The Gate of the Year

By David O Smith

“An Adult is someone who can provide for themselves. As Adults you must provide for yourselves, by skills, strength or the use of the property that you have acquired. Can you do it? Can I go out into the world and cleave a living from it? Can you stand in that world saying ‘Am I going to eat tonight? Am I going to have clothes to wear? A roof over my head? The answers depend on me’.”
Seven young men and women of Ashford Village aim to reach that status. Marvin fails and falls in with bad company. The other six strive to craft a life and livelihood by their own skills and strengths. Liane and Roget are skilled metalworkers already. Karin is the daughter of a lord and Mallick was found on the Temple steps as a baby. The other two are Aspen – daughter of the castle’s head cook and Sandy, son of a farmer.
They have to meet each other in single combat, then leave their homes for a year to prove they can live by their own efforts
Can Karin put her life of ease behind her?
Will Mallick be accepted as one of the elite “Adults”.
Is Aspen able to rise above her somewhat lowly origins?
The six escort a carter’s wagons to the Village of Westport. Marvin, captured by robbers, betrays them to save his skin. The subsequent battle leaves robbers dead and wounded. Liane is also mortally hurt. Mallick dares to challenge his gods and they heal her through him.
In Westport they take on a run-down house, tidy it up and live there as a group. Aspen and Mallick have paired up; Liane and Roget are pledged to each other. Sandy will chase anything in a skirt, but Karin scorns him.
The robbers, guided again by Marvin, attack the house, but come off much the worse. As a result the Village Watch, armed peacekeepers, trail the robbers to their stronghold and storm it. Only Marvin and Marsha, one of the robber leader’s women, survive, and Marvin is wounded.
Marsha introduces him to her goddess, who requires regular sacrifice. They set up a temple and start capturing girls to use for that. In the process they capture Aspen and prepare her to be sacrificed.
The other five track them down, attack and free Aspen, but Roget is killed in the fray. Challenged by Liane, Mallick goes into the Shades, the world of the dead, to bring him back.
Mallick doesn’t find his own return from the Shades easy. Aspen gives up on him and moves in with Sandy. Karin, though, watches for him and, when he returns, expresses her love for him.
At the end of the year Karin and Aspen go back to Ashford. Karin finds that a marriage has been arranged for her, but the chosen man is not to her liking. She must choose between staying and living with him, or leaving and living with Mallick.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David O Smith
• Release date: Mar 22, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301880577

David O Smith

David O Smith has been many things in his life. Bus driver, foundry man, folk singer and freelance writer, as well as an international computer consultant. Now disabled by arthritis he lives with his wife and dog in the West Midlands.

Book preview

The Gate of the Year

By

Owen Kirby-Cross

Published by CrownElise Publishing

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2013 CrownElise Publishing

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Disclaimer

This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Volume 1 of

The Long Road, Winding

"She is a long road, winding down to morning,

That leads us on through all our days,

She comes and goes in joy or pain,

And who can know her many ways."

_The Canticle of the Twins_

"And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:

‘Give me a light, that I may tread safely into the unknown.’

And he replied: ‘Go out into the darkness

And put your hand into the hand of God.

That shall be to you better than light,

And safer than a known way.’"

_Minnie Louise Haskins_

Table of Contents

On the First Day

Moving Out

The First Steps

Staging Point

Travelling On

Harvest Time

The Narrow Way

Earth and Fire

Her Many Ways

About the Author

On the First Day

Karin Ayshasdaughter

I am going to be killed.

Those words niggled at the back of Karin's mind as she put her head through the hole in her tabard and tied the straps round her waist. The garment swamped her. She took the straps twice round, but had to hitch it up. The front bulged out. It makes me look as though I have a figure.

She had chosen blue. It was her favourite colour. She might as well look as good as possible on her last day.

I know I will have to fight each of the other contenders in turn. Early tomorrow those who survive must leave the Village for a year. I must presume that those who don't come back were actually killed in the fighting.

Like me.

She ticked off her potential opponents on her fingers, wondering which of them would make an end of her. Mallick Mothersson? Shades, he was big! She scarcely came up to his shoulder, and his arm was nearly as thick as her leg. She had heard the stories, of course. Found on the Temple step when he was a day or two old. Some people said he must have been pupped by a renegade serf. Krystall, one of the Temple Initiates, had given birth to a child less than a light before, and had been persuaded to adopt the foundling. Karin was surprised that Mallick was allowed to contend, but the Elders must have been satisfied that he was free born.

No, Mallick would not kill her. That staff he carried, taller than him and thicker than his wrist, would hurt when he hit her, but she did not think it would kill.

Sandy Jayesson, Krystall's own child? He was tall, too, but not as tall as Mallick and much slighter. His armour, and his sword, looked like some of the relics her father displayed in the Great Hall. Karin doubted that sword would be good enough to cut through the hardened leather of her tunic.

It would not be Aspen Flikkasdaughter, either. She had a staff, as well, although shorter and thinner than Mallick's. She looked as though she hardly knew how to hold it. She probably would not survive the day, either. Flikka was in charge of the kitchens at the White Tower, Karin's home. Rumour was that Aspen had, in fact, been doing the work since her woman-making, while her mother caroused and rutted with the men. Karin gave a wry smile. At least if Aspen survived she would have skills to see her through her Venture.

How would I support myself, if I were to go on a Venture? My sisters all managed, but Sybille is an excellent seamstress, and supported herself that way. Dany says she joined a troop of entertainers and spent her Venture dancing, in little or no clothing. Truly will not admit it, but most people believe she spent her time entertaining, too. Only she entertained rich men in her bed.

Karin gave a sad smile. I cannot sew, or make things to sell. I am not athletic, like Dany, and would not lower myself to Truly's level. Even if I had Dany's skill, or Truly's morals, men do not find me attractive. Well, one or two of father's guests said they did, but I believe they saw my father's daughter, not me as a person.

Would it be Marvin Martinsson? Voxhull forfend! His father was her father's master-at-arms, and the boy strutted round the Tower as though he were Lord himself. She would sooner die by her own hand than let him strike her down. Karin's lips creased into a sarcastic line. Strut he might, dress as a warrior he could, but she had seen him fight. To beat him would be no problem.

Roget Thundersson or Liane Lianesdaughter, the two smiths? Yes, it would be one of them, for sure. She'd seen their swords when she was at the Temple. Fine, heavy blades, made from the best bronze. They would go through her as if she were butter.

Roget had made those swords himself. He was a fine armourer. His father had been the Village smith for many years. Liane's father had been the farrier, until a warhorse kicked him in the head. Liane's mother had died in childbirth. Thunder and Treshur had brought her up with Roget. He was older than Liane. Karin had heard how, shortly after Liane's woman-making, they had been caught in one of the barns, lying together, unclothed. Thunder had rolled on about it being wrong, but why? They weren't blood relatives. They had been openly holding hands today. She wished them luck. They would no doubt Venture together, and successfully.

I have nothing to offer the world. She reviewed her boyish hips, the two small bumps on her chest. A year and a half ago, at her woman-making, Barbryn had told her she was still developing. With her eighteenth anniversary past, she would develop no more. She looked at Aspen's rounded figure, and Liane's curves. They are women, I am nothing. Perhaps I should leave.

Blinking back a tear, she saw the trumpet and leaf symbol which the priests wore. Her eyes rested on the flower. It was beautiful outside, with much hidden potential.

Karin turned. No-one was near her. Who spoke?

Lutha Rikkelsdaughter called for their attention.

Right. Enough talk, she announced, time for some action. I've put seven stones in this pot, each one the colour of one of your tabards. I'll pull two out, and the people wearing those tabards will fight. Remember, you'll fight each of the others once, and once only. Leave it to me to make sure that the same pair doesn't come out twice. But be sure that you will fight every one of the other contenders.

Karin felt her throat go dry, her knees tremble. Lutha took a stone out of the pot.

It was blue.

Marvin Martinsson

Marvin was wearing a white tabard. It reminded him of Maxy, the serf he'd used last night. Her skin had been pale, at least the important bits. He enjoyed having Maxy. When this ridiculous contest was over he was going to go home and make her dance for him. She'd have to open her top first, of course. He wanted to watch her bubbies bounce. When he was an Adult of this Village, he'd make sure a few changes were made.

Marvin surveyed the other contenders. Most aren't fit to be Adults. Myself and Karin, of course, and perhaps Sandy. The others are included to make a show for the crowd. The slut's son who was found on the Temple steps, for example. He's got a stick. How much of a fight can you put up against a swordsman when you've only got a stick? They ought to have given him a better weapon. Still, it will be fun to make him scream and beg for death. And that girl out of the Tower kitchens, Aspen. Well, it doesn't take much guessing to see why she's been allowed to take part. I'll have to prove I'm a man. Maxy could have told them that, and a few of the others. But if I've got to prove it, well that little slut with the pale hair will be as pleasant to prove it with as any other.

It's going to be fun, being an Adult. I shan't bother with this Venture business. That's obviously a tale to explain why these other wretches aren't around anymore. Marvin smiled to himself. My father won't be able to order me about any more, will he? I'll get myself elected as an Elder, then he'll be sorry.

Need to whittle out a few of the other Adults, too, to make that easier. No point in bothering with the sword fodder. If I could see my way to finishing off that Sandy…

Be too much of a fuss if I killed Karin. With luck one of the others will do it. That means we'll have an execution to add to the fun. It would top the lot, to see one of these no-hopers dancing from a tree branch. I'll drink to that any day.

Looks like we're going to get on with it at last.

Marvin watched with interest as Lutha picked up the pot containing the coloured stones. She pulled out a blue stone, followed by a red one.

Remember, Lutha told them, once in the ring, you're on your own. And no matter who is in the ring, your brother, your lover even, you have to keep out. If you interfere in a combat you're not in, that will be your lot.

Mallick Mothersson

The first combat, Lutha announced to the world at large, will be between Karin and Mallick.

A ripple of muttering ran round the villagers. Karin tucked her dark curls into her helmet, got up and stepped into the ring. As Mallick went to join her, a hard lump at the base of his stomach, Marvin grabbed his arm.

Just mind your manners, boy, and remember what you're here for.

Don't worry.

I'll make sure you don't. You hurt her and I'll make sure that instead of taking bonds tomorrow you dance under a tree, with your feet head high.

I'll do neither. Let go! Mallick snatched his arm away. Take no notice of young Marvin, Karin said as they walked. He always did have more breath than sense. She flashed him a smile. Her face was astonishingly pale. Mallick felt as if he'd never been so aware of things until now. The heat of the sun, the sound of insects and the smell of the grass all came over in a new, more intense way.

Stand behind this line, Mallick. And you behind this one, Karin. Salute!

Mallick bowed to where Barbryn and Hanx, the Priests, were sitting with the Elders. Karin tucked one foot behind the other and sank down.

Ready? Lutha looked from one to another. Karin drew a pair of vicious-looking knives. Mallick hefted his staff. Stop if it looks as though one of you is going out of the ring, she muttered. She held her sword between them.

Go to!

Karin was quick, agile and surprisingly difficult to hit. Mallick concentrated on trying to knock the blades away, dodging the thrusts that slipped between his blocks. He heard chuckles from the villagers. She kicked him.

He half saw it coming and danced back. Her boot connected with his knee. He resisted the urge to hop round, swearing. She followed up with a serious attack. He dodged and blocked. One thrust got through to his cheek. She came again. This time he blocked high. He counter-attacked towards her ribs.

Karin checked the staff on her two blades. The force of Mallick's blow sent her sprawling.

Mallick stepped back. He could see both knives, so she hadn't stabbed herself. His cheek stung. He touched it. Blood!

All right? he asked.

I believe so.

Here. He gave her a hand up, and waited while she recovered her weapons. She kicked him again.

This time he spotted the shift of balance. His staff caught the inside of her knee. Her comment was very unladylike. They were dancing round again, looking for an opening.

Enough! Lutha put her sword between them. Mallick was quite glad to lean on his staff. The villagers applauded, adding some ribald comments. Lutha examined his face.

Better get Barbryn to have a look at that. You all right, Karin?

I shall have a good set of bruises in the morning. Otherwise I am fine.

Good. Salute, the pair of you. Clear the ring.

Barbryn was waiting when Mallick reached the edge of the ring. She had found him when he was a baby and had been like a second mother, teaching him her healing skills, among other things.

Sit down here.

Once seated, Mallick found his eyes were on a level with her neck. He was careful not to look down.

Nothing serious. She took a cloth out of a bag she'd been carrying. Hold that on your face. It was icy cold. Mallick swore.

We have to stop the bleeding before we can do anything else. Sit down and be patient.

Mallick took the compress away and touched his face. Barbryn slapped his hand.

Put it back. I'll tell you when it's stopped. Obediently, Mallick sat, holding the compress and listening to the world around him.

Now, let me look. Barbryn pulled the cloth away. Fine. She placed her hand on his cheek while muttering prayers under her breath. His face felt as though it was burning where she touched him. She lifted her hand. Never know it had happened, once you've cleaned the mess up.

Thanks.

Thank The Twins, not me. And dodge quicker next time. You're the last one I want to be putting back together.

All right.

She handed him a rag soaked in warm water. He sponged off the dried blood and stood up. Her eyes were glittering and she wouldn't look at him.

Aspen Flikkasdaughter

Aspen couldn't forget what Flikka, her mother, had told her earlier that morning.

You're wasting your time. Never in a lifetime of lifetimes will this Village accept the likes of you as an Adult.

Panjandra take her for a jealous cat. I'll show her, and everyone. I were born free. I'm as fit to be an Adult as any bugger here.

She looked at the staff which rested across her knees. Her spirits fell. I ain't got much chance of surviving, have I? Not if I ain't ever done any fighting. She gave a faint smile. No proper fighting, any road. She watched Mallick and Karin in the ring. Mallick had given her some pointers on using the staff, but he'd got blood running down the side of his face. If he can't keep them off what chance have I got?

She plucked at her green tabard. Green's right, green as I'm cabbage looking. Unless I get dead lucky I'll be walking through them Black Gates tonight. Still, no bugger can say I ain't gone down trying. She heard cheering, and a small amount of applause, from the villagers gathered round the ring. Karin came and sat down, looking flushed, but rather pleased with herself. Lutha came over and picked up the pot containing the coloured stones. She took out a white one. That was Marvin. The next stone was green. Aspen felt sick. She managed to get herself upright on heavy legs. Marvin had stalked into the ring, so she wandered over to face him. He gave her a leer.

You know what you're here for, don't you? he asked. Well don't waste too much of my time pretending you can fight.

What in Panjandra's name are you talking about?

Salute, you two, Lutha interrupted. As she got up from her curtsey, Aspen wiped her sweaty palms on her skirt. She hoped Marvin couldn't see how badly she was shaking.

Lutha levelled her sword between them.

Go to!

Marvin's sword hit the centre of her staff. The blow made Aspen's teeth chatter. She skipped backwards. Marvin came forward, swinging again. Each time she managed to put the staff in the way of his sword. She could move faster than him, so she kept moving away. Marvin scowled.

Come here, woman.

Shades! You think I'm daft? I ain't coming anywhere near that sword.

Stop being stupid, girl.

Marvin glanced across at Lutha. She was standing by the Elders, arms folded, watching them. Aspen's foot caught the hem of her skirt. She nearly fell.

Panjandra take it! This robe ain't good for fighting in.

Marvin grinned. It wasn't a pleasant sight.

I've warned you, he muttered. Aspen kept dancing, and waving her staff at his sword.

She tripped again. The ground met her, hard. The staff went flying.

Aspen rolled on her back. Marvin had sheathed his sword. His face twisted in a leer.

Bout time, too.

He dropped on top of her, pinning her arms. She tried to struggle. He was too heavy.

What in Panjandra's name do you think you're playing at, boy?

Like I said, it's what you're here for. He started pulling up her skirt. Aspen closed her eyes, wishing that the Gates would open and take her.

The weight came off. Aspen rolled, only to bump into something solid. She opened her eyes. Mallick was standing over her. His staff slammed Marvin in the belly.

Might have known your sort would keep together, Marvin sneered. You've blown what little chance you had, you realise that? Now I'm going to twist this sword in your guts till you beg for death.

You'll have to stick me, first, Mallick told him.

You think I'll have a problem?

Lutha slammed Marvin between the shoulder blades, sending him sprawling. He rolled over and grabbed for his sword.

Leave it!

With the tip of Lutha's sword touching the point of his jaw, Marvin had no option.

Now get up, slowly.

By the time he was on his feet Kennit, the Village headman, had arrived, with Reesha and Sylvest, the other two Elders. Villagers crowded behind them. Kennit looked Marvin up and down, as though he were some bungled piece of apprentice work.

Shameful. Shameful. That this should happen in my day.

And I thought you'd be useful round the Tower, Reesha put in.

Sylvest said nothing. The disgust on his face was clear to everyone.

Do we need to discuss this? Kennit asked. Thought not. Marvin Martinsson, you've brought shame on this Village by what you've done. I doubt anyone here will want your services. Leave the ring. You've proved beyond doubt that you're totally unfit to be an Adult.

But... Marvin began.

You want to try something, boy? Lutha growled. She stared him down. Eventually he walked away, leaving his sword lying in the grass. The crowd parted to let him through. Martin turned his back as Marvin passed him.

Got your case to decide, now, Kennit went on, looking at Mallick. Told you that if you interfered, you'd have to leave the ring, didn't they?

Yes.

Lad's honest, Sylvest growled. I'm proud to know him.

He interfered in the contest, Kennit reminded him.

Yes. And we know what would have happened if he hadn't. Hope I'd have done the same. Sylvest looked across at Lutha. Did your job for you, girl. Should have been you stepping in, instead of gabbing to us.

I know. I apologise.

He didn't stop to think what the consequences would be, either, Reesha added. Aspen's my sister's daughter, so you could claim that I'm biased, but I'd say what he did is what makes the best kind of Adult.

Talk it over later, Kennit snapped. Go and sit down, lad. We'll let you know.

Yes. Thank you.

Still reckon we should be thanking you, Sylvest commented, giving Kennit a look.

Aspen threw her hands over her face. She felt like dirt. And now they were going to stop Mallick being an Adult because he saved her. It was all too much. She curled into a ball and sobbed.

Mallick Mothersson

Panjandra take them all!

Mallick had been living for this day ever since he'd been old enough to understand what it meant. Jayes and Krystall had been good parents to him, and there'd been no problems on their Land. He'd heard comments in the Village that his mother had been some slut, or serf, ashamed even to own him. Once or twice he'd been called slut's son to his face. Not for a year or two, though. He was big enough to make others think twice these days.

There was no home for him here, kind as some people were. As an Adult he'd have been heading off, on Venture, and to explore the world. If he dropped the Mothersson no-one would ever know he hadn't got parents. He'd be an Initiate of the Twins, a healer, which would be enough to keep him. Hanx had told them all what it meant to be an Adult that morning.

An Adult is not just a man or woman. You have passed through your man and woman-making and are enjoying the ways of man and maid. Or so I trust. Even serfs do that, he'd said

An Adult is someone who can provide for themselves. A serf is your property. You feed it, clothe it and look after it. In return it gives service of some sort or another. A bondman or woman is not owned, they are freeborn. But they have opted to serve an Adult, rather than fend for themselves. So they, too, look to their master or mistress for food, clothes and shelter.

An Adult must provide all these things. For yourselves, by skills, strength or the use of the property that you have acquired. You may own serfs and have other freeborn men and women in bonds to you. They will all look to you to win from the world around all that is necessary to keep them alive and happy.

An Adult, too, will have responsibility within the Village. You will be a member of the Council and able to affect the way life is lived. Your vote will elect the Elders. Someday you may even become an Elder if you are wise, and patient.

Can you do it? Think. Think of the world as you know it. Ask, can I go out into that world and cleave a living from it? Can I stand in that world saying 'Am I going to eat tonight? Am I going to have clothes to wear? A roof over my head? The answers depend on me'.

This is why we send you out on Venture. To leave your home, go where you have never been before, bearing only what you have on your back and make your living. That is proof that you are an Adult.

Do you want the risk? Dare you starve? Wear rags, Crawl under a hedge to sleep? These may happen. I have known youngsters go out on Venture, or come here on Venture, and find themselves in just that situation. What can I do? Ask yourselves this.

Some of you have had to battle for every scrap you have. Can you cope with gaining more than you ever dreamed of? Others have been richly provided for. Do I want to put myself where no-one will defer because my father leads an army or owns a Village?

These are questions you should ask yourselves. Face them. Think of the bondmen and women you know. The serfs owned by your families, your friends. Can I face the fact that I might make a mistake and cause them to starve, or die?

It was all gone, now. Initiation, freedom, escape. His best hope would be to find someone to take him as a bondman Healer. But he'd have to stay here, and be pointed at, looked down on, all his days.

I couldn't have done anything else. Marvin had been attempting to rape Aspen right in front of him. Lutha was across the ring, with her back to the fight. It looked as though she was talking to the Elders. Action had gone before thought. Always had been his weakness. He'd done it once too often, now.

Aspen lay just outside the ring, with Barbryn's arms round her. Red eyes and streaks on her face showed she'd been weeping. Liane sat the other side of her, holding her hand, while Karin stood in front. He went over. As he approached Karin spun round in a fighting crouch, knife drawn. Mallick dropped his staff and threw his hands out.

Hey!

Oh, it's you. She straightened and put her knife away.

Marvin wouldn't dare.

He did, immediately afterwards. He told Aspen that what had happened was her fault, and that he'd pay her back for it.

Mallick picked up his staff.

He'll have to come through me, first, he commented.

And several more of us, Karin replied.

How is Aspen? Mallick asked.

I ain't too bad, she replied, though her voice was still shaking. I have to thank you for that. It dunna seem much when you ... I ... She began to cry again. Liane comforted her.

Was nothing. Mallick shrugged

They thrown you out? Barbryn asked.

Not yet.

I shall speak with my father, Karin put in. She left.

Hanx and I will speak for you, Barbryn added, with a catch in her voice.

Thanks.

Lutha was with the Elders. It seemed like for ever before she came back.

Which was Marvin's token? She took it out of the pot. Mallick noticed she had his token in her hand as well. His heart hit his boots. The Elders want to see you. Leave your tabard behind.

He closed his eyes and tried not to feel as if he'd run into a wall. He fumbled with the ties.

Let me help. Lutha was smiling.

The Elders can't do this on their own, Barbryn insisted. Her face was like thunder. There should be a meeting of all the Council.

Let me say this, Liane put in from behind him, if they won't have you, Mallick, I don't think any of us want to be part of them.

I don't. Aspen whispered.

It's all right, Lutha said when she could get a word in.

We'll make sure of that. This was Roget.

Mallick crossed the ring with Lutha to one side of him and Barbryn the other. All the rest of the contenders followed, as did most of the villagers who had been sitting on that side.

When they arrived he noticed that all the other Adults from the Village were standing behind the Elders. Barbryn went and spoke urgently to Hanx. He said something and her mood lifted. Lutha stood next to a red-faced Martin. The other contenders fanned out behind him.

Mallick had never felt so alone in his life. He appreciated the support from the others, but he couldn't let them ruin their lives for him.

I broke the rules. Now comes the punishment. It's going to be severe.

Darnabay, the Sheriff, stood up and demanded silence. Kennit got to his feet.

Mallick Mothersson, you were contending for the right to be an Adult. Despite the fact that you were told not to intervene in another contest, you drove Marvin off when he attacked Aspen, He paused.

Get on with it. I wish this ground would open up and swallow me. They're going to enserf me, aren't they?

As headman, I speak for the whole Council. I have to say that none of us can remember such an exhibition. He paused again.

Here it comes. Don't react, however bad. Let the words wash over. I'll have the rest of my life to let it sink in.

Of courage and selflessness. None of us believe that there is any point in asking you to contend further. This is highly unusual, I know, but the acclaim of your fellow Adults, and all the freemen and women of this Village, demands it.

Come on.

Kennit stepped forward.

Welcome among us. He held out his hand. Mallick picked his jaw up, and shook the hand. Everyone was cheering and applauding. Mallick felt he was being mobbed. Sylvest clapped him on the shoulder.

Said I was proud to know you. Be proud to serve with you when you come home.

The other contenders were clapping him on the back.

Barbryn kissed him.

Mallick found himself in front of Jayes and Krystall. Jayes was beaming.

What a man we've made of you. I'm so proud, Krystall said, hugging him. He could see tears in her eyes. He turned to one side and saw Villa, Sandy's sister.

I've got a hero for a brother, now. She, too, embraced him. I envy the woman who shares your life. She stepped back. We'll meet again later, in the Temple.

Lutha was bellowing for silence.

Five other young people want to prove that they are also fit to be Adults, she announced when she could be heard. Can we clear the ring and let them?

Liane Lianesdaughter

Liane walked slowly back across the ring. Shades! She was hot in all this mail. She'd never be able to understand Thunder. He'd done everything he could to keep her and Roget apart. He tried to trick her out of contending today, and that when dear Rog had waited until they could Venture together. He was only a few days short of his nineteenth anniversary, which would have made him too old to contend. When she got back from the Temple this morning, though, she'd been amazed to find that Thunder had this set of armour waiting for her.

I don't think there will be any problem getting through today. I can handle a weapon. I've spent enough time and effort testing out the ones Rog made. It'll be a challenge to face him, but I shan't hold back. I don't know what I'd do if he wasn't around, but I'm sure I'd cope. No-one is going to take advantage of me, not even him. I'll hit him as hard as I hit anyone else. I presume we'll go on our Venture together. If Rog wants to get away from me for a while I'll let him. Life goes on. I'm skilled enough. He'll come running when he gets bored with silly girls.

She smiled.

I shall work in precious metals, and make beautiful things.

A picture of the Trumpet and Leaf symbol in the Temple floated before her mind's eye. I'll make something like that as my contribution to my children's world. What I craft will make that one pale by comparison.

Something hit her in the back. Liane jumped, jerked out of her reverie. She saw Roget grinning at her, his arm round her shoulders.

Nervous, sweetheart? he asked.

In no way.

Why so sombre? Our new lives begin today. You look as though your mood's as black as your tabard.

She smiled back at him, let herself give him a squeeze and laid her head on his shoulder.

Right, Lutha called. Back to business. She picked up the pot and rattled the stones. Who's going to be next to fight, I wonder. She plucked out a yellow stone. Roget, that's you. And you'll be fighting … The next stone was black. Liane.

Liane looked at Roget. It was going to happen sometime. He gestured that she should follow Lutha into the ring and fell in alongside her. Her mind was in a whirl. He's just another contender. Shades, we've fought often enough, testing his blades. I won't hold back from him, as I don't expect him to hold back from me.

She turned to curtsey to the Elders, and then faced Roget.

I can't do this. I love this man more than life itself. How can I fight him?

She rested the blade of her sword on Lutha's. Rog looked pale.

Go to!

She swung at Rog's shield. She couldn't put any force in the blow. She caught his blade on her shield. He'd taken an easy swing, too. She pushed forward. His face was right in front of hers.

Not easy this, my heart, he murmured.

Testing the blades, OK? she replied.

I've never made a better one, he answered.

Let's prove it.

Sandy Jayesson

Sandy felt as though someone were pounding a drum right behind his closed eyes. Perhaps a flagon less of ale would have been sensible last night. And Lukki is a lovely girl, but to spend the night frolicking with her before I have to contend might not have been the best use of the night. Though why miss out on a chance of pleasure?

Could be. Take what comes, and enjoy it. How better to live a short life, filled with brutal scenes.

All I can do is fight. I'll lead a mercenary troop. Dress it up how they will, large parts of such a life can only be strenuous, terrifying and brutal. I'll need something to compensate me. A woman, to give me the softer side of things. If she's beautiful, like Karin or Aspen, so much the better.

The sounds of sword on sword, and sword on shield coming from the ring were annoying. They weren't on the same beat as the drum in his head. Sandy opened his eyes and looked across at the combatants. They didn't seem to be trying hard. The jeers and shouts of derision from some of the watching villagers made it clear that they thought it wasn't much of a fight, either. At the side of the arena Aspen was sitting next to Mallick, snuggled up. Nice for him. That leaves Karin for me. She's skinny, but she'd frolic nicely.

In the arena, Roget and Liane were walking off to a derisory slow handclap. They had no marks on their armour, let alone wounds on their bodies. By the time they'd reached the benches they were holding hands.

Lutha pulled a brown stone out of the pot. Sandy stretched his legs before getting up.

Here we go.

The second stone was green, Aspen's colour.

This is going to be easy.

Aspen looked pale as they faced each other. Her eyes met his, and she brought her stick up to meet his sword.

Go to!

It wasn't as easy as he'd expected. Aspen moved quickly, and kept putting her stick in the way of his sword, or dancing out of range. As he moved forward in the way he'd been taught, shield up, sword level, she dodged, and rapped his shins. Sandy tried not to curse and prance around.

The crowd laughed, cheering Aspen on.

She danced in, trying to get another blow home. Sandy stood his ground. He whipped his sword over. Aspen tried to leap back, but tripped on her skirt. The sword sliced her from shoulder to waist. The crowd gasped. She was thrown through the air, blood spurting. Sandy was stunned. He stood, frozen to the spot. His sword slipped out of his fingers.

I've killed her.

Marvin Martinsson

Marvin stalked from the ring fuming. If I hadn't dropped my sword I'd have shown that baggage a thing or two. Of course she is father's deputy, or was. She won't keep the job after this.

Do they think I'm stupid, or something? Why else would they let a slag like that Aspen into the ring, except for the real men, like me, to show that they are men? Obviously they'd not made it clear enough to her. I'll have to teach her a lesson. After all it was her fault. Her and that slut's son, trying to look like a man with his big stick. I ask you. What type of man would think that was a weapon?

They brought him up at the Temple., He isn't a man at all. He might look male, but inside he's no better than a woman. Without the interesting bits a real woman has, he's barely human.

Marvin snorted.

Will they dispose of the useless specimen on the spot, or make a serf out of him? But who'd buy a thing like that? Well, he's big and strong. Might make a breeding stud. It's fit for no other purpose that I can see.

Halfway home he realised that he hadn't got his sword. That was stupid. I'll have to send one of the serfs back for it. That nice one who helped me get dressed. What was her name? Faun, that was it. She can get the sword and perhaps I'll make her dance with it, before having her dance on her back for me.

In the meantime I've got to spend another year as a youngster. No, they won't do that to the likes of me. Got to make it look good, of course, but they'll be back in a day or two, thanking me for making those two useless specimens show their real worth. I'll be a member of the council and a Village Adult without the need for a stupid Venture. I've shown them that I'm a cut above all the other youngsters by daring to use that cow as had been intended.

He chortled. I'll even be ahead of Karin. Imagine her face when she comes back after a year in the wilderness to find that I, Marvin, am running half the Village. That will be a thing to see.

He glanced at his left wrist. Shan't need them any more, shall I? Pulling a knife out of his belt he cut the ribbons away, surprised at how difficult it was.

Faun, master? She's over to the Tower at the moment. She took back some bread to replace what I borrowed, Orrain, the cook, told him when he asked.

Send her to me as soon as she returns. Will that be long?

Shouldn't be, master, but she's one of the best helpers I've got. I can offer you Maxy, or Raiss. They'm here now.

Do I know Raiss?

Can't say, master. She'm been with us since last Harvest. Master your father bought her while he were up country. Been with her himself he has.

She'll do. Send her to me.

As you wish, master.

Marvin started to change as soon as he got back to his room. He'd pulled off his mail shirt when he heard a noise behind him. He swung round to see a tall, well-built girl standing in the doorway. She'd have been very good-looking if she'd had more colour in her face, and her hair, which was hardly darker than fresh hay. In that she reminded him of Aspen.

You'll be Raiss?

Yes, master. Her voice was quiet.

I've left my sword on the Green. Fetch it.

Yes, master.

Bring it straight to me when you come back.

Very good, master.

Marvin watched her leave with a grin on his face. She would do to alleviate some of the humiliation that Aspen had heaped on him. She might be more fun than Faun. He'd make her dance, in all ways. He was sure she'd give him some excuse to take the belt to her before he'd finished. That would make the day complete.

He'd put on some smart clothes by the time she came back. She knocked at the door, which surprised him.

Your sword, master. I've wiped it clean and greased the blade. 'Twas damp from the grass.

Well done. But don't just stand there, come in and close the door.

Orrain told me ...

Orrain is not your master, I am. You'll do what I say.

Yes, master.

And you'll do anything and everything I tell you, if you know what's good for you.

Yes, master. Her voice seemed to trip.

Come in.

She complied, keeping her eyes on the ground.

How well do you dance?

Never tried, master.

Well we'll have to change that. Try.

Don't have no music, master.

A wolfish grin spread over Marvin's face. He had her.

No excuses. Clap a rhythm with your hands. Like this. That's it, only slower. Better. Dance. Go on, move your body, shake your legs. Yes.

He watched for a while. He stopped her.

You'd find it easier if you were wearing less clothes.

Would I, master?

Yes. So don't stand there, strip.

She was still being awkward. He picked up the sword belt, stepped forward and twisted his hand into her hair.

You'll do as I say, or you'll be over that table getting a taste of this. Understand?

The door crashed open to reveal Martin, a look of fury on his face.

How dare you? HOW DARE YOU? Not content with making me look a fool in front of the whole village you have the nerve to come and start abusing my serfs. You can go, Raiss.

Yes master. Thank you, master. She plucked herself away from Marvin and ran out of the door in tears.

Well?

Look, father ...

Don't you go calling me father. After that exhibition in the ring you're no son of mine. It will take forever for me to live it down. And don't expect to be bond to anyone in the Tower either. You'll never make a warrior. You'll starve. Serve you right, too.

But ...

I don't want to hear it. I don't want to see you, either. Get out of my house and out of my sight.

Look ...

Martin took one step forward, crouched and with his fist clenched.

If you don't get out right now I'll hit you so hard ...

Marvin stared at him.

Did you hear what I said, boy?

Yes, but ...

GET OUT! Martin's face was red. He flung out one arm and pointed at the doorway. And don't you ever dare darken my door again.

All right, I'm going. Marvin buckled on the sword belt and thrust the weapon into its sheath. He stuck his thumbs in his belt and sauntered from the room as slowly as he could, enjoying the way Martin's colour was deepening.

See you soon, father dear.

In response Martin spun him round by the shoulder and smashed his fist into Marvin's face. His eyes blurred. Something warm and salty ran into his mouth. He wiped it away with the back of his hand, then stared in surprise at the red streaking it.

Clear off before I give you the thrashing you deserve.

Marvin staggered down the stairway. He was half aware that Orrain was watching him from the door to the kitchens, and that Faun and Maxy were behind her.

Mallick Mothersson

Mallick sat watching the combat. When Sandy cut Aspen down he ran over. Barbryn was quicker.

Not as bad as it looked, she murmured as he knelt down.

Aspen groaned.

Lie still, Barbryn instructed.

I'm dying, ain't I?

No. You've been cut badly, but the damage isn't serious. While she talked Barbryn was laying out astringent poultices to stanch the blood. Mallick heard someone being violently sick. It was Sandy, being supported by Hanx and Krystall.

Help me with these, Barbryn instructed. The sooner she stops bleeding the better. She handed Mallick a poultice, and applied one to Aspen's shoulder. Mallick worked his way up, trying not to notice the feel of the