The Ralerai settlement had been constructed in the southern reaches of Greystone Province. It was located roughly northwest of Vinum Province’s Galmistead village and about two days’ ride south of Oakerton. The area was relatively unpopulated save for a few isolated farmsteads and cabins, so everyone involved in the decision of where to settle the Ralerai agreed that this was probably the most ideal location.
When Kaewyn, Yohren and Arlan, along with two dozen escorts and the Ralerai boy whom they had saved from the village spotted the settlement, they saw a mass of people, horses and huts. The Chieftain of the Ralerai, a man named Renlai, had told them that his people held no interest in war. Kaewyn found himself believing him after seeing what they had done with the land he had given them to settle. The settlement had no walls or fortified defences of any kind. No palisades or wooden stakes guarded the approach to the new home of the Ralerai. The settlement was not defenceless, this Kaewyn knew. Every man, woman and probably most of the children knew how to ride and hold a spear, but there was nothing military about the way they had set up their settlement. To his eye, it seemed to just be a rather large village or perhaps a town.
Out of all the places in the area he was allowed to settle, Renlai had chosen a location between the plains to the south and the oaken forest to the north. A stream ran through the northern forest and through their settlement until it joined with the river to the west that if one followed south, led to Vinum and Varde Castle. It was a good location to settle. There was an abundance of timber and open plains for horses to graze. The stream provided water and the surrounding land was teeming with wildlife to hunt. Normally, hunting was restricted to all but the nobility, but Kaewyn had granted the Ralerai the right to hunt the land. Sir Darius had told him that the Ralerai were mostly nomadic and relied upon hunting. They hadn’t yet mastered farming or even fishing, having come from dry, inhospitable land.
“They’ve spotted us, milord.” Said one of the escorting riders.
“Calm yourselves.” He replied. “They are our allies and friends. We have nothing to fear.”
A group of perhaps a dozen Ralerai riders emerged from the settlement and rode toward them at speed. To Kaewyn’s utter surprise and interest, the Ralerai riders flew their own banner. He didn’t recognise it as any he’d ever seen before. The banner was of two horse heads, one black and one white, and the background was a field of brown. He recalled Renlai asking him about the Edderfield banner and what the purpose of such a thing was during one of the Chieftain’s visits to Xu Castle. Kaewyn then explained that banners were used as a form of identification and represented all kinds of things from noble families and knightly orders to the Emperor and his Empire. He hadn’t been sure if Renlai had fully comprehended what he had said back then but judging by the fact the Ralerai seemed to have developed a banner of their own, suggested he had understood more than Kaewyn originally thought.
“Renlai must have come up with a banner for his people.” He said with a smile.
“How fitting they chose the noble steed to represent themselves,” Remarked Arlan. “Truly I have never met better riders than the Ralerai.”
“And their horses are magnificent,” Kaewyn said as he leant low in the saddle and gave Kelphi a scratch.
The Ralerai riders met them in the open fields and greeted them first in their own language. The leader, a rider with a steely gaze, then hurriedly gestured to one of the others. Another rider then came forward and bowed his head awkwardly.
“Kaewyn lord.” The second rider said nervously. “Welcome our home.”
Kaewyn nodded his head. “My thanks. We are here to meet with your Chieftain regarding a sensitive matter. If you would be so kind as to take us to him?”
The leader and the other who had greeted them in their language both paused and then looked at each other in confusion.
“I don’t think they understood you.” Yohren said.
“That much is obvious, Yohren…” Feeling incredibly silly, he opted to use simpler words in the hopes that they would understand him. “I need to talk with Renlai.”
A look of realisation dawned upon the two Ralerai riders who nodded their heads in understanding.
“Bulgatrix Renlai Rellafi.” The leader said as he nodded his head.
“We take you, come come,” The second then added enthusiastically. “You follow.”
Kaewyn and the others followed the Ralerai riders back all the way to their small but growing settlement. They continued to follow the riders down a path that split the settlement right through the centre into two roughly equal halves, almost like a street of sorts. Most of the buildings he saw were made of large, wooden frames with animal hide stretched over them to form the ceiling and walls, though he also noted that there were also more permanent structures deeper in the settlement.
As Kaewyn rode Kelphi in gentle pursuit of the riders that guided them, he noticed that many people had stopped what they were doing and were watching them with interest. Many of them smiled and some even waved, prompting him to return their friendly gestures, but there were just as many that did not pay them any mind and continued to go about their day. He saw them butchering animals and hanging the meat on racks to be dried or smoked. He saw both women and men cooking large pots of stew over small fires. The scent of whatever it was they were cooking smelled wonderful, he thought, and quickly his stomach began to growl with hunger. He saw others too, who were busy crafting and weaving baskets and pottery. Most of the children followed Kaewyn and his escorts, laughing excitedly as children do when they see something new and interesting. It seemed to Kaewyn that everyone had a place and a purpose here. Wherever he looked, he saw happy and productive people.
Another thing he noted was that he saw a great many horses. It was nothing he hadn’t expected given the Ralerai’s affinity for them, but what he had not expected was to see them roam about the settlement freely. There were no pens or hitching posts as far as he saw. No building seemed to serve the purpose of a stable either. It looked to him as though the animals were simply allowed to roam wherever they wished. He wondered how they controlled the horses and prevented them from wandering away, but then he realised his answer was right in front of him. Almost every horse he spotted was being groomed, walked, fed or watered. And just as he had noticed when he had first observed the Ralerai with their horses, he saw that the these people took care of their horses not out of obligation or duty, but genuine love and respect. Every man and woman he saw tending to the animals did so with a smile on their faces. These people adored their horses and their every action only served as further proof.
A shout brought Kaewyn’s attention back to the riders they followed through the settlement. Ahead and blocking their way, were a dozen or so young men hauling buckets and jugs of water over their shoulders. The lead rider shouted at them in his own language and the boys meekly moved aside, and when Kaewyn and the others passed by them, they smiled and whispered between sideways glances. Every now and then, he spotted some Ralerai who were not smiling at them. He wondered why they seemed so hostile when everyone else had been so friendly and welcoming. In the end, he suspected that these particular people were either traditionalists or perhaps they had lost a loved one in the recent fighting and held him responsible. He’d been told by Renlai that his people blamed Prince Odabek and his ilk for their troubles, but clearly, not all the Ralerai thought as their chief did. Thankfully, however, he noted that it was a very small percentage of the people he encountered. Most of the people he saw seemed either happy to see them, or entirely apathetic to their presence.
After riding slowly through most of the Ralerai settlement, they soon came upon a large building that dwarfed all others. It was still rather average-sized in comparison to the average dwelling or business in Oakerton but considering the short time the Ralerai had been here, Kaewyn found it rather impressive. The two horse-headed banner hung loosely over the main doors and several guards wielding large, curved blades stood guard, their posture stiff and formal. It was here that their guides bid them farewell with only a simple nod of the head and a gesture toward the large building.
“I suppose we go inside,” Kaewyn remarked as he dismounted Kelphi. He looked for someone to hand the reins over to but then remembered that the Ralerai apparently did not believe in restricting the horses from wandering. “Arlan, Yohren, leave the horses here with the soldiers. I want you both inside when I speak with Renlai.”
“What about our friend?” Yohren asked, gesturing to the Ralerai boy they had rescued from the village.
“He comes with us.” He answered.
The soldiers stayed behind and watched the horses and Kaewyn and his two companions made their way toward the large building, their Ralerai compatriot in tow. The Ralerai guardsmen barely moved an inch at their approach and Kaewyn wasn’t sure if they would allow their entry. But a lord cannot be intimidated, he told himself as he pressed on. The guards, much to his relief, made no move to block their way and bowed their heads slightly as he passed between them. Once he passed through the entryway and came to be inside, Kaewyn saw a sight that utterly surprised him.
The entirety of the inside of the building was laid out in a way that Kaewyn recognised immediately. The large open space resembled the Great Hall of Xu Castle. Although crude, every major element present in Xu Castle’s Great Hall was represented in some form or another. At the far end of the room, he recognised the dais and the lord’s seat, or in this case, the chieftain’s seat. Leading to this seat along the floor were several animal skins that divided the room in two. Where the paintings and banners hung from the walls back home, there were more skins, some of which Kaewyn could only begin to guess what animal they had come from. Likely the skins came from beasts completely unknown to the Empire that lived in the far southern regions from which the Ralerai hailed. The entire space was well-lit by several contained fire pits that surrounded the centre of the room. He also saw and then smelled some horse droppings. Apparently the Ralerai allowed their horses inside here as well.
“Lord Kaewyn!” A voice boomed from the far end of the hall. It was Renlai, the Chieftain of the Ralerai, and he was accompanied by none other than Sir Darius. “Big welcome to you, friends.”
“It is good to see you too, Renlai.” Kaewyn said.
Renlai and Sir Darius gestured for them to join them upon the dais. They were then led to the back of the room by the wall where several chairs and tables were set up. As each of them took a seat, Renlai welcomed them each with a simple, but kind word. The Ralerai Chieftain had learned much of their language since the end of the invasion, but he had yet to master it completely. When it came time for him to greet Yohren, Kaewyn noticed that Renlai called him young spirit and seemed to emphasise his welcome perhaps a little more than he had with the others. To his delight, Yohren seemed accepting of the gesture and thanked the Chieftain. He’d have to make sure his retainer spoke with Renlai more often, he told himself.
Once everyone was seated, Renlai and Sir Darius became aware of the boy Kaewyn had brought with him. The boy stood awkwardly and kept his head low like a child awaiting punishment for some misdeed. He began to wonder whether Renlai knew this boy, and his suspicion was proven correct when the Chieftain approached the boy with a stern, troubled look in his eye. The tension in the room grew as everyone watched with uncertainty as the two Ralerai looked at each other. Just when Kaewyn was about to say something, Renlai suddenly embraced the boy in a hug.
“My lord,” Sir Darius began, a curious note to his voice. “How did you come to be in the company of Renlai’s nephew?”
“His nephew?” Yohren asked.
“Indeed. Renlai has no children of his own. Not yet in any case, though not for a lack of trying, that is for certain.” Sir Darius said with a knowing smirk. “This boy is the only child of his dear sister.”
“We found him north of Xu Castle on our return journey from General Alaric’s wedding.” Kaewyn explained. “According to the testimony of the angry villagers, he and some others were killing the domesticated animals of their village. We arrived as they were dragging him off to be hung as a thief. It is why I am here. I believe this is a matter that requires discussion.”
Sir Darius sighed and shook his head. “This is a matter I have been trying to deal with for some time, my lord. You must understand that the Ralerai do not understand the concept of domestication as we know it.”
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“But they keep horses.” Arlan added.
The old knight nodded. “They do, but the horse is a special creature to the Ralerai. They see all other animals, even including the noble dog, as food to be hunted.”
“Reminds me of a song I heard recently.” Yohren chuckled. “The farmer’s dog was not a—”
Kaewyn hushed him.
“Perhaps if it comes from you, my lord. If you tell him he may be more receptive to change.” Sir Darius said with a sigh.
“You do not seem confident.” Arlan said.
“Well, you did just rescue his nephew, and the Ralerai owe their very presence here entirely to you, my lord.” Sir Darius said. “I just hope his gratitude to you outweighs his stubbornness.”
“Well,” Kaewyn said as he rose from his chair. “at the very least we must make him understand that the domesticated animals belong to the villages and towns and are not to be hunted in any circumstances. Otherwise, before long I suspect someone will be killed over this, Ralerai or local.”
“Agreed.” Sir Darius said. “I will support you and help to translate the more complicated words if required.”
Kaewyn approached Renlai and his nephew and began to explain the situation with the angry villagers that prompted his visit, but Renlai waved him off. Apparently, his nephew had already explained the whole thing and apologised for everything. In fact, the nephew, whose name he learnt was Bullo, had been so terrified by his experience with the villagers that he had already advised his uncle to stop all hunts anywhere near a village or town. Just by how Renlai interacted with Bullo, he could tell that the Chieftain adored his young nephew. His words had carried weight with his uncle, and Kaewyn hoped that meant it would be easier to convince him to abandon his hunts and to perhaps dabble in the Ralerai taking on domesticated animals of their own in the future.
As everyone settled back down at the tables, Renlai had traditional Ralerai beverages brought in for everyone to share. Kaewyn swirled the whitish liquid around in his cup. It looked like normal cow’s milk to him, but Renlai assured him that while it was, indeed milk, it was not from any animal to be found in these lands. Curious, Kaewyn smelled the substance and found it to be almost sweet. He sipped only a little and discovered the taste to be sharp and a little salty. When he asked from what animal the milk came from, he was told that it belonged to a horse like creature the colour of tanned leather and sand, and that the animal possessed long lanky legs. Renlai then laughed and explained that the beast also tended to spit when irritated. He wasn’t quite sure what to make of the milk, but he had to admit the taste was not unpleasant, in fact, he rather enjoyed it. The others did too, Kaewyn thought, judging by their empty cups and smiling faces.
As their empty cups were refilled with more of the mysterious milk, Kaewyn decided to speak with Renlai regarding the hunting parties once more. The Ralerai Chieftain seemed reluctant and told them that his people need to be fed, though he explained that he understood that the animals near the villagers were no longer fair game for his hunters. Kaewyn paused for a moment, and then explained to Renlai that hunting is not the only way to find food. Although hesitant, Renlai seemed willing to at least listen to his suggestions and allowed him to continue, though he did counter by saying that his people were experts in foraging as well.
Kaewyn first explained how relying solely upon hunting here would quickly exhaust the region’s supply of wildlife. He then went on to explain that many of his people relied upon fishing, foraging, farming and domesticated animals to sustain themselves without the reliance on hunting. Renlai seemed particularly interested in the idea of farming bombarded him and the others with a score of questions on the subject. Kaewyn professed that he was no farmer and his questions would have to wait for an expert on the matter. Renlai seemed rather disappointed, but his interest was a good sign, Kaewyn thought.
After another round of drinks and more discussion, Renlai agreed that his people would attempt to learn these other methods of food production. The Chieftain was still not comfortable with the idea of domesticated animals just yet, though Kaewyn suspected with time and care, that their opinion on the matter could be changed. It was agreed that a party of experts in the fields of farming and fishing would be sent to tutor the Ralerai upon Kaewyn’s return to Xu Castle. With all of the serious matters now out of the way, the topic of conversation became more relaxed and turned to other things.
Sir Darius explained that a group of Ralerai scouts returned yesterday with a report of strangers from the north. They were travelling South along the road that led to Varde Castle in Vinum Province and had with them, a gilded carriage and a party of two dozen escorts. When the Ralerai scouts approached the carriage, the escorts readied their weapons and took defensive positions.
“These soldiers,” Arlan said. “Did they fly a banner?”
Sir Darius shook his head. “No banners, but their leader wore a suit of heraldic mail of purple and black. A rather aggressive fellow, he apparently shouted and threatened the scouts and refused to even speak with them. Wisely, our scouts decided to withdraw rather than risk an incident.”
“Purple and black you say.” Kaewyn pondered the colours. “Was this leader of theirs… a particularly large man, by chance?”
“The scouts said nothing about the size of the man, so I assume he was not out of the ordinary.”
“Purple and black are the colours of the Sudrow family who rule Karikhan Province to the North, but Lord Sudrow himself is a big man.” Kaewyn explained. “Perhaps this leader you speak of was one of many sons?”
“That seems likely, but what business do they have in Vinum Province?” Sir Darius asked.
“Rhys isn’t likely to tell us.” Arlan added. “But what I am more interested in is who was in the carriage?”
Kaewyn shrugged and downed another cup of milk. “With Lord Sudrow being such a big fellow, perhaps it is he who rides in the carriage and not on horseback? He is a rather old man now as well, I would not be surprised if his health has begun to fail him.”
“But why would he visit Vinum Province?” Yohren asked.
“He likes to travel frequently.” Kaewyn said. “In fact, the day I met you, Yohren, Lord Sudrow was my guest at Xu Castle, if you will recall.”
“…I remember.” Yohren said. “I just find it odd that we knew nothing about it.”
Kaewyn shrugged his shoulders. With the identity of the mystery northerners discovered, his interest in them quickly faded. Whatever dealings Lord Sudrow and Rhys had with one another was none of his business, nor did he care enough to find out.
As midday gave way to afternoon, Kaewyn and the others began to think of starting the return journey to Xu Castle, but Renlai was insistent that they stay the night. At first, Kaewyn was hesitant to agree, but the Ralerai Chieftain fussed over them and treated them as honoured guests. He had some of his people perform traditional dances for them as wine was brought in to celebrate their agreement. Kaewyn found the dances absolutely fascinating to watch. Several warriors drew their swords and performed moves closer to what he would call sparring than dancing. The only difference was that each move seemed so careful and deliberate, and their swords never crossed or touched skin despite the speedy pace at which they swung their weapons. Several times he felt his breath leave him when the tips and edges of swords passed by the skin so closely, that he had to look again to be sure that no contact had been made.
After the dancing was over, the warriors bowed and left and then several women entered the hall. They were dressed in rather revealing and flowing clothes. The women made their way through the room and eyed them with cheeky, flirtatious glances. Just when Kaewyn was beginning to think that these women were of a certain profession, they began to sing. Their voices echoed throughout the room and were in perfect harmony with one another. They sang in their native language and each word flowed beautifully from one to the next. The fact that he didn’t understand any of the words somehow made the song only more intriguing. It was nothing at all like the crude song he had learned from the soldiers about the farmer’s dog.
About halfway through the enchanting song, an enormous meal of steaming hot venison, spiced pork and a multitude of different types of berries and fruits was brought to their table for all to share. The pork was seasoned with a mild spice that he couldn’t place and the aftertaste left him wanting more and more. The Venison and other side dishes were tasty as well, but Kaewyn couldn’t get enough of the spiced pork. He was ravenous. He started to believe that it was perhaps the most delicious thing he had ever consumed in all of his life. He ate more and more until his stomach growled not with hunger, but discomfort. Rather than more of the milk they’d had earlier, wine was served to them. He eagerly drank a cup hoping that it would help to settle his bloated stomach.
As the others continued to feast and enjoy the music, Kaewyn sat slumped in his chair regretting just how much of the fatty pork he’d eaten. The aftertaste lingered in his mouth and even now a small part of him wanted to have just a little bit more. His pained stomach, however, disagreed. Kaewyn feared that if he tried to move, he might throw up. Instead, he decided to stay in his chair and rest.
Much to his surprise, Renlai himself stood up and walked over to the women who continued to sing. He began to dance among them and Kaewyn almost spat out his drink when he began to sing alongside them. His voice was crude and out of tune, but the women managed to continue unaffected in a tremendous display of discipline as their Chieftain wobbled and bumped into them as he tried to sing. He was then joined by his nephew who was as bad at singing as his uncle was, prompting everyone else to burst into laughter. As everyone laughed, ate, drank and sung, Kaewyn sat in utter contentment with a smile on his face.
Eventually, the merrymaking of the afternoon gave way to the darkness of night. While everyone else was more than happy to continue singing and drinking without pause, Kaewyn felt himself succumbing to a rather intense headache. His overfull stomach had settled somewhat, but he still felt the ill effect of his ravenous appetite. He excused himself and settled in the corner of the room where it was darker and rubbed at his temples for relief. Before long he was spotted by Renlai who came to check on him. The Ralerai Chieftain then led him to a private room at the rear of the building. Inside, he found a comfortable spot to lay his head. He rested there and listened to the others as they continued to sing and laugh. The sound of their voices echoed through the wall, muffled and distant until eventually his mind drifted off and sleep took him.
***
Kaewyn woke with the feeling of an insistent finger prodding his shoulder. He let out a tired groan and tried to turn over, but he heard a voice calling his name over and over again. With a sigh, he rubbed at his eyes and opened them. As he slowly became aware of his surroundings, he noticed that he was surrounded by the rest of his travelling companions, including Renlai and his nephew.
“Apologies for waking you, my lord.” Arlan said. “Are you feeling well?”
“He’s about to be feeling a lot of something when you tell him.” Yohren added.
“What…” He managed, tiredly. The uneasiness in his stomach was gone, but his headache had persevered. “…Tell me what?”
“A messenger came from Vinum.” Arlan said. “From Varde Castle.”
Kaewyn lifted himself up into a sitting position and yawned. “I imagine it must be important for you all to be here and disturb my sleep? Is it even morning yet?”
“Nearly, my lord.” Sir Darius said. “But what Arlan hasn’t mentioned was that the message came from Lady Alina Callidus herself.”
“Rhys’s wife?” Kaewyn said. “Now that is rather odd. The last I heard of Rhys’s health was that he was recovering well. He hasn’t…?
“Died?” Arlan said. “No, my lord. Least not as far as we know.”
“Kaewyn…” Yohren said. The concern in his friend’s voice caused him to listen intently. Suddenly he was afraid of what he was about to hear. “Lady Alina’s message brought news of something terrible.”
His headache forgotten, Kaewyn felt his chest tighten and his muscles tense up. He opened his mouth to speak but hesitated. He knew already that the news must concern Camilla for them all to be gathered around him like this. The worry and fear in their faces bothered him more than their cryptic words had done. He’d never wanted to know something so badly but at the same time, not at all. Finally, he forced himself to ask.
“Yohren. What was the message?”
“They’ve…” He paused and sighed. “Lord Rhys and Sudrow, they’ve come to an agreement. Lady Alina’s message…”
Kaewyn saw the letter in Yohren’s hand and snatched it from him out of frustration. His eyes frantically skipped the irrelevant pleasantries and scanned the body of the text until his eyes found what he was looking for.
I write this letter to you, Lord Edderfield, out of thanks for saving me from Lord Severus when I was his prisoner. Though writing this may be considered by Rhys to be a betrayal, my love for my dear sister compels me to inform you that my husband has grown paranoid and envious, of you in particular. Thus, he has made a deal with Lord Sudrow of Karikhan Province for Camilla to marry his eldest son. One of Lord Sudrow’s younger sons arrived today with two dozen escorts of armed men. They brought with them a gilded carriage and tomorrow, they will depart for Karikhan Province and take Camilla with them.
My dear sister spoke of you often while helping me care for my child. I know how much you mean to each other. I suppose by the time this letter reaches you, Camilla will already be in Karikhan and possibly even be married. I wish I could have done more as I owe both of you so much more than I can ever repay.
I am sorry, for both of you.
Signed, Alina Callidus, wife of Rhys Callidus, Lord of Vinum
Kaewyn let the letter slip from his hands and fall slowly to the floor. That gnawing feeling he’d been feeling for the past few days had finally come back in full force. Suddenly, it all made sense to him. The Ralerai scouts, the strangers from the north, it was the Sudrow family coming to claim Camilla.
He felt sick, exhausted and completely overwhelmed. His hands were shaking and he felt a well of emotion building up from deep within his core. He was furious at Rhys for what he felt was a betrayal. He knew how he felt about Camilla and yet that didn’t stop him from making this match between her and the Sudrow family. While rage boiled inside him, there was another emotion, even stronger than the hatred that fuelled him. Fear. Fear for what would happen if the marriage took place, fear that he would never get to see her again. Fear of spending the rest of his life without her. That fear and anger drove him now. He couldn’t just sit idly by and let the world take her away from him. No, he planned to act, and if anyone got in his way, he’d make certain that they would regret it.
“Lady Alina expected this letter to arrive in Xu Castle days from now.” Yohren said energetically. “She never could have known that we’d be here. That we’d be so close to Varde Castle.”
“He’s right my lord,” Arlan added. “If we ride now, perhaps we can intercept them before they cross back into Karikhan Province.”
Renlai interrupted them and waved his hands frantically. “Wait! Wait! You not leave!”
Everyone turned their heads to the Chieftain of the Ralerai, who then smiled and nodded his head. “Not without me!”
Kaewyn felt a rush of gratitude for the unquestioning support of his friends. He hadn’t even asked them for help and they were ready to go at a moment’s notice. They had come a long way together and he was glad to have them by his side.
“Are you ready, Kaewyn?” Yohren asked.
Kaewyn didn’t want to think about the consequences of what he was about to do. He wouldn’t allow his mind to even begin to ponder hypotheticals and alternatives. He had to do this, he told himself. No matter what.
“Saddle the horses,” Kaewyn said coldly. “We ride north.”