Child of Conquest

Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

Arden

The main gates were opened and the tired riders were escorted to warmer quarters.  Seraphina's only conscious glimpse of Arden was the ceiling, which flickered with the shadows as she was carried to bed.  Not knowing how long she had been asleep Seraphina woke up covered in sweat and blankets. Her body ached and tingled painfully. The room was small but finely adorned with wall hangings and ornaments, a fire blazed in the centre. Slowly lifting her throbbing hands Seraphina starred at the bindings and wondered what horrors were hidden underneath.  Just as she started to unwrap them Aldwyn's voice came from a chair in the corner of the room. 

“How do you feel?” He asked concerned, she held up her hands to make it obvious. 

“The cold affected them badly.  They were worried that if the blood did not return that they would have to be cut off,” Seraphina opened her eyes in shock.  “Don’t worry they are all still there.”

She looked relieved and then agitated.

“What’s wrong?” he asked

“My legs itch.”

“They said that was a good sign.  Do you want me to scratch them for you? 

Seraphina shook her head and tried to concentrate on anything but the pulsating pain in her body.

 “Have you seen your brother yet?” she asked.

“No, not yet they tell me he is indisposed, making arrangements or something.  They made me an appointment for tomorrow morning with one of the officials. Birjer was not pleased that I was asked instead of him.” 

Seraphina imagined this pleased Aldwyn somewhat and wondered if things could possibly get any worse between the two, especially if Aldwyn had enforced its pretentious significance, she however was not impressed.

“An appointment just to see your brother, how ridiculous.”

Aldwyn snorted whilst tucking Seraphina's covers around her.  The door opened and Birjer entered, moments later Aldwyn left.  Seraphina hated the animosity between the two of them but at least they refrained from talking which meant fewer arguments.  Seraphina was then subjected to an interrogation on her health and finally when Birjer felt satisfied she was fine, he then attempted to make conversation.  She was unsure if he was more concerned about her or her efficiency to travel either way he was in a bad mood.

“How’s Ciardha?”  She asked

He shook his head at her indifference to her own health.

 “Better than you, if you looked after yourself as well as you do that horse you wouldn’t be such a mess.”

“It’s my fault now is it?”

“I didn’t say that, next time you will be more aware of your body’s limitations and perhaps rest when I suggest it.”

“I am so very sorry, you are right once again Birjer which is always the most important thing.” Birjer seemed unaffected by the sarcastic remark.

“I have become accustomed with the way you use words to anger me, it will not work.  A simple thanks for saving your life would have sufficed but you are to stubborn, so I will say your welcome and leave you to rest.” 

He made his way to the door leaving Seraphina nonplussed.

“I am most certainly not welcomed, I did not ask to be welcomed hey come back here.” She shouted at the back of his head.