‘Aye, there is sense in that,’ he said.
‘Sense? You take his side?’
‘I’m not taking anyone’s side,’ he said swiftly, seeing her anger. ‘To understand an action does not mean that I necessarily agree with it. I don’t know much about the politics of these northern lands, but I know your father has maintained a Rigante culture despite living in a land ruled by the Varlish. That cannot have been easy. You should see how it is in the south. We have few rights. We cannot own a sword or a pistol, nor a horse above fourteen and a half hands. We have no right to vote for the councils, and come feast days are penned in and not allowed to walk through Varlish areas. Beetlebacks rape our women, and the courts acquit them, often ordering birchings for any woman who complains. You don’t suffer that here, Chara. I would guess that is because your father has worked hard to maintain what you call the Rigante reputation.’
‘You could have been killed for that reputation,’ she pointed out.
‘Aye, but I wasn’t. Are you angry with me?’
‘Yes.’
‘You’ll not want to kiss me again, then?’
‘No.’ She grinned at him, then became suddenly serious. ‘Do you think I have too many freckles?’
‘I think you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.’
‘That doesn’t answer my question. Would I be more beautiful with fewer freckles?’
‘No,’ he said instantly. ‘Without the freckles I’d have no interest in you whatever.’
‘Are you making fun of me?’
‘Yes.’
‘Well, don’t. I don’t like it.’
‘I shall remember that.’
Chara moved to the hearth. The fire was mostly dead, though there were a few glowing embers among the ashes. Squatting down, she added some kindling and blew gently upon the coals. A tiny flame flickered, then another. She added more wood, then sat down before the fire. Kaelin joined her.
‘You should have asked me before you spoke so in front of my father,’ she said. ‘What made you think I would want to Walk the Tree with you?’
‘Because you love me,’ he said.
‘You do not know that to be true. Perhaps I kiss all the handsome boys I meet.’
‘Do you?’ he asked, suddenly uncertain.
‘No – but you did not know that. Anyway, it was discourteous of you.’
‘For that I apologize,’ he said. ‘Will you marry me?’
‘I need time to think on it,’ she said. ‘You have not even said why I should.’
Reflected firelight shone on her red hair. He found himself staring at the curve of her neck, and remembering her naked by the lake. There were many aspects of life that still confused Kaelin Ring, but here and now there was only certainty. This was the woman he was meant to be with. This was the partner of his heart. Emotion welled within him, but no words could be found to express it. He knew she was waiting for him to speak, but he could find nothing to say. The uneasy silence grew. Finally Chara rose. ‘I will find you something to wear while I clean the blood from your shirt,’ she said.
‘Thank you.’
After she had left the room he cursed himself for a fool. When she came back he would tell her that he loved her, and would make every effort to make her happy.
But she didn’t come back. Instead an older woman appeared, carrying a dark green tunic shirt. Kaelin thanked her and donned it. Strapping his belt around his waist, he walked out into the sunlight. The warriors had gone now, but there were several women standing by the well. None of them was Chara. The sky was clouding, and rain could be seen falling on the mountains. The wind was cool, and growing stronger. A storm was coming. Kaelin approached the women by the well. ‘Have you seen Chara?’ he asked. They had not.
Kaelin wandered back to the great house and climbed the stairs to the room he had been allocated the night before. He did not know what to do now. It would be impolite to wander the house of Call Jace seeking out his daughter. Yet was it not also impolite to leave a guest alone, not even offering him breakfast?