Chain of Illusions (Bringer and the Bane) (30 page)

“It will be wonderful. I promise,” Willa said.

Four of the children gathered the reins of their horses and led them away. Obviously it was a task they’d done quite often. Sampson went willingly, leading more than being led by the oldest boy.

Inside, the group was swept into the great room and seated at the tables near the hearth. Food and drinks began arriving almost instantly. Siban took a place near Rell at the table, his usual spot at her side had been usurped by the youngest of the girls. She gave him an apologetic smile, but he seemed highly amused by the situation.

Sarah and Audra sat on either side of Rell, pelting her with questions about her wedding. Though Rell’s answers were short and to the point, the girls seemed not to notice. And if she didn’t explain something in enough detail, the children would simply rephrase their question and ask it again.

They beamed at her as if she was the most amazing thing they’d seen in their lifetime. After several minutes of their interrogation, Rell began to relax. The two girls were sweet and open. Their immediate acceptance of her melted any remaining doubts she had about her new family.

Laughter echoed through the room as the other children entertained the rest of the Bringers with their questions and stories. While the children were there, talk revolved around issues that didn’t involve their journey north or the battle brewing between the Bringers and Vile. When only Willie and Mary remained and the other children had toddled off to bed, their discussion turned to more serious matters.

Gregory told of their journey into the Shadow World, leaving out the part of Icarus being nearby, and when he finished with his tale, nobody spoke for a long time. Even though she had experienced it for herself, hearing their trials again made Rell tired.

“Well that, Sir Gregory, is quite a story.” Orvis leaned back in his chair. “I, for one, will say an extra prayer of thanks for your safe return.”

“Hear, hear,” Willa said. “I only wish this brewing trouble would go away.”

“We will do our best to make that happen,” Rhys said.

“Hopefully not at the expense of any of your lives.” Willa looked at her daughters. “I’ve only just gotten my family back.”

Orvis placed his hand on top of hers. “We’ll not lose them so easily.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “They are Bringers and your and Bowen’s daughters. They’re made of strong stuff.”

“I know what you say is true, but I’m their mother. I can’t help but worry.”

“We’ll be all right.” Jade looked around the group. “There is none finer than these people. If any can vanquish Vile, it is them.”

“Us,” Luc corrected.

“Yes,” Rell said. “We will vanquish him. We’ve already done so much in such a short time and all of us have so much to fight for now.”

A murmur of agreement rippled through the group.

“We will do what we can here,” Willie said. “You can count on us.”

“Indeed we will,” Orvis nodded. “Indeed we will.”

Rell yawned at the same time Ravyn did.

“It appears our guests grow weary.” Orvis rocked forward and stood. “Come, I’ll show you to your rooms. The entire upstairs has been prepared for you.”

Rell sent up a prayer of thanks. All she wanted was to undress, wash, and crawl into bed next to Siban. He obviously had the same idea from the way he snaked his arm around her waist and pulled him to her. She went willingly and laid her head against his shoulder.

“Oh, no you don’t,” Willa said, tugging Rell free from his grasp. “The bride and the groom are not to see each other on their wedding day.”

“It’s not our wedding day yet.” Siban reached for Rell, but Willa laughed and pulled her away from his reach.

“If you sleep in the same room, you will wake and see her in the morning.” Willa gripped Rell’s arms and marched her toward a door near the hearth. “You will sleep upstairs, and she will sleep down here, where I can make sure you leave her alone.”

Siban groaned. “I find that fiercely unfair.”

The rest of the group laughed. Luc slapped him on the back. “Tough luck, friend. But just think, after tomorrow Willa won’t be able to tell you what you can and can’t do with her daughter.”

Willa scowled at him. “If you have the faintest notion of asking for Jade’s hand in marriage, Luc, I suggest you watch what you say.”

He’d just taken a swallow of ale and choked at her comment. Rhys pounded Luc on the back. “You all right?”

Despite his fit of coughing, Luc managed to hold up a hand in surrender.

Rell went willingly, enjoying Siban’s anguish over being parted. “I’m sorry.”

He stood there watching her being led away from him, his eyes round and forlorn. Willa clicked the door closed behind them and turned with an evil smile. “It’s always good to keep them wanting.”

“I’ll remember that.” Rell fell onto the bed and stared at the wood beams running through the ceiling. “It’s good to be here.”

She sat up and Willa joined her on the bed. “It’s good to have you here.”

The room was small but cozy. A small fire burned in the hearth on the wall opposite the hearth in the great room. Rell smiled when she saw her wedding dress hanging in the corner. “I can’t believe I’m getting married tomorrow.” She looked at Willa. “I never thought such a thing would be possible.”

“You are a testament that miracles do happen.” Her mother brushed a lock of hair from her forehead. “You are my miracle.” Willa wrapped her arm around Rell’s shoulder and kissed her on the cheek. “Never doubt that.”

“I won’t.” She gripped her mother’s hand. “Thank you.”

Willa furrowed her brow. “For what?”

There were so many things she wanted to thank her mother for, too many to say at once. “For everything. The Bringers gave me my body back, but you and Siban have given me a family again.” Tears burned at the back of her eyes. She met her mother’s gaze. “I still struggle with the darkness sometimes, but it’s getting easier now that I have a place in this world and people who love me.”

“We all feel like that sometimes, Rell.” Willa stroked her hand. “But know that you and Jade are just as much a part of this family as any of us. There’s always a place for you here, no matter what happens.”

“Thank you, that means everything to me.” Rell yawned.

“All right. To bed with you.” Willa stood and walked to the fireplace to stoke the fire. “Morning will come quick enough. There’s water in the basin or if you prefer a bath, I can draw that for you.”

Rell shook her head. “I’m too tired. I’ll wash up and bathe in the morning.”

“All right, love.” Willa walked to the door and opened it. “Sleep tight. I’ll wake you in the morning.”

“Good night, Mother.” Rell watched her mother leave, feeling truly at peace for the first time in a long time.

Chapter Twenty-eight

Rell rolled to her side and stared out the window. Thin rays of sunlight streaked through the crack in the drapes. Tiny dust specks danced with what seemed like joy for the happy occasion. Today was her wedding day.

Rell stretched, extending her limbs along the warm, soft linens of the bed. Sadly Siban was not there to share the time before the activities of the day began. She smiled. Every morning after today, she’d wake up to him beside her. It was more than she had ever dreamed of.

The idea of getting up tumbled around her head for a few seconds, but instead she snuggled deeper into the pile of pillows, determined to get a little more sleep. This was her day and after everything she’d been through the past several weeks, she deserved to rest and not worry about routine or responsibilities.

A knock sounded at the door. Rell groaned and pulled the pillow over her head, willing the intruder to go away. The muffled
click
of the door sounded and the quiet squeaking of the hinges signaled that whoever knocked would not be deterred by her feigned sleeping.

“I know you’re not asleep, so you might as well stop pretending.”

Rell cracked open her eyes and glared at her mother. “One more hour.”

Willa slid a breakfast tray onto a table and walked to the window. She gripped the edge of the curtains and threw them wide. “It’s nearly noon.”

Rell flung her arm over her eyes. “Noon? It can’t be.”

“It is.” Willa walked to the large tub in the corner and opened a cabinet against the wall. “Eat first and then have a bath.” She pulled on a lever, which let the water run free. “Are you nervous?”

Rell sat up and yawned. “No, why would I be nervous?”

“A woman’s wedding day is very special and can be a little scary.” Willa laid out a large bath sheet and smaller towel. “It’s the time when she leaves her family and becomes a wife.” After setting several bottles on a table near the tub, she moved to sit on the bed next to Rell. Willa brushed a stray strand of hair away from Rell’s eyes and then cupped her cheek. “Then again, you’ve been away from your family for a very long time and you and Siban’s relationship is not ordinary.”

She covered her mother’s hand with her own. “No, but it will still be a good marriage despite its—” She searched for the right word. “Its uniqueness.”

“I believe it will as well.” Willa lowered her hand. “So…” She gave a little shrug. “We didn’t get much of a chance to speak last night. What do you think of your brothers and sisters? I know they can be overwhelming at times, but they really do mean well.”

“They are a like a large litter of puppies, always busy and inquisitive.” The thought of how they had argued over who would carry her pack brought a smile to Rell’s face. “I think they’re wonderful.”

Tiny creases formed next to Willa’s eyes when she smiled. “Good, because they are determined to help you get ready for your wedding.”

“Really?” She sat and pushed the covers from her legs. “Well, I guess I’d better get my bathing done.” She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood. “I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to having so many people around.”

Willa rubbed her back. “You will when you have children of your own.”

“Children?” Since she and Siban had talked about it at Alba Haven, the idea had lingered. “I don’t think I’d make a very good mother.”

“You, my daughter, would make one of the best mothers.” Willa stood. “I fear for any who dare to hurt your offspring.” She clapped her hands together. “Now, eat and bathe. I’ll keep the horde at bay for another hour, but after that I can’t promise anything.”

“I have been warned.” Rell watched Willa walk to the bathtub and shut off the water. Her nose tingling with the hint of impending tears. “Thank you again—for everything.”

Willa smiled and glided to the door. “Thank you for coming home to get married, Esmeralda.”

With that she quit the room, leaving Rell alone with her thoughts, a steaming tub of water, and a plate of food that smelled delicious. She made quick work of the latter two, picking at the plate of meat, cheese, and fresh bread while reclining in the steaming water. When she’d finished her meal and scrubbed herself raw, Rell stood and stepped out of the tub, wrapping herself in a large linen bath sheet.

A knock sounded at the door, and as she turned the door creaked open and Matilda stuck her head in. “She’s up.” Matilda pushed open the door, letting in a line of girls and women. “We’re here to help you get ready.”

Caught naked, with nothing but a sheet to wrap around her, sent panic racing through Rell. She pulled the sheet tighter and backed toward the wall. “All of you?”

“Shooo.” Willa squeezed into the room, waving her hands. “At least let the girl get dressed in her essentials before you descend upon her like locusts.”

The girls moaned and with slumped shoulders, scuffed out of the room, leaving Jade, Meran, Ravyn, and her mother.

“We’ll let you get dressed,” Jade said. Her smile belied her amusement at Rell’s discomfort. “Call us when you’re ready.”

“I don’t think I will ever be ready for that,” Rell mumbled.

The door closed, but she waited a few seconds to make sure nobody would reopen it. When she was fairly certain it was safe, she dropped the sheet and slipped the long sheath that hung at the front of her dress over her head. Next she donned the thick robe Willa had provided and sat by the fire to dry her hair.

She blotted the ends with the bath sheet and sighed. It looked like she was not going to get out of her sisters’ eagerness to be involved in her wedding preparations. Another sigh slipped from her and she stood, tossed the towel to the side, and walked to the door. Mustering her courage, she pulled the door open to reveal the six excited, freckled faces of her half sisters.

Rell inhaled. “All right, girls, I’m ready.”

A cheer went up and they filed into the room, moving Rell to a chair in the center. Hands fluttered about her body and hair, combing through the locks. After the first few minutes Rell lost track of who was doing what to her and gave herself over to the ministrations of the young girls.

When they were finished, she didn’t recognize herself. Flowers had been woven into her hair and the green wedding gown that Delphia had created made her eyes even greener. As she stared at herself in the looking glass she truly felt beautiful.

The lilting music of flutes wafted through the door. Rell stood at the entrance, her gaze fixed and unseeing on the people gathered at the front of the inn. A bouquet of fall flowers appeared in front of Rell, the red-and-orange bunch bright against the lively green of her gown. She reached for them with a shaking hand and took them from Jade.

“You look as if you’re about to lose your luncheon,” her sister said.

“I’m so nervous.” Rell gripped the stems with both hands and looked at Jade. “I feel like something is bound go wrong, as if I don’t deserve this happiness.”

A sweet smile spread across Jade’s face. She brushed her hand against Rell’s cheek. “Trust me, this is the most right thing you’ve ever done in your life.” She sniffed and squared her shoulders. “Now, it’s time.” Her eyes rounded with excitement. “Let’s get you married to that dashingly handsome man waiting at the end of the path.”

Rell swallowed hard. “I can do this.”

“Of course you can,” Jade said. “This should be the easiest thing you’ve done in the last thirteen years.”

“You’d think as much, wouldn’t you?” Butterflies tumbled in Rell’s stomach.

Elizabeth gave a little tug on the gown’s train, fluffing it to spread it in a wide arc across the ground. “You look beautiful, Esmeralda.”

Though they only known each other for a day, there was an undeniable bond between her and Elizabeth. “Thank you for all your help today. My hair has never looked so lovely.”

“Got five bratty sisters, each with a mass of locks that require more taming than a wild horse.” She walked to stand beside Rell and tugged gently on the sleeve of her gown before smoothing the short brown fur to fall in one direction. “Had to learn quick or else they’d walk around looking like a bunch of hedgehogs.” She smiled at Rell. “I’ve always been the oldest. It’s nice having grown sisters, women more my own age.”

“Yes, sisters need to stick together—always,” Jade said, taking her place in front of Rell.

“So tell me, sister,” Rell gave Elizabeth a conspiratorial wink. “Has Luc asked for your hand yet?”

“Shhht.” Her sister turned and glared at her. “Let’s not ruin the day.”

Rell repressed a laugh and followed Jade out the door. Every so often the breeze would rustle the trees and send bright yellow leaves fluttering to the ground, as if in celebration of her and Siban’s marriage.

The assembled crowd stood on either side of a path that had first been cleared and then strewn with the same orange-and-red petals of her bouquet. Smiles graced all her friends’ faces and warmed her heart. They had battled together, and now they would celebrate together.

The freckled faces of her brothers and sisters beamed at her from the front row. Hayden’s blond head stuck out among the sea of red curls. He raised his hand and wiggled his fingers at Rell. Tears welled but thankfully didn’t spill down her cheeks. She blinked back the emotions threatening to overwhelm her and waved back at the little boy.

Orvis stood beside his children, wearing the grin of a proud father. Though she knew her mother had loved her father more than anything in the world, she certainly understood how the charming innkeeper had won Willa’s heart. He treated her like gold and had given her exactly what she needed to fill what the Bane and Rell had taken from her.

At the sight of her mother, a lump formed in Rell’s throat. Willa watched her, her pale blue eyes round and glistening. Tears were to be expected at joyous occasions, but seeing her mother truly happy made this day even more perfect.

Her breath caught when she saw Siban standing under an arch of vines and leaves. Never had he looked so handsome. Strands of gold and reddish-brown hair reflected in the afternoon sun. His trousers and boots were fashioned of dark brown leather and the shirt he wore beneath his coat was a paler shade of green to match her gown. Crafted from rich brocade and velvet, his waistcoat matched the brown of his pants. At his hip hung his immortal sword, but it was Siban’s sparkling hazel eyes that held Rell’s gaze.

She opened herself to him, drinking in the love that he sent flowing to her. In turn, she directed her joy at becoming his wife across the distance. His grin spread.

Both Gregory and Malachi stood at the arch, waiting to perform the ceremony. They would be wed both in the eyes of the Order of the Saints and the Bringers. There would be no disputing their union under any law.

A faint prickle of Bane skittered along Rell’s arms. She searched the trees but didn’t see Icarus. With the grounds of the inn warded, he’d not be able to get close, but she was certain he could see her. The demon was clever and if he wanted to view the ceremony, he’d find a way.

When they reached the arch, Jade stepped to the left and Rell took her place beside Siban. Instead of standing side by side, he faced her and removed the flowers from her grip, handing them to Jade. He twined his fingers with Rell’s, drawing her against him and kissed her.

“We’re not to that part yet,” Malachi said.

Laughter rippled through the crowd. After another second, Siban broke the kiss. “Life is too short to put off the best things.”

A murmur of approval flowed through the crowd. After all, most of them had narrowly escaped death and very soon would face more perils.

Gregory’s voice rose above the din. “Today we come together to celebrate the union between Esmeralda Kendal and Siban Gaspar.”

Rell lifted her eyebrows in surprise. “Gaspar?” she mouthed.

He winked at her.

She supposed she should have learned his last name, but it had never seemed important. Lady Gaspar? Rolling the name around in her head, she decided she liked the new title very much.

“In the eyes of the Saints,” Malachi said.

“And in the hearts of the Bringers,” Gregory added, “do we join these two people in the most sacred of unions.”

“As the Saints bestow their blessing on us,” Malachi’s normally watery eyes sparkled as he spoke the words. “So do we, with great joy, bless the union between Esmeralda and Siban.”

“Do you both,” Gregory said, “vow to honor each other, to pledge your hearts to each other through life, no matter what may lie ahead?”

“We do.” Together they answered, Siban’s fingers tightening around hers.

“Do you promise to keep faith in each other during times of trouble and to not stray,” Malachi added.

“We do.”

Though the monk’s words were necessary to bind them, Rell couldn’t imagine ever straying from Siban. He was her life, her heart, and if need be, she would die to make sure they had a future together.

Gregory spoke again. “Through the pressures of the present and the uncertainties of the future, do you promise to guide and protect each other?”

“We do.”

Malachi folded his hands in front of him. “Then by the power of the church, do I pronounce this couple wed.”

“And,” Gregory said, before anybody cheered, “do I, with rights bestowed upon me as a member of the royal house of James, also declare this couple wed.”

Cheers erupted from their friends and family. Once again, Siban pulled her to him and kissed her, this time with no restraint.

Two months ago, Rell’s existence had been consumed by revenge and darkness. Now, even though her life still held countless dangers, it bore untold happiness. She had more family than one person deserved and had a husband who loved her for who she was, be that Bane or Bringer. No matter what the fate of the world, on this day, all her prayers had been answered.