Klara's Journey

Prologue

Standing atop the terrace, Waywyrd inhaled deeply, the sea-salted breeze penetrating his lungs. Detecting no sign of his sister, he let out a contented sigh, reveling in the thought of passing a solitary evening. He filled a wine goblet and sank into his favorite chair, absent-mindedly swirling the crimson liquid in his hand, its aroma a sweet assault on his olfactory senses. The view was magnificent, blues that were nearly blinding, the thin division between sea and sky becoming more pronounced as the sun prepared to set.

Hidden from view by the shrub-lined cliffs, the stone-built cottage offered privacy that was unmatched by the other villagers’ homes. Whenever he spent time on land, this sea-side cottage was the perfect place to do it. The terrace offered stunning views of the Black Sea. The dazzling splendor of the sunsets was eclipsed only by the majestic ferocity of the storms. He liked nothing better than when the wind whipped up white-capped waves and the surf crashed on the rocks below. Sipping his wine, Waywyrd relished the heavy flavor, rolling it on his tongue.

An evening breeze caused the branches overhanging his secluded home to rustle and sway. Looking across the sea revealed still waters. No wind at all. Annoyed, Waywyrd felt traces of magic in the air. Damn that woman, he thought, out to ruin an otherwise lovely evening.

In the space of a heartbeat, a whirlwind appeared on the veranda, twisting in furious gyre. It dissolved, sending leaves and branches skittering across the flagstones as Pendrwyrd unfurled herself, standing as tall as the staff in her hand. Waywyrd shook his head. The ease with which that woman appeared out of thin air was uncanny, and he did not appreciate the fact that she was standing before him now, blocking the view. With a reluctant sigh, he put down his goblet.

I’ve found her! Pendrwyrd exclaimed. Unfortunately, I can’t get close to her. You’ll have to do it.

Waywyrd looked doubtfully at his sister. You’ve found her before. And lost her again. And why in the blazes should I have to do it? It’s your task.

The problem is her occupation, Pendrwyrd said, shooting a meaningful glance at the decanter of wine. Klara’s a whore. No respectable woman can openly talk with her without arousing suspicion; they’re busy killing men, not bedding them.

The occupation seems quite appropriate, Waywyrd mused as he filled another goblet and offered it to his sister. After all, Abnoba offered herself as a prostitute. Besides, you’ve never been a respectable sort of woman.

Pendrwyrd took the wine and glared at her brother. She was the better wizard and well he knew it. They had matching scars on their faces and gray streaks in their hair as evidence of the first time he truly made her angry. He was eight, she was ten. As an adult he was smart enough not to press her too far.

Alright, Waywyrd said. You always were bossy.

Only because you always drag your bloody feet whenever there’s work to do, she snapped.

Are you sure she’s the one? Waywyrd asked, still hoping to avoid the job. Could it not be her daughter?

Pendrwyrd slumped into a chair beside her brother, still holding her staff in the crook of her arm. She hasn’t got a daughter.

Given her occupation it seems it would just be a matter of time, Waywyrd said.

No, Pendrwyrd said, she’s too smart for that. I’ve seen her gathering pennyroyal and it wasn’t a small quantity either. There was enough there to keep an entire village from getting pregnant.

If she won’t produce a child, why on earth are we wasting our time with her? Waywyrd asked. It was one thing to go chasing across nations. It was quite another to go chase across nations for no reason.

She’ll accept a Kelto, Pendrwyrd said with a wry smile. One came through not long after Lughnasad. He was a tinker who claimed he’d only spend one night in the village. He ended up staying three nights and her employer had a good portion of his silver before he left. She chuckled at that.

Then becoming serious Pendrwyrd added, The last of the line of Duir are gathered together in Olbia. It’s drawing unwanted attention; they cannot remain there. We must send for Nuallan and bring him to meet the others. Ice will be forming on the Danube soon so there isn’t much time. They can make preparations for the journey over the winter and set out in the spring with the thaw.

Ice has never been a problem for me, Waywyrd reminded his sister. And I don’t see why we need Nuallan. He’s not King now, never has been, and never will be.

Nuallan is old and won’t relish traveling in the cold regardless of your mastery over water, Pendrwyrd said. However, he’s still loyal to Clan Duir. With him present you’ll be more likely to get the others to agree to the expedition. For decades Nuallan has longed to see Thorn claim the Kingship. He’s known Thorn since he was a child and will be able to prod him in ways you can’t.

If what you say about Klara is true, she doesn’t seem a likely candidate, Waywyrd said. Nuallan certainly isn’t. Thorn left his old life behind long ago, and I thought Ffearn and Karn were—

Pendrwyrd cut him off. "They are the last of the line of Duir. It will be one of them and it will be her. The Book of Woe clearly states:

‘The last of the Abnoba’s line, the Kenetlo do adore,

Installed as Druidess, the line of Kings she doth restore.

As one of Abnoba’s protected, she does earn her keep,

To see the rise and fall of Kings, like Abnoba she will weep.

Elah desires her, and like Abnoba she will kill,

For, to save her own daughter there is none she will not still.’"

Waywyrd was not convinced. What even makes you think the time is now? How many prophecies are there? Three? Four? One says the line of Duir will be restored, another says kingship will be transferred to Clan Nuin. In the fading light Waywyrd produced a scroll.

Pendrwyrd rolled her eyes. Your reliance on scrolls is disheartening. You should have learned to memorize the important bits by now.

I keep them around because you refuse to acknowledge what’s actually written on them, choosing to make things up as you go along instead, Waywyrd said.

Smoothing the scroll’s parchment, he laid it on the table and set his wine goblet on the farther end to hold it in place. Squinting against the dim light, he read the first prophecy:

"‘Thorn of Oak takes Ash as sons,

Goddess flees on Ashen mare;

Sacred three grow as one,

To Ash, Oak, and Thorn an heir.’"

That isn’t much to go on, Waywyrd said.

It’s enough, Pendrwyrd insisted.

Waywyrd ignored her and continued with the second prophecy:

"’Draugr fight draugrs

In a battle both lost and won,

Oak falls ere he greets a son.

As father of Thorn’s heirs,

Ash rises to take its place,

Becoming King of the Kenetlo race.’"

This is equally ambiguous, Waywyrd said.

It’s clear enough to me that there will be an heir to Clan Duir, but that kingship will be transferred to Clan Nuin. Pendrwyrd replied.

Or, Waywyrd countered, Thorn won’t produce heirs and Brawn becomes King anyway. That certainly seems more likely. And Thorn’s father fell in battle before Thorn was born, so it might not be a reference to Thorn’s child at all, but to Thorn himself because he’s already named his nephews as his heirs. Brawn stood against Thorn in the last election and two of the clans still support him whereas Thorn has lost the support he once had, so we needn’t bother ourselves.

There are other prophecies, Pendrwyrd reminded him.

Oh yes, Waywyrd agreed eagerly. "There is this one:

‘For his sins Elah must atone,

But he cannot be killed by one,

Who is maid, mother, or crone.’

Which makes me wonder why you’ve got us looking for a woman? It seems a man is necessary to do this job, Waywyrd said.

"It’s in the Book of Woe, Pendrwyrd replied with a sigh. I just recited the relevant passage for you. A daughter of Abnoba’s line will do the killing."

Waywyrd frowned and signed heavily. "The Book of Woe speaks of a woman who produces a daughter, but the prophecy regarding the battle of the draugrs speaks of a son."

Pointing an accusing finger at Pendrwyrd, he continued, And you tell me Klara is capable of avoiding pregnancy altogether, so she will produce neither son nor daughter. The final prophecy says Elah will not fall at the hands of a woman, which means we don’t need her at all; we should be looking for a man. My point is they can’t all be right. Then there is the prophecy demons stand by: what was the name of the woman who wrote that?

Beatrice Nutter, Pendrwyrd replied.

Nutter is right! Waywyrd exclaimed. "The woman was barking mad! Have you read that thing? It says:

‘The King takes a lover when brothers are lovers and lovers of the King’s lover; and the King’s lover loves a brother. When the lover of brothers is the King’s lover and neither maid nor mother she becomes defender of maids and avenger of mothers. Then the King’s lover, as the lover of brothers becomes a mother of brothers. And when the King’s lover becomes a mother of brothers, the King becomes father of a daughter. Brother, oh brother!’

Waywyrd finished, breathless. If that woman is even half as accurate as you claim she is, we happen to be short a pair of brothers. Or multiple pairs of brothers as the case may be. We have nephews, uncles, and cousins, but no brothers.

Pendrwyrd dismissed his comments with a wave of her goblet. We’ll just have to make do with what we have.

Prophecies don’t work that way! Waywyrd shouted. All the pieces must be in place.

You’re deliberately being contrary, Pendrwyrd said. She drained her goblet and set it on the table with a deliberate thunk. I’m going to establish a residence in the Urals not far from the village where Klara resides so I can keep an eye on her this winter. You need to collect Nuallan and deposit him with the others in Olbia. They must be on the road before the full Ash Moon. Once they are under way, you must get her to agree to join them.

This is mad, Waywyrd said. Nothing here makes a lick of sense; you have nothing to go on.

Woman’s intuition, Pendrwyrd said. I find it to be highly accurate.

Yours or the Nutter’s? Waywyrd chided.

Both, Pendrwyrd said, then she slipped into a flutter of leaves and vanished.

Chapter 1

A Stranger

Klara’s eyes fluttered, admitting nothing but blackness. The grass stuffing of her pallet had long since been squashed flat, offering no comfort at all. Now, her hip and shoulder ached from being pressed against the ground. Abandoning thoughts of sleep, she rose, intending to hunt before the alehouse opened for business.

Today was the Vernal Equinox. Everyone in the surrounding villages was celebrating, so the alehouse had been full the past two nights. Serik had not purchased enough supplies to make it through the holiday and the last of the mutton was put into a stew yesterday. If there was to be meat with the meal tonight, she would have to kill it. Collecting her bow and slinging her quiver across her back, she slipped out the back door and disappeared into the forest.

The alehouse had a reputation for serving the finest meals around. It had another equally well-known reputation for ignoring the local magistrate’s ban on prostitution. Those two factors combined meant Serik did considerable business. Klara cooked the meals and served the men, with food or on her back, it mattered little. And while Serik’s business made him a wealthy man, he did not share his riches. Unable to afford either horse or house, she was at the mercy of men like Serik and expected to earn her keep.

Worn thin by years of use, Klara’s dress did little by way of keeping the breeze out and her in. Catching her golden braids in its grasp, the wind set them to bobbing at her back. Shivering against the chill, she made her way deeper into the forest. Upon reaching a creek, she climbed into a tree that afforded a good view of the stream and waited patiently as the forest awoke. Something was bound to water here.

The time needed to pull an arrow from her quiver, nock it, and then draw her bow might mean the difference between meat on the table or beans for supper. In anticipation of game, she pulled an arrow from her quiver and held it nocked at the ready.

As the forest came to life, birds began their morning songs. The gray dawn gave way to golden clouds with pale pink hues and finally hints of blue. Below her the brush began to rustle. A roe deer cautiously approached the stream. Klara drew her bow and waited. The deer had only presented her its hindquarters, which was a poor shot. After it finished drinking, it turned and stood quartered away from her. She loosed her arrow, which sunk deep into the animal’s lungs. The deer jumped, ran thirty paces, and collapsed.

Climbing down from the tree, Klara went to collect her game. The deer was a doe. She pulled her knife from its sheaf, split the doe’s belly open, fished her hands into the body cavity far enough to cut the wind pipe, and extracted the steaming innards as one jiggly mass. Lying amongst the offal were twin fawns.

Absent gods, Klara said, rolling the gut pile away from her. That arrow claimed three lives, not one.

This early in the year the bucks had yet to regrow their antlers so it was difficult to tell the sexes apart. Given a choice, she would have preferred not to shoot a doe. Cursing Serik for not purchasing more meat, she slung the field-dressed carcass over her shoulders and made her way back to the alehouse.

Built in a clearing alongside the road, the alehouse was a ramshackle two-room structure. Serik’s house was nearly as large as the tavern, but much better kept. Both buildings were stone and timber construction with heavily thatched roofs. During the day, the alehouse doors were flung open to let the light in and the smoke out. Two oblong tables, each flanked by a pair of benches, filled the room. Another bench lined the front wall. In the center of the building, planks lay across casks of wine and ale. This formed a long bar that not only served to separate the alehouse’s patrons from the hearth where she cooked, but kept drunkards from falling into the fire. There was no doubt in her mind that all those seats would be full this evening.

After hanging the deer out back, she went to wash up. Unfastening her belt, she shrugged the threadbare dress off her shoulders, revealing the ample curves the men so greatly desired, if only for a night. Long ago, she chose comfort over fashion, eschewing the fitted tunics and breeches sported by the bands of warrior maidens. Instead she wore the plain, baggy dress, belted at the waist, favored among women who had given up warrior life and settled down.

Klara dampened a corner of her dress and washed the blood from her hands and neck. Golden braids bobbed in the sunlight as she worked the cloth over the back of her head, taking care to make sure no blood was in her hair. When her skin was scrubbed pink, she pinned the braids so they encircled her head like a wreath. Most Skolts preferred wearing their hair loose, but long hair was bothersome, so she kept hers up and out of the way while she cooked and served.

Owning a single dress left her with a dilemma, either she washed it now or wore it all day, crusty and blood-stained. The men cared little about her cleanliness or attire; they preferred her bare. In truth, she preferred nudity herself, though not when it encouraged groping hands. After rinsing out the dress, she hung it on the line to dry in the morning sun and went inside to cook wearing naught but what the Goddess had gifted her.

Inside the smoky room, Klara made bread and cut up winter vegetables to be roasted with the venison, courtesy of this morning’s hunt. With the bread on to bake and the meat and vegetables roasting, she put the damp dress back on. There was no need to give the men frequenting the tavern any more encouragement than the ale already provided.

Soon the room became boisterous, full of redheaded bachelors lacking nearby kin and eager to celebrate the holiday. Klara served food and beer while skillfully dodging the hands of men as she made her rounds of the room. Her curves were too great a temptation for them, which was not helped by the fact that the thin cloth of her dress left little to the imagination.

Toward the middle of the evening the tall, dark-haired foreigner, entered the alehouse, dashing her hopes that his absence in the intervening nights was an indication that he was just passing through the area. He was dressed entirely in blue and carried a walking stick with him, though she detected no sign of a limp. A nasty scar ran down the side of his face ending in gray streaks of hair at both ends, temple and beard. Despite the gray in his hair, he appeared to be in the prime of life. His tunic was plain, giving him a dull, unobtrusive appearance. But, given the quality of the garment, even without appliqués or embroidery, she knew he was no pauper.

When he had dined at the alehouse before, he held himself apart, refusing to interact with the Skolts. She had felt him watching her the previous nights, too, but he never asked for the pleasure of her company and left as soon as his meal was finished. That was odd. Most men who took a meal lingered to talk. Klara felt certain she needed to keep an eye on him.

Approaching his table, Klara asked, What’ll you be having tonight?

Ale and supper, the stranger replied. Before he could speak further, the man sitting opposite him reached out and squeezed her bottom. Swatting his hands away, she slipped behind the bar to dish up the food.

Klara returned with a platter and placed the food before him. I saw you in here before but you didn’t stay long. If you’re still here that means you aren’t just traveling through.

I’m visiting my sister. The stranger tore off a bit of crusty bread and gave his meal an appreciative glance. I didn’t think you’d remember me. We never spoke more than a moment or two.

With those streaks of gray in your hair and beard, you’d be hard to forget, Klara said. And you didn’t try grabbing my bottom. That’s worthy of notice right there. This is the third meal you’ve taken here in a fortnight. Either your sister isn’t much of a cook or you’re looking for other entertainment.

The stranger laughed. Cooking has never rated high on my sister’s list of priorities.

Well, that was hardly unusual. Fighting and horse breeding generally ranked higher than domestic responsibilities. Rather than rebuke him, she said, If you’re to be frequenting the place, I’d best know your name.

I go by Waywyrd, the man replied.

One of the regulars, Erasyl, pulled her into his lap, cutting short her conversation. His red beard tickled her cheek as he whispered in her ear, I’ve got silver in my pocket that says you can make me a happy man.

Erasyl, it doesn’t take much to make you happy, Klara said, much to the delight of the other men, who roared with laughter.

The laughter continued as she led him past the bar. Erasyl fumbled in his purse for the proper coinage and passed it to Serik whose bulky biceps flexed as he received the payment. Serik’s gray eyes flashed like flint against a striker. He did not mind how the men used her, so long as they refrained from misusing her. Bruised and battered, her valued dropped. A quiet man, Serik seldom needed words to get his point across.

Satisfied that Erasyl had received the unspoken warning, Klara pulled aside the goat-skin curtain covering the entry way of a small room partitioned off by the hearth. It was where she slept and where she serviced the clientele with silver enough to purchase her sex. Serik took most of the money, but she was given a roof over her head and afforded some manner of protection. Not a quarter of an hour later, her task complete, she resumed her duties in the tavern while Erasyl returned to his seat, a broad grin on his peasant face.

Pitcher in hand, Klara made the rounds of the room again and asked Waywyrd if he wanted more ale, but he declined. Having finished his meal, he paid and left. His gaze lingered on her before passing through the door. It was odd behavior and a little unnerving.

The tavern had emptied and Klara was sweeping up when Waywyrd returned, floating in on a cool breeze, and ordered another ale. She felt him watching her as she cleaned and Serik counted the money in the cashbox.

Once she had finished and put the broom away, she went to sit opposite him. Not many men sit in an empty tavern.

I was hoping we could talk privately, Waywyrd said.

We can do anything you want privately, Klara replied. But it all costs money.

Really, I’d just like to talk, Waywyrd insisted.

At that moment Serik shouted across the room. Klara, be sure he leaves. I don’t want any trouble like we had before. And make sure he pays. Then Serik disappeared out the back door, heading for home.

Waywyrd sighed and reached for his purse. How much?

Klara told him and he reluctantly parted with the silver. She rose, intending to lead him to the room in back.

That’s not necessary, Waywyrd said, here is fine. Puzzled, Klara wondered just what this man was after, but consented to sit opposite him again.

My sister sent me for you, Waywyrd began.

Klara cut him off with a sharp wave of her hand. If that’s what you’re after the price is double. Threesomes, foursomes, and moresomes all cost extra. This would be her first brother-sister combo and there was no way she was going to do it for the regular price.

Waywyrd coughed and cleared his throat, looking uncomfortable. We are seeking a cook, not a whore.

Oh, Klara said, her hands dropping to the table. I just thought… She paused, and then added forcefully, You still have to pay. Serik won’t believe you just wanted to talk.

That’s fine, keep the money, Waywyrd said, seeming somewhat relieved. A party of Keltoi will pass this way around Beltene. They are traveling to their homeland in the Abnoba Mountains and need someone who can cook and hunt. My sister says you’re capable of both. If you’ve been the one preparing my meals, I can vouch for your cooking.

Beltene was still moons away. The Skoloti did not celebrate Belenus or observe his holy days. The only thing they worshiped was their horses. Why not wait to hire a cook until they were ready to travel? She shook her head. They likely expected more from a hired cook than just cooking.

So you want me to cook and hunt, Klara scoffed. And at every village we pass through I get hired out as a whore; makes for a handy way to finance your journey. I’d still have to endure as much feasting, fighting, and fornicating as I do here, plus I’d be sleeping rough and dog-tired after a long day of walking.

I do not expect that will be the case, Waywyrd said. They are looking for someone to sign on as an equal in the company, not as a whore. You would share in the cooking, hunting, and other chores just as the other members of the party will. It seemed prudent to take on another member since there are already six in the party and seven is a luckier number.

And there would be no sex? Klara asked, looking for confirmation.

Not unless you want it, Waywyrd said. Then I expect there would be a number in the party who’d be happy to oblige. He was trying to hide a smile and failing miserably.

How do I know this isn’t a trap? Klara asked. You could be making the whole story up just to get me to leave here with you. What’s your role in all of this?

You have no way of knowing if this is entrapment, Waywyrd agreed. But you won’t be riding off with me tonight. If you are agreeable, they’ll meet you here. As for my role, I am a wizard enlisted to aid them in their journey, rather unwillingly, I might add.

A wizard seems to be a far-fetched claim, Klara said. She had seen plenty of road-side charlatans in her time at the alehouse and was never impressed.

Waywyrd held up his flagon, which still held a small measure of ale and blew across its base. The ale froze and frost crept up the flagon’s side. Then he turned it upside down. Not a drop of liquid fell from the lip. Righting the flagon, Waywyrd snapped his fingers. The ale was liquid again and all that remained of the frost was dew-like droplets running down the flagon’s sides and dripping onto the table.

Klara took the flagon from him and considered the ale in silence. She took a sip, then wiped her hand across her mouth. Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to meet them.

Waywyrd smiled, moved the walking stick to the crook of his arm, and proffered his hand. She took it and shook, feeling callouses on his rough skin. Then she walked him to the door. The man was utterly mad. Was there really was a party destined for the Abnoba Mountains looking for a cook? That seemed almost as unfathomable as his claim to be a wizard. Still, the trick with the ale was impressive and traveling to the Goddess’s home was bound to be more interesting than working for Serik.

Chapter 2

Meeting the Keltoi

Wrinkling her nose against the reek of unwashed men and stale beer, Klara knelt in the hot, dusty tavern, wishing she could be anywhere else. A quarter-season had passed since Waywyrd came to her with his offer, but there had been no sign of him since. Or the party of travelers he mentioned. That annoyed her and she was mad at herself for giving in to false hope.

Pausing, she wiped sweat from her brow with the back of her arm, then plunged her wet hands back into the soapy water. With the men working in the fields or busy with new foals, the days were slow at the alehouse. Serik had gone into Zlatoust for supplies, leaving her to tend the bar and scrub it down as best she could.

The only patron in the room was Arman, a dirty old man with an even dirtier mind. She felt him staring at her bottom, as she, on hands and knees, scrubbed the worn wooden bench that lined the front wall. A crusty mess, left by a patron unable to hold his drink, had gone unnoticed the night before. One of many such messes she cleaned up during her time at the alehouse.

How ‘bout it, Love? Arman pleaded. Klara did not need to look at him to know he still sat at the bar, a post he had occupied for the better part of the morning, nursing his beer.

Arman, I already told you I can’t leave the room unattended. Then for good measure, she added, I’d be fired. This was not his first attempt to get her to take him to the little room in back where she serviced the clientele when Serik was there to keep watch over the bar.

Who said anything ‘bout leavin’ the room? There’s no one ‘ere, is there? Arman remonstrated. And you wouldn’t want me tellin’ Serik that you was to turn down a payin’ customer, now would ya?

Klara scrubbed at the mess a couple more times. The last of it finally came loose and she wiped the bench clean. Exasperated, she relented, Take your trousers off and get up on the table. As Arman moved to do so, she waved to him. No, not that one; it’s got a leg that needs mending. Use the other one.

She hated servicing Arman, he was old and wrinkly. What was left of his hair was white and stuck out from his head. He was missing teeth and his breath stank. Still, she needed the money.

The sight of Arman’s scrawny frame laying across the table, trousers around his ankles, evoked pity and revulsion in equal measure. He was as stiff as he was likely to get so she hitched up her skirt and climbed on top. She was already hot and sweaty from scrubbing the benches. Since Arman always insisted she do all the work, she would be drenched in sweat before he was finished. As she worked him, the table began to gently thud against the floor. That was likely the reason she did not hear the party of strangers arrive.

Arman had loosened the top of her dress so he could watch her bosom bounce. As the strangers entered the alehouse, they were afforded a view of her supple, round breasts set aflight by the rhythmic motions she employed.

The party comprised six Keltoi. It was unusual to have Keltoi in these parts, but who was she to question them? After all, prostitution was illegal and here she was caught in the act. For their part, the Keltoi had mixed reactions to the situation. She read disgust on some faces; others simply gawked.

The newcomers appeared to be travel-weary souls, wearing plain, practical tunics over their trousers, the clothing lacking the embroidery and appliqués common to Skolt dress. However, a pair of younger Keltoi took more care in their adornment. Unlike the others, their tunics were shorter and embroidered at the collar with silver thread. One wore blue, the other wore green. That pair might have money and she intended to earn a goodly portion of it before they left.

Her voice husky from exertion, she announced to the company, It’ll be a minute more, then I can take your orders. I expect it’ll be ales all around.

I’ll have what he’s having. The dark-haired, blue-clad Kelto stepped forward and nodded toward Arman, still prostrate beneath her on the table. The Kelto’s bristly beard suggested it was stubble from yesterday’s shave. A slight natural wave weaved through his black hair which fell just below his collar, giving it the appearance of being often tussled and seldom combed.

Stepping forward, his green-clad companion said, Make that a double! He was the only brunette in the party and the only one with green eyes. Thin braids on either side of his head kept his hair away from his face, the rest of his hair he wore loose. He was free of a beard, but his moustache needed trimming. The pair had easy smiles, suggesting affable natures. Klara liked them immediately.

Do we pay now or later for the show? the blue-clad Kelto quipped. His companion was near to laughing, but in the background the other Keltoi were averting their eyes.

I cannot complete with them watching, Arman bellowed, his cheeks as ruddy as the beets she served for supper last night.

Sizing up the situation, Klara addressed the pair of young Keltoi, Gentlemen, it appears there isn’t going to be a show, but if you’ll kindly wait outside, I’ll be with you as soon as I finish here.

Once the room was empty and the door closed, Arman issued a satisfied grunt, signaling that he had ejaculated. He pulled up his trousers and reclaimed his seat at the bar. Klara let her skirt down and tucked her breasts back into her dress. Outside she heard raised voices and paused, her hand resting on the door.

I won’t have…that, as a member of my company! This came from a strong, firm voice. It was the voice of one who was used to speaking his mind, likely the leader of the group.

You said I was to choose the seventh member of the company, and I have. You must trust me on this. Klara was surprised to recognize Waywyrd’s voice. He had not entered the alehouse with the others and she wondered if wizard’s intuition had encouraged him to remain outside. Now, she feared her actions may have jeopardized any chance to join the expedition he told her about.

The first voice spoke again, This is what happens when a wizard decides to get involved. Did you not look at him? The man has seen too many winters to be of any use to this company.

I did not send you here for the man, Waywyrd snapped. I sent you for the woman!

At hearing that, Klara put on a smile and opened the door. As the Keltoi filed passed her, re-entering the dimly lit tavern, she noticed that the party was quite tall; it appeared that all of them were as tall as she was, or taller.

Since we’re here, we might as well have a decent meal, a balding Kelto said as he pulled out a bench and sat himself at one of the tables. Being dressed entirely in black, he made an imposing figure. A rim of collar-length, bushy black hair encircled his balding crown, blending with his beard. He was fit but carried more pounds around the middle than his companions. There was no doubt in her mind that he could end a fight. She hoped he was not the quarrelsome type given to starting them.

And a round of ale, the pair of younger Keltoi said in unison as they joined their balding companion.

The company’s leader grudgingly dug in his purse for the proper coinage and paid for the meal. Klara hastened to serve the ale and prepare the food. While standing at the bar, filling a platter with a traditional plowman’s lunch, she felt the eyes of the younger Keltoi upon her. Their attention followed her as she moved about the room. In her line of work she had few Keltoi, but those who visited her were more considerate than other foreigners in bed. Truth be told, they were better than most Skolts, always paying generously for their dalliances.

Arman pulled her thoughts back to the present. I’ll have another, he said as he placed his coppers on the counter.

Aren’t you forgetting something? Klara asked and tapped the bar next to his coins.

I shou’d no’ have to pay, Arman protested. I was interrupted.

Klara looked him squarely in the eye. You do have to pay, interruptions or no.

Arman grunted and put the rest of the money on the counter. Klara swiped it up and took it to the cashbox, pocketed her share, and brought him the ale. Then she gathered up the platter and carried it to the table where Waywyrd and the company of Keltoi sat.

With a playful light in his eye, the young dark-haired Kelto winked at her as she set the tray on the table and eagerly reached for his share of the meal. His companions attacked the platter with equal gusto. Now that food was set before them, Waywyrd called her to his side and banged his staff against the floor to garner their attention.

Gentlemen, Waywyrd said, I’d like to introduce Klara. She is an excellent cook and possesses many of the qualities needed for a long journey. The announcement was greeted by skepticism by all but the two young Keltoi. Then Waywyrd turned to her. Klara, I’d like you to meet Thorn, leader of the company.

The Kelto he indicated was dark and brooding. Long black locks fell to his shoulders. His beard was neatly trimmed, a distinction that set him apart from his companions. She admired his well-muscled chest and arms. The gray tunic he wore was clean, but worn and peppered with singes. From this she surmised that he labored as a blacksmith. The manner in which he held himself indicated that he clearly knew his own mind and did not often look to the opinions of others. On his belt was a dagger which appeared to be of fine quality. His eyes, dark and piercing, were sizing her up, just has she had done to him. At last he said, Have you any skill with weapons?

Klara held his gaze. I’m fair with a bow. But I find it better not to get into positions where I’d need to use it in the first place.

Thorn nodded, but whether it was in affirmation she did not know. There was something in the way his eyes followed her that left her feeling uneasy. Not lust but something just as intense, as if he were trying to see more than just her skin.

Waywyrd continued the introductions, gesturing around the table. The balding fellow in black is Ruis, our guard. Next to him is Bardus, who has some medical training. This is Nuallan, and those two, he said, pointing at the pair of young Keltoi whose mouths were full of food, are Ffearn and Karn.

Which is which? Klara asked.

It don’t really matter because they’re never seen apart, Bardus said as he swiped another hard-boiled egg from the platter.

The dark-haired, blue-clad Kelto quaffed his ale, put down the empty flagon, and rose to address her. I am Karn, and I believe we have a bit of business to discuss away from this lot. Because he was taller than his companions, like Skolt men, Klara needed to look up in order to meet his gaze. He winked, flashed her a playful smile and reached to take her arm.

Sit down, you fool, Thorn bellowed. We have real business to discuss. Karn glowered at the elder Kelto, but wordless sat.

Once Karn was seated, Thorn said, We travel to Kenetlon, our homeland; the way is long and perilous. The principal city, Duirness, was laid to waste by war. The city and the surrounding lands were overrun by demons and many of the people fled. For years the city and its mines have lain abandoned. We are simple tradesmen who intend to resettle our ancestral lands. Waywyrd insisted we take on a seventh member of the company for luck. It seems this is where you come in. If you cannot fend for yourself in the wilds, you should not join us. You told me you were good with a bow. Can you ride?

Aye, I can ride, Klara replied. It was an unnecessary question. All Skolts rode.

From the direction of Ffearn and Karn, she heard snickers. Under their breath one of them said, We saw how well she rode when we walked in, but she did not know which one owned the remark.

Anger flared in her cheeks and she turned on Waywyrd. I’m not signing up to be their comfort-wench. When you came to me you said I’d not be a whore. You said there would be some cooking and they would need the use of my bow. You said I’d be an equal in the party. That’s why I agreed, to get away from this godforsaken life.

Calm down, calm down. Waywyrd’s attempts to soothe her failed. Klara swiped his flagon from the table and tossed the contents in his face. Dumbfounded and a bit dismayed, she stepped back. He had enjoyed the splash.

Thorn stood. There will be no sex. His voice was firm; however, he was not looking at her or Waywyrd. He was staring at Karn and Ffearn, who appeared somewhat uncomfortable under his gaze.

Unless I decide I want it, Klara said, returning the empty flagon to the table.

What? Thorn exclaimed, turning in her direction.

Klara leaned around Waywyrd to look