Chapter Ten
Baelan
“Aye, I cannot wait to see the shores of home,” Loreth said enviously, leaning on the ship’s railing and staring out at the slate-grey sky. The sea was turbulent and tossing, causing the ship to hop and bounce through the waves. Baelan had been sick for days, and this weather certainly wasn’t helping.
“Baelan?” Loreth asked. “You’re not even listening to me!”
Baelan sighed deeply. Ever since Rillie had mysteriously vanished from the ship days before, he’d been sleeping with one eye open and keeping half of his rations tucked away in his trunks, just for the hope of seeing her again. He’d dreamt about her, more than once. But he had yet to find anything save for a single strand of pale blonde hair in the room where he’d hidden her away.
“What is it, man,” Loreth said disdainfully. “You’ve been moping for days! I don’t see how you can stand to feel anything, really,” he continued in a bossy voice. “Why, the only encounter of interest we had was with that no-good bunch of pirates!”
Baelan glared at him. “For your information, I’m quite upset,” he said, narrowing his blue eyes.
Loreth groaned. “Always upset about something,” he said, shaking his head. “I’ve never met such an emotional man. One would think you a woman!”
Baelan didn’t reply. He closed his eyes and thought of Rillie. It bothered him that in the days since she’d mysteriously vanished into the sea, he was beginning to lose sight of what she looked like.
“Men!” Perth yelled, stepping out on deck and crossing his arms over his chest. “Tonight, we sail for home. And tomorrow, when we arrive, I give you all days of leave to visit with your families.” He spotted Baelan and chuckled. “And anyone not wishing to see their family is more than welcome to stay in the barracks!”
Baelan groaned. He didn’t relish the idea of seeing his mother and father, smug and happy about the world when he was so torn inside. Still, he knew that if he didn’t return to the royal compound, his mother would likely send him down at the barracks…and her wrath would be worse than her smug pride.
That night, Baelan barely slept. He kept dreaming of Rillie, as if she was in bed next to him, her petite body warming his own. He woke up in an embarrassing flood of arousal and groaned when he saw that he was alone.
The ship sailed into the Zhekan harbor just as the sun was high overhead. Queen Zornaya had planned a festival for all of the sailors, but Baelan snuck away before anyone could spot him and force him to stay. He meandered around the village for a while, hoping for a glimpse of Rillie’s pale hair or her magical voice. But after hours of searching, Baelan reluctantly made his way into the royal compound.
“Baelan!” Arsinoe cried happily. “My son, you’ve returned!” She stepped closer, pinching Baelan’s arm and shaking her head. “And how skinny you’ve become!” Arsinoe narrowed her eyes. “I do hope they’re feeding you the kinds of food befitting a royal cousin!”
“It doesn’t matter, mother,” Baelan said with a deep sigh. “I eat enough. I eat what the rest of the men eat. That is all that anyone cares about.”
Arsinoe sighed and pulled Baelan into a close embrace. “Your sister is here,” she said. “She’s come home for a visit.”
“Really? Selene?”
Arsinoe nodded. “Yes,” she said. “In fact, I’ve invited a few others for dinner tonight – I wasn’t sure when you’d be home. You don’t mind, do you?”
Baelan shook his head. He knew he should go see his sister, but he also knew he wouldn’t be able to talk to her about what was bothering him.
“I’m going to the castle,” Baelan said. “I want to see Aerdan.”
Arsinoe smiled sadly. “You’re so rarely home, and I fear I won’t get to see much of you,” she replied.
Why not, Baelan thought sourly as he left the royal compound and set out for the castle. Are you that eager to force Aya and me into an unhappy union?
The sun was sinking low in the sky by the time Baelan reached the castle. He walked across the drawbridge, then went inside with the confidence that came from his noble birth. The castle was relatively empty – Baelan guessed that the queen, along with most of her ladies in waiting and courtiers were still down at the docks, celebrating the triumphant return of the navy.
Baelan climbed the long staircase that led to Aerdan’s chamber and knocked on the door. When the door swung open, Aerdan stood there, half-dressed in a leather tunic and unlaced trousers. He pulled Baelan into a tight hug, swinging him around in the air.
“Dear friend!” Aerdan cried. “You’ve come home!”
Baelan chuckled. Seeing Aerdan was the first bit of happiness he’d felt since before Rillie disappeared.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” Baelan replied, narrowing his eyes at his old friend. “Where is Angelica?”
Aerdan chuckled. “She is napping,” he said. He leaned in closer. “You know, she is with child. We just learned about it a few days ago.”
Baelan blinked in surprise. Despite the fact that Aerdan had been wed for months, he still thought of his old friend as a rough and tumble teenager, swinging through the forest on the back of his steady stallion.
“Do not worry,” Aerdan said in a hushed voice at Baelan’s reaction. “I, too, am surprised.” He broke into a wide smile. “But Angelica couldn’t be happier – she’s wanted a family for quite some time.”
Baelan nodded. He followed Aerdan inside and shut the door behind him before sinking into a small chair by the hearth. Aerdan poured two small glasses of mead and handed one to Baelan.
“The best in Zheka,” Aerdan declared. He clinked his glass against Baelan’s and they each took a long drink. Baelan welcomed the comforting burn of the alcohol as it slid down his throat. There had been little liquor at sea, and he missed the numbing feeling that drinking always seemed to bring.
“So, friend, tell me – what of you, what have you been doing?” Aerdan asked. He sank into a squashy armchair and stretched out his lanky frame, crossing his legs at the ankle.
“I met a girl,” Baelan said. He clutched his glass of mead and took another swallow – this one so big that he almost coughed and sputtered.
“Oh?” Aerdan raised an eyebrow. “A royal cousin, perhaps? Someone from the village?”
“A foreign girl,” Baelan replied. He took a deep breath and sighed. “She came here on a ship, and…” Baelan trailed off, unsure if he should confess what Rillie had done. But the look in Aerdan’s eyes – both proud and amused – was enough to make him continue. “And then she stowed away on the naval ship.”
“By the gods,” Aerdan said, whistling. “The temper on her must be tremendous.” He eyed Baelan and chuckled. “And I’ve never known you to be one for the feisty girls.”
“Rillie is…different,” Baelan said. He had to work to keep a dreamy look from coming over his face. “And I’ve never met a woman like her, not in all my time in Zheka.”
Aerdan chuckled. “So perhaps joining the navy was the best decision for you, after all.”
Baelan made a face. He told Aerdan what had happened with the other ship, and how Rillie had disappeared. Just as he was finishing the tale, the door opened and Angelica stepped inside. Just as Aerdan had said, her belly was faintly swollen and her skin was glowing with happiness and pride and love. When she saw Baelan, she smiled.
“Hello,” Angelica said. She sat down on Aerdan’s bed and folded her legs underneath her frame. “It’s nice to see you, Baelan. How are you?”
Baelan laughed. Angelica had been living in Zheka for many moons, and yet the strange way she spoke always amused him.
Luckily, Angelica laughed, too. “I’m doing well, as you can see,” she said, blushing and gesturing to her belly. “But what’s all this I hear about love?”
Baelan flushed at the realization his voice had carried throughout the chamber. “I’ve met someone,” he said. “And then I lost her.”
Angelica frowned.
“She’s lost at sea,” Aerdan said.
“That isn’t possible,” Baelan replied. He frowned deeply. “She can’t swim – she must’ve been picked up by the other ship.”
Aerdan narrowed his eyes. “And did you happen to catch where they were sailing from?”
Baelan groaned. “No,” he said. “They were big brutes – ready to fight from the moment they boarded us.” He sighed. “I don’t think Zheka should be doing this – having a navy. None of the men knew how to fight.” He flushed deeply in shame. “Rillie saved us. Without her, we’d all be dead right now.”
Angelica put her hands under her chin, looking deeply troubled. “Baelan, that’s horrible,” she said softly. “You have to find her!”
“I know,” Baelan agreed. He felt deeply ashamed. “I know I must find Rillie. She’s all I’ve been able to think about since we parted.”
Angelica got to her feet, resting one hand on her belly. “I will help in any way I can,” she said, stepping forward and putting her hands on Baelan’s shoulder. “I promise.”
Baelan blinked in surprise. “Thank you,” he said. “I admit, I didn’t expect such a reaction from you.”
“That poor girl,” Angelica said. She shook her head and pressed her lips together. “Baelan, why not dine with us this evening? We could perhaps think of a solution or a way to begin looking for her.”
Baelan groaned. “My sister, Selene, has come home, and my mother will be so angry if I’m not there at the table,” he said. “But why not join us? Mother mentioned inviting a few others, I’m sure you’d be welcome.”
Aerdan rubbed his stomach. “Your cook makes the most exquisite lamb,” he said. “Angelica?”
Angelica frowned for a moment. “But then we will not be able to talk about Rillie,” she said.
“We’ll meet with Huen and Aine after dinner,” Aerdan said. “And speak with them. Huen’s very intelligent – perhaps he’ll have an idea.”
Angelica looked mollified. “I’m going to change,” she announced. “I’ll see you both later.”
Aerdan got to his feet and whistled. “Come,” he said to Baelan. “If there’s anything I dislike more than the idea of my wife changing without me, it’s my wife changing in the room with my dearest friends.”
Baelan flushed, but he got to his feet and followed Aerdan out of the chamber and down the stairs. They walked in silence to the royal compound. Baelan’s head was filled with thoughts of Rillie. He felt guiltier than ever – why hadn’t he leaped to her defense on board the ships? He would have been reprimanded, but that would’ve been much better than letting her disappear, perhaps to her death!
By the time Baelan and Aerdan arrived in Baelan’s family’s apartments, Baelan was so sick he could hardly think of eating. Luckily Arsinoe was busy cooing over Selene – she had come home with Phaelenx and a band of gold on her finger – and Baelan was able to slip past, or so he hoped.
“Brother!” Selene said cheerfully. “Why, it feels like ages since I’ve seen you last!”
Baelan had to admit that Selene looked beautiful. Her long hair was skillfully twisted into an elaborate coil on her head, and she wore pale blue silk robes that darkened her eyes to cobalt. She pulled Baelan into a warm hug.
“It does,” Baelan ruefully agreed.
“I wasn’t sure whether or not we’d stay, but I think Phaelenx and I have done enough traveling for the time,” Selene continued. She gestured toward her husband, Phaelenx, who stood in the corner of the room. He was just as large as Baelan remembered – his biceps were the size of small tree trunks.
“Oh,” was all Baelan could say. It was hard for him to think of anyone happily – or willingly – settling back in Zheka when Rillie was missing, and presumed dead.
“I’m so pleased to see my children getting along,” Arsinoe said. She beamed at Selene and Baelan. “If only I’d known it would take a few years, perhaps I would not have been so harsh on you both.”
Baelan forced a smile. “Mother, may I speak with you?”
Arsinoe looked concerned, but followed Baelan out of the room and put her hand to his forehead. “What is the matter, son,” Arsinoe asked. “Are you feeling unwell?”
Baelan sighed. “Mother, I’ve met someone – a woman – whom I wish to marry.”
“Oh, Baelan!” Arsinoe threw her arms around Baelan’s shoulders and pulled him close. “Why, that’s wonderful to hear!” She pulled away and gave Baelan a sneaky glance. “Is it Aya? I’ve invited her here tonight – as a surprise for Selene, but hearing news of an engagement would make me so very pleased.”
“No, mother,” Baelan said. “It is not Aya. She is a foreign woman.” He frowned, wondering how his mother would react when she learned of Rillie’s unusual parentage.
“Oh,” Arsinoe said. Her smile faded a bit. “All the same, that is welcome news. When may I meet her?”
Baelan sighed. “Mother, that is just it,” he said. “She is…missing, and I need to find her. It’s my fault that she isn’t here right now.”
“I suppose you’re asking to leave again,” Arsinoe said. She frowned deeply. “Baelan, what of your tenure in the navy? The queen will discipline you,” she added. “Are you not afraid of that?”
“No,” Baelan said. “Without Rillie, I am nothing.”
Arsinoe sighed. She hugged Baelan again, pulling him close. Her shoulder was bony and it poked Baelan in the throat – when had his mother become so thin, so wan?
“I know you, by now,” Arsinoe said softly. “Whenever you put your mind to something, I know you will do it.”
Baelan nodded. “I will take my friends and search for her,” he said. “And as soon as I do, I swear, I will return.”
Arsinoe nodded. She smiled sadly. “Be careful, Baelan,” she said softly.
As Arsinoe and Baelan walked back into the dining room, Baelan caught Aerdan’s eye and gestured to him from across the room. Aerdan narrowed his eyes but got up and walked over.
“What is it?”
“I cannot bear the idea of having this meal,” Baelan said, gesturing to the table which was laden with all kinds of rich food. “Not when Rillie is lost and possibly starving and alone. Please, will you help me look for her?”
Aerdan nodded. He pulled Angelica to the side, kissed her cheek, then left the royal compound with Baelan. They walked out into the twilight air.
“I am worried she has found her way back to Zheka,” Baelan said. “Perhaps she is hiding in the woods.”
Aerdan nodded. “Come,” he said. “We will go to the stables and ride until it is too dark to see.”
Baelan felt a surge of affection for his cousin and friend. “Thank you,” he said. “I know I would not be able to do anything like this on my own.”
Aerdan cuffed Baelan on the shoulder. “Friend, it is nothing,” he said. “Now, come, we must hurry.”
Aerdan broke into a run and Baelan followed close behind, grateful for the bit of strength he’d managed to build on board the Zhekan ship. As soon as they reached the stables, Aerdan called for his stallion, Tlatse, and ordered another magnificent horse to be saddled for Baelan. Once the horses were ready, the two men took off at a fast clip towards the woods.
Baelan held a lantern in one hand. When he and Aerdan entered the woods, he slowed his horse down to a slow trot.
“Rillie,” Baelan yelled. “Are you here?”
There was no answer, save for the hooting of owls and trilling of birds. Baelan’s heart sank.
“We will ride on,” Aerdan said firmly. “I have no doubt that if she made it back to Zheka, we will find her in just a short time.”
Aerdan’s words did little to comfort Baelan, but he was grateful that his friend was optimistic. The two men took off at a fast gallop, racing through the woods and calling Rillie’s name. Baelan felt a pang of nostalgic. Months ago, before everything had changed so drastically, he and Aerdan and sometimes Huen had ridden through the woods daily. Baelan still recalled those sun-dappled moments with happiness. Sometimes, he wished that his life had not become quite so complicated.
Baelan and Aerdan searched for hours. By the time the sky was streaked with pink and lavender at the first sign of dawn, Baelan’s stallion was trembling and foaming at the mouth. Baelan dismounted and shook his head.
“It’s no use,” he said. “She cannot be here – we would have seen her.”
Aerdan frowned. “Friend, what do you wish to do?”
Baelan swallowed hard. He turned to the harbor. The sun was just beginning to rise over the calm waters of the Zhekan harbor, and the ships were gently bobbing up and down. A new idea struck Baelan – a dangerous, thrilling idea.
“I will take a ship,” Baelan said. “I will sail out and find her – I must.”
“Baelan,” Aerdan said reproachfully. “Those ships do not belong to you – they belong to my mother, the queen!”
“I do not care,” Baelan said, shaking his head defiantly. “I’ve learned all I need to know from weeks of being on board, and I do not care if I anger your mother. I cannot let Rillie go – I must find her!”
Aerdan stared at Baelan for a long time. “Well,” he said in a low voice. “If that is what you are determined to do, I will look the other way.”
Again, Baelan felt choked with emotion. He couldn’t imagine a better friend than Aerdan.
“Thank you,” Baelan said quietly. “And please, tell your mother that I am sorry.”