Giving Darragh a bow from his seat, then one to Misa, Sean spoke up. “I apologize. Darragh is right, I don’t know what’s right or wrong to say. I have much to learn and am honored that you’ve agreed to teach me. Please forgive my blunders and help correct me—without fangs, preferably.”
Darragh chuckled as he reached over and stroked Misa’s tail again. “Fangs, Misa? You know better than to bare them at guests.”
“I wasss defending your honor,” Misa said as she lowered herself toward the ground. “Sssorry.”
“It’s fine this time, but unless he threatens violence, no fangs. He is a guest and we have much to learn from each other,” Darragh said, his hand sliding up to rub at her head. “Understood?”
“Yesss, massster,” Misa said, her eyes closing slowly as she pushed her head into his hand.
Sean wondered at the dynamic between them; at times it seemed friendly, and at other times it seemed more like lovers. At the moment, Sean was reminded most of an owner with a beloved pet. Shaking his head, he realized that he’d gotten lost in thought and they were both looking at him. “Sorry, I got caught up in my thoughts.”
“I apologized,” Misa said simply.
“I accept, and hold you no ill will. You were defending Darragh’s honor,” Sean said, holding out his hand. “We good?”
Misa froze, her tongue darting out before she slowly took his hand. They shook once, then Misa leaned back and studied him even more intently than before. “Odd,” was all she said.
“Do you understand the concept of Agreements, Punishments, and Shames now?” Darragh asked, his sightless eyes focused on Sean.
“I have the rough idea, but how do you know what is right, or too much, for a Punishment?”
“No one knows, which is why everyone tends towards the cautious side, as no one wants to be called before the Queens,” Darragh said. “There is also the option to just hand the case to the Queens and they will level a lesser Shame on the one who broke the Agreement, but that also carries a risk. If the Queen deems the case minor, they will Shame the one who brought it before them.”
“Arbitrary and convoluted. Got it,” Sean said as he considered the implications. Any Punishment could be called before the Queens for any reason, it seemed, which made everyone fear being called and kept people as honest as he would expect, on the Punishment end of things at any rate. “Only they know what will call a case before them.”
“That is correct,” Darragh said. “Be wary of breaking an Agreement with a noble close to the Queens, for that will surely catch their attention.”
Sean could see how that would be the case. Most people would never be called before either Queen, but if they came to their attention, it greatly increased the chance that they would be. “Has anyone ever objected to a Shame?”
Darragh nodded, “Not for years, but yes, people have. It is then brought before the other Queen. If she agrees that the Shame was just, then it is made worse. Only once, that I know of, has the other Queen disagreed. That Shame was erased, and the Shamed was given a Boon by the Queen who’d levied the Shame.”
“Hmm,” Sean mused, considering the risks and rewards of the appeal system.
“Did you have questions about any other subjects tonight?” Darragh asked.
“I was curious about your axe,” Sean said. “Why does it cause my arms to go tingly, then numb? And what magic is it that Fiona does that makes her needed here?”
“We will answer those two tonight. Then we will sleep, as morning comes early,” Darragh said as Misa refilled his cup.
“That’s fair,” Sean said, accepting a refill. “Thank you, Misa.”
“You are welcome, odd one,” Misa said, her face holding a hint of humor. Sean wondered how he knew that.
“My axe is known as Dark Cutter,” Darragh said after taking a sip. “The metal it is crafted from, as well as the magic woven into it, allows it to cut deeper than other axes. It keeps its edge by taking energy from the person wielding it. Many people cannot use it for more than a short time before their energy is gone and the blade begins to sap their vitality. That is the tingle you felt. If you keep using it much beyond that point, you will not be able to drop the blade. Once your hands, arms, and chest go numb, you are almost gone. That is the last point where it is possible to stop. If you continue to press on, your perception will go fuzzy and eventually, you will die, as the axe makes you keep using it. I wielded this blade for many years.”
“It’s a cursed item?” Sean asked with a raised brow.
“All items of magic have their limits and their drawbacks,” Darragh said, “otherwise everyone would have items of power.”
“Fair point,” Sean agreed.
“As for Fiona,” Darragh paused, “she is a Shaper. They are not common, and can be quite powerful. It is she who crafts the planks for our homes. Did you not notice how smooth they are?”
“I was curious about that, as well as why we left the log next to her house,” Sean said. “She said her old name was Treeshaper, before her Shame.”
“Yes, she was well known for producing some of the best goods in her city,” Darragh said. “She all but vanished shortly after her Shame was placed on her. I found her to get help with dealing with my own Shame.”
“Massster,” Misa hissed softly, “too far off the path.”
“Of course, Misa,” Darragh coughed. “She uses her magic to bend plant matter to her will. She was invaluable to us in forming our village.”
“I see,” Sean said as he considered the information. “Can her magic be taught?”
“It is tied to her blood, so I wouldn’t think so. It is a Talent, not a spell, but the world is full of wonders,” Darragh said. “You still believe you can use magic?”
“I’m pretty sure,” Sean said.
“Tomorrow night then, instead of questions, maybe you would like to learn a simple spell from Misa?” Darragh inquired.
“That would be agreeable,” Sean said quickly. “What kind of magic?”
Misa lifted the lid off the empty kettle and held her hand over the opening. After a moment, water began to pour from the air into the kettle. “Basssic water sssummoning magic. You mussst know the bassse to build off,” Misa said.
“I’d never have to worry about needing water,” Sean said with a grin. “I accept.”
“Good,” Darragh said as he got to his feet. “I will have Misa bring you bedding. Sleep well Sean, for tomorrow brings new things to learn. Will you go with the hunters or the lumberjacks for work tomorrow?”
“I’ll go with Cian, at least for the next few days,” Sean said.
“Very well. Pleasant slumber to you,” Darragh turned and walked unerringly to his room, a fabric curtain dropping behind him and blocking off the room as he entered it.
“I’ll be back,” Misa said as she followed Darragh.
Chapter Eight
Sean woke once during the night, when Misa went from the kitchen to Darragh’s room. It took him a bit to get back to sleep, as the noises that drifted out of that room shortly after she entered it were not conducive to his rest.
Stretching as he woke the second time, he felt alert and ready for the day. He was a touch stiff but, considering his dreams, that wasn’t surprising. Standing, he began to twist and stretch to loosen up his muscles. He was in the middle of squats when Misa came out of Darragh’s room.
“Morning,” Sean said, fighting to keep a smirk off his face.
“I jussst woke Darragh,” Misa said after a moment of hesitation. “Breakfassst will be sssoon,” she added as she hurried past him to the kitchen.
Sean bit back a chuckle. It wasn’t his place to comment on who was doing what with who, if it was consensual. He didn’t see the attraction in a snake-woman, but then again, who knew what the real history was between her and Darragh? It might be love, instead of lust. Hell, it probably is, asshole, Sean thought to himself. Darragh is probably thrilled someone still loves him after being Shamed by one of the
Queens.
Hearing Misa working in the kitchen, he wondered if he should offer to help. As he debated, he heard her faint words, “Flame, I call you forth. I require your warmth and blessing for my tasks.”
He looked around the frame of the door, catching a glimpse of an open flame above her palm as she pushed her hand into the fire place. A moment later, the kindling caught and began to burn. He looked away before she saw him.
Magic requires words, Sean thought, but, she didn’t say anything last night when she summoned water. Shaking his head, he knew he would have to wait until tonight to really find out. He had an Agreement, and didn’t want to break it.
Darragh came out of his room a few minutes later. “Morning to you, Sean. Did you sleep well?”
“Not the best, but far from my worst night. I thank you for the bedding,” Sean said. Though the pillow was soft, he’d been poked by the ends of feathers a few times, which had been an annoyance. “The fur, is it wolf skin?”
“Yes and no,” Darragh said as he took a seat in his usual spot. “It came from a Canine Moonbound. It was the first beast I slew in my time as a…” Darragh let the sentence trail off, a deep sorrow resonating from him.
“My apologies,” Sean said softly, “I didn’t mean to bring up sad memories.”
“It is fine. How could you have known?” Darragh laughed bitterly. “The clan will assemble for breakfast soon. Are you still going with Cian today?”
“I think it best. Whelan has an… aversion to my company. I would like to learn how they hunt, but maybe it would be better to wait a few days.”
“Very well,” Darragh nodded. His head came up shortly after Sean heard movement coming towards the house. “Ah, someone is early.”
A knock on the door brought Misa from the kitchen. She ushered Fiona in, then went back to the kitchen. Fiona pushed the door wide and came to join the other two. “Darragh, your table is done. I’ll finish the chairs tomorrow night.”
Sean noted the dark circles under her eyes. “Pulled an all-nighter?” he asked curiously.
“I work best when I won’t be interrupted,” Fiona yawned. “It causes less issues for me.”
“I was wondering—what would I have to do to be allowed to watch you work?”
Fiona’s eyes snapped to him, narrowing. “Why?”
“I was told you can literally shape wood, and I am fascinated by the idea,” Sean said, letting himself fall into her dual-colored eyes. “My old home didn’t have anything of the like.”
Fiona closed her eyes, her tongue darting out to wet her lips. “You are strange, Sean. I keep trying to understand you, but you say and ask for the oddest things.” Taking a deep breath, she nodded as her eyes opened again. “I will allow it, but you must not distract me while I work.”
“If you do that, you might have issues with keeping our Agreement,” Darragh pointed out. His tone hinted that he was curious how Sean could manage to stay awake for over a day.
“From yesterday, I take it that two trees a day is normal for Cian and his crew, is that right?”
“Two trees could be seen as the average,” Darragh said slowly.
“So, if we finish four trees today, would that cover me for missing tomorrow’s work?”
Darragh tilted his head and considered Sean’s words. Eventually, he nodded. “If you can bring down four acceptable trees, sending one to the town and three back here before nightfall, I will accept it as an addendum to our Agreement. If you fail those conditions though, you are not allowed to miss tomorrow.”
“Done,” Sean said easily. He turned his gaze back to Fiona, “I will be free of duties tomorrow, so tonight will work.”
Fiona frowned, “They’ve never been able to drop three trees in a day, much less four, and have them all done before nightfall. I am not as sure that you are going to be as available as you seem to be.”
“How about a wager then?” Sean asked, a smile on his lips. “If we do manage it, tonight you have to explain how your Talent works while I watch. If I fail, then not only will I not be free to watch you, I will never ask to watch again.”
“No,” Fiona said quickly. “I don’t accept. I will say that if you fail, you must not ask for information about my Talent, but you can watch it when you are free.”
“Agreed,” Sean said, feeling the now familiar weight settle on him.
Fiona sighed, “I tried to stop you.”
“Tried to stop him from what?” Whelan asked as he came through the open door, followed by the other hunters.
“Nothing that concerns you, Whelan,” Sean said simply.
“Figures,” Whelan scoffed. “Are you going to join the providers of the clan, or go back to attacking inanimate objects?”
“I will be joining Cian and his men for the next few days, so I can understand everything I can about their task. After that, I was hoping to join your crew.”
Whelan laughed. “I doubt you will be able to keep up with us, but when the time comes, I will have one of mine coddle you so you don’t get killed by the beasts we hunt.”
A tight smile stretched across Sean’s lips, “Which of your people would you task with protecting me?”
“Myna, when he comes with us he is your responsibility. Understood?” Whelan barked at the woman with the hunters.
Myna nodded but kept silent, her lips turning down. Sean gave her a small bow of his head, “I will be most grateful, Myna. Before that day comes, I will ask you for a bit of your time so I can better understand the tasks you do. Hopefully, that will help me not be as big a burden.”
Myna glanced to Whelan, who was laughing, before nodding once, “Agreed.”
“You need Myna to teach you to hunt? Did your village know nothing of survival?” Whelan laughed.
“Is he causing issues already?” Cian asked as he and the rest of the lumberjacks came in.
“Cian, he is going with you. Hunting is too scary for him, it seems,” Whelan laughed again.
Cian frowned, “I doubt that, Whelan. You will be surprised when he goes with you, I think.”
“Cian,” Darragh said softly, “your task today is the same as always. However, Sean has made a wager with myself and Fiona. He has claimed you will be able to drop four trees, send one to the town, and bring three back before nightfall.”
The lumberjacks all went silent, their eyes turning to Sean. Whelan and his crew, minus Myna, laughed at their looks. “Trees, such fierce opponents,” Whelan stated.
“Enough, Whelan,” Darragh said.
“Of course, Darragh,” Whelan said as he chuckled.
“You think you can handle four?” Cian asked Sean intently.
“If you allow me to do what I can, then yes.”
“I would call you a fool if not for yesterday,” Cian said as he looked to his crew. “Are you ready for a busy day?”
The group all nodded, with Eagon speaking up, “If he can do as you said last night, then we can.”
“Breakfassst,” Misa said as she brought a cauldron into the room, placing it before Darragh. As she retreated to the kitchen, Fiona went with her.
“Always helping the serpent,” Whelan muttered under his breath with contempt.
Feeling his jaw clench, Sean bit back his words. He didn’t want to antagonize the hunters, not before he had proved himself. Otherwise, his first trip might be even more eventful than it was already going to be.
Breakfast turned out to be some kind of porridge, with a bitter black tea. Once everyone was done, Whelan and his people quickly left the house. As Cian and the lumberjacks were saying goodbye to their wives, Fiona gave Sean a tired smile, before she left as well.
“Misa,” Sean asked with a bit of embarrassment, “where is the bathroom?”
“We have no bathing room,” Misa replied.
“The outhouse, privy, or chamber pot?” Sean quickly clarified.
“Behind the homesss on the other ssside of the road,” Misa stated.
“I’ll be right back,” Sea
n told the others, his bowels reminding him of simple biological needs.
Chapter Nine
The walk out to the stream was quiet in the predawn gloom. No one was talking, and the men all seemed to be on guard. Once they made it to the bank, Cian let out a deep breath. “I thought today would be the day.”
“Day for what?” Sean asked while Taavi marked out the four trees for the day.
“Darragh has an Agreement with the being that calls this section of forest theirs. It allows for its minions to ambush us once every tenday.”
“That is news I hadn’t heard before,” Sean said. “Is there anything else I might want to know?”
“For us, no,” Cian said. “For the hunters, if they target something and attack, then they are fair game for the rest of the day. Be careful when you go with them; Whelan seems to dislike you more than most.”
“I got that impression,” Sean said. “I don’t like bullies either, so we’re even on that score.”
“I’ve got them picked out,” Taavi told them.
“You good for dropping all of them?” Cian asked Sean.
“I’ll need to rest between them, but I think I can do it,” Sean replied. “Can you all trim them without me?”
Cian laughed, “If we don’t have to drop them we can do it, though we’ll be sending Ward downstream around noon.”
“Let’s not waste time, then,” Sean said as he went to the first tree, Darragh’s axe over his shoulder.
It didn’t take him long to drop the first tree, but he started feeling pins and needles in his hands by the time it fell. Pausing, Sean leaned against the next tree while the others got to work trimming the first one. His hands stopped tingling, but he waited a handful of extra minutes before starting in on the second tree, which he dropped the other way so it would be clear of the first one. His arms had started to tingle and his hands were mostly numb by the time the second tree fell.
Moving off to the side, he took a seat and waited for his hands to unclench enough to set the axe aside. When he did, Cian came over and grabbed it. “Let me know when you’re ready for it back. We’re going to trade it off to speed things up with the trimming.”
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