Torgan Wine Ch. 51

Daga Gildith's face hardened and his eyes took on an icy green cast. "Such disrespect will anger your father."

"You can tell him I did get a little of the wine, thanks to Yornaith and Ximesra. But in the morning the rest of my gifts may still be taken. I know Draeseth won't let me go home, but I think I can convince him to send me back to the Kroscur before his father does more. He feels guilty and Lislora wants him to herself."

"Can you find a way to take the knife with you?" Daga Liadith joined them, taking her other hand.

"Lislora broke the stone in it, it was sent to a jeweler to be repaired," she gave Lothlaerith an impish smile, "along with the carcanet and its broken clasp. Ximesra may know which one if Hesh-Caeridith can find a way to ask her."

His eyes shimmered and shone with green fire as he broke into a broad smile. "Little blossom, I had begun to doubt you would do as I asked."

"I told you I would!"

"Convince the Torgan to send you away from the Court. Hesh can bring you home if he is given an opportunity." Lothlaerith squeezed her hand.

"He'll need to help me bring Ximesra and Xagorath. I can't leave them behind, they stayed for me."

"We will see to it." Liadith pulled her gently away from the other two Dagas. "Are you well enough to travel?"

"I'll have to be, my Daga." Seeing his concern she shook her head. "I'm not unwell, just... I feel wrung out and exhausted, and I'm miserable. I need to come home."

"You want to come home but you dream of Daga Gildith's gardens?" He smiled at her before looking around. "I don't remember them quite this way."

"This is how she remembers them." Daga Gildith took a deep, loud breath. "I expect to see my daughters come running through at any moment. They were so young when the silver juniper was still that size."

Pulling carefully away from Daga Liadith she embraced the older Daga, burying her face in his mantle. Daga Gildith sighed and held her close for a moment. "Show me your home, child. I wish..." He trailed off and as she lifted her head she could see why. They were standing near her father's house on the walk, but outside of it was a peculiar mix of his garden and Daga Liadith's. The paths seemed to shift as she looked at them. "You have two homes, child."

"But the house is not your Daga's." Lothlaerith, frowned as he looked at it.

"No, and yes." She beckoned for them to follow her but hesitated before opening the door. "I don't know exactly what the inside will look like. The last time I dreamt of this house I was trying to get the mud and muck out. It was..."

"Take a deep breath, sweet girl, and imagine it as it should be." Daga Liadith placed a hand on her back reassuringly.

Obediently, she took a deep breath and opened the door as she envisioned the bright, cheerful interior, clean and decorated with her mother's silk flowers. It felt good to step inside and she turned to beam at the Dagas as they followed her in looking bemused. Isonei headed toward the stairs but turned back as Daga Liadith began to laugh.

"The crypts. You have the gate to the crypts in a sitting room." The three Dagas walked into the room and she followed with a smile looking around at it all herself.

"Look at the table." Daga Gildith seemed pleasantly surprised as he lifted a plate. "Your father's favorite Aran candies and the little cakes he used to make. I could imagine my daughters running through my garden as she remembered it but I would be less surprised to see your father walk out of the crypts and ask us to join him."

"He would love this. When I tell him he might suggest trying the arrangement at home."

Isonei laughed and shook her head, "I think you'd need more windows for there to be a comfortable sitting room at the entrance."

Daga Lothlaerith looked at her with a thoughtful furrow of his brows, "You were going somewhere else."

"Yes, upstairs." They followed her out and up to the top floor.

"So many stairs." Daga Gildith sounded surprised and less than happy about it as they passed the first landing, but Daga Lothlaerith was smiling as she turned to look.

"Not so many, my friend. They make me feel more at home."

"The view is always better from up high, Daga Gildith." Isonei gave Lothlaerith an impish smile and the green flames in his eyes brightened.

"They will need a Keran, Daga Liadith."

"I will find someone. Raighe, perhaps," Lothlaerith interjected quickly. "The girl approached me in the street after the daughter of Liadith had been taken. She begged my forgiveness for not listening to the voice of warning in her heart that said she should beg Lady Isonei to stay for the dancing." He helped Isonei as she stumbled on the stair. "I told her she wasn't to blame and that you were sweet but stubborn."

Smiling wryly as they came to the top, Isonei offered, "She might be a good choice, I am better behaved when children are around."

Gildith coughed his peculiar laugh and then stopped, still on the stair, as he noticed the door in front of him. "Your Daga's chamber?"

"Yes."

"What was here before?" Daga Liadith moved closer and touched it.

"My father's room."

Her Daga glanced back at her with an amused expression. "Daughter of Liadith..."

"And in here?" Daga Gildith came up the last few stairs and walked toward her bedroom.

"I don't like that room." Daga Lothlaerith held onto her hand tightly.

"That's my bedroom. No one should be trying to pull me away tonight."

"This is the room the eldest was in?" Daga Liadith tried to open the door and frowned as it stuck. "Is it sealed?"

"It hasn't been open since that horrible dream. I don't know how to fix it."

"I do, Isonei. When you come home to us it will reopen. The eldest will see to it." Liadith gave her a reassuring smile.

"The view from the windows is lovely, daughter of Liadith." Daga Gildith's pleased voice carried out of her room. "Past the shifting gardens are fields of lavendela."

"From the far windows in there," Isonei pointed to the Daga's door, "You should see the orchards in the distance."

"This is a beautiful home." Daga Gildith came out of her bedroom with a pleased look on his usually solemn face. "I understand now why Liadith allowed you to remain. You were too young to travel alone and he could not ask you to give up a home that is so much a part of you."

"I love both of my homes and all of my family." She smiled warmly at him and returned the gesture as he placed his hand over his heart.

With a start, she woke to find Draeseth climbing into her bed and pulling her close. "Go back to sleep."

"What-why..." Shaking her head she sat up in bed and reached over him for her lamp. "Did you quarrel with Lislora?"

"No." He rolled onto his back and looked up at her with amusement. "I gave her a wedding night that left her in a blissful sleep as I learned to do with you."

"Do you want to quarrel with her? She'll expect you to be in bed with her when she wakes."

"I have felt guilty for promising to sleep here and then allowing myself to be persuaded otherwise." He gave her a rueful smile and beckoned for her to lie down. "I know you disapprove of leaving a woman alone after sex but I have left you alone for too long."

Leaving the lamp uncovered, Isonei settled back into bed with him. "How was dinner?"

"Unpleasant. Father was in a mood and he tried to provoke me and several of the Kamruses into quarreling. Kamrus Rimathe diffused much of the tension and earned father's ire. But I respect him a great deal more now, as do many of the other Kamruses, I think." Draeseth pulled her against his side. "Lislora did well. She refused to speak ill of anyone despite father's prodding and my brothers were kinder."

"Good." Pressing her face against his side felt strange and she contemplated asking about the wine.

"Are you falling asleep?"

"No. I'm thinking."

"Did Ximesra wake you?"

Lifting her head, she gave him a sheepish look and he grinned at her.

"You were not truly asleep. Did you drink the wine she brought?"

"I wasn't and I did."

He made a pleased sound and stroked her head. "I have already made it clear that no one strikes our servants. Father was so delighted to hear that Ximesra had been the one to drink the wine that he allowed me to punish the guard who had taken it on himself to strike her. He will not be lifting that arm again for a week at least."

Isonei studied his face, "Your bruises look better."

"Lislora tended to me. I find I enjoy being kissed and coddled. I told her so and she made it very pleasant."

"I'm glad." She rested her chin on his chest. "Thank you for defending Ximesra."

"You look concerned."

"I am."

Sitting up, Draeseth pulled her onto his lap. "I will protect you. You have no need for concern."

"The wine was a gift from my father, Draeseth, and he wants to take all of the rest..."

"He will think better of it by morning, your things will not be taken."

"Draeseth..." Isonei sighed and ran her hands over her face. Honesty would either be the best idea or the worst but she wasn't able to summon up guile. "I know that you still have some tender feelings for me, or you wouldn't be-"

"I love you, Isonei. I have spent too much time with-"

"No. Draeseth, if you loved me you would give me what I need. You love Lislora, but you're going to push her away if you keep me here. If you want to do something kind for me, keep her happy and send me away from Court. If you won't send me home, send me back to the Kroscur." She let him shift her carefully off of his lap without protesting.

He stood facing away from her for a moment and then asked, "What do you need?"

"I need you to release me."

"You intended to return to Ara and ask for the Arrangement to be dissolved." He turned to fix her with a scowl.

"I considered it but I decided against asking, I didn't make the promise in bad faith. It would be better, if it's to be dissolved, that it be done by the two of us."

His face softened. "You helped Lislora word her Arrangement because you hoped I would relent."

"We would all be happier..." Isonei sighed and rubbed her face. "This isn't how I intended to have this conversation."

Draeseth made a soft sound and came back to bed, gently pushing her down and positioning himself to press his face to hers. "I will consider sending you back to the Kroscur. We can discuss this in the morning."

She stifled a yawn and he laughed softly.

"I will go back to Lislora. She enjoys me in the mornings as you do."

"You are at your best in the morning."

°°°°°°°°°°

Isonei was only able to doze lightly after he left, finally, she decided to rise and pulled on her robe. She found Ximesra in the main room reading a book and gave her a small smile.

"Good morning, your Grace. I was going to let you sleep. Master Krouth hasn't come to read the prayers to you yet. He's later than usual."

"I may not understand what he's saying when he reads them but it always sounds soothing."

"It always bores me into sleepiness." Ximesra dimpled at her. "Prince Draeseth didn't stay long last night, but he didn't seem angry when he left. Did you have a pleasant talk?"

"I wouldn't call it pleasant but I think it was good. I've asked him to send me away from Court, as soon as possible, I hope. I want you and your brother to come with me."

"Of course. I'll let him know when I go down to fetch breakfast for you." The Munian woman rose from her seat and then dimpled again. "Did Prince Draeseth tell you he broke the man's arm? The man who struck me? I heard it from one of the other maids. They're horribly jealous that I serve you and you treat me like a friend, and even Prince Draeseth, as terrifying as he is, insists on the gentle treatment of his servants."

Tilting her head, Isonei bit her tongue.

"He hasn't always. Master Krouth told me that, but he also said you've been a good influence on his Highness." Ximesra closed the book and took it back to the study.

The Munian woman helped her dress and fix her hair before leaving the rooms to fetch breakfast. Isonei found the Book of Truths to look through as she waited, unwilling to pull any of her other gifts out of hiding. Glancing up at a knock on the door, she was surprised when it opened and a gaunt stranger stepped in flanked by Halloc Aurim and another, much younger, priest.

"Forgive the interruption, Duchess." The gaunt man's dark eyes were sharp as he looked her over and approached to see the book she was reading. "The Book of Truths?"

"Master Krouth wasn't able to come read the prayers this morning and I've grown accustomed to it." Isonei tilted her head skirting around the reason. "I hadn't intended to entertain anyone this morning..."

"Ah. You do not recognize me?"

She studied his long face for a moment taking in the pallor of his grey-green, slightly sunken cheeks, and his piercing dark eyes all of which were framed by wispy grey and black hair. "No, have we met?"

The Torgan's smile looked thin enough to slice cheese. "I am Kamrus Olauth. I wished to speak to you of the... discussions yesterday. How much Torgan do you speak?"

"Very little. Yes and no, thank you, and a few other words I've learned from Prince Draeseth. Why do you ask?"

"How much did you understand?"

"The words husband and wife were spoken several times, and I understood that Draeseth said no to something. Everyone seemed very upset until he did, and then only his father was upset."

"Have you spoken to your brother of the Arrangement?"

"No. I have-"

The Kamrus interrupted sharply, "The flowers and fabric you wrote to your father of was a message. Tell me what it was."

Isonei blinked and answered carefully, "There is a language of silk flowers in Ara. The striped fabric is for a specific flower and it's intended for apologies. I apologized and asked my father to give my apologies to the Dagas."

The next question was slightly more measured, "Is there a message in the flowers your brother brought you?"

"Yes, I am loved and forgiven. I am missed."

"Ah. Were there other messages in the letter you sent?"

"Of course. Draeseth refused to send the letters where I had spoken openly to my family."

"She speaks the truth." The young priest next to Halloc Aurim sounded surprised.

"Arans don't like to lie. We're not good at it and our Gods disapprove."

A bemused smile crossed his face for a moment. "She believes that firmly."

"Is there demonic influence clinging to her?" The Kamrus moved to take a seat in another chair at the table.

The younger man said something in Torgan to Halloc Aurim as they took places standing on each side of her. Both men placed hands on her shoulders and head for a moment.

"No... I-There is something, but it does not feel..." The young man drew a deep breath. "I do not understand what this is, Kamrus. It feels like Ganas' protection but it is not of Ganas. There is no malice in this. She should be taken to Gogmenos. The Brothers of the shrine will know better."

"Agreed," the Kamrus made a gesture and they both came to stand behind him.

"Halloc Aurim, I don't understand what's going on." Isonei looked to the one priest she knew feeling suddenly nervous.

"You have nothing to be afraid of, Duchess. You are delicate and a creature of comfort as well as kindness, you will be treated carefully. I will speak to your husband, under the terms of Lady Lislora's Arrangement," Kamrus Olauth spoke the word with a hint of distaste, "you should be kept away from Prince Draeseth until her child is born."

"Duchess Lislora," Isonei gently corrected him, "and I discussed trading off time at her house in the Kroscur. I've asked Draeseth to allow me to go back there."

"A journey to Gogmenos first would not be unreasonable. I do not travel well either, the journey will be slow."

Unsure of what to say she inclined her head slightly, "If Draeseth allows it, and I can bring my maid to look after me and her brother to prepare my food..."

"Ah, yes, the Munians. That will be acceptable. It will spare us confusion as we try to feed you." His thin smile was somehow unsettling as he rose. "I will make the arrangements."

Ximesra bustled back in with a tray as the Kamrus moved toward the door. The Munian woman attempted a curtsy as she held the tray, keeping her eyes cast down. Once they had gone she brought the tray to the table and looked at Isonei with concern, "Your Grace?"

"He wants to take me to Gogmenos. Something about a shrine, I don't understand."

"I was taken there before I was brought to Court, as were all of the other slaves Princess Kresh brought. They tried to purify us with beatings and bleedings. That man is a monster. There are rumors among the servants that he eats sparingly because there are so many people who want him dead he expects most of the food he's given to be poisoned."

Isonei shivered. Lothlaerith had said if she could get away from Court, Hesh would bring her home. She could only hope that were true, but if it weren't... "Talk to Master Krouth and see what he has to say about traveling with Kamrus Olauth. He always seems to know the truth of things."

The maid inclined her head slightly and moved to the door.

Noticing the woman's grim look, Isonei spoke softly, "I believe you, Ximesra, but you would be surprised at the suggestions Krouth sometimes has. If he feels we're in danger, or going to be put in danger he will find a way to help."

Nodding and taking a breath, Ximesra answered, "Yes, your Grace."

"And please ask why he missed the prayers this morning. If he's having headaches remind him of the lavendela oil."

The Munian woman gave her a peculiar look but inclined her head again, "Yes, your Grace."

Left alone with her breakfast, Isonei wasn't sure she actually wanted to eat. She pushed the book away to the edge of the table and began removing the plates from the tray. A note sat beneath one.

"Sister, I am being asked to leave. Be safe, you are loved."

Closing her eyes and holding the note close for a moment she swallowed the lump in her throat. The informal Aran script was her brother, Yornaith's. Isonei thought about tucking it into the book next to her, but instead, put it in her sleeve. It would be better to put it in the book from Hesh. Carefully she checked under the rest of the plates, finding no other notes she began to pick at her food. The Aran manirel was still very good, and the small bowl of her father's honey was excellent on the coarse, nutty bread she'd come to enjoy.

Strength was something she would need for any journey, especially if Hesh helped her escape. If the leisurely journey to the Kroscur or Gogmenos was interrupted they would need to travel quickly and it would be much more difficult. She remained at the table picking at her food until the door opened again. Isonei expected to see Ximesra but instead, it was the Kamrus and his priests, followed by Draeseth and Lislora, as well as both servants.

She rose from the table with a slight frown but before she could speak the Kamrus did, "Your servant expressed concerns and I returned to have them allayed." He gave a command in Torgan and Krouth's impassive face appeared to harden slightly but he seemed to obey, going with Ximesra into her bedroom.