by M. Gregg Roe
“That’s amazing. I’ve got a lot to learn.”
“Yes, and I am pleased that you are smart enough to realize that. That is why I am going to allow you to stay with us for a while.”
Almera took a sip of her wine. Then she smiled at her and said, “Why don’t you tell me about your life in Farmerton? I have little experience with small villages.”
“Okay.” She was pleased by Almera’s interest.
Audrey told Almera about her life in Farmerton as they waited. She told her about her chores, her father’s pigs, her troublesome twin cousins, and her best friend getting married.
The food arrived and Almera ordered more rice wine for them both. Audrey was already starting to feel light-headed, but she was afraid to say anything. The thin strips of beef on her plate both looked and smelled good to her, but the mass of white grains that had to be the rice didn’t look appetizing. She tried a bite of rice and found it bland. Then she noticed that Almera was cutting up her beef and then eating each piece along with some rice. She imitated her and found that it was good-tasting when eaten that way. By the time the young man returned with more wine, they had both finished their meals and he took their plates away.
“How was it?” asked Almera.
“Delicious. I hardly ever get to eat beef, and the rice went well with it.”
“I’m glad. I forgot to ask earlier. Were you able to figure out the fixtures in your bathroom?”
“Yes! I took a hot bath this morning. It was wonderful! Where does the water come from?”
“From the roof. Rain is collected and then stored in a large reservoir. From there it is piped throughout the mansion.”
“I don’t know the words reservoir or mansion. I’m sorry.”
“No need to apologize. A reservoir is a storage area for water. A mansion is a large and fancy house, like ours.”
“Okay.” Audrey took a sip of her wine. “Uh … what makes the hot water?”
“That’s a little complicated. Let’s just say that some of the rainwater is heated. We can also circulate hot water throughout the mansion to heat it when it is cold outside.”
“Ooh. That’s impressive. I wondered why there weren’t more … uh … fireplaces.” She was starting to have trouble thinking clearly.
“Exactly.” Almera finished her wine and then stood up. “Shall we walk around some more before heading back?”
“Yes. That … sounds okay.” She quickly finished her wine and then stood up, but she felt unsteady and had to grab the chair for support.
Almera looked amused as she said, “Maybe we should just go back to the house. You didn’t need to drink it all, Audrey. Take my arm and we will pay and head back.”
Audrey took Almera’s left arm with her right, although it took her two tries. She felt really good, but her legs were rubbery. “Would’ve been rude to not finish it,” she managed to say as they walked toward the front. Almera handed over several coins—a mixture of copper and silver—to the woman at the front and they walked outside.
As they slowly walked down the street, Audrey started giggling. Almera looked at her and asked, “What’s so funny?”
“You’re helping me,” she said, struggling to speak clearly, “but I’m so much taller.” It struck Audrey as incredibly funny, and she started giggling again.
Almera sighed and stopped walking. “You really are drunk. I should have realized that a village girl wouldn’t have much tolerance for alcohol.”
Audrey found that funny too, and she kept giggling. Suddenly, Almera yelled, “Hankin! Stop skulking and get over here and help me.”
Hankin walked up from the left and said, “It’s sneaking, not skulking.” But he was grinning as he said it. He took hold of Audrey’s left arm and said, “Hello, Audrey.”
Audrey smiled at him and exclaimed, “Hankin! I’m drunk!”
“I can see that,” he replied drolly. “Let’s get you home.”
“Right,” agreed Almera. “But let’s take the long way and try to sober her up.”
“Okay!” said Audrey happily. “Let’s all go for a walk! This is fun!”
By the time they reached the entrance to the grounds, Audrey was feeling a little more like herself. She was also embarrassed about her behavior earlier. And she was starting to feel drowsy. It had been a long day.
“Thank you, Hankin,” said Almera. “I can handle things from here.”
He nodded and sketched a bow. “You are welcome, ladies. Take care.”
Hankin walked off as Almera opened the gate and Audrey walked through. Almera took her arm again and led her to the front of the house. It seemed to Audrey to be a different route than they had taken that morning.
They went in the house and found the other two sitting in the parlor. Saxloc was frowning, but Draymund smiled and asked, “How was your day, dear?”
Almera had a self-satisfied smile as she answered, “Audrey and I had an interesting time. How did things go today?”
“Just fine. Audrey, your parents are not back yet. I’m sure they are having a good time exploring the Witch’s City.”
Audrey was feeling seriously sleepy now. “Oh. Uh … okay.”
“Saxloc,” said Almera in a serious voice. “Please take Audrey to her room.”
He looked unhappy, but he immediately stood and replied, “Yes, Mother.”
He walked toward the back of the parlor, and she followed him. She stopped just before leaving and turned. “Thank you for today, Almera. Thank you for everything.”
“You are welcome, Audrey,” she replied. “Good night.”
“Good night.”
Audrey walked to the left stairway where Saxloc was impatiently waiting. He walked rapidly up the stairs, but when she tried to follow she tripped on the first step and nearly fell. She took firm hold of the handrail with both hands, and then slowly climbed the stairs.
“Are you drunk?” asked Saxloc from the top of the stairs.
“Yes,” she replied. “Today was my first time having rice wine.”
Saxloc actually smiled at her. “That explains it. Rice wine is strong. You’ll feel better in the morning.” He began to walk slowly down the hallway and she followed him. When they arrived at the third door, he opened it and gestured for her to enter. As she walked through, he said, “Good night, Audrey.”
“Good night, Saxloc.”
He closed the door, and she walked over and laid down on her bed. “I actually did it,” she said aloud as she smiled at the ceiling. “I escaped Farmerton!”
Audrey had seldom prayed to Lasrina after everything had gone wrong in Farmerton, but she said a prayer now and begged forgiveness for her lapse. Her luck had definitely turned.
6
‡ Parents ‡
Audrey felt absolutely wonderful. The bed was amazingly comfortable and she felt well-rested. But she was startled to see that it was already mid-morning. She had missed breakfast and found it surprising that someone hadn’t come to wake her.
While still in bed, she reflected on all that had happened the day before.
She really liked Almera, and could hardly believe that she would soon have her own tutor. Her father had always insisted that she didn’t need to learn to read and write, even though her mother knew how. What little Audrey knew had actually been taught to her by Violet.
Almera may have accepted her, but Audrey was still concerned about Saxloc and his father. She wondered how they had reacted to Almera’s decision to let her stay with them. She was certain that Saxloc wouldn’t be happy about it, but she really didn’t know Draymund at all.
Audrey got out of bed, went into the bathroom, and quickly washed up. It still seemed utterly amazing to her to have cold and hot water available on demand. To not have to go outside to use the privy was an incredible luxury. At home, they actually shared a privy with two other houses.
The clothes that she had washed the day before had dried, so she put them on along with her new shoes. They weren’t as comfor
table as her old ones, but those wouldn’t be returned to her until all the other clothes that Almera had bought her were delivered, and she had no idea of when that would be. It still bothered her how much money Almera had spent on her.
Audrey went out into the hallway and headed toward the stairs. The door to her parents’ room was open and her mother rushed out just as she was passing it.
“Audrey!” exclaimed Marilee, looking very agitated. “It’s horrible! Your father and I were robbed! Two men pulled knives on us and made us give them all our money. But the worst part was the City Guard. They said that the men were licensed thieves and they couldn’t do anything about it.”
“What?” asked Audrey. “I don’t understand.”
“Draymund told us that the High Witch had legalized something called the ‘Thieves’ Guild’ here and that no one was happy about it.”
It didn’t make any sense to her. How could it be legal for thieves to rob people? “Are you two okay?” she asked.
“Yes. We weren’t hurt, and Draymund replaced the money they took. But we’re both really tired. We’ll see you at lunch. We’ve got a bunch more questions for Draymund and Almera about all this.”
“Okay. I’m going to get something to eat since I missed breakfast.”
“Almera told us that you had a little too much to drink last night and that we should let you sleep in. You look fine now. Aren’t the beds here wonderful?” she asked with a happy smile.
Audrey returned her mother’s smile. “Yes. They really are. They probably cost a fortune.”
“I’m sure they did. We’ll see you later, Audrey.”
Audrey went downstairs and entered the kitchen for the first time. The front portion was open. There were large windows to each side, with doors past them that led outside. There was a round wooden table with four chairs in front of the right window. In front of the left window, there was a long and narrow rectangular table. On it were baskets of fruit and bread, as well as a cheese platter, plates, a pitcher, and some ceramic cups. The back of the kitchen had a large stove and two separate ovens on the left wall, a large preparation area in the center, and shelves and a washbasin on the right wall. On the back wall were more shelves flanking double doors that she assumed led to the pantry. The shelves held a large variety of crockery and cookware.
Saxloc was seated at the table eating an apple. Through the window behind him, she could see Draymund and Almera talking outside the greenhouse.
Saxloc looked over at her and asked, “Have you recovered from last night?”
“Yes. I feel fine now.” But she was still embarrassed about getting so drunk.
Audrey put some bread and cheese on a plate and poured herself a cup of what smelled like fruit juice of some sort. She walked over and seated herself directly opposite Saxloc. They ate in silence for a while, but then she just had to ask about what her mother had said.
“Saxloc, is it true that thieves are licensed in the Witch’s City?”
“Yes,” he replied simply.
“So anyone can be robbed at any time and the City Guard can do nothing?”
Saxloc rolled his eyes. “No. Anyone can buy insurance against theft. Businesses too. And the rates are regulated.”
Audrey stared at him and narrowed her eyes. “And yet the three of you let my parents wander around the city without telling them about that?”
“My parents probably forgot,” he said with a shrug. “We don’t pay any insurance to Novox.”
Audrey was momentarily puzzled, but then she suddenly understood. “You don’t pay because Draymund and Celebern are good friends. And I don’t believe that your parents forgot. This was deliberate. What if my parents had gotten hurt?” She was now very angry and intended to have words with Draymund and Almera.
“They weren’t in any danger,” he said in an annoyed, disparaging tone.
“How can you possibly know that?” she demanded. “Wait. This was all arranged, wasn’t it? You’re trying to drive my parents away, aren’t you?”
Saxloc glared at her. “Yes, and originally you were supposed to be with them when they were robbed. But you somehow persuaded my mother to let you stay here. I will never marry you. I hate you!” He stood up and went stomping out of the kitchen.
Audrey sat at the table feeling real pain. His harsh words had been like physical blows, and she felt like crying.
After finishing her simple breakfast, Audrey put the dirty dishes in the washbasin. She went out the door and walked over to the greenhouse. Draymund was nowhere in sight, but she could see Almera inside working. She strode inside, declaring, “I am not happy, Almera. How could you put my parents through that?”
Almera looked very serious as she replied, “It wasn’t my idea, Audrey. But I did agree to go along with it, and it was my decision to spare you. What is done is done.”
Audrey just stared at her and couldn’t think of what to say. She wanted her parents to go back to Farmerton and this might persuade them, but it was very troubling. She pursed her lips and said, “Okay, but I wish you had found another way.”
Almera nodded. “And I should really have warned you yesterday when we were out. Sorry about that.
“Audrey, it’s not over yet and we need your cooperation. At lunch, Draymund and I will be doing our best to discourage you parents from staying. Please act as if you believe everything we say and pretend to be discouraged. Can you do that?”
Audrey narrowed her eyes. “Okay, but no more threats.”
Almera held up her hands in a placating gesture. “I promise. From now on, it will just be exaggerations about life in this city. And when you parents do leave, we will make certain that they get home safely.”
She still wasn’t totally happy, but she said, “Okay.”
“Good. It looked like Saxloc was speaking to you in the kitchen. That’s a positive sign.”
“He told me that he hates me and will never marry me.”
“Oh. That’s unfortunate.” Almera frowned at her. “Are those the same clothes you were wearing when you arrived here?”
“Yes, but I washed them yesterday.”
“You washed them? Yourself?” She looked astonished.
“Yes. I always do the laundry at home. I used the water in the tub after I had taken a bath; I didn’t want to waste it. Can I get a piece of rope or something to use as a clothes line? You know, for next time.”
Almera closed her eyes with a look of exasperation. After a moment, she opened her eyes, smiled wryly, and said, “And next you are going to volunteer to do all of our laundry, correct?”
She wasn’t sure if Almera was joking or not. “I can if you want, but you will have to teach me how to wash the fancier clothing. I’d be afraid of ruining it.”
Almera waved her hands back and forth. “No. I was not being serious. We do not wash our own clothing here. The cleaning people do that as part of their duties. Just put your dirty clothing in the basket, and it will be taken care of.”
“Oh … uh … okay. I’ll do that from now on. But I had to wash yesterday or I wouldn’t have had any work clothes to wear today.”
“You brought so few clothes?”
“Yes. I don’t have all that many. And I only brought the lighter ones since it’s Summer.” She hesitated before sadly concluding, “I also didn’t think I would be here for very long.”
Almera smiled, and she looked both compassionate and friendly to Audrey. “That was a real possibility. But I meant what I said yesterday. You are going to be here at least long enough to receive a proper education. The clothes I purchased for you should be here in a day or two. Then I will buy you some more.”
Audrey narrowed her eyes and frowned. “No. You’ve already spent too much on me.”
Almera shook her head. “You are one stubborn peasant girl. We will talk about it later. How about helping me to repot some plants?”
“Repot?” It was another new word.
“Here. I’ll show you.”
&n
bsp; ♦ ♦ ♦
Audrey marveled at the well-equipped kitchen and pantry as she helped Almera to prepare the meal. There was even a large cold room below the pantry filled with a variety of foods.
Saxloc wasn’t there for lunch. His parents didn’t seem concerned, and she suspected that he was simply trying to avoid her. Her parents still seemed shaken up by their ordeal the day before, and Draymund and Almera weren’t doing anything to reassure them. The two of them told tales of woe about living in the Witch’s City: high taxes that kept rising; draconian laws; corrupt city guards; Ermizad the ruthless tyrant and her evil councilors; an earthquake that killed some and left others starving and homeless; temples that demanded your money and gave nothing in return. Audrey pretended to believe everything they said, but she was beginning to worry because the two of them were definitely overdoing it. She was also concerned that some of what they said might, in fact, be true. She really knew very little about the Witch’s City.
After lunch, her parents went back to their room. Anton had hardly said a word during lunch. Audrey could tell that her mother was angry with him, but she had no idea why. She was also fairly certain that Marilee was aware of what Draymund and Almera were trying to do. Her mother wasn’t all that smart, but, unlike her husband, she wasn’t a fool.
Audrey helped Almera to clear the table and then to clean up all of the dishes and cookware. While they worked, she told her what she had observed. Almera frowned and commented, “Your mother must be cleverer than she looks. I didn’t notice anything, but I barely know her. Or your father.”
“Or me,” added Audrey with a devilish smile. “Maybe I’m just pretending. What if I really am a conniving money-hungry bitch?”
Almera laughed. “Then you are an amazingly good actress. Shall we go back to the greenhouse and continue our work?”
“Okay!”
Audrey spent much of the afternoon assisting, and Almera began telling her about the various types of plants that she was growing. Almera promised to eventually teach her how to use them when cooking. It was a lot to take in, and the work was surprisingly tiring, but the woman’s enthusiasm for her plants was impossible to ignore.