Orphan's Blade (13 page)

“It will be a necessity, if you are to impersonate me.” Valoria found a small travel knife and tossed it in her bag.

Cadence scoffed. “Impersonate you? Why?”

“I do not want to spread panic, or have raiders looking for me to hold me for ransom. Never mind what they’d do if they thought the castle was vulnerable.”

“But, that would be treason.”

“Not if the queen is aware.”

“Is she, my lady?”

Valoria nodded. “Hand me your plainest working clothes.”

Cadence scrunched up her nose as if Valoria had told her to drink from the chamber pot. “If that’s what you wish.” She rummaged in her room and returned with a simple, brown tunic, dark brown leggings, and knee high boots.

Cadence held the garments up as if they were made of poison. “These are for scrubbing the floor.”

“Wonderful.” Valoria unzipped her dress and pulled the tunic over her head. “Do you have a few extra ones?”

“Of course.” While Valoria dressed, Cadence brought three more from her room and placed them in the top of Valoria’s bag. “You’ll be able to scrub the floor for days on end.”

“Or at least look like I have.” Valoria smoothed the front of the work clothes and studied herself in the mirror. The tunic brought out her arms in an athletic way, while the leggings gave her the freedom to run and spar with a sword. Dressed as a servant, she’d never felt more invigorated and free in her life.

“You can hide your figure, but you cannot hide your porcelain skin and silver eyes.” Cadence smiled. “You still look like a princess to me, my lady.”

“Farmers can have pretty daughters.” Valoria handed her a burgundy evening dress with black, velvet trim—a hideous concoction she’d had to wear at the last concert at the House of Song. “Your turn.”

She helped Cadence slip into the evening gown and zipped up the back.

“My, this is heavy and hot.” Cadence teetered over.

Valoria picked her up and positioned her in the front of the mirror. “Walking in twenty pounds of finery is an art. You’ll learn.”

“I’ll have to if I do not want to fall on my face.” Cadence ran her hands over the smooth fabric and smiled. The velvet trim gave her a regal look, commanding authority. The red brought out the highlights in Cadence’s brown hair and the dark chestnut of her round eyes. She could have passed for a princess any day. “I’m beginning to enjoy this.”

“Good. Have fun. You look marvelous.”

“I do not, however, look like you.”

Valoria waved her concern away. “All you have to do is stand on balconies and wave. From there, the people will see you as the princess.” She held up a finger. “No one must know the prince and I are gone if Ebonvale is to remain safe from raider attack. When I’m traveling, I’m to be known as Val, daughter to a local farmer.”

A laugh escaped Cadence’s mouth. “And who will Brax be, your fool?”

Valoria gave her a look of warning. “No, he will be my brother.”

Cadence stifled a smile. “And the lieutenant?”

“My brother as well.”

“My, you have a lot of brothers.”

Valoria strapped her bag to her back. “In Ebonvale, the farmers have a lot of children to run the farm.”

“And who will see to it they do not compromise your honor?”

“I will.” Valoria gave her a stern look. “Not that Brax is interested.” She thought she’d leave Mr. Blueborough out of the picture.

“He is, you’ll see.” Cadence fluffed the fabric around her ankles. “Are you sure you do not want me to come with you?”

“You must be my eyes and ears here. Besides, a large party is more likely to draw attention and I do not want the raiders knowing they have nobles roaming through their lands.”

“So leave the lieutenant here and take me instead.” Cadence grabbed her arm and pleaded with her. “I like pretty dresses, but my duty lies with you.”

“I wish I could.” Valoria squeezed Cadence’s shoulder. She was so loyal and brave. So what if she couldn’t play an instrument or sing a tune. Valoria would have chosen her over a talented minstrel any day.

“But Lieutenant Blueborough knows how to trade with these people, and neither I nor Brax have much knowledge of any place south of Ebonvale’s borders.” Having Nathaniel come along only complicated the journey, no matter how much her heart wanted him to.

“I understand.” Cadence released her grip and narrowed her eyes. “Watch your back. Do not trust him. I fear he’s out to steal your heart.”

He might already have a piece of it. Valoria pushed the worry away. “My heart does not matter in this situation.”

The velvet rustled as Cadence walked her to the door. In the gown, she looked wiser and mightier than her years. “It matters if you cannot silence it.”

Country Girl

Fireflies sparked in the training field as the covered wagon pulled up to the back door of the servants’ quarters. Brax pulled on the reins, halting the horses as Nathaniel pulled a hood over his head and jumped off.

He knocked three times in rhythm.

An answering knock came from the other side.

He knocked again, this time with four knocks, and the door opened. Valoria peered from a hooded, dark cloak, as one lock of her auburn hair slipped free. She wore a simple servants’ tunic, leggings, and slender boots that brought out her shapely legs. Dressed as an equal, she looked even more elegant and lovely.

He bowed. “Princess—”

“Call me Val. And do not bow.” She touched his chin, bringing his head up. A mischievous smile flashed in her face before she wiped it away. “Not if I’m your
sister
.”

“You are right…sister.” The word fell off his tongue awkwardly. Sister was not how he thought of her. Even though he should. She would be his sister one day. That harsh reality twisted his stomach.

“Did you acquire the necessary items of trade?”

Nathaniel nodded. “The queen was more than willing to part with them.”

Surprise lit her features. “Truly?”

This was not the time to speak of the queen’s loyalties. Nathaniel only nodded. “Come with me.”

He offered his hand and Valoria slipped her hand over his. He felt her cool, soft skin as he lifted her into the back of the wagon. All too soon, she released her grasp and disappeared inside.

If only he could go with her. Nathaniel shook his head to rid his mind of his wild thoughts and joined Brax in the front.

Brax turned to him. “Cargo acquired?”

Nathaniel nodded, still trying to rein in the force pulling him toward her.

“How did she appear? Fearful?”

He shook his head and smiled. “Fearless.”

Brax whipped the horses and they set off at a canter. “If this was not her idea, I would not allow a woman, a minstrel no less, to come.”

Was he having second thoughts? Anger hardened like a fist inside him. Brax’s doubt in Valoria was grossly misplaced. “That minstrel saved our kingdom singlehandedly with her harp.”

Brax glanced over with a tired, defeated look. “I need no reminder.”

Was she that difficult for him to grow fond of? Helena’s sword, it wasn’t like she looked like a toad. Nathaniel shifted in his seat. Without giving away his immense admiration, he thought another vote of confidence was needed. “She will prove herself a useful ally, you will see.”

Brax sighed as if resigned. “She already has.”

They rode through the sleeping city with soft hoof clomps and rickety creaks. Tavern signs blew in the midnight breeze. A black cat scurried across the cobblestone, disappearing into an alley. Black smoke from chimneys wafted through the moon’s light.

So many people with enough faith to stay. Nathaniel hoped their loyalty would be rewarded. Ebonvale had been lost once before. He vowed to Helena and Horred to keep it safe.

They reached the main gate, and Brax needed only a single nod for the gatekeeper to raise the chains. The gate opened and closed behind them, and Nathaniel bid farewell to the city he’d grown to call home. They headed south, to the home he’d lost.

Melancholy tainted his thoughts. He wasn’t eager to return.

Light harp strings plucked from the back of the wagon as they took the main road through Ebonvale’s orchards and farmlands. Now and then Valoria’s sweet voice would rise and a phrase would waft to their ears:
veil of shadow
,
silent footsteps
, and
we are but trivial travelers
.

“You’d think she’d sleep with such a journey ahead.” Brax glanced over his shoulder.

“She protects us with her enchantments.” Amusement curled Nathaniel’s lips.

Brax gave him a doubtful look. “Two warriors in their prime, protected by a minstrel girl and her harp?”

Nathaniel smiled in a self-deprecating way. Taking the minstrels in meant accepting their ways. “Stranger situations abound.”

* * * *

Morning broke in a blush of red and orange light. A dove began its song with a three melancholy notes. As the mist cleared, the last few farms of Oakendell rose up on either side.

“There.” Brax pointed to an old barn with three cows grazing around it. A small cottage stood on a hillside of white flowers. “That was my father’s farm.”

“Are you certain?” It looked more like a house for an old woman.

Brax nodded. “He took me for a ride one day when I was a boy. I met his brother, Hule, who’d inherited the farm. There’d been some tension between the two of them for years, because my father had made it to the Royal Guard and Hule had been forced to return to the farm. But, he welcomed us without any ill feelings and invited us in for a piece of apple pie. My father wanted me to meet my cousins, but he also wanted me to see that every man is important. Every man, no matter his station in life, has the potential to be great.”

Sorrow stung Nathaniel’s gut, knocking the air out of him. “The king told me that as well.” He smiled sadly, remembering the day Bronford Thoridian promised him a spot in the army. “He was teaching me how to fight with a sword. I was only a boy with a piece of wood shaped like a claymore. I tried to attack him, and he defeated me in one stroke. I was so angry at the world back then. I told him I’d never avenge my family, that they all died and I couldn’t save them.”

Compassion softened Brax’s face. “You were a boy. There was nothing you could do.”

“That did not stop me from feeling guilty.” Nathaniel touched the wood of the seat, bluewood, just like his wooden sword. Where had it gone? He would have loved to hold it one more time. Or place it on the king’s grave when he returned. “He said I could become a warrior and ‘save lots of people.’”

“Lots of people, eh?” Brax smiled.

Nathaniel thought back, remembering the smell of the orchard and the way the sun hit Bron’s face. “He said, ‘All you need is courage and someone to believe in you.’ ‘Who would believe in me?’ I asked. You have to understand that everyone I ever mattered to was dead. The king said he would believe in me, and then he promised me the spot in the Royal Guard.” Tears stung Nathaniel’s eyes. He missed the king as much as he missed his own family.

Brax patted his arm. “He was a good man and he loved you like his own son.”

Immense grief passed through him like a tidal wave. Nathaniel turned to Brax. “You remind me of him so much that I feel as though he sits beside me.”

“It is an honor too vast for me.” Brax shook his head. “He was a greater king than I’ll ever strive to be.”

Helena’s sword, Nathaniel had never seen Brax with that much self-reflection and vulnerability. Even though he understood Brax’s struggle, he could not argue with his faults. Brax didn’t have the late king’s kindness, or his sense of self-sacrifice. But, Brax had the capacity to learn, especially if he accepted his flaws. “The future is not set in stone.”

They sat in silence until they reached the edge of the meadows. Up ahead, dust clouds shifted over the barren earth where the wyverns had burned every living plant and seed. Raiders didn’t chance crossing into Ebonvale’s guarded lands, but this vast southern wasteland was ripe with corruption.

“Better rest now.” Brax pulled to the side of the road and directed the horses behind a copse of white birch. “We’ll need our strength for what’s ahead.”

Nathaniel nodded. “I’ll get some food from our supplies.”

He rounded the wagon and lifted the leather to peer inside.

Valoria sat against the bench on the floor with her legs stretched out in front of her and her harp on her stomach. She plucked a note while her eyes fluttered, close to sleep.

“You’re still awake?” Nathaniel climbed in.

She perked up immediately. “Why do you think we’ve traveled without any delay?” Her fingers were red. She must have played all night.

Nathaniel knew better than to argue. “Must have been your excellent playing.”

“I’d like to think it had a part to play and my voice isn’t hoarse for nothing.” Valoria stood and brushed hay off her tunic. “Thank you for standing up for me.” She had a few strands in her hair, and he resisted the urge to pull them out.

Nathaniel picked up a bag of supplies to keep his hands busy. “I do not know what you are referring to.”

“You spoke up when Brax doubted taking me with you.”

How could she have heard in the back? He studied her with suspicion. How much of their conversation had she picked up? “Minstrels have excellent ears.”

She placed her harp on the bench. “You would do well not to forget it.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He hefted the bag over his shoulder and lifted the leather covering. Valoria slipped underneath his arm, her hair brushing his chest as she jumped down.

They joined Brax on a rock outcropping beside the wagon. Nathaniel handed him a heel of bread and a wedge of cheese with an apologetic smile. “It’s not what you’re used to.” He’d been on the road a lot as a boy, but the prince had never traveled far from the castle.

“I’ll manage.” Brax bit a chunk off the cheese and swallowed it down with a draft from his sheepskin. He nodded to Valoria but said nothing.

Valoria sat three rocks apart from him. She took her own bread and cheese from the bag. “Such a lovely night.” She broke off a piece of cheese. “Sometimes I’d go out with my father and we’d watch for falling stars.”