The falcon's daughters

Chapter 40

Kit and Sol were walking towards the park where Dorcha and Deó would be able to run and stretch their legs when they bumped into the king.

- Ah girls. Just the ones I wanted to see.

Kit and Sol looked at each other with surprise and then back to the king. 

- We are, Your Majesty?

- Yes. We didn't get a chance to talk yesterday with Genevies arrival and as you know, the midwinter ball will take place next week and I would like it if you two could consider attending. 

- But Your Majesty…

Sol smiled and quickly interrupted her sister.

- It would be our pleasure Your Majesty.

- Good. That's settled then. If you need help with anything before then the boys can help you. They are spending the day training in the barracks.

Kit waited until Worgan walked around a corner before turning to her sister with panic in her voice.

- Sol, what did you do that for? We can’t attend a ball.

- Of course we can.

- But Sol …

- Don’t worry little sister. Everything will be fine. Come on.

- But I thought we were going to the park. Where are we going now?

- To the barracks of course.

They left the palace and went towards the barracks and the large training area next door. The snow crackled under their feet as it wandered over the empty area. They could hear the low sounds coming from the largest of the barracks. The sounds increased in volume as they stepped in and looked around. Everywhere there were men training. Some stood at the far side of the building, shooting arrows or throwing knives at the straw dummies lined up against the wall. Others were scattered over the large floor space and practiced fighting against each other. All the men held a wooden rod, as long as a man's arm, instead of a sword in their hands. In the middle of the room stood Cade and Lee. In each hand they held a wooden stick. With them, they blocked the other's blows and attacked at a furious speed while moving around each other. A short distance from them stood a group of younger soldiers who were fascinated by the skill of the two princes. Kit followed the quick movements and realised that if Cade truly wanted to defeat her in their battle he easily could have. In an instant, the even battle between the brothers changed. Lee placed one foot behind Cade's one leg. In a single motion, he punched his brother in the stomach with the wooden stick, pulling out his foot, which swept away Cade's feet. With a faint moan, Cade fell and landed on his back. Lee held out his hand and said teasingly.

- Getting slow brother?

- Pure coincidence.

Smiling, he took Lee's hand and let him pull him to his feet. He nodded to the door.

- I was distracted. We have visitors.

A smile spread across Lee's face as he turned toward the door.

- My lady! Kit! What brings you here?

- Your father actually.

- Father?

He was kind enough to invite us to the ball next week. But neither I nor Kit have anything suitable to wear. Your father said we should turn to you if we needed help. I was hoping you could show us to a good tailor.

- I know the perfect person.

Lee smiled and placed the sticks on the floor. Cade examined Kit's clenched face.

- Kit are you okay? You look worried.

- I would rather have avoided the ball if I am to be honest. I dont have the slightest idea how to behave like a lady or dance. I've never even worn a dress.

She held out her hand and took one of Lee's wooden sticks.

- Fighting is more natural for me.

- But fighting is a bit like a dance.

When she looked at him with doubt in her eyes he laughed and tried to explain. 

- You see you must anticipate your opponent's attack and block it. In the same way in a dance, you have to follow your partner's movements. I can teach you if you want.

She looked longingly at the wooden stick in her hand and tried it out a bit.

- I am more interested in training a little.

- I'll make a deal with you. I'll train with you if you let me teach you to dance. Agreed?

She hesitated before she put her hand in his.

- Agreed.

- Lee would you perhaps care to join me? I think my sister has gotten other plans?

- Of course.

Kit’s smile faded and she handed over the stick to Cade.

- Maybe we can train later. I have to go with my sister.

Sol held out her arms to stop Kit and couldn't help but to smile at the disappointment in her voice.

- Kit stay. I know you would rather train than find a dress. I'll find one for you.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, little sister. You stay here and train with Cade and Lee will help me find dresses for us.

Lee picked up the other stick and handed it to her and whispered in her ear.

- Kick his ass. 

She smiled as Lee gave her a wink before he left with Sol and she tried out the sticks while facing Cade.

- So what are the rules for this?

There is only one rule. Fight as if your life depended on it. We use poles to train with instead of swords. Soldiers can get proper bruises and sore bodies. It has happened that someone has had an arm or a leg broken but they are alive. You use the staff as if it were a sword. Punch or hit your opponent but never hold back.

She felt the weight of the smooth wood in her hand and nodded.

- When do we start?

- Now.

- You planned that didn’t you?

Sol shrugged her shoulders smiling.

Maybe. Cities are something new for Kit. On the islands she could go wherever she wanted and had the freedom to do what she wanted. Now she is behind these walls every day. I have felt how restlessness has built up in her. She has tried to hide it and pretends that it is okay for her to be here, she sighed. I know she needs an outlet for all the energy she has. When Worgan said you were in the barracks, I hoped she would succumb to the temptation if I showed it to her.

They stopped in front of a small house in the middle of the city.

- Here it is.

A small bell above the door rang as they entered. Sol looked around the room where there were about ten wooden racks. On each rack hung several dresses in different colors and models. She pulled her hand over the smooth fabric of a midnight blue silk dress. A man came out from a back room. He was tall and thin and his black hair had begun to thin out on his scalp. Over his shoulder hung a measuring line and around one forearm sat a small pillow with needles in it. He brushed off his light linen trousers and bowed when he saw Lee.

- Your Highness. My lady. What can I do for you?

- Good day master Arlo. I told lady Sol that you could help her.

- For your highness I will do my best. What is it that you’re seeking my lady?

-  I am in need of two dresses for the midwinter ball next week.

- Two?

- Yes. One for me and one for my sister.

- I see. And what does your sister look like?

- Like me. We are twins.

- And is there any special cut and color you and your sister would prefer for the dresses?

- This is where we hoped to be able to benefit from your expertise master Arlo. None of the sisters have stayed in a city for a long time before or attended a ball. I know it is short notice but I was hoping that you could work some of your magic.

- Your highness is flattering me but I think that if you will humor me for a bit I might be able to work something out. Come this way please.

They followed Arlo into the back room. Three of the walls were covered with shelves that overflowed with different kinds of fabrics in every conceivable color. The last wall was dominated by the four large windows that allowed sunlight to flow into the room.

- If my lady would be kind enough to stand in front of the windows?

Sol stood in the sunlight that formed a shimmering halo around her. Arlo looked at her intently for a long time before nodding lightly.

- Hmm now lets see. Green eyes, black hair. First time at a ball so the dress has to be something extra.

He went to a rack and started to sort through the dresses and took out an emerald green velvet dress. Thin gold threads were woven into the green fabric and glistened in the sunlight.

- Ah yes. I think this will be perfect.  Arinn!

A teenage girl quickly showed up at the door.

- My daughter can show you where you can try on the dress and help you.

- This way my lady.

Sol left with Arinn and when she returned a few moments later, wearing the green dress, Arlo smiled approvingly.

- What do you think, my lady? 

- It’s beautiful master Arlo. Do you by any chance have something that would suit my sister too?

She did a little spin and Arlo smiled pleased over his choice of dress. 

- Now normally, I never make two identical dresses. But in this particular case ...

He went back to the rack and took out another emerald green dress from it and laid it out on a large table.

- This is exactly the same dress that my lady is wearing with a difference. Do you see the threads that are woven into this fabric

Sol took a closer look and was amazed when she noticed the sparkling treads in the dress.

- Silver!

- Exactly. If your sister is the same size as you, this dress should fit her.

- It will be perfect for Kit. But Master Arlo I must ask. If you never make two …

- Then how come I have these. That’s all Arinn's merit. One day she came home with these fabrics and made a sketch of the dress. She insisted that I make two.

- Your daughter is a very talented young lady.

- That she is your highness. It is my hope that one day she will work here with me.