Hearthglen

by Daniel Schinhofen

  “Now you’re mine,” Fiona’s words were soft but certain as she pressed the attack.

  Ryann hissed, unable to halt the flurry. Desperate to push Fiona back, Ryann gambled. Stepping into the attacks, she stopped defending and went for an attack of her own. Fiona shook her head as the staff swept around, catching both blades and forcing them out. The end of the staff came down hard on Ryann’s boot, followed by the other end smacking into Ryann’s head with a dull thump.

  Everyone in the yard winced at the sound. Myna and Ida stopped training to see if Ryann was okay. Fiona was already kneeling next to her, “Ryann?”

  “Winter’s tits, that hurt,” Ryann muttered as she touched her head gingerly.

  Sean knelt down next to Ryann. “We know you can be hard headed, but don’t try to block attacks that way.” Extending his senses, he could feel Ryann’s energy being used, and she seemed to be feeling the pain less and less.

  “I’m so glad you’re supportive,” Ryann grumbled as she sat up.

  “If you were hurt, I’d be worried, but you’re fine,” Sean said, standing up and offering her a hand. “Besides, now you get to watch me fail again.”

  “Maybe I’ll return the favor when she scrambles your brains,” Ryann said, taking his hand. A small smile crept onto her lips as he helped her to her feet. Wobbling and hissing in pain as she tried to put her weight on her injured foot, she leaned hard against Sean for a moment before stepping back. “Sorry, I didn’t realize my foot was that injured.”

  “It’s fine,” Sean said with obvious concern. “Go enjoy your brief respite,” he added, feeding her a bit more energy to help replenish what she was using to heal.

  Fiona stepped away to take another defensive stance. “I’m sorry, Ryann. I moved on instinct with the final combo. I didn’t mean to hit you that hard.”

  “It’s fine,” Ryann said, rubbing her head as she limped off to the side. “I knew it was a bad idea, but I was going to lose otherwise, so I gambled.”

  “Now that we know she’s fine, back to work,” Myna instructed Ida. “Take the stance.”

  Chapter Nine

  They finished their dinners with sighs of happiness. “That was very good, Myna. You did an amazing job with the little meat we had left,” Sean praised her.

  “Thank you, Master,” Myna beamed.

  “The soup was very good,” Ida agreed.

  “Tomorrow I’ll cook dinner,” Fiona said as she collected the dishes.

  “I wouldn’t mind having a turn,” Ryann said. “If I’m to be a part of this house for a while, I should do so equally.”

  “At least until we get a maid,” Sean chuckled. “Fiona, you said you were looking into that?”

  “I’ve made an inquiry that I think will work for us, but I’m still waiting for an answer, and it will likely be a few days until I can say more.”

  “Okay. If we have a few days, then we might as well rotate who cooks,” Sean said.

  “You are exempt,” Fiona said firmly.

  Frowning, Sean started to complain, but Myna spoke over him, “Master, please adapt a little to our world,” she sighed. “You have two Life Bonded, and soon, a maid. You are above these things. Focus instead on different matters. I’m sure there are things you’d like to try or learn more about.”

  “Fine,” Sean said, holding up his hands in surrender, “you win.”

  “I’ll take tomorrow,” Fiona said again. “Then Ryann can have Nineday.”

  “Can I cook on Tenday?” Ida asked.

  Fiona’s lips curled up in a smile, “You wish to be our equal as well, Ida?”

  Cheeks heating, Ida looked down. “I wish to be a member of this family… at least while I’m here,” the last few words were hurried.

  “If that’s the case, I’ll work you even harder tomorrow,” Myna said, a glint in her eye.

  “I’ll do better, then,” Ida said, looking up to meet Myna’s gaze. “I’m not even sore.”

  Myna’s eyes gleamed, “Well then, we should definitely increase tomorrow’s lessons. You can join me outside for extra time a couple of hours before dinner.”

  “Myna,” Sean began, “I don’t—”

  “Sean, this is needed,” Fiona whispered into his ear. “Myna and I only have your best interests at heart. She’ll learn in time, but for now, let her youthful pride take a hit. In the long run, it will be better for all involved.”

  Shaking his head, Sean got to his feet. “I’m off to see friends and assholes.”

  “Sean,” Ida said, standing up quickly, “might I come with you? Since I’m apprenticed now, I would like to go occasionally.”

  “That’s fine, but are you sure you want to go tonight? You’ll be going with Fiona to the market tomorrow to see about selling goods, remember?”

  “I remember. I’ll leave early, but I would like to see the other apprentices.”

  “Want to flaunt your status— since their teachers will want to know about Sean— is what you mean,” Ryann said.

  Ida looked away. “A little. It’s also because a few of them said that I’d only ever be there if I took Denmur’s offer.”

  “You can come,” Sean said. He dug out a bronze coin and tossed it to her. “Return any change to Fiona, and make sure you follow the normal rules for being there.”

  Catching the coin, Ida nodded hurriedly, “Yes, sir.”

  “Ladies, I’ll be home later tonight,” Sean said as he headed for the door.

  “We’ll be waiting,” Fiona called after him. “Enjoy yourself, and try not to start any fights.”

  Joseph and Sam were leaving at the same time, so they ended up walking down the street in a group. After exchanging greetings, Ida dominated the conversation, excitedly telling her mother about Shaping earlier in the day.

  Joseph listened in, a hopeful look on his face. When Ida paused, he interrupted, “MacDougal, will my son be able to do half of what she was able to?”

  “It will depend on how well he resonates with the Talent,” Sean replied. “Ida here was very in tune, hence her amazing leap forward,” he nodded, giving her a look. Ida looked down, her cheeks heating at her gaffe. Sean turned back to Joseph, “We’ll find out tomorrow, but since he’s been around metal his whole life and comes from a line of smiths, I have hope for him.”

  “Ah, MacDougal. You do indeed seem to enjoy the company of some smiths at least,” Gertihs said, coming toward the inn and nodding familiarly at Sam, and Joseph. “I see you are at least on speaking terms with the two best remaining smiths in town.” He looked at Ida curiously. “Miss Bronzeshield, did you come to talk to Denmur about an apprenticeship after all?”

  “No. I will be joining the other apprentices at their table for a bit,” Ida replied coldly.

  Brows rising, Gertihs looked to Sean, “Ah. I see. You move quickly, and with results it seems, MacDougal.”

  “Sometimes things just work out,” Sean replied blandly, putting his best professional smile on.

  “You will be joining us, won’t you?” Gertihs asked.

  “I’ll sit for a little while, but I’ll need to step away early again tonight. I have many things to accomplish still if I’m to get even a toehold in the city.”

  “Of course,” Gertihs smiled. “It’s an odd path you’re taking to gain a foothold, but it’ll certainly be interesting.”

  “Bronzeshield, Tackett, I hope you both have a pleasant night,” Sean said to the two smiths. “It appears tonight I’ll be sitting with the Shapers. I’ll speak with you again in the future.”

  “Good eve, MacDougal,” Joseph replied.

  “Thank you again, MacDougal,” Sam smiled broadly. “My shop and home are always open to you.”

  Gertihs’ brow rose at Sam’s phrasing, but he had schooled his expression back in place by the time Sean looked back to him. “We never got the chance to speak properly last time,” Gertihs said as he and Sean entered the inn together. “I’m sorry for what Carver said. He doesn’t speak for all of us.” />
  “I’m sure he doesn’t,” Sean replied. Reaching the table, Sean noticed the seat next to Silvertouch was empty. “Is this seat reserved?”

  “It is. For you, MacDougal,” Silvertouch smiled. “I had been hoping to speak more about your work.”

  Taking the seat, Sean gave her the same false smile he had used outside. “I’m sure. I never did get introduced around the table though, so maybe we should do that first.” Waving the barmaid over, Sean held out a bronze coin to her when she stopped by his chair. “A ‘Dark Delight’ for me, and a round for the others.”

  As the table ordered, Sean looked over to where Ida was sitting with a dozen younger people. Seeing her smile, Sean chuckled to himself. He knew how nice it was to make people eat their own words.

  When the barmaid left, Sean brought his attention back to Gertihs. He had taken a seat next to a broad shouldered, balding man, who was looking at Sean with a supercilious smirk on his face. “We haven’t been introduced; I had not yet made it in before you left the other night,” the man said, his voice conveying his own importance. “I’m Aldius Denmur, Shaper and merchant.”

  “Sean MacDougal, Shaper. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Denmur. I’ve heard your name from a number of people.”

  “All in good ways, I hope?”

  “They spoke highly of you,” Sean replied.

  “I see that Ida Bronzeshield has joined the apprentice table,” Denmur went on. “Did you reach an Agreement with her and her family?”

  “She’s my apprentice.”

  “Curious,” Denmur said, his false smile fading. “I’ve had an offer open for her to apprentice with me for some time, and have been rebuffed. I know it is impolite to ask, but what terms did you offer?”

  “Acceptable ones,” Sean replied, his smile becoming real as he enjoyed Denmur’s growing annoyance. “I’d say more, but a vow of secrecy was part of the Agreement.”

  Denmur’s eyes hardened and his gaze locked onto Sam at the smith table, who was laughing at something. “Ah, a pity. Well, best of luck on securing a place in the city. We have a number of skilled crafters and Shapers already.”

  “I believe I’ll find a niche,” Sean replied.

  “Excuse me,” the barmaid said, carrying a full tray of drinks for the table.

  Denmur waved her off when she tried to give him a mug. “Send it back. I just remembered there’s business I need to conduct.” Denmur stood to leave, “One last question, MacDougal... when are you going to see if Bronzeshield can hold the energy needed to Shape?”

  Sean took a long pull from his mug before setting it down, making Denmur wait. “Oh, didn’t I say? She had her first lesson today. Ida shows remarkable promise for Shaping, and even carries enough energy to do it on her own, if at a lesser degree than any of you.”

  “I... see,” Denmur said tightly. “Carver, come with me. We should finish that conversation about your daughter.”

  Eyebrows around the table rose, and Carver stood. “Gladly, Denmur.”

  With those two gone, the feeling at the table was more relaxed. “Now, about the delayed introductions,” Sean said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all. As I’ve said before, I’m Sean MacDougal.”

  The remaining people at the table introduced themselves, except Silvertouch and Gertihs since Sean already knew them both. Sean nodded at each name, turning curiously to Gertihs once that was done. “Pardon my ignorance, and no insult is intended here, but everyone else has a surname matched to their Talent. Why is yours not similar?”

  “My line came from the Goldhand Shapers. Along our branch, the Talent dwindled. Instead of Shaping, we were simple goldsmiths until my father. His mother was a powerful Shaper, which refreshed the Talent in my line. Instead of changing our name, we’ve held onto this one since my family already has a reputation as being some of the best goldsmiths outside of the Quaditals.”

  “That makes sense,” Sean smiled, “thank you.”

  “What of you, MacDougal? Where do you come from?” Silvertouch asked, placing her hand near his on the table.

  “A small town of no importance,” Sean said with a small shrug. “Neither of my parents had any Talent, so my only thought is to thank some long deceased ancestor for my current life.”

  “That must have been something, to find Talent with no previous hope of one,” Silvertouch said. “How did you come to have the mastery of it that you do?”

  “Practice, practice, practice,” Sean replied. “It’s one of the reasons I get along with the smiths so well.”

  “Could your parents not afford to send you to one of the lesser academies?” Gertihs asked.

  “No, they would never have been able to. The village as a whole probably couldn’t have afforded to do so.”

  “Must have been a backwater,” one of the others muttered under their breath.

  “I’ve heard such stories before,” the brewmaster, Darkfoam, said. “My family has a similar tale from a long time ago. It’s how my line got started brewing.” The Dwarf stroked his beard. “Still, the level of Shaping you have would place you amongst us quite firmly.”

  “I haven’t gotten the chance to say yet, so let me do so now.” Sean lifted his mug, “Your ‘Dark Delight’ is a treasure.”

  Darkfoam chuckled, “It’s a good one, but that’s just the stuff my family sells.”

  “You have better not for sale?” Sean asked.

  Eyes twinkling, Darkfoam shrugged, “Perhaps.”

  “If you do, those must be special brews, indeed.”

  “They are,” Silvertouch said, rolling her eyes. “He loves acting mysterious, but anyone who’s attended one of their parties knows that what the family keeps is easily twice as good. It almost ruins normal drinks for us.”

  “I’ve told you, Silvertouch, you can have access to the stock any time you wish,” Darkfoam smiled.

  “I’d rather bed one of the smiths, as I’ve told you before,” Silvertouch said coldly. “Your last fling let slip your tastes, if you recall. It’ll take a desperate woman, or an unknowing one, to agree to be yours.”

  Standing abruptly, his chair going backward at speed, Darkfoam growled, “You’ll die alone, you cold, aloof…” Letting his sentence drop off, the brewmaster stormed toward the door.

  “Damn,” Sean sighed. “I was hoping to ask what Talent he has that helps him with brewing.”

  “I can answer that,” Silvertouch said.

  “Silvertouch, what are you doing?” Gertihs snapped.

  “Answering a simple question,” she replied as if the answer was obvious.

  “You’d go so far to appease your anger?” Stoneeyes said, getting up from the table. “I won’t stay here and be a part of this.”

  “Me, either,” Watercaller said. “Come on, Stoneeyes, we have a long day tomorrow checking and refilling the reservoir.”

  “They’re right, Silvertouch,” Gertihs said, finishing his mug and standing. “If you do tell him, you’ll be crossing a line. I implore you to reconsider, but I won’t be here to witness your folly.”

  The table cleared, leaving just Silvertouch and Sean. Staring into her mug, Silvertouch grimaced. “He’s a pig, but they make a valid point. Forgive me for saying I would tell you, MacDougal.”

  “I understand. I respect you for holding back, even with the anger you feel. I don’t know what exactly has passed between the two of you, but it was obviously unpleasant.”

  “An understatement if there ever was one,” Silvertouch laughed coldly. “He’s twice my age, even if it’s hard to tell with him being powerful and a Dwarf. When I was coming to my majority, he tried to get my parents to engage us. They thankfully hesitated, though they were about to agree when I finally reached my majority. It was too late then, for I was an adult and could make my own decisions. It was hard starting out on my own after that, with both Denmur and Darkfoam trying to court me… but never mind, that’s all in the past. Let’s just say it’s been a very long road.”

  “Understandable,�
�� Sean said, finishing his mug. “It seems this gathering is over. I’m going to join my friends. Would you like to come with?”

  Looking over at the table where the eight smiths were sitting, Silvertouch seemed to consider, but shook her head after a long moment. “I think I should retire. I don’t know why I keep coming to these gatherings as it is.”

  “Maybe so you could meet a friend,” Sean said and got to his feet. “If you would like to speak again, I’ll be with the smiths. I think you’d be surprised at how welcoming they can be if you tried.”