Gems of Fire: A Young Adult Fantasy Page 17

  Anna nodded, lost in thought.

  “I rarely see him, but I’m hoping he’s found a reason to stay closer from now on.” Her eyebrows twitched up. “I don’t mean to pry, but what do you think of him?”

  Anna’s stomach clenched. “I thought I was just getting to know him,” she said. “But now I’m not sure I know him at all.” She swallowed. “I certainly don’t want him feeling obligated to me as far as my father’s edict is concerned.” Anna’s voice shook. She should have realized who he was. She wanted to help him the way he’d helped her.

  “You two will figure it out.” Avigail’s eyes crinkled in the corners. Quiet strength flowed from this woman. She had known love. And grief.

  “I’m so thankful he saved my life. More will be saved if we get to Father in time.”

  “You will make it,” said Avigail. “Stay close to Jack on the way back. You wouldn’t want to be recognized and captured by another knight.”

  “We won’t let that happen.” Anna was a little unsure of what Avigail wanted her to say. She met the older woman’s gaze. She knew Avigail would approve of a marriage with her son, if it came to that. She set the half-finished pie on a side table and stood up.

  “I suppose I need to get some rest.”

  “Don’t forget your water,” said Avigail, handing her the pitcher. “Can you find your room in the dark?”

  “I believe so, thank you,” said Anna.

  Avigail hugged her warmly. She smelled of rose-scented soap and lavender tea.

  “Take care. I have so enjoyed seeing you again—all grown up,” she said. “Be strong and say a prayer to the Most High. Your mother did.”

  Anna nodded. “For what it’s worth, I owe everything to your son. I couldn’t have been in better hands.”

  Tears welled in Avigail’s eyes. “I know the feeling.”

  Chapter 15

  As promised, Jack woke her early. The candles had burned out, and there wasn’t yet a hint of sunrise. He lit an oil lamp.

  “Jack,” groaned Anna. “It’s the middle of the night. Go away.” The bed was too soft and warm. Anna rolled over and covered her head.

  Jack laughed. “Get on up, Anna, or…”

  “Or what?” she moaned.

  “Or I’ll have to drag you out myself,” he said, giving her shoulder a little shake. His hand rested on her shoulder a moment longer than necessary. Her heart skipped a beat as his fingers traveled to her neck and tickled under her hair.

  “Just a few more minutes.” She swatted his hand away.

  “Or perhaps I’ll pour this water you wanted so badly all—over—you!” He swung the pitcher above her head, letting a few drops splash on her hair.

  “Okay, okay, I’m up,” Anna quickly jumped out of bed and fell into Jack. He caught her, accidentally splashing water down her back. She shrieked and punched him.

  “Oh—sorry.” He laughed.

  “That’s cold!”

  “I’m going to miss this.” He stepped back to avoid a second punch.

  “What?”

  “Seeing you so disheveled in the morning. From now on, it will be prim and proper princess.”

  Anna paused. She would miss this too. His steady heartbeat, his warm, deep breaths. Something bubbled up inside her every time she thought of him. She needed him to get home, to face Seamus and her father, but Jack…? Her arms tingled for him to hold her again. Even for a moment. She shook off the thought.

  “Just get out so I can dress.” Jack left, and she took a step toward the bed. Her feet were freezing on the stone floor.

  “Don’t even think about getting back in bed,” he called through the door. “Oh, and Lady Avigail gave me this if you want to wear it.” His arm reached in and tossed a beautiful hat with a pointed top and white silk veil on the floor.

  Anna grabbed it and crossed the floor to the wardrobe. The hat was a nice touch—better than that horrible veil she’d been wearing, but not so concealing. She chose a pretty light wool dress, trimmed in silk. She pulled it over her head and turned to the mirror. Even in the dim light, she could see it was beautiful. The dress drew in around her waist and had long, flowing sleeves extending all the way to her fingertips. She fixed her hair, put on the hat, adjusted the veil and peeked one more time in the mirror. A light cloak went over the dress. She slipped on light riding pants under the dress and threw the bag holding her golden bow and arrow over her shoulder. It seemed strange to strap the sword to such an outfit. She would let Jack carry it and the shield.

  She stepped into the hall where Jack was waiting with his arms crossed. He ran his eyes over her. “I suppose that’s ok.” Anna blushed as he stopped to study her again. “I’d rather see you in servants’ attire.” He paused, making up his mind. “Just keep your cloak on and your veil, too.”

  “Sure.” Anna couldn’t help rolling her eyes. “My servant clothes are still wet. This is what your mother gave me.”

  He stopped in his tracks.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked.

  He shrugged. “I just couldn’t.”

  She put her hand on his arm. “I’ve told you everything about me. I want to know you more, too.”

  His muscles tensed under her touch. “Let’s just get you home.”

  They walked to the stables without further speech. Anna was tired and could tell Jack wasn’t in the mood for any more questions. They traveled lightly this time, as they should be to the castle before sunset. Jack had packed a meal and water, leaving their mats and other supplies behind. Her new sword fit easily on Jack’s belt. They then covered the jeweled shield in canvas and strapped it to Avery’s saddle. Anna’s bow and arrows remained in the sack, out of sight. Servants were never armed.

  The early morning sky hinted at gray as Anna swung up on Star. The stars were disappearing into the deepest gray-blue, yielding one by one to the coming sun. Anna wrapped her cloak tight around her shoulders to keep out the chilly air. They would meet the river in a few hours and follow it all the way to the castle.

  “Ready?” Jack asked.

  “I’ll follow you,” Anna answered.

  Jack nodded to the guard as they rode through the gate. Anna turned her face away from him as she passed.

  They walked the horses until it was bright enough to see. They were traveling due west, following the river as it wiggled at the base of the mountain range. Deer and other wildlife scurried away as they approached, even though for the most part Jack and Anna were silent.

  Soon the sun peeked its way up behind them, slowly burning off the mist rising from the earth. With it came warmth and to Anna, hope. Each time they stopped a new wave of anticipation flowed through her as she thought of facing her father. Would he be angry? Would he believe she hadn’t run away? Would she conceal her new weapons or wear them in? Darting through her mind as well was the fact her father would certainly offer Jack her hand in marriage. Jack had not spoken about it at all. Anna was desperate to discuss it. She wasn’t sure either of them was ready for marriage, but her chest ached at the thought of losing Jack.

  On they rode, neither speaking.

  Her eyes followed Jack’s back while Avery forged ahead on the path. Waves of indecision rolled off him. She longed for a light-hearted jest or another brush of those fingers against her hand. His shoulders were rigid. Something had changed.

  As the light increased, they trotted their horses off and on and cantered a little. Before long, they rounded a river bend and found several horsemen above them on a small hill. The men waved and moved down to greet them.

  “Get behind me!” Jack said, “and be ready to ride fast.”

  Anna hurried Star behind the larger Avery.

  The horses came to a quick stop as the three knights looked them over. Anna kept her eyes down and tilted her head away from the knights.

  “Who goes there?” asked the knight in the center, apparently the eldest of the three.

  “I am Sir John William of Hemmington,” Jack said, bowing h
is head. “And you are?”

  “Knights of the good king, sir. I am Aric and these are Jamin and Badri,” he said, gesturing to the other two.

  “Out on a mission?” asked Jack.

  “Haven’t you heard?” said Aric, the eldest of the knights. Anna guessed him to be in his late thirties. He would have seen her before. “We are again searching for Princess Anna. The first one who finds her will have her hand.”

  Anna’s heart pounded in her ears. She was glad for muddy brown hair.

  Jack laughed. “Well, certainly she cannot be divided into three! What if you all find her at once?”

  Aric expression grew serious. “It is no laughing matter, sir. Do you not know our king will die of grief if she is not returned soon?”

  Jack’s face dropped. “No, I’ve just returned from a long journey.”

  “If we all find her, we will draw for her hand.”

  Anna’s face heated. How dare they?

  The knight glanced up with sudden interest as Star tugged a little at the reins. “And who might this be?” He pointed to Anna.

  “She is a slave girl I rescued from a cruel master,” Jack said. “Lady Avigail is giving her to the king as a maid to Princess Saira.”

  Anna was thankful for the veil as she moved her face away from the knight. She appreciated Jack’s quick thinking. A maid to a princess could easily be wearing these clothes. Aric circled his horse around them. Anna held her breath as she waited for him to finish his circle.

  “She’s the right size, but the hair is wrong. Look at me…”

  Hair rose on the back of her neck. She kept her eyes down but saw Jack’s hand creep toward his sword.

  She would never want one of her father’s knights to be hurt over her. Her heart thudded.

  “Have you heard the news?” Jack interrupted. “Great armies are assembling to our south. I am in a hurry to warn the King, so if you don’t mind, we’ll be on our way.” Jack took Star’s bridle and nudged Avery with his knee, turning the horses away. Smart. A slave girl wouldn’t be able to ride well, and Anna was known for her riding.

  “No, I hadn’t heard.”

  “Well, don’t ride far from Karfin,” Jack called over his shoulder. “King Vilipp will need you soon enough.”

  “We’ll keep that in mind. The chances of finding the princess at this point are small, indeed,” Aric said.

  Blood rushed to Anna’s cheeks. Perhaps he had recognized her, but was chivalrous enough to submit to the fact Jack found her first. Anna glanced over her shoulder. The eldest knight was watching them, but the other two had already lost interest. Jack let go of Star’s bridle and clucked Avery into a canter.

  “Let’s put some miles between us and those knights,” Jack said. Anna was happy to do so.

  “That was a little too close,” she replied. “I’m sure Aric knows me. Do you think he will track us?”

  “No, I think he’s an honorable man.”

  “Just not my idea of marriage material,” Anna mumbled.

  He raised his eyebrows. “Of course not.” The corners of his mouth twitched up, and he squared his shoulders. A sense of safety fell over Anna.

  As they rode, Anna’s thoughts shifted from anticipation to anxiety to dread. Her heart raced at the thought of seeing the castle again soon. Then just as quickly, it would drop as she pictured her father’s face after hearing the truth.

  After a short rest by the river, Anna took a deep breath. No matter what happens, she told herself, I’ll behave truthfully and to the best of every ability I have. That’s all she could ask of herself. Her heart felt lighter and almost giddy as she realized home was only a few hours away. They remounted their horses, and Jack set the pace at a steady trot. After they splashed through a small brook, Anna kicked Star into a canter, pulling close to Avery. Just as she passed him, she yelled, “YAH!” and smacked Avery on the hindquarters.

  The horse burst forward, slowing again as Jack pulled him up. Anna pushed Star by, shouting, “Catch me, old man, if you can!” By now Star was galloping, although Anna knew, nowhere near top speed. With each pounding hoof beat drawing her closer home, a lightness entered her soul. She let Star pull the reins through her hands. They were going to make it. She glanced back at Jack, who was moving Avery up. She laughed at the annoyed expression on his face.

  “Anna!”

  She knew he wanted her to slow down, but Anna couldn’t help herself.

  “Go, Star, go!” she called to the mare and squeezed her legs harder against her sides. The little mare stretched out farther. Anna glanced back and saw the distance between Star and Avery widen again. Anna laughed and pulled Star up as she saw another creek approach. Soon both horses were puffing together as they splashed through the water.

  Jack wiped lather off Avery’s neck. “What in the world?”

  “I just can’t wait to get there.”

  He scowled. “We still have a long way to go today. We need to pace our horses.”

  “You worry too much. We’re nearly there and you have to admit, I’ve behaved myself most of the way.” Anna pushed her lips into a deliberate pout.

  “Yes, but don’t turn into an idiot just because we’re a few hours from home. Stay with me,” he said, walking Avery past Star. “We’ve had our share of bad luck. We don’t know what could be stalking us.”

  Anna’s face burned as if he’d slapped her. Of course, he was right. She must be calculated, reserved. No mistakes. She felt a pang of regret. He thinks I’m an idiot? Probably. She splashed through the water after him. Jack’s back was straight, his shoulders set.

  After another hour, the river twisted suddenly. They followed it north for perhaps a mile until turning to the west again. Anna glanced at Jack. She was still wondering whether her father would offer him her hand in marriage. Would he say nothing? Jack glanced back. His face was all business. They topped a hill. Jack stopped, staring at the scene. Anna pulled Star up next to him and caught her breath. The sky opened up before them full of oranges and reds. The sun itself was dropping below distant wisps of clouds which diffused the last light into bright yellows and pinks. The clouds were lined in deep indigo. The large, red sun was falling before their eyes. Anna was transfixed.

  Jack’s face reflected the warm tones. She supposed hers did as well. “We’re close,” he said. “When we get in, follow my lead. I’m sure I can get an audience with your father.”

  The words she’d been dying to say all day tumbled out. “I shouldn’t say anything, but I was wondering what you think Father will do for you when you’ve brought me back?” Anna asked, stumbling over her words. This scene was calling her home, yet her eagerness to get there subsided. She had to take in the beauty a moment longer. She wanted him to appreciate it with her.

  “I’ve already told you, he’ll be thrilled. He loves you, and though we’ll be preparing for war—”

  “No, I mean, about, well, other matters, involving you.” Anna knew her face was flaming by now and not just from the sunset.

  Jack’s shoulders relaxed a bit. “Don’t worry about that. He won’t force anything on you,” Jack said. His lips contracted as he studied her. “The thing we need to think of first is saving your people. That is what your father will focus on.”

  But what do you want, Jack?

  She swallowed a lump in her throat. “By the way, if I don’t have a chance later, I wanted to thank you for all you’ve done for me. We made it home, and I would never be here without you.”

  Jack’s eyes moved over her with a pained expression. His fingers twitched on the reins as if he wanted to reach for her. He opened his mouth as if to speak and closed it again. He set his jaw and looked to the west. “We’re not there yet.” He squeezed Avery forward.

  Their path soon broke into pasture lands. They pushed their horses back into a trot, occasionally cantering and jumping over white stone fences. Anna’s heart pounded as she was reminded of racing Farley over sod much like this. How long ago it seemed. She was on t
he final turn toward home. She longed to push Star faster, to just get there, for the waiting to be over.

  They entered the forest surrounding the castle—to the east of where Anna had fallen off Farley so long ago. The trees opened to peasants’ fields, and Anna raised her eyes to spot the turrets of Karfin rising out of the horizon backed to the white cliffs. Her hands sweat as butterflies filled her stomach. The sun, low in the sky, was shining its last rays on the castle’s peaks.

  She was finally home.

  Chapter 16

  They clucked their horses forward, covering the final miles at a trot and then a walk until they met the outer stone wall of the castle grounds, climbing fifteen feet into the air. Jack requested admittance at the gate.

  The guards were gracious and opened the gate without asking any questions, although Anna heard coarse whispering as she passed. She kept her head and eyes down. She could not afford to look anyone in the eyes. Not yet.

  They walked through the grounds and dismounted at the drawbridge. A guard with a graying beard approached them.

  “Who requests admittance to the king’s palace?” he asked.

  “Sir John William, a knight in the king’s service,” Jack said, bowing. “I bear news and a great gift for his majesty.”

  The guard stepped aside. “The king might not see you until the morning. He’s been sick lately and retires early.”

  “Thank you,” Jack said. “Please find someone to attend to our horses.” He grabbed the bag with the bow and arrows in it and handed it to Anna, keeping the sword and shield himself.

  Anna’s steps were cautious as she followed Jack over the heavy wooden bridge. She was home! Her heart pulsed in her ears as she picked up her skirts to climb the steps to the giant doors, which more guards opened. Happy and horrible memories collided in her mind. They turned down the hall and stopped before the doors leading to the throne room. Two guards stood watch. Anna closed her eyes briefly and took a deep breath in an attempt to slow her pounding heart.

  “My name is Sir John William, and I have brought urgent news for the king,” Jack said to the guards. “And also a great gift. Please allow me an audience with him.”