by Robin Roseau
“You wouldn’t. Chopped or diced. Mince the ginger root.”
“I bet I don’t do it very efficiently, but if you have to show me everything, we’ll be here all day. Ms. Pyrope, will you be able to train the other women Ms. Halite is bringing today? I imagine this is difficult for you to watch.”
“Finish dicing this,” she said. She went to work on the ginger. “Yes, I will train them, but you will not plan major dinners the day we arrive. I can handle dinner parties alone or with relatively unskilled help, if they aren’t idiots. Let us call it a limit of eight guests.”
“Eight guests plus the household?”
She paused then sighed. “Would everyone attend?”
“I don’t know. You said guests. I am an engineer. Everything I do is done with some degree of precision.”
“That’s good,” she said. “With minimal help, twelve meals delivered appropriate for a dinner party, although with enough extra food for the rest of the household, if it’s as modest as I’m given to expect. I’d prefer to begin a little smaller at least for the first few weeks while I train the people who would help me.”
We worked together for perhaps twenty minutes. She gave me additional tasks, overseeing me enough to ensure I knew what she wanted. She was polite but impressed me. She took me at face value and took ownership of my kitchen.
“The actually cooking takes perhaps eight minutes,” she said. “Please see if it is time to begin.”
“Of course.” I washed and dried my hands and headed back to the main portion of my home. Ms. Halite had three other women with her, and she looked unhappy. They all turned to me, and Ms. Halite stepped forward.
“Lady Ambassador Allium Cuprite,” she said. “These women are Tyleeza Spinel, Marzara Prehnite, and Penelody Perclase. Ms. Spinel hopes to serve as your secretary. Ms. Prehnite and Ms. Perclase would serve as basic household staff.”
“Housekeeping?”
“And your personal maid,” she said. “As well as other duties as necessary.”
“Ms. Pyrope wonders if it is time to begin cooking. She requires only a short period. Do you expect others, Ms. Halite?”
“I don’t know, Lady Ambassador.” She glanced at the door. “I had hoped…” She trailed off.
“We’ll give them a little more time,” I said. “Please, take seats as best you can. I’ll be a moment.” I stepped to the kitchen. “Ms. Pyrope, it will be a few minutes. Do you need to remain here, or could you join us?”
“I could join you,” she said, drying her hands. She turned to me. “Will you tell me how I’m doing?”
“Am I going to enjoy this meal?”
“Yes,” she said. “I am not a top pastry chef. You would not hire me for that.”
“So if I have my heart set on caramel rolls?”
She laughed. “I make a mean caramel roll, Lady Ambassador. And I love baking bread. But pastries are a specialty, at least at The Onyx.”
“I understand. I believe, Ms. Pyrope, that the only one who needs to be nervous is me.”
She smiled. “I’d rather you called me Mendari.”
“Your kitchen,” I said. “Your rules.”
Her smile broadened, then faltered. “Have I offended you?”
“No. I’ve never led a household, Mendari. I’ll probably make mistakes.” I smiled. “Call me Allium.” I gestured with my head.
There was a seat waiting for me. I took it. Mendari got settled on the arm of the sofa. Ms. Halite handled introductions, and then I said, “Mendari and I have come to an agreement. My name is Allium. In public, we will be formal. Within my household, we will be more familiar. Does that offend anyone?”
They shook their heads.
“All right,” I said. “I know you have questions. I’d rather hold answering them until after lunch, in case our missing guests are simply tardy. Tyleeza, what are you currently doing?”
* * * *
We talked, and then there was another knock. Viella practically ran to the door, although her body language was telling. She admitted two more women, but I could tell someone she felt most strongly about was missing.
Still, we were now eight in all. I wondered if they would all agree to go. I met Tarleet Quartz and Renalla Agate. Viella told them, “Latecomers get the floor.” I was actually surprised when they accepted, taking places with their backs against the sofa.
We explained about names. They didn’t seem offended when I called them Tarleet and Renalla. They were both here to serve as secretaries. Upon learning that, Tyleeza gave Viella a glare the latter didn’t appear to notice.
“Any others, Viella?”
“I guess not,” she said.
“I’ll only be a few minutes,” said Mendari, standing up. “Please, Allium. I want to hear your answers.”
“Of course,” I said.
So we talked, but I spent the time getting to know who I was facing. While I did so, I studied them.
They were all young. None was expensively dressed, but they had taken the time to put on a professional appearance. Tarleet and Renalla knew each other, and they all knew Viella, some better than others.
Physically, they covered most types. Tarleet was freckled, with dirty-blond hair and a wholesome appearance. Renalla had a dark complexion with coal-black hair that she wore in a tight braid. She had an exotic appearance, and I wondered what her heritage might be. Marzara was quite slight while Penelody was more robust, but I thought both were attractive, each in her own way.
And then Mendari returned and said, “Could I have two assistants, please?”
“I am one,” I said.
“I’ll help,” Marzara said, popping up.
The two of us followed Mendari back to the kitchen. We helped her dish plates and carry them to the dining area. In the meantime, Viella got everyone settled. I saw to refreshments, and then we were all seated.
The meal looked and smelled absolutely wonderful, and I praised Mendari. Then I lifted my fork but hesitated. “Do your families have particular customs?”
“My family feels meal times are sacred,” said Renalla. “It is customary to thank those who helped to prepare it.” She turned to Mendari and thanked her.
“Allium also helped,” Mendari said, so I received thanks.
“Others?” I asked. “Then let us see.” I took my first bite and then closed my eyes in pleasure.
Mendari received praise, much deserved praise. When I looked at Viella, she was smirking at me. “You’re good,” I mouthed to her, and she beamed.
We made casual conversation over the meal, and then there was a knock at the door. Viella flew from her chair to answer it, and then I heard, “I know I’m late. I couldn’t decide if I was going to come. I mean. It just seems… But then I decided to come, but I wasn’t dressed. I hurried. I did.”
“Viella,” I said. “Tell her to come in.”
The new arrival was tall, with blond hair she was wearing up. She had a pale complexion, and although I couldn't quite decide why, a bookish appearance. She followed Viella into the house.
“Lady Ambassador Allium Cuprite,” Viella said. “This is Corale Jasper. She is here to serve as your secretary.”
Tyleeza offered another glare. I stood and offered my hand, then told her we were using first names.
“I’ll get a plate,” Mendari said.
“Late arrivals get the bench,” I said. “It’s near the door.” I gestured then returned to my seat. We made room for her, but it was a very crowded table. Everyone settled, and I looked around.
Conversation returned. I remained out of it for a while, paying attention and wondering what I was getting into. They were all so young. I wondered how much Viella had really told them. I wondered how many would run away after asking their questions.
But it was a wonderful meal, and I told Mendari that. In response, she said, “I expect you to answer our questions honestly.”
“Of course,” I said.
She nodded.
We didn�
�t linger over the meal. While the women had relaxed a little since arriving, everyone was anxious to begin the real conversation. Marzara and Penelody stood up and began seeing to things. Mendari stepped into the kitchen, and I heard her taking care of the things she’d left in there. The rest of us lingered, but it didn’t take long to set things to right. “All right. Let’s talk.”
I led the way, and then I took my seat. The rest found their own seats, two on the floor, the rest on the sofa or taking the chairs from around the table. We got settled, and then I said, “I will understand if any of you decide you do not wish to go. My requirement is that you are honest with me. If you are unsure when you leave today, you will tell me so. Fair enough?”
“Fair enough,” Mendari said. “Where will we live?”
“Good question. You already know the easy answer: Charth.” She nodded. “I have known about this for less than a week. I do not know what arrangements we will be able to make. However, I have a budget, and it’s rather ample, or at least I hope it is.”
“In other words, we’ll find out when we get there.”
“Yes. I imagine we’ll have a proper answer prior to making somewhat irrevocable decisions.”
She nodded. “Fair enough. Earlier you said something.”
“I suppose I did.”
“You said, ‘My kitchen, my rules.’”
“Yes, I did.”
“Did you mean it?”
“Yes.”
She smiled. “Good.” Her smile broadened. Then she looked around. “Does anyone want to ask the easy questions before we find out about the sex slave stuff?”
There were chuckles. There were some shifting bodies. And then Tyleeza said, “How many of us are you hiring?”
“Everyone who wants to go who convinces me hiring her is not a mistake.”
“There are four people here to serve as your secretary,” she pointed out.
“I imagine, if you were to all go, one or two would serve as my direct secretary or assistant. One of you would serve directly for Viella. The remainder would have other duties. Frankly, I don’t know yet what that means. It may be I can barely keep one of you busy. It may be that four of you isn’t enough. You may end up serving as my agents.”
“What does that mean?”
“There are some disputes regarding the exact border,” I said. “I may assign you to travel to the affected areas and come back with what you discover.”
“Really?”
“That is an example,” I said. “I would ensure you were adequately protected.” I smiled. “The looks you offered earlier were not necessary.”
“How will you decide which of us does which?” Corale asked.
“Anyone who comes should assume she will take duties as I need them. If you cannot be flexible, the door is there.” I gestured with my head, but none of them moved. “Good.”
“Do you have any idea how large the embassy will be?” Marzara asked.
“No. My guess? Some sort of manor home. I do not know what we will find. If it is too large a task for two, we will find a solution.”
“Does that solution mean the rest of us become housekeepers?” Corale asked.
“If that happens, I will be one of them,” I said. That shut her up. “But you heard what I said about flexibility. If we host events, we will all help to prepare for them, and it could very easily mean that all of us will report to Marzara and Penelody for a day or two. If you feel that is below your station, the door is there.”
She shut her mouth but pointedly squirmed more deeply into her chair. I smiled.
Then I looked around. “More easy questions?” I paused. “No. All right. The Ressalines have some interesting customs.” I did my best to explain. When I finished, I said, “No one is going to fault you if you can’t do it. No one is going to fault you if the idea of a woman touching you is disturbing. I will personally evict you from Ressaline if one of you is obnoxious about it, however. You would have until we reach Tebradine to come to grips. Questions?”
“Sex slaves,” said Corale.
“Utterly obedient and exceedingly happy slaves,” I said. “Not necessarily pleasure slaves, but I find it extremely likely that is what you should expect.”
“For two months.”
“That is what I am told.”
“And you did it.”
“Not only that, but I’ve done several of the challenges, but only overnight, as my duties didn’t permit me to be away for longer periods.”
“Why?”
“Why do they do this, or why did I do it?”
“Why did you?”
“Tell me, Corale. Have you ever been somewhere there were no men within a hundred miles?”
“Of course not.”
“No men telling you what to do.”
“No, instead you were a slave.”
I smiled. “Yes, I was. But in between, I made friends with people who didn’t think I was pretty good at my job for a woman.”
They had questions. I answered. The questions ran down. “I have requests. I would prefer you not run around Barrish, talking up how horrible the Ressalines are. Doing so would significantly undermine my position. My preference, if you decline to come with us, would be that you tell anyone who asks that you decided the position wasn’t for you. I can’t force that, but I would rather not have this turn any messier than it is.”
“You admit it’s a weird custom,” said Tarleet.
“To us, it is,” I said. “Have you ever shared a passionate kiss with another woman?”
She stared at me. I wasn’t sure she was going to answer, but then she said, “Yes.”
Their questions ran down. “All right,” I said. “Is anyone running for the door?” No one moved. “Is anyone ready to commit?”
Corale’s hand went up, as did Mendari’s. At that, I smiled broadly. Tyleeze glanced at Corale and lifted her hand, somewhat more slowly. Tarleet asked when did I need to know.
“You could travel to Tebradine, but if you turn around at the river, you’re responsible for your own transportation home. You are not committed until a Ressaline formally explains the tradition her own way.”
“So we could go all the way to Charth and then turn around?”
“Yes, although I will be vexed.”
She nodded. “I’d like to think about it. May I give my answer in the morning?”
“Yes.”
And that was that.
Chapter Eight
We reached Tebradine. I was quite surprised; all eight of them came with me. We traveled by coach, doing our own driving, rotating through who drove and who rode inside. I made a point of taking my turn. I was never one to lead from behind, after all.
But we reached Tebradine, and I announced we would remain one night. We cleaned up, and then I descended to dinner.
I pulled up a chair, wedging myself in. “Did you guys miss me?”
It was Wesla who offered the first hug. Then Ressie and Liessa, which surprised me. “Is it pure chance I didn’t have to go looking for you?”
“No,” Wesla said with a grin. “Minister Rutile told us to be here.”
“How’s the crew?”
“We’ll be heading to Barrish,” Ressie said. She looked down. “For reassignment.”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “We had just gotten started. I’m really sorry. I asked the minister to make sure you got the right postings, though. I don’t know how well he’ll be able to do. I really am sorry.”
“Stop saying that,” Ressie replied. “So. Ambassador. Congratulations.”
“Thanks.”
* * * *
We had dinner, but then Wesla said, “We’re going to have a campfire beside the river. Maybe the rest of your staff would join us.”
“I’ll invite them,” Ressie said. “We’ll meet you there.”
I laughed and let my old crew pull me from the inn. It wasn’t a long walk, to a little park along the river. I helped build the fire, and we were just lighti
ng it as the rest of my staff arrived. I provided introductions.
I stayed until after dark, but then I said, “I’m going to go.”
“Taking a walk across the bridge?” Ressie asked.
“Not tonight,” I said. “I’m not sure how welcome I am.”
“I think you’d be plenty welcome,” she replied. “We’ll see you off in the morning.”
I took hugs and then turned for the inn.
* * * *
There was a knock at my door. I was just checking my appearance one more time. I’d already made sure I had my official papers ready. I didn’t know if I would need them as we crossed the bridge, but I wanted them ready, in case someone asked.
“Come on in, Viella,” I called out.
The door opened. A head poked in, and the owner asked, “What did you call me?”
I turned. “I’m sorry, Wesla. I assumed. Come on in.”
She opened the door more widely, exposing Ressie and Liessa. I laughed. “Come on.” I gave hugs and thanked them for seeing me off, but it was Ressie who said, “We’re not here to see you off.”
“We’re here to go with you,” Wesla added.
My heart soared. I turned to Liessa. “Viella’s room is across the hall. Fetch her please.”
She nodded, returning only a few seconds later with Viella. They closed the door, and I said, “All three of you want to come with us.”
“Yes,” Wesla said. “You barely know Viella, and the rest not even as well as her. They’re all young. None of them has ever managed staff. None of them, except Viella over the last week, has ever acted independently. They might be good, but they aren’t us.”
“I don’t want to go work for someone who won’t treat me like you do,” Ressie said.
“Neither do I,” added Liessa. “I know I don’t know anything, but I can learn.”
“They said you might need agents to see to things near the border,” Ressie said. “We’d be better than any of them, and you know it. We actually know how to find the border. I bet none of them do.”
“I suspect you’re right,” I said.
“We know how to travel,” she added. “Better than any of them.”
“And you know us,” Wesla pointed out. She folded her arms. “We’re going.”