Gems of Fire: A Young Adult Fantasy Page 15

  Anna’s clothes grew wet, even with the goatskin cloak. The priest must have known she’d need it. Her teeth chattered. Jack attempted to build a small fire, but all the wood was too damp to catch. Deep chills shook Anna’s body as she felt the cold mountain air cascading down on top of them. She shivered uncontrollably.

  “I’m sorry you’re cold,” Jack said, concern flooding his eyes and voice.

  Anna shook her head. “I just got chilled, and I can’t fight off this damp.” She rubbed her arms as another deep shiver pulsed through her.

  “Come here,” he said. “You haven’t eaten much today.” The cold bread Jack gave her felt good going down, but Anna couldn’t help longing for the hot stew of the previous nights with the priest.

  Still Anna shivered. Jack felt her forehead and made her drink more water, which only chilled her more.

  “I hope you don’t have a fever.” His mouth tightened.

  “No. I’m just wet and cold.” Her breath spread in the heavy air before them. Jack secured the horses and then rolled out both mats under some brush where they could get a little shelter from the cold mist.

  “We’ll have to camp here. It’s the best I can do.”

  Anna climbed on one of the mats and to her surprise, found Jack unbuttoning his large cloak.

  “No. You need to keep warm, too,” she said, her breath forming a white fog.

  “I think we’re both going to freeze tonight if we don’t work together,” he said. She noticed he was shaking, too. “We are too wet with this cold mist and the temperature is dropping.”

  He motioned for her to come over, and finally she did, crawling over to his mat. Anna forgot about the cold for a moment as she took his outstretched hand. Her stomach tossed a little as she scooted in front of him, putting her back to his chest. She was glad he couldn’t see her face flush. Jack pulled the cloak over both of them tightly, wrapping his arms around her. Keeping her safe. She could get used to that feeling. Anna was surprised at how warm he was and in a few minutes, she stopped shaking.

  Anna couldn’t think of what to say and decided against speaking. Jack, too, was silent. She adjusted her position once and glanced back at him to see if he was asleep. No, eyes open, staring into the drizzle. The darkness and the penetrating mist closed in around them, and Anna could no longer even see the tethered horses.

  Now that she was warmer, her eyes grew heavy. She shifted to her other side and laid her head on his chest. After a time, she felt his breathing slow and his cheek slumped against the top of her head. Though fatigued, sleep didn’t come easily with visions of red-eyed wolves and bared teeth filling her mind every time her eyes closed. Finally, the gentle movement of Jack’s rising and falling chest lulled her to sleep.

  Anna opened her eyes to dim light illuminating a silver sheet of ice covering everything. Jack’s cloak was slick with it. She wiggled, cracking the ice on the thick cloth. His arms quickly released her.

  “Awake?” he asked.

  She sat up too quickly and bumped into his chin. She scrambled to her feet, blushing. I slept in his arms all night?

  “Sorry! I forgot where I was—”

  He chewed on the inside of his cheek. His deep blue eyes danced. “Did you stay warm enough?” he asked cheerfully. Anna’s blush deepened.

  “Yes. Did you?”

  “Of course,” he said. The corners of his mouth curved up into a lopsided grin.

  Anna couldn’t meet his eyes. Stop it, Anna! Goosebumps popped up on her arms and legs. She clutched her arms to her core in an attempt to warm them against the sudden burst of cold. She snuck a glance at Jack. He was watching her with an amused expression. He doesn’t seem to feel awkward. She took a step toward the pack and slipped on the slanted rock. She threw her arms out to the side for balance and slowly scooted back to the bedroll.

  “It’s a thin glaze of ice,” she said.

  “I noticed,” he said. “Which is why I’m not saddling the horses.” Jack glanced at the sky. “The sun is coming out. It will melt soon.”

  Anna shivered and rubbed her arms as a sharp breeze bit into her. She couldn’t help looking back at the cloak. Perhaps she had gotten up too early.

  He gestured to her. “Come here, if you’d like.” Back to those arms. He was as dirty and stinky as she was, but there was no other place she’d rather be. She wished she could clean up.

  Anna hesitated until a gust of icy wind hit her in the face. She scooted right back under the cloak with him.

  “It’s still so cold,” she said as she leaned into him. His arms wrapped around her back, pulling her near as he tucked in the cloak to block the wind. She was conscious of how close every part of her body was to his. She trembled, but this time, it wasn’t from the cold.

  “I’m sorry we have to wait it out. I can’t risk the horses slipping and breaking a leg.”

  “While we pass the time, why don’t you tell me more of your story?” Anna asked.

  He was silent so long she thought he wasn’t going to respond. His chest rumbled as he began.

  “When my father was killed and I came to offer my services to King Vilipp, he sent me to train as a knight. It was a kindness I didn’t deserve. During my training, I excelled in certain areas, stealth, opponent awareness, and the ability to handle a blade quickly and quietly in close quarters. I wasn’t tall or built, but I was quick and accurate. I wasn’t overly handsome as to attract notice. I could slip through crowds easily.”

  Anna grunted. He was not common looking. Not to her.

  “Seamus himself trained me on my sword and dagger work. He sent me to the desert to finish my training with a master.”

  “So you are a spy?”

  “On my better days.” He paused. Anna lifted her head to look at him, but he wouldn’t meet her eyes. His brow furrowed. “I’ve done things I’m not proud of, but always for Sunderland. For the king.”

  Her heartbeat increased. He probably knew ten ways to kill her in a matter of seconds. He’s an assassin. He must have sensed her stiffen and pulled her a little closer.

  “I’d never hurt you.” His voice cracked. “I’ll use everything I know to keep you safe.”

  Anna leaned into his chest as he continued.

  “Could you have refused?”

  “I was young, and I didn’t fully understand what I was getting into,” he said. “It was exciting, and I thought it was an honor to be selected for this life.”

  “What happened to your master?”

  “I’d been part of an operation spying on that paranoid tyrant Anwar. Six months ago, we were ambushed. None of us saw it coming. My master was shot dead in a crowd with an arrow to his back. I buried him in the desert, as I told you before.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It was tough. I suspected one of Anwar’s cronies, so I disguised myself and poked around Anwar’s court. I didn’t trust Alastair, either. I was livid for revenge. That’s when I found you.”

  “I’m sorry Father did this to you,” Anna said. She couldn’t believe her father would turn a young boy into an assassin. But Seamus would.

  “It wasn’t your doing,” he said. “Besides, it led me to you.”

  Her pulse increased again as she felt her face flush. She would have had her tongue cut out and sold someplace even worse if it hadn’t been for Jack. The wind didn’t feel so cold. “Thank you,” she whispered and leaned her forehead into the quiet strength of his chest.

  “Any time,” he said. His cheek rested at the top of her head.

  She dozed off wondering what his lips would feel like on hers.

  The ice finally melted around midday, and Anna had to admit to herself she was a little sorry to see it go. While the hours weren’t exactly restful, she knew some barrier between Jack and her had just broken open. As soon as she was up and going, feeding the horses and packing up, she was more than ready to get to Hemmington.

  “So,” she asked as she tore a chunk of bread off a loaf. “Are you getting excited w
e’re so close to home? I can’t wait for a hot meal.”

  “Yes, but—”

  “What?” asked Anna.

  “Things are going to change when we get back. There will be talk of war, and we’ll assume more formal roles.” He seemed stiff.

  Anna narrowed her eyes at him. “You know I don’t care about formality. And I’ll expect to see you, of course. I—I don’t have many friends at home.” Anna’s voice dropped off. Confusion crept into her stomach. Had she gotten too close? While she would brave another cold night to be in those arms again, perhaps Jack felt just the opposite. He was silent. “One of my only friends is a stable boy. He’s got a great heart, I hope I didn’t get him into too much trouble.”

  “What’s his name?”

  “Bart. He’s the one Seamus injured that day.”

  “Did he ever say he was a squire?”

  She laughed. “He’s always talking about being the squire of a great knight. Of course, no one has ever seen this knight. I’m not sure he exists.”

  Jack’s eyes danced. “Oh, he exists all right.” He tapped his chest.

  Anna raised her eyebrows. “You?”

  “I was working with him, then unfortunately had to leave. Bart couldn’t know where I’d gone.”

  “You were so young to have a squire,” she said.

  “He was an eager peasant whose father was crippled in an accident. He needed money to care for his family,” Jack said.

  Anna felt her cheeks heat in shame. Had she even once asked about his family?

  “That was kind of you,” she said.

  Jack shrugged.

  “I’m worried to face Seamus,” Anna blurted. “I’m going to need you with me.”

  “Of course.” His forehead wrinkled. “I will do whatever I can to be of service.” He took a deep breath and his shoulders straightened.

  She looked at him sideways as her stomach fluttered. What was with the stilted speech? “I hope Father believes me.” She’d need Jack with her when she faced her father. And not in a formal way. As a friend and as whatever it was they were becoming. She swallowed a lump in her throat.

  “He will,” said Jack.

  “I’m not sure,” Anna said. “I’m just a silly, rebellious girl to him. He probably thinks I ran away. Who knows what Seamus has told him by now?”

  Worry lines creased Jack’s forehead as Anna continued.

  “My main usefulness to him is to arrange my marriage to some lord he wants to buy peace with.” Anna paused. “Sometimes I envy the village girls. At least they get to marry for love.”

  Jack snorted. “And they all envy you. Every man in your kingdom would love a chance for your hand. Even down in the desert I heard about you.”

  “Is that something I chose?” Anna’s words rushed out. “I always hoped somehow that I’d get the chance, you know, to choose someone I actually wanted to spend my life with.” She realized she’d said too much and looked away. “Not that it will ever happen.”

  Jack cringed and cleared his throat. “It’s time to go.”

  Anna’s cheeks burned as she noticed the slippery rocks were just damp.

  They walked beside the horses as they continued descending the mountain. As the conditions improved, they mounted, and Anna found herself gripping the mare too tight as she wanted to urge her on faster.

  “How far do you think it is now?” she asked.

  Jack shook his head. “We’re about an hour closer than the last time you asked.”

  “Yes, well, thanks.” She made a face and kicked Star up to a trot ahead of Jack so she wouldn’t have to look at him. He moved Avery next to her.

  The next day they traveled through hills and valleys, always down, until they dropped over a ridge and entered Sunderland. The tall grasses, interlaced with wildflowers tickled Star’s belly as she swished through. Anna even picked a few and wove them through Star’s mane. Jack just shook his head at her.

  “I have plenty more for Avery,” Anna teased.

  “Don’t even think about it.” Jack scowled.

  Anna laughed. Anna soaked up the sun as they rode along a babbling brook. The horses seemed to cheer up as well. They had as much grass as they wanted all night and greedily gorged themselves during their rest stops. Star was recovering nicely. Jack took some weight off Avery and packed up Star again.

  “She’s carrying a much lighter rider, anyway,” he said as he tied the mats and water containers to her saddle. But even with the added weight, her ears were up, and her step was light. Everyone’s spirits seemed to rise except Jack’s. As they neared the castle, Anna noticed he was keeping a distance from her. His shoulders slumped, and he hardly returned Anna’s attempts at conversation. So they rode mostly in silence, trotting and cantering for many hours each day. One night as the sun set around them, they rode up a particularly steep incline. Anna gasped as they reached the top.

  There it was—Hemmington. A quarter of the size of Karfin with a regiment of one hundred men, Hemmington governed the eastern side of the kingdom. Set in front of the river, it had a small moat dug around the base that allowed fresh water to surround it. Its stone towers rose up against a dusty blue sky. The day’s last rays flooded its gates with warm evening light. Anna glanced at Jack’s troubled face.

  “It’s so beautiful. Come on!” Anna said as she nudged Star down the hill. She reached the bottom and looked behind her. Jack and Avery were still as stone, staring down at the castle. Anna waited for him to follow. Finally, he walked Avery down the slope.

  “When we get there, I think it would be wise to conceal your identity.”

  “What on earth for?” said Anna. “When they find out who I am, we’ll have a feast tonight.”

  “No! We need to know it’s safe first. Don’t speak until I check things out. Perhaps the enemy is already here.”

  Anna hadn’t thought about that. The beautiful castle grounds were full of flower gardens, hedges and all sorts of fruit trees, busy ripening their bounty. It certainly didn’t appear as if any battle had been fought here. But Jack was usually right. She would have to conceal her joy.

  “Whatever you say.” Anna slipped on the dreaded head covering and veil. “How’s this look?” she asked.

  Jack only nodded.

  Chapter 14

  They walked their horses through the outer wall and up the lane leading to the castle. Anna could hardly contain herself. Though she’d never spent significant time here, Hemmington still felt like home. These were her people. Several guards stood watch at the bridge. They immediately recognized Jack.

  “You are most welcome, good sir,” one said, bowing. “I will send word of your arrival to the lady of the castle.”

  Jack dismounted and nodded. “Thank you, and please see to it our horses are well cared for. Especially the mare, she’s been injured.”

  “Of course,” said the man. Anna dismounted and handed him the reins, as he summoned a young man to take the horses to the stables. Jack packed their weapons into a bag he slung over his back.

  Anna stood just behind Jack with her head down so she wouldn’t be so recognizable. The men opened the large wooden door. She followed Jack through and waited behind him in the large foyer. Soon they heard footsteps echoing from the curved staircase above. In a few moments, a woman appeared and floated down the stairs in front of them. She had deep brown hair highlighted with silver swirled up on her head, with locks cascading onto her shoulders. Her skin was creamy white. She was looking at Jack with soft brown eyes.

  “At last,” she said, striding forward. She kissed him on both cheeks and then stepped back to look him over. “You seem weary and not well-fed. We’ll fix that.” Her face glowed in an odd way. “And who is this behind you?”

  Anna was surprised to see Jack lean forward and embrace this fine lady, whispering for at least a minute in her ear. Her eyes flicked to her once in understanding. Jack stepped aside and Anna moved forward. She liked this woman immediately. Her face was full of kindness a
nd grace.

  “This is a slave girl I saved from a horrible master,” Jack said plainly enough for all those gathering around to hear. “She is to be treated with utmost respect.”

  Anna curtsied before Lady Avigail. “Of course,” the lady replied. “Follow me,” she said to Jack. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

  Immediately a servant approached Anna and said he’d show her the servants’ quarters.

  “No, she will have a room upstairs,” Avigail said. She whispered many instructions to the servant who gave Anna a confused glance and hurried away.

  “I’ll show you to your rooms,” said Avigail. “I’m so happy you’re here.” Warmth radiated from this woman.

  They followed her up the stairs and wound through the castle. Anna glanced at the wall in the long hallway, covered with portraits of her family. She tucked her chin down to hide her sudden amusement. Just months ago she would have thought it funny to be disguised in her own homeland. A pang of homesickness hit her stomach. She was ready to be home and be Princess Anna again, but she’d never be the same princess.

  Avigail led them to a beautiful room with two windows and ancient tapestries covering the walls.

  To her surprise, Avigail addressed her by name. “Anna, this will be your room. I’ll have water brought in for washing and a bath after dinner.” She touched her arm. “I’m so glad you’ve returned.”

  Anna thanked her and walked to the window after they left, hoping to catch a sunset. All that remained of the sun was a tiny sliver on the horizon. Anna sensed the darkness closing in around the castle. A servant came in with water and lit several candles.

  “Dinner will be ready shortly,” she said.

  Anna washed her hands and face in the basin. She found a comb by the mirror and tried to run it through her tangled mess of hair. It was no use, and she pulled it back into a knot. Anna kicked off her shoes and flopped on the beautiful feather bed, encased with sheer fabric that could be pulled closed, much like her bed at home. Before long, Anna heard a tap at the door. She opened it to find Jack.