And here's Part 2.
Inchoate Carillion, Inconstant Cuckold
By Charles Matthias
March 2, 708 CR
It was only a day after the Bishop had left and
already the air warmed with expectant Spring.
Rickkter was grateful for it as it gave him an
opportunity to stretch his legs and weary muscles
with a good long walk around Metamor and
Keeptowne early in the morning before the bustle
of the city crowded the streets with millions of
cries, concerns, and consternations. Which made
it all the more easy to enjoy the crisp but not
unpleasant air and the woman at his side whose
musk gave it a sharp and unmistakable tang.
Rickkter nuzzled the top of Kaylas head and she
leaned into him. It is good to be able to do
this again, he mused wistfully. Seems like forever.
Just nine months, she replied with a faint
laugh. At least youve healed completely.
Took long enough, he muttered, but laughed a
moment later. No thanks to you!
Kayla gave his chest a little shove and tried to
laugh, but the memory of the evil dragon inside
her mind was still very frightening. She couldnt
help but think of her friends who each might face
a similar corruption. Things had been so quiet in
the three weeks since that at times it was hard
even to remember that there was danger still to
be confronted. Life at Metamor was peaceful for
once, and with Duke Thomas married, the
excitement and good cheer was infectious. It took effort to fret.
But youre better now, and were together,
Kayla added. Sometimes it feels like nothings changed, but I know it has.
Well, you are working for the bat again, the
raccoon pointed out. Youre falling back into
your old routines and seeing familiar things. It cant be helped.
The skunk nodded, long tail curling behind
Rickkter as they passed by a handful of merchants
arranging their wares in the market square. They
followed the wide stone road toward the castle
now, its tall towers still dark in the early
morning hours. The topmost reaches shone
brilliantly, a testament of the suns imminent
rise over the mountains. Narrow wisps of clouds
drifted north so high in the sky their undersides were bathed in gold.
Walking toward them through the marketplace from
the direction of the Keep were three figures
equally remarkable in their appearance. The most
obvious was the white gryphon whose golden and
black eyes arrested all who dared to meet them.
His wings folded against his back and around his
chest and sides a harness of tough leather and
hide was attached. A saddle of some sort nestled
between his wings and against the feathery mane between neck and shoulders.
Next to the gryphon was a small man with ruddy
cheeks, long arms, and a dark mop of hair on his
head over small almost curdled ears. He rested
one hand on the gryphons right shoulder
unafraid. He dressed in heavy woolen jerkin,
trousers, and buskins, all lined with fur. He
carried a small pack on his back with a pair of
ice picks holstered on his belt.
On the opposite side of the gryphon was a tall
creature dressed very lightly in silken blues and
greens that did little to provide warmth. Long
black hair was held back in a tight braid and
pointed ears framed it ever so gently. Behind
these emerged the exquisite ivory handle of his
sword, and before them were high angular cheeks,
tinged with grey, that were only the last touches
to show this was no man. Nevertheless, in the way
he walked, dressed, and appeared, his was the
acme of grace and strength. The reed that bends but does not break.
Kayla almost jumped from Rickkters arms when she
saw them. Good morning! Ive barely seen any of
you this last week! Where have you been? She
hugged both Binoq and Åelf, but the Nauh-kaee she only smiled toward.
Guernef settled on his haunches and turned his
black beak eastward. We have been preparing provisions.
Provisions? Rickkter asked as he walked in behind the excited skunk.
For our journey back to the mountains, Abafouq
replied with a diffident moue. And Andaress return to the woods.
Kaylas face fell and she looked from one to the
other for some denial. Theyd only just arrived
in Metamor! She told them that too.
Andares sighed and shook his head. This is not
our home, but yours. This day had to come. We
shall each return to our homelands. If matters
are well, we may each visit again. I dearly hope
that it will be so. Any journey through the lands
of man is one I welcome. More so one that will
return me to this land and to my friends.
But why so soon?
There are affairs of our own that need tending
to, Abafouq admitted with some displeasure. It
has been almost a year since we left our home,
our cave in the mountains and I know that Guernef
at least is needed amongst his people.
Kayla could hear the reluctance in the Binoqs
voice and looked at him firmly. But what of you?
Surely you do not need to go back to that place?
You are well loved here by your friends.
Abafouq nodded, keenly aware of the Nauh-kaees
intent gaze which captured him whole within a
single pupil. I am, and I have found a few
pursuits to tend my time. Jessicas friends did
need quite a few pyrocks for instance! But I know
I cannot stay just yet. As hard as it may be, and
I am thinking it will be very hard indeed, I must
at least see whether I can return to Qorfuu and
redeem my name. If I cannot... He swallowed
heavily and then tried again, If I cannot, then
if Guernef permits, I would like to return here.
Permits? Rickkter asked in confusion. I
thought you were friends, not master and slave!
It is not as you say, master and slave. Rather,
it is more complicated. Friends we are, and
friends I hope we will always be. But when I was
dying, he saved my life and took me in from the
cold. For that I owe him my life, whatever is
remaining. I will not, cannot leave him unless he bids me.
Rickkter frowned but nodded slowly. I have heard
of a life debt being forever, but it is rare.
Still, I think I understand. He turned his gaze
on Guernef, and though he glared in strong
disapproval, the Nauh-kaee did not regard him any
differently than before. You ought to let him return if that is his choice.
His path may take him not to the earth, Guernef
replied with a sharp click. Of that we shall see.
Kayla wasnt sure what the Nauh-kaee was
suggesting but it unsettled her faintly. She
thought for a moment to mention it but a soft
assurance that all would be well stilled her
concern. Instead she asked, Where have you
gathered your provisions? I see nothing on you.
In the foothills of the mountains, Abafouq
replied. There we have built a cache and after
we have given all our companions our farewells we
shall return to them and begin our journey into
the mountains. Apart from Andares.
I will journey to the south by the roads of
men, he said with a bittersweet smile. There
are a few others I know along the way with whom I
greatly desire to speak. His golden eyes were
far away for a moment, then returned full and
warm. If I never come this way again, I am
honoured to have met, fought, suffered, and bled
with you. Your names will ever be sung in my city
with the greatest of reverence.
Kaylas long tail curled about her legs and she
felt the heat of a blush fill her. Oh, I dont know if Ive earned all that.
Id take it, Rickkter added with a slight
smile. Having the fair folk offer you anything
other than a mystery is a rare delicacy. Savour it and every moment of it!
Andares turned to the raccoon and the corners of
his lips turned upward. You have a very peculiar
way with words, Master Rickkter. Ill chance that
we should not have more occasions to test your rhetorical regimen.
Alliteration is one of my least favoured
gambits, he replied with a half yawn, long
tongue curling at the end of his snout. It often
pairs words of rampant dissimilitude in the hopes
that the audience understands neither but marvels
at the orators feigned eloquence. He frowned
suddenly and dashed one paw on his breeches. And
damn if I know how you do this to me. Every time
I see you I want to speak like a fool. Im
direct, Andares. What is it about you Åelf that
shroud even our tongues in mystery!
Andares laughed brightly and set a pearly hand
upon the ruffled Keepers shoulder. No matter,
that was a delicious rejoinder. But I fear we
cannot tarry long. We have many to wish farewell
to and an entire valley to scour for them before our day is over.
Rickkter offered him a paw. Then best of luck on
your travels. I hope you find the roads open and
the Inns warm and well-lit. And a few good
looking wenches. Kayla elbowed him in the side.
Ooof! Okay, a lot of good looking wenches. And
for that he received a firm yank on his tail.
Yow! You know that actually hurts!
Even Guernefs beastly manner appeared to lighten
in mirth as both Abafouq and Andares laughed.
Kayla gave her lover a kiss on the nose, and then
turned to Andares and offered him a firm hug.
Our love go to your people! Please be safe!
And my love and honour go to you and your
intended. He eyed Rickkter meaningfully but the
raccoon said nothing. He then stepped back out of
the way as Kayla moved to Guernef.
She smiled to the Nauh-kaee and wrapped her arms
bout his broad neck, nuzzling her snout close to
one of his eyes. Fly safely, Guernef! I dont
always understand you, but youve been a tireless
and faithful companion and friend. Thank you!
Guernef lifted his foreleg and placed the talons
ever so gently on her back. He opened his beak
the width of her hand and said in a quiet chirp,
As have you. May you both be very happy
together. It was, Kayla considered much later,
the most human thing shed ever heard him say.
At last she came to the Binoq who waited almost
like a child for his mother. He looked up into
her face and had to dry a tear. Oh Ill miss
you, Abafouq! She said, bending down and
wrapping her arms about his neck. He held her in
turn and sighed, snuffling a bit in his nose.
And I will you. Youve been the truest friends I
have ever known. He tried to say more but
couldnt. For several long seconds they held each other wordless.
When Kayla finally stood, she wiped one of her
eyes and swept the trio once last time. Where will you go next?
For now we seek the beginning of this convent
and Tugal who resides within. She too was part of
our company, if only for a day. To her we shall
provide our farewells, and then to Glen Avery.
I heard Charles went south to watch over the Bishop.
But James did not, Abafouq managed. We will
meet Charles on our way south; he will be last I
am thinking. He swallowed and straightened his
jacket. Farewell, Kayla. Continue your studies.
I will, if nothing else, write.
They said goodbye one last time, and then Kayla
and Rickkter stood aside to let them pass through
the market. And they stood there for some time
even after the conspicuous silhouettes
disappeared about a bend in the road. A cool
vapour curled about them and Rickkter shivered,
finally finding the strength to turn back to the
castle. Well, he said as he noted the glimmer
of sun along the length of each tower, it isnt
going to be quite the same without them.
No, it wont, Kayla agreed in a faint whisper.
Rickkter stretched and then wrapped his arm about
her shoulders, drawing him in close to resume
their walk. Now where were we? Ah, yes! Talking
about falling into old routines. Heres one I
would like to start again: breaking fast
together! The Twin Hearth isnt far, and Im told
they have some of the best omelets in all of the
valley. Would you care for some?
Kayla nodded, smiling some, but head and eyes
ever looking behind her where her friends had
disappeared into golden-dappled streets and homes of Metamor.
----------
Now put everything into your heart. Everything.
Anger, joy, all of it. Do you have it in there?
Aye, Dada.
Good. Now imagine that your heart is inside a
hand. You can make it your paw. Just place your
heart inside that paw. Do you see all your little
fingers there curling around your heart? Claws,
fingers, and inside of them a bright red heart all filled with your feelings?
I put it there, Dada.
Now place a mark on your paw, son. Put a mark on
your paw. You choose whatever you want to put there.
Can I put a sword?
Oh, oh, yes, put a sword on your hand, son.
Thats wonderful. Do you have it there?
Uh huh!
Good! Now open your paw and release everything in your heart.
Charles gazed at his son Ladero, the black fur of
his face like a hood over his shoulders scrunched
in concentration relaxing into a very familiar
contentment. His large dark eyes opened and he
peered with eager delight into his fathers face.
The angers gone, Dada! You made it go away!
Charles reached forward and tapped his sons pink
nose and made his prodigious whiskers tremble.
No, you did, son. I just told you how. You can
always do this when youre feeling upset or
grumpy. He felt his own heart swell with
delight. Ladero was still so young but already learning many techniques.
Now, he continued with a firm but gentle
instruction, youre going to practice focussing
your strength again. Remember, it all comes from
within. He handed his son a shaft of bountifruit
wood. This wood is too strong for Whales to use
in building her ships. It wont give the way it
needs to. It cannot be broken with your muscles. But you can break it still.
How Dada? Ladero asked, his eyes showing no
confusion, only an abyss of learning.
You must draw out the strength from within
yourself. Charles crossed over and sat next to
his son, their tails laying flat behind them
together. It is within you. Reach from your
heart to the wood. Now grip it in both paws.
There at the ends. Yes, just like that. Now,
reach out and snap the wood like a twig.
Ladero pulled the ends of the wood toward each
other, and for a moment nothing happened. Then it snapped with a wicked report.
----------
Charles snapped his eyes open. He lay on a bale
of hay with his blanket for warmth. The rich
scent of horse, cow, goat and sheep filled the
air. He wrinkled his nose and felt a vast
emptiness. He closed his eyes tight and cursed
the day. His dreams lately had been so full of
joy, a joy that vanished with the crashing of dawns searing reality.
His boy was dead; his Sondecki child had been
torn to pieces inside the Sondtodt. A brutal
malady that led the force of the Sondeck to turn
against the bearers flesh. That force, able to
shatter brick and wood, to bend metal, and to
crack stone, that force that let their bodies
move so quickly that the eye could not hope to
follow, turned into the most vicious beast when
unleashed against unskilled flesh. It had
literally ripped his sons sinews apart from the inside.
Charles had seen victims of Sondtodt in his
youth. All of them received the aid of the
healers amongst the Sondeckis and very few ever
died of it. But the pain, the excruciating pain
often left them bedridden invalids for years even
after they were cured and their Sondeck repaired.
He would have sat with his son for however long
it took for him to recover enough to walk again.
He would have lifted Ladero from the bed and
exercised his muscles for him until he could use
them for himself again. He would have risked
losing all he had in Metamor to have Ladero still with him.
But that traitorous Artela had sent him away. And
Velena had betrayed him too. Hed trusted them to
heal his stony flesh, but his own son they would not aid.
Well damn them, he muttered angrily.
He sat up slowly and the blanket fell from his
bare chest. Dawn had just arrived and he could
see light trickling through the cracks in the
hayloft wall. It took the rat a moment to
remember where he was. After watching Bishop
Tyrions carriage depart beyond the boundary of
the Curse, theyd opted to journey east to Jetta
which was only an hour away and there spend the
night. It would be a long days ride to return to
the Glen, but Charles had every intent on making it.
Charles rolled over and glanced down at the
horses stabled. The roan pony Malicon snorted and
looked up at him. He stomped one hoof and nudged
the feeding trough. Charles felt his heart
lighten some. All right. Ill be down in moments.
He knelt down on his blankets, stroked one paw
over the vine growing across his chest and back,
and savoured the way the growing leaves trembled
in delight at his touch. Kimberly didnt like to
see it but she understood how much of a companion
this vine was to him. It was not as large yet as
it had once been, but with Spring almost here he
was certain it would quickly become too big for
him to shelter in his flesh anymore. He cupped
one paw around a slender bud and brought it to
his snout for the briefest of kisses. Then he
pulled a tunic from his knapsack and slipped it
over his large head. He left the lacings in the
front undone. The vine curled ever more closely against his hide.
Neither Saulius nor Egland or his squire had
opted to sleep in the barn. They all took the
offer of the farmhouse theyd slept in a few
nights before. Strangely restless, Charles said
he wished to stay close to his pony, a suggestion
that delighted Sauliuss heart no doubt. In truth
hed wanted privacy which hed not been able to
have in longer than he knew. A night alone to
think, to pray, to contemplate, to consider.
Instead, hed fallen asleep halfway through his
meditations on the sleeping pile hed prepared.
That hed even had the presence of mind to draw
the blanket over his shoulders was an impressive feat.
Charles climbed down and poured some feed into
the trough outside both Malicon and Armivests
stalls. The ponies nudged him thankfully with
their heads and then started eating. The rat
smiled at them both, stroking their manes for a
few minutes before returning to gather his
things. He had his saddlebags packed and ready
when the barn door opened and Sir Saulius entered
followed by the young farmhands ready to take the
cattle out to pasture. The rat knight smiled at him and then shook his head.
I fear that we shalt not be returning north this
day. He spoke with real regret in his voice, but
a firmness too as a master should have with a
pupil. Charles flinched beneath it.
Why ever not? The Bishops gone and our duty is finished.
A messenger didst come last night with orders
from George. We hath been tasked to aid with the
local patrols for the next two days. Today here
in Jetta, tomorrow further north along the river to Lorland.
Charles had to let go of Malicons ear lest he
pull it and hurt the innocent animal. I was
going to ride back to the Glen today! I promised
Kimberly and the children Id see them this evening!
Saulius nodded and sighed, eyes lowered, almost
ashamed for the news. I know. I didst raise this
objection with the messenger, but the orders
didst come from George. We dare not disobey them.
Charles sneered and nearly beat his fist against
the stall door. Whatever happened to Mishas
vaunted promise to let me spend time with my family! Hah!
Saulius lowered his eyes and added in a quieter
voice. I dost not believe that thy friend Misha ordered this.
I dont owe that jackal anything, Charles said,
turning to Malicon. He can throw me in the
dungeon if he likes. Im going to my family.
Charles! Saulius snapped. Control thyself! Thou art speaking madness.
Dont you speak to me that way!
Saulius stood taller, eyes firm and unyielding.
I shalt correct my friends when they dost speak
madness! Thou art a better rat than this, Charles!
Charles paused and then took a long deep breath.
What had he been teaching Ladero in his dreams?
Relief from the anger. So why was he now so
angry? He should know better. Saulius had never
before spoken to him so harshly. Two days more
doing his duty to Metamor was not that much to ask of him.
He pictured his heart and tried to pour
everything in, but there was just so much he gave
up and let out a long sigh. Very well, Erick.
Youre right. Im being stubborn and stupid. What are we to do today?
Saulius let go his breath and smiled, stepping
closer to Charles and gently putting one paw on
his shoulder to guide him away from the stalls.
First, we shalt break our fast together. Then,
after the horses hath been readied, patrol the
countryside; well sleep here again tonight and
then journey along the river tomorrow to Lorland.
And then I can return to the Glen?
Saulius gripped his shoulder tighter, the two
rats close together, their scents subtle but
present. He leaned closer until their whiskers
were nearly brushing. I wilt go with thee in the
early morn before anymore messages from George can detain thee.
Charles smiled and, a warmth tantalizing his
heart. Thank you, Erick. Sir Saulius. Together,
the two left the barn and headed for the farmhouse where a warm meal waited.
----------
May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love,
Charles Matthias
!DSPAM:4e63f04d31871804284693!
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