by M. Gregg Roe
Winter was less than a month away, but its cold seemed to have arrived early. Peering out the window as she waited, she even thought she saw a few flakes of snow. She wondered if it was snowing on her castle. Working on it had become monotonous, no longer something she looked forward to. But it had to be done.
He soon appeared, and they quickly agreed to go to a nearby café. As they ate, she mentally rehearsed what she needed to tell him when they returned to his place. When they exited, it was lightly snowing. She marveled at how each flake seemed to glow in her enhanced vision.
Back in his sitting room, she waited impatiently as he methodically kindled a fire. Magic could have gotten it going in an instant, but it would also frighten him. He didn’t need to know about her magical weaponry.
Seated side by side on the sofa she began her prepared speech, describing her long-term plan in simple terms. He didn’t say a word, but she could sense his discomfort. She was, in effect, prophesying the end of their relationship.
He sat silently for over a minute before saying, “I have some questions.”
“Go ahead,” she told him, carefully maintaining a neutral expression as she hid her nervousness.
“You don’t age?” he asked, wide-eyed.
“I am aging normally for now,” she explained. “But not for much longer.” Actually, she had already slowed her aging, but not to the extent that anyone would notice. It was a way of easing into her perpetual youth.
“So I shouldn’t move to Zardis?”
Her breath caught in her throat as her chest tightened. She had expected the question, but it still hurt to hear him ask it. “Your life is here,” she said with feeling. “Your business is here. Your family is here. We can keep seeing each other for a few years, but eventually—”
“It has to end,” he interjected, his voice thick with emotion.
Filled with sorrow, she wiped the tears from her eyes. “Yes, it has to end. I’m sorry.”
Conrad abruptly got up and went to tend the fire. Watching him wield the poker, she could sense his pain, feel his unease. After tonight, it would never be the same between the two of them; she knew it in her heart.
He turned around suddenly. Back-lit by the flickering flames, it was even more difficult than usual to read his expression. “You haven’t told me everything,” he said, not accusing but stating a fact. “Do you work for Andoran directly?”
She had hoped it wouldn’t come to this. Like many people, Conrad not only believed that Andoran was still alive, but that the man was basically a god. Growing up in Farmerton, she had been no different.
“Andoran has been dead for over twenty years,” she told him as he resumed his seat. “He left behind people to look after things, and I’m now one of them.”
He was silent for so long that she began to worry. “It’s an important responsibility,” he said at last.
“But not a constant one,” she returned. “I only need to address major issues.”
“Like that castle,” he said, rubbing his beard.
“Yes, like that castle.” She forced a reassuring smile. “Let’s just see how it goes. Even without this complication, we might eventually have broken up.”
Telling the lie hurt, but it had to be done. She couldn’t bear the thought of him following her around, aging while she didn’t. It was because he meant so much to her that they had to part ways. In time, she hoped he would understand.
He turned his head to stare at the flickering flames, and she laid her head on his shoulder. The fire’s warmth was rapidly erasing the chill from the room.
Nothing was certain. Maybe they would drift apart after she moved to Zardis. She wasn’t about to teleport back and forth just to maintain a doomed relationship. Or maybe she would change her mind and take him with her. Either way, it was too soon to be agonizing over it. Who knew what might happen over the next few years?
[ 33 ]
A Celebration
Some things never changed.
Gabriel watched with amusement as a grinning Siljan leaned over and poked Hankin in the stomach. “Looks like someone isn’t getting enough exercise,” she chided, dimpling her rosy cheeks. Her childish behavior was at odds with her formal attire—a long black dress that flattered her slim build. She had even taken the time to braid her golden hair.
The dark-haired young man wasn’t having it. “It’s a sign of maturity,” Hankin retorted, scowling from his chair in the corner of the huge parlor. “I’m too busy working and taking care of my wife and children to exercise.” He jabbed a finger at her face. “Unlike you, I don’t spend all day avoiding work and taking naps.”
Siljan pointed her own finger. “I only spend part of the day avoiding work,” she fired back in mock anger.
“Aha!” he exclaimed, his blue eyes twinkling. “You admit it.”
“That I’m lazy?” She spread her arms. “Everyone knows that.”
As the two continued trading good-natured barbs, Gabriel exchanged a knowing look with Saxloc. The four of them had been the core of an adventuring group that had lasted for several years. Audrey had eventually joined them, making use of her martial arts training. But that had ended when she had become the Guardian. Soon they too had felt the pressures of adulthood and increasing responsibility. Adventures were now something they spoke of with wistfulness and nostalgia.
Of the four of them, Hankin had seemed the least likely to settle down into a normal family life. Gabriel hadn’t expected the young man to even consider marriage until he was well into his thirties, and maybe not even then. Hankin had seemed thoroughly content with his bachelor life. But the young man was undeniably happy now, doting on both his wife and two young children. Gabriel couldn’t help but envy his friend.
All of them had proper jobs now. Hankin worked for the Novox intelligence division, Siljan as a Priestess of Kyran in Wineton, and Saxloc as the assistant manager of Witch’s City Weapons, a business he would eventually inherit.
After Saxloc was led off by his long-time girlfriend, Gabriel moved away and surveyed the room as he took sips of his wine. Even limiting who they invited, over thirty people had shown up. It was an eclectic mix of family, friends, city guards, and former courtesans. His father had even put in a brief appearance, offering his congratulations and speaking briefly with Marryn.
There were definitely some odd groupings among those remaining. What could Conrad, Peri, and Romee possibly be discussing? Almera and Tobias were conversing with two immaculately dressed courtesans. And then there was the all-elf trio of Eomera, Ilia, and Daragrim, seated in a triangle near the entryway.
Smiling primly, Cinda walked up from his right clad in a form-fitting vermillion dress. “And to think,” she said, putting a hand to her chest, “after cruelly rejecting my advances, you wed another former courtesan.” She moved her hand to her forehead and sighed theatrically. “I am devastated.”
Gabriel chuckled in amusement at her performance. She had indeed propositioned him back in the day, but it had simply been a game between them. “Thank you for attending,” he said, nodding formally.
Cinda curtsied. “I wish the two of you eternal happiness.”
“Me too,” Audrey said, leaning in from his left. “We’re going to my cottage to drink and reminisce.”
He had no sooner bid them farewell when Kora approached. “We need to thank people as they leave,” she told him. He followed her to the entryway and spent the next half-hour doing just that.
After Kora went to speak with Almera, Gabriel found himself cornered by his sister. “Nollan invited me to have dinner with him,” she said, sounding both surprised and inebriated. “That’s weird, isn’t it?”
Nollan was Kora’s younger brother, which meant that he was now Gabriel’s brother-in-law. He had also been the first partner assigned to Gabriel when he had taken employment with the Guard, so the man wasn’t exactly an unknown. Gabriel both liked and respected him.
“What was your response?” he inquired.
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br /> Marryn drained the last of whatever was in her goblet and smacked her lips. “I said yes. He seems nice.”
The lascivious way that his sister had dressed for the party had certainly invited attention, but it also revealed that she was once again in good health. “Then I hope that you both have a good time,” he told her.
“Do you know if he wants children?” she asked, then looked away in embarrassment.
He stared at his sister. “How would I know?”
Marryn blinked slowly. “I know I’m getting ahead of myself, but I haven’t dated in almost two years.”
“Then I advise you to take it slow,” he said.
“I will.” She glanced over to where Medea and Tobias were standing together, presumably waiting on her. “I’m not planning to move out until Spring at the earliest, and maybe not even then. I should never have moved out so young. And yes, I do remember both you and Mother trying to talk me out of it.”
“With age comes wisdom,” he told her wryly, then drained the rest of his wine.
“And eventually gray hair, wrinkles, and flab,” she said brightly. “I’m heading home now. It was fun.”
After seeing them off, Gabriel and Kora accepted Draymund and Almera’s invitation to spend the night in a guest suite rather than walk home in the cold. It had been a wonderful evening, but they were both exhausted.
Tomorrow he and Kora would travel by ship to Rohoville, arriving two days before the start of the festival. He was looking forward to the time off.
Ilona had a peeved look as she shoveled down her food. That was likely because her sister was monopolizing the conversation, speaking at length about her druid training. Gabriel and Kora listened quietly as they ate their own breakfasts. Their ship didn’t leave until noon, so they had plenty of time.
It sounded to him as if Iris was spending more time doing menial chores than receiving actual instruction, but that was part of being an apprentice. He also suspected that the girl wasn’t exactly comfortable with her new living conditions. Things would be different for Ilona when she began her own studies. She would have multiple teachers and be able to continue living at home. Though twins, the two girls had chosen distinctly different paths.
“When do you return to Redflower?” Kora asked Iris, and the girl’s face fell.
“Today,” she moaned. “Draymund’s taking me.”
Gabriel gestured toward the nearby window. “It looks like a nice day to fly.”
Iris scowled. “But I wanted to go to the festival and see Romee compete.”
Ilona put a hand on her sister’s arm. “I’m not going either. Besides, didn’t we swear we’d never go again after last time?”
That brought a smile to Iris’s face. “We almost got trampled twice, lost every game we played, and ate so much we were up sick all night. Good times,” she concluded with a silly smile.
“Now I don’t want to go,” Kora quipped, and both girls laughed.
“Where are you staying?” Ilona asked.
“The castle,” Kora answered. “Gabriel arranged it.”
The two girls exchanged looks. “If King Danj starts telling stories,” Ilona said, “then find some excuse to leave. We made that mistake once.”
He had already warned his wife about that, but there was probably no avoiding it. At a minimum, Danj would insist on telling Kora about the lion he slew on his first adventure, emphasizing that he did it without assistance but failing to mention that he had nearly died in the process. Gabriel regarded Grasapa’s version of those events as definitive. She had witnessed it all and wasn’t prone to exaggeration.
After breakfast, the two of them went home and packed for their trip. By the time they headed to the docks, the sunny weather had given way to dark clouds and light rain. But the inclement weather wasn’t the only bad news. Novox sailors were herding people off the No Hope instead of on. Furthermore, Gabriel could see that the ship was sitting too low in the water and listing slightly. It had apparently sprung a leak. He quickly explained the situation to Kora.
“Then what should we do?” she asked, standing close to his right with a worried look.
Unhappy travelers already surrounded every Novox employee in sight. If the ship could be repaired promptly, then it might still sail today. But he rather doubted it. Judging by the western sky, now lit by occasional flashes of lightning, the weather would only worsen.
“There’s Audrey,” Kora said, pointing to the left. “Romee must have made it onto her ship. We could see if they have room.”
Gabriel took hold of Kora’s left hand and made to intercept Audrey. He called out her name when they were fairly close, and she came to a halt with a look of surprise. After moving off to the side, he told her of their plight.
Audrey hesitated for a long moment, then said, “I’ll take you to Grasapa’s house. It should be empty now.”
“But how?” Kora asked in confusion.
“You’ll see,” Audrey replied with a devilish smile.
Kora was silent as Audrey led them to the gate and back inside the city. A right turn down a narrow street was followed by a left turn into an even narrower alley. She brought them to a stop inside a recessed doorway of what looked like a small warehouse.
“Here we go,” Audrey said, and they were suddenly inside the small log house. Bright sunshine cast sharp shadows through the large windows. That meant that the storm had already passed Rohoville.
Kora’s canvas bag thudded to the floor. “This is Grasapa’s house,” she said, looking from side to side. “How did you do that?” she asked Audrey.
Audrey smiled slyly and pointed at Gabriel. “Ask him. I’ve got a class to teach this morning.” Then she vanished.
He lowered his own bag to the floor as Kora stared at where Audrey had been standing. “As you can see,” he said casually, “Audrey has acquired some unusual abilities.”
It was a while before his wife answered. “I definitely want to hear about it, but first we need to clean up this mess we’re making.” She was referring to the water dripping off their cloaks onto the beautiful wood plank floor.
The task required both time and several towels that he dutifully hung up on the clothesline he found outside. When he returned inside, he found her standing in the center of the sitting area. “Why don’t we just stay here?” she said. “I’m sure Grasapa and her husband won’t mind. I’ll write out a note, and we’ll clean everything up before we leave.”
That was fine with him. “We will need to stop by the castle later and inform them,” he pointed out.
“Good, because we also need to buy some food.” She seated herself on the sofa and then patted the seat cushion to her right. “But first you will explain to me how we got here, and what is going on with Audrey. I never knew she was a spell-caster.”
The explanation would definitely take some time. After seating himself next to his wife, Gabriel began to speak.
The house was charming in many respects, but there was no indoor toilet. After waking, Gabriel had to dress before venturing outside. Then he nearly fell on the way to the outhouse because the weather had turned sharply colder overnight, creating many patches of ice. He paused on the way back to admire the surroundings. It really was a lovely and private spot.
“Work on the fire,” Kora called out from the kitchen as he entered the house. “It’s freezing in here.”
He set to it, exposing some still-glowing embers and adding kindling until a small fire blazed. Next were several thin branches, followed by one sizable log. He continued his work as the aroma of fried eggs and sausage filled the house.
It would have been the perfect day to just stay inside and enjoy each other’s company, but he needed to be at the castle by noon. That was because Danj had taken it upon himself to assign Gabriel to preside over several of the sword competitions. That meant that he could only accompany Kora part of the time during the festival. This afternoon he would be briefed on his responsibilities and how to judge matches.
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The breakfast Kora fixed for them was both delicious and filling, and they worked together to clean up everything afterward. The kitchen wasn’t large, but it was modern and well-equipped.
“Don’t worry about it,” she told him after they settled down in front of the stone fireplace. “I’ve never been to the festival before, but I know my way around Rohoville.”
“I will accompany you on the second day,” he told her, still feeling guilty. “Perhaps you could walk around with Aliva on the first day. Her husband will be working.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a good idea. I haven’t seen her in a while.”
Nor had he, and he still needed to thank her for her encouragement and advice.
Kora shook her head slowly. “I’m going to have a long talk with Audrey when we get back home. I can’t believe she was keeping something like that from me.”
Gabriel had been one of those who accompanied Audrey when the brooch had compelled her to seek the center of Fog Lake, and he felt the need to defend her. “Audrey has only told a few people. She wishes to continue living a normal life for as long as possible.”
“I hadn’t thought of it that way,” she confessed. “I should be honored that she’s trusting me with such an enormous secret.” She moved closer, and he wrapped his left arm around her narrow waist. “But I still want to talk to her about it,” she continued. “I’d love to be able to teleport, but I wouldn’t want the responsibility Audrey has now.”
It was the perfect opportunity. He told her briefly about the odd castle and his role when it was completed.
She exhaled softly. “I can hardly object if the Guardian of Andoran’s Realm wants your help. And your father is involved, as well. What do you think will happen when the castle is complete?”
“I do not know, but I am confident that we will be up to the task.”
She punched him playfully on the shoulder. “Of course you will.”