Stone Angel

2. Larisha

On the day of Larisha’s arrival, Jeraido reported to Lord Gerade’s quarters early in the morning, for some last instructions.

‘You will receive temporary accommodation in our quarters, the better to protect Larisha,’ Lord Gerade explained. ‘And I want you to keep as close to her as possible at all times. Do not let her out of your sight.’

‘Yes, my lord,’ Jeraido said, realising that to any other man the Lord might seem rather overprotecting of his niece. But he understood the man had every reason to, and that was why Lord Gerade had asked him to do this, and not another guard.

Around noon, a courier arrived with the message that Lady Larisha would arrive in the late afternoon, and then there was nothing else to be done than wait.

Lord Gerade didn’t take to that as well as his wife, Lady Ninea. He prowled around the living room of the family quarters incessantly, while Jeraido had positioned himself in a discreet corner, and lady Ninea was peacefully working on some embroidery.

‘Gerade, dear, please sit down for a while,’ Lady Ninea eventually said, putting down her work for a second. ‘Your stalking around the room is not going to make Larisha arrive here earlier.’

‘I just don’t want anything to happen to her,’ Lord Gerade said, running his hands through his hair, and, Jeraido secretly thought, looking extremely tired.

‘The courier said that your brother sent Fyson and his men with her, and you know how capable they are at protecting her from anything that might happen. And it’s not like the road from Aldenlea to here is such a dangerous one,’ Lady Ninea said in a soft, reassuring tone. Lord Gerade sighed and smiled.

‘As always, dear, you are right,’ he said. ‘I just don’t know what I would do if I lost her as well, after what happened to Kellira…’ Lady Ninea smiled sadly and reached out for his hand.

‘I know,’ she said. ‘But it could have been much worse, if Jeraido hadn’t been there, and with him to protect Larisha, she will be perfectly safe.’

Jeraido coughed softly and averted his eyes. After three years, the Lord and Lady still mourned over their murdered daughter, and were still almost ridiculously grateful towards Jeraido for preventing their son-in-law and granddaughter from being murdered as well. He appreciated their trust in him, but he wondered if he could ever live up to the heroic image of him they seemed to have. Especially since, the last three years, nothing and no one had threatened the family. He did not think it likely that anything would happen; if they had made new enemies, they would surely have shown themselves by now, wouldn’t they? But instead Lord and Lady Gerade were highly respected at court, and by the Queen herself. Everyone had felt for them when they lost their daughter, and some of that still lingered. He couldn’t imagine anyone trying to hurt them, these days.

After what seemed excruciatingly long, the message that Lady Larisha had arrived at the gates came, and they went to welcome her. When they reached the main courtyard, Larisha was just descending from her carriage, and when she saw Lord Gerade, smiled widely, and hurried over to him.

‘Uncle Rade!’ she said and embraced him warmly. Lord Gerade returned the embrace, stroking her long blonde hair.

‘I’m so glad to see you,’ he said and then held her at arms length to take a good look at her. ‘How was your journey?’

‘Tiresome, as journeys go,’ Larisha said with a knowing smile. ‘Father told me to give you his regards, and that you should really come and visit us sometime.’

‘We will,’ Lady Ninea said, taking her turn in embracing Larisha. ‘But for now, please enjoy your stay here.’

‘Oh, I will, no doubt,’ Larisha laughed. ‘I remember I always loved it here when I used to come as a child.’ Her aunt smiled

‘I’m glad at least you did; I know it was pretty tiresome having to drag you from your hiding places all day long.’

‘Don’t worry, I won’t hide this time,’ Larisha said, and only then seemed to notice Jeraido. ‘Oh, and who is this?’ she said with a glance at her aunt.

‘This, dear, is Jeraido, he will be your personal guard and guide during your stay,’ Lady Ninea said. Larisha nodded, but Jeraido had the feeling she didn’t really like it. Ignoring that thought, he bowed deeply for her, and welcomed her to the Palace. She smiled at that, and gave him her hand to kiss; which he did, and then straightened up again to look at her.

Lady Larisha was a tall, self-confident woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She was wearing a dress in a soft blue set off with gold embroidery, and her travelling cape hung nonchalantly over a shoulder. She was returning his looks at her with what he suspected was a mirror imagine of the look on his own face; she seemed to like what she saw. Suddenly she smiled broadly.

‘Well, Jeraido, why don’t you escort me to my chambers, then?’ she said brightly. Jeraido bowed again, but less long and deep this time, and then offered her his arm. She took it, and he suspected she was actually blushing, and then realised, to his mortification, that he was as well, and quickly looked away.

Behind them, Lady Ninea looked at her husband, shook her head, and said, with a sigh, ‘Kids…’ Then she took Lord Gerade’s arm and followed the two young people inside.