Seer of Windmere

Chapter 1

Destiny has an annoying habit of being inconvenient. Two full moons’ crossings away from his throne, and still Kaldreck had found no maiden whom he believed to be the one the Divine had chosen for him. And there remained little of Windmere left to search.

The Lord High King grows weary of this quest, it would appear. A deep chuckle rumbled through Malic.

Does not your backside ache from spending the cycle of both moons in the saddle? A whole season has passed since we left our homes in Hearthrop.

Oh aye, but I do not search for my calgent. Mine awaits me in my home near your great palace.

I am sorry to keep you from her so long, my friend. There is but one great city left to search.

Come now, Kaldreck, no woman would grant your spousal request with such a weary scowl. Though I fear the possibility of finding her in Dusk Bay is not so great as to offer you many potential maidens.

The guards before them slowed and Farn came back to draw alongside his king’s mount. Lord High King, forgive the delay, but the village of Illgrove has heard of your approach, and they beg you turn aside to rest and refresh with them.

Kaldreck’s burdened shoulders sagged, And I am sure their finest maidens stand ready to attend me as well?

Malic roared with a mighty laugh. Is it not why every village—no matter the number of their huts—calls you to turn aside?

Kaldreck groaned and rubbed the base of his aching neck. His gaze moved to the road before them, and his mouth opened to refuse.

It would hurt their pride to refuse them at least a look, Lord Kaldreck. Farn’s voice remained a hushed rumble from deep in his huge chest. We have missed no other and it would be a great slight to Illgrove to refuse. There are maidens of suns past you may still return to, but what if your One and Only dwells here? You know no other will satisfy the longing in your heart, or heat the blood in your limbs.

Lord High King, why do we delay? Dusk Bay is yet many degrees of the sun ahead? Renwald, his seer, called. Even though his dark hair was cut shorter than any of the other men, the straight black locks spilled over his forehead obscuring his eyes, something Kaldreck did not like in a man.

Illgrove has invited us for refreshments. Kaldreck nodded his head toward Farn indicating they would accept. The warrior returned to the lead position and turned the company to follow the messengers to the east, away from Dusk Bay.

Why go to such a small village, my lord? Renwald chided. Dusk Bay would hold more promise.

Kaldreck turned to consider the man who never, in all their journeys, had tried to turn him from any settlement. For the simple reason we have stopped at all others. She may dwell here.

Renwald snorted, In Illgrove? Naught good could come from such a far-flung, insignificant patch of mud.

We go all the same. Kaldreck’s tone was firm, and the seer slipped to the rear of their party.

The village of Illgrove was much larger than Kaldreck would have thought possible for its location so far from all the others. Close to thirty huts crowded around the large central square, and more lay off in the distance. What commerce feeds this community, Malic?

Fishing, I would think.

Kaldreck followed his captain’s pointing finger south of the village to a large lake. Fish and wool, it would seem. Kaldreck’s gaze fell on mounds of wool waiting in dozens of wagons.

Of course, the fine wool of Illgrove is well known, my lord. I should have remembered.

Kaldreck laughed, That knowledge would fall to my steward, Halfort, not the captain of my guard.

The warriors riding ahead of him parted, and Kaldreck saw the throng of maidens gathered at the far end of the square. He glanced over them, seeing the same expressions he always did. Women seemed to come in but three emotions when they were in his presence. There were those hopeful mothers and two-mothers standing on opposite sides and wringing their anxious hands. The next group consisted of the eager maidens who stepped in front of the others, titling their heads in shy smiles and fluttering their lashes at him with infatuated sighs. And finally was the collection of shy maidens fearfully standing as far from him as possible. They secretly hoped he would not choose them, but he looked on all.

He sat atop his wide destrier and glanced at every face. Blonde, dark haired and red heads—short, tall—lean and plump—those who had come into their full womanhood and those with but small buds beneath their gowns. They were all the same. Faces unending. Until his eyes lighted on one maiden firmly planted in the middle of the others. Like their island home, which sat in an unending expanse of the violet sea, she stood different than the others.

Her unremarkable brown hair lay bound behind her and not loose like the others. She neither cowered at the back, nor did she clamor for the front. She did not seem to have any readable emotion upon her face. She merely looked on him as though he were any common trader come to visit, not the Lord High King of all Windmere. She held his gaze without interest—and this intrigued him. He leaned toward his captain and told him to bring her when he had concluded his introductions with the elders.

Kaldreck dismounted and was given a deep observance by all gathered. Farn took the tall-backed chair provided by one of the town’s elders and positioned it out of the harsh blue-white glare of the midday sun under an awning to the left of the square. Two more of his guards collected one of the many benches and placed it before the chair.

Welcome and give honor to the Lord High King of Windmere. May his reign see naught but peace. May his home overflow with sons. And may he rule for a thousand years in friendship with his people and service of the Divine.

Kaldreck had heard the traditional greeting more times in the last moon cycles than he ever wished. Farn passed the cup of friendship to his page who sipped to assure its harmlessness, as Kaldreck gave his blessing. May the sun and the Divine’s favor never set on Illgrove. May its people be found in good health, and prosperous. May kindness between neighbors never end.

Kaldreck took of the cup and drank deeply. A sour wine assaulted his tongue. It took all his will to swallow it down and not spit it from his mouth over the good people of Illgrove. He exchanged pleasantries with the elders and spoke with many of the people while working his way to the chair awaiting him.

Once he sat, a surge of enthusiastic maidens stepped forward as though one organism. Guards intervened to hold them back.

Malic’s voice rang out like a roll of thunder. If the Lord High King seeks your company, you will be escorted to sit before him. Many jumped. That big booming voice was one of the features Kaldreck liked best about his friend.

The hopeful maidens groaned and moved to the benches positioned on all sides of the large square. This plaza provided enough space for the entire community to sit for common gatherings and festivals.

Once the masses dispersed to hover nearby, Malic stepped forward with the maiden who’d caught Kaldreck’s attention earlier. She bowed low and sat on the bench before him. The drab tan kirtle that hung loosely over her body made her figure indistinguishable. He noted her dainty hands and small bare feet. Her neck was slender, and her small oval face carried no extra plumpness. Mirth tickled him, for it mattered not what she looked like. If the Divine had chosen her for his spouse, she would stir him regardless of her physical features.

Her smoky eyes struck Kaldreck the most—swirling gray, like a fire when water is tossed upon it. They stared at him without a single emotion he could read. Her slender lips, more pink than red, were held straight with neither reaction or sentiment. She did not lower her gaze or employ her womanly wiles with him but sat straight-backed and quiet.

May I ask your name?

Ellianna, my lord.

No fear quieted her voice and no vibrato raised it. She stated the fact as if she talked about the mundane with an acquaintance.

Her entire demeanor—everything he saw and heard—intrigued him and he settled into the chair with anticipation, as at the beginning of his great quest. She was like no other. But was she the one?

Though he grew weary searching, his heart raced thinking he might be seated before the woman who would touch him where all others had failed. Ellianna in her drab, shapeless, tattered dress would not be considered a striking beauty, but how would she appear in an elegant gown? Her hair arranged pleasingly? Would she become the desire of men?

A jealous pang pricked his heart. If she were his One and Only, he would hate every other man who looked on her with longing.

But was she the one?

He couldn’t wait to find out.

Chapter 2

Ellianna, do you know why I have come to Illgrove?

You are Lord High King of all of Windmere. As law requires, since this is the third year since the crown was awarded you, that you must find your calgent—your One and Only who is for you alone. The one who will bear you many strong sons.

And what would you do if you were found to be such?

Still she gave no emotion for him to read. I am loyal to the Lord High King. I would fulfill my duty.

Duty?

She nodded without speaking.

If I choose to take you with me, would you try to flee?

No.

Would you lie to me, Ellianna? He smiled, hoping for some reaction.

She remained quiet for some time. An occasion might arise when I would find it necessary to lie, my lord.

Kaldreck nearly choked on the frank honesty.

Malic attempted to appear uninterested in their conversation as he stood with his back to them. Though he looked out on the others, he titled his head to catch her answer.

What occasion might you foresee, Ellianna, which would require you to lie to your calgent and king?

If the words of truth would bring more harm to my lord than the saying of them would merit.

Malic raised his chin, looking out at the others again, but Kaldreck noted his nod of approval. She was honest and answered any question he put forth with the same thoughtfulness and directness.

Would you find leaving your home distasteful or painful?

She shrugged, and the loose garment fluttered around her. I work hard here and find pleasure in my toil. I might become bored if I were to sit about in priceless gowns only to preen like an arrogant wintercock with people forced to wait on my every need.

He laughed and brushed his curly locks from his face at her notion of how she thought the High Queen spent her suns. I am sure we could find something of worth to occupy your time. He considered her. You do not approve of servants?

A true man or woman should be glad for the work of his or her own hands and not be forced to labor against their will. Villiant has many who help with his lands and flocks, but all do so for a fair wage and the dignity of freemen to choose for whom they would work.

Again Malic’s head nodded.

If you were selected my calgent, what would you expect of me?

For the first time, her gaze wavered from his. She looked down at her hands resting in her lap, then raised her head toward the fields. When her eyes again looked upon him, they swirled with emotion she could not hide though it never touched the calm of her voice. Only to be treated with kindness and not to be lorded over as if I had not a thought in my own head.

Kaldreck sat a little straighter and Malic again turned to consider her. Would you not expect me to love you?

The need of the Lord High King is for strong sons and a stabilizing force in his palace while he is out protecting the lands of his people. Love is not required for such, just a willing mate of some character. Love and passion can be found in the arms of another.

Kaldreck’s fist slammed down on the arm of his chair. Such entanglements are forbidden,

Yet such taboo does not seem to stop all manner of men from partaking in them.

True, but I vow I will not.

Her gaze dropped from his again, It would still not assure your love. She tossed her head, and her long braid came to teeter on her shoulder for a time. It would matter not. I only said I would not expect it of any who claimed me calgent.

He leaned forward pressing for some clear emotion. Have you not wanted to seek out your One and Only?

Her gaze fluttered away for a moment, then she addressed him with a firm directness. I am well aware my face carries no great beauty, which is the source of the fire that runs hot in men’s blood. I am of greater age than many here, from that lack. She waved her hand out as she glanced back at the other maidens who glared with visible hatred at her. I am unwanted, but I am content to work with Villiant’s bot until such a time as a man finds me of some value to him.

Saddness gripped his heart.

My Lord High King, the midsun meal is being laid, Malic said with a tip of his head.

He had not noticed the sifting degrees of their blue-white sun. Ellianna now sat within its rays as they fell from directly overhead, though the heat did not seem to bother her.

Now was the chance to test the veracity of what his heart was telling him. He stood and reached for her hand. He had done this with scores upon scores of women since beginning his quest. Thus far, every hand had felt cold in his. With new hope, he reached for Ellianna. She rose without his help and curtsied low to the ground, her sloppy garment becoming a pool of fabric around her. She then relinquished her hand to his still outstretched one.

Her grip was strong. As her fingers closed around his palm, a fire erupted in his blood, racing up his arm to his pounding heart, which broke into song. ‘Elli-Anna’ it sang with the two parts of its beat. Did she feel it too? Naught registered in her face. She pulled her hand from his, dipping low once more.

I have greatly enjoyed your company, Ellianna. May we speak again after the meal?

Her brows drew together, and she looked out at all the waiting maidens. There are others who seek your favor, my Lord High King. Would you not prefer a more charming or beautiful one to share your sunsinking?

I would choose only you.

She inclined her head with the same blank face. As you wish, my lord.

Shunned and ostracized by the other maidens, Ellianna moved to a bench far removed from everyone and ate alone. Kaldreck’s heart ached because of her isolation and for the song she had stirred in him. His men surrounded him as he moved to a table and the trays of waiting food.

Renwald, to his left across the table, spoke first. The mounts are prepared to leave as soon as you are sated, my lord. We can still make Dusk Bay by nightfall.

Kaldreck’s gaze moved to Ellianna again before he turned to Farn. Make arrangements to remain in Illgrove for the night. I am not yet ready to depart this charming village.

Renwald sneered over his shoulder at Ellianna. She cannot be the one, my lord. She is plain and simple. Not the proper sort to carry the title High Queen.

Seer, you have directed me to all manner of frivolous women. If you had true vision, should you not have led me directly to my one? I will stay, and I will spend the afternoon with her. To Malic he said, You may send the rest home. I will speak with no other but her this sun.

The seer grumbled, and his captain nodded as he stuffed a bit of succulent bot in his mouth. Apparently the citizens used them for more than wool. The meal was good with much bot and many fruits from the trees growing in the forest they had crossed earlier.

His gaze upon Ellianna, Kaldreck rose to return to his chair. She sat waiting for him on a far off bench but stood as he sat once more.

His attention was drawn by a shriek of one of the maidens—a gangly youth with shoulder length unruly hair. Having learned she would be given no audience with the Lord High King, she erupted in a wild outburst. Ellianna entered the aisle between the many benches to make her way back to sit with him. The distraught maiden suddenly broke from a guard’s grasp and she lunged at her.

Kaldreck stood out of concern for her. Her next actions nearly sent him back in his chair, however.

Ellianna blocked the charge with ease, sending the other girl sprawling into the benches with a crash. The enraged maiden sprang to her feet and flew at Ellianna again. Before she could be struck, Ellianna scooped up a jahala stick used to knock the juicy fruit from lower branches and beat her away with it. She struck the girl hard on the shoulder sending her off balance. Still she came. Ellianna then thrust the bulbous end into the girl’s middle doubling her over in pain. With a quick strike high between the shoulders, the combatant slumped to the ground at Ellianna’s feet.

All stood transfixed in silence until Kaldreck thumped the gold breast piece of his armor. His warriors followed suit on their silver armor and howled the call of the volif as praise.

Ellianna dropped the stick, and Malic led her to stand before Kaldreck. He smiled to see her cheeks awash in pink. She sank to the ground before him. Forgive me, my Lord High King. I acted most rash and unbecoming of a Windmerian woman.

Kaldreck pulled her to her feet feeling the burning in his blood afresh. I applaud you, Ellianna. You remind me of the warrior queens of old. Where did you learn such skill?

She looked at him for a time, her eyes blinking wildly, stirring the smoke within. I have spent many turns around our sun tending Villiant’s bot, my lord. Out of need to protect them from the volif and the great hairy monsuit, I have learned to fight.

He tilted his head in amusement. I wonder at the extent of your skill. He considered her for a moment and without turning his gaze said, Malic, your sword.

My lord? he protested.

Malic, I am the Lord High King. I tell you, give the maiden your sword. His words were firm but full of mirth. You will not harm me, will you, Ellianna?

She swallowed hard. Not out of malice or will, but I make no such promise for my sheer clumsiness.

Malic drew his blade and turned the hilt toward her. She took it, but the weight dropped the tip against the hard-packed earth with a thud. She stepped back, dragging it with her. Using both hands, she tried to lift it. The gleaming weapon swayed but the length of a foot off the ground, then dropped again. She looked up at him. Perhaps a smaller instrument would suit better, my lord.

It was not a chastisement but a statement of fact. Kaldreck laughed. I forget what a mighty weapon my captain wields. He looked about his men and saw his page sitting near. Goffray, your arms.

The young man stood quickly and untied the strip of leather from his waist.

Kaldreck took it by the tip of the sheath, laid the guard across his forearm, and offered the hilt to her.

She grasped it and drew it from its home. She again stepped back and tested the weight and feel of it in her hand just as any warrior would do.

Are you ready, Ellianna?

She gave a quick nod and followed him into the center of the square where room had been made for them.

As soon as he turned, he set his blade to flight planning to come within a safe distance of her chest. She blocked his strike, pushed it aside, and lunged with a thrust of her own.

You are fearless, he breathed in wonder.

Have you ever seen the size of a monsuit, my lord?

He came at her again, Would meet you eye to eye when astride a destrier, I wager. And that is while standing on all six paws. They are much taller when they rear. Green hair as thick and tough as the forest behind Hearthrop and a roar that would weaken the blood of any warrior.

She dodged his blade and spun to his side.

He whirled to catch her before she gained her balance, but she stood ready for him and came at him with four repeated strong blows upon the end of his sword. The vibrations from her attack sent his arm to shuddering.

He moved for a better angle still, and she whirled from him again, though this time her agile legs became tangled in the fabric swirling around her. She began to fall toward him, and her face filled with terror, the first clear emotion he saw from her this sun. She yanked her blade close to her body and contorted until she turned from him and fell upon it.

Kaldreck’s sword fell with a muffled clatter and he dropped to his knees beside her.

Chapter 3

Kaldreck’s blood ran hot as he turned Ellianna over while his heart froze in fear. The Merciful was never cruel. To be introduced to the only one destined for you only to have her die within degrees of meeting her—this would be beyond dreadful.

Laying across his lap, Ellianna’s eyes were wide—the smoke within still. She shuddered and gasped, in her terrified state, My Lord High King?

He smiled. I am unharmed, Ellianna.

A long breath slid from her, her eyes closed, and she relaxed back into Kaldreck’s hold. The Merciful be praised, she whispered.

Kaldreck smiled at the use of one of the many names for their single God. You have been hurt, Ellianna, he said and waived Balmson, his healer, forward.

It matters not, as long as I did no harm to you.

It matters to me.

Her eyes fluttered open and she pulled from his grasp. As she sat, pink again kissed her delicate cheeks. Blood seeped from the cut in her chin and dripped down the front of her garment. Still, she would not allow Kaldreck to assist her further.

Balmson knelt and examined the wound. ’Tis small but will require sewing.

She shook her head splashing more blood about. There is no need for such trouble. A bit of yaro root pressed on it will staunch the bleeding and draw the cut together as it dries.

But what of the scar, mistress? Without sewing it will be large and jagged.

She smirked, wiping blood on her sleeve, "Saving me one small scar would do naught to