Hearthglen

by Daniel Schinhofen

  “Oh. She very rarely asks to see patrons,” Silvertouch said. “I think I was the last one, and that was a number of years ago.”

  Sean got to his feet, and Ryann followed suit. The maid glanced at her, then back to Sean. “Sir, she would like to see you alone.”

  “Ryann, I’m sure it’ll be fine. Please stay and enjoy your drink. If I’m not back in a few minutes, come find me.”

  Ryann grimaced, “I can’t be your guard if I’m not there, Sean.”

  “Fair. She’ll accompany me to the door,” Sean told the maid.

  “Agreed,” the maid replied.

  Sean glanced back and saw Ida watching them as the maid led them toward the doorway beside the bar. Shrugging, he turned his attention back to the hallway he was entering. Two sets of closed sliding double doors dominated the hall. The end of the hall broke off to the right, where there were three more doors. Taking them to the middle one, the maid knocked once, opening it as the command to enter came from within.

  “The Shaper MacDougal, as requested,” the maid said, stepping out of the way for Sean to walk inside.

  Ryann caught sight of gleaming silver hair and an elegant arm in a cushioned chair before the door shut. The maid stood to the side of the door, facing Ryann with a still expression. “How long do these meetings last?” Ryann asked.

  “As long as she desires,” the maid replied.

  Sean barely caught the conversation through the door, and looked at the youthful woman who dominated the room. Her deep red velvet gown had a high neck accenting her high cheekbones. “You wished to see me, miss?”

  Brushing her hair back behind sharply pointed ears, the owner of the Oaken Glen gave Sean a brilliant smile. “Thank you for taking the time to do so. Please sit and let us talk.”

  Moving to the padded chair across from her, Sean took a seat. He looked around the room, taking in the subdued— yet stylish and expensive— décor. “Your inn is a very nice place, the best one I’ve seen in my travels.”

  “As no one seems to know where you’re from, I’m not sure if you’ve been able to measure it up against similar places. Please forgive my rudeness, we haven’t been introduced. I’m Dame Amedee Mageeyes.”

  Sean remembered something about ‘Dame’ being a noble title, similar to ‘Knight.’ “Dame Mageeyes, it is a pleasure to meet you. I’m Sean MacDougal. How might I help one of your rank?”

  Lips pulling up at the corners, Mageeyes replied, “I’ve heard you are a Shaper, and that you’ve crafted a new kind hair ornament that hasn’t been seen before. There is a gathering tomorrow at the Lord’s palace, and I find myself wishing to present Lady Sharpeyes something unique.”

  “I am unable to assist you at this time, Dame Mageeyes. I don’t have the materials to craft something of sufficient quality for a Lady.”

  “Yes. You’re new to our fair city, and are just starting out. I could acquire the materials for you. I wish my gift to outshine what any others might choose to bring with them. I will, of course, compensate you for your work, if it is worthy.”

  Sean had to suppress a cringe; her voice reminded him of nails being lightly dragged across a chalkboard. “You wish me to craft you a gift fit for Lady Sharpeyes— with your provided materials— and will compensate me equal to its value. Correct?”

  Head canting slightly, she stared at him intently. “Yes.”

  “Does Lady Sharpeyes have a favored animal or, perhaps flower?”

  “She loves stardrops,” Amedee replied. “Does this mean we have a deal?”

  “I’ll need to see a stardrop first,” Sean smiled apologetically.

  Amedee stared at Sean for a long moment, then got up and glided to the shelf behind Sean. Pulling a book down, she opened it to a specific page and handed it to Sean, then went back to her seat. “Does that help?”

  Looking at the book, Sean saw the small, detailed hand-drawn image of a flower similar to a stargazer lily, but with a few differences. Setting the book on the desk, Sean nodded slowly. “I can make something, but it won’t be a hair clip, and please keep my name out of it.”

  Amedee raised an eyebrow. “If you can make something special. What will you require from me?”

  “A five pound bar of silver, a brilliant blue sapphire to go into the middle of the flower, and a couple of small clear sapphires that will be dew drops.”

  Amedee sat there for a long moment staring at Sean with a penetrating gaze. “You plan to make this flower?”

  “A replica of this image; an immortal flower for her to always enjoy.”

  “If you fail to make me the flower by sunset tomorrow—”

  “I’ll make it right now,” Sean said. “It’ll be best to have you here, since you know the flower better than I do.”

  “Agreed,” Amedee said. “Do you agree to our deal, MacDougal?”

  “Agreed.”

  Lips pursed, Amedee reached for the bell on her desk and rang it. The door opened, showing Ryann standing in the hall behind the maid. “Have Gustuv come here to me. He should be in the bar.”

  “Right away, Mistress,” the maid replied, bowing her head as she shut the door.

  Sean made a wait motion to Ryann, who nodded before the door closed completely. Turning his gaze back to the woman across from him, Sean gave her a pleasant smile.

  A few minutes of silence fell between them until the maid returned with a grumpy looking man in tow. “Gustuv, why so upset?” Amedee asked with a smile.

  “I was pulled away from the ladies whose company I was enjoying. What is it you require, madam?”

  “I need a few things from my box: a five pound bar of silver, my best blue sapphire, and two of my best clear sapphires. I need them now.”

  “The bank is closed,” Gustuv said, clearly as a formality.

  “On my status as a Dame, open it and retrieve my items,” Amedee said dismissively.

  “Very well, I’ll have them brought at once.” Gustuv’s eyes raked over Sean as he left.

  The silence stretched between them again. Sean felt uncomfortable, like a prime piece of meat sitting in front of a hungry dog. Doing his best to stay calm with Amedee’s canted eyes staring at him, Sean wished Gustav would hurry up and get back.

  “MacDougal...” Amedee finally said, “I can’t recall having heard that surname before.” Sean just shrugged, which made Amedee’s smile widen. “Where do you come from, MacDougal?”

  “Waterrock,” Sean said automatically.

  Brow furrowing, Amedee was obviously trying to place the name. Sean was glad that it brought the silence back, because he was fairly certain he didn’t want her asking more questions.

  Finally, there was a knock on the door, and it opened to admit Gustuv and the maid. Gustuv walked over and set a few small bags on the desk, along with a heavier one. He uncovered them, showing them to be the materials Sean had requested.

  “Very good, Gustuv. And so fast, as well,” Amedee said.

  “I had a Messenger Fairy close at hand, luckily. If there is nothing else…?”

  “You’re dismissed,” Amedee said, waving her hand in a clearly dismissive gesture. Gustav stared hard at Sean, then left without another word.

  Sean looked over everything, and picked up the silver bar. Pushing all distractions from his mind, he focused on the flower in the book. Letting his fingers brush over the metal, Sean began to Shape it.

  Focused on his task, Sean wasn’t paying attention to how long he worked. He set the largest sapphire into the middle of the blossom, then added the smaller gems to the petals. When he was satisfied with his work, Sean sighed deeply and set the completed flower on the desk.

  Amedee’s eyes were wide as she picked up the completed metal flower. She examined it with care, her lips pursed. Gently touching each gem, she found them firmly affixed, as surely as if they were a natural part of the object. After a few minutes, she set the flower on her desk and stared at him with clear curiosity.

  “It appears that you have fulfilled y
our side of our Agreement, MacDougal.” Shaking her head, Amedee placed a gold coin on the desk. “I call our deal complete.”

  Sean stood up slowly, acting tired as he leaned on the desk and took the gold. “I think I’ll be retiring for the evening after this. Goodnight, Dame Mageeyes.”

  A single finger tapped her lips for a moment before she smiled. “To you as well, MacDougal. I do hope we can do business again in the future.”

  “Of course,” Sean said as he headed for the door. “Try to keep it during regular hours next time.” Sean clenched his teeth, wishing for the words back as soon as they left his mouth.

  A light laugh followed him to the door. “We shall see.”

  In the hallway, Sean met Ryann’s eyes briefly and moved his head fractionally side to side. “Home, please. I’m tired.”

  “Of course, Sean,” Ryann said, walking in front of him. “Is there another door out of here?” she asked the maid.

  “Follow me,” the maid said, glancing back at Sean with a slightly worried expression.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Sean rolled out of bed, yawning widely as he stretched. Once he had gotten dressed for the day, Sean found the others in the dining room. “I made it before breakfast?” Sean asked as he took his seat.

  “I was going to come wake you in another few moments,” Myna said, pouring him some tea. “Fiona should be done with breakfast soon.”

  “I’m actually done now,” Fiona said, bringing the pot to the table.

  Sean smiled and served himself from the large pot of frumenty, adding extra butter and a touch of honey to his. The simple but filling meal was eaten in silence, as everyone dug in hungrily. Ida kept glancing at Sean.

  As she finished eating, Ida blurted out, “Sean? I heard you met with Dame Mageeyes last night... did you really?”

  “Yeah,” Sean said, having just finished his food. “She requested that I Shape her a gift for Lady Sharpeyes. I had the distinct impression that a no wouldn’t have been taken well.”

  “You made her a hair clip?” Ida asked.

  “No, I made a flower out of silver and sapphires,” Sean said. “I tried to take my time with it and act tired afterwards, but I don’t think I got away with it.”

  “Dame Mageeyes is named so because she is known to possess Mage Sight,” Fiona said tightly.

  “I’m fairly certain she used it last night,” Sean said, rubbing at his temple. “I did get her to promise to not share who made the flower, at least.”

  “What’s done is done,” Fiona sighed. “I didn’t think she’d left Westpoint, but it has been a number of years…”

  “You know her?” Sean asked.

  “Know of her. Dame Amedee Mageeyes was a critic of Lord Caligula’s parties,” Fiona said, her face pinching when she said his name.

  “Then she likely knows you,” Myna said. “We’ll need to try and keep you from interacting if we can.”

  “It would be so much easier if there was a way to alter one’s appearance,” Sean muttered. “I have training to do today, and we’ll be using the bathhouse later. Maybe we should get weapons practice in first?”

  “That’s a good idea,” Myna said. “I’ll be taking Ryann back today, and you’ll be working with Ida.”

  “Who should I spar with?” Fiona asked.

  “Me and Ryann,” Myna said. “You’ll be my live practice target. It’ll help her get used to the idea of when and what to look for.”

  “I can Shape between being used as a target,” Fiona sighed.

  “I’ll clean up first,” Sean said, standing to grab the bowls.

  “It’s my turn to clean,” Fiona said. “I’m the odd one out, so you all go ahead.”

  Sean had Ida practice her standing and movement training as he headed for the outhouse along the back wall. The smell inside was starting to build unpleasantly. Myna was waiting when he came back out. He looked to her, asking, “When does the toilet get cleaned?”

  “Fiveday and Tenday,” Myna replied. “The fire mage will be around with his helpers to clean it.”

  Sean walked over to Ida to give Myna some privacy. Slowing his pace, he watched the young woman step through the simple exercise Myna had given her. “Your balance looks good.”

  “Myna wouldn’t have let me train with you today if it wasn’t.”

  “Keep in mind that I’m not a professional at this, so we’ll kind of be learning together,” Sean reminded Ida. “I do have a solid idea of the basics, though.”

  A little over an hour later, a jingling bell echoed from the alley, causing Sean to pull up short on his attack. Ida quickly responded by hitting him in the gut and pulling the hammer up to tap his chin.

  Stepping back to try to catch his breath, Sean held out a hand to her. “Pause.”

  “It’s just the fire mage,” Ida told him. “The bell is to let you know to get out of the privy.”

  “Good to know,” Sean said as the sound of the bell drew closer. “How do they clean those, exactly?”

  “The bottom is a metal box with a door in the back facing the alley. The mage’s people will open the door and he blasts a bit of flame into it. Then the ashes are scooped into the wagon they have,” Ida explained.

  “Don’t be on the pot when he comes around, got it,” Sean said with a wince.

  “Excuse me, sir,” a voice said from the side of the house.

  Poking his head around the corner, Sean saw a hand waving over the fence. “Yes?”

  “I’ve the metal from Werrick, and his son is waiting out front, sir.”

  “Bring the bars around back. I’ll go see about Derrin.” Sean chuckled and told Ida, “Looks like we end on your point today. Get the bars stowed, please?”

  “Of course,” Ida beamed.

  Sean headed into the shop and collected Derrin, then brought the young man to the sitting room. Once they were seated, Sean started teaching him as he had Hans and Ida, and much like Hans, Derrin had no energy of his own.

  Ryann brought tea in after a few minutes and took her seat against the wall. Derrin didn’t even glance at her, focusing hard on withstanding the pain from the energy being given to him. Sean was impressed with how stoic Derrin was, raising his estimation of his likely capability.

  Just as with Hans, Derrin briefly felt the metal vibrate before they finally stopped for the day. “I’ll be eagerly awaiting next Tenday, MacDougal. Thank you so much.”

  “Just let the energy build. Don’t try using any of it,” Sean told the youth. “I’ll know if you’ve tried or not when you’re next here.”

  A flash of disappointment crossed Derrin’s face, but he bowed. “I’ll wait as instructed, sir.”

  Walking the young man out, Sean was surprised to find several people milling outside the locked shop door. “Can I help you?”

  “Excuse us, sir,” an older man said. “We’ve been told that you’re looking for someone to run the front counter for you.”

  “Ven,” Sean called out.

  A second later, a silver streak landed on his shoulder. “Yes, sir?”

  “Let Fiona know that people who want to apply for the shop are here, please.”

  “Right away, sir.” Ven replied before darting away.

  A murmur went through the group of people standing outside when they saw the Messenger Fairy. Sean looked them all over, then brought up Mage Sight. Two people had small strings of energy running away from them, indicating they were Bonded. Dropping the Sight, Sean made special note of what each of them looked like.

  “Come on in,” Sean said, letting the group in. A few people paused, watching Derrin hurry down the road.

  “Wasn’t that Werrick’s lad?” one of them asked the person beside him.

  “He is,” Sean said, even though the question had not been directed at him. “He was running a message for his father.”

  “I didn’t expect them before noon,” Fiona said, coming out of the back. “My apologies, husband.”

  The word ‘husband’ go
t everyone’s attention, and they looked from the black collar on Fiona’s neck to Sean. Seeing them all make the connection, Sean shrugged. “You’re the best one to choose who’ll suit our needs.” He turned to address the group of people, “Follow her instructions. If there are any problems, you’ll be removed from consideration and banned from entering the shop forever.”