Two fortnights had passed since Nelina backhanded Gwen the way she did. She could hear the commotion of her morning meal being prepared for her which roused her up from her slumber. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she pushed herself out of the bed and made her way to the table. Awaiting her was a small pitcher of cider with a cup and a plate of food. Unlike before, her morning meal consisted of far better fare these days. Small portions of lean chicken, vegetables, fruits, and bread were a nice change from the horrid gruel from before.
“Madame, apologies, I meant to leave your garments before you awoke.” The older woman with dark hair strewn with silvery gray streaks smiled. She laid down the clothing on the bench by the bed, then walked over and refilled Nelina’s cup. “I’m Bridget,”
“Nelina,” Bridget looked around sixty winters old if she had to guess. “I appreciate the food and to see you and not Gwen.”
“Madame, may I speak to you in a free and plain manner?” Bridget stood still with her hands folded in front of her, as was befitting for a slave.
“I would have it no other way,” Nelina kept eating, “You can sit if you want.”
“Thank you, Madame,” She reached over sliding a stool to sit on rather than sitting at the table with Nelina. “Not all of us like Gwen, some of us would rather see someone such as you carry out the running of the Magus’s household.”
“Me?” She set down her cup. “I would not know the first thing about running a household as large as this, I can read and do monies as I did with my family’s timber business, but that’s it.”
“Madame, if you can do that, I can help with the rest, as I will make sure the household runs daily as it should, if not better than what it is now.” She could see the doubt in Nelina’s wide green eyes. “The Magus has affection for you, one I have never seen him have with Gwen or any other woman in my time here.”
Nelina shook her head. “I don’t have the authority to take away that vicious woman’s position or I would help you.”
“Then allow me to serve you, I’ll serve you well, and you’ll have no cause for complaint.” She pleaded with Nelina. “Since Gwen refused to attend you, I think I’m the only one who braved Gwen’s wrath these last few weeks to do so.”
“It seems then if I am to have any decent food and my garments I need you.” She grinned, “I think that will be fine Bridget, I don’t think Gwen will do anything about it.”
“Very good then, Madame,” Bridget picked up Nelina’s finished plate. “Anything you need please don’t hesitate to call for me,” she curtsied before leaving the chamber.
Nelina jumped up in a rush, dressing with haste into the black doeskin riding breeches and oversized dark blue tunic; she then laced her boots up ready to start her day with Adar on the grand balcony. Shutting her door, she passed down the quiet, empty halls save for the occasional sentry or a slave who attended to the needs of the palace during the night. Once or twice, she had gone by a noble who would take a moment to stare at her before she disappeared from their sight. The large archway opened up into the Royal courtyard with a few sets of tables and chairs lit by the occasional brazier. Dawn was fast approaching with the dark night having already lightened to a dull gray, which now shifted to a yellowish orange with the day’s rising sun. She found Adar as she expected on the balcony. Yet, she paused to watch his graceful, but lethal silhouette display almost dance like movements. His agility and flexibility defied what normal men were capable of, which meant that Ru’ark had given him those traits somehow. She had come to appreciate her morning sessions with Adar finding a certain measure of peace in letting her mind flow from one stance to the next. Her stances nowadays had become far more complex than when she had first started learning them.
Adar’s back was to Nelina but he knew she was there. He withdrew his extended arm back to his side while turning around to motion her to him. She would have preferred for her training to consist of that for the day, with a steady flow from one form to the next. Instead, similar most days it revolved around standing in the hot sun on one leg while balancing bowls of water in her hands. On other days, she would find a massive bowl filled with polished river stones with her task being to run one hand after the other through the stones until her shoulders felt as if they would fall off. Afterward, she would mimic his movements as he had shown her.
As the sun made its way above the horizon Nelina understood what was expected of her. Adar positioned himself with the sun at his back, leaving it to shine into Nelina’s eyes, forcing her to keep them closed. The idea behind it was to learn how to defend against a foe you cannot see.
Squinting into the sunlight never helped and all she was able to rely on was Adar’s repetitive lessons to block his incoming kicks and strikes. Not remembering one motion of a stance meant finding herself knocked down. Adar putting out his hand would help her back up on her feet to try it again.
After pulling her up, Adar motioned for her to take the defensive stance he had been teaching her.
Nelina did as he bid her to and positioned herself in the stance. Every few days he would have her in the stance while striking her hard with an open hand to her breastbone. It did not inflict pain it but rather a pushing sensation, which made her lose her balance. Regardless of what she might try, the blow landed her to the ground each time. She readied herself as usual, awaiting the strike from Adar. However, this time when the impact hit her chest a shudder moved across her body, and for the first time her legs did not falter as she remained standing. Surprised, she looked at Adar “I did it, I can’t believe it!”
A slight smile touched Adar’s weathered face.
Behind them came the sound of hands clapping together from Ru’ark in his normal attire of dark blue robes trimmed in silver “My, my, well done indeed.”
Excited, she stepped over to him beaming. “I’m glad you were able to see, it’s the first time I succeeded.”
“I’m impressed Sweetling, your dedication is impossible not to notice.” Ru’ark’s intense blue eyes picked her apart down to the folded braids at the bottom of her hairline giving her a severe yet beautiful appearance. He did not understand her hesitation in coming to him and he was determined to find out what was going on. In his unique connection with Adar, the sensation he had gotten from him was that Nelina’s fear centered on Lucas. It was disturbing to him to have to wait for her to confide in him. Adar not accompanying her today was bound to bring whatever it was to the surface.
Behind Ru’ark, the kitchen servants brought a table and food for her. “Are you staying with me for the midday meal?”
He held out his hand, leading her to sit down. “Although I do delight in your company, I have the unfortunate task of transcribing some of my research.”
“Of course,” while sitting down in the comfortable chair she wished he would take the midday meal with her at least once. “Perhaps another time than if it pleases you to do so?”
Genuine disappointment filled her eyes at the prospect of not having his company. “We will in due time,” His finger, slow and intimate traced along the curved skin of her neck, he leaned in close. “I hear your armor has at last been crafted to completion by Danthamore’s finest armorers. I’m sure you’ll not want to keep Elian waiting a moment too long on this day of all days."
His feathered kiss on her neck sent a hot tingle through the core of her body. “I won’t be late for Elian.”
“Good,” He stepped backward, “Adar, with me.” He paused in his walking offering her one last opportunity to ask to talk to him. Somehow, whatever held her fear over her was still stronger than telling him.
The blood drained from her head to her toes, she held the end of the table her to steady herself, while her complexion became ashen.
He sighed resuming his departure, once he drew out this poisonous enemy, he intended to punish the person or people harshly. Bringing things squarely into the light where they belonged, would allow him to crush it clearly in front of her.
Nelina watched as Ru’ark and Adar disappeared from sight. Her wary green eyes shot around the room. ‘Get out, Elian won’t be suspicious as long as I’m there.’ It was a panic filled thought. She did not eat, instead she got up with a quickness making her way out of the Grand balcony. Walking under the large arches she had passed earlier, her mind scrambled to think of another passage to the outer wall to avoid Lucas and still get to Elian. Turning down another hallway Lucas ran into her.
“There you are,” Lucas grabbed Nelina’s upper arms while Gwen stood next to him with a malicious smile. “Not running away, are you?”
“I think she was,” giggled Gwen. “The Magus would be most upset.”
“Let me go Lucas, Elian is waiting on me.” She tried to wriggle free to no avail.
“Then we’d best get you there cunny.” No one was near them when he slammed her back and head against the cold stone wall in the hallway, to daze her. “Get going,” he pushed her forward.
Nelina walked, as he demanded, she was too lightheaded to do otherwise.
“I have to go, I’ll see you later, for dinner.” Gwen affectionately gave Lucas’s arm a light squeeze.
Nelina heard Lucas answer Gwen back before his fingertips pressed into her back to keep going. The stun of being hurt wore off, and survival kicked in. ‘He’s taking me somewhere.’ her thoughts were racing.
Lucas led her on the path she had been accustomed to taking. Using the stairs leading off the Royal balcony and traversing a short hallway, Nelina found herself on the outer wall. It was not uncommon for the wall to have fewer men moving around at this point in the day, as heat drove those without duty to the welcoming shade. She had known this was coming, that Adar would not always be able to walk with her. His forceful arm from behind propelled her along. “C’mon, we can’t have the Captain waiting.”
Nelina’s eyes searched the path ahead for guards, yet, what would they do against Lucas. He was one of their own and a high ranking guard, where as her word was that of a mere slave’s. Lucas and the other guards held nothing except scorn and ire for her at being trained by Elian. With another shove Nelina was pushed forward toward the empty guard station.
“Over here,” The sparse guard station was able to hold around four average sized men. It was used for little more than a rest from the rain or heat for the guards. He chose here because he wanted plenty of room to have his way with her. “Keep going, in there.”
She had to avoid letting him drag her in there. “No!” before she could react, his arm was underneath her chin cutting off her breath. She tried to free herself by dropping her weight, but it did no good. It was then she faltered. When it did not work, she flailed her body wild in fear against him.
“Keep kicking,” he was amused by her panicked struggling as he with ease, choked her into blacking out. He was well versed in his technique and knew how to maintain the hold throughout her weak attempts to break free. The whole thing had his own body on fire, as he carried her inside the station. While it was effective, the unconsciousness was short-lived, lasting a few minutes at most.
She moaned in pain as she came to, one of his hands held her throat while his other hand had already undone her breeches, but he had not pulled them down yet.
His sweat drenched face hung only inches from hers. “There you are, I want you awake, it’s better that way,” His hand was firmly between her legs. “After I’m done with you, no one will have you, let alone the Magus.” Roughly, he pulled his hand away to yank down the garment past her hips to gain more access to her.
Tears trailed down her cheeks while the pressure of his hand on her neck muffled her cries. Adar flashed in her mind, the exercises with the stones and bowls honed her own hands to be both delicate and lethal. She waited for the moment she needed, in trying to pull at her clothing he glanced downward. Her fingertips akin to steel, and with swiftness, struck the bottom most vulnerable part of his throat.
Lucas rolled off Nelina clutching his neck. ‘Bitch,’ he spit the word at her, but it came out as little more than a raspy gasp.
Scrambling fast to her feet, Nelina hurried before he stood up. She was a mess with her tunic disheveled, and trying to keep her breeches up with one hand. She ran across the rest of the open wall to the training yard to where Elian would be waiting for her. Turning to look behind her, she saw no sign of Lucas, but almost crashed into two other guards passing by.
The two of men stared at the frantic woman running past them, then continued on their way. They wanted no part of her whether she was hurt or not.
Above where the stone stairs sunk down from the city wall into the training yard Nelina saw Elian in the courtyard waiting for her. She tried to hold it together as she walked with quickness to him.
“Nelina,” his eyes widened as they scoured over her, she was dirty, and clutching her breeches.
“I didn’t mean to hurt him Elian.” She sobbed, “I am so sorry, I, he-”
“What in damnation happened?” He watched uncaring as the question caused her to shake in fear. “Who did you hurt?”
“Lucas, I hurt Lucas.” Her sense of balance was off, she trembled in her crying.
Elian’s voice became gentler and kinder. “C’mon, we’ll go someplace else and discuss whatever has happened,”
She nodded, grateful. “Alright,”
“It’s going to be fine.” Tentatively, he stepped closer, lowering his voice for her ears alone.
“Every day, you see these men don’t show them this weakness.” He held his breath still gauging her reaction.
Her eyes darted around to a few men watching her and she stopped her tears. “Captain Elian, I would appreciate that.”
Elian waved over two of the nearby guards. “Find Lucas and bring him to me.” He looked back at Nelina. “Follow me,” Leading her back to the stairs, she had descended from and into the guards quarter she kept behind him with a hurried step. Most of the rooms she passed were empty except for an occasional guard sleeping on one of the beds. Taking the wooden stairs upward to officer’s rooms, he brought her to his Captain’s quarters.
He opened the door and shut it behind him. “Nelina,”
She turned around to face him.
His concern was genuine. “What in God’s name did Lucas do to you?” he hugged her.
Fresh tears poured forth, as she hugged him back telling him all of it, and even confessing to how bad the situation was with Gwen and Lucas. She explained the things that had happened today, and how Adar had been walking her to afternoon practice each day. It was painful to go over, but she told Elian each detail, down to Gwen and her part in it, and to what Lucas had said to her while he was trying to force himself on her.
Once she had gotten everything out, he directed her to sit in one of the chairs. “Lucas, I can take care of,” He grabbed a bottle of a strong rye brandy he had and two cups. He poured hers first. “Here, a good drink of this will calm your woman’s anxieties.”
She made a small scrunched face when she gulped down a portion of it. “I’m sorry,”
“Sorry, you? Lucas is the one who will be sorry when I’m finished with him.” He swallowed a drink of the brandy not finding it harsh as she did. He looked at her square in the eyes. “You’re not a victim.” he smiled, “Most times, when a man takes a woman with violence there isn’t much a woman can do.”
She nodded, listening while drinking more of the brandy and doing her best not to have her face curl into a frown for its taste.
“First time you fight a true enemy, it’s going to scare your bowels into wanting to loosen. After all, it’s the first time of knowing you might not live.” Out of all the conversations they have had together, this was the last one he expected to have with her. “Men are going to try to do what Lucas did to try and break you because it’s a known easy way to for a man to break a woman fast.” He shrugged, “I’m not saying it to be mean, I’m telling you because you have to know that’s how a man who is your enemy would seek to break you.” He finished the contents of his cup. “Never doubt that your enemy will be ruthless.”
Nelina with a slow sip had more of her brandy while listening and nodding in agreement.
Elian’s eyebrows went up. “You are beautiful, that goes without saying. Men see what I see, a delicate fair woman. You stand at best to my shoulder and could barely swing a heavy broadsword if I gave it to you.” He refilled his cup as his eyes bore into hers with complete seriousness. “Yet, you don’t need to swing one of those to be lethal do you? As you have made it apparent you can fell an enemy with the mere flick of a few fingertips.” The brandy helped to take the edge off. “Start using your appearance to intimidate a man or a woman. A battle is not just good footwork and swordplay.” He set down his cup. “Your armor is here by the way, and in truth, armor can be empowering. When you wear yours, a man should think twice about looking at you with anything other than absolute respect, or be hurt.”
“I understand,” She took a deep breath.
He folded his arms, “You have to also learn when it’s okay to trust people,” he admonished her in a harsher tone. “Our Magus wants you to go to him with any problem, you have and you failed in that.” He began putting away the brandy and cups “You dealt with Gwen and Lucas when you should’ve never let it get that far to begin with, and that’s where I fault you.”
“I get it, I do.” She stood up to leave.
“If you get it, then let’s get going shall we? There’s a lot of things to go over today.” He opened the door and she after she left his quarters, he locked the door behind them.
Nelina was in better spirits after their conversation. She followed Elian back across the courtyard. The approaching summer heat was unmistakable with its bite in the air as she walked to the stables where the horses were and to the door of a small room, which beforehand was a horse stall until refitted to become a storage room.
He put his arm around her shoulders, giving her a light squeeze. “The rest of the day will be fine. There’s a young woman in there to help you put on your armor, it’s not a dress after all.”
She laughed at his teasing as he left her to change. Upon entering the room, she found her armor lying out on a small cleared off worktable. The fitted armor made of leather had polished iron buckles with straps hanging from its empty form. Standing there was a woman around her age smiling at her with reddish brown hair and brown eyes. Her plain, tan, dress she was wore indicated she was maybe from the common quarter.
Claire waved over Nelina to her “Closer, please,” she inclined her head, “I’m Claire, It’s a pleasure to meet you, Elian’s said a lot of nice things about you.”
“Oh? I suppose that’s good right? I’m Nelina” She grinned, “I appreciate your help in getting into this armor and later out of it.”
Claire smiled, “I thought the captain was jesting that this is for you, while people are aware the Magus trains you, no one thought you would be outfitted for real armor."
“It’s new for me too.” Nelina disrobed and undid her two thick braids folded at the nape of her neck. “I want my hair pulled off my face into a long thick braid and then twisted into one tight in a circle at the back of my head near the top if you can help with that too.” Nelina began working her way into her armor.
“I’d be happy to help,” Claire pulled the straps tight on the back of Nelina's armor.
The high neckpiece with its touches of silver came almost to her chin yet still allowed for head to move. “Elian was right, armor does make you feel different.”
“The contrast of the black armor and the softness of your light hair framing your face with your fair skin is somewhat startling, but in a good way.” Claire buckled the last strap. “Move around a bit for me if you will,”
Nelina found she had more mobility than she had originally thought, since her arms reached up to almost over her head. On her legs, the leather was stiff, however; time should fix that with its use. “It feels pretty good.”
“Hmm,” Claire adjusted a few of the belts and buckles which were not tight enough for her liking. “There, it looks good too.” She motioned to the stool. “I think we’re ready for me to do your hair.”
Nelina sat upright and still. “You’re skilled with armor, how is that?”
Claire separated out Nelina’s hair into three parts. “Thanks, I suppose it’s from growing up with my Father and brothers who were all palace guards. Unlike many of the palace guards my family cannot trace themselves to the first King of Danthamore or from of the one of the great families of the upper kingdoms.”
“I can’t either, and the Magus chose me-” she corrected herself. “Bought me, I mean bought.” She drew in a deep breath. “I’m his slave, and it’s better than my life was when I was free.”
Weaving the different parts of her hair the braid took shape. “I lost both my brothers to the Great War, and because of it we no longer had two household incomes for our manor and therefore we lost it.” She tied off the end of the braid. “My Father and I moved to the merchant’s quarter, and then he became injured so we lost that too.” Twisting the braid into a bun, she gave a light shrug. “We live in the common district nowadays. I’m grateful to Elian for helping my Father and me, by attending you, we have an income other than the pittance for surviving the war my father gets.” Claire stepped back, clasping her hands together. “There, you are done, I believe.”
Nelina stood up. “Thank you, I suppose we’ll see each other when it’s time for me to get out of this contraption.”
A hand went to Claire’s lips as she stifled her laugh at Nelina’s humor. “You will,” she gathered up the tunic and breeches off the floor and took her leave of the room.
Nelina waited for a few seconds before leaving the storeroom herself. Running fast through her mind was what Elian had said about people and their perceptions of her. She stepped out of the storage room and made her way towards the courtyard. Entering into the open yard, she found at its center a handful of the city’s laborers standing on the raised platform, where in the past, she had seen seasoned guards demonstrating their techniques to the younger inexperienced watch members. Unlike before when the men leered at her, this time her eyes were fierce. Between her self-confidence, along with how she carried herself while walking made the men avert their eyes from her as she passed by. Her attention was drawn to Elian waving her over to the far section of the yard, which was buzzing with the guardsmen attending to their own activities of sparring and archery.
While approaching Elian she saw Claire depart from him.
Elian’s eyes were fixated on Nelina, the armor had given her a metamorphosis, and no longer did she appear the fragile and cute slave woman he knew. “The armor suits you well.”
“I think I can get used it to it,” She was rather fond of the armor. “You were right, armor is empowering.”
“See? I do know a thing or two, don’t I?” Teased Elian, leading her back toward the stables she had just left. “Come, so we can get started,”
Nelina was elated when he brought her to one of the warhorses. “I get to ride today?”
“Well, since you’re wearing the armor and all, I suppose.” He motioned toward the large gray horse with the metal and leather barding waiting for her.
Walking up to the large animal it whinnied, and she frowned. “I don’t think the horse wants this on it.”
“It’s those female thoughts of yours again, no man would say that.” he folded his arms and kept himself from laughing. “The horse might hate it, but if you care about the horse, then you’ll put it on because attacks more often than not are intended for the rider, it’s the stray attacks which can kill the horse. Besides, it also intimidates your enemy.”
“Point taken.” She accepted Elian’s help in getting on the horse. Although it was large in its barding, with use its the reins, she in her usual fashion commanded the horse with ease.
“I’m not surprised given your riding skill that you do not require much to adapt to riding a warhorse.” She was the best he had seen as far as horse riders be it man or woman on any horse. Holding the animal’s reins he looked at Nelina. “Well, I will leave you to it, and when you have tried out the animal enough come over to the sword circle.”
Nelina continued to do a few more trots and turns until she decided the animal should rest. Afterward, she dismounted and left the horse in one of the young guard’s hands. Walking toward the training circle Nelina could see Elian with a few other people. The bustle of the yard had increased while she had been riding, but she had paid it no mind, even walking by the workers who were setting up an upright post on the platform.
Upon reaching the sword circle, he went to where his own personal weapons were stored. “I have a reward for you for all of your hard work, a gift if you will.” Reaching into the crate, he pulled out a scabbard with a lightweight, small well-crafted sword. “According to the merchant, the steel is made of the metal from the mines in Cariff.”
“It means a lot to me, thank you,” grateful, she accepted the blade from Elian its weight was perhaps half the weight of the training swords she has become accustomed to using. Slipping the blade free from its sheath, she found the balance of the weapon was superb. Nelina’s arm moved with little effort, while the blade sliced the air from her tracing familiar sword patterns.
Elian put his hand on her shoulder. “You’ve taken to your new blade quite well." A playful smile touched the edge of his mouth, "With your new blade and your woman's armor, it seems a shame they should go untested.”
"You mean with you and live blades, today?" She had not expected the lesson to be so soon.
“Yes, me,” His wide smile filled his face as he pulled forth his own sword and joined her. "What better time? Your skill is good, but your armor needs to be broken in before you swing that blade in yours or the Magus’ defense."
“Ru- The Magus?” She kept her sword upward with its tip following the flat line of her arm “Why? He doesn’t come across as needing any protection.”
Elian’s blade mirrored hers “The Magus bleeds red just like you or I and he can’t be awake at all times.”
She laughed heartily, “I tell you now then, that is not one of the duties he gives me, he sleeps next to me.” Her shoulders shot up then back down in a quick motion. “It must be the other guards outside of the chamber who do that.”
Moving to the left, his feet traced the inside of the training circle. “Does he? Such devotion you have to our Magus lying in his bed each night.”
“Shut up Elian,” she blushed and chided his jesting. “Before I hurt you with this fine sword you’ve given me.”
He laughed, “We sound like two old maids with their sewing and embroidery in a knot,”
Nelina gave a small laugh.
“Defend yourself,” He was done talking, his smile was replaced by focus and precision while stepping forward and tapping her blade upward with a sharp move of his wrist.
She was careful to not to let his quick and sudden advances with his sword distract her. Instead, she paid close attention to his hips and shoulders to predict whether he would lunge or recoil. Her elbows were low, having learned from experience that keeping her arm outstretched left her unable to thrust her blade forward when an opportunity presented itself or it rendered her unable to return a quick parry against a fast blow from Elian’s sword. Complicating it all was the stiffness of the armor forcing her to step harder into each step.
Elian spotting an opening, swept his blade a mere inch away from her abdomen.
Nelina batted his sword away and readied herself for his next attack.
“Nel, I’ve taught you better than this, when the enemy strikes, you press the opportunity, it is feint and counter feint, not a street fight.” Using footwork he stepped in closer than retreated which made her keep to his timing.
She pursed her lips together being well aware of Elian’s’ favorite game of pressing her into a hasty reaction. His blade would bite at hers, trying to lure her into his trap. Today, she would not take his bait. The tip of his blade continued to strike at the tip of hers. All of her attempts with counter feints failed thus far with his blade ending at her throat or pointed at one of her vitals. Making sure her feet kept up with him, she tried a different tactic. When he swung his blade, it was her this time who pressed the attack, holding him at bay for a moment.
Elian it seemed was on the defensive from her as she deflected his strikes with little to no resistance.
Nelina kept up her attack, the idea of having the advantage tugged at her yet he had tricked more than once with this ploy. Against her initial instincts, she pulled back, allowing him to strike at her. She maneuvered to block his incoming blows while staying aware of his lower body for the timing had to be perfect. When he stepped in a hair closer, she darted her own step inward rather than farther away. His sword came near her face, and on his downward stroke, her blade rather than blocking him, went to his throat.
Elian stilled his body to acknowledge the placement of Nelina's blade. “Well done, you’ve taken your first step in giving ground in order to take a victory.”
“I think it’s my best day yet.” In her elation, she forgot that for the sparring to end it required leaving the circle.
Amused, he slipped his foot between hers and with a quick twist disarmed her holding her own sword against her throat with her backside to him. “Never neglect your footwork,” he smiled “You did quite well today.” Letting her go, he handed her back her sword. “We’ll call it a day here, the Magus has plans for you this eve and Claire is waiting for you.”
“Yes, of course, and thank you for today.” She was mulling over in her mind how to tell Ru’ark about what had transpired between Lucas, Gwen and herself earlier in the day.
“Your welcome Nel,” he took his leave of her to get ready for his next task, which was not one he relished in carrying out.