Maverick

by Curtis, Greg

  After showing her all that there was to see, without the rest of the glade and the Allyssian Forest and hills surrounding it there was less than he’d thought, he held a chair for the elder so that she could be seated at his table to await the promised tea. Above them he noticed several of the members of the Wild Sage Troop were hanging over the railings of the lower platform looking down on them and no doubt gossiping amongst themselves. He also had no doubt from the sly smiles on their faces and the odd back slap that there would be some inexplicable comments and unfamiliar jests for him when he returned to duty in a couple of days, most of which he wouldn’t understand. Such was his life as a ranger, but he could live with that.

  Meanwhile Essaline who had stayed inside to tend to the tea, and he was secretly pleased by the thought that for once it might be her serving him, though he would never have dared given voice to the unworthy thought, was approaching with the kettle and a tray of cups. She even poured it for them, telling him firmly to be seated when he offered to help.

  “You have a connection to this house?” It wasn’t really a question and Marjan just nodded as he sat down across from Felesily at his dining table, which was still outside on the front lawn. Essaline when she had finished pouring, had taken one of the ends of the table, and for some reason he couldn’t get the image out of his mind of her lying on this very table not so many months before as he’d tended to her injuries. Her mother’s question was actually welcome as it helped to redirect his wayward thoughts, and maybe even clarify some of them.

  “Yes, very much so elder. It’s like a part of me. I’ve lived here for ten years, after having rebuilt it from a ruin, and even before that, when I first found it, it almost seemed as though something drew me to it.” Saying it out loud made it seem unlikely somehow and yet even now, sitting in front of his cottage in the middle of the wrong forest, he knew it was true. He had been drawn to this home for some reason, just as he’d been drawn to bring it with him. Maybe circumstances had forced his hand, but he would still have tried even if they hadn’t.

  “Tell me about that.” Suddenly there was interest in her eyes, and he wasn’t quite sure why, but slowly he told her everything he could remember about how he’d first found the cottage, seeing it from above through the eyes of a bird just by chance as he sat on the side of the southern road feeling sorry for himself, seeking it out, and then about the unnatural and many would say foolish lengths he’d gone to to rebuild it from the ruin it had once been, in the middle of a freezing cold winter. All the while the elder’s eyes were fixed on him, making him a little uncomfortable, even if he didn’t quite know why.

  When he’d finished with his story she made him continue with the tale of his years in the house and in the forest, and mostly it seemed that she wanted to know what he knew about the Allyssian forest around his home, though again it made no sense to him. Nor did he know whether she was asking as a simple guest brought by her daughter, or as an elder investigating him. Still as it brought back memories of happier times, he didn’t mind. It was actually quite pleasing just to reflect on the years he’d spent there alone. Once he was done rambling, she changed the subject, as of course was her prerogative both as an elder and a woman. He should have expected it by then, but of course she caught him by surprise.

  “So a young mage, a man of prospects as your people would say, with your own house. What are your intentions?” Naturally she caught him off guard with her question, probably as she intended, and he didn’t know what to say, not least because he didn’t understand what she was asking.

  “Intentions elder?”

  “Yes. What do you plan to do?” Unfortunately her explanation didn’t help him at all, but he suspected that was a part of her game, if it was a game, and Essaline was no help at all as she sipped at her tea and stared carefully at the tabletop. She knew what her mother meant but for some reason she wasn’t giving anything away.

  “I’m sorry, I don’t understand. When, where, and about what elder?”

  “Lets start at the beginning shall we, with this terrible war.” Finally Marjan had something to work with and the relief was palpable, especially when the answer was already waiting for him in his thoughts. It had always been there even if he had never before put it in words.

  “I intend to help us win it elder. I am a wizard, Guild trained and vowed to its purpose even if I am no longer a member of it, and I cannot and will not put that duty aside. My vows hold me to the defence of the people, all the people, and though I cannot go to war against other people the enemy are not people, so I can and will do everything within my compass to protect the people of Evensong and destroy these foul things that stand against them. Others are stronger and more knowledgeable and may do more, I hope they will, but I will not allow that as an excuse to do any less than I can.” Of course he realised why she was asking, he’d upset them all recently, and probably a few too many times before that. She as an elder needed to know the truth of his heart and it was difficult to deceive an elf.

  “I have tried to do that all along even if I have been poor at explaining my actions and too seldom told the council of my intentions in advance.” Actually it wasn’t his explanations that had caused so much consternation he suspected, it was the way he failed to consult with others before he acted. But then they might have stopped him and perhaps they knew that he couldn’t have allowed that either. That was why he hadn’t asked in the first place and probably they guessed as much.

  “And after?”

  “I will continue to serve the people. Now that I am no longer living in seclusion, now that my secrets are known and my shame has been exposed, I would like to return to work as a wizard or a mage, outside of the Guild. It is a waste of my talents for me to hide away from the world, and there is a lot of work for me to do. I should do it.” Again the answer was already in his thoughts and he didn’t even have to think about it, and he liked that. He was also pleased with the way the elder smiled at him when he told her the simple truth, as if he’d said something right for once.

  “Here? In Evensong?” Once more she caught him a little unprepared and he had to stop for a moment and think, and yet again he found that the answer was already waiting within him.

  “Yes, I think so elder. I would like that if the people will allow me that honour. It has taken time I admit, and I still do not understand a lot that the people do here, and my elvish is poor at best, but this town, this land is starting to find its way into my being. I wake up and before I open my eyes I can feel the animals and birds all around going about their business. I can feel the people too, a part of the land, something I had not known before. And while it is not yet as strong as it was in the Allyssian Forest, I believe that connection will become so in time. Besides it is nice to have people to speak with every day and to practice my Elvish with, and simply to serve as a wizard should.”

  “Good. You will be welcome. As Essaline has said, you do know how to fly straight. So what are your intentions towards my daughter?” Suddenly the feeling of pleasure fled him completely to be replaced by a sense of imminent panic as he finally understood where she was going with her questions, and he didn’t know how to answer her. Yet that wasn’t quite true. He did know what he wanted, he just didn’t know how to say it, and so instead he sat there and made strange strangled noises for a few moments, while he tried to think of something, anything to say. Then when he finally did think of something and blurted it out, he almost wished he hadn’t.

  “Lady Essaline is a beautiful, wonderful woman and I would never wish to do anything to embarrass or offend her in any way.”

  “Yes we know that, you’ve told us so before. But that’s not what my wife and I wish to know.” Elder Maene’s voice came from just beside him and he turned, shocked to see Essaline’s father already taking a seat opposite her and pouring himself a cup of the wildflower tea. Where had he come from? How long had he been listening? How had he crept up on him so easily?

  “For over a month no
w you and our daughter have been taking private walks, sharing food apart from the family, and even so we have heard, engaged in holding hands, all without a word to us. Our daughter likewise has said nothing, even though she surely knows the gossip reaches our ears.” Maene was sounding more than a little serious, though at least not angry, while Essaline he noticed was staring even more intently at the table and turning somewhat red under her normal gold.

  “I do not think it unreasonable that you and our daughter should inform us of your intentions before we meet our grandchildren.” Suddenly it was Marjan’s turn to redden and choke on his tea at the shocking thought, but at least he managed not to stare at the table as he stumbled out an answer, the only one he had.

  “Forgive me elders, Felesily, Maene. I am still a stranger to your ways and did not know that anything had to be said yet, and please be assured that nothing of such an intimate nature has occurred between us. But yes, Essaline and I have been becoming close of late as she has honoured me with her company, and though we have not spoken of it, it has been an honour and a great joy to me and I would very much like to continue that closeness, if that would meet with her approval and yours.” Even as he said it a part of Marjan couldn’t believe he actually was saying it, not that he actually knew what he was saying, and another part was terrified of where this might go. He knew where he wanted it to lead, but he was scared of it as well, almost as frightened as he was of being told to stop.

  “Daughter?” Both of them and Marjan as well turned to face her, and for less than half a heartbeat Essaline seemed to wilt under their gazes, but then she too found her resolve and stared them directly in the eyes.

  “I too would like to continue with our time together. Marjan has shown himself to be more than just a man of prospects, a mage of great strength, and a future leader, he is also a man of great kindness, humour and caring, and he does more than honour me with his company, he makes me happy.” Despite his endless worries Marjan started smiling like an idiot as he heard her say that and she too smiled at him. He simply couldn’t help himself as the sense of joy overwhelmed him when she said what neither of them had dared to say before, and he guessed he wasn’t alone as she too wore a silly grin. Of course that didn’t mean her family would be so happy about it, and as quickly as he could he managed to at least try and look as though he was listening.

  “You have done a lot for our people of late Marjan, and you have shown yourself true, even found a companion which has surprised and pleased us all. But you have also shown yourself to be impulsive, as is the nature of the young, prone to reacting without thinking, to putting plans into action without consulting those that may be affected by them.” Of course all of that was true Marjan knew, especially the last, and he didn’t like the way it rolled of Maene’s tongue all the more because of it, but as a father the elf had every right to be concerned.

  “Now you and our daughter wish to embark upon another journey together, a journey in life, and this is never something that should be begun in haste or secrecy. It is a journey of the heart and the soul, and it must be walked patiently and with great care. There must be consideration taken at every step along the way, there must be planning and reflection so that at the end of the journey all are satisfied with the destination, and the journey itself becomes a treasured memory.”

  “It is not our wish, neither Felesily’s nor mine to say no, but neither are we yet convinced that this is the wisest course. There are many difficulties ahead, much for both of you to learn about each other, and about the ways of both humans and elves, and the ways of men and women.”

  “So we will allow a trial.”

  “A trial elder?” By then Marjan’s thoughts were already in turmoil, they hadn’t said no and that was wonderful and shocking, but they weren’t happy either and hadn’t said yes, and now they wanted a trial. He didn’t even know what that meant, and in the back of his mind he had an image of a village court judging him with a presiding judge and witnesses. He of course would be the one standing in the accused’s box awaiting the verdict and hoping it wasn’t the headsman’s axe. Essaline of course was no help as she continued staring intently at the table.

  “Yes, a test period. Perhaps a year or so in which you can get to know one another, learn of each other’s ways, and decide whether this is the path you truly want to take. A time in which decisions can be made and hearts explored. With the guidance of a chaperone of course.”

  “A year?” Surprisingly it wasn’t him that asked the question, it was Essaline, and he turned to see her looking upset. He wondered why when he was actually overjoyed simply by the idea that they would be allowed to continue seeing one another.

  “Do you have an objection daughter?” Maene stared at her and Essaline backed down hurriedly, any thought of arguing about it clearly vanishing fast. There was little doubt who ruled the family Marjan realised.

  “No father.”

  “And you Marjan?” It wasn’t really a question Marjan knew. He could so easily have said no.

  “Never elder. To be allowed to continue enjoying the company of your daughter is privilege enough.” It was the truth and finally he knew he’d said something right as he saw Essaline start glowing like the sun with happiness while her mother smiled as well. Maybe he was learning just a little decorum after all.

  ****************

  Chapter Thirteen.

  “You had best be on your best behaviour tonight.” Marjan warned Bearabus once more as he had all day, and as usual she paid him no mind as she snoozed on his couch. She didn’t understand. She only understood simple things like food and sleeping, going outside to use the toilet, at long last, and not tearing up his furniture, at least while he was watching, but for the present she seemed calm. Then again it was darkening, six bells was almost upon them and she’d had a long hard day of playing, mostly chasing butterflies which seemed to be everywhere of late, and which she had a never ending fascination for. She was tired. She opened an eye, poked her tongue out at him and even snuffled a couple of times, but no more. He sighed, only hoping that she could continue sleeping peacefully for the rest of the evening.

  It wasn’t likely though. Three full tendays of her company had taught him that. She was a cheeky little cub, and she loved people, as they in turn seemed to love her. Wherever he went, she followed, and the local children followed as well, many wanting to pet her, something which she was more than happy for them to do, especially when they brought her food, and she was a walking fur ball of hunger. With guests coming she would be her usual playful self. For a bear, cub or not, she was a remarkably friendly animal, and so too for a companion, if she was one.

  That was a good thing though, with her by his side and she never left it, he was a popular man in Evensong, especially with the children who all wanted to hug her, though he noticed a lot of their parents smiled at him as well. Maybe her charm would work with Essaline’s parents as well, he could but hope.

  This evening was the first of their official engagements as a courting couple, and Essaline was bursting with excitement, even if she held it back as an elf should. During their walks together, and they were allowed under her aunt’s watchful eye to frequent many of the more beautiful parts of the town, hold hands and even share a chaste kiss on the cheek, she’d told him of what was expected, and while it might be only a family meal together, and far from their first, it was the first where he was the host and he was more than a little nervous.

  Already his cottage had been cleaned out several times, rugs had been beaten to within an inch of their lives, the couches repaired from where Bearabus had left her inevitable claw marks, the gardens trimmed and weeded, not that much of them would be visible in the dark, the floors and walls polished once more, and flowers were arranged in vases on the shelves he’d quickly erected around the walls. The house looked good, perhaps even in its own simple way, as good as her family’s own home. It might be a human styled cottage with lots of straight lines, but for all that he tho
ught the elves would enjoy it, with its finely crafted, polished wood everywhere, the flowers he’d put in pots around the main room, and even the smell of the jasmine essence he’d dabbed on some of the window sills.