Luminear and Laella had prepared a stuffed turkey, potatoes, freshly baked rolls, and cranberries in the kitchen. The two had been cooking together and away from the rest while talking about a variety of subjects. Albatros, who had become one of the Javalla family in name and spirit, remained in the dining halls with Laella’s young daughters, sons, and Fern. Laella had even allowed Offedius of Lamisdoria to send him a gift. A great white rhinoceros. Albatros loved his present although many folks of Garroth found it odd. A rhinoceros to a minotaur though was like a horse to mortal men, women and elves. Albatros could ride upon the back of no horse without injuring it because of his size, but a mighty rhinoceros from Lamisdoria supported two minotaurs with ease.
Albatros had two Javalla daughters upon his shoulders as he chased around two of the boys playfully. Fern sat at the dining table playing a board game with the eldest son, now twelve. It was a strategy game with black and white stone pieces that Fern loved.
“Don’t work them up too much before supper, please,” Laella shouted to Albatros as she popped her head from behind the wall separating the kitchen and dining room. Luminear and Laella wore long white aprons over blue flowing dresses, and they both wore their hair pulled up and held in place by a clasp. Laella had persuaded Albatros to wear the customary clothing which for him included abnormally large robes or tunics and pants. He had already sacrificed so much that he gave in and tried to dress like mortal men for Laella’s sake.
“Of course, Lady Laella,” Albatros promised as Laella gave him a stern look. “They get bored waiting for food.” Laella nodded.
“I know. It will be ready soon. Everyone sit around the table and talk or something. You can play in the falls after,” Laella went back to the kitchen where Luminear put the finishing touch to the golden-brown turkey, by sprinkling spices over it.
“He has one on each shoulder again?” Luminear asked. Laella smiled and shook her head.
“Indeed. Again. They’re all a bunch of children.” She had warmed up to her new husband, but she confided in Luminear more than anyone.
“I don’t guess he made it after all,” Luminear sighed in disappointment.
“I assume it will still be soon. Today sounded most likely unless he had to stop along the way.” Luminear grasped more about the happenings in Divox than most, but she kept a secret well, even from Bella. She was aware Laelliandir had sent word of his return, and that a rebellion had begun. More than that, she understood who was behind it and what exactly was happening. Laella had not told her everything. Luminear had put together the other pieces in her head. She’d discerned more about the Overlords than she was comfortable with and understood Laelliandir was playing a dangerous game. One to which Luminear objected as it put everyone in jeopardy all over again. She’d braved sharing her own opinion about Laelliandir’s actions with Laella, knowing well her words might put them at odds. Instead, Laella gifted Luminear an exquisite blue diamond ring as a gift of courage and wisdom. It was simple but priceless. The ring made Bella a little jealous, and she often poked fun at her sister for spending so much time with Laella instead of people her own age, but Luminear already understood the misfortune and injustices being done all around her. Divox’s current era of turmoil upset her, but she worried even more about what the continued fighting would ultimately cause. Laella did too.
“Will you talk to him? Dissuade him?” Luminear asked aware she was prying.
“I intend to talk to him, but I’d rather you stay out of it. I don’t want him to realize you know anything. I should have said nothing in your presence even though we are of like mind. He’s like his father. With so many now involved, turning things around now is easier said than done. He may or may not listen to me.” There was much Luminear wanted to say, but it had all been said before. It was ultimately out of her control anyway, but a part of her hoped Laella could counsel Laelliandir to a more productive route. If it were up to Luminear, she’d order Laelliandir home and insist he stay put, and then do the same to Uncle Wolf, who had been away even longer because of Laelliandir’s actions. Why wouldn’t the men in her life behave as well as the Twilight Prince of her dreams she wondered. Lonewolf wrote the girls now and then, not as often as he promised, and he omitted talk about his work, they had maintained a long-distance relationship.
“Everything will be fine,” Luminear said briskly determined to steer the conversation to the day at hand. “And it sounds like they’re all having fun out there, at least. I hope everyone is hungry. It’s looking tasty.” Pushing thoughts of her son aside, Laella came next to Luminear to view the still-steaming turkey better.
“It is done,” Laella responded
“It is. Looks gorgeous.”
“All right then, let us do this,” Laella smiled to Luminear. “Be a dear will you and call for them.” Luminear nodded and stepped out of the steamy kitchen into the dining room.
“Fern. If you don’t mind, set the table?” Luminear asked as Fern groaned. He did not enjoy being interrupted from his game, but he also would not argue. “Albatros. Will you help carry out the food?”
“Yes.” Albatros was still standing, making sure the young children were taking their seats. Albatros had a special stool just for him. A massive robust chair, with no legs, acted as his seat for his weight was much too great for common household furniture. His bed and everything in his private quarter was crafted the same.
After Fern and the eldest son at home, Caphon, set the table for nine and Albatros brought out the food, the Javalla family gathered around the table for their prayers to Xio before eating. It was a pleasant and straightforward prayer and everyone bowed their heads. If Laella had realized her non-bloodline family weren’t faithful followers of the deity Xio, she would have been concerned. But since nonbelievers were frowned upon and sometimes killed, they all played along. There was no sense in worrying Laella more than she already had been anyway.
Moments after the supper began, a loud knocking interrupted their meal. There were only two exits out of this corridor. One was in the kitchen and led outside. The other led to the main halls which connected to every pivotal point of the main floor of the keep. Laella answered the knock, but she did not rise from the table.
“We are not to be disturbed at supper!” she reminded the intruder, her voice stern and echoing in the large room.
“Lady of Garroth, I beg your forgiveness, but you have a visitor from Nova. He bears a scroll signed by the High King and Queen.” Laella sighed in frustration as she looked to Albatros. He nodded in understanding as he rose from the table and his plate of food.
“I’m coming.” He stepped away from the table and strode toward the double doors at the end of the hall. He opened both up while everyone around the table looked to see who had come visiting. Luminear’s jaw dropped as she gasped in surprise. In between, two silver-armored soldiers stood Lonewolf with a smile upon his face, as he flaunted his hands and bowed.
“At your service,” he bellowed with cheer.
“Wolf!” Luminear shouted in glee as she jumped up from the table to greet her old friend. Laella looked from him to her guards and then at Albatros as her heart pounded. She knew little about this man, but was aware he had the Overlord’s favor and respect, and she feared what this man might do if he learned how long Laelliandir had been away from his appointed province.
Without thought, Luminear flung her arms around Lonewolf and he returned her embrace, picking her up off the ground, swinging her around once. She was not the small child she once was, and after one spin he returned her to her feet.
“Grown much? Damn, Lumi.”
“Well, don’t leave for years at a time, and you might not notice.” Albatros’ gaze went between the new arrival to Laella and the guards. Laella hid her anxiety as best she could and rose from the table.
“Thank you, Guards. Take your leave.” She then turned her attention to her guest. “Come in, my lord.” Lonewolf removed his arm from Luminear’s waist, stepping into the r
oom and bowed his head to the ruling Lady of Garroth.
“Laella Javalla. I appreciate you having me in your home. It is an honor.” Laella gave her most engaging smile while she signaled Albatros to shut the doors. He thanked the guards and did just that.
“A humble servant of the High Queen Ishanna and High King Pathorus is always welcome, my Lord.”
“Oh, I’m no Lord, but thank you for your kind words. You can call me Wolf.” Lonewolf then gazed at Albatros. “It is good to see you again too.” Albatros merely grunted and walked back toward the table.
“Come now. Sit. Join us for supper, Mr. Wolf.” Laella requested. Luminear led Lonewolf to the table to take a seat next to her at the center. Laella sat at one end while Albatros took the position at the other.
“How have you been? What is going on and what took you so long? I thought you’d be freed forever ago?” Luminear didn’t give Lonewolf a chance to answer before going on, although she’d speculated the rebels had tied him down longer than he’d like. Still, she was oblivious to the part he played in all of this. “Bella will be so surprised. Tell me everything! Everything.” Laella eyed Luminear, unsure how to act in front of this man.
“Lumi. Let our guest tell us about his prior engagements at his leisure. Don’t be rude.” Lonewolf shook his head.
“Don’t worry, my lady. Lumi is family to me too, and I am not as proper as you’re accustomed to, I’m sure, although I will do my utmost to respect the traditions of your house. I am more than happy to answer questions this girl has.” Lonewolf looked back to Luminear. “Any of you have, for that matter.” Luminear leaned in to give him another hug, overtaken by happiness.
“It is no concern of mine. You are our guest and are welcome to speak in whatever fashion you wish, Wolf.” Laella then directed her attention to the others around the table. “Children. That doesn’t mean you can talk out of order.”
“Well?” Luminear asked Lonewolf.
“Well, well, well. It’s a long story. I’m not sure you’ll be up to it.” Lonewolf grabbed a fork and took a stab at the turkey at the center of the table. He was not gentle or mannerly about serving himself food, which the children and Laella noticed. He stabbed the meat and slopped a generous serving of potatoes on his plate like a commoner. Lonewolf did not come across as a gentleman, no matter how well he dressed.
“Why has it taken so long? Why weren’t you here long ago?” Luminear repeated herself as Lonewolf chomped down upon a slab of turkey.
“Yeah,” he said in between bites. “It’s this job of mine now. After the trial, they forced me to stay, and I guess they liked me. Had me working with the army against some rebels hiding away in the southern regions. You? They’ve been treating you well. Javalla Lady now, eh? Got yourself a new family.” Lonewolf looked over the company at the table, stopping at the kids. “I bet you kids have treated her well. Probably as perfect as your mother, here,” he teased, making the kids smile. Laella put on a fake smile for Lonewolf and gave a stern eye to her children.
“Oh, yes, life is great here. It really is. Everyone is a joy. I love Garroth. The community is flourishing here. I’m holding town meetings and planning for a city fair. There’s so much going on! I’ve wished you were a part of it. By Xio, I’ve missed you being around,” Luminear said with excitement uncharacteristic for her. “You sly dog! Why not write Bella and me about this? We could have planned a welcome.”
“My oh my. That sounds fun. I’d like to see you in action, Lumi,” Lonewolf said earnestly. “But why write and ruin the surprise, eh?”
“To spare me a heart attack.”
“Look at you. You look spared of one already,” Luminear smiled as he kissed the side of her cheek. “Dressed like a doll now too. I see everyone has treated you very well. The fancy girl now. Stunning!” Lonewolf complimented her before looking to Laella to give his approval and then over to Albatros. “Even big guy here has been good to you?” Lonewolf reached out and patted Albatros’ broad shoulder.
“Albatros is great,” she laughed, watching Albatros’ odd expression as he looked at Lonewolf’s arm upon his shoulder. Lonewolf gripped his shoulder for a few tense seconds before removing it.
“Big muscles. Scary old chap.” Lonewolf laughed.
“Only to those who mean us harm,” Albatross amended. “How is Nova? It has been a long time since I left there. Last I saw you, you couldn’t leave, and were being closely watched as I was.” Lonewolf nodded agreement to Albatros as he chewed.
“He’s right. I was.” Lonewolf exchanged glanced to the children and then to Luminear again. “They would have jailed me or worse rather than look at me, but I suppose my charms worked their way to the right hearts and minds. They’ve treated me well too, Lumi.” Again, he exchanged looks with Albatros. “Looks like you’re well, yourself, minotaur.”
“I am. No complaints.” Lonewolf gave Laella and Luminear an odd look as if he found it hard to believe.
“How can it be that having dinner with your mortal spouse and her kids along with my dear Luminear and Bella suits you? Difficult to imagine, given it was a forced arrangement. Against your will.” Luminear felt uncomfortable and wondered if Lonewolf was trying to instigate an argument on purpose. She knew he had done this many a time before with Zynoa and sometimes even her and Bella, but had hoped he would not misbehave this day. Especially no sooner than he arrived.
“We make the best of it.” Laella chimed in. “And the children adore him.” Lonewolf looked to the kids who agreed Albatros was a lot of fun to have around.
“It wasn’t against my will. I consented to stay, but if I had wished I could have broken free and been to my homeland long ago,” Albatros affirmed. “This is my will.”
“Well, there you have it. I’m sure glad you didn’t break away, or Divox and Lamisdoria might have ripped each other’s throats out.” Lonewolf took one more bite of food and slumped back into his chair, observing everyone. “Yes, there we have it. One big happy family. I like it. I’m glad for you and Bella, Lumi.” Luminear couldn’t put her finger on it, but Lonewolf was different. He didn’t seem as genuine as she remembered. It was almost like he was putting on a show. She attributed it to the company he didn’t know, but there was a smugness about him that felt off. She was protective of the Javallas, and here he was almost mocking them. He’d always been high spirited, cocky and full of energy, but underneath he was a softy. Had they been apart so long, her memory of him was wrong, or was he challenging her new family letting them know his place was with her too. She brushed those feelings aside and responded.
“Me too, Wolf. We’ve missed you, though. It would be nice if you could leave Nova. Change service even. You’re welcome here too and could be a part of Bella and my life again.” Luminear looked at Laella, hoping she had not overstepped her bounds.
“Ahem.” Laella cleared her throat. “Children, why don’t you go outside for a swim, and leave us to tend to the discussion and clean up, if you will.” Laella’s suggestion got sour looks from the children.
“I’m not done yet, though,” said one.
“I want to hear more from the man,” said another.
“Listen to your mother,” Albatros said. His booming voice was alarming when he wanted it to be, and there was no more fuss from any of the children. All of them shuffled and stirred out of the chairs and headed toward the back door in the kitchen. Albatros rose out of his chair to leave with them, “I’ll watch over them.”
“Thank you, Albatros.”
“We’ll catch up more later if you wish, Lord Albatros. Maybe you can share news from your homeland like how Lamisdoria is faring these days,” Lonewolf suggested. Albatros stopped and looked down at him before leaving.
“I figured you would have heard. I got word from Queen Offedius that the centaur engaged Lamisdoria. They are warring in the Lava Fields.” Lonewolf looked dumbfounded.
“Really? No, I didn’t hear that. Why do minotaur or centaur fight over fields of volcanoes and
lava anyway?”
“They are sacred lands not to be meddled with. The centaur has longed for them for decades. We’ve been at peace, but that has ended. Offedius told me she might send word to the Nova lords to see about getting aid if the centaurs prove too much to handle. No one mentioned this?” This was the first time Lonewolf had heard anything concerning a minotaur or centaur war.
“I assure you the High King and Queen have not spoken of it in my presence. Perhaps they are waiting for an official call for aid before addressing the situation. They wouldn’t dream of going against our peace treaty.” Lonewolf assured. “If your Queen needs aid, Nova will answer.”
“I hope so,” Albatros grunted and steam unfurled from his nostrils. He then walked away toward the children. Lonewolf spent no time thinking about sending aid to Lamisdoria but focused instead on the likelihood the minotaur would be tied up at war and off their back for the foreseeable future. For Lonewolf, this splendid news allayed one of his biggest concerns. He had expected keeping peace with Lamisdoria during Divox’s civil war would be challenging enough, but even if they were successful up to that point, Lamisdoria would still strike them the moment Divox challenged Tragmont. Tragmont of the elves was the sleeping giant in the southern realm. Although there was no official alliance with Tragmont and any other southern divisions, each of the countries left them in peace and respected them.
“Where is Bella?” Lonewolf asked.
“She’ll be back in a while. She’s with a friend of hers today.” Luminear added.
“A boy?”
“Yes, but a good young man. I’m keeping an eye on them both.” Laella explained as Lonewolf smiled.
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