The Shadow Guard by J. D. Vaughn

Author:J. D. Vaughn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Disney Book Group
Published: 2016-08-30T16:00:00+00:00

All day the caravan floated down the Soga Tributary and villagers lined the banks to wave and cheer as she slid by. The Queen’s ship, painted a pearly white, fairly glowed on the surface of the dark water. Though Tequendian tradeboats were traditionally multicolored, like the bright clothes of their Sun Guild owners, the Queen’s vessel was as elegant and refined as she was, floating across the water like a white swan. The vast main deck had been designed for entertainment purposes, like dancing and large meals, and could connect by portable bridge to Xiomara’s boat or the supply boat that brought up the rear.

At times Brindl caught sight of the Queen waving at the crowds, which pleased them immensely, but more often she ignored them while speaking to Lady Ona and the regents on the deck of her ship. Meanwhile, Princess Xiomara did her best to make amends by smiling and waving at the onlookers from the railings of her smaller boat.

When evening fell, the caravan docked in the village of Tibaso. Brindl once more climbed the ladder to the deck, trying not to trip over her new gown, easily the most beautiful thing she had ever worn. Made of fine brushed cotton in three different shades of white, the sleeves just covered her elbows then ruffled out like flowers. The dress’s neckline scooped in front into a tight bodice, then flared at the hips and dropped to a jagged hemline near her ankles, showing off dainty beaded shoes. Brindl had pinned her hair high, and a few curls cascaded down her shoulders.

Zarif awaited her on the dock, handsome as always.

“You look lovely, Brindl,” Zarif said, his eyes scrolling across her. “Like a true daughter of Elia.”

Though meant as a compliment, his words made Brindl’s stomach knot. But I am Machué’s daughter and proud of it. She resisted the urge to pull the pins from her hair, and the ribbons from her gown.

The rest of the royal party disembarked from their boats then, greeted by the village leaders, who had planned an evening of local food, musicians, and storytellers.

“Fair Brindl, how lucky I am to see you once more,” Lord Yonda said, joining her as they stepped off the dock toward the festivities. Brindl’s feet felt suddenly unsteady and she reached for Zarif, then quickly stopped herself, lest she knock him over. Lord Yonda grabbed her elbow.

“It is sea feet, my dear,” he said.

“Sea feet?” Brindl asked.

“When you travel by boat for many hours your feet get used to holding your body against the movement beneath it. When you step upon dry land your feet wait for the waves.”

“I wonder if my friend Tali ever suffers from it,” Brindl mused.

“Why would it be different for her?” the regent asked. “She is one of Xiomara’s guards, correct?”

“Yes, but she grew up on a tradeboat.”

“Are you talking about me again, Brindl?” Tali asked, coming up from behind. “I seem to be a popular topic today.”

“I was just telling the regent how you grew up on a tradeboat.

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