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Tirun half-heartedly began the day’s conditioning, punctuating his efforts with sighs and grunts.
Woqhine watched him with growing frustration. The youngest of the former gladiators sulked all day in his bunk unless forced to participate in some exercise. When required to do extra duty or extra drills as discipline for his half-hearted attitude, he cooperated with the same half-heartedness. Prince Farrin had already said that there was to be no corporal punishment of the men, but Woqhine was tempted to threaten it anyway.
Farrin was working with the men on the other end of the column. Woqhine hated to admit that he was failing with his end. Just then, the prince came striding over. “What’s wrong, Captain?”
Woqhine gestured. One look at Tirun and Farrin sighed. He looked across the field and smiled. He muttered to Woqhine, “It’s time to put our plan into action.”
***
Rakel had come to watch the Sunshiners, as the former gladiators had been nicknamed. She took up a position near the quarantine barracks and seated herself in the soft springtime grass. She ran her fingers over the bright green shoots emerging from the ground that had so recently been covered with snow. She smiled a little. From nearby, Frodi commented, “The springtime makes you happy, Princess?”
She glanced up at her friend and guard. “Yes. Now that I don’t have to worry about fighting with my magic, I enjoy the sunshine and the growing things.”
Frodi grinned widely at her. “I’m glad princess.”
An odd breeze swirled around her and Farrin appeared. “Hello, Beautiful. Your timing is perfect.”
She grinned up at him. “Why is that?”
“Because we are having a rough day.” He grabbed Rakel’s hand and pulled her to her feet.
“Farrin, I don’t think this is a good idea. I’m not a good sparring partner for anyone these days, especially a former gladiator,” Rakel protested, trepidation filling her.
He put his arms around her and said gently, “Rakel, I would never let him hurt you. But, I really think a dose of our fierce-but-gentle Snow Queen will help him. He needs someone to believe in.”
She sighed and put her head on her husband’s warm chest. “Okay, Love. When it comes to strategy, you’re seldom wrong. Let me watch a few more minutes so I can gather a good bit of magic.”
“How long?”
“For the sparring you’re envisioning, probably about twenty minutes,” Rakel answered.
“Woqhine has them running drills anyway. I’ll be back for you in a bit.” Farrin leaned down and kissed his wife with abandon. He whispered, “I plan to move home next week. Being away from you is killing me.”
She grinned. “Me too.”
Thirty minutes later, Farrin returned and offered her his arm. “Do you feel that you have enough magic stored, Love?”
She nodded. “I think so. I have enough to build a good sized ice structure, so it should be enough for our purposes.” Farrin nodded and led her toward the Sunshiners. Frodi glanced at Knut, and the two trailed along behind the royal couple.
Farrin addressed the former gladiators gathered around them. “I’ll bet that my wife can beat any one of you boys.”
Woqhine stepped up, “Sir, perhaps this is not a good idea. Princess Rakel could be hurt.”
The royals ignored his protest. Rakel looked up at Farrin and said loudly enough for all to hear. “I’ll spar with your trainees, Love, on one condition.”
Farrin gave her a lopsided grin. “What’s that, Princess?”
Rakel said with a glint in her light blue eyes, “If I win, you go ice skating with me again.”
Farrin sighed. “Fine. And if I win?”
Rakel screwed up her face and said, “I’ll let you give me horseback riding lessons.”
Rakel heard the men behind her whispering, reacting to the bet. Farrin chuckled and held out his hand. She shook it. “Deal,” he said.
When she pulled away from the shake, she immediately put her hand in his, and he laced his fingers with hers.
Farrin looked at Woqhine. “Well, Captain, no takers?”
Woqhine said, “Sir, no one wishes for the Snow Queen to be injured.”
Farrin harrumphed. He looked at his wife. “Apparently, these gentlemen need a demonstration.” He winked. “Spar with me, Love.”
Rakel gave him a look. “Very well. But magic deflection ups the stakes.”
Farrin raised his eyebrow at her. “Name it.”
“Well, since I know I’ll get beat, I’ll need compensation for letting you show me up,” Rakel said, looking positively coy.
“You’ve beaten me before,” he reminded her.
“Once, but Liv is busy today.”
Farrin chuckled.
As Farrin had anticipated, Tirun stepped forward, standing nearly as tall as Farrin. “What do I get if I win?”
Farrin let his eyebrows drift up. “What are you betting if you lose? Can’t bet with nothing.”
Tirun was at a loss. Rakel took her cue. “If I win, you come to three magic classes and give them a fair shot.”
Farrin said, “And if you win, you get three days off from conditioning.”
Tirun looked between the royal couple. “Five.”
Farrin said, “Three.”
Tirun’s brown eyes flashed, but he shrugged. “Fine. And what happens if I hurt the princess?”
Farrin promised, “I will step in if the princess is in danger.”
“Phhhbtt.” Tirun rolled his eyes and stepped back into line. “I can’t win. It’s not a fair fight.”
Rakel flicked her eyes at Farrin, then spoke, “Farrin has sworn to protect me. He can do nothing else. However, if Farrin steps in, you automatically win. Fair enough?”
Tirun nodded slowly. “Fair.”
Rakel wore a small smile and magic glimmered silver and blue at her fingertips. Rakel lined up across from the dark-eyed mage in one of the practice arenas.
Farrin drew his sword and lined up as referee, calling, “Begin!”
Rakel stood placidly, pressing her folded hands to her stomach and watching her opponent. She noted that, at fourteen, he was thin and wiry, his arms poking out of his sleeveless tunic at odd angles, but his build promised that eventually, he would likely be broader and more muscular than Farrin.
The teen was too hot headed to wait for long. He charged her. She put an ice slick under him, bringing him to his knees. He rolled off the slick and faced her, throwing a dagger with all his might at the Snow Queen. Out of the corner of her eye, Rakel saw Farrin tense, but she brought her ice magic up and blocked the projectile. Tirun had scrambled to his feet and began stalking around her. His facial expressions reminded her of Lightfoot.
Although his magic was like Farrin’s, Tirun was far less practiced with it. When he jabbed his pike toward her, Rakel ducked and sent a barrage of harmless snowballs toward the boy, giving him something different to aim at. He skipped back a few steps, waved his arms in a motion much like one would use to open drapes, and the snowballs parted. He again moved toward Rakel.
Rakel was taken aback for a split second. I’ve never seen Farrin do that! She moved backward away from Tirun and thought quickly. She gauged how much magic she still had stored; she needed to end this soon. How to defeat him using as little magic as possible? Oh!
When he was within an arm’s length of her, Rakel iced over his pike pulling the temperature of the ice so low that touching the weapon would be painful for him. She knew he could tap his magic and de-ice the weapon, but she was not sure that he knew it.
Apparently, he did not. He let out a cry and dropped the pike. He grabbed for another dagger, but Rakel pressed her advantage, forging a ramp of very slick ice under his feet, sending him skidding and spinning down the makeshift slide, causing him to release the dagger before he intended. The projectile just missed Woqhine, who grimaced.
At the bottom of the slide, Rakel hurriedly placed an ice cage and, when her opponent had slipped into it, slammed the door.
Tirun had no more weapons, so he pulled at the bars with his bare hands, his magic deflection making the ice creak and groan. Again, Rakel made the ice unnaturally cold. He let go of the bars.
She stalked close to the cage. He tried to kick the cage apart to no avail. He tried to force the door, but the ice was too cold. Finally, he looked at her and screamed, the howl of a wounded animal.
Farrin said, “And the match goes to the Snow Queen.” The soldiers around her roared and laughed in approval of her and derision of the defeated boy. Rakel quickly disintegrated the ice cage and the ice slick.
At this point, Rakel expected Tirun to be furious. Instead, the boy dropped to his knees in defeat. He put his right fist over his heart, bowing his head.
Rakel looked quizzically at Farrin, but Farrin looked worried. The raucous laughter had also halted unexpectedly. Rakel glanced around and saw the same expression on most of the men’s faces.
Tirun said, “My life is yours, Snow Queen.”
Rakel looked up at Farrin in shock. What am I supposed to say?
Farrin looked into her eyes but said nothing. That's not helpful, Farrin, she thought unhappily.
Rakel looked down at the kneeling figure and said, “I had another former gladiator say something similar to me once upon a time.” She knelt before the boy and put a cool hand on his shoulder. “I married him.” When Tirun looked at her in surprise, she smiled.
The boy said nothing, but let his fist drop to his thigh and looked up at Farrin. Rakel also looked at Farrin who seemed relieved.
Rakel stood and said, “Tirun, I don’t meet many people who can deflect magic; in fact the only other is my husband. How did you learn about your magic?”
Tirun stood up but lowered his gaze. His voice was quiet. “Princess, I realized by accident. A slave trader brought his pet fire mage to our town. The man was setting the whole town on fire. I was just a kid. I tackled him and stopped him with my magic without even understanding how.”
Rakel said gently, “But the slave trader recognized your magic.”
Tirun nodded miserably.
Rakel asked quietly, “They took you from your family?”
Tirun growled, “They killed my family!”
Farrin stepped close, but Rakel waved him off.
Tirun continued, “They killed them and half of the rest of the town to take me and two other mages. Three people! They killed dozens for three lousy magic users.”
Rakel’s heart went out to the boy trying so hard to be a man. She did not know the right thing to say. Instead, she said what she felt. “That’s a horrible thing for a child to endure.”
Tirun shrugged. “Every man here has a similar story, Princess.” Tirun gestured to the other mages.
“But that doesn’t change your hurt at your story,” Rakel said quietly.
Tirun looked into Rakel’s eyes and changed the subject, “Your Highness, when and where am I to go for the magic classes?”
Rakel gave him a fragile smile. “The royal library after lunch tomorrow. Farrin will be sure you can find it. I certainly couldn’t the first time I went looking for the royal library.”
“I don’t understand, Princess.”
Rakel answered cryptically. “I have a story too, Tirun.”
Tirun looked surprised but said nothing.
Rakel kissed Farrin and turned to leave. Farrin offered her his arm. “May I escort you back to the palace, Princess?”
“I would be honored, Prince,” she said, accepting his arm. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Tirun.”
Tirun bowed as the royal couple walked away.
When they were out of earshot of the Sunshiners, Rakel said, “What was that about?”
Farrin sighed. “I never dreamed he would do that or I would have warned you.”
Rakel’s confusion leaked into her voice. “Do what?”
Farrin hesitated. After several steps, he said, “He was offering to fall on his sword, essentially.”
Rakel stopped and gaped up at Farrin. “What!? He was offering to kill himself? ” she hissed. “We were just sparring!”
Farrin nodded. “I don’t know what he will do now since you sidestepped the question.”
“I didn’t have any idea what to say,” she lamented.
“No, I know, Sweet Girl.”
“Should I go back and talk to him?”
“No, I will talk to him. Because he thinks I also offered you my life, it gives me an excuse to explain.”
***
When Rakel was back at the palace, Farrin tapped his magic and soon stood beside Tirun again. He said, “Tirun, walk with me.” When the two had distanced themselves from the others, Farrin said, “The princess did not understand what you were offering.”
Tirun said, “But she said you offered the same.”
Farrin shook his head. “I offered to protect her with my life. She didn't understand the difference.”
“So, she did not intend to grant me my life?” he asked, sounding unsure.
Farrin answered, “Tirun, my wife abhors killing. She would never have accepted that offer if she had known what you meant.”
“Permission to speak, Sir?”
“Granted.”
“Sir, you said she abhors killing, but you were champ for years. Does she not know?” Tirun looked very worried but said gravely, “I’ll keep the secret, Sir.”
“She knows, Tirun. I told her.” Farrin gestured toward the practice field of the regular army. “Halvor was her jailor. Her brother kept her in exile. I killed more people than I can count, including Verglas citizens. She forgave us all.”
Tirun stared at him. “You killed her people?”
Farrin nodded. “The short version is that the leader of my army put me in charge of taking northern Verglas.” Farrin shrugged. “I did. With one exception: the town where Rakel was jailed.”
“But she fought back?”
“She protected her captors and helped them take back northern Verglas, including Ostfold. She put her brother back on the throne and helped him clear the rest of the country.” He looked pointedly at the boy. “Her little brother.”
Tirun was speechless. After a very long pause, he found his voice. “Why, Sir?”
Farrin thought a long time before answering. “She cares about people. Magic or no magic. I don’t have to tell you how rare that is.”
As the men turned to walk back to the Sunshine Column, Tirun was quiet. Finally, he spoke, “She’s worthy, isn’t she?” When the boy met Farrin’s eyes, Tirun looked vulnerable and small.
“Yes,” Farrin answered gruffly. Then a sudden inspiration hit him. “You offered her your life. Did you mean life? Or death?”
The boy was quiet for a moment. Finally, he admitted, “I meant death at the time, Sir. I was tired of– of–.” Tirun stopped.
“Living?” Farrin tried.
Tirun shook his head. “No, Sir. Not exactly. More like I wasn’t sure what to do with my life once we escaped. In the pits, I knew my purpose. Here–,” he gestured widely, taking in the palace, the practice fields, and the mountains, “I don’t know.”
Neither man spoke for several minutes. Finally, Tirun said, “I guess I made a fool of myself, Sir.”
Farrin said thoughtfully, “Not a fool. A debtor.”
“I didn’t even do that right. She didn’t understand,” the boy’s face looked long enough to drag the ground.
“But, you could give her what she thought you were offering. You could protect her with your life.” Farrin stood still and Tirun came to a halt beside him, looking at him quizzically. “Would you step in front of a dagger for her, Tirun? Would you protect her life even if it cost you your own?”
The young mage nodded his head and spoke vehemently. “Yes, Sir.”
Farrin considered the boy. After a moment he said, “Would you like to join the Snow Queen’s personal guard?”
Excitement filled the boy’s face. “Me, Sir? But I’m just a grunt.”
“I have to be very careful who I choose for her detail. In the past, members of her own guard have tried to kill her.”
Tirun looked scandalized. “I would kill the man who tried, even if it were the king himself. Or you.”
Farrin gave him a lopsided grin. “I believe you would.”
Farrin brushed the hilt of his broadsword. “You’re a good swordsman and committed to her safety. That’s guard material.” Farrin shot him a look. “But good isn’t good enough. Before I would allow you on her detail, you’d have to become a great swordsman.”
“But, Sir, I am much better with the pike,” Tirun said hopefully.
Farrin grunted disdainfully. “The pike doesn’t use your magic to its full advantage. Whatever slave master chose the pike for you was an idiot. Are you willing to train with the short sword?”
“To be on Princess Rakel’s detail, I would, Sir.”
“The training for palace guards is tough, but the training to be her guard is far harder–” Farrin stared him down and added, “because I run it. You would have to earn your spot. I won’t hesitate to cut you from the roster if you aren’t willing to work or if I even once find you sleeping on the night shift.” Farrin cocked an eyebrow at him. “Still interested, Soldier?”
“Yes, Sir,” Tirun said, standing straight and tall and saluting.
Farrin saluted. “Dismissed.”
***
Eighteen months after sparring with the Sunshiners, Rakel walked out of her apartments with Farrin and Koray by her side. She smiled. “Good morning, Tirun. And happy birthday!”
Tirun turned red, clashing with the ice blue and silver uniform he wore. He bowed deeply. “Thank you, Princess.”
“I relieved the night guard nearly an hour ago, Tirun. Why haven't you left? Don’t you have plans with Leesa?” Farrin asked.
Tirun stood at attention. “Permission to speak, Sir?”
Farrin nodded. “At ease.” Tirun moved into parade rest.
Rakel said, “Would you like to come in and sit down?”
“No thank you, Princess. This will not take long.”
Farrin asked, ”What is it, Tirun?”
“I spoke to Leesa’s father yesterday.”
Rakel remembered her struggle when Tirun had approached Farrin for advice about marriage to a woman who had no knowledge of Sarthe.
“Farrin!” She had protested, “He’s only fifteen.”
“Rakel, his childhood ended years ago.” Farrin responded, “He is a great soldier, a hard worker, a highly respected royal guard, and can provide for a wife and family. His age means very little.”
Farrin’s voice drew Rakel’s attention back to the present. “Did you tell him about your past?”
Tirun nodded gravely. “I did as you said, Sir. I gave him the big picture and only filled in the details he requested. He asked a lot of difficult questions, but I was brutally honest.”
Rakel asked gently, “How did it go?”
Tirun’s smile lit up his handsome face. “He gave his permission, Princess! I was shocked.”
Farrin gave him a lopsided grin. “I remember that feeling.”
Rakel leaned into her husband’s chest, and he settled an arm around her. “That’s wonderful, Tirun,” Rakel said, her smile nearly as large as Tirun’s. “When will you ask Leesa to be your bride?”
“That’s what I wanted to ask, Princess. May I have permission to bring Leesa to the palace today and propose by the fountain?”
Rakel nodded. “I think that would be perfect, Tirun. Congratulations.”
He shook his head. “She hasn’t said yes yet, Princess.”
“I have no doubt that she will, Tirun. You’re a good man.”
Tirun bowed again to hide his flaming cheeks. “Thank you, Snow Queen.” He asked, “May I be dismissed, Your Highness?”
Rakel nodded. “Of course, Tirun. Enjoy your day.”
To Farrin, Tirun snapped a salute and strode away. As Rakel watched him, she chuckled. “If he weren’t in uniform, he would probably be running. I’m so happy for him.” She looked up at her husband, her eyes glowing. “Thank you for helping him, Love.” She poked him in the side. “I’m surprised more of your Sunshiners haven’t been asking for your advice on love, Prince Farrin.”
He offered her his arm and led her toward the stairwell. “Some have. Tirun was the third. And Woqhine and Beth didn’t bother to ask me. They just informed me.”
Rakel got a calculating look. “I thought that Beth might have taken a shine to Woqhine.”
Farrin harrumphed. “He had it easy because Beth already knew about Sarthe. I told him so, too.”
Rakel giggled. Then she sobered. “The gladiators–they’re doing well, aren’t they, Love?”
Farrin let the corners of his lips tip up. “Because of you.”
Rakel shook her head. “Oh no you don’t. I won’t take credit for the Sunshiners. They’ve been your babies from start to finish.”
Farrin gave her a lopsided grin. “I’m going to tell them you called them babies.”
She laughed and poked him in the side. “If any of them come after me, will you protect me?”
“Till my dying day, Princess.”