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  The mayor and council members looked at each other nervously. Java was in her Dress Uniform, sash and knives resplendent in the lamplight, and Shair, Marta, and Maren were also in their Dress Uniforms. That the princess was still wearing the uniform of the Firewalkers was a surprise.

  The mayor swallowed nervously, then bowed to Java and Shair. “Princess, it is your right, of course, but a mercenary?”

  “Mayor Cavenal, I have been a mercenary for seven years. Choose your words carefully.” As soft as it was, her voice carried considerable menace. “As for Lieutenant Skyhaven, her qualifications are unquestioned and unquestionable. She has retired from the Firewalkers, and will be my hands and eyes in this county. Her word is my word, her decisions my decisions.” Java looked a question at Shair and received a nod. Stepping back, she left Shair to deal with the council.

  Shair’s bright blue eyes bored into each of the councilors as she spoke. “I’ll be returning in a few weeks to take over. Until then, Princess Java has given temporary control of the county to Captain Rivers of the Firewalkers. A report of this incident has already been dispatched to Firedale, and will also be reported to Vandalburg and Thunder Ridge.”

  The mayor again stood, bowing slightly to Shair. “Your pardon, but did you say Captain Rivers? I thought Captain Freeholm led the Firewalkers.”

  “I did,” Marta replied, standing and stepping forward to stand by Shair’s side. “I retired a few weeks ago and Princess Java has prevailed upon me to take the position of Lady High Chatelaine of Link County.”

  The mayor and councilors looked back and forth among themselves, then quieted again. The mayor bowed and seated himself, unsettled by the changes.

  Java waved one hand in a dismissive gesture, and the council scattered. She saw Sabrina talking to a man in an apron and walked over. “I would like to purchase two casks of beer for the Firewalkers camped outside of town. Have them delivered by your people.”

  Sabrina smiled and said, “Princess Java, this is Valden Coopersmith. He’s a member of my clan.”

  Java nodded. “I saw the dragon on the sign, Sabrina. How much for the two casks?” she asked, looking at the innkeeper.

  Valden bowed and said, “I ask for two silver royals for each cask.” Java looked at Sabrina and she nodded, so she put the four coins in the man’s hand, then turned away.

  Maren smiled as Java returned to their group. “I gratefully accept on behalf of my women, Java. Lone Pine doesn’t have room for the two hundred of us in the inns.” Maren’s smile deepened as she looked at her princess. Little imp knows she’s also saving us the coin in our pouches.

  Much the same greeting awaited them in four of the six other towns they passed through on the way to Greensboro. Only Danington and Perrin’s Bridge greeted the Firewalkers with any semblance of friendliness. Java refused to stay in the towns where the Firewalkers were not welcome, making sure to let the mayors know exactly who they had insulted and how displeased she was. And that Duke Kaster would know how she felt as soon as she arrived in Greensboro.

  The Guardsmen at the gates to Greensboro saw the mercs coming and prepared a greeting. Java’s previous visit to Greensboro was a well-remembered sore spot. Seeing the young women riding at the front of the column had the men straightening their uniforms and coming to attention as their officer stepped forward.

  “Princess Mountainstand?” he asked with a bow.

  Java nodded from her saddle. “Yes, Lieutenant?”

  “Princess, welcome to Greensboro. I must get permission from Duke Kaster for your party to enter the city.” He was nervous and sweaty as he looked up at Java, and kept glancing behind her.

  “That’s all right, Lieutenant. We’ll wait,” Java said, smiling down at his handsome young face.

  The lieutenant looked startled, and blurted, “Princess, you don’t have to wait. Only the armed women.” He gestured back to the Firewalkers.

  Java laughed. “What do you call these?” she asked as she gestured to her knives. “I’ll wait with my friends, Lieutenant.”

  The lieutenant swallowed nervously and bowed to Java. He had heard of her skill with her knives, as had every member of the Guard. A rider arrived within moments. The young lieutenant dismounted and went to one knee as he looked at Java.

  “Princess Java, you and your party are asked to stay here. Duke Kaster is coming to greet you personally.”

  After a short wait Duke Kaster and Duchess Werrin, followed by General Warles and a cadre of senior Guard officers, arrived to meet Java at the gate. “Princess Java, welcome to our city once again.”

  Java had dismounted and handed Sugar’s reins to Robin, then stepped forward to curtsy to the duke. “Duke Kaster, Duchess Werrin, I am honored to once again set foot in your city.”

  Werrin laughed and stepped forward to hug Java. “We knew Arten and Naria were up to something, but adopting you was the last thing we expected. Welcome to the family, Java.” Werrin kissed Java’s cheek, then surrendered her to Kaster.

  Kaster was less reserved than Werrin. Hugging Java, he swung her off her feet in a circle, making her laugh. “That adopted father of yours has a few things to explain, such as why he didn’t tell us. Hells, we didn’t find out until a month after the deed was done. Come along. We have some things to discuss.” The duke kept his arm around Java, guiding her toward the palace.

  General Warles stepped forward, facing Marta Freeholm. “I have been instructed to offer your command accommodations in the Guard Barracks, Captain.”

  Marta’s smile was tight as she said, “I’m no longer the captain of the Firewalkers, General Warles. I turned over the command to Captain Rivers almost a month ago.” She motioned Maren forward and introduced her to the general. “This is Lieutenant Kelven. She is in charge of this detachment. They are to be the security force to fulfill our contract with Duke Arten.”

  The general rocked back on his heels at that news. “Well! Well indeed. No one told us. Why are you traveling with the princess, Marta? Going home?”

  “In a way. Princess Java has asked me to be her Lady High Chatelaine in Link County. Shair,” she motioned to her side, “is going to fulfill the same function in Mountainstand County. Java is going to ask Duke Kaster to name her Lady Skyhaven.”

  The general was again rocked by the news. “And he’ll do it. Oh, this is a fine mess. There’s been a great deal of discussion concerning the princess and her multiple roles.” The general turned to go, motioning for Marta and Shair to accompany him. “The disposition of Mountainstand County while she is in Hiddendell has been a major source of contention among the lesser nobility. A number of good men have been waiting for the chance to approach her about the very post that she’s chosen you for,” he said, looking at Shair. “If you’ll forgive me for asking, why you?”

  Shair smiled softly. “I’ve been Java’s lieutenant since she joined the Firewalkers. She is very much like a daughter to me, and she feels much the same toward me. I have the pedigree to make me acceptable to the nobility.” Shair grinned, not volunteering her true name or nature.

  The general simply shrugged. He assumed that Shair, like a number of other mercenaries he had met, was a noble bastard. That didn’t bother him. He had a few bastards out there as well. “And these?” he gestured back to where Robin and Jah’Moke bracketed Sabrina.

  “Lady Mage Robin is Java’s closest friend. Jah’Moke is Java’s betrothed. And Sabrina is my lover,” Shair replied, making the general choke.

  “The hells you say!” General Warles said as he stepped away from Shair.

  “Oh, come now, Evand,” Marta said as she laughed, drawing the general’s glare. “You know there are a number of the Le’Ah among the Firewalkers. Your men accused all of us at one time or another.”

  “And you think the Duke will accept you as a lady in spite of this?” he asked angrily.

  Shair smiled serenely and shrugged. “He has little choice. If not Lady Skyhaven, then I’ll simply use my true name and title. Andy
said I can if I want to.” Shair’s smile was impish now, but she was still not going to volunteer the information.

  “Do you think being a noble bastard is the same as being a noble?” he asked hotly.

  “I’m not a bastard, General,” she said softly, then laughed. “I’ll tell you the truth, but I ask you to be discreet. There are still some bad feelings at home over the whole situation.” At the general’s nod, she told him who she had been born as.

  General Warles felt his skin chill as he stared at the woman beside him. He had met Ander Lesten years before, and the family resemblance was immediately apparent, now that he had a family to compare her to. “But why...?”

  “Because I’m Le’Ah. The Firewalkers were the first people who accepted me for who and what I was. That was when I was fourteen, General. For now, we’re late. I suspect that Java has gone ahead with her requests. Patience is one thing I have never been able to teach her.” Shair grinned and the general blinked several times before leading them on.

  “Princess.., I mean, Lady.., oh, Hells! Shair, this is a shock. In all the times we encountered one another at Firedale, I never once suspected who you are. Or what you are.” He briefly glared at Marta. “You’ve got to stop shocking me like this. It’s bad for my heart.” He frowned at her, making her laugh. “If Princess Java has not already arranged for you to stay in the palace, I would be pleased to have you as my guests.” Looking back at Robin and Jah’Moke, he shrugged. “I imagine the duke and duchess are going to want you two in with the princess.”

  Robin nodded while Jah’Moke simply rubbernecked. At the general’s questioning look, Shair explained. “He’s Latté. He’s never set foot in a city before.”

  “And he’s betrothed to Princess Java? Only in Hiddendell,” he said under his breath, making Marta and Shair laugh.

  A young lieutenant came for them before they reached the palace gates. Striding quickly up to the general, he stopped and saluted. “Sir, the duke wants Marta Freeholm, Shair Skyhaven, Lady Robin Cartwright, Jah’Moke Cawfy and Mistress Sabrina Derinsham in the palace as soon as possible.”

  “Very well.” Turning, he motioned one of his captains forward. “Captain Ellison, please see to the billeting arrangements for these women. Remember that they are our honored guests.” The general’s eyes warned the captain that he would be very displeased if there were any complaints. At the captain’s salute, the general resumed his walk to the palace, escorting the duke’s guests.

  In the palace, they were escorted to a private audience chamber where Java was in conference with the duke and duchess. “Shair, welcome. And Marta. We hadn’t heard that you retired until just now.” Duke Kaster hugged each of the women. “This can only be Mage Robin, and Jah’Moke,” he said, smiling at Robin’s wide eyes and Jah’Moke’s dumbstruck expression. “And Mistress Sabrina. Well, everyone seems to be accounted for. Come, sit down.” He gestured to chairs around a low table and his guests sorted themselves out, Sabrina moving to Shair’s side while Robin and Jah’Moke moved to bracket Java.

  Duchess Werrin was smiling at Shair, which told them that Java had already discussed her reason for visiting. “Java tells us that she’s convinced you to finally rejoin the nobility, Shair.”

  Shair smiled and nodded, looking at her favorite child. “She has. I was ready to retire to Sabrina’s inn and learn how to make beer until Java begged me to stay with her. Or rather, for her.”

  “A patent of nobility for you seems like gilding a lily, but if you want to be Lady Skyhaven, then so be it. The paperwork will be drawn up before you leave,” Kaster said, smiling at his cousin. “Java also tells us that she’s convinced you to go to Linkville, Marta.”

  “Yes, she has. I was unsure at first, but really, what would I do with nothing to do?” Marta smiled at her friends and shrugged. “Naria is going to love this. She’s been trying to get me to accept a title for years.”

  “’With love, you can move mountains,’” Jah’Moke said in a soft tone, quoting a Latté proverb.

  “Indeed,” Kaster said softly, looking at Werrin and smiling. “Love can indeed move mountains, young man.”

  Java reached over and squeezed Jah’Moke’s hand. “We have proposed to each other, and I’ve received his mother’s permission to marry him. He has to ask Arten and my birth father before his honor will allow him to marry me, but I don’t foresee any problems. Arten and Naria knew about Jah’Moke before they adopted me, and my parents will be happy that they’re going to have grandchildren from me. They weren’t very happy about Robin and I being together.”

  “Yes, I imagine so. There are some other people you should meet while you’re here, Java. They were off in Winterhaven when you visited before.” Werrin went to a side door and spoke softly. When she returned, three young men and two young women followed her.

  Marta recognized them and stood, motioning the others to stand with her. Werrin smiled and bowed to Java. “Princess Java, these are our children. Gemin, and his wife, Elissand,” a man of about twenty-six bowed, as did the younger woman at his side. “Dena, and her husband, Barten Linvingston,” a woman of about twenty-four by Java’s estimation bowed, as did the slightly older man at her side, “and Panit. Children, this is your new cousin, Java Mountainstand.”

  Gemin stepped forward and gave Java a ritual kiss on the cheek while his wife curtsied. He murmured, “Welcome, Princess,” but Java didn’t think he really meant it.

  Dena was next, and much more sincere in her greeting. “Mother told me about you. I’ll see you later. Privately.” Her grin when she pulled back was feral. Where Werrin reminded Java of a cat, Dena reminded her of a vixen. Barten stopped two steps away and bowed very low.

  Panit was last, as the youngest. He was about a year younger than Java, and his kiss was accompanied by a warm hug. “Ignore Gem. He’s a prig,” he whispered, almost making Java laugh.

  “You five should also know who Shair is, seeing that she’s going to be a lady of this duchy.” Kaster briefly informed his children of their other cousin in the room, and grinned as they stared in disbelief.

  “Damn! That is who you look like. Ander. But why the disguise?” Panit asked, stepping forward to hug Shair. Gemin and Dena joined him, feeling less restrained with this blood relation than the adopted child.

  “Shair’s reasons will wait, Pan. It’s supper time. Java, there aren’t many lords and ladies here this time. Only Corky and Amel. That they are your neighbors is fortunate. They need to be informed of Shair’s placement formally, and this is as good a time as any. Maybe they’ll get insulted and leave.” Kaster’s grin was tight as he spoke of the other lords. They still plagued him about Java’s status.

  Java quietly introduced her friends to the princes and princesses, watching their faces. Introducing Robin as a Master, as well as Lady Mage, had them all wide-eyed. Introducing Jah’Moke caused Gemin’s face to close down as if a shutter had come across it. Dena and Panit, however, were fascinated by him and immediately began pestering him with questions. That he and Java were betrothed surprised them all.

  Jah’Moke answered all their questions briefly, but courteously. He was a bit overawed by the whole situation. It was only Java and Robin’s closeness that kept him the least bit calm. Being seated at the high table, he watched his host and Java for clues as to what he was supposed to do.

  Java spoke softly in Latté, “Relax.” He was between Java and Robin, and they were working in concert to help him. The training they had received in Whitehall came forth and they immediately fell into the roles that Naria had demanded they learn.

  Once everyone was seated in the dining hall, Duke Kaster stood. “My friends, we greet today Princess Java of Hiddendell. With her is Lady Shair Skyhaven, who the princess has appointed to be her Lady High Chatelaine in Mountainstand County while she is in Whitehall.” Shair stood and bowed to the lords and ladies. “At Lady Skyhaven’s side is Marta Freeholm, former captain of the Firewalkers.” Marta stood and bowed. “At Princess Java’
s side is Lady Mage Robin Cartwright of Whitehall,” he paused while Robin stood and curtsied, “and Princess Java’s betrothed, Jah’Moke Cawfy of the Latté.” The duke nodded to Jah’Moke, who stood and managed a passable bow. “Also with us is Sabrina Derinsham, Lady Skyhaven’s guest.”

  Lord Corkston couldn’t wait any longer and stood to glare at the duke. “Lord Duke, how long will this continue? Another commoner made a lady? A Latté barbarian at the high table? How many further insults will you heap upon us?”

  Java snapped to her feet, her hot eyes obviously surprising Lord Corkston. When she had been there before he had cowed her easily enough, but that was before she had spent a year in Whitehall under Naria’s ungentle tutelage.

  “Lord Verlis, if Jah’Moke is granted permission from my fathers to marry me, and I foresee no problems with that, then he will one day be Duke Jah’Moke of Hiddendell.”

  Panit stood with Java, facing Lord Corkston. “Lord Verlis,” he said softly, “Princess Java is correct. As Gemin will one day rule here, Jah’Moke will one day rule in Hiddendell. And Elgin will still be the lord of a single county.” His grin turned nasty. “If he can handle it.”

  Lord Corkston was so angry that he couldn’t say anything coherent, so he slammed his chair over backwards and stomped out of the room. His wife, Lady Merribel, gave Werrin a venomous glare before joining her husband.

  Lord Amel looked at Duke Kaster and Duchess Werrin, steepling his fingers in front of his face. “And here I thought Arten and Naria were trouble-makers.” Turning to Shair, he nodded his head. “It would seem that like follows like. I do not foresee a reason that our paths should ever again cross, Lady Skyhaven.” Standing, he offered his hand to the young woman at his side. Her tense smile as she stood said volumes to the other women present, though the men didn’t seem to notice.

  Once they were gone, Java looked to Dena for an answer. Leaning over to get closer to Dena, she whispered her question. “His daughter?”

  Dena shook her head. “His wife of about three months. Poor girl. Her family are minor nobles who lost everything in Lender’s Dale,” she whispered back.