Echoes from my past drifted into my thoughts.

My late father’s voice instructing the younger version of me, “Be one with the horse, respect his nobility and spirit, care for his well-being as you do your own, for there will come a time when he may be the only one you can really trust.”

The memory of riding bareback with Callyn behind me, pressed against my back, her arms around my waist, her breath a delicious warm whisper in my ear, “Be one with the horse with your knees and thighs, Ahren. Yes, that’s it, use the pressure of your knees to convey your commands, where you want him to go, when you want him to stop, or when you want him to run like the wind.”

No question, both my father and Callyn would have liked this fine animal.

I guided the bay a little ways off to the side of the trail the caravan was on, reined him to a halt then patted his neck with great affection. I chuckled softly as he snorted and tossed his proud head, turning my face to the side to avoid being lashed by his long black mane. His liquid brown eyes followed my blue ones, his ears flickering back and forth with interest as we watched the slow progression of the people, wagons, and assorted animals that followed behind Lady Kellina’s carriage.

It was a beautiful day for traveling, a slight chill in the air, but nary a cloud in the lavender tinged sky. Trees everywhere were ablaze in their splendor of fall colors.

The caravan made steady progress, having traveled west then southwest for several hours since leaving Lord Michon’s shire. We crossed the Azarite River about an hour ago without incident. That had been my first good look at the magnificent bridge spanning across the river in daylight, for the last time I had traveled across the bridge was in the dark of the night, several months ago. At the time, I was reluctant to reveal my hiding place amongst the caravan of merchants traveling to the Shire of the East.

The bridge was a monumental tribute to the creativity of the engineers that constructed it, and there was no doubt that they had employed high levels of magical skills to accomplish the feat. The framework was so strong and sturdy, none of the horses in our caravan showed any distress and crossed over the bridge without protest. The river below was somewhat swollen from the recent rainstorm, singing gleefuly as it moved swiftly from the Sea of Azar to the Ioldan Sea. I smiled to myself, remembering nights around the Ka’anti campfires where Sirra described the sights and wonders of this land, as viewed by her eagle eyes from the skies. Sirra was indeed a treasure house of information. I briefly wondered where she roamed those days.

We were quite the assortment: a company of at least a hundred guards of both genders under the command of fiery red headed Captain Payne, two hundred ordinary people, and at least thirty wagons loaded with tools, supplies, food and baggage.

And of course, Lady Kellina rode in her own carriage accompanied by four wagons loaded with her belongings: clothing, furniture, and linens. Four wagons for one woman? Admittedly, two wagons were full of furniture from her chambers. Still … however did I manage to travel with only a supply pouch and back-sack?

Five of the supply wagons were loaded with packages of dried, cured, and preserved foods, boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables, smoked meats, and bags of grain and seeds. One wagon was stacked with small crates of live chickens and a few small pigs, their squawks and squeals of protest erupting every time the wagon lurched over a rough patch of the trail.

Several cows, sheep and goats brought up the rear of the caravan, herded by a couple of farmers on foot with help from their cleverly trained shepherd dogs. At least the rain from the recent storm dampened down the dust on the trail, otherwise mini dust storms would have been created by the scuffling of so many hooves and wagon wheels.

Most of the guards were on horseback, which was why I was rather surprised when Captain Payne approached me before our departure from Lord Michon’s shire and informed me that I was to ride. To the silent question she saw in my eyes, she meaningfully inclined her head towards Lord Michon in the courtyard. I could only presume that His Lordship had confided in Captain Payne the true nature of my new role in Lady Kellina’s life, hence, I was given the dark bay gelding. I had ridden next to Lady Kellina’s carriage for most of the way thus far.

There was no anticipation of any trouble along the first leg of this journey, for the trail we were following was a well-known route to Falfa; a good sized village where we were to spend the night. We had not chanced upon any other travelers, yet, the guards on horseback were strategically spread out, in various places throughout the caravan, alert and watchful. Captain Payne had already dispatched several of her company ahead to Falfa to make the necessary arrangements for our arrival there.

I smiled as one of the food wagons approached, for Madame Adelaide was the driver, her hands firm on the reins of the two dun horses pulling the wagon. Madame was the only one amongst the caravan that I considered a true friend, a kindred soul, for it was she one that first befriended me after my arrival at Lord Michon’s shire a few months ago. Madame was a solid woman of perhaps fifty odd years, with kind blue eyes. Her warm maternal side endeared her to many people; however she was also quite capable of morphing to a steely-eyed, no-nonsense woman that made even the most hardened guardsman blush crimson when subjected to her wrath. She usually wore her long rust brown hair in a thick braided coil down her back, and on this day of travel, a well-worn wide brimmed hat of leather perched jauntily on her head.

A young woman sat beside Madame up front on the wagon, holding a silver-grey tabby cat on her lap. I knew her by sight, and remembered Madame Adelaide affectionately calling her Rylee on a few occasions. Rylee appeared to be about my age, slender of build, fair skinned with dark brown hair of medium length and brown eyes. She stole a glance at me from under her lashes and flashed a quick smile. The cat gave me a longer look with heavy lidded golden eyes as if measuring the worth of my existence in its world, then with typical feline aloofness dismissed me, burrowing its head into Rylee’s hands. The cat was curled quite serenely on Rylee’s lap, enjoying her caresses, and totally oblivious to the ruckus caused by the crated chickens and pigs on the wagon ahead. Idly, I wondered about Rylee’s family history, for cats have long been known to prefer the company of witches.

My Callyn had been a witch.

The cool hand brushing against my forehead parted the black quicksand of pain from my consciousness and left behind a trail of blissful peace. Dimly, I heard a sweet, husky voice, definitely female, softly whispering, “Sweet one, you are safe now, they can no longer hurt you. Sirra found you just in time, and brought you to me. Sleep, sweet one, sleep deeply and when you awaken, you will be healed of your grievous wounds.”

I woke from that deep sleep two days later, in a strange room and an unfamiliar bed. I was alone, save for a black cat curled up on a cushioned chair near the bed, its green eyes watching me with very intelligent interest. When I slowly sat up from the bed, the cat rose from its chair, arched its back in a full stretch, then leapt from the chair to the floor and trotted out the partially open door of the room. I gingerly moved my arms and legs, and then moved my head from side to side- the intense pain I was half expecting, half dreading did not manifest itself anywhere. The only evidence that remained from my injuries was an almost-healed scar lengthwise down my ribs to just above my right hip.

“Kino told me that my patient was awake.”

Holding my eyes, she said, “My name is Callyn.”

In the space of that one heartbeat, she became my world.

“You’re looking mighty fine on that noble steed, Ahren!” Madame Adelaide called out gaily, bringing my thoughts back to the present. “But don’t dilly dally, boi. Quit daydreaming, you and your horse get a move on, we still got a ways to go if we are to reach Falfa before dark!”

The other night, with a twinkle in her eye and spring in her step, Madame had declared to me that this was an adventure of a lifetime, despite the daunting task of restoring a ruined shire that lay ahead of us. As much as she loved her high place in Lord Michon’s household, I knew that Madame Adelaide held a soft spot in her heart for Lady Kellina, and I suspected Lord Michon knew it as well. Indeed, I was glad Madame was a part of this caravan. I chuckled and nudged my mount to prance jauntily besides Madame’s wagon, then smiled and saluted her as we trotted on ahead.

Up the trail I spotted Captain Payne’s fiery red hair, near the head of the caravan. In the short time I was at the Shire of the East, I did not have much of a chance to interact with Captain Payne; however, I liked what I heard about her in the barracks. Payne was well respected by most of the male and the female guards, and she was said to maintain firm but fair discipline over those under her command. The general consensus was that Captain Payne richly deserved this promotion; yet, I also sensed a strong undercurrent of dismay and confusion that the promotion entailed the relocation to a long abandoned shire. And to serve as Captain of the Guard to Lady Kellina, of all people, when she was long known to be Lord Michon’s most favored submissive? An unattached adult female, other than an older woman, was rare in other shires I’d seen. And a woman ruling a shire? I had not yet encountered such a thing outside the warrior women. It was simply unthinkable. As much as I looked forward to such a place to live and build a future, so too did my gut tell me to be on most careful watch for trouble.

I had heard the whispers and mutterings; I did not like the tone of resentment regarding Lady Kellina’s changed status. now or in the days to come. I made up my mind to seek out and form a friendship with Captain Payne, and hope that she would indeed prove to be a valuable ally in ensuring the safety and well-being of Lady Kellina as Lord Michon expected.

The length of the journey and the uncertainty of what awaited us at our destination made it clear that no babies or small children would be allowed to travel in the caravan. From eavesdropping over the past few days and witnessing several tear filled goodbyes in the courtyard earlier today, I wondered just how many of my fellow travelers were truly willing to leave their families behind in the safety of Lord Michon’s shire. I sincerely hoped that they all would be safely reunited with their loved ones once the ruined shire was restored and once more inhabitable. Yet at the same time, with the culture and hierarchy of the Shire of the East being what it was, it greatly troubled me to know that perhaps for some of the travelers, they likely did not have any choice about being a part of this caravan.

It didn’t help that I was also burdened by the weight of the secret I had pledged to Lord Michon that I would keep, at least until it was time.

So, as I guided my mount back to Lady Kellina’s carriage near the front of the caravan, I made certain that I had a pleasant greeting, a smile and a nod for every traveler that we passed, whether they were on horseback, riding a wagon, or on foot. We all shared one common goal, to restore and rebuild this ruined shire that awaited us after three days of travel. If there was one thing that both Callyn and Sirra taught me in the time I was with them, it was that one should always strive to make a good first impression on people. One never knew who would prove to be a friend or an enemy, and sometimes a favorable first impression tips the scales one way or the other sooner rather than later.

I settled my horse into a steady, easy walk once more besides Lady Kellina’s carriage. The design of the carriage was similar to that of the caravan wagons, except that the carriage was enclosed on all sides and the top. The inside of the carriage was not overly fancy, but it was roomy and the seats were comfortably cushioned. We were on the doorway side of the carriage which had a large window opening in the upper third of the door. The privacy curtain was slightly pulled back from the window, and I could see Lady Kellina inside. Her personal maid, Krystel, was hidden from my view, likely sitting on the opposite side of the carriage from Lady Kellina.

Lady Kellina appeared to still be asleep, Her head resting on a pillow propped against the far wall of the carriage. Her feet were drawn up to the side of the cushioned bench, and covered by a small woven shawl. One arm lay across Her lap, forming a casual semicircle of protection around Her stomach, guarding that secret that so weighed in my mind. Her expression was peaceful, and Her lips were curved in a slight smile. I wondered what She was dreaming about.

Satisfied that my brief absence had not been noticed by Lady Kellina, I settled the dark bay gelding into a steady walk beside Her carriage. I reached into the pouch slung across the saddle and pulled out one of the wrapped packages of journey biscuits. The aroma of the spices of the sausage embedded in the dough was quite enticing, but just as I about to bite into the biscuit, a fleeting flash of gold from the direction of Lady Kellina’s carriage caught my eye.

I guided my horse closer and peered through the window of the carriage again. Lady Kellina had shifted Her position, such that a slender chain of gold now lay partially exposed at Her neck. She still slumbered. Just a coincidence, a ray of sun had reflected off the gold chain, causing the flash that attracted my attention. I couldn’t make out any details of the gold chain, but then again, I had seen Lady Kellina wear different pieces of jewelry before.

I remembered another golden necklace, from another time.

“What’s this, Ahren?” Callyn asked as I placed the small wrapped parcel in her hands.

Two seasons later, with tear glazed eyes, I watched the flames of Callyn’s burial pyre cast glittery sparkles off of the golden chain and its eagle figurine. She wore my gift close to her heart to the very end of her life, and into the beyond. Neither her own healing powers, nor that of others of her former coven, could conquer the dark disease that ravaged her body from the inside out.

I blinked myself back to the present. Most times, memories of Callyn cut a deep and painful path into my soul. The bittersweet ache of loss was still there, and always will be, but more and more, that ache no longer held the power to paralyze me that it once did. Not ever since that fateful first day that I saw Lady Kellina

I stole another look at the sleeping Lady Kellina through the carriage window as I bit into the journey biscuit. Chewing thoughtfully, I once again wondered why, with her last dying breath, Callyn bade me to go to the Shire of the East. For all her talents as a witch, foreseeing the future was not one of them. Even Callyn’s friend, Sirra, had no answers.

“I honestly don’t know, Ahren.” Sirra shook her head regretfully when I finally asked, a few weeks after Callyn’s death. “Callyn never said anything to me about the Shire of the East. As far as I know, she did not have any connections there, whether they be relative, friend, or even enemy.”

I sighed in frustration. “I guess the only way to find out is to go there then. Will you come with me, Sirra?”

Sirra shook her head. “If Callyn only told you and no one else, then, she meant for this to be just for you, Ahren. This journey is for you and you alone.” She put both hands on my shoulders and waited until I looked fully at her. “You have come a long ways, Ahren, since I rescued you that night. You have learned well, from Callyn, from me, and from the other Kana’ti. Trust your instincts, in what you have learned, and while she may have kept her reasons secret, trust that Callyn knew what she was about when she bade you to go East.”

“So be it, then.” I replied.

In these few months that I was at the Shire of the East, I came no closer to finding rhyme or reason for Callyn’s last words. Then, when I remembered the mysterious voice that whispered in my ear that night in Lord Michon’s private office, I wondered. It was not Callyn’s voice, nor did it feel like her, that much I was certain. From whence that voice came, I was not able to figure out. I was not a devout follower of any spiritual or mystical arts, nor do I confess fealty to any one particular deity. But I have lived my life and conducted myself with a strong belief that higher powers do exist in our universe. My time with Callyn only reinforced that.

Mystery upon mystery. I was certain that somehow, in some way, Callyn’s last words to me, Lady Kellina, and the ruined shire that was our destination were all connected. All I could do was let events play out as they will and trust my instincts to guide me in making the right choices.

And in the process, I hoped that my strong attraction and personal feelings for Lady Kellina would not prove to be my downfall.

When the last of the caravan had gone, she turned back to her chores and the garden in the back of her little house. It was small, yes, but it suited her, and she was grateful to Lord Michon for a place to call her own. And for the privilege of watching over Kellina even after she was a submissive in the Lord’s keep – not all parents were so fortunate, with some Lords actually having them put to death to remove all ties to the submissive’s past. She knew Lord Phalon, Michon’s older brother, had done so and she was eternally grateful that the gods had seen fit to have Michon rule the shire instead.

She worked her way through the small cottage, tidying as she went. Not that there was that much to tidy – her days of service to Lord Michon’s family had turned her into a meticulous housekeeper. The house consisted of three rooms, a small living area, a bedroom, and a kitchen. Her bathing room was behind the main cottage in a separate enclosure, which she loved for it allowed her a small piece of the luxuries she had known in Cainnait. No servants, of course, to heat and carry water, but that was a small price and it made the luxury so much more when she would at last climb into the heated, scented water.

Having reached the garden, she set to work trimming overgrowth, pulling the undesirable plants, and harvesting some herbs for her tea later. Lined the stone path running between raised beds of herbs and vegetables. She had chosen ones that bloomed year round rather than only in the spring, and was grateful that as yet the seasonal frosts had not nipped at the blooms. At one point, she stood up to stretch and blinked at what she saw, or thought she saw. Far off in the distance, to the west, she caught a glimpse of something black moving against the early morning sky. Large, it had to be, for it was some distance and she could still see it somewhat clearly. It had to be a dragon, but she had never heard of a black one.

A second look confirmed what she had seen, for the creature had flown yet closer and seemed to be approaching the Shire of the East. It did fly closer, but seemed to be keeping a deliberate distance and following a distinct path along … the route of the caravan?? She was about to turn and run to inform Lord Michon the caravan might be in danger, when she stopped to look again at the creature that, she was now sure, paced the caravan from a distance. There was something familiar and eerie about this dragon, and she could not place what it was. She knew for certain, now, that it meant the caravan no harm. Why pace its route, then, if not to attack? Still, it was rare to hear of dragon attacks – they had become few in number, and kept to themselves for the most part, having been hunted to near extinction by the current Emperor in Cannait. An emperor she knew to be false, evil, and who would stop at nothing to guarantee his hold on the throne.

The creature abruptly turned, changing its course back toward the low lying hills to the west – hills as treacherous as the mountains to which they led, if one were not knowledgeable about such things. She wondered if its lair was in that area, for it swooped down and disappeared from sight behind a growth of trees nearby. Shaking her head, she went back to finishing her garden work.

“A black dragon,” she mused, “what next? I should convey this to Lord Michon, though, just to be on the safe side. My daughter’s safety is nothing to be trifled with, particularly now that she is with child.”

Convinced that Lord Michon would want to know, she turned back to the house. It was but a short distance to the rear entrance of the castle, where she was met by the outside guards.

“Greetings, Lady Phyla,” said one as she approached, “have you business in the castle this day?”

“Indeed,” she replied with a polite bow, “do announce me to Lord Michon. It concerns my daughter.”

The guard bowed, “At once, Lady Phyla, please follow me.”

Once inside the main entry, which was behind two enormous gates, the guard bade her sit on a bench and wait for him. He went directly to the left, toward Lord Michon’s audience chamber. The interior room in which she waited was impressive, lined with rich tapestries and wooden beams supporting massive stonework. The floor was a polished stone. A central stairway led to the chambers on the second floor and the east and west wings. From her vantage point, she could see the door under the stairs that she knew led to the dungeons. A door that remained bolted shut. Few knew of that terrible night, but Kellina had told her everything, the bond between mother and daughter being such that withholding anything was beyond comprehension. So it was that there was more than a little discomfort to the thought she had withheld the true purpose of the pendant she had bestowed on Kellina. Approaching footsteps pulled her from her thoughts and she rose.
Seeing Lord Michon with the guard, she curtsied politely, to which he gave a formal and deep bow.

“My Lady,” he said, taking her hand, “what is it that has brought you here?”

She looked hesitantly at the guard, to whom Michon turned and spoke, “You may return to your post.”

The guard bowed, “Yes, Sir. At once, Sir. Milady.”

Once they were alone, Lord Michon turned to her, “Come, let us be more comfortable. I shall order us some lunch and we can talk.”

“As it pleases you, my Lord,” she replied, allowing him to lead her to his private office. Once there, he pointed to the large chairs by the fire. She sat down gratefully, for her leg was beginning to pain her from all the walking she had done.

“Thank you, my Lord,” she said, “this is most wonderful.”

“What shall I order for our meal?” he asked, smiling and sitting opposite her in the adjacent chair.

She smiled back, “Can we have buttered toast with boiled cafoon eggs?”

“And tea,” he said.

“Of course.”

As if on cue, a servant girl entered with a tray set up for tea, “I thought this might please my Lord and his guest.”

Michon smiled and patted her bottom softly, “Excellent, Shelene, you are learning quickly. Just set it here on the table.”

She set it down smoothly and curtsied, waiting quietly to be dismissed. When it didn’t come, she went to her knees quietly and assumed a waiting posture with her head lowered and eyes fixed on the floor. He smiled and turned to Phyla, who was watching with rapt attention.

“This is my newest acquisition, lovely isn’t she?”

Phyla nodded, “Quite, my Lord. But then, you always have a good eye where such things are concerned.”

“You may go, Shelene,” he said, “Tell cook we’d like luncheon of buttered toast and boiled cafoon eggs with our tea. You may bring it when it’s ready.”

The girl rose and curtsied, “Yes, Sir, as it pleases You.”

When she had gone, Michon turned to Phyla who had been quietly pouring tea, “So milady, what is it that has brought you here? Can’t be your daughter, for we both saw her off this morning. She should reach Falfa by nightfall, a good little place to spend the night if I remember correctly.”

Phyla sipped her tea, “No my Lord, it’s not Kellina. It’s … something I saw later, from my garden as I was working.”

“And that was?” he asked, suddenly more attentive. He knew Phyla would not have come to the castle on something minor.

“A dragon. I saw a black dragon, and it seemed to be pacing the same route as the caravan.”

He looked perplexed, “You saw this? You’re sure it was a black dragon?”

“Yes, my Lord, I am old but by the gods there is naught wrong with my sight.”

“No, no … I didn’t mean that, milady. I was just making sure I had heard correctly.” He sipped his tea thoughtfully and was silent for a time.

Finally she could bear the silence no longer, “My Lord, what is it? What are you thinking?”

He smiled then, “My apologies, Lady. I meant no offense. Just a legend I’ve heard about the black dragon. There is only ever one of them, just as with the gold dragon. It is said the gold dragon, symbol of the one rightfully ruling our world, changes to black when the hand of power is passed on to the next emperor.”

Phyla’s mouth went dry as she tried to swallow. Now she knew what it meant, and why she knew the black dragon meant no harm to the caravan. Her husband lived! But blackening that joy was the knowledge that power had now passed to Kellina – had she signed her daughter’s death warrant by bestowing the pendant on her? Would the usurper know or be able to tell from the spires of Cannait? How far was his reach? How jealously would he guard his power? Michon moved to catch her as she slipped from her chair in a dead faint, dropping her tea as she went to the floor.

She had started early that morning, knowing as she did that her destination would take the better part of the day to reach. She would have to spend the night, but here she had no worries. She knew her visit would be welcomed and hospitality, sparse though it may be, would be extended. She reached behind her and brought a small and much worn satchel forward. At one time, its leather had been the color of the purple meshunk trees that adorned the area. Now, it was faded and worn, although she attempted to keep intact it by oiling it regularly. It had been a gift many years hence, Lord Michon had made it for her when he was but a boy and his family still reigned over the shire and village below.

The wind blew loose strands of gray hair around her face, which she brushed away. Allowing memory to open the gateway to what used to be, she remembered the shire and village when they had been full of life and even love. She did not know why she had stayed on after all was ravaged, but she did not regret it. The gods had been kind to her in the ensuing years and life had been comfortable, if lonely. She had not seen another human visitor, save the occasional bandit or ruffian, in many years. It was with a mixture of joy and sadness that she had watched Lord Michon arrive many weeks prior, and she now knew what had prompted the visit: the same thing that prompted her journey up the mountain now. She pulled out a bit of dried bread and a small container of meshunk wine. The rich sweetly bitter taste soothed her tired, dry throat as she sipped it. She took tiny bites of the bread and two more sips of wine before returning them to the satchel, drying her feet with the lower portion of her apron, and returning the sandals to her feet. Rising, she put the satchel back over her shoulder and returned to making her way up the hillside.

She travelled as she lived: alone. There was no fear in her of a bandit or ruffian delaying her, particularly as she had finished one off earlier in the day. Deceptively fragile in appearance, she was agile and full of life still, and had significant knowledge of combat technique which allowed her a life free of fear from attacks by those who would take rather than earn their way in life. This morning’s bandit had surprised her in the kitchen area of the old castle, where she had been packing her provisions. Killing him had not been her intention, but his determination to take from her what was hers necessitated the action. She ran the blessing of departure over the corpse, and removed what little food he had on him. A dagger would always be handy, so she tucked his into her belt. Money meant nothing to her, so she left it and him alone in the kitchen. Leaving the body was a calculated decision: the carnivorous vermin of the castle would eat well while it lasted.

Drops of rain fell lightly against her face as she continued up the now steeper and rockier trail. Trail was a kindness, for in truth it now became no more than a clear path through hedges of sage and gorse so long had it been since human feet had come here from the shire. Everyone knew of the cave and the dragon, but none had ventured here. They left the creature to its solitude in the mountain cave. To be sure, the few foolhardy souls that attempted the climb up the hillside came to regret their actions as they never returned. The dragon gained a reputation as a guardian of sorts who would insure his privacy and solitude in ways that dragons could. He accepted the role of guardian, though he knew there was another of his kind that carried the true guardianship of the shire – one who dwelled beneath the castle.

Finally she saw the cave entrance ahead and quickened her pace even as the rain drops came more heavily on her face. Stopping at the cave entrance, she called out.

“Are you home, Great One?”

From the darkness of the cave came a response of thought, “I AM. YOU MAY ENTER SAFELY, NOBLE LADY.”

She made her way confidently into the darkness, guided by the thought trail of the dragon that had made it his lair, and came at last into a chamber in which the darkness was offset by a blazing fire. Against the dragon’s gold sheen the flames danced in alternate hues of red and orange, adding a warmth and glow to the chamber. She halted as she met his gaze, and bowed. He was a large dragon and had resided near the Shire for many years, venturing out only to hunt for food in the dark protection of night. Few had ever seen him, and of those, many believed themselves to be not of their right minds.

“WELCOME, LADY. COME, WARM YOURSELF. I HAVE SEEN YOUR COMING AND PREPARED THE FIRE AND A KILL THAT YOU MAY EAT WELL AND REST FOR THE NIGHT. THE STORM SHOULD PASS QUICKLY ENOUGH THAT YOU CAN RETURN HOME ON THE MORROW.”

For her part, she bowed graciously, “Thank you, Great One. This is indeed kind.”

Later, after she’d eaten her fill and given the remainder of the kill to the dragon, she sat by the fire sated and content. “You say you saw my journey, great one … did you also see my reason for coming here?”

“I HAVE, AND STILL I WISH TO HEAR YOUR WORDS, LADY. I THOUGHT I MUST HAVE BEEN MISTAKEN.”

She shook her head, “No, not mistaken I’m sure. Your kind are rarely, if ever, mistaken. Still, I see you are still a golden hue.”

“INDEED I AM. YET, SHE IS COMING, THIS I HAVE SEEN. DID MICHON CALL ON YOU WHILE HE WAS THERE?”

“No, he did not. I kept my presence secret from him, so I do not know if he is aware I still live.”

“I SEE. WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF THE SUBTERFUGE?”

“I had no reason, I just kept from him. Last I saw of him was when his family fled the bloodshed and destruction of their home and shire. That, of course, was many years ago.”

The dragon nodded, “YES, AND WAS YOUR HAIR NOT GRAY EVEN THEN?”

It was her turn to smile, “Indeed so, Great One. I have lived longer than most of my kind.”

The dragon heaved a sigh that nearly knocked her over, but she regained her balance quickly. The creature looked at her, “Are you all right, Lady? I am sorry – I forget my size sometimes.”

The woman laughed merrily, “Not so easy as when you walked among us, is it then?”

Looking off into the distance that went he replied softly, “No, it is not.”

She nodded, sad understanding filling her blue eyes, “Where am I to lay my head then, Great One? I am weary.”

He lifted one enormous foot to reveal a sleeping pad by the fire, “I have used this in the past, it is comfortable. Will it do?”

She nodded, rising to amble over and curl up under the covers, “Very nice – thank you for warming it.”

He chuckled, “It has not been so long I do not remember the comfort of a warmed bed, Lady. Sleep well.”

She closed her eyes, “And you, Great One.”

Several minutes passed with only the crackling of the slowly dying embers making any sound. The dragon’s breath came slowly and deeply while hers was evenly shallow. She watched the embers without word, letting the warm of such a generous fire seep into her body.

“Lady? Do you sleep yet?”

“No,” she replied, “not yet. What is it?”

“Surely you did not come all this way to simply visit an old dragon in his lair.”

She smiled, “As if that would not be reason enough.”

“True,” he acknowledged, “audiences with one of my glory are rare indeed.”

Turning to look at him, she nodded solemnly, “Indeed, Your Highness.”

Words turned to thought once more, “DO NOT SPEAK SUCH THINGS ALOUD LADY, EVEN HERE. BOTH OUR LIVES WOULD BE FORFEIT IF ANYONE KNEW I STILL LIVED.”

“Is that why you have remained here all these years, to save your life and mine?”

“NO, I AM NOT SO VAIN AS THAT. NO, THERE ARE OTHER LIVES MORE IMPORTANT THAN MINE, OR EVEN YOURS. LIVES I WOULD FACE A THOUSAND YEARS OF SELF-IMPOSED EXILE TO PROTECT.”

“This must mean your wife and child still live. Still, you do not go to them, have never let Lady Phyla know you still lived. And this was to protect her and the child?”

“IS THAT SO REMARKABLE? WHO WOULD NOT DO THE SAME WERE THEY IN MY PLACE. IF THAT MISCREANT ON THE THRONE IN CANNAIT KNEW I YET LIVED, HE WOULD TURN THIS LAND TO A BURNT OUT CINDER IN THE SEARCH TO FIND US AND END OUR LINE FOREVER. AND ONCE HE HAD THE TRUE PENDANT, NOTHING WOULD STAND IN HIS WAY.”

“Will you ever reveal yourself? Ever show yourself again?”

He lay his head down heavily, closing his eyes, and she believed the conversation had come to an end. She turned back to the embers and closed her eyes.

When morning came, there was another fire and fresh kill beside it, but the dragon was not to be seen. She rose and prepared the kill over the readied fire, blessing and then eating her fill of the moist meat. She was sorry that life must be lost that other lives continue, but this was the way of the world.

Rising, she pulled on her travelling robes and walked toward the opening of the cave, noting that the sky was a crisp bluish lavender in color with only wispy clouds of white to show that a storm had passed through. Well, that and the drenched soil and plants around her. She moved to the side of the cave opening when she heard wings approaching, looking up expecting to see the brilliance of the majestic gold dragon. She was taken aback to see that he was no longer fully golden in color. In fact, he was black from snout to tail tip.

“G … Great One? Is it you?” she stammered, shaken.

“OH, YES, LADY … IT IS I.”

“How can this be??”

“SHE WEARS THE PENDANT AT LAST. SHE IS COMING, AS I KNEW SHE WOULD.”

“You saw this?”

“YES, I SAW IT, AND DID NOT DARE TO DREAM IT WOULD BE SO. MY BELOVED YET LIVES, AND OUR CHILD HAS GROWN TO BECOME A WOMAN. WHEN MICHON CAME, I THOUGHT HE WAS GOING TO RETURN TO RECLAIM THE SHIRE. NOW I KNOW THAT WAS NOT HIS PLAN. HE IS SENDING HER.”

She nodded, looking with him out toward where Shire of the East stood, “Do you know who he is sending?” Her visions had not given her this information, only the form of a woman with many soldiers and supplies, three days journey from the abandoned shire below.

He nodded, taking a deep breath, “I DO. HE IS SENDING KELLINA.”

“Yes,” she called, “Come in.”

The young woman who entered was of moderate height, short, ash blonde hair and steel blue eyes. It was obvious from the firm build that she was used to hard work, and her no nonsense mannerisms indicated sound personal discipline. Lady Kellina looked her over carefully and smiled, forcing her heart to stay in her chest as she recognized Ahren instantly, “Yes, what is it?”

The young woman went down on one knee, one arm resting on her other leg then she briefly bowed her head, then rose, “Ahren, if you please, Milady. Lord Michon said you would need some servants to carry your things down to the wagons.”

She nodded, “Indeed, and you are most punctual … Ahren.” She decided to take advantage of the moment to ask about the name, “That’s an unusual name for a woman, isn’t it?”

Ahren flushed a bit and nodded, “Yes, Milady, it’s a name someone dear to me gave me and I have used it ever since, if it pleases you.”

Ahren’s voice was deep and melodic; easily more so than that of the average woman, and with a slightly husky tinge that made Kellina’s knees weak. To distract herself from the profound effect Ahren’s presence had on her, Kellina deliberately focused on her breakfast. She was suddenly intensely conscious that she was still in her nightwear and robe. Slowly, she scooped a forkful of food and concentrated on bringing it to her mouth. After savoring the flavorful delicacy, she took a steadying breath and smiled, “Then Ahren, I need to ask you a question, and wonder if you have time to answer now?”

Ahren nodded, “Of course, Milady.”

“You haven’t been in Shire of the East at all long, have you?”

“No, Milady, I have been here only a few months, actually.”

Kellina concentrated on another bite, knowing full well the moment Ahren had arrived, for she had seen her from a tower window. She had also stopped and watched her steadily as she came toward the Keep, and as she spoke to the guards at the outer gates. Although they had never shared more than a word or two of greeting, and had indeed never been formally introduced, Kellina was acutely aware of the young woman. Aloud, she kept her voice even, “I know Lord Michon has told you he’d like you to go with me on this journey, and I am aware you must have made some friends in even this short time, and might have second thoughts about leaving an established Shire for one that is basically in ruins. I would like to ask your thoughts on this.”

Ahren was silent for a few moments before replying, “Permission to speak candidly, Milady?”

“Of course, Ahren. I am a woman of clear, honest, and direct words at all times.”

“Well, Milady, it’s not that I don’t like men … but my tastes have always run to … other women, if it pleases you. Although Lord Michon has been the most wonderful of Masters, there is a distinctive leaning toward female servitude to the pleasures of the male masters within this Shire. So no, I don’t mind leaving Shire of the East. Lord Michon has never required anything of me but service duties, and respected my wishes on other things. Still, it is my wish to be in service to you, Milady, wherever that might be.”

Surprised at Ahren’s blunt candor, Kellina smiled, “Service to me … how very flattering. And you say you prefer women, you say? How interesting. We shall have to talk more on that, if you’re agreeable.”

“Talk more on it, Milady?”

“Well, may I have your word that you will tell no one?”

Ahren stood up even straighter, it that were possible, “Milady, my word is my bond … and my service to You is, and always will be, my all.”

Kellina smiled. She liked Ahren more with every passing moment, “Well, I have been thinking that My shire is going to be different … a haven for women, of a sort, who love women and seek a home where they can do so freely and without fear.”

Ahren smiled, “And do you, Milady, love women?”

As yet still adapting to her new role as a noble woman, Kellina caught the familiarity of the question, another forkful of breakfast pausing halfway to her mouth. She glanced silently at Ahren, letting it hang in the air without comment. Ahren noticed immediately and bowed low, dropping to one knee with her head down, “Forgive me, Milady, that was too bold. It won’t happen again.”

Kellina nodded, keeping her voice firm, “Very well, Ahren, but I can forgive such an indiscretion only once. Please do not let it happen again.”

Ahren nodded, retaining her position, her voice soft, “Yes, Milady. May this boi be excused to tend to my duties?”

Kellina looked puzzled, “Boi?”

Ahren looked up, “It’s a phrase I learned along the way … I’m not physically male, but I am more masculine than feminine, so I came up with ‘boi’ with an ‘i’.”

“Indeed.” Kellina nodded her understanding. “ Ahren, you may of course attend to your duties. I will let you know when I am dressed so you and the other servants can enter freely.”

Ahren stood and bowed, “Of course, Milady, at once.” She backed to the door, turned, and exited quietly.

Kellina smiled, somewhat bemused. Did she like women? As yet unsure except for her growing interest in Ahren, she was willing to bide her time and see how things developed.

“That young woman is going to be full of surprises, I think.”

Later, as servants bustled about moving Kellina’s supplies and belongings, she stood near her window gazing out over the shire that she had known as her home for so long. But an infant when she came here with her mother, who became a servant to the household of one of the Shire’s nobles, she had always known the freedom and peace of the rolling hills and pathways. She tried to keep the memory of that one terrible night from her thoughts, but she wondered if she would ever feel safe again. A knock on the door made her turn, and she smiled as Lord Michon came in.

“My Lord,” She whispered and curtsied, brushing her brown velvet gown aside to greet Him.

He laughed, “I wonder if you will ever get out of the habit of curtsying every time you see Me,” he said softly as she came to Him.

She shook her head firmly, “Never, my Lord, it will never be so.”

He nodded, “Well, everything is packed … it looks like an army is moving.”

She laughed, “It is. You’re sending guards and servants and all my things and supplies … what more could I ask?”

“You can ask anything you wish of me, you know that,” He said, bending to kiss her cheek softly. “My heart is already weeping with your leaving.”

She looked up at Him, “I don’t have to go, my Lord … I can stay here.”

He shook his head firmly, taking her hands in his, “No … that’s decided … you would wilt here, and even possibly one day resent me for keeping you here, particularly in light of what you shared with me last night. No, my sweet, you will go and rule your own Shire as I have mine. Now, shall we go?”

To His surprise, she held back a moment, smiling almost apologetically, “There is something I must needs do before I depart, my Lord.”

He nodded in understanding, “Your mother?

“Yes, do you know me so very well?”

His mind whirled with memories of times spent with her, and how well he thought he knew her. Her body and its movements, her reactions and timing, these he knew well. Her mind and her heart were other matters entirely, and he had enough experience of women to know better than to try to claim knowledge of either. Extending His arm, He smiled, “I prefer to believe there are still mysteries to you I have yet to unfold. Still, your mother would never forgive Me for allowing you to leave without a farewell, so allow Me to accompany you to her house.”

The walk to her mother’s small house was a short one, and one saw it ere they were very near. It was white as white could be, surrounded with roses of every hue, and she knew there was a small vegetable garden in the back. In the stables was her mother’s horse, Cheyenne, a large bay gelding. Much to her chagrin, she had been unable to ride for many weeks due to an injury. Kellina worried about her mother being alone, but she would have none of living in the keep. The woman was independent to a fault.

They didn’t have to knock, she met them at the door, “My darling!” Her arms enfolded Kellina, feeling like the warmest blanket she had ever known. It had always been that way. Her mother’s home was modest, but comfortable, and it was hers. Lord Michon had bequeathed it to her as part of Kellina’s service price.

“Mother!” she cried, returning the embrace enthusiastically, “Are you well?”

Her mother snorted and allowed Lord Michon a polite curtsy, to which He responded with a deep bow, “My Lady Phyla … how do you fare, gracious one?”
The older woman blushed, the crimson flushed against gray hair that she wore down and loose around her shoulders. She stood easily as tall as Kellina, and was dressed in a simple work gown and over gown. She led them to the small table where she had tea and cakes prepared. A small limp was the only hint of the injury that had kept her from riding her beloved Cheyenne in the past weeks.

“Mother, how did you know we would be coming?”

The older woman smiled tenderly at her daughter, “All these years you are my child and you know me not, dearest one.”

As they sat and visited, Kellina felt the pangs of loss, knowing she would be leaving this woman behind, the one person without whom she knew she would be most lost. She had always been able to run to her mother with questions and ask for advice, a benefit that would shortly be no more. It was in her favor that her mother was of good health for her age, and that very little slowed her down. She was rarely ill, and had never suffered an injury severe enough to keep her down for long. Kellina eyed the still bandaged ankle.

“How is your leg, Mother?”

The older woman tossed her hand in the air as if it were no matter, “Trivial at best, child. Soon enough Cheyenne and I will be roaming the hillsides again, never fear. I visit him in the stables each day with a treat from the garden … I miss him as much as he misses me, I think.” She looked at Lord Michon, “That animal was a blessing, my Lord, and I do thank you for him.”

Lord Michon bent his head in acknowledgement, “Gift enough that it makes you so happy, Lady Phyla. He’s a good steed, steady, and I thought you two were made for each other somehow.”

The older woman nodded, looking long at Kellina, “So, you are leaving, daughter?”

Kellina swallowed hard, sipping more of her tea, “Yes, Mother, today actually. The storms yesterday delayed me but a day and now I must go.”

Her mother reached out and put her hand to Kellina’s abdomen, “Your little one is happy. That is a good omen … she will come in the Spring, I think.”

Kellina blushed, “Thank you, Mother, that knowledge does my heart good. Wait, you said ‘she’?”

Phyla looked away and out the window, “It is a girl child you carry, Kellina. She will be wise beyond her years. When the time comes for you to bring her forth, you must send for me,” she looked back at Kellina, into her eyes, “this is most important, daughter, you must send for me when your time comes.”

Kellina nodded, “Of course, Mother, how could I not?”

Phyla smiled and seemed to relax, “I have something I want to give to you before you go.”

She stood and walked slowly to a trunk at the foot of her small bed, lifting the lid slowly and rummaging around until she found a small red box.
Closing the trunk, she came back over and sat down, looking at Kellina.

“This was your fathers, Kellina. I realize you never knew him, for he had to leave us while you were very small. I myself do not know if he lives yet or not, it has been many seasons since I could feel the energy of his life force.” She held the box out to Kellina, who took it gingerly in her hands. The box was of a fine red velvet, barely worn at all, as if it had lay in the trunk for all the years since her father left.

“Was … was … my father a good man?” Kellina asked softly, gazing at the box she had yet to open.

“A good man?” her mother echoed, “Nay, but more so than even that. His heart was of the purest I had ever known. Taking me to wife was a risk for him, for he was nobly born and I was not, and soon events making that small infraction seem nothing led to our having to leave. He sent you and I away with a caravan while you were but an infant. This he gave me to give to you when the time was right. And now that time has come, my daughter. Open it.”

Kellina lifted the lid on the box and gasped softly, her hand going to her mouth in surprise, “Oh Mother! It’s … It’s beautiful!”

On a long filigreed gold chain hung the purest and most beautiful gold dragon figurine, wings fully spread in flight, and a single crystal stone clasped in its claws. The eyes were of fine set emerald. Kellina half expected the creature to take flight from her fingers, so well made was it and so full of detail.

Phyla looked at her daughter, “I myself do not understand the meaning of the pendant, only that he impressed on me the utmost urgency that I give it to you one day. He said you would learn the secret behind it and fulfill its legacy.”

Kellina looked at Lord Michon, who shook His head, “I fear I am in as much mystery as is your mother, My dear. I think this secret may yet be one you will have to learn on your own. And now, while this visit has been most wonderful, the sun grows high and Kellina must be on her way to her new home. Will you come see her off, Mother Phyla?”

The old woman smiled and stood, “As if the gods themselves could keep me back. Let us go!”

She took His offered arm, Kellina taking the other, and the threesome went to the front of the castle without comment. Outside, there were no less than fourteen supply wagons, one hundred guards of both genders, carriages with assorted servants, and her carriage. The entourage would have been larger yet had they not made the decision to leave the families of the servants behind until they could be housed safely within the new Shire. The horses stomped impatiently, but the skill of the drivers kept them under control.

Kellina turned to hug her mother tightly, as if it were the last time. But of course, this was foolishness. Her mother was quite healthy and anxious to come when the baby would be born. To her surprise, her mother took the box from Kellina and put the necklace on her.

“Do not take it off, daughter. It is your birthright. In it you must find your courage for what lies ahead of you.”

Kellina nodded, “I promise, Mother, I will not remove it. And you must come visit soon, when the castle is suitable for you to come stay.”
Soon enough she was seated in her carriage with her pillows and blankets in case she became chilled and they were on their way. She turned to keep Lord Michon, and her mother, in her sights until the last possible moment. They waved as the carriage pulled out of sight around the first bend, and remained as the caravan followed behind.

He looked at Mother Phyla, “What was that about? The necklace?”

“As I told her,” she replied, turning to go back to her home, “it is her birthright. More than this I cannot say. Fare you well, my Lord … I must be about my garden. It will not harvest itself.”

Neither of them noticed a set of dark eyes watching from one of the Keep windows. Older than Michon, and too self-indulgent, he had turned rulership of the Shire over to the younger brother. Still, he was not happy with the turn of events, a fact of which Michon was acutely aware. A slender hand came round his neck, urging him to turn back to the room. Glowering, Phalon turned from the window and and nodded to his companion. Tamblyn was his must trusted and, if it could be said he had one, favored of the submissives in his own castle. He turned to leave, and she fell into step behind him. Returning to his own keep without bidding his brother farewell, he retired directly to his chambers. Tamblyn, who alone had the ability to calm his frame of mind when it was uneasy, was not surprised when she was summoned to attend him later in the evening.

Beyond a doubt, I felt Her eyes on me moments ago.

Again.

But from whence the feeling? I dare not look around to see where She might be, dare not give any sign that I am anything but about my business as a servant. I allowed myself only a few fleeting seconds to savor that sweet awareness before I schooled my face to impassive normalcy and continued through the large common room of the barracks.

Several off duty guards of both sexes were gathered at one of the larger tables, their mugs of ale forming a circle around a battlefield of cards and large gold coins scattered across the worn wooden surface. One of the female guards spotted me, her face breaking into a grin of amused delight.

“Ahren! About time! Come join us!”

I paused long enough to give a sigh of mock dramatic exasperation then shook my head and chuckled softly. “Saym, really? Why should I? You wiped me clean four nights ago.”

Loud guffaws reverberated from the other card players. One of the male guards heartily slapped Saym’s tanned shoulder. “Aye, you sure did, Saym.” He said. “And what a magnificent move, calling Ahren’s bluff, after the rest of us all had folded…..”

“You all were so stupidly blinded by Ahren’s charming personality….but not me…” Saym bragged. “No, sirree…. Not me….” She grinned at me. “Saw right through you and nailed your ass.”

“Yea, yea, you sure did.” I held up my hands and shrugged in good natured acknowledgement. “Sorry, no can do tonight. Thanks to Saym, I got no gold left to my name.”

“You could always offer some other assets, Ahren, seeing that tonight’s your last night with us.” A second male guard smirked suggestively, and was rewarded by a kick to his lower leg under the table from Saym. “Ommmppftt! Ow!”

“Shut up and mind your manners, Raed!” Saym glared at the man. “Ahren is Lord Michon’s servant, not a barracks whore. “ She looked back at me, rolling her eyes, “Raed’s had too much to drink tonight, Ahren. You know how it is.”

Ignoring the exchange between Saym and Raed, I replied, “Ayeup.” Gesturing to my tunic and breeches, soiled and stained from the afternoon’s bloody work of beheading, gutting, and preserving the last of the chickens under Madame Adelaide’s direction. “I just want to get cleaned up and finish packing. ”

Saym stood up and gripped my shoulder. “Goodnight and safe journey, upon the morrow, Ahren.”

“Thanks, Saym. Take care.” I replied warmly. I nodded to each of the guards still seated at the table, including Raed. “Goodnight, all.” The tinkle of coin striking coin announced the resumption of the card game as I turned and continued my interrupted journey towards the sleeping area of the barracks.

Several hours later, clean, and the rest of my few belongings packed away, I paused at the small window of my sleeping cubicle and gazed out into the night. Indeed, this was my last night at Lord Michon’s Shire of the East. Things certainly had changed quickly in the past week or so, and on the morrow, I was leaving this Shire. I let my thoughts drift backwards to two nights ago.

I nervously waited outside the door to Lord Michon’s private study while His male servant went inside to announce my presence. His Lordship specifically sent for me and I had no idea why. His message was delivered in such a manner that brokered no dilly dallying, so in all haste I immediately excused myself from my normal evening duties of helping Madame Adelaide clear the last remnants of the night’s dinner in the kitchen. As I followed the servant who delivered Lord Michon’s summons, I racked my memory for any transgressions that I may have unwittingly committed recently. None came to mind.

In the few short months since I came to the Shire of the East, I strove to be very careful to be as dependable and efficient a servant that I could be, without being sexually subjugated, as most women were in Lord Michon’s service. Fortunately, for all His masculine ego and prowess, Lord Michon was also a man of honor and integrity, and thus far, acknowledged and respected my wishes to remain celibate. I fervently hoped this unexpected summons wasn’t a sign that He was starting to change His mind and now viewed me as a challenge to conquer sexually. I mentally braced myself for the possibility that He might force the issue with less than welcome actions. I truly did not want to resort to using the dagger hidden in my boot.

“My Lord Michon, Your wish is my command. I will serve Lady Kellina as I have served You, and I will strive to do my utmost to protect Her. This I pledge to You. ”

As I combed fingers through my still damp ash blonde hair, my mouth thinned into a grimace that was equal parts trepidation and disgust as I recalled Lord Michon’s words. Others had made offers… for me? Raed’s boorish attitude earlier tonight was typical of the male guards towards me, as was the thinly disguised contempt of the male servants in Lord Michon’s household. Those, I could reasonably deal with. But the noble lords, no matter how minor their power was compared to Lord Michon’s, I definitely wanted to avoid at all costs. Which meant, more than ever, starting on the morrow, I needed to be ever vigilant.

I moved from the window to the narrow barracks bed, pausing to douse the thick candle on the small end table. As I laid down and stretched, my thoughts turned to the Lady Kellina. I smiled softly, remembering that sensation of being watched by Her earlier in the evening.

I knew sleep would elude me this night, what with the cacophony of emotions now flooding me. On the one hand, I was anticipating my new assignment with eagerness, even joy. Being with her?? Can any imagine my joy at such a prospect? And yet … I was absolutely and completely terrified at the prospect of being with her. Protecting. Serving. Close enough to touch, and daring not even think of such a thing.

She was with child, by Lord Michon I was certain. He had given no other indication. From what I had seen of her, there was no sign yet. Not speak of it? What of when her stomach became swollen and she was great with child? What was I to do then? Even as I thought the question, I knew the answer. Protect. Serve. Her and her child. Even to be near her was a gift, that there would ever be more I dared not hope, and yet, secretly longed that it would be so.

I fell into a fitful slumber at last, dreaming of hazel eyes that had already pierced my very soul.

Released.

The very word seemed alien. It was nothing she had ever thought would come to pass … only those who were displeasing or utterly rebellious were ever released. She was not these things. If anything, she had long enjoyed being the most favored, even though her heart had long secretly yearned for more … wondered what lay beyond the front gates of the Shire of the East. There was no reason behind the feeling. She had anything her heart desired: all she need do was approach and ask. Every need was met and more. Her chamber was spacious, she had servants to tend to her, and she was clothed better than many noble women had ever been. Yes, she had everything she could want … and yet …

Released.

Now she was free to pursue her own dreams … her own desires … passions … the elusive ‘more’ she longed for in her heart. If you had asked her what the more entailed, she would not have had an answer. She couldn’t name it or describe it. She only knew it was there. Not that she hadn’t loved submission to Him … He was as gentle and good as she now knew men could be cruel and evil. To be sure, there was a brutality about their scenes she had come to love … but not cruel, not ever … not like that night …

“M’lady?”

She turned to see a young girl standing in the doorway. At her turn, the girl curtsied and lowered her eyes.

“Yes,” she responded, “what is it?”

“The Master has asked that you join Him for dinner, m’Lady. Will you come?”

“Asked … ” she repeated softly. Not commanded. Not sent for. Not called. Asked. She looked again at the girl, “Please inform Him I will be in attendance shortly.”

The girl curtsied politely and nodded, apparently waiting. The young woman smiled softly. How often had she waited in just that way?

“You may go,” she said softly.

The girl curtsied again, and demurely left the room. The young woman looked around, her eyes falling on her trunks, now packed and ready for the coming journey. She was to leave in the morning. Leave? How could she leave? And yet, how could she stay? After all that had happened, how could she stay? A tear formed in her eye and she brushed it away brusquely. No time for tears, and she had already shed an ocean’s worth she was sure. Tears of pain. Hurt. Fear. Guilt. And despair. Too many tears, and she was determined they were done.

She touched up her make-up and checked the dark hair she now wore up, tucking an annoyingly stray strand back in place, and moved toward the door. Glancing in the mirror to survey the gold gown that was His favorite, she noted that nothing really showed yet … the barest hint of a small bulge just below the silken lacings of the bodice. It was going to be difficult … she had not yet become accustomed to wearing so much clothing. So many layers! So much hidden from the prying eyes of men. On Kaia, or as much of the world as she had seen, women had two purposes of which she was aware…pleasing men, and birthing children. She knew noblewomen enjoyed some semblance; a measure, really, of equal footing, but when the chamber doors closed and the lanterns turned down, their purpose was the same. Exiting the room, finally satisfied that all was as perfect as she could make it, she walked toward the stairs. At the far end of the hall tall windows filled the expansive wall. To either side of the great staircase were hallways that extended to opposite wings of the castle. She knew every room, every corner, as well as she knew her own body.

Before turning to descend the stairs, her eye caught a movement in the courtyard below. Pausing to look, a lean and well-formed young woman was headed out toward the barracks. The short cropped ash blond hair was very familiar, as she had seen Ahren several times since the young woman arrived at the Shire. Not a submissive type of woman, for she had come from the Ketangular Mountains to the west, she had taken a position as a hired servant and seemed quite content. Turning back to the stairs with one last glance as Ahren disappeared around a corner, she wondered what it was about the young woman she found so fascinating. They had exchanged only a few words of greeting, yet … Shaking her head, she descended the stairs, again taken aback by those who now curtsied to her. She was still in a place of awe, with everything taking on an air of the surreal. How could this be real? How could this be happening? How could any of it have happened?

Coming to the landing, she turned toward the Great Hall, Her eyes falling briefly on the recessed oak door that led to the lower levels of the castle, now locked and barred as if to lock away the horror of that night. The door stood to the left of the bottom of the stairs, built into the underside of the stairwell. Within, she knew another stairway led to the dungeons. She walked over and laid her hand on the rough wood. In one dungeon room in particular nothing had been touched since that night, she knew, and it was His plan to totally replace everything. Yet, he couldn’t, really… this One who had taken her so often to the depths of fear only to guide her back to the light and emerge stronger than before. He couldn’t wipe away the memories of years of submission within those walls below, or in His chamber above. Even with all His power, He could not remove the one night of terror locked into her memory: the night she nearly killed Him. Leaning her head briefly against the beams of the door, she let out a soft sigh.

“All will be well,” a whisper came to her ear. She turned but saw no one. She shook her head firmly and looked away, removing the traces of doubt that lingered, and turned again toward the Great Hall. The masonry of the walls and the tapestries that hung were as familiar as ever, yet somehow different, and she did not notice a strange shadow off to one side of the door she had just left.

As she approached the double oak doors that were the entrance to the dining room, the footman stepped forward and bowed.

“Milady,” he said.

She nodded and waited at the door as the footman went ahead of her, “My Lord, the Lady Kellina.”

She heard a chair slide smoothly across the heavily beamed floor. The footman came back through the door and bowed, “The Master will receive you now, Milady.”

She nodded and went through the door, smiling as He waited to greet her. She curtsied politely and out of habit lowered her eyes demurely. A soft chuckle made her look up. He was handsome and sturdily built: a muscular and solid frame of a man. The jacket He wore was of blue velvet, highlighting the tint of blue in His gray eyes. A flush of lace at the collar showed how dark His skin had become over so much time in the summer air. Hair to His shoulders, dark with only hints of gray, now pulled back into a formal pony tail. She exhaled softly at the sight of Him.

“My dear,” He said softly, “but we are equals now, you and I. No more lowered eyes for my Lady, unless they are directed toward You.”

She nodded and extended her hand, which he gallantly bent to kiss and then used to lead her to the table to sit next to him. She smiled as He pulled Her chair for Her, looking over the settings. Nothing had been spared. The lofty spires of Cainnait lay far to the west, across the Coral Sea, yet one would have thought a head of state were in attendance.

He smiled, “Are you well?”

“I am, do set your mind at ease. All is well. You’ve amassed an army that is to escort me … and Ahren, I believe that’s the name?”

“She prefers to be called Ahren … and is silent as to the reason. She’s most wonderful as a servant. Bright, strong, capable … just a little too, well, masculine for my tastes. I like women who are soft and sweet smelling and curved – and who like men.”

Since He had made her aware of Ahren’s preferences not long after the young woman’s arrival at the Shire, the look He received in response to His comment gave Him pause, “Have I offended?”

“Is it so surprising to You that some women prefer women, my Lord?”

He looked at Her, bemused, “And what would you know of such things, my Lady Kellina?”

Her blush pleased as ever, even to the softness of Her reply, even if the true source of the blush was not perceived, “I … have … heard of such, My Lord Michon … amongst the maids and other women. It is said there is a place in the mountains where the women are fierce and love freely as they choose … it is a tale My mother often told me while I was yet a child.”

He nodded as a servant poured wine, “I, too, have heard such tales, and think it suspect that women talk so among themselves even here.”

“So my good Lord thinks not only that women cannot burn with passions toward our own kind as do men toward us, but that we would not discuss these things between ourselves?”

He shook His head, a little too hurriedly, realizing His error, “No, not at all, not at all. It’s just that … well … my preference is for women who prefer men, at least a little.”

She smiled demurely, but said nothing. He noticed.

“You look very much like Creole when he’s caught a mouse … confession time, girl, I will have your thought!”

She looked at him, straightening her back, hazel eyes flashing more than a hint of resistance, “Girl? Did you not just call us equals, and now belittle me as ‘girl,’ my ‘boy’?”

He stiffened just briefly at the word, and then relaxed, chuckling, “Aye, you’ve caught Me, love. I apologize. So, will you not share what your secret is, my Lady?”

She smiled tenderly, looking away to lift a spoon of soup to her lips, “I had thought my Lord more observant … “

As she kept her focus on the bowl before her, sipping the still hot broth, silence covered the room. He looked intently at her, realization slowly crossing His face at her unspoken secret, incredulity filling his eyes, “I had no idea!”

“By your troth, my Lord, never once?” She did not look up even now.

He nodded, raising His right hand solemnly, “I swear I had not one clue. You … you gave so completely … so thoroughly … never a hint that you were not happy …”

Her hand went to His arm, her eyes on His at last, “Oh no, my Lord, forbid even the thought! I’ve been as happy with You as I might any man … well, most …” her eyes clouding only briefly, remembering …” but as time has passed, I have been more drawn to women. Their softness, their sweet natures, the way we hold each other sharing secrets, the way we smell and feel, and ,…”

She stopped, realizing He was totally taken aback, “And this also I love in women!”

She nodded, “I know … and I have given much thought to this new Shire over which You would have Me rule. After all that has happened of late … Vanyelia and Jenna, that hideous night … this must be a place where women can be with women and be at home to love whom they will, a place of safety. Can it be unreasonable that there be more than one place we are free to live and love our passions as do the men of our world?”

He shook His head after a moment, “Your words have the ring of truth to them. It doesn’t seem unreasonable at all.” He took a sip of the soup set before Him, “Is there any word from Jenna?”

She shook her head, “Not one. She has contacted no one, not even Van. I can well imagine what she went through … what she’s going through now …”

He nodded, “You will allow me to send male guards – at least until you can acquire and train your own female guard?”

She nodded, “Of course … but do lend me that delightful young female Captain you just promoted … she seems very capable.”

“As you wish … Ahren, Adelaide, Captain Payne … anyone else?”

“After what you just said, don’t tell me you begrudge me Ahren?”

“Only in that she’s an excellent servant, although I’ve respected her wishes as far as sexual service went,” He paused ever so slightly, mischief in His eyes, “Though after what you’ve revealed here, I think you might be wanting Ahren for more than her value as a servant, …”

She flushed crimson then, hiding it by leaning down behind the table on the pretense of reclaiming her napkin. She was only slightly pink when she came back up, smiling demurely, imagining how frustrated Lord Michon must have become upon realizing He was not Ahren’s cup of tea. She laughed softly at the idea of Ahren and Lord Michael – it was beyond her capability to imagine.

“I’m merely glad she found her way into Your Shire … perhaps she will one day help me to develop my own into something to be envied as is yours.”

He looked at her solemnly, wondering even now why He was letting her go … why He didn’t ask her to marry Him and rule Shire of the East at His side. But He knew, even as the servant filled their glasses, that She was destined to rule Her own Shire. The one Southwest of His, long abandoned now, but still viable as a realm. It had been many years since He had walked there, though He had ridden over to see how much damage the years had wrought when He first thought of sending Her there. She was strong and capable, and He knew She would eventually wilt in His service, especially with what she had just revealed to Him. Even as His wife, He now knew she would never be truly happy with Him. He looked at her abdomen, still flat and firm against her bodice. She followed his gaze and smiled tenderly, reaching out to touch his hand.

“We are both well, My Lord. Cease Your worry. I have servants to come with me, guards to guard me, and a new Shire to build.”

He nodded, “Then let us eat and no more talk of sorrow or good-byes. I understand Adelaide has done wonders with the roast turkey tonight.”

She nodded firmly, placing her napkin onto her lap, “Indeed? I can hardly wait, and thank you again for agreeing to allow Adelaide to come with me.”

He nodded, “I am sorry to lose her … she’s a brilliant cook and will run your kitchen with an iron skillet!!”

They laughed. Then there was no more talk of leaving or good-bye … just of good memories … joyful moments shared … and times of great contentment. Later, He walked her to the door of her room, and kissed her softly on the lips before turning to leave. She watched him go and sighed, then went into her chamber. The bed was turned down and the fire burning softly cast a warm glow. A maid helped her out of the gown and, as the sections of gown and undergarments were laid across the bed to be put away, she went to climb into a tub of hot water for a bath. The warmth melted away residing fears as well as the ache of sore feet. She was certain sure that she would never be accustomed to having shoes, and determined to still walk barefoot as often as decorum would permit. She closed her eyes, wondering idly if any of the maids … or Ahren … knew anything of massaging feet …

The maid entered the bathing room to help her out of the tub and into her nightgown, another development which She must accept. None too soon she was under the down covers, her eyes turned toward the window and glow of the moons’ light outside. The maid curtsied unseen and left quietly after stirring the embers one last time.

Tomorrow she would begin a new life … and as slumber took her, she wondered what it held in store … for her, for him, and for all those coming with her. Would she finally find the something ‘more’ for which she had longed so long and secretly? She drifted into a dreamless slumber as the dying embers of the fire left the room in darkness.