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  Over the next month Jah’Moke was deluged with ideas that were entirely foreign to him. He was an apt pupil though, and Arten was pleased with his progress when Jah’Moke approached him about seeing Java’s birth parents.

  “Yes, Jah’Moke, I think it’s time. Have you spoken to Java about traveling to Equintain yet?” Arten asked, smiling slightly at the young man before him.

  “No, Sir,” Jah’Moke answered automatically, reverting to form under the stress he was feeling. “I thought I should see you first.”

  “Very well. Take good care of her, and be back for Mid-Winter.” Arten smiled and acknowledged Jah’Moke’s bow as he departed.

  CHAPTER 3: SURPRISES AT EQUINTAIN

  Family will always do the last thing you expect.

  Ancient Wisdom

  JAVA WAS ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT LEAVING, AND Jah’Moke joined her for the ride out to Robin’s manor. “Robin, we’re going to Equintain to see my parents. Are you coming with us?” Java asked. She and Robin had, much to her sorrow, grown apart over the month that they had been in Whitehall.

  “No, Java. You and Jah’Moke need to do this alone. Besides, Marlan is supposed to be back soon,” she said with a grin. “I think I’m going to have better luck with him this time.”

  Java laughed at the look on Robin’s face. Robin hadn’t seen Marlan after that first night, but he had sent a note three weeks later asking to see her again. “All right. I’m going to miss you so much. This is the first time we’ve been apart in years.”

  “I know. I’ll miss you, too. Both of you.” She grinned at Jah’Moke. “But it is necessary for you two to do this alone. I’d just be in the way. Did I tell you about Lord Calin? He sent me a note yesterday, asking if I would visit his estate and check his protective spells. If he needs new ones, I’m going to let him hire me. What do you think?” Robin tilted her head to the side, trying to gauge the effect of her words on Java.

  “I think you may find yourself in high demand, Robin. You’re a more powerful Master than anyone else in Whitehall, and there are no Adepts with Veldin off visiting family. He doesn’t do things like that anyway. Maybe you’ll end up like your friend Marlan and cater to the lords. After all, you are a lady.” Java grinned, then kissed Robin goodbye.

  Java and Jah’Moke traveled in style on the trip to Equintain. Arten had convinced Java, with Jah’Moke’s help, that an escort was appropriate and necessary. Ten Royal Guards, led by Lieutenant Emin Norstrand, rode with them in their Dress Uniforms. Java, as always, was in Firewalker colors, and she had convinced Jah’Moke that he should dress up as well.

  Jah’Moke was dressed in a uniform much like Java’s, but in a deep forest green that complimented Java’s blood red. His bandoleer, however, was far more ornate than Java’s. Silver beads formed a pattern that resembled a mountain cat crouching to spring.

  “That is my guardian spirit, Java. The mountain lion has always guided my path. That is how I became a Scout. My spirits led me.”

  Java was surprised by this little tidbit of information. “I wonder what my guardian spirit is? I’ll have to ask Spirit Dreamer Dah’Mas when the Latté arrived for the wedding.”

  Jah’Moke nodded. “Discovering your spirit guide is intensely personal. It is often not what you expect. Though for you,” he said with a grin, “I suspect a cat like mine.”

  Java nodded. Mother always said I was like a cat growing up. Always under-foot except when I was needed. Then I’d vanish.

  The trip was uneventful except for the usual encumbrances of traveling as a princess. Mayors and Town Councilmen introduced themselves and called special meetings to display Java to their people. Java bore the strain with what grace she could. She carefully did not introduce Jah’Moke in any of the towns they passed through. They would have time enough to gawk at him when the announcement was made on the way back.

  Equintain was again barren as they rode in, and Jallan came out to greet the party of riders. “Yes, may I help you...Java?”

  Java laughed and dismounted, stepping forward to hug Jallan. “Hello, Jallan.” She smiled and looked over her shoulder. “We have come visiting. Where are my parents?”

  “In the house, Java. You know the way. I’ll see to your escort.” Jallan smiled and stepped aside to allow Java to pass, but he looked strangely at Jah’Moke.

  Java saw his confusion and grinned. “Jallan, this is Jah’Moke. He’s here to ask father for permission to marry me.”

  Jallan gaped a little, then his eyes narrowed. He said “Welcome, Jah’Moke,” obviously not meaning it.

  Jah’Moke ignored Jallan’s tone and bowed but didn’t say anything, then allowed Java to lead him to the house. Ambros met them on the porch, not recognizing Java for a second. Then he surged forward and clasped her in a tight embrace. “Oh, Java, you’re back,” he whispered while she snuggled.

  “Father, we have some news for you, and a question,” Java said, smiling up in to her father’s eyes. “Where’s mother?”

  “Upstairs. Come along,” he said as he drew Java inside, and Jah’Moke followed on her heels. Lord Ahern came out to find out who was there, but stopped himself in mid-sentence when he recognized Java.

  Nightingale was coming down stairs when she saw them, and almost fell in her rush to reach Java. “Oh, Java, you’re back,” she whispered, echoing her husband and making Java laugh. “But who is this?” she asked, looking over Java’s head at Jah’Moke.

  “Mother, Father, Lord Ahern,” she added, smiling past her father to her friend and former lord, “this is Jah’Moke Cawfy of the Latté.”

  Both Ambros and Nightingale stared at the young man in front of them. Ambros nodded as he inspected Jah’Moke. Jah’Moke was short and slender, a good physical match for Java. He was also a handsome young man, and held himself with the easy manner that told Ambros that the boy was secure in his manhood.

  “I am pleased to meet you, Jah’Moke. Java has told us a great deal about you.”

  Jah’Moke swallowed once, then went to his knees in front of Ambros, placing his forehead against the floor. “Ambros Mountainstand, I am here to humbly ask for permission to marry Java, your daughter.”

  Ambros was taken aback by Jah’Moke’s quick action and question. Java grabbed him by the shoulder and whispered the proper phrases into his ear, along with her determination that she would marry no one else. Ambros cleared his throat and replied, “Why do you choose my daughter?”

  “I choose Java for love. I choose Java for life. I choose Java for the mother of my children,” Jah’Moke replied in a loud, clear voice.

  Java whispered the proper phrase to her father, and all but cheered when he said, “Jah’Moke of the house of Cawfy, I grant you permission to marry Java, my daughter.”

  Lord Ahern stepped forward then and placed a hand on Java’s shoulder. Smiling deeply, he looked past her to Jah’Moke. “Young man, welcome to Equintain.”

  Jah’Moke looked up at Lord Ahern, slightly confused until Java introduced him. Bowing deeply, Jah’Moke greeted Lord Ahern, then let Java lead him away for a private conference with her parents.

  “Oh, Daddy, you have no idea of the strain we’ve been under. Now we can announce our betrothal formally.”

  “I’m happy for you, sweetheart. You told us a bit about Jah’Moke when you were here the last time. I’m glad you have found the right man for yourself,” Ambros said, with a slight emphasis on the word “man”.

  Java caught it, and grinned. “It looks like Robin may have found herself a man as well. Lord Mage Gerrin has visited her once, and is coming back. She likes him a lot, I can tell, and from what I’ve heard, he likes her.” Java’s grin was irrepressible, and she refused to let anything cloud the day. Even thoughts of losing Robin.

  Jah’Moke was given a guest room, while Java insisted that she wanted to share with her sisters again. Nightingale shook her head.

  “That’s not possible, Java. Your sisters are all married women now. You can’t share a room with them and thei
r husbands.”

  Java looked stricken as she whined, “But, I didn’t get any invitations!”

  “You were in Greencastle and Lender’s Dale, Java. Could you have left what you were doing for three trips home?” Nightingale asked, looking at Java closely.

  “No, I guess not. But you didn’t even send a message that they had gotten married,” Java whined, sounding like a sulky teenager again.

  “And distract you? No, Java. You had important work to do. This was not as important.” Nightingale was calm and serene, as always.

  “But, Mother...”

  “But nothing, Java!” Nightingale snapped, interrupting her. “It would not have been fair to delay the weddings for your sake. It would not have been fair to drag you away from your duties for something as trivial as a servant’s wedding. I know you would’ve liked to be here, and we would have liked to have you, but it was not possible.” Nightingale stared at Java, daring her to contradict her.

  Java relented with her usual bad grace. Stomping out of the house, she went to the stables. Sugar was in a box stall, and she simply went in and sat with her. Her mother was right, of course, but that didn’t stop her from being angry about being left out.

  “Java?” a voice asked tentatively, and she looked up to see Glori peeking over the wall of the stall. “I heard you were back.”

  “Hi, Glo. How’s married life?” Java replied, dragging herself out of her bad mood.

  “I tried to send you an invitation, but Mother...”

  “...Wouldn’t let you. She told me. But what’s this about Berry and Deb? I didn’t even know they’d been betrothed,” Java asked, standing to look at her sister over the stall wall.

  “Berrisan married Niv Camlas from Devinstand. Debran married Framin Dorval from Lord Stellin’s Orchard. You know both of them, don’t you?” Glori asked, leaning her elbows on the wall. She was much taller than Java, and could look over the walls easily while Java had to stand on tiptoes.

  “I knew them as boys. Did they turn out to be good men?” she asked and smiled at Glori’s nod. “That’s good to hear. I’ll have to drop in and see them before we go back to Whitehall.” Java walked out of the stall and froze in her tracks. The wall had hidden the fact that Glori was at least five months pregnant. “Glori! Why didn’t you say something?” Java shouted.

  “Because I wanted to see the look on your face, Java!” Glori shouted back, laughing at Java’s shock.

  Java rushed her and clasped her in a hug. “Oh, Glo, I’m so happy for you.”

  “And Ralf?” Glori said, pulling her head back to look Java in the eye.

  “And Ralf. Oh, Glo, this is such a surprise. Come on, I have someone for you to meet as well. I brought Jah’Moke with me, and he has already asked Father for permission to marry me. We’ll be announcing our betrothal as soon as we get back to Whitehall.” Java took Glori by the hand and walked back to the house. Jah’Moke was in the study with Lord Ahern and their father, having an animated discussion about horse breeding.

  Jah’Moke looked up when Java entered, then stood. “Please forgive my interruption, gentlemen. Jah’Moke, I want you to meet my baby sister, Glori.”

  Jah’Moke smiled deeply and bowed to Glori. “You are the one who bites?” he asked with a grin, making Java snort with laughter.

  Glori’s eyes widened, then narrowed as she looked at Java. “Nasty,” she all but whispered, making Java laugh harder.

  “Jah’Moke, we’re going to take a short trip in the next few days to see my other sisters. They both married out to other estates.” Java was in high spirits and led Glori away to let the men get back to their conversation.

  “Ralf is out in the north pasture, Java. He and Kel are seeing to Sandin. He’s Florin’s colt, and he’s turning into a real sparkler. Lord Ahern thinks he is going to be a champion of Northstar’s caliber.” Glori was leading Java out of the estate proper and toward one of the pastures.

  “Where is Northstar?” Java asked, looking about the area for her old friend.

  Glori looked sad and spoke softly as she said, “He’s dead, Java. Last winter he just went out to the tree in the east pasture and laid down. He was so old and tired. I think he just decided to give up and die.” Glori put a hand on Java’s shoulder. She knew and understood how Java and Northstar had felt about one another.

  Java hung her head briefly, then straightened up, savagely wiping away an incipient tear. “I didn’t think he would still be here the last time. He had a good, long life.”

  “And a lot of love, Java. He was special to all of us.” Like Java, Glori had been allowed to ride Northstar on special occasions. They continued to walk, silently contemplating their shared sorrow, until they reached the fence of the north pasture. “There’s Ralf.”

  Java looked up to see Ralf and Kel working a black colt. He was well grown, and Java counted seasons to guess his age. Sandin should be about two years old, by her reckoning, and he was a fine-looking horse. Fifteen hands at the shoulder, he strutted and pranced around the ring they were using, looking remarkably like a frisky young Northstar. Java felt a lump in her throat at the sight. He’s so beautiful.

  Ralf noticed Glori and walked over before he recognized Java. When he did, he blushed. Java and Glori shared a grin, then Java stopped to let Glori reach Ralf first.

  “Java, I’m happy to see you again,” he said softly, smiling shyly. He was eighteen now, and had filled out considerably.

  “I’m happy to see you too, Ralf.” Smiling she turned to Kel. “Hello, Kel. I hope you took Morin back.”

  “You knew I would, Java, or you wouldn’t have sent her back. Of course I took her back. She’s married now, to Arlin Kelin, over at Lord Calinden’s estate. He is one of the stablemen.” Kel grinned. “She’s expecting another filly this spring.”

  Java grinned back. “Give me some time, Kel. Jah’Moke only received permission from Father a few hours ago.”

  “Permission?” Kel asked.

  Ralf just stared wide-eyed.

  “We are officially betrothed, Kel. I told you about Jah’Moke the last time. You may have him tomorrow, if you can get him away from Lord Ahern. He might just teach you a thing or two. He and Joh are the best team I’ve ever seen.”

  “He’s one of the Latté?” Kel asked, and nodded at her grin. “I did some checking after you left last time, Java. The Latté breed horses that are among the best in the world.”

  “I know. He’s in with Lord Ahern now, talking horse.” She grinned, then laughed. “I think Father accepts him more because of his horse’s breeding than for his own.”

  Java and Glori stayed and watched Sandin work, then returned to the manor. “I’m inside for now, helping in the kitchen. I’ll see you tonight, Java,” Glori said, pushing Java toward the study.

  Java again interrupted the men’s discussion, this time slipping into Jah’Moke’s lap. “I just saw Sandin, Lord Ahern. He’s a beauty.”

  “That he is, Java. He already outstrips the elders, including his sire. Destrin is fast, but that colt flies.” Lord Ahern’s look of unbridled pride had Java smiling broadly as well.

  “I’ll remember not to bet against him. Jah’Moke, the head trainer would like to see you and Joh tomorrow. He’s very curious about how the Latté train their horses.” Java grinned at Jah’Moke, then at Lord Ahern and her father. “I’m so happy to be home.”

  * * *

  Java took Jah’Moke out to meet her other sisters a week later. He had integrated himself into Equintain so well that Java had a hard time getting him to leave. “Jah’Moke, we’ll be back in two days.” She laughed at his reluctance to leave.

  “Yes, Java. But here it is like being home. These people speak a language I understand.” Jah’Moke’s grammar always slipped when he became excited, and the horse breeders excited him to the core of his soul.

  Java laughed again and then led way out of Equintain toward Lord Stellin’s Orchard. Their escort followed dutifully behind them, and Java pointed pla
ces of special interest to Jah’Moke and Lieutenant Norstrand.

  “Lord Stellin has a pear orchard. We used to go over in the fall and help pick. That’s where Debran met Framin. He’s quite a bit older, older than me even, and he used to tease us all. I can’t wait to see him again.” Java grinned and Jah’Moke started laughing.

  “Be nice, Java. He is your brother-in-law.”

  The ride took six hours, with a stop for lunch and to water the horses. Lieutenant Norstrand did his best to serve Java and Jah’Moke, but they were too much who they were to allow it. Java laughed at his expression when she began bringing water to the Guards. “I can’t help it, Lieutenant. It’s just how I am.”

  Lieutenant Norstrand shook his head and did his best, but Java continued to act in a totally inappropriate manner. When they resumed their ride, all the Guards were in a good mood. Seeing the princess thumb her nose at “proper” behavior was a rare treat. That she was no older than most of them made them more comfortable as well. The Java they were coming to know was the Java the Firewalkers loved.

  Lord Stellin’s Orchard was an impressive affair. His profits from farming were marginal at best, but he had invested his profits wisely, not squandered them like so many of his peers. He had investments in dozens of other areas, and had made his fortune there. Now the orchard was more of a hobby than a business, but he still paid close attention to it. Java let Lieutenant Norstrand lead the way into the estate, and introduce her to the lord.

  “Lord Merick Stellin, I wish to present Princess Java Mountainstand, Heir to Hiddendell, Lady of Link County, and Lady of Mountainstand County in Greencastle,” he intoned loudly, impressing just about everyone.

  Lord Stellin came forward and lowered himself to one knee. He was far older than Lord Ahern, nearly seventy by Java’s estimate, and the effort left him in obvious pain. “Princess, welcome,” he said in a strained voice, and Java vaulted out of Sugar’s saddle to help him stand.

  “Lord Stellin, you should know better. You’ve been using a cane for years. Where is it now?” Java scolded gently.