2017: A Year of Short Fiction

2017: A Year of Short Fiction

Deb Logan

Debbie Mumford

Contents

Introduction

Debbie Mumford

To Protect a Princess

Deb Logan

Salt Water

Debbie Mumford

Deep Dreaming

Debbie Mumford

The Trail Where We Cried

Deb Logan

On Guard

Debbie Mumford

Needle-Green

Debbie Mumford

Ice Storm

Deb Logan

Beauty or Butterface?

Debbie Mumford

Reality Bites

Deb Logan

The Worst Summer Vacation Ever!

Debbie Mumford

Seventh

Debbie Mumford

Seventh: The Samhain Dilemma

About Deb Logan

Also by Deb Logan

About Debbie Mumford

Also by Debbie Mumford

Introduction

2017 was a banner year for WDM Publishing and we’re excited to share some of the short fiction we published during those months.

This volume starts strong with a traditional fantasy tale, dives into deep water, before beaching itself for a brief jaunt into historical fiction. Next we serve up two tales from inhuman perspectives, followed by three very different love stories: a contemporary fairy tale romance, a paranormal romance, and a teen summer romance with a ghostly element. Finally, we end the volume with two full-blown paranormal mysteries.

As I said, it’s been a banner year for great fiction. I hope you enjoy the year’s stories.

To Protect a Princess

Withling

3

Debbie Mumford

Our first story is a sword and sorcery adventure, the third in a continuing series of short stories centering on Kaitlyn, a courageous young sorceress making the best of the hand life has dealt her. Be sure to look for the related tales: Witchling and The Solitary Sorceress.

Kaitlyn reveled in the fine spring day. Sunlight fell softly through the canopy of the old growth forest, illumining individual leaves with an otherworldly glow and dappling the soft soil of the trail their horses trod. Hoofbeats were muffled by dirt and duff, allowing distant birdsong and the scurrying of small animals to be heard. She breathed deeply, savoring the smell of growing things: shade-loving flowers, wild herbs, and the fresh young leaves of deciduous trees. Even the strong odor of horseflesh was pleasant, reminding her of other rides in happier times .

For this was not a journey that pleased Kaitlyn, nor, she imagined, was it a happy time for her charge, the Princess Melisande.

Turning her attention from the fine weather, Kaitlyn observed her princess. King Lorien’s eldest daughter was regal and self-possessed, everything a king’s daughter should be. She sat her horse with confidence. Eschewing the side-saddle so popular among the women of the court, she sat astride her bay mare straight-backed, the rough leather reins held lightly in her gloved hands. Though her riding habit was plain, a drab brown split skirt, slightly darker brown corset laced over an unbleached linen shirt, the weave of the fabric was finer than anything the rest of the party could afford. With the possible exception of Kaitlyn herself.

As King’s Wizard, Kaitlyn had access to the best of everything Breoria, King Lorien’s realm, could provide. The heroine of the Wizard Wars and savior of her people, Kaitlyn was both honored and feared. Known throughout the kingdom as the Solitary Sorceress, Kaitlyn’s fame isolated her from all but a few close companions, and the Firestone held her apart from even

those

few

.

Kaitlyn had paid a terrible price to save her kingdom and the people she loved.

In her youthful arrogance — she had lived all of fourteen summers when the fateful events took place — she had called forth a powerful magical artifact, the Firestone, and in desperation to save her beloved brother, had used it. The Firestone had given her the strength and magical prowess to defeat Darius, the evil wizard who threatened her people, but the artifact had claimed its price. The Firestone had bonded to her very flesh, encasing her right hand and forearm in a golden sheath and protecting her from physical harm … as well as from all other human contact. No living being could so much as touch her hand. Not even Conall, the childhood friend who had grown into a man she might have loved. No. Kaitlyn belonged to the Firestone.

Pulling her thoughts back to her princess, Kaitlyn realized that their fates were not so different. Kaitlyn would not have chosen to be the Solitary Sorceress. That reality had been thrust upon her. Admittedly her own rash decisions had played their part, but the larger circumstances of war had forced her to

her

fate

.

Melisande had not chosen the role that awaited her either, and she wasn’t all that much older than Kaitlyn had been. The King’s Wizard escorted Princess Melisande to her wedding to the king of a distant realm. A man the sixteen-year-old princess had never met. Her privileged status as king’s daughter carried a heavy price: she was a bargaining chip in a game of state. Her lithe young body and the children she would eventually bear bought her father’s kingdom a favorable trade agreement and a

powerful

ally

.

Kaitlyn could not be touched. Melisande would be touched intimately by a man she didn’t know and hadn’t chosen. Which was the more

terrible

fate

?

Lowering her eyes to her own black gelding, Kaitlyn breathed a prayer to the Mother Goddess that King Theirn would prove to be a worthy man, a man Melisande could come to love. But whether he was or not, the marriage would take place. It was Kaitlyn’s duty to ensure that nothing came between Melisande and her

marriage

bed

.

2

The people of King Theirn’s court were unusually subdued. Kaitlyn and the princess had been courteously received, their escort of one hundred men-at-arms suitably housed, their honor guard allowed to accompany them when they were shown to adjoining rooms. But the people of Theirn’s castle were too solemn, moving about their duties on quiet feet, their eyes downcast .

Kaitlyn frowned. Something was amiss in this place, but her knowledge was too scant to identify the source of the problem.

The chambers they were shown to were sumptuous, though, as was fitting, Melisande’s was the more spacious of the two. Each featured a four-poster bed with thick hangings to hold in warmth while they slept, a hearth with a merrily crackling fire, and a tub of steaming water. The bath was a particularly sight after their journey.

Once the Breorian ladies were refreshed and suitably attired in their finest garb, they were shown to an anteroom off the great hall, where they awaited presentation to

the

king

.

Melisande stood tall and proud in a gown of leaf green silk. Delicately worked lace accented her bosom and wrists and a tiara of gold filigree and pearls rested upon her auburn curls. Only the shallowness of her breathing and the paleness of her face betrayed her anxiety.

In her role as King’s Wizard and protector of the princess, Kaitlyn wore a simple dark blue gown embroidered at hem and cuffs with gold thread. Her only jewelry was the golden sheath of the Firestone. In Breoria, the Firestone was all the adornment she needed. Everyone knew it for what it was—a badge of ultimate power.

Courage, Princess, Kaitlyn murmured. "In a few moments you’ll know what manner of man your father has pledged

you

to

."

Without glancing toward the sorceress, Melisande reached out as if to grasp her hand. The Firestone’s interference stopped her. She glanced at their hands and a hint of color stained her cheeks. I’m glad you’re here, Lady Kaitlyn, even if you can’t hold my hand, she whispered. I don’t think I’d have the courage to face this alone.

Kaitlyn smiled ruefully. Nonsense. You are a royal princess. You were born to courage. If I could, I’d be proud to hold your hand, but separation is my fate, just as marriage is yours.

Melisande nodded and, turning her head slightly, met Kaitlyn’s gaze. Thank you. It is good to be reminded that I am not the only one whose destiny is not of their own choosing.

Indeed not, milady, Kaitlyn said, her voice serious. I believe you would find that everyone, whether pauper or king, labors under the burden of their own particular circumstances. The best of us learn to master our fates and thrive despite our limitations. Those who do not lead miserable lives.

Melisande closed her eyes and bowed her head. After a moment she straightened her shoulders, stood tall, and met Kaitlyn’s gaze with determination. "I shall meet my betrothed with dignity and strive to find peace in my

new

role

."

Kaitlyn inclined her head. An admirable decision, my princess.

The door opened and a servant bowed them into the great hall of the castle. Princess Melisande stepped across the threshold, followed by Kaitlyn. They stopped beside the steward. The man struck the stone floor with his staff and announced, Her Royal Highness, Princess Melisande of Breoria, accompanied by Lady Kaitlyn, the King’s Wizard.

Kaitlyn glanced around the great hall. A large stone room, its walls softened by colorful hangings and tapestries illustrating the kingdom’s history. The flagstone floor was well scrubbed, the rows of fluted columns supporting the ceiling showed no sign of crumbling. Unusually solemn courtiers moved quietly to the sides of the room, opening a path between the princess and the dais where the king sat on a magnificently carved throne. A single counselor stood at his shoulder, beside and just behind.

Despite the distance that separated them, Kaitlyn could see that King Theirn was young, not more than a few years older than Melisande. She breathed a sigh of relief. Being of similar ages and backgrounds boded well for their union.

Her gaze moved from the king to the counselor and her breath caught. Instantly, she shielded herself. The Firestone tingled against her arm. Yes, she thought. You feel it, too. Power. Malignant power. The king is attended by a wizard, and not a

benevolent

one

.

The steward stepped forward, motioning the women to follow. Using the movement to disguise her action, Kaitlyn leaned forward and whispered in Melisande’s ear. Have a care, milady. All is not as it seems.

Melisande gave a barely perceptible nod and followed the steward to the base of the dais, where she dropped a shallow curtsy and stood, head held high. Just behind her, Kaitlyn curtsied low and waited to be released.

Welcome to Thaelon, Princess, the king said, and added, almost as an afterthought, You may rise, Lady Kaitlyn.

As she straightened, Kaitlyn chanced a glance at the young king. Calling upon her magical sight, she recognized lines of power twisting between the king and his wizard ... in sharp spikes, glistening with malignant energy. She glanced away immediately and kept her eyes downcast. She could not afford to give herself away. The young king’s wizard must think her an incompetent. Melisande’s very life could depend on Kaitlyn’s power remaining concealed.

The subdued quality of the courtiers and servants suddenly became clear. These people were terrified. They went about their business as quietly as possible so as not to attract the attention of the wizard.

Kaitlyn could not leave Melisande unprotected in such a court. Yet Kaitlyn’s sworn duty was to witness Melisande’s marriage and inspect proof of its consummation. Accomplishing both would require patience, planning, and the Firestone’s power.

Allow me to introduce my most trusted advisor, Lord Kagan, the king continued. Lady Kaitlyn, you and Lord Kagan will no doubt have much to discuss. He holds the office of King’s Wizard in Thaelon.

Kaitlyn allowed a small trickle of power to escape her shields. Kagan would be suspicious if he detected no magical ability in King Lorien’s wizard.

I’m always anxious to learn the ways of my betters, your majesty, she said, and felt Melisande stiffen. Glancing at her princess, she smiled brightly. The girl appeared to relax, but Kaitlyn knew she had understood the warning.

All through the welcoming feast, Kaitlyn held her shields tightly in place, carefully allowing small amounts of power to bleed through. She chatted gaily about the excitement of royal weddings and how she specialized in herb lore, maintaining excellent health among King Lorien’s courtiers and the citizenry of Glen Breor, the Breorian capital city. The ruse was exhausting, but Kagan’s dismissive attitude and obvious condescension made it all worthwhile. He suspected her of nothing more devious than an ill-advised love potion.

Kaitlyn was on the verge of relaxing her rigid control, when the king called

her

name

.

Lady Kaitlyn, the young man called from his central position at the head table. "I can’t help but notice the unusual band around your hand and forearm. Pray tell, what is it? I’ve never seen

the

like

."

Kaitlyn froze in the act of lifting her goblet to her lips. Her gaze darted to Melisande; the princess’s face looked bloodless, her eyes wide with fright. Noting Kaitlyn’s eyes on her, she dropped her gaze, pulling her hands into

her

lap

.

Setting her goblet down, Kaitlyn raised her right hand for the king’s inspection. This? she asked in a girlish voice. Why ‘tis nothing but a pretty bauble my master gave me when I attained my full power. I wear it to remind myself of his wise ways. She pretended to pull at the sheath. "Would you like to see it more closely? I can remove it for you, if

you

like

."

Her pulse pounded at the audacity of her offer and she fought the impulse to bite her lip. She could no more remove the Firestone than she could remove her heart. Both would be her death.

The king waved away her offer. No need, my lady, he said. I was merely curious why a courtier would display more wealth than her princess.

"Wealth? Oh, heavens, your majesty! The trinket has no true value. ‘Tis nothing but

fool’s

gold

."

The young man nodded. Of course. I should have realized. And the conversation turned to safer topics.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Kaitlyn picked up her goblet once more, and pretending to drink, leaned back in her chair to observe the room. As earlier in the great hall, the courtiers attending the feast were reserved. They ate and drank, but spoke little and only in whispers. Their glances were furtive, restive, as though they were anxious to leave. Only Kagan and the king seemed at ease, but judging by the flow of magical energy between them, the young king was not truly aware of anything. He was completely enthralled by the wizard.

How long must Kagan have controlled Theirn? For his mind to be so completely ensorcelled that Kagan could carry on a conversation with her and have no need to attend to his puppet’s every movement spoke of a long and close association.

If she broke the connection, as she must if she were to ensure Melisande’s safety and see the marriage consummated, how much of the king’s personality would survive? She had killed one evil wizard, and was willing to do so again if it was the only way to protect her princess, but would she destroy Theirn in the process? And if he survived, what damage might be done to his mind? Would she be sentencing Melisande to life with an imbecile?

At last the feast came to an end and the Breorian women were allowed to return to their rooms. Once safely inside, with their own guards posted in the corridor, Melisande opened the connecting door and called Kaitlyn to her chamber.

Tell me everything, the princess commanded. "You are no fool, Lady Kaitlyn, though you’ve certainly acted one since we first set foot in the great hall. What

concerns

you

?"

How much to tell this young woman? She seemed hardly old enough to bear such a burden, and yet Kaitlyn had been younger still when she had become the hero of the Wizard’s War. She wished her old master, Aelfric, was still alive, still here to counsel her. But since he wasn’t, Melisande was her only possible confidante. The Mother Goddess knew, whatever Kaitlyn chose to do, Melisande’s life would be impacted.

How did you find King Theirn? she asked.

Melisande frowned, confused by the question. He’s younger than I expected, thank the Mother! And certainly handsome enough, but … well … there’s something not quite right. She hesitated, bit her lip in thought, and then continued. I realize that not everyone is as astute as Father, but he seemed, well, a bit hazy. Sometimes our conversation was fine, and sometimes he seemed unable to follow the thread of talk. Almost as though he were simple, she said, and then added hurriedly, "but I don’t believe that to

be

true

."

"You are very astute, milady. The man you met today was not

the

king

."

Melisande’s eyes widened. How can you say that? We were surrounded by his court. Surely someone would have protested if the king were missing.

Did you not notice how subdued and frightened the courtiers were? They live in fear of Lord Kagan, Kaitlyn replied. But I didn’t mean to imply that the king’s person wasn’t present. No, it was his mind that was missing.

Melisande’s frown deepened. I don’t understand.

"The king is ensorcelled by Lord Kagan. The King’s Wizard has enslaved the king and only another magician will be able

free

him

."

Princess Melisande slumped onto her bed, eyes wide, her mouth an ‘O’ of horror. That is why you acted the fool, she said. "You didn’t want Lord Kagan to know how powerful you are, that you might

endanger

him

."

"Yes, and I thank you for playing along, for being quick-witted and

trusting

me

."

I couldn’t imagine what you were doing, but Father always says you’re brilliant, so I knew there must be a reason.

Kaitlyn looked up in surprise. King Lorien thought she was brilliant? That was a surprise. She always thought he tolerated her as a poor substitute for her late master, Aelfric.

"Yes, well, I think I’ve deceived Kagan for the moment, but we have some hard decisions

to

make

."

How so? Shouldn’t we simply break the betrothal and return to Breoria?

That is an option, but it could be a dangerous one. If we don’t give sufficient reason, Kagan might guess that we know and imprison or kill us. Remember, our guards believe we are on friendly soil. They were vigilant against thieves and cutthroats on our journey, but here? They are sorely outnumbered and could be disarmed and captured before they realized they were in danger.

Melisande nodded. Very well. What are your thoughts?

"First, we