Strange Bedfellows Chapter 2.e

Shara was fuming.  Not only had she woken up that morning actually snuggled up to that man, but he had been watching her and gave her an amused smile.  She shuddered.  Her butt was still slightly sore and the moment she realized she was touching him she'd nearly jumped out of the bed.

He just kept smiling in amusement.

She wanted to throw something at him, but the slight ache in her butt made her think twice about doing so.  She certainly didn't want to go through that again.  Now she was about fifty yards from his tent, pacing furiously near a small stream that the army had camped next to the previous night.  It was still early and the sun wouldn't rise for a little while yet, though there was plenty of light to see.

"Are you okay?"  Someone asked.

Shara turned to see a woman who was washing some clothes by the side of the stream.  Something about her had a calming effect on the frustrated princess.  It wasn't so much how she looked, but there was something about her.  She was just one of those people who it was hard to be upset around.

She looked to be around Shara's age, but something about her eyes and demeanor made her seem much older. She had that 'timeless' look that elves often had, though she didn't have pointed ears so she wasn't an elf.  Her clothes were white and very clean, and her hair was so light that it looked almost white.

"I'm..."  She huffed, then felt her throat get tight, and flopped down on the grass by the bank of the creek.  "I'm..."

"Yes, I can see that."  The woman smiled.  She set her laundry down, slipped off her shoes, hiked up her dress, and crossed the shallow creek to sit beside Shara.  "What's wrong?"

"Everything."  She sighed.  "Okay, not everything, just everything that's important."

"Such as?"

"The war."  She felt a stone under her, pulled it out, and tossed it into the creek.  "My marriage, my future, the kingdom; take your pick."

"Well, it's a lot easier to improve your marriage than the war; let's start with that."  The woman said, then added.  "My name is Gabriella, what's yours?"

"Sh--  uh, Katia."  The princess said, internally grimacing at her near slip-up.

"Well Katia, what's wrong in your marriage?"

"It might take some time to explain."

Gabriella looked at her laundry.  "Fortunately, it'll still be dirty in 'some time'."  She winked.

Shara gave her the short version with mostly just the highlights, and she didn't reveal that she was a princess of course.  She couldn't think of a good reason not to give a short version, and it was nice to have someone to talk to.  Well, someone who wasn't Kalus anyway.

"So now my butt hurts and we have to do...  do that every night until I'm carrying his child."  She shuddered.

"I don't envy the position either of you is in."  Gabriella said kindly.  "But is it truly so bad?  He seems to truly care for you, even if he doesn't show it in the usual way."

She didn't reply, mostly because she didn't know what to say.  There was a real sense where the woman wasn't wrong.  It didn't make her any less angry with her husband, but she wasn't wrong.

"I just wish..."

"Wish what?"  Gabriella prompted gently.

"I wish things would get better."  Shara tucked up her legs and wrapped her arms around them as she sat there staring at the creek.  "I don't only mean with my marriage, but with everything.  I wish there was someone out there who could fix all of this, you know?  Someone who could bring the war to an end, someone who could fix my marriage, and maybe someone who could kick King Tyso in the..."  She hesitated, her mother's etiquette lessons making her moderate her language somewhat.  "...in the family jewels."

Gabriella laughed.

She had a wonderfully musical and melodic laugh that almost made the princess smile.

"I just want to meet someone who can help bring all this awfulness to an end."  Shara continued.  "Someone who could make this war go away and make it so that Timarou and Har'peton will never wage war against each other ever again.  Someone who could help this country get better because I know things were far from perfect, even before we were invaded.  And maybe someone who could help me to feel less lonely."

Shara felt her throat get tight.  She hadn't realized it until just now, but she was indeed lonely.

"That's rather a lot to ask of a single person."  Gabriella pointed out.

"I know."  Shara sighed.  "And I know such a person couldn't exist."

"Are you so certain?"  The other woman asked.

Shara nodded as she looked at the woman.

Gabriella got a strange sort of smile on her face, as if she knew something that Shara didn't.  "Are you always so certain about things?"  The woman challenged playfully.

Shara shrugged; that's just the way things were.

"Katia?"  A masculine voice said from behind her.

She scowled, but kept her tone neutral.  "What?"

"We will break camp soon and I must ensure you are ready."  Kalus said.

She sighed, then stood.

She could see Kyselius behind him.  She guessed that Kalus had assigned the herald to watch her to ensure that no one troubled her while she was away from her husband.

Beside her, Gabriella stood as well.  When the woman turned to face Kalus, he did a double-take.

"You."  His mouth opened slightly.  He glanced back toward Shara's castle, then back at the woman.  "Do you have a sister -- perhaps a twin -- who works as a servant in the castle?"

"Why do you ask?"  Gabriella replied.

"Because a woman who looks just like you was the one who led me to Shara's room before the soldiers that arrived before me could harm the women.  Was that your sister?  Or perhaps another close relative?"

"Something like that."  She smiled.  "If I might continue that tradition of helping, I noticed that you were riding a mule when you made camp yesterday while Katia -- who I assume is your wife -- was riding a war horse, probably yours?"

"Correct on both counts."  Kalus replied.

"You both seem ill-suited to your mounts."  Gabriella said with unconcealed amusement.  "However, four days journey from here, just before the great forest, you'll find an excellent ranch just two miles south of the main road.  They breed some of the finest horses in the whole kingdom.  The lady here--"  Gabriella indicated to Shara.  "--would as much benefit from a horse suited to her stature as you would from not being forced to ride a mule."

Kalus almost smiled at that.  "You speak the truth."

Gabriella then turned to Shara.  "You might even find exactly what you're looking for there."

For some reason, Shara got the impression that Gabriella was talking about more than just horses.  She wasn't sure why, but she did.

* * *

Kalus did not much enjoy the next four days.  Katia was always polite to him but never anything more.  She never spoke a word unless asked a direct question.  Her answers were terse when asked, but not quite rude and she never volunteered anything without being asked.  She did everything that was asked of her, but not one thing more.

Ironically, the only real response he got from her was in bed.

Each night, she would reluctantly turn around, pull up her dress, and lay on all fours.  She was always just slightly wet before he started and became fully wet very quickly.  She seemed determined to resist enjoying herself but clearly had trouble doing so.  At her repeated requests he didn't take long each time, but she always leaned back as he left, and more than once he thought he heard a disappointed sigh that was stifled before he could be sure.

Other than that, nothing.

No warmth.

No affection.

No hint of anything beyond resignation.

One thing that gave him hope consistently was that she would snuggle up to him every night as they slept without fail.  Every morning, he woke up with Katia snuggled up against him.  Every night after falling asleep she would use his torso as a pillow and hold to him like a true lover might.  He hoped to see that side of her in the waking hours one day.  Yet every morning as she woke, she would recoil from him and turn away.

For his part, Kalus let her have some space.  He could only imagine what she was going through and didn't want to make matters worse.  They would have an entire lifetime to build a relationship; he knew better than to push right now.

Kalus sighed as they set up camp on the fourth day.  It was mid-afternoon and they'd stopped several hours early because of the large forest ahead of them.  The plan was to start that leg of the journey in the morning in case the remnants of Timarou's army tried to ambush them in the night.  He was happy about this, as the several-hour break meant he had time to visit that horse ranch and procure a mount for his wife.  It would be good for the mule he'd been riding too, as he'd been tempted to draw his sword and behead it more than once.  He'd never encountered a more stubborn creature.

Well, perhaps his wife.

Once camp was set up, he notified his herald where he was going and then went up to Katia.  "Gabriella spoke of a horse breeder nearby.  If I don't get a mount for you, I fear my mule might come to an unfortunate end."

"Okay."  She nodded but said nothing else.

Kalus sighed and then led her to the horse pens.  He saddled up his horse and then jumped on him.  It had been five days since he'd ridden him and he missed it.  Tornado obviously did too.  He jumped slightly and pranced, clearly happy.

Kalus reached a hand down to Katia.

She looked at his hand, and then at him.

"We'll ride double for the short trip to the ranch."  He said.  It wasn't a good idea to ride double on Tornado for days on end, but it would be fine for this short trip.  "If we find a horse for you, I would assume you'll ride it back."

Katia nodded and took his hand.  He pulled her up and she expertly slid into place behind him, arms around his waist.  Tornado nickered and half-reared in excitement.  His wife held onto him all the tighter.

Kalus turned his head to look at his wife.  "If you have no objection, I'll give him his speed; it's been days since he's had a proper workout."

She nodded, looking scared but seemingly determined not to show it.  He smiled.  She was a brave girl with a sharp mind and clever wit.  He once again dearly wished that he'd been able to meet her under normal circumstances and court her properly.

Shame.

He gave Tornado a gentle prod with his heel, which was all the encouragement the warhorse needed.  He took off like a bow shot.

* * *

Shara held on for dear life as the largest and most powerful horse she'd ever ridden bolted out of camp like a bat out of Saidow's Lair.  She held onto Kalus for all she was worth, fearing the animal would knock her off with the sheer force of his movement.  The ground seemed to actually shake as he ran.  Each heavy footfall felt like a giant was hitting a great hammer against the earth.

It was terrifying...

...and exhilarating.

She screwed her eyes shut as the wind raced past her.  Suddenly, she had a whole new respect for Kalus given his ability to ride.  While Tornado was an incredibly powerful horse, there was no doubt who the master was.  He guided and direct the steed with barely a gentle tug of the reins.  The horse seemed to genuinely love its master too, just like everyone who knew him.

Well, every except her.

The horse ran flat out for a short time before slowing to a gentle canter, then finally a walk.

"Magnificent, isn't he?"  Kalus looked back at her with the edge of a smile on his face.

"He is."  She agreed and almost smiled back at him before she caught herself.

The truth was that Kalus was hard to hate.

He was firm, perhaps a bit too firm, but fair and he clearly cared deeply about his men and -- as much as it pained her to admit it to herself -- he clearly cared about her too.  While she was still mad about the whipping she'd received, he had warned her clearly in advance that her punishment for disrespecting him in front of the men would be severe.  He had also clearly hated doing it.  She still hated him for it, but it was good to know that he was that strict with everyone, not just her.

He genuinely seemed to care too, which again made him hard to hate.

Jerk.

It wasn't long before the horse farm came into view.  It looked well-kept and clean, and there was virtually no smell.  About a dozen horses were out in the pasture grazing contentedly.  Their coats shone and she could tell they were healthy and well-bred because of their excellent conformation.

Kalus rode up to a house set a short distance from the large barn and helped her dismount, only dismounting himself after she was safely on the ground.  There was a small hitch for horses, to which Kalus tied Tornado's reins.

Before he could approach the house, the door opened and a man came out.  He had sandy blond hair and looked tough as nails, but also kind.  He had a short, groomed beard and short, messy hair.  His clothes were mostly clean, but had the tell-tale signs of a working man at the end of the day.

"Good 'morrow to you sir."  The man said with a slight bow.  "I am Julian and welcome to my humble abode."

"Well met Julian; I am Kalus and this is my wife, Katia."  He indicated her.

Shara was struck by how he said it.  He had introduced her much as someone would introduce someone they were very fond of, or perhaps very proud of.  It was strange to hear him take that tone when speaking of her.

"May Illuminar -- blessed be He -- shine his light on you both."  The man said with genuine warmth and sincerity.

"And on you as well good sir."  Kalus replied with equal genuineness.

"What brings you to my humble abode?"  Julian asked.

"My wife requires a horse of fine breeding and quality; I've been told I could purchase one here."

Julian turned to Shara.  "My lady, I would match you with a steed as fine as this one--" he indicated Tornado.  "--if it were possible, though one more fitted to your stature."

The man looked at Tornado appraisingly and then smiled at Kalus.  "He's truly a magnificent horse.  I've rarely seen his like and I've been breeding horses my entire life."

Tornado nickered, and she wondered if perhaps the horse was smarter than she'd given him credit.

"He is the greatest of horses."  Kalus agreed.

"Come, and I'll show you what we have."  The man said starting towards the barn.  "Were you looking for another to match your war-horse, I would be forced to apologize.  However, I do have well-bred horses fit for ladies and I know you shan't be disappointed.  It's a particular specialty of mine."

Kalus fell into step beside him and Shara followed just behind.

"Will you need tack as well?"  Julian asked.  "I don't make it, but partner with the land's most revered saddle smith.  Your purse will feel lighter, but I personally guarantee you won't find a finer saddle outside a palace."

"Yes, tack as well."  Kalus confirmed.

They talked of horses for a moment until the three of them had passed through the barn and entered the pasture on the other side.

Once through, Julian made a long, low whistle.  The horses all perked up their ears in response as if waiting for something.  He then gave a complicated sort of whistle with several notes.  As one, the horses turned towards the barn and began to leisurely trot towards them.  Once they had arrived, they seemed to fan themselves out in a more or less straight line, like troops standing for inspection.

"Impressive."  Kalus said.  "To command them so well with a mere whistle demonstrates immense skill in training."

"That's why I do it; so you can see that they are well trained."  The man grinned.  "Although, I was watching as you rode up and you handle your own mount as a master horseman."

Kalus inclined his head in acknowledgment.

Julian turned to Katia.  "My lady, perhaps you might give them a closer look and see which one strikes your fancy."

"Oh, thank you."  She nodded, then remembered her manners and gave him a slight curtsey.

"My good man, your taste in horses is nearly as good as your taste in women."  Julian addressed his comment to Kalus, but it was clearly intended for her.  Given that Julian had just said that he'd rarely seen Tornado's equal, she took it as high praise indeed.

* * *

Kalus watched Katia move forward towards the horses, all of whom regarded her with interest.  She seemed to come alive being near them and it was good to see.

"I assume you'll want to let her ride her chosen mount before purchase?"  Julian offered.

"Yes, to ensure they are a good match; I have no doubts about their training."  Kalus replied.  This man seemed like a master at his craft and he had no wish to slight him.

"Of course."  He said, then turned towards the house.  "Lyra!  Come out here please."

Kalus heard the house's door open, and moments later a girl in her late teens came running into the barn from the house.  Her ash-blonde hair was flying and her dress looked as pretty as the figure who wore it.  The smile on the girl's face almost made the rest of her fade from view though.

"Yes Pa'pa?"  She asked sweetly.

Her father tilted his head toward the horses, grinned, then nodded.

"Yes Pa'pa!"  She exclaimed.  Kalus was pretty sure that night itself would flee when confronted with such a joyful smile.

The girl gave a long whistle and then a shorter complicated one, which saw one of the horses in the line trotting up to her.  The horse nickered affectionately as the girl nuzzled its nose with her own.  Then she saddled the horse in record time, faster than anyone Kalus had ever seen.  However, it was done so smoothly and naturally that she didn't even look like she was in a hurry.  The girl then looped the reins over a nearby stall and walked towards Katia.

Her father sighed with a smile.  "That girl will be the death of me.  She's been old enough for me to give her hand for two weeks and I've had twice as many offers in that time."

"I'm not surprised."  Kalus chuckled.  "It appears that you don't just raise fine horses here."

Julian smiled.  "The apple of my eye and all I have left of her mother.  I don't know how I shall ever part with her smile."

"I have no daughters, but I can imagine it must be a trying thing to bear the thought of giving your daughter's hand."

"It wouldn't be so trying if a good man asked."  He replied.  "But still, it will be hard to part with her."

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