The Tempest of Eerikki - Book One - THE PANACEA QUEST

Chapter 5

Tempie found herself in a warm sea floating on a raft of love and protection.

"Well met little Tempest," her sires baritone voice strummed in her ears.

"Well met my sire," Tempie chimed, "thank you, Sire, for the fine warriors you have sent to protect me. I feel as safe with them, as I do with you."

"I am glad you approve my little Tempest, listen well to their word and learn their skill for you will need it," her sire beckoned.

"I vow to do so, good sire." Tempie promised, finding herself now in her sire's arms delving deeper into sleep and she dreamed no more.

***

The next seven days passed uneventfully for Tempie and her devoted band of elite warriors, she was always with two or more often eating meals with all and Batair never far from her. The dedication of the nine elite warriors was such that each still saw to the duties of guarding their King. The King would often enquire after the little girl who seemed to enchant all who she met. After her initial misunderstanding with the bathhouse mistress, they had become fast friends. The older woman seeing that Tempie was supplied with jerkin and trouser appropriate to a neophyte, Tempie even allowed her to see to her unruly locks with fine braids secured in place with the dark blue coloured ribbons showing that she belonged to the Court of Eerikki.

On the eighth day the healer deemed the Sword Master was well enough to leave his care with strict bathing instructions for his wounds. Tempie noted the healer often waggled his finger like a worm on a hook when he was trying to make a point this made her smile. They left the healer and proceeded to the Sword Masters Chambers. She now saw that William's chambers seemed to be close to Batair's and was grateful for this.

Though the rooms seemed to be almost identical, the meeting area was larger and there was also an additional small side room off the inner sleeping chamber. With unknown previous purpose, it was now arranged as a cozy sleeping chamber for Tempie.

Tempie almost squealed with delight, she found her bow, quiver and sheathed sword arranged on a hook against one wall as she was only being permitted to carry her dirk within the walls of the Hold. A deep comfortable pile of sleeping furs arranged in one corner and a small stand with draws on the other wall. A top of which was a small mirror its frame ornately carved with creatures, the upper torso of a woman and tail of a fish with matching comb and brush. Beside the stand was a small table that also contained an ornate wash bowl. There was also a deep window seat covered with small coloured cushions. It was warm and cozy.

"It seems Valiant has done it again." William commented knowing how Valiant had previously seen to Tempie's needs, as Batair had reported to him daily on the comings and goings of their little ward.

"Oh yes, isn't it beautiful." Tempie continued to explore.

The hour drew late and the Sword Master noticed it would be soon time for the evening meal.

"Tempie, you need to change then we will be off for the last meal in the main hall." The Sword Master was excited to fulfil his King's request to present her to the court so her status could be officially acknowledged and verified for all to hear.

In due time, Tempie found herself at the high table to the right hand of the King, perched on a cushion on the over-sized chair between the Sword Master and Captain.

William had bid her to dress in a blue lace front shirt and trousers, that were made from a soft satiny light but durable fabric. A casual look highly favoured by the males of Eerikki but rarely if ever seen on the females of the court. The silky fabric making it a little awkward to maintain her balance on the cushion.

Looking out over the Main Hall Tempie could see that there was a clear order to the room. Four sections of long tables situated at right angles to the Kings Table. Clearly allowing all to see their King, also affording the King an unimpeded view of the members of the court. To the far right the first section was dedicated to those of the Elite Warriors, Warriors and Neophytes. The second reserved for Hold guards. The third and fourth was for the civilian population of the hold.

Now that the third meal chime had been struck and the high table were seated, many servers bustled back and forth delivering dishes of roast meats, vegetables and sweet treats on massive silver trays. Other servers none too graciously slopping golden suds into large bone steins from the massive ale carafes they carried.

Was only after the King banged a fist-sized gavel onto the table three times that all in the hall fell silent, he rose.

"Greetings to you all." His fine strong voice being heard clear and true right to the back of the hall. "On this day we add a new member to our Court," the King indicated to the Sword Master.

The Sword Master stood strong and tall bidding Tempie to stand beside him on the chair so she could be seen by all. "Your Majesty this is My Tempie, she is my ward and being she is of age, My Neophyte." All things being normal this would have been a common greeting for a new member to Court but the Sword Master continued, "let no man doubt she is under my protection."

These words also prompting Batair and his elite nine to swiftly rise to their feet, snapping a sharp salute of vambraces to chest plate causing a thunderous rap that reverberated around the walls of the main hall, all ten men declaring in unison. "SO, SAY US ALL." Leaving none in doubt that this child was securely under their protection.

If the King was surprised at the addition of this vow publicly offered by his elite warrior's he gave no sign as he smiled at Tempie.

"Welcome Mistress Tempie I acknowledge your status as the ward and a neophyte of our Sword Master you are welcome to my Court and I look forward to watching you prosper and grow in the Goddess's light," with that the King bid them to sit and enjoy the meal presented.

While Tempie was elated at the vow offered by her brave warriors, she felt as though she was on display for all to see.

Sensing a growing tension within her Batair touched the small girl's arm. "Are you well little one?"

"Not really Batair, there are many eyes." A small shudder passing over her frame.

Batair did not understand that Tempie could not only see their eyes but what lay behind them he patted her arm in consolation.

"This will not last long little one."

It was the Sword Master who felt his ward's fear and saw to ease it. "Tempie go to Valiant and thank him for his gifts." Tempie beamed one of her brilliant smiles lifting all hearts.

"Thank you," she gave a small curtsy to the King before reaching up to kiss the Sword Masters cheek. She then scrambled down from her chair and the platform before finally wedging herself safely between the immense elite warriors that were Valiant and Albern, their sheer size hiding her from prying eyes. Both warriors delighted at her company.

The King bent over to his Sword Master. "If I didn't know better, I would say she was the queen of all," both men giving a hearty laugh.

"You are still my King but I do believe she is now our Lady." William continued in a serious tone. "For I would break the world apart to keep her safe."

"And so, would any of my elite warriors it would seem," commented the King.

While the two old friends conversed they both noted how the little one bloomed within the roughness that was the Elite Warriors of Eerikki

"A delicate rose among a patch of fine thorns." Again, the King laughed at his Sword Master's observations.

"When does her training start?" Rhain eventually quizzed.

"Tomorrow, now you have affirmed her status and acknowledged the fact she is neophyte even though she is female." William's words were wistful.

"I think once they see her courage and determination, I believe that her sex will have nothing to do with her training." Rhain's comment had William pausing.

"This is my hope." William voiced a silent prayer to the Goddess,

"I pray so."