A loud tap on the door caused Claire’s eyes to flutter open. Somehow she had ended up on her stomach, her limbs splayed out in all directions, her right arm dangled over the side of the bed. It took a moment for the pain to register as it rushed in from all throughout her body. Her feet and legs were sore from the heels and the dancing, her ribs from the corset, and the steady ache in her head from the alcohol. She winced as she tried to raise herself off the bed. The morning was off to a great start.
Another round of tapping at the door broke her train of thought.
“I’m coming, I’m coming.” She tried to raise herself up off the bed once again, but the corset she still wore made the process even harder.
Summoning all the strength she could, she pushed up off the bed and rolled onto the floor with a heavy thud, knocking what breath she had left out of her chest. She cursed to herself as she struggled to her feet and the pins and needles started in her right arm, completely useless at the moment. That would have been helpful to know just a moment before.
She hobbled over to the door on stiff legs and opened it a crack to peek out. Aeron stood about to tap at the door again, looking nice and refreshed.
“Good morning, sunshine,” he said with a great big smile.
Claire glanced down the hallway behind him to make sure no one was in sight before she grabbed the elf by the arm, pulled him into the room and closed the door quickly behind him. He was already dressed in his usual outfit, his weaponry strapped to his back.
“My lady, there’s no need to be so rough. I would have entered willingly,” he said.
“I need you to help me with this.” She turned around. “I think my ribs are bruised.”
“With pleasure, mon lainí.” He cracked his fingers as he stretched them out in front of him.
“Just hurry up.” She frowned. She didn’t like the idea, but he just happened to be the first helping hands she saw.
Aeron started to undo the lacings on the back of the corset. Her hands gripped the front so it wouldn’t fall and give him a show. She looked at the chest at the end of the bed. Her clothes were folded neatly on top along with her dagger. Well, that was a relief at least.
“What does that mean, that thing you call me?” she asked, curious.
“My little lady, of course.”
She sighed, too tired to get annoyed. Just who was he calling little? But even if she asked him to stop, she knew he wouldn’t.
“I guess Farron told you about our situation?” She remembered the unpleasant argument she had with the elf the night before.
“Yes, yes,” he replied as he concentrated on the laces.
And nothing more, she hoped. “You’re not mad?”
He let out a breath behind her. “Of course I am, but what can you do? At least this way we can keep an eye on him.”
“That’s what he said.” She could feel the corset loosen up a little and already it was easier to breathe.
“Besides, it will be better to travel with him than to be on the run from him. He does not suspect us yet. Well, not for the real reasons, and we would like to keep it that way.”
“I understand,” she said with a solemn note. He was talking about her keeping up her part. A small pang shot through her chest as she realized the elf still didn’t fully trust her, although she couldn’t really blame him.
“I am sorry about last night,” he said after a moment. “I said some harsh things, I know.”
“It’s fine.” She tried to shrug her shoulders as much as she could. “I’m sure you were just worried or scared.”
Aeron chuckled behind her. “Worried maybe. However, I assure you, my lady, I have never been scared in my entire life. Did you not listen to my stories?”
“I think I must have missed that part.”
“Then I will have to tell you all over again.”
A prospect she did not look forward to. The corset had been loosened enough so it could slip up over her head. She held her hands up in the air as Aeron lifted it up and she quickly covered her chest in the thin slip as soon as she was free of the binding beast.
“Thank you.” She looked back at him.
“I could be of more assistance if you would like.” His eyes wandered down her body.
“I think I can handle it from here.” She opened the door and hid behind it.
“Oh, that is right. I almost forgot that you are a married woman now.”
“Just go!” She pointed out the door.
Aeron strolled into the hallway laughing and she slammed the door shut behind him. At least he found himself amusing.
Claire quickly undressed, splashed her face with water to rinse off the remaining makeup, and put on her normal clothes. The lighter material felt great against her skin. She winced as she bent down to slide on her boots. Perhaps sleeping in the corset hadn’t been the brightest of ideas. She took out the pins in her hair to unfasten the elaborate up-do, already ruined by last night’s sleep, and wove a single braid, low and to the side so it fell over her left shoulder.
With the dress folded neatly in hand, she opened the door and stepped out into the dark hallway. She limped down the stairs, taking each step one at a time, her feet and legs still throbbed, the muscles sore and stiff in her calves. She wondered if being a lady was really worth all this pain.
Aeron stood by the bar and she squinted at the harsh morning light that streamed in through the windows. The tavern was barren as usual in the mornings. Two packs sat on top of one of the little tables along with a map unfurled and held open with one of Farron’s blades. She glanced around the room and breathed a sigh of relief. The elf was nowhere in sight. She was still angry at him about last night, even if he was right.
Claire walked to the bar and set the dress on top by Aeron, where he stood eating from a plate filled with eggs and sausage. Usually the smell would be mouthwatering, but this morning it was nauseating.
“Want some?” He held a sausage out on a fork to her.
Her stomach lurched. “No thanks.”
“You should eat something.”
Her body stiffened at the sound of Farron’s voice behind her. “I don’t feel like it.” She turned to glare at the elf.
He stood a few feet away in his usual black get-up, adjusting the leather glove on his left forearm.
She turned back to Aeron and sat down on the barstool beside him.
“We do not have this type of food in the forest,” Aeron said between mouthfuls.
Curious, she asked, “Then what do you have for breakfast?”
“Fruits mostly. Breads. Cheeses occasionally. Nothing this rich, by far.”
Claire raised her eyebrows in wonder. Perhaps that was why they all appeared so thin. “Then you should watch out, or else you will return twice your size.”
Aeron just smiled and said, “I take full advantage of the opportunities I am given, my lady. And engorge myself I will.”
She couldn’t stop the laugh from bursting through her lips. An obese elf. That she would like to see. Especially if it was Aeron.
“Oh, here.” Aeron reached beside him and handed Claire a long, slightly curved stick. A pink ribbon was tied around the middle in a bow. “I got this for you.”
It was painted black with a small guard, and black leather wrapped around the end for the grip. “It’s a sword.” She examined it closely, admiring the craftsmanship. The carved wood was smooth and tapered to an edge on one side. The end was rounded, blunt. She looked up at Aeron and smiled. “Thank you.” Her eyes narrowed. “Is this the errand you went to do the other day?”
“Yes, yes. It is nothing much. It is a children’s sword after all, for your small hands and all.” He shoved an egg into his mouth. It was the first time she’d seen him be truly bashful about something.
“Well then, it seems like it’s perfect for me then,” she quipped, more at the elf behind her than him. “Thank you.”
Aeron glanced up at her, then back to Farron and smirked. “Oh, I see
.”
“See what?” She looked at him questioningly.
“I saw you two lovebirds leave the ball last night.” He leaned in closer to her. “Did Farron work his magic on you?” He wiggled his eyebrows.
She threw a glare over her shoulder at the elf in question. “You could say that.” She hopped off the barstool with a frown, walked to the table with the map, and set the practice blade on top of it.
Aeron laughed. “You truly have a gift, my friend. You really do know how to charm the ladies.” Aeron said behind her. “If you want, I could give you some tips. But I must warn you, mon lainí is a married woman now.”
Claire could hear Farron choke on his drink back by the bar, coughing. She rolled her eyes and looked down at the map, tuning the elves out. She’d seen many maps in her lifetime, but none of them were quite like this one. The names of the towns were written in a different language. Elvish, probably. The map was worn and old, the edges torn and bent. She spotted the forest first. A symbol was elaborately decorated with a palace and the King’s coat of arms. Her village lay to the south. She snorted at the tiny house-shaped symbols used to represent it. Lendon lay to the southwest surrounded by mountains. Her eyes glanced over the map and spotted a symbol with a picture of a coliseum far to the west. That must be Rodem. It looked like the journey would take even longer than she’d thought.
She sighed, leaning above the map, and closed her eyes, wondering if she was truly up to the task.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
Claire’s eyes snapped open at the sound of his voice. Her pulse automatically began to quicken and she spun around toward the entrance.
General Errolle strolled into the tavern dressed in dark brown pants tucked into knee high black boots and topped off with a beige shirt that fit close to his tall slender frame. A floor length brown cloak completed his toned down look. The glint of a golden pommel at his waist caught her eye as he approached. Two guards waited by the entrance on either side of the door, both staring off into the distance.
Bren stopped in front of her and bowed. “Good morning, Miss Claire. I’m sure your guards informed you of the situation and I hope that it is not a bother.”
Claire curtsied back to him. “Of course not. I’m sure it will be a pleasure to have you along.” She beamed up at the General. His hair was tied back in a low, loose ponytail, his gray eyes and high cheekbones were striking in the morning light. She could feel her cheeks start to flush and turned back to the map to look busy. Well, maybe the journey wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Farron stood on the other side of the table and she watched out of the corner of her eye as he began to strap on his weaponry. She kept her eyes down on the map, trying to read the foreign words above the towns and landmarks. A small clink on the table drew her attention up to the edge of the map. Farron had set her mother’s bracelet on the table. The ruby eyes caught the bright light brilliantly. She glanced up at the elf before snatching the bracelet off the table. He avoided her gaze to pay extra attention to the straps of the quiver he was putting on.
Claire sighed and slipped the bracelet onto her left wrist. “Thank you.” The elf didn’t respond. Not like she had expected him to. Still, it would have been nice.
Bren tossed Farron a brown pouch. A light jingling noise came from the bag as the elf caught it.
“There’s the first half, as we agreed. You’ll get the rest after we arrive in Rodem. In one piece, hopefully.”
Claire turned around to look at the General. He wore an amused look, pleased with himself for his little joke. Humor must not be his strong point, but she forced a smile up at him anyway. At least he was easy on the eyes. And charming, can’t forget that one.
“I’m sorry, Miss Claire. I don’t usually discuss business matters in front of ladies.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for. I’m used to such dealings.” She shrugged her shoulders and brushed the matter aside. “Although, I am curious as to why you’d pay for our services when you have two strapping young guards at your disposal.”
The guards at the door shifted and glanced at one another.
Aeron walked over, finished with his breakfast, and stood to the side behind the General. He glared at her with eyebrows furrowed together in warning. Somebody had to ask the question; might as well be her.
“Ah, yes. It does seem quite strange, doesn’t it?” Bren said politely. “You see, Lendon is in the middle of trade negotiations with Rodem and I have been tasked to deliver a message, sign some documents. Trivial stuff, really. Why waste an army when they could be of better use protecting the city? It is quite dangerous out there, you know.”
Claire’s eyes widened. Did he know about the attacks? She opened her mouth to speak when Aeron clamped a hand on her shoulder.
“I am sure he has his reasons. Official ones he is not at liberty to disclose.” Aeron glared down at her.
“Of course. I apologize.” She curtsied to the General.
They left that morning richer than the day before. The sun shone high in the sky and its warm rays kissed along her skin. The dirt path crunched underneath her feet as she walked, the road rising gently to the mountain pass she’d seen the other day. A fresh cool breeze blew through the valley, rustling the tall green grass on the sides of the road, and carrying with it the first signs of fall. Claire breathed in and closed her eyes. Autumn was her favorite time of the year. Though still weeks away, it was something to look forward to. The hangover started to dissipate, the headache and nausea fading away, pushed aside by such a beautiful day.
The new wood sword dug into her side, tucked into her belt. It hadn’t come with any type of sheath or strap. Should’ve known. Aeron didn’t seem like one for details. She glanced up to the elf that walked before her. He’d gotten a matching one. The handle stuck out from behind the quiver of arrows on his back, like hers, only bigger. To match his ego maybe?
The elf was busy regaling the General with his tales, who just smiled kindly as he listened to his words. At least he wasn’t telling her, she thought with relief. Although interesting and informative, his stories were mostly self-absorbent and almost always exaggerated.
With Aeron and the General busy, Claire was surprisingly bored and a little lonely. Farron led the way as usual, walking several paces ahead of the rest of them. He hadn’t said a word to her since they’d left. Claire brought up the rear, her legs and feet still sore. Walking was unpleasant— walking uphill, even more so. They decided to take the road up through the pass and although taxing on her body, it was still more pleasant than climbing down a cliff side.
They passed an older man in a cart pulled by two oxen. A farmer by the looks of it, with a floppy straw hat pulled over his face to shield him from the sun. Hay and bushels of vegetables piled high in the back of the wooden cart, the wheels squealing as he passed, in need of a good grease. The old farmer nodded to each of them in turn as they passed. Claire fought the urge to hop in the cart and bombard the man with questions. Where was he from? Had his town been attacked? If not, perhaps he’d heard news of others.
She sighed. The act would surely blow their cover. She hadn’t even made it past the first day and already she struggled with her new identity. Although, the look on Aeron’s face would’ve been priceless.
The climb up the pass proved to be easier than she had dreaded from down in the valley. Trees lined the road and the earth beneath them flattened once they reached the top. The road continued in a straight line for several paces before it forked off in two directions.
“We’ll cut through the forest.” Farron waited by the split in the road for the rest of them to catch up.
“May I ask why?” Bren asked, even then he was polite.
“My lady has suggested we stop in Sanre Du Lore.” Farron crossed his arms across his chest. He made lying into an art. Even she was convinced it was her suggestion. “It will be quicker that way.”
“Sanre?” Bren turned to her, his eyes
wide in surprise. “Miss Claire, you surprise me more and more. What could a lady want in Sanre?”
Claire was speechless for a second, her mouth hanging open as she searched for an answer. She finally shrugged and said, “Why not? I’m curious to see it all, good and bad.”
Bren laughed and shook his head. He turned back to Farron and motioned with his arm to the forest on the left. “Well then, lead the way.”
Claire breathed a sigh of relief. What kind of town was Sanre Du Lore anyway?
“We will rest here for the evening,” Aeron declared several paces ahead of her.
Claire snapped out of the daze that she’d been walking in for the latter part of the day. With no one to talk to, she had tried counting the trees but gave up after she reached two hundred. What was the point, anyway? The forest seemed to stretch on forever in all directions.
Light streamed through the treetops and faded as the sun made its final descent from the sky. Her feet and legs ached from the night before, and with today’s trek it was surprising her legs didn’t give out from under her.
“I’ll patrol the area,” Farron said before he took off into the trees.
Aeron turned to Bren. “How are you at building fires?”
“Not bad, I suppose.” The General shrugged.
“Great!” Aeron exclaimed. He turned to Claire. “Us men will go build a fire. I want you to get a feel for that fancy new sword of yours.”
Claire raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms. “And what exactly should I be doing with it, teacher?”
“Work on your swinging of course.” A wide smile crossed his mouth. He put an arm around Bren and led him through the trees. “Come find us when you are done,” Aeron shouted over his shoulder.
She looked at him, baffled. So much for being a teacher. It seemed he didn’t want her spending too much time with the General and had kept him occupied for the most part of the day. He still didn’t trust her to keep up their charade. Although, she couldn’t really blame him. After all, it was her fault that she was now betrothed.
Claire sighed, her shoulders slumping a bit. She stood alone in a small clearing in the trees. Aeron’s loud voice and laughter faded into the distance and the forest became quiet except for the occasional bird cry. She stripped off the deep purple over-shirt, down to the thin sleeveless black one underneath. She folded it up and laid it on the ground out of the way, along with the belt and dagger. Then she stretched to loosen her stiff muscles and joints.
Alright, that was done. She gripped the handle to the practice blade and held it up with both hands in front of her. Unsure of what to do, she felt a little silly. She glanced around. At least no one was around to see her.
She lifted the sword above her head and swung it down in front of her with all her might. A rush of satisfaction swept through her. She swung it horizontally, the wooden blade cutting through the air. A feeling of empowerment took over. Who needed Aeron anyway? She could practice without him. She stabbed the blade in front of her and lunged forward. Who did he think he was? Did he really think he could keep her separated from the General the whole journey? She swung the blade again, anger surging through her veins now. Why didn’t he trust her? It wasn’t like she had told him anything that would ruin their little farce. So what if she was now to be married?
Her breath began to quicken and sweat broke out as she swung the sword furiously. The forest around her became a blur. Each swing gave her a feeling of gratification as she channeled her stress into the physical action and slashed away at her problems. She could get used to practicing with the pretend blade. It was a great way to relieve stress.
She swung the blade back over her head with both hands, ready to swing it with all her might, but something suddenly caught it. Claire gasped and let go, whirling around, backing away instinctively. Farron gripped the sword, holding it up where he’d stopped it. He looked at her with wide eyes.
“Don’t do that!” Claire shrieked. Her hand clutched her chest; her heart beat furiously as if it were trying to escape. She’d been so wrapped up in her practice she hadn’t noticed the elf.
“I didn’t want to interrupt,” he said, “but I had no choice but to defend myself. I could have been knocked out cold the way you were swinging this thing around.” He gripped the handle and examined the fake weapon.
Her pulse began to calm but was replaced by a growing sense of irritation. She was still mad at the elf. Her stubbornness wouldn’t let her forget so easily.
“Have you come to make fun of me, or did you come to apologize?”
“Neither.” He swung the sword, paying more attention to it than her.
What was with him and weapons? Maybe it was a male thing.
She crossed her arms and waited for an explanation. She was too tired to probe for answers.
“I have come to propose a truce.” He pointed the blade at her.
“For what, might I ask?”
“What I said before. I don’t think I was wrong and I’m not sorry for saying it.” He kept the point aimed at her. “I made a valid argument. You’re just too stubborn to admit it.”
Claire’s mouth dropped open, exasperated. That took some nerve. “I am not a child!” She lunged forward and grabbed for her sword, but he pulled it back out of reach at the last moment.
“No?” A look of amusement spread across his face.
“I think you’re the one being childish here.”
Farron laughed. “And I wonder where I learned this technique from?”
Claire flushed, reminded of her similar tactics from earlier in their journey. She crossed her arms again in a huff. “Fine. If it’s a truce you want.”
He flipped the sword around and held it out to her handle first. Claire glared at him for a second before snatching it back from him. She fought the urge to beat him and his smug expression with it.
“I’ll admit that I sometimes rush into things before thinking it through.” She gathered up her shirt and dagger and slipped the belt around her waist. “But you didn’t have to be so mean about it.” She focused the wooden point at him this time. “I may not know much about the world, but I’m not dumb. Just inexperienced.”
“Look, I didn’t mean—”
She held up her hand to stop him. “It’s fine. I’m learning, even if the lessons are harsh and unrewarding.” She could feel the fire return inside of her. “So it’s a truce you want, huh?”
She held her hand out in front of her. He took it and gave a firm shake.
“Fine. I’ll show you that I’m not a child, just you wait.”
“I look forward to it.”
“Well then.” She looked around her to make sure she didn’t leave anything. “I’ve had enough. How about we go rescue Bren from Aeron’s awful storytelling?”
“Although I don’t really trust him, there is no need to torture the man.”
Claire laughed, a weight lifted from her shoulders. They trudged through the forest; Claire led the way in the direction Aeron took earlier until she spotted the orange glow of the fire flicker through the trees.
Aeron and Bren looked up as she walked into the clearing. They sat near each other on an overturned tree. She could see the happy look of relief in Bren’s eyes. He must’ve reached his limit with Aeron’s stories. There’s only so much one can take in a day. His expression faltered a bit when he saw Farron behind her, but then returned again, a glowing brilliant look. It made her heart skip.
He really was charming. Her stomach fell as she realized how it must have looked to him, to see her emerge from the forest with the elf. She swallowed hard. There was nothing she could do about it now. She sat on the ground in front of the fire with her legs crossed. Farron sat across the fire from her.
“Miss Claire also has an interest in sword play?” Bren broke the silence.
She looked up at him, surprised. “Why, of course I do. A girl can’t always wait for a knight in shining armor. She’d be dead long before he ever shows up, if at al
l.”
Bren laughed. “Indeed, my lady.”
Aeron exchanged a glance with Farron.
“How very peculiar.” Bren’s face was alit with amusement. “Tell me, Miss Claire, about your hometown. Are all the women there as bold as you?”
Her eyes widened and she glanced at Aeron. Had she said something wrong again? Aeron returned her look with one of disdain. He raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms, waiting for her response, daring her to say something.
“Of course. We Bantonians are very prideful. The women even more so than the men at times.” She glanced back at Aeron with a satisfied look. She’d show him that she can play this little game.
Bren chuckled. “I see. Your fiancé must be a very strong man.”
Claire could feel the heat rise to her cheeks and she averted her gaze to the fire. “Some might say that.”
“You don’t sound too happy about it.”
Claire sighed heavily. She was too tired for this. All she wanted to do was climb out of the marriage hole she had dug. A thought popped into her head then. “A girl is never happy about an arranged marriage.”
Aeron buried his face in his hands. She glanced up at Bren and his expression was frozen in surprise. He looked like he was about to say something but stopped. A glorious smile took over a moment later and his shoulders relaxed.
“I see,” he said, his voice softer. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“No need.” She stuck her chin up. “Just doing my duty as a daughter.”
Silence fell on the camp. She gazed into the fire, not knowing what else to say.
“How about some food?” Aeron asked.
Claire’s stomach growled at the mention of it. She’d barely eaten all day; her stomach still reeled from the night before. Aeron tossed her a roll of bread and some cheese wrapped in a cloth. She had hoped that he’d picked up something different in the marketplace back in Lendon. Maybe it didn’t bother him what he ate. She sighed and took a bite of the bread. So much for exotic cuisine.