Nock Arrow

Chapter One

Kambry breathed slowly. If she closed her eyes, the smell of the climbing roses that separated the enclosed garden from the main garden almost led her to believe the attack on Kavin Castle was a dreadful dream. Even opening her eyes to see the white cluster of blooming roses surrounding them maintained the illusion.

But Prince Russal’s hand in hers was dry and rough, her own equally chapped and stained. He’d done as much work scrubbing the burnt stone and raising new walls as anyone in their efforts to erase the damage by Felip Covey and his attempted coup.

Kambry pressed close to Russal and lay her head on his shoulder as they walked inside the small courtyard. Her arm entwined around his, holding him to her side. I want this moment to last forever, she said.

It’s nice to have a little peace to slow down in. We’ve been busy, haven’t we? He pulled her to a stop and took both her hands, his blue eyes turned up by his smile. Kambry, we’ve decisions to make and not much time to make them. He was wearing a crown, a simple vine-and-leaf twist of green, rose and yellow gold that ran across his forehead and underneath his signature braids, which pulled his hair back at the temples and were secured at the back of his head. He so rarely wore a crown that it surprised her to see it. Looking at it, she twisted her lips then opened them to speak.

He placed a finger on her mouth. I know I told you once I avoid wearing crowns, but my people need to see me as a ruler in full control of their safety. My not taking the title and crown of the Kavin king has left them uncertain. He tapped his temple. This is a concession that eases their worry even though it pinches my skull.

They took another turn inside the thick rose-filled walls. Overhead, the branches of a single Kavin oak swished in the light breeze. The ancient tree stood in the center of the rose garden where two curved benches faced it.

Russal guided her to a bench, and they sat. His forehead creased as if the crown was indeed pinching, but he kissed her fingers. I want to make an announcement this evening.

Her heart thrummed. She hadn’t wanted to push. He’d given her Kavin Wood to protect her and had made his feelings for her plain to everyone. Was he planning to make their betrothal official? How had a scribe of Paddlyrun won the love of the prince of Kavin Wood?

You’re probably feeling overwhelmed, he said. Covey has given us a few days’ peace, but it won’t last. I wish we had captured him, but he knows Kavin Castle too well. He rubbed the back of her hands with his thumbs. I can’t ignore that he’s out there, but I can choose what will make me happy and strengthen my kingdom.

She stared up at him, looking into his hopeful blue eyes.

Kambry, before my court and my people, will you stand as my future queen?

She nodded, but her lips twisted in uncertainty. What would be expected of her in that role? How would she fulfill such a demand?

Don’t do that, Kambry. His hand brushed her cheek and his thumb smoothed her lips. Don’t let Covey’s malicious words convince you that you’re not good enough. Only my opinion matters, and I believe in you.

How do you even know what I’m thinking? she said, suddenly giddy with the thought he believed she was more than good enough.

Your lips give you away.

What? She cocked her head in pretended confusion.

I’ll prove it to you. I always find my answers on your lips. He pulled her close and brushed his mouth against hers.

She giggled in anticipation, tilting her chin up.

A shout startled them both, and they looked to the arched entrance. The call must have come from outside the main garden. The surrounding foliage blocked the view of the gate, but already they could hear the dash of boots on the gravel walkway beyond the fragrant rose vines that frothed and climbed the tall wire lattice.

Someone called Russal’s name in deep, desperate tones. Russal yelled, White roses!

Kambry and Russal rushed to the arched entrance and stepped out, nearly colliding with Tomo, Lord Strom of Strom Castle. He grabbed Russal by the shoulders.

Russal gripped him as tightly, a grin slashing across his face. Tomo! You’re the last person I expected, but I’m pleased to see you, my friend. He slapped his hands on Tomo’s shoulders and shook him. How is it being a father, and of twins?

Tomo dropped to his knees and worked to catch his breath. Russal, they’ve taken Amily and the babies.

Russal’s sister kidnapped! Kambry only learned Amily was Russal’s sister a few days earlier. Of course, she understood now why the storybook whose illustrations she was copying was one they had shared so closely, and why Russal had announced at the review that the newborn twins were heirs to the Kavin throne. Kambry had been so looking forward to greeting Amily, the Lady Strom, as a sister she would claim one day. They had almost instantly bonded.

I don’t know where they are, Tomo whispered.

Russal raised him up and held him steady. When?

Two days ago.

Kambry stiffened and looked at the two men. Russal? she said.

The guards who had kept their distance sidled closer, exchanging glances.

Russal took her hand and put an arm across Tomo’s shoulders. Come. He hurried them toward the castle and out the garden gate into the inner bailey. The guards followed closely, two breaking off and heading to the marshal’s office. A page scurried past, and Russal called out to her.

Locate the sybil, Marshall Burtram and my cabinet advisors. I want them in the conference room behind the throne immediately. Tell them Lord Strom is here. Now run fast.

The girl ducked her head and spun about, diving between servants at a gallop.

Marching them into the stately foyer and through the audience chamber, Russal took them to the conference rooms behind the throne.

Kambry balked at the entrance. Felip Covey had forced her to enter this same room the night of the Grand Review. Russal leaned toward her, kissed her temple, and guided her to a chair. He pressed Tomo into another. All right, Condori, tell us what happened.

Usually a sleepy, relaxed man, Tomo sat with his long legs twitching and his hands clutching the table.

Kambry took in his disheveled appearance. He must have ridden like a madman to Kavin Castle.

They got into Strom castle somehow, he said. His hand rubbed a scrape on his forehead. In the night. Amily was sleeping with the twins in the nursery, and I stepped out to take a nap in our chambers to give her room when she brings one to bed with her. He paused. Shadows ringed his red eyes. Inflamed cuts marred his face and hands. She told me to rest, and I left her.

The last words came out anguished.

Russal leaped from his seat, all effort to stay calm gone. He stood over Tomo. Do you know who took them?

Kambry couldn’t move from her seat. She waited on Tomo’s answer. Covey was here during the attack and barely escaped, so he couldn’t have taken them himself. Though, she supposed he could have arranged for others to kidnap Amily and the twins.

Tomo sat up, visibly braced himself, and said, I don’t know. It happened two days ago. I tried to find their trail. There was nothing to follow. He leaned his forehead on his hands. "I raced here. Help me, Russal."

Kambry reached out and took Tomo’s hand. Of course, he’ll help. The entire kingdom will help. The glint of the ring on her thumb caught her eye. Russal, Kavin Wood can show us where she is, right? We just need to ask?

Russal nodded, his expression troubled.

She sat back and closed her eyes. Kavin, where is Amily? Show me.

The vision came up quickly, shifting through the trees at unsettling speed, as if the woods themselves were searching. She grew dizzy with the twists and turns the vision took and gripped the table. It braked to a stop and went black.

She opened her eyes and found Russal crouched beside her. Tomo was leaning on the table, his eyes intent on her own.

Anything, Kambry? Russal asked.

It doesn’t know, Kambry said. She shook her head. It can’t find her, as if she’s not in the wood at all.

Sybil dashed into the room, and they each looked at her. Dressed in her uniform, her bun its usual tousled mess, she stared at Tomo before turning to Russal. Lady Amily has left Kavin Wood. Something is very wrong.

The balcony hung out over the inner bailey where as many of the townspeople as could fit had assembled. They stood silently, staring up at the balcony. The unreal quiet pressed like cotton along Kambry’s skin, not uncomfortable while still making her nerves jangle where she stood with Russal.

The advisors stood at the back near the wide entrance leading inside the cool room beyond. Russal, Marshal Burtram, Sybil and Kambry stood lined up together along the balcony’s curved wall. She glanced around, uncertain what he expected of her. Russal had greeted her with a broad smile and drawn her with him to stand visible to the crowd below, but no words had passed between them.

Seated on a stone bench far to the side, Tomo slumped, his demeanor one of both defeat and tension. His knees bounced beneath his gripping hands, his heels tapping on the stone floor. He had barely slept since his arrival, and Kambry suspected, not since Amily and the twins had gone missing.

Citizens of Kavin Wood, you’ve heard of the kidnapping of Lady Condori, my sister and the Condori infants, heirs to Kavin Wood. Lord Strom and I will mount a search to locate them and return them home.

The crowd below murmured but quickly silenced. Beyond the gate that lead to the causeway to the town below, more stood quiescent. Kambry could see the throng winding down the raised cobble road all the way to Kavinton. As Russal spoke, stopping a moment before going on, the announcement seeped through the crowd and onward. The snaking crowd seemed to ripple with its flow down the line.

We leave shortly, he called out into the respectful hush. There is still much to repair and clear here, and I leave the return of Kavin Castle and Kavinton to their original greatness to you, knowing all will be well while I am gone.

He placed a hand on Sybil’s and Burty’s shoulders on either side of him. The news traveled, rippling down the way. He maintained a dignified calm for another few moments as the murmurs died down.

Marshal Burtram and Sybil will guide you well. Heed their commands and apply to them when you have need. I am fortunate to have two such individuals to lean on in this time of crisis.

Sybil and Burty nodded in quick snaps and stepped aside, leaving Kambry beside Russal. She had seen little of Russal in the last two days and didn’t understand why she had to join him on the balcony for the public speech. A page had informed her to come dressed formally, and Lessa, a castle guard and her friend, had helped her choose from among her clothes an appropriate gown.

Russal was in the old colors of Kavin, green and brown. Purple stitching crisscrossed over the padded brown doublet with slashed sleeves, revealing the soft green of his undertunic. Though well designed, they were travel garments whereas hers were formal. One change he had made since she had arrived in Kavin was the reinstitution of the old colors. The standard black and red of his guards had disappeared, replaced with the brighter Kavin Wood colors. He took her hand and drew her close to his side.

Please recognize Kambry do Brode, Scribe of Paddlyrun, House Kon of Konright and Roniya of Paddlyrun, daughter of Council Leader Brode so Kon of Paddlyrun and High so Kon of House Kon of Konright, and Master Weaver Meesy do Roniya. My betrothed, your future queen.

Not a single individual in the throng looked surprised or displeased. Despite their concern for Lady Amily, there was an effort to show approval with light clapping, which Russal brought to a close with a raised hand.

We cannot delay another moment. Lord Strom and I must be away to find Lady Amily. I leave you in the best of hands, knowing also that you will protect both Kavin where my deepest loyalties lie and the future queen of Kavin, the keeper of all that my heart beats for.

This time the crowd roared. Russal, rather than attempting to calm them, pulled Kambry aside.

He kissed her, then clasped both her hands and put his cheek to her own. My Kambry, I hate to leave you. I fear I have not done enough to keep you safe. Felip knows this castle as well as I do. Burty is closing up access to the inner passages where he can, but he could still find a way in. We can watch for him, but I fear there are some in the kingdom that have turned to his side. Be watchful.

Kambry said, I’ll be fine. She couldn’t convince herself of that, and his grim look showed he wasn’t convinced either.

I fear you won’t, but I can’t remain or bring you with me. He hugged her tight to his chest. Burty will keep guards close to you at all times. I’ve moved your belongings in with your father and brother. You’ll be safe with them and have guards outside your room.

Concern rose in her chest. Russal, we’ve had so little time.

He looked around them. You understand that I have to find my sister?

Yes, but I want to help. What can I do? What does the betrothed of the prince of Kavin do? Queen of Kavin? Would they expect her to lead them through this crisis?

She keeps herself safe. She walks among the people so they get to know how special, kind and resourceful she is. You, Kambry, will be what you need to be.

I don’t believe I can, Russal. She shook her head from side to side. What had she agreed to when she said she would be his queen? What can a scribe offer?

You have Kavin Wood at your fingertips. He held up her right hand and nodded at the ring on her thumb. You have your own strength and courage. Kavin will help you, as will your heart and your friends.

Burty settled his hand on Russal’s shoulder. Your Highness. Your men are waiting, the horses saddled. His unhappy gaze took in their grip on each other’s hands. You know how I feel about this.

Russal stilled and closed his eyes. I don’t want to argue with you again.

Your place is here, Your Highness.

Marshal Burtram, I will find my sister, I will help my best friend, and I will return my niece and nephew home. I am the only one who can lead them to where they exited from Kavin Wood. It would take months for Tomo and our guards to track her kidnappers down, but I can bring them there in days. Or would you rather I send Kambry out with Tomo? She could do it.

Of course not.

Do as I ask. Protect Kambry and my kingdom until my return.

His jaw muscles bunching, Burty nodded.

Kambry wanted Russal to stay, but she agreed. He was the only one Kavin Wood could direct, besides herself, and lead the search to Amily.

I can steal you a few extra minutes, Burty said.

Russal turned her so that his back was to the crowd below. Burty placed himself between them and those on the balcony.

Kambry. He kissed her slowly, gently, then pulled away. Felip had time to tell you lies, perhaps even convince you of things I don’t have time to unravel. Please believe I will return to you. We will have the time to sort out my past and our future. I wasn’t always honest with you, but you know I’ve fallen for you heart and soul, don’t you?

She nodded, determined to believe despite the questions she had yet to get answered. Repairing Kavin Castle and preparing for the search for Amily and the twins had encompassed too much of their time for the last four days.

Perhaps her uncertainty showed through. His expression grew worried. Don’t give up on me. I’ve sown my own deceits to trap my enemy. He pressed her hand to his lips. Ask Kavin Wood when you have need. It will be true to you.

Russal kissed her desperately, and she returned his passion, bringing herself to tears.

He whispered against her cheek. Have dinner with me tonight.

Her laughter choked in her tight throat.

I mean it. Go to the rose garden, put your hand to the tree and invite me to dinner.

Such a silly prince.

You’ll do it? For me?

I’ll invite you for dinner. Should I bring a picnic basket? she teased.

Yes. He dashed one errant tear from her cheek and crushed her against Burty. Keep her safe for me. Not one strand of hair…. He kissed her again and rushed to Tomo, who stood and followed him into the castle.

In moments, the crowd below shifted, and she saw him appear in the courtyard, their horses brought to them. Five of the men from Castle Strom mounted their horses alongside five of Kavin’s guards.

Russal didn’t look up at her where she leaned over the balcony, staring down at him, her fingers gripping the stone of the balustrade. He clasped hands with people close to him, speaking words she didn’t hear, then galloped out of the gate. The sound of the hoofbeats, a sharp staccato on the cobblestones, lasted longer than her view of him. When he passed beyond the walls of the castle grounds, she could see him again and watched him and his company, Tomo galloping at his side, as they headed down the causeway into town and on to the surrounding woods.

Chapter Two

K ambry, Dad said.

She finished smoothing the gold leaf on the illustration for Amily, set down the burnishing tool and looked up. Though not the same as having Russal sleeping in the room hidden behind her wardrobe, she found the large quarters Russal had set aside for them comfortable and had set up her work on the dining table. The apartment was simply decorated and spacious. The three separate bedrooms’ doors opened into the living area that supplied a seating area for conversation and reading and a dining space.

Kambry sat at the table to the right of double doors leading to a deep, though narrow, balcony that stuck out from the castle like an overdeveloped chin below flat cheeks. A swath of sunlight lit the floor beside her.

Dad pulled a chair over and sat down facing Kambry. Stahn and I’ve been talking. One of us needs to head back. We can’t leave the business unattended for long.

She couldn’t expect them to remain indefinitely. Joining the battle to protect Kavin Wood had been a hurried decision. Most of the members of the Paddlyrun militia had already returned home. Stahn and Dad and perhaps three others were still in Kavin.

She put her hand on his. It’s okay. You both should go back. There are plenty of guards here to protect me, and I’ve made friends, too.

I hate to leave you when I know there is someone looking for the opportunity to cause you injury or steal you away. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair. It was frightening enough believing you lost in the woods. What I learned about the prince’s troubles has me more worried for you.

Dad’s face reflected more than concern. His broad shoulders and heavy brows gave him a deceptively aggressive look. Those who knew him well saw him as kindly. He looked ready to battle with anyone who stepped in the room to cause trouble.

Look how it turned out. I’ve plenty of protection, I’m betrothed to a prince…. We didn’t see that coming, did we? She raised a smile on her face and sat up straight. And I’m learning how to shoot a bow and arrow.

His intense look softened. I’ve always known you were worthy of a prince. He raised a good-humored brow. Remember, I’ve seen you cart around a pike. His expression grew serious again. I spoke with Marshal Burtram, and he will assign a female guard to take over one bedroom and watch over you until this situation clears or Russal returns. We’ve yet to decide if Stahn should go or me.

Tia has already gone back, hasn’t she? It had been her first test to see how much Kavin would respond to her. Would it let her create a path for others? It did. She could still feel the tingling wave of excitement remembering when the path materialized before them, the trees rushing aside as it twisted into the distance.

He nodded.

I’m sure Stahn wants to get back to her. They’ve a wedding to plan.

So you agree Stahn should leave? I just have to convince him. He flattened a hand on the table and stood. I’d feel better if I was the one who stayed, anyway.

No, I think you both should go. She kept her voice steady as she looked up at him. The thought of either going made her stomach flip. It was fine having a guard at the door, and having one in a room nearby would be nice, but Stahn and Dad would give their lives to protect her. Mom needs you even more than the business. I’ll be fine.

Dad rubbed her hand between his own and stared out the balcony doors. I asked Marshal Burtram if he could assign the Veed guard to you. She’d scare any man into running for his life. I still shudder when I see her march down a corridor or cross the inner courtyard.

Lessa? She’s my best friend here. For a moment she liked the idea. I understand she’s formidable, but I’ve not seen her in action.

Well, she’s the one that will be with you, and she’s the only reason I’m contemplating one of us leaving. But not both of us, Kambry.

Yes, both of you. She stood. I’m the betrothed of the prince of Kavin Wood. You’re going home with Stahn. She hated that her voice trembled a bit.

Dad’s eyes squinted at her.

I won’t say I’ll not miss you or that having you both here hasn’t comforted me. She tugged at the corner of the drawing. But I must stand on my own feet. I’ve the citizens of Kavin Wood to watch over, and they’ll be watching me. I can’t have my dad and brother here acting like I’m not protected by Russal’s loyal subjects and guards.

I don’t give a hay what they think. I want you safe.

And you’ve made sure of that by requesting Lessa. Burty, Guards Cole, Gordy and Drew are all here to protect me. She hugged him. You should both go. She grinned up at him. Visit every other day.

He laughed, somewhat mollified. How about once a week? He held her tight and sighed. Could I come back and check on you? Kavin will let me in?

I’ll make sure of it. Something else she would have to figure out. Who rolled out the green path? Kavin or Russal? Russal had been in the middle of battle when she requested Kavin Cut open. She eyed the ring on her thumb. What exactly had Russal done when he’d given her Kavin Wood? If she can open it to let someone out, she should be able to let someone in.

He rested his chin on her head. Isn’t there anything more we can do to ensure your safety?

I could disguise myself as a weaver and squirrel myself away in the weaving workroom. Who would think to look for the betrothed of the prince there?

Humph. It is my understanding that this Felip Covey is well aware of how to locate you.

It was worth a try to convince him not to worry. Dad, Felip dragging me away during the Grand Review was an anomaly. No guard will be distracted now that they’re on the alert.

He sat down, leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.

Kambry prepared herself. This was his I’ve-bad-news-to-point-out-to-you stance. Dad sitting didn’t promise his criticism would be less unwelcome. She settled a pleasant smile on her face and considered whether countering whatever he had to say might warrant tears. They eased his mandates when her other arguments couldn’t.

There’s one more issue I’d like to talk to you about, he said.

Oh, what, Dad?

He had the grace to show a bit of uncertainty. She was definitely not going to like what he had to say. Was everything else they’d discussed so far just an effort to prepare her for this?

I’ve nothing disparaging to say about your prince Russal, but a betrothal when you’ve only known him a scant three weeks. Don’t you think the betrothal is sudden?

A lot has gone on in the time since I entered Kavin Wood. And it’s been four weeks, though it feels more like three months or more.

Feels like and is are two distinct things. Do you really know him well enough to promise your future to him and take on all this? He swept his hand out encompassing, she imagined, all of the kingdom of Kavin. From scribe to queen, that’s quite a growth spurt.

Didn’t you say I was worthy of a prince?

Worthy, yes, he said with no room for doubt, his voice stern. But one gets to know even a prince before promising to take on the dangers that come with holding power.

She slowly took her seat. It wasn’t as if a part of her hadn’t asked the same questions. However, every time she thought of Russal, certainty filled her. She twisted the