Kindly edited by @CollinHarrison4

Kelton marveled at the efficiency of the approaching force. They moved in units on the road, each one separated by twenty paces with soldiers in four columns of ten. Their pace was a relaxed one, though relentless in its forward movement. He imagined they could counter an attack within the blink of an eye, units shifting independently or as a whole. The black leather armor added strength to their bearing, giving them an impression of invulnerability. The military precision he had read about in the library was on display.

"There," O'fan said, pointing down the hill toward the fourth unit. Three men broke off and headed into the trees as another three were returning. "It is hard work off the road, and they refresh their perimeter guards often. We could learn much from them."

"They have not laid eyes on us yet," Cory whispered as if there was some victory in that. Kelton thought it best that Cory joined the greeting party. Time and distance from Brandish might cool emotions and bloody fewer blades.

Kelton shook his head. "We have been followed for some time." The Knowing was alive with the intent of those who tracked them.

O'fan turned about in surprise. "I have seen nothing."

"There are three to our rear and another three on our flank. We indeed have much to learn, for they move as if they share words, though I have heard nothing." He smiled. "Impressive, are they not?"

"Aye," O'fan replied. There was disappointment in his voice. Kelton felt some as well, thinking they held covert supremacy in the land. Arrogance was not the sole domain of the Brethren.

When the Sorinnian scouts at their rear neared, Kelton stood and turned to face them. "Well met, friends," he said, evoking the language as Yanda taught him. A woman broke from cover, her black leather armor fitting her form far better than it had on Glenda.

"Friends do not surveil from cover," the woman said. Her sword remained sheathed, an indication of her forbearance until more was known. Wise, though Kelton was sure there were drawn bows hidden in the brush covering her patient demeanor.

"A caution only," Kelton said. "It is my intent to present myself..."

"You are he," the woman said, a smile growing on her face. She touched her hair to indicate that his red hair gave him away.

"I am Kelton," he said with a slight bow of his head. "Saurinica buruna abalz dor farlana," he added as formal greeting - I serve the cradle of the future.

"Yaaruna varai libella a dvainya," the woman replied - and you are the stone by which I live. "My queen has been seeking you. Shall I announce?" Her hand rose with cocked fingers that twisted in the air. Two men broke from cover to join her as they shouldered their bows. They bore out-of-place smiles as well, aimed directly at Kelton.

"Queen?" Kelton asked, wondering if Yanda's mother had passed. The woman nodded, adding no additional information to Kelton's query.

"Parinada will be pleased," one of the men said. The other man nodded, exchanging a look as if there was humor to share. The woman chuckled at the words, her eyes never leaving Kelton.

"What is said?" O'fan asked.

"They wish to announce us," Kelton said. "It seems I am the cause of some humor I do not understand."

"Mayhap it is your twisted hair. Theirs is of a tighter weave," Cory said.

"Mayhap," Kelton said with a shrug. It was Juno's weave, and he enjoyed sitting for it, so their opinion mattered not. He switched to Sorinnian, "I will be honored to meet the Queen."

The woman raised her hand, bending her fingers in a new configuration, then twisted her wrist to and fro. Kelton felt the force on his flank fade away, back from whence they came. He knew where they were but still saw no sign of them. Impressive. One of the men ran ahead to warn as they moved down the hill toward the road.

"What shall I call you?" Kelton asked the woman.

"Urlia," she replied, then added the names of her matriarchal line. The list was as long as Yanda's and spoken with pride.

"It is a beautiful thing to know such long history," Kelton said.

"It is our way. Do you not share names with those who came before you?"

"Some do, though only a single family name carries through," Kelton replied. "I know not my mother or father, so only one name is offered me."

"Claim who you will," Urlia said with a shrug. "Had I not known my mother, I would claim the one who cared for me and those who cared for her."

Kelton smiled as the idea grew. "I shall be called Kelton Gossamer."

"Kelton Gossamer," Urlia repeated, butchering 'Gossamer' with her accent. "This Gossamer is a great mother then."

Kelton laughed. "More a father in truth, mother as well when it comes to it. He is all I knew at one time and is why I breathe and walk with you now."

"Your land, your ways," Urlia said. "In our land, it is the cradle of life that is revered." She patted her flat belly as evidence and lowered her voice as if O'fan or Cory understood her words. "The women here are seen as less. Do none honor the Goddess' gift?"

"All lands slant wrongly in one way or another," Kelton replied. "This one more than most."

Urlia nodded. "I meant no disrespect."

"You have given none," Kelton offered.

"What do you speak about?" Cory asked.

"Names and how they come about," Kelton said. "Their women are strong in will, and she thought it strange that ours are not as well."

Cory looked at Urlia, then back to Kelton. "I would put Joycelyn against her. There is strength beyond the sword that this woman will never know. Let this young thing birth a child or two, and then she can talk of our women."

Kelton chuckled at the defensiveness of Cory. He misunderstood yet understood at the same time.

"He is angered?" Urlia asked.

"He remembers his wife," Kelton said, shaking his head. "A woman he cherished who had strength he thinks you do not see. Her death causes him great pain. I think I did not translate correctly."

Urlia moved in front of Cory and halted their progression down the hill. She bowed her head and asked if his wife bore children. Kelton translated, then answered two. Urlia raised her head with grief-stricken eyes. Her words were formal, an apology that felt queer coming from a woman in leather armor with a sword at her hip and a war bow crossing her back.

Again, Kelton translated as best he could. "She says she had no right to comment on a great mother when the Goddess has yet to bless her belly. She asks for your forgiveness, for she meant no dishonor to the woman who claimed you."

"Claimed me?" Cory asked.

"It is their way," Kelton said.

Cory smiled and nodded to Urlia. "She was a great mother."

"He agrees she was a great mother," Kelton translated, "and thanks you for reminding him."

"He must lower his head," the man with Urlia said. Kelton looked at him with curiosity. "It is the way of forgiveness," the man explained. Urlia nodded her agreement. Kelton shrugged and translated.

Cory did as bidden. Urlia cradled his head with her hands and kissed his forehead. It was both touching and a little disappointing. His fond memories of Yanda's lips on his forehead may not have been as unique as he thought.

Urlia smiled as if all was right again. She signaled they should continue and turned to proceed down the hill.

"Well, that was not like the arguments I am used to," O'fan said. "Mayhap she could trade words with my wife."

Juno dipped her best skirt back into the stream, then proceeded to scrub at the shadowy stain that refused to yield. It was meat fat; she was sure of it. Not something easily removed. The days spent in the wild were taking their toll on her meager possessions. Her muscles tensed as she shook the stubborn garment in anger.

"Does it mock you?" Serenity asked with gentle humor. Audria smiled and continued to wash her clothes. Daphne snickered, breaking her silence. A real girl was beginning to grow out of her wounded soul. Most was an attempted copy of Audria and Serenity, but bits of individuality were increasing.

"It is the best I have," Juno complained. She dropped her hands in defeat. "It is ruined."

"We are all stained," Audria said as if the blotch did not matter. "If the skirt covers and keeps your legs warm, it is not ruined." Sometimes Juno hated Audria's strength of mind. There was nothing subtle about the world as far as Audria was concerned. Perhaps that was why she had latched on to Serenity - no subtlety there.

"She worries on her look," Serenity said, this time with sympathy.

"I am to meet a princess," Juno sighed. "How can I stand next to Kelton and..." Her throat thickened at the idea of looking ragged to royalty. She wanted no part of lessening Kelton in the eyes of the world.

"He will not see your skirts. He sees only you." Audria said. Daphne snickered again, nodding her head.

"Aye," Serenity agreed. "He is blind to all else when you are near."

"And what of her?" Juno asked. "Will she see only a cursed dressed in rags?"

"A queen," Daphne said. The words surprised Juno, as did the doe-eyed look of Daphne. It was the look of a girl who desired Juno's place in the world. It made Juno feel foolish for thinking as she did. Everything was taken from Daphne, and yet Juno worried about a stain.

Serenity laughed. "Aye, she will see a queen."

"A queen with many who stand with her," Audria added. "If she sees else, then she is the princess of mud in our eyes."

The Sorinnians were statue-still in the valley - six separate groups in their strict sets of rows, each band with a leader standing in front. South of the impressive display, another force emerged from a turn in the road and gathered in the clearing. These wore no leather armor and bore skin as pale as Kelton's. They created no organized display like the leather-armored warriors. It was a mass of Aragonian men, though if Kelton's eyes were correct, each hip hosted a sword. Another welcome mystery. The disorganized men stopped short of crossing the field that the Sorinnians had claimed with their discipline.

Urlia signaled and two horses came forward. The first rider was tall in her saddle, and, at a distance, could be mistaken for Yanda. As she neared, her graying hair dispelled that notion. The second rider could not be mistaken for anyone else. Kelton smiled, for Filgot rode a horse length behind and to the right of the first.

"Our Queen," Urlia announced, her fist finding her breast, the man with her duplicating the salute.

"The Sorinnian Queen," Kelton translated. Both O'fan and Cory duplicated Kelton's bow.

"Queen?" Cory whispered. "I thought it would be a princess."

"It is not what I expected," Kelton admitted.

The queen stopped her mount a good ten paces away and leapt off as if she were born to the beast. Kelton could see parts of Yanda in the woman's face, which was grimmer than he had expected. He stood tall as she neared, which seemed to please her, for her mouth curled and her eyes gained a sparkle as she approached - a curious adjustment in expression. One moment he was prepared to be rebuffed and now felt welcome. It did not overly surprise him since he was used to the lack of continuity in royalty.

"You are Kelton," the queen stated. She signaled for O'fan and Cory to rise as if their respect was a bother.

"Yes, your Magesty," Kelton replied.

"She seems pleased," Cory said.

"What does he say?" the queen asked.

"He speaks of your smile," Kelton said. "It pleases him as it does me."

"I feared for my daughter," the queen said, "and now I do not."

Kelton wondered if something was getting lost in his understanding of the language. He decided to start over. "Serinda Orctavia Onlain Grovicko Sabo Divarina Linbola Travici Bangala Wath Nab Fortuna Mina Mordico Yovia Aborocollo." He bowed his head. "Saurinica buruna abalz dor farlana."

The Queen, Serinda, walked forward and cradled Kelton's head. Her lips graced his forehead. "Yaaruna varai libella a dvainya." The kissing of foreheads had many meanings. Perhaps the tenderness of her lips held some unknown purpose as well.

"You are as my daughter claims," Serinda added. "I have you to thank for her return to me." She waved her arm to indicate the warriors in the field. "Tawana laidy venoora." - The life debt has been answered.

"Tawana?" Kelton asked. "Yanda owes me nothing, for my debt to her is as great." The slaver's ship or the mines would have claimed him had Yanda not been there. More than once, she steered him straight with friendship and guidance - he knew he was a better man for it.

"It is her life debt, not yours," Serinda said. Urlia stifled a laugh, then let it out when the queen chuckled as well. It seemed that the Sorinnians did not acknowledge the desires of the debtee.

"Filgot," Serinda called, slaughtering the pronunciation. She waved him forward. Filgot grinned as he dismounted. "A friend, I am told."

"A good one." Kelton nodded. Serinda stood aside to allow Filgot space.

"You have been busy," Filgot said, his smile spanning the valley.

"Aye," Kelton said. They grasped each other's wrists before Kelton pulled Filgot into an embrace. "You should not have come, yet my heart leaps that you did."

"If I called, would you not be there?" Filgot asked as if it explained all.

"Aye, I would," Kelton said, breaking the embrace. "Though I doubt you would have stumbled into a war."

"They call you the Answer, and many add the title of king," Filgot said. "Freetown was like practice for what you have stepped into here. If I believe half the stories I have heard, you fight those that make Barrankee seem angelic in comparison."

"A long story," Kelton said as his own questions grew. "Why am I greeted by the Queen and not Yanda?"

"Come," the queen said, unknowing of the conversation's state with Filgot. "There is much to talk about, though I prefer to do so with food, drink, and my daughter attending. It is best that all words cross well between us all." She signaled for Urlia to handle the mounts and began walking toward the gathered force. There was no doubt in the queen's mind that Kelton would accompany her. He did so after signaling the others to follow.

"Yanda is here?" Kelton asked the queen.

"Yes. She is in the trailing wagons," Serinda replied. That seemed odd to Kelton, yet the queen worded it as sane.

"I must warn you; it is a great risk to Sorinnia for you to step upon this land, your Majesty," Kelton said. "Many lands pay Aragonia homage in a way you may not know of."

Serinda laughed. "Do you think I could have stopped Yanda?" She shook her head. "It was either come or chance losing her again." She stopped and looked at Kelton. "I am a mother first, of that I learned well the first time she fled. If there are lands that wish to challenge Sorinnia, then so be it. My mother and her mothers before her feared the foulness of this Dark Isle. It is time our warriors are seen by all, and unguided by fear." She shrugged, then continued walking. "My claimed one sits the throne in my stead, a skilled warrior in his own right. He will see to the preservation of the land."

"A man sits the throne?" Kelton asked, surprised.

"Yes," Serinda replied as if it were normal. "He acts in my name. Would you demand less of the one who claims you?"

"Claims me?" Kelton asked.

"The one who wove your hair," Serinda said. "It is this Juno my daughter spoke of - or is it another?"

"It is Juno," Kelton said. "She is my heart and my next days, and yes, she stands in my stead." The Queen appeared pleased with his declaration. He buried his desire to explain that they claimed each other - not the one-sided way the queen implied.

"It was my fear you meant to claim my daughter," Serinda said. "I see now that her words were true, and you would not do such a thing." She smiled. "This Juno must be strong to claim a king."

"I am no real king." In Kelton's mind, that required a crown, a castle, and lineage.

"It is not for you to say," Serinda said. She pointed to the Aragonians gathered at the end of her forces. "They claim it, and now they wear Sorinnian blades to make it so." She indicated her army. "They claim me as their queen, so I am. This Juno claims you, so you are hers." She smirked. "It is good you do not claim my daughter."

"Yes," Kelton agreed with hesitation. Kelton was beginning to fear he did not understand the nuances of the language. Yanda had taught him much, yet the idea of claiming had gone awry in his mind. He had no idea a man could claim a woman in Sorinnia and doubted Yanda would accept even if he had the desire to do so. There was love there, but not the kind he had for Juno.

Kelton was about to attempt a clarification when the Knowing flared with suppressed hostile intent. They were nearing the first group of Sorinnian warriors; most were neutral to the Knowing. It was the man who stood at the lead. Broad of shoulder and as tall as Kelton, the warrior's eyes were forward and away from the approaching party, though his intent was focused sharply at Kelton.

"Am I known to him?" Kelton asked, pointing at the leader.

"Yes," Serinda replied, looking confused at the question.

"Have I wronged him in some way?" Kelton asked. "It feels as if he wishes to do battle."

"It is true then; you can feel others," Serinda said, her head tilting in curiosity. She smiled. "He does not know, so he frets as I did."

"I am confused...."

"Parinada!" The Queen commanded.

The warrior turned stiffly as his queen commanded. His jaw tightened, and his eyes narrowed to a scowl as he took in Kelton. Then his intent dwindled like leaves falling from a tree, fading to a bland dullness as a smile graced his face. All discipline left the man's posture as stifled snickers grew from the warriors he led.

"My Queen," Parinada said with a grin that refused to fade and slapped his closed fist against his chest in salute. Kelton wondered if Cory was correct. Perhaps Juno had woven absurdity into his hair. For her, he would suffer it.

"Yanda claimed Parinada a winter ago," the queen said as Parinada relinquished his salute. "There is a lot of pride in adding his strength and mind to my line. My daughter is wise in both mate and..." she nodded to Kelton, "friend."

"Husband?" Kelton asked though he had mistakenly not spoken it in Sorinnian.

"Aye, Yanda's," Filgot replied. "I gathered he thought you a rival, causing strong words between them. Odd how that opinion has shifted."

"Aye," Kelton agreed. "I think the weave of my hair has weakened the idea of any power they thought I possessed. Mayhap, it is the weave of the newly born."

Filgot shrugged, a gesture indicating his lack of concern. "For the best, mayhap."

"Yanda claims you a brother," Parinada stated, his smile indicating new confidence in the statement.

Kelton decided the idea of claiming was a fluid thing that shifted depending on context. Claiming was sometimes more of a statement of desire than legality. "I claim Yanda as a sister," he pronounced with pride.