A Call to Arms: Book One of the Chronicles of Arden

by Shiriluna Nott

  Heidi, who was busy adjusting her dress, looked up. “Kezra Malin-Rai? Her elder brother was in my year when we went to primary school.” She stuck her nose in the air. Heidi was everything Gib had expected a highborn lady to be. “Kezra was always rolling around in the dirt and getting into fights—most unbecoming of a lady.”

  Joel took a brief moment to scold his sister, reminding her that breakfast was getting cold. The four youths went quiet after that and ate without conversation. Just as their dishes were emptying, Mrifa came bustling out of the kitchen with a large pie in her hands. She set the hot pastry on the sill to cool before fixing a gaze on Joel and Gib. “Would the two of you be available to help move the furniture into place for our dinner?”

  Gib jumped out of his seat to help. She’d been so kind to him already and he wanted to be sure he did all he could as a means of repaying such hospitality.

  Mrifa laughed at his zealous reaction. “You’re such a good boy, Gibben. With a work ethic such as that, you’ll have no trouble in your future.” She stopped for a moment to look him over with a narrower gaze. He thought to tug on his sleeves or straighten the tunic but he remembered Joel telling him to leave the clothing alone. Mrifa smiled as she touched his jawline. “I wish there was time to hem these clothes for you. Joel outgrew them so fast.”

  Gib turned his eyes downward, face growing warm with color. “No, Lady Mrifa, you’ve already done so much for me. I—thank you. For everything.”

  Her hand was gentle on his cheek. “No, Gibben. Thank you.”

  Gib didn’t know what she meant and didn’t have a chance to ask her. The servant, Otos, knocked and humbly entered the room. Joel and Gib were sent to follow, and the three of them set up the main hall so it was fit to accept their expected guests. So many stools and lounges were brought out that Gib began to wonder how many people would be visiting today.

  When he voiced his question, Joel smiled. “Just be grateful this year it’s only my father’s brother who’s coming. Last year it was my mother’s family—her brother, sister, the in-laws, and all of their children.”

  Gib laughed and continued his work. “I forget how big some of the families are here.”

  The next few marks of the day escaped so fast that Gib had no idea where they went. All around was the bustle of food being prepared, the fuss over the girls to make sure they were “presentable,” and the last-minute straightening up to be sure everything was in place for their guests. By the end of it, Gib was as worried about the way everything looked as Mrifa seemed to be. Part of him wished it was already over so he wouldn’t have to think about it or stress any more. When he said as much, Joel laughed in agreement.

  They were gathered in the front hall to receive their guests when Mrifa ushered Otos to the front door. The pie she’d set in the dining room sill was now carefully wrapped. Mrifa fussed with the servant’s worn cloak a little as he put it on. When Otos was ready to brave the cold, she handed him the pie with a smile. “Say hello to your family for us and be careful in the cold. Are you sure you don’t want to take a carriage? The ice is dreadful.”

  Otos kept his dark eyes cast toward the floor. His cheeks might even have shown a blush. “No, m’lady. I’ll walk. It’s not far.”

  Mrifa set her mouth into a thin line but nodded. “All right. Be safe. Hurry along now. Enjoy your family dinner—we’ll see you on the morrow.”

  “Yes, m’lady.” Otos ducked through the door and was gone the next minute. Mrifa stayed at the open door for a moment or two and fretted about the weather. Gib smiled because even though Otos was a grown man, Mrifa seemed to brood over him as if he were one of her own children.

  Gib nudged Joel with his elbow. “Is Tabitha going to leave as well?”

  Joel shook his head, his features solemn. “No. She stays with us and takes her meal in private. Not everyone is so lucky to have a family.”

  “I see.” Gib frowned, missing his brothers and sister terribly. He was going to be eating a fine feast without them, with no idea about their condition or whereabouts. He hoped Tayver and Calisto would have been invited to stay with the Fadells, but that wasn’t for him to decide. And Liza—where was she to celebrate her Midwinter feast?

  Heidi joined her mother, and the two women peered out the window. “Where are they? The soup will get cold.”

  Mrifa smiled and touched her daughter’s shoulder. “Patience. Your father and uncle are important men. They can’t drop their duties and leave on a whim.”

  Heidi nodded, but continued wringing her hands. “Does my dress look all right? My hair wouldn’t do at all what I wanted it to.”

  Gib startled when both women cried out in unison to announce they saw the carriage. The Adelwijn children formed a quick line. Joel stood directly beside his mother while Heidi took the place next to him and Carmen capped the end. Gib stood awkwardly, wondering if he should join them—or possibly go somewhere else entirely.

  Tabitha bustled to the door, readying herself to open it when the time arrived. Joel called out to Gib in a rushed voice. “Gib. Come stand behind Carmen so Mother can introduce you.”

  Gib leapt forward, wondering if it was normal for all highborn families to introduce themselves to their own kin. It seemed absurd to him, but then what did he know? His nervous hands sought to undo the work accomplished with his tunic, but he willed them down to his sides. Catching a sideways grin from Joel, Gib’s face flushed with color.

  The sound of people approaching made Gib’s jaw clench. Tabitha opened the door and bowed her head as two men stepped through the threshold. Gib recognized the taller and broader of the two as Seneschal Koal Adelwijn. The seneschal was no less intimidating than he had been on the first day of class and was still dressed in his formal attire. His crimson cape blew back over his right shoulder in the cold winter wind.

  Koal’s companion was shorter and not as broad, yet he still bore a striking resemblance to the seneschal. With the same dark hair and fair features, their eyes were alike except for the color—brown as opposed to blue. Not unlike Liro, this man had the potential to be handsome if not for his sneer. Even before introductions could be made, Gib was certain this must be the uncle Joel had warned about.

  Behind Seneschal Koal and his brother came a cluster of other family members. Two children, a boy and girl, looked to be about the same age as Calisto, and behind them were two other men. The first was busy keeping the children from tracking their wet boots through the house. His light chestnut hair was tied back, keeping his modest curls at bay, and his fair features were drawn in frustration. Green eyes flashed as he snipped at the children, who sighed and obliged him grudgingly while calling him by his first name—Bailey. As soon as their shoes were cleaned off properly, he stepped aside to help Tabitha collect cloaks, and Gib thought Bailey must be a servant as well.

  The last man through the door was an all too familiar figure. Nawaz Arrio, dressed in a lush velvet doublet over an embroidered silk tunic, nodded curtly to Tabitha as she shut the door behind him. Gib noticed the young lord’s typical smirk was nowhere to be seen and his eyes were sullen. Despite his fine attire and the upcoming feast, Nawaz seemed uncomfortable, even resentful.

  Once everyone was inside and Mrifa had properly greeted her husband with a gentle embrace, she motioned toward Gib. “Welcome everyone. We have a guest with us for the holiday. This is Gibben Nemesio.”

  Gib cringed in his place as the entire flock proceeded toward him in an ordered line. As each person passed another, warm wishes were passed back and forth. Seneschal Koal hugged Joel and each of the girls on his way through and moved with such leisure that Gib had time to worry about how he must look. Had the seneschal even known Gib was invited to the feast? Would he be upset when he realized a common-born was present?

  Gib wrung his hands as the seneschal came closer and caught a glimpse of Nawaz smirking darkly. Of course that jackass finds this funny. Memories of their escapade at the Rose Bouquet bombarded his mind. He remembered how he was
left to fend for himself with an unknown prostitute and how his own thoughts had turned to Joel. Gib winced when he realized Koal Adelwijn was now standing directly ahead.

  Koal was much like his son, except he was older and had flecks of silver in his dark hair. His misty eyes were intelligent as he studied the sentinel trainee. The seneschal’s mouth was set in a thin line, but he didn’t appear to be upset, only curious. He offered one of his large hands for a shake. “Seneschal Koal Adelwijn.”

  Gib’s entire arm was numb as he lifted it to clasp hands with the seneschal. “Gibben Nemesio of Willowdale, sir.”

  Joel’s uncle was right behind Koal. He glared down at Gib with an ugly sneer. “Who is this again? How does he know your son?” The whine in his high, fine voice was darkly insinuating. Gib fought to keep from shuddering, the full weight of the uncle’s glare pressing down.

  Koal withdrew his hand and turned to his brother. Gib thought he saw the seneschal roll his eyes as he replied, “They’re roommates this year. Mrifa had told me he would be here but I’d forgotten. Apologies. It has been a long couple of days.” He turned back to Gib and made a proper introduction. “High Counselor Neetra Adelwijn, this is Gibben Nemesio of Willowd—”

  Joel’s uncle stuck his pointed nose in the air and swept past them both. “Yes, yes. I heard the first time. I’m not deaf, brother.”

  Gib looked at the floor. He’d been warned of Neetra’s foul personality but for some reason hadn’t been prepared for the sting. Would there ever be anything he could do to win the councilor’s approval? Gib looked up when he felt a hand rest on his shoulder.

  Koal’s mouth pressed into a tight line. “Apologies, little one.” His voice was as kind as Neetra’s had been condescending. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance.” The seneschal bowed his head, and Gib immediately returned the gesture.

  Mouth dry and wits failing him, Gib floundered for words. “I—Thank you, sir. It is an honor to be here.” He wondered if the seneschal could even decipher the croaked words.

  The seneschal took his leave with a small nod, and Gib had time to catch his breath as the children came through next. They were both dressed in finery, light blue silks and silver frills and cords. The girl curtsied and offered her hand, which Gib took despite his terror. Should he kiss it? She was highborn and he wasn’t. It would seem to be custom, but he didn’t want to make another gaffe.

  Gib noted Nawaz giving Heidi’s hand a simple peck. The young lord locked eyes with Gib just long enough for him to understand, and with a grateful nod, Gib did the same for the young girl. She bowed her head in response.

  The young girl had the same dark eyes as Neetra but hers smiled with the rest of her face. “I’m Lady Inez Adelwijn, daughter of High Counselor Neetra Adelwijn.”

  Gib’s voice was thick. “Gibben Nemesio of Willowdale. The honor is mine, m’lady.”

  Inez’s smile was amused but not patronizing. She dropped her voice to a mere whisper. “Next time, introduce yourself first.”

  “Why?” The question rushed from Gib’s mouth before he could stop it.

  She took her hand from him to cover her giggling mouth. “Because we’re the guests, silly.” Inez picked up her lush skirt and moved over several steps to allow the second child access to Gib.

  The boy who had entered with her came up next and offered his hand but didn’t speak. He looked so much like Neetra that he must be the High Counselor’s son.

  Gib swallowed, wishing he could drop through a hole in the floor. He clasped the boy’s hand. “G–Gibben Nemesio of Willowdale.”

  The boy flashed a bright smile. “Lord Inan Adelwijn, son of High Counselor Neetra Adelwijn. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.” He bowed his head.

  “I—The pleasure is all mine.”

  Inan withdrew his hand, giggling softly. “Try not to stutter the next time, but you did well.” He scurried to Inez, and they followed after their father.

  Last to make his greeting was Nawaz. “Not too bad, really. Ya know, for a lowborn.”

  Gib sighed. A smile quirked at the corner of his mouth as he replied, “I never thought I’d be so happy to be introducing myself to you.” He offered his hand.

  Nawaz cocked his head to the side, considered, but ultimately rejected Gib’s outstretched hand. “Nah, I’ve met you before. No need for introductions.” An exasperated gasp escaped Gib’s mouth. Nawaz laughed and mussed Gib’s curls as he walked past. “You should know me well enough by now, boy. Your wrist looks good, by the way. You’re welcome for fixing that.”

  Gib thought to argue with Nawaz or call him some nasty name. As it was, however, too many people were around.

  Joel touched Gib’s shoulder at that moment and all thoughts of avenging himself left his mind.

  “You did well.”

  Warmth swelled in Gib’s stomach as he turned to look into the mage trainee’s eyes.

  Joel’s smile was apologetic. “I’m sorry I didn’t think to step you through proper introductions. It never crossed my mind.”

  “Yeah. At least your cousins got a good laugh from it.”

  Joel’s eyebrows shot straight up. “Oh, trust me, they must either like you or are on their very best behavior. Inan and Inez are both known to cause a fuss over the most ridiculous things.”

  Speaking of fussing, Gib could hear Lady Mrifa causing a small commotion as she followed Neetra’s servant around. “Bailey, I insist you go seat yourself at the dining room table. You are a guest here!”

  Bailey was shooing her away with a single, dismissive hand. “I’m a servant and this is what I do. Go attend your guests, m’lady, and don’t worry yourself over me.”

  Mrifa groaned and tried to take a ladle from him. “I insist.”

  The servant narrowed his eyes and Gib thought he’d never seen such a thing. Neither Tabitha nor Otos dared speak to the good lady in such a light manner. Bailey’s voice was crisp when he dropped it just low enough that those who were already in the dining room couldn’t hear. “I swear to The Two, Mrifa, if I have to listen to that pompous windbag compliment himself one more time on his leadership skills, I’ll break his scrawny chicken neck in two.”

  Mrifa raised her hand to her mouth but couldn’t stop the incredulous laughter in time. “Bailey! That is your employer you’re talking about.”

  Bailey nodded with a shrug. “I’ve told him as much myself but he still refuses to fire me. Pompous and daft, it would seem. Most unbecoming. I suppose it’s a good thing he has me to raise his children to not be blathering idiots after himself.”

  Gib’s jaw dropped and Joel laughed quietly, not that anyone would be able to hear him over his own mother’s cackling delight. Joel leaned in closely to whisper in Gib’s ear. “Bailey is unlike any other servant you’ll ever meet. He’s truly more a family member than hired help.”

  “I’d hope so, with a mouth like that.” Gib still couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Has he been in Neetra’s service long?”

  Joel nodded and touched Gib’s elbow, directing him to the dining room. “Yes. He’s been a sort of nursemaid since before the twins were born. He bonded with Nawaz before his mother married Neetra. And more than that, Bailey’s been King Rishi’s dresser ever since the King took his place on the throne.”

  Gib was still at a loss. “A servant of the King and Neetra?” That seemed like more responsibility than he could comprehend. Another thought occurred to him. “Joel? Where is Neetra’s wife?”

  This question caused an instant lull in their conversation and Gib winced. He’d unwittingly overstepped some unknown boundary. Joel forced a tight smile and stopped Gib just short of entering the dining room. “She’s no longer in Arden, though she and my uncle are still technically married. It would be best not to bring it up with anyone else here.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”

  Joel smiled and nodded toward the dining room. “It’s all right. You’ll find the highborn world is plagued with unmentionable truth
s and questions that can’t be asked.” He paused there for a moment. “I think I’d like your world better in that regard. Honesty should always be valued over shameful secrecy. Come, let’s sit down to the feast.”

  Inside the dining room, the food had already been laid out. Gib’s mouth watered at the sight of a giant roasted ham, placed in the center of the table. All around it were other fine things Gib had only dreamed of, for even the academy hadn’t offered all of these delicacies. Boiled potatoes, gravies, breads of different colors and smells, roasted pheasant, pies, sausages, custards, and so many other things Gib had never seen before crowded the table. In all of his young life, he’d never imagined so much food could be served to one family.

  Neetra and his children had already seated themselves with Joel’s sisters and father. Koal had taken his place at the head of the grand table while the seat to his right remained empty, presumably for his wife. Neetra had taken the seat to Koal’s immediate left leaving two empty spaces between him and his son, Inan. The three girls were all sitting on the opposite side. The two younger ones were giggling.

  Joel touched Gib’s shoulder. “Come sit beside me?”

  Nodding, Gib followed at his friend’s heels. Joel sat next to Inan, putting his cousin between himself and Neetra, and Gib took the next empty seat. “Are we waiting for your brother?”

  Joel shrugged. “I’m really not sure. I suppose Mother will decide that.”

  “She won’t want us to wait until the dinner is cold,” Heidi remarked. She was exceptional at eavesdropping. “She and Bailey will be along any moment now.” Her voice was impatient as she turned a narrow look onto Joel. “Have you seen Nawaz? Where did he go?”

  Gib frowned and looked over his shoulder even as he heard Joel sigh. “I don’t know, Heidi. Why don’t you go look for him?”

  She fixed her brother with a sour glare but before she could open her mouth, a commotion came from the front room. The servant, Bailey, was barking an order at someone. “Get in there and stop pissing around out here! You are under foot.”