Julian May - Boreal Moon 03 by Sorcerer's Moon

Author:Sorcerer's Moon [Moon, Sorcerer's]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Tormo and Durin Kyle, the young cousins of Countess Morilye, were handsome youths with freckled faces, sandy hair, and a shy demeanor. They were struck dumb when she introduced them to Maudrayne. Even attired in a household knight’s riding garb, booted and spurred, with her auburn hair concealed by a capuchon hood, she was a magnificent sight.

It was nearly dawn and a light drizzle was falling. The murky cobblestone ward of Beorbrook Hold was torchlit, and black puddles with golden reflections gleamed everywhere. Maudrayne and the youths stood with the countess in the shelter of the stable porch with baggage at their feet, waiting for their horses to be led out.

‘Now, then, lads!’ Morilye spoke briskly. ‘From now on, you must address this noble lady as Sir Maydal. He is a knight on his way to join his lord, Earl Marshal Parlian. You are his armigers.’

‘Yes, my lady!’ the boys chorused. Tormo, the elder at sixteen years, stuttered, ‘B-but who will believe she’s a man? She’s too beautiful!’

Maudrayne laughed. ‘When my face is filthy from riding the muddy highroad to Great Pass, no one will look twice at me. But you and your brother must take care not to give me away inadvertently.’

‘We’d never do that, my lady,’ Durin protested.

‘Messire,’ Maude corrected him firmly. ‘You must call me messire or Sir Maydal. My life is in your hands, boys. Never forget that.’

‘No … messire,’ Tormo said. ‘The countess has explained that you are on a mission of great importance, and evil men would kill you if they could. We will defend you to the death, Durin and I.’

‘Yes indeed, messire!’ Durin exclaimed, his face solemn.

‘Thank you.’ Maude took the hand of one lad after the other and gave each a quick embrace. They were sturdy young fellows, not quite as tall as her own five foot eleven. ‘I wish I could confide more to you, but my true identity must remain a secret for now. As for defending me, let us hope it won’t come to that. But if we are forced to fight, be assured that I am not unfamiliar with weapons. I’ve killed stag, wild boar, and even a brown bear with my own hands. I’m Tarnian, as you are, and no cowering court damosel.’

‘Here are the ostlers with your mounts,’ the countess said. ‘Lads, strap Sir Maydal’s armor and saddlebags in place. Then you must be off to Castlemont.’ As the armigers complied, she and Maude stepped aside for a final word. ‘The news we received this morn, that the Army of the Sovereignty will not demobilize after all, has Beorbrook Hold in a furor.’ Morilye spoke in a whisper. ‘Every ablebodied warrior and yeoman in the borderlands, even the very young and very old, is likely to be called to arms this day because of the new Salka threat. We’re still awaiting the final word from the earl marshal’s windspeaker, but it’s possible the army might march out of the Boarsden encampment as early as tomorrow.

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