Hearthglen

by Daniel Schinhofen

  “No, I’ve had enough for tonight. First animals in the building, then clumsy maids? You’ll be lucky if we don’t find another bar at this rate.”

  “Calm yourself,” Denmur said quickly to his friend. “We should leave for tonight, regardless.” Turning back to Allonen, he went on, “Suggest to your Holder that she might wish to put a restriction on certain sub-species being allowed in during the busy times.” He glared at Myna and Sean before he stood. Most of the Shapers remaining at the table followed him and left the bar.

  Sean’s knuckles popped and Myna patted his thigh. The three people left at the Shaper’s table looked decidedly uncomfortable and unsure whether they should stay or go. Sean happened to see one of the maids wearing a small, vicious smile when Denmur left. Catching her eye, he waved her over.

  “Yes, sir?” the maid asked, clearly uncertain at having been caught sneering at the Shapers who had just left.

  “Bring drinks to those three, and invite them to join us,” Sean told her, indicating Stoneeyes, Watercaller, and Gertihs, while placing a coin on her tray.

  “Of course, sir.” The maid hurried off to fulfill her task.

  “Making more friends, MacDougal?” Silvertouch asked, sipping her wine.

  “Friends are good,” Sean grinned. “Besides, I have an Agreement with two of them.”

  “Indeed.”

  “I’ll have the first of your pieces completed tomorrow night,” Sean told her as he waved at the trio at the other table, who were looking at him in surprise when the maid brought them fresh drinks.

  “So soon, hmm?”

  “Here they come,” Sean said.

  Gertihs was the one in front of the other two. “MacDougal, thank you for the offer. The other table has been getting worse over the last tenday.”

  “Always glad to have friendly people to talk with,” Sean said. “Let me introduce you all, just in case you don’t already know each other.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Four days of what was becoming routine went by pleasantly. Myna had declined going back to the Oaken Glen with Sean, opting to stay home and work on projects with the others. Gertihs, Stoneeyes, and Watercaller had all joined the smith’s table over those few days, resulting in some stink-eyes from the other Shapers.

  Waking to a kiss from Fiona on Sevenday, Sean smiled. “Morning, my lovely wife.”

  “Breakfast will be ready shortly, my sleepyhead,” Fiona replied. “You have things to do today, so no sleeping in for you.”

  “I didn’t mean to stay out so late again,” Sean said as he sat up. “Gertihs and the others were talking about being shut out by Denmur and his cronies. I’m thinking I might upset the applecart a bit more.”

  “Going to give Silvertouch and Gertihs permission to make the clips?” Fiona asked.

  “Yup. That will give them both a bit more pull with Lady Sharpeyes. She’s been asking about the clips over the last few days, so I’ve heard. That also puts another layer between us, her, and her husband.”

  “It’s not a bad idea,” Fiona nodded. “Make sure to get a good deal for us. What are you going to do about Stoneeyes and Watercaller?”

  “The pipes for Silvertouch should give them a boost. Once they get those installed and prove it’s worth the expense, it’ll give them more time for other projects and probably installing pipes for the existing inns and bathhouses.”

  “Are we going to be doing the pipes?” Fiona asked.

  “We’ll probably have to unless people are okay with a delay. If they are, they can get the smiths to start churning them out, which would give them more work, too.”

  “This will stick in the craw of the smiths who shunned you, not to mention Carver, Denmur, and the Shapers with them. I’m not sure if this will cause us more troubles or less, but we’ll support your decision.”

  “Okay, let’s kick the ball down the hill and see what happens,” Sean said, getting out of bed and giving her a kiss.

  “We’ve had a run of very calm days, but goodness knows it wasn’t going to last forever,” Fiona giggled. “We’ll be waiting for you. Don’t take too long to dress.”

  Sean was downstairs and sitting down at the table a couple of minutes after Fiona left him. A steaming cup of black tea was already at his seat, and Andrea was just coming out of the kitchen with a large pot of frumenty.

  “Looks like my timing was good,” Sean chuckled as he began to serve himself.

  “Only because we wake you,” Myna snickered lightly.

  “True enough,” Sean admitted as he handed the ladle to Fiona. “I'm very grateful to the two of you for waking me every morning.” His brow furrowed and he turned his attention to Myna. “When I went to bed last night, you left for a bit. Is everything okay?”

  Myna took the ladle from Fiona and didn’t meet his eyes. “I had... pressing issues to take care of. I’m sorry I caused you any distress, Master.”

  “Oh, no. I was just curious. You left just as I was just dropping off, and that woke me for a minute or two.” Sean said, thinking he was embarrassing her. “We all have to run outside occasionally.”

  Myna’s cheeks darkened slightly, “Yes.”

  Everyone at the table looked a bit embarrassed at the conversation. Fiona quickly stepped in to shift the topic, “Sean will be going to Silvertouch’s shop with the pipes after breakfast. I know Ryann is going with him. Are you going too, Ida?”

  “I haven’t been asked to,” Ida said as she was handed the ladle. “If he wishes me to accompany him, I will.”

  “You did a lot of work on those pipes,” Sean said. “It would be good for you to come along. I think Stoneeyes and Watercaller are going to be there to install them. You’ll be able to see them at work.”

  “I’d be happy to go,” Ida smiled, handing the ladle off to Chastity.

  Chastity waited as Ven used a much smaller ladle to serve themself and Venn. Once the Fairies had been served, she took some for herself. “I’m getting used to making the blanks for the wooden hair clips, sir. Being able to sit down in the shop between people helps a great deal.”

  “I’ll finish my morning duties, then I’ll be training with Myna,” Andrea said as she took the ladle last.

  “And that leaves me Shaping the last of the bronze clips for MacLenn,” Fiona said as they all dug into their breakfasts.

  Planning for the day was put on hold while they enjoyed breakfast. By now, it was becoming a habit for each of them to thank Andrea for cooking as they finished eating. Once they were all done, Sean stood up.

  “Angusson should be here soon,” Sean said, motioning Ryann and Ida out of the room. “We’ll be back once everything is settled.”

  “We’ll be here working,” Fiona replied. “Are you going to approach her about the deal while you’re there?”

  “Yeah. If she agrees, I might make a quick trip over to Gertihs’.”

  “I’ll send word to MacLenn once I finish up the clips, and arrange for pickup tomorrow,” Fiona said.

  “Works. See you soon.”

  True to his prediction, Angusson was at the back gate barely a minute after Sean opened it. “Morning, Angusson. How are you today?”

  “Fairly well, considering how much you’re paying for me and my lads to take this shipment for you,” Angusson laughed. “Your Fairy quoted a price well over our standard, and I wasn’t about to turn it down.”

  “They offered what I thought the job was worth,” Sean shrugged. “How has your wife been doing?”

  “Good, good,” Angusson said as they got the cart into position by the forge. “She was thrilled with the hair clip. I wouldn’t be too surprised if I have another son on the way in nine months,” he laughed boomingly, the sound echoing in the yard.

  “If he’s half the man his father is, he’d be a man to keep an eye on,” Sean chuckled.

  The other two laborers just shook their heads as they began loading the cart. Angusson and Sean went to help, Sean making sure to keep his load equal to the others t
his time. Ida and Ryann stood waiting off to the side with a small chest next to them, watching the men work. Once the copper was loaded, they set the chest into the cart.

  “Okay, all loaded. Now off to Silvertouch,” Angusson said, going around to the front of the cart and digging his feet in to get it rolling.

  The other two laborers pushed from the back, and the cart started moving. Sean trailed them with Ryann and Ida walking next to him. Myna came out when Sean paused to close the gates and gave him a quick kiss. Sean heard the bar set into place from inside as he followed the slow-moving cart.

  Silvertouch’s shop was on the other side of the square. Angusson and his two helpers stayed behind the buildings, following the alleyways around. Sean was impressed at how clean the city was, and how well repaired the cobbles were even in the alleys.

  Definitely not your old world. Magic really does help to keep the streets clean. I wonder how many fire mages and other sorts are employed to keep it this way?

  Ida suddenly bumped into him, distracting him. “Sorry, sir,” she said, having stumbled a step. “I think one of the stones is loose.”

  Setting her back on her feet, Sean nodded. “No problems, Ida. You looking forward to seeing the other Shapers at work?”

  “Yes. Not that we’ll actually see much,” Ida sighed. “I’ve seen Stoneeyes erect a wall before. It’s humbling to see a Talent that makes the earth move at your command.”

  “Would make building much easier,” Sean chuckled, “if it can be reinforced like we can do with metal and wood.”

  “I believe that’s possible,” Ida nodded. “Stoneeyes’ family raised many of the buildings here in the city. I think one branch is still in charge of maintaining the streets.”

  “Not surprising,” Sean replied. “That would make it much easier to fix any damage.”

  Crossing the main street took a minute as a pair of carriages went past, forcing Angusson and his helpers to wait. Angusson grunted when they got the cart moving again. Sean put his hand on the back to help out a little before moving up to the front.

  “Everything okay?”

  “Aye. Every stop just means we have to strain a bit,” Angusson replied. “Surprised you’re walking with us.”

  “Learning one’s way around their town is always a good idea,” Sean chuckled. “Besides, we’re going there anyway. Walking with you or walking on the street is basically the same.”

  “You are an odd one,” Angusson chuckled. “I’ve been seeing a number of women with the wooden clips now. Business must be good.”

  “Business is good for now, but the clips don’t break easy, which means I’m going to need to branch out soon.”

  “Aye, I noticed that with the wife’s clip, sturdily built. I wish you the best, MacDougal. Word is that the other Shapers are going to try to freeze you out. My brother-in-law was laughing about it last night.”

  “Huh, good to know,” Sean said. “Thanks for the heads up, Angusson.”

  “It’s always good to keep an employer happy. They might use you again,” Angusson laughed.

  “True enough.”

  The next few streets didn’t have any traffic, making it easier for them to cross. When they got to Silvertouch’s shop, Sean grinned at the gate opening for them before they could call out.

  “There they are,” Silvertouch said as Watercaller opened the gate the rest of the way. “I told you he would be punctual.”

  “This is going to take most of the day, so I’m glad he isn’t late,” Stoneeyes commented. She stood near a small shed to the side. “I was surprised you had the building ready for us already, Silvertouch.”

  “It seemed prudent,” she replied. “Now where do you want the pipes?”

  “Bring them over here. We’ll need to connect them and sink them, after Watercaller gets his runes etched into them,” Stoneeyes said.

  “Over there it is,” Angusson said, straining against the bar to get the cart turned and moving again.

  Sean stood back as the laborers got the cart into position and unloaded it. When they finished, Sean thanked them all and promised to call upon them again when he needed to move heavy loads in the future. Ryann shut the gate behind them and dropped the bar when Silvertouch asked her to.

  “I have some chairs under the awning if you’d like to watch,” Silvertouch said, heading that way.

  “I’m wondering if you two wouldn’t mind me observing you work? I’m always fascinated to see others employing their gifts,” Sean asked Stoneeyes and Watercaller.

  “Just don’t get in the way,” Stoneeyes said, focusing on the ground next to the building.

  “I don’t mind,” Watercaller shrugged. “You won’t see much of anything, though.” Pulling a diamond tipped stylus from his bag, Watercaller took a seat next to the pipes. “Just a lot of tedious work.”

  “I’ll keep Silvertouch company,” Ryann said, following the Shaper.

  Ida stayed behind Sean. “I’d like to observe for a bit, as well.”

  Shaking his head, Watercaller didn’t bother to reply. Instead, he started to etch the pipe with the rune he required. Sean could wait to check the runes on the pipes, since he would have to fuse them together anyway, so he opened his Mage Sight and focused on Stoneeyes.

  Where Stoneeyes knelt, a shaft of energy was penetrating into the ground from her hand. The energy went straight down seventy feet, then turned at a right angle and headed toward the middle of the city. A distant bass note seemed to emanate from the energy, a note that Sean could feel in his feet from a dozen yards away.

  The bass resonance reminded Sean of helping his dad build the foundation for their shed when he was twelve: the hard work of digging a foot down through the tough caliche before getting the gravel in and packed down. Eyes closing, Sean could feel that memory expand out from his mind, down to his feet, and into the earth below him. The ground suddenly became visible to him; each rock, each chunk of soft sand, the stone work— every bit of it. Letting the moment grow, Sean could see the entire network of channels that directed water to and from buildings and the points where the city had public wells set up.

  That would have taken generations, Sean thought as his awareness grew to encompass the entire city. They go down so far to miss the cellars and sub-cellars of the bigger manors. The water pumps must use magic to pull water up from three hundred feet down... a hand pump alone wouldn’t manage that kind of suction easily, if at all.

  A couple pinpoints of energy touched the ground that Sean was looking at. The points of energy were fixing flaws in the cobblestones. The road keepers, Sean nodded to himself as he let the scope of his earth sense shrink back to the yard he was standing in. Coming back to the immediate area, Sean became aware of Stoneeyes casting out with her energy as if looking for something. Cutting the resonance he had been using to see into the earth, Sean blinked and dropped Mage Sight.

  “Where is it?” Stoneeyes whispered, her brow creased in concentration. After another moment, she sighed deeply, “Winter’s tits, it vanished.”

  Feeling a bit of sweat on his forehead, Sean wiped it away. He felt a little dizzy as a touch of weakness hit him, making him wobble in place. Taking stock of himself, Sean was surprised to find his core drained to under half of what it normally was. No more city encompassing earth sense for a while, Sean told himself. His legs firmed up at the same time Ida touched his shoulder in concern.

  Giving Ida a quick smile, Sean turned his attention back to Stoneeyes. “Is something wrong?”

  “No… it’s nothing,” Stoneeyes replied after a second. “For a moment, I thought the land was responding to me, but I must have imagined it.”

  “I feel that way with metal since MacDougal began to train me,” Ida said.

  “Yes. That’s normal when learning a Talent for the first time,” Stoneeyes said, brushing off her statement absently. “It must have been my imagination.”

  “How are the runes coming?” Sean asked Watercaller, hoping to get off the topic.
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  “Almost done with the first one,” Watercaller said.

  “What do the runes do exactly?” Sean asked.

  “They convert the impurities into water.”

  “They what?” Sean asked, not understanding.

  “The bits of hair and such that go past the runes change. Each rune can only do so much, which is why there are so many of them per channel. The water then goes into the reservoir, which has hundreds of the same runes to make sure nothing but water remains in the basin. From there, the water is sent into the city.”