Forming the Company (Alpha World Book 2)

by Daniel Schinhofen

  They went down the stairs together arm in arm, pausing when they got to the bottom of the stairs. The room had gone silent as everyone caught sight of the couple. Alburet felt his lips twitch up. “Pardon us, gentlemen and ladies. We will not interrupt your drinking for long.”

  Alistern blinked as his daughter in an exquisite gown seemed to float along next to Alburet. She turned her head to smile broadly at her father as she stayed in perfect step with Alburet. Stewart had been waiting by the main door and opened it for them as they approached, then followed them out.

  “Be on your guard up there, Alburet. Those peacocks will test your patience.” Stewart warned him softly while the footman for the carriage opened the door for them.

  “Grimgar told me the same thing, Stewart. Rest assured I will be careful,” he replied just as softly before helping Stacia into the carriage. “No idea when we’ll return, so don't feel a need to wait up.”

  Stewart chuckled once, “No promise.”

  The footman shut the door, going around the back of the carriage and climbing onto the running board in the back, before ringing a small bell. The driver nodded to Stewart before starting the vehicle moving, “Good night to you, sir.”

  Stewart watched them go, his lips pursed in thought as the carriage went down the street at a steady, if sedate, pace. “Maybe he is the right choice for her, after all,” he mused to no one before heading back into the inn. When he opened the door, the only topic of conversation was Alburet and Stacia in their fine clothes and where they might be going. Stewart was soon surrounded by a few of the older patrons wanting to know more.

  Alburet sat across from Stacia, not wanting to ruin the way the dress lay. He took time to just drink in the sight of the beauty across from him while she seemed to do the same to him. He watched as she kept folding then refolding her hands.

  “Nervous, Kitten?”

  “Aye, it never been in me head tha' we would be ever goin' to the castle, master. Even when ya talked to Vladimir about it, it seemed nay real. Now here we be in fine clothes and in a carriage on our way.” She bit her lip slightly, “I be worryin' I will embarrass ya.”

  He leaned forward, laying his hand on hers as he met her eyes. “You will never embarrass me, Kitten. I am proud to have you by my side. No matter what anyone there says, you are the most perfect woman I could ever have hoped to meet.”

  Stacia turned her face away from him her cheeks flushed, “Even though I be a demon now?” She obviously still held some fear that he would reject her.

  He tightened his hand on hers, making her look at him. “I love all of you, Stacia. You could be half goat and I would still love you as much as I currently do. I fell for the woman who brazenly threw herself at me, refusing to take no for an answer. The fact your race has changed does not change who you are at heart. So please, put your fear behind you. I will not reject you or send you away from me.”

  Stacia sniffled her eyes wet, “Ya always make me love ya more.” She hurriedly wiped away the single tear that escaped her eye and sniffled again. “This is bad. I do nay have a handkerchief.”

  Alburet handed her one from his belt pouch, “Always try to be prepared.”

  Stacia smiled gratefully as she dabbed the tears from her eyes and gently blew her nose. She carefully folded the handkerchief before handing it back to him. “Thank ya, master,” she said as he took it and put it away.

  “Of course, my precious Kitten. Now get your smile back in place. We have to make a good impression.”

  The rest of the trip was in silence as the carriage wound its way to the castle. Eventually the carriage came to a stop. Alburet waited for the door, but a moment later the carriage started forward again.

  “Ah, must have been the first gate,” Alburet muttered.

  Stacia leaned over nudging the window curtain aside to glance out. “Another wall just before us with the castle behind that, master.”

  “Yeah, makes sense. Two layered defense helps out. So there will be another pause for the next gate then the final stop at the doors.” He smiled at the detail the game had put into the design of the castle. Most other games with castles never had closed gates and inner walls to contend with. The again, most games didn't have AIs so interwoven to make everything seem so real. Shaking his head, he came back to his senses as the carriage paused at the second gate.

  A few minutes after that it came to rest for the final time. The footman quickly came around to open the door for them. Alburet got out first, taking in the scene quickly before turning to help Stacia out, much to the shock of the footman. Once she was down he took her arm, turning towards the stairs leading to the doors. As they walked away the footman shook his head as he closed the door and resumed his spot so the carriage could be parked.

  A man in the king's colors was standing by the foot of the stairs. “You are Alburet the two-souled and his companion Stacia Crowley, correct?” The attendant had a clipped, polished voice that spoke of training to his station.

  “We are indeed. We have an appointment with Ioaniss Jones, the Royal Historian.” Alburet replied with a touch of humor to his voice. “Are you the one to take us to him?”

  “Indeed, sir. You may call me Berk. If you and the lady will follow me, Sir Jones has requested you attend him in one of the smaller dining halls.” Berk turned with precision and led them up the stairs.

  As they approached the ornately carved double doors of the main building, Alburet studied the carving. It showed the same God, Justice, holding aloft his sword on one door and a different man striking a similar pose on the other. Berk nodded to the two guards in half plate on either side of the doors, who opened them for the trio. The oak doors were pushed back, opening onto a hall with a rose marble floor that gleamed with light from the gold chandeliers that hung from the vaulted ceiling.

  Alburet tried not to show any expression at the sheer amount of wealth that was on display here. Stacia couldn’t hold back her shock, though. Her mouth was open while her wide eyes darted around. Alburet gave her arm a small squeeze which got her attention. He met her eyes levelly, hoping she would understand that she needed to mask her awe. Blinking, she took a calming breath before putting on a smile. He leaned over to kiss her cheek as they followed Berk.

  The halls were easily twenty feet wide, with many paintings and tapestries decorating them which helped break up the plain stone. As they turned a corner they passed a small group of very richly dressed men and women chatting. One of them called out to Berk, which stopped them, as Berk paused to address the noble.

  “Yes, Sir Gilden, what is it you need?” Berk addressed a man who must be Skippy Gilden, as he wasn’t wearing a guard uniform.

  The young man glanced at Alburet and Stacia, his lips curling into a sneering smile. “I see we are showing the lowest of the nobles the court tonight. Since you are here being a tour guide, is Sir Jones available to speak with me about the issue I have put before him?”

  Berk seemed to stand up straighter, which was hard considering how stiffly he had been walking as it was. “Sir Jones has blocked out all of tonight for important guests. I can let him know you asked about the previous issue if you would like, sir.”

  “If he is so busy, Berk, then why are you not attending him? Why are you showing these obvious impostors of nobility,” the words dripping with scorn, “the inside of Stormguard Castle?” Skippy asked, his voice even more haughty as he finished asking the question.

  “I do not question why Sir Jones asks me to do things, sir, as that is not my place. Should I advise him that you are questioning his wishes?” Berk replied levelly with just a hint of condescension.

  Skippy stepped back a half pace as if he had been physically slapped, “No, of course not. I would never question the wishes of Sir Jones.” The obvious falseness of the words was plain to hear.

  “Then if you will excuse us sir, I must fulfill my duties,” Berk gave a very slight bow of his chest to Skippy.

  “Before you go,” Skippy int
erjected as Berk took a single step, halting him again. “It would be remiss of me not to get the names of the two people you are escorting.”

  Berk paused for a long moment, just long enough to make it seem like an insult. “Of course, sir. These are Sir Jones’s guests for the evening. Alburet the two-souled and his companion Stacia Crowley. Alburet and Miss Crowley, this is Sir Skippy Gilden of House Gilden.”

  Alburet did his best to keep himself in check. He wanted to lash out at the man in front of him. “A pleasure to put a face to a name finally, Sir Gilden. I have only ever met your brother before, a fine upstanding man. He must be a bright light that shines promise upon your House.” His voice was laced with anger that he mostly kept from his face.

  Skippy’s face went tight as Alburet spoke, “My brother is a disgrace to my House. It isn’t shocking to see why a two-souled wouldn’t understand that a noble lowering himself, to the station of a mere guard, would be such a disgrace. Much like a commoner putting on a dress and thinking she would belong in these halls.” His eyes rested on Stacia when he said the last few words, his lips twisting into a pronounced sneer.

  As Stacia blushed deeply, Alburet's smile became sharp and pointed while his voice was flat and cold. “Sir Gilden, we were invited by Sir Jones. As such, it was felt we should dress at least the best we could to honor his request. Or are you suggesting that we should not put our best effort forward for our host?”

  Berk gave a cough, “Well said Alburet, but time waits for no one. Now, if you will excuse us Sir Gilden, you have already delayed us quite long enough.” Berk resumed walking with Alburet and Stacia trailing after him. He led them down another hallway, slowing his steps. “You have made no friend in House Gilden and he is not one to let any slight go by. If you do well by Sir Jones though, I am sure Gilden House will hesitate to provoke you.” He came to a stop beside a door, “We are here.”

  Berk took a moment to look them over critically before nodding. Turning, he opened the door and announced them, “Sir Jones, your guests have arrived. I present Alburet the two-souled and his companion, Stacia Crowley.” He stepped aside, bowing them into the room then followed them in and shutting the door.

  The “small dining room” was anything but small to Alburet. The silver inlaid dark oak table could easily seat twenty people. The chairs, of course, matched the table. The room was illuminated by a silver chandelier suspended above the table. The table was set for three at the far end, with crystal glasses and silverware all laid out.

  A hansom looking gentleman with a cleft chin and charming smile stood up as they were announced. “Greetings, my guests. I hope you have found the castle pleasant?”

  Alburet gave a deep formal bow as Stacia gave a deep curtsy, “It is our pleasure to come upon your request, Sir Jones.” Alburet looked over their host again. Something about the man was nagging at him, like he should know the person on sight but by a different name.

  Ioaniss’s eyes lit up at the sight of Stacia curtsying, “I do say, I didn’t know that the Crowley line had such beauties amongst them. Please, come and have a seat, Miss Crowley,” Ioaniss pulled out a chair for her with a smile.

  Stacia gave him a brilliant smile in return as she took the seat, “Thank ya, sir.”

  Ioaniss gestured to the seat across from Stacia on his other side, “Please, Alburet, have a seat as well. We shall have dinner first then we shall adjourn to the smaller library to discuss the real reason I summoned you here.”

  Alburet took the seat indicated, “Thank you, Sir Jones. I admit I didn’t know the items I recovered would be so noteworthy.”

  A warm chuckle was Ioaniss’s first reply, before he went on in a friendly voice. “I am not surprised that you don’t understand the full depth of what you found. Needless to say, it belongs in a museum. The king has done just that, given a prime spot in the Royal Museum, run by my good friend Marcus Elliott.”

  “I didn’t know the city had a Royal Museum. I should go check that out tomorrow since I’m going to have some free time.”

  “I can arrange for Marcus to show you and Miss Crowley around tomorrow.”

  “Afraid it would be just me, Sir Jones. Stacia is going to be busy tomorrow getting things ready for our pending nuptials the day after,” Alburet replied, his smile broad as he met Stacia’s smiling eyes with his own.

  “Now this is news,” Ioaniss sat forward. “A two-souled settling down with a regular person. I would love to hear this story.”

  The door behind Ioaniss opened and three servants in livery came in carrying plates. Before each was placed a plate with shrimp arranged artfully to look like a blooming flower. A fourth person, following the servers, spoke in a soft polished tone. “The first course is shrimp with a sauce favored by Sir Jones. We hope you enjoy.” She poured each of them a glass of some beverage before stepping back. As quickly as they had arrived, the four servants vanished back through the door.

  Alburet looked down at the silverware next to his plate where a variety of forks lay along the left side, while a couple knives and a soup spoon lay to the right side. Not positive, he decided to opt for the easiest idea and picked up the fork on the far left. He glanced up to find Ioaniss watching him covertly.

  “Sorry. I rather wondered if two-souled knew the etiquette of tableware. You do seem to have it down, though,” Ioaniss said as he used the smallest fork and the outside knife to cut the shrimp into pieces. “Please try it, I do so love this dish.”

  Stacia had paused longer than Alburet, allowing her to pick up the right cutlery as well. The duo each selected a shrimp, cutting a piece from it and raising the fork in their left hand to take the bite. Alburet closed his eyes as the flavor hit him. A simple spicy mango flavor permeated his mouth as he chewed. Opening his eyes, he found Ioaniss watching them both with interest.

  “What do you think?”

  “Sweet and spicy, a very good combination,” Alburet replied. Stacia nodded her agreement as she cut another bite.

  They paused between shrimp to sip at the beverage that came with the course. It was a fruit juice comprised mostly of mango that complimented the dish wonderfully. In between bites of shrimp Alburet took his cue from Ioaniss, resting the knife on the top of the plate with the fork resting tines down on the left side. As each of them finished the course the servers reappeared, taking the dishes away and vanishing silently.

  “I can honestly say I haven’t had that combination in my life time,” Alburet said as they waited for the next course.

  “It really is my favorite here at the castle,” Ioaniss replied just as the servers came back out with the next course.

  “This course features a potato cream soup infused with hard cheese,” The head server told them as she poured them a different beverage this time. “We hope you enjoy.”

  Taking up the soup spoons, they sampled the soup, Alburet grinned as he tasted it. “Potato cheese soup, my mother made something very similar to this. She would add bacon to hers to add a touch more body to it.”

  Ioaniss considered, “I will recommend that to the chef when I speak with him next. I am interested in how that changes the flavor profile.”

  Alburet nodded as he sampled the drink, discovering an alcoholic drink reminiscent of vodka in the small glass. He coughed once before clearing his throat, much to Ioaniss’s amusement. “I was not expecting a hard liquor.”

  “Sorry. I should have warned you. It is why the glass is so small. It is meant to be sipped slowly throughout the soup.” Ioaniss wiped a tear of laughter from his eye before taking another bite.

  Shaking his head, Alburet saw a smirk on Stacia’s lips as she took another bite. “It does complement the soup,” she said as she caught his eyes.

  The rest of the course passed mostly in silence. At the end of the course Ioaniss drained the bit of vodka left in his glass. “Ah. I rarely indulge in that beverage these days. Last time I did was with Marcus right after the museum was built. He then took me on a tour of the place and got us lo
st.”

  Alburet snorted once, “He got lost in his own museum?” Again, he felt a tingle that insisted he should recognize Ioaniss from somewhere, triggered by Ioaniss’s comment.

  “Oh, yes. The whole time he kept telling me to follow because he knew the way.”

  Stacia giggled then went pink as she covered her mouth, “That does sound amusing.”

  As she spoke the servers vanished the bowls and glasses, returning a minute later with the next course. They placed plates with filets of fish along with a glass of white wine at each place. “This dish is a filet of Snapmaw, from Ice Lake on the Dwelden continent. Accompanying it is a snow wine from the Elven Court that we find is a perfect match for the fish.”

  Alburet grimaced slightly. He really didn’t care for fish, but to refuse would be very rude in this setting. With determination, he took the first bite only to be pleasantly surprised. The normal fish taste he expected was missing. In its place he found something new. He couldn’t begin to describe the flavor that infused the entire dish, but it was wonderful.