"I think Pat has a great idea, get to it everyone." Lars grabbed the serving bowl in front of him and offered it to Vicky. We all started handing around bowls and baskets. The mood was relaxed while everyone was passing each item around. My plate was filled in only moments with food that I loved. Each container made a complete trip around the table until everyone had a plateful of food. Evidently everyone had an appetite tonight. We all started eating. For a while all that could be heard was the sounds of eating and the noises of pleasure being issued by each person.
"Ott, I have talked to Lightfoot about what his plans are while he is with us. What do you want to do? I can find you a place somewhere even if I cannot put you to work here." My uncle was taking a break from the meal and had decided to grill me instead. "I think there could be some odd jobs for you if you have no specific thing that you might want to do."
"Lars, do you not think Ott could help me with gathering materials? That way I can dedicate more of my time to making products." Vicky failed to give me a chance to answer plus with food in my mouth I was unable to answer without being rude.
"I think I heard the miller say he needed some help, something about needing more men to unload the grain coming in to be milled." Smide spoke between bites.
"The shepherds are looking for some extra help also, the flocks have grown quite a bit and they could use some help." Savay mentioned.
"The glass maker mentioned that she is a little short handed at the moment. She needs someone to haul and carry." Peter murmured.
"Well Ott, what do you think of these ideas?" My father smirked at me. Great, he wanted me to tell everyone that I would be Stains new apprentice. I had not thought about how they would react. My uncle would be surprised but would accept it eventually. Vicky, oh man. She would be against it completely. The rest would not really care, but might cause problems.
I started chewing slower, hoping to have a little more time before having to deal with the whole mess. I was running out of chewable food though.
"I believe I can help with this." Stain got everyone's attention with that simple statement. "I have needed to acquire an apprentice for some time. I made an offer to Ott and Lightfoot which they have generously accepted."
The silence following Stain's statement was heavy with shock. Everyone stared at either Stain, me, or my dad. Suddenly a deep chuckle could be heard. Lars was laughing. Why was he laughing?
"Good one Stain! For a second I thought you were serious. Ott is too old to become an apprentice for someone other than a forester. That happens to be his only true training. No offense to either you Ott or Lightfoot but the only other training Ott has is some basic healing and basket making. How could he start an apprenticeship now?" My uncle seemed serious. He had a point, but he sure did not have to make it. Everyone else seemed stunned by both Stain and Lars.
"Lars, I am serious. The training that Ott has received from his father, you, and your wife actually gives him a fairly firm foundation for what I will teach him. I plan on teaching him everything that I know. Everything. Ott has agreed to be my apprentice and Lightfoot has given his blessing. They will be acquiring the supplies, materials, and tools that Ott will need for his training before we leave next week." Stain explained this calmly with great dignity.
"What about the apprenticeship fee?" My aunt's voice dripped with disdain. No mistaking her thoughts on this idea. She was against it. "With what happened I doubt that Lightfoot can afford such a burden."
"Lightfoot and I have reached an agreement in the matter of the fee. If he chooses to share that with you, that is his choice. However, I respect the idea that the fee is a matter for the Master and father or mother." Stain's voice carried a hint of rebuke. My aunt flushed in response and seemed about to argue. My uncle interrupted her mid-thought.
"You are quite right Master Stain. The fee for apprenticeship is not something to be discussed except for the parties involved. Please pardon my wife's hasty comments. No harm is meant nor intended." He seemed quite aggravated. Either at Stain or Vicky. "Well, it seems that we will not have to keep you busy Ott. Stain should be able to do that with no problem."
Everyone looked closely at me.
"Well, I imagine that I will have to learn a lot Uncle. Stain has already taught me quite a bit while we traveled here." I felt that was a safe answer. Safe sounded very good right now.
"Master Stain" Peter asked hesitantly, "you mentioned that Ott would be collecting supplies, materials, and tools. I wonder what exactly he would be needing."
"Peter, now do not be interfering." Smide pointedly said. "That is their business, not yours." He grabbed another tuber from a basket.
"No, it is quite alright Peter. I have been working on a list and will finish it up tonight. Ott and Lightfoot will have it tomorrow. They would be the ones to approach if you are curious. I imagine they might need some help rounding up all the items. The list will be quite extensive." Stain responded calmly to Peter. He seemed to know that Peter would want to help me. As if Stain knew that out of all the apprentices Peter was the one closest to me. He was the closest thing I had to a best friend, other than Pat that is.
The conversation seemed to stall for a few minutes until Stain started asking about the various foods on the table. The simple questions seemed to relieve the tension in the room. If only it did something for the tension building in my chest. I just knew this was not the end of this argument. My aunt and uncle were not done discussing it. I looked at my dad who rolled his eyes to my aunt, then sighed and nodded to me. He knew it also. Great, this was not going to be a good week.
***
The next morning was a beautiful morning. Unfortunately I could tell that it was not going to be pleasant. I could already hear the sounds of an argument in full swing. From the voices that I could distinctly hear through the door; my aunt, uncle, and father were continuing the discussion that had been started the night before at dinner. My father's voice was a soft murmur in stark contrast to my aunt's strident tones. I could only hear my uncle occasionally, usually after one of Vicky's more aggressive outburst. What a way to start the day.
Time to get up I guess. Maybe I could help my father. If only by deflecting some of my aunt's anger.
"Dad! I'm up!" I yelled as I got dressed for the day. "Is there anything to eat? Or do I have to face all of that on an empty stomach?" That should do it, I smirked to myself. My aunt would be sure to be upset with me now. I opened the door and found myself facing all three adults who had stopped speaking.
"Ott! Go downstairs while we continue this conversation." My aunt obviously didn't want me to stay.
"Vicky! Do not presume to order my son!" My father rarely raised his voice, which made it more shocking. "Ott has more right in this conversation than any of us. He is the one who it will impact the most. Plus this conversation is useless. Ott already agreed as did I. Which is binding. So you might as well accept that Ott is Stain's apprentice and nothing you say can change that."
"But Lightfoot! We do not even know him well! He could be dangerous. You cannot just agree to this because of some sense of thankfulness. This is your son's future at stake." My aunt would not quit. Even I could tell my father was done arguing. His jaw had set and he had that glint in his eye.
"Vicky, I have known Stain since before I married your sister. He even provided some training to me at the king's request, during my apprenticeship. Now are we done or shall you try to find some way to dishonor us by weaseling out of our agreement?" He had stood up and walked to the table, where a bowl of fruit sat. Tossing some to me he said, "I feel that this is the best course for Ott. This is not just some alternative or settling for something other than forestry. I feel that this is something that will profit Ott in ways beyond what anything else could. Even forestry." He looked at my aunt who seemed like she was about to start arguing again on some minor point. He took a deep breath and calmly asked, "Shall I have to make use of the King's key? Is that all that will stop you?"
M
y aunt looked like my father had slapped her. What in the world was the King's key? Why would it cause my aunt to go white. I looked at my father in confusion.
"No Lightfoot, That will not be needed." My uncle had stood up and was behind my aunt now. "You have made your point my wife, you do not approve of this. But I feel I must point out that Lightfoot has addressed all of the concerns you have mentioned. He has been reasonable. It is done and all we can do is try to help Ott prepare for what I fear will be a hard journey." He steered Vicky towards the stairs. "Lightfoot, when you've got a few moments I would like to see the list Stain left with you. Perhaps there are some items I already have that Ott could use. It would be my honor to help provide for Ott's apprenticeship as my nephew."
"I will be with you shortly Lars. Ott and I will break our fast, look over this list, and then we will seek out your council." My father seemed relieved yet strained. "I believe that your help in determining where and from whom to acquire each item will be invaluable."
I was silent during all of this. Not from any reason other than I had never seen my father deal with anyone in such a manner. My uncle had given up with no argument, my aunt had gone silent. All from the threat of this "King's key". What in the world was it?
"Dad? What is the King's Key?" I walked over to the table and sat down.
"Eat your breakfast. I will explain. What I am about to tell you not many people know and those who do not talk about it." He sat down and grabbed a fruit. While peeling it he started to speak, "Before I met your mother I served as one of the foresters to the King. I was not the head forester but I was his personal one. What that means is that anytime the King traveled into the forest hunting I would accompany him. I served him finding prey, preparing camp for the group, and keeping track of a thousand other things. One day the King decided to go hunting without his normal group of servants. He called only me and one other. That other was his half-brother. His half-brother told him he had some things he wanted to discuss without the entire court hearing. He anticipated only him and the King going on the hunt. But the King is a wise man and knows that his own knowledge of the forest is limited. He instructed me to set a path that he could follow and to travel ahead of him. We were about an hour out of the camp when I heard the sounds of sword fighting. I rushed back to find the King and his half-brother dueling. They fought like mad men, each trying to kill the other. I tried to figure out what had happened. That is when I noticed that the half-brother's sword was not polished. Some substance had been smeared upon the blade. It was then that I knew that the King was defending himself from a possible murderer. I had my bow, a simple recurved affair. Putting an arrow in the King's half-brother from that distance was simple, yet I almost missed. He seemed to dodge at the last possible moment. My arrow took him in the side instead of the back. It was a painful wound but one that he might have survived. Yet the King took the moment of distraction and made it permanent. The head of the half-brother landed at my feet. I looked down into the face of the man who might have killed the King. His eyes blinked and then all signs of life vanished. The King was slightly wounded, yet he reached down to the body and removed something that had hung around the neck. It was a simple key, black and old. It hung from a leather thong. The King motioned to me and I kneeled. He placed the thong over my head and explained what it was. The key had magic and the wearer would be identified as the King's justice bearer. The King was placing great trust in me, but he was also placing a great burden on me. Until I die the key will stay around my neck. No person, except the King can remove it. He swore an oath to me that day, if I ever needed him or found myself in a time of need then I could call upon the Key and he would answer. I have only had need to do so once. The King himself rode to my aid with his army. From the day he gave me the key I was a King's man."
I was shocked. My father had saved the King, become a King's man, and I had no clue. "But dad, why did you threaten to use the Key on aunt Vicky and what did it mean? I am still confused."
"Ott, what your aunt wanted was for me to revoke my permission for you to be Stain's apprentice. The problem with me doing that is that I gave my word and as a King's man my word is binding. Not only to me but to the King. And since my word was given to another King's man it was doubly binding. Do not share these facts with anyone. If Stain chooses to share that he is a King's man, then that is his choice. By demanding that I go back on my word your aunt was close to violating the laws of the King. I would have had to use the key on my own kin. That is something that I hope never happens. I am glad that your uncle has a firmer idea of what is going on. Your aunt is too emotionally involved."
My father seemed to be relieved. He smiled at me and said, "Let us have a look at that list. I can imagine that with Stain as it's maker it will be an interesting one."
He pulled a roll of parchment out of his pocket. It looked quite long, perhaps a full foot. He unrolled it and I realized that I was wrong, it was much longer. It was perhaps a good three feet long and the writing was small. There were perhaps two hundred lines that made up the list. My jaw dropped.
"I am supposed to get all of this? How will I get that much stuff? That is insane!" I was a little frightened. I knew that if I could not fill this list then I might lose Stain as a Master.
My father started laughing, "Ott! You look ridiculous with your mouth hanging open. Yes, there is a lot but it is a very detailed list. Look here." He pointed at a line close to the top. "A stone of beeswax clarified and in a ceramic urn. Make sure that the urn has a stopper sealed with a cork stopper not fabric." That took up one whole line. "Most of it is that way. It looks like each line is an item you need, although some you already have. You already have most of the weapons and clothes on the list. I am relieved. When I started my apprenticeship my parents had to provide everything and we did not have much of it. I think that with what you already have with you and what I have stored here about half of your list is done. Of the rest about half your aunt and uncle will be able to provide, hopefully, as it consists of baskets and either equipment or materials related to healing." My dad seemed relieved.
"So what does that leave?" I scooted over to look at the list closer.
"Some interesting items that might be difficult to locate. I believe that Rusty might be able to provide some. Those are the more exotic items. Like a hook knife with the inner edge sharp but the outside smooth. I cannot imagine who might have one of those."
"That sounds like what the tanner uses to remove the skin from animals. He pulls it towards him to remove the hide. The outer curve is rounded but the inner edge is sharp." I mentioned this absentmindedly. I was looking at the list. My dad was right, many of the things I had already. Those that I did not have fell into three main groups. The first group either was some form of basket or basket supply. The second group was related to healing; herbs, containers, even equipment. The third group was items that I would have to locate. Some I already knew who to approach. Some I had no idea who might know where to get it.
"Well Ott. I think we might be in better shape than we thought. I only see a handful of items that might pose a problem. Perhaps Lars can help us locate them." We discussed what items I or he had. As we discussed them we gathered them up in the common room. An organized mess started to grow. We marked off about half the list before lunch time.
"Lightfoot! Ott! Lunch time!" Smide yelled up the stairs.
"I think that is as far as we can go with what we have." My dad was looking around the room. Piles were stacked on every available surface. "You will need to get baskets, sacks, and boxes for all your stuff Ott. Maybe we can figure out something there. How about we go eat." He started down the stairs. "Oh and bring the list, I think it is time we allowed your aunt and uncle to help."
I grabbed the list off the table and hurried after him. As I crossed the courtyard I smelled lunch. Some form of meat had been cooked over the fire, the smoky smell lingered. I stepped into the kitchen just after my dad, who was already discussing the list wit
h my uncle.
"Ott, let me see this list of yours." My uncle seemed to have settled down and accepted that my apprenticeship to Stain was going to happen. I handed him the list. "Well it looks like the two of you have been busy. Vicky come here and look at this. Over half of the list is already crossed off and I see that there is quite a bit that we can help provide for Ott." My aunt walked over, she just as obviously had not accepted the apprenticeship . Her behavior was a large enough clue.
She looked at the list for only moments before saying, "Ott knows his way around my workspace. He knows what is set aside and what is not. He can take whatever he needs to satisfy his list." She huffed off to finish bringing items to the table.
I looked at my father, then I went to help my aunt. "Thank you Aunt Vicky, it means a lot to know that you would trust me to pick out what I need." I hugged her, even though it felt like wrapping my arms around a tree. At first that is. Then she leaned into me and started shaking. I realized that she was crying. I looked at my uncle and dad. They both grinned at one another then pointedly ignored me. What was I to do?
"Um, Aunt Vicky? I am sorry. Did I do something?" I had never dealt with a woman crying before. What was I supposed to do? Both men kept sneaking glances at us.
"Ott, you are like a son I could never have. I just have trouble dealing with the idea that you will be leaving us." She took in a shaky breath, "Be sure to pick good quality when looking in the workshop. I only have a few commissions, but they are all on the commission table. Anything else you may have, with my blessing. If you cannot find something you think should be there be sure to ask. I have packed up quite a bit of stuff lately." She stepped away from me, stared at me for a minute, then patted my arm and walked to the table.
"Ott, pick your jaw up and bring those biscuits to the table." My uncle was laughing at me. I was sure of it. I grabbed the basket and sat at the table. My uncle was still smirking so I tossed a biscuit at his head. He caught it and started laughing harder. I grabbed the butter and a biscuit.
The Wandering Apprentice Page 6