A Dragon's Tale Ch. 49

"I concede." She said and then turned and walked toward her very confused cheering section.

"Why?" Taloni asked.

Kendra shrugged. "I wanted to find out who would win; I did."

"Who?" Beth asked.

Kendra had an amused smile on her face as she looked at the blondes, but didn't answer.

"Selene." Lyra said in a quiet voice. "Since you're telepathic, can you tell what's running through Octi's head?"

"Maybe, but why?"

"Mostly curious." The ash blonde replied. "My husband made the guards, Shara, and myself learn to defend our minds not long after he became king, but I don't know if the defenses have ever been tested."

Selene hesitated a moment, then figured that if he had mental defenses she wouldn't be able to read his mind anyway so she wouldn't be invading his privacy. Plus, she was curious about what mental defenses were like from the outside looking in.

The Brazilian woman closed her eyes and concentrated. It was easier to isolate voices now than before but it still took her a moment. When she had, she discovered something like a stone wall around the guard captain's mind blocking her access. It simply wouldn't yield and she figured that she would need either a lot more power or a lot more skill to pierce that wall.

"I can't tell." She told the ash blonde. "I'm pretty sure those mental defenses work and I can't get through them."

"What if you could?" Shara asked, having walked up while Selene was concentrating. "I gather that you rely on your telepathy in combat?"

She shook her head. "No, or at least not when it's more than one-on-one. There are too many voices and I haven't learned how to sort them out in combat yet."

The amber-haired woman nodded slowly, a thoughtful frown on her face. "What if I told Octavian and his men that you were telepathic and needed to train your skills in combat, and then asked them to alter their mental defenses so you could predict their moves to attain the training you need?"

"Really?" Selene's eyes widened.

Shara nodded. "Of course."

"I'd love that!"

Not ten minutes later, Octavian and the rest of his men formed a circle around Selene and their leader spoke up. "Alright boys, let's see what this toddler can do." He looked at her. "We'll each think about attacking just a moment before we do. See if you can tell which man will attack and block the attack."

"Okay gramps, I will." She grinned back at him with more confidence than she felt. She needed practice, and badly, so she planned to get this down pat before they docked in Laerten later that day.

* * *

Ethan followed Talven a short way down the stream's bank until he came to a section of flat ground with the exposed roots of a large tree that had been felled long ago. The stump began several feet above Ethan's head, and someone or something had removed many of the smaller roots and earth, creating a fairly large alcove under the massive stump. There was a large-ish flat area in front of this that was almost like a mud 'lawn' in front of the alcove.

Talven and Salma had clearly started using that alcove as a shelter recently.

Their clothes all had dirt in them; he didn't see any other clothes nearby so they might only have one set each. He also couldn't see any food, utensils, or even anything to cook with. Salma's eyes were slightly red and she also looked like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. The two older children -- a boy of about ten and a girl of about six -- were playing by the creek while the toddler was in her mother's lap.

Ethan could feel a knot forming in his stomach as he realized that they were living like this because of what he had done. He had been trying to help, but that had backfired.

Badly.

"The prophet." Salma's eyes widened when she saw him, and a little light came back into her eyes.

"Hi." Ethan replied. "I thought you might be in trouble and came back to check."

"Illuminar told you, blessed be He." The woman's relieved smile was quite wide.

"Actually, I guessed another way." He replied. "We were ambushed by Ivernian soldiers. I figured that if they went after us, they might've gone after you as well." He looked around. "I wish I had been wrong."

"I do as well." Talven nodded. "But you said 'we'; are your wives okay?"

"Yeah." He nodded. "Taloni was hurt, but she's already recovered."

"Good." Talven and Salma said at the same time.

Ethan looked around at how they were living and then shook his head. "Obviously I can't undo what's been done, but I'd like to help if there's something I can do."

Salma's face fell slightly, though it looked like she was trying to conceal that fact. "You don't have some direction from Illuminar?"

He shook his head. "Sorry."

"Mama, 'ary." The toddler said.

"Sorry, Mary isn't here right now" Salma swallowed, then looked at Ethan. "Her doll was in the house; she never went anywhere without it."

"Mama, 'ary." The toddler insisted, fussing in her mother's lap.

"I'm so, so sorry." Ethan ran his hand over his head where his hair would've been if he had any. "How are you fixed for food?"

"We're okay." Talven replied. "There's a woman who's been coming with food every day since... since it happened. I recognize the cooking from a few people in town, but I'd never seen her before she started bringing food, and I thought I knew everyone in town."

"She usually comes around noon." Salma offered.

"I'd like to thank her then." Ethan said, then turned to Talven. "What happened?"

"Somehow Duke Kranton found out about your visit." The man explained. "He sent Ivernian solders to the farm, they pulled us all out and then lit it on fire. They left soon after, so I was able to save a few things from the house before it turned to ash." There was a note of bitterness in his tone.

Ethan didn't blame him.

"I got my sword, our coin purse, and some food, but that's it. I wanted to get more, but..." He shook his head.

"I'm glad you didn't try." Salma said then looked at Ethan. "The roof collapsed right after he came out."

"Mama, 'ary!" The toddler said a bit more loudly and with her face screwed up. She looked like she was about to cry.

"I'm sorry I didn't get Mary." Talven's shoulders slumped.

"Is there anywhere you can go?" Ethan asked. "Maybe someone in town can help?"

Talven shook his head. "Everyone in town was warned that if they sheltered us, they'd lose their home too. They've sent some food and a few blankets, but they aren't rich; they can't spare much else and I wouldn't ask them to."

"How about further away than town?"

"I've got family about a day or two's walk from here, but the bridges are guarded." Talven replied. "I don't have the coin to pay the toll for all of us and the river is far too deep to cross, especially with the kids."

"The guards won't be a problem." Ethan patted his sword. "I'm partially responsible for getting you into this mess, I'll make damn sure I help get you out of it."

Salma breathed a sigh of relief towards the heavens. "Blessed be He."

"Blessed be He." Her husband looked similarly relieved, then he frowned. "But you have to help old man Ferris. He was the one you asked to make sure Zalaus gave everyone their money back."

Ethan nodded. "I was worried about him, what happened to him?"

"They built a set of stocks in the town square and put him in them." Talven replied.

"Okay, I'll get him out." Ethan took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm so sorry; I promise I'll make this right, or at least try to."

Talven cocked his head to one side. "You didn't raze our home nor inform Duke Kranton; why are you sorry?"

"My actions landed you in this mess."

"No they didn't." Salma replied. "Duke Kranton and his men are responsible, not you."

"I'm glad you see it that way." Ethan replied, keeping his tone somewhat neutral.

"But you don't?" Talven asked.

He shook his head. "And I really should go help Ferris."

Talven looked at him for several moments before nodding. "He will definitely appreciate it."

* * *

Fiona was carrying Lord Delmar's lunch from the kitchens up to his office while thinking about Sarah and that damned Lady Ekthros. The copper-haired woman simply couldn't believe that her friend had once been thinking that the 'lady' -- an entirely inaccurate term -- was a good person. Thankfully, Sarah learning that Lady Ekthros was a mage had shocked some sense into her. Fiona didn't enjoy shocking people or delivering bad news, but she was glad her friend was suspicious now.

Suspicion of Lady Ekthros could only be a good thing.

Having arrived, she nodded politely to the guards and then knocked gently on Lord Delmar's door. Like the door on his airship, it was an expensive one with a glass-blocked upper half so people could see in. She assumed it was this way for propriety, the same as on his airship.

Lord Delmar glanced towards the door, then waved two fingers to indicate she should enter. She did, making sure not to spill the venison stew on her son, who was strapped to her chest as usual. He was also fortunately asleep; he always fell asleep more easily while she was walking.

Once she was inside, she set down the bowl on the open place on the desk as usual. Lord Delmar was standing today, looking at a large map of Narlotten that occupied almost an entire wall of his office. He had a letter of some kind in his hand and was alternating looking at the letter and the map.

Fiona couldn't help but notice that on another wall, a large bookcase had been removed to make room for that tapestry of the Lady Helene that she had seen the other day when Lord Delmar adjudicated the case between the two tapestry weavers. It was placed so that if the lord looked up from his desk, it would be right in front of him.

Nothing obstructed it.

"It's stew today Lord Delmar." Fiona said with a slight curtsey, though he wasn't facing her.

"What did you wish to speak to me about?" He replied absently mindedly as he glanced between the large map and the paper in his hands again.

"My lord?"

"It is Cirella's day to bring me lunch." He replied, still not looking at her. "She hasn't taken ill, as I saw her in the castle halls not an hour ago. Therefore, I can only assume you have traded days with her in order to speak to me."

Fiona smiled; he was insightful. "Begging your pardon milord, but I was wanting to ask a question about Lady Ekthros if you aren't minding."

He made a thoughtful sound as he looked between the letter and the wall-mounted map again. "I might not answer, but you may ask."

"Is she a mage?" The copper-haired woman asked. "I'm hearing rumors that she is, but I'm not liking gossip and I was wanting to know for sure."

Lord Delmar got a thoughtful frown on his face and he turned to look her in the eye. Something about the force of his gaze seemed magnetic; powerful. She saw a strength and force of will that was hard to bear, despite how magnetic it was. She looked into his eyes for only a moment before she wasn't able to take it anymore and looked down slightly.

"Why do you ask?" Lord Delmar said after several seconds of slightly uncomfortable silence.

"Sarah was wanting to know."

Lord Delmar made another thoughtful sound. "Why does Sarah want to know?"

Fiona hesitated, not wanting to lie but also not wanting to tell the whole truth. "She was thinking that Lady Ekthros's being captured and imprisoned would be a mite strange if she was a mage."

"Strange would indeed be a good word." The Lord said, and it almost sounded like he was talking to himself as much as her. After several long seconds, he spoke again. "She is indeed a mage, and one of uncommon power."

"Thank you." Fiona curtsied slightly and turned to leave.

"Fiona."

She turned back around to see that he had returned to looking at the letter and the tapestry map on the wall.

"How is Sarah?"

"Milord?"

"The girl has a demon." Lord Delmar said without judgment. "I wish to know how she is, and especially if her demon has shown any signs of appearing."

"No milord." Fiona shook her head. "She's not liking it much at all and is trying hard to keep it away."

He made another thoughtful sound.

"She's settling into the castle well and she is a great cook." The copper-haired woman added. "I'm trying to be helping of course, and even--" Fiona stopped, realizing that Sarah almost certainly didn't want anyone to know that she couldn't read.

"Even... what?" Lord Delmar asked.

"I'm sorry milord, I was over-speaking."

He turned to face her again. "Finish the sentence."

"I'm afraid I can't be finishing it milord." Fiona replied.

"I insist." Lord Delmar said, his tone slightly stern.

"I can't." The copper-haired woman said. "I can't be telling other people's secrets milord."

His face suddenly seemed more calculating. She would've said that all trace of amusement had disappeared from his face, but there hadn't been any to begin with. "There might be consequences if you don't."

She stared at him, not quite able to believe her ears. "But I can't be telling; 'tis not my secret to tell. I can be assuring you that it's nothing that would be affecting you or Narlotten."

"Regardless, speak." The Lord said, his tone serious and stern. "If you do not, you might find yourself and your son without a home or employment."

Fiona stared at him.

His tone was deadly serious and she wasn't getting the impression that he was jesting. How could he...? She realized her mouth was slightly open and closed it. She looked down at Conner for a moment, thinking about what it would be like if she didn't have her job at the castle. She would be homeless and without income. Narlotten was a generous enough place that she might find someone to take her in, but not if they knew the Lord Delmar had fired her.

She would be completely alone with a baby to feed, no income, practically no savings, and no one to help since her family was too far away. She couldn't bear that thought, but on the other hand, her alternative was breaking Sarah's trust. Not telling was the right thing to do, but it would make things so hard for her and Conner.

"I..." Fiona swallowed hard. "I'm sorry milord, but I can't be telling other people's secrets." She closed her eyes and hung her head. "I can be packing now."

"There is no need." Lord Delmar said.

She looked up and saw something that she'd never seen on his face before; the edge of smile. It wasn'tactually a smile, but the corners of his mouth were fractionally higher than she'd ever seen them before.

"Milord?"

"Take a seat." He indicated a chair, then looked at the door and raised his voice slightly. "Hephaestus, enter."

The door opened and one of Lord Delmar's errand boys entered.

"Fetch my steward." The lord instructed and the boy took off, closing the door behind him.

"Milord, what...?" Fiona's mouth was slightly agape at this strange turn of events.

"Patience." Lord Delmar replied, then his eyes shifted to Conner. He looked at the sleeping boy for several long moments, nodded his head once, and then turned his attention back to the large map.

Fiona didn't know what to do.

She sat in the chair in silence, trying to figure out what was happening. It didn't make any sense. Why did Lord Delmar want his steward? Why had he insisted on knowing about Sarah, even threatening Fiona herself to find out? Why had he seemed to completely lose interest the moment she had refused?

It didn't make sense.

Barely a minute later, the errand boy returned with Lord Delmar's steward, who bowed and then spoke. "You summoned me Lord Delmar."

The lord indicated the copper-haired woman. "She has passed the test, type number three. I believe she would most appreciate an education for her son when he comes of age. As usual, see to it personally."

"Very good my lord." The steward bowed, then turned to Fiona. "Come with me."

A very confused Fiona followed the steward out of Lord Delmar's office and through a few short hallways into the steward's office. It was small but neatly organized and comfortable. The furnishings were elegant, clearly high quality, and probably expensive, but nothing was ostentatious. The room seemed very practical, though it was comfortable enough.

Once inside, the steward closed the door and turned to her. "I imagine you are somewhat confused right now."

"Aye, though you're understating it by a fair margin."

The steward sat down at his desk and grabbed a piece of paper. "Lord Delmar values integrity in his underlings above almost all else. Therefore, when the opportunity presents itself, he often tests those new to the castle to discover their level of integrity. Those who cave are never put in a position to cause harm. Those who pass are rewarded."

"Oh." Fiona cocked her head to one side. "That's what he was doing?"

"Yes." The steward nodded. "His threats were of course mere acting, whatever they were. He would like you to remain at the castle and will increase your pay should you remain. He might also transfer you to another, more important occupation once you have been here long enough that it won't seem strange. Additionally, he will also fully pay for your son's education; his tutors will be among the finest in Karnas when he is old enough. Further, he will be schooled with the sons of nobles, making connections that will likely ensure a bright future for him. That is, if you wish it."

Fiona smiled. "He's my child; I'd be doing anything for him."

"Then you and Lord Delmar have something in common." The steward said absent-mindedly as he wrote something on the paper.

"Oh?" Fiona could think of only one thing he could mean, but she didn't see how Rachel figured into this at all.

"I've rarely seen a man more devoted to his child's well-being." He was still writing and speaking absent-mindedly, but then stopped and look up at her. "I'm sure you know that Lady Helene died of a sickness?"

She nodded. "Aye."

"Lord Delmar had his daughter instructed in magic from the earliest age possible to ensure she didn't suffer the same fate." He shook his head slowly. "It is truly a pity that she didn't return his affections."

"Could my Conner also learn magic?"

"If you wish it."

Fiona hesitated a moment and then asked another question on her mind. "Are you knowing what happened between them? The Lord Delmar and Rachel that is." Then she added. "I'm not looking for gossip or specifics, but I'm wanting to avoid the same happening with me and my son."

The steward looked at her for several long moments before speaking. "Lady Helene captured Lord Delmar's heart in a way that I've rarely seen, and Rachel is a near-perfect likeness of her mother. That was not easy on him."

"Oh." Fiona looked down at her still-sleeping son, who did indeed resemble his father even at this age. She could see that being hard as he got older.

"Also, Lord Delmar is a man like any other." The steward continued. "He is more longsuffering than most, but his temper is fearsome to behold when it is roused. When he learned that Rachel was trying to delve into the dark arts... well I'm sure you can imagine."

"Aye." Fiona shook her head slowly. "Is that why he was sending her away?"

Steward narrowed his eyes. "What makes you think he sent her away?"

"Well, I was assuming..." She hesitated. "He wasn't?"

The steward regarded her for several long moments before speaking. "Lord Delmar said that you passed test number three; refusing to reveal trivial information even under direct and serious threat. That puts you in very rare company Miss McWilliams. Had you not passed that specific test, I would not reveal what I am about to tell you."

"Thank you?" She wasn't sure what the proper response was, but that seemed appropriate.

The steward took a deep breath. "I suspect that Lord Delmar didn't reign in his temper because he wanted her to leave. She was knowingly consorting with necromancers in order to learn the dark arts, and the penalty for that in Narlotten is death. The evidence was circumstantial, but it would have become ironclad eventually with Lady Ekthros pursuing the case. He has not confirmed this to me, but I believe he intentionally let his temper have free reign in order to scare her out of the castle so that when the evidence did become ironclad, she would not be in Narlotten to be captured and put to death for her crimes."