‘I am Rayvan – of the line of Druss the Legend,’ she told him, planting her hands on her hips.
*
Scaler wandered alone in the gardens of Gathere behind the city council hall. He had sat listening as Tenaka and Rayvan talked of the coming battle, but could find no sensible comments to add. So he had slipped out quietly, his heart heavy. He had been a fool to join them. What could he offer? He was no warrior.
He sat on a stone bench, staring into a rock pool and watching the golden fish dart among the lilies. Scaler had been a lonely child. It had not been easy living with the irascible Orrin, knowing how the old man had pinned his hopes on Scaler becoming a worthy successor. The family had proved ill-fated and Scaler was the last of the line – if you discounted Tenaka Khan. And most people did.
But Arvan – as Scaler then was – had taken to the Nadir youngster, seeking his company at every opportunity, relishing the stories of life on the Steppes. His admiration had changed to hero worship on the night when the assassin climbed into his room.
The man, dressed all in black and hooded, had reached across his bed to clamp a gloved hand over his mouth. Arvan, a sensitive, frightened six-year-old, had fainted in fear, awaking only when the cold winter breeze touched his cheek. When his eyes opened he found himself staring down from the battlements to the cobbles far below. He twisted in the man’s grip and felt his fingers loosen.
‘If you value your life, don’t do it!’ said a voice.
The assassin cursed softly, but his hold strengthened.
‘And if I let him live?’ he asked, his voice muffled.
‘Then you live,’ said Tenaka Khan.
‘You are just a boy. I could kill you too.’
“Then go on with your mission,’ said Tenaka. ‘And try your luck.’
For several seconds the assassin hesitated. Then he slowly pulled Arvan back over the battlements and placed him on the stone steps. The man backed away into the shadows and was gone. Arvan ran to Tenaka and the youth sheathed his sword and hugged him.
‘He was going to kill me, Tani.’
‘I know. But he’s gone now.’
‘Why did he want to kill me?’
Tenaka had not known the answer. Neither had Orrin, but thereafter a guard was placed at Arvan’s door and his life continued with fear as a constant companion . . .
‘Good afternoon.’
Scaler looked up to see, standing by the pool, a young woman dressed in a flowing gown of thin white wool. Her hair was dark and gently waved, and her green eyes were flecked with gold. Scaler stood and bowed.
‘Why so gloomy?’ she asked.
He shrugged. ‘I would rather say melancholy. Who are you?’
‘Ravenna, Rayvan’s daughter. Why are you not in there with the others?’
He grinned. ‘I know nothing about wars, campaigns or battles.’
‘What do you know about?’
‘Art, literature, poetry and all things of beauty.’
‘You are out of your time, my friend.’
‘Scaler. Call me Scaler.’
‘A strange name, Scaler. Do you climb things?’
‘Walls, mostly.’ He gestured towards the seat. ‘Will you join me?’ he asked.
‘For a little while only. I have errands to run.’
‘I am sure they can wait. Tell me, how did a woman come to lead a rebellion?’
‘To understand that, you have to know mother. She is of the line of Druss the Legend, you know, and will not be cowed by anyone or anything. She once drove off a mountain lion with a large stick.’
‘A formidable lady,’ said Scaler.
‘Indeed she is. And she also knows nothing about wars, campaigns and battles. But she will learn. So should you.’
‘I would sooner learn more about you, Ravenna,’ he said, switching on his winning smile.
‘I see there are some campaigns that you understand,’ she said, rising from her seat. ‘It was nice meeting you.’
‘Wait! Could we meet again? Tonight, for instance?’
‘Perhaps. If you live up to your name.’
*
That night, as Rayvan lay in her broad bed staring out at the stars, she felt more at peace than at any time during the last few hectic months. She had not realised just how irksome leadership could be. Nor had she ever intended to be a leader. All she had done was to slay the man who killed her husband – but from then on it had been like sliding down an icy mountain.