by Keith Walsh
Gallant glared back and the old man’s resolve broke within seconds as he quickly looked away. He took a moment to close the door behind them before making his way past his guests to guide them further into his abode. Callis and Amber followed the old man but Gallant delayed himself just long enough to remove the hunting knife in his boot and transfer it to the back of his belt. Then he too followed, moving swiftly to catch up with Amber in particular and taking her hand again. She responded to his touch immediately by clasping her little fingers around his huge ones before looking up at him and smiling.
She seemed genuinely happy and although it confused Gallant, a little part of him also felt better by the child’s clear lack of concern. “It’s okay Mr Giant. He really is a nice man,” said Amber, keeping her eyes on her protector. Gallant wasn’t convinced but he allowed himself a return smile.
As the group moved through the entrance hallway Gallant cast his eyes over the elaborate décor. Long tapestries hung from the walls and a large rug lay upon the floor, and both featured different images surrounded by patterned borders. Some had words Gallant didn’t recognise embroidered on them. The hall felt cold but the décor gave the impression of warmth. Gallant shivered nonetheless. The place made him feel uneasy. Such a building, fit for a lord, in a small village like this? And owned by a surgeon? None of it felt right.
Gallant was pulled from his thoughts as they walked under a large archway and into what looked like a study. Some of the walls were surround by bookcases, filled with all sorts of different coloured volumes, all of varying sizes and thickness. Some looked tattered and others seemingly quite new. A large stone fireplace was set in the back wall with two large doors on either side of it, a pair of comfortable-looking padded armchairs angled slightly towards the grate. A small table with a lamp resting upon it was between them. This room felt much more inviting and Gallant’s sense of uneasiness started to subside just a little.
“Can I get you anything to eat or drink?” asked Matias over his shoulder while heading to the door on the right of the fireplace, clearly indicating that the current room was not the intended destination for his guests. “No, thank you,” said Callis, after briefly checking with Gallant who only offered a shake of the head as a response and Amber offering none at all.
“Very well,” replied Matias. “We shall not be going this way then,” he added, moving away from the right of the fireplace to the door on the left, whereupon he opened it and walked through. It didn’t take long before he realised he hadn’t been followed. “Please follow me,” he said, popping his head back around the doorframe to eye the hesitant group.
The new room they entered was obviously the dining area. A large beautifully crafted oak table surround by equally well-made chairs sat at the centre. Another large stone fireplace was on the wall to their left and at the very back and far right of the room Gallant could just make out a stairway that seemed to lead down. The table was laid with various sparkling cutlery upon it and some crystal glasses and jugs. This place really is fit for a King, thought Gallant. He moved to the table and lifted one of the pieces of cutlery to examine it. He had never seen iron shine like that before.
“It’s silver,” said Matias, noting the uncertain expression on Gallant’s face as the giant’s eyes roamed over the small fish knife in his hands. “Quite rare for these parts,” added the old man with an arrogant twinkle in his eye. “You live well Matias,” said Gallant, eyeing the old man warily while nonchalantly placing the silver knife back on the table. “I cannot lie,” started Matias, “that when you have such wealth as I, living in extremity is almost a duty-bound responsibility. And I can assure you there are plenty of people in this world willing to help you spend said wealth.”
“I’m sure,” replied Gallant dismissively. He had always disliked the rich. They could have everything they wanted but didn’t appreciate any of it because of that very fact. And Matias’ callous approach to his own luxury did nothing to exercise Gallant’s cynical opinion. Almost as though the old man could read Gallant’s thoughts he changed the subject.
“Perhaps it best if Amber and Callis stay here for a while,” said Matias, gesturing to some of the chairs surrounding the dining table. “There is something downstairs I would like to show Gallant, alone if you would do me the honour,” he added, eyeing the giant. Gallant returned the look, searching for any sign of deceit or scheming going on in those eyes. For the first time since they had met, Matias didn’t look away under the intensity of the giant’s stare and this proved evidence enough to Gallant that the man was sincere. If he had anything to hide he would have looked away for fear of being found out. Or he is holding firm now because he knows it empowers any future ruse? thought Gallant.
His hand reached around his back to caress the handle of his hunting knife for a moment before he answered. “Although I have come to trust Callis,” he said, “I do not wish to have Amber out of my sight.”
“What are you up to Matias?” chipped in Callis, somewhat hurt at the fact he was to be excluded from whatever his tutor wished to share, and ignoring Gallant’s compliment. Matias looked to his pupil with a soft expression. “Your giant friend here,” he started, waving a hand toward Gallant, “doesn’t trust me. I don’t need to be an old hag with a black cat and a crystal ball to see that.” Callis sniggered at the image that flashed into his head on hearing Matias’ description.
“I seek only to try to gain some trust,” continued the old man. “And I do not think what I have to show is suitable for all currently present,” he added with a slight nod toward Amber. Both Gallant and Callis caught it and instantly understood what Matias was referring to.
In truth Matias didn’t care if the child saw what he had below. He just needed to be away from her before his desire to grab a hold of her overwhelmed him. The pull of energy he felt when close to her constantly assaulted his sanity. It took every bit of his extraordinary will to resist it but he knew that even the most steadfast of humans would crack eventually under such unrelenting pressure. He needed desperately to get away from her.
“Why do you need trust from me Matias?” said Gallant. “I do not intend to stay here and you will not be travelling with us. In truth I’m not sure why I even agreed to come here and see you.”
“But agree you did,” replied Matias, with open arms. “So why not humour your instincts and come see what I wish to show you.” Gallant paused for a moment but eventually said, “Very well.” He turned to Amber and Callis. “Princess, please stay with Callis for a little while and don’t wander off okay?” Amber nodded her head in an over exaggerated fashion. “Callis don’t let her—”
Callis cut him off with “I told you, never say never.” Gallant frowned at the young man’s mockery. He knew he had vowed never to let Amber from his sight again and now was about to break that vow just a short time after making it, but what choice did he have? He had made the decision to meet with Matias, against his better judgement, and now the old man claimed she should not be present for whatever revelation he had in store.
The thought that all this could be a simple plan to get her away from her protector did cross his mind but if he didn’t go and see what Matias wanted him to see, than why did he risk bringing her here in the first place?
All the second-guessing caused Gallant a headache. He was a simple man who said what he meant and did what he said. He had no time for deceit or games of the mind. “Let’s just get on with it,” he said allowed, his frustration boiling over. Matias took an elaborate bow in response before proceeding down the stairs. Gallant moved to follow but paused long enough to cast one more wary glance over Amber and Callis. “Make sure you keep her safe Callis.”
The young man just nodded but Gallant could see sincerity in his eyes. Feeling as satisfied as he could under the circumstances, he took his first step to whatever awaited below with one hand behind his back clutching his hunting dagger. A few steps down and Gallant noticed a bend in the stairs. He consciously moved to the l
eft-hand wall to give himself extra time to defend against any attempted ambush from around the corner. None came.
He proceeded to the bottom to be confronted by an arched doorway with a double opened wooden door, through which he could see Matias fidgeting with something on a wooden desk. “Come in, come in,” said the old man, pulling himself away from whatever he had been doing long enough to acknowledge Gallant’s presence. As he walked cautiously through the archway, looking all around as he stepped, Gallant noticed the walls of the room he entered were lined with various shelves and paper tapestries. Upon the shelves sat jars of different coloured powders and ones with a weird greenish liquid enveloping what looked to be different types of insects. The paper tapestries where covered in leaves and petals, each with a short written note to one side, a line leading from each note to, Gallant guessed, the item it corresponded with.
“In my line of work having an extensive knowledge of plant life can be very helpful,” said Matias, momentarily pulling Gallant from his awe of everything within the room. “To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect,” said Gallant, nonchalantly, his eyes being pulled back to all the details around him. Gallant blinked as a thought occurred. “Why the need for all the secrecy?” he said, eyeing the old man now.
“Ah,” said Matias, pursing his lips. “My collection is not the problem. These are,” he added, stepping aside and waving his hand along the table Gallant had seen him fidgeting at earlier. Upon it sat many potted plants, all of which were dead except for one – a tomato plant with the most perfect tomatoes Gallant had ever laid eyes on. Its leaves and vines looked to be in perfect health, radiant green and without a single blemish, blotch or bruise upon any part of them or the fruit it bore.
Matias observed Gallant’s reaction to the plant and he could tell the giant was impressed. Gallant felt the old man’s eyes upon him and meeting them he understood his opinion was wanted. “It is a remarkable plant to be sure,” he said. “But again, it hardly represents a need for such privacy.”
“Well, what if I told you that I created it with my will alone?” said Matias, his eyes narrowing. Gallant paused for a moment while he examined the full contents of the table. “I would firstly say that if what you say is true, then you must be gifted,” he said at last. Matias pursed his lips again but gave nothing else away, understanding that more would come from the giant. “But that would also raise the question as to how you failed so many times before,” added Gallant.
Matias smiled slyly. “And that would be the correct question,” he said, his smile subsiding. “Well?” Gallant prompted. Matias shrugged and said, “To answer honestly, I do not know how or why I suddenly achieved my first success. I can only say that I have been trying for many years.”
“Then perhaps your time and dedication has finally paid off,” said Gallant. Matias spread his arms wide, and with an arrogant raise of his chin said, “Perhaps.”
“But you do not believe that?”
“It is a possibility, of course, but no, I do not believe that.” Gallant took a deep breath and exhaled with a long sigh. He knew where this was headed and why the old man had requested Amber stay away. The only thing he needed to decide right now was if he would share any information with the old man. You are here, Amber is not. Let us see where this goes, he thought. “All right, so what do you believe?” asked Gallant finally, prepared for what may come. “The child,” started Matias, noting the expression on Gallant become that of someone who knew what was coming. “She is gifted,” he finished simply.
Every fibre in Gallant’s being fought to give some sort of twitch or audible acknowledgement in response to the words, but he held firm, eager not to give anything away. “Your lack of response tells me more than any reaction would have. I now know I am correct in what I say.” Gallant cursed. He had never been very good at deceit and in truth prided himself on that fact, until now. “That you tried so hard to hide it also means you are aware of her gift,” continued Matias. “Aye, what of it?” Gallant said. “How long have you known?” Matias pressed him.
Gallant hesitated for a moment. Just how much should he reveal? “Sir, I do not mean the girl any harm,” Matias said, eyeing Gallant and appearing quite sincere. “You would not think it,” said Gallant. “The way you look at her, it’s like a man possessed.” Matias considered him for a moment and then said, “Indeed, I feel a little possessed when I stare upon her. Her power emanates, and it pulls me toward her. All I want to do is reach out and touch her. Something you have made impossible up to now.”
“Stay away from her Matias.” Gallant’s expression darkened and now it was he who looked like the madman. “Why do you think I asked you down here alone?” Matias asked. “Because you did not want Amber to see or hear any of this,” Gallant said. “No. Amber is your concern. Not mine. If it were up to me I would tell her everything and do all that I could to help her grow and control her gift.”
“Why then?” Gallant asked.
“Because I am doing my very best to do exactly what you are asking, no, demanding of me – to stay away from her.” Upon hearing the old man’s words, Gallant’s expression eased and he stood up straight, hands on hips. “Very well Matias. What is it you want?”
“To help.”
Looking less than convinced, Gallant made to speak but Matias beat him to it. “And before you ask, what I get from doing this is knowledge. I am a student of all things gifted. My knowledge is extensive, despite my ability being lacklustre.” Gallant cocked his head to one side quizzically. “But you said yourself you can’t be around Amber…” Matias bristled, his anger visibly rising. “Bah, you are out of your depth with her,” he said. Gallant immediately stepped toward the old man, causing him to recoil.
“I don’t doubt your physical ability,” said Matias quickly, eager to halt the giant’s advance. It worked, and Gallant paused. “Are you claiming you have no knowledge of her gift?” Matias asked. Gallant eyed the old man. “Is that what you’re saying?” asked Matias again, his tone lighter, his eyes searching. “No,” replied Gallant, unable to meet his gaze any longer. What had Dallious gotten him into? Did he know about Amber? Did Sister? It doesn’t matter. You gave your word and now you will die before you break it, he thought.
“As I said before, I do not intend to stay here and I will not have you travel with us Matias. So what do you suggest?” The old man looked dejected by Gallant’s words but soon he rubbed his beard with his fingers, stroking it to a point and Gallant allowed him his thoughts. Finally he raised a finger and spoke, “If you won’t let me travel with you, then perhaps you will stay just one more night?” A frown appearing on the giant’s brow gave evidence to the fact Matias had better come up with more and so he obliged.
“I understand your hesitation. I really do. But hear me out and speak freely with me and I will do all I can to help you with Amber.” Gallant was starting to lose his patience. “I had hoped to be moving on by now. In fact I didn’t want to come here at all. To see you I mean.”
“And yet here you are.” Gallant simply nodded. “I don’t think you truly understand how dangerous it is to be ignorant of the child’s power,” Matias said. “I did not even know she had power until a little over a day ago,” shouted Gallant, his frustration starting to boil over.
He didn’t appreciate being portrayed as ignorant. To Gallant, being gifted was the stuff of legend. Stories told about older times. Now all of a sudden he had learned not only that Amber was gifted but Matias was as well. He knew about using an axe to fell trees or cleave through flesh and bone. He knew nothing of the gifted but that didn’t make him ignorant, it just made him uneducated. To be ignorant he would first have to have knowledge of it. To know something exists and choose to disbelieve it – that was true ignorance.
“What happened that brought you enlightenment?” asked Matias, trying to pull the giant away from his anger. “What?” said Gallant, still showing signs of frustration. “Something must—”
“I know wha
t you asked,” interrupted Gallant, fighting for calm. After a pause, he said, “My wounds…” He stopped again while focussing on controlling his breathing. “You should have been riding to find a dead man, not meeting us halfway as you did.”
“That is what I suspected,” replied Matias, his excitement rising, the prospect of learning more suddenly very apparent to him. “But as you may recall, when I questioned Callis about it, he simply said it was complicated?” he added. “I didn’t hear your conversation with Callis,” said Gallant, clearly back in control of his emotions and seemingly resigned to that fact he was providing information he had originally thought about withholding.
“What happened?” asked Matias. Gallant eyed him for a moment but eventually answered, “I collapsed after my fight with the bear. When I awoke, I found Amber and Callis watching over me. My wounds gone.” Matias nodded along encouragingly. “Not knowing what had happened and feeling confused by Callis’ probing questions I asked for an explanation. This seemed to be enough evidence for Callis to convince him that I did not know of Amber’s gift, and so he told me he would explain later. I accepted and during camp that night he told me everything. When he did I accused him of being the one who was gifted.” Matias laughed then but it was quickly silenced by a fierce stare from Gallant. “I’m sorry,” said the old man. “Please continue.”