A Warrior's Dance

IX – Port City

“Valkans,” a fat lady murmured as he hid her son at her back.

The moment their massive black ships neared the west gate of Port City, people started to murmur, mixture of admiration and fright were reflected in their eyes.

The word reached Rainlee’s ears, freezing her in place. Her soft hand was still touching the fabric of the new dress she was about to buy. Swallowing hard, she slowly peeked at her back. There he was, the valkan’s captain, walking with his men in the midst of the busy market.

They all wore ragged dark blue clothing, giving emphasis to their bulky physique. Her heart began to race as she drew her long scarf to cover her head.

“This will look good on you,” Raiden said, touching the soft fabric in front of them.

Rainlee didn’t usually bring guards when she strolled around Port City for she could take care of herself. She stared at her son with wide eyes and gripped his arm. “We have to go.”

He raised an eyebrow. “But we just arrived here, mother.”

Rainlee peeked at her back and saw royal guards approaching the valkans.

“I- I forgot something in the castle, Raiden.” She blinked her eyes as she thought of a plan to send him away. “Can you go back and get my hat, please?”

Raiden stared at his mother. He knew she was trying to lure him away. Sensing her dilemma, he looked around, meeting stranger men not far from them.

“Raiden,” she whispered, an edge to her tone.

“Are they…?” Raiden turned to them as he tried to take a good look on the bulky man on the middle. He noticed inks imprinted on the man’s skin, his stance and composure hinted that he wasn’t just an average man. “Val- “

Rainlee tilted her son to face him, her eyes now on fire. “It’s not the right time to mingle with them, Raiden. Return to the palace, at once. Off you go.”

“What about you?”

She just shook her head, not answering. “Go. Now.”

Raiden started toward his black horse without a word as people parted to give him way. He used to be treated that way, a living curse.

Lady Rainlee gasped a lungful of air and composed herself as she decided to face her past. Her silk red gown gave emphasis of her being a royalty, the intricate lace added elegance around her chest. Walking gracefully but with great authority, she headed to the small group of valkans.

“State your business here,” one of the royal guards asked the infamous tribe.

Raq measured the three royal guards before him, a smirk on his face. “My business is not your business.”

“We weren’t informed about your visit, Raq.”

The valkan captain turned to see the beautiful royalty, looking at him like she was a warrior. Raq suddenly felt an urge to embrace her but some part of him wanted nothing to do with her. He’d been hurt enough.

“Rainlee,” he uttered, keeping his pointed look at her.

Hilmer stepped back and kept his head bowed, not wanting to be seen by the royal guards while Gared took his time to appreciate the beauty and radiance emanating from the lady.

“Bi kharj baina una strega,” Raq said in valkan language.

The royal guards frowned, unable to understand the foreign language. They were about to speak but Rainlee gestured her hand to shut them. She kept her gaze to the captain. “Khen? I think you are mistaken. There is no witch in the palace.”

“Your walls imprisoned you for so long you know nothing of the world, princess,” the captain replied, not breaking his stare at her.

Rainlee gestured her hand, dismissing the royal guards.

“We’ll be notifying the general, my lady,” said the middle guard, giving the valkans a frightened look. Everyone knew valkans weren’t allowed on that side of Port City.

She smiled, easing their worries. “Nonsense, sire,” she said to him. “I can handle this.”

The guard thought for a moment but knew better than to disobey the royal lady. After all, her task was to keep the peace. She was good at her role and even the palace soldiers couldn’t argue with her way of keeping things at peace. With a bow, they left her with the unexpected visitors.

“There is no witch here, Raq,” Rainlee repeated, standing her ground, not allowing them any further.

“You will address him as Captain Raq, woman,” Gared chimed in, a bitter tone in his voice.

The lady turned to the man with a smile. “And you will address me as Lady Rainlee, voyager, or you’re welcome to go back to your sails and go home.”

Hilmer couldn’t help but smile.

Captain Raq nodded his head. Rainlee was still the same brave lady, speaking her mind, not letting anyone belittle her. She held his heavy gaze, not at all intimidated. She was far more frightening than his enemies and the only princess he’d known and respected in his life.

“I am not mistaken, princess,” Raq insisted after a while. “Diamo yaria.” Let’s talk.

Rainlee stared at him for a moment, considering it. “Send them away and we’ll talk, how about that, captain?”

Gared was about to protest and Hilmer tried to stop him but it was too late.

“Do you want to say something, sire?” Rainlee said, throwing the man a challenge.

“Is this how people treat kings in this place? He is a Sea King, woman, show a little respect!”

She raised an eyebrow at Gared. “And is this how a Sea King’s servant shows respect to nobles? Perhaps you need to know first the meaning of things before you demand them.”

“Valkans don’t hear words coming from a woman’s mouth,” he spat.

“Nobles don’t hear words coming from a filthy servant,” she retorted. “Say no more.”

Raq raised his hand. “Enough,” he ordered at Gared, as much as he enjoyed their banter.

Gared swallowed, forcing himself to stay quiet.

“Leave us be,” the captain commanded. Hilmer obeyed without a word, still trying to go unnoticed.

“Is it wise to bring your sails in this part of the city? Knowing you are not allowed to step foot in this land?” Rainlee asked the moment they were alone.

“Had you follow your father’s order to marry a valkan, I’m sure we’ll be in complete different situation.”

“Had you convince your father to bow down to my king father, I sure am there wouldn’t be much complication.”

The valkan captain just smiled. She didn’t change. She was the same clever girl he met years ago, back when their families were still friends.

“We only bow down to the Sun God,” he replied after a moment.

“I know.”

“And I cannot force a lady who already given her heart to someone.”

Unwanted memories rushed through her, once again seeing her secret lover in her head. Her father, King Jarius, wouldn’t allow her to be in love with a foreign soldier. A man who didn’t have a good name wouldn’t be a match to her status as a princess. They were just starting the civilization back then and her father was all about power and how to extend the palace land.

Captain Raq held his tongue, his eyes had questions, seeking for an answer as he looked at the her. Did she marry someone else, another highborn, maybe?

Rainlee started to walk, subtly gesturing the captain to follow her. Turning right to a small tunnel to get away with the curious people, the princess led him inside an old shop.

“What is it that you really wanted, Raq?” she whispered.

He regarded her curious face. “How will I know I can trust you?”

She stared at him for a moment, smiling slowly. “I could have led you to a place full of royal guards ready to kill you, and yet, here we are.”

He nodded, but a part of him still wasn’t sure if it was right to tell her his secret. “I have a twin son and that witch stole the other one.”