"Berland was built by your ancestors, Your Highness," Sir Caleb said. " Koyukuk's accent is a combination of original Wilderman and the king's tongue. But many Wilderman still live in the forests."
They climbed up a steep spiral staircase, crossed a rope bridge, and climbed five more steps to a hut built on the upper branches of three massive trees.
Shung pulled aside a heavy leather drape. Sir Caleb ducked inside and Achan followed. Sir Caleb's luminary lit up the round space. The mud did not cover the twigs as much on the inside walls. Stripes of branches poked out of the walls like ribs. A wide, low pallet covered with furs hid most the clapboard floor.
"Do you need help with your boots, Your Highness?" Sir Caleb asked.
Achan shot a quick glare at the knight. "I think I can manage."
"I apologize if the question sounded strange. You'll soon have a valet whose sole employment will be to help you dress."
Achan pulled off the fur cape and his wool one and tossed them on the bed. "I don't need a man to dress me."
"It's not a question of need, Your Highness."
"Well, I don't want a man to dress me, then." He sat on the low pallet and pulled his boot, but the tall, fitted leather clung to his sweaty leg. Sir Caleb had helped him every night since Melas, when Trajen had given him the boots.
Achan struggled with the boot. Sir Caleb handed the luminary to Shung and pulled the boot off, then the second. Achan gritted his teeth. If they insisted he wear fancy clothes, perhaps he would need help getting dressed. How pleasing his old orange stray's tunic looked now.
"Shung and I will stand guard. Sir Gavin will relieve me later, but Shung will be outside all night should you need anything."
Achan glanced at Shung. "Thank you."
Shung nodded. He handed the luminary back to Sir Caleb and slipped past the drape.
"Sleep well, Your Highness," Sir Caleb said. "I shall wait until you're tucked in and take the light out with me."
Achan nodded. He pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it on his capes. He shivered and crawled under the heavy furs. It would take a bit for the bed to warm.
Sir Caleb carried the luminary out the door and the leather curtain flopped back into place.
The dark room trembled. A bed in a tree was a sensation that would take time to get used to. He stared at the outline of light around the edges of the curtain. His eyes fell closed, and he forced them back open. He sensed excitement and fear that refused to let him sleep. Were people still celebrating?
He wished Sparrow were here. Achan hated having his own chambers.
Soft steps padded across wood. He tensed. Could animals get into these huts? The sound crept toward his pallet. He slipped backwards out of bed, onto the cold floor, heart racing, hand grasping for his sword. Where had he left it? A shadow darted past the light at the door, past the foot of his bed.
Achan sprang, quickly finding the intruder's neck with his hands. As Achan hit the floor, a girl's scream urged him to let go. He rose to his knees. The intruder ran away, room shaking.
The curtain whipped aside. Yellow light blinded Achan. He raised an arm up to block the luminary's glare.
Sir Caleb knelt beside him. "Did you fall? Are you hurt?"
"I, uh…had a guest." Achan nodded toward his pallet. The lump of fur blankets shifted.
Shung, short sword clutched in hand, approached the bed. "Who is there? Come out now." He pulled back the furs.
A small gasp and Yumikak's frizzy head poked out from the top of the furs.
"Blazes, Yumikak!" Achan said. "What were you thinking? I could've hurt you."
"I came to sing you to sleep, I did," she said in a meek voice.
Shung growled, his hairy eyebrows becoming one. "Did your father send you?"
Yumikak's eyes went wide. "Oh, no, Master Noatak. It was my idea, it was. Please do not tell my father."
"You shame us." Shung faced Achan and stomped one foot, shaking the hut. "Shung will take intruder to her father and return shortly."
Yumikak's head hung so low her chin touched her tunic. Shung steered her out the door by the scruff of her neck. The hut trembled. Sir Caleb helped Achan up. He climbed back into bed, hoping Yumikak wouldn't be in trouble for her actions. But why would she sneak into his room to sing to him?
"I see that in the future, it will be necessary to sweep your chambers before allowing you to bed," Sir Caleb said.
Achan rolled onto his side. "She wasn't trying to kill me."
"No, but had she been, she might have succeeded. It would also be wise to review the customs of each village before we arrive. It has been almost twenty years since I last visited Berland. I had forgotten."
"That women sing men to sleep? Or is that a special custom for visitors?"
Sir Caleb chuckled. "It's a special custom for a betrothed couple. It appears you have survived your second offer of marriage, Your Highness."
"Be moving over, boy!" Inko's bony elbow jammed into Vrell's side.
She gasped and fought the urge to elbow him back. "Where? To the floor?"
Inko did not answer, so Vrell rolled on her side and curled into a ball. How ridiculous! She couldn't believe Sir Gavin hadn't helped her make other arrangements when they were given this privy of a room. Granted, they were in a treetop. How big could the rooms be? But surely Achan had been given his own bed. Vrell would rather sleep on Achan's floor than cram into a bed with an old, crotchety-
You will tell me where they are.
Vrell gasped at the sound of Esek's voice in her mind. Sensing a connection with her mother, she closed her eyes and focused.
Mother stood behind the jade desk in her study. The sun streamed through the window and lit the colorful wall murals and niches. Beautiful sun.
Esek and Sir Kenton stood on the redwood floor before Mother's desk.
I do not know where she is, Mother said.
You are both gifted, Esek said. You must communicate.
When my daughter calls to me, we talk, but she has not done so in several days.
When did you last speak?
A week past.
And where was she?
Approaching Melas.
Esek's posture swelled. I know they are coming here. He means to marry her and take my throne.
Mother walked around her desk. My daughter is engaged to Master Bran Rennan. I have told you this numerous times.
Lady Averella is engaged to me. I shall have her with or without your permission.
Mother laughed. I think not, young man.
Sir Kenton slapped her. Do not disrespect your king.
Mother set her jaw and straightened before Sir Kenton, who towered over Mother's petite form. This man is no one's king. He bought his Council votes. Lord Nathak sat as my proxy because he killed my manservant and forged my name. The true Council will never crown this impostor.
The true Council, as you know it, is no more, Esek said.
Mother frowned and studied Esek's haughty face. What do you mean?
The Council has elected members to replace those charged with treason. Your membership on the Council has been revoked. You still rule Carm-until I wed your daughter and take it legally. Esek stepped up to the arched window overlooking the northern fields. But since you refuse to aid your king, I will burn your vineyards.
Mother's heart rate spiked. That is madness! You want control of Carm because it is vast and powerful. Without its vineyards it is nothing.