the Leathermines

Back to Chapter 28 - The beginning of the Chronicles of the Midlands starts with the First chapter of The Slave Warrior

 

The Harvest Moon was full and red.  It looked like it wanted to take up half the night sky.

There had been harvests thruout the Summer, but the big grain harvest and the apple harvest were coming to a peak.  There would still be work, in the fields, in the streams, in the woods.  Tonight, the only thing being harvested was debauchery.

Fires were spread as far as the watch on the top of the Salam-Dir keep could see.  Each was a small gathering, a party that would flow and ebb to the next fire under the red moon.  Song could be heard drifting up to the walkway, the protectors on duty wishing their relief would get there early, their reliefs knowing they would be late.

A touch of chill was in the air that night, the fires not just for companionable light.  Capes and ale were openly shared between many.  It had been a hard week of work and through the tiredness, most were playing hard.

Clothing had started to come off even before the evening meal had come to a close, the Great Hall having several secreted studded oranges appear, leading to faces in cleavage within a few passes.  On Lady Hellon’s Hill, the scene was similar and even the soldiers opened their tents for guests of any kind.

Laun sat among the third group of people she had come across since leaving the Great Hall in the keep, laughing and enjoying watching those around her.  She accepted kisses and gropes willingly, though knew that night was not going to be as free for her body as many around her.

It was a blood moon for Laun.

Laun made her way through the groups, spending time with each, seeing some of the same faces, some different as she moved from place to place.  She felt welcome, honored at each stop.  She was in some pain from her first monthly bleed since the birth and took it slow, resting more than many may have known as she laughed with her people.

The moon was touching the Western horizon when she made it back to the keep.    One of the fires in the Great Hall had gone down to just the glow of embers, the other being poked randomly by people talking over their drinks.  Laun touched shoulders, was offered and accepted kisses and then went on.  She was tired and felt that she had neglected her babies for far too long.

They were awake, Ali playing her tin whistle for them as she looked after them.  Evan was the only other person in the tower room, reading one of the books from the Hawkwell Manor by lamplight.

Laun pulled her long tunic off and Evan helped to take her boots off.  She left her knives strapped to her as she took the babies one by one to nurse and hold.  Her back hurt, her feet hurt, but it was to be expected.

Laun climbed into bed, a clean pad of fabric strips held between her legs by a loincloth and a cloth put under her to save the bedding.  Ali crawled in with her, her muscled arms going around her Lady as they spooned under the covers.  Laun felt the push of Ali’s belly in her back.  The pressure and warmth was welcome.  Knowing that the stablehand chose to be with her that night, even with the blood, made Laun happy.

The light never was extinguished, Evan reading and taking the watch for the night and greeting those who came to the room.  There had been signs along the barrier that someone had been testing the defenses.  There was always a chance there was someone within the walls that was not supposed to be there, however unlikely.  Everyone was taking watches until further notice, even within the keep it’s self.

Early morning came, Laun hearing the sounds of snoring and other body sounds around her as she woke.  Her cramping had not woken her, but as soon as she moved, she wished she hadn’t.  There was a pain that shot through her from back to front.  She recognized and remembered it, not with any fondness.  It was one of those things that was not truly a tradeoff for when pregnant, but it still hurt.

Laun pushed herself up to the head of the bed, the only disturbance with those around her being the flow of their bodies in the void she had left.  Her innards flared as she looked around her, the peace of sleep outside her as it felt as though a fight was going on inside her.  A sleepy hand reached for her and she knew she had to move before being drawn back under the covers.

One of the soldiers was leaning against the doorframe, obviously trying to stay awake as he blocked the open doorway with his body.  He roused when Laun started to climb out of the bed, his head popping up and his eyes opening at the noise.  He stood at attention until Laun made a sloppy salute to him and grabbed a tunic that was on the arm of one of the chairs in the corner.

He followed her as she went to the privy, taking advantage of the trip himself after Laun came out.  It was early, as was usual for Laun.  She headed up the tower, past her room and all the way to the walkway at the top of the castle and keep.

The morning was misty and cloudy.  The walkway was above the shrouded trees and Laun could see the morning colors in the clouds overhead.  The Protectors on the walkway nodded and went back to walking along the length of the corridor below.

It would be a slow day for people.  The gatherings would have gone on for most of the night, many people getting to sleep about the time Laun was starting to rouse.  The construction scaffolding had changed, from the tower to the top of the Great Hall, and Laun was wondering how much ale the Masons had imbibed the night before.

Laun and the Private made their way back down and to the kitchens.  There was a stockpot steaming on one low burning hearth but no one to tend it.  Laun had help from the soldier with putting more water in the pot and bringing a full pot of water to the same hearth, stoking the fire for hot water later.

They both grabbed some of the trencher bread from the night before and chewed on the dark bread as Laun led the way through and to the gardens.  The Protector on watch waved to them as they came out and turned back to watching the mist covered trees beyond the cleared swath.

Laun was checking on the progress the masons and carpenters were having in the rose arbor.  After seeing what could be done in such a short amount of time at Nestwood, Laun wanted to get the small catchbasin restored and the roses replanted to make the arbor a place of beauty and solace in the keep.  She saw that the roses had been severely cut back, the trellis and supports taken out to show the true damage that had been hidden under vines and dirt for years.

Lonn was overseeing the project himself.  His tools were alongside a piece of stone that was being shaped into the basin that would go into the alcove.  Laun had told him of the fish in the ceramic and glass and she could now see that there were fine tracings on the surface of the stone that would be fish shaped when finished.

That brought a smile to her face.  With so many things pointing to war again, the thought of a fish in her arbor made Laun happy.

An eye was cast over the vegetables and other things growing in the garden as Laun went back through.  She noted what looked like it was about ready to be harvested, what could be replanted, and was already thinking of the tent to be put up for over the winter.

She did not trust that the barrier wall would hold anyone out past the first snowfall.  That was months away, but the planning had to come soon.  The tent had weathered the winter, only a few mishaps that had to be dealt with.  Laun thought she remembered one of the support poles needing to be replaced.  She had to bring it up at meeting that morning.

More small stops along the way and Laun felt as though she had been productive before most people had been awake.  She came back into the tower room and nursed the babies, liking that they were starting to sleep through most of the night.  It was going to be soon for actual food, though she hoped that, if Tiss was any indication, that they did not have the growth spurt that real food seemed to give the babies.

Sleepy people were drawing themselves from the bed.  A few started to do stretches, preparing for the wake-up exercise that Laun had instilled into them.  Others moved and took up the spaces that had been vacated, changing positions and pillows.  Laun changed the second baby and held Ash as she started with the others in front of the window.

The first people moving chose the form for that morning.  It was a simple open hand form, one with a balance form that a few people knew.  Laun only partially did the form, but critically watched those around her.  They were all good, all flowing and concentrating through the early morning fog in their brains.  The soldier who had been her guard and escort joined, moving just inside the doorway as he caught the motions.

Laun used the excuse of Ash to not do the full motions, the full routine.  She had already overdid some that morning, according to the cramps that were telling her to sit down.  She would not let her body tell her what to do, but she was learning to listen.  Holding Ash as she moved, little happy sounds were coming out of the baby and it made several of those around her smile.  Sable had fallen back asleep after being changed, Ash wide awake.  Laun liked feeling the weight of the baby in her arms and was seeing more and more personality in her.

People started begging off from doing more of the form, bringing it to an end.  Laun saw the small groups form, the ones that needed to get to work, the ones who wanted to talk amongst themselves.  Laun sat again and bounced Ash on her lap as those who were going to leave the room did.

The relationships were constantly changing.  Laun saw and understood that.  She even expected it.  The people who chose to sleep with her, be with her, changed.  After coming back from Nestwood, Laun found more of the women wished to be with her.  Almost half of those who had been there when she woke had been women, and all of the people in the actual bed had been women, mostly the Protectors.

The information, and gifts, that the women had been able to get had been useful, though Launs’ prime mission had been her own focus on the noble who had taken Nestwood, and had been successful.  Scout patrols had seen and followed troops from Nestwood to a day’s ride South, reporting that the men seemed a mixture of happy to be going home and unhappy that they may not be paid for the months they had been training.  Laun smiled thinking of how well it had gone, but also having some regret at misleading Erin some to get her way.

Laun thought of the messages that she had sent to Dreng as soon as they had returned from Nestwood.  She wanted him to know about the information before Falmir.  Her father was reactionary and with the other scuffles in the Midlands, seeing a Brigade of Rosemond troops moving through the Kingdom might have caused more problems.  Grandfather would be able to tell Falmir how to deal with things, and Falmir might actually listen.  Laun had missed Hunter while he was gone, but he had volunteered to be messenger, again.

The room was down to just a few people.  Laun looked around and knew it was time to go to the Great Hall.  Time to greet people and the morning.  Time to break bread and eat with her family before going on with the business of the day.

It was louder in the Great Hall than Laun was expecting.  There had not been as much actual drinking the night before and heads were clearer than after many other celebratory gatherings.  There were a few who were nursing pained heads, but they gathered at one end of the room, trying to empathize with each other without creating more pain.

Laun had a mug of warm cider in her hand as she came into the Great Hall.  It was unexpected and delicious.  She greeted people as she went to the center of the room, the babies and their basket placed to become her base, her pivot point for the morning meeting.  Most who were going to be there were.  Laun stood and turned, looking at faces, remembering names, remembering what needed to be discussed.

There was quiet as she turned, catching eyes and bringing focus to her.

“The night was good for you?”  There were voices that called out, “Aye!” or “Yes!” all around her.  Laun smiled and continued turning.  “The moon was full and the fires were high.  It was a good night to celebrate the harvest.”

Laun had a cramp go through her and stopped turning.  She raised her leg and leaned against a bench, taking a swig of the warm cider to cover.  “Thank you, whoever gave me the cider.  There is a chill in the air and the warmth is good.”

More people were coming in, shuffling into those already there.  Laun raised her mug to them and they waved.  “For me, because the harvest is going well, but is not done, I have two things that I am hoping that can be fit in between bringing in the grain.  The tent we used last winter worked well, providing a training and gathering space for when we were snowed in.  If I remember correctly, one of the main posts has a crack in it.  There may also be a few rips in the canvas.  The tent should be looked at and repaired as needed.”

A hand went up and Laun nodded to the man.  “If we need to replace one pole, we should probably replace them all.  They were all made at the same time, I think.”

Laun raised an eyebrow and nodded.  “Make sure it gets done.”  There was laughter as his hand went to his head, knowing he was trapped by his own actions.

There was a flash of light that caught Laun’s attention as she turned.  Her head went up and a hole was in the roof.  She pointed and several people moved as some pieces came down.  “Lonn!  What the hell-?”

Many of the Masons were in the room, Lonn not being one of them.  “We need help with the roofwork, Highness.  The timbers were not as sturdy as we thought.  If we...  Could we have the carpenters help...  I think we can get the point work done in a day so that we can get the roof back solid before the next storm comes through.”  The man seemed embarrassed with having to ask for help from their rivals.

“Meet us on the walkway and we will see what is needed.”  Not as smug as Laun thought it might have been, but the Master carpenter had a smile on his face as Laun nodded to both of the craftsmen.

Several other concerns were brought up, mostly on transport of some of the building supplies out to the site Senri had chosen for a small hut of a house on the land outside of the barrier.  Crap Pits had already been started along the stretch of road that now was on the Lieutenant’s land, but he wanted to have an actual place to call home, even if it were as humble as a farmer’s hut.  The thought of a trading post was brought up and many people liked it, though having peace first was needed.

The meeting spontaneously broke up as they usually did.  Laun brought the babies to the fire with the other mothers and made the children nurse, even though they were not really hungry.  Laun’s breasts were tender, but felt better after she had nursed some.  She offered and another baby was latched on and fed as the mothers talked some.

The harvest was most of the talk.  Where they were going to work that day, who was to be the one to sit with the babies as the rest worked.  Laun had drawn duty at the barrier across the main road.  Edgar had not wanted her to even volunteer for guard duty, but she felt that It was needed to show that everyone was working, had to work.

The group broke up a bit and Laun went to the laundry to see if the pack was dry yet.  It was something she had asked for from the skilled needleworkers of the household.  A way for her to carry the babies as she went around the land without breaking the basket they had been in.  Sable went in the front, Ash went in the back.  It worked, but the last time she had used it, she had not gotten to the babies in time and everything needed to be cleaned.  Everything.

The pack was dry enough.  She was strapped in, the babies were strapped in and Laun headed out to the wall on Grace.

It was not a hard duty.  There were four others on the wall, all used to the boredom of the watch.  A new person to talk to was well received, and the conversation turned to the mission at Nestwood almost immediately.  The things that were accomplished, and how.  The talk turned slightly lewd, and Laun was happy to encourage some of it by talking about what all the people who had gone in to get and give information had done.  There was some prodding about what she had done in Nestwood, and Laun outright blushed and shook her head, giving no more than sketchy details of what had happened between she and Erin Bedral a month before.  Laun did not want to hold back anything, but felt some details had to be kept to those who already knew so that others would not feel badly about themselves.  She did not like to compare the men in her life, but she knew that if she mentioned Erin and his manhood that they would think she was exaggerating.

Workers went out with carts of tools and supplies, the barrow with privy waste in it given a large space around it as it was pushed through the gap in the protective wall.  The gap was left open and the horses that had been brought with the watch were placed on a hobble in the flourishing grass on the other side.

It was a lazy watch for the morning and into the afternoon.  There was a call from the workers that one of the others heard.  The call was repeated back to make sure as those behind the wall looked over the edge to see.  Confirmation came and a small dust plume was pointed out by one of the Protectors.

The gap was left, but the horses were brought in.  One of the Protectors in the dark green stood in the shade of the large, sharpened logs and waited for the person who was riding towards them.  The Rosemond colors and uniform was visible before anyone noticed that the rider was slumped in the saddle.

He fell into the arms of the protectors, dried blood on his arm scraping off on his saddle.  Laun looked at the face through the bruises and saw who it was.

“Captain!  What happened?”

He tried to talk, but the most he could do was moan.  Birdcalls were made and then the busted pot they used as a warning bell was struck.  Water was poured over the officer’s lips, reviving him slightly.  Birdcalls were coming back to them, signals for alert sounding throughout the Salam-Dir lands.

Laun had the man stripped enough to see that his arm had been slashed, his wrist not working properly.  The water brought him around, the pain making him close his eyes tightly whenever he was moved.

“Hign... Highness.  She moved against...  Send help.”

Launs mind raced.  They knew the troops had been out of Nestwood.  Lady Engrid would have known that too.  She started to make plans, needed to talk to Edgar and Senri.  Needed to have the healers here with the injured and go out with squads.  Needed to keep the walls guarded, the patrols moving.

The workers from Senri’s hut signaled again.  More people, possibly armed.  Moving slow.  Laun had a signal sent to escort them in.  The hurt and tired men were walking their horses, if they had one.  The Salam-Dir people were around them but did not look like they thought the men were a threat.

A threat.  Laun checked on the babies under the tree and then stepped to the gap.  One of the Rosemond soldiers saw her and made an attempt to salute.  Laun called out, “Check for the scar!” as the men came within distance.

There was some confusion, a few of the soldiers objecting at first, but all of them were checked for the scar that all the assassins Laun had ever seen had at the side of their neck.  It was part of one of the standard rites of passage and a way for those who knew to spot danger.

None of that scar was found, though new scars were going to form on all of the men.  Horses started to come to the barrier from the keep, help arriving to deal with the hurt men, even if they were still considered enemy.

Kell was the first healer there.  The workers had brought some of the materials back and had erected a partial structure against the barrier, sheaves of grass hastily cut to make a roof to shade the men as they lay on the gravel.  Everyone at the wall had experience in triage, being able to tell who needed the help first.  The men who were still bleeding were looked at and treated, then the ones that could wait were told they would be taken into the lands.

Captain Hinds had a splint put on his arm to support his broken wrist.  The slash had already scabbed over and just a wrap of torn cloth was put on it just to keep it clean.  The bruising on his face showed some good strikes had landed, a possible broken nose and cheekbone under the dark purple swelling.  He was much more aware, and willing to talk to only Laun.

They were under the tree inside the barrier, the babies wiggling on a cloth on the ground next to Laun.  One of the Protectors stood behind the Rosemond officer while Laun sat, her legs cris-crossed and attentive to the man.

“It looked like one of the standard supply drops.  We let them in and they attacked.  I was still there with his excellency, deciding if he was just going to go home.  Our squad and the servants were no match.”  He put his hand towards Laun and said, “Highness, they were almost all women.  They pulled these wicked looking blades from the supplies and went through most of us.”

Laun nodded.  She did not wish to ask what was on her mind, but had to.  “Did they kill his Excellency?”

He shook his head, but it was not a happy voice as he said, “I don’t know.  They pulled back after they had gone through the keep.  I heard something about they were done punishing him.”

Laun nodded.  She wanted to climb onto Grace and start towards the Nestwood.  She knew it would happen, but the squad needed to be put together, the support-

“Highness...”  He swallowed and looked like he was about to faint.  “I did not know where else to go.”  His head went back and his body went slack.

Laun swore under her breath.  She looked at the babies beside her and then up to the Protector standing as her guard.  “Will this never end?”  He shrugged.

The men were brought into the Midland’s soldiers encampment, the mess tent being turned into an infirmary.  Each of the men were interviewed, each seeming to be who they said they were.  They were under guard as the healers did what they could.  Senri was unhappy about having enemy combatants in his camp, but there really wasn’t anywhere else to put them.

Nan was there in the Great Hall, waiting.  She took the babies and put them in with Tiss in a small area of the Great Hall blocked off with benches.  Her attitude was one of business, of duty and Laun did not have to tell her thank you, though she did put her hand on the Protector’s arm before trotting to the tower.

Word spread quickly through the household of the men, and why they were there.  Silar was pulling Laun’s weapons and holsters as Gem was folding the red and black dress before pushing it into a saddlebag.  Laun held out her feet and the boots were pulled and Evan was cleaning them without words said.  Hazalam was the only one of the assassins that was not there.

Laun was dressed in riding clothes, the first time she had tried on the brown leather pants since she had asked for them.  They were a little stiff, but no stiffer than the jerkin she had on over a new dark green tunic.  The sword belt with the sword Laun had received from Lord Vami was strapped on, boot knives readied.  Socks and the clean boots were pushed on and Laun grabbed the saddlebags, her people trailing behind her.

A small stop to talk to Geralk in the library about messages that had to be sent out right then to the Capitol and Laun headed down to the Great Hall.  People saw Laun coming and either got out of the way or joined her.

Laun was not waiting.  The babies were being taken care of.  The household would be protected.  Laun pointed at people as she went, many of them dropping what they were doing and followed without asking.

Laun wished she had Thunder, but Hunter had the charger.  She gave Ali a full body hug and kiss and leapt onto Grace, calling behind her that she was going to the soldier’s encampment first, to meet her there.

Fount was on the road, running towards the keep.  Laun shouted to him she was going to the encampment and he nodded, running faster to get a horse for himself.  The guard at the gate saluted and took the lead of the horse as Laun went to find Senri.

The Lieutenant and Edgar were in conference outside the mess tent.  Laun held out her hands and they both took one.  She waited until they finished their last words before telling them what she wanted.  They looked at each other before nodding.

“I will stay here, Highness.  I think I am the only one of the company who has any experience with prisoners.”

Laun leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.  “Thank you, Lieutenant.  Treat them as honored enemies.  Keep them separate, keep them healing.  Get the men I need to the main road barrier as soon as you can.”

Senri saluted and did not wait for a return before turning and starting to call out orders.  Laun felt tension in Edgar’s hand and tugged him into an embrace.  It was good to feel his arms around her, for both of them.

“I am coming with you.”

Laun nodded into his chest.  “I wouldn’t expect less.  Fount I think is getting a mount for himself.  If we pass the word-”

Edgar kissed the top of her head.  “Already done, My Lady Love.”

“Good.”  Laun looked up and found concern in his eyes, but also a pride she had not seen before.  She had seen love and passion.  She had seen contempt and hate.  She had seen distance.  She was not expecting to see pride.

Soldiers around them started to run to get what had been ordered of them done.  Edgar motioned with his head and they started for the gate of the encampment.  Household members were waiting in the road for Laun, taking the time to check the tack and supplies on the horses.  Laun mounted up and waited, making sure everyone had time to mount before kneeing Grace down the road.

Laun wanted to talk to the people with her before the soldiers had a chance to catch up.  They stopped at the barrier and they gathered around their leader, their Princess.

“I do not know what we will find, other than bodies.  Consider this a rescue mission, but we will be putting people into the ground as we did last year.  It is an unfamiliar place to most of us, but even though it has been in the hands of the enemy, treat it with respect, treat the bodies with respect.  We are going there after an attack.  We have to think that there may be trouble there, or even on the road.  If we find the Baron alive, he is an ally.”  Laun pointed at Lucaris and said, “You are with us as healer, and as shaman.  I place the burden of helping the spirits we will have to inter through the darkness on you.”

Lucaris nodded as many others around her did.  The soldiers were riding up, not polished, but prepared.  Laun started for Grace and the rest of the people mounted.

Twenty-two people on twenty two horses went out of the gap in the barrier.  Laun took point for the first part, mostly because she needed to move, to get to Nestwood as soon as she could.  It was mid-afternoon as they sped the horses from Salam-Dir.

They stopped at measured times to rest themselves and the horses.  Laun was not used to the leathers, but liked the protection they gave from random branches, even if she was sweating more into them than she thought she should have been.  She had to change her bleed rags each time they stopped, Gem having thought for her Mistress to bring them.  They all drank lots of water, going through all the potable water in skins by the time the sun had set and the sky was black.  They had pushed and no one said they needed to stop for the night as they went on in the dark, their only light the just past full moon overhead.

It was slower going, but before midnight they were on the bridge over the river to Nestwood.  Laun expected some sort of nervous or angry energy from Fount, but he rode across and up the path quiet as any of them.

Bodies were dark lumps on the ground in the area between the path and the gate.  The horses shied away from the shapes, the sounds of flies and animals coming to them in the dark.  A few lanterns had been brought and they were lit, the flint and steel sparking brightly before the wicks took.

Nothing was to be done for those outside the keep.  Laun pointed and said, “Sweep to his bedchamber,” Gem and Evan running inside with one of the lamps.  Laun pointed and said, “Perimeter,” and half the soldiers led by Silar and Hazalam started off.

The smell was not as overwhelming as it had been when they had come back to Salam-Dir.  There was still a quality to it that brought back the horror to Laun.  She felt the darkness try to rise in her, to tell her that she had more people killed just to satisfy her need for a fuck.  She closed her eyes and felt tears coming down her face.  She shook her head and opened her eyes to the moonlit night, willing the voice back to it’s depths.

Wood was being dragged from the trees, a fire in the gravel clearing being made for light, and to signal to any survivors that there was help.  Laun heard Lucaris’ voice start chanting, welcoming and directing the spirits of the dead clinging to the area to go through the darkness and into the light.  The horses were being quickly brushed down, the salt and sweat being taken from them before sores could develop.

Laun wanted to be searching.  She did not know what would be found, but she needed to look.  She could not.  She stayed at the fire and directed people as they came back, numbers of dead, but no sign of Erin in their reports.  The keep was cleared, bodies found, but no sign of the Baron.  The glass in the bathing chamber had been shattered in one of the large frames, one of the men saying that it looked like it was pushed out, not in.

There was a glimmer of hope in Laun that Erin had escaped through his precious bathing chamber, though it did not seem to Laun that he would run from anything.  If he was outside, he may have been injured and had gone to ground on the lands.  Laun looked around into the darkness outside the firelight and felt helpless.

“More fires.  Make a fire and then search the area.  Move along and make another fire.  If there are any survivors, I hope that they see that and he comes out of hiding.”

Fount heard the slip.  He had a flash of anger, the heat of jealousy go through him.  He took a deep breath and turned, helping the men who were moving the bodies carry yet another heavy body to the line by the trees.  He did not want to think of what she had done here.  In his home, with another man.  But, she had turned this Baron, had made him send the troops away and change the future.  Fount respected her for that.

They all were getting tired.  They had ridden hard, many not having a full nights sleep after the harvest moon.  Laun found she was wavering on her feet and could not stay awake any longer.  She pulled the blanket from the saddle next to Grace and drew it out on the ground before putting her head on the saddle.  She did not even bother to undo the sword belt.  Laun did not know it could have been dangerous laying next to the horses, but she was tired, and Grace lay down next to her, her velvety nose pushing at her a few times before nodding off to sleep a while herself.

Mist was heavy when Laun opened her eyes again.  She heard a few snores and the crackle of a well tended fire.  Grace had walked off a little ways, one of the other horses and she nibbling on grasses along the verge into the woods.  Laun felt not only her monthly cramps, but her neck and back generally complaining about sleeping on the ground.  She moved, pushing another horse blanket off of her and her arm going across someone wrapped in a cape next to her.  Fount was on one side of her, Edgar on the other.  Laun looked and saw that Gem had put herself on the other side of the saddle and Silar was at her feet.

The soldier at the fire was putting another branch on the flame, keeping it high even with the morning light starting to come through the heavy air.  He made a nod of a salute to Laun as she walked up, a shrug when she asked with her hands what was happening.

Laun started to walk the edge of the woods.  She needed to pee and there was no use going into the keep when she could do it outside.  It took her hands a few minutes to undo the buckles and straps that kept her in the leathers, her hands showing signs of swelling in their stiffness.  She had to keep the bleed rag and loincloth from falling to the ground as she squatted, but the slightly awkward position she had leaning on a treetrunk was worth it for the relief she felt.

It took a while to get her back together again.  She was not quite awake and fatigued after struggling with her clothing.  She still was not sure why she had to wear clothing most of the time, and this was one of them.  She stood and leaned against a tree, gathering her thoughts for the morning, listening to the woods around her through the mist.  That thick of an air can distort sound and Laun was trying to pick out the horses and her people from the sleepy bird and animal noises.  It was peaceful and Laun stood there, the morning turning grey around her, for quite a while.

A stick snapped.  Laun did not move, she held her breath.  A small shuffle to her left in the trees.  A pause and then another movement.  No sounds of animal breathing, searching for early morning food.  Laun fought the urge to draw a blade.  If it was Erin or another survivor, meeting them with weapons would not set them at ease.

Laun breathed in and said quietly, “Hoy.  Who goes?”

The movement stopped.  Laun heard the scrape of something on a treetrunk.  “Baron Erin Bedral.  Who are you?”

Laun smiled as she said, “You could forget me so soon?”

There was a sound that Laun heard relief and pain in.  She went towards the sound, into the woods, and found Erin leaning against one of the trees.  Laun held out her hands, palm up to him as she approached.  He saw her and held out one of his hands, taking hers in his.

There was an arm around Laun and he pressed his face into her hair.  “Of all the people to come.”  He was tired and in pain.

“Captain Hinds and some of his men made it to Salam-Dir yesterday.  We came-”

He had sobbed, holding her closer.  “I saw the fires in the night but I didn’t know it was you.  I thought they had come back to finish the job.”

Laun had to talk into his shoulder.  “They left.  We have not seen anyone else alive on the grounds.  I think they did that to break you, to punish you for turning against her excellency.”

She felt him nod.  “I fucking hate her.”

Laun smiled.  She pushed away from him slightly and looked into his face, the shadow of morning not the only darkness on his features.  “We have a healer with us.  I was hoping you...  That you had escaped.”

She saw a smile and then a grimace.  “No one from Rosemond would have done this.  Thank you.”  He pulled her up with his arm and kissed her.

It was a good kiss, though somewhat unpleasant for Laun with the several day old breath Erin had.  She dealt with it and helped him hobble to the gravel.  A call went out and there was movement and then feet on gravel.

It did not take long for everyone to be woken.  Lucaris looked after the leg wound on Erin as details from the attack were confirmed from the report the Captain had given them.  Laun started to think and knew what she wanted to do, but had to wait.  She needed to get to Falmir, to Dreng, so that she could tell them in person what was going on.  To see what she would be able to do for the Kingdom.  To see if she could track down Lady Engrid and hold her accountable for what she had done, and not just at Nestwood.

Fount knew where the burial grounds were.  He was holding his tongue about putting enemy bodies in his families land, but then smirked as he thought that it had been enemy against enemy that had brought them down.  Areas were marked off for those to be planted and with the mist of morning around them, they started to dig.

Edgar stayed at Laun’s side.  He knew he wanted to be there to protect her, to see how this Rosemond noble would treat her.  She was different around this Baron, it was subtle, but Edgar was not sure what it was.  It was not fear, it was not love.  He had seen both in her before, even directed at him.  There was a stillness in her that her Love saw and finally put a name to when she withdrew her hand from the Barons when he grabbed for her.  Duty.

“Will you stay with me now?”  Laun’s head snapped around when Erin spoke.

“I came to see if you and yours were well.  I will not be staying, Erin.”  Laun went back to squeezing out the bloody water from the cloth before handing it to the shaman.

“But you came to me.  You will stay.”

Those around Laun knew her, except for the Baron.  Glances at her as she breathed in and set her shoulders let them know she was not pleased, though her calm face and voice would not have told others from outside.

Laun turned and he saw a glint in her eye and a bland smile on her face.  “Your excellency, I came with my people to assist you.  We are allies and as an ally, my hand and sword are offered freely to help.  Do not think that by coming back that I have accepted your offer.”

Erin wanted to say something angry in response, but Lucaris poked at the wound she was attending which changed his mind of saying anything at all.  He wanted to know if she would be with him again.  Would she be at his side?  Did she feel anything for him as he was finding he felt for her?

Laun could see that he was feeling more for her than she could for him.  She had taken the time away from him to think about how he stood in her mass of people she knew, had relationships with.  Even with the attack from Blue Master, he was still an enemy, still someone who had been in the plot against the Kingdom, against her.  The striking blue eyes that reminded her so much of Ithian drew her to look at him again, but he was not Ithian.  Even Ithian was not as close to her as she might have liked because of the treacheries she knew had happened.

The stores of the keep were raided for food, peaches picked from the trees in the garden.  As the bodies were brought out of the keep, a few people prepared a meal.  As the bodies were stripped of valuables, water was brought out for humans and horses.  As the bodies were placed under the dirt, trenchers and plates were found and readied.

Laun could not but cry.  The sight of all the bodies, of all the death, brought feelings and memories forward that she had not wanted to acknowledge.  Lucaris chanted and blessed the men as the dirt went over them.  Fount held one of Laun’s hands, Edgar having a strong hand on Laun’s shoulder and an arm draped around the younger man.  Fount briefly put his hand in Edgars before dropping it to his swordbelt.

Several of the people who were at the burial saw the protective and loving action between the men.  It was the first time they had shown such to each other outside of the bedroom, catching several by surprise.  Laun saw but did not see it for what it was through her tears until she thought about it later.  She just knew that they were steady and supporting.

Erin was helped back to the keep.  A staff of a sapling helped to steady him, but one of the soldiers had the nobles’ arm around him for actual strength.  He was put on a log that had been dragged from the woods and handed a plate of food.  They all ate and were quiet.

There were questions Laun had to have answered.  She watched Erin and made sure he had most of the food in him before asking, “What happened to Derrik?”

Erin stopped eating and put the plate on the ground.  Laun saw his face change through disgust and fear and sadness.  “He lived for a day.  Would not say anything, even after we found the knife you told us to look for.  Somehow, he got ahold of a dagger and took his own life.”

Laun nodded, as did several others.  “They are trained to do so.  Where is his body?  I didn’t see it with the other graves…?”

Erin motioned towards the river with his head.  “Dumped his body below the bridge.  I did not feel he was worth anything but fish food.”

“Did you keep the knife?”

Erin shook his head and then looked concerned when Laun’s face became grim.  “I wanted nothing to do with it.  I would not have it in my home.”

Laun saw Fount slightly turn away.  She sighed and said, “I understand.  The taint of something like that can be unbearable.  I’m just sorry I did not have a chance to look at it, first.”

Erin shrugged.  “It was a badly jeweled thing, the onyx pommel you had described surrounded by a strange collection of other jewels.  Strange that he...had. it.”

Erin stopped talking when he saw Laun’s hand over her face.  Several of the Salam-Dir people knew what it meant and closed their eyes briefly.  “He had a royal warrant, could have killed you at any time without repercussions.”

Erin’s face scrunched up.  “How would you know that?”

Laun pulled the flap from over one of her boot knives, showing the assassin’s blade to all there.  “Because I have one, too.”

He looked at the blade, even after the black leather was pushed back over it.  He looked up at Launs eyes and quietly said, “Just knowing...”

Laun nodded.  She sighed.  “It would also have been proof of his being here to keep you in line.  To keep you working for her plan.”

Erin snorted and turned away slightly.  “Fucking bitch.  Powermad fucking bitch.”

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far, but I have been called worse.”

The Baron looked at Laun, puzzled for a moment but joined in the laughter that came from those around him.  “Highness-no.  My Aunt.”

Laun smiled.  “I know.  She’s the one that has called me worse.”  She raised a glass of water to him and drank.

Plates and trenchers were being collected, most people done with what they had been given.  Laun felt guilty for taking a whole peach for herself, but bit in and savored the juiciness and the flavor.  She did not know if she would ever have one again and she wanted to remember every bite.  Erin smiled and then glowed as Laun closed her eyes and made little moans as she sucked the juice from the fruit.

There was quiet around her and Laun opened her eyes to others staring at her.  She turned red, but did not stop eating the fuzzy fruit in her hand.  She swallowed and said, “It’s a peach!”

There was laughter and those who did not know were told behind hands about Laun’s dancer name.  Another round of chortles went through the group and Laun smiled.

Edgar took the lead in starting to pack up the things they had brought, clearing the area of their presence.  He turned to the Baron and took a moment, gauging the man sitting on the log.  “Will you stay here, or will you come with us?”

There was a glance towards the burial grounds before Erin said, “I have no idea how to live on my own.  There are repairs that need to be done that I cannot do.  I can’t stay here.”  Erin looked up at Edgar.  “I will have to ask for shelter on your lands, Lord Salam-Dir.”

There were a few hoots of laughter, a few people who sucked in their breaths.  Fount turned bright red and Edgar looked down and away from Laun.  “Your Excellency, our Lady shares her titles with no one.”

Laun stepped so that she was standing between Fount and Edgar, taking a hand from each as she faced Erin.  “I am heir to the throne of the Midlands.  I cannot marry without relinquishing that.”

He was confused.  “I thought your reluctance to stay with me was because of your Lord.  The children-”  His eye went to Fount and he was more confused.  “You used me.”

Laun shook her head and shrugged.  “Erin,” her quiet voice flowed over them all, “I may not have turned your advances away, but I did not make the first move when I was here with you.  Considering my pain as I rode back to my lands, I think you used me as much as I used you.”

There was a hiss from one of the soldiers, smacked quiet from one of the men next to him.  Gem had the attention of many as she signed an explanation, eyes going wide and not believing her.  Laun nodded and she felt Edgar’s hand tighten around hers.

Fount spoke, not looking at anyone in particular and taking many by surprise with his strength of voice.  “My Lady has been her own person and treats us all as she wishes to be treated.  If you had not pleased her, she would not have left you alive, let alone come to your rescue.”

“I did not need rescuing!” Erin yelled as he tried to rise to his feet.  He did not get far and his face turned red from embarrassment and pain.

Silar was the next to speak as he stepped to beside Edgar.  “Your excellency, if you do not wish our Lady’s help, I will be happy to help her mount her palfrey to leave you here.”  There were mumbled agreements thruout the group, Salam-Dir and military alike.

Erin looked around and saw the fierce loyalty that Laun had from all of her people.  He frowned for a moment but held up his hands, palm towards Laun.  “I need the help, the hospitality more than I need to claim power I do not have.  Please accept my apologies at my words.  I will not do it again.”

Laun stepped forward, her hands being dropped by her men.  She tilted her head and held out one of her hands to him.  “Erin, there are many differences in how my household runs to how many are.  You will find that there are traps hiding where you would not expect them.”  Laun smiled at a snicker she heard from the group.  “Look for them, but I have a feeling that you are pig-headed enough not to see them until you are face down in one.  Just be aware that as long as you are under my roof, you will be held accountable and treated as one of my own.”

Another hiss started, soon joined by several others.  Laun looked down slightly and Erin could see a pinkening to her tan.  He held out his own hand to her and took hers, kissing the knuckles before holding it to his forehead.  “As you wish, Highness.”

Laun nodded and let him hold her hand as she stood there.  She turned and asked, “Were there any horses left in the stables?”

There were shakes of heads, one of the Privates saying, “It looks like they took as much with them as possible, Laun.  Even a sheep pen was emptied and closed when we found it.”

Laun nodded.  She pointed and said, “Evan, help our guest through the keep and help him pack a chest.  You two, go with them.”  Laun turned and broke the hand hold between them.  She held her hand out again, but as a hand up.

Erin took the hand, the hand up changing to a warriors grip.  “Thank you.”

The tiring trip back to the Salam-Dir lands ends in Chapter 30