A Coursing Passage (A Life of Magic Book 3)

by Matthew Mitchell

  Chapter 3: A new road in life

  The next day Raven and I ate only what was in the basket. I found myself drinking more and more juice as the day went by. Raven also drank more than normal. We both started sloshing halfway through the day.

  "I feel like a cask of juice." I moaned at one point.

  "Stop drinking so much." Stain pointed out. "You are trying to fill up your belly since you are eating less. So you slosh." He grinned, "Many go through this in grafting, none die from it."

  I almost tossed a nut at his head, but then I would have less to eat. "Fine. However, I do not see how we are supposed to work as hard as we did yesterday with less food."

  Stain shrugged, "Try to do it. You will be surprised at how much your body is capable of doing." He went back to unloading Tag of our items.

  I picked up a bag and carried it to the wagon, where the ladies were putting away each thing I brought over. "Here's another bag."

  Raven stuck her head out of the window, "If you see my knife case, pass it on up. I have a spot set aside for it." She ducked back in, not waiting for an answer. I grinned and went to get another parcel.

  We worked all morning until all the items were unloaded from Tag's shell. He looked smaller without Raven's or mine stuff stacked on his shell. "I guess you will have an easier time walking now." I grinned at Tag.

  He looked at me and blew air from his nose. "The load was never a problem, but yes. A lighter load is easier to carry. Just make sure not to stir up too much dust with that wagon of yours."

  I scratched his head and nodded, "We will work on that." I carried the last sack over to the wagon. A small pile sat there, stuff waiting to be put into the wagon. We had accumulated a lot of items while traveling. Some we bought, others as gifts. Each having to be packed carefully into the wagon.

  "Ott. Over here." Stain called me over beside Evins. "We might as well start unloading Evins also. When we get done we can eat." He handed me a small crate.

  I nodded and continued ferrying items over beside the wagon. No matter how much I carried over the pile stayed around the same size as the ladies packed it away into the wagon. Before too long Evins was also unloaded and Stain and I put together food for a meal. The ladies finished and sat down to eat. Raven and I ate some more of our basket while the others had a delicious mushroom stew that also had wild onions. The smell was distracting.

  "What else do we have to do today?" Raven asked Stain.

  Stain thought a moment. "Most of the wagon is packed and ready to go. There are still a few things that will be delivered today, food and other supplies mainly. Then your tents need to be emptied of all but the needed items. Tomorrow is the in grafting and weddings. After that you will be living in the wagon and the tents will be packed away. Then you will also have to pack the gifts away. So the next few days will be decidedly busy." He grinned. "Then we will leave and head onwards. Shadow's Rest is a short ride down the road. We will pass around it and head farther towards the mountains to find out if the way might be open. If it is not then we will follow the mountains around until we reach the water that breaks the mountains. A boat ride will enable us to pass around the mountains and into our own kingdom, if at the far reaches of the kingdom. We will have to travel a long ways if we must take that route." He seemed worried, yet excited to be back on the road.

  "So we are looking at being back in the kingdom within a week?" Raven asked this question.

  Stain nodded, "It is possible. But if the pass is not available then it could be much longer. We need to be prepared for either outcome." He stood up and stretched. "I think we have most of the supplies ready. Tulip is ready to go at a moments notice, as is Ruth. Roger and Amelia will be ready at the same time as you two. It will take me a little longer to pack up the camp, however not enough time to cause problems." Looking around he smiled, "I will be glad to be back on the road."

  Tulip nodded, "Other than the short trip I took, to find you three, I have not traveled much in a long time. Mainly just between different camps." She looked at Ruth and smiled, "It will be fun to travel strange and different lands once again."

  Ruth looked worried for a moment but it passed quickly. "I look forward to it also. I have not traveled much either. It will be nice to be out on the road and away from the all the camp politics for a while."

  That afternoon a wagon came around full of food for everyone. We loaded food into our wagon, Tulip's wagon, onto Tag and Evins, into Ruth's wagon, and finally into Roger and Amelia's wagon. This took quite a bit of time to complete. It seemed, to me at least, to be enough food to feed us all for many seasons to come. When it was all loaded we took the time to pack up most of the items from our tents and stowed it away in handy places. My tent seemed very empty with almost everything packed into the wagon. Mophar hung from the hook, resting. Pat laid on my cot, also taking a nap. My cot, a small chest of clothes, and a few bags were all that remained in my tent. I shook my head and stepped out of the tent and looked around the campsite. Our wagon sat lower, filled up with so much stuff. Tulip's wagon was ready to roll out, she only had to hook up her animals and pack a few minor things. The evening meal was already cooking, Raven and Tulip taking on that chore tonight. I went and sat down, resting a short bit.

  "What is tomorrow going to be like?" I asked Tulip. I was a little nervous.

  She smiled, "An in grafting is a joyous occasion. It is the celebration of someone desiring to become one of us. You will have a few oaths to swear, but I promise they will not violate any of your previous oaths. Stain and I have discussed this at length. When the various oaths have been sworn you two and Roger and Amelia will participate in a short wedding ceremony. We see a wedding as much like our in grafting Two branches of the people are choosing to come together, or be grafted into one vine. It also is a cause for celebration. Normally after either an in grafting or wedding there is a party to celebrate. With two in graftings and two weddings I think this will be a massive party. Many gifts will be given, both for the in grafting and the weddings." She took a deep breath, "When one of our people give a gift it is given with the intent to improve the life of the receiver. Whether you like it or not you will thank each person. If later on you find the gift to be unuseful then feel free to pass it on to someone who can use it. That is our way." She smiled. "I do think that you will get many gifts you need. Stain did not buy everything your wagon needed, I think to allow them to be given as gifts. Also there are traditional gifts given at an in grafting Ott, you will most likely receive some traditional men's outfits. Also you will be given a choice as to certain groups you might join. Be aware of the honors and such of joining. Also be aware of the oaths you might have to swear. Talk to your master or me. We will guide you. Raven, as a women you will be given some traditional outfits also. There will be some gifts that might seem odd, just thank the giver and we can explain later." She looked at Stain. "Anything else I need to tell them?"

  Stain thought a moment, "There will be no test or challenges. It is simply a ceremony that formalizes you joining the people. The wedding ceremony is much like other methods of marriage. The words will be slightly different, but they are the same idea." He grinned, "Remember, some wedding gifts will be awkward to receive. A simple thanks is all you need to give in return and continue with the ceremony." His smile was sneaky.

  "What kind of gifts can we anticipate?" I asked, a little worried.

  Tulip answered this one, "Most gifts will be useful in nature. A beautiful bowl, a basket of unusual material, that kind of thing. Some might give extravagant gifts, usually to make themselves look better. Most of those you will most likely need to pass on, as they rarely merit keeping." She grinned, "My gift is going to be useful and practical. I believe Ruth, Amelia, and George all have gifts for you." She looked over at Stain, questioningly.

  Stain grinned, "I have commissioned a gift for both of your in graftings and also a wedding gift."

  Tulip smiled, "Of course we will have to wait to see all the gifts.
Luckily most people will be sensible in what they give. Also anticipate food as a gift. I know of some who are gifting some." She stood. "I am tired and tomorrow will be a long day. Good night." She went into her wagon and the light went out after just a few moments.

  Stain stood, "It is late and we do have a long day tomorrow." He smiled. "By this time you both will have become one of the people and also become husband and wife." After saying this he chuckled and went to bed.

  Raven and I sat watching the fire for a while, "It almost seems like a dream. Tomorrow we take our vows and everything changes." Raven said this softly as she leaned on my shoulder.

  "Tomorrow changes many things, yet things will still be the same. We will all be traveling together, Stain will be our master, and there will be things we must do." I said this calmly. I just wish I felt as calm. My heart raced at the events that were occurring tomorrow. I just wish my father was here.

  "When was the last time you scryed your father?" Raven's mind seemed to work the same way as mine sometimes.

  I thought about it. "I think last week sometime. He was in the woods, hunting something from the look of it. He looked up and smiled."

  "Why not see what he is doing tonight?" She suggested.

  I nodded and focused, casting the spell on the ground. A circle swirled and colors crawled across the dirt. The image resolved into Lightfoot sitting at a campfire, much like ours. He was working on his bow, replacing the string. His head slowly raised, acknowledging that I was watching. A smile crept across his face as I watched. Motion behind him drew my attention, others were camping with Lightfoot. It seemed as if he was a part of a much larger camp. I focused on my spell and widened it's focus, looking beyond Lightfoot. As the view widened Raven and I gasped. Lightfoot camped in the midst of a much larger camp. Thousands of campfires filled a valley. He must be part of an army for there to be that many fires.

  "We need to get back." I was worried about my dad now. He was in an army of some sort. I knew he was safe for now, but the idea of my father as a fighter was almost impossible to fathom.

  Raven hugged me close as we looked on, "We are going back. No matter what else we are going to make our way back. I will meet your father." Her tone was filled with metal and determination.

  We stayed up part of the night, simply watching the camp. Trying to understand what was going on. Finally, too tired to keep the spell intact, we both went to our own beds.

  ***

  "Wake up!" Stain's voice echoed through the campsite. He must be using magic to be so loud. I crawled off my cot and looked out of the tent. There were people filling the campsite, lots of people. I ducked back into my tent and made myself presentable. Stepping out cautiously I walked over to join Raven and Stain.

  "What is going on?" I asked him.

  He smiled and turned, "It is time to in graft these two lost ones into a vine that springs forth from the people!" His volume was still immense. "Tulip! Step forward!" Tulip stepped from the crowd, wearing a gown that was woven into leaves and flowers. "Do you stand as the vine for these two?"

  Tulip stood tall and proclaimed, "I stand as the vine for both Ott and Raven."

  Everyone cheered and yelled. Tulip looked around and smiled broadly.

  Stain stood taller, "Does anyone challenge this in grafting?"

  Never had I heard such deep silence occur so suddenly. The only sounds were natural and the feeling of worried anticipation. We stood there a few moments, waiting. Not a word was spoken.

  "Very well. The time for challenges and objections has passed. The in grafting shall now commence!" Stain called this out and the crowd rushed forward.

  Raven and I were carried out of our camp and towards the center of the camp where a large flat wagon waited, decorated and set aside. The crowd carried us to the wagon and set us down before Gorcy. He was dressed in what looked like an official outfit. Full of color and symbols. He stepped forward and waved for quiet.

  "Welcome my family! We have a great day ahead of us." He pitched his voice to carry across the entire crowd. "Tulip, if you would join us? Stain, you also?" He stood there waiting as the crowd parted to allow the two to join us on the wagon. Tulip grabbed Stain's arm and walked with him to the steps. When they had reached our side Gorcy smiled and turned back to the crowd. "First we shall in graft these two into our family. They are seeking to join with us of their own free will. Taking up the road and wagon. Then not just their wedding but also Roger and Amelia will be having their wedding. Today will be remembered for a very long time." He turned to Raven and myself. "Shall we begin?"

  Raven grabbed my hand and squeezed, "Please?" I answered for both of us.

  Gorcy's smile grew, "Very well. We will have the in grafting first." He turned and produced a small book. "This book holds all the families, all the members, all the births and deaths of our families. It is a record of who is a part of our family. Today we will write your names in the line of Tulip. Joining your lives with ours. First the oaths." He smiled, "The oath is simple, yet it holds us together."

  I looked over at Stain, nervous. He nodded and smiled, lending me encouragement.

  Gorcy noticed and grinned, "Let me state the oath and then you both will acknowledge that you agree to be bound by it." He pulled out a paper with small print written on it. He held it up and started to read, "As an outsider, not being raised in our ways and not of our family, when wishing to join with us you must take an oath. This oath binds you to us, makes you one of us. But it also binds us to you, makes you one of our family. As such there are expectations. By taking this oath you agree to be bound by it until such a time you are removed from the family, either by death or disownment." He paused and looked troubled. He shook his head and continued, "This is the oath.

  You do swear to join with us of your own will.

  You do swear to value the values we value.

  You do swear to protect each member of the family.

  You do swear to lend aid in times of need to the family.

  You do swear to never knowingly cause harm to one of the family.

  You do swear to respect the road and those that travel upon it.

  You do swear to hold the ways of the family.

  You do swear to always seek out the best for the family.

  You do swear that you commit to this of your own free will. "

  He looked at Raven and then myself. "Do you both understand this oath and what it requires of you?"

  Raven nodded, "I do understand and agree to be bound by this oath."

  Gorcy turned to me, "And you Ott?"

  I hesitated, weighing each aspect. None seemed to violate anything I might hold dear. I nodded and stated, "I do understand and also agree to be bound by this oath."

  Gorcy smiled, "Hesitation is good. It means you are taking it seriously. Now, before I pronounce you both bound by your oath. The repercussions of a violation of your oath." He took a deep breath, "If you violate your oath and a tribunal finds you guilty of such a violation then the following shall fall upon your shoulders. All your worldly possessions will become forfeit. Your wagon, tent, and pots shall be given to the family in compensation for your betrayal. Your trade goods, tools, and equipment will be taken in reprisement for your actions. You will be escorted away from the family with a week worth of food, whatever valuables you might be able to carry, and a traitor's brand placed upon your hand. Never will you talk to one of the family nor seek aid from the family." His voice dried up and he shook his head. He coughed, clearing his throat. "Do you understand the consequences of any possible violation of your oath?" He looked disturbed.

  Raven looked at me, haunted slightly by the full measure of what Gorcy had stated. She nodded, "I understand."

  I nodded also, "I understand."

  Gorcy nodded slowly, "With full acknowledgment of the repercussions of a violation of your oath, do you so agree to be bound by this oath?"

  Raven grinned slightly, humor creeping into her expression. "I do so agree."
/>   I grinned in response to Raven's grin, "I do so agree!" I stated strongly.

  Gorcy nodded and waved Tulip forward. "Madam Tulip. These two have spoken their desire to join with the family and agreed to be bound by the outsider's oath. Do you accept them into the vine of your family and the responsibility of training them in the ways of the family?"

  Tulip stood tall and proclaimed, "I do so agree and do so whole heartily." People cheered at her spirit.

  Gorcy turned to the crowd, "So do I find that all are willing and so they shall be in grafted into the family. Ott and Raven shall be considered as babes new to the family. Transgressions shall be dealt with gently and with a mind to teach. Tulip agrees to be their vine and shall travel with them a year and a day so that they may learn the ways of our family. She will guide them and provide instruction in all things." He gently grabbed Raven and I by the arm and pulled us forward to the edge of the wagon. "I present to you our newest members of the family. Born to us through willingness and joining with us for all their lives. Welcome our new brother and sister!"

  The noise made by the crowd was deafening. It seemed to swell and wash over us like a flood. Everyone's face was excited and I could see tears on some faces.

  Gorcy pulled us back from the edge of the wagon, "Now that you are family, we need to get you two married!" He turned to Tulip. "Do you approve of this marriage? Shall it be a good match?"

  Tulip stepped forward, "I judge both of these as willing to be married and that it will be a good match. As their vine I give my blessing and ask that they be married this day." She stepped back.

  Gorcy smiled and pulled out a small box. "Your vine approves and there are no objections." He pulled out two small metal rings, simple rings with no decorations or gems. "Another oath shall be given, both to one another and to the family. Listen and repeat please." He handed a ring to me and the other to Raven. "Raven, you shall be first. Do you enter into this union with Ott whole heartily? Do you do so of your own will with no threats, promises, or bribes?"