satisfying. She stretched a moment, reluctant to go inside, afraid her new found resolve would be blown away like so much dust. She was about to start forward when suddenly he was there, walking toward her through the large doors of the mill. Their eyes met and for the briefest moment de Baard was sure she saw pleasure shining from his face and something more, something like desire. He smiled and she found herself smiling back at him like an idiot, but then the bitch followed him out and the illusion collapsed.
“This is just great,” he said excitedly. “Have you heard the news?”
de Baard frowned slightly and shook her head.
“Samantha’s pregnant,” he said and with a laugh lifted her easily from her feet once more. “We have an heir to protect!”
de Baard suddenly felt sick and it took all of her training to keep the false smile on her face as she congratulated both Prince and bitch, then claiming to be tired from her travels she moved inside to attempt to compose herself. Brandt insisted on following her, hoping no doubt to help with the removal of her pants. She might just let him, but his presence did nothing to calm the roaring symphony of anger and hate playing in her mind.
?
Gwaynn stood in the background as Zarina Monde arrived from the Gap. Accompanying her was Prince Phillip, his Weapons Master Alba Tabernas and Laynee. They reached the growing city of Manse only twenty minutes after Jess na Gall and Queen Ramona appeared along with one hundred and fifty-four additional survivors from the fall of Eno.
The loss of the Toranado city was devastating and put the Massi people in great danger, but when Gwaynn caught sight of the Toranado Queen he felt nothing but compassion and gratitude for her and her people. The siege had obviously been very hard on her. Ramona looked tired and haggard; the strain on her nerves aging her to such an extent that both Gwaynn and Samantha were shocked by her appearance.
“You’re safe for the moment,” Gwaynn said embracing her. It was still dark; sunrise would not come for several more hours.
“Cousin,” was all she managed as she allowed herself to be led away to rest and regain her strength.
Phillip on the other hand smiled widely as he stepped through the Traveler bridge. He rushed up to Gwaynn and clapped him on the back with youthful exuberance. He was happy to be back in Manse, though the sight of a few of the soldiers from Eno quickly tempered his mood.
“Mother?” he asked.
“Sleeping, I hope,” na Gall answered. She too looked tired but stayed to welcome the High Zarina to Manse, plus she wouldn’t have missed the opportunity to show off Gwaynn.
“Is mother well?” Phillip asked, clearly concerned, the news of Eno’s fall etched on his face.
na Gall nodded. “As well as could be hoped for. The loss of the fleet…and Admiral Cantu dealt her a hard blow.”
Gwaynn winced at the mention of the lost fleet. They would face the Temple Knights soon now. There was nothing for it, no one to stop them.
“We’ve made contact with Captain Wicks, the Speaker Tearrio is with her now,” Phillip stated, his face tinged slightly red from the shame of the defeat. “She’s making alterations to the remainder of the…the fleet, the King will not surprise us again. But we no longer have enough ships to guard the entire northern coast of Massi…there may be enough to keep the harbor at Cape safe, but little more.”
“The Toranado fleet dealt an equal blow to the High King and the Palmerrio,” na Gall said.
“Hmmmph,” was all Prince Phillip managed then turned to Gwaynn once more. “I’d like to see her,” he added, and Gwaynn motioned for one of his aides to show the Toranado Prince to his mother.
As they left, the Toranado Weapons Master smiled briefly. “You’ve spent your time well,” he said in his high, sing-song voice, noticing the change in the immediate surroundings despite the dark hour.
“Wait until sunrise,” Gwaynn replied. “The change is astounding.”
“You are to be commended,” Tabernas added.
“Lonogan gets the credit. I’ve been on something of a joy ride through my country.”
“Your country…yes,” Tabernas answered, feeling happy for the young man despite the recent loss of his own country.
“Gwaynn!” Laynee yelled dancing from one foot to the other, ignoring the look of exasperation she was getting from the High Zarina at her side. The young girl was geared up and excited about something despite the lateness of the hour. “I’m a Traveler Gwaynn! I did it! Just like you,” she said and hugged him at the waist then stepped back, blushing a bit.
“I knew you would be a Traveler,” Gwaynn said smiling slightly at the girl’s obvious embarrassment before raising his gaze to the High Zarina, who stood just behind Laynee. Gwaynn was surprised at the Zarina’s small stature, but he could see strength in her eyes.
“A Traveler,” she said, one eyebrow raised slightly.
Gwaynn bowed. “High Zarina.”
“Our enemies are growing strong,” she said and returned his bow with a slight one of her own.
“We still have a few friends,” he answered, choosing to ignore her pessimism, and the older woman was surprised at the young man’s calm manner. She glanced briefly at na Gall, who was wearing a smug expression. “Do you need to rest?” Gwaynn asked thinking of his own warm bed with Samantha already in it. “I can show you to your rooms.”
Monde shook her head. “It’s too late for that now. I’m wide awake from the excitement, perhaps later,” she answered. “If I could, I would like to have a word in private with you.”
Gwaynn nodded, suddenly wary. “Of course,” he said, curious, then turned to Marcum, who was becoming one of his chief aides as well as a trusted advisor. Gwaynn would miss him when he sent the Captain on to Lynndon to command the town’s defenses. But they must be ever vigilant with the eastern border, the Deutzani were not to be trusted. “Could you see to the others?”
“Of course M’lord,” Marcum answered.
“This way then,” Gwaynn added and indicated that Monde should follow.
“Jess,” was all the High Traveler said and the three of them headed inside one of the newly built bailey fortresses. It was not quite finished but would be within the week; however the lower courtyard was completely done and held a large barracks, a stable, and a center keep with a great hall for dining plus a few private rooms. Gwaynn was currently quartered in the largest private room, but he led the Travelers to the dining hall where a small fire was burning in the central fireplace. Everything still smelled strongly of newly cut timber. The large room was dominated by two long, plain but sturdy tables, accompanied by four equally long benches. Near the central fire was a group of perhaps half dozen simple wooden chairs otherwise the room was empty and unadorned; after all it was a fighting fortress and needed few luxuries. Such things may come in time, but for now, function was far more important than form.
Gwaynn led them to a small cluster of chairs and they took their seats without a word.
“Tar Nev trained you,” Monde said, though because it was not framed as a question, Gwaynn simply sat quietly and made no answer.
Monde pursed her lips and glanced once more at na Gall.
“I can assume he is also a Traveler,” she added, needing to know, needing to be sure. If Nev could Travel, he might be the explanation to the High King’s sudden and deadly attack on the inhabitants of the Isle of Light.
Gwaynn shrugged.
“I would like to know,” Monde insisted.
“He never Traveled in my presence, nor trained me in the art of Traveling during my time with him. What I know of Traveling I learned from Zarina na Gall,” Gwaynn answered.
Monde frowned. “The High King tried to wipe out the Travelers. He killed many of us including the High Zarina
