Free Lady Ilena by Patricia Malone Page A

and your friends will not know where you are or how you fare. If you choose exile, you might well be choosing death.”
    “I …” I start to say that I am sure, but I think of my father. He still grieves for my mother and sister. If my staying would bring him peace…I turn and face him. “Father.” It is hard to get the words out, but I must. “Do you want me to stay?”
    He looks at me sadly for a few moments, then says, “Of course I want you by my side, Ilena, as would any parent. But you are a warrior. The way of a warrior is a dangerous path and an honorable one. I would not ask you to forsake your life's calling. Go with my blessing.”
    I blink and try to smile my thanks. I look at Gillis and repeat, “I choose exile!”
    “If you are sure,” he says, “you must leave tomorrow. You may return when your deeds of valor can be told in this hall.”
    I hesitate for a moment, then bow to him and to my father before I turn back to my people. “I thank you all. I praythat your judgment is right and that I will deserve the mercy you have shown me.”
    I walk along the crowded aisle as proudly and as slowly as I can manage. At the door I stop to talk with Cormec. “Thank you for speaking,” I say.
    He nods solemnly. “What I said is true. You are a good chief and a courageous warrior. Come back safely to us.”
    “I hope to.”
    When I step outside, Machonna races toward me and leaps up to lick my face. My joy at seeing the dog fades as I think of leaving him tomorrow. He races happy circles around me all the way to my room.
    I keep him with me for the night, and he sprawls at my feet as I burrow into the bedskins. My last thoughts before falling asleep are of this room and this luxurious bed. I do not know when I will sleep in warmth and comfort again.
    I awaken before sunup and take Machonna out into the compound, then tie him securely so that he cannot follow me. I hug him hard and whisper, “Good-bye, friend.”
    When I return to my room, Belert is there, surveying the pack I've laid open on the bedplace, and the small pile of belongings that I've stacked in it.
    “Do you have what you need?” he asks.
    “I plan to take only what I brought with me from the Vale of Enfert,” I say.
    “Nonsense!” he says. “Everything here is yours.” Hethrows open the three larchwood boxes that stand along one side of the room and pulls a tangle of gold bangle bracelets and rings out of the smallest one. “You'll need these to buy food and shelter.” He drops them onto the bedplace beside my pack and turns back to the larger box.
    “And this!” He tosses the green dress onto the bedplace. “Chiefs and daughters of chiefs wear green.” He takes my shoulders and pulls me around to face him.
    “You are the daughter of Cara, chief of Dun Alyn, and her consort, Belert; your foster parents were Moren, noted war leader of Dun Alyn, and his wife, Grenna. That is as noble a lineage as any in Britain, and it is yours wherever you go, whatever you do. Do not forget it.”
    I've been thinking of myself as the girl I was in the Vale of Enfert with no knowledge of my lineage or of my proper place in life. I gulp and say, “Yes, Father. I'll remember.”
    “Now hurry. You are wise to get an early start.” He picks up my sword from the corner and carries it out with him.
    I tie straps around the pack and pick up my cloak and war helmet. I stand in the doorway, looking back at the room for several moments. I'd never seen such a fine chamber before I came to Dun Alyn. Will I live in this one again?
    The courtyard is empty, though I can hear voices from the kitchen. I would like to gather some loaves and meat, but I don't want to face anyone. I go into the warm stable with its heavy scent of horses and hay.
    “No! I forbid it!” Gillis is shouting at someone.
    “She can't go alone!” Spusscio's voice is just as loud.
    By the time I get to Rol's stall, the two of them have stopped yelling and are arguing in hushed tones.