Cornerstone (31 page)

“
The boy was not convinced. 'Fine, but she has people come to see her far and wide,' the lad said.”

“
When the boy finished speaking, the man disagreed again. 'True, but they do not love her, or even revere her. They care about her only for the status it would bring them to ride her.' While he was speaking, Acimastrea walked closer to the fence, stopping a few feet away.”

“
Reaching out a hand to the filly the man said, 'No man may choose her, no. When she takes a rider, she will choose him.' He slowly stroked her nose.”

“
Several days went by. Each one found the man at the fence. Waiting. Watching. Touching Acimastrea only when she came to him. He never called her, and he never asked anything of her. Finally, a day came where he climbed onto the fence of her pasture. The stable lad ran over, asking what he was doing. 'Today I will ride her.' The man smiled.”

“
Shocked, the lad said, 'At least let me get her tack—only a fool would think to try and ride her bare. Better men than you have died trying to ride that horse!' The boy started toward the stable.”

“
The man was not deterred. 'Then I shall die trying, or I shall succeed. She has chosen me.' While they had been speaking, the filly had been edging closer, finally stopping right against his leg. Without a hint of nervousness, the man slipped his leg across her lean back. Then he waited, offering himself to her will.”

Torian glanced back over his shoulder and smiled at Emariya.

“
Well go on—did Acimastrea throw him?” Garith asked.

“
No one knows. When the stable lad returned, the man and the horse were gone. Some said they saw them later, traveling the land together. Others said they saw their ghost, that the man died trying and the horse died of a broken heart after killing the only man who ever understood her. Ever since, the term ‘Acimastrea’ has referred to a horse no man can break.”

“
What about ‘Caviasendor’?” Emariya asked breathlessly, still caught up in the story.

“
Oh, that was the man's name.” Torian said.

Emariya was quiet, thinking about it. She wasn't quite sure what to think of the story.

She was broken from her thoughts when Garith exclaimed, “Riya, look up there!”

Up ahead, under a heavy cover of silver clouds, Emariya could see the edge of the cliffs. From this distance, it looked as if the world had suddenly stopped. Once they got closer, Emariya could see the sweeping expanse of Thalmas. Directly below them were snow-capped rocks, which lined the wall of the cliff underneath, reaching all the way down to the wildly thrashing sea below. It was suddenly easy for her to understand why the ships didn't sail this far. Off to their right, she could see where the mountains curved around, forming an inlet beneath them. Lying nestled in front of the mountains was a vast valley, painted a glistening white with the winter's most recent snows. At the far northern reach of the valley, sheltered by the curve of the mountains, a great bridge stretched across the sea to a tiny island just off the coast. It was upon this island that the great stone castle sat. Every which way she looked, towers reached dauntingly toward the sky. Bathed in colors of deep stone—dark rich grays, brilliant blues, cold velvet black, and dusted in silver ice—it looked more like an elegant fortress than a home.

“
What do you think?” Torian asked nervously.

“
It’s…big.” She struggled to come up with something to describe the sight before her. “It's beautiful, Torian. It's just also so…”

“
Big,” Garith finished, causing them all to laugh.

“
Well, it is that. But Emariya, I haven't given up hope that someday maybe you will consent to call it home. I want you to like it.” He was all seriousness now.

Could she ever think of this place with no green, no fields as home? Could she stay here with Torian? Part of her desperately wanted to. She had more questions than answers.
For now I will just take it one day at time,
she decided. It didn't matter, really; she didn't plan to stay in any one place for long until her father was safe. Between then and now, she'd go wherever she had to in order to see it done. Seeing that Torian was still watching her, she told him, “If I decide to call it home, it won't be because your castle impressed me, it will be because you have.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Most Gifts are a Curse

Weary from travel, caked with snow, and wearing their dirt like battle paint, they arrived at Castle Ahlen the next evening just as the sun was setting.

“
Ready?” Torian asked her over his shoulder as he started across the imposing wooden bridge.

Wordlessly, she nodded. Her stomach was tossing around with nerves as they approached. Feeling the slight movement from the bridge beneath them didn't help.

There was a bustle of activity as they rode into the grand courtyard. Everyone they passed bowed to them with deep respect. Although their eyes lingered on her curiously, none were so bold as to stare openly. A small group of people stood on the gray stone steps, which were highlighted by ornate iron arches at the front of the castle. Torian dismounted and strode purposefully forward, leaving her unsure of what she should do.

A gracefully aged woman waited, flanked on either side by a guard. She exuded the most profoundly regal air that Emariya could imagine. Her perfect brown hair, peppered lightly with gray, was pulled back into braids that laid flat around the crown of her head. Her entire face lit up when Torian approached.

“Mother,” he said simply, kissing her delicately on the cheek.

Welcome home, son.” She kissed him back, smiling as she touched his cheek. Her eyes turned and met Emariya's.

Uncomfortable under her gaze, Emariya demurely turned her own eyes downward in what she hoped was a show of respect. Torian returned to her side and seemed to sense her unease. He took her by the waist and deftly helped her dismount, putting her gently on the ground. “Follow my lead,” he whispered quietly in her ear before leading her forward without letting go of her hand. Stopping in front of the queen, he said formally, “My Lady, might I introduce my mother, Queen Arwen Ahlen. Mother, this is the Lady Emariya Warren of Eltar, my bride to be.” Emariya performed the best curtsy her weary legs would allow, and then glanced upward at Torian's mother. “Your Majesty,” she said.

“
Welcome to Castle Ahlen,” the Queen said without warmth or malice, and then glanced behind Emariya expectantly.

Torian turned and gestured for Garith to come forward. “This is Garith; he is one of Lady Warren's most trusted advisers, and her escort.”

Beaming, Garith came forward and bowed. “Your Majesty.”

A tiny wisp of a girl flitted out from behind the Queen. Emariya estimated that the dark-haired girl was likely the same age as herself. Her gown was a pleasant royal blue velvet with gold trim around the waist, but Emariya had the peculiar thought that the girl belonged clad in flower petals. Her smile was radiant as she bounded forward, catching Emariya off-guard when she threw her arms around her in a tight hug. “I'm Terin! We'll be sisters!” she said excitedly.

Queen Arwen made a displeased noise deep in her throat.

Looking markedly unashamed, Terin stepped back and stood beside her mother, still grinning at Emariya.

Torian chuckled. “My Lady, meet the other lady in my life. My sister, Terin Ahlen.”

Terin winked at him, making Emariya laugh.

She hadn't realized that Torian had any siblings. She wondered if Terin had been kept secret, as Emariya and Reeve had, for being a Stone. She thought Terin seemed delightful. She was pleasantly surprised at the prospect of having a sister when she married Torian.
If I marry him,
she added quickly to herself.
If.

“
Father has been asking for you,” Terin said.

“
We’ll go see him at once,” Torian responded. “If you don't mind, My Lady?”

Terin shook her head. “He asked to see her.” She pointed to Emariya.

Queen Arwen spoke up, “I think perhaps we should allow Lady Warren a chance to freshen up—perhaps dry clothes and a warm bath?”

Emariya nodded gratefully. “Oh yes, please. I mean, if you don't mind.” It had been so long since she had been dry, much less clean, that she couldn't wait to strip out of the tattered gown she'd been wearing since Khane had abducted her.

“
Yes, of course.” Torian smiled at her apologetically.

A handmaiden was summoned and Emariya was led to her new chambers while Torian and Garith both went to change, as well. Torian promised he would come to collect her shortly.

When the maid opened the door and ushered her in, she was greeted by the most lavish chambers she had ever seen. An ornately carved canopy bed dominated the center of the room. There was a fireplace off to one side, and a warm crackling fire simmered in the hearth. Two other maids were already filling a wash basin near the hearth. The heavily perfumed scent of fine soap wafted enticingly from the tub.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Emariya immediately began trying to get out of her grime-covered gown. Try as she might, though, she could not manage to release the stays behind her back. Being soaked seemed to have made the knots swell into an uncooperative mess.

“
Allow me, Milady.” One of the maids came over, and, with practiced fingers, she had Emariya out of the confines of her gown in no time. Emariya was surprised at first when the maid went as far as to continue to strip her of her undergarments, but she realized the damp fabric was clinging to her skin and she was grateful for the assistance. Finally, she was able to sink down into the soothing warm water.

Jessa had been the only maid that Emariya had ever had, and she'd known her practically since birth. It felt strange to have someone else wait on her. Jessa had assisted her as she’d needed, but she never expected a maid to see to her every wish. Having three maids hovering nearby waiting for her commands made her self-conscious. Should she tell them to do something?

Fortunately, one of the maids stepped forward with a friendly smile. “Would you like me to wash and brush your hair, Milady?” the young girl asked.

Emariya nodded. She didn't kid herself into thinking she'd ever be able to get all these knots out herself.

“
Bring her more fresh water! And find her a gown,” the first girl instructed, sending the other two girls—who were even younger—scurrying like mice from the room.

Relaxing a bit, Emariya settled back against the side of the washtub. She felt less on display, being tended by only one girl instead of three. “What's your name?” she asked.

“
Mine, Milady?” The maid sounded surprised.

Emariya nodded. Who else could she have meant?

“
They call me Kora, Milady,” she answered shyly. “The other two—those are Nomi and Farah. The three of us will see to whatever you need. The Queen herself assigned us to your service.”

“
All three of you?” Emariya was incredulous. “I see,” she said when the other girl nodded. She made a mental note to say something to Torian. She really didn't need three handmaidens, especially once Jessa arrived.

When the other two returned, Nomi was carrying a bundle of fine dresses in her arms and Farah was carried a tray heavily laden with food. Emariya suspected the tray of food might weigh more than the maid herself. “Are you hungry, Milady?” she asked as Emariya climbed out of the washbasin.

Emariya hadn't realized exactly how hungry she was until her stomach growled urgently at the smell of the food. Nodding eagerly, she accepted the roll that the handmaiden offered. When her stomach could hold no more, she offered what was left to the maids.

As Nomi cleared away the tray, Farah and Kora helped her into her gown. They had chosen a soft, cream-colored one with a fitted bodice. Over the entire piece was a soft lace overlay stitched with a brilliant golden thread. Tiny crystals were inlaid on the lace, clustered more closely at the neck and waist. It shimmered slightly as she moved.
Mother's locket would have looked perfect with this,
Emariya thought. Hopefully it wasn't lost to her, and would arrive in the packs when Jessa made it to the castle. They brushed her hair softly until it flowed in waves down her back. Finally Kora brought out a tiny golden circlet. She slipped the ends under Emariya's long hair. When she tried to protest, Kora insisted. “Milady, you are our princess now, and Prince Torian will be along to take you to the King. You must.”

Their princess...
So Torian hadn't told them that she hadn't agreed to go forward with the plans to marry, after all. They would have to talk about that later. Giving in, she allowed Kora to fasten it securely in place and then looked at her reflection in the little mirror they handed her. She barely recognized herself. She hadn't seen herself since they’d left Warren's Rest. The girl looking back at her looked older. More skeptical and perhaps even sad. But she felt beautiful, as well. The gown showed off both the coloring of her skin and her fair hair.

A few moments later, when Torian knocked at her chamber door, she was ready and waiting. She didn't want to admit how anxious she had felt being away from him.