Amane of Teravinea - The Crown (The Teravinea Series Book 3) Read online

  “Amáne, that will be in no time at all. You need to get cleaned up and into a nice gown before he gets here. You don’t want to keep him waiting.”

  “I plan on getting cleaned up, but I’m not putting on a gown. Some clean tights and a tunic will do fine.”

  Fiona looked aghast. “Tights and a tunic? How long has it been since you’ve seen him?”

  I hadn’t told her about the communication disc and that Ansel and I talked every few days. “He left here several weeks ago.”

  She turned me forcefully and pushed me inside toward the bathing room. “He will not see you in a tunic and tights tonight. I won’t allow it. I brought a few gowns over because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to wear tomorrow. I’ll choose one for you to wear tonight.”

  She looked sideways at me and shook her head. “Honestly, Amáne ...”

  “Amáne, have you drowned in there? It’s nearly dark.” Fiona called.

  I’d lost track of time. I jumped out of the bath, wrapped a towel around me and ran down the hall to my chambers. Fiona held up a blue gown and began to help me into it.

  I gave a reluctant shrug. Eshshah curled up to observe the process.

  “Ow, I thought we were the same size,” I complained as she tightened the dress around me.

  “We are. This is the latest fashion. It’s supposed to be tight.”

  “I’m not going to be able to breathe. If I faint before I get to him, you’ll not hear the end of it.”

  Fiona laughed but kept pulling at the laces until she had it to her liking.

  “Now for your hair.”

  “Fiona, this is not a ball. I don’t need my hair done. It’s fine.”

  “Just sit down and I’ll put a couple of quick braids in it.”

  I huffed loudly, but sat as she requested.

  “Sovann’s here.” Eshshah’s heart beat faster as she rushed out of our chambers. Her excitement matched mine.

  “Ansel’s here. Never mind my hair.”

  “Sit still. I’m not done. He can wait a bit for you.”

  “I thought you told me I shouldn’t keep him waiting.”

  “It depends on the circumstances. In this case, it’ll be good for him.”

  “Ugh, I’ll never understand.”

  Fiona’s musical laugh filled the room. I just rolled my eyes.

  “Mistress Amáne!” A familiar voice broke in. “It seems like such a long time since I’ve seen you, and look how beautiful you are.”

  “Lali!”

  Eulalia charged into my chambers and threw her arms around me. Fiona maneuvered out of her way and at the same time managed to keep a hold of my braid.

  With hardly a breath between sentences, Lali kept up her banter. “You’re more striking than when we last met, although you left rather abruptly then. It breaks my heart when I recall the disturbing circumstances. But we won’t even think about that time. All is well, now, and Lord Ansel has shown the best of moods. He’s been beside himself, anticipating his trip here.

  “I have to tell you, flying here was the most exciting thing I have ever done in all my life. If someone would have told me when I was a young girl that I would get to ride on a dragon, I would have thought them mad and told them so directly — not given them one more second of my time. Truthfully, though, that’s a long time to sit in a saddle. The pain in my — ”

  “Lali, you don’t know how good it is to see you. It’s a fantastic surprise,” I said.

  She turned to Fiona. “Who is this? Someone who knows how to bring out your feminine side? How did she ever get you into anything other than tunic and tights?” She nodded approvingly at Fiona.

  I made the introductions. Lali took up Fiona in a big hug, talking the entire time about how she had to fight me to get me into the ball gown for Ansel’s birthday. Not entirely the truth, but I did give her a difficult time.

  At last both Fiona and Lali agreed that I could be excused to find Ansel. I hurried out of my chambers.

  “Don’t run, Amáne. Walk like a lady,” Fiona called as I rushed down the hall.

  I found Ansel in the kitchen speaking with Bern. My heart leapt to my throat. My breath caught when I saw him. I had to stop and concentrate on taking small steps, lest I fall on my face.

  Both men turned as I entered. My attention riveted on Ansel.

  I blushed at his reaction — his eyes went wide and his face lit up. Maybe wearing a gown wasn’t so bad after all, I thought.

  “At the risk of feeling your dagger at my throat,” Ansel said, “I’m going to say out loud that you look dazzling.” His hands reached out for mine. A warmth spread through me as I took them.

  “I’ll spare you tonight, since it’s the eve of a special occasion — and besides, my dagger is in my chambers.” I laughed, then paused to survey the handsome man in front of me. “And I’ll have to say out loud that you look striking.”

  He pulled me to him. In our customary greeting, he took my face in his hands, kissed my forehead and both cheeks, and without hesitation, my lips. The kitchen receded. My world consisted only of Ansel’s warmth and his spicy, musky scent as I pressed in closer.

  Suddenly, I remembered Bern. Drawn immediately back into the kitchen, Ansel and I parted. I tore my eyes from his. My face went red as I looked at Bern in apology.

  “This is certainly a time of love.” He smiled, relieving me of my embarrassment.

  Ansel took my hand as we walked through the decorated courtyard to where Eshshah and Sovann exchanged affectionate gestures.

  “Sovann, your golden beauty knows no bounds. I’m so pleased to see you.” I took his fangs and brought my forehead to his nose.

  “Amáne, it is my pleasure to be back here again.”

  Ansel greeted Eshshah, then we bid them farewell as they took flight to hunt. We stood hand in hand beaming with pride as our dragons disappeared into the night.

  Ansel turned to me, eyes smoldering. I couldn’t resist him as the raw emotions of Sovann and Eshshah washed over us. We locked in an embrace and kissed like never before. We couldn’t get close enough. My head spun. His arms closed around me. My fingers clutched his shirt.

  “Ahem, you two!” Fiona called from the courtyard, “Maybe that’s acceptable behavior for two dragon riders, I don’t know, but in civilized society, it’s quite disrespectful — especially since my love is not here to take note of your lessons.”

  Ansel and I pulled apart, breathless. My eyes went wide. When I saw Fiona was not offended at all, the three of us laughed.

  “Fiona, forgive us,” I said. “ We’ll make an effort to restrain ourselves — at least until Kail can be here with you.”

  “Lord Ansel,” Fiona approached us and curtsied as she offered him her hand. “It’s so nice to see you again.”

  Ansel gave her a low courtly bow, took her hand and kissed it. She blushed as she curtsied again.

  “What do you think of our decorations?” Fiona asked Ansel as we headed back to the courtyard.

  “You’ve made a garden paradise.”

  I whispered “Sitara,” to light the lanterns. We gasped our delight as the soft glow transformed the courtyard.

  The morning of the celebration dawned beautifully. Ansel and Gallen left early for Dorjan’s. They were to remain there until it was time for the ceremony to begin. Ansel would do the honors of presiding over the vows.

  Lali helped Fiona and me with the finishing touches around the house. We scrutinized our handiwork to make sure we didn’t miss anything. The food, prepared by a group of women from Dorsal, would be arriving soon. All we had left to do was to get the Healer ready and then ourselves. I was so nervous, I could hardly stand it. This was almost as nerve-wracking as embarking upon a new quest.

  The three of us assisted the Healer don a beautiful gown she commissioned in Serislan. It was of silver silk. Slashed sleeves revealed gold inner sleeves. Jewels outlined the low neckline. We placed a silver and gold circlet crown over her ornately braided hair. Hanging from t
he crown were spoon-shaped bangles, symbols of love. They signified a happy union. Lali added the finishing touches — a small amount of rouge for her cheeks and red for her lips. When we were done, the glow on her face made her seem as though she was young again. I never saw her look so beautiful — this was her day.

  Lali turned her attentions to Fiona and me. Fiona wore a stunning dark blue gown that set off her blonde hair. It hugged her body, accentuating her very feminine curves.

  They assisted me into a light grey gown decorated with the same silver silk the Healer wore. Shiny silver embroidery ran across the bodice. I didn’t remember it being as tight at my fitting as the two of them insisted it should be.

  Kail arrived with Fiona’s sisters, Rio and Mila. Fiona rushed to join him. Kail’s eyes lit up when he saw her. His delight put a smile on my face. They made a fine couple.

  At last came the moment for the ceremony to begin. Musicians took up their instruments, lute, dulcimer and flutes, and struck up our traditional march. Twenty-three dragon riders entered the courtyard. They lined up in two lines, turned on their heels and faced each other. The Healer and I watched from the kitchen. It was my part to walk the Healer to the arch where Ansel would hear their vows. The wooden archway before which they would pledge their troth symbolized the joining of bride and groom. After the pledge, they would walk together through the archway to signify they had begun their new lives together.

  Gallen, accompanied by Ansel, appeared at the street entrance of the courtyard. Both the Healer and I gasped at the same time. They looked amazing. My gaze went from one to the other. I forgot to breathe when my eyes fell upon Ansel. He beamed with happiness for his aunt and Gallen. Gallen and Ansel walked between the riders who saluted them as they passed.

  The groom wore a white ornately-embroidered shirt. The balloon sleeves decorated with symbols and designs. His dragon-scale breastplate all but glowed over a royal blue calf-length tunic. Shiny knee-high boots over white tights completed his wedding attire. His sword hung in a jewel-bedecked scabbard. Ansel was dressed less showy, but just as striking as Gallen.

  As the two reached the archway, Gallen and Ansel stopped, faced each other and saluted. They took each other in a warm embrace. Gallen stepped back as Ansel continued to the other side of the archway. He turned and faced the guests.

  This was my cue. The music changed, indicating the bride would start her walk. I stood to the Healer’s right and took her right hand into my left. I wrapped a silver silk rope around our clasped hands. We left the kitchen and proceeded through the riders in the same path Gallen and Ansel had taken. The riders saluted us.

  My eyes locked with Ansel’s as we moved forward. I managed to take slow even breaths. My heart thudded in my chest as I noted the longing in his eyes. A lump formed in my throat. I glanced at the Healer. Her expression brought me back to the ceremony. The way she looked at Gallen made my heart burst with happiness for her.

  We reached the front where Gallen waited. I unwrapped my hand and left the rope to dangle from the Healer’s. Stepping back and to my left, I stood as witness as the Healer and Gallen closed the space. I could feel Ansel’s eyes on me. Our eyes met once again before he directed his attention to the bride and groom.

  The ceremony itself was short. The Healer and Gallen exchanged words of troth, fidelity and love to each other. Then Ansel stepped forward. Taking the rope tied to the Healer’s hand, he wrapped it around Gallen’s, tying them securely to each other. Ansel requested everyone’s blessing upon the couple. He invited the two to step through the arch. Then asking them to turn around to face the guests, he introduced them as husband and wife. The Healer and Gallen kissed a long and meaningful kiss. I blushed as the riders clapped, whistled and shouted encouragements.

  The couple, still tied together, moved back through the dragon riders’s line-up and seated themselves at a small head table covered with flowers. The guests found their tables and the feast began.

  Food poured out of the kitchen. Nothing extravagant, just traditional Dorsal fare, but the flavors and aromas matched those of a royal ball. Wine and ale flowed freely. It was a brief moment where we could put aside the woes of the kingdom to honor this remarkable couple that had given so much to Teravinea.

  We were all well sated when Bern lifted his drink in a toast to the bride and groom. Then he began to hit the side of his cup with his dagger. The action was picked up by Avano and soon we were all beating our cups or tankards.

  “Tell us the tale! Tell us the tale!” we shouted.

  During a Teravinea ceremony of vows, by tradition, the newly-joined couple is encouraged to recount the tale of their meeting and their story that led up to this day.

  Gallen began, “Ours has taken an unprecedented amount of time to finally reach this point. But I will start the tale and hope you’ll all not age noticeably while we tell it. We’ll try to keep it brief.

  “I was known as Kaelem, and my lovely bride was known as Nara. She was fifteen and I, seventeen — young healer’s apprentices, living at the Castle Teravinea and studying under King Rikkar’s healer. Nara was always his favorite.” He looked at her and they smiled at each other from a distant era.

  “We were best friends and helped each other with learning the concoctions and measurements of our craft. She never forgot a formula, reciting it without effort when the old healer tested us. It took me a little longer, but she always gave me hints that he never noticed and I was able to pass his tests.

  “Our friendship became stronger and I often wished we’d lived a common life, where I could negotiate a betrothal for her hand. She, however, was satisfied with us remaining friends.”

  At that, the Healer met my eyes. I realized what she meant so long ago when she told me I reminded her of herself when she was young.

  The Healer took up the story, “I loved him as my companion, but being serious about my studies and the healing arts, I didn’t think I could do both — to give him my all, and pour myself into my profession. I was stubborn, but wrong.”

  Gallen continued, “ I believe it was to placate me, but we agreed when she turned twenty, if no one had swept either us away, we would consider taking vows. Well, her twentieth birthday approached quickly. Besides wishing to earn Nara’s attentions, my dream in life was to become a dragon rider. I thought if I could be a rider by her birthday, then maybe she would bend to my wishes and she would want to keep our childish promise. After much coaxing I finally talked the old healer into signing me up as a candidate.”

  “I was so proud of him,” the Healer said, “In those days the privilege of attending the Hatching Ceremony as a spectator was by lottery, after the king had chosen his guests. Many people wanted to attend, so they had to try to make it fair. Having already been to numerous hatchings, as I lived and worked in the castle, I didn’t plan on trying to get in that year. That is until I found that Kaelem was a candidate. Letting nothing deter me, I convinced the guards that as the king’s healer’s apprentice I needed to be in the arena. Of course my real reason was I wanted to support Kaelem. Well, as many of you know, it was I who was called by Torin. I fell into in a trance when I approached his egg, it could not be prevented. I heard that King Rikkar was aghast when he saw me climb over the railings and head toward my dragon’s egg.”

  “So, she linked with Torin,” Gallen said, “and that nullified our vow ... he was the one who swept her away. I found myself quite envious of her being chosen — I was passed over that year. She tried to comfort me and keep up our relationship, but she became only half available to me. I understand the bond, now, but did not then.

  “Finally, the following year a rare thing happened. I’d been accepted again as a dragon rider candidate. During that Hatching Ceremony, Gyan chose me. Now we had our dragons in common. Nara and I became close again. We were truly in love, but Nara insisted because of our double duties as riders and healers, we couldn’t jeopardize our commitments to our king and our dragons.”

  “With our obliga
tions, we didn’t make time for each other,” Gallen continued. “I knew Nara looked upon her duties seriously. She didn’t need the additional pressure that I caused her. I made an effort to accept that fact — I backed away. When I met a lady who showed an interest in me, I accepted her attentions. I made the choice to marry her since I couldn’t have Nara. Nara actually gave her approval and was happy for us.”

  “Only for your happiness,” the Healer said in a small voice. “Inside I was dying.”

  Gallen turned his head toward her. His eyebrows knit, a shadow drew across his face. He looked at his hand, still tied to hers, then took a deep breath before continuing his narrative. “My wife was only with me for fifteen years when her ancestors called her. After her death, Nara and I resumed our friendship, but marriage was not in her herb jar.

  “King Emeric sent Gyan and me across the sea to participate at an exhibition in another kingdom as a show of our solidarity with them.”

  Gallen began to speak slowly and quietly, almost as if he talked to himself. “I never put a breast shield on Gyan whenever we did an exhibition flight. It was not a mission of war, but one of peace — it was a festival. But that day offered no peace. The enemy showed their face with weapons I hadn’t seen before. They catapulted fire balls that exploded on contact. They aimed one at Gyan — ”

  My eyes filled with tears. I took Ansel’s hand and squeezed it hard. The Healer put her hand on top of Gallen’s.

  She cleared her throat and said in a thick voice, “I heard the news of his loss. Torin and I received permission to go find him and bring him back. We searched far. I feared he took his own life.

  “I later learned he hunted those who killed Gyan. One by one, he brought them down. Years passed. There was always a piece of me missing. I regretted being so headstrong. I hated how I pushed him away. But he was gone.”

  “Then it was Nara’s turn for her greatest tragedy,” Gallen spoke. “She lost her family and her Torin. I heard the news when I returned to Teravinea. I was told Nara had also met her end in that incident. No one knew she and Lord Ansel had survived. I rejoined the other riders and we vowed to revenge the great losses we suffered — King Emeric, Queen Fiala, the newborn prince, Torin and Nara. Two years later Nara contacted Avano. He told her I had returned.”