The Return of the Dragonhawk

Chapter 42 -- Unbounded Love

By the time Rhoz was arrayed for her nuptials, she had no doubt at all that the child in her womb was active and thriving. It slept peacefully while she moved about, and came to life in the night hours, interrupting her sleep again and again. She had been so tired on this morning of mornings that she had begun her preparations too late.

"Do not fret yourself," Alyn said as she made the final adjustments to Rhoz' gown in the bridal pavilion that had been erected at the western edge of the great training field outside Draklunn. "It is traditional for the bride to be late."

The valley reverberated with shouts and cheering. Alyx had begun his trek from the eastern side of the practice field to the great platform in the middle. The entire nation had turned out for the occasion. The crowd strained against the honour guard who kept the way clear for the bridal party. The hillside on every side was covered with eager onlookers. There were many who could not see the spectacle at all, and had to rely on the reports of those closer to the action.

The day before, the Great Chapter had engaged in frantic debate as to whether to hold a private ceremony in the fortress to avoid the possibility of further assassination attempts. The final uneasy consensus was that the benefit of a public show outweighed the danger.

"Must I wear this veil?" Rhoz asked rhetorically. "I can hardly see my way!"

"Tradition must be observed," Alyn said, playfully copying Ghugo Faraight's most pontifical manner.

"Are you ready yet?" Utor called from outside the pavilion. "They have played the bridal fanfare three times."

"We are on our way!" Alyn announced. "Open the flaps!"

Rhoz stepped into the bright sunlight, thanking whatever deities there be for the cool autumn breeze that made her multi-layered gown bearable. The hollow voices of the ancient horns of Dys took up the fanfare again, all but drowned out by new waves of cheering.

Elenor and Alynna, dressed in hastily-confected tabards that matched Alyn's gown, began to walk the Bridal Path, scattering flower petals. Keri followed, carrying a cushion on which reposed a silver bowl embossed with flying hawks, the bride's gift to Martenn, who would be acting as Alyx' mother. A dozen maidens came next, dancing and clapping their hands to frighten off unfriendly spirits. Finally, Rhoz stepped out with Utor on her left, representing her family, and Alyn on her right, as her advocate and official witness to the marriage contract. Eveline followed with Erythe, holding up the train of the gown to keep it from catching on the ground.

"Now remember," Utor said as they approached the stairs, "once you are on the platform, every word you say will be heard for miles."

"Yes, uncle Utor," Rhoz said. Her heart wrenched unexpectedly as she thought of how Inteza would have spent the entire walk showering her with threats and instructions. No matter how often Rhoz told herself that she was better off without her sharp tongue and warning pokes, she missed her mother.

When they reached the stairs, the dancers scattered to rest until it was time to escort the newlyweds to their bedchamber. Kaia took charge of Elenor and Alynna and shepherded them to their places. Keri set her cushion down on the second step.

"Halt!" Lothar stood at the top of the stairs, blocking their way with a silver spear bound in ripe grain. "What is your business here, and by what right do you pass?"

Utor mounted onto the lowest step, where the amplification spell could transmit his words to all. "I am Utor Horakkyn, son of Pymak and Arabelle, and bring with me my mother's granddaughter Rhoz Inteza Minor, the intended bride of the Dragonkeeper."