Ordinary Dey

By Kimberly Vogel

Dey lives an ordinary life with her mother. That changes when not only her mother remarries, but also her special friend returns. Koen hasn't been seen since they were children. His kidnappers won't let him escape from them without a fight, though. When the extraordinary people fight, can Dey survive it? She's only ordinary...isn't she?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 10, 2011
• ISBN: 9781105344541

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Ordinary Dey

Ordinary Dey

Copyright

Copyright © 2011 by Kimberly Vogel.

ISBN eBook 978-1-105-34454-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For additional copies refer to:

http://www.lulu.com/shakkathi

Acknowledgements

I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me.

Without you, I don’t know where I would be.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter  2

Chapter 3

Chapter  4

Chapter  5

Chapter  6

Chapter  7

Chapter  8

Chapter  9

Chapter  10

Chapter  11

Chapter  12

Chapter  13

Chapter  14

Chapter  15

Chapter  16

Chapter  17

Chapter  18

Chapter 1

With a laugh, a teen held up one hand in the air. She’d just rescued a kitten from falling off a branch into the river. While she scrambled down, the rest of the village cheered around her. She put the kitten down into a little girl’s arm. With a smile, the brunette flicked a strand of kinky hair from her lightly tanned cheeks. The freckles had a slight flush under them from the excitement. Her brown eyes darted around as she called out, Thank you, thank you...

Dey! Dey! Dey!

Thank you, I don’t do it for praise...

Dey! Get off your bottom and come help! Dey!

I just do it because I want to help... Thought the teen held a happy tone in her voice, the echo through the crowd around her made her shudder. Their faces all blurred while the chanting continued. With a slight groan, she closed her eyes.

When she opened them again, a furious looking redhead stood over her. Her hands were on her hips while her blue eyes snapped. This is no time to be sleeping. We need your help to get these clothes washed.

With a slight groan, the teen closed her eyes again, Oh, mother, I was having the most wonderful dream...

You’re always dreaming, said the redhead with a sigh. She shook her head. The spiraling curls were tied up under a kerchief. It’s not good for you. You have to live in reality with us. We need your help, so get up and do your job. You’re old enough to know better.

Yes, mother, replied Dey with a sigh. She stood and brushed off the apron over her lap. It was a crisp spring day, so over their usual blouse and skirt was another layer of the same. Dey was wearing an apron over it so she wouldn’t get her clothes dirty as she washed the laundry in the river with the others. She’d only meant to nap for a little bit, but it had turned out to be longer than a few moments.

There was a little shelter that held the laundry cauldrons when they weren’t being used. Likewise, when it rained the shelter could hold the cloth on strings within to keep it dry. As it was a bright sunny day right now, so the cords wrapped between the trees limbs would do just fine. The cauldrons had been put on stone blocks with fires roaring underneath to boil the water brought from the nearby river.

Since you won’t go near the river, you have to either stir the pot or wring out the laundry. You’ve missed the first, so get to work on the latter. The redhead pointed at the cauldrons.

Yes, mother, replied Dey with a sigh. She walked over to the other girls. With a faint smile on her lips, she watched the younger teens. They smiled back, but all too soon they turned away and whispered behind their hands. With a sigh, Dey waited for one to hold up a piece of clothing in the air. She plucked the fabric from the end of the wooden paddle then wrung it out in her hands. At times she had to have help simply because of the size of the garment. It wouldn’t be good if she dropped it in the dirt. Once it was done, she tossed the clothing over the cord. Then she secured it with clothespins and moved on to the next. As she worked, she tried to ignore the whispers, though it was difficult to.

Did you hear about her? It’s another year without a marriage proposal.

She’s what, seventeen now? Another year and she’ll be an old maid.

No one wants anything to do with her.

It’s no wonder, considering the stain her grandfather left on their family.

He was a good soldier, but going after the general’s daughter in revenge for losing his own wife was crazy.

It’s not only that, but with her mother being a widow she has no land.

If it wasn’t for her uncle, Dey would be homeless with her mother.

Both are nothing more than maids in the village.

That’s so sad.

While she listened, Dey’s ears burned. She tried to keep the embarrassed flush from her cheeks. It was hard, but she managed to keep it from showing as long as she faced the other teens. They were right in everything they said, but it still hurt to have them say such things behind her back. With a deep breath taken in then let out in a sigh, Dey continued to wring out the clothing and string them up. They were a small group of teens led by her mother. The younger teens were only there because her mother was one of the best laundry maids in this part of the land.

Enough chatter, girls, said the redhead while she gestured to the cauldrons. You don’t want your clothes to get ruined. When you’ve got the last ones out, we’ll break for lunch.

Yes, ma’am, the girls chorused.

With that said, Dey’s mother walked from the riverbank to the small cottage further inland. That little space on her brother’s land was all Carine had. Though they could have lived in the big house, it wasn’t good for the redhead’s independence. Not to mention the fact that many young girls came through the land. It was just better with the widow on her own while her unmarried brother had his friends over. Maybe someday she would marry again, but for now Carine was focused on raising her daughter. She was worried, though. Already her daughter was older than her mother had been when she had given birth to her. She was worried about her future. With a sigh, Dey’s mother went into the cottage. She gathered the bread, cheese, and fruit that would serve as their lunch then returned to her students.

While her mother was away, Dey hung up the last of the clothing. She rubbed the back of her hand against her forehead. A sigh passed her lips and she turned around. As she looked at the younger teens, they continued to whisper. She lowered her gaze then walked away. Her face flushed as she made her way over to a quiet place away from the group. There were few trees on this section of land. Dey grumpily sat behind one of them.

Oh, where did Dey go?

Ma’am, she just left, replied one of the teens.

With a sigh, Carine shook her head. Never mind her then. Come on and take something to eat. When that’s done we’ll empty out the cauldrons.

Yes, ma’am, replied the teens in unison. They flocked around Carine. By now they knew the redhead’s routine. After they had emptied and cleaned the cauldrons the teens would be left to their own devices as the laundry dried. They couldn’t go far, though. The fresh wash had to be kept an eye on lest nature dirtied it again.

Once the teens had had their meal, Dey’s mother went in search of her. She had an idea where she’d gone, simply because it happened often. It didn’t matter what age the other teens were, similar chatter was heard from each new group that came by. It was true; Dey should have been married off years ago. Her mother wasn’t ready for it, so she didn’t press her brother to help her find a mate. That was a mistake. The prime years passed by too quickly. With a weak smile, Carine tilted her head around the tree trunk as she said, Hey there, Dey.

Hello, mother, replied the teen. She sighed as she rested her chin on her knees, which were pulled to her chest as her arms clung around her shins.

You shouldn’t run away.

I know, but it’s just so frustrating to hear the noise of their chatter.

Carine shook her head. It’s my fault.

Don’t say that, mother. You couldn’t have known that father would be killed in the war.

Yes, but...

Nor that grandfather would go crazy.

I’m not talking about that, Carine replied sharply. I’m talking about what I should have done once I found us to be in this position.

You raised me and did it well, replied Dey. She blinked as she looked up at her mother. I don’t know what you’re talking about otherwise.

With a sigh, the redhead swayed her head side to side. Never mind then. Carine held the basket out to her daughter. Have some lunch. We need to get back to work after that.

Okay, mother, replied Dey. She took a roll and an apple from the basket. With a slight smile, she bobbed her head in thanks then ate.

The eldest woman watched her for a few minutes. Then with a slight nod, Carine stood and returned to the group of teens in training. Once the meal was done she had them dump the sudsy water down a culvert. It should be safe there. When that was done they scrubbed out the cauldrons. She’d get her brother’s friends to put them away. They knew when to come. With a slight sigh, she retreated to watch the laundry dry.

Dey finished her meal. When she was done, she chucked the apple core in the direction of the river. She’d never go down there. She was just too afraid of the rushing water. It was a fear from her childhood. With a shiver, Dey went to watch the drying cloth. She didn’t have a problem with heights, not at all. Her hands clasped behind her back while she stared up into the tree branches. No animal or plant would soil the fresh linen.

Carine sighed as she caught sight of her daughter. Though she watched the laundry, the mother knew her daughter was daydreaming again. She shook her head and walked to the piles of baskets the laundry was brought over in. She made sure that each was clean before she carried it over to the strung up clothes. There she set the baskets down and said, Let’s fold the laundry up now. Once we’re done, you can all go home with it.

There was a small round of cheers that came from the other teens. That noise roused Dey from her dazed state. She blinked once then said, Oh, yes, I’ll help take them down. She waved one hand while she went to the side. Some pieces were dryer than others, so they took the ones that dried quickest down first. Dey wasn’t the tallest, but it was a little easier to have one pluck the clothespins down as the others took the dry clothes away. All too soon the laundry was packed up and the teens ran away with their baskets in hand. Dey couldn’t say that she wasn’t relieved. With a sigh, she turned her gaze to her mother.

We’re done now.

Yes, mother, replied Dey.

Let’s go home.

With a nod, Dey wandered to the remaining pile of baskets. There was one for each of them to carry. With a slight yawn, the teen picked up her portion. She carried the basket of laundry along the beaten path to the small cottage.

Her mother walked along with her quietly until they reached the side door. Dey, did you want to take the laundry up to the big house?

Dey’s heart jumped. Usually she wasn’t allowed to go up alone. She bit her lower lip while she glanced from her mother to the path ahead. Once they had made their way from the outside into the kitchen she replied, May I?

Carine chuckled lightly. Yes, I think that it would be good for you to be seen around there. They know me since your uncle and I are twins, but I don’t think his friends know how much you’ve grown.

I don’t know, murmured Dey. It would be nice to see uncle again, but I don’t know if Gene’s friends would like me.

They’ll like you just fine. Her mother shook her head softly. She carried the laundry from the kitchen to the open room beside it. At one time it had been Dey’s playroom, but that was now long ago. Now it was the place for her to work on the laundry. Your basket is Gene’s clothing. If you don’t want to come with me then leave it behind. She set her basket down on one of the tables. You can put away these linens of ours.

With a soft breath let out in a huff, Dey shook her head. I’ll come along, but I don’t think this will be a frequent thing.

That’s fine, replied Carine. She straightened her apron as best she could manage. Then with a nod, she took one handle. The mother was only two inches shorter than her daughter at five foot two inches. I just want you to make an effort. I’m worried about your future.

I know, but I’m fine as I am.

Carine smiled, but she couldn’t help a sad expression going through her eyes. She and her daughter carried the basket out of the second door in the cottage. Once the doors were securely shut, the two females walked along the path eastward.

There were many more patches of scrub and forest that sprang up. Even so, the top of the uncle’s house could be seen above it. It was a two-story structure, but the construction of it made it seem more like four. The basement was raised from the ground. At the joints were towers that brought the third level to the structure. Though there wasn’t a moat, there were some high walls of sheer stone around the perimeter. A drawbridge went down over a second wall. High on the top of the roof was a flag pole with their coat of arms flapping in the wind under their ruler’s flag. The former was a black and blue checkered one with a white bird on it. The latter was a green flag with a tree in the middle then a yellow sun in the crown of the foliage.

Carine sighed softly as she cast her gaze around the landscape. The trees were far enough away that if one fell either by nature or man it wouldn’t hit the walls. There was no such protection at the cottage. They had one and a half stories there. That half one was the loft where they slept. There were two fireplaces, one in the kitchen at the back and one in the living space at the front. Two fireplaces was a luxury, but it was also twice the work to maintain. Thankfully the spring weather was pleasant, so she only had to use the fireplace in the kitchen to cook. Silently she hoped their home would be secure while they were gone. There wasn’t anything more than a simple lock on the windows and doors to keep people out.

We’re almost there.

Carine roused herself from her musing with a quick shake of her head. Ah, that’s good. She focused ahead on the path. This one was well worn from all manner of feet and wheels. Now they would have to be proper, since the mansion was a political world of its own. Behave yourself, Dey.

I will, replied the teen with a sigh. In the eyes of the others she was already an adult, since she could bear children. Dey didn’t want to be married off to someone, though.

As she pondered, a trio of men on horseback rode over the drawbridge. Two continued on towards the women’s cottage while another pulled up beside them. With a broad smile on his lips, the six foot tall man towered over them. He swung down quickly and dismounted. Hello, my darling sister, he said and clapped a hand on top of her curls. Then he ruffled his hand through them.

Gene! Carine gasped and tilted her head back. Behave yourself, please!

Come on, I don’t get to see you as often as I’d like. He frowned as he watched her. Then his eyes flicked to his niece. Deabus... You’ve filled out nicely I see. His hand went and clapped on her shoulder. You don’t look any taller, though.

Dey blushed brightly while she replied, Uncle, please, that’s embarrassing.

Slowly shaking his head, Gene pulled his hand up. He rubbed his fingers through his light brown hair. The strands stuck up at odd angles. What were more striking were his odd eyes: the right was brown while the left was blue. He was pale like his twin sister, but everything else was different.

Carine laughed softly. She prefers to be called Dey as well.

Ah, so grown up, said Gene with a sigh. He put his hand on the side of his horse. It was a beautiful steed. It even reflected Gene’s appearance, though it was just with his light brown mane and white coat.

We’ve just come to drop off the laundry.

Thank you, sister, said Gene. He smiled warmly at her then turned his horse around. My men are just going to take care of the cauldrons you use.

Thank you.

Dey nodded faintly and followed her uncle. While they walked she couldn’t help staring at his outfit. It wasn’t unusual for the knights to go around in their armor, but she didn’t think that Gene would do it on his own land. He did look rather majestic in it, though.

So, I think you’ll like my friends. Gene commented while he wandered up on the drawbridge. Once they were inside the second wall he passed his horse to a groomsman. Without missing a beat he led the gals through the open gate. There was an open space for both people and animals to hide either in winter or in case of siege. While he continued to walk, Gene led the way from the open space into the actual living space. It was a reception area first then stairwell to the second level. It wasn’t until they arrived in the hallway there that he mentioned, If you don’t like them, Carine, then perhaps Dey will.

I don’t think so, replied his niece in a strong tone. I’m not interested in men at all.

Ah well, said Gene with a sigh. He looked at his sister. With a quick step, he wrapped his arms around her shoulders. What about you?

Dey scowled and pulled the basket into her hands. She took over the work to let the elders talk. The calm mood all but disappeared as she went through the rooms replacing the sheets on the beds and the towels in the bathroom.

Gene shook his head while he watched her go. His eyes returned to his twin sister. Despite having been born at the same time, they were quite different. So, what do you think, sister?

With a sigh, Carine shrugged off his arms. I don’t know. I don’t think it would be right to marry again. Dey’s almost fully grown, but she’s still in a vulnerable position...

You both are, he commented. Dey needs a father.

I can’t...

And I can’t protect you forever.

What about Terrell?

I don’t know if our elder brother has enough power to give you this place, or at the worst take you in.

I don’t understand these politics.

I know, replied Gene with a sigh. He rubbed his hand through his hair. He rested his other hand on his waist. By all rights as the older twin this place should be yours.

I know.

Or at least your husband’s land should have gone to you.

I know.

Gene smiled weakly as he gazed down at his sister. Whatever I can do for you, I will.

I know, she replied. With a weak smile of her own, Carine turned and hugged her brother tightly around his waist. Thank you, she said simply as she held him and tried not to cry.

As that went on, Dey did her best not to pay attention. The prospect of finally having a father both thrilled and terrified her. Who would it be? She didn’t really know any of the males around her mother’s age. Dey quickly ducked into the last room and made the bed. When she had finished she stepped out into the hallway again.

Carine pulled away from her twin. She rubbed her eyes. With a deep sigh, she pulled a smile back on her face. Anyway, how are you doing with the chores?

I’m done.

Gene nodded and took a step back. That’s good. Are you sure you wouldn’t like to meet my friends?

No, thank you, replied Dey.

Carine looked at her daughter then at her twin brother. I think we should head back. I’ll have to do it another time. Though, if they would come to see us with you it might not be so bad.

Very well, replied Gene. He smiled while he gestured down the hallway. Come down to the kitchen and we’ll fill your basket. It’s only fair in return for your work.

But, said the redhead, You’re already letting me live on your land...

Don’t say another word, said her twin. He shook his hand while he lifted his hand. Just go and get what you need. I’ll see you tomorrow, sister dear. Gene nodded at Dey. I’ll see you too.

Okay, said Dey with a slight grin. She waved one hand then skipped down the hallway.

Her mother shook her head softly. With a slow step, Carine followed her daughter down the stairs to the main floor. Then she went to the kitchen. The redhead felt the stares. She tried to hide her embarrassment while she helped her daughter fill the basket with bread, cheese, and fruit. She didn’t want to take too much and seem greedy. As soon as they had finished, she made a hasty retreat from the mansion.

Dey sighed happily as she walked along with one basket’s handle in hand. There were some fruits in there that could only be found in her uncle’s stores. She might have found them if she traveled far from home, but that wasn’t likely to happen anytime soon. The slightly taller teen looked at her mother. We should get out more.

Hmm?

We stay in the cottage a lot. I miss being able to talk with other people. I know that with the gossip it will be hard, but I want to...

Carine blinked twice. Then with a slight chuckle, she shook her head. I don’t know about that.

But, mother, you should have the chance to be happy.

I’m happy here.

But, you could have so much more.

Carine shook her head again. The red curls bounced up from her shoulders to strike her cheeks. Honestly, I’m happy to just be with you and doing the laundry.

I don’t believe you.

It’s true.

With a sigh, Dey shook her head. Well then, I don’t want that for myself. I hate being ordinary. I want more for my life.

What will you do?

I-I... don’t know.

Her mother smiled softly. I don’t think you should leave until you know that.

Dey just sighed. She couldn’t think of anything to stay. If she didn’t leave, she might not be able to find what she was looking for. On the other hand, just wandering around without an escort or even any knowledge at all would be very dangerous. Though the war had been over for over a decade, there were still soldiers from that time who skulked through the shadows. Dey kept quiet while she walked along the path. Soon it turned into the bare grass by their cottage.

Home sweet home, murmured Carine. She walked up to the front door then unlocked it. She pulled open the door. With a quick glance around, Carine noticed that nothing had changed. A sigh of relief left her lips. She took the basket from her daughter. I’ll put these away.

Okay, I’m going to take a walk outside.

Don’t go too far.

I know, mother, replied Dey. She stepped back out of the front door. Once it was closed, she circled around the outside of the cottage. She was still a little disturbed by the conversation she had caught. The teen bit her lower lip while she wandered around the home to the forest behind the cottage. It wasn’t much more than two or three trees, actually. She’d never go past them to the edge of the river. With a shiver, she fought back her dread and sat on the opposite side from the water.

Though she wasn’t facing the water, the sounds that echoed from it still reached her. The two soldiers who had set out before were coming back now. With them on the ground beside their horses, the walk was slow so their conversation could be heard. Both of them sounded young, probably not much older than she was.

Why do we have to do this? It’s more like a page’s work.

Maybe so, but you should be honored to take part.

Honored? Why? We just went to put some laundry cauldrons away. At least they were clean.

Everything we can do to help our lord is good.

What good is it here?

You’re rather new, so I’ll explain it to you again. Our lord’s twin sister lives here with her daughter. They do the laundry and some other domestic chores.

Why do they? I don’t understand that.

It’s all politics. It’s best not to think about it. You’ll only get confused.

Bah.

Anyway, let’s get back to the mansion.

Sure, though I can’t say I look forward to it.

The one man chuckled, You don’t want to go back to training?

Not this one, said the other man. We’re using fire.

Ah, that’s right.

The two fell into silence. Dey bit her lower lip as she wondered whether they would see her. Even if they did, it was doubtful they’d speak with her. She was a female and not considered to be much here. Across the central river far to the east there were many female rulers, but there wasn’t one here. Every single ruler there had been male and it wasn’t about to change anytime soon.

You there! Who are you? What are you doing here?

Wait, said the other male. He was older than the other at a score of years. With a slight smile on his lips, he stepped out from beside his companion. With blonde hair and brown eyes, he blended in with many of the others. She’s the lord’s niece.

What?

Dey tilted her head around the tree trunk. Blinking softly, she pushed herself up from the grass. My name is Dey. This is my mother’s part of the land.

Your mother, under your uncle, corrected the elder male. He stared at her while he flicked the bangs from his pale forehead. Even he wore armor over his chest, though it was light.

Yes, said Dey with a slightly terse tone. It will be mine, someday.

Perhaps so, said the elder male. He nodded then glanced over at his partner. We should go. She’s of no consequence.

Right, he murmured. The other was taller, an inch shorter than her uncle Gene. His look was completely different, though. He looked more like his partner. The only thing different was the hint of green in his eyes. He was two years younger as well, so he was closer to Dey’s age than the other man’s. With a slight nod, he put up one gauntlet-covered hand. It was nice to meet you.

While they continued to walk, Dey felt a heat rise over her cheeks. She frowned while she clutched her hands tightly at her sides. No consequence? That’s insulting! Rage sparked up, but she fought down a yell after the other two. Such things were normal around there. It still irked her, though. She turned away and put her hand on the tree trunk. She wanted to scream and beat on the tree. It wouldn’t change anything, though. There had to be something she could do so she wouldn’t be so...ordinary. She just didn’t know what. Her hand beat on the tree in a fist. Then with a sigh, Dey turned and walked back to the cottage.

Out of the chimney in the kitchen area smoke poured out. The mother was there making dinner. Though it was spring, the nights were still quite cold. A hot dinner was the best thing to have. She wanted to make a stew so they could have it in the morning as well. While her daughter was out, she washed and diced the vegetables. She put them in the pot then let them simmer. When she liked the look of the outside she put the flour and water mix in. Then she stirred it to get the mix just right.

While she went to the door, Dey sniffed the air. It seemed that her mother’s food was just starting to cook. With a happy sigh, the teen opened the door. She took another sniff. That made it easier to smell the food. She wandered from the front door through the living space then turned to the kitchen. Mother, I’m home.

Welcome home, replied Carine. She smiled softly as she turned her head. Dinner won’t be ready for a while.

I’ll put away the laundry then, said Dey. She nodded while she smiled at her mother. With a slow turn, she walked from the kitchen into the second room. She picked up the basket of laundry. When she turned around again, she wandered over to the stairs. It was more like a ladder that was permanently down. Dey stood on her tiptoes and shoved the basket up on the highest level she could reach. Then she stepped up until she couldn’t go up any higher. She picked up the basket and set it up through the opening onto the second floor. Then she climbed up.

All of the furniture had been assembled in the rooms so that the openings didn’t have to be big. Because of that and a few other things, the pieces hadn’t left since they had been put in. The cottage was new compared to the other structures. It had been built when Dey was two, so it was only fifteen years old. It was young, but strongly built so that it would survive well past Dey’s grandchildren. That would be only if she had children.

Dey rubbed the side of her head as she glanced around. There were two rooms up there. One was her mother’s and the other was hers. She pondered for a moment. Then she shrugged and lifted the basket up into her arms. Her mother’s room was larger, but Dey didn’t mind. She only needed a single bed, while her mother needed a larger one just in case she married again. She hadn’t thought that much about it in the recent times, but now she worried what might happen if her mother did break down and marry. With a slight shiver, Dey went from the side space over to the room above the kitchen. That was her place. She put her fresh sheets on the bed then tucked her clothes into the small dresser. Once that was done, Dey carried the basket into her mother’s room. She had a large bed in there. Another dresser was there, but it was bigger to accommodate two people’s things. There were some shelves in the room with various knickknacks and so on. Since each of the rooms had part of the chimney in it, the warmth flowed into them through the bricks. Both rooms had a window as well, though it was a small one just barely big enough to lean out of. Dey made the bed and put away the clothes. When that was done, she carried the basket to the opening to the first floor. She dropped it then slid