by Gavin Green
Chapter 11
The cold mist fell intermittently early Friday morning all about the area of Ballaghadaere. In relaxed pose, Devlin Ryder sat upon his steed as they silently roamed the empty, wet village streets. Unseen to humans, he was still susceptible to their Verden weather. His smooth, black riding boots shone from the precipitation, as did his steed's glossy hide. Devlin's long lemon hair spilled out from under the charcoal-colored hood of his long coat, his lavender eyes alert as the village began to wake.
The movement of an avian not too far distant caught Devlin's eye; he watched as it flew in his general direction. Ducks rarely traveled alone in early winter, and it was too large to be a snowbird. Almost overhead, he saw it was a large barn owl, mostly white with hints of light brown on the wings…And it glittered with fae aura.
Devlin had found one of the area's residing morphers, and turned to follow.
He came quickly to where the owl had landed; a well-manicured lawn of a fit house nearing the outskirts of the village. Just as he arrived, the morpher resumed his fae countenance; a portly little man with simple clothes, curly white hair, and sheep horns curving back over his large head. The little man saw Devlin and froze in momentary alarm.
Not yet dismounted, the Fair fae held up his hand, palm out. "Hold, good shifter. I am a magistrate of the Circle, and would have words with you."
The morpher stayed his ground as Devlin smoothly slid from his steed and approached. They stood on the wet lawn facing each other for a moment before Devlin crouched down in relaxed posture. "Well met, sir. I am Devlin Ryder, magistrate of the Circle, on mission from the decree of elder sprite Egon Soulsinger. May I have your name, morpher?"
With a tugging of his rough coat, the shape-shifter stood straighter. "Gideon be I, magistrate. How can I be of service to the Circle?"
"Gideon… That is a handsome name. Well, Gideon, what do you know of other fae hereabouts?"
The little man frowned, glanced toward the house, and back. "None, or next to it, says I. Keep meself to meself, I do, good sir. I be having no truck with those nearby, only with the ill-oft greeting of those I pass, I do." He furtively glanced at the house again, then back to the magistrate with a wide smile.
Devlin glanced at the house afterwards, seeing the windows still dark. "I see, Gideon. But of those you have passed, can you recollect who or what they were?"
"Ah, to be sure, I can." The morpher stuffed his hands in his coat pockets and began. "For one, and from a scant distance, mind ye, did I see a troop of trolls stomping along on their way to battle, I did, and right through my grazing field. On another day did I see a vast huddle of pixies, a beautiful sight, and they be holding aloft young calves that strayed from their herd, bringing 'em to safety, they were. And once did I see a Merrow - Lochlan be his name, though I know none of his titles if he be having any. Still, I saw the great Merrow spinning a fisherman's boat on one finger, and -"
"Thank you, Gideon," Devlin said while holding a hand up, gently signaling for the morpher to stop his wild tales. "What if I just mention a name and you tell me if you've met them before." He hesitated and then added, "Just a yes or no will suffice."
The magistrate went through the short list of names he had available. Each, except for the last, was met with a negative reply. The name Oriana brought the morpher's head up quickly, with a warm smile on his face. "You know that one, do you?"
"Aye, that I do, but met her only the once, did I," Gideon said with fond memory. "Found a little spot for nappin' along the north shores of Lough Gaell, I did, but then saw the fine construct of a fae haven to the south, I tell ya true. A huge tower it was, with banners and streamers, forbidding and alluring all at once. I bravely approached the barrier walls of its vast lands, and was met with the lady of the keep… the comely sprite maiden Oriana. We only spoke briefly and in polite tones before she retired with her maidservant, to my sorrow. But upon her retreat did she ask of me to call upon her again soon, I tell ya. I'm a roamer, sir, and so could not make such promises. If nothing else, a virtuous fae am I."
Devlin nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Gideon, for your assistance. Should I come across lady Oriana in the midst of my duties, I shall pass along your warmest regards." He paused while the morpher offered a pleasant but nervous smile in reply. "Now, what brings you to this fine home?"
Both of their attentions were brought about as soft light suddenly played out onto the lawn from the house's large front picture window, A moment later, there was vague movement within.
Still casually crouched, Devlin looked back keenly to the anxious little morpher in front of him. When Gideon did not immediately answer, the Fair fae said, "The owner has awoken. Perhaps we should ask him of your interest in his home?" He stood straight, looking down at the fidgeting little man. "Do you have a manifestation worthy to pass as human?"
Gideon looked up with a weak smile. "I came to land here only by happenstance, did I. Weak from hunger, I could go no further without a trifle, and this place has the occasional morsel lying about, it does. As simple as that, good magistrate, and nothing more, I tell ya true."
Devlin saw through the poorly veiled lie, as well as knowing most morphers to be tale-spinners of the highest degree. He also knew that simple questioning with one such as Gideon would only lead to more long-winded fabrications. Subtle diplomacy, as formerly suggested, would prove fruitless. Even though it was only a minor inquiry, and probably coming to naught, Devlin felt the need to assert his authority in some fashion, especially after his frustrating meeting with Enochia.
In a sudden move, the Fair fae stood, snatched Gideon off the ground, and brought him to eye level. Holding the morpher firmly, Devlin stared into the other's wide eyes. With the enchanted power of suggestion, he quietly said, "You will gain me entrance and reveal what you covet therein."
The morpher gave a small nod, saying, "I'll have you invited in straightaway, I will."
Gideon was set back down and hurried to the house, and simply blended through the front door.
Devlin watched him go, and wondered at the seemingly simple rules of etiquette that all of the races shared, but in different degree. Morphers, gremlins, and the like could enter homesteads at a whim, although, to be fair, their manifestations were rarely strong enough to pass for human and so they stayed hidden. However, fae such as the Fair, sprites, and dryads required permission to enter within. For trolls and Drommen, the rules of etiquette were more severe, as they required invitation simply to step upon the holdings of another. Devlin mused that for the latter, those inborn restraints must be highly inconvenient for land travel.