“Come on, Tvrdik!” Rel shouted down, “I’ll give you a boost.” Tvrdik edged up close to Tash’s left forearm, and reached up his uninjured hand, which Jorelial Rey clasped. Glad of her support, he clambered up over the huge forearm and swung one leg over the central spine, settling himself between bony ridges, and casting about for something to hold onto. The thought crossed his mind that he was grateful he had worn his tunic and leggings today, and not his robes, which might have been somewhat awkward in this position. Before he had left that thought, Tash’s great muscles gathered and rippled in one great leap upward, and as the huge wings beat down, they were airborne. Tvrdik’s stomach dropped earthward and then rose into his throat as he looked down to see the ground and his friends spinning crazily away from him when the dragon banked to head upriver. I will never get used to this, he thought, but dared not speak aloud.
“Isn’t it a glorious day for flying?” Rel remarked, and when Tvrdik tried to respond, “Oh, glorious!” his voice cracked.
Since he closed his eyes for the descent, and for most of his ungraceful dismount, it was a complete surprise when he opened them to a regular reception committee. Stewart was there to greet him of course, barking and dancing about. And the entire Praeger family was there to welcome him. The adults seemed so peaceful and happy, he almost didn’t recognize them. But Lynette he knew, even though she had changed in appearance most of all. Rel came down beside him, and Tash settled himself on a wide place in the riverwalk just beside the front gate.
“Come in, come in, and welcome home, Master Tvrdik,” Mrs. Praeger cooed, while Lynette ran forward to take his hand and pull him through the gate. Stewart and Praeger seemed to have come to some sort of peace with one another. He noticed they still gave one another respectful space, but did not seem to harbor any animosity.
As he came through the gate, he noticed how smoothly it opened and shut, without the old creak he had not gotten around to fixing, and when he looked up at Xaarus’ gardens, he was amazed to see lush, colorful, orderly rows of herbs, flowers and vegetables growing in happy profusion, not a weed or an insect blot in sight. The neat plots were surrounded with stones, and divided with posts and string. Speechless, he let his eye wander upward to the house. He had left it in decent condition, but now he noticed details such as the broken shutters, sagging gutters and cracked sills had all been fixed. There were curtains in the windows. Smoke was streaming from the front chimney, though the day was warm, and his nostrils were greeted with the unmistakable aroma of fresh-baked bread. Tvrdik looked at Mrs. Praeger in amazement, a question on his face. “It’s made from potato flour, sir – we find it serves well enough. I hope you like it. There’s also a nice hot lentil stew with spinach and potatoes, all ready for you, and some early strawberries.” Stewart wagged his tail and barked once. Tvrdik stood staring at everyone in shock, “You – you did all this?”
“A great wizard deserves a proper homecoming. We wanted ye to feel comfortable. I hope we did not overstep?”
“No, no, it’s wonderful. I just wasn’t expecting such a …surprise!” He turned for support to Jorelial Rey, who was standing behind him, wearing a smug smile. “Did you know all this was going on?”
“Not me.” she chuckled, “But it seems entirely appropriate – a great wizard does indeed deserve a proper homecoming.”
Praeger himself took a step toward the mage, frayed hat in hand again, which made Tvrdik apprehensive about what might be coming next. “Master,” the little man began, “we didna mean to put everythin’ on ye the moment ye arrived, but since ye asked, well, we have a thought to discuss wi’ ye, and perhaps ye might just hear us out and put it in yer mind for considerin’ later?”
“Go ahead…”
Mrs. Praeger picked up the thread, “Well, we were thinkin’ as how ye’d be fair busy wi’ weighty matters now – entertainin’ important visitors, doin’ healin’ work, and attendin’ to study and other magical matters and such – why, ye won’ be havin’ time to take proper care o’ yerself. And ye shouldna be wastin’ yer time on work like gardenin, fixin’ things, cookin,’ and washin’ up. We were thinkin’ how ye might need people to do all those things for ye…”
Praeger jumped in, “And after all that’s happened, ye know…my heart just isna in the bow and arrow business anymore. Canna much see the good o’ creatin’ things that only bring death and sufferin’, if ye take my meanin’. This last two weeks, workin’ in the earth, and doin’ odd jobs here, I feel really good. Always did like workin’ wi’ my hands, sir, and now it was for buildin’ and growin’ things.” He nodded toward his wife, “Maihre here loves takin’ care o’ folk, and keepin’ a nice, orderly house. Lynette is that wild about ye, and we will always be indebted to ye for makin’ her well…”
Again Mrs. Praeger took over, “…and seein’ as how ye have that whole wing in the back there that no one’s been in fer years, we thought perhaps ye wouldna mind if we fixed it up ourselves? It could be a right comfortable little space for a small family. And then we could stay on and look after ye, proper-like; cook and clean and tend to the garden and the walk in winter…”
Finally they paused for air, but by then Tvrdik’s head was spinning. In his mind, he saw a picture of the old dorm, all of Benjin’s and Ailianne’s things still lying about where they had fallen, covered in dust. Did he have a right to reclaim, to violate that space and its ghosts? And how could he justify having servants when he was of modest background, and used to doing for himself? Mistaking his silence for disapproval, the Praegers glanced at each other in dismay. Praeger broke the silence, “Ye don’ need to answer right away, sir. We just thought ye might do us the kindness of thinkin’ about it. I wouldna blame ye if ye still weren’t comfortable sharin’ house wi’ the likes o’ me, but if ye come inside and have a look around, ye can see a sample of our work. I know a trick or two for fixin’ things, and Maihre here is quite a good cook.”
Lynette, with his hand still in hers, looked up at him and smiled, “I helped, too. I put flowers on all the tables.”
Tvrdik hastened to correct their misunderstanding, “Oh, no, no! Please don’t be offended. It’s a most generous, wonderful offer. It’s just that, well, I’ve never had…um…staff before. Always did things for myself. Plus, I was wondering if the back rooms were even mine to use…”
At this remark, Jorelial Rey, who had been listening with great interest, stepped in and grasped his arm, “Of course they are. I told you to take over the whole house if you could make it livable, and as far as I am concerned, it’s yours. Remember, Xaarus told you to use it with his blessing as well.” Then she leaned in and for his ears only, she whispered, “Let the past go, Tvrdik. They aren’t coming back. It’s time we all moved on.” Startled, he pulled back and stared at her hard. She nodded, then continued aloud, “You know, the Praegers do make good sense. You are going to be awfully busy, especially over the next six weeks, and it would befit your new stature at court to have someone to delegate the chores to. As Court Wizard, you will be receiving a regular stipend from the Crown to cover your expenses. In return, I shall expect you to be on call if necessary seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. If we stand down from high alert sometime in the future, then those points could be renegotiated.” He looked at her quizzically, thinking they both knew he would always be at her beck and call at any hour. But, seeing the twinkle in her eye, he just said, “Oh, yes, that sounds reasonable…”
“And you could choose to pay the Praegers a fair wage out of that stipend, or if you prefer, I could make an arrangement directly with Minister Verger. I do think it is an excellent idea, and suits everyone’s purposes.”
Still not quite able to process so much at once, he turned back to the family, “You’re sure this is what you want?” Praeger and his family nearly tripped over each other to assure him, “Oh, yes, sir.”
“Ye’d be doing us a great favor, sir.”
�
��…an honor, indeed, sir.”
Tvrdik turned to Stewart next, “What do you say, friend? This house has become almost as much yours as mine over the last few weeks.”
Stewart clearly enjoyed being consulted on such weighty matters, “Fine, fine. Bring them on. The more the merrier, I say. Splendid idea. Woof.”
“Alright then, I have only one other condition – Praeger?”
Praeger looked nervous, not knowing what to expect, “What would that be, sir?”
“You will let me work with you in the garden from time to time, won’t you? I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have my hands in the earth at least once in a while – for therapy, you understand?” Tvrdik winked.
Praeger’s face broke into a broad grin, “Why, yes, sir. I think we could turn a blind eye to that, sir. Anytime ye want, sir.” He was worrying his poor hat again, Tvrdik noticed, but this time with joyful energy.
“Good. We can work out the details later, if that is agreeable to you both, but since you seem determined, you are herewith hired, with my gratitude. You can begin working on the back rooms as soon as you like. I’ll even help. Shall we shake on it?” Praeger eyed the hand extended toward him as if it were a fish flying through the air, but Tvrdik held it out firmly before him until at last, gingerly, he grasped it with his own and they shook hands to seal the deal.
“Mrs. Praeger,” Tvrdik was beginning to regain some of his normal good spirits, “this feels like cause for a celebration. How much of that lentil stew did you say we had?”
She beamed, “Enough for a few guests, and I hope they are hungry.”
At that moment, Mark and Delphine appeared at the gate, pulling the cart full of Tvrdik’s books, clothing and medicines. “You’re all still standing outside?” Delphine called, “And we took our time, too.”
Tvrdik cocked his head at Mrs. Praeger, who chuckled with delight. “Bring them all in, Master Wizard. It is a homecoming, after all; a right grand celebration. I’ll see if I can’t scare up a bit of meat for the doggie as well.” Stewart stood very straight and raised an eyebrow, uncertain if he should be more insulted at being called ‘the doggie’, or excited about the prospect of meat. Tvrdik looked back at Tashroth, who nodded to him, benediction-like, and the rest of the party made their way inside, laughing, and commenting on the delicious scents that greeted them at the door. Inside, Mr. and Mrs. Praeger began scurrying about to lay a table for eight, including Stewart and themselves, as Tvrdik had made it clear that he expected them to join in the meal, not simply serve. Stewart stayed close by them, ostensibly to help, but most likely to look out for his own best interests.
Lynette guided the other four about the house in a little tour. Xaarus’ old bachelor’s house had never looked so homey and inviting. Lynette had put fresh flowers in vases on all the tables. There were curtains and throw rugs in every room in bright but tasteful colors. The kitchen and pantry were well-stocked, and Tvrdik even noticed several jars of preserves from recent harvest, just as he had instructed Praeger from his palace room. The bedroom would rival any at Theriole for comfort and coziness. There was a new coverlet and decorative touches all over the room; a chest for clothing at the foot of the bed, painted with flowers, and a few pictures of landscapes on the walls, one even including a waterfall. Even the fireside corner of the library where Tvrdik had enjoyed reading sported a new lamp, an oval braided rug, and a small handmade quilt that one could either sit on for extra comfort or wrap up in on a chilly evening. All the fireplaces had wood and kindling neatly stacked nearby, and the whole place had a warm, inviting feel to it that he never remembered from years before. The floors were scrubbed spotless, and every room was dusted. When Lynette reached the door to Xaarus’ old laboratory, she leaned in as if sharing a secret.
“Mama says we must never go in or touch anything in there. She says it is where a wizard does his most special magical work, and it would not do to disturb anything.”
“That’s true, Lynette, and very good advice indeed, though I am sure it would be alright if I brought you in sometime to show you things.” Lynette, eyes wide, looking solemn, nodded. Tvrdik was beginning to decide that he really liked the Praegers, and looking about, he realized just how hard they must have worked to accomplish so very much in so short a time. He leaned toward Rel, “Look at this place! Here was a man you might have had imprisoned or executed for treason. However did you know?”
She shook her head, “Good instincts, I guess. Are you happy with the way it is turning out?”
“I am ecstatic. You took a leap of faith, and I get the benefits. Quite a homecoming indeed. I shall have to pinch myself to be sure it won’t all vanish by tomorrow.”
“Oh, I think you can count on everything staying just as it is for some time to come.” She smiled.
“You’ll have to help me figure out how much to pay them. I’ve no experience with that sort of thing.”
“I’ll have Verger work up a budget and a contract. He’ll know.”
During this conversation, Mark and Delphine had taken it upon themselves to unpack Tvrdik’s things and put them away in places they thought sensible, and Lynette had vanished for a few moments. Now she came skipping back with a message, “Master Wizard, Mama says just for today we are short several chairs, and three bowls for lunch, and wonders if you had any ideas?”
Tvrdik nodded and bent low to the little girl’s level, “Go tell your Daddy there are benches in the classroom in the back wing that he can pull out and use for seats. And then, go out to the yard and see if you can find me three very big rocks.”
“Rocks?”
“Yes, rocks. They need to be big, so you might have to bring them in one at a time, alright? Don’t hurt yourself. Just do one at a time and put them on the table, and come get me when you are done. Can you do that?”
“I think so. But, on the table? Mama won’t like that.”
“Tell her I said it was alright. Go along now.” Lynette dashed away with the boundless energy of youth, mission in hand.
“Oh, she’s absolutely charmed by you,” Rel remarked.
“You think so?” Tvrdik smoothed his hair and straightened his glasses in a mock gesture of self-appreciation, but he was blushing. “Well, at that age, their affections are so very fickle. Tomorrow it will be another tall, handsome fellow, and I’ll be out with the trash.” They laughed.
“What are you going to do with rocks, anyway?”
“You’ll see. We’d better go and find her.” They worked their way back to the big communal dining area, where Lynette was just placing the last of three rather large, heavy stones on the dining table, her mother scowling at her from the hearth, where she stirred a giant pot. The woman’s eyes met Tvrdik’s, and she threw up her hands and scurried off into the kitchen. The little girl was struggling to boost the flattish rock onto the tabletop, but she managed the task by adding some rather well-executed grunts. Tvrdik examined her work, “Oh, these will do just fine. You follow instructions very well.” She gave him a little curtsey in response. “Now, stand right back there, and watch carefully…” Lynette stood very still and fastened her eyes on the table. Tvrdik gripped his staff, closed his eyes and visualized, concentrating on detail. Then, with a wave of his left hand over the stones, he mumbled something unintelligible. Before their eyes, three rocks reformed themselves into sturdy, earthenware bowls that matched almost exactly the others that had already been placed on the table. Lynette blinked and shook her head, but bowls still sat there where stones had been a moment before. She gasped.
“How did you…? You just….Oh!”
The wizard laughed at her amazement, and then made a worried face, “Oops! I forgot something.” He laid his hand over one of the bowls, and when he drew it away, it had changed: painted white with little figures of pink flowers and blue bunnies all around the outside edge, and letters deep in the bowl that spelled out L-Y-N-E-T-T-E. It was l
ovely.
“Oooooh,” cried the little girl, clapping her hands, “is that one for me?”
“Of course, because you are special. Can you read, Lynette?”
“Not always, but I know what my name looks like. See, there, L-Y-…”
“Never mind. In this house, you will learn to read. I will teach you myself, yes?”
“Oh, yes, please.”
“Would you take these bowls in to your Mom, Lynette, and ask her if she needs anything else?” She was still staring at them with saucer-round eyes, almost afraid to touch them. Tvrdik laughed to see the awed expression on her face. “Go ahead. They won’t bite.” He turned away, back to Jorelial Rey, who was standing behind him with exactly the same expression. “What?” he chuckled, “Did you want a bunny bowl too, my lady?”
“I just can’t get over how casually you do these remarkable things.”
“It’s a simple trick, really, but useful. Nice to know this hand still works.” He flexed the fingers of his left hand a few times, “They won’t stay in that form forever, but they will be fine for today. Eventually, I shall have to get her a real bowl like that, or she’ll be terribly disappointed.”
“You’re very good with her.”
“I suppose I’m a bit of an overgrown child myself. It’s ironic, since in my youth I was far too serious.” A loud scraping sound interrupted them, and Mark hurried to help Praeger drag the heavy classroom benches in from the closed off section beyond the kitchen.
“Could use a good dustin’, but they’ll do,” Praeger wheezed, “Och, they are that heavy.””
“Oh, yes. I spent a lot of time on this very seat in my schooldays, and we were often shoving them around the room for different vantage points. I am familiar with their heft.”
No sooner did they place all the chairs and benches around the table, when Mrs. Praeger called out, “Lunch, everyone!” She didn’t have to invite twice. Delphine and Mark, Tvrdik and Rel, Stewart and the three Praegers converged around the big table, passing bowls, cups, spoons and knives, and sorting out seating. There was a huge pot of the lentil stew, which Mrs. Praeger ladled out generously. Then, trays of warm potato bread, fresh butter, and goat cheese, pitchers of milk and apple cider, and a large bowl of sliced strawberries. Stewart got a special plate made for him, which included pieces of cheese and some sort of cooked fowl. Being a tall dog, he preferred to eat standing up, his bowl placed on the edge of one of the benches, just at the perfect level for him. Everyone else helped themselves to the bounty before them, and enjoyed a peaceful hour of good food, good company, good conversation, and laughter. Compliments abounded for Mrs. Praeger’s cooking. Tvrdik marveled that all of this was happening in his home, and he harbored a secret wish that such fellowship would be a regular occurrence here. In his heart, he blessed the house, the food, the Praegers, his friends, and was grateful.
The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare Page 41