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  “But Lady, the men...”

  “...Will have to face the Firewalkers.” Walking to the door, she called Maren. When Maren joined them, she laid out the problem and made her request. “I’d like some of the girls to take Heather and Ivy to the market this morning. There has been some trouble with men bothering them, and they haven’t been able to get out and about much lately. I think five or six big sisters should be enough to keep the wolves at bay.”

  Maren grinned and nodded. Turning to Eldora, she made a half bow. “With your permission, Lady Bel’Carin, I’ll take them with me to visit Captain Corban. Then we can visit the market on the way back and pick up your supplies, if you would care to provide a list.” Eldora was shocked by Maren’s obvious deference. Maren saw her surprise and smiled. “We all know who you are, Lady Eldora. And being here with Robin and Java makes you one of us. We’ll see the girls safe.”

  “I have to be in the palace for most of the day. Please see that the Firewalkers have a good time while they’re here, Maren. They deserve it,” Robin said as she walked out of the door, her grin telling Maren what kind of good time she was thinking of.

  Eldora had her girls ready to go in moments, still unsure until she saw the women that Maren was taking. Infantrywomen one and all, they dwarfed Barnum and Lothar. Each was easily six and a half feet tall, with bulging muscles that she would have expected on a barge laborer. The Firewalker uniforms and large knives that each woman carried made Eldora very glad that she was on good terms with them.

  Maren took her patrol to visit Captain Corban at his manor. The servants had been warned to expect them, and while they were not happy about the Firewalkers being there, they didn’t give them any of the trouble they usually reserved for Morgan. Stephen met them on the terrace. “Lieutenant Kelven, welcome.”

  Maren walked over and grabbed Stephen by the ears, kissing him soundly. “That was from Emily. This is from Morgan.” She grinned and pinched his butt.

  “Achk! Maren, stop that,” he said as he laughed, swatting her hand and backing away. “Are you sure that was from Morgan?”

  “And a few others. I can’t give you what Sammy wanted to. I lost my virginity years ago.” Maren grinned, watching him blush.

  “That poor girl, trapped with you wild women for so long. How is she? I heard she was doing well, even though her city was destroyed. That’s still a shock.” Stephen led Maren over to a table that had been set with a bottle of wine and several glasses. Ivy came forward and began pouring immediately.

  Stephen looked at her, confused for a moment. “Ivy? What are you doing here?”

  “Lady Robin asked the lieutenant to take us to the market, Captain Stephen. It’s been ages since we’ve been out of the manor,” she replied, not looking up.

  Heather came forward then and picked up a tray of cakes, and began serving the Firewalkers. Stephen saw and laughed, guessing the idea. “Letting the men know who they’re being protected by?”

  “And the consequences. Robin thought it might be a good idea to advertise the fact that she and Java are back in town.” Maren paused to sip her wine and grin. “As for Sammy, she’s doing fine. Merrit and Anness are both mother-henning her to distraction. She also might have a visitor soon. Prince Panit of Greencastle. He’s a year or two older than her, and he’s a handsome young buck.”

  “Oh, the poor boy. Emmy said Sammy was turning into a real Firewalker. I can just see her throwing him down and...” he stopped himself when he remembered that Ivy and Heather were there. “Anyway. What’s happening? I knew something was going on yesterday, but there wasn’t time to ask.”

  Maren briefly filled Stephen in on the changes in the Firewalkers, as well as Marta and Shair’s elevation.

  “Damn! What in the world? Marta Freeholm is no longer the Captain of the Firewalkers? Lieutenant Skyhaven is now Lady Skyhaven? And you say that Java is going to ask Arten and Naria to ennoble Marta and she’s going to take over Link County?” Seating himself, he rubbed his eyes. “And I thought things were going to settle back down now that the war is over.”

  “Not with Java around,” Maren said with a grin, making the Firewalkers laugh.

  The trip to the market was the high point of Ivy and Heather’s month. Walking through the market, picking out the things their mother had listed, they saw old friends in the stalls and spent half their time talking. The Firewalkers all smiled tolerantly. Teenagers. The trouble started when three young men saw them and quickly approached.

  “Well, look who’s back. Are you ready now?” one asked, leering at Heather.

  Another stepped close and grabbed Ivy’s arm. “I promised you the next time I saw you I was going to...HHAAHH!” he finished with a howl of pain as Trooper Cavanaugh grasped his wrist and squeezed. Turning, he came face to face with her muscular chest.

  “Leave the girl alone,” Cavanaugh said softly, her surprisingly high voice contrasting with the muscles that bulged beneath her uniform.

  The third young man turned to find his way blocked by Troopers Erickson and Leonard. Both were massively muscled and formed a wall of flesh that few men would have dared. For a teenage tough, they were terrifying.

  The first boy turned and ran into Maren and Trooper Primlan. Maren looked down into his face and growled, “I think you owe our little sisters an apology.” Troopers Vanin and Forestall joined in by lifting two of the boys by the scruff of their necks while Shana Cavanaugh lifted her boy by his arm.

  Maren moved so she could look all three of the boys in their eyes. “Our little sisters have had enough of your trouble. Leave ‘em alone!” she shouted, watching the boys shrink away from her. “Princess Java and Master Mage Robin can get us here anytime they need us.” A wave of her hand and the boys were on the ground, looking up fearfully at the massive women who loomed above them. Maren fingered the hilt of her knife as she leaned forward and growled. “If we have to come back here, you won’t have anything left to show the girls.”

  The boys were weeping in fear by now, and Maren let them scuttle backwards on their butts until they were clear, then they got up and ran as hard as they could, chased by the derisive laughter of the people in the market.

  Maren looked around, seeing a number of men watching them. “Anyone else?” she demanded loudly. Her question caused several men to blush and back away. “I would suggest that all of you remember this: These girls are our sisters. An insult to one is an insult to all. And Princess Java is more dangerous than we are.” The mention of Java made a number of men who hadn’t appeared nervous before begin swallowing and clearing their throats. Java’s handling of her would-be kidnappers was still a favorite story in the alehouses. It was also a reminder that rank wouldn’t save them: Java was above them all. Maren smiled as a number of well-dressed young men fled.

  Smiling down at the girls, Maren motioned them on. At stall after stall, wherever there was a young girl present, the Firewalkers were showered with thanks. One woman summed it up.

  “It ain’t safe fer a common girl with uncommon looks here. The princess be praised that she be having you lot about.”

  Maren informed Eldora that the girls would be safe in the market from then on. Heather told the story, scandalizing her mother, but leaving Barnum and Lothar holding their sides as they laughed.

  * * *

  Java met Robin on the palace steps and took her directly to the court. “Arten and Naria have already made the announcement. As expected, a number of lords got up and walked out. No loss there. We do have an unexpected complication, though. Lord Daveed is irate over another commoner being elevated.”

  “But, wasn’t he the one you made Lord of Devon County?”

  “And my neighbor. Yes. He wants to take over Link County, seeing how I am heir to White County along with the rest of Hiddendell.” Java’s look was sour as she led Robin to the court.

  Arten saw Java and Robin enter and motioned Java to her seat. Lord Daveed was standing in the center of the court, serenely looking at Duke Arten
and smiling.

  “Lord Duke, I am well within my rights to make this request. After all, no duke or duchess has ever held two counties. It is without precedent.”

  “So you think you should hold the two counties? Lord Daveed, you have been listening to bad advice. Java was not given Link County so we could make her our daughter. She was given Link County as a reward for rescuing Duchess Samantha and in acknowledgment her guardianship of Samantha after the rescue. She was adopted later, for other reasons. We did not need to ennoble her for that.” Duke Arten was seated, looking down on Daveed Cross with a slight smile on his face. “You sound a great deal like Denver. Don’t tell me you kept on the fools who advised him into prison?”

  “My advisors are my affair, Lord Duke,” Lord Daveed answered tightly. “The fact still remains that no duke or duchess has ever held a county other than White County.”

  Arten nodded. “That is true. However, Lord Cross, be assured that if Java decides to invest another with Link County, it will be a person of her choosing, and by her will alone. Do not bring this before me again. It is not my decision.” Arten smiled at Java and nodded to her.

  Java stood, waiting for quiet before speaking. “Lords and ladies, the question of Link County need never be brought up again. Lady Freeholm is and shall remain my Lady High Chatelaine until she wishes to step aside. She has also stated that she is looking forward to seeing my children. This, I believe, is what the future holds for Link County.

  “My first born will be the next duke, or duchess. My second and third children will inherit Link and Mountainstand Counties. As to what the fourth, fifth and sixth will do, we shall see. Perhaps one will become a mercenary.” Her smile at that left a few lords laughing, but more were frowning.

  Lord Calin Wellington stood and bowed to Duke Arten and Java before speaking. “Lord Daveed would have himself invested with what he objects to Princess Java being invested with, that being two counties. I think that, whoever it is, one person having two counties is a mistake. Forgive me, Princess, but no duke or duchess has ever held that much power over the duchy.” Swallowing, he looked down for a moment before looking Java in the eye. “Princess, I say this to you here, in open court. You should find others to invest with both of your counties.”

  Other lords stood then to challenge him, but Java had understood what he meant. “You are referring to Link and Mountainstand?” she asked, receiving his nodded reply. “And how would you feel if I, by my right as Heir of Hiddendell and Lady of Link County, should invest my birth father and mother? Would you sit beside Lord Ahern’s butler and treat him as an equal?”

  Calin looked at Java with hurt showing in his eyes, but shook his head. “No, Princess. That wouldn’t be right.”

  “Then who? My little sister? She’s planning to marry one of the assistant trainers. Would you accept her?” She grinned as he again shook his head. “Lady Marta Freeholm is my choice to hold Link County for my son or daughter. She would not accept the county for herself. As for Mountainstand, who better than Lady Shair Skyhaven to hold the land for my children? She has been my mother, my mentor, and my councilor. She does not and will not have children of her own. When my children are old enough, she will raise them like her own grandchildren.” Grinning at Arten and Naria, she continued. “Providing, of course, that their real grandparents will let them go.”

  “Princess?” Lady Cannard stood, waiting to be acknowledged before continuing. “You speak of your children as an accomplished fact. Have you accepted the proposal of a lord to become our next duke?”

  “Lady Aribel, you were present when I confronted Denver Broward in these chambers. I told him, and all present, that I had a man who I loved with all my heart. I have asked his mother for permission to marry him, and she has given her blessing. He has already asked for and received permission from Duke Arten and Duchess Naria to marry me. Only my birth father needs to be consulted to finalize our betrothal.” Java stood, facing the gathered lords, and braced for a storm that was yet to come. “They already know about him, so there shouldn’t be any problem there.”

  Lady Aribel stood staring at Java, her wide, disbelieving eyes betraying her shock. “You brought him here? And have already received the duke’s blessing?”

  “We have,” Java answered softly.

  “I may as well send Alden home then.” Lady Aribel sat heavily, never taking her eyes off Java. “You didn’t tell us much about him last time, Princess. I, for one, would like to know what he’s like.”

  Java nodded, ignoring Arten’s cautioning hand. “He is Latté, and like me, he was a mercenary Scout.” She paused as the indrawn gasps whistled through the court like the wind. “His name is Jah’Moke Cawfy, he is twenty-one years of age, and he will be my husband.”

  The storm that Java had expected broke as the lords and ladies one and all denounced her decision and the duke’s agreement. Java let them carry on for a moment, motioning Arten and Naria to wait. Finally, she stuck her fingers into her mouth and whistled loudly. The unusual noise silenced the lords and ladies quite effectively.

  “I am well within my rights to choose my husband, nor is it anyone’s decision but mine and my parents’. The heir’s spouse is not subject to confirmation by the court, though there have been times in the past when the duke let the court sway his decision,” she said, keeping her voice soft and firm.

  Duke Arten stood, looking at Java with a slight smile on his lips before turning to the court. “Java has done nothing unusual. Not for our family at any rate. The court objected to Naria when I announced our betrothal on the grounds that she was a mercenary, not a lady. I think she has proven herself over the years to be a very good duchess. It is also my belief that Java and Jah’Moke have a firm love bond. A bond that has had years to grow, and has survived many severe tests, not the least of which was our adopting her. I have decided to make it my duty to prepare him as thoroughly as possible for the role that he will one day play. To that end, Jah’Moke Cawfy will be joining me here, in court, at my right hand. He will also receive private tutoring in the duties of the duke, as Java has been receiving.”

  Naria stood next to Arten and held his hand. “I was not well-received by many of you in this room when we married. I will remind you all that I am Java’s mother by choice. I will defend her if I must. And I have never been considered a lady.”

  The lords and ladies all looked at one another as they considered Naria’s words. Java waited until they had quieted down before speaking. “In accordance with Latté custom, once Jah’Moke has received permission from my birth father, we will announce our betrothal. Then we must wait a full year before we may marry. You will all have plenty of time to adjust to him, and he to you.”

  Lord Daveed once again stood, waiting for Java to relinquish the floor to him before speaking. “Princess Java, this is an outrage. However, your family seems to derive great joy from outraging your peers. It would seem that Duke Arten and Duchess Naria chose quite well: You are their daughter in spirit, if not by blood.” He turned abruptly and walked calmly out of the court. He was joined by several other lords and ladies who had objected to Java or had been friends of Denver Broward.

  When the doors had slammed shut behind the offended lords, Lord Emver Drakeson of Blackburn County burst out laughing. His knee slapping howls had the rest of the lords alternately grinning or frowning as they waited for him to recover himself. Finally, he wiped his eyes and wagged a finger at Arten, gasping “...And I thought you were a troublemaker!” then dissolved into laughter again.

  Duke Arten grinned at him in return. Like many of the nobles, Emver was his cousin, though he was more distantly related than most. A shared great-grandfather made them family, though just barely. They were better friends than relatives, and Arten had called on him a number of times when he was in trouble. Now he waited tolerantly until Lady Elinda calmly held a glass of water over her husband’s lap. He quickly quieted, and Java guessed that she had carried out the threat before.


  Lord William Jovan of Mountain County stood and waited until Duke Arten nodded before speaking. He was one of the elder lords at age fifty-nine, and he smiled sweetly at Java before speaking. He, like Arten, had married a commoner against his father’s wishes. “My lord Duke, I am anxious to meet this man. Is he available?”

  Duke Arten looked at Java, but she shook her head. Standing, she bowed slightly to Lord William. “Jah’Moke is at Lady Robin’s manor. He will be staying there until he is accepted by my birth father. Until then, it would be premature to bring him here. His honor demands that he receive permission to marry me from both of my fathers before our betrothal may be formally announced.”

  “Then there is still a question?” Lady Elinda asked from her seat, not standing to address the court.

  Java looked closely at her, then shook her head. “Not in my mind. Or my heart.”

  Duke Arten concluded court on that note and called Java and Robin to his office. “Java,” he gasped as he laughed, “you certainly know how to stir up the nobility. I haven’t seen them that mad since we adopted you. But why did you have to spring Jah’Moke’s identity on them so soon?”

  “Lady Cannard asked. Besides, I was mad at them for trying to get me to relinquish Link County. As for Mountainstand, they have no business even bringing it up. And, since I made it clear that I won’t consider anyone other than Jah’Moke for my husband, it may limit the number of proposals I receive,” she said, grinning broadly.

  “Oh, rats! I was looking forward to another round of silly poems and proposals to laugh at,” Naria put in from the side.

  “You’ll get your chance, Naria,” Robin said from where she was pouring drinks for them all. “I’ve already received three today, and it’s not even lunch-time yet.”

  “Starting early, aren’t they? Any good ones?” Naria asked, accepting a glass of wine from Robin.

  “No. They’re all the same old thing. Two of them are exact copies of proposals that Java received. The third is from Lord Selvin Cardon, whoever he is. It wasn’t too bad, really. It even looks like he wrote it himself,” Robin said, grinning from her seat.