by M. Gregg Roe
“I was just curious. Do you have AP powder there?”
“Yes. A local village produces it. They may be able to make that supplement you take if you can obtain the formula. If not, we’ll just order it from here.”
“Okay. I’ll look into it. Does anyone at the temple play Sparrow?”
Siljan had known that question was coming. She smiled broadly in response. “Only me, but I’m sure we can teach some others. Bring your tiles with you.”
“I will,” responded Rosalind with a happy smile. “Are you any good?”
“I haven’t played in a while. We’ll find out tomorrow night.”
“At the party. Okay. I should have an answer by then.”
“Rosalind, can I see your Illumination spell?”
She responded by smiling and holding out her right hand palm up. “Illumination!”
Siljan laughed with delight. Sitting on Rosalind’s palm and glowing with soft white light, was a cat sitting on its haunches. And the tail was swishing back and forth!
42
‡ Children ‡
“Now do Marryn!” said Violet excitedly.
Aliva formed the image in her mind, picturing herself with long red hair and pale blue eyes. It was getting easier, and recently she had been able to also change the length of her hair, although that wasn’t nearly as easy as the color change.
She couldn’t attend the Sparrow party scheduled for that evening, but she had decided to help by volunteering to go to Dymar and escort Violet to the mansion. She had arrived at Violet and Orian’s house with her eyes and hair as close to Audrey’s as she could manage, absolutely delighting Violet.
The hideous heatwave the Witch’s City had been enduring had finally ended, and it was a pleasantly-cool, overcast day as the two of them walked along the road through the Witchmarsh. Aliva was carrying Violet’s large shoulder bag, while Violet carried Quentin in his travel crib.
“That’s perfect! How long until you can do the face too?”
“That’s probably going to be a while, but I am working on it.” Skin color was actually the next thing she was going to tackle.
Violet grinned, and probably would have gestured if she hadn’t been holding the crib. “When you get good enough, you should make yourself look just like Audrey and sneak into Saxloc’s room and have sex with him.”
There were several things wrong with Violet’s suggestion, but Aliva decided not to complicate things. “That sounds like fun.”
“I forgot you can’t go in the mansion,” said Violet, frowning. “You’ll have to lure him to Audrey’s cottage.” Violet frowned further, looking somewhat comical. “But that would kill him, wouldn’t it? How are you ever going to have children if you can’t have sex with men?”
“I can’t have children,” Aliva explained. “Half-demons are sterile.”
Violet’s face fell. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay, Violet. I don’t want—”
The words seemed to stick in her throat. She realized that the human part of her did want children and felt abruptly sad. It was another contradiction that she was going to have to come to terms with—one that she had never really thought about before.
Aliva allowed her appearance to return to normal as she tried to come to terms with her feelings. There was barely any conversation as they continued their journey. When they reached the grounds, they encountered Almera on their way to the front entrance.
“Welcome,” said Almera. “Your guest suite is ready, Violet. Complete with baby bed.”
“Okay. I’ll go on in. It’s time for Quentin’s feeding. Thanks for coming to get me, Aliva.”
“You’re welcome.”
Almera looked smug as she pulled something from a shirt pocket and held it out.
Aliva reached out a hand, but then hesitated. It was a thin silver disk about two inches across with a small triangular hole in the middle. The surface was covered with intricate patterns made by thin red and black lines. And it was radiating magic. Strong magic.
“What is this?” asked Aliva, reluctant to even touch it.
“Do you want to come inside or not?” snapped Almera.
“Inside?” Aliva took the disk from her, but she didn’t feel anything.
“Follow me.”
Aliva followed along behind Almera, holding the object on her left palm. When she reached the point where she knew the warding started, she slowed and then cautiously moved forward. The disk began to feel noticeably warm, but not uncomfortably so.
Almera stopped just outside the front doors. “My father made that for you. If it starts getting hot, then you need to leave. Quickly.”
“Okay. How long will it last?” She might be able to attend the Sparrow party!
“We’re not sure. And it needs to be in direct contact with you at all times.”
Aliva was suddenly worried. “What happens if I drop it or it stops working?”
“You don’t want to know. We need to fasten it to you securely.”
That sounded dangerous, but Aliva simply couldn’t resist. Almera opened the left-hand door and Aliva entered the mansion for the very first time. It was even more amazing than she had imagined.
♦ ♦ ♦
Siljan was startled when Violet suddenly grabbed her by the shoulders and demanded, “Why did you do that magic thing to my baby?”
“He has marsh fever. Had, actually, because I cured it. And it was in the early stages.”
“I thought he seemed out of sorts.” Violet let go and stepped back with a sheepish expression. “Sorry. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. You and your husband need to watch out for it too. It’s common in Dymar.” Siljan grinned at her. “You do live in a marsh, you know.”
Violet laughed. “Yes, we had noticed that.”
Siljan was just grateful that she didn’t have to make a trip to Dymar, even if it had gotten cooler. Even wearing protective oil, the bugs were a nuisance. And her examination of Violet and Quentin completed another one of her tasks.
She went back to her room briefly to wash up before going down to the parlor. She heard a familiar voice as she approached and was cheered. For Rosalind to arrive so early probably meant good news. But if it wasn’t, she didn’t know what she was going to do. She was running out of time.
Siljan walked into the parlor and saw Rosalind and Aliva sitting off to the left. She stopped and frowned. There was something not right about that. She concentrated, but could still sense the mansion’s magical wards.
“Aliva! Why aren’t you bursting into flames or melting or something?”
Aliva stood and then pulled up the lower part of her shirt, revealing a silver disk that was somehow affixed to the skin of her belly. “Daragrim made this for me. Almera says that it masks my demon half. It’s working so far.”
“Well, obviously, since you’re not dead.”
Aliva laughed. “I’ll leave you two alone and continue my exploration of this place.”
Rosalind waited for Aliva to leave before saying, “I accept your offer. I’m going to work until the end of the month. Then I’ll take a ship to Rohoville on the first day of Autumn.”
Siljan smiled in relief. “That’s fine. I’ll pay for your fare. You can stay at the Royal Stone Thing until we’re ready to leave.”
“I can’t believe it’s really called that,” said Rosalind with a disapproving look. “But okay.”
“You’ll understand the name after you’ve met my father. And you’ll have a few days to sightsee and meet your fellow recruit.”
“Who is it?”
“His name is Vydan. He’s an elf.” Rosalind looked surprised and Siljan realized that there was something that she had forgotten to mention. “Rosalind, there aren’t any elves or half-elves in the area the temple is in. It’s all humans.”
“I know. Saxloc said that people often stared at him.”
“Yes, but I think it was out of curiosity. I don’t think the peopl
e there have any prejudice against your kind.”
Rosalind frowned. “I hope not.”
“If anyone picks on you, let me know and I’ll deal with them. I’m pretty good with a sword.”
That caused Rosalind to frown deeper. “Do I have to learn to use a weapon too?”
“No. That’s optional. We have people who can protect you if there’s a need.”
“Okay. I’m got some things I need to do, but I’ll be back tonight for the Sparrow party.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” said Siljan. Now that Rosalind had agreed, she really was.
♦ ♦ ♦
Audrey felt drained. Her plans for the second Sparrow party had fallen apart. Carlinda was now busy with something her husband had planned without consulting her. And just before lunch, Lilina had come by and said she couldn’t make it because her daughter was in town. (Being Lilina, she had done it in such a polite manner that Audrey felt like she was the one at fault.) Lilina having a daughter raised all kinds of questions that Audrey desperately wanted to explore, but it would have to wait.
Even with Audrey herself playing, they were now short a player. She complained to Almera at lunch and was surprised when she said that she would deal with the matter. It was only after she returned to her cottage that she realized that Almera would simply ask Medea to play, since her friend was once again coming over to help out with the food and drink. Audrey really wasn’t feeling well, so she laid down on her bed.
Audrey had been incredibly busy lately. She was still alternating quarterstaff lessons with attending the advanced Shorinken class. She was managing to keep up with her mending work for Desires, but just barely. Assisting Aliva was also time-consuming. Yesterday, she had spent hours ordering a custom-colored exotic fabric that Aliva insisted she needed.
Erwin was the one bright spot. He was back in the Witch’s City now, which meant that they could get together whenever they wanted. But between resuming his Shorinken training and his work, he was also very busy. After a date where they both fell asleep right after dinner, they decided to only get together on the one day in ten that he had off. That was working well as far as their relationship was concerned.
Trying to plan the Sparrow party on top of everything else had nearly pushed her over the edge. Lately, she was tired all the time. The cottage was a mess and most of her clothes were in need of laundering. She had already decided that someone else could plan the next Sparrow party.
Audrey had just begun to doze off when her eyes suddenly snapped open. Aliva had shown off her ability to change her appearance during lunch, but Aliva couldn’t possibly have been inside the mansion. Did I dream that? I must have. Her head was aching horribly, so she closed her eyes and soon fell into a deep slumber.
♦ ♦ ♦
Alerted by the mansion, Almera went to the parlor to see the show. She wanted to observe everyone’s reaction to the replacement Sparrow player that she had located. Audrey had said that she was going to play, but Almera wasn’t about to permit that. Even after sleeping all afternoon, Audrey looked both tired and pale. The girl had simply been pushing herself too hard.
Almera saw the shock on Audrey’s face as Violet promptly ran up to one of the people she had invited. “Hi!” she exclaimed. “I’m Violet. I moved to Dymar recently. Well, three months ago. Are you here for the party?”
“It is a pleasure to meet you,” replied the woman with an amused smile. “My name is Ermizad.”
“Ooh!” Violet waved her arms. “I’ve met your cousin Petra. So you’re the one in charge of the city. You’re really pretty! Are you in charge of Dymar too?”
“Dymar and Lovar each have their own local government,” explained Ermizad with an amused expression. “I do have authority over them, but that also means that they are under my protection.”
“Okay. That’s why we see those guards walking around. I like that. It makes me feel safe.”
“I am pleased to hear it. And happy to finally meet you, Violet.”
“Audrey!”
There was a look of confusion on Audrey’s face as she looked down at Ermiana, now standing next to her and grinning. Audrey smiled weakly and said, “Hello, Ermiana.”
“I’m going to play Sparrow with everyone.”
“You are?” Audrey looked confused again.
“Yes,” replied Ermiana before darting off into the parlor.
Almera was feeling guilty because Audrey looked on the verge of collapse. She took Audrey’s right arm and said, “Come with me.” She guided Audrey into the parlor, where Ermiana was now talking excitedly with Kora and Rosalind. Spotting Siljan speaking with Cinda, she led Audrey over to them.
“You look most unwell!” exclaimed Cinda as she took Audrey’s other arm.
Siljan promptly stepped up, put her hands on either side of Audrey’s head, and closed her eyes with a look of concentration. “Recovery!” Siljan’s hands began to glow softly and Almera felt Audrey relax slightly.
When Siljan finished, she stepped back and Audrey said, “Thank you. Was I sick?”
“Yes,” replied Siljan. “But you’ll be fine. Now go to bed.”
“But … the party—”
“Can go on without you,” completed Almera. “We are taking you to your cottage and putting you to bed. No arguments.”
“Okay.”
Audrey, predictably, did argue after they got her home, so Almera simply used a Sleep spell on her.
♦ ♦ ♦
It was no surprise to Marryn when Ermiana fell asleep during the fifth round. She had been looking steadily more sleepy as the evening progressed, yawning and rubbing her eyes. It was probably well past the time she normally went to bed. Kora gave her a questioning look that Marryn simply answered with a shrug. Cinda was simply smiling at she gazed at the now-dozing little girl.
Kora had just pushed back her chair when Ermizad strode into the parlor and came straight to their table. “I suspected that this might occur,” she said, looking apologetic. She carefully picked up her daughter and then carried her to the far corner of the parlor and placed her on a sofa. Returning, she sat down in the chair that Ermiana had occupied. “I have not played in some time, but I shall do my best.”
Marryn hadn’t really been surprised by Ermizad’s sudden appearance, although the others clearly were. It wasn’t the first time that she had observed Ermizad showing up to check on Ermiana before anyone could possibly have told her. It might be that the two of them were linked somehow, but it was also rumored that Ermizad possessed the power of clairvoyance—able to view things that were happening out of her sight.
Violet began to yawn during the last round and it seemed to be contagious. She left for bed even before Aliva read out the final scores.
Marryn wasn’t surprised that Siljan ended up in first place. Siljan’s style of play tended to distract the other players, and she was actually very skilled. But at least she had achieved her own personal goal of beating both Kora and Rosalind, although not by much.
“Marryn, can we afford to hire me an assistant?”
Aliva looked serious, and had thankfully returned to her usual appearance. That had been another distraction while they were playing. And the reason for her question was obvious. “Yes. Go ahead and start looking for one,” Marryn told her.
“Okay. Now all we have to do is convince Audrey.”
Aliva was right. That was going to be the hard part.
♦ ♦ ♦
“When did I ever say I wanted children?”
“You keep saying that Quentin is adorable,” Saxloc reminded her. “Don’t all woman want children?” The expression that question produced on Audrey’s face caused him to instantly regret asking it.
Audrey had been fine the day after the Sparrow party. She had apologized to everyone and then spent the day with Violet, appearing to really enjoy herself. But he and Violet had spent the entire trip to Dymar trying to convince Audrey that Aliva and Marryn weren’t forcing her out of the bus
iness that she had started. She had grudgingly admitted that they were right, but he suspected that she would soon be complaining about it again.
His mother had described Audrey as “emotionally delicate” at the moment, and had warned him to be careful. But now he had clearly made a huge mistake by mentioning his desire to one day have children.
“Quentin is adorable,” admitted Audrey. “But that doesn’t mean that I want to live with him. Crying babies annoy me.”
“Crying babies annoy everyone,” he told her.
“Crying babies remind me of Aldruth.”
Saxloc conducted a swift mental review of what he knew about Aldruth. She had been born when Audrey was six and died about two years later. So Audrey had been old enough to remember her sister’s entire short life.
“She was a noisy baby and her crib was in my room. Our room. She was just beginning to seem like a real person when she got sick. She started getting weaker. Soon, she was too weak to walk. We had to go back to feeding her like she was a baby again. Eventually, she couldn’t move at all. And then she died—probably too weak to breathe. It was horrible.”
Audrey was crying now and Saxloc was feeling rather sad himself. “That might have been some kind of disease,” he said gently. “But it also may have been something that she was born with, a defect that took a while to show up. If that’s the case, then even a cleric couldn’t have saved her.”
“You’re trying to make me feel better,” she said, smiling at him through her tears. “Thank you. And you might be right. It wasn’t something anyone in Farmerton had seen before. Or since.”
Saxloc was now planning to research it himself. Proving that it was a defect that Aldruth had been born with would comfort Audrey, but there was another issue. Like Rosalind’s ailment, it might be hereditary. It might be something that could affect her or her children.