by Tina Hunter
“Of course,” Malack said with an uncomfortable shrug. “Well, we’ll have to work out the logistics. I’m leaving for work at the Fort in the morning and, well, Mildred isn’t the best person to settle new folks.” He was smiling, but it was an I-want-to-be-anywhere-but-in-this-room smile. Lynn put on a casual smile for Dorothy.
“Sure. We’ll figure it out,” she said. Dorothy looked like she had eaten a bug and was trying to swallow it. Lynn had to figure this out. “Dorothy, why don’t you stay here and I’ll go get us some food. Would that be ok?” Dorothy just nodded and turned to go look out the window again.
Lynn grabbed Malack by the arm and dragged him out of the room and into the hallway.
“What in the name of all that’s good is going on? What happened to you taking in kids in trouble?”
“Fine, I’ll take her, but Mildred will be livid to have another kid with alternative heart preferences living under this roof. She’s already got me and Jonas.”
“Dorothy isn’t like that,” Lynn said with a sigh and whispered into his ear, “she’s an Inborn.”
“No,” Malack said eyes narrowed in anger. “Absolutely not, Evelynn.”
Lynn crossed her arms at the mention of her full name. He knew she hated it.
“I already risk enough with my own secrets,” he continued. “This is Donassi country and despite what you and I have experienced growing up here, I’m still Donassi at heart. I can’t take in an Inborn. Mildred would petition for divorce and let my secret out in a heartbeat. No Lynn. Not this time.”
Malack stormed off into the Dining Hall and Lynn lost him in the crowd though she knew he was probably heading to the kitchen. She didn’t pursue him. Not yet. However, she would have to ask him about this job in the Fort. He hadn’t taken on extra work since the baby was born. And she’d have to work on the Inborn issue. He’d never met one before so perhaps he just needed to get to know Dorothy.
She wandered over to a clear space of wall in the Dining Hall to lean on and waited for one of the serving girls, or Jonas, to come by and take her order for food. She watched the people crowded around drinking, singing, talking to each other without a care in the world. Lynn barely remembered what that was like. When she was little, living on the farmstead with her parents, things were good. Just thinking about the farm put a smile on her face. But ever since her mother died she’d lived in this town, waiting to find out if her father would come back from the front lines alive. She supposed there was a brief time when she enjoyed living here. Making mischief with Malack and Declan. Before she found out her father had died in the war with Pryma, and that Pater owned the farmstead and technically her until she married.
She felt someone making their way towards her through the crowd. She ducked her head, hoping to remain anonymous.
“Well, it looks like little Miss Lightfoot has graced us with her presence,” someone said beside her... wait, that voice. She looked up right into Declan’s eyes. Her stomach clenched into a knot just looking at him.
He was gorgeous as always, with that smirk of a smile and deep brown, almost black eyes. Why did he always make her feel like she was standing on the edge of a cliff about to fall off? He isn’t interested in you Lynn. Now, wake up he’s talking to you.
“Hello Mr. Royal,” she said regaining her composure enough to remember the nicknames they used when they were younger. “You surprised me. I didn’t think you were allowed to be seen in Swanmouth anymore?”
“Ah, but no one in here will see me for long enough to care. And what are you doing here? I thought you were destined for big things in the big city?” His voice was like velvet. Damn it, calm down, girl.
“I’m on a business trip. Just passing through and thought I would see my cousin.” Keep it polite and civil and then you can be on your way and not have to deal with him. Things were better when he wasn’t around.
“Speaking of the demon where is our esteemed host? I need to speak to him about our business trip tomorrow.” Tomorrow? Did that mean he would travel to the Fort tomorrow too? Surely not. What could they be doing there? Lynn took a deep breath. The best way to find out is to ask, she reminded herself.
“Is this the trip to Eldridge?” she asked while looking back out at the room to feint disinterest.
“Why yes, it is. I assume Malack mentioned it?” he leaned in closer to her shoulder to answer. She could feel his breath on her neck, no he wasn’t close enough... unless he was blowing on her... She turned her head sharply to catch him blowing on her neck.
Jerk.
She glared at him. He shrugged and backed away with a sheepish grin. He knew how she felt about him and he loved to play with her emotions. She knew this. Best to be rid of him as quickly as possible. She scanned the room and saw one of the server girls a few tables over. What was her name again? Sandra? Sally?
“Yes, he mentioned it. I believe if you want to catch him he’ll be in the kitchen. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to speak to... a pretty lady.” Damn her memory. She pushed away from the wall and walked towards Sandra-Sally and didn’t look back even when she could feel his eyes on her back. Or was it her lower back he was staring at? She reached the woman carrying a laden drink tray and stopped in front of her.
“It’s Sandra, right?” Lynn took a shot and got an eye roll for her effort.
“Susan, now what do you want? Can’t you see I’m busy?” Susan. Normally Lynn was good with names. Susan stood waiting for Lynn to either move or explain why she had stopped her.
“Sorry, my dear,” Lynn said in her most gracious tone, “I was hoping you could tell me how to order some food I can bring to my room. I've got a young girl traveling with me and the poor thing isn’t up to being in a room with all these people.”
Susan just gave her a stony stare. Apparently playing on her maternal instincts would not work.
“You can order like everyone else. And when I have time to take your order I’ll let you know.” Susan brushed passed her and headed towards the kitchen. Lynn watched her go wondering how to get food without pulling the ‘my cousin is your boss’ card. She felt a hand on her shoulder and felt like throwing up.
“It looks like that pretty lady you mentioned didn’t want to talk to you. Shame.” Of course, Declan would watch her. He was a good spy and a great con man. She only learned from the best, and he wasn’t about to let her off easy. Fine. It would be easier to get food directly from the kitchen anyway. She just hoped Malack would let her in.
“You’re right,” she said turning to look up at his face. “Perhaps we should head to the kitchen to find Malack, hm?”
“After you my dear lady,” Declan said holding his arm out in gallant fashion to let her lead the way. Lynn hated looking helpless in front of him. He loved it.
They made their way through the crowd to the far side of the hall where mouth-watering smells greeted her nose. Roasting meats, and sauteed vegetables, and melted butter. So much better than the bread rolls they’d been eating on the road while traveling. Even the last Inn didn’t have a decent kitchen, only offering sandwiches.
Lynn hesitated for just a moment in front of the door. Declan noticed but said nothing from his place just behind her elbow. She pushed the wooden door open into the controlled chaos that was the Rusty Duck kitchen. She found Malack standing against the far wall where there was a small table and chairs for when he wanted to eat in private. Sitting at that table, however, was Jonas, the young boy who worked in the kitchen. He was having an animated conversation with Malack, telling him some sort of story that required flying hand movements. The rest of the kitchen was busy running orders or cooking, she even glimpsed Susan between the hanging pots talking to a cook.
Malack noticed her and Declan and waved them over. By the time they got there, Jonas was already leaving and gave them a happy wave as he went.
“Declan!” Malack grabbed his friend in a hug, not as strong as the one he had embraced her with. “I’m glad you are here. We have many plans to fin
alize before we head out in the morning. Lynn dear, if you are here for food you can just tell Susan over there and she will get you whatever you want.”
Yes, he was still mad at her. She sighed. At least she was allowed in the kitchen at all, but she would not be talking to Susan. The woman was glaring at her as she walked past and out the door back into the hall. All the better, she’d have to ask someone else now.
“What did you do?” Declan whispered into her ear sending shivers down her spine.
“Nothing for you to worry about,” she said without betraying how weak her knees were feeling.
Malack grabbed Declan by the arm and pulled him out of the kitchen. Lynn watched them go feeling both sad and relieved.
Dorjee was alone again. Lynn had taken her cousin out of the room fast, and Dorjee wasn’t an idiot. Malack didn’t want her. Lynn had been wrong. She wondered what she could do in this town for work, or if anyone would take in a runaway. She felt a tear sliding down her face and wiped it away viciously. No, she wouldn’t cry. If no one wanted her, then that was fine. She would make do on her own. It would have been better if it wasn’t autumn, but it didn’t get too cold in the winter anyway. Perhaps she’d run away to the forest and live with the squirrels. The thought almost made her laugh.
It was dark outside the window. The sun was almost completely down and only the purple sky was evidence that it was separate from the black ground. The river valley was steep and she couldn’t really see past the hill on the other side of the river though it looked like there might be farms. She wondered what working on a farm would be like? She had grown up in Middle Iridan. Her parents were wealthy, but not enough to warrant living in upper Iridan. Life in Wellspring had been a shock, but it wasn’t like she had been a pampered princess at home.
Maybe she could convince Malack to take her in if she worked really hard in the kitchen tonight? She had done most of the washing and cleaning at The Velvet Rose. Surely an Inn kitchen wouldn’t be that much harder. She knew one thing for certain, she wouldn’t go home. There was no home to go to. Her parents had told someone about her abilities and then they had come to the house to test her. The Emperor dictated that anyone with Inborn abilities outside of the royals would train to become a Sigil Maker in the Enclave but, since the Emperor’s holy word was weaker in Iridan, her parents thought going to work for the military would be a better use of her skills.
Dorjee had heard the rumors of the children who died or came back from service with no mind. What was happening in the War against Pyrma that would kill so many Inborn children? And what would happen when the Enclave was gone? Would they pay Aguarian Artisans to inscribe the mined crystals?
The door swung open behind her and Dorjee jumped. It was only Lynn holding two very full plates of food and Dorjee’s belly rumbled at the sight.
Lynn laughed. “I guess you are as hungry as I am,” she said trying to put the food down on the little table beside the bed. The lit candle was in the way and without moving it only one plate would fit, even then it hung off the sides. It was a large plate.
Lynn took one and sat at the end of the large bed. No doubt wanting Dorjee to join her. Dorjee took the other plate off the little table and sat back down in the chair by the window. The candlelight reflected off the glass making it so she couldn’t see out anymore. All she could see was the reflection of Lynn looking at her from the bed.
“I don’t blame you for being upset,” she said. Dorjee shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “I told you Malack would take you in and he isn’t as amenable as I thought he would be. I’m sorry about that.” Lynn looked down at her plate and took a bite of something. Dorjee’s tummy was telling her to stop sitting there like a stone and eat something, especially since she wasn’t sure when the next meal would come.
She dug into the roasted meats and bread on her plate. It was probably the best meal she’d tasted since leaving home. It was better in fact. Lynn became lost to the background while Dorjee put all of her focus and attention into eating every morsel of food on her plate. The plate was nearly clear when her stomach starting protesting. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten so much.
“Well, you certainly have an appetite, don’t you?” Lynn said with a laugh. Dorjee frowned into her plate. How could she be so happy and nice when everything was awful again? “Please don’t be mad at me Dorothy,” she said. “I will fix this, I will.”
Dorjee looked up at her. She seemed earnest. “How?” she asked.
“Well,” Lynn paused for a moment, “The way I see it, you have two options. One, you can stay with my aunt and uncle. You’ll have to call him Pater though. They are awful people and true Donassi believers so you’ll have to keep your abilities a secret but you could stay there for a while and I....” she paused again with a strange look on her face, one Dorjee hadn’t seen before. Lynn shook her head and smiled. “The second option is you come with us to Fort Eldridge. Malack is going to the Fort on business and with luck tomorrow you can convince him that Inborn or not you’d be an excellent addition to the Rusty Duck family.”
“What happens if I don’t convince him?” Dorjee asked, her plate forgotten.
“That’s the problem I run into with this option. You see, the job I’m going to do... it’s dangerous. Not just the regular I-could-be-arrested-for-theft kind of danger, but the kind of danger you may not live through. I’m not sure it would be safe for you to be with us if Malack decides against... well, taking you in.”
“What kind of a job is it?”
“I can’t really tell you. I barely know you, kid. You seem nice enough, and I have a soft spot for thieves, but you could tell the next person you meet what I plan to do and ruin everything.” Dorjee studied her plate trying not to feel hurt. She couldn’t really blame Lynn though.
“Fine, then I guess I’ll stay with your Aunt and the Pater until something better comes along,” Dorjee said, proud to have said it without her lip quivering. She knew that ‘Pater’ was another name for Head of the Family but she thought no one in Aguara still used it. Plus, not using her abilities was like remembering to always take deep breaths. You can do it for a while but sometimes you slip and breathe normally again. She’d have to be really careful.
“I’m sorry I don’t have any better options for you,” Lynn said, using her bread to wipe the last of the juices from her plate. Dorjee guessed she wasn’t sure when she’d get to eat like this again too.
“If your Aunt and Pater are Donassi, are you, too?” Dorjee was curious.
“Everyone out here is Donassi. You cross that river and you’re in Donassi territory. Their rules. No magic allowed. It’s where I grew up. We had a farmstead up there, at the base of the mountains. But no, I gave up religion a long time ago. It’s not my thing.”
Dorjee wasn’t sure what she expected, but that wasn’t it.
“You really lived out here? What was it like?” Dorjee put the plate on the floor and tucked her legs under her. She wanted to know more about this Donassi turned thief. Lynn gave her a funny smile and shook her head.
“It was... I don’t know. My childhood. We had three hundred head of cattle and a huge section of land. You couldn’t even see the end of it when you stood on the steps of the house.” Lynn had a far-away smile on her face and Dorjee tried to imagine what that much land would look like. Her own parents’ home was on half a parcel of land and that was extravagant in Iridan for someone outside of the Royal Court.
“Were your parents nice?” Dorjee asked. Lynn had told her on the ride here that her mother died and that’s how she had come to live in Swanmouth with Malack. She didn’t want to ask about her father just in case.
“My parents were wonderful,” Lynn said with a smile. She put her cleaned plate on the bed had curled up much like Dorjee was. “My father taught me how to ride a horse and we’d race through the empty fields when our chores were done. And my mother was the best cook, better than this.” She said pointing to her empty plate. “But I mean no
parents are perfect. My mother even disowned my grandmother when they found out she was an Inborn.”
“Your grandmother was an Inborn?” Dorjee had yet to meet another Inborn. In Iridan they were sent away before you even knew what had happened.
“Yep,” Lynn continued, “She could talk to animals. I remember her coming over once and there was a snake in the bush near where I was playing. Grandma Maria came out and started talking to the bush, telling it to be good or she’d tell my mother. I thought she’d gone mad, but then out came this snake and it curled up into her hands. She showed it to me, showed me how the yellow coloring on its sides meant it was poisonous, and then she walked away with it. I told my mother and father all about it because it was the most amazing thing I’d ever seen. I never saw my grandmother after that.”
Dorjee felt sorry for Lynn’s grandmother. How awful for your own child to send you away like that.
“That’s awful. But I always thought when an Inborn had kids, they were Inborn too. Your mom wasn’t?”
“No, my mom was normal. And a full-on Donassi believer. She hated that my Grandmother ended up with the Morendi after my grandfather died. Was always going on about how they were evil because they welcomed Inborn into their communities willingly instead of sending them away to the Capital.”
This was new information for Dorjee. She didn’t know the mountain people were open to Inborns, but to be honest she didn’t know much about them other than the fact that they lived in the Morendra mountains and even regular Aguarian folk tended to give them room. Maybe she could find a home with them, like Lynn’s grandmother?
“How did she find them? And was there anything she needed to do to be taken in by their community? And...”
“Woah, Woah. I can see where this is going. I don’t know any mountain folk, and I don’t know how you join them. All I know is that my grandmother did.” Lynn moved over to the side of the bed to be closer to Dorjee and put her hands in her lap. “You know if you’re looking for a place to belong there is always the Enclave back in Iridan. They’d train you up to be a Sigil Maker in a heartbeat.”