In the early morning sun, Kela lay in her lover’s arms. She could feel Cono’s heart beat in rhythm with her own. She had no desire to rise, but rise she must.

Soon, Cono would be recalled to Yucca. She feared without warning.

Cono stroked her disheveled hair and rose. He collected their clothing, handing Kela back her tunic to cover her nakedness.

Reluctantly, she dressed. There was not much to be done with her hair. Guilda would notice that, she was certain. Though in truth, her worry lay only with Cono’s departure.

She watched Cono prepare to leave. He snapped his leather strapping around his broad shoulders. Once more, his sword sat on his hip.

“I would rather stay here and hold you until the call comes.”

Kela shook her head. “It is your duty to acknowledge Guilda. It need only be a moment. Already we have gone against custom…”

The words hung in the air.

She regretted the utterance. Pain crossed Cono’s face.

He took her hand. “Never was it my intention to dishonor you. I will go to Guilda. She will know my intention.”

“It will take but a moment,” Kela assured him. “She has grown frail.”

“Let us do this quickly,” he said. “Time is waning.”

His arm rounded her as they made their way to the cottage. All was quiet when they entered.

Kela had not expected less. Guilda seldom left her bed and had not done so this morning.

Leaning over Guilda’s bed, she woke her nurse.

“Guilda, Cono came in the night, but has to leave this morn. He wanted to give his respects.”

Her eyes opened and stared at Kela. Then, she turned her attention to Cono. “What words have you filled her with, Sordarin?”

“Guilda!” Kela cried. “Cono came to comfort me last night for yesterday. In all, much happened I haven’t told to you.”

“Comfort,” she said with an edge to her voice. Pushing against her pillow, she exerted all her energy to sit upright. She wore no coif; her thinning gray hair hung over her shoulders. Her face was gaunt and her white under-tunic seemed overly large on her.

Kela felt a warmth creep into her cheeks, for in Guilda’s tone Kela realized Guilda knew. She saw Guilda glance at her hands.

Instinctively, Kela turned her hand so Guilda couldn’t see the mark, but Kela didn’t believe Guilda needed to see.

“I need to say what is needed, for I will not see your warrior in this lifetime again.”

“Guilda, do not talk that way. We are to leave. Cono has promised me…us.”

Shaking her head, Guilda turned to Cono. She made no effort to hide her anger. “The child does not understand, but I see. It was a gift bestowed upon me before my death. You, warrior, are full of words. It is deeds that are needed. I have been hard upon her, also. She does not deserve any of what has befallen her. I see, Sordarin, what you have planned…”

“You talk nonsense.” Cono stepped forward. “Kela and I are bonded.”

Guilda raised her hand to halt his words. “I say this to you, Cono Lothar. You will live to regret what you will offer. Remember my words.”

“I have no understanding of what you are trying to say.” Kela sat on the bed, trying to calm her old nurse. “What is so wrong, Guilda? Cono has promised to take us back to Yucca. Is that not what you want also?”

“He knows well what my words mean.” Guilda looked away from Cono, disgusted. “Sordarins! Tell me why we have been banished so long? There are secrets that have not been told to you, Kela. You have been hidden away from everything you hold dear. Your siblings have forgotten me as well. You try to cover for them so not to hurt me.”

Guilda drew in a deep breath, turning back to Cono. “But it is Kela who has been hurt. Where were you, Sordarin?”

“I am here,” he answered.

“Ah, yes. You are bonded with the great Euchoun.” Her mouth grew taut with anger. “She has given her protection freely. She does not deserve to be treated in this manner. Where are her siblings? Her grandfather? I tell you, Sordarin, I see you celebrate, but only for a short time. Heed my warning. I see a harsh winter in front of her. What provisions have been made? In that, I see—I see her forgotten. Your words mean little to me, Sordarin!”

Kela had never seen such venom come from Guilda. She knew not what to do. Her old nurse’s mutterings made little sense. In all her years, Kela had only heard Guilda utter concern for Sareta.

Cono bowed his head. “I understand your frustration, but I give you my word I will see to all, Guilda. Do not fret. You are wrong about me. I love Kela and will put nothing above caring for her.”

Kela’s heart soared as if she were in flight. Cono had declared himself in front of Guilda.

He reached for Kela’s hand and led her from the cottage.

“Take care of her in a moment.” He heaved a sigh. “I can only abide that woman so long. Her words, though, bother me. Have you not gotten your provisions for the winter?”

“I’m not certain. We have not lacked in supplies as of late. Moreover, Silas spoke that we were to be moved into the castle. It is strange that Guilda is concerned. We had had less in the past.”

“Guilda speaks the truth. I do know you have not had much.” Cono took her in his arms. “It is my hope that you will be gone well before winter. I hate to leave you, but when you come to Yucca, I will take care of all your needs. I will give you…”

She placed her finger upon his lips. “I have all I need with you.”

“While I’m gone, do not doubt me. Realize you are not the only one who has to appease all around them. My grandfather and I have differing views and are in the midst of clashing over such. I have responsibilities and obligations that have to be honored, whether my heart is within them or not.

“This know true: I love you, Kela. You are in my thoughts always. My conscience plagues me greatly leaving you. You asked not for much and I couldn’t...” He paused, staring into her eyes. He reached around his neck and took off the necklace he wore. It was gold and engraved.

“I have nothing more of value than this. It is all I have of my mother.” He placed it gently over her head. “I know of no other way to show you of what you mean to me. It is yours. Wear it close to your heart. Know that I love you above no other. I want you by my side always, in battle and in my bed.”