The Dream Sifter (The Depths of Memory Book 1)

by Bundy, Candice

  Ponar ended his tirade, noticing his voice had risen to where he drew looks from people at other tables. Many had retired to their rooms for the evening, but the room was nowhere near empty yet.

  Kait waited a moment to respond, giving him plenty of time to regain his composure. "I don't want to imply you haven't been keeping Durmah's best interests at heart. It's just that with all the travel, it's harder to keep everyone connected. I know you're doing a great job, otherwise, I'd have demanded your return. While you've been working the western coast, our exports have dramatically increased. However, since you've been away so long, sometimes people forget you're off working for us. Visibility is often just as important as getting the job done!"

  Kait's praise surprised and elated Ponar. Perhaps she was right. He'd been gone so long that he didn't even realize the impact of his work on the family. While he'd been off worrying about Kait's mandate for him to marry, he'd also missed her praise for his accomplishments.

  "I'm sorry, I have been gone too long." Ponar replied.

  Kait took his hand. "Don't worry about that, son. Just make sure to drop by every so often. Regular reports to Jesse wouldn't hurt either."

  "I can do that, Mom," Ponar agreed, happy that he no longer sensed the strain between them. He remembered that she'd had another request. "Now, how can I help out Stoi?"

  "I need you to start running his routes in addition to your own. I know it won't be easy, and you won't be as productive up in Barrow's Grove in the meantime. This is just short-term, until Chirey is better and Stoi is comfortable leaving her in our capable hands."

  "Ok. Will Laan and I be running the routes together?" Ponar asked.

  "I think it's best we keep the full loops separate for now," Laan answered. "You can run the loop from Raven's Call to Barrow's Grove and back while I concentrate on the shorter loops from Raven's Call to Kiya's Grace. Meik is busy enough with the Northern pass loops already."

  "How soon do you head out again?" Ponar asked Laan.

  "Tomorrow by midday, I'm afraid," Laan replied. "I've just been waiting to talk to Stoi before I head out again. Now we can travel from here to Kiya's Grace together and discuss those typical shipments which will bring you up to speed. I know you haven't had to run those recently."

  Ponar admired Laan's practicality. Most probably, his arrival today was the only thing keeping Laan from having to take on Stoi's entire load.

  "True enough," Ponar agreed. "Is there anyone else available who could pitch in?" Ponar asked Kait.

  "I'm afraid not. We've been stretched thin over the past few years setting up the Waystations in Kiya's Grace and Resounding Cliffs. Blethe and Marra will marry once they emerge from Temple service, and then their husbands will join our lineage. However, that will hopefully be years away from now, after they've had a few more children."

  "True, but aren't any of my cousins of age to help out?" Ponar asked.

  It was Nele's turn to speak up, as Ponar was referring to her children now. "I'm afraid all of your able-bodied older cousins are already busy at the Resounding Cliffs Waystation or have duties here at the Sept house. There's the possibility that the Temples may grant us another adoptee, but that will also take time." She held her chin high, pride gleaming in her eyes.

  "Yes, it will. It always takes a great deal of time to negotiate with the Temples," Kait said. Everyone at the table shared her irritation, evidenced by their snorts and derisive comments.

  "For now, although I'd prefer to keep my wayward son up and grill him for information on trade in Barrow's Grove, I think it's best if we all eat well and catch up on sleep," Kait announced. "I think we've all got plenty to tackle tomorrow. I wouldn't want you three hitting the roads without getting a full night's sleep under your belt."

  "Agreed," Laan replied. "My wagon is packed, and I'll make sure the staff gets Ponar's packed by mid-morning." Ponar nodded his consent, the realization this visit wouldn't even last a full day finally hit home.

  "We should catch up with Stoi in the morning," Meik said. Ponar got the impression that Meik had something specific that he wanted to discuss with them, but perhaps didn't want to talk about in front of Nele.

  Kait nodded in response. "Why don't you three meet me at Stoi's quarters after breakfast? Chirey often sleeps late, so we shouldn't disturb her. Knowing Ponar will be filling in for him should reduce his stress."

  Everyone but Nele stood, a good night's sleep being foremost on their minds.

  "I'll go and get Matieus organizing the packing of Ponar's wagon," Laan said. "Until tomorrow."

  "I'd better go catch up with my wife," Meik said. "She retired early as she's been overseeing the brood in the mornings." He motioned to the few children still playing in front of the far hearth. "Good evening all." He headed upstairs.

  Kait frowned. "Speaking of the children, Nele, why don't you get them off to bed?"

  "Dearest sister, I'd be happy to," Nele replied. Nele rose and sauntered over to the children.

  Ponar found himself alone with his mother for the first time in months. Thinking of this moment had brought him great angst while he'd been away, but now that he stood next to her that anxiety didn't surface.

  Once Nele had moved out of earshot, Ponar leaned in close to Kait. "Have Blethe or Marra borne any female children yet?"

  Kait gaze narrowed. "Sept business, I knew you cared about. Politics, I didn't think you paid much attention to, son."

  "How can I not? You're not simply my mother, but Sept Chieftess. Nele's your younger sister, and next in line to inherit the title if your daughters don't bear girls themselves. Even I can figure direct matrilineal descent on a graph. So, have they, or haven't they?"

  Kait bit her upper lip, and then shook her head. "No, not yet. I have three new grandsons, all healthy. Both girls are fertile, and they're still early in Service. There's time yet."

  Ponar ran a hand through his hair, casting a nervous glance over at Nele. "Let's hope so. She may hunger for your position, but Nele doesn't have the fortitude for it, if I may be so bold."

  "You can always be open with me. Please don't worry about speaking ill of Nele to me, there's no tenderness between us, trust me." Kait looked up, studying his face, her weariness and joy obvious to him. "How about I walk you to your room?"

  "That'd be nice." He offered her his arm to lean on, and she quickly took advantage of his support.

  "It's good being with you again. I don't like thinking I've lost track of my only boy!"

  "I've missed everyone here too. There are times I'm negotiating and I have to wonder if I know enough to make the best bargains. Not to mention falling behind with Sept news."

  "Well, our ancestors decided to eschew technology for a simpler, more family oriented way of life. I doubt they ever considered the needs of an extended and traveling family like ours when they set down the colony's by-laws," Kait replied.

  "I wonder if they'd approve of how we live today. I mean, our family doesn't prioritize the familial bond over business. We're by and large close and loving, but we don't spend all that much time as a unit."

  "I think they'd be happy enough we're still alive. After all, most of the trade we do wouldn't be necessary if we didn't have to supply rare medicinal ingredients across the continent. The founders never foresaw the plague, or the effects it would have on the culture they wanted to foster."

  Kait stopped in front of his door and opened it, revealing a very comfortable room. The large bed, filled with pillows and warm blankets, practically called to him. Considering Ponar had lived out of his wagon for the past few months, this looked downright blissful to him.

  Ponar sighed. "I'll sleep well tonight."

  "See, I'm not beyond bribery to help convince you to visit more often." Kait chuckled back.

  Ponar walked over to the dresser, hoping Kait had arranged for a fresh change of clothing.

  "As you'll be leaving tomorrow, I don't want to add to your stress by pushing you on a decision about a wife. Yet I
want you to know it's still on my mind."

  "Oh, I didn't figure you'd forgotten about that," Ponar replied, unsure of how to address the issue. Opening the dresser he pulled out what he thought was a linen shirt. Unfolding it and holding it up, he realized it was a woman's nightshift.

  Kait's face was confused for a moment. "How did that get in there?"

  "Well, it's not mine."

  "Oh, that must be your new sister's, Rai's clothing," Kait said. "She must have left it here."

  "Rai stayed here?" he answered, a bit too brusquely. He focused on refolding the nightshift and avoiding looking up at Kait until he regained more control over his emotions.

  Kait laughed at him. "Really darling, do you think we keep the room reserved for you when you're gone?"

  "Well, no," Ponar replied, happy she'd mistaken his surprise for entitlement. "I'd just hoped to find some clean things. I won't have time to launder what I have before I leave tomorrow."

  "Ah, that won't be a problem, dear. I'll have Nimma get you something new first thing."

  "I'll take these back to Kiya's Grace for Rai, if you'd like," Ponar offered.

  "I'm sure Jesse has given her plenty to wear," Kait replied. "Still, she might want these things too. It's not as if we're poor and can't afford to spare them, so please pack them up and give them to her."

  "Whatever you'd like, Mother," Ponar replied. He removed the small stack of shirts, shifts and pants from the drawer and placed them on top of the dresser. "So I don't forget them," he explained.

  "I'm sure your future wife will admire you thoughtfulness and generosity. Perhaps the next time we talk you can tell me whom you've picked. Just think how much simpler things will be once you're married. After all, I'll have to stop needling you over your choice."

  "Yes, I can look forward to trading your needling for a nagging wife," Ponar quipped. He realized he was straightening and picking at the pile of Rai's clothes, and quickly restrained himself by clasping his hands behind his back and turning full toward his mother.

  "Nagging, sure you'll get that. There are benefits however, to you and to the Sept. Along with your added contentment and happiness; the Sept will gain additional hands. With your sizable dowry she'll be able to bring a few of her children along into the fold."

  "I'm well aware of the potential benefits to Durmah," Ponar replied. "I've just not settled on the right one yet."

  "Our Sept may not be the largest, but because of our financial success you have the attention of many. As my only son, you can't help but draw their notice. If you can manage to choose one of the many contestants for your affection, I guarantee the stress on you will pass. Besides, a good match can mean permanent favors from the Sept we align with, from permanently reduced par on their goods to an annual early pick of the best they produce."

  Something in his demeanor must have warned her off, because Kait's mood turned apologetic. "I'm sorry, I said I wouldn't push you about this tonight. There's plenty else to worry about now."

  Ponar shook his head in disagreement, walked over, and hugged her. Releasing her, he took a deep breath. "No, you're right. Deciding on a wife will be good for me, and help me focus on the important things." Like not obsessing over an impossible relationship with Rai.

  Kait's wan smile beamed up at him. "I'm so glad to hear that. Should I get you a current list of eligible candidates?"

  "Yes. I can review it and get you an answer the next time I'm in town. Please mark the ones you feel would be the most advantageous allies for our Sept. I want to follow your counsel in this. It shouldn't take more than four to five weeks to complete the circuit to Barrow's Grove and back."

  "Your wisdom has matured these past few months, son. I'll leave you detailed notes, and trust you to make the best decision for the Sept. Not all of the girls are out of Service yet, but it doesn't mean you can't lay a claim to one of them, assuming they've produced children. Now, get some sleep and I'll make sure Nimma gets you up in time to meet with us in the morning." Kait moved toward the door.

  "Thanks Mom. Sleep well."

  "Good night son," Kait said, closing the door.

  Hearing the door close solidified the verbal commitments to Kait, and they reverberated through his mind. He walked back to the dresser, picked up Rai's shift, and brought it to his face. Inhaling deeply, he caught the smell of her still in the garment, rousing memories of his time alone with her. Gripping the fabric, he forced himself to set it down and let go of it, placing the crumpled nightshift back on the pile. Shifting his attention to undressing and preparing for sleep, Ponar knew choosing a wife from Kait's list would be the best for everyone involved.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Ponar hadn't slept well. Knowing Rai had shared his bed just a few weeks earlier, even before he'd met her, added to his obsession. He was anxious for the morning's meeting with Stoi as well. After Nimma brought the replacement clothes and he'd packed, he wasn't surprised to discover Laan already in the dining hall. At his approach, Laan looked up and nodded in acknowledgement. Various travel papers and maps covered the table along with a small stack of travel bags piled at the end.

  "You're up early," Laan said.

  "At least I slept a little. By the look of this, I'm tempted to think you didn't sleep at all." Ponar placed his bag near the others and joined Laan in reviewing the documents.

  "Oh, I haven't been up very long," Laan replied. "Just long enough to pack my bags, fill out and review the travel papers for accuracy, have the stable hands load your wagon, and order food and supplies from the kitchen." Laan's nonchalant manner belied his flurry of activity.

  "Yes, it appears you've just climbed out of bed. Is everything in order?" Ponar asked, motioning toward the paperwork.

  "Yup, just finished it. I'm thinking of sending one of the kitchen staff to the permits office to drop these off. It's that or wait until we're on our way out of town, and I'd prefer to give the Guardians more lead time than that."

  "Good idea. When did you want to talk to Stoi?"

  "Now. Meik and Kait are supposed to meet us up there." Laan rolled up the maps and stuck them into his travel bag. Picking up the travel permits, Laan walked toward the kitchen, with Ponar following close behind.

  Upon entering the kitchen, the sumptuous smells of meat roasting over the fire and bread baking in the oven greeted them. Ponar's stomach responded, and his mouth watered. The Head Chef, Serille, walked around, busily supervising her three scullery boys.

  "It'll be another thirty to forty minutes until breakfast, I'm afraid," Serille said.

  "Yes, thank you, Serille," Laan replied. "I was wondering if one of your boys could run these over to the Travel Permits office."

  Serille frowned in response. "I suppose this needs to be done immediately?" she asked. Ponar noticed that more than one of the boys redoubled their efforts, most likely wanting to look busier than before so they wouldn't get the undesired task.

  "If things are too busy here I can always check with Nimma instead."

  "No, no, it's not a problem. The butlers are always busy this time of day anyway. Jaren here can run those over right quick, can't he?" she replied, patting the boy on the back.

  "Yes ma'am," Jaren replied with a pout, playing the part of the harassed errand boy. Ponar considered it a measure of the common dislike of all Guardians that the boy preferred to toil in the kitchen rather than take a walk through the city and briefly encounter them. Setting aside the paring knife he used to slice potatoes, Jaren wiped off his hands and approached Laan.

  Laan handed him the paperwork. "Go to the western gate, boy. That's the one we'll be traveling through."

  "Yes sir," he replied. Jaren quickly ran out of the kitchen, documents in hand.

  "Thanks Serille, I appreciate this," Laan said. Serille shrugged in return, having taken up the task of slicing the potatoes.

  Laan looked at Ponar, and gestured for them to head upstairs. Ponar let Laan lead the way. In familial order, Ponar outranked Laan, as he
was the Chieftess' son, while Laan was her nephew. As Laan was his elder, Ponar deferred to him.

  On the second floor, they ran into Meik and Kait rounding the corner. The group of all four of them ambled down the hall as they shared the obligatory morning greetings. Perhaps it was just because the day was yet young and she hadn't had a chance to tire out yet, but he hoped that she was improving. The last time he'd been in town Kait had been so exhausted that he'd hardly seen her.

  When they arrived at the door to Stoi and Chirey's room, Kait took the lead and tapped upon the door with her knuckles. After a few moments, the sounds of a rustling could be heard within, followed by soft footfalls. The door latch clicked in retreat and the door opened a few mere inches, revealing an irritated and scruffy looking Stoi.

  His gruff demeanor quickly dissipated. "I take it this isn't a social call?"

  "Can we come in for a few moments?" Kait replied.

  Stoi nodded and backed up, swinging the door wide for their entrance. When they entered the suite, the lack of light in the sitting room struck Ponar as peculiar. Somehow, he felt that little light just couldn't be healthy. Stoi closed and locked the door behind them. Perhaps simply out of habit, but it appeared almost paranoid behavior.

  "What's all this about?" Stoi asked. "Has something else gone wrong?"

  "Why don't we sit?" Kait replied, still leaning on Meik's arm. "There are a couple of items we need to fill you in on, and I'd be more comfortable on the couch."

  Despite Kait's robust appearance, her comments had the desired effect. They walked over and sat on the couches near the currently unlit hearth. No one wanted to tax the Chieftess' strength, but Ponar guessed this was a ploy to help Stoi relax. Stoi sat next to Kait and Meik, while Ponar and Laan sat across from them on the opposite couch.

  Ponar found himself looking eye to eye with Stoi. "Hey there stranger," Stoi said. "Get lost?"

  Ponar tried his best to hold his irritation in check. He deserved the comment, and considering the stress Stoi was under Ponar didn't want to take the bait.