She struggled trying to sit up, but she was very weak and her arms gave out on her when she tried to push herself erect. The man put his hand under her arm and helped get her into a sitting position.
“Here, let me help you move to the side out of the mess”
To’paz just grunted her response. The man half pulled, half pushed her across the road out of the mess her stomach had left. He kicked some dirt over it.
“You want me to get somebody? Your folks?” he asked sheepishly, still concerned as he finished covering up her mess.
She shook her head no. That was a mistake. “Oh! That hurts,” she screamed clutching and clawing at her hair. Her whole head began spinning again and she feared she was going to be sick again. She grabbed her middle and rocked for a while, hoping the feeling would pass.
“Lady, you don’t look so good,” Eennis said, standing above her, hands on his hips.
To’paz tilted her head up and just gave him one of those looks that ladies give when you say something stupid.
“Damn! I didn’t mean that,” he apologized. “You’re beautiful — really pale! Oh, Damn! Its … It’s just that you look like you lost a rumble with an evil spirit itself. You should see your face.”
He was scratching his head, trying to figure out how to say what he saw, but words were never easy. He eventually gave up trying to express what he meant after a few false starts. The nice words never seemed to come to him. She saw the frustration on his face, and felt a little sorry for the look she had given him.
“What’s your name?” she asked in a hoarse whisper, her throat was very dry and the taste in her mouth was just ghastly. She noticed the crowd was dispersing now that the show was over.
“Eennis. My name is Eennis, Lady,” he said, pushing out the wrinkles in his camisole, trying to tuck one side into his oversized pants. She noticed how rough and torn his hands were, his feet were bare. His clothes were very well worn and in places, the fabric was so thin you could see through it.
To’paz cleared her throat, “Well, Eennis, pleased to meet you and thank you for your help. I think I’ll be fine now, it must have been something I ate.”
She explained looking him in the eye. “Can you help me get my basket?”
Ennis looked around.
“Oh, sure. Sorry —” he said as he dashed around gathering up the small items that had fallen out. He set the basket next to her and crouched down waiting for her to say something.
She noticed how thin and drawn his face was and wondered when he had last had a good meal. Food was getting dear in the village this time of year until the new crops were harvested. She rolled over and grabbed for her satchel. She searched out a couple of coppers and a silver coin and handed them to Eennis. He pulled back, obviously insulted by her behavior.
“What’s that for?” he said indignantly.
“I want to give you something to show my gratitude for helping me,” she said, holding out the money. He reached and pushed her hand back to her draw bag while he shook his head no.
“I did what I did ‘cause ya needed it. Don’t need no pay! It wouldn’t be right. Momma always said to lend a hand when people are hurting. Kindness don’t hurt none, don’t cost none either!”
“I didn’t mean to insult you Eennis. I’m just indebted for your help. That’s all.”
She still didn’t understand these people. Every once in a while, one of them acted completely out of character, challenging everything she thought she knew. Most people would just take the money. Eennis obviously had good rearing and a high moral standard in spite of his rather shambled appearance.
“Could I at least buy you dinner?” she offered. “I’m starving and I don’t like eating by myself.”
She was feeling a bit guilty for implying that a reward was all he was after. It wasn’t what she meant.
“I guess I could use a meal,” Eennis said, avoiding eye contact. He shifted his weight nervously from leg to leg. Eennis thought about having a real meal and suddenly felt embarrassed about how he looked and smelled.
He knew it wasn’t his fault. He was willing to work. He worked hard, real hard, when he could. There just weren’t any jobs anymore, no jobs for someone without a trade. He reckoned most of the farms in the valley were run by families and they had their own kin to work the fields. Once in an Ocht’or moon, he could get on for a day or two, but mostly he worked for food and made little money. He didn’t feel good about the fact that he wasted his income on ale, but it made him forget his woes, at least for a little while.
Eennis looked at the ground as he spoke, “I don’t think they’ll let me into any place that serves food. I don’t smell too good you know!” He briefly made contact with her eyes and she could see his embarrassment.
“Don’t fret Eennis,” she said. “I’ll go in and get us something. I know the innkeeper and he’ll let me bring the food outside.”
“You just wait here. I’ll be right back,” she promised.
She tried to stand, but found that her knees bowed and quaked, and she just felt out of sorts. Something was out of kilter. Eennis was quick to be by her side and grabbed her by the waist before her legs gave way. She steadied herself, taking her time.
To’paz pointed at the rock next to the small traveler’s inn. “Could you help me get over there, to that rock?”
“I suppose so, sure!” he said. “You don’t have to be afraid of me, I won’t hurt you?”
“I know you won’t Eennis. I’m not afraid.”
Eennis flashed a smile that showed he was lacking more than a few teeth. “You’re very nice lady. People can be real mean. Most people like you don’t treat me too good, but you do.”
“You’re nice too,” To’paz replied sincerely. “Remember Eennis, wealth doesn’t change who you are unless you let it.”
“I know that Lady. I didn’t always live on the street. I just had a run with bad luck lately. Just can’t seem to find my place anymore. Things changed a while back and I lost my farm. It was a nice farm —” he smiled again remembering those days.
“I’m sure it was,” To’paz agreed. “How did you lose your farm?”
Eennis looked up and pondered his story. “Well, I had this nice little place down by the river and one day his Lordship rode by and decided he wanted it. The next I knew, some soldiers were throwing me out on my ear. I got to take some stuff, but had nowhere to put it, so I sold it. I don’t understand why he took it. He never even visited after that first time. I never see’d him once. My pappy built that house. He owned the land. It was given him by the last Lord.”
Eennis was practically in tears. The thought of his farm opened a deep wound. He sobbed a bit.
“I’m so sorry Eennis. The Lord shouldn’t have kicked you out like that. He should have offered you another plot of land in exchange.”
He felt downtrodden and quiet, not wanting to talk further. “So I just can’t seems to find a way to start over again. If you don’t have a trade or own land, you’re nobody, just nobody,”
“Well Eennis, maybe things will get better. You need to keep your spirits up and stay ready for opportunities. Opportunities always show for those who are kind and good hearted,” she said, taking his hand.
“By the way, my name is Lady To’paz.”
“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady To’paz,” Eennis replied. He bowed deeply, snapping out of his dour mood.
“Such chivalry!” To’paz smiled. “Please! You don’t have to address me as Lady. You can just call me To’paz.”
She tried to see a little of his future to give him some encouragement. It was just something she did —
It was gone! She frantically tried to touch the gift that has always been there. She saw nothing. She sat there empty and startled. She had been able to see people’s futures since she was nine — nine! Slowly, it dawned on her. It wasn’t that Eennis had no future; she felt nothing, nothing at all. She tried again, just to be sure.
Now she
was frightened, but she deduced what had happened. Well, she didn’t actually know for sure, but she had a good guess of why she had the pain. There was no more of the old magic in the realm of Naan. It was gone! The realm had been cut off. She reached out; she checked everywhere, for any sign, but found nothing. She could sense the source, but felt no power from the source. Something must have triggered a Closing. Oh, by the gods! They closed the realm.
She looked down at the bracelet on her left wrist. Five ruddy gems all glowed softly in their silver clasps. Her father had given her the bracelet the last time she had visited the Keep, long ago. At that time, she had no idea what the bracelet was, she just thought it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Her father had shown her how to fill it with magic and make the gems sparkle. Even as a little girl, she had always kept it charged, although it was more for the way it looked than it was anything else.
Many years later, she found out what its true purpose was by accident one day while reading in the library and seeing a drawing in one of the tomes. When she eventually became a traveler, she had taken the bracelet with her. Things were just too dicey what with all the demons and such. She couldn’t afford to be unprepared for what she knew would eventually come, a Closing. She made a mental connection to the stones and felt relieved to feel the magic again.
She needed to conserve the magic so she cut the flow down to a single thread, using just enough to keep her from getting sick with the headaches.
“To’paz,” Eennis said, as he tried it out. “To’paz is a wonderful name. What does it mean?”
Huh? Oh, yes! Thank you,” she replied, snapping out of her self-analysis. “It is the name of a rare bright yellow gem from my homeland.”
She regained her composure and remembered what she had been doing. She reached up for his arm.
He reached down and let her use his arm for balance. He half pulled her, and half held her up as she slowly shuffled over to the rock. She set her hands on either side of the rock and flopped down, shaking. The effort to sit down gently was too much. She was just happy to be out of the way of all the passing strangers. She decided that she should rest for a few minutes until she felt better.
She could hear all the merriment going on in the inn, singing, clapping, and every once in a while the sound of things breaking followed by someone being tossed out on their ear from the sturdy door. They more oft than not landed hard in the dirt, usually yelled back at the man who threw them out, but eventually, they just stood up and staggered down the street.
“Do you feel better yet?” Eennis asked, after they had been sitting quietly for a while.
“Yes, much better,” To’paz nodded. “I should be able to get us that dinner now. I’m famished.”
She carefully stood up and ever so slowly walked over to the old inn. The building was made of rough-hewn logs tightly chinked and had a shake roof. To’paz held tightly to the roughly rounded railing as she climbed the three short uneven steps to the entry. She slowly pushed open the inn’s door, and was greeted by the aromas of stale ale and sweat. Along with the inglorious sight of too many drunken men dancing and singing loudly out of tune, she seemed out of place. She stepped in; the atmosphere was loud as a bard standing on a table played a local favorite on the lute, shouting to be heard above the crowd.
Busty bar maids quickly shuffled between the bar and the patrons carrying as many large mugs of ale and mead as their arms could hold. To’paz lifted her dress high so that it wouldn’t drag in the spilled ale that was pooled on the rough rock floor as she wove her way to the bar. She waved down the innkeeper.
“Evening Lady To’paz. What can I do ya for?”
To’paz cupped her hands to her mouth and yelled, trying hard to be heard. “Can I get two full plates of sliced meat and some fresh rolls?”
“Is the pork okay? Just put it on this morning. It was a good pig —”
To’paz nodded.
“Anything else? Something to drink?” the innkeeper asked.
“How about a couple mugs of cider?”
To’paz leaned over the bar. “Is it cool?”
“— I can get some from the root cellar. It’ll be cooler than the cask up here.”
“That would be most welcome. I’m a bit parched from my trip up into the mountains today,” she laughed, making casual conversation.
“I’ll clear a table for ya. It’ll take a few minutes,” the innkeeper said gruffly, as he scanned the crowd. It was a very busy night. Getting a table may be a bit difficult.
“Oh, don’t bother,” To’paz said. “I’m sharing it with — someone who can’t come in. He’s a bit ripe.”
“We’re all a bit ripe, my Lady,” the innkeeper chuckled. “Most everyone came in straight from the fields. That’s hard work. Make anyone sweat. Just the same, have it your way.”
“I would like to take the food outside. I’ll pay extra for the plates and mugs, but I’m sure they’ll find their way back to your door.”
“I know you’re good fer it,” the innkeeper nodded.
“You know, I think I’d like to change from rolls to a couple of those fresh baguettes I see Sarra taking out of the oven back there. Oh, and some of your wife’s butter too!”
“Sure. I’ll get things ready. It’ll be a few minutes,” the innkeeper replied. He headed toward the little back room where the kitchen was located.
She turned and watched the patrons dance and drink, spilling more than they actually swallowed. They told each other grand stories, shoved and thumped each other in the back, all the while laughing and strengthening friendships. The harvest time was always a happy time in the valley. The fall festival was the biggest event of the year and was only a couple weeks off, but everyone was already in the mood. This year, the harvest was particularly good. They should have plenty to last the cold bleak winter.
Soon, the innkeeper returned from the kitchen carrying two wooden plates heaped with meat and bread and handed the food to To’paz. He grabbed a couple mugs and filled them with cider from a man-sized oak barrel. She dropped a silver coin and a couple coppers on the bar and added an extra for the cups. She picked up her plates and mugs, nodded to the innkeeper and made her way past all the revelry to the door.
She came out carrying the small loaves of bread on a wood platter and two clay mugs of cool cider. To’paz knew the cider was far superior to the ale, because at this time of year, the ale was weak and sour. Besides, Eennis didn’t need more ale or mead. She sat back down on the rock and handed the bigger of the plates to Eennis. The smell of the food met their noses. They were very hungry and the fresh bread and roasted pork smelled wonderful. She heard his stomach rumble loudly, and she let out a small giggle.
Eennis muttered under his breath. “Damn! I haven’t seen this much food in days.”
She turned her head and gave him a look.
“Well, months, actually,” he said, looking away wincing at being caught in a lie.
“Mmmm, this smells so good.”
“It does, doesn’t it!” To’paz agreed.
He held his platter tightly in his well-callused hand and lifted it closer to his nose. He sniffed deeply and took in the aroma. He lowered the plate to his lap and reached for a big piece of pork, drooling in anticipation.
“Ouch! It’s hot,” he yelped, shaking his fingers before putting them in his mouth to cool them off. He took a huge bite, barely able to close his mouth. The meat was succulent and the juice slid down his chin and dripped on his pants. He wiped his chin with his sleeve.
“Slow down,” she said, “nobody’s going to take it away from you!”
“Uh-huh,” Eennis grunted.
He looked up and nodded, but he continued to push the food into his mouth. After a few minutes, he started taking smaller bites, but he was still shoveling the food in as fast as he could swallow. To’paz decided not to say anything else.
Eennis took a big draw from his mug and rinsed down the meat and bread with the cider. He had ho
ped for ale or mead, but he wasn’t about to complain. That would be rude!
They sat there eating, neither saying much. She savored moments like this. They sat and ate for over twenty minutes before she finished. She hadn’t eaten the whole plate of food, but she wasn’t hungry anymore and stood up placing the half-full plate on the rock where she was sitting. Eennis didn’t even notice because he was so deeply engrossed in his meal. She turned around and looked at him. Eennis was smiling broadly and was working on devouring his second baguette.
“I sorry I have to go now — but I want to thank you for your kindness. Maybe I will see you again someday.”
She looked into his eyes. She could see that he didn’t want her to go. She knew that he was very lonely. She bent over, took his face in her hands, and gently gave him a kiss on his forehead.
“Don’t go yet. Stay a while,” he pleaded.
“I can’t Eennis. Perhaps I will see you again while I’m out walking or visiting the village. If you see me, just call out. We can sit and talk for a while.” She let go of his face and turned away. She didn’t want him to see her cry. She was alone now, more alone than anyone could ever imagine.
Eennis didn’t want to, but he cried anyway. Nobody had ever been kind to him. Not that he could remember. He would remember Lady To’paz. He would remember what she said. He waved as she walked away. She turned and waved back. She disappeared into the darkness, leaving Eennis sitting there with the rest of the food.
All of a sudden, Eennis noticed that she left the food! He would have to go and find her. He thought again. Lady To’paz was a smart lady. Perhaps she meant him to keep the food. He decided she had tricked him, had tricked him nice!
Eennis sat there laughing to himself, rocking back and forth. He took another handful of meat off of the platter and sat, chewing in the dark. When he was done, he wiped the plate clean with his last piece of bread. He left the plates and the cups at the door of the inn, waved down the innkeeper, and pointed to the plates. The innkeeper nodded. It was the right thing to do! He started to sing and he stumbled down the trail to a nearby farm that had the haystack he called home. He crawled under the warm hay and fell quickly to sleep.
The Legacy of the Ten: Book 01 - Eyes of the Keep Page 21