Part 5
Metamor Keep: Faithful Battles
By Charles Matthias
After inspecting the Sanctuary to see if there
were any other Followers in need but finding
none, Felsah decided to bring both Patric and
Richard with him on the summons to the Lidaman
house. The jerboa Questioner forced himself to
walk so they could speak together as they made
their way through the ever-changing halls of the
Keep. In low voices they discussed his plans for
the remainder of the week and the other merchant
families Felsah wished to visit in his hopes of
starting his little school. Patric and Richard
listened, then took turns explaining why some of
the families could never support his ideas and suggesting others who might.
Their way through the Keep made a sharp turn down
a small ramp into a long transverse hall. Felsah
had never seen it before but he'd found the Keep
was often sending him down twisty little passages
all alike but never the same. Each passage in the
Keep carried with it scents from all who had trod
before them, and knowing each hall and balcony
and stair were before them only because the
spirit animating the very stones around them
willed it deliberately, or at least permitted it,
there was a purpose within each who'd shared
those steps with them, and a purpose in their sharing those steps too.
Richard's voice dwindled away as a particular
scent struck his nose, a musky, earthy scent,
colored by water and by fish. Shadows swelled
beside him, the walls of stone falling away into
the murk. Footfalls echoed around him as he
stood, shapes mingling into nebulous clouds, cold
and dry. Clay surrounded him, straw beneath him,
and a figure hovering over him, eyes limned by a
spectral light. Felsah rose upward as a face
riven by a bright red scar leaned forward. An arm
thrust, hand curled tight, and the priest
crumpled beneath the blow. Another blow sent his
face hurtling against the straw, bones cracking.
The scent, miserable and thick, filled the hay
and floor, wet with tears and now wet with the
iron of blood. A beast had laid here, a beast but
not an animal. Now he laid there, trying to rise,
only to be struck back down. A face blackened by
a mask surrounding dark green eyes, tapered in a
narrow snout with wide cheeks and short ears, had
laid there before his arrival. Where his legs
sprawled had been a tail, soft and ringed with
light and dark bands. Voices whispered; questions
he could not recall, but lingered there. Where
had the beast gone? Where? Where?
Here, Felsah murmured, and then hopped on ahead
of his startled companions. He reached the bottom
of the landing and peered down both sides of the
hall, sniffing for one moment, before launching
himself down the right path. Patric and Richard rushed after him.
The passage made another turn a dozen paces ahead
and there Felsah stopped, waving the others to
stop as well. He could see around an ancient
statue of a knight a pair of figures dressed in
gray livery. The nearer was three-toed with a
short tail, stocky of build, with a short
protruding nose dangling over his mouth. The
other was a raccoon. Both appeared to be young
men ready to prove themselves in battle. They
bore spears, though each also had a sword
sheathed at their side. And though their backs
were to the jerboa, he could hear their voices as if they spoke to his face.
Are you sure it is necessary to have us march
around like this? I've traveled the length of Sathmore by paw already.
The tapir lifted his snout and patted the raccoon
on the shoulder. With traveling packs and
musical instruments, aye. But with a sword or
spear? The weight is different and you need to be
used to having it with you. You wouldn't want to
go into battle with a sore hip and a weak leg now would you?
The raccoon grimaced and straightened the sword
at his side. Though the were walking, Felsah
thought them no further away than before. Nay. I
would also prefer not going into battle at all.
Only a fool does, the tapir agreed. But it is
only patrol, Elvmere. Might we see battle, aye,
but we're more likely to spend our time walking
up and down the road looking impressive and
stopping strange wagons to inspect their wares.
I thought there were brigands to the south.
Oh aye, some of those. But they prefer the woods
and usually avoid the roads. This is your first
patrol. We won't go too far from the roads the first week.
Felsah could see Patric and Richard approaching.
Both slowed to a stop a few paces before the
corner. Richard's ears were lifted to hear, but
bore only a moue of consternation.
The raccoon ceased fiddling with the sword at his
side and wrapped both of his black hands about
the spear haft. I'm surprised the Lothanasa
agreed for us to go on a two week patrol. It's a
long way to be away from the Temple.
In the Winter they try to keep patrols short to
keep us from freezing to death. This is Summer,
Elvmere. And in the south there's going to be a
lot more travelers to keep an eye on. Longer
patrols means more ground can be covered and
protected. Besides, a good long patrol will be
good for you. And you are ready for it. Honestly,
Elvmere, you're getting to be dangerous with your sword.
Thank you, Tamsin. I am trying to master it.
I... I just wonder. Will I be able to use it if I
have to? I... I've never drawn a sword against any man.
Not everyone can. But in battle, if we face one,
you must do it, Elvmere. It is never easy and no
good man likes it. But it is duty and a good man
bears it bravely. Duty to your own life and to
the life of your brother soldiers. We're all
going to depend on you to fight with us.
The raccoon straightened and his grip on the
spear tightened. I will do my best not to
disappoint you, Tamsin. So... two more days then?
Unless George changes his mind again, aye.
Tomorrow we'll get to meet the others in the patrol group...
Raccoon and tapir disappeared around a corner and
Felsah realized he could no longer hear them. He
seethed a moment as he stared down the passage
before turning aside and shaking his head. Patric
crept to his side and gazed after him, turning
his eyes all about before settling one on the
priest. What did you see? You look... pale, Father.
Felsah glanced at the chameleon and the mouse and
then back down the hall. The scent lingered in
his snout, unforgettable. His tony was icy and
crisp, the mask of the Questioner stilling his
whiskers and jowls. I saw two Lothanasi
acolytes. One of them... was familiar to me. Do
not concern yourselves with this and do not speak
of it. Let us make haste to Master Lidaman's house.
Nothing more was said.
Most of the merchants of Keeptowne either lived
above their business or nearby. Master Lidaman,
due to the nature of money-lending, kept his
house of business adjacent to his family home in
a large but still modest manor house nestled
plumb between other aristocratic homes. The fires
of the Winter Assault had not reached this
neighborhood, but many of the windows and
adornments were new suggesting they had not escape unscathed.
The Lidaman home was shaped like an 'L' with the
counting house offices facing the street and a
small courtyard with flowers and trees and even a
little pond sitting between the dusty stone
street and the rest of the house. Soldiers did
not stand outside guarding the entrance, but
Felsah could see slits in the second floor walls
through which they could watch and fire arrows if
necessary. However, outside of the garden and the
expected decorations, there was little to draw
the eye to the Lidaman home. It was fancy enough
to belong among its neighbors but no more.
Felsah gazed at his shadow stretching before him
along the stone path through the trees. With the
late afternoon sun behind them the tips of his
ears could brush the edge of the small pond. The
path ended at the main house and a wide
brass-banded oaken door beneath an ornate transom
filled with stained glass. The rest of the main
house was obscured by heavy boughs of ash and birch.
Father? Patric leaned forward and turned one
eye to him. Why do you stand there? You were invited.
Felsah lowered his ears a moment and chuffed. I
have not been welcomed by many in this land. But
you're right. Let us see what he wishes of me.
He hopped down the path, the scent of asters,
daisies, and dahlias tingling his whiskers. A
strand of a gentle violin melody drifted from one
of the second floor windows. Patric and Richard
followed him, with Richard noting, This part of
Keeptowne is lovely in Autumn, Father.
Felsah remembered. His first visit to Metamor had
been in the Autumn, but he decided not to remind
the mouse of it. I look forward to it then. I
have seen the leaves of these kind of trees change color before. Still...
As they approached one of the doors opened. A
splotchy-furred terrier in well-cut gray and
brown stood stiff and attentive. Good evening,
my master bids you welcome and to accompany me to
his side. I understand you are Father Felsah of the Ecclesia?
I am. And what is your name, good sir?
You may call me Conley, sir. The terrier turned
to his side and gestured with a sweep of his arm
for the three of them to enter.
Thank you, Conley, Felsah murmured as he hopped
across the threshold and blinked at the dimmer
light within. Once all three were inside he shut
the door, leaving only the light through the
stained glass and the lit lamps at either end of
the entrance hall. The colors stretched across
the far wall like a coat of arms amid fields,
forests, mountains, and cities. The wall itself
was unadorned, leaving only the play of light to
illumine an ever moving painting. Open doorways
on the left and right led into the rest of the
house. Conley walked to the right.
He led them through a well-apportioned drawing
room and up a flight of stairs; the stairs were
narrow enough Felsah had to walk up sideways on
account of his long feet. The sound of the violin
was clear, playing a soothing melody ever turning
on itself and ever varied. At the top of the
stairs there was a closed door on their left and
an open sitting room framed by additional closed
doors. Two figures sat discussing some affair, a
youth who was dressed as a clerk and clearly a
man, and a familiar pangolin Kendrick Urseil.
The bronze-plated creature blinked in surprise as
he saw the three religious turn toward the one of
the far doors, and then resumed his conversation with the dark-haired boy.
Conley rapped his knuckles on the door and
called, Master Lidaman, your guests have arrived.
Felsah heard footfalls beyond the door and a
momentary pause in the violin music. The melody
began again, fainter now, as the door opened.
Warmth spilled from the room, and inside Felsah
saw another young man blond-haired and on the
cusp of manly growth but never reaching it and
behind him a tabby standing in one corner making
the music, and a large bed in which sat a gentle
cow sipping from a bowl of soup. On the other
side of the bed stood one of the sisters, rubbing
a damp cloth across the cow's broad forehead. Her
eyes turned to the doorway and suggested a smile.
Lidaman's tenor voice was crisp and direct. Ah,
thank you, Conley. Gadfrey, would you be so kind
as to attend to your wife for a moment while I entertain these men.
The dark-haired youth smiled to the pangolin,
rose, and nodded to his father-in-law and
employer. Of course, Master. He smiled politely
to the religious, slipped inside the room and pulled the door shut behind him.
Come sit, Father. Kendrick, you are more than welcome to stay if you wish.
The pangolin rose and waved his long claws.
Thank you, Master Lidaman, but it is late and I
should be off. I will tell my family the good news about Elsie.
I will thank them for their kindness properly
when my daughter is well enough to be out of bed. Good night.
Felsah let Patric take the seat already warmed by
the pangolin before selecting an upholstered
chaise close by. Richard sat where Gadfrey had
been a moment before. With all of his guests
seat, Lidaman finally reclined, hands crossed
over his lap in a relaxed but guarded posture.
Welcome to my home, Father Felsah. Patric,
Richard, it is good to see both of you again. May
I interest you in anything to eat or drink?
Thank you; whatever you wish to provide is
agreeable, Felsah twitched his whiskers into a
smile as he pulled his legs beneath him on the
wide chaise. His tail dangled off the other end
and he could feel the tip brushing across the wood floor.
Conley did not wait for instructions but
disappeared through the closed door near the top
of the stairs. Felsah surmised the front half of
the house facing the street was for the servants
and guards. I was informed you heard of my
daughter's illness from Lady Halvemore. I have
you to thank for bringing it to the attention of
the Sisters. I have not had much opportunity to
grow acquainted with them since their arrival six
months ago. But even we Lothanasi have heard of
the good they have done for the poor and sick of
Keeptowne. I gladly welcomed them into my home
and Elsie is already showing improvement under their care.
Lidaman stood from his seat and bowed toward the
jerboa. From the depths of my heart, thank you,
Father Felsah. I do not know when my physician
will be able to return, perhaps tomorrow or the
day after. Either way, his job will be far easier
now. He rose and sat back down, and Felsah could
see, despite his youth, lines creasing his
forehead. Elsie is my only daughter, my youngest
child. I have three boys, all married with
families of their own. I delight in being a
grandfather to their children. But a daughter...
she is the priceless gem, the greatest treasure
and beauty, the most sterling hope any father can
have. A son needs discipline and direction. A
daughter requires far more from her father. I
give her everything I can, and it has pained me
these last few days not to be able to give her
her health back. You have helped me, a Lothanasi,
and I have invited you here, not only to thank
you, but to know you better, Father Felsah, and to understand why.
Conley returned with a platter of small sausages,
bread, and cheese. This he set on the table
between them before disappearing again. Patric
took one of the sausages while Richard and Felsah started with the bread.
Lidaman pursed his lips and heaved a sigh. I
have had some dealings with Father Hough these
last two years and have found him an honorable
man. I have never had either the pleasure or the
misfortune to deal with a Questioner. I know of
your friendship with the metal fox and it speaks
well of your character. However, you are still a
Questioner and the acts of your Order are not
easily forgotten. Nor the uproar your first visit
to Metamor occasioned. So I ask you, Father
Felsah, why did you resolve to help my daughter?
What do you hope to gain from it? There are many
suffering in Metamor who lack my resources. Why not help them?
Felsah gnawed for a moment and then cradled the
bread in his hand. Conley returned with a trio of
goblets suitable for beastly snouts and a ewer of
wine. When he finished pouring, he set the ewer
down on the table and stood by the door to
Elsie's room from which the sound of the violin was all they heard.
Before I answer, please let me thank you for
your hospitality and for your honesty, Master
Lidaman. Also, you said your daughter is improving, but what of her child?
Lidaman cast a glance toward the door and the
terrier standing watch. Sister Perpetua said she
is too early to tell for sure, but she was
confidant the child would also be well. Elsie was
quite over the moon when we learned she was with
child last month. When my physician returns he will be able to tell us more.
Felsah nodded and sipped the wine. It tasted dry
with a hint of peach. As you know, we learned of
your daughter's ailment from Lady Halvemore. She
had come to visit the Urseils and to spread the
ill news. While it is true there are many in
Metamor who suffer and have no money to see
healers of any faith or training, I have never
cared for the thought of sharing bad news with no
hope of finding someone who can help. I do not
believe Lady Halvemore had any interest in
finding help for your daughter, and so I chose to
inform the Sisters. Neither they nor I have
offered our help in the hopes of any
remuneration. Your daughter had need, and so we came.
And would you reject remuneration were it offered?
Felsah shook his head. No.
Lidaman crossed his legs. And yet you tell me
you have no hopes for an offering. Why should I
believe you? Saying you expect nothing you don
the mantle of piety and humble service. Is it
true or is it calculated? I have heard it said a
Questioner is trained never to show what they
really feel. How can I ever know your concern for
my daughter and her child is honest?
Richard's eyes bulged and Patric almost choked on his wine.
I can only offer you my assurances and my deeds.
If it is not enough for today, perhaps in time,
as you see my deeds in Metamor, it will be.
Lidaman's expression remained unmoved. And why are you here in Metamor?
Felsah took another sip of wine and twitched his
whiskers. One eye strayed to the terrier whose
ears lifted high for a moment before he turned
and slipped inside Elsie's bedroom. I was sent
to survey the state of the Follower community in
Metamor Valley and make recommendations to the
Bishop on how to strengthen it; and if I saw a
need I could answer, to answer it. The arrival of
the refugees from Bradanes, Followers all, has
strained what Father Hough could do alone. His
efforts have been heroic, but he needs help here. And so here I am.
And what do you see of the Follower community?
They love Metamor as their home and bravely face
the challenges faced only here. Felsah bit off
another chunk of bread and then reached for one
of the sausages before Patric ate them all. Of
their particular needs I will not speak before those who are not Followers.
And why not? Are you afraid we Lothanasi might
use it against you to drive you from our land or
bring your children to the Light?
Felsah kept his expression still. There was no
apparent hostility in Lidaman's tone or posture.
But still, the boy was almost as adept as a
senior Questioner at masking his motive with his
questions. No wonder he was so successful and
well-respected. I do not believe you have any
such intentions, nor the Lothanasa. I will not
speak of their needs due to my priestly vows.
You, Master Lidaman, know very well the
importance of keeping your word to your fellow
merchants and to your liege. My word has been
given to Eli. How much more faithful I must be!
Lidaman said nothing for a moment, his thumbs
rubbing together where his hands were clasped in
his lap. Behind him the terrier opened the door,
laughing at some unheard joke as he carried
Elsie's soup bowl and spoon. His ears perked
again as he turned and saw neither his master nor
his guests speaking, grew immediately silent, and hurried toward the kitchens.
Richard and Patric ate and drank in silence, eyes
passing between their host and the priest.
Lidaman lifted his thumbs to his lips for a
moment before setting both hands down on the
cushion at his sides. Father Felsah, my family
has lived at Metamor for many generations dating
back to Ovid. The Patildor have been here for
only two, and those of my father's generation
were often in secret. Everywhere you Followers
have come has seen nothing but conflict and war.
The stewardship of the elves, the stability of
Suielman, all of it has fallen. I do not pretend
this is entirely the fault of your Ecclesia, but
I have long been concerned with your growing
influence and anxious to know what it might mean for my beloved home.
I am not a religious zealot who believes you
must all bend knee to the Light to be worthy of
my respect or admiration, or even my trust. I
hope one day you truly do win mine. What the
Sisters have done for not only my daughter but
those stricken by the plague has given me hope
our two faiths can one day live together in peace
and brotherhood. What you have done this day has
given me hope you are also the sort of man who will help foster such a dream.
But know this, if my hope is false and I learn
you seek to foment strife in my home and pit
Patildor against Lothanasi, I will do everything
in my power to frustrate you and drive you back
to Yesulam. And my power is considerable and
unexpected. I tell you this in gratitude for what
you have done and in the hope I will never have
to do so. But you are right, I am going to wait
to learn whether your generosity is genuine, or a
mere show of piety for the sake of acclaim or
money. I am hopeful, and you deserve my honesty
as well as my hospitality, Father Felsah. Will you do the same for me?
Felsah finished the sausage and nodded. You do
not mince words, Master Lidaman. Thank you for
your honesty. I will not forget it. I have seen
too much war and pain to ever want to bring it
here. Metamor has seen too much already. In time
you will know I am genuine. I hope I do win your trust. You have won mine.
A small smile touched the edges of Lidaman's
lips. Never trust a money-lender until you read
their every word, especially the small ones. The
youth laughed and leaned back in his seat.
Enough of this. Tell me, Father Felsah, can you
stay a little longer? I would very much like to
hear about Yesulam, and I hope you will let me
tell you more of my home and its history. At
least until the wine and food is gone.
We must return for Vespers at dusk so we cannot
stay quite so long. But we shall stay as long as we can.
Excellent, I will have Conley warn us when the shadows grow long. Conley!
And as Lidaman informed the terrier of his
wishes, Felsah took a long sip of wine. His eyes
strayed to the door and his heart offered a prayer for Elsie and her father.
----------
May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love,
Charles Matthias
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