by John Migacz
CHAPTER 31
Adrianna awakened slowly. She reached across to the other side of the bed but Balthus wasn’t there. She yawned, sat up and stretched. Balthus was standing naked in front of the open window, his hands high on the side jambs, eyes closed, taking slow deep breaths. Sunlight streamed in through the window. She enjoyed the sight of his muscular body for a moment before speaking.
“Are you trying to hold up the wall or impress the neighbors?” she asked.
Balthus inhaled deeply once more, but kept his eyes shut. “It’s such a beautiful morning. I was awakened by wonderful smells. The warm sun is evaporating the dew from the grass; a farmer to the south is plowing his field as I smell freshly turned dirt; and best of all, the cook is making fried boarback – cooked crisp just the way I like it.” He turned toward her and opened his eyes. “Let’s get dressed before it’s all gone,” he said.
“How about a hug first,” she said, throwing off the covers to reveal that she, too, was naked.
Balthus grinned. “I’m sure the cook will save me a piece,” he said as he jumped back into bed.
Later, as Balthus massaged her back, Adrianna posed the question she’d been mulling over. “Balthus, what do you want to do today? Shall we move on or move in? Move over… more to the left. Aahh, that’s it.”
“Hmm, you seem to have a knot there. Let me work on it,” he said, putting his large knuckle on the spot. “I don’t know what to do. It does feel like we are done here and we would just be in the way of Lotho’s cleanup efforts around the castle. The more work he has to supervise, the less he drinks. I love Lotho like a brother, but the man’s got to find a better hobby.”
“Ouch, not so hard!” said Adrianna with a jump. “Rub around the knot a little.”
“Sorry,” he murmured. “Perhaps we could go to Freetown and see what’s new at the Merchants’ Fair. I might suggest a boat trip to Steradam to see the folks, but… that gets dull in a hurry.”
“You’re not worried that your sister is still mad at you for that tapestry, are you?” Adrianna rolled over, sat behind Balthus and began to massage his huge shoulders.
“How could I know that it would burn so fast?” he asked. “I still say it was defective linen.” He shook his head. “No, we don’t need to go there. Besides, she might still be mad.”
He rolled his head in a circle enjoying the massage. “Dieya has caught my interest. I wonder if he needs any help straightening out the world. Seems a job I’m totally suited for – not to mention the acclaim.”
“I know what you mean,” she said. “Yesterday’s work was very satisfying. Perhaps we could help out more. Let’s dress and ask him.”
“Yes, unless he’s eaten all the boarback – then he can forget it,” said Balthus. Adrianna hit him with a pillow and he fell to the floor.
A pensive Dieya sat on the main tower’s portico, warming himself in the morning sun and eating a ripe aplin. Though the morning was wonderful, he frowned. Who had implanted the Krill into the Baron, and when? He had double-checked the satellite sensors, and the only off-world dimgate activation had been during his return to Ravar several months ago. This was not the usual Kraken mode of operation. One option was to wait and see, and he hated to do that. It was better to stay one jump ahead of the Kraken or they would crush him.
He pondered his options as the sun warmed the stones.
Balthus and Adrianna stood in the tower doorway and watched Dieya for a moment. “There’s another man who needs to get a better hobby. You would think he would be in a carefree mood this morning, with the Krill dead and all,” mused Balthus.
“He looks worried about something,” said Adrianna.
“He’s just an old mother hen. Let’s go bring some joy into his life with our presence. It’s a beautiful day, and that should be pointed out to him.”
Hand-in-hand, they crossed the portico.
“Good morning, Dieya,” said Balthus. “Did you get bad news or do you have a bad head from last night’s wine? A man should be happy on a beautiful morning like this one.”
Dieya looked up and forced a smile. “Good morning, gentle people. Sorry for the dark looks. I was just thinking.”
“Thinking bad thoughts, no doubt, to wear an expression like that. Look at this glorious day. There will be time enough for those thoughts later.” Balthus gestured skyward. “Now you should enjoy the warmth of the sun.”
“Yes, Dieya, you should look at the bright side,” added Adrianna. “The Krill is dead, Lotho’s castle saved and you’re among friends. What could be wrong?”
Dieya still appeared lost in thought. “The Krill shouldn’t have been here in the first place. That’s what’s bothering me. That, and the fact that it arrived here without my knowledge. This is not good. I’ve seen this before. They have tried subtlety, next they usually try force. It isn’t pretty.” He looked out over the fields, reflecting on something other than the wind-swaying trees.
Balthus and Adrianna exchanged glances, then Balthus shrugged. “Be that as it may, come, join us for breakfast.” Balthus pulled Dieya to his feet and patted him on the back. “Maybe we can help solve your problems.” They walked to the doorway flanking Dieya, determined to raise him from his somber mood.
“You didn’t eat all the boarback now, did you, Dieya?” asked Balthus.
“I do not consume animal flesh,” said Dieya, still distracted.
“Excellent, excellent. Then we surely will be able to help.”
Bursting into laughter, Balthus and Adrianna led a perplexed sorcerer down the stairs.