Nena by Ann Boelter (digital book reader txt) 📕

arm around Exanthia and pulled her close. “But I will miss you. There are so many things I wanted to show you, to teach you. Like this place, for one. And to help you practice your warrior skills. Jalla and Gentok will help you now.”

“Jalla?” Exanthia asked in disbelief, the hint of a smile coming to her face at the idea of it.

“Yes, Jalla.” Nena smiled. “Do not let her fool you. Jalla tries to act old and motherly, but never forget she is Meln’s sister. She not only possesses knowledge of important things about herbs for healing and for poison, but she also possesses great warrior skills. It would be good for her to get out with you and clash the sticks. She would not just be helping you, you would also be helping her to not grow old too fast.”

Exanthia giggled. “Jalla with the sticks?”

“You laugh, but she will surprise you. And I want you to promise me you will ask Lothor to take you to the waterfall. It is a secret place we found when were children.”

“Lothor?”

“Yes. He is not as gruff as he seems. You are his niece now, and should build that bond. The waterfall is a full day’s ride from here, but if you ask him, I know he will take you. It would be good for you both. Do you promise?”

“Yes,” Exanthia agreed. “I will ask him.”

“And Gentok,” Nena paused, her heart heavy. She hadn’t seen nor spoken with Gentok since the trial and her choosing. She knew it would have brought him pain and that saddened her. “He is a great warrior. Listen carefully to all he has to teach you.”

“I will.”

“Jarl is waiting. I must go.” Nena stood and placed her hand on Exanthia’s head. “You will be a great warrior one day, Exanthia of the Teclan. Always know that I am very proud of you.”

Nena went next to Jalla’s tent but found it empty. Disappointed, she returned to Jarl and the horses. They were just about to mount when Jalla approached them. “I just found this extra travel hide and have no need for it. I thought perhaps it might come in useful on your journey,” Jalla said.

“Gratitude,” Nena said as she took the hide and tied it on top of one of the horse’s packs, even though they already had plenty. She knew it was just an excuse for Jalla to see her one last time. After the last knot was tied, she turned to the older woman and hugged her. “Take care, Jalla. May the gods smile upon you until we see each other again.”

“And you, Nena,” Jalla whispered as they separated from their embrace. “And Jarl.” She nodded at him. “Travel safe.”

“We will,” he said. “And I swear to you I will protect her until my last breath.”

She studied him and nodded. “You have proven that to me already.” With that she turned and walked away, leaving Nena and Jarl alone.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

Nena nodded and mounted the gray mare, settling into the sheepskin Dor saddle for the long ride ahead. She waited for Jarl to mount his stallion and gather his two pack horses, then did the same with her pair before she followed him down the trail she knew so well.

NENA LEANED FROM the platform to touch the smooth carved wood. She traced the outline of each animal design with the tips of her fingers. From a distance they appeared to be only the scales of the great dragon’s neck, but up close she could see the intricate detail. Her gaze moved up to the golden head of the dragon. Its eye looked down at her—and saw her. She could not shake the impression that the great beast was measuring her.

“It is beautiful,” she murmured. And it was, though she’d been afraid at first and had approached the boat with considerable trepidation. Now that she was close and could see the loving craftsmanship that had gone into its creation, she was reassured.

“Yes, she is,” Jarl said as he ran his own hand over the neck.

“She?” Nena asked with a smile.

“Of course. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen until you.”

Nena looked back to the dragon’s eye, sure now that this great ship had a spirit. She wondered how it would respond to his words. Would it be jealous as Altene had been? If so, she would never dare step aboard, sure that some mishap would befall her. But the great beast’s eye seemed not fierce, but satisfied. “And do you have a name for her?” Nena asked.

Jarl smiled. “She is The Treasure Huntress. And she has lived up to her name on every voyage, though none have made me so rich as this one.” He pulled her to him and kissed her.

Nena resumed her scrutiny of the tiny characters carved into the scales. “And who are these two lovers?” she asked, her fingers tracing over the two small forms locked in a lovers’ embrace.

Jarl laughed. “There are no lovers there,” he said without looking.

“There surely are.” She looked at him but kept her fingers near the carving so as not to lose her place in all the intricate detail.

Jarl leaned closer and peered next to her fingertips. The male and female entwined bodies were unmistakable. “I never noticed that before,” he murmured as he examined it closer. “That is very odd. I have never known of a ship to have such a symbol. She has kept secrets from me all this time. That had to be Leila’s doing.” Jarl was quiet for a moment lost in thought. “Sigurd said his wife, Leila, wanted me to get more than I bargained for, and he said it very strangely. I assumed at the time, he meant the reduction in the price, but now, looking back—I’m not so sure. I will tell you about them one day.”

“So that is not you and some Northwoman?” Nena teased.

“No. There is no Northwoman.”