Chapter 5- Locked Down

“Scholar Barkley send missives to the capitol, Hernit, and Delonica.” Duke Bell ordered from a platform in the courtyard. The scholar scurried off to the rookery. The grounds were packed with townspeople, Onaki workers, and castle denizens. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the Duke. Mothers held children close to them as men murmured to each other. Nervous energy permeated through the crowd. Nan Bowerbird with a dozen Onaki driving wagons entered the courtyard just as the gates were closed. “Madam Bowerbird, I ask you to please get your people to work on the walls immediately. Press any amble bodied man into your service.” Christa saw the woman nod in acceptance and take command of her company. “Steward Olman take whoever you see fit and begin preparing the castle for a siege. I want halls cleared. The infirmary set up and an accounting of all the castle stores.” Christa’s father turned toward the crowd. “Citizens of Bellgaurd. I want all those over fifty-five and under fourteen prepared to room in the castle within six hours. Take only what you can carry and any foodstuffs. Stay strong in this hour of need and together we will see this through. Together we will see a new morning, a new dawn for Bellgaurd and Ardinum.” Her father turned to guy. “Son off to the bells, let them ring. Let the enemy know that Bellgaurd will stand today, tomorrow and forever more.” A cheer broke out in the crowd and everyone set to their tasks.

***

Christa legs burned as she climbed the scaffolding with the pail of mortar clutched in her blistering hands. Her legs burned from countless trips up and down stairs. She had given up cleaning her glasses long ago and her hair clung to the sides of her face and the back of her neck. This had to be enough. How many more trips could he need? When would they be done? She knew the answer. It would go on until the raiders attacked but everyone had limits. She reached the top and poured the mixture into Jodoro’s half barrel. She took Derry’s scarf from around her neck and began tying it around her head like she saw Ceta do. Amethyst struggled next to her and poured her mixture into the barrel with Nova shortly after. Grant was struggling with the stairs. Poor Grant his weight was keeping him back even with Jean calling out encouragement he was about to collapse. Derry was next to Jodoro passing him the perfect sized stones with unerringly participation. The brothers could anticipate each other’s needs without communication. Derry was jabbering away as usual. Nan Bowerbird walked along the platform shouting commands and came to a stop behind Jodoro. She watched his work for a moment then checked his barrel.

“How are they keeping up?” She asked him. Christa shared an exasperated look with Nova and Amethyst.

Jodoro with a now purpling but amazingly less swollen face spoke without pausing. “Grant needs a break before he gets hurt. Jean makes a trip and a half for everyone the girls make but they’re giving it their all. Perhaps a break would do them good, but I need more mortar and fast.”

“I’ll handle it.” Nan said as she gave his head a tousle in a gesture that seemed out of sorts to Christa. She turned to Christa, Nova, and Amethyst. “Take five and get some water in ya. Bring Grant too.” Christa lead Nova, and Amethyst over to a watering station set up on the scaffolding. “SETA,” Nan shouted down the wall. “Get those three eggheads from the trial up here. I want them carrying mud for Jodoro and Derry right away.”

Jodoro slipped his hand into his shirt while the other one spread mortar on the wall. In a fluid gesture he flung an extra headband toward Nova and Amethyst. The two girls jumped like maidens at a royal wedding with Amethyst smiling victoriously as she caught the prize and wrapped her hair. Derry undoubtedly amused by the gesture did the same for Nova. The raiders were still on the horizon and their sails showed dark in the setting sun. She had heard the General say they would make landfall until tomorrow afternoon. The general was an experienced man and she hoped he was right. Amethyst was uncharacteristically silent and looked tired, worried yet still more beautiful than her or Nova could ever dream to be. Things were going to change. People would die. People she knew. She looked toward the nearest tower and saw Erda tolling the bell. She resisted the urge to run to her and tell her something. Anything.

“Look at Nan go.” A breathless Amethyst nudged her out of her reverie. The old woman was climbing the steps with two pails of mortar on the ends of a staff straddling her shoulders. She passed Jean rudely along the way and deposited the contents in the barrel without pause before scampering back down. “How? Just how? I can’t deal.”

“She’s a monster.” Nova agreed. Christa watched as Tug, Hal, and Ronald showed up and appeared to be arguing with Nan. The old woman slapped Ronald and the wall erupted in riotous laughter. Steward Olman materialized out of no where and grabbed his son by his shirt thrusting him toward the mixing pit. Soon Hal and Tug were following Ronald up the scaffolding with Nan on their heels shouting abuse. Its about time he gets what he deserves. She couldn’t believe she once mooned over the guy but even know she felt a bit of pity for him.

“About time someone slapped him.” Amethyst said. “He’s been way to rude and vindictive toward me lately. You’d never believe what he’s tried to do.”

“You too?” Nova asked.

“Yep, me too.”

“We need to fight back.” Christa said before she could stop herself. The two other girls looked at her. It was an uncomfortable feeling, but she wanted her own justice.

“How he just denies everything.” Nova asked.

“Well what do the butterflies do best?” Christa asked.

“Besides look irresistible and conduct ourselves with the outmost class.” Amethyst said. “But you’re not a butterfly and said you never wanted to be.”

“But I am a stargazer and we’re the leading group in the class. I suggest psychological warfare.” The other girls nodded in agreement mischievous smiles appearing on their faces.

“We may need some help though. Who do we know that has a knack for the crass, an acumen for theatrics and a wanton disregard for conventions and authority?” Amethyst asked.

Christa thought for a few seconds as she washed her scarf with a cup of cool water. The rich pattern of blue, greens, and whites looked revived. She looked up and smiled at the girls.

“Derry would you mind helping us for a moment?” she called.

Derry passed a stone to Jodoro. “Can’t ya see I’m flippin busy over here with raiders on the shore and all.” He called over his shoulder. “What help could you need? Its water ya pick up the cup, drink then put it back. Star Court be damned Jo I don’t know what else I can tell ‘em bout it.”

Must that damned boy always be the wrong side of a donkey. Thickheaded lout. Amethyst touched her shoulder. She had put Jodoro’s headband on wrong somehow and the backend that tied was in the front. “Let me try. Watch this.” Amethsyt walked over to Derry and said something that caused Jodoro to break out in laughter. She walked back with a curbed Derry beside her.

“Be quick I haven’t much time afore Nan gets back and wonders why I’m not working.” He said as he glared at a smirking Amethyst.

“We need help making fun of Ronald Olman. Let’s just say we don’t like him. We need a away to extract maximum humiliation.” Christa said.

Derry looked at them as if they were idiots. “Ya sing a fucking song about him then. Get Jodoro to do it. He has the strongest voice and will actually get away with it without Nan throwing him in the sea.” He looked at Amethyst again. “Plus, I think he’s a bit keen on Red over her.”

“Keen on me?” Christa squeaked. The thought of it brought a flush to her face and a strange sense of giddiness. “He likes Ceta Honeybee not me.”

“Maybe, maybe not.” Derry said as he walked away. “I’ll handle him just join in on the chorus.” He stopped by his brother and whispered something. Jodoro shook his head and turned back to his work.

“We better get back to work Red.” Nova teased. “Won’t do to shirk especially not in front of your beau.” Nova was right. They climbed down the scaffolding and made a few trips each time the reached the top Derry ignored them prattling on to Jodoro. Ronald, Tug, and Hal were silent throughout their trips. But each time the passed them they either leered or made rude kissing noises. Eventually Amethyst broke first and marched up to Derry.

“Do it or I’ll tell her.”

“Okay, Okay, damn.” He said as he walked toward a burly mason aways down the wall. He said something to the big man and clapped him on the back. When he got back Jodoro gave him a stern look. “What? Just saying hello to Uncle Hamsa.” Christa was about to give up all hope for plan when a booming voice cut through the air followed by the most obscene string of verbal abuse she had ever heard.

“Been awhile since we had a fucking song”

“Too long since we had a fucking song if you ask me Hamsa”

“How bout Jodoro give us a fucking song”

“Now we all know the Jungle Cat is too good ta sing for us now.”

“Been putting on airs in the castle lately if ya ask me Rajo”

“Don’t have to ask you to know that Trepa.”

“Can we get a fucking song already”

“Ass all up his back and nose in the air.”

“Be an invasion and all before we get a fucking song.”

“Enough with the chatter give us a Star Court cursed song.”

“Stick up his ass if I didn’t know better”

“More like his own nose if ya ask me Harra.”

“Hard to sing when your nose is up your ass. That’s what I heard leastways.”

“I heard a nose up the ass song is better’n none Nan.”

“Right you be Ceta but we shouldn’t jump to conclusions. Could be he got his as up his ass.”

“Shut up Derry!”

“Shut the fuck up Derry!”

“Go take a walk off a tall scaffold Derry”

“My gods that boy is daft Nan”

“Ass up his ass”

“Ass up his ass he said”

“Yeah like a nose up the ass is more plausible.”

“Shut the fuck up Derry!”

“Plausible he says.”

“Yes, plausible I said.”

“Gods be damned Derry shut the fuck up.”

“A fucking scholar in the making ladies and gentlemen.”

Christa stomach hurt from laughing as more invective was brought down on Derry. Jodoro kept a straight face for awhile until he saw Derry get more defensive and cleared his throat. What happened next would live in her memory forever. Jodoro called for silence then sang.

I’ll tell you a tale of a place far away

A city of chimes that rang every day

And in that city, there once lived a boy

The son of the Steward who’s name was Roy

Now Roy had a problem and it was a shame to see

For Roy had to sit whenever he peed

Roy, Roy be careful my boy

The ladies won’t love you if you haven’t a toy

But Roy just laughed again and again

Cause Roy much preferred the company of men

Roy had some troubles in the city of chimes

His toy got him in trouble a couple of times

And one day Roy was caught in a bind

He was at a bar, he was sipping some wine

Soon enough he could not ignore natures calls

His ding-dong was so small he pissed on his balls

Roy, Roy be careful my boy

The ladies won’t love you if you haven’t a toy

But Roy just laughed again and again

Cause Roy much preferred the company of men

The wall erupted in laughter as Jodoro sang another verse in his clarion voice. He could sing and sing good. Soon everyone joined in singing the chorus. Christa suspected Ronald was catching on when she, Nova and Amethyst began singing with extra vigor when they passed him on the stairs. Eventually Nan came up behind them and told them that they were off duty. Exhausted beyond belief Christa and her friends walked back to the castle. I need a shower. Actually, a really long bath. The sun had set hours ago and the Onaki were cleaning their tools under the light of torches. The wall was not finished but it loomed tall in the night. It had to hold or they were doomed.

***

“Daughter of mine you bring me joy,” Duke Bell said as he tore into the mutton on his plate. “Seeing you and your friends helping with the wall gives me hope for the future.” Christa’s mother nodded in agreement. “Guy, Erda I want to thank you two as well for managing the bells. It is no less arduous a task and the importance cannot be understated. Even now people on the fringes of Hernit and Delonica will be preparing. The king has sent a missive announcing the impending arrival of troops.” Her father took a sip of water from a plain pewter goblet. It was widely known as his cup. He did not go for the gold, silver or crystal of other rules. No, the Duke of Bells kept expenses low and his people happy.

“I was only doing my duty father. We all must come together in this time of crisis.” Christa said, putting her fork down and pushing her plate away. Her family ate in a small apartment on the third floor of the castle. It was not the luxury that most ducal families enjoyed but it was all she knew since she was a child. “How many troops will the king send?”

“Heliodor was already in route with 1,000 men and should arrive in three days. Hernit and Delonica should arrive within the week.” Her father put done his cutlery. “What I wouldn’t give for 300 Delonican archers.”

“Will the wall hold?” Her mother asked.

Her father just nodded as he got up from his seat and kissed his wife. “I will be meeting with Ridge. Don’t worry.” He said as he left the room.

“I say it does not even matter at this point.” Erda butted in receiving a reproachful look from Guy.

“I asked Jodoro and he said it will hold.” Guy said then gave Christa a wink. “You know how he is.” Christa felt like she could kill him in that moment.

“And how would she know how he is?” Her mother asked.

“Oh simple,” Guy replied innocently. “Christa can’t keep her eyes off him.”

“GUY, I DO NOT LIKE HIM,” Christa fumed. “AND YOU HAVE NO RIGHT CONSIDERING HOW YOU AND JEAN CARRY ON.” She instantly felt bad for Guy. Guy never meant to hurt anyone. It was just sometimes he was oblivious. How could she be so cruel to him? Guy did not deserve for his business to be put in front of everyone. Christa left for her room. She needed to think. Too many things were changing lately. Would they all live? Would life go back to normal. Now more than ever her dream of the academy seemed farther away.

She heard a knock at her door and Guy walked in. She stared at him for a moment unsure what to say. He spoke first. “Sorry…I didn’t mean to say that. It was wrong. I understand if your mad at me.” He wondered over to her window and stared outside. “They won’t expect me to fight tomorrow but I will. I know I can’t do much, but I got as much to lose as anyone else and I want to make father proud.” He turned to her and the moonlight lit one side of his face. He looked more serious than usual. More something. More manly? “I’m afraid to die Christa but I’ll fight.”

“I’m the one who should be sorry Guy. I shouldn’t have said anything about you and Jean.” She ran to her brother and gave him a hug.

“Its no big deal mother and father already know. I told them last summer.”

“How’d they take it.”

“Father did not care at all but mother, well you know how she is.”

“Guy you’ll live through this. We all will.” She looked out into the courtyard and saw the Onaki sitting around a fire in the cold night. Nan was talking to Old Trews while Jodoro was eating. Derry was a few feet behind him lounging on a mat and tossing small pebbles at his head.

“Get some air. I’ll cover for you. This is not a night for staying inside.”

“What about you? Let’s go together.”

“I got plans with a certain someone.” He said as he walked to the door. “Maybe you should seek the company of friends too.”

***

“Gods damn Derry stop it,” Nan shouted. “Fucking aggravating.” Jodoro had a headache and was tired of getting pelted by a surly Derry who was still bumsore from being pulled out the hole before Tug Kline. He finished washing his bowl and pulled out a quiver of arrows from his bundle of belongings. Nan figured setting up the yurt was a bad idea and Jodoro agreed so they’d be sleeping under the stars tonight which was fine with him. He sat with the quiver and began inspecting his arrows. Some needed new feather while others needed their tips sharpened. Soon Derry broke out of his mood and joined him with his own their fingers moved without thought. Derry liked to paint a small band of green and white around the middle of his. Jodoro’s arrows were black with a single band of orange around the end just below the feathers. Hamsa liked to tease them about it, calling it juvenile, but fuck Hamsa he thought farting and tripping people was funny. Nan was smoking from her pipe and staring at him and Derry. She whispered something to Old Trews and they went off together.

The fire flared brightly in the night as a log slipped. Motes of sparks drifted into the air as the cool breeze came in from the sea. Maybe that’s all they were Jodoro thought as he looked around at the Onaki. Just sparks of life drifting along directionless in the night. They were a people with no loyalties, yet they would be trapped here tomorrow like everyone else, caught in a current that they had no control over. Nan made it clear that they would not abandon the people of Bellgaurd. The Onaki ways were dying many other groups were integrating. Lords like Duke Bell on the fringe of the Ardinum kingdom were inviting Onaki to settle and work the swaths of lands that ran across the frontier. More people meant more taxes. More taxes meant more income. More income meant roads, walls, and aqueducts. More men and women to fight raiders and if the gods were not merciful the Farki as well.

“Well looks like they’re back together again.” Jodoro said drifting out of his musings.

“Who? Nan and Old Trews?”

“No, my ass cheeks, of course Nan and Old Trews.”

“Is Old Trews our pap?” Derry asked.

Jodoro thought for a moment as he pulled a bottle of Hytian wine with a swan logo on it from his pack. “It quite likely. You favor him.”

Derry just nodded and accepted the bottle from Jodoro. He took a swig and passed it back. “Hmm, never noticed,” he laughed.

“What’s so funny,” a voice said from behind them. It was Christa in the company of Ceta, Nova, and Amethyst. Her red hair was tied into two braids and the glow of the fire danced across the lenses of her glasses. She wore a plain brown dress and shivered under his gaze. Nova wore the same stern look as usual and Amethyst as always was the picture of perfection.

“Sweet Ceta you brought guests. Come and warm by our fire.” Jodoro said as he spread some wool blankets on the ground. Derry tossed some wood on the fire and started sidling up beside Nova. That rascal. Jodoro fetched another bottle of wine and passed it to Ceta. They locked gazes for a moment and his spine shivered. She looked expectantly at him the picture of mischief in the night as stars danced in her eyes. As quick as it was there it was gone. She playfully shoved him the old Ceta returning. He remembered simpler times when they would run through the streets of different cities together, exploring new places pretending to be adventures, warriors or brigands. “I was just telling Derry that I believe Old Trews is our grandfather.”

“You don’t know who your grandfather is, idiot?” Nova asked Derry who had somehow positioned himself to share a blanket with her.

“Lady Nova you wound me,” Derry clutched at his heart. “Our customs are a bit different that yours. We do not think of relationships the same way as you all. We believe a man and a woman may do what they want.”

“You mean that a man can lay with whoever he wants while the woman raises the children.” Christa snapped back fiercely while taking the bottle of wine. Jodoro took the open seat next between Amethyst and Ceta, across from Christa.

“No, no, no men must help as well for no true man would let his children be raised without two adults.” Derry replied.

“Doesn’t make sense to me but I hope whoever I marry will help with the children.” Amethyst said.

“Come girl we all know you will marry Heliodor.” Nova retorted.

“I will marry him if I love him. I have not met him yet. He could be an arsehole for all I know.” The women giggled at the use of a curse while Jodoro gave Derry a perplexed look. “I want a man who loves me for who I am not for who they want me to be.”

“I want a man with enough sense to know when I don’t want to be bothered.” Nova said with a side-eyed glance at Derry. Derry looked wounded but smiled when Nova passed the bottle to him. “What about you Christa?”

“You mean Red.” Amethyst butted in to everyone’s laughter. Jodoro couldn’t figure out why this comment was so funny to everyone. Maybe they were drunk. Maybe he was.

“I guess I want someone who will help me achieve my dreams maybe even share them.” Christa said. “Someone who will know when I need to be picked up but also when I need to do things on my own.”

“And what about his looks.” Ceta asked. “Nobody wants to lay with someone with the face of a dog.”

“Hey I resent that.” Derry said.

“Not you Derry Dog.”

“Of course, I want someone attractive. But what about you Ceta Honeybee?” Christa asked.

“A man of strength and kindness is all I need,” Ceta responded. “Looks matter not. Though I do not believe in the thing you call marriage so I may have a few lovers throughout my life and hopefully many children.” Jodoro watched as the women around the fire giggled at Ceta’s response. It seemed logical to him, but they obviously found it humorous.

“I have already found the woman of my dreams.” Derry proclaimed loudly into the night. “Her name is Erelda and I will win her heart through valor and wit. Afterall I never met a woman who could refuse me.”

Nova slapped him in the back of his head. “That’s my big sister you fool. She’s off limits idiot. She will likely marry Carl Ridge.”

“Erelda Coldwater. So she’s not married yet?” Derry said dreamily. “I have never met a more exemplar woman. Why I would journey the skies for her and plead my case in front of the Star Court for but one-”

Nova clouted him again. “Stay away from my sister pervert.”

“Carl is smitten with her, but I think he dreams of glory in the capitol.” Amethyst said. She leaned against him bumping him slightly as she passed him the wine. “Maybe she’ll move for him. What about you Jodoro? Would you follow someone out of love?”

He took the bottle from her and took a deep gulp. He looked into the fire and relished in the warmth of the two women pressed against him. “I suppose I would if I knew that person would do the same for me.” He leaned back propping himself up on his arm and gazed into the night sky. “Love that is unequal will never last. But right now?” He took another sip and passed the bottle to Ceta with a smile. “It is enough for me to enjoy the company of good friends, a warm fire, and the finest wine in the kingdom.” Ceta laughed at this a laid down next to him folding her arms behind her head. The scent of cinnamon and honey wafted off her. His eyes drifted toward Christa a found her quickly looking away from him.

“What in all hells ya’ll got going on over here?” Hamsa asked as he BangBang and Harra walked over. Jodoro sat up. Hamsa was carrying his drums while BangBang had a set of pipes. Harra had his lute that was gifted to him by his late father. It was his prized possession. “You’ve been hoarding the good stuff again Jungle Cat.”

“Got to keep it from prying eyes and fast hands Hamsa Heavyhorse but I’ll exchange a bottle for a lively tune on a chilly night.”

“Only if Ceta Honeybee agrees to take a dance with me.”

“I’ll dance with ya Hamsa Hardpressed.”

They took turns dancing around the fire that night and Jodoro couldn’t remember having that much fun in a long time. Late in the night he found himself with Christa in his arms. Her face was placed against his chest as the drums beat as loudly as his heart. The moment was interrupted when a voice shouted from the wall. “TO ARMS, TO ARMS.”