The Joust

Rhys sheathed her sword and took a step back, she looked to Lenna as the king questioned her. She watched as she handed over the paper. She took in a deep breath and bowed her head when the king looked to her, it reminded her of the first time he discovered her practicing sword play when she was young. She’d had a cut on her cheek from a misstep. She held a wooden sword in her hands, young Dorian was practicing with her, he’d dropped his sword and ran, leaving her to face the king alone. She’d never told the king who she was practicing with. Rhys looked back up when the king mentioned that they would be staying for the clean up efforts. She glanced to Lenna, she too was shocked. Rhys looked to the collection of men as they dispersed at Lenna’s command.

Rhys looked to Lenna. “I’ve never known the king to place a woman in charge of anything…” She spoke as she followed her to the tavern. She watched as the door lit up and opened into the cabin. Rhys looked to Lenna and gave a nod, “I’ll gather our things.” She spoke and then stepped through. The door shut behind her. She looked to the door a moment, it still glowed.

“Lady Lenna?” Sir Henly spoke from downstairs.

Rhys stepped down the stairs and looked to him. Blood was speckled on her face from the fight. She had a cut on her cheek from the enemy soldier.

Sir Henly stepped forward. “What’s happened?” He asked, his eyes wide. “Where is Lady Lenna?”

“The town was attacked by soldiers of Kingdom Tarlen. Lenna is safe. Though…” She paused a moment and drew her brows together. “A messenger was sent to Strathmore, the king showed up with his men and we were caught…”

Sir Henly stared to her a long moment, “He’s going to have my neck…” He spoke.

Rhys shook her head, “Lady Lenna was very clear that we betrayed you.” She searched his eyes, “Come now, the king has left her in charge of recovery efforts for the town, we must gather supplies and return.”

Sir Henly took in a breath and shook his head. “It’s always something.” He let out a soft chuckle.

Rhys gave a nod and headed up the stairs. She began gathering her things. She moved to the kitchen and gathered supplies as well. She grabbed everything that she could. Rhys then turned and looked to Sir Henly, he’d grabbed a good bit of items as well. “Ready?” She asked.

Sir Henly took in a breath. “The horses?” He asked.

Rhys took in a breath, she’d forgotten about the horses. She set the bags down and stepped outside. She walked up to her horse and held her palm forward, he pressed his head against her hand. “Alright big guy.” She spoke softly. “You can do this.” She tugged gently on his reins and led him toward the cabin. She released him and stepped inside. She gathered her things and moved back to him, cinching down several items onto his saddlebags. Sir Henly packed things onto his horse as well as Lenna’s horse. Soon enough the horses were packed full of items. Rhys nodded to him and then she pulled the horse into the home. The floorboards creaked beneath the weight. Rhys grit her teeth slightly but soon enough, they emerged through the doorway into the tavern. Rhys led the horses outside and tied them off at the hitching post.

Sir Henly stepped to Lenna. “Are you alright?” He asked, looking her over. “The king is going to be pissed you know?” He crossed his arms. “What do you need me to do, my lady?” He asked as he looked around at the burning city. “They really did this place in huh?” He sighed softly.

Rhys stepped up to a man that was leaned against the tavern, he held his hands over his thigh. She knelt down before him and looked to him. “Let me see it.” She spoke and searched his eyes.

The man pulled his hands back shakily and looked to her. “Those bastards…” He spoke and grit his teeth. “They killed my wife…my children…” He sniffled.

“Shhh….” Rhys tugged at his pants getting a look at the wound.

“I saw you.” He spoke. “I saw what you did.”

Rhys looked up to him, she searched his eyes.

“You’re a fighter…you took down that soldier like it was nothing…”

Rhys gave a slight nod. “Let me get some water hm?” She spoke and stood. She stepped into the empty tavern and gathered up fresh water and grabbed cloth from behind the bar before she stepped back outside to him. She knelt once more and ripped the material of his pants back more. She then began cleaning his wound the man let out a cry and slammed his fist into the dirt. Rhys then ripped the cloth into thin shreds. She packed a bit of the cloth into the wound before she wrapped more around his leg, the bleeding stopped. “Come on.” She spoke. “Let’s get you to the chapel.” Rhys lifted him and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She looked to Lenna and Sir Henly. “I will gather the wounded and get them into the chapel where they will be safe.” She spoke as she pulled him along. He leaned heavily against her, his leg barely able to support his weight.

Rhys made her way into the chapel and was greeted by a few men whom took the man and lay him on a cloth pallet on the ground. The pews were moved around a bit, making more room for the wounded. Rhys analyzed the room, looking about, she took in a small breath, “Okay…” She breathed as she stepped forward. She started with the man that had a huge gash on his shoulder. She looked over his wound, “This is going to hurt.” She spoke before she stood and gathered supplies from the table at the center of the room. Rhys then came back to him. She pulled his shirt away and cut it back with her dagger before she began cleaning the wound. She pulled herbs from a pouch that was on the counter and closed her eyes a moment. How is it done? She questioned, remembering how her mother mixed everything. It was a faint memory, she used to play more than she’d pay attention to her mother creating brews and potions to heal the sick.

Rhys looked up as Lenna came to her side, “Yes, I can do this.” She gave a soft smile. “I’ll see you soon.” She spoke and looked back to the herbs that she was now mashing in a wooden bowl.

Rhys ran her hands through the clean water before she poured water into his wound. The man groaned and turned slightly. Rhys put her hand against his arm. “Don’t pull away.” She spoke before she took the herbal paste and began to pack the wound with it. Soon enough she wrapped bandaging around his shoulder and created a sling for his arm. “There, now rest.” She spoke and stood. She moved from one to the next, packing their wounds and ceasing any bleeding.

Rhys knelt down before a man that had badly broken leg. She looked to the bone that stuck out and took in a deep breath.

“There’s nothing we can do for him.” A man spoke, “I’ve seen men with injuries like that, he’ll be sick as a dog in a few days.” He was the town medic. Though, he hadn’t had much training.

Rhys looked to him a moment, “If we don’t try to help, he’ll surely die.” She spoke, “Come on.” She nodded to him. “Hold his shoulders for me would you?”

“What are you going to do?” The man asked as he moved and held the man’s shoulders.

“The bone needs set back. I saw my mother do this when I was a child.” She spoke as she gripped onto the man’s ankle. “Alright, hold him tight.” She spoke before she pulled on the leg. A sickening snapping sound came from the leg and the man screamed in pain. Rhys grit her teeth as she allowed the bone to set back in place. She then moved quickly cleansing the wound and packing the paste she’d made into it. She wrapped his leg up and turned to move onto the next.

“Who are you?” The medic asked.

“Um…my name is Rhys.” She spoke and gave a nod. “I am here with Lady Lenna, to help.” She then turned and stepped away from him. When she ran low on the paste she moved back to the table in the center of the room. The herbs were gone. She took in a breath and gathered a satchel. There were still too many wounded, she had to go and gather more. She stepped from the chapel and walked passed the center of town. She glanced to the booths that were being set up as she walked toward the open valley. She began picking the flowers, carefully. She moved quickly though. It was something she did a lot with her more as a child. She even gathered the bark from a tree, something her mother had taught her.

Soon enough Rhys came back to the town and made her way back into the chapel. She ground up the flowers and herbs that she’d picked. She then began cooking the herbs over a fire. There was a small flash from the pot as she stirred in the bark. Rhys stared at the thick paste as she scooped it out into a bowl. It looked like what her mother used to make.

“Rhys.” The medic from before spoke. “Over here. Quickly.” He was dragging in a man that was limp in his arms.

Rhys rushed to his side as the medic set him on the ground. He had gashes and stab wounds all over his body. “I have this, go.” Rhys spoke as she began pulled his clothing away and tending to his wounds. She worked rather quickly. The man woke while she was tending to him and sat up in a fury of rage, his hand gripped around her neck tightly. Rhys froze she looked to him with her icy eyes. “It’s okay.” She spoke, her voice soft and calm. “You’re okay.” She stared to him, not moving a muscle. The man stared to her for a long time, his grip wasn’t loosening. Rhys grit her teeth slightly, her fact was turning red from his grip. Her pulse began to race. Suddenly her eyes flashed just for a moment with a glow of magic.

The man’s fingers slowly loosened from around her neck. He lay down and relaxed. “Forgive me.” He whispered.

Rhys held her hand to her neck, bruising appeared in her skin five distinct small points where his fingers dug in. “You are forgiven.” She spoke, “Now please, I am tending to your wounds.” She spoke and went back to work. The man nodded and soon he relaxed enough to slip into a slumber.

Rhys moved around tending to the wounded until the sun was nearly set. She was wrapping up the arm of a young boy when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned her eyes to see a man that stood before her. “I am the duke of this town.” He spoke and searched her eyes. “Sir Ivan Kobala.” He looked around the room. “My medic tells me you’ve looked after most of the wounded? In the name of King Edward and under to command of Lady Lenna?” He asked.

Rhys nodded her head. “Yes sir.”

Ivan searched her eyes a moment, “Thank you, Rhys.” He spoke before he stepped away to find Lady Lenna.

Rhys took in a breath, her hands were tired. She was nearly out of paste once again. She stepped to another and knelt down, the last of the wounded. It was a young woman, bruised and beaten by the soldiers. Rhys looked over her injuries and wrapped the cuts, she applied the paste carefully. She then stood slowly and moved back to the center of the room where she set the wooden bowl of paste down.

“You’re a miracle worker.” A voice spoke.

Rhys looked up, it was the man with the gashed shoulder from the morning.

“My arm, it feels no pain.” He spoke and searched her eyes. “I would have been dead had our medic looked after me.” He chuckled then. “Thank you.” He bowed his head. “I am in your debt.”

Rhys bowed her head back. “No need.” She gave a gentle smile. “I’m glad to see you are feeling better.” She took in a deep breath then. “I need fresh air.” She spoke and stepped from the chapel. She sat down on the stairs that led down into the dirt streets. Rhys sighed softly. She could smell the food from the booths. Her stomach ached from hunger. She glanced to the chapel just as the medic came outside.

“Go on, I can handle it here. You’ve done enough, you’ve tended to three times the wounded than I have.” He smiled. “You deserve it. We’ve no more wounded to tend to for now.”

Rhys stood slowly and gave him a nod before she stepped into the street. She walked to the center of town and glanced around, looking for Lenna. She was greeted with a plate full of food in one hand and the other a mug of fresh cool ale was slapped into. Rhys sat down at a bench and began eating, everything tasted so wonderful. She took a gulp of the ale and another bite of her food. It felt like she hadn’t eaten in days…the result of the energy expenditure from her use of magic.

Rhys looked to Lenna and gave a tired smile as she sat down. “Yes, it seems to come so easily, I just think of what I saw her do, and it just comes.” She shook her head. “I paid more attention than I thought I did, I suppose. She used to tell me the recipes as she put things together, while I played with the trinkets of her shop.” She chuckled.

Rhys looked to the duke and she stood with Lenna as he approached. She bowed her head to him and listened to the conversation. Soon she sat back down and watched Lenna as she finished her food. “A few days ago…” Rhys chuckled, “I would have thought I would be in the forage, but this…” She smiled. “This…feels like I belong. Thank you again, Lady Lenna.” Rhys nodded to the room information. “Have a good rest, I’ll follow in a bit.” She spoke and looked back to her plate of food that was nearly all gone. She took the last swig of her ale and felt a touch on her shoulder.

“Rhys.” The medic spoke he sat down across from her, a smile on his lips. “You should go to the bathhouse, it will help your sore muscles, I’m sure you’re exhausted.” He had a pint of ale in his hand. “Plus, you’ve blood on you still.”

Rhys looked to her arms, she had blood on her from mending the wounds of the townspeople. She took in a breath and gave a nod. “Where is that?” She asked and searched his eyes.

“Not far, it’s one of the only buildings the fires didn’t scorch.” He stood. “Come on, I’ll show you.” He began walking.

Rhys stood and followed him. Her cheeks were rosy red from the ale. She smiled and held her mug up as a man came by and topped off her pint. She took a swig from it. The alcohol was relaxing her muscles.

The medic turned and looked to her as they walked. “Thank you again, for all of your assistance.” He gave a smile. “Where did you learn such techniques?” He asked.

“My mother was the town Apothecary in Strathmore.” Rhys spoke and took another drink of her ale.

The medic drew his brows together. “Was?” He asked.

“She died in the raid that was 18 years ago.” Her voice grew soft, it was always a touchy subject.

The medic lowered his head slightly, “My apologies.” He spoke as they came to a stop in front of the door of the bathhouse.

Rhys gave a gentle smile, “It’s okay, just a sore spot.” She looked to the door, she could see candle light from inside. “Thank you.” She bowed her head to him and entered the bathhouse.

The bathhouse was empty, everyone had gone to the celebration. The smells of the aromatherapy oils filled the air. Rhys walked through the dimly lit place and found a room. She gave a gentle knock on the door and pushed it open.

“Who’s there?” A voice came from down the hall. A bathhouse wench stepped out, her hair was a mess. “Oh it’s you.” She grinned then. “The medic from out of town.” She rushed up to her. “Feel free to use any of the services madam.” She bowed her head. “Thank you. You saved my husband.” She searched Rhys’ eyes. “I don’t think anyone else could have done it.”

Rhys gave a nod. “Thank you, I’m glad to help.” She pulled coin from her pocket and held it out to the woman.

“No, no need, you’ve done enough.”

Rhys shook her head. “I want to pay.” She spoke and dropped the coin in the woman’s hand, folding her fingers around it. She then turned and stepped into the room. It was hot from a fire that burned beneath stones, a steam rose up into the air creating a sauna. Rhys slowly took off all of her garments and slipped into the fresh hot water that was heated from below. She relaxed back into the bath and shut her eyes.

“I’ll get these washed for you.” The woman slipped away with Rhys’ clothing.

Rhys opened her eyes for a brief moment. She then relaxed more into the bath. The smell of the oils in the water lifted her off into a relaxed state. She washed the blood from her body and hair and soon enough the woman returned with her clothing. Rhys slipped from the water and pulled her clean cloths back on. The woman brought back a shot glass filled with a dark liquor. Rhys lifted it up and smelled it before she downed the shot. It was warm as it slid down her throat. She slipped her boots on and toweled her hair until it was nearly dry. Rhys then headed out of the inn and back toward the center of town. The townspeople were celebrating more now, nearly everyone was outside. Someone was even playing a bit of music by the bonfire. Rhys gave a smile as she headed toward the inn.

She stumbled slightly as she made her way up the stairs. The liquor warmed her body. She slipped her fingers around the door handle and turned it. Rhys stepped into the room and sat down heavily on her bed. She had a smile on her lips as she unclipped her boots. She loosened her bustier and hung it over the edge of the bed, leaving only her tunic on. Rhys pulled the blankets back and soon enough she slipped into a deep slumber with the help of the liquor.

Rhys woke as she heard the door opened to the room. She watched as Lenna slipped from the room. She sat up slowly and dressed herself. She stepped before the mirror and brushed her hair into place before she stepped down to the center of town. She followed the crowd toward the graveyard and stepped up next to Lenna. She bowed her head and was silent as the priest spoke. “Amen.” She spoke softly at the end of his prayer. She glanced to the duke as he spoke of Lenna, Sir Henly and herself and all of the help they gave.

“I hope that the king has found a reason for this senseless attack. They didn’t take anything, they just slaughtered the people…” Rhys spoke softly as they headed to the horses. She climbed up and followed Lenna. She chuckled at the joke and they continued toward Strathmore.

Rhys trotted up next to Lady Lenna after awhile of silence. “Lenna.” She spoke and looked to her, “Thank you.” She gave a gentle smile. “I hope that if we’ve done a good enough job, maybe the king will trust us to do more of this? Helping others. It is what I’ve always wanted to do. It’s why I learned swordplay, why I would wish to be a knight, even though a lady cannot become a knight.” She looked ahead then and fell quiet.

The few hours passed quickly as Rhys thought about astro-magic, what she could do. She thought of the man in the chapel that would have killed her, had she not used magic. Rhys thought about how easily it happened, how she just willed him to be calm and he was. She wondered how many times she’d swayed people, without even realizing it.

Soon enough they rode into the city. They rode up to the castle and climbed from their horses. Rhys pat her horse. “I’ll be back soon.” She spoke to him and then followed Lady Lenna and Sir Henly toward the castle. The king and queen awaited them in the throne room.

Rhys bowed as did Sir Henly. Rhys then looked to the king as he stood. “What you did was extremely dangerous.” King Edward spoke he stepped down from the throne and walked up to Rhys. “Especially you.” He searched her eyes. “Though, without you Rhys we wouldn’t have had that soldier to interrogate.” He glanced to Lady Lenna a moment and then stepped back to his throne. “Kingdom Tarlen seems to be attacking the surrounding kingdoms. Our kingdom was one of the first to be attacked. I’ve gotten word by carrier pigeon that Kingdom Resht to our north has also been attacked, quite viciously. It was the same, the men slaughtered a town and this town did not fair as well as our small town of Neumek.”

The king shifted and took in a breath, “The soldier will not speak.” He stated, his jaw tight. “No matter what we do to him, he won’t let us in on his king’s plan. Though with the tyrant that King Travis is, I can only expect the worst.” King Edward looked to Rhys a moment. “I’m going to regret asking this, but, do you know of any way to get information out of that soldier?” He asked, his eyes didn’t leave Rhys.

“My king…” Rhys spoke, she bowed her head. “I could give a try.” Her voice was soft.

“Sir Wilhelm will take you. Off with you then.” The king spoke and then looked to Lady Lenna. “And what of the town? Do you have anything from the Duke for me? Was he satisfied with our aid?”

Rhys glanced to Lenna as she was led from the room by a knight. She looked up to him as he led her from the throne room and down into the dungeons. She bit her lip slightly. What if she couldn’t get the soldier to talk? Or even yet…if she did…what would the king think of her? Why was he putting her in charge of this? Why was he allowing women to do so many things. He was never known to allow a woman to lift a finger. A woman was to perform homely duties, not interrogation.

Soon they arrived in the dungeon. Rhys was led down the hallway, she could hear screaming from a room. She bit her lip again as the door was pushed open. She stepped into the room to see a knight burning the man with a hot iron. “Stop it.” Rhys spoke and stepped forward, she gripped his hand.

The knight looked to her. “What is a lady doing in the dungeons?” His voice was angry.

“She was sent by the king, stand down sir.” Sir Wilhelm spoke.

Rhys nodded to the knight as he stepped away. “I need quiet.” She looked to the knight that set the iron down angrily. “As well as a glass of wine.”

“Of course.” Sir Wilhelm nodded and left with the other knight.

Rhys stood in silence. She looked to the man, his nose was bloody, his eyes were blackened. He was stripped of his clothing with the exception of his padded chausses that he’d been wearing under his armor. He took in deep shaken breaths. Rhys looked over his bare upper body. He had cuts and burns along his skin. His arms were held up by shackles, his toes barely touched the floor.

The door opened then and Sir Wilhelm stepped forward. “Anything else?” He asked.

“Lower him into the chair.” She spoke and glanced to him.

Sir Wilhelm hesitated a moment before he moved to the mechanism and lowered the man into the chair. He stepped forward and shackled his ankles into place as well as his wrists. “What else may I assist you in, my lady?” He asked.

Rhys shook her head. “That will be all.” She moved in front of the man and grasped the goblet of wine from the table. “Thirsty?” She asked.

The man looked up to her, breathless. He turned his head away from the glass as she held it forward to his lips.

“It’s not poisoned. Look.” Rhys took a drink of the wine and offered it once more.

The soldier drank from the goblet then, his breaths shook. He looked to her with swollen eyes.

“Tell me.” Rhys began, she pulled a chair and sat down in front of him. “Why is your king raiding our kingdom?”

The soldier sneered, “I wouldn’t tell them. I won’t tell you. You’re the wretch who put me here! If you would have just let me run!” He spat.

Rhys stood then. She brushed the blood from her face and gave a nod. “You attacked and killed innocent people.” She spoke and leaned down, staring into his eyes. “You slaughtered them. They had no defenses, women and children, slaughtered.” She reached forward and gripped his jaw, staring deeply into his eyes. “What does that make you? Hm? Nothing more than a murderer in my books. They ought to hang out, or better yet put you in the cage and let you starve to death above the gallows.”

The soldier stared to her, his brows tucked together. “I’m not telling you anything.” He growled.

Rhys took in a breath then, “You’ll tell me.” She spoke and pulled her dagger. She held it to his neck. “Or you won’t speak another word in your lifetime.” Her eyes glowed then as she stared to him. She didn’t move, she kept her eye contact with him.

The soldier pulled back, his eyes fluttered slightly. “I…” He pulled against the shackles. “St-stop….okay I’ll talk.” He spoke quickly.

Rhys lowered the dagger and placed it back in the sheath on her thigh. “Go on.” She watched him.

“My king plans to gain more ground, more wealth. There is a mine not far from that village, he wanted the mine and that was the closest settlement to it…our forces are going to crush this land.” He spoke as he looked up to her. “We are going to take this kingdom city by city until there is nothing left.”

Rhys furrowed her brows. “What are his next plans?” She asked him, staring into his eyes.

“The next city we were set to attack was Valerian.” The Soldier spoke.

“Any plans that you knew of after that?” Rhys questioned. She watched as the soldier shook his head. “How long until the attack on Valerian?”

“Not long now, it’ll happen any day now…we were set to travel there after the raid.” The soldier chuckled. “They’ll be dead before you even get word to them by pigeon.”

Rhys grit her teeth. She turned as the door opened and looked to the knight. “We have to warn the king.” She spoke and rushed from the room.

Sir Wilhelm ran along her side. The knight looked to her, “How did you?”

Rhys looked to him. “A bit of kindness goes a long way. Hm?” She raced up the stairs and into the throne room. “They aim to attack Valerian.” She skidded to a stop, breathless from the stairs. “We must warn them…”

Rhys looked to the king, she bowed her head, “Yes my king, years of collecting debts for my father from then men of the city has taught me a thing or two about how to get something valuable out of someone that doesn’t want to give it up.”

“I watched her my king.” Sir Wilhelm spoke, “She has a way with her words, I’ve never seen a woman strike fear in a brute like that soldier.”

“That is quite enough embellishment Sir Wilhelm.” He turned his eyes back to Rhys. “What did you say as you came in?” He asked searching her eyes.

“Valerian is in danger, my king.” Rhys spoke, “The soldier stated that is the next to be attacked. King Travis aims to take over our kingdom, as well as the surrounding kingdoms…”

The king chuckled, “Does he not realize the size of our army?” He smirked. “His men stand no chance against my men especially if a woman can cut them down.” He smiled, “Sir Wilhelm, send a pigeon, and thirty men, we must protect Valerian it is our holy city, the monastery is there, we’ve no fighters there at all, only monks and priests.” He thought for a moment. “What good does King Travis think he is doing? If he wanted to attack and conquer this kingdom, he should have went for the throat, he isn’t wounding any of my army by attacking such small settlements.”

Rhys fell silent. “My king, may I speak freely?” She asked.

The king looked to her a long moment. “Yes, speak.” He watched her closely.

“If he aims to defeat your army, a defensive tactic would be to attack smaller unfortified towns, to draw your soldiers out, to make the guard thin over our city. If he continues to create diversions, and you continue to throw men at these diversions, soon we will not have any men at all to protect our city.” Rhys spoke, her eyes never left his.

The king took in a breath. The queen smiled as she watched Rhys. “You make a logical point, Lady Rhys. Where in the maker’s name did you learn such warfare tactics?” The king questioned.

“My father has told me many tales as I grew up.” She replied simply. “He went through a lot before he moved to this city, he was part of the Hugo guard at one point before he became a blacksmith and moved here.”

The king gave a nod, “Of course.” He spoke. “Sir Wilhelm. Hold the soldiers. We send a pigeon to both Valerian as well as the neighboring townships.”

Sir Wilhelm gave a nod. “Of course my king, right away.” He left the room quickly.

It was then that a carrier pigeon flew through the high rise window. It dropped a scroll into the king’s hands. King Edward looked to the seal and sadness overcame his expression. “This is from Valerian…” He spoke as he sat down on his throne. He opened the scroll. His eyes moved over the parchment. “Brother Matias wrote this…I recognize his penmanship anywhere.” He looked to the stain of blood on the paper. “The attack has already begun…we will be too late…” He spoke softly and set the scroll down. The king looked to Lenna a long moment. “I need you to march with my soldiers to Valerian…Sir Henly, you will be in command of the men, though you are to answer to Lady Lenna.” He then looked to Rhys. “I need you to do your best to patch up those who survive this attack…may the maker be watchful of their souls…” He bowed his head. “I must meet with the council…we must get a plan in order.” He stood and left the throne room.

Rhys took in a breath, her eyes stared to the empty throne. “This is turning into much more than just a raid…” She spoke softly. “This will turn to war….won’t it Lady Lenna?” She looked to Lenna then.

“That it will.” The queen spoke. “We must put an end to these soldiers, I’m not sure what King Travis is thinking, what has caused him to turn so violent after years of peace. There must be an explanation. Lady Lenna, do find out, could you?” She spoke before she stepped from the throne and followed the king to the next chamber over to console with him.

Rhys glanced to Lenna and followed her and Sir Henly into the conference room. She stood quietly as the two spoke. Rhys bowed her head, “Thank you Sir Henly, I can only hope that the king continues to favor me as he has.” Rhys then fell silent as the two discussed Valerian and what was to be done. She played with the coin in her pocket as she thought of Merlin. How were they to use the coin to return and train?

It was then that they disbursed and Lenna walked Rhys over to the queen. “I’ll do my best.” Rhys spoke and glanced to Lenna as they walked up. Rhys stared into the queen’s eyes when the question was asked. She looked to Lenna as she walked away. “Of course I think this is a good idea.” She nodded and looked back to the queen.

“Tell me why?” The queen asked. “A commander’s pay is a good sum of money.”

Rhys looked into her eyes, a soft smile on her lips. “Sir Henly has proven himself more than worthy of commander pay my queen. He has spent a good deal of time away from home, without a fuss, leaving his family. In the name of our kingdom. He also singlehandedly helped ready the men that were not murdered after the raid. He helped them build defenses that will protect them from a future attack, and spare the lives of the townspeople. He is a smart knight that will follow your every lead and push to the end. That is a man worthy of commander.” Her eyes glowed slightly as she spoke, almost a glisten. A sparkle.

The queen listened, a smile curved up her lips. “Then it shall be.” She spoke. “Thank you Lady Rhys.” She turned her eyes to Lady Lenna as she approached. “Good luck, and be safe.” She spoke before she stepped away from them.

Rhys looked to Lenna, “I didn’t realize quite how much I’ve used my abilities.” She chuckled. “Until you pointed them out to me…I’ve gotten myself out of some very…” She thought a moment. “Uncomfortable situations…” She then let out a soft laugh. “Alright, I’ll go catch up with my father, I’ll meet you at the town square?” She asked and then walked off.

Rhys made her way through the castle easily. She found her horse in the stables outside and climbed onto him. She then gave a gentle kick to his sides and they headed down into the city. Rhys rode to a small baker and slipped from the back of her horse. She stepped inside and smiled to the little old man. “Good morning.” She spoke.

“Ahhh Rhys.” The man smiled. “Good morning.” He rummaged around behind the counter. “The usual?” He asked. “What’s the occasion?”

“I just want to get something nice for my father.” Rhys smiled as she set coins down on the counter.

The old man chuckled, “Well he does love a good donut.”

Rhys nodded, “Thank you.” She took the bagged donuts and stepped outside where she climbed back onto her horse. She rode through the town, looking to the people as she rode along. She’d missed home. She hadn’t realized how much she loved Strathmore until she’d left. Rhys slipped from the back of her horse and closed the small stable gate before she headed toward her home. She looked to the smoke coming from the forage and a small smile curved up her lips. She stepped forward and as she reached for the handle the door was pulled open.

“Rhys!” Her father stepped forward and hugged her tightly. He nearly lifted her from the ground with his warm embrace. He grinned as he stepped back from her. “I’ve heard so many things.” He spoke.

“I’ve missed you father.” Rhys smiled to him. “What things have you heard?” She asked.

Her father grinned, “I’ve heard you have the touch of your mother, a healing hand. I heard about the attack on that village…but…what shined in the darkness was you. The word of your healing hands and excellent herbal abilities. You paid attention to your mother huh?” He smiled, he was very proud.

“I got you something.” Rhys spoke as she pulled the bag from behind her back.

William chuckled then, “You didn’t need to buy these.” He took the bag, his eyes lit up as he looked at the dozen donuts inside.

“But I did.” Rhys chuckled.

William stepped toward the house. “Well, let’s enjoy them shall we?” He smirked as he opened the door.

Rhys followed him inside and sat down at the table. “How is business?” She asked.

William pulled two donuts out and set one before her. “Busy, very busy, the soldiers that came back from helping the town needed polishing of armor. Buildings are being put up which means the carpenters want nails. I have a few commissions for swords.” He grinned and paused, “You would make an excellent sword for the knights, but I will have to do my best.” He chuckled.

“Father you are a much better sword smith than I am.” Rhys took a bite of her donut.

William chuckled and shook his head. “That sword on your hip, the creativity, the absolute beauty of it.” He paused a moment. “I am old fashioned, you are rather creative. An adventurer. So are you home then?” He asked. “Have you been made a lady?”

Rhys smiled to him, “We are actually about to leave for Valerian, the king has requested that Lady Lenna and I go to help with relief efforts, they have been attacked as well….” Her voice grew soft, she bowed her head slightly.

“That is incredible…” He spoke, “The king has taken a favor to you?” He asked. “With how well you represented him, I can only imagine.” He smiled then. “Though, I do hope these raids end…we’ve had peace in the kingdom for so long…” He shook his head. “I’m not ready for another war.”

Rhys shook her head, “Neither am I. I do hope that the king can figure a way to stop this. It is King Travis causing these attacks.”

“Really?” William asked, he sat forward slightly in his chair. “That man is a tyrant, not a king. He is absolutely cruel, in every meaning of the word.”

“So I’ve heard.” Rhys spoke. “We have to figure out what his plans really are. To stop him.”

William took another bite from another donut. “Just…please be careful Rhys. Going to raided cities…the bandits…” He shook his head.

“Don’t worry father. I have the dagger.” She winked.

“Rhys…”

“I know, I’ll be careful, besides, as a Lady I am traveling in an entourage of knights to protect me.” She chuckled.

William grinned to her, “Hm though, I know who can handle a sword better. Hm?” He spoke and paused when there was a knock at the door. “Just a moment.” He spoke and stood. He stepped to the door and opened it.

“William.” A man spoke. “Did you manage to make that axe I asked for?”

“Of course.” He looked over his shoulder. “I’ll be right back.” He stepped outside to the forage.

The man remained in the doorway. He was the butcher from down the street. “Good morning Rhys.” He spoke with a warm smile. “Quite the accomplishments I’ve heard you’ve been up to.”

“Oh thank you.” Rhys bowed her head. “I am trying to do good for the king.”

The butcher nodded, “That you are.”

Soon enough Rhys had spent a few more hours with her father, she helped him in the forage on the swords, forming hilts for the blades before she eventually told him she had to go. Rhys climbed upon her horse and made her way to the center of town where she met up with Lady Lenna. She pulled the coin from her pocket and flipped it a few times. “Ready?” She asked and grinned. She was excited to learn more, to see what she was capable of.

Rhys turned and they trotted out of the town to a nearby valley. She climbed down from her horse and pulled the coin. She looked over the writing along the edges of the coin and spoke the enchantment. Just as the last word came over her lips she vanished into a plume of smoke.

**

Rhys reappeared on a huge bridge that led toward a vast city. Rhys looked up to the full moon, the air was cool around her. “Lenna?” She spun around. “Where…am I?” She wondered as she walked toward the city. She looked to the beautiful architecture. The stone cobble streets. Beautiful statues of robed figures were throughout the city. She came toward the center of town where a huge castle sat. “Merlin?” She asked.

You will not find me here. Though this is where you will study. Time in this world is different from the world outside of here. A month here is equal to a single day in Strathmore.

Merlin’s voice rang in her mind. Rhys spun around, looking for him. She turned again to the beautiful castle that stood before her. She climbed the stairs and headed over the drawbridge that led inside. She wound through the halls and eventually found herself in a huge library. She sat down and pulled the books from her pocket. The books suddenly grew to their normal sizes. Rhys dusted off the cover of one, staring to the beautiful leather cover. “Okay…” She spoke and glanced around. “Lenna where are you…?” She questioned the empty room.

Rhys shook her head and opened up the book. Her eyes looked over the words. It was a book all about the Astro-magic and the mages that possessed the abilities. She watched as the ink formed on the pages with each turn of a page.

Rhys flipped the page of her book, it was then that she heard the explosions of the rockets in the city. Rhys stood and moved to the balcony of the castle she looked up in the sky to the word written in the smoke from the fireworks. She bit her lip slightly and glanced around. There had to be a chapel. The bells.

Rhys stood and grasped her books in her arms. She slipped them away as they shrank down. She then sprinted through the castle, she pushed open doors here and there. “Come on…” She spoke as she searched. “Where is it…?” She wound down a set of stairs to the main level of the castle. She exited through the courtyard and headed into the city. “Lenna!!” She called, trying to get her attention, if she could.

Rhys rushed through the beautifully crafted streets. She passed the shops that were as empty as could be. Her boots clopped along as she ran. “How…?” She asked herself as she glanced around. The city was so huge. She’d never seen a city quite this size, even Strathmore would fall into the shadow of this place.

You’re a psychic…aren’t you? You’ll find Lenna, just believe in your abilities.

Merlin’s voice spoke in her mind. She glanced around again, it felt like he was right there, as if he’d spoken just a few feet from her. Rhys drew her brows together. She skidded to a stop in front of a chapel. “I don’t what to do…” She whispered as she stepped up the stairs. She gripped the door handle and pushed into the chapel. She climbed the ladder up to the steeple where she found the rope to the church bells cut and laying on the floor.

You’re here to learn, aren’t you? Merlin’s voice spoke again. Learn, Rhys. Use the knowledge I’ve given you.

Rhys sat down on the floor as she pulled out the books. She flipped through the pages quickly, skimming over the words. Searching for anything that would help her. She stopped on a page and looked over the writing as it spoke of the ancient mages that were able to read minds, to speak to others within their minds. She took in a breath as she read over the stories behind it, the great mages of the past that shared her abilities. Soon enough she sat back and shut her eyes. “Come on.” She whispered to herself. She didn’t feel the same connection that she did when she would persuade. This wasn’t something she’d done before.

Rhys slammed the book shut and slipped down the ladder, she held the books in her arms as she ran out into the streets again. She spun around as she tried to decide which direction to go. Her pulse raced. This was Merlin’s test for her, he’d put her in a predicament that she had to solve with magic. Rhys found her way to the center of town where a beautiful fountain flowed. She looked up to the statue it was of an armored woman that held a sword out in front of her as if she was leading an army forward. She stared at the statue for a long moment before she turned and moved to a sitting position. She set the books out in front of her once more and closed her eyes. She focused her power, she could feel it. She took in quick breaths, an image began to appear in her mind. Her breaths shook slightly, “Lenna…” She was seeing through Lenna’s eyes. She could feel her heart racing. “Lenna I’m in the middle of town…at the fountain…” She grit her teeth and opened her eyes. She sucked in a breath of air, a bit of blood trickled from her nose. To enter the mind of someone else was something she’d never done, and thus it took a great deal of her power and concentration to succeed.

Very well, that’s a start. Merlin spoke.

Rhys leaned her head back and closed her eyes again, her pulse began to slow as her body relaxed. She pulled her books into her arms and hugged them to her chest as she waited. She only hoped that Lenna heard her.