Chapter XLVI - Bristol

Hey All!

I'm sorry about the long delay between chapters here! Back in mid-June my vacation began when my best friend Jamie came to visit me with the rest of her family (fyi: Jamie is the younger sister of Charissa, Aiden's author)!!! It was a truly amazing visit, one of the best of my life! After a week here in MI, I drove down to PA with Kristy and Jamie and spent nine amazing days at their house, and at Creation Festival. It was a great time of fun, side-splitting laughter, tears, cornbread misadventures, music, thunder/lightning storms, and couch-tipping, among other things. :-) I returned to MI on the 30th and have since been crazy busy with work and the birth of my newest little sister, Livia Joy. So, is that a sufficient enough excuse for not having posted a new chapter? Hopefully so. :-)

ANYWAY...I have a new one but I don't like it. So you are going to have to suffer through a badly written chapter to get your satisfaction. I like the one after it, though it too needs some polishing. Basically I have to rough draft edition down pat--it's just sorely lacking a refined feeling. I apologize for this but I cannot seem to focus on rewrites right now. I will just post the rough draft here and accept your comments and criticisms. Please feel free to let me know what you do or do not like, as always.

That being said...

Michelle: THANK YOU! I'm so glad this chapter touched you. Emotions from the reader are always a good sign, right? This chapter doesn't have too much of that in it, but I can promise the one following this one has plenty. ;-)

solagratiasolafide: wow. Thank you. I'm so glad you have been blessed by my writing. As a writer that is the absolute best thing to hear. I strive to present my own feelings, thoughts, and beliefs to my readers through the eyes of my characters. I'm honored you have felt my efforts, to some extent, at least. I just pray that God breathes over my work and makes it so much more than it is so that it has the power not just to entertain, but to transform. I don't believe that's too lofty a goal, even for fiction.

Libby: sorry you feel there hasn't been much between Tancred and Zoe in the last few chapters! They're both feeling the tension in their relationship and their way of dealing with it is to avoid each other. (Though, Zoe likes that approach rather much more than Tancred.) As I mentioned to Michelle, you might not like this chapter because it lacks a certain amount of emotion. But just hold out to the next one!! Please!! :-)

Hosanna: little sister, you are a trooper! Reading all these chapters, wow! I'm proud of you! :-) Here's a little reward for your patience.

Anonymous: that has to be the most inventive plea for another chapter that I have ever read. Kudos! For your creativity I am rewarding you with this mediocre chapter. Sorry it's not a better prize, but hey. Be happy for what you get. LOL! ;-)

Now that you've gotten through all THAT...here's the chapter.

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A swift wind whispered across the ground, stirring dried leaves and caressing brittle grass stalks in a wild yet beautiful melody. Brac’s hooves clopped on the hardened dirt roadway that wended its way through the Aerilyan countryside. He shook his mane and exhaled loudly as he clambered up yet another hill.

“That’s my boy,” Zoe murmured, leaning forward to help her stallion out as much as possible.

The sound of her voice almost startled her. It had been three days since she left Bryndor, and while she had kept up a pretty good running commentary with Brac on the first day, her talkativeness had quickly waned and she had fallen into silence. Other travelers were not scarce along the well cleared road, but she never stopped to talk with them long. Her evenings had likewise been quiet, the silence broken only by the hissing and cracking of the fire and Brac’s occasional sigh. It had been like the old days: Zoe fell asleep by the glowing orange embers, curled up beneath her cloak; her sword nearby and Brac standing over her as he dozed. She kept telling herself that it was nice to be on her own again, independent and not tied down to anything.

Brac reached the top of the hill and Zoe squinted ahead, against the bright midmorning sunlight. A small but pleased smile curved her lips upward. A village lay spread out beneath her, smoke rising from almost all the stone chimneys of the dwellings. Bristol, she thought as she urged Brac on. The thatched roofs and rough construction of the little houses was obvious to Zoe even from the distance, but Bristol still strangely appealed to her, for it exuded an aura of warmth and friendliness that practically drew Zoe forward.

By the time she reached the outskirts of the village she had been spotted and there were two children standing at the side of the road, eyeing her with frank curiosity. The younger one, a black haired boy who looked to be about seven or eight, could hardly take his eyes off Brac. Zoe smiled slightly as Brac slowed his stride and arched his neck; he had always liked attention. You conceited big guy, she thought affectionately. A moment later she pulled Brac to a halt and dismounted.

Looping the reins over her arm, she walked over to the children. Smiling reassuringly at them, she said, “Hello. Is this the village called Bristol?”

A slender girl of about twelve, who appeared to be the older sister of the black haired boy, nodded. “Aye, mistress.” The girl was holding an empty bucket in her hands. Her fingers fiddled with the handle as she stood still and watched Zoe with her enormous dark eyes.

Zoe glanced up and noticed an older woman coming down the road toward them, her brows raised and expression guarded. Probably wondering who the stranger talking to her children is, Zoe realized. Looking back at the girl, she asked, “I’m looking for somebody who lives here, or at least used to live here.”

“I know everyone in the whole village,” the boy boasted, lifting his chin high. He seemed to lack none of his older sister’s reticence around strangers.

“Then you’ll be a big help to me,” Zoe said with a laugh. “Does a girl named Grace live here? She probably is residing with her older sister Riana.”

Before either of the children could respond, the older woman arrived and stopped right beside the two little ones. Her brown eyes pinned Zoe with a keen, but not unfriendly stare. “Good day, mistress,” she said, her eyes dropping to pointedly look at Zoe’s trousers, travel-worn boots, and the sword she boldly wore strapped across her back. The woman finally met Zoe’s eyes and added, “You’re not from these parts, I see.”

“No. My name is Zoe Romany. I’ve come to find a friend of mine.”

“And who might that friend be?”

“She’s looking for Grace, Mama,” the boy informed the woman quickly.

“Riddic, that question wasn’t directed to you,” the woman said, looking down at Riddic with a trace of exasperation. Riddic’s cheeks colored and he dropped his gaze. The girl simply continued staring mutely at Zoe; but her eyes were now alight with new, very apparent excitement.

“Then Grace does live here?” asked Zoe, pouncing on the fact that Riddic knew who Grace was.

“Aye, she does, Mistress Romany,” the woman admitted, drawing her cloak closer around her shoulders. “How do you know young Grace?”

“Please just call me Zoe. I was enslaved in Elangsia with her about a year ago. I know she was freed long ago, but I merely wanted to see her and make sure she’s all right.”

The woman’s eyes grew softer. “That’s very kind of you, lass.”

Feeling a little self-conscious, Zoe shrugged. “It’s really nothing. I feel responsible for her. I haven’t seen her for so long.”

“And see her you shall,” the woman nodded approvingly. “She lives on the other side of Bristol.”

Relief flooded Zoe. “Thank you. I appreciate your help.”

The woman nodded. “My name is Cora Haveron, by the way. This is my daughter Evie, and my son Riddic. I apologize for my cool greeting; we don’t have many visitors come through our small town, and especially none inquiring after our children.”

“That’s all right,” Zoe said, falling into step with Cora and her children as they turned and began walking further into Bristol.

Riddic peered around his mother’s skirts at Zoe and asked enthusiastically, “Are you the Zoe who worked with the Hunter?”

Surprise shot through Zoe. “Well...yes, I am. But how did you know?”

“Grace told us about you and when the Hunter rescued her, he told Grace that he knew you.”

“Yes, and Grace said you had red hair,” Evie added, seeming to come out of her shell more with each passing moment. “So I knew you had to be Zoe when you told us you were looking for her.”

Tancred had mentioned her, then, when he freed Grace. That was probably how he had gotten Grace to trust him in the first place.

“Well, I suppose my hair has preceded me,” she told the children in a lighthearted tone.

“What was it like?” murmured Riddic with wide eyes.

Zoe cocked her head. “What was what like?”

“Working with the Hunter.” The little boy’s voice fairly dripped with awe.

“Was he perfectly wonderful, like Grace told us?” added Evie in an eager tone.

“She said he was strong and had black hair, like me,” Riddic continued.

A pang hit Zoe’s heart as she thought of Tancred. Hiding her feelings, she forced a smile and said softly, “The Hunter is just as great as Grace has told you he is.”

Cora glanced over at Zoe, appearing impressed. “That was a great privilege, to work so closely with him. He’s done such a service to this country.”

Zoe just nodded.

“Why did you leave him?” Riddic asked curiously.

Zoe’s heart squeezed again. “I had to come find Grace,” she forced out, her voice sounding queer and unnatural. Pull yourself together! she ordered herself fiercely. You need to be able to talk about him without getting all out of sorts.

Five minutes later, Cora pointed to a house that stood at the northernmost end of the village, a little apart from the rest of the dwellings. “That is Grace’s home. She lives with Riana and her husband, Gervaise Thatcher. Ger is Bristol’s blacksmith. He’s well known and liked for many villages around as well. I once knew a man to bring his horse from the little hamlet Wyndon, clear six miles north of us, just for Ger.” The pride in Cora’s voice was unmistakable.

“Thank you for your help,” Zoe told her politely before hurrying on toward Grace’s house. Flutters of excitement stirred in her midsection. She could hardly wait a moment longer to see Grace. It had been too long, far too long....

As she drew closer, she could discern the sharp ping-ping-ping of a hammer striking metal. It appeared to be coming from an outbuilding to the right of the small house. Zoe assumed it was Gervaise Thatcher’s blacksmith shop.

The house’s front door opened and a slim woman a few years older than Zoe herself stepped out. Her long, thick brown hair was plaited into a braid that hung down her back, and she was garbed in a simple dark blue kirtle. She dumped a bucket of dirty water out and looked like she was ready to go back in when she spotted Zoe and stopped.

“Hello,” Zoe greeted her. “Are you Riana Thatcher?”

“Aye,” Riana answered guardedly. “And you are...?”

“My name is Zoe Romany. I met Grace when—”

She couldn’t finish for Riana gasped and hurried toward Zoe, her eyes suddenly lighting up. “You’re Zoe? Oh, Grace will be so overjoyed! She’s done nothing but tell us all about you since she was returned to us two months ago.”

Astonished by the fact that Grace still talked about her so much, Zoe managed to reply, “Grace is a special girl. I’ve missed her a great deal and hoped I might see her.”

“Of course!” Turning toward the blacksmith shop, Riana called loudly, “Gervaise! Ger, come here!”

After a few more ringing blows, the drumming hammer ceased. A moment later a tall young man with broad shoulders emerged from the shop. He wiped his sweaty brow and walked over to his wife with long, purposeful strides.

“Good day, mistress,” he nodded politely at Zoe, his warm hazel eyes mildly inquisitive. Turning to look at Riana he asked, “What is it?”

“This is Zoe,” Riana said excitedly. “You remember—Grace’s friend?”

Understanding dawned on Ger’s face. He smiled fully at Zoe, and she thought him a pleasant looking man, even when covered with grime from the smith. “Well met then, Mistress Zoe,” he said. “You’re welcome to stay here as long as you like. Riana and I cannot thank you enough for what you did for Grace.”

Feeling a little embarrassed Zoe protested, “I didn’t do very much. I didn’t even free her. That was the Hunter—”

Just then a small, lithe figure emerged from the smithy and Zoe’s words trailed off. Grace!

Grace looked up and her eyes narrowed a little as she peered closer at Zoe and Brac. Then, a little cry of joy broke from her throat and she darted forward at a dead run. Zoe laughed, dropping Brac’s reins, and ran for the younger girl. They met in the middle, and Grace launched herself into Zoe’s outstretched arms with all her might. Zoe staggered, still laughing, as she squeezed Grace tightly in her arms.

“You’re here, you’re here, you’re here!” squealed Grace with excitement and happiness. “I’m so glad. I’ve missed you ever so much, Zoe!”

“I’ve missed you a lot too,” Zoe replied, setting Grace back on her feet and looking down at her with excitement. “It’s been way too long!”

“You can say that again,” Grace stated emphatically. She eyed Zoe closer and added, “You’re really tan. And you have a sword!”

“Well look at you! You’ve had to have grown four inches since the last time I saw you. And your hair is so much longer.”

Grace’s hair was a tangle of long brown curls that framed her oval face. Reaching up to touch a strand, she shrugged and said, “I still wish it was straight. It’s a pain to brush it out every morning, let me tell you!”

Zoe grinned and pulled Grace into a side-hug. “It’s so good to see you.”

Grace nestled her head against Zoe’s chest and sighed contentedly. A moment later, however, she abruptly pulled away and glanced around Zoe in the direction of Brac, Riana, and Ger. A wrinkle of confusion marred her smooth brow. “But, Zoe...” she began, and then her voice trailed off.

“What? What’s the matter?”

Grace looked up, her large brown eyes swimming with questions. “Where’s the Hunter?”

“Oh. Well,” Zoe began, caught off guard. “Um...he’s not here.”

“Why not?” Grace’s voice was mellifluous but overlaid with quiet insistence. She grasped Zoe’s sleeve and tugged on it a couple times. “Why didn’t he come?”

“Uh, was he supposed to be here or something?” Zoe asked confusedly.

“He promised me that if it was in his power, I would see you again.”

Zoe gently stroked the girl’s hair, pulling her close again. “And I’m here, right? You’re seeing me again.”

“But I always thought...” Grace started again, uncertainty softening her tone, “I always thought he’d come with you.”

“I’m sorry,” Zoe said quietly. “Truly I am. But I came alone. The Hunter is not with me. We never made plans to come here together.”

Grace sighed and nodded her head, her cheek rubbing against Zoe’s tunic. Pressing a kiss against the top of her head, Zoe released the girl and turned toward Riana. Ger was leading Brac toward the barn and gave both Zoe and Grace a kind smile as he silently passed them. Zoe managed a smile back at him though she was all too aware it was a wobbly attempt at best. Grace’s questions about Tancred had shaken her more than she cared to acknowledge. She sighed, smiled politely as Riana invited her inside, and followed the woman and Grace into the house. I will stop thinking of him. I must stop. It’s just going to cause me unnecessary pain.

She lowered her chin a notch. Tancred Ralyn, the Hunter, was part of her past now. And that was how life would remain if Zoe had anything to say or do about it.

è è è è è è è è è

The rest of the week was spent with Grace and her family. Riana and Ger were gracious hosts. Zoe enjoyed the evenings spent talking with the two of them, while cuddling Grace in her lap. The young girl often fell asleep in Zoe’s arms; her head nestled in the crook of Zoe’s elbow. It was a week of pleasant days, good conversation, and sweet moments with Grace. But a shadow hung over it all, always distracting Zoe, though the distraction was often subconscious. It was a shadow of…sorrow? Pain? Wistfulness? Zoe couldn’t place her finger on it. But when Grace ran off to do her chores, leaving Zoe alone, the sensation intensified and left her feeling raw and emotional. Something Zoe did not relish.

It will pass once I’m traveling again, she told herself firmly as she brushed Brac’s coat until it gleamed with a healthy copper sheen. She slid his blanket unto his back, then grabbed his saddle and tightened the girth around him. Reaching forward, she patted the stallion’s neck. “We’ve had a week of rest,” she murmured. “It’s time to move on.”

Brac turned his head and stared at her with his huge, liquid eyes. A couple straggly pieces of hay stuck out of the corners of his mouth. Zoe gently pulled them out before picking up the bridle and advancing toward his head. With a muffled snort, Brac shook his mane and then lowered his head to accept the bit.

“You’re leaving us, Zoe?”

Zoe glanced over at Grace, who had quietly crept into the stable and was now standing at the opening of Brac’s stall. “Hey,” Zoe said softly, smiling at her. “We talked about this last night, remember?”

“I fell asleep before the end of the conversation,” Grace pointed out, her face doleful.

“Riana told you that I was leaving soon, though. You knew it was coming.”

“Why can’t you stay longer?” Grace’s voice was plaintive. “I like having you here.”

“Me, or Brac?” teased Zoe. She motioned for Grace to join them in the stall, and the slim girl slipped under the wood slab that barred the entrance. “I think you’ve spent more time total with him than with me.”

“It’s been nice having him here,” Grace said with a little smile. “Most of the horses that Ger shoes are gone within a day. And Brac is so cute.”

“That’s likely on account of the multitude of carrots you’ve snuck out to him.” Zoe pulled Grace into a hug. They stood in silence for a long time, neither of them wanting to break the moment. Deus, thank You for keeping her safe thus far. I ask that You guide her as she grows up. Keep her strong. Thank You for her sweet personality and kindness.

“Come on,” Zoe said at length. “Want to lead Brac out for me?”

Grace nodded eagerly. Zoe handed the reins to Grace and the girl proudly led the stallion out of the stall after Zoe took down the wooden bar.

Riana was standing at the front of the house, her cloak wrapped tightly around her slender figure as she waited for the two of them. Grace walked Brac, who was docile as a kitten with the little girl, toward the house and grinned at her older sister.

Zoe stopped beside Grace and Brac and looked at Riana. “Thank you for everything,” she said meaningfully. “This has been a good week for me.”

“We’ve loved having you. We can never repay you for what you did for Grace.”

Zoe shook her head. “What must I say or do to convince you I did nothing? It was all the work of the Hunter.”

“But without you being in Ruma the Hunter wouldn’t have even known I was there to be rescued,” Grace pointed out after pulling away from hugging Brac’s neck.

Zoe shrugged. Tancred was the last person she wanted to talk about at this point, so she stifled any response and settled for a small smile at Grace.

Ger exited from the house, dressed in his dark brown, leather work clothes. He was carrying Zoe’s pack, which she had packed the night before. Riana had given her fresh bread and several apples to get her through the first few days or so. Ger handed the pack to Zoe, who smiled her thanks.

“Stay to the main roadways,” Ger told her quietly. “Do you have an idea of where you’re heading now?”

“No,” Zoe said simply. “Brac and I will be fine, though. We’ve done this before.”

Riana still looked concerned. “I don’t like the idea of you going by yourself.”

“I’m armed, Riana.” Zoe touched the hilt of her sword, which was securely strapped to her back. “I’ll be careful.”

“There are always those who would try to take advantage of a woman alone,” Riana continued seriously. “Whether she is armed or not.”

“Zoe can fight really good,” Grace stated confidently, slipping her arms around Zoe’s waist again.

Zoe smiled down at the little girl. “I’ll be careful though,” she promised. “I’ll never forget your kindness this week. You’ve all been so helpful. Thank you.”

“No need to thank us,” Riana murmured as Ger stepped forward to take Brac’s head as Zoe mounted. The blacksmith stroked Brac’s cheek to calm the prancing horse while Zoe gained her seat.

“Take care, Zoe,” Ger said gently.

“Thank you, Ger.”

“Like I said, stay to the main roadways. The war may be over, but there is still hostility between Elangsia and Aerilya that has yet to work itself out.”

“Aye. I will keep my eyes sharp.”

“Goodbye, Zoe,” Grace said quietly from where she stood beside Riana. “I love you!”

“Love you too.” Zoe turned Brac around and took in the little family that stood together. Ger stood tall and strong beside his wife; Grace was nestled comfortably in between them. They’ll be happy. Deus will take care of them. Despite that knowledge, the farewell was proving to be more painful than Zoe had anticipated. Is this what she could expect from the rest of her life? Achingly difficult goodbyes and shadowy memories that plagued her until her dying day?

“Goodbye,” she whispered.

She pulled Brac around and the stallion broke into a smooth, loping canter. Zoe moved effortlessly with the movements of the horse, refusing to look back. Just like with Lady Shyla, the Hunter’s men, Rebekka, Tryna, her family, Tancred…she had to deal with the goodbyes. The pain would fade. And life would go on.

She hoped.