Juliet McKenna - The Swordsman's Oath

“She says it should be possible,” Shiv tried to look hopeful. “It’s just a matter of finding the right approach.”

“Dastennin send you find it,” I said fervently.

“Some deity certainly has a nasty sense of humor,” said Shiv unhappily, “letting something like that happen, after we arrived just in time to foil the assault.”

“Guinalle reckons it was the other way around.” Usara joined us, his own expression tired and sad. “She thinks the Elietimm had launched their attack as soon as they realized we were coming down river.”

Shiv shrugged. “Whatever. So, are you staying or coming with us, ’Sar?”

“Planir wants me back in Hadrumal, so I must do his bidding,” replied Usara briskly, though I saw his eyes following Guinalle as she walked back up the wharf toward the gates. “Just at present, he’s not a man to be argued with.”

“I heard Naldeth trying to get out of staying here,” I agreed with a laugh.

“I don’t think Naldeth found Planir’s reaction very amusing.” Usara looked sternly at me.

“Chamry seems happy enough,” commented Shiv. “I think she’s had just about enough of the honor of being Shannet’s latest pupil.”

“I take it Mentor Tonin hasn’t managed to persuade Guinalle to come back to Vanam with him? What success have you had with her, ’Sar?” I asked, straight-faced.

Usara was betrayed by his fair coloring. “Mind your own business, Rysh. No, I support Guinalle’s decision. Of course she must remain here, to safeguard those we still have to revive, if nothing else.”

“So you’ll be back here, just as soon as you’ve found a solution for her, will you?” inquired Shiv.

“Me, or Parrail, or anyone else who finds the knowledge we need,” Usara said repressively.

“I don’t think you have much competition there.” Shiv patted him reassuringly on the shoulder.

I held my peace. Guinalle was persisting in tactfully not noticing Parrail’s transparent adoration of her, for the lad’s sake as much as to divert Temar’s manful attempts at concealing his jealousy. I could see him now, sitting on an empty barrel, face like a slapped arse, as he watched the love of his life walk away from him. I shook my head at the remembered pains of youth. “Excuse me, both of you.”

I clapped Temar on the shoulder. “Have you made your decision yet?”

He looked up at me. “What would I do if I came with you? Take this oath of yours to the Sieur D’Olbriot? I have no House or Name to return to.”

“The oath arose for men like that, set adrift in the Chaos after the Empire fell,” I said, recalling this with some surprise. Some of Temar’s contemporaries had probably been the first to swear it.

A faint spark of interest lightened the gloom in Temar’s eyes. “Did it?”

I nodded. “The Sieur offers security, the man swears loyalty in return.”

An echo sounded in my mind, of Messire’s words as he stood tall and distant on the dais above me, my own responses striking up from the stone floor as I knelt to offer up my honor all those years ago, the two of us alone in the great hall, as was customary.

As my walls shall shelter you ,

So my sword will defend you .

As my food shall strengthen you ,

So my strength will serve you .

As my hearth shall warm you ,

So my heart’s blood is yours.

That was the heart of the matter, wasn’t it? Those were the words I would have to ponder as I weighed Messire’s loyalty to his oath against my own actions.

A shout from the water broke the stillness of my reflections.

“You don’t have much longer to make up your mind,” I said gently.

“What? No, I know.” Temar sighed heavily.

“To make up his mind about what?” asked Livak, as she came up to us and slid herself inside the circle of my arm.

“Should I stay or should I go?” Temar looked up at her.

“Roll a rune for it,” Livak shrugged. “Anyway, no decision’s ever final, is it? Come to Zyoutessela with us. Messire D’Olbriot’s invited you, hasn’t he? If you don’t like it, you can be on the next ship heading this way.”

“Which won’t be before the spring next year.” I thought I had better add a note of realism to Livak’s cheerful unconcern. I looked at Livak, a woollen wrap incongruous over her jerkin and breeches. “I know it’s a lot to ask, my dearest, and I don’t expect an answer at once, but do you think you could possibly bear to wear a skirt when you meet my mother for the first time?”