And here's Part 2.
Inchoate Carillion, Inconstant Cuckold
By Charles Matthias
How shall the burial rite be read? The solemn song be sung?
Iron bells!
James blinked open his eyes and gazed at the
light peering through the window panes, a swirl
of golden diffused across the floor, turning as
the glints of light passed through the variegated
imperfections in each pane. For a moment he
wondered at the duration of his sleep; then he
recalled that it was Friday and on that
particular day he had no duties to the Inn. His
supple equine lips twitched at the favourable
possibility of chores to perform for Baerle and Lady Matthias.
But first, the donkey would return to Malloc and
finish the bell. Even the thought of it sent a
pellucid shiver through his spine like a vast
cataract rolling silently but thunderously from a
steaming sea into the ramparts of the heavens. He
could neither explain nor even craft images of
why repairing this bell stirred him so intensely.
All he knew was that ever since he had begun work
on it, the startling dreams had ceased and the
sense of foreboding danger had left him.
James climbed from bed, stretched, dressed, and
sauntered from his room, down the steps, and
waved to Jurmas who looked rather distracted as
he cleaned tables. The deer, whose sleep two
nights past had been interrupted by the birth of
twin daughters, blearily returned the gesture.
The crisp morning air was bathed in a delicate
warmth that teased each fibre of his hide. James
almost danced along the softening earth as he
turned to the winding road down to the lake. He
was arrested by a gust of wind and a brilliant flash from the sky.
He leapt back, reaching for his sword and
slashing above him. And then was exceedingly
grateful that hed missed. Settling to the earth
a few feet before him was a brilliant white
gryphon bearing a small man and a tall timeless
being. Guernef, Abafouq, and Andares, his dear
companions on the part of his life that he still
scarcely believed he participated in.
He shouted their names in turn as the Binoq and
Åelf clambered off the Nauh-kaees back. His
delight bubbled over his smile and, after
sheathing his sword, into a laugh and firm
embraces. What brings you three to the Glen?
Sadly, a goodbye, Abafouq admitted with a long
sigh. He then smiled and patted the donkey on the
elbow. Were leaving the valley today and
journeying home. We all hope to return someday,
aye. But we could not leave and not see our friends one last time.
I fear Charles is not here. He rode to the south
with Sir Saulius to protect the Bishop.
We know, Andares said with a firm smile. We came to see you before we left.
Oh, James wagged his ears back behind his head,
and looked between Abafouq and Andares. Will you be coming back?
We hope to, Abafouq repeated as he stretched.
Their landing had attracted the attention of
several Glenners, but they were now known here
and so left to James. Abafouq noted their stares
with an almost hungered expression. This is a
beautiful land that would make a wonderful home.
But it is not our own, Guernef finished for
him. The Nauh-kaees voice was hard but not
unkind and seemed to soften with each utterance.
We must return to our own homes. You will leave
our eyes but not our thoughts.
James nodded, glancing past them briefly at the
path down to the lake and to the smithy. Isnt it a long journey for you?
Two months I am thinking, Abafouq admitted.
Maybe more, but we can fly over the ice as long
as the weather cooperates. I have a few spells to
keep from freezing there. Im not covered in
feathers and fur like my friend Guernef here.
No, you arent, Guernef agreed. But the paths of the sky are open to you.
James chuckled as his eyes lifted to the many
evergreen boughs above and the patches of blue
that could be seen between them and especially
toward the lake. He could heard the distant throb
of hammers like the tattoo of a beating heart.
Ive never heard anyone put it quite like that.
But after riding the Rheh it makes sense.
And how are you managing, James? Abafouq asked.
I am thinking it has been at least two weeks since last we spoke.
He shrugged. Im all right. I had some trouble
sleeping at first, but thats passed. Ive been
keeping busy at the Inn and with some small
patrol duties. Angus is willing to trust me with
more since I returned. Oh, and helping Charles,
Kimberly, and Baerle at their home with chores.
Are you going to see them again?
No, Andares replied with a faint shake of his
head. The long braid slid back and forth like an
adder uncoiling. We must traverse the entire
length of the Valley this day. It is already
midmorning and we must continue on our way.
James lowered his ears and nodded. Of course.
Thank you for coming to see me. I hope you have a
safe journey, and I hope to see you all again! I
miss seeing your faces when I wake up in the morning.
And we you, Abafouq admitted. The little man
hugged him and the donkey hugged the Binoq back,
gently, pressing his callused hoof-like hands
into his back. A moment later he and Andares exchanged a firm embrace.
Only Guernef remained aloof, but he did lower his
head respectfully to him and confess his own
gratitude. My wings soar the wider having
journeyed and fought at your side, James of the Glen.
The donkey could find no words to say to that and
so merely put his hand to his chest in salute to
the Nauh-kaee. Finally, he managed to blurt,
Thank you. It felt so inadequate.
Andares climbed onto the Nauh-kaees back and
helped Abafouq to scramble up into the saddle and
harness. James took several steps back while they
waved to him and wished him a final farewell.
James waved back as twigs clattered and the last
of the snow skirled in the wake of the white
gryphons leap into the air and beat of massive
feathered wings. A few seconds more and he lost
sight of them in the maze of spire and branch. He
caught sight of them again for a few seconds over
the lake and then they disappeared to the south.
A hot breath poured from his lips and he scuffled
his hooves in the hard earth. So they were gone.
The legends and fairy tales had taken their leave
of Metamor at last. He stared in to the sky where
the gray vapour of cool morning had risen and
lost its drab tint. Day was upon him. He waited
only a moment more before hearkening to the call
of the hammers and the promise of the bell. The iron bell.
----------
After a rather hearty meal and some discussion of
plans for the patrol with the local militia, the
knights sent their squires to prepare the horses.
Charles and Intoran dutifully obeyed and so for a
few minutes as they readied the tack they were
alone together as often seemed to be the case
since Father Hough asked them to be an honour
guard for the Bishop. Yet, despite their growing
companionship they rarely discussed anything more
pressing than the cares of the day.
But with the rats obvious discomfiture, the oryx
could not help but ask of it. While carrying
Eglands heavy leather saddle toward the roan
charger Galadan, he caught Charless eye and
said, You were hoping to go back to your family today.
Aye, Charles replied with a long sigh. He
straightened the saddle on Armivests back. The
pony whuffled and flicked his tail in the rats
direction somewhat affectionately. But duty
comes first. Ill yank the fur off that Jackals tail later.
Intoran chuckled and rested the saddle on
Galadans back. The roan stomped a forehoof. I
doubt it was intentional. Were here now.
It does make some sort of sense, Charles
begrudgingly admitted. But Im not going to like it.
Intoran straightened the saddle and began
tightening the buckles. A thoughtful moue fixed
on his muzzle. Have you ever spent any time in
Jetta? Until this week Id never been here.
Charles shook his head. I passed by Jetta on my
way to Metamor eight years ago. But Ive never
stayed here, no. Are you going to suggest I try
to enjoy seeing this place while Im here?
Why not? Intoran shrugged and did his best to
smile. At the very least we get to spend more
time in the saddle. Yacoubs always happiest that
way. His golden eyes grew vaguely distant for a
moment, then snapped back to the present. Coming
out to serve the Bishop has made him the happiest
Ive seen him since his brother visited.
That did pique the rats interest. He remembered
the dour Darius Egland who accompanied them not
for their own sake, but merely for the chance to
see his brother that hed long thought dead.
Though theyd travelled for nearly a month
together, theyd never warmed. Did he bring bad news?
Intoran shook his head, and then shrugged again.
Not that Yacoub has said. He does not wish to
discuss it, and I have asked him many times. Hes
just grown distant since then, as if he has some
great weight bearing him down. Id help him carry
it if only hed let me. He shook his head and
then finished securing the straps. He is happy
now again. Perhaps this is what he needed. I know
that serving the Ecclesia in some way is very
important to him. I confess I like the idea as well.
Charles put the halter over Armivests head and
scratched the pony behind one ear. Didnt you want to be a knight?
I think every boy dreamed of being a knight when
they grew up. No, it sort of accidentally worked
out that way. I am grateful for it though. My
swordsmanship has greatly improved and Egland
assures me that he will train me to the tilt once Spring is here.
Charles nodded and pondered what Saulius had in
store for him in training. Was he resigned to
being his squire, or was it merely a symptom of
missing his family or even Mishas assurance he
wouldnt be sent on any distant patrols for
several months? Surely the fox had to know what
Saulius was up to. Those two had been fighting
for his allegiance for almost two years now and
he doubted it was going to come to an end until one of the three of them died.
He had to take his paw away from Armivests ear
lest he begin drawing blood; in his musing his
scratching had begun to grow fiercer and firmer.
The poor animal nickered in protest.
Im sure it wont be long before it will be you
who will be in need of a squire, he said with a
forced smile. He then turned to grab Malicons
gear so as to avoid having to keep such an
expression. And dont worry about Sir Egland.
From what I know of him, hes faced far worse
than a brothers news and survived. Just give him time.
And you do the same, Charles, Intoran suggested
gently. Youll be back with your family soon enough.
Sotto voce, with narrowed eyes that made the
Shriekers black hand print turn into a twisted
claw, the rat added, I better.
----------
May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love,
Charles Matthias
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