Kros Voyeh Ch. 02

"Lady Isonei is of the Aran nobility, I doubt she'd have a great deal in common with a slave from Mun." Lislora gave him a sour look as he shrugged.

"He wasn't always a slave."

"I'll speak with Krouth and see what he suggests."

"As the Lady pleases. I asked some of the merchants I know for something special for the Lady Isonei and I was brought some of the Phaethian fruits usually imported for her Imperial Highness in the Thoncur. If she likes them I may be able to get more. Cianana, kricona, fleshy inger..." Gilim pulled back the cover on a small box showing a few of the bright, if slightly bruised, fruits.

"I'll take them, if she doesn't like these she won't like anything at all."

The old man grinned again, "I'll have them taken to your cart with the usual things the cooks ask for."

"Do."

"By the butcher's?"

"Yes."

"I saw them carry in a whole boar this morning."

"A boar!" Lislora matched his grin. It would be an expense but Draeseth would enjoy it, and the kitchen could do wonderful things with boar. Perhaps Isonei hadn't enjoyed it in Ara but prepared the Torgan way... She started toward the butcher's stall again.

The year hadn't been a good one and few would be able to pay for such an extravagance, if she were shrewd she could get the meat for a more reasonable price. Visions of all of the things that could be done with the meat, having it smoked or made into sausages would be her preference but Draeseth was fond of it salt cured. And fresh roasted... her mouth watered.

The front of the butcher's stall was bustling but there were only two of his apprentices handling the customers and none of the swine had been laid out for sale yet that she could see as she glanced over the offerings on the cold stone slabs. Instead of waiting, Lislora rounded the building to the entrance of the part of the shop where most of the labor was undertaken.

At the open door she listened for a moment, "Why would you pay them for a boar? No one has the money to make the labor worthwhile this year."

It put a smile on her face, but she tried to conceal it.

"You keep asking the same question and I keep telling you, Prince Draeseth will be having some sort of party soon. I can always tell when they're-"

"You said that a month ago when the Aran Lady was brought and we had too much-"

"Lady Lislora!" The butcher greeted her loudly with a nervous smile as he made a swatting motion at someone she couldn't see.

"Master Butcher. I was told you have swine today? I didn't see any laid out."

"We were brought a fresh boar this morning, my Lady. We haven't quite finished with it yet. Are you planning a party at the Keep?"

"Not yet, Master Butcher, but boar is one of Prince Draeseth's favorites, I thought I would get just a little for him and ask if you had any more suggestions for Lady Isonei. The beef I bought was wonderful but the woman hardly eats. My cousin wants to find something to entice her."

The man made a hideous grimace and scratched his upper lip with his lower teeth. "Arans don't eat swine. I apprenticed in Nemauros. They'll starve themselves to death if they think their food has come near swine."

The other man started to curse under his breath and Lislora turned a scowl in that direction, despite not being able to see him and the cursing stopped abruptly.

"Perhaps you know something she may eat?"

"According to the stories of the soldiers taken prisoner, nothing at all. But I was told the Aran Prince that visited Court was fond of fish. He would occasionally eat poultry, but only if it were roasted whole and cut in front of him. I'm not surprised the Lady is a choosy eater. They're known for it."

Lislora didn't have to feign a disappointed frown. "I remember the stories of the Aran soldiers I thought they were largely fabrications." The stories had seemed more like something made up by poets, that anyone would refuse to eat out of a fear of swine had seemed ridiculous.

"The romances and Court Ladies dying of broken hearts were, I have no doubt, Lady Lislora." The butcher nodded sagely, "The one part of the story that never changes is how they died; in a cage in the large square, surrounded by food they wouldn't touch. I wouldn't expect a noblewoman to have that kind of discipline, but..." he blinked and looked at Lislora with a chagrined frown, "I mean no offense, Lady."

"I take none. I don't think it's deliberate, and it would take a great deal of discipline to starve herself to death especially with the amount of food being offered to her." Lislora inclined her head, "Lady Isonei is sweet-tempered but as impulsive as a child."

"Have you tried feeding her children's food?" A slightly younger man who looked much like the butcher came out from where he was concealed. His peculiar, unsteady gait made her look away immediately.

"What do you mean?"

"Little ones like the sausages, or ground meat in balls and rounds, all very mildly spiced. Our mother would take finely cut meat and mix it with cheese in her bread dough sometimes."

"Something mildly spiced might do well," the butcher agreed thoughtfully. "You'd need very fresh meats."

"If the Aran Prince favored poultry perhaps I should have you send some of that as soon as you have some."

"We have a few that are very fresh and one that's still whole. I'll have it put in your cart, Lady, for the usual price." The butcher scratched his cheek with a frown. "How much of the boar would you like to take?"

"I'm not sure if I should take any of it after our talk of the Aran soldiers." Lislora put on a pensive frown and glanced at the door as if she wanted to leave. Pretending you didn't want what was being offered was the first thing her father had taught her about bargaining. "But I suppose if it was only a little and the kitchen kept it separate..."

"Brother..." The one with the odd gait beckoned and drew the butcher into a hushed argument just out of sight.

When the butcher returned he looked a little crestfallen, "We paid the hunters a silver vloori for the beast. Usually, I'd ask two for half of it after it's been prepared and cut for you, but," he glanced back to where he'd come from, "If you'll take all of it I'll give it to you for three."

"Only if you have it cut as you normally would and turn the trimmings and other customary leftover pieces into sausage for us. I can't imagine Lady Isonei would feel comfortable with us preparing the meat for that in the kitchens."

He grimaced again. "As the Lady pleases."

"The poultry should come with me now and the rest as soon as it's ready so that it can be prepared or preserved without delay."

Lislora tried to conceal her delight as she went to wait at the cart, an entire boar! For only three silver vloori and the labor of the sausages was included! It should have cost more like five. She sent Taugh in to pay for the boar and poultry immediately before the butcher could change his mind.

Looking over the cart she was pleased to see that the fruit and some vegetables had been loaded into it, as well as some large crocks of milk and cream. She would send Krouth down to pay Gilim for those. He always insisted on speaking with the man, why she couldn't fathom.

Her face broke into a proud smile as she noticed Draeseth and Isonei walking toward her. "The butcher was brought a boar today, cousin." At his wince, her smile began to fade. "I know how much you enjoy it..."

"It's too much of an expense and I want things my wife may be able to eat."

"I've already paid for it. I bought the entire boar for three silver vloori. The butcher is carving it and making the sausages. I thought you'd be pleased. It's an excellent price."

"It is, but it's three silver vloori not spent on food my wife will eat."

"She may enjoy it-"

"She won't eat it."

"-if you encourage her to try it."

"She will not eat it, Lislora." Draeseth scowled and the Aran woman tilted her head looking curious about their conversation.

Frowning Lislora asked the woman, "You do not like swine?"

Isonei shuddered, "It's unclean! I can't eat it!" The look of horror on the woman's face was baffling.

"It is not! You will like the taste, I promise." Her reassuring smile was met with something that looked like terror as the Aran began backing away.

"I won't eat unclean food! If you won't keep your word and see to my care as you promised tell me now, I will walk home!" Isonei was looking at Draeseth as if he had threatened her and the Torgan Prince looked deeply unhappy.

"You will not be forced to eat it."

"It will not be served to me."

Draeseth hesitated and the Aran woman looked as if she might flee into the market. He spoke firmly in a tone that sounded like a man trying to reassure a frightened child, "It will not be served to you, but it will be served."

"I will rely on Krouth to show me what I can safely eat. Have I shown anything but respect for your religion and your traditions despite the fact I find them difficult to navigate? Why would you even consider serving it to me without my knowledge?" The fear and distrust on Isonei's face made Lislora wince.

"I was not considering that, my Isonei. I only..." Draeseth took a step toward her with his hand open.

With dismay Lislora tried to help him, "It is my fault, Lady Isonei. This meat is expensive here in the Torga Kroscur. I thought I was being shrewd by making such a large purchase. The meat can be smoked and cured... I had not asked him before I paid. To waste it..."

"I wouldn't keep you from eating it. But I cannot." The expression on the Aran woman's face was that of a child begging not to be punished.

Resolving to find something to feed the woman, Lislora asked, "What meat can you eat?"

"Fish, beef, goat, sheep, venison, any poultry, I don't even need to have meat. But I cannot eat hare or swine."

She blinked and tried to keep her annoyance off of her face, "I will make certain your meals do not include hare or swine."

"Thank you."

While they were involved with their conversation over meats, the slave, Xago, had come to stand close by Isonei staring intently. Before Lislora could say anything to Draeseth the man spoke earnestly, "Are you a star fallen from the heavens, little one?"

Isonei turned in startlement, tilting her head as she looked at him, "I don't speak Torgan."

"You will not speak to my Duchess that way, slave. Kneel. Your eyes belong on the ground and never on that which is mine."

The pale man obeyed immediately.

"Accost her again and I will have you castrated."

The Aran woman looked baffled as Draeseth snatched her from the ground and loaded her into the cart with the goods. He gestured to Taugh to drive the cart back toward the Keep and Lislora walked beside him.

"I didn't realize buying the boar was a poor idea."

"Any other time I would be praising you for it, cousin." He exhaled angrily. "Why were you annoyed with her when she told you what she would eat?"

"Aside from fish, I've tried to feed her all of those things. It's like being told something costs an Imperial Zahk and when you offer one they look at you as if you're mad and tell you, 'No, an Imperial Zahk.' It makes me feel as if I'm going mad."

"Aran foods are spiced differently. They want things creamy or sweet."

"Do you want me to try feeding her more desserts?"

He made a soft, amused sound in his throat, "They find a way to make meats creamy or sweet. Krouth may know some of the Lerian recipes that were more palatable. He spent time in the kitchens in Leria, observing."

"It was suggested I have the slave from Mun consulted. Master Gilim seemed to think he may have a similar palate."

"My wife is a noblewoman of Ara, not a slave of Mun."

"I told him that. The butcher suggested foods spiced for a child, perhaps, mild sausages. He also said that the Aran Prince ate only fish or poultry that had been roasted whole and carved in front of him."

"Had he been forced to try our foods..." Draeseth scowled, "I expected her to become accustomed to our food. I know she must be hungry."

"The butcher seemed pleased she was eating at all."

"My brothers forced me to listen to the poems and stories. The story of Queen Olitheilla was the only one I had concerned myself with. I have no interest in," he made a dismissive gesture, "fictions."

"The terror on her face when I said she would enjoy the swine makes me think they weren't entirely fictions." Lislora gave him a mildly accusing look, "You said she might come to appreciate it, cousin. I thought she hadn't liked the way it had been prepared in Ara."

"It will take time and seeing others eat it without ill effect." He glanced at her and smiled faintly, "An entire boar and the sausages for three silver vloori is something I would have had difficulty declining."

°°°°°°°°°°

After breakfast, Lislora accompanied Draeseth back to his study to look over the household ledger. Finding somewhere to cut an expense would be wise after the large purchase the day before especially if she would still need to find something for the Aran woman to eat. To her surprise an entry had been made in Draeseth's hand, allotting a substantial sum to the household account.

"Cousin?" Lislora eyed him curiously.

"Isonei brought a large amount of whoreweed with her. Because of her health, she has not been permitted it. I asked Krouth to sell it yesterday after our excursion to give you more money to feed her with."

Narrowing her eyes she wasn't sure which question to ask first.

"Arans call it silphium. They use it to prevent unwanted pregnancies and Krouth says it has some healing qualities. Even if she were not in delicate health, she has no need of it."

Inclining her head, she chose to discuss something more pleasant, "I expect the boar to be sent up today."

"I will look forward to it. Last night I dreamt of the rolls my mother used to have made, with the bits of meat, when she had swine." The warm, contented look on his face made her belly flutter.

"I'll have the kitchens make them for you." Lislora offered him a tender smile.

"Isonei seemed to enjoy the cianana you found."

The change of subject deflated her slightly but she tried to be cheerful, "The fleshy inger was a little overripe. The kitchen said it would be best to make it into preserves."

He made a pleased sound, "If Isonei doesn't enjoy it, I do."

"I'll have Master Gilim find more."

"Krouth suggested taking Isonei to speak to Master Gilim and the butcher when you next go into Evenos. I require you to take Taugh if you go without me. Burgath has been attempting to fend off inquiries but rumors that my wife is alive have sprung up in Ara and Leria. Isonei's father has offered five thousand gold Aran cenura for her return."

Lislora's jaw dropped and Draeseth made a displeased sound.

"How... how wealthy is her family?"

"Wealthy enough. There are rumors that the Lerians are offering a thousand just for proof that she lives. Those whispers come from the Dalcur."

"What kind of proof? Will people be trying to steal a lock of her hair?"

"Perhaps. No one is to come near her. Taugh will see to her protection and yours."

"I would prefer not to take her. She's as impulsive as a child and too trusting."

Draeseth laughed in his throat. The door to the study opened without knocking and one of the senior maids came in looking almost terrified.

"Speak."

"Master-Master Krouth sent me to inform you that Lady Isonei has gone into Evenos unescorted. Master Gilim sent a runner to inform him and he left immediately to fetch her back."

The Torgan Prince rose from his seat and began to curse, but Lislora slapped the desktop and gave him a sharp look bringing it to a stop.

"How did she get the key without anyone seeing her?"

"The-the door was unlocked, Lady." The woman's eyes were fixed to the floor avoiding Draeseth's furious glare.

"After I spoke to everyone of the importance of having it locked to deter thieves, it was left open again?"

"My wife is as impulsive as a child, she does not understand the dangers!" Draeseth rounded the desk raising his voice, "Inform every maid and servant in the Keep that there will be punishment. By Ganas and Mezaldir, if they will not listen to Lady Lislora they will listen to me!"

"The guardsmen use it as well, cousin," Lislora spoke up as the maid began to tremble. "It's possible-"

"They will no longer be permitted. Summon the commander to me." He returned to his seat still scowling as the woman fled.

"Why would she go into Evenos without anyone else?"

"I will ask her." He clenched his jaw still glaring at the door, "Giving her a cloak of her own was dangerous. It will be kept in my study and fetched when she requires it so that I know when she leaves the house."

"I would say that seems too extreme but with the rewards offered..." She rose from her seat intending to go speak to the maids.

He made a displeased sound in his throat. "I ask you to stay until Krouth brings her, I value your opinion and your suggestions."

"As it pleases you." Lislora tried to think of something to lighten his black mood. "Perhaps she just wanted to look at the stalls again. She looked like a delighted child."

"Perhaps. I have my concerns that she may be interested in the slave from Mun. She stared at him when she first saw him, much the way he stared at her as he accosted her in the street. Each time I've journeyed away from home I've found myself looking for other Torgans. The slave has a coloring that may remind her of Arans."

They waited in silence until Krouth brought the unhappy looking woman into the study.

"Why did she leave the Keep?" Draeseth asked sourly as Isonei sat on one of the sofas.

"To speak to Xago of Mun. Gilim said she went directly to the glassmith. She and the Munian slave were sitting chastely across from each other in the workspace discussing a glass piece she wished to have made and food of their homes. Their languages are sister tongues, he said, and their foods are similar." Krouth glanced at the Aran woman before continuing, "But she was snappish at my demand that she return at once and made it very clear she would prefer to be in Ara where customs are less restrictive."

"If I were far from home I might be annoyed at an interrupted discussion with someone who could speak with me of it," Lislora frowned, "but it can't be permitted. The man was nearly indecent when he greeted her in the market."

"Were they alone?" Draeseth spread his hands flat on his desk.

"No, your Highness. The apprentice glassmiths were standing a short distance away watching. All work had come to a stop." Krouth paused, "She was rising from her seat when I entered and extending her hand as if they had struck a bargain."

"If she had commissioned a glass piece-" Lislora began but Draeseth cut her off by lifting his hand.

"I have given her no money, and she knows nothing of the value of the glass. The way she looked at him concerns me. Arans are not known for fidelity."

"Perhaps she should speak to Brother Odgar? I would prefer to give her the benefit of the doubt. She's always very sweet and childlike, she may not understand what she's done wrong."

"She wasn't sweet or childlike when she spoke sharply to me. The Lady seemed almost shrewd."

"I would still ask-"

"Brother Odgar will be summoned to speak with her." Draeseth looked at Krouth with a scowl, "I intend to chastise the Commander of the garrison and forbid the guardsmen from using the servant's stair. I also intend to see the servants punished. All of them. I do not know who left the door open but it will not happen again. Make arrangements for it to be done immediately in the courtyard. One blow should suffice. I will speak to them all first. Afterward, I would have Xago fetched. I will find the truth of all of this."