Shadow of the Unicorn

Chapter 5

The next day as Adan and Jace were crossing the castle courtyard on their way to their sword class, they were forced aside as a large mounted party clattered into the courtyard and a bevy of servants came rushing forward to hold horses, help with luggage, and assist the ladies in dismounting. The pair of students watched in fascination from the shadow of the stables, ignoring the myriad guards and servants that accompanied the party, rather focusing on the lady just alighting from her horse, a girl about their own age, but judging by her entourage, clothes, and bearing, of noble if not royal birth. She was also the most beautiful woman either had ever seen. She disdainfully scanned the courtyard, completely oblivious to their very existence. They exchanged a rueful smile and then hastened off to class, knowing the swordmaster was far less keen on tardiness than all their other teachers combined.

When they returned after practice, the courtyard was again empty save for the usual denizens thereof busy about their errands at that particular time of day. Just then Briane ducked out of the stable where she had just finished her turn at mucking stalls, said she excitedly, "did you see that royal lady that just arrived?" They nodded, eager for her to continue the tale, entranced as they were with the comely maiden, despite her haughty demeanor. Continued she, "the Lady of Astoria herself came down to meet her, for she would speak to no one else. It seems she's a veritable princess, if the eighth of twelve children, but she acts as if she were already a sitting Queen. Her father sent her here to study."

She glanced around quickly to make sure no one was listening or paying them any heed, gossip was not a trait the Brethren encouraged any more than rivalry, she lowered her voice and said, "though in truth, I think she's here to find a husband. There's many a great lord and even a few Kings that send their sons here to study in hopes they'll make better leaders one day. She was quite distraught when the Lady said her entourage couldn't stay in the keep; she alone could remain, and only so long as she submitted herself to the role of Student. Her companions would either have to go back to her father or find somewhere to stay in the city. My how she gaped and railed, but in the end she had no choice, no one can match the Lady glare for glare, especially so spoiled a girl. I bet she won't last a fortnight before she goes sulking back to daddy."

Both of the boys looked rather disappointed which made Briane grimace in dismay and no little disgust, "don't tell me you two are falling for her?!"

Jace said rather lamely, "she is rather pretty."

She shook her head and sighed at her hopeless brother and then frowned at Adan, said she, "and what about you?"

Adan grinned roguishly, "and what business of yours is it whom I find attractive, my lady?"

She crossed her arms and scowled, "as your friend and your best friend's sister, I should think it is some business of mine."

Jace quietly studied his furious sister and the strangely taunting Adan, suddenly wondering if there might not be more between them than friendship, though apparently neither was aware of their deeper feelings at the moment, if any. A rather devious thought occurred to him, and happy for some distraction from this disquiet revelation, Jace said with an impish smile, "the lady in question hardly seems likely to join the Brethren, thus Adan must look elsewhere for female companionship if he truly intends to take his Oath one day."

The pair had been exchanging glares, Briane's was furious and Adan's highly amused, but this outburst brought both sets of eyes to bear on the now abashed Jace, desperately wishing he had thought it over before just blurting it out. He saw the hurt in Adan's eyes and flinched as if he had been physically struck while Briane was flabbergasted. She whispered at last, "is this true?"

Adan frowned at Jace in consternation at this breach of trust and then turned to face Briane, saying softly, "such is my intention though I had not yet told anyone but your brother, whom I did not give leave to spread it abroad."