Chapter 44

The ships from Freeland arrived just after Jorgarn managed to track down Pernice. Their conversation was shortened because of the ships' appearance on the horizon.

"First off, the battle plan has changed," Jorgarn said as he watched the five ships in the distance. "Landor has come to his senses and either you or I – or likely both of us – will be in charge of the battlefield. The Freeland militia will play a major role."

Pernice raised his eyebrows.

"I'm sorry I got so angry yesterday," he said but Jorgarn waved a hand.

"You were justified and you were just the preliminary battle," he joked. "Torbert got his shots in after you left and I gather Lorida finished the fight when Landor went to his chambers. Regardless, it worked and you saved many lives by saying what everyone thought but were too scared to put into words. We owe you a debt of gratitude and the King wishes to offer you an apology, but more on that later. I have something else to tell you."

Jorgarn gathered his breath.

"The delivery that I am expecting on those ships is my child," he said.

"Your child?" Pernice said loudly before covering his mouth and looking around to see if anyone heard him. He sighed when he saw they were alone.

"My child," Jorgarn reiterated. "Leyota delivered a child last month. I didn't want to say anything because I know we all worry about things like that. If I didn't discuss it, I could put the worry aside for a while each day. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. We hope that you will consent to be its godfather."

Pernice bobbed his head and wiped a tear from his eye.

"I am happy for you and for Leyota," he said as he cleared his eyes again. "I would be proud to have your son or daughter as my godchild. I pledge to do everything in my power to ensure that he or she grows up strong, healthy and loved."

"You would have done that anyway," Jorgarn replied as he put his arm around his friend's shoulder. "There was never a doubt in my mind about that."

"So you and Leyota will stay married then," Pernice said. "Does Bralan know?"

Jorgarn nodded.

"I understand that she is the godmother," he answered. "I am uncertain if there is a ceremony or if we require a virgin sacrifice or what. We do not have godparents in Longview."

"We can always use Bralan if we need a virgin sacrifice," Pernice joked. "I doubt she will ever marry now."

"I believe it is Leyota's plan that I will wed Bralan," Jorgarn muttered as he looked at the ground. "As I said, I am not permitted to know the details of such things. They only affect the entirety of my life."

Pernice looked dumbfounded for a moment.

"You really are a bastard," he said with a shake of his head. "You will have the most powerful women in two countries in your bed. I have to pay half a Konec to get a tavern wench to sit with me for a drink."

"I believe it was just yesterday that you and I were discussing whether you would prefer to bed the next Lady Weltin or the current Lady Fieth," Jorgarn rejoined.

"I like them both," Pernice said seriously, "and they both are lovely women. But there is just something missing, that spark I felt with Alite. I am not certain that I will ever be able to settle for less. I've seen you with Leyota. I know you understand. I am fortunate that I did not marry Rayna. I would have never known that feeling. From the first moment we spoke – about fruit spread of all things – I felt something for Alite that I could never put into words. A large part of me died that day. I've never thanked you properly for all you did to preserve her dignity – that meant a great deal to me."

"She meant a great deal to me because you loved her," Jorgarn said simply. "It's why I felt a special bond with Usala – because of Torbert and Traymer."

"You knew he planned to ask Torbert for her hand?" Pernice asked.

"I did," Jorgarn answered with deep sigh. "I encouraged him. I met Zormon's son this morning. He works for the King."

"Good man," Pernice said sadly.

"You should mention that to Edelweck when you see him," Jorgarn noted. "I get the impression that the contributions of the fallen have been overlooked somewhat in the wake of everything else that happened."

"I will," Pernice replied. "Let's get down to the shore. I want to see this child of yours. I hope to Creation that it looks like Leyota."

"You and me both," Jorgarn said. "Especially if she is a girl."

No one at the dock was prepared for what they saw when the plank was lowered and the passengers began to disembark.

Leyota was at the front, flanked by Fieth and her brother. She carried a wrapped bundle in her left arm. That was no surprise to Jorgarn, Bralan or Pernice. But she carried a small boy on her right hip – and Rayna Clain, her arms in slings, walked behind her down the plank.

"What in Creation is she doing here?" Jorgarn muttered.

"She is our spy," Bralan whispered.

"I put my faith and reputation at stake on her word," he said softly but in a harsh tone. "This is why I do not like people playing games with me."

"It was no game, Jorgarn," Bralan answered as she grabbed his arm and turned him to face her. "You were kept in the dark because you would have disregarded her words without bothering to listen to them. Do not deny that."

"You're damned right I would have," Jorgarn hissed. "I have always said I liked Rayna but you have never heard me say I trust her."

He shook his head and yanked his arm from Bralan's grip. He glanced at Pernice, who stood with Astid on one side and Saneth on the other, but with no discernible expression on his face.

"I didn't know," he whispered over Saneth's head. "On my word, I had no idea she would be here."

Pernice turned and smiled – which caught Jorgarn completely off guard.

"I find it does not matter," he said. "My only concern is the veracity of her information but I do not think she would be here if she was lying to us."

It was a point Jorgarn had in his anger failed to take into account.

"Fine," he muttered with a half-smile. "Take their side."

Saneth elbowed Jorgarn in the side and pointed to where Leyota was nearing the end of the long plank. Jorgarn rushed forward, along with the rest of the party, to assist her.

"I was wondering if you would just let me tumble into the bay," Leyota said with a warm smile. "I've missed you and I would like to show you how much but here is not the place."

Instead she turned her cheek to him for a kiss which he gladly offered. Bralan pushed him aside and took the baby from Leyota's arm. The small boy reached out a hand to play with Jorgarn's beard. So he plucked the squirming child from Leyota's grasp to give him better access.

"Rayna," he said to the woman beside Leyota. "It's good to see you again. I'm sorry you're injured. Thank you for the risks you took. May I kiss your cheek, as well?"

Rayna had braced herself the reception she was certain she would receive given the cargo she carried with her but seeing Jorgarn take the child in his arms and then speak not just cordially to her but in the manner of a friend left her speechless. She simply nodded so Jorgarn lowered his head and softly kissed her before greeting his old friends, Chicote and Elobert.

Both of them were watching Jorgarn extremely closely but Leyota pulled at his arm to get his attention.

"Let me have the young man, please," she said in almost a whispered. "You should perhaps get acquainted with your daughter."

Jorgarn ran his finger over the boy's nose, eliciting a giggle, before passing him off to Leyota. Then he spotted Bralan holding ... his daughter. With a gulp, he stepped over to look at the small baby.

"Hello, little one," he said quietly. "I hope you know that you will be loved like no other child under Creation. May I hold her, please?"

Bralan appeared reluctant to give up the bundle but was ready to relent when Fieth and Renoit caught up to Jorgarn and ushered him to where Leyota was approaching the King.

"Be ready," Chicote whispered.

"Your Highness, King Landor," Leyota said with a bow. "May I introduce you to Leyod Doloran, your grandson."

"What in blazes?" Jorgarn said to no one in particular. He has assumed the child was Rayna's.

Landor appeared stunned but Lorida stepped forward and took the boy in her arms.

"Where is Denae?" Landor asked, bewildered.

"Safe," Leyota said. "I will explain further in private, if you do not mind, but I ask that you permit me to assume responsibility for your grandson during our stay in Emertland."

"Yes, of course," Landor said, still struggling to take in what he was seeing. "Do you wish to stay in the castle? Was that another child you brought with you?"

Leyota smiled and Jorgarn noticed it had the same effect on Landor as it did on him.

"That is my daughter," Leyota replied. "She is six weeks old this day. I regret her arrival delayed our departure for a week until it was deemed safe for me to travel."

Eslada had appeared at Lorida's side.

"You look well for having given birth so recently," she said with a smile. "I wish you to know that I am willing to sit with her while you attend to your official duties as Councilor."

"I have resigned my duties," Leyota said. "Your daughter has asked me to stay in Emertland to assist her in her role as Heiress. I have agreed to do so but you are welcome to visit with her as often as you like."

"What is her name?" Lorida asked.

"It has yet to be decided officially," Leyota admitted, "but for now, I call her Marnit."

Eslada smiled broadly and couldn't help but glance at Jorgarn. She doubted anyone else in Emertland knew his daughter carried his mother's name.

"That is a lovely name," Lorida said. "I believe you should keep it."

"I would like to meet your husband," King Landor said. "I wish to offer him my congratulations on his fine taste and the birth of his daughter. If you require it, I am certain I can find a place for him in the capital. Of course, he will always be welcome in the castle."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Leyota said. "I promise to introduce you to him when it is possible. I also wish your indulgence in housing Rayna Clain, who I am certain you remember. Eslada, I do hope this will pose no difficulty for you."

"I have been made aware of the contributions she has made on Bralan's behalf," Eslada said. "I believe there is no further cause for strife."

"Come, come, let us adjourn to the castle," King Landor said. "We have set aside space for the Freeland militia. Sir Torbert can direct them. Who is in command of your militia, Leyota?"

"That would be Ronac Belad, Your Highness," Leyota said. "He is currently conferring with Sir Torbert. I should also mention Sire that the holdings that you govern in the former Longview Territory have sent 50 men for your use. I should alert the harbormaster that Tark is sending a ship that should arrive late today or early tomorrow."

Landor relaxed for what seemed like the first time in a year.

"And how many did you bring, my dear?" he asked. "Aside from the 50 Rangers from Longview."

"One-hundred and seventy-five warriors and 25 support staff – medics and cooks mostly," Leyota answered. "Oh, and me."

Leyota turned to Jorgarn, who had stepped to her side and handed Leyod to him. He couldn't help but take the boy despite the fact he didn't want to.

"Carry him," Leyota said with narrowed eyes. "I want to carry Marnit and Rayna's injured."

The scowl on Jorgarn's face would have sent most men scurrying as far away from him as possible but Leyota stood firm.

"I will explain everything to you as soon as I can, my love," she said softly, "but please, take the boy and carry him. He walks but not well."

She smiled at Jorgarn.

"Well, actually, he walks about as well as you," she said with a giggle. "Now where is my child? Do not tell me that witch Bralan is trying to abscond with her."

Pernice, Elobert and Chicote fell in beside Jorgarn as the trekked to the castle.

"You are going to love this cläda," Elobert said with a chuckle. "Absolutely love it!"

Pernice, Fieth and Renoit peeled off during the walk to the castle and Jorgarn hastened his pace to catch up with Bralan, Leyota and Rayna, who were walking in front of him.

By the time he reached the castle, Jorgarn accompanied only Landor and the three ladies. Torbert walked several paces behind them. As the King ushered everyone into the study, Jorgarn gently took Rayna's arm and pulled her aside. She seemed surprised but not as surprised at Bralan when Jorgarn handed Leyod to her as she passed.

"You and I will take a walk down to the infirmary where Trinil will remove your bandages and I will ensure you carry no weapons," Jorgarn said to Rayna. "It must be this way. I hope you understand."

Leyota had popped her head outside when Jorgarn hadn't entered. She heard what he told the spy.

"You're being ridiculous," she huffed. "Vellendira wrapped her wounds."

"And Vellendira lived in Umbria and helped to rule it with her family!" Jorgarn pointed out. There was little warmth in his voice.

"Jorgarn, you know Vellendira," Leyota said plaintively. "She delivered Marnit. She is not as skilled as our medics. But she is a fine healer and herbalist."