《The Sacrificial Boy》


 Chapter 1 - The Black Monolith

    Standing inside a smoky campsite in the ancient forest of Wyre, a young man with shoulder-length black hair and piercing blue eyes, made ready a meal for the men of the village. It had been a long week already, with most of the village out clearing the small section of forest.


    With their Lord raising taxes due to another one of their King¡¯s wars, they needed more crops; without this bit of new farmland, the chances of starvation over next winter would be significantly increased. Thankfully, the village had been permitted to extend their fields.


    Now with most of the trees removed, the arduous process of removing the stumps was taking place. Admittedly, the young man named Aislin, unlike the other boys his age was rather small in stature. So he wasn¡¯t upset to be assigned to find himself assisting the women, it¡¯s not like he would be any use in the woods. However, what saddened him was no matter how hard he worked, the villagers gave him little respect.


    ¡°Aislin, get your head out of the clouds and come stir this pot.¡± Ina, the young man¡¯s grandmother, shook her head.


    With the boy¡¯s name meaning ¡®Dreams¡¯ in the old tongue, the Wise Woman thought that he was well named, unfortunately, in this part of the Kingdom, most considered Aislin a girl¡¯s name. But, even without the name, with his beautiful hair and striking blue eyes, she had to admit that her charge had much more in common with the girls in the village than the boys.


    ¡°Sorry, Gran, just daydreaming.¡±


    ¡°As usual.¡± She commented with little heat.


    Smiling, he turned back to the campfire, before checking to make sure that the coals were evenly spread before stirring the contents in the pot. The barley stew, mixed with mushrooms and leeks, would keep everyone happy for the long day ahead.


    ¡°That poor excuse for a boy should not be here.¡±


    Aislin ignored the words coming from the tall, middle-aged woman as he warily watched her approach. Such vitriolic comments flew from her mouth on a regular basis. For the most part, the women and young girls who worked around the camp gave Aislin little grief. However, Seara, the wife of the village Headman tended to look at Ina¡¯s charge as some sort of anathema and a stain upon the village.


    Brushing off her dress, Ina stood up and confronted the woman with a glare. ¡°And where should my grandson be, Seara?¡±


    The two women had stared at one another for a second before Seara gave an unfriendly smile. ¡°You know what they do with pretty boys in the Capitol, Ina?¡±


    ¡°No, but I¡¯m sure you¡¯re going to tell us anyway,¡± Clar, the miller''s wife, rolled her eyes in disgust as she dropped off a small armful of wood.


    Looking at the boy for a moment, she realized it wasn¡¯t necessarily that he looked like one of her nieces that made them all uncomfortable. Everyone in the village admitted it was this strange air about him that made them uneasy.


    ¡°Whatever, Ina, that boy has no business being near my daughter. Remind him that she has been properly betrothed to Master Oran.¡± Giving Aislin one last disdainful look, the wife of the village Headsman wandered off to start berating another group of women.


    Ina sighed, the young girl, said to be the prettiest in the village, caught the eye of the decade older Seneschal while her father visited the Keep on one of the festival days. Everyone agreed that marriage to such a powerful man would benefit the village greatly. However, her grandson had very few friends, and the two had always been together.


    Unfortunately, being able to be with his childhood friends was coming to a close. During the last rebirth Festival, when spring renewed itself in the land, the mothers of eligible girls looked to find their daughter''s proper husbands. With many of these marriages set up well before the children were born, all of the girls her grandson had grown up with now had their hair tied with yellow ribbons signifying a betrothal.


    ¡°Aislin, is this true? Have you been with Rowena again?¡±


    The young boy shrugged, not really caring that their relationship was no longer proper. ¡°She¡¯s isn¡¯t very happy right now, Gran.¡±


    Aislin knew this all came from when she came into his grandmother¡¯s cottage, claiming that her life was over. Although nothing improper occurred, the recently betrothed girl spent the entire day alone with him as he tried to calm his childhood friend down.


    ¡°You still like her, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Aislin gave a sad smile. Her grandmother missed nothing. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter; she is to marry Master Oran. Plus, my life isn¡¯t going to be terribly long anyway.¡±


    ¡°Aislin, don¡¯t say that.¡± Ina looked shocked.


    The young man shrugged. ¡°I have no skills; no one in the village is willing to make me an apprentice. When the King calls up the levies, the elders will make sure I am one of the men picked.¡±


    Ina closed her eyes; the boy might not have typical so-called ¡®male skills¡¯ useful to the village, but there was no mistaking his intelligence. Born a girl, Aislin would have already been chosen to be her apprentice years ago instead of Macha, a young girl whose family was close to hers.


    ¡°If that happens, we will request a meeting with a King¡¯s Healer.¡± Ina insisted.


    Although it was impossible, such gifts were only bestowed upon females; her grandson had a healing touch. Even his herb knowledge surpassed hers. No, even if he worked in the healer tents as an apothecary, she would make sure he did not find himself thrust into a line of battle with all of the other untrained boys.


    Suddenly, a cry from the forest caught everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Grab my bag.¡± Without another word, his grandmother hurried towards where the men were working.


    Quickly following with healer bag in hand, Aislin ran to his grandmother¡¯s side to thankfully discover there were no injuries; however, what he found was something wondrous.


    From what he could see, the men were all standing in front of what appeared to be a small black obelisk. The farrier had somehow chipped off a small piece at the top.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it on purpose; I didn¡¯t even see the blasted thing.¡± Jaralth was telling everyone around him. ¡°I swear it was just a stump before I struck. It''s sorcery, I tell you.¡±


    Suddenly the men began to talk all at once, when Tadhg, the village Hatcher, cried out. ¡°I told you before; we should have cleared a plot in the western woods. We don¡¯t belong here. It¡¯s her lands that we¡¯re defiling.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a dolt. King Myles conquered these lands after she and her generals were defeated.¡± Rian one of the village elders tried to calm everyone down.


    The object in front of them, although unusual, was not uncommon. Like many black stones scattered about the countryside, it was all that remained of the once-powerful Sorceress Kingdom. According to the stories, all of these lands had been for a time been the property of Liadan, the legendary enchantress. Why everyone was making such a fuss over the black monolith, Aislin didn¡¯t know.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Looking about, the village Elder motioned Wise Woman to step forward. ¡®What do you think, Ina?¡±


    The men stepped back, allowing her to approach. Covered with intricate golden Runes, standing roughly four spans tall, the black stone had been crafted from some unknown stone. As Ina examined the monolith, she knew that whatever they were looking at gave off a small amount of hidden eldritch power. Not having a clue about its nature, she turned to her grandson.


    ¡°Aislin, what do you think?¡±


    Ignoring the frowns and a couple of unflattering comments, the raven-haired boy kneeled in front of the obelisk. Immediately he understood the crafting skills needed to create such work lay beyond even those who built the Keep that dominated the lands surrounding the village. Knowing better than to touch it, he drew closer, studying the Runes. Like others he had seen, they were in the familiar language of the ancients who once ruled over all of the lands.


    Pointing to a particular line of runes, he commented. ¡°I have seen this before; remember the standing stones off the Kings Road near Buttlebridge.¡± Aislin had accompanied his grandmother a year ago to a meeting of Wise Women. Unable to attend the meeting, he spent most of the time wandering around the scattered black stones that made the Mijar Circle.


    ¡°I remember.¡± Ina smiled; the boy had a good eye for things.


    Unlike the rest of the village, the boy could even read, taught to him by his mother before she passed away from the Wasting sickness. His father, or at least that what she told everyone, had been a Sergeant in the King¡¯s army, bringing home a wife, the daughter of a merchant after a decade of service.


    Keir, the largest man in the village and also its blacksmith, looked upon the stone with trepidation. ¡°Let¡¯s leave well enough alone for now. We need to inform the castle.¡±


    Most of the excitement upon finding the stone had worn off among the older people by the end of the week. Several members of the Keep had already come by to assess the situation, found nothing dangerous, and left the village. To the younger children, the stone was an object of mystery. With its discovery, several old stories began to circulate once more about the Black Sorceress.


    Long ago, mother¡¯s used to force their daughters into obedience, stating that if they weren¡¯t good the Sorceress would come for them. Among some of the older villagers, they remembered several old songs.


    Even an odd game or two resurfaced, with one child, claiming to be the Black Sorceress would run through the village trying to capture other girls. Aislin wasn¡¯t amused when, on numerous occasions, he was caught since he looked like a girl.


    Aislin mood darkened when Master Oran arrived several days later for his investigation of the black stone, which consisted of him taking one look before spending the rest of the day with his intended.


    While working in front of his grandmother¡¯s cottage drying out herbs, Aislin watched Rowena, and the Seneschal walked around the village together. As the morning progressed, the two seemed to be enjoying each other¡¯s company even more, with an unexpected kiss on her hand as the older man finally departed.


    Confused, Aislin knew his feelings for his friend bordered on the romantic. Worse, once Rowena went to live in the Keep, he would most likely never be allowed to be with her again. With that thought, dying under the King¡¯s Colors didn¡¯t seem to bother him anymore.


    Macha, returning to the cottage, looked at Ina¡¯s grandson with concern. Although forced out of his bed to sleep by the stove upon her arrival last summer, he never complained. She was also amazed at his knowledge of herbs and medicines, and that he didn¡¯t mind passing that knowledge to her. Happily, the two spent last Fall together, walking through the woods while he taught her forest craft.


    Finally, over the long Winter, she started to admit to herself that she had real feelings for him. Although Aislin was rather strange, his beautiful looks and piercing blue eyes left her breathless. Those eyes haunted her dreams, leaving her, most mornings now, covered in sweat. Lately, she even found herself just watching him, admiring the effort he put forth when working in the garden or the cottage.


    ¡°Aislin.¡±


    Twisting off a handful of herbs, the young man looked up with a forced smile. ¡°Did my grandmother send you back to check on me?¡±


    ¡°Well, no, she wanted to know if you needed help.¡± The young apprentice bit her lip; apparently the Wise Woman, like the rest of the village, had been watching Rowena and the Seneschal half the morning. Only Aislin¡¯s grandmother knew what that stroll was doing to her grandson.


    ¡°I see.¡± The young man¡¯s eyes twinkled, not believing a word the apprentice just said. ¡°Well, thanks.¡± Moving to the side, he patted the ground next to him and passed her a basket of herbs.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been friends with the Headman¡¯s daughter for a long time.¡±


    The raven-haired man gave a small laugh. ¡°Since I was little, one day when she was young she became rather ill. None of her other friends¡¯ mothers would allow them to visit her. My mom, on the other hand, had some healing skills of her own, helped Rowena through the illness, and didn¡¯t mind if I tagged along.¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t your mother afraid you would get sick too?¡±


    Aislin looked down, turning away slightly so as not to watch his childhood friend talk excitedly with her mother across the village commons.


    ¡°Not really, she understood that Rowena caught a fairly common illness from the north after a group of peddlers came through the village. Half the town ended up ill, but it wasn¡¯t all that serious. So, unlike the other children, I played with her every day until she got better. She always remembered that.¡±


    Before Macha could say anything, Rowena appeared in front of the pair, all excited. ¡°Aislin, did you get a chance to see Master Oran? I was afraid at first, but he seems nice.¡±


    The young man nodded. ¡°That¡¯s good; you looked as if you had a nice time walking around the village with him.¡±


    ¡°I did¡­about the other day¡­¡±


    Aislin waved his hand. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, already forgotten. I¡¯m glad you had fun. Anyway, I¡¯d better go back into the house with these herbs; No need for you to get into trouble for talking to me.¡± Without another word, he grabbed the baskets and headed back into his grandmother¡¯s cottage.


    ¡°I thought he would be more excited,¡± Rowena sounded confused and a little hurt.


    Macha stared at the ground. An uncomfortable few seconds had passed between the two girls before she spoke. ¡°Why would he be excited?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a good marriage. It will benefit the village. I mean, it could be worse.¡±


    ¡°Like marrying him.¡± The apprentice whispered.


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    Macha looked up at the older girl, ¡°I¡¯m sure that Aislin is just sad that he will be losing a friend.¡±


    ¡°What don¡¯t be silly, I¡¯ll always be his friend.¡±


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You will be the wife of the Seneschal up at the Keep. With a much higher status, he won¡¯t even be able to talk to you.¡±


    Rowena grimaced that made sense. ¡°I see. Well, I know he is having a hard time with no one wanting him as an apprentice. I¡¯ll get him a job at the Keep.¡±


    ¡°As a servant?¡±


    ¡°Why not? At least we will see one another.¡±


    ¡°Even if he wanted to be a servant or whatever job you managed to find for him, you would still be a married woman, and a friendship with another man would be improper.¡±


    ¡°But¡±


    Macha rose from the ground looking the village¡¯s headman¡¯s daughter directly in the eye. ¡°Don¡¯t be upset, you¡¯re right, the marriage is a good thing for the village.¡±


    ¡± Thanks, I believe so too, and I¡¯m positive Aislin will find someone, I¡¯m sure of it.¡±


    ¡°Who? Most of the town hates him.¡± The apprentice could not understand why. He was the most caring person she had ever known. Just because he couldn¡¯t work in the fields, or cut down a tree didn¡¯t make him any less of a man.


    ¡°They don''t,¡± Rowena looked away.


    ¡°And when you leave, who is going to protect him? Do you know why he is usually left alone? It¡¯s because the village knows that you two are childhood friends. Only your father¡¯s position has kept him safe.¡±


    ¡°Not true, he is the grandson of the Wise Woman of our village; no one would do anything to him.¡±


    ¡°And when she is gone, who then?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll protect him.¡±


    ¡°How; you will be at the Keep.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Macha sighed. ¡°There is nothing to be sorry about. Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ll take good care of him. I¡¯m an apprentice to a Wise Women, we do not marry, but there is no reason why that I cannot be by his side.¡±


    ¡°You?¡±


    ¡°Yes, me. All you can do now is hurt him. Trust me; I¡¯ll make sure he¡¯s happy.¡±


    Rowena looked at the Wise Woman¡¯s cottage with tears in her eyes. ¡°I have to be going. I still have some chores around the house.¡± Before leaving, she asked one more thing. ¡°Did my mother get angry because I spoke to Aislin?¡±


    ¡°Yes, because as I told you before, it¡¯s no longer proper with you being betrothed.¡±


    The young woman nodded then ran off, the tears streaming down her face. Macha watched as she crossed the Village Commons before turning away to find Aislin. ¡°It is for the best.¡±


    Dinner ended up being a little quieter than usual, both Ina and Macha leaving Aislin alone to his thoughts. As the apprentice stood up to start clearing the table, she said. ¡°There is a strange rumor going around the village that the Keep is thinking about removing the obelisk.¡±


    ¡°Foolish, if it were true, such things are better left alone.¡±


    Aislin shook his head, agreeing at the stupidity. ¡°Who did you hear it from?¡±


    ¡°Renny, who heard it from her brother.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right; her brother works up at the castle, doesn¡¯t he? Gran, why would they do such a thing?¡±


    ¡°I rarely understand what the nobility is thinking, Aislin. However, it might be as simple as that Lord Kelvin dislikes the thought of a boundary marker on his land. I hope that it¡¯s only a rumor Macha, that black stone still has power. I believe removing it will cause great difficulty for our entire village.¡±


    Little did the three of them understand at the time how prophetic Ina¡¯s words were.

 Chapter 2 : An Unwanted Invitation

    The next morning, while working in the herb garden, Aislin and Macha observed the arrival of a small party from the Castle consisting of a wagon and several mounted men. Two young Knights sworn to Lord Kelvin rode astride two large destriers.


    The first, dressed in their lord¡¯s black and blue livery, was none other than the son of Lord Kelvin. The second Knight in red and gold, thought to be a distant cousin from the north, had recently joined the household last Summer.


    As the group stood before the village Headsman cottage, the younger of the Knights couldn''t help but admire a couple of beauties that were working at the very end of the village.


    ¡°Take a look at those two, Nevan. Don¡¯t they make quite the lovely pair?¡± The Knight in red and gold motioned with his mailed fist towards the Wise Woman¡¯s Cottage.


    Looking over his saddle, Lord Kelvin¡¯s son nodded. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen the one in the green before, but I¡¯m afraid cousin the other beauty is a boy.¡±


    ¡°Impossible.¡±


    ¡°Nevertheless, this is what I have been told by the villagers. Look at the way he is dressed.¡±


    ¡°So she is wearing a long tunic instead of a dress. Anyway, these villagers could be wrong, you know. The rabble isn¡¯t usually the brightest. Remember that lot of levies we assigned to Captain Hamish last Spring? Idiots the lot of them.¡± The Knight laughed. ¡°Not that it mattered. Half of them died or ran away as soon as Masterson¡¯s heavy horse hit our lines.¡±


    Nevan shook his head, trying to forget that battle. Those mercenaries came out of nowhere to strike their line in the flank. If it wasn¡¯t for his Uncle¡¯s own Knights counter charge, it could have been a really bad day.


    ¡°If you insist, Miles, since mother and father are away, perhaps this evening we¡¯ll invite the two lovely ladies back to the Castle for dinner. If they¡¯re interested, that is.¡±


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t they be interested? I haven¡¯t met a wench yet that didn¡¯t enjoy being bedded by a Knight?¡±


    Sir Miles rubbed his hands in anticipation as he continued to admire the raven-haired beauty. He couldn¡¯t keep his eyes off of her. The feelings must be mutual, as all of the other villagers looked down at the ground in respect but not this one.


    With her head held high like a Queen, she pierced his heart with those beautiful blue eyes. Miles concluded that his cousin must be hiding his interest in the girl, as well. Not one to decline a challenge, the young Knight decided that he would make this woman his own.


    Nevan gave a small chuckle, knowing that his comments about the Wise Woman¡¯s grandson were lost on his cousin. ¡°We still have a job to do first, Miles.¡±


    Waving his hand in acknowledgment, he turned back around and looked towards the Armsmen in annoyance. ¡°Well, what are you standing around for, knock on the bloody door.¡±


    Aislin frowned when Rowena¡¯s father came out of the house bowing and scraping before the two mounted men. The three-spoke for a brief moment before the Headman suddenly ran off and began to gather some of the men from the village. Upon returning, the Knights were already leaving with the wagons, the men following close behind.


    Moving closer, Aislin felt Macha pulling him back. ¡°Stay still. I don¡¯t like how that one in the red and black was looking at us.¡±


    Before passing the end of the village, the Knight in red and black spun his horse around, looked towards the pair then wheeled his horse back into place. Although sorely tempted to follow the wagons, Aislin believed the man was looking directly at him.


    Deciding that he didn¡¯t want to be around when the group returned, Aislin entered his grandmother¡¯s cottage to collect several sacks. Hopefully, whatever errand the Knights had grabbed the village men for had nothing to do with the black monolith.


    --0--


    Spending most of the day deep in the forest, Aislin found that thankfully, he missed the return of the wagons. What they brought back was no surprise. While instructing Macha how to remove the spikes off one of the Red Lance mushrooms he gathered, she explained that the Knights passed back through the village with the black obelisk in the wagon.


    ¡°Everyone came home unharmed, so perhaps we are worrying for no reason.¡± The young girl sucked her finger, learning how to de-spike the mushroom had so far been a painful experience.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t understand why they decided to remove the stone in the first place. Most people know enough to leave them alone.¡± Reaching for Macha¡¯s hand, Aislin studied it to make sure that none of the sharp lances broke off in her finger.


    Blushing, she pulled back her hand with a smile. ¡°If you want, we can hold hands later, but I think we need to clean off the rest of these mushrooms.¡±


    Aislin grinned then reached into his bag, dropping a dozen more of the prickly mushrooms on the small table.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t make her remove the spikes with her bare hands, did you?¡± Ina approached with a smile on her lips.


    ¡°What,¡± Macha gave her friend an accusatory look.


    ¡°Of course, that¡¯s how my mother taught me.¡± Trying to keep from laughing, Aislin reached into a small brown sack before putting on a pair of calf hide gloves. ¡°Everyone learns with their bare hands. You need to know how much pressure you can place on the cap. We don¡¯t want to harm the plant any more than necessary. Also, these spikes can damage the gloves just as easily as your hand.¡±


    Macha made a face then nodded. ¡°Show me.¡±


    Starting from the gills of the mushroom, Aislin slowly moved his hand across the cap. With each step, the small spikes fell to the ground.


    ¡°That slow?¡±


    ¡°That slow, any faster, and more than likely, you¡¯re going to either shred your hands or the gloves.¡±


    ¡°If the mushroom didn¡¯t have so many uses, I don¡¯t think anyone would bother with them.¡± Ina looked in the bag at the assortment of other mushrooms and medicinal herbs and smiled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t be out there with you, Aislin.¡±


    ¡°Gran, there is absolutely no reason for you go into the forest anymore. I have two perfectly good legs.¡±


    Before the three could continue further, a rider rode into the village. By the colors worn on his surcoat, he came from the castle.


    ¡°I wonder if it has something to do with the obelisk,¡± Ina commented as the rider made his way towards the cottage.


    ¡°I wish to speak to the one called Aislin.¡± The man on the horse commanded.


    ¡°Wonder what that¡¯s all about.¡± Frowning, the young man walked around the side of the house to greet the Messenger. ¡°I¡¯m Aislin.¡±


    ¡°You have been summoned this evening to dine with Sir Miles of Arklow. I would suggest that you wear something more femininely appropriate.¡±


    ¡°What dinner? Doesn¡¯t he know that?¡±


    The messenger raised his hand. ¡°A number of us in the Castle understand your dilemma. The good Knight has, in fact, been told of your situation by Sir Nevan. However, he does not believe it to be true.¡±


    Ina, upon hearing the command, stormed towards the rider. ¡°What nonsense is this, Rodrick?¡±


    ¡°Mistress Ina.¡± The messenger backed up his horse nervously. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but what I told your grandson is true.¡±


    ¡°Tell this Sir Miles that I¡¯m sick, tell him I died.¡± Aislin turned to his grandmother in panic.


    ¡°Understand that this is not my decision. Mistress Ina, please see to it that he is dressed appropriately. As you know, Sir Miles can make life quite difficult for you and your family if your grandson ignores this summons.¡±The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Sir Miles, or whatever he calls himself, must be insane.¡± Aislin turned back towards the cottage. There was no way he was going to have dinner with this Knight.


    Macha ran forward to stop him. ¡°You have to do this.¡±


    Spinning around angrily, it immediately deflated, seeing the tears in her eyes. ¡°Why.¡±


    ¡°Remember, my grandmother was at one time a Court Healer. I know what the nobility is capable of.¡±


    ¡°Gran?¡±


    Ina shook her head sadly. ¡°I won¡¯t force you, Aislin, but Macha is right.¡±


    ¡°Why would anyone think I¡¯m a girl?¡±


    Both his grandmother and her apprentice gave a small laugh.


    Reaching up, Ina walked over and gently cupped Aislin¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I laughed, but I don¡¯t think you have much choice, sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°This is stupid. You know that. Fine, I¡¯ll do it, but I won¡¯t be happy about it. What do I need to do?¡±


    ¡°Roderick, please tell your master that my granddaughter will be ready. Now, if you excuse us, we have some work to do before she is presentable enough to be seen at the Castle.¡±


    --0--


    Aislin looked down, he wasn¡¯t particularly enamored about wearing a kirtle, but he could tell the high quality of the fabric. Used to the coarse linen fabric of his daily wear, even the undergarments, a cotton chemise, and what he was told was silk, felt quite pleasant on his skin.


    ¡°I never realized that you had my mother¡¯s clothes, Mistress Clar.¡±


    Two chests had been left behind, one full of his mother¡¯s beloved books and other personal items the second, which he hadn¡¯t seen until today was full of clothes. While going through the outfits and other things in the trunk, the young man became quite confused.


    The clothing alone confirmed that his mother¡¯s station in life had been much higher than a mere village wife. However, already pressed for time to get ready for dinner, Aislin would have to hold off looking through the rest of the trunk for another day.


    Thankful for his grandmother''s and the miller¡¯s wife''s help, they finally finished the last layer of his outfit, belting a particularly beautiful dark blue sleeveless overgown.


    Noting the older women¡¯s quiet stares, Aislin became very uncomfortable. ¡°I look like a fool, right.? I knew this wouldn¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Ina looked at Clar for support. Still, after a good amount of complaining, and after throwing Macha outside, Aislin finally removed his clothes and submitted to her will. Yet at no time did she believe this would be the result.


    ¡°As your grandmother says,¡± She looked back towards her old friend, confused.


    ¡°I¡¯m coming inside even if you¡¯re not dressed,¡± Macha, who had been standing at the door the entire time, burst into the room. ¡°By the goddess Aislin, you look beautiful.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    The two older women nodded in confirmation.


    Amazed, Ina inspected her grandson¡¯s gown. ¡°If it weren''t for the fact I changed your swaddling clothes Aislin, I wouldn¡¯t believe you were ever a boy.¡±


    ¡°True, I wouldn¡¯t have believed it if I didn¡¯t see it with my own eyes.¡± Clar let out a breath she didn¡¯t realize she was holding. The boy was the spitting image of his mother. ¡°Aislin, you make a charming woman.¡±


    The young man frowned, not sure how to take the compliment from his mother¡¯s old friend.


    ¡°Come back to the cottage; let me fix your hair.¡± Macha grabbed his hand, dragging him out of miller¡¯s home.


    ¡°Wait, people in the village are going to see me,¡± The already frightened young man tried to pull back on her hand.


    Macha would have none of that, and shoved him out the door, ¡°Why does that matter now?¡±


    ¡°I guess it doesn¡¯t.¡± Aislin came to a stop a few steps beyond the cottage. It came as no surprise that those outside already noticed his new outfit.


    ¡°Ignore them; we still have things to do.¡± Surprisingly enough, not a single person had a disparaging remark as they passed through the village. All of them looked upon Aislin in silence.


    ¡°How do you walk like that?¡±


    ¡°Like what?¡± Afraid to make eye contact, the young man stared nervously ahead.


    ¡°Like a woman, actually like a noble lady.¡± It was as if Aislin¡¯s natural grace had been suddenly enhanced, she thought.


    ¡°Do you remember the harvest festival? Lord Kelvin sponsored a tourney. Quite a number of noble ladies attended.¡± Aislin was thankful for the conversation. It kept him from worrying about the villagers who were still staring at him.


    ¡°You were watching them enough to learn how they held themselves,¡± The healer''s apprentice grumbled.


    The young man was quick enough to note the irritation in her voice. ¡°Well, they were hard not to notice walking around in all their finery.¡±


    Macha nodded, but the frown didn¡¯t leave her face.


    Aislin gave a small laugh, which caused the young apprentice to blush.


    ¡°If I didn¡¯t walk this way, I would have already fallen on my face. No matter how nice it feels, it¡¯s quite difficult to move quickly with all of this fabric around one''s legs.¡±


    ¡°The dress is exquisite.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, I guess,¡± Aislin shrugged, once again not something he thought he would ever be complimented on.


    Laughing, the young girl pulled him into his grandmother¡¯s cottage and into the back room. Making the young man take a seat, Macha began to braid his hair. ¡°Your hair needs to be a little longer for this to work properly, but we will make do.¡±


    Aislin closed his eyes. Her hands felt nice. Suddenly he felt her soft lips placed upon his. Opening his eyes, he found that his friend had already gone back to fixing his hair.


    ¡°Not that I¡¯m complaining mind you, but did you kiss me for any particular reason?¡± Aislin couldn''t help but smile.


    ¡°Because you¡¯re beautiful and because I wanted to,¡± Blushing, Macha turned away.


    ¡°Very nice dear,¡± Ina said, interrupting the two as the older women entered the cottage.


    ¡°I often helped my mother with her hair.¡± Standing back, the young girl smiled at her work. ¡°One last thing.¡±


    ¡°Ina, what happens if Sir Miles decides that?¡± Clar looked down at the boy, he might seem like a girl, but she was well aware of what the Knight probably had in mind for after dinner.


    Aislin smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; I will inform him I am coming down with melancholia.¡±


    The older woman stood back, shocked. What boy would think of even using a women¡¯s affliction as an excuse?


    Ina laughed at her friend¡¯s discomfort. ¡°Remember, my grandson, although not a healer, has been assisting me since he was young. Trust me, Clar; he is quite knowledgeable about how the female body works.¡±


    Ina¡¯s apprentice came back into the room, holding a small bronze amulet attached to a silver chain. ¡°This is my mother¡¯s.¡± She said as she slipped it over Ailslin''s head before reaching over to hold his hands. ¡°It will bring you luck.¡±


    Looking into her eyes, Aislin realized the two of them would need to sit down and talk when he returned from the Castle. That was if he returned.


    Ina smiled at the two children warmly, but her thoughts were interrupted by a wagon pulling up outside the door. ¡°It¡¯s time, Aislin.¡±


    Nodding the young man stood, only to be surrounded by the three women who fussed over him, adding one final touch, a long gray cloak to complete the outfit. Finally presentable, he stepped outside and calmly approached the wagon.


    The two men in Lord Kelvin¡¯s livery sat in shock at the sight of the beautiful woman who stepped out of the cottage. They had expected some village girl dressed in some ill-fitting feast day attire, not the proper lady approaching them. Without thinking, one of the men leaped off his seat to help Aislin into the wagon.


    ¡°Please come this way, Mistress Aislin.¡±


    Thankful for the help, as there was no way he would have been able to climb into the wagon by himself, Aislin thanked the young man. Little did he realize because he was nervous, he spoke slowly, which also happened to be the mannerism of a higher station lady. ¡°Thank you, Master?¡±


    ¡°My apologies, I¡¯m Phelan, and that is my brother Sean.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet both of you.¡±


    ¡°Enjoy your dinner, dear,¡± Ina approached the wagon as it started to leave.


    Rolling his eyes, which produced a giggle from Macha, Aislin waved one last time as the wagon turned around to head back to the Castle. Once again, the villagers stopped what they were doing to stare at the boy, or at least who they always thought was a boy.


    This lack of reaction didn¡¯t make him feel any better. Dressed in his mother¡¯s clothing, Aislin half expected the villagers to turn violent. If nothing else, the usual spiteful comments, however, the lack of any reaction was a bit unnerving.


    Finally relieved, as the wagon crossed over the stream on a wooden bridge that separated the Castle¡¯s lands from the village proper, Aislin turned to appreciate the countryside. No longer barren in the clutches of winter, he studied the Orchards off in the distance where the trees were beginning to bloom.


    ¡°Mistress, I see that you are admiring the Orchards.¡±


    Lord Kelvin¡¯s lands were known for its apples, including the hard apple cider produced ever year. The apples were also a much-needed source of food through the harsh winters.


    ¡°Lord Kelvin¡¯s lands had an unusually good crop of apples last year,¡± Aislin commented.


    ¡°Yes, he did. Although between you and me, Mistress, I would be happy not to eat another apple for some time.¡± the driver grinned before turning back to the road.


    Passing another orchard, a group of men stood up as the wagon approached with the foreman unexpectedly taking off his hat. As they continued to draw closer to their destination, Aislin became more and more nervous.


    Since the messenger arrived, the whole experience had been surreal. However, the reality of meeting a Knight whose obvious intentions were much more than just a meal made him want to turn back to the cottage. It was one thing to dress up in his mother¡¯s clothes; it was quite another thing to pass himself off as a woman no matter what his grandmother said.


    Crossing a third and final wooden bridge, the wagon came to the edge of Loche Glas, the small lake located on Lord Kelvin¡¯s land. On the water, off in the distance, Aislin could see the tall curtain wall, the outer defenses of the Lord Kelvin¡¯s Castle.


    ¡°Mistress, have you been to the Castle before?¡±


    ¡°Yes, several times, although not for dinner.¡± Aislin gave a small nervous laugh.


    ¡°Do you have relations in the Castle?¡± Sean asked while turning the wagon towards the castle''s entrance.


    ¡°No, my grandmother and I met with Master Ibor while he was still alive.¡±


    ¡°The Alchemist.¡± Phelan turned in his seat.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Looking impressed, the man pointed happily towards the castle. ¡°Oh, see Mistress, we are almost there, you should be with your Sir Miles in no time at all.¡±


    Even to the uneducated, the castle¡¯s defenses seemed daunting. To be able to pass through the gatehouse, the wagon had first to cross a long wooden bridge, which in the threat of danger would first be destroyed by the castle''s defenders.


    The bridge continued across the lake, becoming part of the drawbridge. Although the sturdy wooden bridge allowed entry into the castle, it could be quickly raised by long thick chains if the castle ever came under attack.


    Now approaching the gatehouse, to some, it might seem welcoming, but to Aislin, its appearance was like the maw of some great beast. He realized that the evening could very well end with him being thrown into the dungeon.


    Deciding that there was very little he could do about it now, Aislin sat back and tried to enjoy the rest of the journey.

 Chapter 3: A Knight of Misunderstandings

    Crossing the castle¡¯s inner bailey, Sir Nevan made his way into the Keep in search of dinner. As there had not been a hue or a cry for the guards, he assumed that the Wise Woman¡¯s grandson had been sent safely home after being introduced to his cousin. Thankfully it ended peacefully; the thought of punishing the boy for Miles stupidity didn¡¯t sit well with him.


    Passing through the Great Hall, he expected his cousin to be moping about in one of the parlors. Unable to find him, the young Knight became annoyed to hear from one of the servants that his cousin had asked to dine in the Solar. It seems, Miles had found a new companion; however, the woman had no business being in the family¡¯s private area.


    With half a mind to make an issue of it, the young man came to a halt as soon as he entered the room. Who was the beautiful woman who sat across from his cousin? He would have expected to have been notified if a noble woman¡¯s party was stopping for the night at the Keep. So, where did this she come from?


    ¡°Why, cousin, now this is a surprise,¡± Sir Miles stood, followed by the young woman. ¡°I thought that you had business with the Constable this evening.¡±


    Nevan could tell that Miles was not pleased with being interrupted. ¡°I finished early. Why don¡¯t you introduce me to your dining companion.¡±


    His cousin looked confused for a moment, then nodded. ¡°My apologies, I assumed the two of you had met before. Mistress Aislin, may I introduce Sir Nevan.¡±


    Aislin almost lost it when Lord Kelvin¡¯s son entered the room. So far, the evening had been rather stressful. Positive that he looked like a boy in a dress, no matter what his grandmother said, the young man waited to be arrested as soon the wagon entered the Keep. His appearance instead caused quite a commotion. The servant who initially met him in the courtyard panicked, quickly sending another servant to find Sir Miles.


    The young Knight crossed the courtyard, obviously annoyed, but his attitude changed immediately. Instead of being brought directly to Sir Miles''s bedchamber as expected, the two ended up in a small sitting area near above the Great Hall.


    From how quickly the servant ran about setting up the small table, the change of dining venue must have been a complete surprise as well. Aislin understood that he was being treated differently, perhaps it was his mother¡¯s clothes, other than that he didn¡¯t know exactly why.


    ¡°Sir, Nevan.¡± Coming down into a curtsey, Aislin felt Lord Kelvin¡¯s son approach taking him by the hand. The young man almost jumped when he felt warm lips pressed upon it.


    Helping him rise, the young Knight smiled, ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mistress Aislin.¡±


    Sir Nevan couldn¡¯t help but shiver as she looked up at him. Her piercing blue eyes were mesmerizing. Walking around the table, the young Knight motioned to one of the servants for a place setting.


    A little confused at the introduction to someone he thought he knew, it became apparent to Nevan that the beautiful creature standing in front of him, no matter what the villagers had professed, was female.


    ¡°I believe I will join you.¡± Nevan grinned as he took a seat at the table. ¡°So, what were the two of you discussing before I came into the room?¡±


    ¡°Tapestries, my lord,¡± Aislin answered, of all things to have a conversation about. Traveling with his grandmother, he had only been in a few other castles, but he admired those tapestries he had seen. Surprisingly enough, Aislin knew his limited knowledge was still far superior to that of Sir Miles.


    ¡°I was not aware that this was an area of expertise for you, cousin,¡± Sir Nevan raised an eyebrow while hiding a smirk.


    Sir Miles made a face. To him, it seemed that Nevan had planned this interruption beforehand, the bastard. Well, he couldn¡¯t blame him. He, too, found the young woman enchanting. ¡°We were discussing the tapestries found in Baron Ruarc¡¯s Great Hall.¡±


    Nevan scratched his chin. ¡°I see. I assume that means you have been to Lisheen Castle, Mistress Aislin.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I was a guest along with my grandmother.¡± When he was younger, Aislin grandmother held a high office with the Wise Women. During that time, the two of them had visited several Court healers, including Macha¡¯s grandmother.


    Sir Nevan found that intriguing as most villagers never traveled further than the next village. As the second course, creamy pea soup, was set on the table, the three began to discuss difficulties of travel.


    ¡°You seem to know the Kingdom rather well,¡± Sir Miles sat back, motioning one of the servants to remove his trencher.


    ¡°I have traveled through most the southern half of the Kingdom,¡± Aislin admitted. ¡°The rest though is from what I have read.¡±


    Thanking the servant, who took his unfinished soup away, Asilin tried to remain calm. Between being nervous, and the richness of the food, he decided that smaller portions would be prudent.


    Neither Knight missed that the young man dined like a proper lady, unlike the two men who finished the soup and a loaf of bread each. Aislin, however, didn¡¯t want to walk into his grandmother¡¯s house sick to his stomach.


    ¡°So she can read,¡± Sir Nevan whispered to his cousin.


    To both young men, the raven-haired beauty remained a mystery. Besides her clothes, which rivaled anything the noble ladies of the household wore, her demeanor, the way she held herself, said that she was a gentlewoman. But if so, why was she living in the village.


    ¡°By your coloring, Mistress Aislin, your family must come from another part of the Kingdom,¡± Sir Nevel asked.


    Pulling off small pieces of a stuffed meat pie, she nodded. ¡°My mother¡¯s family, who I have been told I take after is from Ardglass.¡±


    Sir Miles nodded, ¡°On the Goul River?¡±


    Aislin smiled, Sir Miles being from Arklow, had heard of his mother¡¯s hometown. ¡°Yes, her father was a merchant.¡±


    Sir Nevan appeared startled; the wealthy merchant houses of Ardglass were famous, ¡°Which family?¡±


    ¡°Dunne,¡± Aislin replied.


    While one of the servants filled the young woman¡¯s cup with raspberry wine, Nevan leaned over to his cousin. ¡°Dunne, the name sounds familiar. Do you know what they trade?¡±


    ¡°Textiles,¡± Miles nodded, impressed. The family was rumored to be quite wealthy.


    Nevan tried to hide his surprise. From listening to his father¡¯s complaints about the cost of women''s clothes, he knew her outfit must be worth at least the same price as a good warhorse.


    He soon began to wonder what political infighting within the merchant guilds kept her isolated in a village. Both Knights¡¯ also realized they had been improperly addressing her as well. Thankfully, she had been gracious enough not to be offended by it.


    Looking at the young gentlewoman in front of them in a new light, literate, well-traveled, and coming from an influential family, both men sat back and contemplated the situation.


    Sir Miles, a landless Knight, understood that marriage to Lady Aislin could be advantageous. As a third son, the chances of him marrying well was uncertain. The young woman, however, would be a perfect match.


    With a merchant family background, she would be able to manage a household better than any Bailiff. As for wealth, although she lived with her grandmother, she still had sufficient income to garb herself in clothes befitting one of her social statuses. Thoughts of a large dowry danced in his head.


    To Sir Nevan, an advantageous marriage in the near future was not assured. One of the reasons why both his parents were away was at a wedding, but to also find him and his sister a suitable match. The most likely outcome for both siblings would be a marriage into one of the nearby Lords¡¯ household.


    However, Nevan knew at least for him, that the closest families¡¯ female children were either married or too young. The more he thought about it, the more promising it sounded, what would be the chance that a suitable candidate living in the nearby village?


    Obviously, her social standing might be an issue; however, as a wealthy merchant¡¯s granddaughter, that might not pose too much of a problem. What would appease his father, as a local, Aislin would have a great deal of influence with the villages that surrounded the Keep? Nevan looked forward to introducing the young woman to his mother. Now, the question remained about her father.


    ¡°Your father?¡± Sir Miles had asked before Nevan finished that thought.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Aislin smiled sadly; unfortunately, he didn¡¯t have a lot of memories of his father, ¡°I was told he was a soldier. He died when I was very young. According to my grandmother, your uncle, Sir Nevan, the Duke placed him under the field command of the local levies during the southern rebellion. He was killed in a battle east of the River Mar. I don¡¯t know the details. My mother always refused to talk about it.¡±


    As the two Knights looked at one another, Sir Nevan mouthed the word. ¡°Captain.¡±


    That also changed the situation a great deal for the two knights. The father to have a field command, he must have been at least the second son of some noble.


    Thankfully, the two Knights didn¡¯t press Aislin for any more questions about his family. Why they were asking confused him, if the two of them were trying to determine his true gender, questions about his parent¡¯s didn¡¯t seem necessary.


    Thankfully, whatever answers he gave pleased both Knights. However, if he didn¡¯t know any better, during the rest of the meal, the two men seemed to be vying for his attention.


    Sir Nevan learned after conversing with the lovely lady that she, too, was quite learned. Thankfully, it was something his mother insisted upon for all of her children. While discussing the books, the two of them had read, he confirmed that she must have a good enough relationship with several merchants that she often traded books with them.


    Sir Miles, on the other hand, although he knew his letters, such things didn¡¯t seem to interest him. What he enjoyed was riding, hunting, falconry, and other manly pursuits. Aislin feigned interest, which pushed the Knight forward to boast of his exploits in detail.


    What both men found interesting was Mistress Aislin¡¯s medicinal knowledge. Neither was surprised that she was not her grandmother¡¯s apprentice. Someone of her social standing didn¡¯t need to do such work. However, having a wife knowledgeable about plants and herbs would make sure that any children would be healthy.


    With the meal complete, Aislin heard the watch give the hour. With a smile, he said, ¡°It¡¯s getting late. I should be getting back home before my grandmother becomes worried.¡±


    To his surprise, both men agreed and happily escorted him through the Keep. Somehow, with his mother being a merchant¡¯s daughter, his status had been changed in their eyes to that of a gentlewoman. Thankfully, that had offered some protection from any unwanted advances, for now.


    --0--


    Rowena silently walked across the stone courtyard, entering the inner bailey as her mother and father spoke with her betrothed. Dinner at the Castle had always been a girlish fantasy, although, in her dreams, she sat at the head table next to Sir Nevan and his parents. Still, eating in a small dining room across from the Keep itself and being served by the Castle¡¯s servants had been thrilling.


    ¡°I¡¯m pleased that you enjoyed our dinner, Rowena. I looked forward to sharing more of them with you in our future together,¡± Master Oran smiled at the young girl.


    The young girl looked down and blushed. ¡°I do, as well.¡±


    Looking up, she noticed her parents and Master Oran were now looking across the courtyard as a small group of people exited the Keep. Immediately Rowena recognized Sir Nevan, who every young girl in the village secretly wanted to marry.


    Standing next to him was the new Knight Sir Miles, but the third person must be an actual lady of the court. A small pang of jealousy gripped her chest, as Sir Nevan helped the woman put on a beautiful cape. Rowena looked down, ashamed how dowdy she must look compared to the noble lady conversing with the two Knights.


    ¡°Master Oran, what a surprise to see you and pray tell, who are these good people,¡± Sir Nevan motioned for them to step forward.


    The Seneschal quickly motioned his guests to follow him, and upon drawing close, all bowed or curtsied to the young Knight. ¡°Sir Nevan, may I present my betrothed Rowena and her parents, Master Colcothar and his wife, Mistress Seara.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes, I remember you¡¯re the village¡¯s Headman,¡± The young lord smiled.


    ¡°Yes, my lord.¡± Master Colcothar didn¡¯t raise his head.


    ¡°My lord, may I apologize for not being present when your guest arrived.¡±


    Later in the evening, he would be horrified to discover that the Keep had initially sent an ordinary wagon for the gentlewoman.


    Sir Nevan waved him off, ¡°No apologies necessary, Master Oran. Although next time, when Lady Aislin comes for a visit, perhaps proper protocols should be followed, yes?¡±


    ¡°As you say, my lord,¡± Master Oran bowed apologetically.


    ¡°Aislin,¡± Rowena spoke up, receiving a stern look from both Sir Nevan and Master Oran.


    Looking surprised, her friend turned his head, then gave her a warm smile, ¡°Rowena, good evening.¡±


    About to say something about how he was dressed, Rowena stopped seeing the panic in his eyes.


    Sir Miles looked at the group, ¡°You know this girl, my lady?¡±


    ¡°Yes, she and I grew up together,¡± Nodding ignoring the shocked looks on her friend''s parents.


    Miles clapped his hands together, ¡°Splendid, bring her tomorrow when you come to the castle for lunch. Afterward, we can go hawking together. I know my sisters always seem to need several attendants when they go out. I will have Nevan assign a few more if your friend is not enough.¡±


    ¡°Hawking, Miles?¡± Sir Nevan gave his cousin a look.


    The young Knight laughed, ¡°I asked her first.¡±


    Rowena, already in awe how familiarly her childhood friend talked to the two nobles, she nervously turned towards her parents. Knowing that they never liked Aislin, she was surprised her mother hadn''t already said something critical. What she found instead of outraged was shock, and both looked to be a little scared.


    Master Oran and his guests stepped away when a carriage obviously for Aislin approached.


    ¡°So, we will see you tomorrow, Aislin.¡± Sir Miles reached over and kissed the raven-haired beauty¡¯s hand. ¡°Please say yes.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Sir Miles,¡± He could help but laugh at the young knight''s request, trying to ignore the kiss on the hand.


    ¡°Excellent, and as I have said before, please just call me Miles,¡± Satisfied, he gave a triumphed look towards his cousin.


    Sir Nevan then took the lead and escorted Aislin to the carriage, ¡°I did enjoy our dinner together; hopefully, I will find time to join the two of you tomorrow.¡±


    As four mounted men-at-arms approached as an escort, Aislin looked at his friend standing in the darkness. Remembering the uncomfortable wagon ride to the castle, he asked. ¡°Sir Nevan, do you think it would be an imposition if my friend and her family traveled with me back to the village.¡±


    The Knight looked surprised as the thought never occurred to him. Realizing that the young woman might want her friend''s assistance later in the evening, the Knight turned his head to speak to the four who stood off to the side.


    ¡°Master Oran, I don¡¯t see this as a problem, do you?¡± Sir Nevan asked.


    The seneschal quickly responded, ¡°No, of course not, my lord, thank you very much, Lady Aislin.¡±


    While the others were quickly ushered into the carriage, a servant came running up with a leather-bound book and passed it to Sir Nevan. ¡°Here you go, Aislin, the third volume of the book written by Stephen the Scribe.¡±


    ¡°Sir, Nevan, I couldn¡¯t,¡± Aislin began.


    ¡°Of course, you can, and when you finish, we will be able to have a nice conversation on the birds of the Lupine Mountains,¡± The knight smiled, almost getting lost again in the woman¡¯s eyes.


    Sir Miles might think he had the lead the young man thought, but while Lady Aislin looked over the book on birds tonight, she will be thinking only of him.


    --0--


    Passing through the gatehouse on the way back to the village, Aislin closed his eyes. He had mistakenly believed that with the meal finished, this nonsense would have come to a close. Now, there was going to be lunch tomorrow as well.


    It¡¯s not that he had a bad time with the two Knights ¡ª quite the opposite, really. There had been very few times in his life where people found his company enjoyable. However, he was under no illusion why the two Knights wanted to spend time with him.


    Although he didn¡¯t understand it, believing that he still looked like a boy in a dress, the thought made him either want to laugh or cry. Aislin expected the worst thing to happen to him in his future was being given a spear and thrown into battle.


    Reaching for her friend¡¯s hand, Rowena whispered, ¡°Aislin.¡±


    ¡°How was your dinner with Master Oran? I didn¡¯t know that you and your family were going to the Keep tonight.¡± He desperately needed to get Rowena talking instead of the three of them asking questions about why he was wearing his mother¡¯s clothes.


    Aislin didn¡¯t mind being in the carriage with his friend, but why did he agree to take her parents¡¯ home was beyond him.


    Rowena frowned, not understanding what exactly was going on. She noticed even Aislin¡¯s movements and manner of speaking seemed entirely different from the boy she thought she knew. It was as if she was talking to an altogether different person.


    ¡°Yes, my parents and I dined with Master Oran inside one of the small dining rooms.¡± She explained.


    ¡°Err...Milady Aislin, I assumed you had supper in the Great Hall?¡± Master Colcothar asked.


    ¡°No, the Solar,¡± Aislin turned to the village headman and answered.


    ¡°I see, thank you, my lady,¡± He gave a nervous smile then looked at his wife, who only shook her head.


    ¡°So tell me more about the night, what did you eat.¡± Aislin, seeing they had no more questions, prompted his friend again.


    Upon entering the village, the group stopped right in front of the headman¡¯s cottage.


    ¡°Aislin,¡± Rowena still had so many questions.


    ¡°Come, girl, you can speak to her tomorrow. Lady Aislin, I will make sure that my daughter is properly attired for your lunch tomorrow. I will also have her come by in the morning and help you dress.¡±


    Grabbing her by the hand, the two exited the carriage. Their exit, though, caused some frowns from Aislin¡¯s escorts.


    Rowena¡¯s father sighed at his wife''s lack of manners and then thanked him kindly, leaving the poor boy quite confused at the sudden change of attitudes.


    Upon saying farewell to his escorts, and drivers, Aislin entered the cottage. With the door closed, he collapsed to the ground like a puppet that had its strings cut. Macha, however, caught him, holding him close.


    ¡°I have you. It¡¯s OK.¡± Slowly she guided the young man back to her room.


    ¡°Macha?¡± Aislin tried to pull away, not sure why he was being led into her bedroom.


    ¡°Can you take your dress off by yourself?¡± She gave her friend a look.


    ¡°Well, actually no,¡± The young man laughed, ¡°Where is my grandmother?¡±


    Starting with the outer dress, she explained, ¡°Went right to bed. She drank quite a bit this evening with Mistress Clar. The two of them were worried about you.¡±


    ¡°I was worried about myself too, and you,¡± Aislin asked while helping as much as he could.


    ¡°I knew you would come home,¡± Macha whispered, then reached over and kissed him on his lips. ¡°Now turn around.¡±


    ¡°I have to go back tomorrow,¡± Aislin grumbled.


    The young woman laughed, ¡°Of course you do, and you made sure to make a good impression on both Knights.¡±


    ¡°Macha,¡± Aislin whined.


    She then her hand on his mouth and said softly, ¡°Tomorrow, you¡¯re exhausted.¡±


    Nodding, Ailsin turned to head back to the front of the cottage but was steered instead towards his old bed, ¡°Macha, I can¡¯t share a bed with you.¡±


    ¡°Girls share beds all the time,¡± She giggled.


    Aislin looked at his friend, and then grumbled, ¡°I¡¯m not a girl.¡±


    Macha smiled mischievously, then said, ¡°Its okay, Aislin, come.¡±


    Not having enough energy to argue, he was carefully placed under the covers. The young apprentice soon followed, covering both of them with another blanket. Reaching over, she drew him close.


    ¡°I thought I was going to be killed, Macha,¡± He leaned close, feeling her warmth.


    ¡°I know, but you¡¯re safe now.¡± She said while gently stroking his head. ¡°Go to sleep. We will talk about it in the morning.¡±


    Aislin realized that declining either of the Knights¡¯ invitation was no longer an option. The threat of exposing his true gender was too great, and the consequences of that discovery, he didn¡¯t want to think about it.


    However, if Aislin continued down this path, it didn¡¯t pose any less of a threat. With a seemingly dismal future ahead of him, the young man slowly drifted off to sleep.

 Chapter 4: A Secret Revealed

    Aislin slowly opened his eyes, confused for a moment why he slept in his old bed before turning to find a sleeping Macha next to him. As he studied her face for a few seconds, he couldn¡¯t help but smile. Since last summer, especially during the winter months, he felt drawn to her, but unfortunately, there could only be one outcome of such a relationship. Once Macha found out the truth, like Rowena, she would begin to distance herself.


    Before that fateful day, he and Rowena had made plans for a secret life together far away from the village. Unknown to even his grandmother, in what turned out later to be nothing more than a dream, they had planned on running off to find his family. Aislin felt that his mother¡¯s relatives would welcome him, and together they could start a new life.


    But that new life was never meant to be. Afterward, at least Rowena insisted they would always be friends. Nevertheless, after seeing her with Master Oran, the young man understood that dream too would come to an end. But, Aislin knew from experience that dwelling on such things would serve no purpose. He needed to accept the new reality.


    But a promise at his mother¡¯s deathbed, to live a happy life, had always seemed to be just out of reach. He worked hard, tried not to worry his grandmother, tried not to let the villagers'' hateful words hurt him, but it seemed, in the end, it would not matter. Whether his life came to an end with a spear in his gut or at the end of a hangman¡¯s noose, the results would be the same. Perhaps that¡¯s was always to be his fate.


    Slowly, moving his arm from underneath his friend, Aislin slipped out of bed. For a moment, he thought about taking off the chemise but decided to keep it on. It felt nice against his skin. Ignoring the chamber pot on the ground, he headed outside.


    Not for the first time, he thanked his father¡¯s foresight of building an outside privy, which allowed the contents of the cesspool to be used as fertilizer. Slipping back into the cottage, he discovered his grandmother sitting in front of the fire, a cup of warm cider in her hands.


    ¡°Good morning.¡±


    Aislin bit his lip. She had that look about her. Either his grandmother wasn¡¯t feeling well, or something horrible happened. Praying it was the drink, the young man made himself a bowl of porridge before taking a seat.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    As if realizing Aislin¡¯s presence for the first time, Ina smiled, ¡°I''m all right, sweetie, nothing more than a little headache. We need to talk about a few things.¡±


    The young man nodded. He had been dreading this day for some time. The village elders decided to add his name to the next levy, or perhaps the Knights discovered his true gender and planned on executing him. Lost in his thoughts, Aislin didn¡¯t hear what his grandmother was saying.


    ¡°Wait...what?¡±


    His grandmother looked at him, took a sip of cider then explained, ¡°The village elders wanted to know dear if you had finally decided to stop pretending to be a boy and dress appropriately as one of your station.¡±


    Aislin sat back, stunned.


    Seeing his confusion, his Ina couldn¡¯t help but smile, ¡°During a meeting this morning, all they could do was talk about the beautiful gentlewoman that crossed the village green. As we dressed you in your mother¡¯s clothes, to me, it was as if watching a butterfly crawl out of its cocoon for the first time.¡±


    The young man gave a small laugh, ¡°Gran, you know that was just an illusion. I can¡¯t be a real woman, anymore more than I can be a real man.¡±


    ¡°Aislin, what do you mean by that?¡± To their surprise, Macha stood at the doorway.


    As the world went dark, the half-eaten bowl of porridge slipped from Aislin¡¯s hands.


    His grandmother, seeing what happened, reached her grandchild¡¯s side before he fell to the ground, ¡°Sweetie, it¡¯s alright. Please...¡±


    ¡°Aislin?¡± Macha looked suddenly frightened.


    ¡°Get me a wet washcloth, child,¡±  The Wise Woman commanded her apprentice as she gently held her grandchild to her breast.


    Moments later, feeling the cold water on his forehead, Aislin opened his eyes, ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°You fainted.¡±


    Smiling weakly, he felt chagrined for showing that side of himself, ¡°Sorry, you surprised me, Macha.¡±


    The young woman nodded her eyes full of concern, took a seat across from him.


    ¡°I guess I owe you some sort of explanation,"  Looking lost in thought for a moment, Aislin suddenly began, ¡°We are all aware that our roles in the village, actually in the Kingdom, are defined by our social class and our gender.¡±


    Not understanding exactly where the conversation was going, she simply nodded.


    ¡°Women are expected to follow these roles. They cook, clean, sew, give birth, take care of those children, and make a home for their husbands. Men too fit in a similar role. They become blacksmiths or thatchers, they cut wood, till the fields and along with their wives make a home.¡±


    Macha smiled. She loved to hear him talk. Aislin had this ability to take very complicated things and explain them in a way that anyone could understand. Although what he was speaking about now, everyone knew.


    ¡°Now what happens if someone can¡¯t follow those roles? Now, Wise Women live outside those constraints. No one expects them, due to their oaths, to become a village wife. The infirm and sick too, like Renn. No one expects her to become a mother someday.¡±


    Their friend had fallen into a pond when she was much younger, nearly drowned. However, Renn was never the same again. She had just passed her fourteenth summer but still acted like a girl ten years younger.


    Looking up at his grandmother, Aislin gave her a half-smile, ¡°Now, what happens when a person is neither male nor female?¡±


    Standing up, he let the chemise fall to his waist.


    ¡°You have...¡±


    ¡°Breasts.¡±


    They weren¡¯t large; however, there was no mistake in what they were.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t been entirely honest with you either, Aislin,¡± Macha looked away, embarrassed, ¡°When you came home last night, I helped you undress not because you needed help.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Slowly, he slipped the chemise back on his shoulders. Sitting down, Aislin waited for the inevitable.


    Like Rowena, his grandmother¡¯s apprentice would, of course, be disgusted. Hopefully, it wouldn¡¯t ruin the relationship between the two of them. Worst case, perhaps he would just leave the village.


    ¡°Seeing you in your mother¡¯s dress, I didn¡¯t see a man. Like your grandmother said, you¡¯re so beautiful. Since I first met you, Aislin, the way you walk, the way you talk, everything about you tells me that you¡¯re a girl. Although your grandmother told me that you¡¯re her grandson, I have always wanted to ask, why do you pretend to be a boy.¡±


    Aislin looked up, confused, ¡°Because I have a...¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know,¡± The young girl looked embarrassed, ¡°When you were sleeping, I checked.¡±


    ¡°Macha!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Aislin, I¡¯ve been living here for six months, and I have never seen you with your clothes off much less seen you without a shirt. And yesterday, you wouldn¡¯t even allow me to help you get dressed.¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± He grumbled, pointing to his chest.


    ¡°How do you?¡±


    ¡°She...I mean, he binds them,¡± Ina explained.


    Looking at her apprentice, the Wise Woman smiled. Her choice of Macha as her apprentice, had been the right choice. Compassionate, gifted, Ina could tell that Macha¡¯s feelings for her grandchild had not changed in the least.


    Ina was so disappointed with Rowena, with a little understanding, it would have been possible for the two of them to make a life together. Instead, she almost lost Aislin two years ago.


    Macha flinched, rubbing her chest, ¡°Sounds painful.¡±


    Aislin shrugged, it was getting more and more uncomfortable as they were still growing, ¡°Not that I have much choice.¡±


    ¡°You do, why don¡¯t you just be a woman?¡±Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    ¡°Remember those roles we have to play. As a woman of the village, I would have been required to do certain things. The cooking and cleaning I do already; however, the rest is not possible. To any man, I¡¯m disgusting, unnatural. Anyway, this way, it¡¯s easier to hide what a freak I truly am.¡±


    ¡°Aislin...stop,¡±  Ina reached over and held her grandchild close. He sounded so cold, detached. No one should think of themselves that way.


    The three of them sat in silence for a few minutes before Macha, with tears in her eyes, asked her master, ¡°I don¡¯t understand why you didn¡¯t have Aislin become your apprentice. I can tell that she, I mean, he has the gift.¡±


    Ina frowned, ¡°I tried to do just that. As a member of the Council of Elders, I petitioned for my grandchild to become a Wise Woman. However, it was against tradition. Your grandmother and a few others sided with me. The rest refused even to test him.¡±


    ¡°Is that why you resigned?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I couldn¡¯t work with women who themselves are considered outcasts, who would turn away from someone who has such potential.¡±


    Aislin shrugged before that dream ended like all the others, he felt that there was a chance of happiness, ¡°Even the Council of Elders insists that everyone fit properly in their roles. So, here I sit a boy, at least in the eyes of the villagers.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true, Aislin. You heard what they asked of you this morning.¡±


    The young man looked up, ¡°But everyone knows I¡¯m a male, right?¡±


    Ina shrugged, ¡°I agree with Macha, there has always been some doubt. When your mother carried you, everyone assumed you were going to be a girl. Even growing up, there was quite a bit of confusion. So my dearest, coming out yesterday dressed in that beautiful gown, finally made up everyone¡¯s mind.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Aislin sat back, defeated, ¡°So, what do I do now?¡±


    Macha clapped her hands together, ¡°Now, we go through those trunks of yours and see what other gorgeous outfits we can find for you to wear.¡±


    --0--


    With Mistress Clar¡¯s husband and son bringing the clothing trunk to his grandmother¡¯s house the night before, the two began to go through the garments. Although Aislin thought he had plenty of time before the lunch with Sir Miles, Macha disagreed.


    ¡°Your mother had such lovely things.¡±


    Nodding, he ran his hands over an emerald green outer dress. The two of them had already decided that green would be the color of the day.


    ¡°If you want, you can try on something.¡±


    Macha giggled, ¡°I don¡¯t think so. Her clothing was made for someone, well not as large.¡±


    Aislin looked down at his chest, comparing it to his friend. Blushing, he turned away, ¡°I guess I¡¯m closer to my mother¡¯s size than I thought.¡±


    ¡°Frankly, I can¡¯t see how you ever thought you were a boy with those big hips of yours.¡±


    ¡°What, they¡¯re not big,¡± He turned around in a huff.


    Giggling, Macha reached over and held them with two hands, ¡°True, but trust me. No boy ever had hips like these.¡±


    The two of them stared at one another for a second before bursting into laughter.


    Realizing they didn¡¯t have a lot of time to get Aislin ready, Macha started to go through some of the jewelry, ¡°What do you think of the Knights?¡±


    ¡°You mean Miles and Nevan?¡±


    ¡°Unless you know of two others.¡±


    Aislin gave a half-smile, ¡°They are nice, and I really do like the attention they give me.¡±


    ¡°So, does that mean you like boys?¡± Macha bit her lip while setting out some lovely pieces for him to try on later.


    Smiling, he looked down at the young girl. He could tell that she was nervously waiting for an answer. All Aislin could do was be honest with her and with himself, ¡°I don¡¯t dislike them.¡±


    Finding it strange that thought didn¡¯t disturb him, before meeting the two Knights, he never really gave it much thought.


    ¡°I see what about girls.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t say I dislike them either,¡± Aislin grinned.


    Macha smiled, then reached over and kissed him deeply, ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, am I interrupting something?¡± Rowena walked into the room and stopped, seeing the two of them in each other¡¯s arms.


    ¡°You are, but don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯m assuming by your outfit that you¡¯re here to assist her ladyship in getting properly dressed for her luncheon at the castle?¡±


    Macha examined the other girl, dressed in most likely her best dress, conceded that she was pretty. Still, there was no way this simple village girl was going to outshine her Aislin today.


    ¡°Her?¡± Rowena looked confused for a moment and then turned Aislin, ¡°Does she not know?¡±


    ¡°Yes, everything. Besides Rowena, the village elders have already declared that it''s no longer appropriate for Lady Asilin here to dress as a boy anymore.¡±


    Aislin sighed, ¡°True, although I guess I could...¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not, look at these outfits,¡± Macha looked distraught. ¡°Why in the world you would want to ever dress like a boy again is beyond me.¡±


    Aislin laughed, touching the green outer dress once more, they were beautiful clothes, ¡°Alright, fine, doesn''t matter now anyway.¡±


    ¡°Good now, sit down; let¡¯s do something with that hair of yours. You can¡¯t wear it the same way you wore it last night.¡±


    Rowena watched the two, her heart feeling heavy. She couldn''t remember if Aislin smiled that way for her. Did she smile that way for Sir Nevan and Sir Miles as well?


    Looking at her clothes, the Rowena felt embarrassed. In the morning, as her mother set out the new dress, she was so excited how lovely she would look. Now, looking at Aislin¡¯s clothes, her jewels, the way she held herself, it just didn¡¯t seem fair.


    How could her friend, who she always considered a boy, be so beautiful? Days before, she was going to offer him a place in her household at the Keep, and now it appeared that the roles might be reversed.


    No, it didn¡¯t seem fair at all.


    --0--


    On the far side of the Castle on the edge of Loche Glas, a group of young men and women stood on a small slope while watching Sir Miles share a midday meal with Lady Aislin. Rumors already flew around the castle, stating that both Knights were vying for her affection.


    Moreover, if there were a chance that she might become the next Lady Lochlainn, then the household servants would make sure that Milady¡¯s lunch was perfect.


    Rowena, on the other hand, stood nervously away from the others, watching as Sir Miles and Aislin spoke across the table. She couldn¡¯t comprehend why Aislin didn¡¯t appear nervous speaking with the Knight, as if it was something that occurred every day.


    ¡°You are Lady Aislin¡¯s servant, correct?¡± A large busty woman with a pitcher in her hand walked up to Rowena.


    ¡°I guess.¡±


    The women frowned, ¡°Child, either you are, or you aren''t.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Good here,¡± She set the pitcher in the young woman¡¯s hand, ¡°Your lady commented that she enjoyed last night¡¯s raspberry wine. Why don¡¯t you keep her cup filled, while we get ready for the next course?¡±


    Nodding, Rowena took the pitcher and walked over to her friend. Still, in a daze, the young girl without thinking began to pour just as Aislin reached for the cup, spilling wine all over the sleeve.


    ¡°Be careful there, girl, that outfit costs more than your entire village.¡± Sir Miles barked, almost making her drop the pitcher of wine on the ground.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± She started to back away, fearful at the repercussions for what she had just done.


    ¡°Being sorry is not going to replace the dress.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Miles, nothing more than a little wine,¡± While another servant helped clean the mess, Aislin looked at her friend. Leaning over, she whispered, ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Rowena nodded, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, just nervous.¡±


    With a smile, Aislin took the pitcher of wine out of her hands and placed it on the table, ¡°Miles, can you give us a moment?¡±


    ¡°Of course, dear lady, anything you desire,¡± Turning, he growled, ¡°I knew he couldn''t stay away. Here comes Nevan.¡±


    Aislin laughed, ¡°Why don¡¯t you greet him while I talk to my friend?¡±


    Off to the side, she reached for her hands, but Rowena pulled them back, ¡°It wouldn''t look proper.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Aislin sighed, feeling bad.


    Without even being asked, Rowena had been forced to come along. She really wanted the two of them to have lunch at the table along with the two knights but understood that would have been impossible. She even tried to explain, but it just seemed to make Rowena even more uncomfortable.


    ¡°Do you want to go home? I would understand.¡±


    ¡°What, walk?¡± Rowena suddenly looked angry.


    Aislin sighed, how did it come to this? ¡°No, I would have a carriage take you back home.¡±


    Rowena shook her head, ¡°No, my mother insists that I help. As Master Organ¡¯s wife, I will be one of Sir Nevan¡¯s mother¡¯s or her daugher''s attendants.¡± Master Oran had explained to her parents of his plans to introduce her to Lady Gweneira as soon as his Lordship returned.


    ¡°So you¡¯re not angry with me?¡±


    ¡°What no, sorry, I¡¯m just nervous. Please go back to your lunch.¡±


    Aislin gave her one last sad look before turning away to greet Sir Nevan.


    Rowena, her chest feeling heavy once more, watched as her friend greeted the young lord with a perfect curtsey. In turn, the Knight laughed, bowed, and kissed her hand.


    Why was this happening, Aislin wasn''t even a real girl.


    --0--


    Taking a seat, Sir Nevan motioned to one of the servants for a cup of wine and a plate of food.


    ¡°So, are you planning on joining us this afternoon as well, Nevan?¡± Miles asked while sopping up the last bit of gravy from his plate.


    ¡°I do unless I get called away again.¡±


    He had ordered that the household staff only disturbed him over life or death emergencies. With his cousin on the prowl, Sir Nevan didn¡¯t want anything to distract him from his time with Aislin.


    ¡°Is everything alright?¡± Aislin continued to sip her raspberry wine. Unlike the two men, who plowed through more of the food, she was already stuffed.


    After breaking off half a loaf of bread, the young lord nodded, ¡°Nothing to worry about, I assure you. Just some last-minute details concerning that black marker we pulled out of the forest a few days ago.¡±


    ¡°I meant to ask you about that.¡±


    Sir Miles smiled while pointing a finger at his cousin, ¡°See, I told you she would ask. Her grandmother is the village¡¯s Wise Woman after all.¡±


    ¡°Ignore this rascal. What did you want to ask.¡±


    ¡°Why did you move it? I mean, normally, such things are left alone.¡±


    Aislin hoped that she wasn''t going to offend Sir Nevan by asking. Thankfully, nothing had happened so far, so perhaps her fears were unwarranted.


    ¡°It wasn''t by choice, I assure you,¡± Sir Nevan grimaced, ¡°The Royal Thaumaturgist commanded my father to bring it to the capitol.¡±


    ¡°Master Maolmuire?¡±


    ¡°Do you know him?¡± Sir Miles asked, intrigued. Already the raven-haired beauty seemed well informed of the goings-on inside the realm, not a surprise from the daughter of a rich merchant house. The lore she learned from the Wise Woman would also be of great use.


    ¡°No only by reputation. Why would he want one of the standing stones? His power comes from summoning spirits and elementals to do his bidding.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I wasn''t given that much information.¡±


    Aislin flushed with embarrassment, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to pry. It¡¯s just that...¡±


    The young lord gave Aislin a warm smile, ¡°No, I¡¯m happy you asked. It shows that you are concerned for the well-being of the villagers and those who live in the castle.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s as my cousin said, were not informed of the why. Perhaps we should have spoken to you or your grandmother first. By what you are implying, we were indeed fortunate that nothing happened with us disinterring the stone.¡±


    Sir Nevan gave Miles a look, then frowned, ¡°Your grandmother is she a relation by blood?¡±


    The young woman looked surprised at the question, ¡°No, my mother made her my guardian before she died.¡±


    ¡°So, you have no relatives in the village?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Scratched his chin, somehow, the young woman had been safely hidden away in the small village all these years. Now, what had transpired to force her parents to flee the north, he did not know. What he did know, was that a simple village Wise Woman offered no real protection.


    ¡°I think your mother was very wise to make your grandmother, your guardian.¡±


    Aislin smiled. ¡°I think so, too, Nevan.¡±


    The young lord nodded as new plans fell into place.


    First, he would need to speak with his mother, explaining Aislin¡¯s plight. He knew his mother well enough that she would be appalled to discover that a gentlewoman lived in a villager¡¯s cottage.


    Secondly, he would enlist the help of his sister to convince Aislin to move into the castle. That shouldn''t be too difficult. Both women would be excited to find someone of their own age and similar social standings to talk to. Finally, the young knight would need to speak to his father.


    Sir Nevan believed that after a proper introduction, they would agree that she would be the perfect choice for the next Lady Lochlainn.

 Chapter 5: Lies and Secrets

    Macha realized she had been standing in the middle of the herb garden staring at the road leading into the village for some time. Biting her lip, a habit her mother had unsuccessfully tried to break, she looked around one more time before finally sitting down to do some work.


    ¡°You¡¯re nervous.¡±


    Looking up, the young girl smiled, ¡°A little, Aislin seems to be taking her own sweet time coming home.¡±


    Ina put her hand over her eyes, blocking the rays of the setting sun; the carriage that had taken her grandchild away had been gone for most of the day.


    ¡°Mistress Ina, this morning, I insisted we call Aislin, a girl, especially after the village elder¡¯s proclamation. Really, it was all just a bit of fun, and I¡¯m ashamed to say to get back at Rowena. But now I feel as if I forced it on her.¡±


    Ina frowned, deciding whether to tell her young apprentice what had transpired early in the morning. The proclamation had been entirely her fault.


    Unknown to either Macha or Aislin, before the sun even broke the horizon, she had already confirmed her grandchild¡¯s lineage with the village elders. Thankfully none of the men recognized the coat of arms displayed on the Patent of Nobility. Such recognition would have raised far too many questions.


    ¡°What did she say?¡±


    Mach looked thoughtful, ¡°She said it doesn¡¯t matter. I mean, it should, shouldn¡¯t it?¡±


    Ina shook her head, ¡°That child has a habit of not complaining even if it¡¯s painful. However, I believe that right now, it¡¯s in her best interest, especially with the eyes of some very powerful men on her.¡±


    ¡°I know, and that¡¯s what scares me. Still, what do you mean she won¡¯t say anything even if it hurts her?¡±


    ¡°Aislin never complained when the village children picked on her. Usually, they left her alone, mainly because of Rowena, but I knew that it happened."


    Taking a seat on a bench next to her apprentice, the Wise Woman kept a close eye on the road waiting for her grandchild¡¯s return.


    ¡°When she was, I believe nine years old, Aislin walked into the cottage limping, with bruised ribs, and blood running down the side of her head. She passed me without a word.¡±


    Macha''s eyes opened wide.


    ¡°Although I knew she had been crying, she simply cleaned herself off. When I asked about it, Aislin refused to tell me what happened. Instead, she said it was nothing.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s awful,¡± Macha rubbed her tears from her face. She couldn¡¯t fathom why anyone would want to hurt Aislin, ¡°But why didn¡¯t she say anything?¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t want me to worry; after that, I wouldn¡¯t let her leave my side unless it was with someone I trusted. When the village elders explained to me why she received such a beating, I began to understand my grandchild a little better. See, Aislin had been protecting Renn.¡±


    ¡°Renn?¡±


    Ina smiled, ¡°Aislin will ignore her own pain, but she will not tolerate others hurting one of her friends. What I was told later, one of the men had to actually pull her off one of the larger boys.¡±


    Macha looked shocked for a second and then giggled, ¡°Still¡­¡±


    ¡°I know, that¡¯s why when the notion of being called up in the levy came up, she didn¡¯t complain. Aislin explained to me that if she didn¡¯t go, then someone else would have to take her place.¡±


    Macha frowned, ¡°But that won¡¯t happen now. Even if she insisted on being male, none of the gentry can be forced into the King''s service.¡±


    ¡°True, but she won¡¯t be any less happy about it. Macha, now that you know my grandchild¡¯s secret, does it change your feelings for her?¡±


    ¡°No, why, should it?¡± The young apprenticed look up, confused at the question.


    The Wise Woman smiled, reached over and gave her apprentice a kiss on the head, ¡°By the goddess, you are indeed a treasure.¡±


    Macha smiled at the compliment, ¡°I will say, though, since Aislin has started wearing her mother¡¯s clothes, something is different about her.¡±


    ¡°In what way?¡±


    ¡°When I opened the door in the cottage and saw her in the dress, it was like seeing her for the first time. When she walked across the village green, that too seemed so out of place. Have you seen the way your granddaughter holds herself now? You know how she complained at first, fought it even, but the entire time her eyes burned liked the sun,¡± Macha shivered a little, feeling it all over her body. She had always been drawn to Aislin¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I agree. I told her something similar.¡±


    The young apprentice giggled, ¡°And she denied it.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Laughing, the two missed an older woman running across the village green, making her way directly to the healer¡¯s cottage.


    Nora, the wife of the village¡¯s Ferrier, stood before the pair in a visible state of panic, said, ¡°Mistress, I need your help.¡±


    --0--


    Slowly making their way back to the village, after a long day, Aislin decided that she truly loved the birds. Although, in truth, she couldn¡¯t find pleasure in the hunt itself, the birds were magnificent.


    Having no problems with controlling the animals, the Lord falconer even praised her himself, Aislin had spent the entire afternoon with an adorable sparrowhawk on her arm. However, not everyone enjoyed the day¡¯s outing.


    Aislin sadly noted that Rowena¡¯s lack of enthusiasm and interest had not pleased the castle¡¯s servants. The same [people who someday would work with her as the wife of the Castle¡¯s seneschal. Several times, Aislin wanted to take her aside but felt it would have just made matters worse.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that your mother insisted that you come out with me today.¡±


    Rowena had been surprised herself. Last night, as soon as her family walked through the door to their cottage, her mother left to speak with the village elders. From what her father said, her mother planned on going to the Constable in the morning.


    Although Rowena tried to get her mother to change her mind, someone else obviously did. Before breakfast, Elder Argyle took her outside to talk, coming back inside a few minutes later, visibly shaken.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry; I did have a good time, well watching the birds anyway.¡±


    For the rest of the trip, the two didn¡¯t speak again until Rowena suddenly asked, ¡°I do have a question, why did they bring up their lineage?¡±


    Aislin smiled, ¡°At first I thought Nevan and Miles were trying to decide if we were all related, afterward well I¡¯m surprised you didn¡¯t figure it out. I don¡¯t know why, but I believe they were trying to impress me.¡±


    ¡°Impress you? Why should they impress you...?¡± The young girl looked away then quickly changed the subject, ¡°It sounded like Sir Nevan, and Sir Miles are both related to King Conall.¡±


    Aislin ignored what Rowena started to say and answered her other question, ¡°Most of the nobility are related through one line or another. Sir Nevan grandmother, the Countess of Moyry, is the King¡¯s sister. Sir Miles¡¯ grandfather, our own Duke Blathmac, is the King¡¯s brother.¡±


    ¡°But they are not directly in the line for the throne, right?¡±


    Aislin nodded, ¡°Correct since Duke Blathmac had no sons. Neither can Sir Nevan¡¯s with his father being the only son of Countess Moyry.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Although at times a bit confusing, Aislin could see where this was going. From commoner to noble, this topic was one of great concern.


    ¡°So what happens if the Crown Prince does not have an heir?¡± Rowen still looked a little confused.


    Prince Burin, with his second wife, a much younger woman, had been married for almost five years but still without an heir.


    Aislin sighed, ¡°Divorce maybe, then marry another. Otherwise, I¡¯m afraid we will see fighting among the noble houses.¡±


    Twenty years ago, when the boy King William the Younger died, leaving an empty throne. Three families, the Ciannacht, Osraige, and the Armhaighe all took to the field. The largest, the Armhaighe, made an alliance through marriage with the Ciannacht. Three years later, with the last male heir of the Osraige family slain at the Battle of Rathlind, the eldest son of the Armhaighe line took the crown.


    Rowena shook her head, had her friend always known these things? Again she felt that distance between the two of them growing, ¡°You know, I¡¯m jealous of you.¡±


    Aislin gave a half-smile, ¡°Why?¡±


    For a moment, it looked like Rowena had planned on saying something else but instead pulled on her dress. Giving Aislin the first real smile of the day, she said, ¡°Compared to mine, all of your clothes are all beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Not true, I have seen your clothes, and that outfit is very nice too.¡±


    ¡°But yours are so much nicer,¡± Turning back around, the young girl leaned against her friend, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s just I wished nothing had changed between us.¡±


    As the carriage rolled into the village, Aislin didn¡¯t reply, not understanding what she didn¡¯t want to be changed, and too afraid to ask.


    After releasing the guards and drivers, Aislin found the cottage empty. While deciding that she needed to learn how to undress without help, the young woman stubbed her foot on the corner of her mother¡¯s trunk. Strangely enough, it sounded surprisingly hollow.


    --0--


    Ina watched as Macha rubbed her temples; the healing had taken a lot more out of her than usual. In bard¡¯s tales, the King¡¯s Healer would wave a hand, and magically all of the hero¡¯s wounds were healed. However, such things only happened in stories.


    A healer¡¯s job was to let the body do most of the work, only strengthening its natural healing ability. Poultices, potions, and herbs made their job easier.


    Chatting softly, both Ina and her apprentice found Aislin, sitting in the middle of the front room fully dressed. In her hands, a small gold disk attached to a long golden chain.


    ¡°Oh, Aislin,¡± The Wise Woman sighed before turning to her, apprentice, ¡°Can you leave us alone?¡±


    Macha nodded, and with a worried look at her best friend, left the room, closing the door behind her.


    ¡°Gran?¡±


    ¡°First of all, I cannot tell you everything; it¡¯s for your own safety,¡± Pulling up a chair, she took a seat by her grandchild¡¯s side.


    Reaching down, Ina took the medallion into her hands. About the size of her fist, the disk bore an image of golden sun. Surrounding the sun, in ancient script, it read. ¡°In these hands shall she heal a kingdom.¡±


    ¡°Where did you find it?¡±


    ¡°In a hidden compartment inside the clothing chest,¡± It took a little effort to pull back the false side, but what she discovered surprised her even more, ¡°Was my mother really the daughter of a merchant?¡±


    Ina smiled, ¡°Yes, however, when her family discovered that she had the gift, they sent her away. Still, a daughter of a rich and influential family does not simply become a Wise Woman.¡±


    ¡°No, they become one of the King¡¯s Healers,¡± Aislin took the medallion back, studying the inscription once more.


    ¡°Yes, that is how I met her.¡±


    ¡°Like Macha¡¯s grandmother, you were a Court Healer?¡± Aislin already surmised this information, as her grandmother had stood on the Wise Woman Council for some time.


    Ina just nodded, unable to speak, afraid of what her grandchild might ask next.


    ¡°My father...you were never going to allow me to join the levy, were you?¡±


    Caught unawares by the sudden change in questions, she answered truthfully, ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Slowly rising from her chair, Aislin headed towards the back of the cottage.


    ¡°Are you angry at me?¡±


    The young woman turned around and smiled, ¡°No, why should I be. I know you and my mother were just trying to protect me. Oh, why were you out so late?¡±


    ¡°Master Jaralth came down with the Summer Fever.¡±


    ¡°So early, and didn¡¯t he have it last year?¡±


    The summer fever came out of the O¨¢-che Foraoise, the swampy forest region that lay for miles south of the town, every year. Hardly ever fatal, most only caught it once or twice in a lifetime.


    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s because all of the men worked deep in the woods the last few days. Macha did the healing; she is coming along quite well thanks to your teaching.¡±


    Aislin smiled, ¡°She¡¯s your apprentice.¡±


    ¡°Others might disagree.¡±


    Clutching the medallion to her chest, she asked, ¡°Will you ever tell me the whole truth?¡±


    The Wise Woman flinched; they had been lying to her the whole time, but it was for her own good, ¡°Aislin...¡±


    Reaching over, she kissed her grandmother on the cheek, ¡°Good night.¡±


    --0--


    Standing in the small bedroom, which smelled more like a stable than a cottage, the three women regarded the sick man¡¯s illness. Master Jaralth, who had been feeling better the night before after the healing, once again took to the bed ill.


    ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡±


    The Wise Woman shook her head, ¡°No, Macha, even Master Jaralth said he felt better last night."


    What the three of them didn¡¯t understand, why did his wife Catlin and both of their boys fall ill? The Summer Fever never reacted this fast. It usually started slowly peaking sometime in the middle of the summer and disappearing totally before harvest.


    ¡°By all of its symptoms, it does sound like the Summer Fever?¡± Aislin said worriedly while mixing another poultice.


    All three women looked up when Mistress Clar stuck her head through the doorway, ¡°Ina, I¡¯m afraid to say this, but there are two more whole households sick.¡±


    The Wise Woman sighed, ¡°I will get to them once I am finished with the Ferrier and his family,¡± Turning to Aislin, her grandmother asked, ¡°I need you to go into the forest. We are not ready for this.¡±


    The young woman nodded. Unfortunately, she knew the medicinal plants needed to help with the symptoms had not bloomed. Perhaps, she could find some of the lesser-known alternatives deeper in the O¨¢-che Foraoise, she thought to herself.


    Ina knowing what her granddaughter planned to do quickly said, ¡°Also, keep out of the marsh. It¡¯s not safe.¡±


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll escort her,¡± A male voice spoke from the front of the cottage.


    ¡°Miles?¡± Aislin walked into the other room, surprised to find the Knight standing at the cottage entrance.


    ¡°I was told that there was an illness running through the village,¡± Sir Miles said, behind him stood a half a dozen armsmen.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be here, Miles.¡±


    ¡°Neither should you; I came to take you back to the castle.¡±


    Aislin sighed, funny just a week ago, she had dreams of rescuing Rowena, and now it seemed a Knight came to save her, ¡°I¡¯m needed here.¡±


    ¡°Not right now,¡± Ina came out of the backroom, ¡°Sir Knight, if you wish to help, then please escort my granddaughter into the marsh.¡±


    ¡°Gran.¡±


    ¡°If you insist on going Aislin, I would feel better if you take your Knight along.¡±


    Miles smiled at that, giving the women a courtly bow, ¡°It would be my pleasure.¡±


    ¡°Alright, you need to get out of the village anyway. You haven¡¯t had this illness, have you?¡±


    The young man shrugged, ¡°No, but I never get sick.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure,¡± Aislin smiled, ¡°I¡¯m going to borrow a few of your armsmen.¡±


    The young Knight looked confused for a moment, ¡°If you wish, but why?¡±


    ¡°We need to see if the illness has spread to the other villages. If not, then perhaps they have some of the medicines that we need.¡±


    Sir Miles nodded, ¡°Perhaps the castle might as well.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Miles, if you can send a rider up to the Castle and the other villages I will tell them what my grandmother needs.¡±


    --0--


    Just as the sun began to set on the horizon, five exhausted riders entered the village Aislin, Miles, and three armsmen. Two armsmen seemed to be injured, one with a bandage on his arm and the other on his leg.


    ¡°Your skill at riding has improved,¡± Sir Miles said gently as he helped Aislin off her horse. He could sympathize as she made faces, obviously sore in unusual places. At least having a knack with animals, she learned quickly, but it didn¡¯t make her any less painful.


    Squeezing Miles''s arm, she walked over and checked the two wounded men.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you were hurt on my behalf?¡±


    ¡°Not true, Milady; it was Hamish here that fell into the nest,¡± The armsmen with the bandaged leg pointed to his partner.


    ¡°Biggest damn lizard I¡¯ve ever seen, I never thought I would ever see a real basilisk. Of course, it was almost my last time as well,¡± The large red-headed man banged his bandaged arm on the pommel of his saddle as he laughed.


    The half-sleeping lizard had struck out at the two men, poisoning both. Thankfully, the Basilisk, being nocturnal, had been asleep, allowing the rest of the armed men to dispatch it with ease. If it had been at night, the day¡¯s events could have turned out much worse.


    ¡°And if you had not been there, we should have died from the poison.¡±


    ¡°Strange logic Ross, since the only reason why you were in the marsh was because of me,¡± Aislin smiled, ¡°You both need to take it easy for the next three days.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Milady,¡± They both nodded their heads.


    ¡°I will see to it, Aislin,¡± Sir Miles said, coming up to stand next to her, ¡°Perhaps you should come to the castle tonight, you haven¡¯t even had dinner.¡±


    ¡°No, my grandmother will need me. I also need to make medicine with the plants we gathered today.¡±


    ¡°Then, tomorrow, I will come by after lunch.¡±


    ¡°Miles, I told you. You have to stay out of the village. Getting the Summer Fever for the first time as an adult can be very serious.¡±


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll send a carriage for you.¡±


    ¡°Miles.¡±


    ¡°She will be happy to accept your invitation to lunch tomorrow Sir Knight,¡± Ina stood at the cottage doorway.


    ¡°Grandmother.¡±


    ¡°Macha and I are more than capable. Plus, we were able to get more of the Solas leaf from two of the villages and the castle. Thankfully, the illness has not spread. If you would please thank Sir Nevan for us, Sir Miles, the medicine will be of much use.¡±


    ¡°Then I shall send a carriage, tomorrow then, my lady,¡± Reaching for Aislin¡¯s hand, he gently kissed it.


    Thanking the armsmen again, the young woman retreated inside the cottage.


    ¡°Were you able to help everyone,¡± She held her hand to her chest.


    Ina smiled at her granddaughter¡¯s reaction to the kiss, ¡°Yes, I ended up healing while Macha administered the medicines. The illness seems to be acting a little different than usual, perhaps because it¡¯s so early. Hopefully, we will have good news tomorrow.¡±


    Aislin nodded, but not really paying attention anymore. She could still feel Mile¡¯s lips on her hand. She knew she had feelings for Macha, but did she also have the same feelings for Miles? With what happened with Rowena two summers ago, she stopped thinking about it entirely.


    Pushing the thoughts away, Aislin walked into the kitchen. First food, then a long night making medicine and after everyone in the village was feeling better, she decided that perhaps she would sort through her feelings.