Altered Destinies- Earth Reborn, Page 8

  Relief robbed her of speech for a moment. She collected herself with effort. “Thank you, yes, a quiet dinner will be more to my liking.” And I am so glad you will not be with me today. Thank you, Papa for suggesting the diversion for Bain.

  She watched a strange expression cross Bain’s face, then vanish with the return of inscrutability. Was it anger, disappointment, understanding, hurt? It was too fleeting for her to interpret.

  Lady Flor set a leisurely pace as she took the time to draw Phaera’s attention to points of interest along the way.

  “Our fief must appear unusual to you. Since our lands are more fertile and less rugged we are able to grow more crops. See how evenly the maize grows over there. And to the left we have orchards of apples, pears, and plums.” Lady Flor beamed proudly at Phaera. “We do a strong trade with Kinterron for these, in return for iron and copper from your mines. Both our lands are richer for the long peace we have enjoyed and the trade that comes from it.”

  Is she aware that peace may be in jeopardy? “Indeed. We have been strong allies as well.”

  Lady Flor’s brow furrowed and she grew serious. “I hope we may remain so, especially in light of recent rumours of instability in Exalon and Belthorn. I am old enough to remember less peaceful times.”

  So, she knows – or at least has some information. I need not pretend ignorance. That knowledge pleased Phaera. It meant Lord Makin also discussed politics with his wife. “I am aware of unrest in Belthorn and Exalon that may affect the alliances we rely on. Lord Dern is in poor health and his son Erstine has shown no interest in the duties of lordship.”

  Lady Flor’s eyebrows rose. “How much do you know of that situation?”

  “Lady Flor, may we be frank with each other?”

  “That would please me.”

  “Good. My Lord Father has educated me in history and politics and discusses events with me. I have it on good authority that Lord Mathune is gathering support in both Belthorn and Exalon. When Lord Dern dies we expect Mathune will attack Exalon and annex it to Belthorn without much resistance. Mathune is a ruthless and ambitious man with no respect for the people. With his father recently dead there is no one to hold him back.”

  “We have the same information. If Mathune is successful he will be in a strong position to upset current alliances further. It is one reason our alliance must remain strong.”

  They had no time to continue their conversation as Nurias’ cottage had come into view. Their guard escort, which had maintained a respectful distance as they rode, halted and the front guards turned to face them. “We have arrived, milady. What are your wishes?”

  The four guards who had ridden behind them came forward to assist them from their mounts.

  “You may hobble the horses and repair to the shade of those trees. We will be here for some time. I will call you when we know our plans for the night.” The ride had taken half the day and they were not expected back at the castle until late.

  Lady Flor turned to Phaera. “Come, let me introduce you to Nurias. I think you will like each other.”

  Nurias stood waiting just outside her door and dipped a small curtsey as they approached.

  It was well that Lady Flor had the situation in hand as Phaera suddenly had nothing to say. Before her stood the woman she had wanted so much to meet, but about whom she knew so little. Now that they finally stood face to face Phaera’s tongue seemed cleaved to the roof of her mouth.

  As Lady Flor greeted Nurias, Phaera took advantage of the momentary reprieve to collect herself and take stock of Bain’s mother. She was tall for a woman, and in spite of her age and years of hard work, she still stood straight and strong. She bore an air of deep calm, not in the least nervous about the situation. Phaera got the impression that this was Nurias’ realm, in a sense, and that she had unquestionable control here. Her simple shift, belted at the waist with a cord of scarlet, denoting her status as healer, skimmed a spare body topped by wide shoulders.

  As lady Flor stepped aside to introduce Phaera, Nurias took one hand in both of hers and looked deeply into her eyes. “So, this is the woman who has troubled my son so.” The warm tone and kind smile belied her words. “Please, come into my home and be welcome.”

  Piqued, Phaera found her tongue. “Madam, I am honoured.”

  A braid of iron grey hair hung down Nurias’ back, wisps escaping around her hairline, their reflection in the midday sun creating a halo effect around her face, which disappeared as she stepped back into the shadow and gestured that they should enter.

  “I have some sun tea, made with mint, that I think you will find refreshing after your ride.”

  They had spent just enough time in small talk to drink their tea when Lady Flor said, “Nurias, may I offer some tea to my men? I’ll have another cup, myself, too, and enjoy that bench in the sun so that you and Phaera may speak in private together. I am sure you have many things to say to each other.”

  Phaera’s jaw almost dropped at the easy familiarity and willingness to wait alone outside. It elevated Lady Flor even more in her estimation.

  In another moment Phaera and Nurias faced each other across the short wooden table, alone in the cool dimness of the cabin. Phaera, although accustomed to taking control, still found herself unable to find the right words that would convey all she wanted to say.

  Nurias seemed to understand and made it easy by asking, a small twinkle in her eye, “Do you detect anything other than mint in my tea?”

  That small challenge let Phaera enter an area where she was familiar. “Oh, yes, I taste chamomile as well, though it is mild. Did you suspect I might be anxious in meeting you?” She decided to be daring. “Or is this a test?”

  Nurias laughed, a warm, easy sound that put Phaera at ease. “Perhaps a little of both.”

  “And have I passed?” Phaera was able to smile for the first time since arriving.

  “Not so fast.” Nurias sent Phaera a conspiratorial wink. “I see you came dressed for work. Let us see what sort of healer you are.” She rose and beckoned Phaera to follow her. “Let me show you my apothecary so we may share our knowledge.”

  The two women spent a pleasant hour smelling this or that jar, identifying various herbs and their remedial uses until loud voices could be heard outside the hollowed-out earthen mound behind her cottage that Nurias used as her apothecary.

  Nurias hurried to the door with Phaera close on her heels.

  Two guards held a struggling young man. As soon as he spotted them he shouted, “Ashin says you must come quickly. The birth is not going well.”

  Nurias gave him a sharp nod, disappeared into the apothecary and reappeared with a large woven grass basket over her arm. As if it were the most expected thing in the world she nodded to Phaera. “Come, we have work to do,” and strode after the anxious young man. As she passed the shade tree she announced to Lady Flor, “I am called to a birth. You may follow if you wish but keep your distance when we arrive … or wait here. The cottage is at your disposal. I will see that our guest comes to no harm.”

  Lady Flor nodded understanding and said, “We will wait.” She turned to one guard and ordered, “Go with them and see to Lady Phaera. We will remain in the cottage and await you here.”

  On the way Nurias explained to Phaera that the young man’s wife was in labour with their first child, that she was very young, and that Nurias had sent her apprentice Ashin to attend, as she knew Lady Flor and Phaera would expect to meet her today. “Ashin has attended many births with me. She is well trained so I fear something unexpected has happened.”

  Loud wails greeted them as they approached. The young man gave Nurias a terrified look which she seemed not to see, though Phaera had not missed it. When the guard made as if to follow them into the hut Phaera waved him back. “You cannot enter. This is women’s work. Wait outside.”

  The guard backed off looking relieved.

  Ashin, her hands red with blood, pressed the shoulders of a young woman back into a cot as sh
e let out another loud wail. At a glance of recognition over her shoulder she said, “The cord is around the neck. If I let the babe come this mother will bleed to death from tearing the placenta loose and the babe will die from loss of air. I have prevented the babe coming out but cannot loosen the cord.”

  Nurias took over, barking orders to Phaera and Ashin. As Ashin held the woman down and did her best to prevent another contraction from forcing the babe out, Phaera held her thighs open. At the end of the next contraction Nurias slid her hand into the woman’s womb and, before the next spasm began managed to slip the cord over the babe’s head and remove her hand again. The babe’s body slipped through, and with another push, the head was born. The baby was blue and limp.

  Nurias put her ear trumpet to the tiny chest. “The heart still beats.” With a single smooth motion of her finger she cleared the babe’s mouth and placed her own over the tiny one, blowing in a small breath and releasing. After three more such breaths the tiny chest heaved and it took its first breath. Amid loud cries its skin turned bright pink and its tiny arms and legs flailed in the cool air. Nurias took only a moment to hold the babe up for the new mother to see. “You have a son.” She handed the child to Ashin and turned her attention back to the mother. She displayed none of the concern to the young mother that Phaera felt on seeing how much blood lay underneath her. “You have done well, my dear. Now we must see that we look after you. Ashin has your son well in hand.”

  That brought a wan smile from the new mother. While Phaera took cloths from the bowl next to her and wiped the woman’s brow, murmuring soothing words about how well she had done, Nurias examined the afterbirth that had slipped out. Finding it intact she turned her attention to the mother’s womb, kneading and massaging it from the outside. Phaera knew how crucial this was for slowing the bleeding. If the woman continued to lose more blood she would be beyond saving.

  Darkness had fallen before Nurias and Phaera left the hut to return to Nurias’ cabin. Ashin stayed behind to continue her care of mother and babe.

  The guard lifted them both onto the back of his horse and walked it back. After a few moments of silence Phaera offered, “The babe seems well, but I still fear for his mother. She has lost too much blood.”

  “I cannot promise she will recover but I will send bone broth and beef tea tomorrow to give her strength. I am hopeful.” She squeezed the arm she had around Phaera’s waist a little. “I was glad for your presence today. You are indeed a healer and needed no direction from me. I am honoured to know you, young Phaera.”

  Phaera glowed with not only the praise, but with the familiar address. Nurias saw her as a fellow healer, not a court lady. Tears pricked behind her eyes as she pressed the arm closer against her in gratitude.

  When they reached Nurias’ cabin one of the other three guards had remained outside, waiting.

  Nurias took charge. “I have blankets for you all and will show you where you may bed down in the stable. It is not used in summer and the straw is clean. You will be comfortable there. I have a kettle of stew on and one of you may come back for it once you have settled. There is not room in the cottage for us all to sit together.”

  Phaera admired the efficient way Nurias handled the arrangements. It took hardly any time at all before she, Lady Flor and herself sat at the table eating the rich stew, dark bread, and drinking hot spearmint tea.

  When they had eaten Nurias made up a narrow cot for Phaera to sleep on and invited Lady Flor to climb into the loft where Bain’s bed had been. She would have more privacy there. As Phaera drifted into an exhausted sleep a thought occurred to her. We have not even mentioned Bain since I first arrived.

  Chapter Thirteen

  CRISIS

  They woke at dawn and, after a quick meal of bread, hard cheese, and raspberry leaf tea, Phaera helped prepare the bone broth Nurias planned to take to the new mother. She had just put the cork into the top of the second jug when they heard the thunder of several horses galloping in the direction of the cabin. Before either of them had the chance reach the door to see what had caused the din it flew open and their guard stood limned in the morning light, sword in hand, ready to defend them.

  “Stay inside,” he ordered, and turned to face whatever approached. He lowered his sword when he recognized the guards that galloped toward him, and sheathed it by the time they reached the cottage.

  The lead guard shouted, “Milady, you must return to the castle immediately. Hurry.”

  Nurias pushed their guard aside and stepped into the sunshine, Phaera close behind. Lady Flor stayed in the doorway right behind Phaera.

  The Guard acknowledged Nurias. “You are summoned as well.”

  “What is amiss?” Phaera stepped out from behind Nurias and let her gaze scan the dozen guards. Her eye fell on the one man not in uniform. “Kort, what do you here?”

  “Come, Milady, on my horse and I will explain on the way.”

  When both women hesitated the leader shouted, “Now”.

  Phaera and Nurias exchanged glances and Phaera ran back into the cabin, emerging with the two jugs of bone broth. She thrust them into the hands of the guard who had escorted them. “Take these to Ashin and the new mother. Take your horse. Then follow us to the castle.”

  “But my duty…”

  “Your duty is to do as you are ordered. Now go.” There must have been more authority in Phaera’s tone than she actually possessed in this strange land because the soldier jerked upright and, jugs in hand, went to his horse without further protest.

  Nurias sent Phaera a grateful look as she mounted her own mare, ready to follow. Phaera hurried to where Kort sat his horse, motioning away the guard who tried to intercept her with a brusque wave of her hand, and allowed Kort to hoist her up in front of him. “So we may speak without shouting,” he explained in her ear. Phaera understood that to mean “so that they could speak without being overheard” and nodded. She told the guard to lead her own horse back. The guards formed a circle around them. They kept a fast pace back to the castle but not before Nurias managed to ask, “Bain…?”

  Kort answered before a guard could. “He is well but there is grave news.” Then they were taken out of earshot from each other, the horses eating up the distance that had made such a pleasant ride the morning before.

  Phaera turned her head to look at Kort. “Tell me all … now.”

  “I raced back from Belthorn as soon as I could to inform Bain and Lords Makin and Danza. Dern is dead. Poison is suspected. Dern’s son Erskine is also dead, an accident they say, but I know Mathune had him assassinated. There was … a witness. Mathune has taken over Exalon and now controls both Belthorn and Exalon. His success makes him bold and now he threatens to invade Marston. He must not succeed or Kinterron will have enemies on three sides.

  Phaera had noticed that when Kort mentioned a witness his voice had taken on a strange, dead tone. He knew more than he was telling. “What are you leaving out, Kort. Tell me. I must know.” She turned her head back again so she could see Kort’s face. When Kort blanched and shook his head to protest she said, “I am not asking Kort. That is an order. Tell me all – now, before we reach the castle. I must know.”

  When Kort shook his head again, a stricken look on his face, Phaera hardened herself not to give in. “Now, Kort – every detail.” She glanced around to make sure the other men kept enough distance so they would not be overheard. “Quickly. We have not much time.”

  Kort’s voice cracked and his hands shook as he held the reins. “Mathune is no ordinary man, Milady. While I take my pleasure with other men, he finds pleasure only in cruelty. He is a monster. He has not a shred of humanity in him.”

  When Kort hesitated Phaera nudged him in the ribs. “Now, Kort. We are only minutes away from the castle.”

  “I travel to gather information for Bain.”

  “You are a spy?”

  “In a manner of speaking. Men with my nature learn how to stay in the shadows and hear things others may not.�
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  “Go on.”

  “Two days ago…” Kort’s voice broke and he took a shuddering breath. “Milady, it is too terrible for your ears.”

  Phaera growled through gritted teeth. “Now Kort, I see the castle ahead.”

  “I was at an inn where I have a … friend.” When Phaera nodded understanding Kort swallowed and continued. “Mathune came in, crowing that he was now lord of both Belthorn and Exalon and wanted to celebrate. I had just gone to fetch another draft of ale and so was hidden from Mathune’s view.” Now tears flowed freely. “Milady, it could have been me.”

  Phaera fought the urge to comfort Kort, lest she not hear the rest. “But it was not you. Speak.”

  “Mathune had two of his men hold down my friend while he castrated him.” A sob escaped Kort. “Then Mathune sodomized him, as he filled his hands with the blood and smeared in on my friends face, laughing all the while my friend screamed in agony. When he finished he strutted about the inn crowing, “That this is what happens to unnatural freaks.”

  Phaera watched a look of sheer horror cross Kort’s face as he stopped speaking. “There is more, Kort. I must have it.” She glanced ahead and saw that they were close enough that she could make out the castle gate. “Hurry.”

  “He held up my friend’s scrotum, then threw it on the floor and ground it under the heel of his boot…and…”

  “And?”

  He said, “This is how I will bring that arrogant wench to heel. She will lick my boots. She is mine. She will not scorn me again.”

  There could be no doubt who Mathune had meant by the “wench”.

  “Oh, Milady, forgive me. I did not want you to hear this.”

  Phaera went numb. They had just reached the gate and waited for the guards to open it.

  “Milady…?” Kort’s voice reached her through a fog. She pulled herself together with all the strength she could muster. “Thank you, Kort. You have done well.” The words sounded hollow and distant to her own ears but she saw a small nod from Kort before he hung his head and wept openly. She did not notice when she was helped down from the horse and led into the castle. Her ears buzzed and her skin prickled. She heard nothing and saw nothing.