by Sharon Gibbs
Christopher took a drink of the bitter sweet brew and smiled. ‘Sure didn’t take you long to begin asking questions,’ he said. ‘Sorry to disappoint you both, but I actually have been thinking along these lines for quite some time. You see, having the lumber brought up from The Dale is quite a haul, and it would be easier if the timber were stored somewhere closer. With the amount of rebuilding needing to be done, it really does make sense that we have a central location to access goods. We already have ports along the coast, but what about the producers inland. We need to begin trading again with the west.’
Hank nodded his head in agreement. ‘But who will run such a place? I know of none in Canameer who is knowledgeable about such things.’
‘Frank,’ Clarence said. ‘He will know what to do. We can ask for his assistance.’
‘I have already spoken with Frank on several occasions,’ Christopher said. ‘Well, not about running a Trading Hub, but about reconnecting with the west to sell our surplus goods. Frank feels it wouldn’t take long to organise, and we could also purchase from them too.’
‘So what about Reist?’ Clarence asked. ‘Will we reconnect with them too?’
‘I don’t see why not, but it will depend how they react to such an arrangement. We need to send an Ambassador to tender a negotiation for terms of trade.’
‘So who will pay for the building of the Hub?’ Hank asked.
‘I’ve been thinking of that too. When I first arrived at the Keep, Jack and I toured the surrounding acreage and there is plenty of land which can be tilled and there are grazing paddocks to run livestock. If we invest in planting as much of the surrounding countryside as we can, then we’re sure to have more than the Keep and village require. I’m sure with a good down payment from the coffers at the Keep, Joseph Gala would let us have enough timber to begin building and allow us to pay the rest later, in instalments. If negotiations start soon we should be ready to open at least part of the hub by the end of next harvest to those who wish to trade. We can charge a small fee for the use of facilities, which will include delivery of the produce to an agreed collection point. Whether that be the docks or to a town, the fee would be adjusted according to the destination. It would also provide employment and there should be enough money reaped from the first harvest to pay the workers and part of the money owed for the timber. People need jobs and they want to work, but we all have to make it through another winter before our plans can begin in earnest. With this year’s harvest there is more than enough grain for replanting, and we shall give away what is left to those who wish to farm. This year has been plentiful and our cellars have been stocked to last well into the spring. It will take time, but I’m sure the hub will work.’
‘It’s a promising idea, Christopher. One that I think we need to seriously discuss and set some solid plans into action. We can talk with Frank and the others when we arrive in The Dale,’ Clarence said. The old wizard was pleased with the lad. He understood the needs of the people. Yes, they needed to rebuild and prosper, to forge a new path that would lead them back to sustainability, but they also needed to do the work themselves.
Early the next morning, Goodwin rode out with his men guarding the two remaining chests. With teary goodbyes, Elle climbed up to take her seat in the wagon.
‘Take care, lass,’ Hank said. ‘I’ll see you in the spring.’
She waved goodbye as the wagon set off for Corn Fallow and then the onward trek to The Dale.
Chapter Seventeen
‘Rose, you look happy,’ Elle said as both women relaxed in rocker chairs on the front porch of the small home in The Dale.
She smiled and patted Elle’s hand. ‘With my work at the school and having Kirby here, life is full and that suits me just fine.’ Rose refilled their tall glasses with cool citrus ade and the two sipped the refreshing drink while they waited for their men.
‘How is everything with you two, dear?’
‘Busy,’ Elle said. ‘There’s so much to be done, but the infirmary is up and running, so that’s one less thing on our plates. The ladies have been trained and will gain experience the longer they work there, so there’s really not much for me to do in that respect. I spend most mornings in the clinic with Henry while Christopher and Clarence see to the afternoons, depending on their schedules. There are times when Thelia’s able to manage alone, but there’s always something to fill our time.’
‘It sounds as if all is moving along quite nicely. Does life at the Keep suit your father and brother?’
‘Father has settled in well and is fervently making plans to rebuild the village. He has a new lease on life now that he’s able to work at his craft, and Jack is occupied with training and building the army. He rarely has spare time for himself. He’s enthralled with his work and I worry he’ll never meet any woman to take as his wife.’
‘These things happen in their own time, dear. Don’t worry. When the time’s right he’ll meet someone.’ Rose rocked back and forth as the two women talked. Their men would be home soon and their duty to disperse the money would be complete.
The wagons rattled up the path toward the barn and came to a halt just outside the doors. Christopher and Albert unstrapped the horses while the soldiers put away their wagon and turned their mounts out into the yard. Their task completed, the armed force was no longer required and could do as they wished until it was time to return to the Keep. Christopher and Elle would stay with Albert and Rose while they waited for Henry to join them.
<><><>
‘So, Kirby, how do you like living with Rose and Albert?’ Christopher asked the young lad as the family sat down to eat together that evening.
‘I like living here, sir. They are good to me and it helps my Ma out with the children and all.’
Elle smiled at the boy. ‘How many brothers and sisters do you have?’
‘Two brothers and there are,’ he counted on his fingers, ‘six girls. Yes, Breanna makes six. They keep me Ma right busy they do.’
She laughed. ‘I could see how they would, Kirby.’
Albert and Rose had taken on the boy last winter and Christopher had helped the lad settle in to the routine of the workshop. Initially, Kirby had walked to their house every day and Albert would give him a lift home in the evenings, but it had been hard work for the lad rising before first light and walking the good hour it took to arrive at the workshop. So when Albert had noticed how tired Kirby had become, he and Rose went to see the lad’s mother. They arranged for the boy to stay with them a few days a week until eventually he stayed over more often than not. His mother was glad there was one less mouth to feed, and Albert made sure the boy still had a little coin for himself after he’d given his mother his week’s payment.
Christopher enjoyed being home again. It gave him a break from his responsibilities, and he relived the family ways he had been brought up with. Chatting and sharing stories with each other, the family soon caught up on past events.
Calling for quiet, Christopher rose from his seat and addressed his family. ‘Elle and I have some news we’d like to share,’ he said. ‘I have spoken with Atlas and have made my intentions clear, and now I speak with both of you.’
Rose could already feel the tears well in her eyes and her heart leapt at the news she knew Christopher would tell them. She picked up her napkin and her eyes glistened as she gazed at her son.
‘Elle and I are betrothed and wish to prepare for our joining next spring. I ask of you both, will you say yea or nay to our pairing?’
The tears rolled down Rose’s cheeks as she stood up. ‘I say yea, my son, and welcome a daughter.’ She rushed to his side.
‘Yea, lad. We are happy for the news,’ Albert said and then he turned towards Elle and said, ‘Welcome to our family, lass.’
The back door creaked open and Henry entered the kitchen to the echoes of laughter and celebration. ‘So I gather you’ve just heard the good news,’ Henry said as he saw the happiness of his family and placed his bag on the ben
ch.
‘Oh, Henry, yes,’ Rose said, dabbing her eyes. She stood next to her soon to be daughter and her face glowed with happiness. ‘Isn’t it wonderful news?’
‘Indeed it is, Rose. Indeed it is.’
Chapter Eighteen
Clarence headed back to Canistar soon after Henry arrived. There was no need to have all the wizards absent from the Keep, and besides, the family needed some time alone. Half of the guard escorted him on the journey home while the others remained in the village.
Christopher spent time with his friends, fishing and hunting and while he was away Elle caught up with Carrie.
‘It’s official,’ Elle whispered to Carrie. ‘Christopher and I will hold our Joining in the spring, and Carrie, I’d like you to be by my side when Christopher and I are bonded.’
‘Oh, Elle! I’m so thrilled for you both. Of course I will.’
The two girls spent many afternoons together making plans. It wouldn’t be long until the cool breezes turned icy but when spring returned, Saul would travel back to The Dale and collect Carrie to be his wife.
<><><>
Two weeks flew by, and all too soon it was time to return home to the Keep. With their wagons loaded and the soldiers mounted, they waved goodbye to Albert and Rose.
With each day that passed on the journey home, the daylight hours drew in and the misty blue sky of fall became a memory of past days. As the wheel continued to turn, the Holly King grew restless and his strength neared its peak. While his thoughts turned to the glade of Enoria, the land below him was cast under a grey leaden sky, and as the wizards made headway towards home with their convoy the cold gusts of late fall saw them rug up against an approaching storm. With each hour that passed, the temperature continued to plummet and the first flakes of the season drifted to the ground.
‘I’d hoped we’d make it back before first snow,’ Henry said.
‘It’s not so bad,’ Christopher said. ‘We’ll be home in another day.’
Chapter Nineteen
Clarence pulled the cords tight, closing the sack. The last of his things were packed and he was ready to leave.
‘Finch, would you mind helping me with these bags? I hadn’t realised I’d packed so much.’
Finch collected two of the sacks and they headed outside to the barn. He helped Clarence load the old wooden cart and fastened the mare in the harness.
Leading the horse, Clarence set off down the mountain and headed for the village where he would stay until the spring weather returned and the snow melted and the ice thawed.
As the days came and went, the winds brought with them the icy currents from the south and the village made final preparations for the cold spell. Clarence had settled into the routine of life in the clinic and only returned to the Keep when someone urgently required his help.
The snow had fallen in sporadic bursts over the last two days, and that night as Henry entered the infirmary he lit a candle and made his way towards the back room where the sleeping quarters were located. He knocked on the door.
Blinking back the fog of sleep, Clarence fumbled in the dark when the knock again sounded at his door. He fumbled with the flint as he lit the taper beside his bed and made his way to answer the summons. ‘Henry, you’re back.’
‘Yes, Clarence. I just thought I’d pop in to let you know we’ve returned.’
‘Wait a minute,’ Clarence said as he disappeared into his room to fetch his robe. ‘It’s good to see you home. Did everything go as planned?’ He gestured towards the kitchen.
‘Yes, old friend. Without a hitch.’
‘Good, good.’ Clarence placed the kettle over the coals and poked the blackened lumps, forcing them to release their heat before he placed small twigs on the embers to catch light. ‘Everything is in order here. Now you’re back, I’ll stay put until spring.’
‘Are you sure, Clarence? I could stay on here if you like.’
‘No, no. I’m already settled, and besides you’ll need to spend the winter with Christopher. He has much to learn if he’s to eventually take charge of the Keep. I’m surprised no other wizards have returned over the summer. I thought there would have been at least a few of the Order who would have appeared by now.’
‘None may ever return,’ Henry said. ‘There may be no others left.’
‘I find that hard to believe. We can’t have all vanished. I’m sure eventually others will come home.’ Clarence handed Henry a cup of tea. Then opening the draw of the kitchen dresser nearby, he pulled out a bottle. Twisting the cork, he poured a dash into each of their cups. ‘Just to keep the cold from your bones,’ he said as he replaced the stopper.
‘Do you need any supplies brought down from the Keep?’
‘No. Thelia and her husband Galvin have it all sorted. The two of them are worth their weight in gold. Galvin has stocked the wood shed, so I think we have all that we need. The ladies have worked out a rostering system so that each isn’t away from their family for too long. I think we are prepared for whatever should come our way.’
‘If you’re sure, I shall leave for my pallet and let you return to yours,’ Henry said. Mounting his mare, it didn’t take much encouragement for her to head for home for she knew a warm barn awaited.
<><><>
The clouds rumbled and lightning speared across the sky as the storms loomed day after day. Rain pounded the mountain and the earth turned into a thick pasty sludge. With each passing day the temperature continued to fall until, waking one morning, Elle discovered the land had been blanketed in a thick veil of white. The snow continued to fall and as it banked up the sides of the Keep, the cold drifts blocked access to the world outside. The Keep’s only exit was via the kitchen where the entrance was sheltered by a cover of trees. From there, men ploughed around to the front of the building to dig out the entrance, until the doorway finally iced over and the inhabitants remained inside. But inside the hearths danced with flame at all times and drove the iciness of winter away from their door. Warmth flowed throughout the great structure and radiated through the stone to keep the cold out of the barn where the animals were sheltered. As the wind howled around the mountain it roared through the small cracks in the stone and those inside accepted their confinement. For as long as the bitter weather continued, to venture outside was to take one’s life into their own hands and no other was expected to follow.
Chapter Twenty
In the south the freezing ocean gales battered the land, ushering in the grey skies of winter. The servants at the dome worked in the icy gloom to keep the drifts from barring their door.
Athena relaxed in the comfort of her chamber and studied the book she’d found at the Keep. It was the book with knowledge on how to raise the Lord of the Underlands from his banished world, but as she studied the passages their meaning was lost.
From the essence of all with the gift, is how we shall create a new world and then cast the evil within to be banished for all eternity. It is to the essence he shall be bound, for even death shall not find him to release him from his bondage.
She thought on the words. She knew they were about Zute, but the essence spoken of was related to the wizard’s magic, and as she didn’t come from this land she knew not what the words meant. Rising from her seat, she paced in front of the hearth and recited the words upon the page. The girl, Catrain, entered with her evening meal and placed the tray on the ornate table near the chair her Mistress had just vacated.
‘Catrain, you were born to this land. Do you know what these words mean?’ Athena read the passage to the girl.
‘No, Mistress. I’ve never heard of such things.’
‘It somehow relates to the wizards of old,’ Athena said.
‘That was before I was born, and none I know speak of the wizards. You should ask Foreman, he is old.’
‘Find him,’ Athena said as she returned her attention back to the book.
Catrain left her mistress’ room and went to look for the old man. He was just leaving th
e kitchen as she entered.
‘Foreman, the Mistress wishes to speak with you.’
‘She does? What about? I’m sure I’ve done everything she requires and I was about to bring more wood in before I sit down to eat.’
‘She wishes to ask you about that book she always carries. Something about the essence of the gift or something like that.’
‘Oh,’ Foreman said. ‘Well does she need her wood box filled? I may as well take some up to her while I’m there.’
‘It’s still quite full but a few pieces wouldn’t go amiss,’ the girl said, and then she went about her own tasks before she was needed upstairs.
Foreman knocked on Athena’s door and was bid entry. As he carried an arm load of wood into her room, Athena watched him. He placed the wood in the box and then stoked the fire before he added another log.
‘You wished to speak with me, Mistress?’
‘Yes, Foreman. This book, I think, refers to the wizards of old. Do you know what these words mean? Here,’ she said and passed him the book. ‘Read this.’
Foreman took the book from her, and Athena pointed to the page she wanted him to read. He held the book up and turned so he could read in the light and his eyes widened in surprise.
‘What? What is it you’ve seen?’ She peered over his shoulder as he lowered the book.
Unsure why Athena wanted to know what the text meant, he chose his words with care. ‘I’m not sure what you wish me to reveal,’ he said, trying to avoid the subject. ‘I’m sure this has to do with the days of the Old Time, but at the same time I can’t be sure. I’m just an old man who wandered the roads when you found me and although I may have lived a different life than most would choose, many things are a mystery to me.’ He handed her back the leather bound book and she walked away without another word. ‘Will that be all for tonight?’
