"I still have to finish up both sides and then apply the clear finish. That will keep the paint protected. It will have to be applied each year, but that is better than repainting it." Molly was stretching. She had been painting the bottom of the wagon for the last bit. "I should be done today. The finish will take a few hours to dry to the touch, but it will take a day to set hard. Once that is done it will be easy to care for on the road. Just some water should clean off most things." She poked her head into the wagon. "You ready for food?"
Mark answered from inside the wagon, "Let me finish this cloud. I will be ready in a few moments." His voice sounded odd.
Molly turned around, a smile on her face. "He is laying down, painting the ceiling. It is quite cute."
"I am not cute." Mark's voice reached out, in a playful tone. "I am a big, burly man. At the worst you could call me endearing."
Molly smiled even bigger at his comment. "If I say you are cute, then you are cute. You are a cute, big, burly man. Deal with it."
Amelia laughed and stuck her head into the wagon, her gasp ringing out. "Mark! This is amazing!"
"You stay out till it is done!" He stated, "No peaking until I finish!" He was not teasing now, but serious.
Molly shook her head, "He takes pride in his work, but he also enjoys getting to show the finished product off. I would wait till he shows you if you want to keep him happy."
Amelia nodded and turned. "Want to head to the camp and wait for his cuteness there?"
We could hear Mark growl from inside the wagon.
"That sounds good." Molly threw her arm through Amelia's and off they went.
We sat there a few moments, finishing the preparations for our own meal. Mark finally climbed down from inside the wagon.
"I am done for now. Please do not look till I have finished. I have a few more details to make and then the clear finish to apply." He stretched also and headed towards Amelia's camp.
"They are a fun group of people to be around." Tulip stated this as she drank her tea. "Those three have always teased each other, even as small children."
Stain sat down and sighed, "Well, since the attack I have not sensed or heard any other dangers."
Tulip nodded, "That is the way of some of the people. They lash out only when they feel they might do so safely."
"I have met people like that. Some are cowards, others are simply planners." Stain sighed, "It just makes me itchy knowing that there is someone out there waiting to attack."
Raven pulled a knife and started flipping it one handed, something I noticed she did when anxious or worried. "I just wish they would come out and attack us straight up. No sneaking around or such. I can handle a straight on attack."
I nodded, "I could handle a confrontation This waiting is annoying."
Mophar threw a nut at me, "All of you are crazy. How about they just go away all together?"
Pat, who was laying on top of Tulip's wagon called down, "I would suggest that no matter what else happens we all be prepared. Something will occur sooner or later." He sat up and looked around. "I can feel it in my bones."
We all sat there for a few moments, considering how there was a group of people who hated us so much they were willing to destroy our stuff and kill our friend. We all ate slowly, taking the time to talk about minor subjects, trying to put the dark subject away for now.
"I do not care what you think on this matter. I am doing it!" Molly stomped back into the campsite and headed straight for her paints.
Mark and Amelia followed close on her heels. "Molly! Listen to reason!" Mark called after her as he followed her.
Amelia sat down and shook her head, "They were discussing what they were doing after painting the wagon. Mark wants to stay here for a while, they have already been offered some jobs. Mainly touch ups and such. Molly wants to travel to a few other sites, people have promised work if they will travel to them. Needless to say they are at odds about what to do."
Tulip chuckled, "If I know them it will be settled by the end of the day. Most likely they will travel, even Mark would rather paint whole projects than do touch up work."
Amelia nodded and smiled, "I suggested that they travel with us. They would be better off, plus the more the merrier."
Tulip smiled, "That would be fine. Just check with me before inviting any more. I am leading and there are a few I would rather not have on this excursion."
Amelia blushed slightly, "Sorry. I will check from now on." She stood. "I have to get a few things together for the ceremony." She blushed even darker, "I am getting married after all." She flashed a grin at Raven and left the campsite.
Raven grinned and looked at me. "That is true. There is so much to do in just a few days."
Tulip nodded, "That is very true. Just look at how much has been done in the last couple of days. A new wagon and team acquired, the same wagon customized, a beautiful stove installed, a paint job almost done, the various things needed for the wagon bought and ready to be put into the wagon. The things that are left are less complicated than most of what has already been completed." She stood. "I will have a significant part to play in the upcoming ceremony. I am going to make sure things are progressing along nicely." She walked out of the campsite.
Mark walked over to the fire side and sat down. "While we have a few moments without Tulip I would like to talk to you Master Stain."
Stain looked surprised but nodded, "What is it Mark?"
Mark looked over at us and had a questioning look.
"They are in my full confidence. Either we can discuss it in front of them or I will be discussing it with them later." Stain sighed.
Mark nodded and leaned forward. "I have been hearing things. Many of the people are against Tulip being the vine in the in grafting I understand that some people have already shown their displeasure by attacking your camp. I want to suggest that once the paint job is done that you and your apprentices take the time to put protections in place on your wagon. A wagon is central to being one of the people. What better thing to destroy than the very thing that is identified with the people?" He stood and grinned gently. "I know, even with the amulets, that you three are wheel handlers. I myself am one, however my skill is minor compared to most." With that startling revelation he turned and entered the wagon, intent on finishing his work.
We sat there a moment in thought.
"There sure are a lot of mages around here." Mophar commented through a mouthful of fruit. "It is a wonder that nobody has attacked you with magic."
"A fat lot of good that would do them." Stain grinned. "We guarded against that."
Stain stood up. "With the painting finishing up tonight, perhaps we can start to load items into the wagon tomorrow. To make this go easier, I think we should pull everything from it's temporary packaging and sort it into piles. Each pile will go to a specific area, that way we can each work on putting away items without getting in each others way."
Raven and I stood up and started to help. We made eight main piles of things that would go into the wagon. Two of those piles would go into storage that was on the outside of the wagon. Under the driver's seat for example. Another pile was things that hung on the outside of the wagon. This included lamps, a large brass bell, and a large tub for washing. The other five piles went to various spaces in the wagon. Master Thorn had built storage into every possible space and it would be used on a daily basis. This sorting took the better part of the afternoon and resulted in a large pile of various wrappings, packages, and crates.
"What do we do with all of this refuse?" Raven stood next to the pile, it was as tall as she was.
Stain grinned, "Someone will be along to haul it off soon. They will reuse most of it for much of the same items." He set another crate next to the pile. "Every time a wagon is outfitted this kind of refuse builds up. They have figured out ways to design packaging and crates so that they may be reused over and over. It is really ingenious how they do this same kind of thing for many parts of their lives.
"
Raven nodded, "I wondered. Most of the crates had obviously seen many people's hands."
I grinned and kept moving things. At times we had to discuss where something would be stored. I learned much about the running of a household living out of a wagon. It was not much different than living out of a tent. The main differences had to do with each item having a set place and not having to pack and unpack all the time. Even setting up a campsite was simpler with a wagon. No tents to set up would make it much easier to set up camp each night. We also would have to move many items from Tag and Evins into the wagon. Both Raven and I had items stored on their shells.
"I would say we are done." Mark called out.
Molly stood beside him. She swatted his arm, "I say we are done. There is no more painting to be done on this wagon. Come see it!" She fairly bounced in excitement.
We all walked over and walked around the wagon. The vines looked alive, almost seeming to move in the breeze. There were even small bugs on some of the leaves. The purple had a texture, it no longer looked like painted wood.
"Look inside! I think you will love it!" Molly fairly gushed her excitement.
We all walked up the steps, one of the few places the vines and leaves did not encroach. Stain stepped into the wagon first and he stopped and stared. Raven poked him so that he would move and she would be able to see inside. Stain jumped and stepped deeper into the wagon. Raven stepped in and froze just inside. Luckily I am tall enough and could see over her head, if just barely. The inside was amazing. Mark had done what we had asked, however he had gone beyond what we had asked. The upper portion was painted like an evening sky, but the depth of colors could confuse the eye and make you think you were looking up through a clear roof into the real sky. The clouds looked real and like they were floating high above our heads, instead of within arm's reach. The lower portion was where Mark's attention to detail was evident. The plants covered almost every surface from hip height downwards. The leaves of each plant was clearly defined, the flowers seemed to drip dew, and I could see in a brief glance that the even had extra details like bee's and butterfly's. We all just stood there and looked around the inside of the wagon. The painting was done in such a way that the stove was complimented throughout it's execution. The color's used matched or complimented those used in the stove. It seemed as if small pieces of flowers, leaves, and even insects were used to create the enamel covering the stove.
"Mark, this is masterly done." Stain turned and grinned. "I had high hopes and you have exceeded every one. This makes me want to have a wagon once more simply so that you might paint it for me."
Mark ducked his head and smiled, "Thank you Master Stain. I am no master, yet I appreciate your praise."
Molly hugged Mark, "He should be a master. His skill says so." Mark hushed her gently.
Stain grinned, "I agree with the fine young lady. Both of you deserve the title, such is both of your talents."
They both gaped at him slightly. "What do you mean?" Mark whispered.
Stain's sneaky smile had come out, "Why, did nobody tell you? I am a full brother on the road and also a very important adviser to my king. Within our kingdom I have the authority to place the rank of Master upon those that I deem worthy. There are times that master's come from other methods than the apprenticeship system." He suddenly stood tall, "I can give you the rank within our kingdom, however within the people I will have to place a petition with the elders. I am surprised nobody has done so before."
Mark shook his head, "Not many would allow us to have such freedom as you have allowed. Most of our work previously was minor. This is the first wagon we have been allowed to have full control over."
Stain nodded, "Nobody recognized your potential." Mark nodded, as did Molly. "Well, that shall change. If you allow?"
Molly fairly cheered and kissed Mark's stunned face. Mark nodded dumbly, as if he could not believe what he was hearing. "Thank you Master Stain." He turned and walked down from the wagon, struggling with the idea of being recognized as a master.
Molly watched him go and turned to Stain, "If you can do what you say then you will make one of Mark's lifelong dreams come true. No painters would have him as an apprentice and he learned to paint in secret. Once he was allowed to marry and we had our own wagon he started doing small painting jobs. Just enough to keep his skill and his dream alive. He has long resigned himself that the rank of master might be beyond his grasp." She grinned a brilliant smile, "This does mean he might agree with traveling with you now." She followed him and wrapped her arms around Mark. They talked a while and finally they joined us at the fire. "The wagon needs to rest tonight. By tomorrow morning it will be ready for loading." Mark looked around. "I would ask that you place protections on it tonight. It hurts me to think of anything happening to this wagon." He stood and pulled Molly to her feet. They walked away from the campfire, hand in hand.
Stain watched them go, a gentle smile on his face. "An amazing couple there. I think we will take their advice." He stood up and approached the wagon. Rave and I followed. "We need to cast a good handful of spells on the wagon. Some will be on the wagon itself, others will be on some of the objects." He turned to me and smiled. "I think I will allow you and Raven to work on the small protections that need to be done while I work on the main wagon." He handed me a sheet of paper with a list of spells and where to place them. I was surprised that even the lamps would be getting protection spells. I said as much. "When you think about it, it will make sense. The lamps are made from glass and it would be a shame for the glass to break. This spell will protect from just such a thing from happening. Each spell will protect from intentional and accidental damage. Some will also improve the object. Now, get on with it. I have a short list to do myself and it is getting late." He smiled and turned back to prepare for casting a handful of spells onto the wagon.
We worked for quite a while until we had placed spells on most of the larger items that would be on the wagon or stored inside it. When we finished, Raven and I sat and drank deeply. Stain was just finishing up a few things at the front of the wagon. He came and sat down beside us.
"Why did it take you so much longer to do the spells?" I asked him. "I figured you could cast each spell over the wagon and be done with it."
Stain smiled, "But the wagon is not one single piece of wood. If I did cast one spell then if the spell failed the entire wagon would be at risk. Also the spell would not be as effective. By casting it on each piece of the puzzle that makes up the wagon, it makes the entire wagon stronger and more resistant to damage. Each piece will be protected, so the entire wagon is protected." He took a deep drink. "Now also, if for some reason a piece needs to be replaced or switched for some reason we do not have to recast every protection, just those on that one piece."
I thought a moment and nodded. "That all makes sense."
Stain grinned, "I am glad you agree." He stood up. "I am tired. My bed is calling my name. Good night." He walked over to his tent and we could hear him settling in for the night.
Raven stood and swayed where she stood. "I am still not used to casting magic like that." She smiled sheepishly, "I am tired to my bones. Good night Ott." She walked slowly to her tent and I hear her drop onto her cot. I grinned, knowing how tired she must be.
I took care to bank the fire for the night and went to my own tent. I laid down and smiled. Tomorrow we would be spending a lot of time loading all of our worldly possessions into our wagon. Not everything, but most of it. With that thought I smiled and went to sleep.
***
"Wake up!" Mophar screamed in my ear.
I jumped from my cot, confused about my surroundings.
"The wagon is on fire!" Mophar was still screaming. His words suddenly made sense and I raced out of my tent.
I stood there, frozen. The wagon was covered with a layer of flames that licked and crawled over the entire surface.
"STAIN! RAVEN!" I screamed for them as I ran towards the wagon, not know
ing what to do but knowing I had to do something.
"OTT!" Stain's voice ripped through the night. "STOP!" The command in his voice broke through my panic and I slid to a stop. Looking back, I saw that he stood at the opening of his tent. Anger was obvious on his face. "Ott, come here."
"But Stain! The fire!" I was confused.
"Ott! Come here at once." Stain stood straighter. Raven was standing in her tent opening, looking disheveled
I walked over to Stain and sullenly stood there watching the fire rage out of control. It climbed higher and higher. Tulip came out of her wagon and sat on her steps. Soon Ruth, Amelia, and Robert approached and talked to Tulip. They also sat and watched. As the fire continued to burn more and more people came into the campsite to watch the fire burn out of control. I stood there in shock, knowing that we could stop it at any moment.
"Now Ott. Stop and think. What is the fire burning?" Stain's voice was gentle.
Angerly I answered, "My wagon."
Stain shook his head, "Look closely. Look really close, use your gifts."
I turned and looked at the wagon. Something in Stain's voice seemed to imply I was missing something. I looked closer at the fire. It wrapped around every part of the wagon, crawling across every surface. Yet the colors were still apparent, nothing was looking burned, no ash or char was appearing. I opened my mage sight and realized why Stain had called me back and why he was less upset than I was. The spells that we had just applied to the wagon were doing their job. The fire was burning, raging against the wagon. But the spells were preventing any damage to occur. I turned to Stain and nodded, acknowledging what he wanted me to see.
A Coursing Passage (A Life of Magic Book 3) Page 14