by M. Gregg Roe
“How much money do you have?”
She looked through her belt pouch and proudly announced, “Seven copper.”
“That’s all you brought with you?” he asked incredulously.
“That’s all I have. I brought all of my money.”
“Wait. How did you pay your tuition this month? I don’t remember you asking me for it.”
“That’s because I didn’t. It was right after our big fight, and I was afraid to.”
“Then you should have asked my parents!” he told her. “You have got to get over this ridiculous frugality of yours, Audrey!”
“I’d forgotten about that word. Your mother calls me that sometimes.” She bowed. “Allow me to introduce myself: I am Audrey, the frugal! I would sooner starve to death than borrow money for food!”
He smiled and returned her bow. “And I am Saxloc, the oblivious. I probably wouldn’t notice until after you had already died.”
“You know, Saxloc,” she said after a moment. “We seem to get along best during these adventures. I think that we should just never stop adventuring. We can just go back and forth between Rohoville and the Temple of Kyran.”
“What happens if the two of us are ambushed by a large pack of wolves?”
“We die!” she proclaimed, holding up her arms. “Gloriously! And then our bodies provide sustenance for young wolves who then grow up to eat future adventurers. It’s the circle of life!”
Saxloc laughed long and hard. “I wish we got along this well all of the time. That was very funny, Audrey.”
“Thank you!” She frowned. “That’s the problem, Saxloc. We don’t get along nearly as well at home.”
“I know,” he sighed. “It’s a problem.”
They walked along silently for several minutes while she mulled things over, remembering the advice that Isadora had given her. It took her a while to decide what to say.
“We both need to make some changes,” she said seriously. “When we get back, give me the tuition money I should have asked for. I’ll keep relying on you for it until I can afford to pay for it myself. And I’m going to stop saying that I’m going to pay you back. Or your parents. I’ve been keeping track of every last copper, but I’ll burn it as soon as we get back.”
He stared at her in astonishment. “I can’t believe you just said that. I never thought I would hear you say something like that.”
“It was time,” she explained. “It’s one thing to be frugal, but I’ve been stupidly frugal. I actually stopped eating out when I first came to the Witch’s City because I ran out of money and stubbornly refused to ask for any. Your mother had to force me to take money for helping her. That ends now.” She pointed a finger. “But don’t expect me to start wearing expensive clothing and buying lots of stuff because that’s just not me.”
“Believe me, Audrey, I know. I am very impressed.”
“Thank you.”
“You are welcome.” Saxloc sighed. “You have certainly put a lot of pressure on me now. I have so many faults. Where should I start?”
Audrey shrugged. “I don’t know. What about when your father refuses to take you with him on his dragon-slaying jobs? That is unbelievably annoying to both me and your mother.”
He closed his eyes briefly. “I know. I desperately want to go along with him. I know it’s dangerous, but so is adventuring. I’ll work on it. I’ll speak with my father about it when we get back.”
“Now I’m impressed,” she told him truthfully.
“Good. I know that I have been too obsessed with saving money, but I’m working on it. I still resent what my mother did, but it has helped. I don’t mind paying your tuition or spending money on you in general. I also confess that it is more satisfying to spend money I have earned through adventuring rather than money I have begged off my parents. They were right to cut off my allowance.”
Audrey stared at him in astonishment. “I can’t believe you just said that. I am amazed.”
“It will be more impressive if I actually follow through on my promises. You’re probably going to need to remind me.”
“I will. And I want you to remind me of my promises.”
“It’s a deal. After this incredibly honest conversation, I am confident that we can solve our issues.”
Audrey was absolutely thrilled and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Me too!”
♦ ♦ ♦
They made a brief stop in Farmerton so that Audrey could visit Violet. As they approached the area where all of the houses were located, Romee ran up leaving a trail of dust in her wake. She was talking excitedly with Grasapa as Audrey made her way to Violet’s house.
Violet’s older sister Viki was there. She was short, dark-haired, and homely, a stark contrast to how Violet looked. She did, however, have the same crooked teeth and sense of humor as her sister. Audrey spoke to Viki briefly before going in to see Violet.
She found Violet lying on her back sound asleep, covered with a quilt that had been made by Audrey’s aunt. Violet looked peaceful, but also very tired. Audrey watched her for a moment before gently shaking her shoulder. “I’m back, Violet,” she said softly.
Violet opened her eyes and turned her head to look at her. “Hello,” she mumbled in a weak voice. “How’d it go?”
“Fine.” She hadn’t told Violet any of the details before and she wasn’t about to now. “Everything is fine. How are you, Violet?”
“Tired,” she replied as tears began to brim in her eyes. “I’m so tired. I just want this to be over.”
Audrey took Violet’s left hand in both of hers and squeezed it gently. “You’ll get through this, Violet. You’re strong.”
“Are you staying?” She sounded hopeful and Audrey felt a pang of guilt.
“No, Violet. I’m sorry, but I’m traveling with other people. I can’t stay long at all.”
“Oh.” She looked very disappointed.
Audrey found herself wondering when the next caravan was due. Hankin would probably know. “Maybe I can stay longer. I need to go check on something. Don’t get up; I’ll be right back.”
Violet smiled weakly. “I couldn’t get up if I wanted to.” She turned her head and her eyes closed.
Audrey made her way back to where the others were waiting. Romee was still there, as were her parents, Johan and Abigail. Audrey nodded at them and went straight to Hankin.
“Hankin, do you know when the next caravan will be coming through here?”
He promptly took off his backpack and began to search through it. He pulled out a piece of paper and consulted it. “A caravan should be passing through here in about three days heading north,” he told her. “It should return through here about three days later. It’s not scheduled to stop here either way, but I can tell them to pick you up on the way back if that’s what you want.”
“Yes. Please do.” She had made up her mind. She quickly told the others her plans, and Saxloc took her aside to talk. “Is there a problem?” he asked.
Audrey shook her head. “No. I just want to stay a while and keep Violet company. She’s kind of depressed right now from having to stay in bed all the time. You should go on back with everyone else. I’ll travel back with a caravan and be back at the mansion about six or seven days after you get there. You can check the caravan schedule.”
“All right. How are you going to pay for the caravan and the ship back?” he asked her with an amused smile.
“I didn’t think of that,” she confessed. “I guess I’ll live out the rest of my life here in Farmerton helping Violet raise her baby.”
He laughed and began to dig through his belt pouch. He held out a handful of silver coins, saying, “Here. This is the tuition money I owe you.”
She took the coins and stowed them away. “Thank you. Make sure you check on your mother when you get home. I’m still worried about her.”
“I will.” He took her into his arms and kissed her. “Take care, Audrey.”
She was so happy that she ga
ve him another kiss. “Take care, Saxloc.”
Audrey stood with the others and watched as they walked away toward the south. After Johan left with Romee in tow, she turned to Abigail and asked, “Would it be possible for me to stay in your spare room?”
“You’re really not getting along with your parents, are you?” Abigail smiled. “Of course you can stay with us, Audrey. Romee will be thrilled.”
“Thank you, Abigail. I have money and—”
“Nonsense. We don’t need your money.”
“Okay, but I insist on helping with the cooking and cleaning. I’ll just drop my backpack off and then go visit Violet. I’ll be back by dinner time.”
♦ ♦ ♦
Violet and Orian were thrilled that she would be staying in Farmerton for a while. Audrey spent several hours each day with Violet, but her friend slept much of the time. She passed the time by sewing some simple baby clothing. Either Violet’s mother or her sister always seemed to be around, and that was certainly comforting.
Audrey had several long talks with her mother. Marilee admitted that she and Anton weren’t getting along and that she was now sleeping in what had been Audrey’s room. She told her mother about some of the things she had learned and about life in the Witch’s City. She even told her about her role in Almera’s breakdown and some of her relationship difficulties with Saxloc. Marilee was sympathetic and concerned about Almera.
She also found time to visit her aunt, and Berna taught her some new stitches and techniques. She played games with her cousins, and with Romee, whose interest in the Witch’s City was endless. She helped Abigail cook meals, and to clean and do laundry. Johan told her that there was talk of building what sounded like a small inn. The Novox caravans were increasingly bringing goods and travelers to Farmerton, so that certainly made sense. She wondered if Farmerton would eventually grow to be as large as places like Fisherton and Glasston.
It rained nearly every day, and Audrey worried that the caravan might have difficulties. It did, in fact, arrive a day later than she had expected. She ran out through the pouring rain and quickly confirmed with the guards that they would stop for her on the way back.
Three days later, Romee ran over to Violet’s house and told her that the caravan had returned. Audrey said her goodbyes and then went along with Romee to pick up her backpack from the house. After thanking Abigail and Johan for their hospitality, she rushed to the caravan, only to stop in surprise when she saw Alessandra and Julien standing behind the wagon.
“Surprise!” exclaimed Alessandra with a huge grin. “I heard from the caravan guards that you had stayed here, so I decided it would be a good time to pay another visit and check on your friend. And once I have done that, we will be accompanying you as far as Merryton.”
Audrey was delighted. “Thank you, Alessandra! You too, Julien.” He smiled and nodded.
The stay in Farmerton was only an hour. Afterward, Alessandra told her that Violet was doing well and that she didn’t foresee any difficulties. During the trip to Merryton, Audrey found herself alone with Alessandra in the back of the wagon. Julien seemed to prefer to walk alongside and talk with the caravan guards.
Alessandra looked at her intently and said, “I spoke with Isadora about the advice she gave you. Have you spoken with Saxloc about it?”
Audrey chewed her lower lip. “We talked about the fact that we’re different races, and that went well. I didn’t talk to him about continuing to date other people. I’m afraid to,” she confessed. “Saxloc is jealous of Erwin.”
“Audrey, I agree with the advice that Isadora gave you about that. Both of you need more experience. Talk to Saxloc and be honest. Will you do that?”
She looked at Alessandra and tried to smile. “Okay. I will. I promise.”
The two of them got off in Merryton and Audrey continued on alone. The caravan stopped for the night after another few miles. She ate dinner with the four guards and then laid down on a blanket inside the enclosed area. One of the guards politely propositioned her, and she told him that she was already in a relationship. It was actually two relationships, and she certainly didn’t want it to become three.
It rained lightly most of the next day, and she spent most of it sleeping. When they arrived at the ferry landing, she tried to pay for her passage but was told that it had already been taken care of. Audrey suspected that Hankin was the one responsible. She went straight to the docks and took an overnight ship, again finding that they wouldn’t let her pay.
Audrey managed to sleep fairly well on the ship in the tiny cabin that they assigned her. She went up on deck in the morning just as the sun was rising and they were approaching the Witch’s City docks. It reminded her of when she had first come to the Witch’s City. The sight had been strange and wondrous then. Now it was familiar and comforting. This really was Audrey’s home now.
45
‡ Home ‡
Audrey smiled at Saxloc while trying not to show the fear that she still harbored. She had spotted him waiting for her before the ship even finished tying up. “Welcome home!” he said as she approached him after walking down the gangplank. “Thank you,” she replied, hugging him tightly. “It’s good to be back.”
They entered the city through the gate walking side-by-side. It looked like it was going to be a nice day. They chatted casually, and she told him about Violet, and about Alessandra’s unexpected appearance.
“That’s wonderful,” he said. “I’m impressed that Alessandra did that. Something good happened for me too. My father is off on a dragon-slaying job right now, but he has promised to take me along the next time he is hired to kill a single dragon. He wants me to invite my friends as well. That includes you, Audrey, if you’re interested.”
“I’m happy for you,” she told him, amazed by the news. “I’ll have to think about it. The trophy room still scares me.”
Saxloc laughed. “That’s actually good. I would rather you were frightened of dragons than overconfident.”
When they reached the iron gate that gave entrance to the mansion’s grounds, she reached out and stopped him from opening it. He gave her a puzzled look and she said, “Saxloc, there is still something we need to discuss.”
“What is it?” he asked, concerned
“Isadora and Alessandra both told me that the two of us should continue seeing other people. So I am going to continue to see Erwin.” But she wasn’t sure if that was actually true.
He laughed, and she looked at him in surprise. “Audrey, I won’t say I’m happy to hear you say that, but I’m not surprised. That is just one of things that we are going to have to work through. Rosalind is still an issue for me. Why don’t we wait to discuss it until after you have rested up from your trip?”
She stared at him in surprise; he really was beginning to sound more mature. “Okay. I think I might stay here a day or two before moving to Kora’s.”
“If you say so.” There was something odd about his expression.
They entered the grounds and began to wind their way through the paths, but he suddenly took an unexpected turn. “Where are we going?” she asked.
“To your home,” he replied with a secretive smile.
Audrey continued walking alongside him. They were headed toward the southeast corner and she suddenly caught a glimpse of something that shouldn’t be there. It was too much to hope, but when they went around the next bend she could clearly see a beautiful little house nestled among the trees, bushes, and flowers. “They built a guest cottage?” she asked, hardly able to believe what she was seeing.
“We built your guest cottage, Audrey. Your things are already inside.”
She stopped and stared in amazement. “This is absolutely wonderful!” she cried. Then she threw herself into Saxloc’s arms and began to passionately kiss him. After a minute, they disengaged. He took her hand and led her toward the cottage. As they approached, the front door opened inward and she saw Almera standing inside, dressed in her gardening clothes and
smiling smugly. The sight of her looking so much like her usual self was comforting.
Saxloc let go of her hand and Audrey turned and looked at his smiling face. “I already have plans to meet Gabriel. I’ll stop by and see you this afternoon.”
Audrey rolled her eyes and pretended to be exasperated. “A visitor already? Make sure you knock first. I might be in there with my boyfriend.”
He laughed and said, “I’ll see you later.”
As he walked away, she called out, “Thank you, Saxloc! Thank you for everything!”
She turned back and gazed at her new home. It was a beautiful log cottage measuring about eight yards wide by six deep. The peaked roof was covered by dark brown ceramic tile, and there was a stone chimney on the right side near the front. The front door was flanked by two square windows, each equipped with wood shutters. A curving flagstone path led to the front door from one of the existing paths. There were tall trees to both sides and behind, as well as many flowers and small bushes. Audrey thought that it was absolutely beautiful.
As she walked toward the front door, Almera bowed and said, “Audrey av Marilee, welcome to your new home. I am sorry that it took us so long to build this for you.”
Audrey smiled when she noticed a wood plaque to the left of the door that had been carved to show her full name. She stopped just outside the doorway. “I think it was worth the wait. I can’t believe you did this for me!”
Almera stepped up and hugged her briefly. Her expression turned serious as she said, “Audrey, we did this because you are part of our family now. We didn’t want to lose you, but we also understand you. From now on you are a tenant here, not our guest. There will be monthly rent due, and you will be responsible for things such as cleaning and laundry. We own the cottage, so we will take care of any maintenance issues. Is that acceptable?”
“Yes!” she replied, although she was already worrying about how high the rent might be.
“Good. Please come on in. I will be in your kitchen finishing breakfast. It should be ready soon.”