This time around I struggled with "K." The only K that hadn't been used in earlier challenges was kill. Which I didn't want to use to keep the blog a little more PG and because even though some bad guys may end dead, my writing does not contain gratuitous violence or gore.
Karora is a secondary character in Windmaster Legacy. She is a warrior and a princess in her own right. Well-educated by the formal education such as that of royalty and guild leaders receive her family made sure she was familiar with the traditions and knowledge of those who live in the bush Skilled with javelin, short her physical talents include being a long-distance runner and being able to hunt and track with the best of the bushmen. While not yet tested in battle, weapons training from masters skilled with javelin and short sword prepared her for her eventual role in life.
This except comes from the meeting between Dal and Ellspeth and Karora's father. His sources have told him the diplomatic envoy had come to take his daughter. So they are trying to diffuse the situation. Which is aided by the reunion of two old friends.
Ellspeth smiled as Dal gave another bow, envious of his ease with clan chief. While she was skilled in diplomacy and trading, she had to work to achieve what Dal did with an effortless natural charm.“My talents are meager,” Dal said, “only the magic of the archmage of the world and the fighting skills of a former lieutenant of Telarim the Red.” Despite his deprecating words, his low tones were laden with assurance.
“Do not sell yourself short,” Kurrin said. His snort showed a hint of humor. “Even here in Tarekus we are familiar with the exploits of Telarim.”
The soft scuff of leather on stone drew everyone’s attention to the door. Looking past Eilidh’s shoulder, Ellspeth identified the three women who entered. She recognized Karora on the arm of a woman who was obviously her mother from the red highlights they shared in their light brown hair. Karora’s long hair hung in a simple braid tossed over her shoulder while her mother’s locks were curled in formal clan knots. Behind the pair trailed a tall, dark-skinned Dheni woman about Karora’s age. Several knives hung from the newcomer’s belt and the hilt of a long sword peeked above her shoulder. The way the warrior kept her hands always within reach of her weapons established her as Aranin, Karora’s friend and bodyguard.
Kurrin waved the women forward. “Karora, these visitors wish a formal audience,” he called out. He stepped aside with a flourish and added, “Dheal, my wife, look who visits us.”
The matronly clan leader looked where her husband pointed and scanned Dal’s mother from head to foot. Ellspeth smothered a laugh at the older woman’s happy squeal.
The two women met in the middle of the chamber with kisses and hugs.
“Congratulations, cousin,” Eilidh said. She turned to Kurrin, “This is a surprise. I told you that we would not make a good match. But, Dheal?” Eilidh shifted her attention back to the woman in her arms. “Well done, cousin. And this is your daughter?”
The informal greeting between the two women changed what Ellspeth had planned to say. Instead of the ceremony of the king’s envoy, she made it a personal appeal. “Karora, I believe you know my friend, Fraunces. He sends greetings to you and your parents.”
Karora’s face lit with an inner emotion and urged Ellspeth to continue.
A glance at Dal whose smile showed he too remembered their betrothal, Ellspeth added, “And a request for a betrothal.”
~till next time Helen
If you want to see my previous postings for the challenge, go here. If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the participants.
