Chapter 5

They spent the rest of the day in Jessica’s room, lying contentedly on her enormous bed and eating from a huge platter of food the servants brought them. Both had bathed and changed clothes, Jessica procuring a pair of trousers and a simple shirt and vest from the soldier’s barracks for her dark companion. The outfit was masculine and not particularly extravagant, but Kaleah insisted she preferred it to the dresses Jessica had offered to find; dresses she noticed the young woman didn’t seem too fond of herself.

Jessica’s bedroom was quite a bit larger than Kaleah’s, and was filled with rugs and tapestries, pieces of armor and various weapons, couches and cushions and tables and chairs. There were strategic maps of battle plans laid out next to glass vials of perfume, and neatly folded, elegant dresses sitting beside rumpled and torn peasant rags. Looking at the whole chaotic arrangement, Kaleah thought the room seemed almost at odds with itself, unable to decide if it belonged to a hard-as-nails warrior or a soft-and-sweet noble maiden.

It was, she decided, a good reflection of the woman who owned it.

The far wall was dominated by a huge granite fireplace framed by magnificently carved angels, each holding a double-edged sword pointing towards the ground. The room was lit now by the fire that had been laid within it, as well as the light of many mounted sconces. When Kaleah breathed in deeply, she could detect the perfume of vanilla and something her mind identified as being her young companion’s own particular scent; a musky combination of sweat and youth that was almost intoxicating.

Jessica did most of the talking, rattling off a few of the stories she’d read in her precious books, munching on the cheese, bread and meat that lay between them. For her part, Kaleah was content to just lie back and listen to the soothing tones of the young woman’s lilting voice, reflecting how nice this was after their ordeal.

Jessica finished the story she was telling and glanced at her companion. "Kaleah?"

"Hmmm?"

"I was wondering. . ?"

"Yeah?" Blue eyes opened her and regarded her lazily.

"Would you like to learn to ride?"

"Ride?" The dark woman sat up, curious. "You mean ride a horse?"

"Sure. I could teach you if you’d like."

Kaleah thought about it. "I don’t know . . ." She wasn’t sure she could handle one of the beautiful, noble creatures, yet at the same time was envious of the ease and grace with which Jessica rode Andromeda.

"It’d be a good skill to pick up," Jessica went on. "You could go wherever you wanted to go outside the castle. We could even go on rides together, you know. Into the forests and stuff."

Kaleah smiled at that, quite liking the idea of being out in the wilderness with the young woman. Maybe it would be good.

"I guess," she allowed.

"Great!" Jessica bounced up and down on the bed gleefully. "We can start whenever you want to . . . maybe tomorrow?"

"Sure, sounds good." She regarded the cheerful blonde seriously. "Do you still want to teach me to fight?"

Jessica saw her expression and calmed herself. "Only if you want to learn," she said quietly. "I’m really sorry about Sir Miles . . . he was only trying to help-"

"That’s okay," Kaleah interrupted. "What he said . . . about me controlling myself. He was right."

Jessica raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Kaleah nodded. "I seem to have kind of a short fuse," she admitted softly. "When things go wrong, I loose my temper and lash out."

Jessica had noticed that about her new friend. She’d seen how Kaleah fought against the knight back in the bandit camp, had been impressed by her controlled, considered actions which downed the armored, skilled warrior without him coming close to even touching her. But while the older woman had started out controlled when they’d fought each other in the clearing, she had lost her patience as the duel went on and saw she was going to loose. And her fight against Sir Miles . . . well, she hadn’t even tried to keep her cool, lashing out viciously, her intent to kill stemming from her frustrations and feelings of powerlessness.

"I can understand that," Jess said, wanting to be compassionate. "And you’ve always been like that? Even before, when you were . . ?" Jessica let the sentence hang.

The dark haired woman shrugged. "Sometimes, yes, even when I was a slave — at least for a while." She smiled sadly. "It was something that got me into very bad trouble a few times, but I learned to deal with it. With freedom, it apparently came back. So Miles was right . . . I do have a lot to learn."

"I’m sure he’d be happy to continue the lessons if you’d like-"

Kaleah shook her head. "Not just now," she said quietly. "Would it be okay if . . . if just the two of us practiced together? Alone?"

Jessica grinned, her eyes dancing. This was more than she’d hoped for from the dark woman. "Of course," she said enthusiastically. "I’d love that."

Kaleah smiled herself, glad that her request had been so well received. "We could do some archery too, if you like?"

"Archery?" Jessica frowned. "I doubt I could teach you much about using a bow," she admitted easily. "Never really was my strong suite, if you know what I mean. I focused on the sword and knife."

"Really?"

"Uh huh."

Kaleah allowed her smile to turn into a rakish grin. "Well, maybe if you like I could give you a few lessons, huh?"

Jessica returned the grin with one of her own, reaching out and grabbing another slice of ham from the platter that lay between them. "That’d be nice," she said, lying back and looking up at the ceiling, which had been painted by skilled artisans into a now long-familiar scene of some religious event she’d never found out the story behind. She sighed happily, feeling her companion shift as she too lay back to regard the mural. "See," she said. "This isn’t so bad, is it?"

"I guess not," Kaleah allowed. She could feel herself quickly growing to like Jessica more and more now that she allowed herself to listen to her heart instead of her mind. It was a pleasant warmth that seeped into her blood and left her feeling relaxed and happy for the first time in a lifetime. "If I have to put up with someone’s company . . . you’re not such a bad choice."

Jessica laughed and slapped her playfully on the shoulder. "You just wait till you get to know me," she threatened with a chuckle, waving the meat around in the air. "I’ll wager there are soldiers in the barracks right now placing bets on how long it takes me to get us both in more trouble than we can handle."

"Oh? You seem harmless enough to me."

Jessica chewed on the ham and giggled. "This from the woman still bruised from our last encounter."

"Maybe I was having an off day," Kaleah growled, rubbing the still-tender marks on her forehead and face.

"Maybe."

They lapsed into silence for a moment, just enjoying the company and the filling meal after a night of hardship. Kaleah particularly enjoyed the various tastes her palette had never sampled as a slave, and she hummed as she bit into a piece of sweetmeat with relish.

"So," Jessica broke the silence and looked over at her dark haired friend. "You want to start tomorrow?"

Kaleah nodded, licking her fingers happily and not seeing the look that passed across Jessica’s face as she watched the unintentionally sensuous actions before dragging her eyes away, blushing furiously. "Provided the weather’s okay, sure."

"Great." Jessica steadied her suddenly racing heart-beat and closed her eyes. What is going on with me? she wondered. She knew about women who preferred the company of other women rather than men. She had even admitted privately that she found the idea rather intriguing . . . especially when she considered the fact that her wedding night — if it ever came about — wasn’t going to go as tradition might desire. But still, she had only known Kaleah a few days, and her mind seemed to constantly meander onto these strange, enticing pathways. Frankly, it was getting a little annoying.

Sure, the woman was spectacularly beautiful, and sure there was probably no harm in just looking; but the sermons Jessica had listened to since she was a little girl made it clear that any physical relationship between people of the same gender was a sin. Of course, Jessica had never really listened to these type of sermons — they seemed to say that God punished some kinds of love just because of a few physical differences. The line between right and wrong seemed awful blurry. So it wasn’t for the sake of her faith that she was worried by these thoughts . . . thoughts she’d had for a while now, but which had suddenly found a focus of attention. It was the fact that she wanted to be Kaleah’s friend. And just because she was trying to be friendly to the dark woman didn’t mean she wanted to be that friendly!

But still, the images of Kaleah that ran through Jessica’s mind even now continued to do everything they could to fan the flames that raced through her young body.

"Great," she repeated, smiling at Kaleah to cover her nervousness. "Tomorrow it is then."
Ho, boy! Jessica groaned silently. This friendship might be harder than I thought.

"No . . . come in low and then twist round to the right so you aim for the neck, like this, see?" Jessica went through the motions slowly, demonstrating the rather advanced attack routine for her attentive sparring partner. "You got it?"

"Sure."

They squared off and Kaleah attacked as instructed, hitting Jessica’s defense and then spinning around to strike high. She went slowly, getting a feel for the pattern, and was pleased when it went as intended.

"Excellent!" Jessica applauded. "You’ve got it perfectly."

Kaleah grinned at the praise. "Again?"

Jessica nodded and they continued the routine, making it familiar and testing it in combination with other patterns, some of which they had developed just between the two of them, finding what suited their particular styles of fighting.

It had been over a week, nearly two, since their return from the storm, and both women were pleased to find their friendship had grown stronger as time went by. Now that Kaleah no longer saw herself as a helpless captive, she allowed herself to enjoy the castle and it’s comforts. Jessica enjoyed playing host to the dark woman, showing her more of the great fortress and making sure she felt at home.

During the day, they practiced fighting or riding, sometimes reading or just watching the soldiers train . . . though Kaleah had not yet started instructing her young friend on the use of the bow. From time to time, Sir Miles would come by and watch them spar, though the elder knight seemed content to wait for them to ask for his suggestions or invite his participation.

Sometimes, they would sit in Jessica’s room and play chess for hours. Kaleah had proven to be a quick study of the game, learning its intricacies with ease. Jessica recognized the sharp mind and keen intellect behind her friend’s intense blue eyes, and knew she had been right about Kaleah being a smart woman. But more than simple intelligence, the former slave seemed to possess an innate understanding of all manner of things; she played chess using complex strategies that left even Jessica baffled. She noticed minor things that others would miss. And she learned new fighting moves so quickly it was like she’d been born with a sword in her hand.

The dark woman adjusted well to castle life. Usually restless and filled with an animal energy, Kaleah was surprised to find that she didn’t feel trapped in her new home anymore. And although she had always preferred solitude after her release from slavery, Kaleah found herself feeling lonely whenever Jessica was not by her side. The young woman was lively and spirited; the people loved her and she gave of herself willingly . . . mostly to Kaleah herself. Though hesitant about trusting her undeveloped social abilities, Kaleah found that she was quite capable of enjoying spending her time with the vibrant blonde.

Kaleah also spent much of her time in the castle’s smithy. Jessica had introduced her to Sutton, the master smith, a short man with the unusually muscular arms of those who worked with forge fires all day, lifting the heavy hammers to pound out the red-hot metal into it’s desired shape. Although Sutton was an expert at his craft, Kaleah had learned weapon-smithing techniques from a man who’d spent his entire life perfecting one specific field of metal working; the art of forging swords. While Sutton may have been talented in all areas, De’Livier had been an artist, and Kaleah an attentive pupil. The dark woman made sure to spend a few hours whenever she could with the smith, showing him a few of the advanced techniques she had learned. Amazed to find so skilled a tutor, Sutton was only too happy to absorb all he could.

Of course, at times Kaleah still felt the need to distance herself from the other inhabitants of the castle. There were times when the constant presence of people around her raised the dark and ugly memories from her past. During these times, she generally sought out the heights of the lookout parapet. Far above even the castle walls, Kaleah would sit in her lofty perch and look out onto the surrounding land, enjoying the peace and freedom that such height afforded her. Sometimes at night, she could look out to the north and see the lights of the village that lay just a few short miles from the castle; close enough that the peasants could seek sanctuary within the great fortress should an enemy attack, yet far enough away to retain their autonomy and space.

When Kaleah asked Jessica about the village, the young woman explained that she’d never really been there that often — just when passing through on the way to somewhere else. She knew there were a few dozen families in the village . . . a few hundred people in all, mostly workers and farmers. Beyond that, her only contact with the peasants was when they journeyed to Da’Gran in the quest for justice.

Kaleah had learned from Jessica that every Saturday, Sir Richard, as reigning lord of a large area of land called a ‘vassal,’ held court within his audience hall. Any and all who dwelt on the lands under his protection could come and petition him for aid in whatever problems they were having. Sometimes, they asked for protection from roving packs of bandits like the one Kaleah had been with when she’d been taken. Sometimes they asked for Sir Richard’s judgement on a dispute or when a crime had been committed. And sometimes they came seeking the help of the lord knight and his soldiers for such things as the training of men for a militia, or the building of a protecting wall for their village. Jessica had informed Kaleah that her father ruled over some seven fair-sized villages . . . all in the name of the King of England, of course.

The day following this judgment, Sunday, was a traditional day of rest and observance of religious activities. Born in a land far distant and then abducted as a child by Godless slavers, Kaleah knew little and cared less for such matters. She had rarely prayed to or thanked any God for the life that had been thrust upon her — such deities rarely listened to her words. She was a little surprised when Jessica informed her that she did believe in God, and spent a few hours every Sunday thanking him for his bounty, and asking for continued good health and fortune for herself, her family and the common people everywhere.

The practical side of Sunday, as far as Kaleah was concerned, was that no work was permitted during this time. This meant a day of relaxation and enjoying the company of her young friend.

Jessica taught Kaleah to read more than she had ever known before, and they spent a bit of time looking through the books of history and lore of England and the nearby lands of Scotland, Ireland and Wales. From her reading, Kaleah gained a greater understanding about exactly what Sir Richard did in his service to the King. She learned about the way the land was divided among the noble lords, barons and earls who, in exchange for the lands and power they were given, were expected to maintain the lives of the common peasants and also provide soldiers for the seemingly constant string of wars this land fought. These caretaker’s were generally free to fight amongst themselves as they saw fit, feuding and allying back and forth, occasionally launching serious assaults, but rarely actually gaining any tremendous degree of power. As long as the lands were safe and his armies supplied, the King seemed content to look the other way.

Thinking now as she continued to fence almost playfully with Jessica, Kaleah identified that today was Thursday. The thought brought a frown to her face. Thursday nights Jessica was expected to attend dinner with her family, the leading knights and the captain of the guards in the audience hall. That meant Kaleah would be alone tonight, which instantly made her feel depressed. She enjoyed eating her meals with Jessica, relaxing in the young girl’s company where she felt safe and protected. She hated Thursday nights.

Seeing her partner’s concentration wavering, Jessica pulled back. "What’s wrong?"

Kaleah shook her head. "Nothing," she replied, trying to think of something fun to do to revive her spirits. "Hey, you want to head over to the archery field? You’ve been putting me off long enough, I think."

Jessica smiled and wiped sweat from her brow. "I guess so," she agreed cheerfully, sheathing her rapier. "But I warn you, I’m not very good."

Kaleah dusted herself off and returned her own weapon to the scabbard at her side. "Don’t worry. I’ll show you what to do."

"Hey there, young lady!" called a deep voice from the wall of the inner keep. Looking up, the two fencing partners saw Sir Richard leaning against a stone pillar, watching them.

"Hello, father," Jessica called, waving.

Kaleah, remembering she was a commoner in the presence of nobility, effected a graceful curtsey with deep sincerity. In the last week, she had grown to rather like the lord knight, who treated her respectfully and with an almost fatherly sense of familiarity that Jessica found particularly entertaining.

"Good morning, Milord," she said.

Sir Richard waved her gesture away as he walked down the flight of steps that led to the courtyard from the wall. His sharp eyes took in their sweaty faces and the disheveled looks earned from over an hour of practice.

"I’ve been watching you girls all morning," he said, fixing his gaze on Kaleah. "I must say, young lady, you’re every bit as formidable as my daughter led me to believe."

"Thank you, Milord." Kaleah felt herself flush with the praise. It meant almost as much to her as Jessica’s words of encouragement.

"Aye . . . aye." Sir Richard seemed to think for a moment, before he continued. "You’re from a Spanish school of training, aren’t you?"

Kaleah was a little taken aback. "Y-yes, milord. My former master was a teacher in the fencing academy for a time. He trained me."

"Aye, I recognized your style." He eyed her thoughtfully, taking in her fine armor, confidant stance, and finally the beautiful Spanish blade hung comfortably below the line of her hips.

"She’s a quick learner, father," Jessica jumped in, happy to talk with her father about her friend. "A natural fighter. She’ll surpass my skill before the year is out."

Sir Richard raised an eyebrow at this. "Oh, will she?" he asked, noticing the excitement in his daughter’s expression. "Well, I trust you won’t make it easy for her, will you?"

Jessica laughed. Kaleah could only blush at this praise. She knew she had a long way to go before she was in the same league as her younger friend. "I believe your daughter flatters me overmuch, Milord," she smiled.

"Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure," he mused, rubbing his bearded chin in consideration. "I watched you just now; you could go a long way."

Sir Richard was a sharp man, and he was proud of the fine young woman his daughter was growing into. In the last few years, however, he had seen Jessica grow more and more desperate for someone to talk to besides the soldiers and knights. She wanted — needed — a friend, so Richard had granted her request for custody of the dark-haired foreigner.

At first, things had seemed to go poorly. While Miles would not comment on the incident that occurred during their first training session, the lord knight picked up bits and pieces from other soldiers who had witnessed the fight. He had suspected dire things when his old friend came to him and told him of Jessica’s flight into the deadly storm, but had trusted his daughter to be smart enough to get through the night in one piece. He had expected the tall, scarred woman to be gone by the morning, but had seen immediately that the two young women had apparently sorted things out between themselves.

Now, Sir Richard could see for himself that he had made the right decision. Jessica and the barbarian woman sparred with a cheerful, almost playful comraderie, their styles different but somehow complementary. His wife had argued long and hard against allowing Jessica anywhere near this ‘heathen savage’, but Sir Richard was pleased to see his beloved daughter so happy with her new friend.

That in mind now, he decided it was time to get to know this ‘Kaleah’ a little better . . . if for no other reason than the fact his interest seemed to please his emerald-eyed child.

"Anyway, that’s not the reason I came out here. Jessica, tonight’s our dinner night . . ." He smiled at her muffled look of dismay. "Come now," he said gruffly. "We hardly see you anymore at meals. Don’t deny your father one night a week of your company."

"I know," she said softly, looking at her feet. "It’s just . . . Mother makes things difficult." Lady Rose was pushing about the damned marriage again.

"I understand," Sir Richard patted his daughter’s shoulder, knowing she’d been scrambling for another plausible excuse to delay her wedding . . . again. "But I was wondering if tonight maybe you might like to invite your friend here to join us." He indicated Kaleah, smiling at the shocked look on her face. "I’m sure she’d be a welcome addition to the table."

Jessica stared at her father in disbelief, wondering if she’d heard right. "You want Kaleah to come to dinner?"

"Certainly." He raised an eyebrow at the dark woman. "What do you say, young lady?"

Kaleah could only nod dumbly, she was so shocked. "Of course, Milord. I would be honored."

"Good then. It’s settled." He clapped his hands together in satisfaction and smiled at the two stunned women. "Should be an interesting night, eh, Jess?" He winked at his daughter, then turned and ambled away back up the stairs and into the keep.

Jessica and Kaleah just stared at each other. Seeing their own look of shock reflected in the others face, they burst out laughing — something Kaleah had found herself doing a lot more of lately.

Calming herself, Jessica could only shake her head. "I believe we were discussing a trip to the archery range?"

Kaleah wiped a tear from her eye and nodded. "That we were," she agreed. They started off again. "Are you okay with me coming tonight?" she asked, not wanting to intrude on Jessica’s time with her family.

The blonde looked at her in disbelief. "Are you kidding? It’ll be great! I could use another friend at that table."

Kaleah grinned, happy. "I think you overdid things a little there . . . saying I’d be as good as you within the year."

"I was perfectly serious," Jessica said firmly.

"You were?"

"Of course." She looked the taller woman up and down. "I’ve trained as a fighter my whole life to be as good as I am, right?"

"Uh huh."

"How long have you been training?"

Kaleah considered for a moment, then shrugged. "I don’t know . . . maybe a year, give or take a few months."

"There you go." Jessica grinned and patted her on the arm. "In a year, you’ve learned enough that you could lay a blade on me in a serious fight." She held up her arm, where the stitches had been removed from the wound and the scar showed to be healing nicely. "You’re a natural fighter, Kaleah. You have a talent for this stuff I don’t. Frankly, I’ve never seen anyone learn as fast as you are — it’s kinda spooky how quick you pick up new moves."

Kaleah frowned, her dark brows contracting thoughtfully. "You really think that?"

Jessica threw her hands up. "God, you don’t take praise very well, do you?" She laughed as her companion blushed. "Yes, I really think so. I’ve learned to fight since I was a little girl because I had more of my father’s blood in me than my mother’s. But it doesn’t come naturally to me like it does for you. Trust me, in a year, you’ll be more than my equal."

"So . . ." Kaleah’s brow wrinkled in thought, "your father saw how good I am, and now he’s a little more interested in me, is that it?"

"I suppose so." Jessica considered a moment, then continued. "That wasn’t why he offered the invitation, though."

"It wasn’t?"

"Uh uh." She locked her eyes with her companions. "He was accepting that you and I are friends," she said. "He was letting me know that he approves of us spending so much time together . . . and that he likes you."

"He was?" With a simple dinner invitation?

"Sure. You see," she explained, "I usually spend most of my time alone, or training with the soldiers. But we’ve been spending a lot of time together the past week or so, and that’s unusual. People have probably been wondering who you are and why you’re suddenly a guest in the castle ever since you got here."

Kaleah was confused. "Why don’t they just ask?"

"Because it’s not their place to ask questions," Jess said patiently. "I’m nobility, and they’re just commoners." From her tone, it was clear Jess thought little of this notion. "My father invited you to dinner because he wants to show my mother and the important people in the castle that you’re not just here as a servant, you’re here as my companion." She paused, considering. "And he’s probably doing it also because he figures it’ll make him more popular with me," she grinned. "And he’s right."

"What do you mean?"

Jessica patted her on the shoulder. "He figures I’ll appreciate it if he makes an effort to get to know you . . . to be kind to you."

"Your father’s already nice to me, Jessica."

"I know that, but that’s just because he’s nice to almost everyone. This is his way of accepting you as a part of my life." She continued on a few steps before she realized Kaleah wasn’t following. Puzzled, she stopped and turned around. "What’s wrong?"

Kaleah’s expression was shy and vulnerable, her sapphire eyes startlingly open as they peered out from under dark bangs. "Do you mean that?" she asked softly.

"Do I mean what?"

Kaleah hesitated, seeing her companion’s brow crinkle in confusion. "Th-that I’m a part of your life?"

Jessica watched the instant of fear in Kaleah’s sapphire eyes, and for a moment she was filled with rage at the people who had put such fear into this woman. People who had made Kaleah hesitate every time she reached out to accept something offered to her, for fear it would be snatched away. Made her flinch whenever someone reached out to touch her. And in an instant of insight, Jess realized that this fear would always be a part of Kaleah. It was permanent. No matter how much kindness she showed her friend, no matter how often she told her she cared, a part of Kaleah would always be waiting — expecting — this friendship to be taken away.

For that moment, Jessica felt her hatred for the slavers flare, and she knew there was nothing she could do except try to make Kaleah understand that, though the past could never be erased or forgotten, it couldn’t hurt her anymore. So she smiled and nodded, reaching out and squeezing the dark woman’s arm. "You’re a very important part of my life now, Kaleah," she said sincerely. "A part that means a great deal to me. I mean that."

Kaleah nodded, relishing the physical contact that would have caused her to shy away just a week ago. "Thank you," she whispered.

Jessica squeezed Kaleah’s arm then released her. "Come on," she said, smiling again to relieve the seriousness of the moment. "We have an archery range to get too."

Grinning and happy once more, the two young women headed off once more towards their appointment with a bow and a quiver of arrows.

Tired and aching after their practice at the archery field, the two women headed back to Jessica’s room to prepare for the dinner just as the sun began to disappear over the distant horizon. The day had turned out to be quite pleasant for them both, with Jessica enjoying the lessons more than she should have; Kaleah had found it necessary to mould their bodies together as she demonstrated correct form and stance to the young blonde. Jessica found the delicious contact highly distracting, unable to prevent herself from taking guilty pleasure in the feeling of Kaleah’s body pressed tightly against her own.

Beyond that, Jessica’s shoulders, arms and back were now stiff and sore from the unusual exercise, and she stretched herself as she and her companion entered her room, shutting the door behind them.

"Uhgh . . ." She groaned, rolling her neck from side to side, trying to ease the tension. "I’m not looking forward to tomorrow."

"Oh?" Kaleah just grinned at her happily. "A few hours of archery and you’re ready to quit already? Some tough warrior maiden you are."

Jessica laughed and threw a cushion at her playfully. "See if I ever agree to another lesson like that," she threatened under her breath, knowing full well her friend would hear her. She’d noticed Kaleah had remarkable hearing.

"What was wrong with my lesson?" asked the dark woman, seating herself on the enormous bed. "I think I did quite well, considering what I had to work with."

"Hmph!" Jess frowned and pretended to grumble as she began sorting through her wardrobe for something presentable to wear to the dinner. From the corner of her eye, however, she watched her new friend and had to grin, feeling a bubble of happiness stir deep inside.

Over the past week, Kaleah had started to shed a lot of her stiff and stony shell as she allowed herself to enjoy life more and more. At times, she could actually be quite playful and cheeky. Their conversations still tended to be rather one sided, but Kaleah was starting to say more. She still didn’t laugh very much, and when she did she tended to hide her face behind her long dark hair, but it was a good start. They were comfortable together, and the friendship that had taken root in the harsh chill of the storm was now strong — and growing stronger every day. This dinner would be an interesting step for them both, Jessica knew. It would show Kaleah more of what her life was like, and would also demonstrate to her family that the dark-haired woman was here to stay.

"It would have been nice to get a bath in," she commented, smelling her armpit and wrinkling her nose a little. She grabbed a bottle of French purfume from the dresser and used it to cover the smell of sweat that clung to her body, then handed it to Kaleah.

Kaleah watched the young blonde a little nervously as she selected a long, beautiful green dress and held it against her body thoughtfully. "Wh-what should I wear?" she asked shyly, looking at her muddy, sweat-stained clothes.

Jessica glanced at her and saw the look on her face. "Well . . . I doubt you’ll fit into anything I have. I could go borrow a dress from one of the servants, if you’d like."

Kaleah eyed the rich garment the blonde held and shook her head. "I don’t like dresses," she said softly. Dark images rose from the depths of her mind from the days of her slavery, and she shuddered. "I’d prefer to wear trousers and a shirt, if I could. I don’t suppose I could just wear my armor . . ?"

Jessica shook her head. "It’s a formal dinner. But I guess if you don’t want to wear a dress, you could just change into another outfit like what you’re wearing now."

"These are men’s clothes," Kaleah pointed out. "From what you’ve told me of your mother, I doubt she’ll like me wearing them."

Jessica shrugged and started stripping out of her sweaty armor, turning away from Kaleah, who blushed a little and found something interesting on the wall to study intently. "My mother won’t like you no matter what you wear," Jess said, her voice noticeably frosty. "If you wore a fancy dress, she’d say you were trying to act above your station in life. If you wore a smelly deerskin, she’d say you were just as barbaric as she thought you were, and should be sent outside to be with the animals." She started to struggle into the folds of the dress. "Wear whatever you’re comfortable with. No-one will mind."

Kaleah frowned and played with the covers of the bed idly as she waited for Jessica to finish getting dressed. "Will everyone feel the same as your mother?" she asked tentatively. She was used to being mistreated, ignored and abused, but outright hatred for no reason was something she had rarely experienced.

"Not everyone," Jessica assured her, reaching back and trying unsuccessfully to tie the laces at the back of the dress. "Could you help me with this?"

Kaleah glanced up and saw her problem. "Sure." She got up and started to tighten the cord with deft, sure fingers. "It sounds like you and your father are the only ones who want me at this dinner."

Jessica swept her hair over her shoulder and held it out of the way. "My mother and brother won’t like you," she said, "but Sir Miles thinks you’re okay."

"He does?" She finished lacing the cord, and tied it off with a simple bow. "Even after I . . ."

"Tried to take his head off?" Jessica turned around and face her taller friend, smiling. "He understands you were angry and frustrated. Believe me, I’ve done the same thing once or twice myself." She thought for a moment. "The captain of the castle guard probably won’t care one way or the other about you; in fact, he’ll probably be pleased you’re keeping me out of mischief. He doesn’t like me all that much — thinks I’m too good a fighter for a woman. I think Eric Grace, my father’s advisor, thinks you’re quite a good thing for me. His apprentice will be there, too. His name’s Senigma, and he’s a rather quiet sort. Very polite. He’s about your age, though, so he’ll probably be happy to have another pretty face to look at for the night."

Kaleah flushed and lowered her face to hide it. "What about the others?"

Jessica thought. "There’ll be a few of the veteran knights there," she said, "and Father Grahem the minister, who’ll either think it’s great that we’re doing our Godly duty to help the foreign heathen, or else will want you banished from the castle forever. I’d bet on the first one, though." She put her hands on Kaleah’s shoulders and looked her in the eyes seriously. "I’ll be there," she said softly. "The people who won’t like you will be the same people who don’t like me. Just ignore them . . . they’re no better than you are, no matter what they think or say."

"You really think so?" Kaleah asked shyly.

"I thought so the first moment I laid eyes on you," Jessica whispered. "You’re someone special, Kaleah. Even if you don’t believe it, you’re something worth more than all of them combined." She smiled and patted the dark woman. "Go get changed," she nodded to the door that led to Kaleah’s room. "I’ll wait here till you’re ready, then we’ll go."

Kaleah smiled and nodded. Just as she reached the door, though, she turned around. "Jessica?"

"Hmmm?" The blonde head looked up from a critical self-appraisal.

"Thank you."

Jessica smiled radiantly, an expression that shot straight to Kaleah’s heart and spread a slow burn through the rest of her body. "You’re welcome," the blonde said softly. "Now hurry up or we’ll be late."

Smiling, feeling better about herself and the coming dinner than she had before, Kaleah opened the door and went to get changed . . . wishing as she did so that they hadn’t spent quite so long at the archery range. Jessica was certainly right about that, she grinned to herself.

A bath was, indeed, requisite.

Kaleah had been to the audience hall before with Jessica, but never like this. She tried to quell the butterflies that started fluttering in her stomach, swallowing nervously. The restless energy that marked so many of her more irrational tendencies started to simmer.

Jessica noticed her jumpiness and reached out to squeeze her hand. "Relax," she whispered as the doors were swung open by the ever-present guards. "Just hold your head up and act like you own the place. Remember, if you look confidant and in control, they’ll be put off balance. You’re better than they are. Just keep thinking that and you’ll do fine."

Kaleah nodded and straightened her posture according Jessica’s instructions. She let a mask of confidence fall over her face, adding a slight smile she thought would make her appear haughty and amused by the proceedings. Her muscles tensed and she let her inner strength and power radiate from her — something she had learnt not to do as a slave.

Inside the great hall, the huge oak table was laden with platters of food: roast boar, venison, and pheasant, along with fruits, breads and cheeses of every shape and variety that Kaleah could imagine . . . and several that she was sure she could not have. A group of musicians were gathered in one corner of the room, playing a soft but cheerful melody, and hunting dogs lounged about under and around the table, waiting to clean up any scrapes that might fall to the ground. The rest of the people had already assembled, and they rose to their feet as the two young women entered, most bowing slightly to Jessica.

A servant pulled out their seats, and they took their places at the table. It was strange to be on the receiving end of such service, and remembering her roots, Kaleah made certain to smile and offer her thanks to the servants. She was grateful to find herself seated with her friend at her right hand side, and a young man about her age on the left whom she assumed was Senigma. She nodded to him slightly and he smiled.

"Nice of you to join us, Jessica," Sir Richard said from his place at the head of the table. "Perhaps next time you could drag yourself away from your training a little earlier so as to arrive at the same time as everyone else?"

Jessica just beamed a crooked smile at her father and nodded agreeably. "Certainly father. I apologize."

Kaleah had to concentrate hard not to let her mouth hang open in surprise; her friend’s voice had changed completely! Where before there had been the lilting accent she had heard among many of the soldiers, now there were the cultured and demure tones of a true noble maiden. She should have known it was odd the way Jessica spoke in such a common manner, but in truth, had never really thought about it.

Glancing to the head of the table, Kaleah found she was being studied by a woman sitting to Sir Richard’s right. The woman looked familiar, and she realized this must be Jessica’s mother - the Lady Rose Da’Gran.

The woman was taller than Jessica, with blonde hair that looked much redder than her daughter’s. Her features were classic and beautiful, even though she looked to be near her fortieth year. Her eyes, Kaleah could see, were green, but not the same vibrant green of wet emeralds that Jessica’s were, but rather a dull and lack-luster green that didn’t seem likely to sparkle or shine. Her expression as she studied Kaleah was one of haughty disdain. Kaleah, refusing to back down and repeating over and over in her head the words, They’re not better than you. They’re not better than you, returned the look with one of her own.

She broke away from Lady Rose’s glare when a plate was placed in front of her, already laden with food. She smiled a thanks to the servant, then, seeing that everyone else had already started eating, picked up the knife and fork that came with her meal and somewhat clumsily cut into a succulent looking side of venison. These people were obviously accustomed to using the cutlery, which Jessica informed her were a recent addition that had come into use in the courts of France.

As she ate, Kaleah listened to the conversations going on around her. True to her breeding, Jessica was acting the part of interested listener to the man seated at her right, who, Kaleah decided, must be the castle’s minister. The conversation seemed to be about her, she realized, hearing the man mention that Jessica was doing a "truly noble and generous thing, taking in a savage heathen like her (a general gesture). . . an act befitting one of true faith and sure to be looked on with favor by the Almighty." Jessica, for her part, was smiling and agreeing with the man. For a moment, she turned to glance at the "heathen" in question, and Kaleah saw her wink slightly, grinning cheekily. Kaleah grinned a little herself, before returning to her meal.

The former slave could feel many sets of eyes watching her with intense curiosity, like she was some rare and possibly dangerous animal, brought here this evening as an entertaining spectacle. Some eyed her with outright hostility — Jessica’s mother and the young man she assumed was her friend’s younger brother being chief among the enemy ranks. Sir Richard, who was talking with Sir Miles on his left, occasionally glanced her way and nodded with a friendly smile, but he was too far from her to initiate much small talk.

Reaching for her cup, Kaleah took a long sip to settle her nerves, pleased to find it was filled with nothing more potent than cold water. As she set it back down, she saw her hands were shaking slightly. She could feel the nervous energy building under the scrutiny of these people. Kaleah had never liked crowds, never liked the feeling of being judged. A life in slavery had taught her the value of being inconspicuous — being seen and discarded from thought quickly was better than being singled out. The sudden familiar need to escape twisted her guts. Her throat started to tighten up, her muscles tensed for action.

Then a hand reached out and rested reassuringly on her knee, squeezing gently. Looking to her right, Kaleah locked eyes momentarily with Jessica. Her young friend had clearly sensed the panic rising, and reached out to comfort her. The soft, understanding expression in those wet emeralds held a quiet sense of compassion that instantly settled Kaleah’s nerves. It only lasted a moment before Jessica turned back to her conversation with the holy-man, but her hand remained on the dark woman’s knee, soothing her.

Kaleah closed her eyes, blocking out the rest of the world, and concentrated on the comfort she found in the touch of her friend. Taking several deep breaths to steady herself, the former slave patted Jessica’s hand to indicate she was alright now. The hand gave a final squeeze, then retreated.

Calm once more, Kaleah looked about and found the young man to her left smiling at her slightly, his eyes interested and friendly.

The young man . . . what was his name? Senigma? Yes, that was it . . . leaned closer in conspiracy. "Like watching a pack of hungry lions, isn’t it?" he whispered to her, nodding towards the other guests who were still appraising the dark stranger at their table.

Kaleah nodded, casting her eyes over to the head of the table where Lady Rose continued to eye both her and Jessica with malice. "I get the feeling I’m not the most popular person at the table," she replied softly, aware for the first time in a long time how her own accent separated her from other people in this land, marked her as different.

Senigma smiled, and Kaleah took a more detailed inspection of him. He was slender for a man, with a pale look that identified him as more a scholar than a fighter. His features were a little too narrow and foxish to be considered truly handsome, but he was not unattractive. He had a refined air about him, and a rather stiff and formal way of moving, as though he considered every action carefully before committing himself to it. His voice was the same, clipped but smooth, every word carefully enunciated and clear. His eyes were light hazel, and carried a calculating intelligence that told Kaleah instantly he was wiser than his years would indicate.

"You’re Kaleah, aren’t you?" Senigma had performed his own brief scrutiny, and was now smiling a little wider.

She nodded.

"I’ve seen you about the castle with Jessica," he said, looking her up and down swiftly. "I must say, you’re not half the demon that some have made you out to be."

Kaleah couldn’t help but grin mischievously. "Just wait till you get to know me."

Senigma rested his fork on the table and held out his hand in greeting. "I’m Senigma Wright," he said as they shook hands. "A pleasure to meet you."

"You’re the apprentice to Sir Richard’s adviser, aren’t you?"

Senigma lowered his head in modest confirmation. "Apprentice adviser, alchemist and occasional healer . . . in a clinch," he said. "Though my main interest is more in the alchemy side of study. I still like to have a clear understanding of law and politics . . . one never knows when such knowledge might come in handy."

"Right." Kaleah, who had no interest in any such things just agreed to be friendly. No point alienating someone who was being nice to her, she thought.

"You’re Jessica’s . . . guest, are you not?" Senigma inquired pleasantly.

"Something like that."

He smiled and nodded a little in understanding. "She’s quite a remarkable young woman," he said, glancing past Kaleah to where Jessica was still engaged in listening to the minister. "Frankly," he leaned forward even closer, his tone dropping to a more conspiratorial whisper, "she’d make the better successor to her father . . . her brother, Steven, is a less than useless fop." They glanced as one over to where the young man sat eating his meal delicately, with practiced poise. "It’s a shame Sir Richard cannot name her as his heir, but she holds no rights to such a claim, being a woman. Her skills count for little in the eyes of this system." He frowned, considering. "If . . . I mean when, Steven inherits Da’Gran, I fear the land will fall easily to some enemy or other."

Kaleah had no knowledge whatsoever of court intrigue, but she was smart enough to realize that this young man was testing water’s. She thought carefully before she responded.

"I’m sure her brother will learn as he must, when his time comes."

"Perhaps." Senigma rested his chin on his hands thoughtfully. "But there are many who are deeply concerned what will become of Da’Gran when Sir Richard is gone . . . not the least of whom is Sir Richard himself. He has shared his concerns with my master a great many times, but no clear solution can be found."

Kaleah shrugged, and effected a look of disinterest. "I dare say they will find one," she said, returning to her meal. "It’s no concern of mine; I’m just Jessica’s guest here, after all."

Senigma smiled at that, and returned to his own meal. "Perhaps."

The sudden clear, sharp sound of Sir Richard banging his empty mug on the table drew the attention of everyone to the lord knight.

"Attention," he called out, waiting for the musicians to stop playing before he rose to his feet and addressed the gathering. "I have an announcement to make."

Kaleah put down her knife and fork along with everyone else, giving Sir Richard her undivided attention.

"Thank you." The lord knight looked around and smiled at his dinner guests. "I have this day received word from our neighbor to the west, Sir William Lancaster."

At this, a whispered hush went round the table swiftly, and Kaleah bent her head to Jessica, who leaned over to whisper in her ear. "He’s attacked us three times in the last five years . . . never successfully. This could mean trouble."

Sir Richard waved his hands and waited for the mutterings to die down before he continued. "I know what you’re all thinking, but it seems that Sir William wishes to discuss a possible arrangement for a treaty. A temporary one, at least. This could mean an end to our conflict."

Many of the people around the table shook their heads. Sir Miles and Eric Grace were silent, but they clearly supported Sir Richard’s views. Kaleah figured they had already been consulted on this matter; Lady Rose, too, though from appearances she wasn’t as happy with the situation as the other two.

"Sir William has requested a meeting, and is prepared to discuss the treaty proposal here, in Da’Gran. This act of good faith indicates he is willing to trust us, and I have returned his messenger with an agreement that he may have safe passage through our lands, along with a retinue of guards for protection from the bandits who have been raiding us this season. I have set the appointment for eleven days from today . . . time enough to make any preparations that may be required."

A few people still frowned, but most grudgingly seemed supportive. Watching her friend, Kaleah thought the young blonde was in agreement with her father, but the crease in her forehead told Kaleah that she still had a few misgivings.

"You shall all be expected to attend the dinner welcoming Sir William. In addition, I sent a runner to the north, to request the presence of Charles Renault." He turned his attention to Jessica, who smiled broadly. "I feel if we can show the evidence of our solid alliance with his father, the Earl, Sir William might be more easily swayed to join us."

Kaleah could clearly see her friend was happy with this news, and she raised her eyebrow in question. Jessica just grinned and mouthed the word, "Later."

"Perhaps," the Lady Rose chimed in, "this will be a good opportunity for Jessica to set down a solid date for something she has delayed for far too long." She cast her narrowed gaze towards her daughter, who, at her words, lost her smile and looked away. Kaleah wondered what that was all about.

Sir Richard evidently noticed his daughter’s distress, for he came to her rescue. "Perhaps. Though I feel we should focus our attention on the problem of Sir William. Some things can wait."

Jessica smiled her thanks to her, and Kaleah wondered who this Charles was to her young friend.

"Some things have been waiting for four years," Lady Rose muttered.

"Enough. We will not discuss it here."

Lady Rose scowled and glared at her daughter, before focusing her malicious gaze on Kaleah, who once again smiled and refused to meet her eyes.

"Eleven days," Sir Richard concluded. "Charles should arrive a few days sooner, which will give him time to settle in and be appraised of the situation. This could be the start of a firm alliance, which will bring us peace for years to come." There were grim smiles all round the table; Kaleah thought some of the elder knights looked as if this talk of peace was sticking in their throats. Even the minister, who, by good rights should have considered such a proposal to be a heaven-send, appeared somewhat unconvinced. She didn’t have time to ponder this, however, because Sir Richard had suddenly turned his attention in her direction.

"Treaties aside, we have a new guest with us this evening." He gestured to Kaleah, who suddenly found all eyes on her and had to struggle to maintain her calm composure. "As I’m sure most of you are aware, my daughter has been spending much of her time with her new friend, Kaleah. Kaleah has come to us from the Spanish fighting schools, is that not so?"

For a moment, Kaleah could only sit, frozen solid by fear and confusion. A gentle nudge from Jessica got her mouth moving, however, and she managed to stammer out an answer.

"It is, my lord." Her accent sounded barbaric and uncultured even to her ears, and she winced internally. She realized that Sir Richard was deliberately leaving out the part about her being captured as a bandit, and that she had her roots as a slave — a fact she was sure he had realized from her scarred and bone-thin body, not to mention the way she had bolted into the storm. In a way, this story was true though. And it gave her a legitimate and respectable position at the table.

"Kaleah was passing through the region, and was nice enough to offer to share her talents with my daughter, who is in turn demonstrating our English fighting style to her." He raised his mug to her. "I am most grateful that young Jessica has someone to spend her time with," he smiled, "and I hope you will enjoy our hospitality a long while, Kaleah."

Kaleah could only smile and bob her head slightly. "Th-thank you, my lord," she stammered. "Your daughter has been a most gracious host, and very pleasant company."

From his place at Sir Richard’s left, Sir Miles grinned and raised his mug in salute. "And we’re all grateful to ye fer keepin’ her attention on somethin’ else besides the trouble she can git into."

There was quiet laughter round the table, and the gathered guests raised their drinks in a toast. Kaleah noticed a few did not share the gesture, however. Lady Rose and Steven looked at her with disgust and disdain. Smiling and raising her own mug, she ignored them and swallowed the cool water. Let them hate me, she decided. Jessica’s right. I am as good as they are.

Looking to her right, she met the laughing green eyes of her companion, who was grinning like a Cheshire cat. She poked her tongue out slightly, and cheerfully went back to enjoying her meal. Listening to the lilting sound of the musicians as they resumed their playing, and the conversations that started up again all around, she smiled and relaxed.

The rest of the dinner was thoroughly enjoyable.

Chapter 6.

"Well," Jessica said as she struggled to get out of her dress. "What did you think?"

They had returned to Jessica’s room, making a quick detour to the bathing chamber, taking turns to use the huge pool to wash their sweaty bodies. The dinner had just ended quite pleasantly, and both women felt a good deal better being clean again; the vanilla perfume Jessica was fond of became somewhat cloying after long periods of exposure.

Kaleah came over and helped her friend with the hard-too-reach lacings. "It was nice," she admitted. "I felt a little out of place, though. Everyone was looking at me kind of strangely; I’m not used to being the center of attention." Slaves tended to stay in the background.

Jessica shrugged the dress off her shoulders casually, letting it pool at her feet before retrieving a more comfortable shirt from her wardrobe. "That was just because you’re so new around here. They’ll get used to you." She groaned as she slipped into the shirt, her aching muscles stiffening up after the extended period on the archery field.

"You okay?" asked Kaleah, hearing her.

"Sure. I’m fine." Jessica smiled at her, ruffling her blonde tresses into some degree of order. "Just a little sore. I’m not used to pulling a bow, that’s all."

"Your shoulder’s stiff?"

"Uh huh."

"Mine too." Kaleah thought for a moment, then, reaching a decision, she caught a hold of her friend’s arm and pulled her over to the bed. "Sit."

Jessica did as told, eyeing the dark woman suspiciously. Kaleah got on the bed behind her, kneeling with her knees spread wide apart. "Could you hold your hair out of the way?" she asked. Jessica pulled her blonde locks over her shoulder. Kaleah reached down and hitched up Jessica’s shirt, running her hands underneath it flat over the smooth skin beneath, up the young woman’s back to her tense shoulders, taking the shirt with her.

Jessica froze, uncertain. "What are you doing?"

"Trust me," Kaleah said softly. "This’ll help."

Reaching Jessica’s shoulders, she ran her fingers over the muscles, feeling them jump and stretch. Probing, she found the tightest areas and began to massage them gently. This earned her a groan from the young blonde.

"This okay?"

"Ugh." Jessica’s head lolled forward, and Kaleah felt her muscles start to relax as she realized what was happening. "That feels great."

"Good." Kaleah smiled, and set her long, powerful fingers to work on another area. She was about to ask Jessica to take the shirt off to make things easier, but before she could, her friend figured it out for herself and pulled the loose garment over her head, tossing it onto the bed behind them.

"Thanks."

"Sure."

Now Jessica’s whole back exposed to her, and she eagerly sent her fingers exploring the map of muscle and tendon. She stroked gently over the smooth surface of her friends body, stopping wherever she found tension to attack gently but relentlessly until it was relieved.

Jessica was sighing in ecstasy. She had never felt anything this wonderful . . . although her mind was eager to discuss with her a few other places those hands could roam that might feel even better. She closed her eyes and firmly refused to listen to it. "Where did you learn this?" she asked.

The hands paused their explorations. "A slave learns many things," Kaleah answered shortly, before she continued the massage.

"Oh." Jessica was silent for a moment. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories."

Kaleah shrugged. "That’s alright," she said softly. "They’re there always, in the back of my mind. This is just one of the things I had to do to serve my masters."

She brought her hands down along the line of Jessica’s spine, her thumbs pressing firmly with long practiced motions along the vertebrae, rubbing into the tight muscles and feeling them relax and loosen as if by magic. When she was satisfied, she let her fingers flare out to mark along the crease of her friend’s lower ribs. Jessica’s skin was warm and smooth, marked here and there with scars which she made sure to massage thoroughly. Kaleah knew from personal experience how the muscles tended to ache around old wounds.

"You don’t have to do this if it makes you uncomfortable," Jessica said softly, even as she prayed for the wonderful contact to continue.

Kaleah shook her head. "You’re not forcing me to do this," she said. "I’m doing it because you’re my friend, and I want to help you."

"You sure?"

"Of course." Kaleah tilted her head as she lost herself in the subtle play of muscles running under Jessica’s skin. "It feels good to be using the things I learned from that time to help someone I care about," she whispered. "Just relax . . . enjoy it."

Jessica smiled softly and resolved to do just that, letting her shoulders slump and her back hunch forward. Kaleah pressed deeper into her muscles, working up and down, then back up again. The dark woman could smell the scent of Jessica’s freshly scrubbed body and the lingering perfume of vanilla, and she inhaled deeply without even thinking about it.

"So, who’s Charles?" she asked as she worked.

Jessica twirled a lock of her hair around her middle finger idly. "Charles is the son of James Adam Renault, an Earl who holds the lands to the north of us," she explained. "His father and mine have been working on a permanent treaty for many years, and have pretty much agreed on everything." She paused, then added, "As part of the treaty, Charles is my betrothed."

Kaleah’s hands stopped completely, and Jessica turned to glance back at her, laughing when she saw the look of surprise in the clear blue eyes of her companion. "What’s the matter?"

"N-nothing." Kaleah forced her hands to continue, ignoring the sick feeling that suddenly clenched her stomach. "I didn’t realize, that’s all." She coughed a little. "So, that’s what your mother was talking about at dinner tonight . . . the marriage?"

"Mmmhmm." Jessica sighed. "I’ve managed to make an excuse up every time she’s raised the issue in the past. It’s getting harder, though. I’ve been putting it off for four years now."

Kaleah’s brow furrowed in confusion. "Why?"

Jess shrugged. "Charles is a wonderful man," she said softly. "He’s intelligent, and handsome, and kind . . . and about a million other things as well. We have a great time when we’re together . . . which isn’t very often, mind you. He’s always busy doing his things, it doesn’t leave much room for fun."

"But?"

"But . . . I don’t love him."

"You don’t?" Kaleah felt relieved for some reason, and realized with shock that the sudden sick feeling she’d had to the news of her friend’s betrothal had been caused by jealousy! Why would she be jealous? She didn’t have time to figure out the answer as Jessica shook her head and continued.

"Charles is great, but . . . I don’t know. He’s just not someone I love in . . . that way. You know?"

"I-I guess so." She didn’t for a moment, then suddenly it hit her. She rolled her eyes and smiled. "So he doesn’t . . . ring any bells for you?" she asked teasingly, feeling Jessica’s blush warm the skin under her hands.

"No," the embarrased girl mumbled. "And it’s not like he’s not good-looking — he is. He’s just . . . not the one."

"Does he know how you feel?"

"Oh, sure," Jess laughed. "I don’t exactly make a secret of it. He knows, and he feels the same way. We like each other, but just as friends. And since we hardly ever see each other, we don’t even have that much very often. He’s just as awkward about it as I am. But the treaty is so important, and we don’t really get a say in the matter." She sighed. "Even my father agrees on this one — though it hasn’t stopped him from letting me put the blasted wedding day off for four years."

Kaleah remembered the look on Lady Rose’s face during the discussion at dinner. "You’re mother didn’t look too pleased about it."

Jessica shook with suppressed laughter. "Oh, she’s not, I assure you. But she’ll just have to wait till I’m good and ready, which isn’t looking to be anytime soon." She groaned as Kaleah’s hands skirted along the underside of her ribs, along her sides where they stopped, hesitantly, before tracing upwards, the fingertips drawing tantalizingly close to the outsides of her breasts. Jessica’s body flushed with heat as her nipples hardened slightly in unconscious reaction, and it became suddenly that much harder to ignore the images her mind was still intent on providing her.

With an effort, the young girl controlled her body’s response and evened her breathing once more. She sorted through her scattered thoughts to locate what they’d been talking about. Her mother. Right.

"I haven’t thought of a plausible excuse to throw her off this time," she continued. "Who knows, maybe Sir William will attack afterall, and I’ll be let off the hook for a while longer."

Unaware of the effect her touch was having on the younger woman — though very much aware of the soft, smooth skin over which her hands were gliding and stroking — Kaleah smiled. "You think that’s likely?"

Jessica snorted. "He’s tried it before and never got too far," she said. "He has more men than my father, but they’re not half as good fighters. Sir William is a manipulative, cowardly schemer who’d rather win with trickery and foul play than with honor. He’s probably realized he can’t defeat us, so now he’s decided to see what he can gain from an alliance."

Kaleah finished rubbing Jessica’s shoulder’s, and reluctantly drew her hands away. "Okay . . . you’re done I think." She smiled as the young blonde smiled her thanks, and reclaimed her shirt. "You should feel fine in the morning."

"Thanks," Jessica said, somewhat disappointed that the massage had ended, but at the same time grateful. It wasn’t easy ignoring her body’s persistent encouragement to pursue these exciting and mysterious lines of thought . . . and in spite of her best efforts, she couldn’t stop herself from asking, "You want me to return the favor?"

Kaleah was sure her blush was visible even through her bronze-toned skin. She looked away. "You don’t have to do that," she muttered, though a part of her was shouting that it was only fair, afterall.

"I don’t mind," Jessica smiled. "I saw you stretching your shoulders before. You probably need it as much as I did."

"I don’t know . . ." Kaleah still hated to reveal her marked body to anyone.

Jessica read her thoughts. "It’s okay," she said gently. "You don’t have to be ashamed of the scars, Kaleah. Maybe you should even be proud of them, a little."

"Proud?" Kaleah’s brow furrowed.

"Sure. They show others that you’re strong enough to survive, no matter what." Jessica looked at her own scars. "I know people who think they’re the greatest, toughest men in the whole world, and I doubt they could have lived through a half of what you must have gone through."

Kaleah swallowed. She hated discussing this, but could admit that Jessica was probably right. A lot of hardened people would never have been able to survive slavery. Thinking back, she remembered; a lot of the slaves she’d known hadn’t survived. "I guess so," she mumbled, after a pause. "But still . . ."

"They don’t bother me. Not one bit." Jessica’s smile turned teasing. "Come on, it’s not as though I haven’t seen you topless. Believe me, you’ve got nothing to be ashamed of." She waggled her eyebrows.

Kaleah didn’t trust herself to reply, but she reluctantly removed her shirt and turned around, offering her back to her friend. Her muscles were sore. What could it hurt?

Jessica cracked her knuckles and moved closer. "I’m not sure I’ll be able to do this quite as good as you did," she said. "But I’ll try."

Kaleah pulled her hair out of the way and just grunted.

Jessica stopped and stared at her friend’s back, hands frozen inches from her skin. She’d expected the patchwork of scars that meshed across the bronze skin — but on Kaleah’s back, just below her neck, was tattooed an intricate design in black ink.

"What’s this?" She stroked the tattoo reverently with one hand. Jess had heard of the practice of marking the skin like this. Her mother said it was a barbaric practice of heathen cultures. She had never seen a design this detailed, however. The mark was in the shape of a circle, and looked as though it were comprised of a strange, stylized writing. The thought occurred that this was some type of slave mark, and she wondered if Kaleah would refrain from answering.

The dark woman turned to face her, curious. "What’s what?"

"This mark on your back." Her fingers continued to trace the pattern. "It’s beautiful."

"Oh. That." Kaleah turned away. "It’s a tattoo. I’ve had it since I was a child . . . before the slavers came."

"Does it have a meaning? It looks like some kind of writing."

Kaleah shrugged. "I don’t know. The slavers thought it was writing, too. But none of my masters could read it, and neither can I. I don’t know anything about it."

Jessica paused. "You don’t remember it being done? From what I’ve heard, these things have to be made with a great big needle, and they hurt like all the fires of Hell. How could you not remember it being done?"

Kaleah shrugged again. "I can’t really remember anything from before the slavers came," she said softly. "They went to a lot of trouble beating the memories of my family and my homeland out of me . . . making it so I had nothing to go back too. Those things are hard to hold onto through the pain and the humiliation of being a slave."

Jessica berated herself silently for causing her friend pain again, and swore privately to think things through before she said anything. Now, she let her hands move tentatively out to gently knead Kaleah’s shoulders. "I’m sorry."

"Stop apologizing," Kaleah said. "I keep telling you, it’s not your fault." She was silent a moment, just absorbing the warm feel of her friend’s hands stroking at her aching flesh. "You’ve nothing to be sorry for," she said after a moment. "I think you’ve done more for me than just about anyone in my whole life has ever done."

"Really?" Jessica grinned, her face literally glowing with happiness at this. "What about that Spanish guy; De’Livier?"

"He helped me," Kaleah said thoughtfully. "He taught me a trade, and how to protect myself. And he tried to teach me how to fit in with other people. But it was still sort of . . . I don’t know. Business-like, I guess."

"What do you mean?"

"He treated me like an apprentice, rather than a servant. He paid me money, and he trained me well. He was a fine teacher. But he never really tried to be my friend . . . not like you have." She felt Jessica’s hands still their soothing motion, and she turned to face the young blonde behind her. "You’re not expecting to get anything out of this," she explained softly. "You were kind to me from the start, and even when I tried not to like you, it was hard. You gave to me, knowing I wasn’t likely to give anything back. It didn’t matter to you." She saw tears start to form at the corner’s of Jessica’s eyes, and she brushed them away, smiling. "Don’t go getting all emotional on me, Jessica." she laughed, trying to force some levity into the moment.

Jessica smiled a little, but couldn’t help the tears. "I’m sorry," she mumbled, wiping them away. "It’s just, that’s about the nicest thing you’ve said to me to date. Kind of surprised me."

"But it’s true," Kaleah insisted. "You’ve taught me what it’s like to have a friend. That’s something I never would have found out about without you."

"Oh, come on." Jessica tried to turn her around. "I’m sure someone-"

"No. I mean it." Kaleah refused to turn around. It felt surprisingly good to be saying these things. She realized the reason it felt good was because she could see how much these words meant to the young blonde. "Do you remember what you told me in the forest, when we were out in the storm. You told me I was still a slave because I still thought and acted like a slave."

"I didn’t mean-"

"Yes," Kaleah smiled. "You meant it. And you were right. Without you, I would have wandered off and just kept wandering. I’d have survived alright, probably. But I’d never have really lived my life." She held Jessica’s gaze for a moment, before she turned around to offer her back to her friend once more. "You can stop apologizing, Jessica. You’ve nothing to be sorry for."

Jessica was silent and still for a long moment, just soaking in the words of her companion, who waited patiently for the massage to continue. This was probably the most they had talked since the storm — really talked, that is. She smiled happily, and went back to the task at hand. Kaleah was certainly making a lot of progress, she thought.

"Thank you," she said softly.

Kaleah grunted and let her head roll forward, inviting Jessica to send her wonderful fingers up to her upper neck, where the tension was stiffest. The blonde was only too happy to accept. Kaleah let the silence go on for a few minutes, before her mind recalled the dinner again.

"That holy man you were talking to at dinner tonight seemed happy to have me in the castle," she said.

Jessica had let her mind completely focus on the texture of the flesh that rolled beneath her fingers, and had to pull her mind quickly away from it’s pondering of just how nice it felt to be ‘helping’ her friend like this before she could answer.

"Um . . . yeah. He seemed okay with the situation." Her brain kicked in gear a little more. "I think it has more to do with the chance of bringing you into the ‘knowledge of a true God’ than it has with him actually liking you, though."

"Mmmm. I figured as much." Kaleah snorted. "Not much chance of that happening."

"I know." They’d already discussed the subject of religion, and Jessica could understand Kaleah’s point of view. It must be hard to believe in God when all life had given you was pain and suffering. She smiled. "What were you and Senigma talking about? It looked like you were getting along quite well there." Her tone was teasing and playful.

Kaleah felt Jessica’s hands roam down her back to her tailbone, and suppressed a shiver. "Actually, we were talking about you."

"Me?"

"Mmmhmm. You."

"And what was so interesting about me, pray tell?"

Kaleah grinned. "Oh, I don’t know. What do you think a young man like Senigma would find interesting about a lovely young lady such as yourself?"

Jessica blushed, and smacked Kaleah lightly on the shoulder. "Yeah, right," she chuckled. "He’d know better than that. Seriously, what were you talking about?"

"Honestly, we were talking about you," Kaleah insisted, ". . . and about your brother."

The hands paused in their delicious exploration fractionally, but Kaleah noticed. "Oh." Jessica began to push her thumbs gently along Kaleah’s prominent spine, her fingers tracing the valleys of her rib-cage. "I can imagine what he had to say about that."

"He said your father’s worried about what will happen when your brother takes over the castle," Kaleah said bluntly. "He seemed to think that many considered you the better choice for the inheritance . . . including your father’s adviser."

"He did?"

"Yes."

"Hmmm." Jessica was interested in this. "I always wondered what Grace had to say on the matter. Interesting." She had always figured the old sage disapproved of her; apparently, such was not the case. Still, she didn’t like him.

Kaleah relaxed and just absorbed the feeling of her friend’s fingers as they absently roamed along her sides, upwards and around, close to her breasts, where they paused a moment, before retreating back up to her neck. A part of her - a part that was getting louder and more insistent - sighed with longing, wishing the hands had just kept going where they were headed.

"I don’t suppose there’s much chance that your father will decide to name you his heir?"

"No," Jessica sighed. "Running a castle and ruling land in the King’s name is man’s work." Her tone was sarcastic. "At least that’s what everyone thinks. Just because I’d make the better ruler doesn’t even figure into the matter . . . just like I don’t get a say in my betrothal." She rolled the muscles of Kaleah’s shoulders with her finger’s, earning a groan. "You okay?"

"Fine," Kaleah grunted. "You’re good at this."

Jessica grinned. "I’m a fast learner."

"Mmmhmm. I can see that." Kaleah tore her mind from considering other things the young blonde might be willing to learn. "It doesn’t make sense," she said. "The soldiers would follow you. I’ve seen the respect most of them have for you. What does it matter that you’re a woman?"

Jessica shrugged. "It shouldn’t matter . . . but it does."

"That’s stupid," Kaleah stated simply.

"Maybe. But I’m not going to be able to change the system. I already have more freedom in my life than most young women; my father’s pretty damn lenient about what I can and can’t do." She pondered a moment. "I’m very lucky."

"Yeah, I guess." Kaleah fidgeted with her hair. "Besides . . . how bad can your brother possibly be, huh?"

Jessica scowled darkly as her hands worked over scarred flesh. "He has all the makings of a tyrant," she said darkly. "He’s self-centered and self-reighteous. If he were simply indifferent towards the peasants it might not be so bad, but for some reason he seems to actually hate them." She paused thoughtfully, hands idly fingering one of Kaleah’s scarrs. "I wouldn’t be surprised if Steven ruins everything my father’s spent his life building." Jess shook her head, clearing away thoughts of what she couldn’t change. "Anyway, enough about that. I was thinking maybe we could go out for a ride on Saturday. There’s an old monastary a few miles out, buried in the woods. I go there sometimes when I want to think about stuff. You’d like it."

"What’s a monastary?"

"You don’t know?"

Kaleah shrugged. "I’ve never heard the word."

"Well, a monastary’s like a church, only it’s a place where monks live in the service of God. This one was ruined a long time ago, but it has a sense of peace about it still."

Kaleah turned a little to glance at Jess. "A holy place?"

"Aye." She grinned, knowing how Kaleah felt about the notion of God. "Trust me, it’s nice."

Kaleah rolled her eyes. "Fine, I’ll come. But I don’t see the point."

"Wait and see," Jessica said, her expression playful. She raised her hands and wriggled her fingers. "You had enough?"

"What? Oh, yeah. That was great, thanks."

"No problem." Jessica thought she had probably enjoyed giving the massage as much as she had enjoyed receiving hers. She watched from the corner of her eye as her dark companion pulled her shirt back on, considering. "You know something?"

"Hmmm?" Curious blue eyes turned in question.

"You sure have changed a lot from the person who flinched away from me everytime I reached out to touch you. I guess a lot can happen in a week, huh?"

Kaleah flushed a little. "I haven’t changed as much as you think," she said softly. "I still don’t like people touching me — I think maybe I just got used to it from you."

Jessica smiled fondly. "Is that okay?"

Kaleah thought about it for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I-I don’t mind it," she admitted. "It’s actually kind of nice, you know? Having someone reach out to me . . . and knowing I don’t have to be afraid."

Jessica couldn’t help herself, and reached out to cup the dark woman’s cheek, running her thumb along the scar that crossed her lips. The gesture had become somewhat familiar to them both over the past week; Jessica didn’t know why she did it, but Kaleah didn’t freeze up anymore, like she had during the storm. She looked deep into the sapphire eyes of her companion and smiled gently.

"You never have to be afraid of me, Kaleah," she said softly, her voice little more than a caress. "I’d never hurt you."

Kaleah reached up and placed her own hand over Jessica’s. Her smile twisted the scar that the blonde was stroking. "I know," she whispered.

For an instant, the two just sat and basked in the peace and comfort of the moment, looking into each other’s eyes and enjoying the contact where their hands joined. They could feel the sparks flying between them, were each aware how deep their friendship had grown in such a short space of time. For both of them, this was something new — a friendship Kaleah had never been offered or known could exist, and that Jessica had never been allowed to have.

"It’s kinda weird, isn’t it?" Jessica said softly after the long silence. "How much you can come to trust someone and care for them after only a few days?"

Kaleah nodded, feeling herself start to drown in the deep green waters of Jessica’s eyes and knowing that a part of her wanted nothing more than to sink into their comforting embrace. "But it doesn’t feel like only a few days," she whispered. "It feels like . . . forever. Doesn’t it?"

"Yeah." Jessica smiled a little, her eyes sparkling in the light of the candelabra. "I felt like that from the moment we first saw each other in the bandit’s camp. Remember?"

"Yeah." The memory was still vivid. "I felt, I don’t know. Like maybe we were connected somehow. When I ran away from the fight, I could feel your eyes pulling me back. But I was too scared to deal with what I felt." It felt strange to admit it, but in a good way.

"Is that why you ran? During the storm?"

Kaleah nodded. "I knew I had to get out of here," she said softly, pulling their hands away from her face but maintaining the comforting contact. "I felt trapped. My temper was getting . . . too much for me to handle, you know?" She sighed. "I didn’t understand what you wanted from me. No-one ever just wanted me as a friend."

"I know what you mean. I didn’t understand why you couldn’t see that I was only trying to help you. That I just wanted to get to know you. Bring out all the wonderful things I could see were inside you . . . give you a chance that no-one else would."

Kaleah pulled her eyes away from the intense gaze of the young blonde. "Thanks," she said, suddenly feeling the restless energy that had been dormant for so long spring to life in her nerves. She looked around, seeking an escape from the things that were getting too close to the surface again.

Jessica smiled at her skittish friend and patted her on the shoulder. "My pleasure," she said, studying Kaleah’s angular features, seeing the nervousness there. "It’s alright," she whispered. "I know it’s strange how quickly we’ve become friends like this. I had a feeling we were going to get along, but this is more than I ever expected after only a few weeks. But it’s not a bad thing, right?"

"Of course not," Kaleah mumbled, meeting Jessica’s eyes briefly, then looking away. "I’m just . . . you know. Not used to it."

Jessica nodded. "Neither am I. But I like it. It’s nice having someone to do things with, isn’t it?"

Looking deep into the young blonde’s intense green eyes, Kaleah swallowed and nodded. "Yeah." She coughed and slapped her thighs, offering a shaky smile. It was time to get out of here, she decided. She needed to settle her mind. "So . . . we’ll go out to this holy place of yours Saturday, right?"

Jessica smiled inwardly, acknowledging that the dark woman had apparently decided to move past the difficult and emotional conversation and happy enough to let her get away — for now, at least.

"Sure," she agreed. "It’s not as nice out there now as it will be in Spring, but it’s still very peaceful."

"Right." Kaleah got off the bed, and ran slightly trembling fingers through her long, dark hair to settle it. "I guess I’d better get some rest."

"Yeah. Me too." Jessica smiled and shifted on the now empty bed. "You want to do some more archery tomorrow? Or maybe we could go for a ride . . ?"

Kaleah shuffled nervously. She felt something warm and frightening stir in her heart, clenching painfully as she regarded her friend. She needed some space, some time to herself . . . for more than just a few hours. "Actually," she mumbled, "I was kinda thinking I might spend the day by myself tomorrow, if that’s okay?"

"Oh." Jessica tried to hide her disappointment, looking away and picking at her shirt. "Sure. I-if that’s . . . what you want." Even she could hear the hurt in her voice, and she knew Kaleah could, too.

Blue eyes regarded her sincerely. "I just need a little time alone," Kaleah said softly, hoping Jessica would understand. "Really. It’s not that I don’t want to be around you . . . I just . . . " She sighed. "I need to adjust. Do you understand?"

Jessica thought about it for a moment seriously, then nodded. "I do," she said.

Kaleah searched her eyes for a moment. She could see that Jessica was a little hurt by this, but she could also see that she did, at some level, understand.

"Good. Thank you." She turned and headed to the door that led to her own room. She opened it and looked back at her friend, who was watching her a little nervously. "I’ll see you on Saturday," she said softly.

Jessica waved a little. "Saturday."

Kaleah smiled and went through the door, closing it softly behind her. Breathing deep, she closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the solid oak door. "Damn."

The news that she wanted to be alone had hurt Jessica, she could tell. But Kaleah knew it was necessary. She needed a little space, some time to center herself. Some time to more deeply bury the thoughts and feelings that kept cropping up in her head and her heart regarding her young friend.

She understood them — most of them, at least. Her physical reaction to the attractive blonde was, she considered, somewhat natural. A life of slavery had introduced Kaleah to every kind of sexual act human beings were capable of. She had figured her exposure to — and involvement in — such a harsh and sickening world had long since killed any ability she might have had to feel physical desire for another person. Apparently, she reflected, feeling again the callused hands of her companion tracing tantalizingly close to her breasts . . . apparently, such was not the case.

She could accept that she was physically attracted to the young woman. Kaleah had preferred women to men since she had first been introduced to the concept. As a slave, her body had been used and abused in every conceivable way — mostly by men, but certainly not exclusively. Still, she had always preferred being ordered to provide for the pleasures of other women rather than men . . . and not just because they tended to treat her better, although that was a part of it. She actually liked the way a woman felt, and sounded. And tasted. No man had ever cared for how she felt during the act. Their concern was only for themselves. But many of the women she had served seemed to gain as much satisfaction from her pleasure as they had from their own. She had actually enjoyed herself at times like these, fleeting as they were. She would even have said that she went to such women willingly, of her own volition, for the small comfort they offered in her bleak and painful existence.

Such acts of consensual sex were rare during the ten or so years she had been a slave . . . though Kaleah had learned early on that if she was compliant, her torment would be over with that much sooner and she was less likely to be beaten.

Still, it was a little uncomfortable to have these stirrings of desire appear for her young friend. They clouded her mind with erotic images of the many things she knew she could introduce to the beautiful girl; things she didn’t want to think about. Sure, Jessica was breath-takingly beautiful. She was innocent and playful and full of life. And she was one of very few people in Kaleah’s life who had only ever shown her kindness. This in mind, the dark woman could accept that there was a valid justification for her physical response to Jessica.

Kaleah sighed, and flopped bonelessly onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling. But that was only a part of it, she knew. Being around Jessica stirred up feelings inside her that she had no understanding of how to deal with. Desire was one thing; she could put that behind her, knowing she would never risk the friendship that had developed just for the chance of a few moments of pleasure. It was the way her heart ached whenever Jessica touched her that made Kaleah want to take a step back and regroup. The way she could feel her soul start to loose itself whenever she looked deeply into the emerald eyes of her younger companion. The way her smile seemed to light up the whole world . . . and the way her words of gentle kindness worked like a soothing balm to ease the pain of ancient hurts.

Kaleah had her suspicions about what these feelings were . . . and she didn’t much like them. She was smart enough to realize that her reaction of jealously to the news of Jessica’s betrothal — and her relief when she heard that the young woman didn’t love the man — were a clear indication that this was something more than a simple physical attraction. That thought frankly terrified her. Kaleah wasn’t sure she could handle these emotions, was uncertain her battered heart and soul could ever deal with such a powerful feeling as love.

Kaleah scoffed as that word appeared in her mind. "You are not in love with her," she told herself firmly. "It’s just a reaction you’re having to being emotionally close to someone after having no-one for so long. That’s all it is. Really."

She sighed. The words didn’t help to ease the ache in her heart, didn’t serve to explain the way Jessica’s presence had seemed to wrap itself around her soul from the very second they had locked eyes with each other. It seemed the more time she spent with the young woman, the more she hurt inside; hurt for all the things she had never even known she could have in life.

Things she was starting to want with a painful desperation.

Kaleah blinked her eyes, feeling tears start to form. With an effort, she forced them down. She had spent so many years locking her emotions away, never crying because once she started, she feared she’d never be able to stop. The innocent and selfless way that Jessica gave of herself was breaking open those locked boxes of feelings . . . and it was frightening how much Kaleah wanted to let it happen.

It was going to take a lot of self-lecturing tomorrow to convince herself that her feelings were just a natural reaction to Jessica’s kindness. And in all honesty, Kaleah wasn’t sure whether it was going to work at all.

Kaleah would have been surprised to know that, left alone in her room, Jessica’s thoughts were running along quite a similar track to her own.

The young blonde sighed as she slumped back down on her bed, spreading her arms and legs as far as they would go, trying to touch the edges of the enormous bed. She failed by at least a foot on all sides.

The massage had caused new and interesting sensations to erupt throughout her body. Her skin felt unusually sensitive, and it tingled everywhere Kaleah had run her fingers. The muscles in her groin seemed to be curling in upon themselves, seeming to invite a massage of their own. Her blood felt like liquid fire in her veins, just waiting for something to make it erupt. Her nipples were hard and she could feel them pushing against the course material of her shirt, straining for an intimate caress. Jessica had never been so aware of every part of her body before, and although she’d never experienced these feelings quite so strongly, she recognized them as the stirrings of desire.

For whatever reason, the simple massage had aroused her like nothing before.

Jessica had felt these things a few times in the past, certainly, but never like this. She felt a pleasant tingling whenever she read the stories of female love that were secreted away in her hidden room. And, she admitted, when she had admired Kaleah’s body when it was revealed more than usual, or those few times when she had caressed the scar across the dark woman’s lips with her thumb. But the feeling of the Kaleah’s powerful fingers working against her flesh had sparked the sensations more than anything else.

She liked the way Kaleah looked, and sounded. She even liked the way she smelled. Jess had known she was attracted to the dark woman right from the start, but before it had been just a harmless bit of admiration. There was nothing wrong with looking. But the thoughts that kept creeping into her head — thoughts that had at first been a mild annoyance — were getting stronger all the time. She could no longer ignore them. They were inappropriate in such a friendship, and she knew she had to deal with them once and for all.

"Okay," Jess told herself, deciding it might help to talk the problem out. "Let’s look at this objectively . . ."

Being alone so much of her life, Jessica often found she was the only person around to discuss things with. It had never bothered her before . . . although she had heard that talking to oneself was the first sign of madness. She had always scoffed at this notion. She’d had many very interesting conversations with her own mind, which often seemed at odds with her on what she thought she should do about some things. Her mind was now sitting up and paying close attention to the situation at hand as Jessica continued.

"So, Kaleah is . . . extremely attractive. And okay, so you’re having thoughts of what it might be like to be more friendly with her than you ought to be. It’s really not so strange." She waved her hands to emphasis her points.

It’s not? Her mind raised a metaphysical eyebrow in question.

"It’s not," she insisted to herself. "Think about it; you’ve been reading about this sort of thing for years now, and you always found it . . . interesting. But you’ve never had any female friends that you could spend any real time with . . . no close ones, anyway. So, along comes Kaleah. She’s beautiful, she’s exotic, she’s wonderful and interesting, and she’s. . ." Jess sighed. "Well, she’s about the sexiest thing that’s ever crossed into your field of vision, let’s face it."

Her mental mind nodded to show it understood, and gestured metaphysically for her to continue.

"So . . . all of a sudden you have someone in your life who you’re able to think about in this way. Your body has a natural reaction to the presence of an attractive woman, and all the things you’ve read about suddenly take on a new form. You can picture what they might be like with her involved . . . it’s as simple as that!"

Both metaphysical eyebrows raised doubtfully as her mental mind gave her an amused look of patient indulgence.

"Well, it is!"

Her metaphysical mind just smiled knowingly.

"Bah, what would you know anyway?" Jessica waved her hands dismissively, and huffed to herself. "Let’s face it," she continued petulantly, "Nineteen years is a long time to wait for. . . this sort of thing. Just because Charles isn’t your type, doesn’t mean there aren’t going to be stirrings and rumblings down below at some point or another. Especially if you’re going to be filling your head with those blasted stories, which, I think it’s safe to say, you should avoid for the time being!" She sighed and ran her fingers through her hair absently. "No point adding fuel to the fire when you’re trying to put it out."

Jessica spent a moment reflecting. She and Kaleah were growing closer to each other rapidly. The dark woman was obviously feeling a little unsettled by the speed at which their friendship was developing — hence the day of solitude tomorrow. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Jessica considered this and finally had to admit that a little time alone was exactly what she needed.

"You can spend tomorrow getting this stuff back under control," she told herself firmly. "No more being distracted by those sapphire eyes. You’ll deal with the situation, and remember that she’s trusting you enough to be her friend. You’re not going to jeopardize that trust by suggesting — or even thinking — anything the least bit inappropriate, like . . . like-"

Her imagination helpfully provided a colorful illustration of what might be considered inappropriate behavior.

"Yeah . . . just like that." Jess closed her eyes and tried to get her breathing under control, letting the images continue for a few delicious moments while her body screamed for something it had never experienced but could well imagine.

After those few moments of tantalizing thoughts, however, she forced her eyes open. "Ugh!" Rolling over she buried her face under a cushion in frustration. "This is gonna be hard," she mumbled into the pillow. "Very, very hard."

Neither woman slept very well that night.

Chapter 7.

The next day passed slowly for both of them.

Jessica heard that Sir Miles was leading a hunt into the forests, and invited herself along. She didn’t actually like hunting all that much; it tended to require skill with a bow rather than a blade, and while she had killed men in the heat of battle, Jessica could never bring herself to slay the gentle deer the hunters usually stalked. Still, it was better than staying in Da’Gran with Kaleah, where she would constantly be reminded of the dark-haired woman’s absence.

Kaleah chose to spend her day alone in her customary roost. Before dawn, she went for a long run in the hope that she could exhaust the animal energy coursing through her body. When she returned, she took a quick bath then wandered into the heart of Da’Gran castle, where she offered to relieve the guard stationed in the lookout tower. The young soldier, knowing that Kaleah was Jessica’s friend, had gratefully accepted, giving up the lonely post with no regret. The dark woman stared forlornly out across the rolling fields for long moments, before reaching into her pocket and pulling out her treasured wooden flute.

The instrument had been given to Kaleah by a fellow slave, and she had kept it hidden during the long years of her captivity from those who would deprive her of even the small pleasure she could gain from her music. It had taken months to learn how to play the flute, but Kaleah had a natural ear for melodies. She only ever played when she was alone, and her tunes were always melancholy and sad.

High above the castle walls in a place that was cold, silent and very much appropriate to her mood, Kaleah put the flute to her lips and blew softly. The gentle strains of music filtered through the still air, molded by the dark-haired woman’s long, swift fingers. She changed the tempo and tone smoothly as her mind allowed itself to develop a rhythm and melody.

The two friends did not see each other once during the day. Jessica didn’t return until near sundown, and Kaleah only abandoned her post when the cold of the night forced her to retire. Neither woman felt the desire for food. Jessica didn’t talk to anyone, though Sir Miles watched her carefully with worried eyes all day. Kaleah scarcely even moved, except for her fingers which danced up and down along the holes of the flute.

By the end of the day, both Jessica and Kaleah felt somewhat better despite the misery their separation had caused. Both spent the day carefully searching for ways to rationalize the strength of the feelings they were having for the other, and by the time the sun went down, both women felt they had succeeded.

Jessica had managed to convince herself that her feelings were, indeed, quite natural, and was confidant that, given a few days, they would work themselves out of her system and Kaleah need never know about them.

For her part, Kaleah had eventually managed to drill it into her head that the feelings she was having for Jessica were simply a reaction to the renewal of emotional intimacy that her friendship with the young woman allowed her. It was understandable that her mind and her body were trying to make up for a lifetime of such emotional denial. This wasn’t romantic love — it was just some kind of temporary infatuation that would pass as she got used to feeling these things like trust and caring again.

Still, neither woman slept well that night . . . again. Each was very much aware of the nearness of the other. Kaleah didn’t come down from the look-out till after she felt Jessica would have drifted off, but the moment she entered her own room, she knew for certain her friend was still awake. It flashed through her mind to go across to the young woman’s room and see her, but she decided not to after a moment of inner discussion. She had only just gotten her defenses in place; it was a little early to start testing them already.

With a sigh, Kaleah got undressed and slipped beneath the covers of her bed thankfully. It had been deadly cold up in the high tower, and this savage winter still frightened her. The warmth of the soft blankets and softer mattress were very welcome indeed, and Kaleah smiled as she realized just how accustomed she had grown to this lifestyle.

"Fancy food, a warm bed, a beautiful, intelligent and funny friend . . . a whole castle and everything you could want," she muttered to herself, grinning ironically and feeling the scar across her lips tighten. "Funny how life works out."

Smiling to herself, she rolled over, closed her eyes, and settled down to wait for sleep to claim her. She knew she would be waiting a long time.

The next morning, Jessica awoke after finally stealing a few hours rest from the night. She was still tired, but her fatigue did little to sink her spirits. She just knew today was going to be a good day. Afterall, she thought as she got out of bed and threw on a simple shirt and trousers, she would be spending it with her friend. That had to beat yesterday.

Quickly dragging a soft brush through her perpetually-rumpled hair, the young blonde wondered if it was too early to wake her neighbor. Would Kaleah want a little time to herself this morning? Jessica gnawed on her lower lip in indecision, at last deciding to just knock on the door and find out.

A muffled, "Yeah?" greeted her sharp rapping, and she opened the door and poked her head into the dim light of the room.

"Can I come in?" she asked hesitantly.

Kaleah was still in bed, looking a little dazed. She rubbed sleep from her eyes and waved her hand. "Sure."

Jessica grinned and stepped into her friend’s bedroom, shutting the door behind her. She claimed a sitting chair and studied the dark-haired woman who was busy drawing the covers tighter about her body.

"Have a good day yesterday?" she inquired casually.

Kaleah shrugged, studying the design on the blankets rather than meeting the blonde’s gaze. "I guess." She glanced up, then away quickly when she saw the quiet and slightly concerned appraisal in the green eyes of her friend. "I just had to get my head around this," she said softly, not really knowing why she felt compelled to explain. "It’s not something I’m used to."

"I told you I understood," Jessica said gently. "And I do. It’s alright."

Kaleah nodded shyly, feeling a little silly. "So . . . you went out on the hunt?" She hadn’t seen her friend leave the castle, but a guard who came at midday to see if she wanted something to eat had informed her of the young woman’s departure.

Jessica nodded. "Yeah. Thought it would be something to do with the day." She smiled a little wryly. "You know, before you came along, I spent most of my time alone, except when I was training. Never even had to give a thought about what to do with myself. Now, when you’re not with me, I feel so . . . lost."

Blue eyes finally met hers directly, and in that instant, all the walls she had spent yesterday building . . . all the explanations and rationalizations . . . everything . . . all came down to nothing. She looked into the clear sapphire gaze of her friend, and was lost all over again.

Kaleah, too, felt the barriers that had taken hours to build being shattered in just a moment of contact with her friend’s intense gaze. She swallowed, and mentally berated herself. Get a grip, will you!? A pair of pretty eyes and you turn to mush!? She’s your friend, that’s all! In a few days, you’ll be over this stupid infatuation, and things’ll be fine.

Jessica just smiled a little. "Funny how you can come to depend on something so quickly, huh?"

Kaleah struggled for a moment, breaking the eye-contact thankfully, then nodded. "I, uh. I was just thinking the same thing last night," she stammered, plucking at the blankets. "I’ve never slept in a bed half as comfortable as this one, but now, after only a fortnight, I can’t imagine what I’d do without it."

"Not like I’m gonna take it away from you anytime soon."

"I know."

"So," Jessica slapped her thighs, deciding to get this show on the road. "I believe we discussed a ride out to the woods. You wanna wait while I take a quick bath before we leave — it’ll help me wake up."

"Sure." Kaleah ran long fingers through disheveled hair. "I’ll see if I can get the horses ready."

"Great. Just ask one of the stable-hands for help if you’re not sure of something. I’ll be down in a few minutes." Jess stood up and headed for the door. "And don’t forget to dress warm," she added. "It’s cold out there.

"Sure."

"Great. I’ll see you in the courtyard."

"Right."

Jessica shut the door as she left and, grabbing her leather and mail armor, headed for the bathing chamber. When she arrived, she opened the huge, intricately carved doors and entered the sultry, steamy warmth beyond.

Inside, the young woman quickly stripped out of her clothes and laid them over a relatively dry rock a few feet from the huge pool. Retrieving a hand-towel from the small room in back, she slipped gratefully into the clear warm waters with a deep, throaty groan.

After ducking her head under the water, Jessica threw her wet hair over her shoulder and proceeded to gently scrub her body. Closing her eyes and relaxing in the calm and soothing environment, her mind quickly turned to it’s current favorite realm of contemplation: Kaleah.

Yesterday’s deliberations had apparently been for naught; one look into those deep blue eyes and the thoughts she had carefully contained leapt free once more. Sighing, she realized there was only one thing she could do; just accept the thoughts and try to ignore them as best she could. Hopefully, they would leave of their own volition once she was over this infatuation.

Suddenly, her imaginative mind remembered something she rarely ever thought of. Opening her eyes, Jess was helpless to stop the rakish grin that creased her mouth as she glanced over towards the wall to the left of the great oak doors. She searched for and quickly found the small hole in the intricate carvings of the wall . . . a hole invisible to all but those who knew where to look.

The peep-hole.

Jessica had discovered the secret spy-hole in the course of her explorations of Da’Gran, and she knew that many of the previous castle rulers had no doubt used it for their lascivious pleasures, watching those bathing within the chamber. Of course, she’d never used it herself, but the young woman’s creative mind had little trouble picturing the wonderful, exciting visions she might behold if she were to make use of the secret hole.

Jessica’s body instantly applauded the idea expressed by her mind, and she shivered a little at the heat that ran suddenly through her blood. The muscles in her groin tightened and curled upon themselves, and her breathing grew shallow.

Closing her eyes, Jessica attempted to gain control of the situation. "That’s enough," she commanded, deciding her body was more likely to respond to verbal orders than non-verbal ones. "You are not doing any spying of any kind!"

Her body protested its displeasure.

"I mean it," she insisted, squeezing her eyes shut tighter and making fists. "You’ve never sunk so low as to use the spy-hole . . . Never! And you’re not gonna start now!"

Ah, but there was never anyone like Kaleah worth spying on, her mind quickly pointed out to her. And it’s not as though you haven’t spied on everyone else in the castle at some point or another . . . just not quite like this.

Jessica felt herself flush as she realized this was true. She had watched the people in Da’Gran as they went about their business, using the secret passageways to allow her access into the lives of everyone from servant to soldier. "That’s not the same thing," she told herself firmly. "This would be a betrayal of Kaleah’s trust." Her heart ached just thinking of such a thing, and her body began to settle — albeit reluctantly.

She doesn’t need to know, her mind continued pursuasively, unwilling to give up. It won’t hurt your friendship at all. Don’t you want to watch her?

"No," she growled through clenched teeth. "It would just be encouraging these thoughts, and you’ll be over them in a few days. That kind of encouragement is only going to make it take longer to get over this infatuation."

Bu