A Shore Too Far - By Kevin Manus-Pennings Page 0,39

doubt advising them to return to their parents’ wagons. One child turned shyly from the soldier and would not look him in the face, but the other stepped forward and chatted boldly with the armored stranger who stopped them in the road. They talked for a few moments, the gentleness of my soldier evident in his expressions and poise. Eventually, both child and soldier laughed and the little girl presented him with a small white flower from her humble collection. The soldier stood and gave a grand bow. The children giggled and turned back south, even the shy one waving as they went.

“It’s going to be a hot one today,” Gonnaban commented, the grass stalk bobbing in his teeth.

The soldier returned to his tent, spinning the flower idly in his fingers.

***** ***** *****

Esmir had retired early for the night and had not made an appearance even by late morning. As I debated whether to seek her out, I realized that I dreaded our next confrontation, feared a bout with someone who could hide themselves even from Eric.

At noon, Gwey appeared at my tent with a large basket. I glared at him standing in the sun as he peered into the darkness of my tent. Beyond him, sea birds plunged into the waves with a cry and emerged with tiny fish.

“I thought we could share a meal, Princess, if you have time,” he said carefully, gesturing to the maps spread across my war table.

He sported a blue vest and white shirt, but both had suffered under the wear of camp life. Nonetheless, his hair remained carelessly tossed to one side and his smile was fixed but cautious.

“Am I to feast while my men subsist on hard tack and water?” I replied.

“You know full well that your men are fishing or snaring their fill in the woods. Besides,” he said, lifting the basket, “these are not the only treats I had brought up from Abringol. Your men will soon have at least a couple pints of ale each when my wagons get here.”

“You are in a very apologetic mood,” I said, “but that will not change what you did.”

I turned back to the maps.

“Pointedly, nothing will change what I did,” Gwey retorted. Then more softly: “Nothing ever changes what we do. And I’m not here to apologize for my actions; I’m here to apologize for how I made you feel. While I may lack your zeal for the kingdom, you should know that you can trust me.”

I regarded him in the light of the noon sun, his hand shading his eyes so he could see through the dimness that surrounded me. He shifted the basket to a different hand and raised his freed arm to again block out the glare. Outside, I could hear laughter and wondered how many barrels of ale would be needed to sate 20,000 men.

“A meal, then, Gwey,” I said finally, “and you can feel you’ve made an effort and then leave me to the coming fight.”

Gwey entered and set the basket down on the war table. He glanced disapprovingly at its weathered surface and then looked at me.

“You can swallow your discomfort. You are in an army encampment, perhaps on the eve of battle,” I said.

He hesitated and then began setting out our meal.

“Are you convinced of that? Battle, I mean?” he asked, laying out cheeses and soups that sent tendrils of steam roofward.

“It seems close, yes,” I answered, clearing away my maps. “Their lies continue; their sacred Cloth of Blessing was just another ruse so they could dig their fortifications.”

“I had seen.”

“Yes, I forgot how well informed you are,” I said, and his hand paused over a plate of sliced beef before moving on. “And Esmir, the old woman, servant to the princes?”

“Yes, I think I know who you mean. She seemed to have free rein of the place, riding here and there unchecked.”

“With good reason. She is the queen of these people.” I laughed sharply. “Another lie from a lying, grasping people.”

Gwey looked up from the basket. “Queen?” he asked curiously.

“Yes,” I said, reaching for the bread. “She played the servant only to observe us—I suppose to observe me.”

Gwey’s hands rested on the lip of the basket. “Queen…,” he said again.

“Yes, Gwey, queen,” I snapped.

“What I mean is, it’s rather remarkable. I mean, would you do it? Play servant? Sheath your sword and don a kerchief? Bow and scrape before your equals?” Gwey asked.

“These people are liars, Gwey. Clearly, deceit comes naturally to them,” I