The young woman nodded slowly, her wide-eyed stare never leaving the flustered warrior. Brody narrowed his eyes at the sweet smile Alyssa flashed him before she started for the hallway again, waving the rest to come along as she followed the three servants moving ahead of them.
"That's a mean woman you've got there Meric," Brody called out to them.
Not appearing to be bothered by what the comment implied, Alyssa threw a response back over her shoulder. "No need to be jealous!"
More laughter trailed them down the hallway, and even Brody's deep chuckling joined in. As they made their way deeper into the building, they began to pass more people than just the staff. There were a few sitting rooms set off to the side of the hallway that had gatherings of finely dressed nobles or possible wealthy merchants, as well as some roaming the halls. Their group received more than a few stares or odd looks, but no one approached them directly. Meric noticed many of the looks that were directed at Alyssa were mixed. A handful were very friendly and received a return smile or wave while some were guarded and got a polite nod. There were also faces that openly showed disapproval and even contempt. She gave the appearance of indifference to any watching, but Meric felt her grip barely tighten on his arm each time they came across such rudeness. At first he thought that the censure was due to the fact that she was on his arm since he knew that some nobles believed that commoners should not be allowed such familiarity with their betters, but from the way most of the offenders would focus solely on Alyssa he guessed it had more to with what James mentioned about her attitude toward most of her peers. She had slowly lost most of the happiness returning home had brought her and Meric tried to think of anything he could say to get it back.
They came to a halt at the first set of rooms before anything came to him. Alyssa gestured to the rest of the group, indicating that they should follow their guides and spoke to them as a whole before they moved on. "I will find out what is in store for the evening and make sure someone lets all of you know. In the mean time you can get cleaned up, relax, or if you would like to look around you can let one of the staff know. I am sure that we will all be expected to dine with the Royal family tonight, but until then spend your free time as you like. You are guests and will be treated as such."
As the rest of the group moved on Alyssa waited quietly with Meric while a servant opened his room and did a quick check to make sure all was in place. The man stepped out and looked to him and said, "Your things will be brought to your room directly, as will a tub and hot water. If you need anything laundered you can let one of the pages that will be stationed in that alcove know, or if you would like fresh clothing some can be procured. Should you need anything else just send a page for me, my name is Robert."
Meric glanced at the alcove indicated and noticed a few young boys peeking out of the recess, trying to get a look at the newcomers. He turned back to the man in front of him as he gave his name and a quick half bow before moving back down the hallway. Meric moved to face his companion, only to see her watching the alcove with pursed lips.
"Well rumors will be all over the keep anyway," she mumbled.
Before he could ask what she meant she faced his direction again, smiled, and pulled him into the quarters assigned to him. His arm felt cold and lonely after she let go to move across the room to the window in order to draw the curtains, but he tried not to let his disappointment show too much. He watched her move around the room to peer into the bedroom, as the servant had done, before coming back to stand in front of him.
"Well," she said. "I will let you get cleaned up. I need to go see my family and freshen up myself." She paused for a moment before continuing, "If we have time, I will give you a tour of the keep and grounds. There are a couple of places I would like you to see."
With those words and without waiting for a response she stood on her toes to press a light kiss to his cheek and then breezed out the doorway leaving him alone.
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
Home
Alyssa could not hold the laughter back as she watched her little brother gesticulating wildly and whirling about in the center of their mother's sitting room. He thrust his arm forward as if striking with a sword all the while regaling them with his latest feats of heroism. Of course, what a seventeen year old boy considered heroics was a bit less serious than what she or her mother and father did. Charles had the whole family laughing at his antics, which was exactly the result he was aiming for she was sure. It was good to see them enjoying the moment, but what truly filled her with joy was the giggling that came from the little girl sitting on her lap. Alyssa had stopped by to see how the girls were doing on her way back to her parents' suite of rooms and Melanie had asked if she could come with her. Meric had mentioned a few days ago that the girl might have a hard time watching her friends reunite with their parents, and she realized that he was right when she saw her with him out in the courtyard. Saying no did not even cross her mind, but she was worried that bringing the girl around her family might be just as bad. She would simply have to keep an eye on her and if it looked like Melanie was struggling with it she would take her to her own rooms and spend time with just the two of them. Eventually something would have to be worked out, but there was no need to rush the girl. Melanie was a sweet child and Alyssa enjoyed having her around. She realized that the girl had become very attached to her and the feeling was fast becoming mutual. It was apparently not going to be a problem since they had finished getting cleaned up and Melanie had just climbed into Alyssa lap and pulled her arms up to wrap around her and sat quietly until Charles had started his performance. "... and that was how I saved the ladies from fatal boredom," he proclaimed and then moved over to dramatically flop down into a nearby chair.
"So brave of you," said their mother. She winked at Melanie before standing. "Well, it is time. We need to meet up with the guests before the evening meal. I am sure that Roderick and Briannah will want us all to socialize some before sitting down to eat. You can introduce us to your new friends, Alyssa."
The thought of her very proper mother meeting Brody made the smile already on her face widen. Her parents had always been very free with their affection when it came to their children, but unlike her father, when in the presence of others her mother was ever the high-born Lady. She was the consummate noble; poise, grace, and beauty were the words any person would use to describe the matriarch of Freemont. Alyssa stood and spent a moment brushing out the wrinkles from her dress as her mother did the same for Melanie. There was not a wrinkle to be found on her mother's garments, of course. A quick glance at the full length mirror in the corner and she was ready to go. The green silk dress was one of her nicest and she once again reassured herself that she chose it because she was dining with the Royal family and their guests, not for any other reason.
Ushering Melanie ahead of her, she lead the way out into the hall and toward the guest wing. As usual, the people they passed in the hallways were much more polite in the presence of her mother and father. She generally tried to not let the rudeness affect her, but some days it got to her more than others. She had attempted to hide it from Meric as they walked through the halls, but knew she did not entirely succeed. Today should have been nothing but happiness at being back with her family and friends, but the snide looks and whispered comments had managed to dampen her mood. Her brother and Melanie had done much to rekindle her good cheer, and she was determined to hold on to the feeling.
As they rounded the corner into the hallway where her friends had their quarters, she saw Meric and Brody standing in front of Brody's door and talking quietly. Someone, probably the Queen, must have decided that the visitors needed nicer clothing for the dinner and meeting, because both men were dressed in much finer attire than she had ever seen them in, and both looked quite handsome.
Meric noticed them first and as he half turned their way she was quite satisfied with the way his eyes widened slightly when he first looked at her. He was smiling as they came to
a halt before them and opened his mouth to speak at the same time that he glanced at Brody. She assumed he meant to get the man's attention, but whatever he saw on his friend's face stopped him. She watched his eyes cut in the direction Brody was looking and his jaw went slack. Melanie chose that moment to move forward to wrap her arms around Meric's legs and that allowed Alyssa to step up between the men so she could see what had captured their interest. Coming down the hall toward them was a beaming Captain Bridgewater, looking very dashing in a formal dress uniform. The reason for his proud smile, walking with her arm linked through his, was an elegantly stunning Malina in a light blue silk dress with her hair expertly done. Alyssa nodded approvingly at the woman and stepped past the two dumbstruck men to give her a light hug as she arrived.
"You look amazing," Alyssa complimented with complete honesty.
"Thank you. So do you, and thank you for the loan of the dress. I had no idea what I was supposed to wear when dining with royalty," Malina said, and then ran a hand self-consciously down the silk material.
Alyssa could tell that the scout was not used to wearing a dress, especially not as fancy as the one she now had on, and decided to try and put her at ease. She gave a quick wave at Silas who was standing behind the couple with a mystified look on his face and turned back to Malina. She grabbed the woman's other arm and pulled in the direction of her family, pushing the still surprised Brody aside.
"Lady Elena Camden, I would like you to meet Malina Faber. She is one of the friends I told you about that helped us get safely home."
Malina looked like she was about to try an awkward curtsy, but before she could Elena stepped up and gave a hug of her own. Her mother's embrace was much more firm, but was kept short. "Thank you, dear," she said before letting go. "My family owes you a debt we can never repay."
"No debt is owed, my Lady. We couldn't have done anything else."
"My daughter said that would be your reply... as you wish. Just know that if you ever have need, you have only to ask." Elena finished and stepped back.
Alyssa faced the rest of the group and found Meric down on one knee speaking softly to Melanie, who gave a shy nod and then wrapped her arms around his neck for a short hug. As he stood and took the little girl's hand Alyssa flashed him a smile and began to introduce the others.
She was surprised and just a little disappointed when all Brody did was gently take her mother's hand and lightly kiss the back of it with a murmured, "My Lady."
After all of the introductions were made Elena subtly urged everyone to get moving. Polite conversation and hushed words of appreciation from those seeing the luxury of keep for the first time accompanied the group as they made their way to the King's private dining hall. Melanie reached for Alyssa with her other hand as they started out and still gave every appearance that she would not be slipping back into her normal melancholy. They reached the entrance to their destination and Alyssa stood back with Melanie and Meric to let everyone file in. She could hear Briannah greet each guest as they entered with her straightforward personality shining through each address. The Queen had that rare capability to still put people at ease even while telling it like it is. She was never rude or impolitic, but Alyssa was sure that some of the things that Briannah said would be offensive or at least irritating coming from most other people.
Just as Alyssa reached the threshold she caught the end of the Queen's compliment to Melanie on how she looked and then watched her quickly appraise Meric. Briannah took his hands in both of hers and looked him in the eye before speaking.
"I know my husband expressed our gratitude earlier, but I wanted to take a moment to give my personal thanks as well. From everything my daughters told me, and I know they may have exaggerated some, but with Alyssa and her father's reassurance I have no doubt that you and your friends are every bit as heroic as they said. We truly could never repay you for what you have done, but you have only to ask and if it is within my power, I will see it granted." She raised a hand as he opened his mouth to speak and continued, "I was told by Alyssa that you would decline, just know that the offer is there."
Meric gave the Queen a grateful smile and said, "Then I would ask that you see to it that Melanie is well cared for, and if a good family cannot be found to take her in, you let me know. I, unfortunately, know some of what she is going through first hand and I want to make sure someone will be there for her."
Briannah's amused look found Alyssa and she asked, "Is he always like this?"
"Oh... not always, but for the most part, yes." She stepped forward and linked her right arm to his left again and smiled at the embarrassed look on his face. "Luckily, he's humble about it."
Both women laughed at his light blush and moved to join the rest of those in attendance. The dining hall was not so much a hall as it was a large room thirty paces in length and twenty wide. The long table on one side of the room was heavy with elaborately carved edges and legs allowing enough room to seat ten to a side as well as someone on each end. There were several liveried servants finishing the settings at each place as a few similarly dressed staff moved about the other side of the room serving drinks to the guests mingling there. The sun had fully set almost an hour before and the windows in the wall on the right were all dark, but the room was well lit with many oil lamps and candles, the last of which were just now being tended to. The next half hour was spent in pleasant conversation, as everyone went through the motions of getting to know each other. Alyssa could tell that Brody and Silas were a bit uncomfortable at first and Malina only a little less so, but they all seemed to be holding their own. That was most likely due to her father. He would have guessed that their new acquaintances, all soldiers raised as commoners, might not be at ease in this environment and had spent most of his time with them and kept the topics of discussion solely on subjects they were likely to be well versed in whenever possible. As a lifelong politician, the King was quick to pick up on this and smoothly altered his attitude to match. Alyssa was pleased to see that Meric and her mother seemed to get along quite well, and that her mother was even impressed with the man. It was not something that most people would notice, but Alyssa could pick up on the subtle cues her mother was giving off. She was sure that the time Meric had spent in the company of Rennick's nobility had a lot to do with how relaxed he was with her parents and the King and Queen. He even caused her mother to laugh out loud at one point which was an impressive feat all by itself considering all of the people present. Alyssa was too far away to hear what was said, but was sure it must have been good to get such a reaction. She was also not the only one who did not expect it, judging from the surprised look on her father's and Briannah's face.
At some unseen signal, her mother started herding everyone to the table so they could sit down for the meal. Alyssa sometimes wondered if her mother had some ability in the Gift herself, especially when she witnessed similar events all the time. She was certain that no one actually realized they were being corralled to the dining area until Meric, once again at her side, whispered to her.
"She would make a great general. No one even knows that they are being led when and where she wants," he said with a smile.
They both wiped the amused looks off of their face when they found Elena staring at them expectantly. Her mother pointed them to the two open seats between the chair she was standing behind and the one that Charles was already seated in. Meric hurried forward to pull out her chair and then settled in next to her brother. The food was excellent and the conversation was kept to mundane topics, all in all, making the evening an enjoyable experience. Even though there was no feeling of being rushed, the meal went in a relatively quick amount of time. Alyssa was mildly disappointed when the King stood signaling dinner was over. He then asked if Charles and Elena would take the children back to their rooms so that the rest of them could discuss business. He also sent everyone else to the "war room" down the hall, though he asked Meric and Brody to stay behind. She knew this was when they would be fully
disclosing their secret and hoped that the King would decide that all of information could be shared, at least with those present in the soon to be held meeting. She squeezed Meric's shoulder as she left, silently wishing him luck.
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
That's Quite a Tale
The King resettled into his chair and reached for his goblet of wine, but even after swallowing a small sip he did not speak. The snaps and cracks coming from the fireplace were the only sound in the room for a few minutes, and Meric decide to wait out the ruler of Glendon rather than interrupt the thoughtful look on the man's face. Roderick Marten was, by all accounts, an intelligent man. His tendency to take his time in making a ruling was seen by some as indecision, but that sentiment almost always came solely from those that were ruled against. The outcomes were generally agreed to have positive results that were always good for the kingdom or its people. He had his detractors, as do all people in a position of authority, but he and his family were by and large loved by the people. For a man in his mid to early forties, he was in excellent shape and Meric could even see calluses on his hands that were usually present on a swordsman. There were a few strands of gray in his dark brown hair that was kept short, as was his neatly trimmed beard and mustache. He looked every inch the ruler of a strong, stable kingdom.
Meric exchanged a look with Brody and was sure they were both wondering just how long they would have to sit in silence. Not long apparently, as the King took that moment to speak.
"The Lord Marshall and Lady Alyssa both took some time earlier to fill me in on your situation and while, like Barclay, I would rather have known I had four outlaws living in my kingdom, I understand where Captain Bridgewater was coming from. We always wondered what really happened, and assumed that when you disappeared that it was because of Xavier," the King said to Meric. "Even more so when Mister Sonder and your other two closest known acquaintances were nowhere to be found. I am glad to find out that was not the case, and it would appear that it is our good fortune that you are all still alive and well. "
A Soldier's Honor: The Scepter of Maris: Book One Page 16