Brezen

Claire walked through the camp the next day, arm in arm with Tamara. Their night together, crying, falling asleep side by side, had become a bonding experience she never realized how much she needed. Especially at a time like this. Now it felt like they'd been friends for ages. An unexpected but welcome comfort. Nearly a week had passed without Desaree and Saffra.

Tamara had filled a hole that her closest friends created.

Their morning was a rushed one. A meager breakfast of potage and bacon, a few words in the tent with Jovari and Koldis, messengers coming and going at every moment. It didn't take long for Tamara to insist they get some fresh air. Talon's Shields were quick to agree, probably for a break from her dour mood.

Six guards trailed them, keeping a safe distance for privacy. The camp was large enough to house nearly three hundred people. In the daylight, the once-white tents now appeared browned with dirt. They made sharp points against Claire's line of sight. Each was perhaps big enough for two—ideal for mates.

Tamara took on the responsibility of ushering her about. It soon became clear that this was anything but a simple quest for fresh air. She was introduced to everyone they met. Person after person. Pair after pair. Soon she was all but groaning with protests.

"It is important they see your face," Tamara explained the moment she voiced a complaint. "Seeing you boosts their morale. Shows that they matter. That what they lost matters."

Put in those terms, it made absolute sense. Still, she frowned "Don't you think it's ironic?"

"How so?" Tamara asked, shielding her gaze from the crisp sunlight overhead.

"I'm an outsider. Why should I elicit anything more than fear and distrust from Dragonwall's people?"

"That may be, but you're the king's ward now. Moreover, you've become a topic of curiosity. Aside from the king, you're the next best thing. But I suppose he will be here soon enough."

Claire clenched her jaw tight. Thoughts of Talon's upcoming arrival made her stomach roll. Why couldn't he just get here already? Get it over with? Whatever it turned out to be. Scolding. Yelling, most likely. Anger. Another fight. His obvious disappointment that she'd broken her promise. She was disappointed with herself, so why wouldn't he be?

"Oh, here's Kivir and Amris. You should meet them too." Tamara took her arm, pulling her forward. Just like that, thoughts of Talon were forced from her mind. And so they continued like this as the morning disappeared.

Aside from turning her brain to mush with what felt like hundreds of introductions, something more came from their time together. Tamara's wealth of knowledge—especially about matters pertaining to Dragonwall's politics, forts, Drengr, and Riders—proved impressive. It was clear she would make an excellent ally and even a wise advisor during Claire's time in Brezen.

Their walk together stretched into the early afternoon. They circled the camp more times than she could count. She was certain she had met every single person there. Some even smiled and waved a second or third time around.

It was so much walking, her feet ached in her boots.

When she thought she might collapse, they crept away to an ancient oak tree on the outskirts of camp. Its trunk was massive, arms outstretched to offer shade and privacy. They sat against it. Tamara plucked a few leaves to keep her hands busy, twirling them around by the stems. The guards fanned out around them, taking up wide stances, hands resting on their weapons, where they looked out over the camp, keeping watch for potential threats.

"Do you always get stuck with such an entourage?" Tamara asked, eying them.

She huffed. "I didn't always. Only recently. I hated it at first, actually."

"I don't think I'd like it much, either."

She smiled and told Tamara what had happened in Kastali Dun. Her kidnapping. Talon's rescue. She spun quite the tale, embellishing it in certain places, adding a few extra details about Talon's impressive display of swordsmanship, and the grotesque characteristics of her kidnappers. Truth was, she was so delirious that day in the cellar, she'd struggled to process most of what was happening. Where her memory faltered, she made up the rest. Though she left out some of the more inappropriate details for Tamara's sake.

It wasn't long before Tamara was begging for more. They kept talking, touching on everything. Her old life before coming to Dragonwall. Tamara's old life before running away to the fort. Her training with the Magoi. Tamara's aerial training with Byron. Life in Redport and Fort Squall versus life in the capital.

Tamara was six years younger, but they connected with ease. Her maturity, the way she handled everything that had happened, her calm demeanor, the way she spoke to the people of the fort, and the air in which she carried herself all made her seem ten years older.

"Emmy trained you well," she found herself saying. "She would be proud if she could see you now."

Tamara turned her face away. It looked like she brushed a tear from her cheek. "I just wish she was here with us."

"Me too. I wish I could have met her." Claire's throat turned scratchy. She swallowed. "So...what about you and Byron? Now that everything has happened, will you still be mated?"

Tamara exhaled. "Tomorrow would have been our bonding day. Now? I do not know."

"I'm so sorry," she whispered, unable to think of anything else. She put her arms around Tamara's shoulders, pulling her close. "I'm sure it will happen, when the time is right." Tears began falling down Tamara's cheeks. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have even asked. We can talk about something else if you want. Anything. More cars or airplanes. I can tell you about the movies. You'd love the movies. They're like moving pictures."

"No..." Tamara shook her head and pulled away slightly, wiping her eyes on the sleeves of her gown. She heaved a sigh. "Maybe it's good that you're here, good that I can get this off my chest. I haven't had anyone else to talk to."

"No one?" Claire frowned. "But...don't you have friends—"

"Oh, I do. It's just that...they wouldn't understand. There's Sophie. She's my best friend now. She came to the fort when I did. You met her earlier, the one with the beautiful auburn hair. She failed to find a mate. I can't...I don't want..."

"You feel bad that you got what you wanted and she didn't." It wasn't a question. Tamara nodded. "I understand that. But she should be happy for you. She is...right?"

"I...think so."

"And Lady Emmy? You couldn't talk to her about these things?"

"She was more of a mother. Though she did admit wanting to talk. It's just...she wasn't like you."

Claire barked a laugh. "Okay, I get it now," she said, poking Tamara in the ribs. "You just needed a modern gal like me. Someone to tell it like it is. Well then, let's talk. Tell me everything about Byron. Everything that has happened between you. All the juicy details. We can dissect every facet."

Tamara looked relieved. She talked about everything, including the embarrassing moments of how she had not known what it meant to be mated. "You should have seen how mortified I was when I discovered that in order to solidify our bond, we would have to...you know?"

"Have sex? Make love?" Claire lifted an eyebrow. Tamara's innocence was finally showing through.

Honestly! Mothers in this world should have done better with their daughters. Especially about this kind of stuff. How were they supposed to prepare otherwise?

"Yes...I do not...That is to say, I know nothing about the actual love making part. I know where it goes and all that. But what am I supposed to do? Do I just lie there while it happens? And...well, have you ever...?"

"I have. And believe me when I say, a lot of it comes naturally."

Tamra's eyes widened. "But you are not wed, are you?"

"Gods, no!" She shook her head, chuckling. "Sometimes I forget how old fashioned everyone is. I'm not a virgin. There was this guy...well, that's a story for another time. But yes, I've made love a time or two in my life."

Tamara squealed. She actually squealed. "You must tell me all about it. Everything. I want to know. To be prepared."

"All right. But you asked for it." She wasn't shy, so she told Tamara all that she could, including the things both sexes tended to particularly enjoy.

Most of it appeared to mortify Tamara as she listened. Her interruptions came often. Usually to request more details or voice her doubt. "What if he doesn't like when I do it that way?"

"Oh, believe me, he will. He absolutely will." Claire nudged Tamara's shoulder and they both erupted into giggles.

A shadow fell on them. "Having fun without me?" Koldis appeared. Tamara immediately fell silent, face glowing with embarrassment.

"Quite a lot, actually." Claire wagged her eyebrows. "Want to join? You might enjoy the conversation. Learn a few tips, even."

Koldis paid her a long look, eyebrow arched, then shook his head. "I've been hunting for you everywhere, you know. The midday meal has long since been served. You missed it in case you were wondering."

"Darn." She pretended to look disappointed.

"Anyway, our gracious hosts have extended an invitation to you both for baths this afternoon, which the servants are drawing as we speak. You had best get along to the manor."

"A bath?" Claire glanced at Tamara and they both giggled. Their minds were not yet scrubbed clean from all their dirty thoughts.

"Something funny?" Koldis crossed his arms.

"No. No, of course not. Who says I need a bath?" Claire added, her tone joking.

"You don't wish to smell nice when King Talon arrives?" He shrugged and turned. "Suit yourselves."

They both protested, jumping to their feet. "All right, all right. I was only giving you a hard time."

"You've been doing a lot of that since yesterday," he grumbled.

"Okay, okay. Sorry."

Truthfully, she was desperate for a bath. After five days of traveling, she felt perpetually unclean. The thought of hot water all but sent her running.

Their walk to Brezen's manor house took them through the camp, to the outskirts of town. The manor had a great deal of land at its disposal. The sprawling town housed many of those who supported or worked in the manor. Koldis dismissed himself when they reached the entrance stairs and were handed off to the hosts and their servants. The guards remained, however, keeping a safe distance.

The manor house was quite different from what Claire was used to in Kastali Dun. The biggest difference, she soon realized, was there was no plumbing. Not like there was in the Great Keep. She was mortified when she saw the line of servants going to great lengths to fill their baths, pouring hot water into two copper tubs. Something told her that these were the only two tubs in the house, and that Sir Wentworth had gone to great lengths to offer such a luxury.

Claire and Tamara thanked him and his lady profusely.

A few female servants lingered about when the tubs were filled. They introduced themselves politely as Martha, Nelly, and Willa. Claire watched Tamara for cues on how to behave. It seemed she had no qualms about removing her clothing with the servants' help before climbing into the tub.

Claire did the same as Martha stepped forward. "Help, miss?"

"No, thank you. I'll manage." She certainly didn't need help getting out of her pants and tunic.

The moment she was naked, she realized her mistake. A gasp sounded behind her. Martha's mouth hung open, attracting every eye in the room, including Tamara's.

She glanced down at her Sprite mark, then over her shoulder at the new one she'd earned. It was similar to the other. A swirl that spiraled outward, surrounded by flecks and dots. Both glowed a faint but noticeable luminescent aqua color. There was no hiding it now.

Ignoring their reactions, as if there was nothing wrong, she quickly stepped into the bath and sank low, hiding everything from view. Fortunately, the servants took this as their cue. They resumed their efforts.

She closed her eyes, groaning. The water was steaming, sending painful needle pricks through her cold feet. But that quickly subsided as the heat began its work on her muscles. The surface was sprinkled with clippings of eucalyptus and lavender. It smelled heavenly.

At last, she relaxed.

The servants bustled forward with soap and she soon understood their reason for remaining. Tamara didn't find any of this odd, so she assumed it was commonplace, for nobles most likely. She didn't protest when two women came to her own tub and began washing her hair, but she did insist on washing her own body, if only to keep them from gawking at her marks. They'd gossip about it regardless.

Mistress Kayla bustled in a short time later holding two gowns. "I had my handmaiden collect these," she said. "I couldn't allow either of you to don dirty clothing for the king. I'll have my servants attend to that." She pointed at the heaps of clothes in the corner.

Claire opened her mouth, then shut it just as quickly.

"Those will do fine." Tamara smiled. "You must give our thanks to the ladies who surely volunteered them. I'll see that they are compensated."

"Oh, I do not think that is necessary."

"None the less. I have gowns of my own back at camp. And it would be my pleasure to ensure these are properly paid for."

Mistress Kayla nodded at last.

"The red brocade will fit Claire best and bring out her eyes. I'll take the silver one."

Claire cleared her throat. "Uhm. I had planned to just wear something I brought." Her words came out more as a grumble.

"You mean, something like what you were wearing earlier?" Tamara eyed her. "Don't you wish to look your best when King Talon arrives? You are his ward, Lady Claire. It would please him to see you dressed the part."

She snorted. "You sound like Desaree. But...you're right. That would be best, I suppose." She sank back down into the water to soak up the last bit of warmth it had to offer. Maybe Talon would be less angry with her if she looked nice.

After they dressed, the servants insisted on doing their hair. Even Mistress Kayla's handmaiden helped, bringing little white flowers in from the manor's garden to weave into their braids. By the time they were finished, the sun was sinking towards the horizon. Talon wouldn't arrive for a few hours yet. They returned to camp in search of dinner.

"Well, well, well. Would you look at that!" Koldis said. He took Claire's shoulders, turning her this way and that. "I finally recognize you again." He winked and released her. Beneath his humor, she sensed his nervousness. She couldn't blame him. She felt the same. Even the air hummed in anxiety for the king's arrival.

She and Tamara joined Byron, Jovari, and Koldis at the table, indulging in a modest supper of meat, potatoes, and boiled carrots. There was wine too—a much watered down version of what she was used to in the capital, more like grape juice, really—which she was still glad to have calming her nerves. The food, however, was difficult to choke down as her stomach fluttered.

"All right. Let's get this over with," Koldis said, standing from the table. He dismissed himself. Byron and Jovari followed after. They would ensure everyone was in place, assembled on the field to greet King Talon when he arrived.

Claire and Tamara waited in silence, waiting to be summoned. The longer they sat, the more her mind jumped to Talon. To what he might say and do. To what she would say and do.

Explanations raced through her thoughts. I know I promised to stay out of trouble, but the villagers needed me, she argued, facing Talon's image in her mind. I was the only one who could truly stop the Vodar. If not me, the villagers would have continued to die. And being there allowed me to warn the fort.

The rehearsal only left her more anxious.

"You're fidgeting."

"What? Oh." She glanced down at her hands. Her fingers wouldn't stop tapping the table.

"Does he make you nervous?"

"No! I mean, not...usually. I don't know. Normally I don't get affected like this. I have no problem standing up to him but I'm...anxious."

"Because he will be angry with you? Like that day in the throne room when you arrived?"

She huffed. "Maybe. You know, I used to love making him angry. I think part of me did it on purpose."

Tamara reached over and squeezed her hand.

"I guess it's just because I made a promise to him. And now I've broken it. He has every right to be upset with me."

"But look at all the good you've done!"

She huffed. "Yeah, that's what I said when I showed up in Kastali Dun for the first time. A lot of good that argument was. Talon just..." She sighed. "Talon chooses to see what he wants. Usually he picks the one thing that gives him a reason to be angry and focuses on it."

Her mind flashed back to the horrifying moments when Talon had her dragged to the Screamers, strapped to a rack. At the time, he had every intention of torturing the truth from her. He claimed he wouldn't have truly harmed her. But...She shook her head.

"I promise you, the rumors of his temper are not made up."

The tent flaps opened. They jumped, as if Talon himself had waltzed in. Koldis eyed them a moment. "Time to go. Lady Tamara, Byron is waiting for you with the rest of the camp. Claire, you're with me."

"With...you?" She glanced at Tamara.

"Yes. With me. Come."

They followed him out. Tamara found Byron and went to his side.

"Where's Jovari?" she asked, glancing around. As if summoned, Jovari appeared beside her. Koldis moved away and transformed into his hulking green form. His scales glittered in the evening sun.

"Uhm. Am I missing something?"

"He's waiting for you to climb on his back," Jovari said, stating the obvious.

"But...we're meeting the king here, aren't we?"

"Just do as you're told." Tension echoed in his clipped words.

This wasn't supposed to be the plan! She placed a steadying hand over her abdomen. "And what about all these people? Won't they see me—"

"We are well beyond that now, Claire." He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Just...go."

She nodded, too anxious to speak anymore.

Koldis took flight as soon as she was settled, sending them skyward. She placed a hand against his scales, hoping to steady her racing heart. As much as she wanted to know why they'd deviated from the initial plan, she did not ask Cyrus to remove the barrier on her mind so she could ask. Her imagination had already drawn several conclusions of its own.

They flew little more than five minutes. The camp shrank away as the wilderness swallowed them up. Koldis descended into a densely packed grove of trees, one of many littering the landscape. She was off his back in seconds.

He transformed, crossing his arms. "You're to wait here until King Talon arrives. The rest of us will be back at camp to greet his entourage. See if you can butter him up a bit, eh? It was your idea to leave Kastali Dun in the first place, wasn't it?"

Her jaw dropped. "You're putting this on me?"

"That was the plan you agreed to."

"Well...yeah," she hissed, "but that was under the assumption we'd be back to Kastali Dun before he returned." He shrugged."So you just want me to what...wait? Here? By myself? In the middle of nowhere?"

"Don't be dramatic. Camp's an hour walk that way. It's not like you're unreachable. But yes, that's exactly what you are to do." He took several steps back, preparing to transform.

"Wait! Is he..." She swallowed against her dry throat. "He's angry with me, isn't he? That's why he wants to speak to me alone."

He eyed her. "Let's hope not."

Before she could ask anything else, he transformed and took off into the sky. She watched him until the trees blotted him from view.

Alone, the worry in her stomach grew. She hated herself for caring. Since when did she give two shits about what Talon thought?! Since when did she give him that satisfaction?

She didn't. She never had.

...Until things between them had changed.

"Ugh!" She let out a frustrated cry. It did nothing to calm her. Ultimately, she was the one who had broken her promise to him.

"Stupid!" she muttered, pacing back and forth. "So stupid!" Why had she made a promise in the first place? Shouldn't she have learned by now? She didn't regret coming, she didn't regret helping those who needed it, she simply regretted her carelessness.

She heaved a sigh and squared her shoulders. This was not who she was. She would face whatever came with dignity.

Shadows passed overhead, winking in and out. A show of light beams scattered through the trees. The last of the setting sun fell upon Fort Kastali's Drengr. Talon's entourage. They flew low enough for her to feel the air currents from their wings. It rustled the treetops, sending a gentle breeze to kiss her cheeks. She searched for Talon's monstrous black shape among them and couldn't find him.

"Looking for someone?"

She jumped, clutching her chest. There he was! Standing little more than four feet away, watching her. And...was that amusement dancing behind his eyes?

She sighed, unable to stop the relieved breath upon seeing him. He looked the same as always. Alive and unharmed. Safe.

His head tilted to the side. "A dress? And you've done your hair too. Let me guess, guilty conscience?"

She opened her mouth and snapped it closed just as quickly.

"What's the matter? Wraith got your tongue?" He stalked towards her, swallowing up the distance between them.

Her surprise shattered and she took a step back. "I...I'm sorry, Talon. I shouldn't have..."

"I know."

She frowned. "You...know? But, aren't you mad?"

"Mad?" He barked a laugh, taking a step closer, close enough that he could reach out and throttle her if he wanted to. "Claire, I'm furious."

She flinched at the sudden feral change in his voice.

He frowned. "You think I called you here to scold you? To yell at you? To gnash my jaws? I could do it, you know. I could transform and let my dragon handle you. Let it do what it so badly wants to do at this very moment."

"I deserve it," she whispered, surprised by her admission. "Who am I if I cannot keep my word? I broke my promise to you."

"Yes. You certainly did." His expression changed, softened. "What are we going to do about that? Hmm?"

"I...I don't know. I had arguments lined up. Good ones, too."

The corner of his mouth twitched. "Of that, I have no doubt."

"I suppose that simply saying sorry won't suffice?"

"Claire..." His voice was a low purr.

Goosebumps erupted on her skin. She blinked at him.

"Trust is a fragile thing. I have found it difficult to trust you, just as you have found it difficult to trust me. It isn't something that simply exists. It must be built, stone by stone, brick by brick, moment by moment, through the choices we make."

"I..." She nodded. "I understand."

"But..."

She held her breath.

"There might be a way to fix this."

Her heart stuttered. She unclenched her fists and wrapped her arms around her middle. "What do you have in mind?"

"Payment. In exchange for your broken promise. Perhaps a way to rebuild the trust we worked so hard to establish."

"Payment? Like...never mind. Whatever it is, I'll do it."

"You will?" His eyebrow arched. "Interesting."

"Why?"

"Your agreement was easier than I expected. I haven't even proposed my idea yet. Now I see that I might name anything and you would have to accept."

"You wouldn't dare."

"But wouldn't I?" He was toying with her. She glared at him. "Oh, very well. Here is what I have in mind. Payment in the form of your time. One hundred nights, in exchange for your broken promise. You and I will take a walk together after the evening meal. You will give me an hour, each night. In the past, I might have been reluctant to propose something like this. There was a time when you abhorred my company." He chuckled, as if this were something that amused him. "If that was still true, this would be a fairer punishment. But, I like to think that after certain things between us, our letters, for example, that this might work."

Evening walks? That was his request? His payment?

A weight lifted. Tension eased from her shoulders. Without thinking, she closed the remaining distance between them and threw her arms around him, pulling him against her. His body went rigid. She didn't care. She hugged him until he tentatively placed his arms about her waist.

She ignored her mind, which was screaming at her for how ridiculous she was being. And instead, she followed her heart. "Talon, I'd be happy to walk with you in the evenings." She pulled away and backed up several steps.

He smiled then, a genuine smile that put dimples in his scarred cheeks. "You mean that?"

She nodded. "I do. I think it will be good for us to get to know each other better. And if we enjoy it..."

He tilted his head. "If we enjoy it...?"

"Then maybe we can continue walking after the one hundred days is up."

He nodded, satisfied. "I'd like that."

They fell quiet. She glanced about, looking over their surroundings. It had become entirely dark.

"Wait." Realization hit her. "If you didn't have me out here to yell at me, why are we here?"

"Ah!" He appeared as if he had hoped she would ask. "I wanted you here to give me a full report. I'm about to walk right into a nightmare. I would like to be prepared. We both know what everyone will expect of me. For me to sweep in and become the savior. You can help with that, yes?"

She stared at him and blinked. "Me? Didn't your Shields tell you everything?"

He shrugged. "Snippets. I don't prefer to converse telepathically from a distance."

"Wouldn't Koldis be better for—"

"I want the truth from you, Claire. You alone. From your perspective. I'll get their stories later."

"Oh." She swallowed, fidgeting with her fingers. "There's a lot to tell."

He stepped forward, turning gentlemanlike, and held out his arm. "Good thing we've got a long walk ahead of us. Come."

She stared at him, not quite believing. A grin appeared, turning up the corners of his mouth. This one screamed of mischief.

"We...we're walking back? But it will take an hour. Maybe longer."

"I am certain it will. What? Why do you think I had Koldis deposit you here? Count it as our first walk together." His next smile made one thing certain: He considered this his own small victory.

"Very well," she said, adjusting her skirts. She stepped up and slipped her hand through his elbow. "But it's not a pretty story, what I have to say. None of it."

He closed his eyes and sighed. "I know. Perhaps coming from you it will be easier to bear."

Talon loved his kingdom. She knew that now. There was little he wouldn't sacrifice to care for his people. What she had to say would be painful. And yet, he had chosen her above everyone else, to be there for that pain. She hardly knew what to make of it. But perhaps he still trusted her more than he let on, and wasn't that a relief!  

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