The Heartstone (5 page)

"Shall we begin?"

"Lead on, my lord." Ariana said rising.

"Jarod” he corrected, amused. He led her through the main hall out a side entrance, which she had missed last night.

"This is the yard," he said, pointing out the large open square. It was filled with people and noise. Young men and women practiced sword drills in one area. Servants carried baskets of produce and game, cheese and buckets of milk into the great kitchen. Ariana glanced inside. On a spit turning over a fire a huge pig roasted surrounded by birds and something that looked like a sheep. A well surrounded by women filling pitchers and gossiping occupied the other corner of the yard.

Jarod led her to the tannery. It was set far back in the woods because of the stench. Quickly, Ariana found a pair of soft brown boots that fit. They fled to the armory.

"How do they stand it?" She asked. Jarod shrugged. It was cool and dark in the armory, weapons piled on the floor, draped on pegs and bursting from rough-hewn shelves. Along one wall leaned pikes and spears; oiled swords sheathed in ornate scabbards rested on the shelves. The arms master walked over.

"She needs a short sword, dagger and a bow." Jarod said.

The arms master brought items for inspection. Jarod decided on a leather jerkin and leggings for her. He added a plain scabbard, a short sword, and a bow with a quiver full of arrows to her pile. How was she ever going to carry all that stuff?

"These are yours. As soon as your gear is ready, we begin. We have no time to lose. I expect you every day at the riding arena, one hour after cockcrow, after riding, sword practice."

For the rest of the day Jarod showed her around Dun Caer. Then it was time for the main meal. By now, Ariana was hungry again and looking forward to the feast. Jarod sat down gesturing for Ariana to join him. People filed into the great hall taking their places at the table. A few glanced at the stranger but at Jarod’s stern look, they turned away. Women bustled around setting out the food and tankards of ale. The great pig Ariana had seen roasting earlier dominated the table. Wooden bowls of grains, vegetables, and baskets of fresh baked bread covered the table.

Laughter and easy banter filled the air; a group of young men strode into the hall. Dressed like Jarod in green and brown they filled the table with noise. With a great clatter of boots and daggers, they took their places opposite Jarod and Ariana. One man looked curious but as he opened his mouth Jarod rose. Everyone else did the same as Lord Kievran entered and sat down at head of the table.

Ariana didn't know what to do, before her sat a shallow bowl, and a small knife. A servant had filled the bowl with food. The savory smell of the roast made her mouth water. She watched Jarod. He sliced then speared pieces of roast pushing the vegetables onto the flat of the blade, sopping up the juices with a hunk of bread. Ariana tried to follow his example, awkwardly eating the thick slice of roast along with the crusty bread and vegetables. It tasted delicious but she ended up using her hands more than the knife.

The feast lasted well into the evening and once the meal was finished the entertainment began. There was silence as Rua entered the hall with a harp. She settled herself in front of the fire and began to play. The beauty of the music mesmerized Ariana. Then she began to sing. Her voice was clear and true and soared through the silence of the hall. Ariana couldn't understand the words but the melody entwined itself around her heart. Tears prickled and she remembered her mother’s face in her vision. Even though her mother had been frightened there had also been a strength and resolve in her face. She wouldn’t have let anything stop her. The stone rested against her like a living creature, warm and very much alive. Her tension and fear eased as she listened. All too soon it was over and the woman rose and with a nod left the hall to wild yelling and applause. People were dispersing and Jarod led her back to her chamber.

"Good even, Ariana."

"Good night."

She went inside and Sona helped her undress despite her protests. The music must have soothed her more than she knew because she fell asleep as soon as she lay down.

During the night she had the dream again. Her mother fleeing the tower but this time she turned to her. She looked beseechingly at Ariana, holding the stone out toward her. Ariana felt tears prick her eyes at the sadness in her mother’s face.

Then Ariana saw a dark slender man behind her mother. His black eyes stared avidly at her. His face was pale and handsome marred only by the arrogant twist to his mouth. He seemed to catch sight of her, his eyes narrowed. His gaze was so greedy and malignant that she shrank back instinctively. For a moment his gaze held hers then his face transformed into a raven’s beady eyes and deadly beak. Ariana sat up with a gasp and looked around the darkened chamber. It was still and empty. She settled back down into the bed with a sigh.

The next morning Sona brought the new fighting clothes and her gear. These were much more to Ariana’s liking; she'd never liked skirts or dresses. Once she was dressed in the soft leather pants, tunic and boots, she went to meet Jarod.

They began with riding. As a teenager, Ariana had been horse mad and taken riding lessons. She had even been in a local horse show where she took third place. She'd always wanted her own horse but her stepmother had vetoed the idea. It had been a long time since she’d ridden. She hadn't had much opportunity in New York. She mounted quickly and even though the saddle was different from what she was used to she seemed to pass muster. Jarod only nodded his face impassive.

"Now you learn how to handle a sword."

They went to an open field screened by trees for privacy. He showed her the basic stance; one foot behind and at right angles to the other, He gave her a wooden sword and showed her how to hold it. Then he showed her the basic positions for cut, thrust, block, and parry. Ariana felt as if her arms were going to fall off. Finally, he let her stop. She was drenched in sweat; her hair hung in clumps from her head. Jarod looked as fresh as he had that morning. It wasn’t fair.

"Tomorrow morn, we begin at the archery field." He pointed out a close-cropped field nearby. She nodded.

"Until tomorrow." He said.

"Where are you going?" She asked.

"I’m on patrol." He said.

Limping her way back toward the keep, she spied a servant hurrying by and asked about bathing. The servant directed her to another building. She walked up to the bathhouse and peered inside, empty. A hot spring bubbled up into a tiled mosaic pool. The water was pea soup green from mineral deposits. There was a slight tang of sulfur in the air. Ariana wrinkled her nose, and then dipped her hand in the water. It was heavenly. She stripped out of her smelly clothes and stepped own the shallow steps into the pool, luxuriating in the hot water. Closing her eyes the bath soothed her tired muscles. She washed her hair twice with some herbal soap. It wasn’t as good as shampoo but it would do. Then she scrubbed at the grime of the last few days. Feeling restored she walked back toward the Dun.

The clank of the smithy caught her attention. It gave her an idea. Jarod was gone. She might never have this opportunity again. She still wanted to get rid of the stone; she didn't believe this mumbo jumbo. It was just a chain. A blacksmith would be able to break the flimsy silver. No problem. Hope rose as she thought of her freedom. She'd take off the chain binding her here. Give it to Jarod. He could go chase glory, she'd say goodbye and find a way home. The niggling thought that without the Heartstone, she'd have no magic and no way home, she ignored. She smiled at the thought of his face when she gave him the Heartstone. She looked down at it. It was so beautiful. Her steps slowed. No, she wouldn't be dragged into this. She didn't belong here. This wasn't her fight. Her fingers clenched around the cool metal.

She thrust the stone down the back of her shirt leaving only the silver links. She didn't want anyone to see the gem. The darkness inside the smithy made her blink. She could barely make out the man pumping the bellows to heat the iron he was shaping.

"Hello?"

"Fair even lady, I am Orin what can I do for ye?"

"I um, I need you to cut through this chain."

"Why? Tis’ very fair.”

Ariana thought for a moment. Using her best Fifth Avenue sneer, she said. "I’m tired of it."

"Very well, lady." He shrugged and gestured her closer.

She walked to the anvil and looked at him. He was a bald giant with a sweeping moustache. Muscles bulged from under his leather apron. When one of his soot blackened, fingers reached for her neck she flinched. He held the chain delicately on the tip of one of his fingers. With the other hand he took a pair of nippers and placing two links between the cutting edges he closed the jaws. A second later he opened them. Ariana smiled in relief. She looked down expecting to see two ends dangling. The length was whole and unmarked. It wasn't going to be that easy, damn.

"What..." The smith’s brow creased in puzzlement. "It must have slipped." Even more carefully he put the silver between the blades and pressed. This time she saw the muscles cording in his arms as he strained. He opened the blades but it was still whole.

"Lady, this be magic. It is a geas chain; nothing I have here would break it. An more dishonor on you to try to escape it." He put the nipper away with a clang.

"I’m sorry." Ariana thought quickly, she had to cover for this lapse. "It was put on me while I slept. I didn't know what it was or what it meant."

"Well they are uncommon and mayhap the bards where you come from never taught you. I pardon your ignorance. If you would find out go to the lady Rua."

"Thank you."

The smith turned away grumbling about fools and magic. Ariana sighed. It looked like she was stuck with the stone. Maybe Rua would have some answers. She went back to her chamber and changed into her blue dress, by herself. She looked at her reflection. She'd gotten the hang of it she thought with a proud smile. She was ready.

Ariana asked directions to Rua’s chamber and soon found herself at her door. She knocked. A melodious voce bade her enter. The chamber was large and airy. Rua sat in a large window seat holding a lute, strumming softly as she looked out the window. Without turning her head she said, "Lady I am honored. Your visit to the smith was unsuccessful?"

How did she know that? The bard turned back from the window and looked at her. Ariana’s face must have shown her confusion. Rua laughed and gracefully gestured for Ariana to sit next to her. Picking up the lute she strummed an accompaniment to their conversation.

"How did you know?" Ariana asked.

"A leaf falls in the woodland and I know it. But enough of that, you must have questions. Jarod is a dear boy but his grasp of history isn't strong. Sit down child."

Ariana looked at Rua. The clever pale face looked back at her. Patient but giving nothing away, Rua would be a good ally or the worst kind of enemy. She decided to trust the bard.

"Alright," Ariana sat. Rua smiled, her face became beautiful.

"You are right to be cautious. There are people even here at Dun Caer who consort with that whoreson Rhysin."

"The smith mentioned a geas chain. What is that?"

"A geas chain is the material manifestation of a promise. It is a spell cast by a mage. It cannot be taken off or broken until the task or promise is fulfilled. The chain you wear is similar."

Ariana sighed; there was no way to get rid of the Heartstone. She was bound until this strange journey ended. She'd need information. "What is the deal with this guy Rhysin?"

"As I said yesterday Rhysin is very powerful. He lives in the northland in a castle built on the blood and bones of his subjects. He has nine adepts who help him with his magic. We are one of the lone pockets of rebellion against his empire. Ten years ago he swept down onto the free provinces, imprisoned the strongest lords, and killed the king. Dun Caer is one of the last free provinces. There are still the horse lords in their western mountains and a resistance movement but it is weak. Soon he will sweep over Dun Caer and there will be nothing left."

"If it's so inevitable, why fight him?"

"He is the death of all hope." Rua's eyes blazed. “I come from Dun Tyrnas, where bards are trained and live before assignment to the lords of the provinces. We made ballads and spread them through the countryside. Our taunts infuriated him. He could never catch us at it,” her eyes sparkled and a militant air filled the room. Then she turned grave and her mouth twisted.

“
Rhysin’s forces came in and destroyed Tyrnas, the jewel of song. They burned the bard's school, smashed the instruments and to keep it secret they killed everyone."

"You don't have to go on, “Ariana said.

Rua ignored Ariana; her eyes black pits looking back.

"I had gone on my first master's journey with my new lute. I arrived home a week after the massacre. Smoke fouled the air. I rushed home.” Rua stood abruptly and looked at Ariana.

"Do you know what they did to him? To my Tuan, who could charm the birds out of the trees with his voice? They ripped out his tongue, blinded him and left him for dead. I found him. He died in my arms. I think I lost my mind then. I fled, hid in the forest with only the clothes on my back and after a while I found myself here." She gripped the lute until the wood protested. Rua gentled her grip stroking the wood in apology taking a deep breath.