Hearthglen

by Daniel Schinhofen

  “Sir, do you like your eggs runny or solid?” Andrea asked from the doorway of the kitchen.

  “A little of both,” Sean replied, pulled from his thoughts.

  “I’ll have them right out.”

  True to her word, a minute later, Andrea brought him a plate with two eggs and a slab of ham. She ran back and brought the kettle out, refilling his cup as he began to eat.

  “It’s good. Thanks, Andrea.”

  “You’re welcome, sir.”

  Andrea left him to eat, reappearing a moment after he had finished to take his plate, empty cup, and cutlery. She started to head back, but paused at the door when Sean stood up.

  “Sir, I know it’ll be a few days until I can do anything with the energy you’re giving me, and I will make sure my tasks are completed first, but will you teach me to use it soon?”

  “Any of us will,” Sean replied, “but who will be the best teacher for you will depend on what you want to learn. Fiona will be able to teach you wood Shaping, Myna can show you defense... you get the idea. You’ll be joining us for sparring, too, because I want everyone here to be able to defend themselves.”

  “As you command, sir,” Andrea replied happily before she vanished back into the kitchen.

  When he made it to the ground floor, he met Fiona leading a young man toward the sitting room. “Fiona, I have him.”

  “As you say, dear,” Fiona kissed his cheek and went back to the front of the shop.

  “MacDougal, sir, thank you again,” Brendon Knox said, ducking his head nervously.

  “It’s fine. Let’s get you settled in. The first day is a bit painful and a little tedious, but we’ll get you up to speed,” Sean said, ushering the man into the sitting room.

  “Okay, the first thing we need to do is give you some energy,” Sean told Brendon. “This is going to hurt, so please bear it as best you can. Once it stops hurting, we’ll start with the lesson.”

  “Yes, sir,” Brendon said, nodding eagerly. “I wish I could tell others about learning from you, but I understand you wanting to keep things quiet.”

  “Someone giving you grief?” Sean asked as he opened up the smallest channel he could to give the young man energy.

  Teeth clenching and hands grabbing the arm rests, Brendon nodded. “Dad deals with a few of the merchants. Their kids like to talk about how they’re learning from some of the upper class. They like to sneer down at us, gloating that we’ll never get an Agreement with a Shaper,” Brendon hissed through clenched teeth, trying to blink back the tears forming in his eyes.

  “Assholes are everywhere,” Sean told him. “I really dislike bullies, myself. If they’re just talking, though, the best you can do is ignore them. In a year or two when you have this Talent as your own, you’ll be able to rub their noses in it.”

  A pain filled, feral smile came to Brendon even as the tears continued falling down his cheeks. “I’ll endure anything for that day.”

  “Okay, let’s ease off for now, and talk about what feeling the metal is like,” Sean said.

  A couple of hours later, Sean was showing Brendon out. Fiona stopped them before they reached the front room. “The shop is doing brisk business, and I didn’t know if you wished for him to be seen leaving.”

  “Point,” Sean murmured. “Want to escort him out the back?”

  “Gladly,” Fiona said. “You should make an appearance in the shop.”

  “I’ll see you next Twoday, sir. Thank you again.”

  “See you next Twoday, Brendon. Remember, don’t try to Shape anything on your own right now, but feeling the metal is okay.”

  “Right.”

  As Fiona walked Brendon out the back, Sean turned to the closed door that led to the front room. He could hear a number of voices through the door so, putting on a professional smile, he walked into the store. One eyebrow rose on seeing six people on the far side of the counter. One lady was arguing with Chastity, while the other five waited for a chance to speak with her.

  “You’re the Shaper, correct?” the finely dressed lady at the counter asked when she saw him enter.

  “I am. My name is Sean MacDougal. Is there an issue?”

  “I want to buy the rest of the wooden hair clips you have left,” the woman replied. “Your Bonded has refused my request.”

  “If I let you buy them all, we wouldn’t be able to help anyone else,” Sean said. “Chastity was right to decline the offer.”

  “Do you know who I represent?” the woman huffed, her chest puffing up.

  The smile that replaced the professional one was cold and feral. “No, nor do I care. Get out.”

  Four of the other people in the shop looked shocked at Sean’s abrupt dismissal of the woman. The last one, a man of undetermined years, seemed to be fighting to keep a smile off his face. The woman was shocked into silence, but was rapidly recovering.

  “I’m one of the leading buyers for Goldentouch Merchants,” she huffed.

  “I already said I don’t care. Now get out or you will be removed,” Sean said firmly, his hand touching the hinged part of the counter that would let him get to the other side.

  “You wouldn’t dare,” the woman hissed, though she stepped backward.

  “I won’t hurt you, just remove you,” Sean said as he lifted the counter.

  “I’ll see you ruined for this,” the woman said, turning to leave.

  Myna appeared next to the street door, letting her Camouflage drop. Her eyes were like frozen chips of coal that bore into the woman’s eyes. “Until Master says you can come back, stay away.” Opening the door, Myna kept her eyes locked on the woman, who all but bolted from the shop.

  “Myna, no need to scare the customers,” Sean admonished softly, though his eyes gleamed.

  Myna turned back to Sean apologetically, “I’m sorry, Master.”

  One of the other women went to leave, watching Myna warily and muttering under her breath, “Wild animals shouldn’t be allowed in the city.”

  “You don’t come back, either,” Sean snapped. “Rudeness to my wife isn’t tolerated.”

  The three people still in the shop were visibly surprised at Sean’s open declaration. Myna went to Sean’s side, keeping her head down. “Sorry, again.”

  “No need to apologize for that, dear.” Giving her cheek a kiss, he looked at the customers remaining in the store. “My apologies to you all. You’re here for business, and none of you should have to deal with that.”

  “I, for one, was thoroughly entertained,” the only man left in the shop said. “I was here last, though, so I will wait my turn.”

  The next woman in the now shorter queue approached Chastity for two plain clips. The other woman in the store stepped behind her, getting back in line. Sean motioned the man over to the side, as he didn’t seem to be as eager to get into line.

  “Can I help you?”

  “I’m sure you can. I’m with MacLenn Merchants. I believe you spoke with one of our traders, Lionel Williams.”

  “Lionel, yes. I spoke with him,” Sean said.

  “He told us about your hair clips, but sadly, it took us this long to find you. I’m so sorry, where are my manners? I’m Augustus MacLenn. I run the hub here in Hearthglen for my family. I am hoping to see about buying a few dozen of your clips of various types to send with our traders.”

  “Ah, wholesale,” Sean chuckled.

  The woman who had been speaking with Chastity left smiling, with a clip in her hair. Sean watched her go and gave Chastity a nod, then motioned Augustus past the counter. Myna was already moving ahead of him, understanding what Sean intended.

  Leading Augustus to the sitting room, Sean had just taken a seat when Fiona entered. “I was about to send for you, dear,” Sean said.

  “Myna told me, husband,” Fiona replied, sitting next to Sean and smiling at their guest.

  Augustus took in the Life Bond marks without a word. “A pleasure, Mrs. MacDougal. I’m Augustus MacLenn.”

  “Of MacLenn M
erchants? It is a pleasure, sir,” Fiona smiled.

  Andrea knocked on the door and came in with a tray of cups and a bottle. Setting the tray on the table, she poured for them and left without a word. Sean kept his face impassive, but silently thanked his wives for knowing what to do.

  “Augustus is looking to talk wholesale with us,” Sean told Fiona.

  “Oh. I hadn’t expected a large merchant house to come to us already.”

  “I was second, but Goldentouch offended your husband,” Augustus chuckled. “He can be quite intimidating when he wishes, apparently.”

  Fiona gave Sean a questioning look, then turned her attention back to their guest. “He can, indeed. I never fear when he is close at hand.”

  Picking up the cup in front of him, Augustus sat back in his chair. “I can see why Lionel was so effusive in his missive about his meeting with you.” Sipping the wine, he smiled, “And you have excellent taste.”

  “Thank you,” Sean said, a little out of his comfort zone.

  Touching his leg, Fiona smiled at Sean. “Dear, if you wish, I can handle this for you.”

  Augustus’ eyes flickered from one to the other as he sipped the wine. Sean nodded, “Probably for the best. Fiona will handle our end of the deal. Is that a problem?”

  “Not for me,” Augustus replied. “I’m hoping to get at least a dozen score wooden hair clips in the next five tendays, and maybe three score copper clips, and a score in bronze. The wooden ones can be a mix of plain and simple decorations. I’d like a variety of decorations on the copper and bronze.”

  Sean sat there listening to the back and forth between Fiona and Augustus, but didn’t keep up with the overall conversation. The discussion jumped between how many clips, to time to produce, and eventually, the cost per unit.

  The bottle was empty by the time everything was finalized. Sean shook hands with Augustus as they both stood. “Thank you for your patronage,” Sean said.

  “No, you have my thanks for the deal. I can sell these at a decent price and make a profit,” Augustus replied.

  “I’ll let the others know we’ll have to work even harder,” Fiona said, getting to her feet.

  “It was a pleasure doing business with you as well, Mrs. MacDougal. I look forward to our next business dealings.”

  “As do I,” Fiona replied.

  Sean led the merchant out to the front, where more women were waiting to make a purchase from Chastity. Sean realized that it was well past midday when he stepped outside. Heading back inside, he gave Chastity a smile as he went past.

  Making his way to the backyard, he found Ryann and Ida sipping some tea. “How has your day gone, ladies?”

  “We’ve gotten a lot of pipes made,” Ida said, motioning to the growing pile. “Ryann’s been fine tuning my work.”

  “I’ve just been checking them like before. I only fixed two,” Ryann replied.

  “Two had issues?” Sean asked.

  “Minor,” Ryann said. “I was able to fix them and only feel a little fatigue. It’s why we’re taking a break.”

  “A good reason,” Sean said, joining them where they sat against the wall of the smithy. “We’ve just made a deal with MacLenn Merchants for a lot of hair clips, so we’re going to shift focus for a day or two.”

  “Wood?” Ryann asked.

  “Copper and bronze as well, just not as many,” Sean replied.

  “Will you be handling the metal ones?” Ida asked.

  “Anyone who wants to can try. I’ll just touch them up, if needed,” Sean told her.

  “I’d like to try one,” Ryann said.

  “So would I,” Ida nodded.

  “Once you’re rested, we can get a couple of bars and head inside to work on them,” Sean said.

  Ida got to her feet. “I’m ready.”

  Ryann got up after her, and held a hand out to Sean. “As am I.”

  Chuckling, he let Ryann help him up. “Well then, my eager beavers, let’s go.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Focused on Shaping, Sean was surprised when Ven landed in front of him. “What’s up, Ven?”

  “There is a person here to deliver something to you,” Ven told him.

  “Be right back, ladies,” Sean said, leaving Fiona, Myna, Ryann, and Ida to continue Shaping.

  In the shop, there was only one other person there besides Chastity. “MacDougal? I have an item for you from Silvertouch,” the well-dressed man said, holding out a small box.

  “Thank you,” Sean said, taking it and looking inside. There was a roughly Shaped silver statue inside, alongside a small portrait and a note.

  “Have a good day,” the man said, leaving once Sean accepted the box.

  “What is it?” Chastity asked after the door had shut.

  “Part of an Agreement. I have to finish this for her,” Sean said. “How have you been doing?”

  “Well, the initial rush was scary, but Fiona helped me past that.” Looking away from Sean, she asked the next question hesitantly, “Sir, do you think you can give me more energy tonight?” Sean’s mind nosedived, but before he could say anything, Chastity continued, “I understand it’s awkward for you. I just want to be able to help as much as the others are. Please?”

  Her earnestness helped Sean ignore the embarrassment of what she was asking for. “Sure, Chastity. I should be able to do it right now, if you’re willing.”

  Taking a deep breath, Chastity braced herself against the counter. “Please.”

  Sean let a thin thread of power flow to her. Chastity bit her lip as her arms shook on the counter. She did her best to stifle her sounds, but muffled moans still snuck out. Sean looked away from her, trying to keep the energy flow controlled so she wouldn’t pass out again. After what seemed like a long time, Chastity let out a shuddering breath.

  “Okay, I think... I think I’m good, sir,” Chastity said breathlessly.

  Cutting the thread off, Sean glanced at her. Her cheeks were flushed, beads of sweat dotted her forehead, and her breathing was fast. “Maybe you should take a break for a minute.”

  “Yes, that might be good…” Chastity said as she headed for the door into the back.

  “Ven?” Sean called. A moment later, the Messenger Fairy appeared before him. “Can you let Fiona know Chastity is taking a break? I’ll be up here until she comes back.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Leaning against the wall, Sean let the sounds from the street wash over him. The occasional jingle of a harness would pass by, and with the voices coming and going, he could almost think he was back on Earth.

  The door beside him opening brought Sean’s attention to Andrea standing in the doorway. “What’s up, Andrea?”

  “I was coming to see if Chastity needed anything. Is she okay?”

  Sean coughed and looked away from the young woman. “She’s taking a break for a few minutes. She asked me for energy, so she could try to help more.”

  “Oh. Is that okay to ask for? I was going to wait until you were ready, but if you’re okay with it, I’d like to do so, as well.”

  Closing his eyes, Sean sighed to himself before nodding. “Sure, Andrea. You might want to lean against the counter or doorframe, though.”

  “I’m ready,” Andrea said a moment later.

  Doing as he had with Chastity, Sean sent the same thin thread of energy to Andrea. He deliberately looked away from her while he waited for the moment to pass. After a few minutes, the continued silence made Sean look over at Andrea. Eyes closed and mouth open, Andrea’s face showed bliss.

  Looking away in embarrassment, Sean waited for her to speak. After a long while, she finally said, “I’m good, sir. Thank you.” Her breathless statement made Sean blush.

  “That should be the last time you have to endure that,” Sean coughed, waiting for his cheeks to stop burning.

  “I understand,” Andrea said as she tried to compose herself and wobbled. “Oh, my legs.”

  Sean looked around and saw her slumped against
the counter. “You’re to rest until you’re better.” Sean told her as he went to her side. “Let me help you.”

  “I’ll be fine, sir,” Andrea said, trying to push herself upright but falling into his chest.