she embraced her brother. ¡°Thank the Star Court your alive.¡±


    Carl looked troubled as he returned the embrace. ¡°How many?¡± He asked the Healer.


    ¡°Five dead and seven severely wounded and ten with minor wounds.¡± She replied barely looking up from her work. Carl nodded and extracted himself from his sister. He began walking around talking to his soldiers and Christa could not help feeling immense pride for the people pf Bellgaurd. This was true leadership. Carl cared about his men. He walked up to the man she was stitching and praised her work before moving down the infirmary.


    Seta Blackspider walked up to him. ¡°Sit and remove the armor.¡±


    ¡°I am fine madam.¡± He responded brusquely.


    ¡°You are wounded.¡± She replied tersely.


    ¡°I am not wounded madam. There are others who need care.¡±


    ¡°All others are cared for. Armor off.¡± She commanded. ¡°You are wounded, and you do not know it. Battle rush. You have the battle rush.¡± She began undoing his breastplate despite his insistence and Amethyst ran over to help. Christa finished with her stitching. Went over to help. Carl had taken a gash to his shoulder.


    ¡°Oh, Carl your hurt,¡± Amethyst cried. ¡°What happened? How?¡±


    ¡°Relax Chile he will be fine.¡± Seta said as she began to treat the wound.


    Carl seemed to relax though his face tightened when the stitching began. He glanced at Seta¡¯s headscarf. ¡°Do all Onaki wear those?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±


    ¡°Damn I owe one my thanks,¡± he turned to Amethyst. ¡°You should have seen it Amie. I was almost dead, an axe speeding toward me, my sword in the neck of another man. Then the most extraordinary thing happened.¡± He flinched in pain.


    ¡°What happened Carl?¡± Amethyst asked desperately.


    ¡°An arrow came from nowhere. Everyone else had stopped shooting. I was too close to the enemy, but an arrow came, bounced off my pauldron and into the man¡¯s throat. Luckiest shot I ever saw. Surely the Star Court was watching from above.¡±


    Christa did not know much about battles but even she knew you should not hit your own troops. Seta smiled slightly. ¡°Twas not luck chile o¡¯ war.¡±


    ¡°They said an Onaki shot it. Some youth with an orange, black, white, and gold headband.¡± Carl said.


    Amethyst face turned angry. ¡°Jodoro shot at you. He could have killed you.¡± She fumed. ¡°I¡¯ll killed him myself.¡± Christa found herself getting angry as well and even more so when Seta began to laugh.


    ¡°Twas no harm. The Jungle Cat and my Honeybee were taught by the best. Old Trews been teaching them to bounce arrows since they could draw a bow.¡± She chuckled to herself. ¡°Used to drive me crazy them two. Jodoro in boots too big bouncing arrows off everything in sight wit Ceta running behind him hair blowing in the wind.¡±


    ¡°Extraordinary.¡± Carl mused. ¡°That must have been the youth from the meeting. The one behind Bowerbird. I owe him a debt.¡±


    ¡°I still don¡¯t like the idea of him shooting at you.¡± Amethyst persisted.


    ¡°Yalls need help in here?¡± A voice shouted from the doorway. Christa saw Old Trews standing in the frame in his armor.


    ¡°Naw I think it¡¯s covered ya old goat.¡± Seta cackled. ¡°A little bird told me you¡¯ve been rolling around in yesterday¡¯s hay again.¡±


    Old Trews worn face broke into a smile. ¡°Twas still clean and fit to rest me head on.¡± He laughed and turned to leave but came back again a peeked around the door. ¡°Shoulda seen Jodoro bounce it today.¡± Then he left without a word. Christa¡¯s mother came and dismissed them and she, Nova and Amethyst left to find some food.


    ¡°I cannot believe his carelessness.¡± Amethsyt fumed as they walked.


    ¡°Carl is a soldier his life will always be in danger.¡± Nova said in an uncharacteristically consoling way.


    ¡°Not Carl, that damn jungle boy. I am going to strangle him.¡±


    ¡°Calm yourself Amethyst. I think he knew what he was doing. Didn¡¯t you hear Seta.¡± Christa said. Amethyst could be unreasonable when she got angry.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to justify it Chrissy,¡± Amethyst shook her head. ¡°What if he made a mistake. What if the wind shifted?¡±


    ¡°Carl would have been dead from the raider then either way. You heard what he said.¡± Nova pointed out. Then paused bewildered. ¡°The kitchens are this way.¡±


    Amethyst stomped toward the courtyard and Christa rushed to keep up with her. As the entered it they could see a lot of people on the wall. Amethyst paused and shaded her eyes looking around. ¡°She¡¯s out of control. Best let it run the course.¡± She whispered to Nova who nodded.


    Eventually Amethyst began marching toward the south portion of the seaward wall. Christa could see a wearing looking Jodoro and Derry sitting on the wall walk with their legs dangling down. They were eating and to Christa¡¯s surprise Guy and Jean were with them. As they got closer Derry¡¯s voice could be heard.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be decent in a few days Guy. I think you actually hit someone out there.¡± Derry said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t remind me.¡± Guy said as he vomited of the wall.


    ¡°I heard the commanders talking. They think there are 15,000 out there now. How long can we hold out?¡± Jean asked.


    ¡°As long as we have to.¡± Jodoro replied. Christa¡¯s legs burned as they crested the walls. Amethyst was in front bully people out of her path. ¡°Ladies Amethsyt, Nova, and Christa, It is nice to see you all.¡±


    ¡°Why are you covered in blood?¡± Guy asked. Amethyst ignored them. Marched right up to Jodoro and slapped him in the face.


    Jodoro blinked surprisingly as Derry burst out laughing nearly choking on his food. ¡°WHAT IN HELLS NAME WAS THAT FOR?¡± Jodoro shouted as food flew out of his mouth. Amethyst momentarily shrank beneath his rage but equally angered struck him again. He grabbed her arm before she could hit him once more. ¡°GODS WOMAN WHAT THE HELL HAS COME OVER YOU?¡± Amethyst struggled and seethed for moments before growing weary.


    ¡°Shoot at my brother again and I will kill you.¡± She threatened breathlessly. ¡°Let me go.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to hit me.¡± Jodoro asked as she struggled.


    ¡°No,¡± Amethyst told him. Jodoro let her go and sighed in relief. Amethyst slapped him again and he teetered on the walk before regaining his balance.


    ¡°Damn you woman he saved his life.¡± Derry shouted but buckled under her glare. She raised her hand again and Jodoro Jaguar, Jodoro the Jungle Cat flinched.


    Guy quickly grabbed her. ¡°He did save him Amethyst. I saw it. He knew he could make the shot, Old Trews told him to bounce it and he did.¡± Guy went on excitedly. ¡°He actually did it and it was deliberate. Most remarkable thing I ever saw.¡± Amethyst calmed for a moment but began to cry angrily. Christa hugged her.


    ¡°I¡­I¡­I¡¯m not sorry I hit you.¡± Amethyst stuttered. ¡°But thanks for saving my brother.¡± She walked up to Jodoro and he stood firm. She inched closer to him and kissed him on the cheek. ¡°There all better now.¡± She said as she turned tail and left. Jodoro looked at Christa with a puzzled expression and Christa¡¯s emotions fluctuated between bewilderment, humor, and jealousy. Amethyst being Amethyst. She shrugged at him and followed her friend.


    She heard Derry¡¯s voice behind her. ¡°Jo you¡¯re about the biggest fucking fool I¡¯ve seen in my life.¡±

 Chapter 7- The Cost of War

    Chapter 7- The Cost of War


    ¡°Cousins!¡± Derry greeted warmly from the wall walk. ¡°Yous just missed the Jungle Cat getting the shit slapped out of him.¡± Derry laughed as he shot another arrow and saw it hit a raider carrying wood. There were thousands on the beach and more on boats waiting to disembark. The landing crews were attempting to set up a defensive barricade fifty yards away from the wall. Don¡¯t know why the stupid fucks don¡¯t wait until night. Showing a real lack of leadership, they are. Sun will be down soon anyway. ¡°Is that Urma Armormouse over there? DAAAAAAMMMNNN she got thick. You go ¡®head girl.¡±


    ¡°Derry that¡¯s are cousin.¡± Jodoro said after firing.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t look.¡± Derry said. ¡°¡¯sides she¡¯s not blood related. Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t see the wagon she¡¯s towing behind her. OOOOOWWWEEEE.¡± Derry felt good. He was a little down early killing a couple blokes and all but something about seeing Jodoro get slapped invigorated him. He was usually the one getting slapped around by Nan and Seta while they smiled and doted on Jodoro. It was only right for that fool to get his once and awhile. Couldn¡¯t blame a bloke for wanting to see justice done occasionally. Urma Armourmouse, Ike Ironrat, Stella Steelrabbit reached their spot on the walls and start stringing their bows.


    ¡°These the bastards we¡¯re shooting?¡± Ike asked gruffly. He was short and stocky and looked remarkably like a male version of Nan. The cousins got out of building years ago. Their company bought a mine near Hernit and now had a nice ass house, big as hell on the outskirts of the city.


    ¡°Right you are you rodent kin bastards. Fire aaaawwwaaaay.¡± Derry shouted.


    ¡°Is he drunk?¡± Stella asked Jodoro. Stella was still as rail thin as ever.


    ¡°Probably,¡± Jodoro grunted.


    ¡°What¡¯s this I heard about you getting the shit slapped outta ya?¡± Urma said as she released an arrow.


    ¡°Misunderstanding,¡± Jodoro replied.


    ¡°Weren¡¯t no misunderstanding. He almost killed this royal chick¡¯s brother. She marched up her in a huff slapped him, slapped him again. Promised the fool she wouldn¡¯t slap him then slapped him again.¡± Derry burst out. The cousins, who naturally had a good sense of humor unlike his thickheaded brother, started laughing their asses off.


    ¡°She said she was sorry.¡± Jodoro smiled. ¡°And she thanked me.¡± The cousins of course found this even funnier. ¡°Got a kiss out of it. I¡¯ll take a couple of slaps for a kiss.¡±


    ¡°Twas only on the cheek ya fool.¡± Derry shot back. I don¡¯t know what these broads see in him sometimes. He puts in no leg work. Doesn¡¯t complement them, spin a yarn, or make them laugh. Yet they all eventually moon over him. The fool can¡¯t leave his yurt without tripping over lovestruck bimbos. It was enough to make a man downright jealous sometimes the way they carried on always batting their eyes, sneaking glances, whispering to each other.


    ¡°Are we going to die here?¡± Urma asked. ¡°There are a lot of men down there.¡±


    Derry did not know. These were the questions Jodoro usually answered but he was busy firing away. ¡°If we die here at least there will be cold ale in the Star Court.¡±


    ¡°Cold ale?¡± Jodoro asked. ¡°You know what Derry Dog¡­That might not be so bad.¡±


    They shot all day and were relieved at nightfall. Derry¡¯s arms were exhausted by the time they reached their courtyard camp his draw arm had tightened up so much he could barely move it. Derry washed the sweat off his body and changed his clothes. The cousins were gathered around the fire arguing about who was the best shot. Jodoro broke out his pipes and began playing a soft melody. The song was new, and it floated gently upon the air like fall leaves swirling on a breezy day. Uncle Paul played softly on his fiddle. It only took a few moments for the other Onaki to begin playing throughout the courtyard. This was inevitable the two companies had partnered on many jobs throughout the years. There would be a lot of sex tonight. Lovebonds would be formed and undoubtedly some would leave the Copper Cauldron Company and join the Three Golden Shovels. Some would do the opposite. This was the Onaki way. Uncle John Blueheron stood behind Nan and was gently massaging her shoulders. He was the spittin image of his mother. Derry thought he had never seen the old bird smile so much and it almost made him happy for her-almost. Jodoro passed the pipes to him and he began to play his own melody. One that was a bit sadder. One that told of battle, death, a broken history of a people without a home. He blew into the pipes more. He thought of Jodoro¡¯s beaten body and the Coldwater women. He saw his father¡¯s cheerful face and the sad eyes of Diodora Desertdeer. He felt his face grow wet and still played. He played for them all. He played for the future. But most of all he played for his soul. For he knew that once a man killed, he would never be the same.


    ***


    Duke Bell stood with General Ridge and Heliodor on the ramparts of the seaward wall and surveyed the beach below. Over the past two days the sea raiders had constructed a defensive wall by stacking their boats together fifty yards from the wall. The wood was charred in some places where fire arrows had landed but the raiders had unfortunately kept most of the lumber wet. Their early estimates of the enemy forces had been all wrong. There were at least 13,000 men on the beach. It was an incredible force that dwarfed all their other invasion attempts. Even with the help they expected their would-be drastic losses in Bellgaurd. It was clear now that their were Farki among their numbers. He could see them in their redsteel armor milling around near the water. As he watched he saw a group exiting a large pavilion well out of arrow range. Strong men hoisted what appeared to be a palanquin onto their shoulders and made their way toward the barricade horns blew and an enormous man in redsteel armor raised a white flag.


    ¡°Give the order to cease fire.¡± Duke Bell relayed to General Ridge. Ridge passed it along and soon all firing stopped. All was silent except for the tolling of a single bell. The group watched as the palanquin came to a rest just past the barricade. A dusky woman sat atop the palanquin she was dressed in layers of red silks and covered in enough gold jewelry to beggar his dukedom.


    The large man with the white flag shouted to the wall. ¡°All Hail Alis XIV General-Princess of the Farkian empire!! HAIL! HAIL! HAIL!¡± Farkian and sea raiders clapped their weapons on their shields. The noise was deafening. Alis XIV raised one arm and stood on her palanquin drawing immediate silence. Duke Bell had never seen the seas raiders so disciplined.


    ¡°Duke Bell lend me your ear,¡± Alis shouted. ¡°By order of Sala High Empress of Farki we proclaim the dukedom of Bellgaurd the property of the Farkian Empire. Your royal family has twenty-four hours to relinquish control of Bellgaurd to me. If you comply all residents except for any Onaki will be granted full Farki citizenship rights. Any Onaki present will be given restricted occupational rights.¡± Alis paused and looked around and now spoke directly to the soldiers on the walls. ¡°Anyone willing to leave may do so without harassment or harm.¡± She then turned to Duke Bell. ¡°You have twenty-four hours Duke. If we do not hear your answer we will attack and overwhelm you.¡± With that she turned to leave.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°We cannot submit Duke Bell,¡± Heliodror said earnestly. ¡°We must hold until help arrives.¡± Duke Bell considered his words carefully. Would help come? Even with the Flying Donkey¡¯s and Hernit that would leave them roughly 4,000 to fight of 13,000. What would happen when they attacked the walls? How many would die? Could he put his people through this?


    ¡°What help Heliodor!¡± He hissed silently. ¡°Delonica is pressed and Hernit and the Flying Donkey¡¯s won¡¯t be here for another week at the soonest.¡±


    General Ridge placed a gentle hand on the Duke. ¡°Milord we must give the people hope. I think we can hold. If the wall is not breached, we can hold.¡± Duke Bell looked at Ridge. Ridge and he had been friends since they were boys.


    ¡°If it is as you say then we will not submit, but we better pray to the Star Court that we can hold.¡± The Duke said. Heliodor nodded his approval and left to join his men in the inner bailey.  ¡°Pray to the gods we hold.¡±


    ***


    They realized something was wrong when people stopped coming into the infirmary. Soon Healer Tilda began sending Christa and her friends out to help bring the injured in. The soldiers were so pressed they could not leave their positions. They pressed some of the townswomen into service and those women boldly did their part often putting themselves into dangerous positions. Alis XIV was true to her word. She attacked twenty-four hours after her proclamation. That was five days ago. Now as Christa ran through the courtyard carrying water canisters, she saw the true cost of war. Bodies lay in the inner bailey unstacked and festering in the hot sun. The bells no longer rang for the could afford to spare no one. She tossed a canister of water in the general direction of some men; soldiers would always find water. She kept moving. Kept looking for someone that was alive. She found a wounded Onaki woman she didn¡¯t recognize and called for some help. Together he and Nova carried the woman in a gurney. As they struggled, they heard a constant rhythmic boom.


    General Ridge¡¯s voice cut through the air. ¡°Heliodor to the gate!¡± Christa saw Heliodor and his men form up in front of the gate. They were not like the Bellgaurd men. They fought mainly with swords instead of spears. They overlapped their shields and readied for impact. This could be the end. She banished those thoughts and urged Nova forward.


    ***


    Hamsa Heavyhorse died. He and Sweet Ceta were fighting a squad of redsteel warriors when he took a sword to the back while protecting her blindside. He continued fighting sending six enemies to their graves with his claymore sacrificing enough time for Rajo and Trepa to help push the enemies back over the wall. Where was the glory promised in books? Where was the Star Court and their battle blessings? The gate was being pounded by a massive ram that the enemy had constructed as the pressure of Farkian arrows turned the wall walk into a ledge of death. Sea raider corps were launching ladder attacks along the sea ward and northern walls and all the defenders could do was try and keep them from gaining a foothold. Jodoro found himself fighting on the seaward wall barbican with Sargent Horn and Ronald Olman of all people but everything including time was a blur.


    Moments later he was on the northern wall where Jean DeVorn took a spear to the throat and was pushed over the wall.


    Nan was next to him swinging her battle axe for moments. She cut enemies down as if she was felling saplings, the swing of her axe matching the sway of the canary silk dress she was wearing. Old Trews followed in her wake like a deadly shadow that dealt death with twin swords.


    Time a nebulous wisp that Jodoro could not grasp. There could be no mourning yet. He let his hickory spear with its long blade do the work. Its was constant, it was reliable but Jodoro discovered something during those few bloody days. The shield was a weapon too and with it he pushed unbalanced raiders and Farkians over the walls. Derry was beside him mimicking his moves. A loud crack sounded, and an order was given in General Ridge¡¯s voice. Jodoro continued each enemy perishing under his on slaughter. Derry was calling out to him but that only meant that he was alive. Jodoro pressed further along the wall. The enemy had gained a foothold and raiders were spilling onto the wall walk. He stood his ground on the narrow ledge and vowed to let no one pass him. Sweet Ceta was calling him but he paid no attention. He stood there and held until he felt strong arms grab his head from behind in a lock. This was it then. He was being dragged back and could not gain his footing. The death blow would surely come soon. Where was Derry? Where was Nan?


    He managed to break the hold and turned to find Carl Ridge shouting at him. ¡°TO THE KEEP MAN!¡± He fought a retreat with Carl and realized that Bellgaurd had truly been overrun. They reached the courtyard to find Heliodors soldiers and men of the Bell Battalion holding off the pressing enemy while everyone filtered into the doorway to the keep. He and Carl stumbled in and began pulling others into the building. When the last men arrived. General Ridge gave the order to bar and barricade the door. Shouts of victory range out from the courtyard for the enemy had free reign to loot the city. They were ushered into the Great hall where Jodoro saw Derry, Nan and Old Trews waiting for him. He took a flask of water from Derry and let the water replenish him. He sat against a wall and slept until he heard a sound he could not ignore.


    ***


    Room had run out inside the infirmary and pallets were set up in the corridor outside. They had run out of bandages a long time ago and were using sheets and curtains to wrap wounds. Amethyst had stopped crying long ago. Men and boys, she had grown up with her whole life had died. Soon the faces became a blur as she moved mechanically about bandaging and stitching. The anti-septic was gone, and the cloying stench of pus and blood could not be banished. Lady Bell had just informed them that the gate had been breached and the walls overrun. This was their last stand. All the dreams and ambitions of the past seemed foolish: the time spent in the scholarium and the petty mechanizations of her and her friends seemed unimportant. Countless hour spent fantasizing about the future had all been for naught. As she carried water to the sick, she heard a sound that lifted her spirits.


    ***


    In the Great Hall Guy Bell searched desperately for Jean. Where is he? I just saw him this morning. He saw Derry and ran up to him. ¡°Derry have you seen Jean?¡±


    Derry¡¯s face glazed over. ¡°He fell Guy. Jean fell.¡± Guy found a corner in the hall, sat down and cried.


    ***


    Nan Bowerbird looked around at her son and grandchildren. Jodoro was sleeping. The black of his armor was covered in red. His hair was matted and spiked in areas. Even know he clutched his spear in his hand. Derry was sitting with a vacant stare. Her son John was tending to a minor wound while his children slept. Old Trews was consoling Harra. The sound of a bell rang high above.


    ***


    Erda was alone in the Hightower staring at the carnage below. The enemy was crawling over the city but their numbers had been greatly diminished in the past few days. She was about to leave the tower when she caught a glimpse of movement to the North. Out along the stretch of flatlands rode a horde of calvary. She waited breathlessly as they got closer. Three flags became apparent, a winged donkey on a black field, a green anvil on a field of white and a last flag that made her heart skip a beat. Three gauntleted fists over a red and white checkered field. The second prince had come. She ran to the great bell, grabbed the massive rope and held on as she bounced up in down.


    ***


    Duke Bell was fighting near the barricade to the castle. He and his troops had set up a wall of shields that spanned the entryway. It was wide enough for three men to fight and perhaps they could hold here for a while and make their deaths count. Perhaps with his sword he could send enough enemies to their graves to make the fall of Bellgaurd a legend. Heliodor took the place of the man beside him and killed as if he was born to it. They called him the warrior prince and he had long ago relinquished any claim to the throne dedicating himself to protecting the reign of his father and the first prince. Ridge was beside him to his right a comforting presence. He remembered the days when they were boys playing pranks on the kitchen staff.


    One time he convinced Ridge to steal a blueberry pie. Ridge got caught but refused to give him up. Just as his father was about to punish Ridge he stepped in and took the beating. Later that day his father took him into his study and told him a secret. Ridge was his brother, a bastard with no claim to the dukedom. It made sense to him then for he had always seen his father take a keen interest in Ridge¡¯s welfare. Ridge was his brother. The thoughts that happen before death. I must tell him.


    ¡°Ridge,¡± he called.


    ¡°Yes milord,¡± Ridge grunted.


    ¡°There¡¯s something you should know,¡± Duke Bell shouted as he pushed an enemy back but as he was about to tell him he heard something. Could it be? ¡°What¡¯s that noise?¡± He shouted over the din.


    ¡°That would be the great bell ringing milord. Reinforcements have arrived.¡± Ridge said as his voice began to break.

 Chapter 8- Aftermath

    Chapter 8- Aftermath


    Jodoro sat silently next to Derry sipping from his flagon of ale. The Great Hall was packed with people celebrating what they now called the Battle for Bellgaurd. The second prince had come with 3,000 of his own men. With the help of Heliodor¡¯s forces and the men from Hernit they pushed dregs of Alis the XIV¡¯s army across the Nowell river and deep into the swamplands that made the border between Farki and Ardinum. They then joined Bellgaurd¡¯s forces to clear the city. The casualties were immense. Of the 2,000 mustered in Bellgaurd only 600 remained. Even now Jodoro could see the pain etched on Duke Bell¡¯s face as he sat on the dais with his family and the two princes. The cousins left earlier and much to everyone¡¯s surprise Ike Ironrat and Sweet Ceta Honeybee announced their intent to form a lovebond. Jodoro felt a mix of sorrow and happiness for them. When they left Ceta kissed him on each cheek. Her words were still stuck in his head. I¡¯m going away now. I¡¯ve seen enough war and things won¡¯t be the same here.


    Jodoro pondered going with them but he could never leave Nan and Derry. His thoughts turned toward the Onaki graves that they dug deep within the sands of the beach. Hamsa, Rajo, Trepa, and Yhen all pershied. Harra left to start a new life in Hernit with Urma Armormouse but Jodoro suspected he left because he never wanted to see the beaches of Bellgaurd again. Hamsa hurt the most and he could not help the tears that flowed down his face. Hamsa was like a fucked-up uncle. He pestered the hell out of them when they were younger and continued to do so until his dying day but Jodoro would never forget his booming laugh or the time when he beat a man senseless for calling Nan a whore.


    He dried his eyes and laughed at the memories. There was much of that going on. Derry was staring daggers at Carl Ridge who sat with them at a table in the back corner of the Great Hall. Erelda Coldwater sat next to Carl with her arm wrapped in his. Jodoro nudged his brother out of his sullenness and raised his flagon. ¡°To Hamsa, Trepa, Rajo and Yhen,¡± he said as they nocked mugs. Carl joined the toast and added his own names.


    ¡°Would someone get these fucking mutts outta here,¡± Derry growled as he kicked the two dogs next to him. They were a pair of small white and brown hounds that had been following him all day. Jodoro didn¡¯t tell him that he had secretly smeared boar grease on his boots. Was it childish, perhaps but he thought Derry needed something to keep his mine off things. His brother had killed men and Jodoro did not want him to change.


    ¡°I think they¡¯re adorable,¡± Erelda slurred as she reached over the table to gently pinched his brother¡¯s cheek. Carl Ridge laughed as Derry¡¯s sullen look melted under her attention.


    ¡°Well maybe you should try having them follow you around all day,¡± Derry said then turned to him. ¡°Do you think Nan was serious?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never known her to lie about company business.¡± Jodro responded. That morning after the cousins left Nan announced that this was the last job for the Copper Cauldron Company. She gave Ceta and Harra a pouch of gold coins each and told the others that their shares would be given once the wall was finished. She told Jodoro that she was retiring here, starting a new venture. The roads had gotten too long for her and her old body was weary. He told her he would run the company, but even he knew that it would never make a profit. The conglomerates had taken over most of the jobs and he refused to work for anyone else.


    ¡°Enough deep thoughts brother,¡± Carl said. Carl had taken to calling him brother since the end of the battle. ¡°More ale!¡± Jodoro raised his flagon and let it be refilled.


    ¡°I bet a ten gold she refuses him.¡± Erelda said nodding to Amethyst on the dais. She was sitting between Heliodor and the second prince Dundar. The brothers were conversing while she silently nibbled at a plate of food.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that bet,¡± Carl said. ¡°It¡¯s Heliodor he¡¯s a hero among men.¡±


    ¡°He may be,¡± Erelda countered. ¡°However, you know your sister. She is a rose with thorns. She would wilt under that tall tree. Does she look happy to you?¡±


    Carl stared for a moment then nodded. ¡°Can I retract my wager?¡± He turned to Jodoro. ¡°I heard she slapped you twice.¡±


    ¡°No twas thrice.¡± Derry added.


    ¡°She was scared for you and did not take kindly to my shot.¡± Jodoro got up.


    ¡°Where you going bro?¡± Derry asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a moment.¡± Jodoro left the hall and went into the courtyard. The gardens that lined the wall had been trampled. Men stood on vigil on the wall guarding against any men left behind by the sea raiders and Farki. The crisp night air hit his face and cleared his thoughts. He found a spot to piss and was about to return to the hall when he heard someone crying. He crept slowly around a ring of night blossom azaleas and saw Guy crying near a fountain. He had not washed since the battle yesterday and still had blood and bits of gore on his armor. For a moment he considered beating a hasty retreat but steeled himself and moved forward.


    ¡°Guy it is time to get cleaned up.¡±


    Guy looked up from the depths of the fountain. The night sky was shining on the water. ¡°Why?¡± He asked the question as if Jodoro¡¯s statement was the dumbest in the world. ¡°Jean is gone and so has the light of my world.¡±


    ¡°Guy you must get cleaned up.¡± Jodoro replied as he moved toward him. He saw a gardener¡¯s pail laying nearby and picked it up. He filled and threw the water on Guy. ¡°You will be sick if you don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the use? I could not protect him.¡± Guy cried as Jodoro continued to douse him. ¡°I¡¯m weak. I¡¯m so fucking weak,¡± he sobbed. Jodoro let him cry more. Things made sense now. He always suspected Guy and Jean were more than just friends.


    ¡°Then get stronger.¡± Jodoro said. Guy looked at him with the same puzzled look he had in the scholarium when he was asked a particularly tough question. ¡°We will help you. We will start tomorrow morning. You have family to live for. Family to protect. Everyone must go on.¡± Guy wiped his eyes off and nodded. Jodoro gave him his pancho as he ushered him inside. ¡°Wash, change and get to the great hall for there is ale, wine and food. You will feel better then.¡±


    He left Guy and went back to the Great Hall. Nova Coldwater had taken his seat and Derry looked much happier for it. Christa and Amethyst were there now as well. He saw Ronald Olman give him a nod and raise a flagon to him as he passed by his table. He returned the nod and took a seat at the end of the table. ¡°Seta Blackspider said you two saved many lives. We all owe you thanks.¡± He said as he raised a flagon to them.


    Carl stood up on his bench despite Erleda tugging at him. He raised his flagon high in the air it sloshed, and he teetered for a moment to the laugher of all those present. ¡°Never let it be said that the women of Bellgaurd are soft,¡± He yelled. The cheer went up around the hall for a few seconds. The musicians began playing a lively melody and soon those present were filled with the joy of the moment.


    Guy arrived and sat next to his sister. She poured him some wine and gave him a kiss on the cheek. ¡°I heard he fought bravely Guy. We are all sadden by what happened.¡± Christa said and everyone agreed. Guy drank to hide his tears.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Brother?¡± Carl asked. ¡°You must tell me how you made that shot.¡±


    ¡°Brother? What is this brother business?¡± Amethyst asked.


    ¡°Jodoro and Derry are my brothers now. For we fought like demons together and what greater test of a man is there?¡± Carl responded seriously.


    Amethyst gave him a puzzled look then as if struck by the god of anger¡¯s arrow glared at Jodoro. ¡°Yes, I would like to hear this story too.¡± She¡¯s beautiful when she¡¯s angry.


    ¡°The key to bouncing a shot is ensuring the flat side of the arrowhead hits the surface not the point.¡± He demonstrated using his hand and the table. ¡°The release must be perfect, and the draw of the bow cannot be too far.¡± Now it is more difficult when the target is moving. I did not think the arrows trajectory would hit the throat, but I know it would hit the raider¡¯s face. I only sought to provide a distraction but in the end the result was good.¡±


    ¡°The result was good,¡± Amethyst mimicked causing a wave of laughter around the table. ¡°I have half a mind to slap your face again.¡±


    ¡°You must let it go little sister. I owe this man my life.¡± Carl said.


    ¡°You saved mine too on the wall. I would not have made it back to the castle. I say we¡¯re even.¡±


    Christa leaned over and whispered something to Amethyst who looked at Carl. ¡°We want to learn how to fight.¡± She told her brother who nearly lost his ale.


    ¡°Fight? What for?¡± He said.


    ¡°You said it yourself the women of Bellgaurd are not soft. Dundar and Heliodor suspect more war is on the horizon. We refuse to be defenseless. Besides the Onaki women can fight as well as any man.¡± Amethyst said.


    Carl looked at her sternly then Guy spoke up for the first time. ¡°I too will begin training with Jodoro tomorrow. I think its time we all learned.¡±


    ¡°Fine we will join you and train on the beach in the morning, but you will follow my rules little sister. If you talk back to me, I will stop this.¡± Carl said as he quaffed more ale. Then he paused mid drink and slowly set his drink down. ¡°I thought you would be leaving with mother to the capitol in the company of Heliodor.¡±


    Amethyst looked down as if embarrassed. ¡°I will not be marrying Heliodor. Dundar has brought word of a marriage between Heliodor and one of the Swans.¡± She looked up again. ¡°I am strangely relieved.¡±


    ¡°This is good news,¡± Erelda proclaimed. ¡°An alliance between Ardinum and one of the great houses of Hytia will help against the Farki.¡±


    ¡°Your fate is your own now sister. You will make a man very happy someday.¡±


    ¡°Enough of the bloody politics its been a long week.¡± Derry said as he reached behind him a pulled out a mini lute. He handed it to Jodoro as he pulled out a set of pipes for himself. Jodoro strummed the instrument gently and adjusted its strings. It was not of the best quality he remembered buying it for Derry last summer, but his brother never took to it preferring instead to play the pipes. Derry blew a melody and Jodoro followed him along through the chords. It was a soothing sound and he had to be careful when accompanying Derry. Derry could change chords and time signatures at a moment¡¯s notice. He followed Derry¡¯s tune and he could envision where his brother was going. The song had no name, but it had a feeling. It was walking on a beach at night. It was running by a cold mountain stream. It was love, loss and war. Derry played more and Jodoro saw their destination. A large man on a rock laughing at the sea as it crashed toward him. Jodoro opened his mouth and began to sing. He sang of Hamsa Heavyhorse, Hamsa Hardpressed, Hamsa Heftyheart. Whether he sung for minutes or hours he did not know. He sang of his laugh, his smile, his anger. He sang for Trepa, Rajo, and Yhen. Then he sang for Jean and the people of Bellgaurd. His fingers cramped but he still played matching the fervor of Derry¡¯s pipes.


    He stopped when a flagon of ale fell breaking the silence of the hall. Duke Bell cursed someone for a fool and Jodoro flushed with embarrassed at the attention and subsequent applause. He bowed his head slightly and returned to his drink as the chatter resumed. A maid approached the table and informed him the Duke wanted to talk to him. He rose and excused himself and walked toward the dais. His palms were sweaty for before him were three of the most powerful men in the kingdom. He bowed as he came before them.


    Duke Bell looked down on him with kindly eyes. ¡°How old are you young warrior?¡±


    ¡°Seventeen milord.¡± He answered.


    ¡°Seventeen he says,¡± Duke Bell said with disbelief turning to those at his table. ¡°You are called the Jungle Cat are you not?¡±


    ¡°Yes milord.¡±


    ¡°I hear tales of your prowess and that of your Onaki comrades.¡± The Duke said as he stood up and address everyone. ¡°Let us usher in a new era in Bellgaurd. One that puts aside petty differences. One built on the unity of all men and women. Let us thank those who stood with us in our hour of need and embrace them as brothers and sisters.¡± Those gathered cheered and even more ale was passed around. The Duke sat back down and beckoned Jodoro closer. He looked at him sternly. ¡°I see great thing in your future. No matter where you go in life the people of Bellgaurd will be there for you. You will always have a home here.¡± The Duke nodded his dismal and Jodoro stumbled back to his seat for the weight of hundreds of eyes was not easy to bear. Carl clapped him on the back and Derry cut a joke that made everyone laugh.


    Later while stumbling back to his yurt in the courtyard a blonde blur appeared in the corner of his vision. ¡°Amethyst?¡± He slurred. She pressed him against the wall a put her full lips on his. A fire burned in his soul for those moments and when she pulled away, he wanted nothing more than to grab her back.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting to do that all night,¡± She said with a drunken giggle as she disappeared. Derry came around the corner.


    ¡°Was that¡­Jodoro you are a fucking fool.¡± He said as he helped him back to the yurt.


    ***


    Christa woke up early the next morning and got dressed in black breeches and a pink shirt. She headed to her family dining room and ate a quick breakfast of fruit and porridge. Guy was already there finishing up and just when they were about to leave Erda bounced out of her room dressed in trousers and a shirt.


    ¡°I¡¯m coming too.¡± Erda defiantly proclaimed. Christa thought about excluding her but just waved her along. They met Nova and a glowing Amethyst on the way to the beach. The sun was just breaking the dawn sky as the hungover city of Bellgaurd rose. When they reached the beach, they saw Jodoro, Derry and Carl standing in a line before Nan and Old Trews who were going through different stretches and motion with their eyes closed.


    ¡°Stand and learn,¡± Nan called as she opened her eyes. ¡°Jodoro will teach help you learn the motions of the Way.¡± They stood next to Carl and Derry and tried to mimic Nan and Old Trews. The motions were difficult and caused her muscles to burn. Jodoro walked behind them and corrected their positions. They did this for an excruciating half hour, finally collapsing when Nan and Old Trews left.


    ¡°What the heck was all that?¡± Nova asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s just the Way. A serious of pre-work stretches passed down from the old heads. No one hardly does it anymore.¡± Derry answered.


    Carl stood before the group and told them to stand up. ¡°Jodoro and I decided that I will handle all arms training except for the bow which I am admittedly not good at.¡± He walked to a bundle of sticks and gave one to everyone. ¡°We will begin with the spear. The spear is the fundamental weapon of Bellgaurd. Amethyst why is the spear important?¡±


    For a second Amethyst appeared confused then she answered as if from memory. ¡°The spear is important because it allows the wielder to keep the enemy at a distance while simultaneously providing the ability to harm.¡±


    ¡°Good, I see you¡¯ve been paying attention to father¡¯s drunken ramblings on the subject.¡± We will learn the basics of hand placement and stance. Once you have mastered that we will move on.¡± Christa gripped the spear mimicking Carl, Jodoro, and Derry as best she could. Carl came around and adjusted their positions when needed. They held the stances for a long time. Why am I putting myself through this? Christa thought to herself but instantly banished the doubt when she thought back to the carnage of battle. She must get stronger. If the Onaki women could do it so could she. She watched as Guy went into the training with more determination than she had ever seen. Guy was never into weapons training, but something changed when Jean died. After another half hour Carl called it a quits and handed it over to Jodoro who had placed a barrel on the beach.


    They watched as he pulled out a black bow. ¡°Derry please demonstrate a proper draw.¡±


    Derry swaggered up to Jodoro and snatched the bow from him. ¡°Time to see the real master at work.¡± He pulled the bow back and held it.


    Jodoro pointed to various points of the draw. The level of the bow, how the draw came to the edge of Derry¡¯s mouth and the placement of his hand on the arrow. Derry released the draw afterword and Jodoro let each of them take turns drawing while he adjusted their positions. When it was Christa¡¯s turn, she was surprised by how hard it was even with the lighter bow that Jodoro provided for the women. Her face began to grow hot when Jodoro placed his hand on her legs to adjust her stance but she could not deny that she liked the idea of the bow and wanted to learn more. The eighth bell began to ring, and they went back to the castle to get ready for class. For her mother and Scholar Barkley were insistent that life should go back to normal.

 Interlude I

    Interlude I


    Far to the south of Bellgaurd, Alis the XIV was carried into the Great City of Garloon on a thirty-man palanquin. As she was carried through the ivory arches of the city her heart filled with love for the people of her nation. The crowds had turned out for her triumph and the people cheered wildly as she passed along the Imperial Avenue. The tossed bouquets of chamomile and peonies before her and the bands sounded the call to announce her presence. As she approached the white walls of the High Empress¡¯ castle her palanquin was carried threw wide gates a placed before the dais. This was the day she had dreamed of since she was born and it was only the beginning. The other Alises sat on ornate thrones, seventeen in total. In the center of the dais sat the High Empress ruler of Farki and conqueror of nations. She stepped down from her palanquin and pressed the left side of her face to the floor. Sala the High Empress of the Farkian empire smiled down on her from atop her bejeweled throne. ¡°Sister you have returned. Rise. What tidings do you bring?¡±


    Alis XIV rose from her prostrate position and smiled up at her sister. ¡°We have completed the alliance with the raiders of the sea isles.¡± She replied with a grin.


    ¡°And what of Bellgaurd?¡± Sala asked.


    ¡°It went as planned. The message was passed to Heliodor and he has agreed. By next winter all of Ardinum will be ours.¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    ***


    Dundar the second prince of Ardinum rode back to the capitol with his brother. He rarely got to spend time with Heliodor who was always in the field, but his heart was overjoyed at the sight of his little brother. After all these years Heliodor had turned into a man and a fierce warrior. His troops respected him, and the people loved him. Soon he would marry one of the Swans of Hytia and the eastern border of Ardinum would be more secure. Ardinum would enter an age of prosperity and hopefully peace. Surely the Star Court was smiling upon them. As they crested the hill a force of men was spread out below. Banners with the crest of the Flying Donkey were posted throughout the camp and Dundar turned to Heliodor with a puzzled look. ¡°When did you get so many men brother?¡±


    ¡°Recruitment has been good lately.¡± Heliodor replied cheerily. ¡°Come let us take our lunch in the shade of the pavilion.¡± Dundar was not a military man, but he was a finance one. How does he afford this? The cost would be astronomical. But he brushed these thoughts aside as he ate with his brother. Father loved to spoil Heliodor.


    ***


    A woman in a white dress walked through the slums of Hytia carrying a basket of bread. The poor of the city needed her. She walked this road everyday doing her best to alleviate the suffering of the crippled and the infirmed. A boy ran up to her with a flower in his hand and she gave him a loaf of bread. He smiled then grabbed a dagger and plunged it into her stomach. She collapsed on the ground and let out her last breath as the flower rolled out her hand.

 Chapter 9- Spring

    Chapter 9- Spring


    Sweet Ceta,


    I got your letter yesterday about the dress you tore. You were never to keen on the things, and I seem to remember a time when you refused to wear them. What has changed? Nevertheless, I am glad you and Ike found a house and are settling in. I share your concern for Harra and I agree that he should not have left but I am afraid I have no advice for how to pull a man from the depths of deep drink. We can only hope that the Star Court might have mercy on his soul and let the spirit of Hamsa shed a light on him. I miss you all dearly and wish to see you all soon.


    Things have indeed changed here. Spring has come to Bellgaurd and with it new beginnings (new beginnings? I know it sound redundant). The Copper Cauldron Company finished the seaward wall before winter and after wintering in the city of Bellgaurd, Nan bought a swath of land a mile south of Bellgaurd. She, Old Trews and your mother had surveyed the ground and found it to their liking. They began construction on a manor next to a small creek that emptied into the Nowell river. I still find it hard to imagine that Nan could trade in a life on the road for a sedentary existence but even I cannot deny that the four hundred acres she purchased from Duke Bell looked like paradise. You should have seen the look on the Duke¡¯s face when she paid her taxes ten years in advance. We resumed school shortly after the battle but even that has changed. Those silly groups we created in class have disbanded and I agree with the notion. Too many of our peers died. Guy has changed. I know you only met him briefly but after Jean died, he pushed himself into his studies and combat training. As for Christa, she shared with Nan and I her dream for one day building a harbor for Bellgaurd. I think it is a great idea and promised to help her out when the time comes.


    Now to the subject of Derry. I regret to inform you that he has not changed at all. We began our tutorships and he has resumed his with Lady Bell. I don¡¯t know if some evil spirit possessed her or not, but she decided it would be a grand idea to let him plan Bellgaurd¡¯s tournament. He is a tyrant. He marches around town with a pack of hounds dogging his steps shouting orders at everyone. He and Nova appear to be dating but I know for a fact he has a wondering eye. But that is Derry, we must take the good with the bad.


    As for me I have been under the tutorship of General Ridge. He is an intelligent man and a fearsome warrior. I have also become close to his children Carl and Amethyst. As for your advice about my love life I must respectfully disagree. I can name several things that could go wrong with seeing two women at once. I will see how things play out for a while. I wish you all would visit soon and give my regards to the cousins.


    May the Star Court shine on you all,


    Jodoro


    Jodoro finished his letter and sealed it. It was getting late and he had to meet with General Ridge tomorrow. He picked up the books on the desk and blew out the lantern. The castle library was his daily refuge ever since he began working on his final project, The Battle of Bellgaurd: Strategies and Mistakes. Since Nan settled down, he began to think of his future. Carl was going to Ardinum in the fall to enroll in the military academy and Jodoro had been thinking about joining him. The way he saw it war was unavoidable but prudent and competent commanders could save many lives. He was trying to learn everything he could about tactics and strategy. As he walked past a row of books he spotted two figures shrouded in darkness he quickly backtracked so as not to disturb them but could not help overhearing part of their conversation.


    ¡°We can¡¯t keep meeting like this. Sooner or later we will be caught and..¡± a female voice hesitated.


    ¡°I cannot hide my love from you anymore,¡± a man¡¯s voice whispered. ¡°I¡¯ve loved you for years and I want to be with you.¡±


    ¡°But my husband, my family.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll leave. We must see to our own happiness.¡± The man said. Jodoro silently moved away and excited the library. Those voices sounded familiar he knew them from somewhere. But like Nan always said to him and Derry ¡°mind your own dick,¡± don¡¯t go poking around in other people¡¯s love lives. It was none of his business. He greeted the guards of the castle as he walked into the courtyard.


    ¡°There you are. I¡¯ve been trying to find you for hours.¡± Christa said from beside him as she grabbed his arm. She had changed with the past few months of training. She had more energy, was more forceful and her figure had tightened up. ¡°I need your help with my final project. Come, I¡¯ll buy you a beer.¡± She clung to his arm as she walked him through town. The city was filling up rapidly. With the upcoming tournament and Duke Bell¡¯s initiative to offer rent exemptions for any tradesmen who wanted to move to Bellgaurd, the place was turning into a city. Jodoro was impressed by how much commerce was changing. There were textile mills and dyeworks being constructed and the shepherds from the eastern hills were expanding their flocks, hoping to produce enough wool to meet the demand. At the insistence of Derry¡¯s planning, albeit with the threat of Lady Bell¡¯s rebuke behind him, brewers were working overtime to produce more ale. Minstrels, tinkers, minor merchants and smiths of all sorts were beginning to set up shop along the streets. They catered to the needs of the knights, warriors, and their entourages. Whether they would stay or go after the tourney Jodoro did not know but the sales taxes they paid would put Bellgaurd treasury on solid grown. This would allow the General to recruit more troops and Jodoro was quickly learning that troops cost a lot of money. Men had to be fed, housed, provided equipment and above all else given coin. The quickest way to lose an army was to not pay them. This was the legendary Marshall Julia¡¯s first law: while you must win the hearts of your men, you most also line their pockets, for loyalty cannot buy bread. Christa pulled him into the Regal Pidgeon, a tavern the youth of the town frequented and forced him into a seat.


    ¡°Easy there Red, if you wanted to take me on a date all you had to do was ask.¡± he teased. She sat across from him and gave him a stern looked as she pulled out come parchment and a pencil.


    ¡°This is not a date this is business.¡± She replied. ¡°I want to know everything. So where do I start?¡± She mumbled to herself. ¡°Oh! Labor, design, and logistics. Spill it. What do I need to research?¡±


    Jodoro thought for a moment. He was tired and his head hurt but he really wanted to help her. He took a sip of the ale the server brought and gathered his thoughts. ¡°Design and logistics should be your primary area of concern. Labor can be easily found especially with the large conglomerates driving down the prices. You¡¯ll want the Green Waters Conglomerate for this project but if you can¡¯t get them the Forty Barrels Company would do. Design is going to be difficult. You¡¯ll have to think long and hard about the function of the port, its relationship with the city and types of commercial, the kind of vessels that will be incoming and outgoing. And these are just the philosophical concerns. What are the currents around here? Are there navigational concerns that must be mitigated? Will you need a lighthouse? How will anchoring be handled? Where will the moles, breakwaters and quays be placed? How will you address silting problems?¡± Jodoro paused and looked up to find Christa staring at him. ¡°You should be writing this down.¡±


    ¡°Right can you repeat that?¡± Christa asked with an apologetic expression. Jodoro rattled off for another hour or so but told her the truth. He did not know enough about port construction to be much of a help. Nan and Seta on the other hand could point her in a more concentrated direction and may even have some ideas about the applicability of these concepts to Bellgaurd. During his rambling a handsome young man walked up to their table and sat down next to Christa. He gave her a peck on the cheek.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°Lord Cain!¡± Christa shouted and hugged the man. ¡°When did you get in? I didn¡¯t know you were competing this year.¡± Her face took on a sterner cast. ¡°You should have written.¡±


    ¡°I wanted to Lady Christa, but things have been busy in the north. I heard about the battle here and I am overjoyed to see you alive and well.¡± The man gestured toward Jodoro. ¡°Who¡¯s the Onaki?¡±


    ¡°This is Jodoro he worked for my dad, building the wall.¡± Christa said. Why is she acting strange? ¡°He¡¯s helping me with a project.¡±


    ¡°An Onaki worker then. Pleasure to meet you. I am Lord Cain DeRold.¡± The man looked at Christa again and her cheeks flushed. ¡°I must compliment you on your generosity Lady Christa. Employing people in these dire times, especially Onaki. Your charity is an example worthy of emulation.¡± He kissed her hand and Jodoro saw Christa gawp like a fish. ¡°I hope to earn your favor again this year. I will look for you at the joust.¡± With that he got up, nodded at Jodoro, and left the table.


    Christa gathered herself but still wore a dreamy look. ¡°He¡¯s a great guy isn¡¯t he.¡±


    ¡°Yeah sure, look I got to get going. Early start tomorrow and all.¡±


    ¡°Yeah definitely. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow. Thanks for helping me.¡±


    Jodoro walked out into the chilly night and began the trudge to the beach. He and Derry were living in the yurt during the week, so they didn¡¯t have to walk into town every morning. If he was honest with himself, he was angry with Christa. He liked to think that they were friends, but she did not rebut Cain¡¯s statement that he worked for her. She said nothing. Maybe Derry was right. Maybe he was a fool to think there could have been something between them. At the end of the day he was an Onaki not a royal, not even a Bellgaurdian. As Jodoro went to sleep he resolved to change his approach to life in Bellgaurd. He would not forget his roots. He needed to take advantage of the opportunities here and use that information to empower his people.


    The next day Jodoro was on the beach training early in the morning. Amethyst was the first to arrive. She was dressed in tight leather paints and a white shirt. Her figure was flawless. ¡°You¡¯re here early.¡± He said to her. They hadn¡¯t talked about what happened between them a few months ago and Jodoro chalked it up to her being drunk.


    ¡°I wanted to talk to you about something,¡± she said as she walked up to him.


    He released an arrow at a target. He was rewarded by the sound of it hitting the target. He loved the thunk sound it made. He turned toward her and saw a hesitant look on her face. Amethyst was anything but hesitant. ¡°What¡¯s wrong Lady Amethyst? You don¡¯t look yourself.¡±


    She hesitated for a moment then finally spoke. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you asked me to the tournament dance?¡± She looked at him with steely eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t think of anyone else I¡¯d rather go with.¡±


    Jodoro¡¯s heartbeat soared in his chest. ¡°Lady Amethyst I am not a royal. Hell, I¡¯m not even a Bellgaurdian. I don¡¯t want you to lose face with everyone. What will they say if you go with an Onaki?¡±


    ¡°Fuck them Jodoro. Fuck what they say and most of all stop calling me ¡°lady¡± all the damn time.¡± She shouted. ¡°I want to live my life the way I want. Don¡¯t you? Or do you want to hide behind propriety?¡±


    Jodoro looked at her beautiful angry face. She really was stunning, but he had come to consider her other attributes over the past few months. It touched her the way she was protective of her brother and loyal to her friends. ¡°Amethyst will you go to the dance with me?¡± She leaped into his arms and kissed him on the mouth. He fell into the sand with her over him. She straddled him for a moment her hair hanging down around her smiling face. Jodoro nearly lost his breathe for a moment. ¡°Your so beautiful.¡± He whispered to her.


    ¡°Working on some wrestling moves? You guys could have at least waited for the rest of us.¡± Carl said appearing from nowhere.


    Amethyst lingered on top of him for a moment and gave him a wink before getting up. ¡°Yeah Jodoro was just showing me some of his moves,¡± she said. They went on to practice then split up to go to their tutorships. Jodoro did not push himself too hard that morning. General Ridge would want to spar with him and he wanted to give Carl¡¯s father a run for his money.


    ***


    Derry walked into the Great Hall with the two damn dogs on his heels. He hated the little fuckers. They were always barking, always underfoot, and always staring with those dumb looks on their faces. Old Trews said that if you give a dog a name it was yours. Well he¡¯d be damned if he gave those fleabags a name. The ladies were there already and he tried to be unnoticeable as possible as he took a seat.


    ¡°I see that you are late again.¡± Observed an ancient hag whose name he forgot so he just called her ¡°ancient hag¡± in his head and ¡°milady¡± out loud. That was the key to this courtly thing. As long as you began a sentence with my milord or milady, you¡¯d be fine. These people put great stock in words for some reason so he milorded and miladied them to death. He¡¯d even started experimenting with doubling down on it. Slap a milady at the beginning and at the end. Hell, sometimes he put them in the middle of sentences for good measure, tripling down. Their heads were so far up their asses they didn¡¯t care if you ruined a perfectly constructed sentence with a milord or milady. Royalty loved nothing more than being reminded that they were royalty.


    ¡°Milady I do apologize for my tardiness. There has been, milady, much work to go around lately and few hands willing to do it. I do hope you forgive me milady.¡± Derry said.


    ¡°Now,¡± began Lady Bell, ¡°we are impressed with your work on planning the tournament, but we are overbudget and have to make some cuts. We cannot afford the firebreathers, the one-hundred-person minstrel band, or the nightly promenades under lamplit streets. This is not even accounting for-.¡± Derry pulled a large bag of gold coins from his bag and tossed them on the table. Some of the coins rolled out of the bag and scattered. He watched as the eyes of these greedy hag lit up. ¡®Sides from being milorded and miladied royals loved the sight of gold. They were like dogs with a bone with it. They collected it, hoarded it, and then for some reason spent it on things they didn¡¯t need but they always made sure someone saw them spending it on things they didn¡¯t need.


    ¡°How did you get all of this.¡± A shocked Erelda asked. She of course was different. Erelda was pure and kind and if he had his way he would marry her and maybe let Nova live with them and be a maid or something.


    ¡°Miladies, twas easy I paid some troubadours to promote this whole enterprise. They went to every tavern, boarding house, bar, and brothel¡­¡± He stopped and looked at their shocked faces. ¡°Oh, miladies did not know there were brothels in Bellgaurd yet. Anyway, miladies, they sang about dances in Bellgaurd and sang about the beauty of the woman and the glamour of the lord and ladies, miladies. They sang about how the Battle of Bellgaurd was majestic and Heliodor and Dundar were there and such and such. Eventually, miladies, the dance became such a big ticket item that I sold tickets to it, miladies.¡± He made to gather the pouch up. ¡°But if miladies disagree with such tactics I will return the gold at miladies¡¯ discretion.¡± He almost grinned when they shook their head and told him no. Of course, they offered the standard excuses: ¡°what¡¯s done is done,¡± ¡°why trouble people again during such a busy week,¡± and his personal favorite ¡°we must not be so hasty.¡± This last one came form the ancient hag. Gold and pleasantries that was the key to the royals. Kiss ass and line pockets that¡¯s how you made it in this word. Derry was good at this game. He could stomach it all. He¡¯d been dealing with Nan and Hamsa¡¯s shit his whole life. This was light work. Bellgaurd was about to have a tournament that no one would forget and if things went his way he¡¯d make an ass load of gold.

 Chapter 10- Flippancy

    Chapter 10- Flippancy


    ¡°The shield is as much a weapon as the spear, sword, or axe,¡± General Ridge lectured Jodoro and Carl as they sparred, ¡°take the initiative when your opponent is overextended. Use you shield to knock them further off balance. Use the edge of it as a weapon. If your enemy¡¯s chin is out too far, knock his damn head off with your shield. A concussive blow can be just as lethal as a stab wound and may be more optimal depending on how heavily armored your enemy is.¡± Jodoro tried to internalize this advice it felt right. He began to use the boss of his shield to strategically deflect Carl¡¯s blows and counterpunch when Carl was exposed. Even so he still found himself on his back at the end of the sparring session. Carl was just too experienced. ¡°Jodoro think not of your losses. Sparring is different than fighting in a battle. Sparring requires a skill set of its own. You must be able to come within a hairs breath of damaging your partner.¡± General Ridge said as he lounged with his spear at Jodoro¡¯s neck stopping just short of his artery. ¡°I¡¯ve known many men who were lions on the training grounds but sheep in battle. The important thing is learning the techniques and maintaining proper conditioning.¡± The General brought his spear to rest. ¡°Now you are both dismissed for the day. The tournament begins tomorrow and you both must be ready.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me Lord Ridge,¡± Jodoro spoke hesitantly. ¡°Why are these tournaments important? I know they are a point of pride, but it seems like people are willing to travel hundreds of miles to compete at great financial and personal risk. What am I missing?¡±


    ¡°You are right and wrong. Pride is a large portion and so is the desire to just compete but there are other incentives besides the glory. Tournament¡¯s offer young men such as you and Carl a chance to demonstrate your martial skills in front of many of the powerful lords and ladies of the kingdom. There are also recruiters here from Ardinum¡¯s military academy. A good showing at a tournament could give someone an invitation to the academy and if the catch the eye of some lord or lady a possible position in the future.¡± This made sense now to Jodoro and he began to understand why Carl had been pressing especially hard lately. This was the pathway to his friend¡¯s dream, a way to glory, education and employment. He looked at Carl and remembered him saving the man on the beach. Carl was an honorable friend. Jodoro would do his best to support him at the tournament. Carl signed up for most of the events, but he was particularly focused on the joust. That was the big show. The event that packed the stands. If he had a good showing there. He would surely get an invitation to the academy. Jodoro only had two events: archery and the two-on-two melee. He hoped to do well enough to win some coin for he had invested most of his company earnings in the little mercantile enterprise Nan started.


    ¡°So its really important then.¡± Jodoro said as he put his practice weapons back.


    ¡°Yes and you should start thinking about your future too. I feel that even though Bellgaurd is growing it may become too small for you.¡± The General began packing his belongings. ¡°I have to meet with the judges. Good luck and keep your shield up on the lists son.¡±


    ¡°Will do father,¡± Carl said then turned to Jodoro and whispered, ¡°so when were you going to tell me your taking Amie to the dance?¡±


    ¡°I thought she would have told you.¡± Jodoro answered.


    ¡°She did but you¡¯d better tell the old man. He does not like surprises. No General does.


    Carl was right. Jodoro walked up to the General who looked to be in a rush. Steeled himself and let it spill. ¡°General Ridge I asked your daughter to the tournament dance.¡± He held his breath as the General let the silence stretch for a moment. Carl dropped something on the ground, and it clattered. Carl wasn¡¯t clumsy.


    ¡°I know she told me. Seemed damned excited about it. I expect you to conduct yourself like a gentleman.¡± He clapped Jodoro on the shoulder and squeezed. ¡°If you break her heart, I break your knees. Have fun.¡± Then he left the room. Carl came running up to him with a shocked look on his face.


    ¡°Your alive. I can¡¯t believe it your alive. I thought for sure he¡¯d kill you.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you tell me to tell him?¡±


    ¡°Because there¡¯s a difference between a slow painful death and a quick one. You my friend are blessed! Let¡¯s hope that luck holds for the two-on-two melee.¡±


    ***


    Derry opened the door to the Golden Rat tavern and strode in like he owned the place. It was important to stride into a place. It let everyone know you were about business. However it was hard to be looked at seriously when you had a pack of yapping hounds on your heels tripping over things and pinching food from people all unawares. Somehow their numbers had increased from two to three. He hoped the fifty percenty growth rate would not continue. Fifty percent growth was good for businesses¡­atleast that what Lady Bell and Ancient Hag said but this was not a business. This was the opposite. The little shits expected to be fed and that cost money. The fact that they had the goal to send out invitations to join their little pack without so much as a by your leave was downright disrespectful. He glanced down at the knew one. It titled it¡¯s head and looked at him as if he was the idiot, as if he was the one with a missing ear and an off colored eye.


    ¡°Thought I smelled dogs,¡± said a voice from the back table. Karna. Just the man he was looking for. He strode up to Karna¡¯s table and saw two rakish looking chaps sitting around a deck of cards.


    ¡°Still taking bets?¡±


    ¡°Yep what you want to wager?¡±


    ¡°What are the odds for the archery contest?¡±


    ¡°Got Harold of Delonica at 2/1, Big James Carty at 12/5, and Lady Jane at 3/1.¡±


    ¡°What are the odds on Jodoro Jaguar and Old Trews?¡±


    Karna took out a small booklet and ran his finger down the ledger. ¡°20/1 for the Jaguar and 35/1 on Old Trews.¡±


    ¡°Put me down for 100 gold for the Jaguar to win and 100 for Old Trews to place.¡± Derry order flippantly. The key to betting is flippancy. Flippancy usual discouraged questions.


    ¡°You sure you can cover that?¡± Derry took out a pouch, showed some gold and let it jingle then put it back on his belt. Karna nodded and Derry turned heel and left the Golden Rat. One of the dogs let out a yip of excitement as the exited to the streets. There was one redeeming quality about these mutts. No there were two. First women loved them. Derry didn¡¯t know why. Maybe it made him look like a caring person or maybe it made him look like something that was desired or followed. Everyone woman, old or young, would come up pet the damn things then ask him questions. ¡°What are their names?¡± ¡°How old are they?¡± ¡°Do they sleep with you?¡± Yeah, they couldn¡¯t get enough of the things.


    Except. For. Nova. She couldn¡¯t stand the beasts and that¡¯s why he was taking her to the dance. After all, if a man found a woman who emphasized with his plight the least he could do was take her out to shake a leg.


    The second thing about the dogs and their only redeeming quality in his eyes was that they hated Jodoro. They growled when he entered a room. They yapped in celebration when he left. They chewed his boots, ripped his shirts, and on occasion pissed in his room. Jodoro of course took it in stride but Derry knew his brother well enough to know it irked him. Whenever he saw that vein in his brother¡¯s forehead twitch with suppressed ire, he laughed a little bit. Nothing was wrong with that.


    ¡°What the fuck is that?¡± Derry whispered to himself as he ducked behind a building. He peeked around the corner and saw Christa walking with a tall bloke as if they owned the damn town which might be true considering her father owned the damn town. One of the mutts was lurking on the main street. Derry watched as he wagged his tail and began jumping and barking. The damn mutt drew Christa¡¯s attention before he could duck back around the corner. There was nothing for it.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°Lady Christa! Lovely weather today isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Derry Dog yes it, lovely weather for a stroll.¡± She turned to the man she was walking with. He had long brown hair and a rugged a refined appearance. ¡°This is Lord Cain DeRold of Hearthold. Lord Cain DeRold this is Derry Dog, brother of Jodoro who you met the other day.¡±


    ¡°Right, the Onaki worker. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. If you seek any temporary work during the tournament stop by my tent during the jousts.¡± The man said earnestly. So, one of those types.


    ¡°Thanks for the offer milord but I am already engaged during that time.¡± Derry said then turned to Christa whose face began to frown. ¡°Lady Christa you will never believe the band I got for the dance. They have new brass instruments. Can you believe it? Brass instruments. They¡¯ll play a tribute to that Hytian Swan that died. It¡¯ll be beautiful, sad, fun, and triumphant. But I can see that I am keeping you. I will bid you both good day.¡± Derry turned abruptly and left. He had things to do, items to purchase, more bets to make. It looked like Jodoro lost Red to this bloke from the north and if he was honest with himself it served his brother right. Always hesitating, never making a move. He did not have time to clean up this mess for Jodoro. It was really none of his affair, but something felt off about this patronizing shit heel. The nerve to offer him a job. He walked past a beggar boy hawking flowers on a corner. Lord fucking Heliodor of all people deigned to buy a few from the boy.


    ¡°Beautiful spring day milord. The old ones say a beautiful spring heralds an early winter.¡± The boy called out in thanks.


    Heliodor not turning back said. ¡°No, I expect winter will come much later this year.¡± Derry walked up to the boy, tipped him a copper and took the bouquet with him. He was meeting Nova for lunch and it wouldn¡¯t do to show up empty handed, especially since he convinced her to pay.


    ***


    ¡°You seem to be familiar with many Onaki, should I be jealous?¡±


    ¡°Lord Cain they are just friends of mine.¡± Christa responded. It was truly a beautiful day the cherry trees were blooming along Main Street and the traveling merchants had set up stalls along the thoroughfare. This is the Bellgaurd she wanted to build some day. A place of commerce and prosperity that did not have to rely on Delonica and Hernit or even the capitol in times of need. A shining city by the sea. The center of southern commerce and culture. She shared her vision with her father and he admitted she should take a hand in administering the city but she still wanted to go to university and make the connections needed to finance and outfit her dreams. Every port had its needs. Jodoro, Nan and Seta were clear that the labor force necessary to allow a port to flourish after its completion must be conceptualized in the design. Shipwrights, coopers, longshoremen, mercantile groups and financiers, all were crucial parts and all required connections. Cain had his arm hooked in hers and she was at peace with this. She was finally taking Nan¡¯s advice to move on from the past. Cain would be moving to the capitol in the fall for the military academy and Christa began to dream of a future between them. He was handsome, brave, nice and as her mother liked to emphasize was the second son of the wealthiest Duke in the north. He was monied. He was secure.


    ¡°Your generosity does you good Lady Christa. I cannot wait for the dance. Surely we will make a handsome pair.¡± He said to her as the reached their destination. Gorman Clothiers was the premier establishment for all dress making and haberdashery services. They were greeted by a middle-aged attendant when they walked in, shown to a sitting room and given tea. The place was crowded with people making purchases and getting last minute fittings. Christa saw Amethyst across the room trying on a black and gold dress that fit her beautifully and gave her a smile. I wonder who she¡¯s going to the dance with? I don¡¯t envy whoever has to deal with her father and Carl. The attendant came with her and Cain¡¯s package and they hastily got out of the rapidly crowding room. She parted ways with him at his lodgings and walked back to the castle. The seaward wall was finished, and it had become an attraction for visitors. It had four towers each fitted with new bells and the freshly polished stone glittered in the afternoon sun. She saw Lady Jane of Delonica and her entourage admiring it. She did not know Jane well but they had met before. Jane was long limbed like most Delonicans and wore her hair in a short bob cut that accentuated her features. Her grandfather was the Duke and it was said that Lady Jane was his chosen heir, she would be an important ally of Bellgaurd in the future.


    Christa approached Lady Jane just as the woman was about to climb the ramparts. ¡°Lady Jane it is nice to see you. Care for a tour of the wall?¡± Her entourage greeted her and Lady Jane nodded her approval. They said Jane was a woman of few words and hard to impress. It was rumored that she was vicious with a sword and the Delonican bow. Christa walked with her along the wall and pointed things out. She drew upon her experiences with Nan and was able to answer most of the questions about the wall¡¯s construction.


    ¡°Did you see the battle?¡± Jane asked her as they stared out at the beach from one of the towers.


    ¡°I saw some, but I was mainly in the infirmary tending to the wounded. I saw enough to know that war is hell and many brave men and women died those days. The aid from Delonica helped turn the tide.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we had our own problems then but we sent what we could. They spoke well of Bellgaurd¡¯s soldiers. Tell me is it true that the Onaki fought for this city?¡±


    ¡°They did and bravely so.¡±


    ¡°I heard of great feats many which are likely exaggerated. But I grow hungry. Join me for a meal at the Golden Bridge tavern.¡± Christa walked with Jane and her entourage to the Golden Bridge answering questions along the way. It was apparent that Jane was used to being obeyed. The woman wanted to know everything and Christa could not help but admire how a woman only a few years older than her had such a commanding presence. ¡°What will you do with this city when it is yours? Bellgaurd has grown much since I was here ten years ago.¡±


    ¡°The closest port is 400 miles north. Building one her would greatly increase the access to trade for this reason and dare I say increase trade up the Nowell with Delonica.¡± Christa answered gaging Jane¡¯s reaction.


    Jane look pensive for a moment then smiled briefly. Christa could tell that Jane was a woman who rarely smiled. ¡°I like that idea very much.¡± They reached the tavern and to Christa¡¯s surprise Jodoro and Carl were there eating already. Next to their table a group of ladies were giggling and whispering. Those two had developed quite the following over the past few months and she knew many women who dreamed of someday being matched with them. Jodoro was dressed simply as always wearing black trousers, white shirt but his Onaki headband was tied around his neck today. A short sword and hatchet were strapped to his belt. Carl wore a dark blue doublet and beige breeches. He dressed less fancy than he used to. Perhaps his ¡°brother¡± was rubbing off on him. Christa waived to them and they raised their glass toward her. ¡°Friends of yours?¡± Jane asked.


    ¡°Yes, would you like to join them?¡±


    ¡°I see no reason not to. Besides they have the best table in the room.¡± Christa could not argue and introduced Lady Jane to Carl and Jodoro as the sat down. She saw Lady Jane glancing periodically at Jodoro and felt a bit of nervousness. Not everyone was accepting of Onaki. Would Lady Jane be offended by his presence? Their food arrived and they ate while having light conversation. Carl eventually noticed the awkwardness between Jane and Jodoro and was doing his best to help her carry the conversation.


    Jodoro sipped his ale but appeared to be a bit unsettled by Jane¡¯s behavior. ¡°Lady Jane,¡± Christa interrupted just as Jodoro was about to say something, ¡°Jodoro is also an admirable bowman although he uses a recurve not a longbow.¡±


    ¡°I know. My men told me of the Jungle Cat.¡± She responded. ¡°The say he has the fastest firing rate of anyone they¡¯ve seen. But tell me Jungle Cat, how often do you hit your target.¡±


    Jodoro put his mug down and met Jane¡¯s stare. ¡°More often than not. It said you never miss Lady Jane.¡±


    ¡°I do not. Once I set my target, I always get it. Care to make a wager?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t gamble but I¡¯ll make an exception. Name your terms.¡±


    ¡°If I place higher, I get a blackhorn bow from you. If you win you get a longbow.¡±


    Jodoro thought for a moment. ¡°A blackhorn is rarer and thus more expensive. These are not equal terms. Add forty gold and you got a deal.¡±


    ¡°Ten.¡± Lady Jane countered and Christa could have punched Jodoro right there and then. She wanted to be on good terms with Lady Jane and if he insulted her it could cost her in the future.


    ¡°Twenty-five and throw in a quiver.¡±


    ¡°Fifteen and a quiver.¡±


    ¡°Eighteen, the quiver and black goose feathers.¡± Christa gaped at his gall.


    ¡°Fifteen, the quiver, the feathers, and I¡¯ll throw in one dance with me at the gala. Any many who can best me deserves the courtesy.¡±


    Jodoro paused for a moment and Christa kicked him under the table. ¡°Deal. I look forward to the competition.¡±


    Christa saw Lady Jane smiled for the second time that day, bid her farewell and left the tavern. Christa waited until the woman left and turned to Jodoro. Now she knew why Derry called him a fool. ¡°What were you thinking haggling like that? She¡¯ll be the Duchess of Delonica within a year.¡± She hissed at him. Carl looked like he was about to defend Jodoro, but Christa stared him down. He was equally culpable. ¡°And you should have stopped him.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to worry about Lady Christa. I get the sense this Lady Jane is a warrior and would have been offended if I had taken the original deal. I only hope that Amethyst will not be angry with me.¡±


    Christa was confused. ¡°Why would Amethyst be mad at you?¡±


    Before Jodoro could answer Carl butted in. ¡°Jo is taking Amethyst to the dance. He even got father¡¯s approval.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re what? His what?¡± She had been waiting for him to ask her for weeks and here he had already asked Amethyst. When Cain asked her yesterday, she thought about saying no to him but realized that if Jodoro hadn¡¯t asked her by then he never would. It seemed like she had been right. Jodoro had made his choice. She wasn¡¯t jealous or anything. She was just comfortable around Jodoro in a way she wasn¡¯t around Cain. That was all. There were expectations with Cain and that haunting word- marriage- was always looming. That wasn¡¯t the case with Jodoro. Why would she be jealous they were just friends and not to mention Cain DeRold was the most handsome man she¡¯d ever seen besides Heliodor.


    ¡°Yeah, he approved, and I¡¯ve never seen Amie happier. We¡¯ll have a great time. I heard you¡¯re taking Cain DeRold. We should all share a table.¡± Carl said.


    ¡°Yes, Cain and I are going. We should all share a table.¡± Carl was right this was going to be a great time. Jodoro ordered a round of ale and soon they were all laughing at the haggling and the boldness of Lady Jane. Christa looked at the two men and realized that this was what life was about. Good friends and good cheer. She would love herself this year, experience things, and learn to roll with life¡¯s punches.


    ***


    Alis the XIV rode her palanquin through the streets of Garloon. She ordered it to stop when a messenger approached her running. The man approached the palanquin and passed a piece of parchment to a servant who gave it to her.


    The rising sun warns of a late winter


    -#43


    This was not good news. Sala would not be pleased with the delays.

 Chapter 11- Tournament I

    Chapter 11- Tournament I


    ¡°Guy how should I tell Amethyst?¡± Jodoro asked as he performed the Way on the beach. The problem had bothered him all night. He didn¡¯t think the situation with Lady Jane was a big deal, but he knew how impulsive and angry Amethyst could be. Today was the first day of the tournament and on the final day, three days hence, the gala would take place. Derry had promoted it as a gala now, it wasn¡¯t a simple dance anymore.


    Guy looked at Jodoro and with a slight smile on his face. Guy had improved over the past few months. He was still distant but at least he was getting outside more. ¡°What makes you think I know how to talk to women?¡± They were the only ones on the beach that morning. Everyone else had taken the day off due to the tournament. The morning sun was peeking over the horizon and gulls called angrily in the dawn light. The peel of bells began, marking the sixth hour.


    He had a point there. ¡°Still, you must have some advice. What would you do in my place?¡±


    Guy performed the motions of the Way and stared out into the ocean. ¡°Just tell the truth. Tell her the next time you see her and for the Star Court¡¯s sake don¡¯t piss off the General.¡±


    ¡°Who are you taking to the gala?¡± Jodoro asked. Guy was probably right. It was best to be direct with these things.


    ¡°Do you always change subjects like this? You¡¯d better tell her Jo.¡± Guy finished the movements and walked into the tide and began floating on his back with his eyes closed. Jodoro always got scared when he did this. The sea was dangerous and capricious, and Guy seemed almost too at peace there, like a man who¡¯d sleep next to the den of a bear or a thief who¡¯d steal a purse in the castle courtyard. Guy opened one eye, ¡°You hesitate too much Jodoro Jaguar.¡± He shouted. ¡°You over think things. Amethyst will be mad when you tell her, but she will kill you if you don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°You still didn¡¯t tell me who your taking. We¡¯ll save a place for you at our table.¡± Jodoro shouted as Guy drifted away. Jodoro began to wash in his tub when he saw Nan, Old Trews, Seta and Seta¡¯s small children bring their wagon onto the beach. They began to set up their yurts next to his and Nan walked over tugging two tall pinto horses behind her.


    ¡°What the hell is that boy doing out there?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Jodoro answered as he began to get dressed. He decided to wear brown pants today instead of black. Sometimes you had to live a little. ¡°I think he¡¯s depressed.¡±


    ¡°Is he going to the gala with yall?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if he has a date. What¡¯s with the horses?¡±


    ¡°Man on the road was selling them. Weren¡¯t cheap but seem to be of good stock. Here they¡¯re for you and your brother.¡± Nan replied as she passed him the reins.


    ¡°What the hell am I supposed to do with them?¡±


    ¡°Ride ¡®em, eat ¡®em, sell them, whatever the hell you want. They¡¯re yours. Bring your friends by tonight I¡¯m breaking out the cauldron today. It¡¯s time for a ten-year stew.¡± She said as she walked away. Jodoro looked at the pintos. One was white, gold, and brown. The other was white, merle, and black. Their coats were soft and seemed to glow in the dawn light. They were beautiful creatures, but he had no idea how to ride one, much less care for it. Derry stumbled out of the yurt stomping on his boots. The three dogs came trotting out after him and began to growl at Jodoro.


    ¡°Derry, Nan bought us horses. Which one do you want?¡±


    Derry looked up and shook his head. ¡°Brown one, will do.¡± He said as he grabbed it reins and began petting it. His brother liked the mules that pulled their carts, so it did not surprise Jodoro that he was friendly with the horse.


    ¡°What will you name it?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a mighty fine question Jodoro. I¡¯ll think I¡¯ll call him Brown.¡± Derry said as he followed Jodoro. Jodoro had to find a place to stable them and then go see if he could track down Amethyst. ¡°What will you name that one? He¡¯s a big bloke.¡±


    Jodoro looked at the horse for a while. It was a large animal. Horse were measured in hands and each hand was four inches. If he had to guess he would say this horse was seventeen hands. Its shoulders came up to his nose. ¡°I¡¯ll have to think about it.¡± The city was already bustling. The events would begin in a few hours. Jodoro did not have to compete until the archery prelims at ten bells. He had to meet Carl at five in the evening for the two-on-two melee event. Afterward he would help Carl prepare for the joust. ¡°Nan¡¯s making a ten-year stew tonight. You should invite Nova and whoever else you want.¡±


    ¡°Just when I thought this day couldn¡¯t get better,¡± Derry replied cheerily. They reached a stable and paid for their horses to be boarded and exercised.


    ¡°Do you know where Amethyst would be at this time?¡± He asked his brother who seemed to be in the know about the on goings of the castle.


    ¡°If I had to guess I¡¯d say she¡¯s with her mother in the Great Hall eating and interviewing suitors.¡±


    ¡°Suitors?¡±


    Derry gave him a surprised look and shook his head. ¡°Yeah, suitors bro. You mean to tell me you didn¡¯t know that Lady Ridge has been trotting her little girl in front of every rich eligible bachelor in the kingdom?¡± Derry stopped in his tracks and look at him with widening eyes. ¡°You didn¡¯t know! You thought?¡± Derry burst out in laughter which sent the dogs into a yapping frenzy.


    Jodoro felt himself fluctuate between anger, jealousy, and embarrassment. First Sweet Ceta leaves, then Christa links up with this noble, and now Amethyst was about to be courted likely. ¡°Are you up for some shenanigans?¡±


    Derry¡¯s face lit up like a child during yule time. ¡°You really mean it bro? Its been a long time since we did any shenanigans, too long since our last caper. I thought you forgot about me. I thought you grew up, matured, got serious with all this royal mimicry.¡±


    ¡°I think there¡¯s always room for another good ruse and I think I have a plan.¡± The brothers stopped at a caf¨¦ and plotted. Jodoro stopped laying out his plan when he saw Derry looking at him funny. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a good plan mind you and I really want to get into some monkeyshine but¡­Why not just walk up to her and talk to her about it?¡±


    ¡°Lady Ridge will not take kindly to me interrupting.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget you have standing. You are the Jungle Cat to her. The warrior who saved her son. Surely if you asked to speak to Amethyst for a few moments privately she¡¯d allow it. We can save this shenanigan for another time.¡±


    Derry was right it was time to man up. He clapped his brother on the shoulder and left the caf¨¦. Derry shouted after him, ¡°you forgot the bill. The bill man!¡± Jodoro smiled as he walked out.


    ***


    ¡°¡­Lady Amethyst you truly are the most beautiful woman in all the kingdom.¡± Lord Lauge of Ferras praised as he folded hi hands together on the table. Not surprisingly, Amethyst¡¯s mother, Lady Pearl Ridge, was beaming from ear to ear. This had become their routine for the past week. After training her mother would drag her off to another breakfast introduction with Lord Such-and-Such, Star Court forbid her mother take her seriously and realize she did not want to court anyone or get married anytime soon. She nibbled a biscuit despite the fact she was starving. Her mother emphasized decorum in these times, a lady couldn¡¯t just gorge herself in front of a man. Amethyst believed that if a man didn¡¯t like to see a woman eat he didn¡¯t view that woman as human. She¡¯d rather be anywhere right now including with Seta who was becoming increasing demanding with the logistical aspects of business management. Lately the only refuge she had was her training with Carl and Jodoro or the time she spent in the infirmary learning from Healer Tilda.


    Her mother nudged her bumping her out of her thoughts. ¡°Thanks for the compliment Lord Lauge. I am honored that such an esteemed man has focused his attentions on me.¡± It was best to play these things straight down the middle. She had to have a talk with her mother. This had to stop. Daddy would back her. To her surprise Jodoro walked through the doors of the Great Hall. He stopped for a moment as a guard shook his hand. What was he doing here? He never ate at the castle. She grew even more surprised when she saw him walking toward her table.


    ¡°Excuse me Lady Ridge and sir. Would you mind if I had a word with Amethyst in private for a moment?¡± He asked.


    Lord Lauge looked annoyed but her mother had the true power here. Her mother had great respect for Jodoro especially after the Battle of Bellgaurd but she still thought of him as an uncouth Onaki despite the rest of the family¡¯s insistence otherwise. Amethyst held her breath as she watched her mother purse her lips for a moment then gave her permission. She shot out of the chair immediately, grabbed Jodoro by the arm and pulled him from the hall. She yelped with surprise when he began to pull her off to the library. He pulled her into a secluded part and before she could think he kissed her passionately on the mouth. Her legs turned liquid and she melted in his strong arms. This is what she wanted. She broke off the kiss. ¡°I think you might have angered Lord Lauge.¡±


    ¡°Do you think I give a damn?¡± He responded and kissed her again.


    Her heart soared but she broke off again. ¡°I like this new you.¡± She said as she kissed him until they could not breathe anymore.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°I have to tell you something. I may have to dance with Lady Jane of Delonica. I don¡¯t want to make you angry, but I had little choice in it.¡± She stared at him for a moment and looked at the embarrassed yet honest look he wore on his face then burst into laughter.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care for I will be with you the rest of the night. I intend to mark what¡¯s mine.¡± She placed her hand on his chest and felt his heart thumping strongly. She wanted to put her ear there. She wanted to lay her body on top of his and let the soothing sound carry her off to sleep while they camped under the stars.


    ¡°You make me happy. Nan is cooking tonight, and everyone is invited. Will you be able to come?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, I will come. I will.¡± She said as she locked lips with him again.


    ***


    Jodoro parted with Amethyst and went back to the yurt to fetch his things. He¡¯d been working on a new quiver system over the past few days and wanted to try it out during the tournament. The problem with his old quiver was it took too long to grab three arrows at once. When Jodoro pulled from the quiver with his right hand, he had to route around in order to get the three arrows in between his fingers. Having space between each arrow would help with this. So he bought some leather and cut out a piece that was long enough for thirty-five arrows to fit along the length with a finger width between them. Then he made pockets for these arrows so that they could slide in and out easily when pulled. The convenient thing was that this long stretch of leather could be rolled up and while slightly bulkier than a normal quiver it wasn¡¯t cumbersome.


    By the time Jodoro donned his leather armor and equipped his weapons he found Derry outside of the yurt waiting for him. They headed toward the tournament field which had been set up along the northern road. ¡°You should now that I placed a bet on you and stand to gain a lot if you win this thing.¡± His brother casually mentioned as the walked along the beach.


    ¡°How much?¡± Derry refused to look him in the eye.


    ¡°One hundred gold.¡±


    ¡°One hundred gold! Derry that¡¯s nearly a third of everything you earned from the company.¡± Jodoro cursed. ¡°What happens if you lose?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t lose because you won¡¯t. Besides it¡¯s my money. By the way how did things go with Amethyst?¡±


    ¡°Things went well.¡± Jodoro smiled as Derry nodded.


    They walked up to an ornate table set up on the tourney grounds and were pointed in the direction of the archery prelims. As they approached the field, they could see twenty targets set up in a distance. About a hundred archers or so were there milling about, testing their bows, and checking arrows. The stands were beginning to fill, and vendors were selling food and beverages.


    Derry tugged on his elbow and pointed to a group of three people. ¡°Those are the top contenders. Guy with the long black hair is Harold of Delonica. They say he¡¯s the best shooter in the kingdom, but I say ¡®bullshit¡¯ he¡¯s never faced my bro or Old Trews. The stout bloke in gray is Big James Carty he¡¯s known as a sniper. I heard tell that he put an arrow through a button at 200 yards but that¡¯s likely a load of horse shit. Then there¡¯s Jane of Delonica. She¡¯s got good speed, but she¡¯s known for her accuracy. She never misses.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve done some scouting.¡± Jodoro said as he checked some of his arrows. He should not have been surprised whenever Derry applied himself, he was extremely thorough.


    ¡°Damn right but we both know who the real competition is though.¡± Derry turned and nodded toward Old Trews. The bearded man was striding toward them with a smile on his face. Old Trews was a tall bent man who rarely talked. He approached, wished them luck, then went about examining his arrows.


    After a short wait an elderly man with a gray beard and long wild hair that was dreadlocked in places took the center of the field. This had to be Amelius Graston the master archer of Ardinum¡¯s Military Academy. He taught Harold and Big James how to shoot and hundreds of others. He was the ¡°Hero of Littlehorn Bridge¡±, the master of the longbow, the inventor of the pinch draw, the wearer of the silver arrow award and by reputation a notorious hater of everyone and anything Onaki. ¡°Greetings everyone and welcome to the Bellgaurd tournament¡¯s archery prelims. In today¡¯s round these archers will be split into twenty groups and given ten shots at the target. The top performers from each group will advance to the next round of the tournament. Please feel free to be generous with our vendors and don¡¯t forget that there are copies of my book The Philosophy of Archery available for your purchase all throughout this week. Now let use begin the sorting.¡± With that the master archer took his place of honor in the front row of that stands. Shortly after aides walked through the crowded archers and gave each one a chit with a number on it.


    Jodoro went to target five. There were about five archers there and as he took his place at the end of the line, he heard the other archers whispering ¡°Onaki¡± to each other. Amelius Graston raised his arms and the first round of archers released their arrows at the target. When this group was done shooting, attendants rushed to each target to calculate the scores. This went on until his turn. As he drew for his first arrow he felt the wind blow against his right cheek and adjusted his aim. He released the arrow and then fired his remaining four shots in quick succession. He was a feel archer and did not need to aim after the first shot. His muscles memorized the proper position and fired automatically. This typically worked as long as there were no drastic changes in the environmental conditions.


    The attendants huddled up with Amelius Graston for a while until the man got up with a piece of paper and announced the results.


    ¡°Ladies and Gentlemen the archers that will advance to the next round are: Lady Jane of Delonica, Big James Carty of Ardinum City, Harold of Delonica, Casey of Delonica, Paul of Hernit, Gil of Ardinum City, Michael of Hearthold, Lord Cain DeRold of Hearthold.¡± The master archer read through a few names and called Jodoro¡¯s and Old Trews last. Jodoro bid his competitors farewell and began walking to a food vendor. Derry, Old Trews, and Carl joined him and offered congratulations.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I like competing in these things.¡± Jodoro stated as the grabbed some honey roasted turkey and wild rice. ¡°I don¡¯t see the point. Shooting from a stable position without the enemy coming after you is not a skill to be proud of.¡±


    ¡°Yeah and being good at one doesn¡¯t make you better at another.¡± Old Trews added in a rare moment of openness.


    ¡°Bullocks to all that. The point of this is money.¡± Derry said through a mouth of food. ¡°Place some bets, make some coin, impress the ladies.¡±


    ¡°I have to agree with Derry here. Don¡¯t forget you have a personal bet with Lady Jane. You don¡¯t want to lose your bow, do you?¡±


    ¡°No, it would be hard getting a new one in Ardinum. I heard there¡¯s been some criticism of the King lately.¡± Jodoro probed.


    ¡°Yeah people are worried about another Farki invasion. Dundar feels we should take the initiative and reclaim some of the forts on the south of the Nowell River.¡± Carl said as he drank from his cup.


    ¡°It would offer a buffer but might create a logistical nightmare if those troops were forced to retreat. It¡¯s tough fighting with a river at your back.¡±


    ***


    The melee came and went without any major issues. Jodoro and Carl blew through their opponents with ease. They did some scouting on the groups they would face tomorrow and agreed that Cain DeRold and Julip of Hearthold would be their stiffest competition. Cain fought well with longsword and shield and Julip was a fierce fighter that used his massive size and axe skillfully. Their speed was on par with Carl¡¯s and while they could not match Jodoro¡¯s speed they had more group combat experience.


    Carl advanced in the joust, but it was a near thing. A lance glanced off his helm, but he held his seat. All the Bellgaurdians cheered when he advanced and Jodoro spotted some people who looked like recruiters talking to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m so glad you got a horse now. Soon we¡¯ll be taking rides together. You¡¯ve got to see the eastern hills.¡± Amethyst said.


    ¡°Would you like to see it before we head to the beach?¡± Jodoro asked. She looked happy and irresistible. The evening light seemed to make her glow even more. Cherry blossoms littered stone walkway as they made their way done main street. Derry ordered a hundred lanterns be made and they glowed softly as they hung from the tree branches. A boy selling flowers was on the corner and Jodoro bought a peony for her. She brushed her hair aside and tucked it behind her ear.


    ¡°Of course. Did you name it?¡±


    ¡°No, not good at the naming things. You should¡­I want you to name it.¡± They walked in to find the horse in a back-stall munching on oats.


    Amethyst reached out and brushed her hand down its neck. ¡°Its beautiful it must have cost more than my palfrey Bella. It should have a noble name. How about Cow?¡± She laughed at her own joke and Jodoro stole a kiss from her.


    ¡°All right see you tomorrow Cow.¡±


    ***


    Nan Bowerbird stirred the copper cauldron fourteen times every fourteen minutes. It was important to get these things right. She remembered laughing at her grandmother when she taught her the recipe and receiving a smack on the head for it. ¡°Create the ritual, girl¡± she would say. ¡°It for naught without the ritual.¡± Old Trews came up beside her and peered into the pot.


    ¡°Did ya get the Whitecloud Mushrooms?¡± She asked him as if she didn¡¯t already know the answer. Trews was the most reliable man she ever met, and he rarely talked too boot. How could a woman not form a lovebond with a man like that? Trews pulled out a bag of mushrooms then hesitated.


    ¡°There are non-Onaki eating too.¡± The implication was there. Should she warn them? Would they fight the journey?


    ¡°My Gran never changed the recipe, and neither will I. Tis only a short journey. They will make it. They need guidance now more than ever.¡± She snatched the mushrooms from him and put a handful in the cauldron. She could feel her Gran¡¯s rough hand over hers as she stirred the cauldron for the fourteenth time. Create the ritual, follow the ritual.


    ***


    Christa scraped her bowl clean and looked around the fire. Everyone had done the same and were drinking wine. She knew something was wrong when she saw Nova collapse a moment later. Just when she was about to yell for help a darkness overtook her mind. Suddenly she was falling through a vast void. Lights and multicolored orbs streamed by her. She held her arms out and tried to escape but it was useless. She closed her eyes and screamed for what felt like minutes.


    ¡°Child! Child! Stop screaming.¡± A deep voice commanded. When Christa opened her eyes, she was in a vast white room with no visible walls. An impatient looking man in a white robe sat behind a ragged desk. His huge body wobbled in his chair. ¡°Damn budget cuts.¡± She ran as far as she could away from the man only to see him reappear at the same desk. ¡°Child do you have an appointment?¡± The man asked as he rubbed his temples.


    ¡°No! What is this place. How do I get home?¡± She yelled at the man.


    ¡°If you do not have an appointment place take a number.¡± The man pointed to a roll of paper numbers and gestured at her. As she took a number, a seat materialized underneath her. ¡°A representative will see you shortly.¡± He then pulled out a book and began to read.


    Just when Christa was about to call out to him. A woman in a similar white robe appeared beside her. ¡°Number 4?¡±


    Christa looked at her number and nodded. ¡°When will I get to go home?¡±


    ¡°Shortly my dear, please follow me.¡± She turned to the man at the desk. ¡°Jeb you can just usher them through in the future. This is a ¡®code Whitecloud.¡¯¡± The woman grabbed Christa by the wrist and before Christa could breathe, she was sitting on a bench in the most breathtaking garden she¡¯d ever seen. The sky was gold and azure and the lush greenery seemed to vibrate with life. ¡°I¡¯m sure you have a lot of questions, but we have limited time before you go back.¡± The woman put her hand to Christa¡¯s forehead. ¡°Lady Christa Bell of Bellgaurd, in the Kingdom of Ardinum, on the continent of Querta, on the planet Helio-3. Oh! I know just what you need.¡± In a blink they vanished again and were now in a vast city the like of which she had never seen before. There were towering buildings of seamless stone and metal that extended out from all sides. A strange street ran through the middle of them and bridges crisscrossed the sky. ¡°Come.¡± The lady commanded. ¡°We must be quick. He eats here every day.¡± She pulled her over to a large window.


    She looked inside and saw people eating. Right in front of the window, seated with a woman was a red-headed teenager. ¡°Ezra!!¡± she screamed repeatedly and began knocking on the window. Her brother just ate and smiled at the woman across from him.


    ¡°He can¡¯t hear you dear. Nobody here can. This is where people go who embrace the Star Father. The Star Father wanted you to see him. Let your troubled mind rest.¡± The woman put her hand to her head and Christa woke up to find herself back on the beach, by a fire, by a yurt. Her friends were there with puzzled looks while Nan clapped her hands and laughed.

 Chapter 12- Tournament II

    Chapter 12- Tournament II


    ¡°So ya made ya journeys and yous seen the truth of the Star Court.¡± Nan said as she walked around the fire. Christa looked around at the stunned faces of her friends. The Star Court. Was that place really the Star Court? ¡°Will ya fear death now that ya know what happens?¡± She asked as she circled. She came to a stop, took a pull from her pipe, and put her hand on Guy¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Will ya mourn the dead now that ya know they¡¯re happy?¡± Old Trews walked up to Nan, took her by the hand and led her out of the firelight. It was getting late and Christa knew her mother would be keeping close watch on her during the tournament. She could tell her mother wasn¡¯t comfortable with the Onaki. She bid her farewells and started walking back to the castle.


    Guy appeared near her. ¡°Did you see Ezra?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yes¡­well I think it was him.¡± She looked at her brother¡¯s sad face. Poor Guy always so sad now. ¡°I still don¡¯t know if it was real, but he looked happy.¡± Deep down Christa felt that it had to be real. Everything she saw was to vivid to be a dream.


    ¡°They showed me Jean.¡± Guy admitted. ¡°He looked happy in that place. He was with¡­he was with another man.¡±


    Christa looked at her brother and placed a consoling hand on his shoulder. She heard people say twins shared a special connection, a way to sense things about each other. Maybe Ezra and Erda had that connection before it was severed by the fortunes of life. Guy placed his hand on top of hers. ¡°I am happy for him sister. I am happy that he is not alone. Perhaps I lost my faith in the past few months. I feared he was rotting away in a cold lonely grave. Yet, he and Ezra are happy.¡±


    Christa thought about Guy¡¯s words as she went to her room. She changed her clothes and began brushing her hair but stopped. She got up and tiptoed across the hall and opened Erda¡¯s door. Her sister¡¯s room was a mess as usual. Erda looked up from her reading. ¡°Something wrong?¡±


    ¡°Just that nest on your head,¡± she replied as she jumped on Erda¡¯s bed and got behind her. She began brushing her sister¡¯s hair. Most royals she knew had maids for these sorts of things and she remembered when her mother used to beg her father for the money to get one. One day she asked her father why he always denied her mother. Don¡¯t you love momma? He looked at her with a serious expression. Yes, but why should I tax the people to pay for such a thing? They work hard every day at their trades. It¡¯s only fair we dress, groom, and clean up after ourselves. She partially understood his explanation then but now she did. These were all things a normal family and person did. It brought them closer together and gave them a better understanding of themselves. Even now as she felt her sister¡¯s silky hair slip through her fingers, she could see that her sister¡¯s hair had tiny blonde strands among the red.


    ¡°So¡­ are you and Cain DeRold serious?¡± Erda asked as she read.


    ¡°No, at least I don¡¯t think we are.¡± Christa began to part her sister¡¯s hair. Two fishbone braids would look nice on her.


    ¡°Well you better tell him that. He¡¯s going around telling people he will marry you.¡± She laughed at her sister.


    That was troubling but nothing that a little conversation couldn¡¯t fix. She liked Cain but sometimes he could get ahead of himself. As Nan Bowerbird would say, you must bring a man to heel every now and again. ¡°Will you come with us to watch the tournament tomorrow?¡± She had not seen Erda there today.


    Erda barely looked up from her book. Since when did she become so studious? ¡°I¡¯ll tag along.¡± Christa finished braiding her sister¡¯s hair and went back to her room.


    Small steps, she would make small steps.


    ***


    Jodoro walked with Derry to the stables to check on Brown and Cow. The trip to the Star Court still weighed heavily on his mind. Derry told him that he saw mother and father building a stone house in the middle of a vast lake. Jodoro did not remember his father¡¯s face and it deeply shamed him. How could someone forget their ancestors? What did that say about you? Instead of seeing his parents Jodoro was taken to a crater within a mountain where he saw dozens of men and women talking and drinking. They had strange names like Boudica, Hannibal, Napoleon, and Shaka. His guide, a beardless man with a clean shaved, told Jodoro to listen. Days passed and Jodoro listened to the men and women talk. They spoke of strategy, tactics, technology and war-war-war. Then without preamble, one day he was sent back. It didn¡¯t make sense. Derry said he was only there for minutes and Amethyst said she was rushed. When he asked Carl about his vision, he said he saw a man that looked like the Old Duke. None of it made sense and Nan wasn¡¯t offering any help either.


    As they walked to the stable, they saw the Duke and Duchess Bell walked through the streets under guard. Jodoro nudge a yammering Derry and both knelt.


    The Duchess spoke to Derry. ¡°I must admit that my husband and I are impressed with your efforts Derry Dog. Fine work, Fine work.¡±


    As the Duchess floated down the street Jodoro frowned. Something was nagging in the back of his mind. There was something about her voice and the way she said husband. Most people pronounced the it huz-b?nd but she articulated every syllable and pronounced the word hus-band. ¡°Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck.¡± Could it be the voice from the library?


    ¡°Hey,¡± Derry yelled. ¡°What the hells has gotten into you?¡±


    ¡°Derry I think Lady Bell is steeping out on the Duke.¡±


    ¡°Stepping out?¡±


    ¡°I overheard two lovers in the library. One sounded like Lady Bell and the other was a voice that was not the Duke¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Probably a mistake but what did they say.¡±


    ¡°The usual adulterous stuff. How they loved each other but family and kids were in the way. I¡¯m sure it was Lady Bell because of¡­husband.¡± Jodoro said the word the way Lady Bell pronounced it and Derry¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°Oh shit! You heard that too. Can¡¯t stand the way she says the word. What about the bloke? Any ideas?¡±


    ¡°No clue. They voice was familiar though.¡± They reached the stalls and checked on the horses. A stable boy asked if they wanted saddles made and they agreed. There was no point in having a horse if you weren¡¯t going to ride the damn thing eventually.


    ¡°Its really none of our business though. We must mind our own dicks and all.¡± Derry pointed out.


    ¡°But don¡¯t you think Christa and Guy would want to know?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. What would they be able to do about it if they found out?¡± The dogs were causing a ruckus in the stable and they left the building before the stable master could be called. ¡°What if they already knew? What if you misheard? What if it was the Duke acting like another man? I heard some people are into that.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll wait until we have more information and then decide what to do. Let¡¯s just keep our eyes open. I gotta bounce. See you after the archery semifinals.¡± Jodoro walked out into the streets and bought a meat pie from one of the vendors. The southside of the city was the seedier part of town but it couldn¡¯t compare to cities like Ardinum or Garloon. With the Duke¡¯s resettlement plan, more people were moving into the city and even this part of town was becoming more prosperous. Unfortunately, many of the residents weren¡¯t happy about these changes, rumors of protests and boycotts were circulating and Jodoro couldn¡¯t blame them. Then there was talk that the Duke would keep the temporary sales tax from the tournament in effect for a few months. It cost money to rebuild an army but the citizens on the southside couldn¡¯t afford it.


    As Jodoro walked he saw more Onaki headbands in the crowd. These were the people who had taken up the Duke¡¯s offer to work the frontier lands. Many were poor jobless Onaki who were just looking for a better life. They worked on the farms surrounding the city or doing cheap labor jobs like disposing waste and hauling lumber. Some nodded at him as he passed. They looked miserable.


    ¡°Come to look down on us, have you?¡± An Onaki girl shouted at him from across the street. His white shirt. No working Onaki would dream of wearing a white shirt. She looked like Sweet Ceta but with black curly hair. The two men with her stood with their arms crossed.


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t,¡± he said as he walked across the street. ¡°My name is Jodoro Jaguar. What is yours?¡± He stuck out his hand and watched the girl refuse to grasp it and spit on the ground.


    ¡°Sorry don¡¯t want to dirty ya,¡± She said in a strange accent. Many thousands of years ago the Onaki were more centralized but now they existed across the continent. Judging by the accent these ones were probably refugees from Farki persecution.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± he said as he withdrew his hand. He turned but called over his should, ¡°you lot looked like hard workers, but I guess I was wrong.¡±


    The girl straightened up and puffed out her chest. ¡°We be the hardest workers around ya fool, been handling a trowel since I was old enough to walk.¡± The men next to her shook their head in affirmation.


    Jodoro laughed. ¡°If you¡¯re serious come see me after the tournament. Look for the yurts on the beach.¡±


    As Jodoro walked an idea began to form in his head. He passed the guards to the castle with a nod and went to the steward¡¯s office. Steward Olman was a fair man. Even after his conflict with Ronald the steward had always treated him with respect. The steward answered the door to his office and invited him in.


    ¡°What can I do for you young man. Shouldn¡¯t you be enjoying the tournament?¡± The steward asked.


    ¡°I came to buy some land. How much can I get for 100 gold?¡± Jodoro had about 300 gold to his name but that was it. He had no income at all. It was time to change that.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s not going to be much available for that. Ever since the tourney started people have been snatching up plots but let me look.¡± The steward pulled out a massive ledger and began flipping through the pages and writing stuff down on a piece of paper. Just when Jodoro was getting nervous about, the time the steward slid the paper over to him. It was a list of five properties with acreage, location and prices. Jodoro studied the list for a moment. Then found several that looked promising. One was a 200-acre plot in the eastern hills that abutted the Nowell River. It was priced at 105 gold and had an annual tax rate of 30 gold. The second property was to the south near Nan property. It was 40 acres at 100 gold. The third property was in the eastern hills and had 300 acres for 100 gold but it was 30 miles away from Bellgaurd.


    ¡°What would you recommend Milord?¡± Jodoro asked.


    The steward looked at the list again. The eastern hills is most suited for animal husbandry and has the best value. Now I anticipate that access to the Nowell will be at a premium. I would take the 200-acre plot.¡± This analysis fit with Jodoro¡¯s plans but it would be tough to get enough capital to create what he wanted.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that one. Here¡¯s the gold.¡± Jodoro signed the deed and took a copy. He ran out of the castle. It was close to starting time for the archery semifinals.


    Jodoro arrived at the archery field with five minutes to spare. He stood next to Old Trews as Amelius Graston strode onto the field and stared at the twenty semifinalists. The crowd was larger than yesterdays and Jodoro could see the Duke and Lady Bell sitting in luxury box in the crowd. Heliodor, Dundar and a woman Jodoro did not know were also there.


    Graston paced in front of them then stopped in front of Jodoro and Old Trews. ¡°It has been brought to my attention that two of our competitors have an unfair advantage.¡± He grabbed Jodoro¡¯s bow and held it up in the air. ¡°A majority of judges have agreed that only longbows will be used in competitions in Ardinum. The good Duke Bell has voiced a protest against disqualifying these contestants. They may compete but with only longbows.¡± Jodoro was shocked. Graston thrust the bow back at Jodoro and he snatched it out of his hands to the gasps of the crowd. There was nothing in the rules stating which type of bow someone had to use. Jodoro and Old Trews did not have longbows.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Lady Jane walked up with two bows and passed them to him. ¡°Bullshit if you ask me but there¡¯s no sense in lodging a complaint. Those academy fucks run everything and will side together. We can cancel our bet if you like.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll keep my word. Thanks.¡± Jodoro tossed a bow to Old Trews who snatched it out of the air. He tested the bow and found its draw manageable. He hadn¡¯t shot a longbow in a few years, but he remembered Hamsa used to prefer it to the recurve.


    ¡°This round will test speed. Each archer will have a minute to fire as many arrows unto the target as the can. All arrows that hit the target will be counted equally. We will start with¡­¡± Graston looked around and pointed to Old Trews. ¡°this Onaki will go first and then the younger Onaki.¡± Graston was clearly being vicious. Jodoro and Old Trews had barely got time to adjust or test their bows.


    Old Trews nodded solemnly and step up to his position before the target. He looked at Graston and waited for his word. When Graston gave his word Old Trews hands shot to his quiver drawing three arrows in his knuckles. He fired them off rapidly then dug into his quiver again. His hands moved with speed that belied his age. When Graston called time Old Trews had fired fourteen arrows into the target. It was an incredible performance and many in the crowd cheered including a section of Onaki.


    Jodoro took his place next and waited for the signal. When he got it he dug into his new quiver and pulled three arrows quickly. He, like Old Trews, shot from the right side of the bow which saved time but came at the cost of accuracy. He missed his first shot and grew nervous. His second arrow soared over the target but his third hit and now he had the feel. When time was called, he had sixteen arrows lodged in the target. It was an incredible amount considering he missed the first two and was using a different bow. He gave Graston a mocking salute because the bastard had the nerve to frown at him and walked to the end of the line to watch the rest of the archers shoot. Lady Jane managed to shoot fourteen and the three of them advanced.


    ***


    Derry watched from the stands as Jodoro, Old Trews and Lady Jane advanced. He was in a good placed to win a lot of coin from his bets provided Lady Jane didn¡¯t mess things up. He almost lost it over the bow issue. That damn Graston was a bastard but fortunately things turned out well. As he moved through the stands, he gaged the crowd. People were eating and that was good. Erleda¡¯s projections indicated that this would be the most profitable tournament in generations. It was all about the vendors and the sales tax. Collectors went to every vendor at the end of the day and took their cut. Those who were thought to have lied about their profits yesterday would be watched closely today.


    He joined Jodoro for a meal. His brother looked deep in thought. Probably pissed at Graston. ¡°Just have to win tomorrow. That¡¯ll show the fucker.¡±


    ¡°Nevermind him, I just bought some land on the Nowell River in the eastern hills.¡± His brother said casually.


    ¡°What the hell are you going to do with the land?¡±


    ¡°We are going to build a mill first. With the influx of people moving here the city mill will never keep up. We¡¯ll build one that¡¯s larger and able to be service both Delonica and Bellgaurd via the Nowell.¡± We can make a tidy profit. I¡¯ll need your help though.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t a bad idea. Actually, it was a pretty good one. ¡°Workers?¡±


    ¡°Got it handled.¡±


    ¡°Starting costs?¡±


    ¡°300 gold should cover salaries and materials for a year. I have 140 left to my name. I need you to come up with rest.¡±


    ¡°I can swing that. We share fifty-fifty?¡±


    ¡°Sixty-forty. Unless you want to pay me half of what I paid for the land?¡±


    ¡°Sixty-forty will do. What¡¯s my role?¡±


    ¡°Inventory, sales.¡± Jodoro said as he drank some ale.


    ¡°That¡¯s bloody everything!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be helping too and handling personnel. Not to mention you¡¯ll be wining a small fortune gambling off my back.¡± When he said it like that he had a point. It was not polite to gamble off a man¡¯s back that you knew personally, especially without telling them first.


    ¡°It¡¯s a deal but I want an equal say in future investments and a gods damn veto.¡±


    ¡°Done.¡± They banged mugs which set the dogs to barking and everyone to looking at him like he was a three-legged ewe. ¡°Look!¡± Jodoro whispered and nodded. ¡°Look how she looks at Heliodor.¡±


    It was Lady Bell. She was walking with her husband and Heliodor. ¡°You¡¯re out of your fucking mind. Drop this shit.¡±


    ¡°Watch!¡±


    Derry watched for a few moments and nearly lost his seat when he saw Lady Bell sneaking looks at Heliodor. It was subtly done but too frequent. Then while Duke Bell was greeting the Duke of Hernit, Heliodor whispered something in her ear, and she smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t know Jo. There might be something there.¡±


    ¡°I am afraid to tell Guy and Christa. Should we?¡±


    ¡°We? What¡¯s all this we shit today. This is your problem.¡±


    ¡°It could be all of Bellgaurd¡¯s problem if they are caught. How do you think the Duke will react when he finds out the king¡¯s son has cuckolded him? What if Christa and Guy found out we knew?¡±


    ¡°Still not our problem.¡± Derry said through a bite of food. Jodoro was like a dog with a bone with this shit. ¡°He¡¯s a grown man. We never have to tell anyone else.¡±


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t keep secrets from our friends.¡± Jodoro said with that fucking look in his eye. And there it was. Classic Jo. Always about honor and truth and the like.


    ¡°They will never forgive you for this. They won¡¯t believe it. It¡¯ll ruin a good thing we all got going and most importantly we have no proof.¡±


    ¡°You are right. I¡¯ll leave it be. I have to go find Carl.¡± He tossed a bag of coins at Derry. ¡°Put this on Carl and I today. I¡¯ve got a good feeling.¡± Without that he marched out of the food tent like he owned the damn place. Derry opened the bag to find 10 gold coins.


    Cheap bastard.


    ***


    ¡°Congratulations on making it to the finals Lady Jane.¡± Christa said. ¡°Your skill with the bow is the envy of many.¡± Lady Jane was seated next to her peeling an orange. Her group of followers surrounded her, and Christa could not help but feel as if she was just another sycophant in her presence.


    ¡°Tell me more about the Jungle Cat,¡± Lady Jane commanded. ¡°How does he shoot so fast?¡±


    Christa thought back to her lessons on the beach and Jodoro¡¯s demonstrations. They had spent weeks on what Jodoro called The Draw. At first it confused her because she always believed that the draw referred to the drawing of the bow and even Carl verified this. But Jodoro approached things differently. ¡°Jodoro believes that the draw of the bow begins before the bowstring is even pulled. He-¡±


    ¡°Before the pulling of the string?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he believes that aiming must be instinctive and that a target must be felt and identified as soon as the hand touches the arrows in the quiver. This he argues saves time so that when the arrow touches the bow not a second of aiming is required.¡±


    ¡°Interesting but not truly remarkable there must be another difference.¡± Lady Jane said disappointedly. Jane turned to one of her bannermen. ¡°What¡¯s your call on the melee Sir Bud?¡±


    ¡°Lord Cain DeRold and Julip of Hearthold are the favorites.¡± The man replied. He was dressed in the most offensive color of bright green that Christa had ever seen. ¡°But not much to be gained betting on them.¡±


    Christa remembered one time when Jodoro corrected Carl¡¯s technique. Carl was a bit indignant about being corrected but after a week of practice had improved his speed. ¡°There are two techniques that he uses that are quite unique.¡±


    Lady Jane cut her conversation with Sir Bud and turned to her. ¡°Tell me.¡±


    ¡°Well he always pulls no less than three arrows from the quiver at a time. You may have noticed this, and it is not unheard of, but he designed his quiver to make it easier. You¡¯ll have to ask him to see it. The other thing is that he shoots from the right side of the bow when firing quickly. He said this saves time by eliminating the motion of going between string and bowstave.¡±


    Lady Jane looked to be pondering this for a moment. ¡°That would save time, but it¡¯d also require greater skill to shoot that way. Truly remarkable.¡± She looked at Christa and pulled out a bag of gold. ¡°Forty gold says Carl ridge and the Jungle Cat defeat Cain DeRold and Julip.¡±


    Christa had never gambled before and remembered her mother saying she knew no quicker way to the poor house than gambling. She was pretty sure that Cain and Julip could win. The northlands were a rough place and it was said the bred the best warriors. Last year Julip and another Heartholder won the two-on-two melee at Hernit. Though Jodoro and Carl could fight well they were likely outclassed here. ¡°Deal but my coin is not on me right now.¡±


    ¡°Your word is good.¡± Lady jane replied as she tossed the pouch to one of her ladies. ¡°The more I think of this harbor plan, the more I believe that it will change South Ardinum for the better.¡±


    ¡°It is true that the South has lagged behind, but I hope that the harbor will also allow our industries to flourish. It is not enough to just trade goods. We must look to the future and manufacture. It puzzles me that Hernit despite having iron mines must ship their ore to the capitol to be refined and manufactured.¡±


    ¡°Valid point but let us watch these fights.¡± Christa watched the fights but more than anything she watched the people watching the fights. When the two-on-two melee began the crowd buzzed with anticipation. Normally this was not a popular event but the way the semifinals played out made it extremely factional. Whoever seeded the competition knew what they were doing. Two teams from the South and two from the North had made it. Everyone had someone to cheer for and pride was on the line for many. The first fight was between the duo from Ardinum City a stout man and woman from Hernit. As the fight began Christa was surprised to see the Hernit team take the initiative. The couple fought viscously with longswords and shields. They moved well as a team and Christa could tell that they had fought together for a long time. But they were quickly overwhelmed by the prowess and expertise of their opponents. The fight ended and the Northern contingent in the crowd cheered wildly.


    When Cain and Julip marched into the arena Christa¡¯s heartbeat sped up. She was nervous for them. Cain was dressed in light armor and stood proudly next to the massive Julip. Cain¡¯s weapon was the bastard sword and square shield while Julip carried a massive hammer wrapped in layers of padding. He knocked a man unconscious yesterday and the crowd loved him for it.


    ¡°This Cain will be a good match for you.¡± Lady Jane commented nonchalantly. Word had traveled it seemed.


    ¡°Possibly, he is and honorable man.¡± Christa replied. She twirled the ring on her finger as she watched Jodoro and Carl emerge. Jodoro was in his black leather armor. He wore an orange shirt beneath it, and it showed on his sides where his cuirass buckled. His Onaki headband was on prominent display. Carl wore armor with the Bellgaurd coat-of-arms displayed prominently. The home crowd cheered as they entered with raised spears. Words were exchanged between the adversaries and Christa nearly froze when she saw Julip point his hammer at Jodoro.


    It was clear from the onset that neither of these teams was truly a team. Carl and Cain went after it while Julip went straight for Jodoro. Julip smashed at Jodoro with his hammer and Jodoro blocked but almost fell to his knees. He jabbed with his spear, but Julip switched his two-handed grip to a single one and batted the spear away with his gauntlet. Jodoro began to struggle under the powerful blows of the hammer and the crowd hummed with anticipation. Carl and Cain¡¯s exchanges were a showcase of skill. Carl probed Cain¡¯s defenses while the Heartholder skillfully deflected and counter. Soon the crowd was on their feet in rapt attention as the combatants exchanged blows. Lady Jane was standing on her seat and shouting something while Christa could only look on with bated breath. Jodoro was knocked to the floor and barely rolled away in time to avoid Julip¡¯s devastating hammer blow. He lost his spear in the process and pulled a blunted hatchet from his waist. Carl was suffering under Cain¡¯s relentless swordsmanship.


    Julip stood with one foot on Jodoro¡¯s spear and shouted at the crowd. ¡°Is this what Bellgaurd sends? An Onaki?¡± He laughed into the air and began to twirl his hammer. He charged at Jodoro. Carl took a nasty hit to his thigh. Jodoro spun away from Julip and bashed his shield into the man¡¯s back. Julip recovered and pointed his hammer again. ¡°Dead Man,¡± he shouted as he charged again. Cain lost his shield and was fighting with sword alone now. The crowd was reaching a fevered pitch. Christa could hear Amethyst shouting a couple rows away as Jodoro took a hammer blow that sent him to his knees. The hammer was raised again. Carl and Cain were both down and ruled out by a judge. The hammer came down. Jodoro deflected it and did the strangest thing Christa had ever seen. He let go of his shield grabbed Julip¡¯s hammer arm with both hands and locked his legs around the man¡¯s head. The two tumbled to the ground with Jodoro on the bottom. Julip began to rain blows down on Jodoro with his free arm. A judge was next to them waiting to intervene. Jodoro tightened his hold on Julip and straightened and pulled at the man¡¯s arm. Julip¡¯s blows began to slow. Jodoro held on. Julip gave up punching Jodoro and instead hefted the man up and began repeatedly bashing him into the ground. Jodoro¡¯s hold broke and both men took a moment to catch their breath while. Carl and Cain were now on the side of the arena receiving medical aid. Neither had weapons at this point. Julip bullrushed Jodoro and he pivoted on his foot and struck Julip with a blow to the head. The Bull of the North charged again and Jodoro continued to dance around him striking.


    ¡°The Way.¡± Christa spoke without realizing it. As Julip swung at Jodoro, Jodoro ducked under his arm and used his body to toss the bigger man. The Bellgaurdian cheer was cut short as Julip quickly got to his feet.


    ¡°Dirty Onaki! I will wipe my ass with your headband.¡± The man charged again, and Christa heard Derry piping voice bark something at Jodoro. Jodoro dove at the man¡¯s legs tripping him up. He grabbed the man¡¯s leg and began twisting it.


    ¡°Yield!¡± Jodoro commanded and Julip refused. Jodoro increased the pressure and Julip bellowed with rage. ¡°I¡¯ll break it ya fucking ox!¡± Jodoro increased the pressure more and Julip finally tapped the ground. The arena erupted in a deafening roar. Beer sloshed from tankards. Bellgaurdians rang their hand bells and began to chant. The chant made its way around the arena.


    ¡°Jungle Cat, Jungle Cat, Jungle Cat!!!¡±


    Lady Jane sat back in her seat and looked around the arena. ¡°The Jungle Cat is loved in Bellgaurd,¡± she observed. ¡°I¡¯ll expect that coin from you tomorrow.¡± Then she gestured for two glasses of wine. She gave one to Christa. ¡°You must never bet against your own house.¡±


    Christa was speechless, ¡°but you?¡±


    Lady Jane smirked and raised her glass and repeated, ¡°Never bet against your own house.¡±

 Chapter 13- Tournament III

    Chapter 13- Tournament III


    #43,


    You are to stay put and establish a base of operations at your current location. #70 and #71 are in route with further instructions. Rendezvous at point D232 in 3 days. The rising sun will greet you today.


    -A


    Forty-three burned the scrap of paper and set out for the town. Since coming to Bellgaurd he had been staying in an abandoned shepherd¡¯s hut in the eastern hills. It was secluded, dry, and kept him alive. It fit the mandates of the Rubric and that was all that mattered. The small table strapped to his back bobbed as he walked. The fields were lush with spring flowers and he stopped to collect a few along the way. Early daisies, daffodils, bluebells and red columbine were all good pickings. They would sell well during the tournament. He picked them carefully, always cutting with a sharp blade at an angle along the stem. He would keep the crested iris for himself. There was nothing in the Rubric against possessing these as long as he did not indulge in vanity or greed. Long ago hunters would use the crested iris to alleviate thirst. Forty-three laughed to himself. They were fools because the sweet taste would quickly become bitter and unbearable. Nevertheless, he would dispose of it before Seventy and Seventy-One arrived. He would give them no excuse to go and tell mother on him.


    Forty-three entered the city and found a spot on Main Street. It was already busy, and he was doing business immediately. It was the final day of the events and people would be eager to buy as much as they can with their various winnings.


    The Rising Sun came walking up to him. ¡°Any recommendations today young fellow?¡±


    ¡°A yellow rose for the special lady?¡± He replied as he passed the rose to the Rising Sun. The Ardinite smelled the rose and tucked it into his coat. Then he tossed him a copper and went on his way. Forty-three stayed at his table for a few hours then packed his things. He had to prepare. The Rubric said you must always prepare.


    ***


    ¡°Welcome esteemed ladies and gentlemen to the archery finals,¡± Amelius Graston roared. A large crowd had gathered to witness the event and Jodoro couldn¡¯t help but feel a buzzing of nervousness in his stomach. He hated crowds and hated being at the center of attention even more. ¡°We have had many respectable competitors this year but alas there can only be three. They have demonstrated their accuracy. They have demonstrated their speed. But today these three will compete in the ultimate test of archery- the moving target. Each competitor will get a chance to shoot as many woodcocks as they can. According to the panel of judges the shooting order will be Lady Jane, Old Trews, and Jodoro Jaguar.¡± With that Graston walked off the grounds and stood next to the competitors. His presence made Jodoro uncomfortable. It was never comforting when a man who did not like you stood behind you.


    A man carrying a cage of woodcocks rushed onto the field. Lady Jane took her spot on the set mark and prepared to fire. She looked focused and Jodoro could see her intent to win writ clearly on her face. She called for the release and a dozen woodcocks flapped into the air. They were fast. She homed in on a target and shot. After twenty seconds the birds were already at too great a distance. Jodoro couldn¡¯t believe it but she managed to down two of them. Old Trews wasted no time getting into position. He signaled the release and immediately fired off five arrows.


    He also downed two birds and for some reason this made Jodoro even more nervous. If he couldn¡¯t get at least two he would be eliminated. He stepped up to the mark and tried to ignore the on lookers. The birds. Focus on the birds. He looked at the dozen birds in the cage then signaled their release. The jolt of motion caused him to hesitate for a moment, but he fired off three arrows. Two objects fell toward the ground.


    Graston stepped up and spoke, ¡°It looks like we have a threeway tie ladies and gent-.¡±


    ¡°Master Graston,¡± an aide shouted from the field. ¡°You must see this.¡± The aide picked up two of Jodoro¡¯s arrows and came jogging toward Graston. ¡°He got three. Struck two with one arrow.¡±


    Graston looked as if he wanted to strike the man but the crowd had already begun to cheer. Graston ordered Old Trews and Lady Jane to shoot another round. Old Trews managed to hit two again while Lady Jane clipped the wing of her second bird but didn¡¯t bring it down.


    Lady Jane walked up to him. ¡°That bow is yours now. I¡¯ll have the rest of your winnings delivered today. There¡¯s an officers commission with the Delonican army waiting for you if you ever tire of Bellgaurd.¡± She left with her entourage closely following.


    Old Trews clapped him on his back, ¡°Helluva woman isn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°Did you lose on purpose? I swore you could have hit three in the first round.¡±


    ¡°Na, the wind took the fifth arrow too far afield.¡± Old Trews said with a grin. ¡°Ya won fair and square boy. I¡¯m proud of you.¡± He walked over to Nan who gave Jodoro a nod. They would likely set off for the property. They had much work to do.


    He met Carl and Derry for lunch. Carl was still pissed about getting eliminated from the joust by Cain DeRold but took solace in their victory from yesterday. The final two-on-two melee round would start in two hours. In Jodoro¡¯s opinion the tourney was nothing to be proud of. Every event except archery and the joust had an age restriction placed upon it. No men over twenty-five could compete in any melee combat events. If no place had their best fighters competing, what was there to be proud of?


    ¡°I¡¯m just saying you had better treat her right Carl.¡± Derry said through a mouth full of food. ¡°She¡¯s a classy lady and quite frankly out of your league.¡± He picked up a turkey leg and pointed it at Carl. ¡°Can¡¯t for the life of me see what she sees in you.¡±


    Carl took the turkey leg out of Derry¡¯s hand and bit it. ¡°She sees a man. Besides I¡¯ll thank you kindly to worry about your own affairs. I saw Nova with Christa yesterday. She looked mighty comfortable among the Heartholders.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t expect you to know this Carl but women are like dogs.¡± Derry said pointing another turkey leg at Carl. ¡°They must be allowed to run free sometimes, but they should periodically be collared.¡±


    Jodoro saw Amethyst, Nova and Christa walking toward their table and nudged Carl under the table. Carl¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°Would you mind repeating that o wise one?¡±


    ¡°I said women are like dogs they-.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t finish because Nova had dumped a cup of watered wine on his head. Derry got up sputtering and turned on her. ¡°Damnit woman. What the hell is your problem?¡±


    ¡°Like dogs you say?¡± Nova shouted. ¡°I¡¯ll thank you to sit right back down before I fetch another glass of wine.¡± Derry sat down and wiped the wine from his face.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to forgive him Nova,¡± Jodoro urged. ¡°He won a lot of coin today and is riding high in the saddle.¡±


    ¡°A bit too damn high indeed.¡± Nova said as she pulled out a cloth and began to wipe Derry off.


    She looked like a mother dog grooming her pup. Amethyst and Christa took their seats.


    ¡°Brother you must take care not to get eliminated too early today. I swore Jodoro was about to get crushed by that brute of a Heartholder.¡± Amethyst said.


    ¡°Lord Cain is a skilled fighter for a popinjay Amie. Besides Jodoro can handle himself fine.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t look like it to me,¡± Christa interjected.


    ¡°I heard the Duke admonishing you this morning. Mind sharing what that was about? Since you lot want to criticize us two.¡± Carl rebutted.


    Christa looked reluctant for a moment. ¡°I lost a bet and had to ask for my savings. He was¡­disappointed with my wager.¡±


    ¡°No need to skirt around it. You backed the wrong horse.¡± Carl teased.


    ¡°Better the wrong horse than an ass.¡± Christa commented earning Derry¡¯s laughter.


    Jodoro decided to intervene before things got out of hand. ¡°We will be careful today. We must go prepare.¡± He turned to Amethyst. ¡°I will meet you at seven in the east garden.¡±


    ¡°That suits me just fine,¡± she beamed. He pulled Carl along. The man was on edge and needed a win. It was time to earn one.


    ***


    ¡°That suits me fine,¡± Derry mocked as soon as Jodoro and Carl left. Christa stared him down and he had the curtesy to look cowed. Amethyst didn¡¯t need his mockery now, especially with her mother parading suitors in front of her every day. It was rumored that Heliodor had expressed his interest again. It would be hard for the General and Lady Ridge to turn him down. The gala might be her last day of freedom, her last day to be seen with Jodoro without risk of rebuke.


    ¡°Chrissy what will you wear tonight? I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll look fetching.¡± Amethyst said ignoring Derry.


    ¡°It¡¯s a surprise. I cannot tell you.¡± She replied in a singsong voice.


    Nova looked at her sharply. ¡°I¡¯m sure Lord DeRold will love it. The man can hardly keep his eyes off you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like him. He acts too high and mighty.¡± Derry pointed out. ¡°But I supposed some girls go for that sort. Ya know tall, handsome, nose in the air.¡±


    ¡°He is a nice man Derry. He cares deeply for his people even though he¡¯s fourth in line to Hearthold. You all will see tonight.¡± Christa was a little sadden by her friends¡¯ standoffish demeanor toward Cain. Sure, Nova and Amethyst were nice enough, but Derry and Carl did not like him very much. She couldn¡¯t get a read on Jodoro¡¯s feelings for the man but then again Jodoro was Jodoro. He would probably just sit quietly and be polite even if he didn¡¯t like him. That was the infuriating thing about him.


    ¡°We should all go riding tomorrow. It would be good to get those horses out of the stable and head up to the eastern hills.¡± Amethyst suggested. ¡°You should invite Cain. Maybe we could all do a bit of hunting.¡±


    ¡°Its been forever since we rode.¡± Nova pleaded.


    ¡°Well, someone will have to teach me.¡± Derry responded bitterly.


    ¡°You can¡¯t ride?¡± Christa asked. ¡°Hard to tell with the way you go around boasting about everything.¡±This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°No I cant ride and neither can the Jungle Cat so if you bash me for it you got to give him a hard time.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll teach you both. Cain can help he¡¯s very good on a horse.¡±


    ¡°I bet he is. Shoots rainbows from his ass too I bet.¡± Derry said earning a clout from Nova. Sometimes Christa felt the Star Court had played a cruel joke on her by sending Derry into her life. The Star Court. Visions of that place were still stuck in her mind.


    ¡°How has Guy been. I haven¡¯t seen him much lately?¡± Nova asked.


    ¡°Guy¡¯s been hanging around on the beach a lot. He chills with us most evenings. Dude seems lonely though.¡± Derry responded. ¡°Jo¡¯s worried about him.¡±


    Christa thought Guy would have emerged from his sorrow by now, but he still wore that same listless expression from time to time. ¡°I too am worried but let¡¯s go find some seats they¡¯ll fill up quickly.¡±


    Her prediction proved correct and they had to split up in order to find seats. The judge was beginning to announce the combatants when she found a seat next to Dundar and Heliodor of all people. Her mother and father were a couple of seats away taking to the two princes.


    ¡°Tell me of these fighters from Ardinum brother. It has been too long since I¡¯ve been to the capitol.¡± Heliodor asked.


    Dundar looked annoyed. ¡°What is there to know? Academy trained, noble bred, the King¡¯s own, and at the edge of twenty-five.¡±


    ¡°I suppose they have a clear advantage, but I wouldn¡¯t underestimate the youths of Bellgaurd.¡± Heliodor said as he sipped from his goblet and winked at Christa. ¡°They have seen war and that changes how one fights.¡± Christa saw why women gushed over Heliodor. He had a way of making everyone he talked to or was around feel important or worthy. Bellgaurd owed him a heavy debt.


    ¡°When will you marry and settled down little brother? You cannot rove the southlands forever. A man must build a legacy.¡±


    ¡°I will marry when the time is right. I would not feel right settling when the south is still in danger. I am discomforted by this Farki and Sea Raider alliance.¡± Heliodor replied. This too had weighted on Christa¡¯s mind. Would the Farki come back? Would Bellgaurd be ready when they did? They needed more soldiers, more settlements, and above all else more coin. Bellgaurd was a ravenous little beast who could only grow on a diet of hard silver and soft gold. Her father lost many nights of sleep over the years because of this. Things were starting to turn around but would it last? Would it be enough? She looked at her parents. The gray on her father¡¯s temples was creeping steadily upward. Since the battle he had taken on a sterner countenance. Mother fought him tooth and nail for the funds to host the tournament. He hemmed, hawed, and called it frivolous until finally relenting on her promise that a sales tax could be enforced and would increase the treasury. Her mother looked pleased, undoubtedly because she had gamble correctly. Early indicators pointed toward three-hundred percent profits and this did not even count sales from the gala.


    ¡°You must return to the capitol soon brother. Father is not getting any younger and big brother Gregor is¡­well he is not himself lately. They need to see you.¡± Dundar said.


    ¡°I will head there after the tournament Dundar. But the combatants have entered, and I love nothing more than seeing the test of wills between men.¡± Heliodor replied to a nodding Dundar.


    Christa saw the men from Ardinum enter. They were both tall and broad. They wore the King¡¯s crest- a white five-pointed star above two gold gauntlets grasped on a field of red. It was the symbol of the Great Accord that was witnessed by the Star Court. It was the story of the founding of Ardinum writ upon a coat-of-arms. They said they only accepted the best into the King¡¯s Star Guard and the men stood proudly in the center of the ring. They raised their longswords high and the crowd responded with cheers. It was every young boy¡¯s dream to join the Star Guard and their magnificence was on display.


    Then Carl and Jodoro were announced. The entered the ring with Carl wearing a lighter version of the Bell Battalion¡¯s armor, with the Bellgaurd crest on prominent display. Her father¡¯s crest. Her own crest someday. Jodoro had on his leather armor. His headband worn proudly on his brow.


    ¡°See how they walk brother?¡± Heliodor said with his eyes never leaving the spectacle. ¡°The General¡¯s son always on firm footing and the Onaki with a springy step. Such a contrast in styles but both equal. Fluidity versus the immovable. The wind and the stone.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I have though of sponsoring the General¡¯s son for the academy. I could see him in the Star Guard.¡± Dundar replied. Jodoro and Carl hefted their spears into the air. The home crowd showered them with praise.


    ¡°The one they call the Jungle Cat would be a good addition as well. Look at all the Onaki who came to see him.¡± Heliodor gestured around. ¡°He is their champion. Father would do well to have one of them among the Star Guard.¡±


    ¡°You know that father cares not for Onaki. It was taken much lobbying to get him not to ban them from the country.¡± Christa knew what Dundar said was true. While the south was more accepting of Onaki due to years of interaction. The capitol was a very close-minded place despite how cosmopolitan it was.


    The judge signaled the start of the battle and Christa was surprised to see Jodoro and Carl lock their shields together. Carl switched his spear to his left hand, and they created a solid joint defense obviously learning from yesterday¡¯s mistake. Their opponents probed their defense and tried to flank them but Jodoro and Carl worked together to counter their efforts. The fight lasted like this for awhile but eventually the Star Guard managed to separate the two. Jodoro pressed the advantage against one of them while Carl fought the other. Then in the blink of an eye both of their enemies launched a speedy simultaneous attack on Jodoro who took a heavy blow to his head. Carl quickly reengaged with his opponent but Jodoro was clearly dazed. He frantically back peddled and tried to block the coming blows.


    ¡°He¡¯s concussed. He won¡¯t last long.¡± Dundar proclaimed as the crowd roared in excitement.


    ¡°He¡¯s trying to hold off long enough to let the General¡¯s son defeat his opponent.¡± Heliodor commented excitedly. ¡°He has heart and look yonder. The General¡¯s son is taking the advantage.¡± Carl was battering the Star Guard as Jodoro was on the ground being hit with the blunted sword. He was barely managing to block the blows, but many still got through. A judge was waiting by him while the Star Guard was yelling at him to concede. The Onaki in the crowd were standing on their benches. Jodoro was taking a beating. The Star Guard began to rain the blows down harder. The Onaki began to stomp on the benches in rhythm.


    Stomp, clap, stomp.


    Stomp, clap, stomp.


    The noise filled the air. Bellgaurdians joined them as the supporters of the Star Guard yelled for blood. Jodoro held on for another minute and then yielded. The Star Guard who had beaten him turned to find his partner down and Carl Ridge charging toward him. The Onaki increased the speed of their rhythm and began to chant. Carl fought ferociously but, in the end, he lost to the more experienced opponent. As the winners stood together in the center of the ring, they gestured for Jodoro and Carl to join them. They raised hands with them, and the crowd applauded. Flowers were tossed into the ring and people began to sing the national anthem.


    ¡°Brother what a spectacle. The chanting, stomping, clapping, and fighting has stirred my blood to no end. Surely this will go down as one of the greatest tournaments ever.¡± Heliodor declared.


    ¡°Indeed, but look beyond the spectacle,¡± Dundar said gesturing toward the four men in the arena. ¡°Is that not brotherly love? Is that not a symbol of a country untied? You are an expert on war brother, but I fear you lose yourself to it.¡± Dundar said as he got up. ¡°Look to the people for if they are united in spirit even the Star Court cannot stop their will.¡±


    Christa thought back to Nan Bowerbird¡¯s lessons. She could not help but think her and Dundar would get along well. Her father looked pleased with the result. The Bellgaurd team had finished higher than it had in years. There was no shame to losing to the King¡¯s Own. Her mother was looking at her and flashed her a smile. She gave one back. It was good to see mother happy. Nova and Amethyst came to retrieve her. They had a gala to get ready for.


    ***


    ¡°You must be sore,¡± Amethyst said to Jodoro as they sat around the gala table. The band Derry choose was playing a magnificent tune with their instruments. The novel use of brass instruments lent the sweeping tone a more regal air and many people were dancing. Everyone looked to be happy and as Christa sipped her wine she could not keep a smile from appearing on her face.


    ¡°Not too sore to dance,¡± Jodoro replied as he extended his hand to her. Christa watched as her friend grasped it excitedly and they floated onto the dance floor.


    ¡°I think those to have the right idea,¡± Carl said as he grabbed Erelda¡¯s hand and followed them.


    ¡°They are inexhaustible. What is that their fourth time going out?¡± Cain commented with a smile. He was seated next to her and looked handsome in his red and gold outfit.


    ¡°I believe it is their fourth and they are making me tired looking at them.¡± Nova said as she sat next to Derry.


    Derry stood up for a moment looked behind her and then sat back down. ¡°Well I¡¯ll be thrice cursed. That sour bastard found a date after all.¡±


    Christa turned around to see Guy enter the room with none other than Nan Bowerbird dressed in a white silk gown on his arm. She had put some effort into her appearance and a touch of make up made her look a decade younger. They danced for a bit and Jodoro and Amethyst waltzed over to them with smiles on their faces and exchanged partners.


    ¡°Do you know that Onaki woman?¡± Cain asked Derry.


    Derry seemed annoyed by the question but answered. He had been behaving himself remarkable well this night. ¡°That¡¯s my grandmother.¡±


    ¡°She can still move well for her age.¡± Cain applauded.


    ¡°You have no idea.¡± Derry retorted. ¡°Looks like Lady Jane is making her move.¡±


    Lady Jane strode up to Jodoro and stole him away from Nan with a smile. She looked beautiful in her gown of Delonican green, he bobbed hair and pixie face were embellished by the stylish pearl earrings she wore.


    ¡°They make a pretty pair, don¡¯t they?¡± An out of breath Amethyst said as she, guy, and Nan took their seats.


    ¡°Anyone makes a good pair with my grandson, little hornet. But she can¡¯t hold a candle to you dearie.¡± Nan said as she pinched Amethyst¡¯s cheek. Nan then surveyed the table with her eyes coming to a rest on Derry. ¡°Well! Fetch me some ale ya lout. Where are ya manners? You¡¯d thing I was the devil instead of ya kin.¡±


    Derry shot out of his seat like an arrow from a bow and everyone laughed. Nan took his seat next to Nova despite five others being empty and passed a wink around the table. Her eyes came to rest on Cain. ¡°So, this is the man who took my little Redbird outta her nest. Treat her well young man. Treat her well.¡± It did not come off as a threat. ¡°Saw you fight the Ridge boy to a standstill, twas mighty impressive.¡± She took the ale from Derry and drained it. Just as she sat down, he sent him for another.


    ¡°Thanks for your compliment and I assure you I intend to treat her well.¡± Christa sighed with relief. She had heard from Nova why Derry was uncomfortable around Cain. She hadn¡¯t realized how he talked about Onaki as if they deserved charity. It was true that there were many poor Onaki but they were prideful. It was also true that there were many Onaki that had coin. She was sitting across from one right now. ¡°What is it like being Onaki?¡± Cain asked Nan and Christa held her breath.


    Nan looked at Christa for a moment and her insides did a flip. She twirled her ring nervously knowing the old woman was likely to speak her mind. ¡°It¡¯s the same as being a Heartholder I reckon. A life of work and family with a cold grave at the end of it.¡±


    Cain looked pensive for a moment and Christa swore that if he pressed the issue she¡¯d- ¡°I see you point madame.¡± Derry returned with four mugs of ale and set them down in front of Nan. She reached out and petted him on the cheek. ¡°You always were my favorite.¡±


    He took a seat on the other side of Nova and Christa thought she caught the briefest hint of a smile. They talked for a while before Nan looked at Amethyst pointedly. ¡°Time to go get your man back afore she tires to steal him. Jodoro is a fool and won¡¯t realize her intentions. A woman doesn¡¯t dance with a man she wouldn¡¯t bed for three songs.¡±


    Amethyst turned red and went to retrieve her property. ¡°Nan, I don¡¯t think Lady Jane would presume.¡±


    ¡°Look girl,¡± She gestured with a nod as she packed her pipe. ¡°Have you ever seen such a bitter woman enjoy herself this much outside of tugging on a bowstring?¡±


    Christa looked at Lady Jane and thought she detected a flush on her cheeks. She wasn¡¯t exactly smiling but there a demure cast to her face. ¡°By the Star Court I think she has the hots for him.¡± She watched as Amethyst politely interceded and danced with Jodoro. Lady Jane took it graciously and retreated to her table. Christa caught a glimpse of her mother and father dancing. Her mother looked beautiful in a copper and blue gown. A yellow rose was woven into her hair. They parted soon and her mother left the Great Hall with a smile on her face. It was good to see them looking in love again.


    ¡°She looked beautiful there.¡± Guy said breaking his silence. ¡°A toast to the belle of Bellgaurd.¡± He said as he raised his glass. They toasted her mother and then the toasted continued on. After about an hour everyone began to leave.


    She walked to her rooms with Guy who looked not quite happy but better than normal. Her bed welcomed her into its embraced. She slept deeply until the bells began peeling in the night. Erda burst into her room crying. ¡°Erda what¡¯s wrong?¡± She asked her sister frantically.


    ¡°Mother¡¯s dead.¡±

 Chapter 14- Investigation

    Chapter 14- Investigation


    The Lady Bell was laid to rest three days after the tournament. They food her in the bathroom with a dagger plunged through her chest. They searched the city nonstop but could not find the culprit. Nobody knew anything. Nobody saw anything. The Duke barely spoke a word during the whole affair and deputized the General to lead the investigation. Jodoro, Derry, and the three Onaki Jodoro met during the tournament worked tirelessly during those three days to build a mausoleum in her honor in the eastern courtyard garden. The Onaki girl, Midge MightyViper, did not lie. She and her older brothers, Hal Bull and Jal BigBull, could work stone, block and mortar almost as good as him. Jodoro worked to avoid the burning questions in his mind but not matter how hard he tried to avoid them they kept piercing his brain.


    Who killed Lady Bell and why?


    Did Heliodor have something to do with this?


    Should he tell Christa and Guy?


    Would learning about their mother¡¯s infidelity break their hearts?


    The funeral was lovely to the extent that a funeral could be and many citizens of Bellgaurd turned out. People delayed leaving after the tournament to give their offers of support to the Duke and his family. Jodoro paid his respects with Derry and then told Derry to take Midge and her brothers to the property they bought. They would begin surveying the land and making construction plans.


    As they departed Derry told him not to do anything stupid but how could he not tell them. There had to be another course of action. He saw the General walking toward the city and rushed after him.


    ¡°Sir, how goes the investigation?¡±


    The General gestured for him to join him. ¡°Come.¡± The General commanded. ¡°We have one lead and no suspects. It is floundering.¡±


    Jodoro steeled himself. ¡°Sir forgive me for saying this, but I think Lady Bell was having an affair.¡±


    The General grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him into an alley. Jodoro didn¡¯t see the punch that caused him to reel over and lose his breath. He looked up and saw the General wink. ¡°I¡¯ll hear no such words of dishonor soldier.¡± He said loudly and then in a whisper. ¡°I suspected as much but don¡¯t say such words out loud.¡±  He pulled him back onto the streets and Jodoro struggled through the pain. Then in a quiet voice, a couple blocks away, the General pulled him into another alley and said. ¡°I had observed her strange behavior over the past few months, but I didn¡¯t put two-and-two together. Tell me what you know.¡±


    Jodoro told him of the voices in the library and of his suspicion that Heliodor was the other person involved. The General listened to his words nodding. ¡°The pronunciation adds credence to your theory and Heliodor is a known womanizer. This is troubling, very troubling.¡±


    ¡°What will you do about it? What should I do?¡±


    ¡°Son we can¡¯t do anything. Think! Who are the two most plausible suspects in this love triangle theory?¡±


    ¡°Oh shit.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, oh shit. A heartbroken Duke or the third son of a King. Both of whom were accounted for at the time of death. If either was behind it, they would not be called to account. My only recourse is to find the knife man or knife child in this case.¡±


    ¡°You think a child did this?¡± Jodoro asked. He found the theory hard to believe.


    ¡°Yes, from the angle of the blade and its depth it was likely a child sized individual. Strong but still a child.¡±


    ¡°How am I supposed to help you with this?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not. What I need you to do is start training with the Bell Battalion again. I¡¯m thinking about a complete restructuring of our military and I need good men ready to take leadership positions. Train and go to school. Be young for as long as you can. We must be prepared for anything that comes.¡±


    Jodoro took that as a dismissal. He walked to the castle library and found his study corner. He pulled paper and a pencil from his pack and hit the shelves. He pulled a couple books from the military sections as he browsed: Marshall Julia¡¯s Forty-Four Laws, The Principles of Command, Sieges and Blockades, and Scholar Tredge¡¯s Farkian Military Tactics. These were the classics but just as he was about to head to his desk a slim volume tucked between two books caught his eye. He pulled the book out. The Art of the Spear. It looked aged and worn but the words were still legible. He placed it onto of the others and went back to his desk.


    His performance during the tournament bothered him. Despite instruction from Carl and the General his spear work wasn¡¯t progressing as much as he liked. The weapon felt good in his hands, but he had trouble translating that into any real skill. He relied much on the dirk and hatchet he had used growing up, but these were only truly useful from close range. He picked up the slim manual and began to read:


    There is a lot of talk nowadays about how the sword is superior to the spear. I have made my opinion on the subject clear in the coliseums and my sword wielding opponents have all been vanquished before me. To be clear I know where this assumption comes from. The path of the spear is difficult and not many have the fortitude and natural talent to progress to the level of mastery. A master spear wielder is a tempest, a whirlwind, a force of nature that can cut through her opponents as unencumbered as a scythe through wheat. Armies have fallen before my elite spear corps and we have made the known world ours on the backs of these properly trained men and women. In the interest of preserving this dominance have set out in these pages to guide readers along the path of glory, to teach them the philosophies behind the greatest weapon in the world, to teach them the Art of the Spear.


    There are two primary paths of spear wielding that both have their benefits but it is important to note that one can train in both paths but that is a difficult endeavor and not recommended. These two paths are that of the lone spear and the spear and shield. Each have their own techniques and their own benefits. Neither of them is superior to the other. This manual is divided into two sections dedicated to each path.


    Jodoro thought about this for a moment. It was clear to him that the path he should read about was the spear and shield one. The General emphasized the worth of the shield and in Bellgaurd¡¯s military it was standard issue. He began read the section, but it was difficult to understand. The first few pages were devoted to stances and while the diagrams were well drawn, he could tell he¡¯d have to practice them as he went along. He placed the manual in his bag.


    ¡°You know you shouldn¡¯t take books out of the library.¡± Christa said to him. He hadn¡¯t even realized she was there.


    ¡°Lady Christa you are right. I apologize.¡± Jodoro said as he removed the manual from his pack. She looked so happy during the gala but now her eyes were baggy, and her hair was uncharacteristically messy. So much had changed in three days. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for your loss. I know how it feels to lose a parent. If there¡¯s anything I can do to help let me know.¡± He could not tell her about her mother. If it would not bring justice what was the point.


    ¡°I think I¡¯m getting used to death Jo.¡± Christa replied wearily. ¡°I think it doesn¡¯t hurt so much anymore. Is that a good thing?¡±


    Jodoro stood up and gave her a hug. ¡°I don¡¯t know Lady Christa. But I do know that we must always remember them and that they are happy in the Star Court.¡± She began to cry and started to collapse. Jodoro picked her up and walked out of the library toward the royal apartments. She was surprisingly light, and he made it there with no trouble. A guard at the door let him in and he placed her down on a sofa in the anteroom.


    ¡°You need sleep Lady Christa,¡± He said to her.


    Her bright eyes swam with tears, ¡°You are right.¡± She placed a hand on his cheek. ¡°You¡¯re a good friend Jodoro Jaguar. I saw the mausoleum. It was beautifully done.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. Just rest.¡± He said as he found a blanket for her and placed it over her. ¡°I¡¯ll be back to check on you.¡± She nodded at him and he left the room. He went to the kitchens and got a plate of fruit and biscuit. He begged for a small flask of wine and was obliged by an Onaki woman who worked in the kitchen.On the way back he stopped in the Great Hall but didn¡¯t see Guy or Erza there. When he returned with the plate Christa was already asleep. He set the food on the table and left the room. He went back to the library and began transcribing the manual. No, he could never tell Christa.


    ***


    Weeks passed since Lady Bell was laid to rest and things began to fall into a routine for Jodoro. He woke up early and practiced the Art of the Spear then trained with Derry, Nova, Amethyst, Carl, Guy and Christa. After this training he would go with Carl to train with the soldiers of Bellgaurd. With the influx of new recruits, the General made good on his word and completely restructured the cities military forces. There was the new calvary force that consisted of 400 men. The infantry force which was made of 2,200 infantry soldiers. A scouting unit of 100 men had been added to patrol the lands across the Nowell. After the murder of Lady Bell, the city guard had gotten a boost with 300 men. Their numbers were still woefully low but there was hope that with the city and lands around Bellgaurd being settled that the population would grow enough to generate further enlistment.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    At the General¡¯s urging Jodoro had begun to cycle between each unit depending on the week. The most challenging part of this was the calvary. He still had not gotten the hang of riding Cow but at least he was improving. The other soldiers would laugh at him every now and again, but the jests were light-hearted.


    The stance he was learning from the manual were helpful. He was firmer in his defense and no longer over-extended when thrusting. His targeting had not improved and his jabs with the spear rarely found the vulnerable parts of his opponents¡¯ armor. Carl said that he would improve with time but Jodoro could not help but feel somewhat frustrated with his progress. Sargent Horn thought he was making good headway though and placed him in a more advanced infantry training group. The men in this group were seasoned veterans and tried to share whatever wisdom they had with him.


    The scouting unit was his favorite by far. They relied heavily on the bow and quick movement over vast areas of terrain. He went with them each Saturday and they typically cover twenty miles a day before making camp and then returning Sunday night.


    His afternoons were spent in school and even though he was beginning to dedicate himself more to martial training he found the knowledge useful. With the end of the term approaching tough decisions would come. Should he apply to one of Ardinum¡¯s academies or should he stay in Bellgaurd with his family?


    His evenings were dedicated to his own pursuits. He either practiced the Art of the Spear, checked on things with his property, rode Cow, or hung out with his friends. Derry was doing a remarkable job setting up the mill and Midge and her brothers had been given more control over its construction. They hired three Onaki boys to help and hoped to have the mill operational by mid-summer. That was a problem. He and Derry would be cutting it close financially. Sure, he could probably approach Nan headband in hand and beg for a loan, but he wanted this to be something he and Derry accomplished together.


    Derry was in an awkward position. With Lady Bell¡¯s death he was left without a tutor. Scholar Barkley hinted at apprenticing him to Erelda, but an anonymous tip made him change his mind. Derry of course pouted and sulked but he eventually threw himself into his new role as the apprentice to Steward Olman. He seemed to flourish under this role and was beginning to show a remarkable acumen for statecraft. This surprised many but not Jodoro for he had been dealing with his brother¡¯s machinations for years.


    Amethyst had changed since the tournament. Her mother was still pressing the issue of marriage and Amethyst felt powerless in the situation. Although her father was sympathetic to her, he would not go against his wife¡¯s wishes on this. She insisted she did not want to get married yet and this suited him just fine. However, her desire to spend more time with him despite her mother¡¯s protests put him in an awkward position. Was it wise to stoke the ire of the General¡¯s wife? Probably not. But Jodoro found it increasing hard to resist her allures. Sometimes she would sneak out of the castle and sit with him in the courtyard. It was impossible for her to come to the yurt at night because the guards would likely tell her father. They would sit by the fountain that Guy cried into and talk for hours. She told him secrets that she had never told anyone, and he did the same. Things got as physical as they could given the circumstances and Jodoro was finding it difficult to control himself when she was in his arms. But before anything could progress, she would always plant a kiss on his cheek and given him a smile as she walked back into the castle. Jodoro was under no allusion that the General did not know about this and each time he visited him he was sure he would get rebuked or worse, but it never happened.


    ***


    Jodoro was reading through Scholar Tredge¡¯s Farkian Military Tactics in the library one day when he stumbled across a particularly interesting passage.


    There are rumors that the Farki have developed a breeding program that created their Redsteel warriors. I know this to be true, but the rumors hardly give credence to the depths of their depravity. The breeding program is not restricted to the military. The Alises themselves are bred from a stable of suitable men and women that have certain physical and mental characteristics that Sala the High Empress values. They are selected at birth and groomed for their positions. What might you ask happens to the boys? This too has puzzled me but a Onaki traveler I met swears to have stumbled upon a remote location, miles from Garloon where small boys and young men are trained as assassins. I have been unable to verify this report and the question still exists. What happens to the boys?


    Jodoro nearly fell from his chair. Could it be? The General¡¯s theory. Ridge was already tired of his constant badgering about the investigation and had passed it off to the city guard. He did not know the guardsmen well, but he was sure they wouldn¡¯t take his theory seriously. He looked at Christa who was across the table from him reading.


    ***


    ¡°Something on my face?¡± She asked when she noticed Jodoro staring at her. He had been acting strange toward her recently constantly asking her if she was okay or needed to talk. She appreciated his concern but sometimes he was overbearing. The other evening, he had even sent Amethyst to his room at midnight to check on her.  He was still staring at her biting his tongue. She never noticed it before but now she could not ignore it. He did it quite often.


    ¡°Have you heard¡­¡± He hesitated. ¡°The General¡¯s theory about the¡­culprit?¡±


    Her interest was piqued. She¡¯d heard the General¡¯s theory. She visited him four times a day in the first few weeks. ¡°He thinks a child did it.¡±


    ¡°Yep, read this.¡± He slid the book he was reading toward her and moved around and leaned over her shoulder.


    The smell of bergamot and sandalwood wafted off him. It was subtle yet intoxicating. She stopped herself from leaning into him. What is wrong with you? Get a hold of yourself. She read the passage that he was pointing to. ¡°This is interesting, but I would hardly call it a theory. There¡¯s no proven link between¡­what happened and the Farki.¡±


    ¡°Who stood to benefit the most from the potential destabilization of Bellguard?¡±


    ¡°True but the scholar himself said the theory was unsubstantiated.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but what happened to the Swan?¡± He asked her and Christa thought for a moment.


    ¡°Stabbed by a peasant boy for no apparent reason.¡± She said then another thought struck her and she raced to get it out before his inevitable question. ¡°The Farki stood to benefit because a marriage between Heliodor and the Swan would bring the Hytians to our side in the conflict.¡± She looked at him and saw his nod.


    ¡°I know its shaky but it¡¯s a theory.¡± He said. He was still leaning over her shoulder. She wanted him to move and she wanted him to stay. He returned to his seat looked at her. ¡°What are you going to do about it?¡±


    ¡°Do? What can I do?¡± she responded angrily. What the hell was his point? Why was he bringing this up?


    He crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. He was biting his tongue again and looked as if he wanted to say something back at her. She almost wanted him to so she could set him straight. ¡°Lead!¡± he rasped. ¡°You have friends lets do something. Take this thing in your own damn hands don¡¯t leave to these fucking guardsmen, who can¡¯t tell their asses from their elbows handle this.¡±


    She tripped the legs of his chair and watched him whirlwind his arms and fall to the floor. It was worth it for the look of shock on his face. ¡°You want me to lead!¡± She shouted into his face. She wanted to laugh and cry at the look of shock on his face. ¡°I¡¯ll fucking lead. Gather everyone and bring them to the Regal Pidgeon in an hour.¡±


    He smiled and she stormed out of the library, but she still heard him reply. ¡°Yes, Duchess.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Mind telling me why the fuck we¡¯re here.¡± Derry asked the people gathered around him. Nova, Amethyst, and Guy shrugged. Jodoro had rented a private room in the Regal Pidgeon and had already ordered drink for them when they arrived. This was not shit Jodoro did. It put him on edge.


    Christa stood up. ¡°We are launching our own investigation into my mother¡¯s death.¡±


    ¡°An investigation?¡±


    ¡°An investigation?¡±


    ¡°Here, Here.¡± Said Guy.


    ¡°Us?¡±


    ¡°Yes, everyone we will be launching an investigation. And anybody who hems or haws about it can leave.¡± Christa replied. Bossy Christa was his least favorite Christa.


    Derry looked around and saw everyone and saw them all bend to her will. What could they do? What made her think they were qualified? Just because Amethyst, Nova, and Guy were cowed didn¡¯t mean he would be. The nerve to give him an ultimatum. He got up from his chair with the hounds on his tail. The one-eared bitch was pregnant and that was the least of his problems. Karna still owed him half of his winnings and was beginning to give him the run around. And now Christa wanted him to help her find her dead mom¡¯s killer, a task that even the General couldn¡¯t handle. Before he could walk through the door Jo grabbed his shoulder and gave him the look. All brothers knew the look. All brothers used the look. It was the look that said- Just do me this one favor or I got you next time. If there was anything that Derry learned it was that one must protect the sanctity of the look. It was currency and it was honor. Refusing the look could have far-reaching and ominous consequences. Dark emotions might arise, resentments could build, and above all else it could destroy the fulcrum that carefully balanced brotherly relationships. So, Derry did what any sensible, Star Court believing man would do. He took his ass right back to his seat and acted like he never got up.


    Christa looked at him. ¡°Is everyone on board?¡± He nodded back at her ready to get the ball rolling on this thing. He took a gulp of the ale and a bite of chicken as he listened to Christa explain her theory. As far as he was concerned it was farfetched, but he would play along.


    ¡°Pardon Hytanese but how do we know this little fucker didn¡¯t already skip town with the rest of the tourney lot?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I was wondering the same thing.¡± Nova echoed.


    ¡°We don¡¯t,¡± Jodoro replied. ¡°But we should still look into it and if we buy the theory that the perpetrator is a Farkian agent then wouldn¡¯t it behoove them to keep someone here in Bellgaurd? After all it is a place of strategic importance to the Farki. They need constant information.¡±


    Guy spoke up. ¡°What is our plan of action? I Cannot think of anything beyond interviewing every boy in the city.¡±


    ¡°Glad you asked,¡± Christa began. ¡°Amethyst I need you to milk your father for any information he already has. If he has any notes get that too.¡±


    ¡°I can manage that.¡±


    ¡°Guy, Nova and Jodoro I need you three to figure out how this agent is communicating with the Farkians. Its quite possible he is receiving commands somehow. There is no trade between the kingdoms so that limits that possibility. They must be communicating by some means.¡±


    Christa hesitated then looked at Derry. ¡°Derry use your access to Steward Olman to review the tax and attendance records from the tournament. Look for anything unusual.¡±


    ¡°Unusual?¡±


    ¡°Yes unusual,¡± Christa replied sarcastically. ¡°Like a lone child, strange name, or a weird country of origin.¡± She looked around at all of them. ¡°People we are in the information gathering stage. Get your hands on anything you possibly can. I will be talking things over with the guardsmen and picking their brains for anything they know. I do not need to tell you how much this means to my family, so I won¡¯t. I¡¯ll just thank you for your help ahead of time. I will reimburse any investigation expenditures. Let¡¯s get to work.¡± She began to walk out of the room.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to eat?¡± Jodoro asked. She promptly turned around grabbed a leg of chicken then ate it in the most unladylike manner Derry had ever seen then left the room. Derry shared a look with his brother who just shrugged. He was not sure if he liked this new Christa or not.