Heir of Sun and Sand

Ari took several deep breaths as she waited for Dayn to advance. He was one of her father’s soldiers and an elite fighter. Ari tried to tamp down her elation at having gained enough skill to be set a sparring match against him. So far, she had held her own, but she was beginning to tire.

Dayn sauntered along the edges of the sparring circle, tossing his short sword from hand to hand. Suddenly, he spun and ran to confront Ari. She lifted her sword just in time to parry his.

In the series of sharp dings of clashing metal and grunts of exertion, Ari didn't see Dani slip into the training grounds. It wasn't until Jerstan, the head trainer, called a halt to the match that she saw the girl standing demurely next to Eogan. Dani’s brightly colored gown stood out against the brown, grey, and black vestments worn by the spectators in the dusty ring.

Dayn retreated into the barracks without a word. Ari stalked up to Eogan and Dani.

Hands on hips, Ari directed her words to her brother. “I hope this is necessary,” she said gruffly. “I almost had him bested.”

Eogan snorted. “It will be a cold day in Agristan before anyone could best Dayn.” He pulled her away from the remaining soldiers and trainees and continued quietly. “Father has called a surprise feast. We need to go prepare for it.”

Ari felt herself deflate. She always thought she had been born into the wrong family. She wasn't cut out for tedious court gatherings.

Dani’s hand on Ari’s wrist drew her out of her thoughts. She allowed the girl to drape a cloak over her practice clothes. Ari followed silently as they returned to the palace and slipped through the servants’ hallways to her rooms.

Ari’s other ladies-in-waiting descended on her as soon as the door closed. They stripped off her dust-caked, sweaty clothes and dragged her into a tub of hot water. The heady smell of fragrant oils was nearly suffocating.

She would have liked to soak her tired muscles, but Mina and Serise were scrubbing at her body and hair with a fury. Finally, they seemed satisfied with the results and left her in the bathing room with Dani.

“Do you know what this is all about?” Ari asked.

Dani shook her head. “All I was able to find out before I came to retrieve you was that a caravan arrived. It is likely a welcoming dinner for some diplomat.”

“Ugh. Why do I have to attend that? It's going to be so boring.” Ari groaned, sinking deeper into the water. “Father expects me to sit there silently, looking pretty and vacuous. If I can't be practicing, my time would be much better spent studying.” Her second passion was soaking in as much knowledge as possible. Neither pursuit was proper behavior for a female and, therefore, kept hidden from her father.

Serise bustled into the bathing room. “We must get you dressed, my lady.” She hauled Ari out of the tub and wrapped her in soft towels.

They proceeded to pin and tie her into layer after layer of silk finery. Ari loathed dressing in full regalia, preferring the looser gowns she wore in her private space. This dress was particularly stiff and suffocating.

Next, her dark hair was brushed, braided, and pinned up, lying heavy on her head. Ari was lucky to get the exercise from sword fighting. She couldn't imagine how some of the ladies in the court managed to hold their heads up under their masses of hair.

All too soon, Eogan arrived to escort Ari to the Grand Hall. He patted her hand as she linked it through his arm. “With any luck, the meal will go quickly, and you will be dismissed. I, on the other hand, will have to remain to discuss business.”

“These meals are never fast. There are far too many courses, especially when Father is trying to impress someone.” Ari said. She leaned against Eogan before entering the hall. It may be because they were twins, but he understood her far better than any of their twelve siblings.

In some ways, life was worse for Eogan. They had enough older brothers that he would never reign unless he married a princess from a patriarchal country without a male heir.

Ari barely knew her five older sisters. They had long been wed and sent off to other lands. Even when they still lived at the Palace, they barely spent time with her. They looked down on Ari and Eogan because their mother was Agristani. Their brothers were far less concerned about that. Maybe the years spent in the presence of mainly boys had brought about Ari’s preference to roughhouse rather than embroider.

Ari looked around the courtiers gathered as they entered the room. She wished her mother was there. She missed her so much. Queen Layal had succumbed to an illness five years earlier.

The Royal Herald bowed his head and stepped in front of them. He cleared his throat. “Their Highnesses Prince Eogan Mykel Adasi and Princess Arianna Elisabeta Belea of Echana.”

The crowd parted like a living river, allowing the twins access to the high table. Father rose to greet them. He planted a kiss on Ari’s cheek before seeing her to her usual seat.

Ari hadn't seen him in several weeks as he had been either traveling or holed up in his chambers working on one negotiation or another. He looked frail and tired, filling Ari with a fear that he wouldn't be with them much longer. It couldn't be denied that he was no longer young. Pavel, the heir apparent, had already taken over many of the King’s duties. That didn't mean Ari was ready to lose him. She may not enjoy many of the trappings of royal life, but she did love her father.

She scanned the room as everyone settled at their tables, and the servants began bringing in the first course. A delegation of mostly large blond men filled the table assigned to important guests. At the center reigned a grey-haired man. The look he gave her sent shivers down Ari’s spine - not in a good way.

Ari quickly glanced away, spying Dayne standing guard by the door. She redirected her gaze to her plate. Sometimes, she wished Dayn would look at her like that. Well, not so lecherously, but still, it would be nice if he acted like he knew she actually existed.

It was a ridiculous thought. The only time Dayne was allowed within fifty feet of her was when she was in the practice ring, and she was careful to always keep her face hidden so they would assume she was a boy. Only Eogan and Jerstan knew the truth.

The meal dragged on as usual. It felt like an eternity before the dessert course was rolled into the hall. King Rogan stood, tapping a spoon against his wine glass to capture the guests’ attention.

“Now that we are all heartily fed, I would like to explain why I have called this feast.” With a broad smile, the king gestured to the guest table. “I am delighted to announce the impending marriage of Ragnar Gustarson of Noerdaland to Princess Ariana.”

The patriarch of the Noerdaland contingent stood with a hand on his heart and a smarmy smile on his face. He bowed his head to Ari before launching into a speech in stilted Echani, lauding King Rogan. He lamented having to leave Echana so soon but was elated to be able to sail off to his homeland with his beautiful bride the following week.

Ari was nearly blinded with a white-hot rage. She opened her mouth to reject the royal decree. Eogan quickly grabbed her hand and squeezed. He caught her eye and shook his head, stalling the response that would have likely landed her in seclusion in her rooms until she was shipped off to Noerdaland.

She barely touched her desert while the courtiers chatted happily. Ari’s mind was in a fog. She could only smile feebly as guest after guest walked by the table to congratulate her. As soon as possible, she stood to take her leave.

Her father stopped her as she attempted to walk away. “Arianna, you must stay for the dancing.”

“I’m sorry, Father,” Ari replied, begging his pardon. “One of the dishes has not agreed with me. I feel quite ill.” It wasn't entirely a lie, but it wasn't the food affecting her.

“Of course. Of course. I’m sure you will feel better by morning. You can get to know your future husband tomorrow.” The king gave her another kiss on the cheek before walking over to make his apologies to Ragnar.

Dani followed quickly after Ari as she nearly ran back to her room. Mina jumped up, dropping her needlework as Ari slammed the door open. Serise rushed out of the bed chamber to investigate the commotion.

“Get this horrid dress off of me before I cut it off,” Ari demanded. Her ladies-in-waiting looked at her in shock before heeding her command. Ari had never been harsh with them.

“What happened?” Mina hissed at Dani.

“King Rogan just announced that Arianna is to marry the head of the Noerdaland contingent,” Dani replied.

Serise gasped. “Noerdaland! They say the country is nothing but ice.”

“Is he handsome? I saw a few of them in the yard when I was returning the breakfast dishes.” Mina said. “They are quite strapping young lads.”

“No,” Ari moaned. “He’s not handsome at all. He’s nearly as old as father.”

Soon, Ari was sitting before the fire, wrapped in her dressing gown. She was upset enough that her favorite chair didn't offer its usual comfort.

“Go,” Dani said. “I’ll stay with her.” She brought Ari a steaming cup of cocoa.

Ari slept in fits and spurts. She moved over to the window seat as the sun showed its first light. Her window faced to the west, giving her a view of the rugged mountain range that separated Echana from her mother’s homeland. The peaks soared but were nearly barren, gradually giving way to the hot sands of Agristan.

“Dani!” Ari said suddenly, waking the girl. “I have an idea.”

Dani wandered over, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “What?” She took a good look at Ari’s face. “Oh no. We can't.”

“Why not? We’ve done it before.” Ari countered. Dani and Ari were nearly identical, bearing the same dark hair and eyes. In fact, they had similar facial features, being that they were technically half-sisters. Dani had been born to an Agristani handmaiden to Queen Layal. They were only a few months apart in age as well.

“Never on this level. I can see it in your eyes. This is far more serious than having me pretend to be you for some minor event so you could fight.” Dani said, shaking her head.

“You don't have to actually do anything. We can send a message to Father telling him I am still ill and can't leave my rooms.” Ari exclaimed. “If anyone comes to check on me, they’ll find you in my bed and assume you are me.”

“What are you planning on doing?”

Ari looked back out of the window. “I’m leaving Echana. I’ll go over the mountains and into Agristan. I can find Mother’s family and beg their protection. Or better yet, I can learn to make it on my own. I've had enough of royal life. Maybe I can find one of those dragons they claim live near the border with Shoniel.” Her words tumbled out as the excitement at her plan overtook her.

Dani looked uncertain. “What will they do to me if they discover the ruse?”

“They won't, and even if they do, I doubt Father will punish you for following my orders. He may not publically acknowledge you, but he does know you are his daughter.” Ari assured her. “Besides, Eogan will protect you.”

“Ari, I don't like this. You are my best friend. I don’t want to be here without you.” Dani said.

Ari hugged her. “I know. I’m not too fond of that part, either. But it won’t be forever. I’ll send for you as soon as it is safe. Agristan is your ancestral land, too.”

“And what if it does work, and they believe I am you?” Dani asked. “I don't want to go to Noerdaland any more than you do.”

“I promise it won't come to that,” Ari said. “I will have Eogan smuggle you out before they leave. I just need to get far enough away that they can't find me and drag me back.”

While Ari thought that they should trade clothes right then and there to avoid implicating Serise and Mina, Dani pointed out that the women knew them far too well to be able to fool them.

Between their love for their young princess and knowing that they would likely be sent with her and her new husband as part of Ari’s household, they readily agreed to help. Neither woman had any desire to travel to Noerdaland.

Eogan was less thrilled with the idea when brought into the fold but said he would help despite his misgivings. He left Ari’s room quickly thereafter to gather what she would need for her trip.

Dressed in her practice gear, Ari was soon hugging her brother goodbye as Eogan walked her out of the side gate primarily used by the soldiers. She would miss him terribly, but she couldn't stay and face that fate.

Ari was almost to the outer gates of the city when a pair of arms wrapped around her from behind and roughly dragged her into an alleyway. Ari struggled to free herself but didn't want to draw attention by yelling out.

The man was very strong. He leaned his cloaked head next to hers. “This will go easier if you stop fighting me, Ari,” Dayn's voice whispered in her ear. He loosened his hold, allowing her to spin around.

“Dayn! What are you doing here?” she asked gruffly. “What is this all about? Am I not free to go as I please?”

“I’ve been following you since you left the palace, Princess,” he replied.

“Princess?” Ari began. She sighed at the sight of his raised eyebrow. “How did you know?”

Dayn laughed. “I’ve always known. You fight like a girl.”

“What?!”

“Don’t get me wrong. You are very skilled with a sword. I would be proud to fight with you at my side, but you move like a girl.” He said. “And you must admit, Ari isn't that much of a stretch from Arianna.”

Ari ignored that last dig and reached out to grasp his arm. “Please, Dayn. Let me leave. I can't marry that man.”

“Relax, Ari. Eogan sent me. I have been tasked with getting you to Agristan safely.” Dayn said.

“Eogan doesn't think I can do this on my own? Why? Because I’m a female?”

Dayn shook his head. “No. It’s because you are a part of the royal family. You’ve rarely set foot outside the palace grounds and never without an escort. Just because you can swing a sword, it doesn’t mean you know the ways of the world.”

Ari remained silent, but she couldn’t deny his words. She had assumed that since she could protect herself, she would be fine.

“Ari, you are only sixteen. You shouldn’t have to do this alone.”

She crossed her arms. “You’re only nineteen. How much more could you possibly know of how the world works? I’m not going into this completely blind. I’ve studied all of the countries and learned some of the languages. I know what Mother told me about Agristan.”

Dayn threw his arms in the air, stalling her rant. “Do you have to be so stubborn?”

“Yes!” Ari said. “If I weren't stubborn, I never would have talked Eogan and Jerstan into training me to fight.”

“Look, I still have plenty to learn, but I grew up in the city. I know how to blend in and negotiate a trade.” Dayn explained. “Please let me help you.”

Ari nodded curtly. “All you had to do was ask.”

Dayn let out an exasperated huff. “Alright. Keep that scarf on and your hood up to hide your face as much as possible. Stay a few steps behind me, and don't make eye contact. We want to draw as little attention to you as possible.”

Ari chose not to argue. She followed Dayn discretely as he spoke to a few people in the market. She was beginning to feel antsy. It was taking entirely too long.

Finally, a man hobbled away from his stall, indicating they should accompany him. When they reached the public stables, Dayn helped him to hitch a mule to a small wagon. The three of them stowed some wares in the back. With a final handshake, Dayn and Ari settled on the seat and began driving the wagon toward the trader’s gate.

Dayn showed the trader's license to the guards. The wagon was waved through. Ari tried not to fidget as they rolled out of the city. It had taken long enough to be on their way that her ruse at the palace could have been discovered. She kept anticipating being stopped by the King’s soldiers. Even as the city faded from sight, Ari tensed whenever she heard the gallop of hooves coming from behind.

“Why are you going toward Doria?” she asked as Dayn urged the mule to continue in that direction at a crossroad.

“Because I agreed to deliver these goods to a merchant in Doria,” he replied.

“But that is to the south. We need to go west to get to Agristan.” Ari countered.

Dayn gave her a small smile. “It’s technically southwest. When they figure out you left, the route toward Agristan is the direction they will most likely look in first. Besides, the mountains are a little easier to travel around Doria. We will make the delivery and then purchase the supplies we will need to go on foot.”

Ari thought about it before deciding it made sense, even if it would take longer. “What are we going to do with the wagon and the mule? Won't that vendor expect us to return them with his money?”

“Yeah. That will be more complicated. I can hire someone to return the wagon, but I need to find someone I can trust not to steal his money.”

They spent the majority of the trip in silence. Ari would have nodded off, but the constant jarring of the cart made that difficult. By the time they reached Doria, her backside was killing her. She groaned as she stood and stretched.

“I guess you are a little more tender than you like to admit,” Dayn grinned.

Ari held back a growl. “Forgive me for not being used to bouncing on a hard wooden seat for hours on end.” She eyed the foothills at the edge of the city. “How long do you think it will take to get to the border?”

Dayn shrugged. “As long as it takes. We might have to hide out for a while if a search party comes close.”

He left her to feed the mule while he stepped into a bustling tavern. Dayn returned a few minutes later.

“I rented us a room. Why don’t you go get some rest,” he said, holding out an iron key.

“I’m fine. What do you need me to do? Should I buy some supplies?” Ari replied.

Dayn grabbed their knapsacks from the cart and shoved them at her. “I need you to lay low. If anyone were to remember seeing me, it would be best if they don’t recall anyone being with me.”

Ari glanced at the tavern. “Wouldn’t it be better to stay somewhere less busy?”

Dayn shook his head. “It's easier to get lost in a crowd. The barkeep and patrons are less likely to notice us moving among them. Go on. I won't be long. We both need to get some sleep. We have a long journey ahead of us.”

A yawn stalled her response. Ari took the key and made her way through the crowded main room. She found a door bearing the same number as the key down a gloomy hallway.

Although clean, the state of the room made Ari realize that while she tried her best not to act like aristocracy, her life was far more opulent than most others. A small bed with rough linens was shoved into a corner. A tiny table with a single chair occupied the little wall space available. Two wooden buckets, one holding water, were the only other amenities.

Ari cringed at the thought but made quick use of the empty vessel. She washed herself as well as possible, then lay down and dozed. Her nerves left her unable to sleep fully. A couple of hours later, Ari heard a knock at the door. Dayn’s voice called out quietly, and she jumped up to let him in.

Dayn juggled two burlap sacks and a tray of food as he entered. Ari grabbed the tray and set it on the table while he stepped back outside. He returned with tankards of ale.

“I hired a kid to return the wagon,” Dayn said as they ate. “I got extra cloaks because it can be cold in the mountains. We will have to eat sparingly, but we should be able to add to our food by hunting and gathering.”

After they ate, Dayn pulled a wad of wool from one of the sacks. “Here, put this in your boots. They may be durable, but no one ever said they were made for comfort on long marches. The wool should help you avoid blisters.”

“Thank you.” Ari padded her boots before laying back down. She kept her back turned while Dayn washed up and relieved himself. Ari stiffened slightly as Dayn lay down next to her. She had never shared a bed with a man.

They slept for a few hours with their backs pressed together. In the morning, they broke their fast before repacking their bags to distribute their supplies equally. Finally, they set off through Doria and across the fields toward the mountains.

The days of travel were exhausting but fulfilling. Ari and Dayn gradually shared stories of their lives and even some of their secret desires.

Dayn had become a soldier in an effort to impress his father, but their relationship was strained. He felt there was little he could do to make his father proud of him. Ultimately, his choice to help Ari escape would do nothing to bring him closer to his father.

Ari admitted that she had always wanted to see Agristan. Her mother’s stories of her homeland left beautiful images in her head. She knew it was hot and dry, very different from the fertile lands of Echana.

The time together left Ari confused about her feelings toward Dayn. It had moved beyond attraction. He was now a friend, but she wouldn't mind their relationship becoming something more. Ari wasn't sure how that would work. She was a princess, and Dayn was a commoner. Then again, she had walked away from her royal life. And maybe they had a different view on such things in Agristan.

Eventually, they were hiking down the foothills and into Agristan. They could see the city of Tayrahni in the distance.

The vegetation was sparse, with scraggly shrubs pushing up through the hard ground. Small farms fed by aqueducts cropped up as they neared Tayrahni. Ari remembered reading that they provided most of the produce for Agristan.

With most of the country not being suited to habitation, the majority of Agristani lived in Tayrahni, or one of the handfuls of smaller cities built around oases. Still, Ari was unprepared for the sheer mass of people moving through the streets. She stuck close to Dayn as they wandered through the crowds.

Hearing her mother’s language was like music to her ears. Short of Eogan, Dani, and a handful of handmaidens from Agristan, no one else spoke it in Echana. As they searched for a place to stay and supplies for their trip further into the desert, Dayn whispered their requirements into Ari’s ear. She quickly learned how to negotiate with the merchants.

The two travelers traded their heavy cloaks for lightweight layers that would protect them from the sun but not be warm. Ari smiled at a brightly colored veil that reminded her of one her mother used to drape over her when she was a child. She wished she had time to pack it before leaving. The merchant noticed her admiring the veil and added it to the pile.

At the inn, Ari stared at the array of Agristani foods on the table, trying to decide what to eat first. It had been so long since she’d had any of it. She opted to start with a delicately spiced meat and rice dish. After the first blissful bite, Ari opened her eyes to find Dayn laughing at her.

“What?” she asked. “It's delicious.”

“I agree. I just like seeing you so happy,” he replied.

Ari pointed at a plate of flakey honey-drenched pastries. “Wait until you try the dessert.”

As they ate, Ari translated the bits of gossip, especially the information related to her flight from Echana and the jilted Noerderlander warlord. She gasped and turned to speak to the person at the table behind them when she heard the word ‘dragon.’

“Are there truly dragons in Agristan?” Ari asked excitedly. “I thought maybe it was a fairy tale.”

“Of course.” the man replied. “They live on the sands to the west. It is part of a joint project with our greatest ally to protect both of our lands.”

“I have heard many great things of Shoniel,” she agreed.

The man nodded. “Shoniel is not like Echana. They honor their agreements. When King Rogan took an Agristani Princess for his third wife, he promised to open a substantial trade route. After all this time, the wares still only trickle across the border.”

Ari must have looked shocked. She knew trade was difficult across the mountains, but she hadn't known her father had promised to strengthen it.

The man laughed. “The jokes on him, though. Layal was no more a princess than the innkeeper’s girl. She was the daughter of a wealthy tribe leader but not a part of our royal family.”

Ari smiled at his words and turned back to her food. She had known that her mother was not the princess the people of Echana thought. She used to think it was romantic. Now, she wasn't so sure.

Despite knowing the search for her ensued, Dayn and Ari spent several days in Tayrahni preparing for the next leg of their journey. It had been an arduous trek through the mountains. They needed the rest.

Dayn surprised Ari with one final purchase before they left. He presented her with a sturdy, shaggy-haired horse whom Ari promptly named Sorrel.

She hugged Sorrel and grinned at Dayn. “I love her, but why did you decide to bring her? She’ll be one more mouth to feed.”

“I know, but it will be easier and faster to traverse the sands on a horse than on foot. The sooner we find your family’s tribe, the better.”

Ari found she loved the desert. At first glance, it appeared to be a vast brown. Among the dunes, she realized there were also a variety of reds, oranges, and yellows. Grey rock protruded where the winds scoured the sands. Pops of green appeared with the occasional palm tree and scrub grasses, usually giving way to an oasis. The nomadic tribes they ran across provided a veritable rainbow of color.

What Ari liked most about the desert was that she could be herself. She was a woman and a warrior. Ari no longer had to hide beneath men’s clothing in a world that refused to accept that she was more than a bargaining chip in an alliance.

It was several weeks into their journey. The route they now followed was suggested by the last tribe they had met up with. Ari’s mother’s tribe was last seen to the west, nearly on the border with Shoniel.

In the distance, she could make out a speck flying through the sky, which was much larger than it appeared. If there was a dragon there, then there must be other people. Ari hoped it was an actual encampment rather than a lone dragon rider on patrol. They still had a long way to go to reach them.

“Dayn?” Ari queried.

“Yeah?”

“What are your plans when we reach my family?” she asked. “Will you be in trouble if you return to Echana?”

Dayn was quiet as he thought. “If they suspect me of helping you escape, they will likely throw me in the brig. Probably execute me for treason.”

Ari twisted to look at him. “I couldn't live with myself if that happens.”

“Neither could I,” he laughed. “As much as I should return to help Eogan and Dani get here safely, I would like to stay. I mean, with you, Ari. Wherever you go.”

Ari turned around and leaned back against his chest. “I would like that too.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, they stopped at a small oasis to camp for the night. Ari surveyed the rolling dunes as Dayn watered Sorrel at the spring bubbling up from the center.

She walked just far enough away that the ever-present wind surrounded her with a deafening quiet. Ari contemplated what her life might become and smiled. She was no longer a pampered princess. Engulfed in the desert's parched silence, she was nothing but another grain of sand in the wind.