The WeaponsMaster and the Engineer - Part 2

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

The Ride to Arianna Hymerodraeth
(Flashback Story)

Moments of eerie silence as the pair stood in his room in Griffin Castle… then to prevent himself from being a fool, he opened the door and motioned… “Arianna Hymerodraeth awaits us my dear…”

The pair walked down the corridors of the Castle, out to the streets of the city to the Turas Lan stables…

Along the way, Aegraine asked about the person to be escorted. "I have not heard the name before." There was food to be picked up at the kitchen and too soon, time to depart.

“Oh really?” he chuckles… “Does the Lady Eirian ring true?” then he smirks… “Arianna Hymerodraeth is the name of her estates… and title…” and they continued to walk thru the city… “I met Lady Eirian long ago in Inverness… a fine woman… devout, almost pious… a leader in her own rights…” he teasingly nudges her with the next comment… “And beautiful…” …never ceasing to test the waters of their own relationship…

"Sir, you are fated to be surrounded by beauty." She glanced to the side at him, with a coquettish smile and a sparkle to her eyes.

A cant of the head, and a familiar smirk, quirking the jawline and hence the beard… “Aye… seems God has granted me such favor…” then he winks… “…and should yu be by my side… I shall have beauty all the day long…” he added in a soft voice… one that could be deemed seductive should one listen with the right attitude.

He continues to discuss his own knowledge of the Lady Eirian…. “She is also deemed a sayer… and eerie side of her I suspect… I guess that’s why Lord Adam and Lady Bess wish her presence…” looking around making sure no one is listening… “Adam has told me in conversation, that he has had trouble sleeping… fearing the worse is yet to come for Skye… and I think Lady Bess wishes to console him with the dreams…”

"It seems war brings such things. My servant has been having nightmares of a storm of dark dust from the east, thunder and no rain. She finds comfort in wards against evil and her prayers. Although, I think when a leader has such premonition, it bodes well to seek meanings, for the good of the land." From the lowest of servants to the leader of this good land, there were signs and omens speaking which ought to be heard.

In response to her words, he nods… “I too believe in such premonitions… and am glad, I do not have a country to lead…”

Once they arrived at the stables, the young lad, seeing them approaching, disappeared… and soon afterwards, emerged with the reins of two horses in his hand… Dmitrii took the reins and handed the lad three copper Gryphons… a smile upon his face, he bowed deeply and thank the warrior.

Dmitrii handed the reins to the reddish brown chestnut courser. The animal stood 15.2 hands high and broad at the chest. It had a tucked head and a medium high gait. It was an outstanding animal, worthy of any knight in battle… and it was hers… a gift of her mentor and her new friend… “Tis yers Aegraine… treat him fair, and in return, he shall give yu much service…”

"He's so grand! I cannot thank you enough, Sir." Aegraine stroked the courser's mane and near his jaw line. "Such a handsome one." She whispered in cooing tones. "What is your name, ?"

“Aye he’s grand... for one that is deserved of him…” once again he took the opportunity to say something nice to her. "His name is yers to declare..."

Then the man, dwarfed by the solid black Andalusian, stepped into the stirrup and swung a leg over the saddle of the broad-backed animal. Settling in the saddle, he looked at Ae… “Ready when yu are M’Lady…” he winked, offering her high praise…

Getting into the saddle of such a tall horse was a bit of a struggle for Aegraine, but practice would take care of that. She held both reins and a bit of the horse's mane to steady him, for they were not used to each other's ways, yet. "I am ready." She let go of the mane and held the reins lightly, as was her custom.

Then they both rode forth, out of the stables, out onto the street, talking back and forth, both horses and riders eager for the journey now begun.

By the side, there was a gathering of servants and town wives, talking and visiting together, before it was time to return from market. Among them was Aegraine's servant, Widow Lynch.

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

"Dora!" she waved to her serving woman. "I will be back. Take care of the dogs for me, will you?" Turning to Dmitrii she remarked, "This is Widow Lynch, who can do things I cannot... like clean , cook and sew." She was in good spirits, in spite that the ride before them was an important mission.

Dmitrii leaned forward in the saddle and bowed slightly, offering his acknowledgement that took care of Aegraine… adding a soft utterance to the woman… “M’Lady…”

Dora beamed and took pride of her connection to the network that kept this land safe. It was so good to see her mistress as she was, when they first met two years ago. Riding a horse and confident in her manner, once again… and not alone this time. The old lady almost wept but she was too happy to do anything but wave.

"How fast a pace will we be going?" lePower had little knowledge of Skye terrain beyond the range of her long runs with the dogs. "Just do not go so fast you lose me, Sir. I will do my best to keep up." Aegaine did not ask about the perils out along the road; it was a given in Ulster; be ready for anything. Out on the open road, there was much to be learned of this land, the new horse and of course, who better to teach her new things than Dmitrii?

Turning the horse toward the street once again, he glanced to Aegraine. “The pace shall be steady… not too slow, as to linger, but not too fast to tire the horses too soon… it shall take us the better part of two days to arrive there…” As the pair of horses took to the high stepping gait, Dmi chuckled… “I am sure that yu shall be well-abled to keep up…” he winked at her… “…besides I don’t want to lose yu…” yet another opportunity to speak his feelings.

"I will not be lost, Sir. And if I can help it, not out of sight for a moment." Aegraine acknowledged his wink with one of her own. After all, she did not know this trail, like the pathways in her old homeland. "Alt and I will not become a problem for you..." She had named the new horse along the road. Aegraine sat high atop the courser, dark dressed and drew her white scarf over her nose and mouth, for although it was not too cold, wind whipped about. In the changeable climate of Skye, who could tell what the day might become.

His head canted a bit at the horse’s name… “Alt…? Very becoming…” he smirked… “I know yu two will be no problem…”

The gates swung open for them to exit the city, and the pair nodded to the handlers… and moments later the thud and clank of the doors closing resounded their departure from safety and security… “Make sure yer sword is readily within grasp…” his own swords crossed upon his back.

Aegraine made a practice reach without actually drawing, to make certain this new sword was placed to suit how she might swing it into use. "Just like my Mother taught me. I am better with a bow, but she insisted there are times when a sword is better." The new weapon had a grasp which seemed to be made for her. Trust a Weapons Master to select the best.

The ground moved along under the horse's hooves at a predictable rate. Captain lePower kept the alert habit of her days in Ireland, where every expedition had been a life risk.

"Does this horse, Alt, know maneuvers for battle encounters?" Aegraine still missed her horses, Rhys and Gem, with all their little tricks long rehearsed and known to her. It takes time to get accustomed to a new mount and today there was no such luxury.

As they left the city, Aegraine spoke and his head snapped a look at her… then he laughed at her question… “Battle encounters? Lord Eamonn and his trainers taught the horses for the cavalry… and he is called the Horse Lord, widely known for his horsemen… Let me ask yu… Do you think Alt is trained in battle maneuvers?” his voice had an unusual jovial tone in it, the r’s once again rolling off the tongue in the Rus accent… He did enjoy being with Aegraine.

"It is just I need to know, are all horses trained to the same signals for defense? I used to just sit astride Rhys and he knew with barely a tap what was needed. I had both hands free for my bow, for example. Are horses trained alike?" Aegraine had lived a life with her extended family apart from the world they traveled and worked within. "All the horses I knew were trained alike." She was afraid this horse responded to different mode of direction.

It was more than half an hour from the city confines and Dmitrii would begin to look around cautiously. From the side of the saddle, opposite Ae, Dmitrii bent over and took a small crossbow from the saddle. Leaning toward her, he hands it to her. “I assume ya know how to use this…??” his voice still calm, collected, and assured he had good company. Sitting erect, he reaches into a pouch and hands her a handful of steel-tipped bolts for the crossbow. “I hope that we shall not have any trouble, but just in case.”

"Tis one of my customary weapons, Sir." The metal tipped bolts she slid in either side of the loose waist belt which held a dagger. Aegraine practiced the move to retrieve the bolts with either hand, as if on the fly, until she was satisfied. Just in case.

Sir? Again she said it !! He said nothing, but hoped in silence she would begin to call him in a more personal manner. Again he chuckled at her words and his thoughts… “I thought so…” So far, he has done things correctly… he silently hoped he would continue.

The long passed as the pair rode out toward Arianna Hymerodraeth on the mission to get Lady Eirian and return to Turas Lan. Thru hill and dale… thru forest thick and thin; plains filled with heather, they experienced the quiet rugged beauty of the Skye countryside...

lePower had not been this far inland and the scenery was far and away astounding. Heather grew abundantly, like the land dusted with thick grayed powder. Above then a marsh hawk wings wide spread coasted and glided, in search of prey. The pale gray hen harrier tilted in its flight, one side to the other, altering direction until it was out of sight. Aegraine took it all in, careful not to become too distracted.

As the sun leveled with the horizon in the west, Dmitrii pointed to a wooded area backed against a mountain. “We shall camp over there this night…” He veered the animal towards a low overhang on the mountainside. Dismounting, he handed the reins to Aegraine and stretched his back. “Wait here…” Walking a few minutes to the wooded area next to the overhang … he was pleased with the selection and whistled for her… motioning his hand.

As she moved the animals to him, he walked to her. “Tis a good place… overhead cover… and the forest will conceal us… I’ll gather some wood for a fire… yu tend the horses… it may be our last night with a hot meal…”

"Dmitrii?" Aegraine took both sets of reins and began to walk the horses, to where she would sit aside their packs and brush both Troika and Alt, one and then the other, and all the care they needed after a day's ride.

"You do know I don't know how cook?" The thought of a good meal after this long day loomed large. How she hoped the food from the castle was already prepared, packaged to be warmed.

Dmitrii dropped pile of wood on the ground and squatted down. Stacking small ones on the bottom in a pyramid, and putting some brush under it. Taking the dagger, and a stone, he hit the flint several times and knelt to blow gently upon the struggling flame. Once the brush lit and soon engulfed the kindling, little bit by little bit, he added larger pieces of wood, until he had a good fire started.

Aegraine finished taking care of their horses and came near to the fire, watching and listening. She sat on a flat rock and broke firewood to size while watching Dmitrii.

While he worked on the fire from its inception, he spoke in short sentences. “Most horses are taught the same way for battle… depending upon their use…” fanning the small fire… “Some are heavy horse, raised large to support heavy armour… and certain commands… and fearless in an attack…” he points to his black Andalusian… “…like Troika…” Casting a glance to Aegraine…. “Others are light horse… like yers… barely armoured, if at all… fast and able to handle maneuvers quickly… All usually move to commands with the knees… they too are raised fearless…” he chuckles, satisfied the fire had started…. “Yu must do what yu can to learn the animal… yu shall do well…” he winks at her.

Head propped on one hand, lePower was taking it all in, the fire making and of course about horses. "Our horses at home where like Alt, fast and full of tricks to get one out of trouble. I am going to need to take some time to find what all he will do. Your Troika, he looks like he makes a fine one for jousts" With a stick in one hand, she flicked back a few bits of burning twigs into the fire. “Have you jousts here? I have not seen once since Waterford." Daylight began to fade and firelight glimmered streaks of light against the background of the rock outcropping behind them.

As Dmitrii worked on starting on building the fire he looked at Aegraine and smiled… “Aye, Troika does alright… my first destrier was also named Troika… that means trio… or three… he was killed at the battle of Sleat… and this one is almost identical…” he chuckles… “but this one is a bit more like me…hard-headed…” he glances a look at the horse, then back to the fire… “But he is a good horse.” As he stuck more sticks upon the fire, he glances at Aegraine… “Lord Adam has been too busy to have jousts… but I suspect once this is all over, he shall… and I will be on the roster at the lists…” he winks at her.

"Then one day I might see what you and Troika can do, in the lists. If I were betting, I would put my money on you, no matter the competition."

Within minutes after the fire had started he walked over to his downed saddle and took a bag from it … walking back to her, he dropped the slab of material-bound pork on the ground… “A woman who does not know how to cook… then we shall go hungry…” he chuckled and teased as he squatted and opened the material… taking a sharpened stick, he ran the homemade skewer thru the meat. Setting it on makeshift stands of sticks…

“Ow! That hurts." she feigned a mock surprise. "It will not do, at all. I am afraid I'll have to learn. At home, I was only taught how to hire dependable servants." Such a spoiled Irish princess. Aegraine sat near the fire and observed closely.

“Tis easy to learn…” pointing to the meat… “Rotate it every so often as to keep it from becoming burned and black…” Taking two large potatoes from the bag he tosses her one… “Set it on the side… don’t let it burn…” he winks… “First thing I shall do is begin classes for you, along with weapons training…” he teased as he picked up the wine skin and took a drink; then tossing it to her. All in all, it started to be a good evening.

Laughing softly, the neatly trimmed beard quirking in a familiar manner… “Tis also a good thing to know… but useless out here…” he teased her once more…

The thing on the spit caught her interest. "Turn it? I can do that." But one hand went out to catch the potato and the other for the wine skin. "Ayee! How can I do all this at the once?" Aegraine set the potato aside, and began to turn the meat, careful that it did not blacken any side. Then lifting the wine skin to drink, drank twice from it, before returning it. "I had expected water; this is so good. Thank you."

“Sometimes, water cannot be trusted… one never knows if the water will make yu sick…” he cants his head… “But wine? That can always be trusted…” he winks… “Especially if one drinks too much…” then he laughed again. Looking deep into the fire, it had been months since he last laughed… Willa, now a passing history as with his other relationships… the question in his mind… What was with him, for he could keep no relationship?

"How do you know all these things, Dmitrii? I have missed so much of what the world has to offer." Aegraine turned the spit and the meat cooking sputtered, its exterior glossy and beginning to turn golden brown.

Her question snapped him back to the present… “Oh, I know a little about a lot… but a lot about nothing…” his mind reflecting back to his youth… “Life has been a bit difficult in my younger years…” then he begins to offer her his life… from the beginning…. His life would be portrayed by his words and expressions…. Demonstrating neither a regret nor happiness… simply these thigs in his life made him what he was… A man who started life so easy… then abruptly turning harsh… and it would seem an upward battle the rest of his life… until he came to Scotland… yet war was his life… his duty… his profession… but what did this truest of warriors want? Peace !!

It was less than a half goblet of wine that gave her the courage to dance and socialize at the Masque, when she came to Skye. There was no native wine in Ireland; beer, ale and whiskey but nothing like wine. Just a little before dinner was an icebreaker for lePower. Was the difference in rank or shyness? It took a few sips of wine for her to speak openly.

"I have had an easy life, too easy." Aegraine took the cooked pork off the spit and offered it to Zurban for approval. It was nicely done, except for the blackened line along one edge.

Dmitrii took the dagger from his belt and cut off a piece… tasting it… “Hmmm… good job.” He said with a full mouth; then he cut off some more for him, then motioned to her that the rest was hers. As he chewed, he listened to her confession and smiled. “Never too late to learn…” he offered in consolation with that charming familiar smile.

"Perhaps things will change now? It was either go to the Old English King's court or be put in the cloister; neither did I want. So I ended up in Ulster without a roof over my head." And she went closer to whisper the truth. "Maybe conditions of war brought us to the same spot, at the same time for a reason?"

Swallowing the food, his gloved hand holding the other piece of meat… With the free hand he opened the bag of wine and took a hefty drink, then corked it; setting it at her side. “Things have changed in some ways… in others remains the same… though Lord Adam does try to change ways as we know them…” and then he canted his head and smirked… “Aye… same spot… same time… but the reason I do nay know… yet !!” he followed with a wink.

Aegraine picked up the wine skin and lifted it but before she drank said, very seriously, "I have thought on it and I think I know. We are here to serve the greater good; to be parts in the Lord and Lady's plan to halt the English, to stop them from taking over this land. To say this far and no more." This time, lePower took only a sip of the wine and replaced the stopper. "Together, we can co-ordinate the cannons with the other more traditional machines of war to defend these walls, the castle to the max." With her knife, Aegraine cut off a portion of the cooked meal into a bite size and began to dine.

Aegraine lowered her eyes to the level of his beard, trimmed now, not quite like when she first saw him. Then a slow sweep up to look into his eyes. "Dmitrii? I have never met anyone like you."

Steel-grey eyes lightened and caught hers… He did not know how to respond. He knew what he wanted to do… but he would not press his luck… yet. He knew he desired to say things to her… but he’d wait. They had a job to do… and he must wait… though his eyes could have betrayed him. Breaking the trance, he took back the wine bag and drank deeply from it, laying it at her feet.

"I know what it is like to be held prisoner in an English held castle. From experience." The words came out into the now chilling air of coming night, like little ice cubes frozen over things she was not ready to describe.

"This food is delicious! I shall learn more about the art of cooking!" She kept nibbling at the dinner, cutting each bite off with her table dagger. Aegraine added, "You are an excellent teacher, Dmitrii!" Sometimes it is wise and kinder to change the subject.

Dmitrii smirked… “Then congratulate yerself as yu cooked it… I just made the fire…” then he poked the fire with a stick, his steel-gray eyes peeking at her from a down-tilted head… “Nay, for yu are the excellent student…” Oh yes, maybe it was wise to change the subject… He did not press the issue of her experiences of English captivity; if she wanted to speak of it, she would…

Having had a filling meal… he suggested they get some sleep… as the dawn would bring about their departure. He made his bed of tree limbs covered by a blanket, the saddle as a pillow. He removed his light armour and sword scabbard, piling them neatly, yet kept the dagger and one sword handy.

Lying down, he continued to watch her as she prepared for bed, “Spoi key no no chi…” [Good night] he whispered to her… the closing of his eyes only after she lay down and closed hers.

Sleeping under the stars was the most familiar thing to Aegraine, for on their travels, her clan did not often bother to set up tents, making their places to rest much as Dmitrii had done here. She closed her eyes and drifted off soon as she herself said "Good night."

Closed eyes hardly ever meant Dmitrii was fully asleep… unless safely tucked away in his own bed. In the field, or barracks, he was a light sleeper. Every movement or noise would be noted… though little stirred him.

By dawn’s early light, Dmitrii was already awake… dressed… had started the fire… and yet again put some meat upon the spit. The horses were saddled and ready to further their journey. When he deemed it time for her to wake, he took a small leaf and began to tickle her nose… and smile. When she finally awoke, he crooked the neatly trimmed beard and offered her soft words… “Do bro oot tro, dye vetch ka…” {good morning darlin’]… the accent rolling the r’s again.

lePower had been dreaming of springtime and fields of wild flowers, multi color butterflies fluttering among the blossoms. Months, years had it been since she dreamed something other than nightmares of the past and Aegraine was reluctant to wake. Until now. She felt a dreamed black and red butterfly on her nose, she moved to wave it away... and found it was a leaf. "Dmitrii? Good morning. Is it morning already?" She sat up, still wound up in her sleeping wrap and looked up to find he was almost ready to depart. There was another day's ride ahead.

“Da, dye vich ka… ooh trum…” [Yes my dear, tis morning]… is all he said as he smiled at her as she sat up… “Tis time to leave… Best yu eat now… we should be in lands of Bant Chan Ser by mid-day and at Arianna Hymerodraeth estates by early afternoon…”

"I was awake during the night to tend the fire, for I saw animals' eyes out there, across from us. Six or so, about the height of a small dog, I think. They backed away when the fire became brighter." Aegraine stood and hurried to catch up, ready for the trek. The air smelled of food and campfire, smoke from crackling wood and last year's leaves beginning to decay into earth. A slight dew dampness clung, that would dispel as day went on.

Weapons were collected, donned or attached to the saddles as required. Once again as she began to reapply her armour, he assisted her with the straps. He would assist her less and less until she became experienced in doing it herself… Once again, he would pop the back of her armour when he was done. Oh she was a sight he could stand every morn… but he said nothing. But if she was to know what he thought, she’d only have to learn what his eyes betrayed.

The Captain did notice how he looked at her, for this was a new thing for Aegraine. Most men just looked past her, if they saw her at all. After all, it was her choice to come on this journey. How many women in her rank and work assignment had a choice of anything, in these times? She would never forget his courtesy.

Breakfast was brief, and not soon after the warm sun began to climb the sky, the pair was back on the road… Once into lands of Bant Chan Ser, he would begin to point out landmarks that would identify Lady Eirian’s lands… “T’will nay be long now M’Lady…”

"I cannot wait to meet your friend." Aegraine became accustomed to the new horse and this day' ride was educational as well. The landmarks she noted well, in case she rode this way again.

Atop a hill, looking down into a shallow open field, he points to the buildings afar… “Tis Arianna Hymerodraeth, there…” Their pace would hasten more than previously gaited. It would be a sight for Eirian to behold… the Kievan Rus warrior alongside a female warrior?

[Lady Eirian Gwenyth Apollius]

The Land of the Bant Chan Ser would unfold differently to the Weapon Master's eyes than in times past. It had been blighted, raped, but was repairing itself with the coming of spring to bring new growth over the places where lives had ended. For the Engineer, it might be in never seeing the place she could see the fire -rich soil covered with a fledgling green, so early in the season! Trees with old roots dug down deep into the earth with a refusal to be moved. Ever-green some of them, their crisp scent of pine and fur was enough to bring an ambient haze to compliment the ring of the sun around Arianna Hymerodraeth, the estate in the valley's heart.

The land itself was a valley, but featured rolling hills, some plains, and the slopes of mountains. Where geography became most evident was of the estate house nestled around waterfalls in the depth of two large hills with a fertile basin. Silver was in the name of the welsh-woman's home, for in the light of day it seemed to do just that. A silver star that had fallen to earth. On the fleece downs in the distance, shepards grazed their sheep. Livestock were being counted out. The Artisan herself was engaged in the art of household management. "Take the oldest rams and make mutton, the good ewes for breeding. Those ones are good for the market, with the cattle and geese. The money from those will be good to procure more of each for breeding so we may replenish." The Steward bowed his head, glad to have the lady home, and home for good.

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

At the gates of the estates, Dmitrii requested entry… With a bold voice, he responds to the guard asking who they were and to state their business… “Tis Sir Dmitrii Zurban, and dame Aegraine lePower. We request audience with the Lady Eirian… at the behest of Lord Aberdeen, Lord of the Isles…” Soon a rumbling noise behind the door sounded… and the heavy gates soon opened. Spurring the black Andalusian, Dmi and Ae rode thru the gates. Inside they were met by several men.

In awe, Aegraine looked up to the height of those gates, while she was going through to be met. She had to see how they were hinged and what bolt mechanism was visible. In addition to calculating the numbers of stone blocks in a course about a building, how high were walls and other aspects of a structure, lePower observed doorways, as well. Now was a time to be quiet and take her cues from her commanding officer.

Dmitrii dismounted at the designated place… a squire taking the reins of both his and Aegraine’s horse. Dusting himself off, he indicated silently for Aegraine to follow the guards. Up the stairs they walked…and into a lobby where they would wait the Lady Eirian’s arrival.

One thing additional the Captain did was to remove the white veil she used to protect her face while riding. It might not appear friendly to cover her identity in a new location. Aegraine did not refrain from looking all around her, just taking in all the aspects of all that was new to her. She kept at least a pace back of her superior officer and did her best to contain her enthusiasm.

Looking around then to Aegraine… he smiled… “Nice place eh? This is the first time I have been inside… usually, Lord Aberdeen enters, and I wait outside… so to me, this is a privilege.”

"It's a wonder." she was still counting up how tall the wall was, barely noticing the guards who escorted them both. "You had to wait outside? I cannot fathom why." There were guards aplenty; it had not been a security consideration, obviously.

“The first time I visited this land, it was beautiful, in full bloom… but the second time I visited, was during a war… It seems that M’Lady’s husband was King of Avaria… an ally of Skye… but they too had strife of their own… now in that country’s retaliation, it took its toll upon the land…” he remembered the land they just passed thru… the raped landscape that was laid waste to before winter.

“Eh, t’was nay my visit then… I had to ensure the way was clear for M’Lord…” he chuckles. “I am but a warrior of Skye… and Lord Aberdeen’s friend… much less I am of importance…” Standing next to her, waiting on Lady Eirian… he nudges Aegraine and leans toward her… “I do hope that I am higher on that scale in yer eyes…” the neatly trimmed quirked in a charming smile, his steel-gray eyes sparkling at her.

Looking to one of the guards… “T’will Lady Eirian be long in coming? We must hasten our return to Turas Lan… as the roads are nay safe for much travel…”

"Tell the Steward that there are two, the Dukes' man and a companion to see her!" From the gates they would ride over a bridge where below were the groves of trees and waterways. The scent of blooming flowers might have harkened to the Engineer's dreams, or the memories Dmitri had of a time long ago. A few women had baskets on their hips filled with eggs or bits of the new reeds for weaving into baskets. At the arrival of visitors, they whispered among themselves, giving curtsy before scurrying off all a'flutter. What was to come?

It had been a long time since any darkened the once forever opened doorways of the estate, for the Apollius family lived in a silence habitual of self preservation. Hunted for so long, it was discovered by chance that the lights in the home shown from the hills again by people who'd catch the lamp lightings at sunset, walking their flocks home. Like a ghost from a storybook, the pale skin wandered the open corridors and lingered in the archways until the incandescent sightings proved to be manifestations of flesh. "Welcome," The Steward and his wife invited them within, opening the doors. The reverence of the people here was deep, respectful. Unmarred by their surroundings. Nothing here was spoiled, including the keepers of the land. From the country they had hailed, from their spirits would remain. "She shall be with you soon, Sir. She is managing affairs of the household, that have long missed her astute eye."

"No, save this quarter of the flock for breeding, and this other quarter here, for sheering later. There are some with oddly thick coats, for which one may take there was no fall nor winter sheerings because of the times.." In the distance the halls carried her soft voice to their ears. "Tis no matter now, we can only do what need be done. With the coin we turn from the wool, for it's still a good market for thick weaves, we will be able to secure good seed for the planting. Let us try to garner more than usually do, to share among the settlements. If you will put the books out, I will look over them and keep them as proper. I hear that the Steward's wife did a wonderous job on precious little."

Aegraine took it all in. This place came back from what war can do, now blooming again, in a new beginning way. Light aroma of flowers in the air simply had to be inhaled. It was the breath of spring and prosperity returning to this land. One day, back in Ulster, the same thing could occur. It gave her hope, at least.

While the pair from Griffin Castle waited, after thinking on it carefully, she replied to what Dmitrii had said to her. "You are important to me. Very; I choose to be here on this journey with you, in lieu of my days off work." lePower glanced to the side, keeping her voice moderated, not to be heard beyond the two them.

"Do you think the Lady will agree to going to going back with us? Are we to start back today, yet? I have seen the roads and should not like to take her near that wooded area we passed, too close to dusk." Aegraine ascribed the perils of Ulster roads to where she traveled this day.

In all, Captain lePower trusted the judgment of Zurban. If he told her ride through in darkness, she would do it. It was not trust that gave her misgivings; this was near the season of war and anything might happen.

Dmitrii listened to her words… words that he was important to her. No response, just a smile… that charming quirking of the beard. No touch… no words… his steel-grey eyes look at hers… those looks would be his words.

“I do not know if she will return with us… She is a woman upon her own drive… She shall listen to her words and see what she says… we shall do what she commands of us.” He paused as if to look over his shoulder toward the woods far behind them. “I agree with yu… we may need assistance should she accompany us back. ‘Lest she decides to ride with her husband and his men… then we shall ride back by ourselves…”

The Steward listened to the pair from Turas Lan talk about transporting the lady in a matter of safety. He didn't offer his opinion, no, but he had several of his own. It would be better if she weren't mixed up in this at all! Aye, allow the woman to piece her household and settlements together proper. To be a mother, to recover from the constant threats that had rained down on Apollius' head! He crossed his hand behind his back so the right could hold the wrist of the left. The appendage then dangled, a lot like his unsaid opinions.

Eirian was moving as quickly as she could to leave instructions on several days worth of work so that no time was lost in her absence. "It's wise to travel, m'lady? The journey twixt 'ere in the city get harder every time..." Shaking her head no, she told them once more what livestock to sell, to begin to breed. Which ones needed to be grazed more than the others, and which ones because of age should be taken to slaughter. "I want our land tilled and at least half the seed planted, we must take advantage of the both the weather and our fortune. Really, fire rich soil will yield the best of all of our goods. That we will make more money in Turas Lan for, as well as the other villages around the Cullins. Duty to estate, however, pales to duty to the Court. I must away to make ready for travel, as I do tell Tabitha to come, to help me pack quick and light." The woman's voice was like a deep gong; Dmitrii and Aegraine couldn't miss it. "Oh ye can nay mean to bring the little mistress with ye! Won't ye let me do as I keep tellin' ye. When ye was ailin', the goat gave a good, rich milk tha' kept her happy! One teet is just as good as another!"

In the huff expressed, Eirian was not moved and the Steward's lifeless than pleased. When she returned again, it was in an array of earth brown wool in a long dress. Brown ankle boots of doe skin, woolen tights, and a thick chemise of local bog's cotton. All of her hair was twisted into two thick plaits that were arranged in twist at the back of her head. "I pray you, pardon how you have waited. Shall we make the ride within the day, or will it be made at a slower pace?"

Shorter than Dmitrii by leagues, and even the Weapon's Master, she hadn't the advantage of Scandinavian blood or foreign greatness to give her height. What few more inches she might have enjoyed were diminished by a hard birth and a sickly childhood. Still, somewhere between the last inches in the four foot range and perhaps cresting a little over five feet within shoes, what God couldn't give in height he made up for in the content of character. She looked between the two in awaiting for an answer, offering, "The kitchen maid is bringing up some things to replenish your store, so you might eat heartier on the way here than how you came." Heading toward where their horses were taken, a woman held a large basket filled with fresh vegetables if they elected to make stew while camping. Loafs of fresh bread had been sliced, sealed packages of jerky of beef, venison, and hare went to compliment the already cooked meats waiting to be given to a warming pot. "I realize that twenty miles into the valley, and the few more towards my home are made longer by the way of things." The horse that she often rode now was neither the traveling mount named Grufford nor the smaller, emperor's bred stock called Moonshine. Both were pieces of a life, like her possessions, traceable with age or experience.

In a place like this, the horse must have lent itself to blending in well in mountains and thickets. What had been a defect in his breeding and subsequent birth didn't warrant him as useless, and it seemed his inner fire tempered by a rational head made him the perfect horse to be given as a gift to Eirian from the tribes of the cold north Avarian mountains. He tossed his head, a blending of whites, grays, each shade shifting in places with the seasons. Eirian had a love of dappled horses, but this one was neither that nor gray really. With the touches of a brown or so streak in his mane, and a pair of brown eyes that spoke for ages it seemed he should either be the same color of his eyes, gray, or have been white with blue eyes. Still, he struck beauty at a distance. Muscles in his legs were lithe but defined. As his saddle and reigns were put on him, he looked to the lot who stood beyond the door as if to ask where are we going?

"The Lord Apollius is making a tour of the settlements, helping them to prepare their fields for planning and coaxing the frightened back out to the markets, or I would introduce you."

Beside the horse came up another, brown mount for the handmaiden Tabitha and another man, the Steward's son. He looked as if to make a command, and in doing so gathered him up stout lads and men with good eyes, good blade hands. From among them he elected two, one for each woman. "That is the Stewards son, Teneg. He is a captain among the men-at-arms."

Men at arms. Risen yeomen recruits with enough experience in battles to equate what they know of crops, but still, most estates had a retinue of knights. The times saw this, like many things, made difficult. The Lady did not possess an army, nor could The Lord raise one up from nothing. The retained knights that were about came from the leadership of Caden Robertson, elected by Jonas. Both men, along with these knights, had either died in other battles or returned to Robertson lands to be tended to, heal, and settle for the Lady had gone to Avaria. She was a Robertson cousin, it was discovered, but this mattered more to Caden than to anyone else. Any Robertson she had met had died: Caden, Jonas, Ariacellis, thus her Scottish kindred were like most distant relations. Thought on, but never visited. Besides, it would be a wonder if they even knew she was there. "You both look as if you've a thought or three 'pon the mind. What is it?"

Dmitrii bowed respectfully as she approached as if she were royalty herself… but she was, the Queen of a far away land, Avaria. But here in Skye, she was still royalty… a respected member of the Aberdeen Court. As she motioned for him to rise, and in soft words, she spoke… he listened… Then with a glance accompanied with that charming smile, to Aegraine, he returned his look upon the Lady Eirian. “M’Lady… Lord Adam and Lady Beathag requests yer presence in Turas Lan…” he added in a baritone voice. “They send their apologies, but they deem it urgent…”

He looks to Aegraine again before speaking to Eirian. “Tis but I and Dame Aegraine to accompany you back to the capital… but if you deem us insufficient, or more time before departure is required, then we shall ride back ahead, and yer men can accompany you.” One more quick glance to his companion and he focuses back on Eirian. “If yu choose to ride with us… we shall ride swiftly… and take no major roads… that is the best I offer M’Lady…” Then he looks at Aegraine to see if she had anything to add.

She watched him pay a great reverence to a woman whom was but on the same level as he now: a member of some esteemed peerage with hands that got dirty for the sake of betterment.

Avaria was a land that had collapsed under the rule of an elected tyrant, making the Apollius family, and all whomever called Talion friend, enemies of the state. Indeed, for months they'd returned to the valley and kept their silence for fear that knowledge would bring trouble. As she resumed her life here, Queen was never a word that would settle well.

She was born a displaced, discarded bastard. Being taken in at the age of fifteen to fit the part of her father's kin by the hands of the Grand Dame fostered a maiden whom given only the social position and coin of her family, survived on her good nature and faith alone. The call to service in the name of the God-chosen noble had followed her footsteps. Surrendering to the call, she served. Loved and lost. Was broken and restored. It was here that at last the world had come to a pause enough to make any sense at all of God's plan as to why she had chosen Scotland to begin again in. She spoke Welsh but was not reared there. Remembered the villages of Southern England but had no home left to speak of. In a sense, Eirian had always been a wanderer with the exception of a striking face holding mirrors that reflected the will of God to others. That was all.

"Main roads, a'wayside places. What e'er you both should deem fit, my maiden and I are hale enough." She began to pull out a pair of riding gloves to slide on her hand. "We are made ready." Hope was given to Tabitha, placed against her back. Both women would exchange her as the trip progressed, and it seemed as if a system were in place before. In fact, it seemed as if Eirian wasn't unaccustomed to long rides or peril. She acknowledged it a little too well. What had happened in her time away from them?

"It is a great honor to meet you, Lady." LePower instinctively went to curtsy, forgetting she was wearing trousers. It became a modified bow, whatever, an expression of greeting to one of royal rank.

Aegraine was aware how Eirian's lands were on the mend; present reminder that time heals. With effort and time, land recovers; so does the human spirit. There was much to be learned from Eirian on how to turn the tides and get life back to enjoying the benefits of peace. Ae watched and listened, to that result.

"I can tell you that on our way, off main roadways, the wildlife seemed to be behaving as if undisturbed; hawks I observed but none wearing jesses; wild life in moderation. Tracks of smaller wild pigs came near during the night, but none of men or domesticated animal did I see, along the journey." To her, it felt as if her light, rather English accented voice expressed these thoughts with clarity. Aegraine continued, "Of course, this is not an assurance none watched from afar; but none as far as I did see, with the aid of my glass," Here she pulled out her "necklace", a little spyglass on a chain and held it out for Eirian's viewing. It was fine jewelry turned useful, and bearing the lePower crest.

With that, she glanced to one side, careful to look and see if Dmitrii wanted her to go with a more detailed report or wait for questions. Aegraine stepped back, awaiting what will be next. It was as if there was another language of the eyes, with a look she seemed to know what she ought to be doing at the wall, during defense drills. From the manner in which Dmitrii looked and moved, she was getting to know his moods and follow work related directions better, just as it had been with her Father, several years ago. Clear as written directions.

Turning from the conversation with Dmitri, Eirian went to acknowledge Aegraine. "The work of the engineer reaches far, it is an honor returned, m'lady." A deep cant of head, a curtsy to a bow, or a half-bow curtsy to a curtsy? Eirian couldn't help but to grin. You could put the woman in an armor, you could give her sword and let her live life as she deemed fit but the feminine instinct was a hard thing for even the liberalist of laws to alter. Softly chuckling she then fell silent to listen to how the roads were. What animals, tracks, had their been people? Aegraine's eye took noticed of the details that impressed Eirian. These were the matters that people in the countryside looked toward for certain animals were good to hunt while others were to be warded out of necessity to preserve flocks and livestock.

"Your eye is keen, m'lady. I am certain that you have covered the miles well," she reached her hand out to see the spy glass cradled within. Ingenious.

She grinned, looking to Aegraine. "Where do you hail, m'lady? I ask only in that it is rare to here such a tone behind the common." Her own voice was a mirror of England, only in that there was the slightest difference contributed by a lifetime of Welsh. A lyrical intonation that would house the poet's gaelic well.

Dmitrii and Aegraine watched Lady Eirian mount her horse. Dmitrii was surprised to find her ready so fast… horse, servant and child. He could only chuckle. Hail enough? He just offered that charming smile to Lady Eirian’s statement as he glanced at Aegraine and shrugged.

As their horses were brought to them, the weaponsmaster thanked them and stepped into the stirrup, swinging one leg over the saddle. Shifting his arse, he settled in… “M’Lady… we shall take the goat trail out and around yer estates… I am sure spies have seen us arrive… I would rather not have them see us leave with yu…” glancing to the babe then back to her. “This is yer land… I am at yer advice as the way out…” R’s rolled off the accented tongue of the Kievan Rus warrior.

Spies indeed… spies of the former King… and those of Maubrey… men willing to sell any information they had to the highest bidder. The roads between Arianna Hymerodraeth and Turas Lan would be filled with troops, some Griffin, some of foreign nations… and those that would seek to disrupt Lord Aberdeen’s plans… or capture anyone of significance.

"I am from Waterford, where family lePower keeps residence at Bargonne, between seasons of war. Then my Father takes us all, his children, grandchildren and troops out where there is work to be done. In main, it is defense and construction for estates and walls; siege machines the speciality" She spoke out enough for the two to hear her, but no louder.

"As for my accent, Father employs tutors native in various languages. He thinks it better business if we have no sound of Eire outside the home Island. The idea was for him to find me an English husband to take back home; it got no further than that, an idea." Aegraine chatted on, easily, as their ride progressed through the estate. To any watching, it might look as if they were touring Eirian's home place.

The new horse was a good fit for Aegraine. She got accustomed to Alt's ways and found him easy to guide, including the various commands given when using her bow. In time, this was to become her lifetime favorite horse, but such a thing a person does not realize until years later.

Speaking with Eirian, lePower took attention off Dmitrii, freeing him to be more watchful of their surroundings. From her gestures, afar one might the discussion concerned horses and reins. One thing trio had in common; duty came first, before anything.

"If you had found an English husband to take home, then Turas Lan could not be your home, nor would we have chance to know you. The will of God works in ways mysterious. I think that the ways of men help, too. So long as one lives there shall be bouts of war and peace. Walls to tear down and others to build up." If the spies looked down they would see a good hostess leading them through the estate paths. Waterfalls rushed in the distance, the sound of water ever present. Mist spray was common on the air because of the amount of water that gave drink to roots. Ever-green trees shielded them from errant beams of light. Behind them, Arianna Hymerodraeth was aptly named as it seemed to shine with silver light once again.

"This way," she bid, pointing over to the turn in the hills where the flocks were taken to graze. It was opposite of the main way from the estate out to the landscape.

Misty air refreshed and energized. The horse Alt shook his mane as he caught scent of sheep out there, somewhere. To were Eirian indicated, he turned with the slightest urging from his new rider.

Aegraine looked back to Arianne Hymerodraeth, then over to Dmitrii. "I imagined waterfalls but not that the sound was so all-present. One day I would like to view the falls close up." She just spoke out this thought easily. The other idea was more difficult to put into word.

"Lady? Once we are away from your holdings, do you think some armor for your protection will be in order? If you have no type of defense for yourself, perhaps consider I am wearing both armor and a mail shirt; if you wish, we can share these items?" lePower had no idea what was out there, on goat path or out there on the more open heather and flat spaces. It seemed, to her, the idea was to protect Eirian during this journey.

Aegraine once more turned Alt to follow the vagaries of the goat path, careful to be guided by what her commanding officer, Dmitrii would say, as Eirian’s response.

“Forced marriages…hmmppft…” he thought with nothing but a grunt. He was sure glad she did not marry… “Zoo toe Adam, prep yats tvoo et v zooannee braki…” [It is good that Lord Adam discourages forced marriages] he mumbled to himself out loud… with only a glance to see if anyone was listening… It would be only Eirian that could see the expression, in his face, of disgust at the comment of her being married. Now why would he care?

Steel-grey eyes would constantly scan the surrounding area for anything out of the ordinary as they rode along the goat trails and past the waterfalls. He could appreciate the beauty of Eirian’s land, and knew why she took great care, and comfort, in living here. Despite the ravaged countryside, and the blood-soaked ground, it was well worth the price. A home !! A home was worth the price one would dearly pay. Some would disagree, but to the once-homeless Kievan Rus warrior, a home was a valuable commodity…. A way of life…

The Mongols had destroyed his home… his home land… it was under the Empire never to be the great city it once was… and again in Paris… He was left to the streets, to fend for his own. Then in Inverness… only to be forced from there too… Now, Turas Lan, Skye was his home… whether he lived or died for it… it was home !.

Soon his thoughts veered back to Aegraine… a woman, doing a man’s job with equal or greater vigor than he could ever expect. She was a beautiful lass even as she wore the armour, and the dirt of the trail clung to her face.

Focusing in on the dirt that smudged at her chin, he could only smile as his mind wandered aimlessly about her. She was willing to share her armour with a total stranger… armour he had gotten for her safety. She was exceptional. He shrugged at his thoughts and canted his head to look at her. His well-known smirk upon his face, as the beard was quirked in its familiar manner.

Dmitrii said nothing, as words were as the wind… fleeting… his concentration elsewhere.