Winterbourne's Daughter Page 16

  He smiled in understanding. "Few better places to do that. Goodnight, Mistress."

  "Goodnight."

  *~*~*

  "What are the masks for?" Emeline asked quietly.

  Queen Damayanti smiled, regarding the hundreds of dancers before her. "Centuries upon centuries ago, before we discovered the truth in sorcery, our folk believed in a multitude of Goddesses and Gods. It was believed that large celebrations, outpourings of joy, naturally drew the attention of the God of Sorrow, because they made him feel disregarded. He was a sour, petulant God, but also very easily fooled. The masks were to ensure that he saw no one's true identity and thus couldn't place any curses upon them or their household. We don't hold with such things anymore, of course," she explained. "But we wear the masks now in remembrance. Whatever oddities our ancestors may have believed, we wouldn't be here without them."

  "They're beautiful," Emeline said, her gaze darting from one elaborate mask to another. Jewels―pearls especially―adorned many, along with feathers or shells or colorful strips of fabric. Princess Jyotsana's mask was one of the most intricate of all, a confection of iridescent lace and blue-green fabric. She would declare her decision at this celebration, whether she would remain in Village-by-the-Sea or wed Alexei. "Are new masks made for each dance?"

  "Usually, no," Queen Damayanti said. "Of course, there are always new dancers, and sometimes the masks are damaged. But many of the ones you see here have been passed down from parents to their children. There's Ila," she said, pointing out an old man with a stooped back and a bright smile. "He's the premier mask-maker of Village-by-the-Sea. If you like, I could ask one to be made for you, and you can wear it when next you return."

  "I... that is a very generous offer, but I doubt I will be returning," she admitted sadly.

  "Mistress Emeline. There are some homes that are worth defending. If yours is not one of them, tell me now. I'll extend sanctuary to you and your guests."

  Her heart leapt at the offer, even as she realized she could never accept it. "King Nazar would declare war."

  "For love of you?"

  Emeline heard the skepticism in her voice but wasn't offended by it. The anger she saw lurking in the queen's eyes wasn't aimed at her, she knew, but at the king.

  "Because I defied him," she said in a rush. "You were right. In your assumption that he's a petty, cruel man. Those who do not obey his wishes are... are dealt with," she said, glancing down at her brutalized hand. "He―"

  Then Jyotsana interrupted by stepping onto the dais at the head of the room, and everyone fell into a hush. She stood before them, smiling, and then said, "I have decided to marry Alexei. I'll go home with you!" she exclaimed, grinning brightly as she met Emeline's eyes.

  Emeline smiled back, feeling sick.

  "Do not fret for your daughter, please," she whispered, as Jyotsana stepped down from the dais and began to accept congratulations. "No Loyalists have borne the brunt of the king's anger for years upon years now. So long as your girl keeps her head down and says nothing unkind, she will be safe. I swear it."

  "And what guarantee can you give? By your own admission, you hold little to no power."

  "Yes, but having little power also means that my time is largely my own, save for going to functions which are also attended by the Loyalists. I will keep as close a watch on Jyotsana as if she were my own daughter," she vowed, her chest tightening at the words. It was only because Jyotsana wasn't truly her kin that she would be permitted to spend meaningful time with her.

  "And your Huntsman?" she asked. "He will make the same promise?"

  "Yes," Emeline promised. She didn't have to search for him in the crowd; she'd been aware of him throughout the entire conversation. He was dancing with Malaika now, the young princess giggling wildly as he spun her around.

  "Good. And I would have the two of you take care to keep Ashoka away from her."

  Emeline turned to the queen, blinking in surprise. "You...?"

  "That man has not shown me one glint of sincerity since his arrival. I will show him every kindness while he's here because his mother is a dear friend, but that does not mean I trust him." She smiled briefly. "Am I right in this assumption as well?"

  "Yes."

  Jyotsana hurried through the crowd toward them, and Queen Damayanti's expression softened at the sight. "We can love them with all our hearts, but we can't control precisely who they become. And even if we're lucky enough to like them as well as love them, we still can't protect them. Sometimes I think motherhood is a thousand times worse than being a soldier."

  Then Jyotsana reached them, throwing her arms around her mother, laughing. "Come dance with me! And you," she said, peering around her mother to meet Emeline's eyes, "stay right there. I'm dancing with you next."

  Emeline smiled and nodded and then looked out over the crowd. There was an enormous table to the left side of the room, piled with food and drink, and the servants wove throughout the crowd, not carrying trays as they would in Winterbourne, but talking and laughing with everyone else. Moonlight poured in through the high windows, accentuating the candlelight, and she could almost smell the salt of the ocean. She half-wished she was out on the beach again, away from the noise of the crowd, but it helped to know that King Nazar wasn't here; that Grisha was too busy speaking with his mother to bother with her tonight; that Ilari wouldn't breeze by her to make any snide remarks.

  Then she caught Gennadi's eye, and he smiled as he began to walk closer.

  "Mistress Emeline?" a young Page said, hurrying to her side. "Urgent message from Winterbourne."

  Emeline unfolded the thick piece of paper, her heart in her throat.

  "What does it say?" Gennadi asked.

  "It's from Nazar. He says there's a creature in Sanlow that could only have been summoned by use of an ancient spell. It's slaughtering the townsfolk," she said tightly. "He wants you to 'bring the spellbook to him at any cost, and dispose of the creature if possible'." She looked up at him, started to say something, and then Grisha was at her side.

  "What's going on?" he asked, taking the letter from her hands. Then he smiled broadly. "That book's been found?"

  "Yeah, and a lot of people are dead, but don't worry about that," Gennadi said, starting toward the exit.

  "Is something the matter?" Queen Damayanti asked, Jyotsana close behind her.

  "Emergency back in Winterbourne," Gennadi said. "I have to leave."

  "As do I," Emeline said quickly, unwilling to see him ride away to face whatever manner of creature this was by himself. "I'm quite homesick."

  "Then it seems I should―" Grisha began, but Queen Damayanti gave him a pleasant smile.

  "Oh, do stay," she said. "You haven't been home in so long, and I know your mother would be quite disappointed if you took your leave now."

  "She would," he admitted, glancing over to where she was waiting. When he turned back, he looked both relieved and disappointed. "All right. I'll take the prearranged carriage in two days' time. Safe journey, Emeline. Gennadi."

  Before they could leave the room, Queen Damayanti rested a hand on Emeline's arm. "My daughter's carriage will leave for Winterbourne in five days' time. I trust you will be there to meet it?"

  "Of course."

  *~*~*

  "Has Lisette talked to you yet?"

  Emeline frowned and shook her head.

  "She will," Gennadi said. "Can be too stubborn by half, but she cares about you too much to leave it like this."

  "I sincerely hope so," Emeline said, a blush coming to her cheeks. "I... care for her as well."

  Gennadi grinned. "Does she know?"

  "No," Emeline said. "It wouldn't be safe for either of us for me to reveal such a thing. And besides, I... well, I remember what I spoke to you about on the beach," she continued, her blush deepening. "Why would she―she's so... I don't think the idea of a kiss would bother her at all, let alone more. How could I tell her of my feelings when I'm not willing to express them in the way sh
e'd expect?" Lisette was far different from her former husband, she knew that, but the idea of her taking it as a personal affront like Savva had tightened her chest so that she felt her heart might stop beating.

  "You know Lisette," Gennadi said. "What do you really think she'd do?"

  Emeline was silent for a moment. "Understand."

  "I think so, too."

  "How well do you know her?"

  "She's been cleaning the fighters' quarters since before I arrived," he said. "Real sweetheart, though she'd probably beat me for saying so."

  "You care for her as well, then?" she asked, her eyes searching his face.

  "Very much."

  Emeline smiled. "Good."

  "Why?" Gennadi asked, scooting forward on his seat to lean closer. "Has she said anything about me?"

  She looked at the expectant, teasing grin on his face and laughed. "If she has, then such things would be private."

  "That's a yes."

  "Do you get to see her very often, now that you've been promoted out of the fighters' quarters?" Emeline asked.

  He nodded. "Yeah. I've been teaching her how to fight."

  "Really?"

  "Mmm-hm. You had lessons? Well, you're a Royal. Or nearly," he corrected at the look on her face. "It's mandatory."

  "I did have some training. Hated every second of it." She said the last apologetically, as though he might be offended at her dislike of his profession.

  Gennadi smiled. "Fighting's not for everyone. Not wanting to cause pain doesn't say something bad about you."

  "What if you need to do it and can't?" she murmured, staring down at her missing thumb. "No one would expect it of me. And there are nights when I'm certain I'm betraying everyone by not taking up the blade. But I still can't. The idea turns my stomach."

  He gently took her hand, unsure whether her would-be target was the king or the torturer. Then he decided it didn't matter; targeting either one would get her killed.

  "I spoke... spoke to Grisha back at the castle," she said haltingly. "He―he told me that on the day this happened, Nazar wanted my tongue cut out instead. Grisha, he... he manipulated things so that I would get punished, because he thought the king would send me to the dungeons. With him."

  Not knowing what to say, unsure if she wanted him to say anything, he simply opened his arms. She hesitated for only a second before moving to his side of the carriage and leaning against his side. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and they stayed that way until the carriage began to slow, signaling their arrival.

  Emeline quickly retreated back to her original seat, unwilling to let the carriage driver catch them in what might potentially be seen as a compromising position. She cast Gennadi a worried glance and then, as the coachman opened the door, she resisted the urge to grab his hand and tell him to stay in here.

  Villages were supposed to be bustling with life at this time of day. Peering past the driver's shoulder, she saw no one moving around at all. It appeared as though every house had been abandoned.

  "Wait here," Gennadi said, retrieving his sword. "I'll be back soon."

  Emeline nodded but followed him out of the carriage. She would leave the door open for a swift escape, if need be, but she couldn't sit inside and read her book like nothing at all was happening.

  Gennadi walked into the small village, which had been built in the shadows of Vedrana's Forest. His former village, at least, had granted a wide field between the houses and the looming trees, affording the villagers some chance to see what was coming. But this one... someone, he decided, had been a right fool when they'd decided where to settle themselves and their kin.

  "Hello?" he called cheerfully, sword in hand.

  The front door of the house to his right cracked open the tiniest bit, and a voice hissed, "Are you mad, hunter?"

  "Chances are."

  "Inside!"

  He strolled over to the door and walked into the house, glancing back as the dark-haired woman slammed the door behind him. "What took you so long?"

  "The king just told me about this whole problem. I got here quickly as I could."

  "A messenger went to the king almost a month ago! Had he acted on it faster, perhaps everyone else wouldn't be―" She stopped herself, giving him a worried look. "Not that I would ever speak against our king, of course."

  "Of course," he agreed, walking over to the enormous book she had open on the table. So this was what the king was so enamored of. "I'm amazed your table hasn't buckled."

  She hurried over and snatched up the tome, hunching over with the weight of it. "Please, could you just take care of the beast?"

  "All right," he said, deciding not to argue with her about the book just yet. He would bring it to the castle―he valued his skin too much to decide otherwise―but perhaps they could reach some sort of agreement rather than fighting about it. "Now, you say it only comes out at night?"

  "Not anymore. It's grown braver. I―" Then she screamed as the window she was standing near shattered inward and a large tannish-colored thing vaulted into the room, its claws dragging across the wooden floor.

  Gennadi shouted in surprise and nearly fell over in his haste to back away and then quickly recovered as the animal turned its attention to the woman, diving for her side. He started to charge and then paused in shock. The thing hadn't run at her in order to eat her, as he'd first assumed―it was nudging her in the hip, tongue lolling out of its mouth, like an oversized dog that wanted to play fetch.

  Only it was decidedly not a dog. No dog he'd ever seen had hooked claws or blood-red eyes.

  "Miss? Mind telling me what's going on here?"

  At the sound of his voice, the creature's entire demeanor changed. Wide red eyes narrowed, teeth bared, and the whining sound it had been making was replaced with a growl that made Gennadi reconsider his current line of work.

  "Okay, then," he said, and did the only sensible thing―he ran right back out the door.

  The creature was on his heels, snarling, and with one swipe of a great paw it tore open the back of his right ankle. Gennadi stumbled and nearly fell, catching his balance just in time. Hearing Emeline scream his name, he shouted at her to get back into the carriage―though a lot of protection that would afford, if this creature got past him―and spun, swinging his blade and catching the animal across the nose and cheek. It whimpered in surprise, retreated a few feet. And then it grew.

  At first Gennadi thought that maybe it was puffing out its fur, trying to intimidate him, but no. The thing was actually growing, enlarging until it went from waist-height on him to nearly chest-height.

  "Now that is just not fair," he muttered, and then he swung at it again.

  It roared, raising a gigantic paw, and though he did get in a good stab, it ended up knocking his sword away. Muttering a curse, he ran clumsily for the fallen weapon, pain searing through his ankle with every step. He drew his twin throwing knives, turning long enough to fling them at the creature.

  One sank into its shoulder. The other hit it in the eye.

  It howled and retreated, running back toward the woman's house. Gennadi ran after it―it had seemed friendly enough toward her before, but that might have just been because she hadn't presented a threat. Now, with her surely terrified and this thing wounded, who knew what might happen?

  She was standing at her table, reading quietly from the book. The creature shrank down slightly to go through the doorway, whining low in its throat.

  "Aw, damn," he muttered. The thing's spiked tail was wagging back and forth, its head was down, and it was dripping blood onto the floor. It wasn't as if he could just―

  Almost before he could raise his sword again, the thing turned and sprang, going for his throat. Gennadi speared it in the chest, its weight driving him back through the doorway and sending him tumbling off the porch.

  Shoving the dead creature off him, he yanked his sword free and then marched back up the steps into the house.

  "It... it was very little when I
conjured it," she said quietly, closing the book.

  "You know, normally I at least know someone's name before I hate them."

  "I had every right! My neighbor kept saying these horrible things about me. Trying to convince everyone else I needed to be lynched. She just didn't like the fact that my garden was always superior to hers," she sniffed. "I told her to stop. Gave her every chance! People started writing things on my walls; someone threw a stone at me as I walked back from the market," she said, turning away from him and raising her hair up to reveal an ugly scar on the back of her neck. "Finally I told her if she didn't stop, I really would give her something to be frightened of. It was just supposed to go after her," she said quietly. "Not anyone else. But it wouldn't go back into Vedrana's Forest."

  "Really?" he asked. "This monster you summoned wasn't satisfied with killing just one person? I can't tell you how surprised I am. I might faint."

  "Enough," she snapped. "What's done is done."

  "It certainly is," he said. He limped past her and picked up the book.

  "That's mine!"

  "Not anymore," he said. He had his qualms about taking a book like this back to the king, but at least if it was in the castle, maybe he could deal with anything Nazar conjured before it could hurt anyone. And at least it would be out of this woman's hands.

  Emeline ran to him, clearly no longer worried about what the coachman might think as she pressed herself against his side, helping to support him as he limped back to the carriage. The driver hurried to them and took both Gennadi's sword and the book, placing them safely inside the carriage before offering each one of them in turn a hand in.

  Gennadi leaned back and sighed. "It doesn't matter," he declared, "if I have to call in every favor I've ever earned to get a constant supply of hot water. After this, I'm going to have the world's longest bath."

  *~*~*

  Emeline reentered the castle proper, exhausted from her journey but too restless to go to sleep yet. She walked to her rooms anyway, thinking that she might read for a while before going to bed. Or perhaps she would go to Alain, see how Gennadi was feeling. He'd gone straight to the doctor's quarters after delivering that odd book to the king.