"No, Kalris does have some magic in him. Traces of Fajrulo blood, but not enough to allow him to defeat Manusia." Aedwyr shrugged and pointed at a dish on the menu. "This is one of those fish plates that might surprise you. And I'm not a fish eater myself."
"Fine, I'll try it." They placed their order, then Kerrien stared at Aedwyr again. "So you sent Rithvik to sleep two centuries ago."
"He took me by surprise." Aedwyr sighed. "I was only two-hundred and fifty back then, not an adult yet, and I hadn't realized demons had infiltrated Ker Eziel, probably drawn by myself."
"What do you mean?" Kerrien asked, deciding to ignore the true age of the seemingly young man in front of him. The Waiora had mentioned Fajrulo were shape-shifters and Aedwyr himself had said he'd worn the face of an old man.
"You see, there's this underground world, this dark magic that sometimes concentrates and comes to the surface as a pond or a spring of black liquid. That's how the Queen of Darkness was created – a Human turned into a demon-like creature. Now there's her son, Manusia. They're both limited to the underground, but they can get out, especially during eclipses."
"Mm, yes, Rithvik mentioned an eclipse when he lost consciousness."
"That's when Manusia entered his body and took control. He tried to seize the power in Ker Eziel by killing the king and his council until I managed to stop him. I sent Rithvik to sleep, but his people were so afraid of him that they all left, abandoning him in his castle."
"You left too," Kerrien said.
"Well, of course. I felt I'd made a mess, so I also ran away from Ker Eziel. It's been bothering me since, and I'm glad you found him and brought him back to life. He was very lonely and desperately wanted to be loved for who he was, not his title or his castle or his father's lands."
"You mentioned you might have drawn the demons to Ker Eziel yourself. What do you mean?" Kerrien asked.
"Ah, yes, that's another aspect of our magic. The Magical Races can't stand the Ponds of Dark Magic that so affect Humans – except us. Fajrulo are the only ones who can challenge that magic and win. I guess we're the most powerful..." Again Aedwyr shrugged.
Kerrien was impressed. "So you're a true magic user."
"Yes." Aedwyr grinned as the maid brought their meal. "But officially I'm just a minstrel, remember?" he added in a low voice.
Kerrien smiled despite himself. "Your secret is safe," he said.
"As much as yours," Aedwyr answered. "I won't tell anyone you and Rithvik are lovers."
"By the way, what are the town views on that?" Kerrien asked before leaning to smell the food on the wooden plate. There must be spices he'd never heard of. And a strange sauce covered the fish with cabbage cut in small slices and raisins. "What fish is this? It smells nice."
"Trout. And it tastes nice too." Aedwyr had ordered beef anyway. "I need some meat after the spell, I feel drained," he explained.
Kerrien tried a bite and it melted on his tongue. Unusual taste but not bad at all.
"Mm, yes, this is good. So, what do you know of male lovers on this side of the world?"
"As long as you don't show it in public, you're fine. But if you could find a couple of women to cover you, it would be perfect." Aedwyr winked and grinned.
Kerrien smiled, tasting more of the trout and its dressing. This reminded him of Kolia and Joris who had shared their house with Britta and Brenda. Except everyone knew they were both same-sex couples.
Nobody knew him or Rithvik in Tassamtor, though, so maybe...
"Are you sure I can kiss Rithvik awake tomorrow morning?" he asked.
"Absolutely. And then you can come and listen to my show. I'll be in the main square all morning..."
***
Tassamtor had unusually narrow streets. Kerrien hadn't explored it yet, but a glimpse from the room window had showed him how maze-like and chaotic it was. Aedwyr had mentioned their economy was based on crafts, especially woodworking.
Kerrien was awakened by the noise of artisans and peddlers passing under the window when the sun was still rising. Light flooded the little room and the smell of fried eggs reached his nostrils, making his stomach rumble.
He turned to look at Rithvik and noticed he was still asleep. Sort of a good sign, considering that usually he'd woken after the prince when he thought he was under a spell – and when Manusia had entered Rithvik's body.
He watched his lover's peaceful expression for a moment before leaning to brush his lips. This time he didn't back away and waited eagerly for Rithvik's awakening.
The prince's eyelids flapped open. The irises were green again, which made Kerrien realize he'd been holding his breath. He exhaled while Rithvik stirred and started to move like he'd done in the tower.
"Kerrien." The green eyes stared at him, confused. "What happened? Where are we?"
"In Tassamtor," Kerrien answered, tousling the prince's hair.
"Have I been sick? I feel so strange!"
"You've been possessed." Kerrien decided to tell the truth. "Manusia was inside you and he didn't kill anyone just because I was the only one around. You were stopped before you could do more damage."
"Oh!" Rithvik's eyes widened in shock. "I didn't hurt you, did I?" he whispered, fearful.
"No, it's been an interesting night of rough sex, but it wasn't too bad." Kerrien grinned. "You must be famished, you haven't eaten for two days."
"I am hungry." Rithvik's lips trembled into a smile. "Are you sure I didn't do anything bad?"
"I told you, you were stopped before you did. Apparently by the same guy who stopped you two hundred years ago. He's a Fajrulo. He was posing as court wizard at Ker Eziel."
"You mean Morthi? He's still alive?"
"Obviously. He told me of when you killed your first boar. He also said he was very young at the time, although he impersonated an old man. I think he's four-hundred and fifty now, but I have no idea of how long Fajrulo live."
Rithvik gaped at him. "Can I talk to him?" he asked, still awed.
"He said we'll find him in the main square. He's masquerading as a minstrel about my age now. I'm curious to hear him sing or tell stories. So... breakfast?"
Rithvik sat up a little too quickly. "Ow, my head spins... I guess I really need to eat!"
Kerrien chuckled. "I won't take you downstairs bride-like," he warned.
"I can get downstairs," Rithvik replied with a pout. He stretched his arms and legs before putting his feet to the ground. He was unsteady for a moment, but refused help. "I'm fine."
"They saw you come in passed out, Rithvik, it's okay if they see you leaning on me," Kerrien chided, seeing him wobbly. "We'll tell them you've been sick, but you're recovering just fine."
With a huff of frustration, Rithvik used him as a walking stick, especially on the stairs that took them down to the main room.
Kerrien got him as many pastries as he could eat and watched him fill his belly with a warm omelet. It was a pleasure to see color come back on Rithvik's cheeks.
"Oh, my, I ate too much!" Rithvik said with a sigh of contentment.
"A stroll will be perfect, then. I haven't been to this town before, so we need to explore it and find the things we need."
"Like public baths?" Rithvik asked, hopeful.
"We might as well find a place to live," Kerrien said, rising from the bench and heading for the tavern's door.
Rithvik frowned. "You think there's still danger that Manusia might get to me?"
"It's probably safer," Kerrien answered stepping into the narrow street. "But we must be discreet."
"Haven't I been discreet in Caer Nittak?" Rithvik asked with an impish smile, following him among the two-story stone buildings with sliding roofs.
Kerrien shot him a tender stare. "Yes, but that's why I want to find a place where we can have some intimacy."
Rithvik nodded with a beaming face. "Does this tavern have stables?"
"Yes, don't worry, Sharixen is being taken care of."
Soon Rithvik grabbed his wri
st, fearful of getting lost in the crowd and maze of narrow streets.
"How can you not get lost?" the prince wondered. "You've never been here, how will you find your way back to the tavern?"
"I have a good sense of direction, trust me. The river is that way and the main gate is that way."
"No, I'm sure the river is over there..."
"Excuse me." Kerrien stopped by a slightly plump, arrogant girl who was clearly waiting for someone. "Can you please tell me which way is the river?"
She sniffed and upturned her nose, looking away and waving in the direction Kerrien had pointed.
"Oh." Rithvik was impressed. "All right, but don't leave me behind."
Kerrien took his hand and kept guiding him. He managed to locate the public baths, but they'd have to come back with clean tunics. Finally he found the main square, which had an open-air market. The square was rectangular with two maple trees planted one almost in the center and the other more to the side. Between them was a semi-permanent makeshift structure that sold spices.
The traffic was very heavy, with a few guards milling around and some beggars. Kerrien noticed only a couple of pickpockets and warned Rithvik about them.
"I didn't bring my purse," Rithvik said with a sheepish smile.
"Good." Kerrien smiled as they wandered through the stalls. Hopefully nobody would break into their room at the tavern and steal their clothes with the gems still sewn into them.
He found Aedwyr examining merchandise at a stall of scrolls and musical instruments on the other side of the central tree. The male vendor had displayed his wares on a large cart that could be opened. He had a small variety, but the musical instruments seemed above average in quality, at least by listening to the notes that Aedwyr was pouring out of a lute.
"Like it, eh?" the vendor asked, hopeful, as Aedwyr put down the lute.
Kerrien watched him haggle for the price and understood it was discouraged when he saw the man wasn't willing to do any discount.
"Would you like me to buy you that?" he offered, startling Aedwyr who was so taken by his discussion that he hadn't noticed him yet.
"Ah, no, thanks, not worth it." Aedwyr made a disgusted face and turned his back to the vendor's cart, retrieving his own lute. "Mine is still brand new after all. Did you find the apothecary?"
"What for?" Kerrien was puzzled.
"Balms for your bruises?" Aedwyr raised his eyebrows.
Kerrien shrugged. "It's just scratches," he muttered, feeling Rithvik's eyes on him.
Aedwyr smiled and shook his head, turning to look at the prince.
"Hello, Rithvik. I'm Aedwyr the Minstrel," he said.
The prince shot a puzzled glance at Kerrien.
"Let me buy you a cold drink, I'll be on soon," Aedwyr added, directing them to another stall – a wheelbarrow and some baskets that sold fish, cold drinks and nuts. They got a snack from the owners – a male, very young, above-average looks and a female, generous, mildly flamboyant – then went to sit on a bench outside of a house with its door locked.
"I helped Kerrien to carry you to Tassamtor," Aedwyr continued as if they hadn't been interrupted while Kerrien savored the toasted nuts and tasted the cold herbal drink he'd bought.
"So you're the Fajrulo?" Rithvik whispered, impressed.
Aedwyr chuckled. "Yes... It's unbelievable how you haven't changed. My spell kept you frozen in time until Kerrien showed up."
"Thank you," Rithvik said, grateful. "You really saved me. Twice, I think."
"Ah, don't mention it. Like I said, I didn't want to watch you die young. I was very fond of you. I think we were very similar in some ways."
"If you'd have approached me with this face you have now, I'd have fallen at your feet," Rithvik said.
"And what makes you think I haven't walked to you with a more attractive face?" Aedwyr winked, startling Rithvik.
"You did?" he asked, confused.
"I thought you were a virgin," Kerrien said. "That nobody dared touch you because you were a prince."
"Exactly." Aedwyr burst out laughing. "No, Rithvik, I never walked to you with a more attractive face, but I did consider it once or twice. Your father kept me busy enough as court wizard, though!"
Rithvik exhaled in relief and glanced at Kerrien who smiled.
"I think you two will be very happy," Aedwyr said, raising his goblet of lemonade. "Now if you'll excuse me, I must take the stage. Will you mind if I tell the story of a legendary prince who was possessed by a demon and killed his father?"
"As long as you don't tell how it really ended," Kerrien replied.
"I shall not say the prince is awake now," Aedwyr promised solemnly.
Epilogue
They were headed back to the Fighting Knave and the streets were emptying fast, since it was almost meal time and the sun was close to setting. Rithvik gasped and grabbed Kerrien's wrist, stopping him.
"Look!" The prince pointed at an alley with an awed look on his face.
Kerrien got closer to the alley entrance and saw a small gray cat curled up against a light brown dog.
"Like us," Rithvik whispered, excited. "Cat and dog can get along!"
They both went to crouch by the two animals that barely looked at them.
"Aren't they cute?" Rithvik said, allowing the dog to lick his hand while Kerrien caressed the cat's fur, making it purr.
"Not really like us, though," Kerrien said, amused.
"Well, of course, we're men and they're..."
"Female."
"Oh." Rithvik looked closer. "Right. She-dog and she-cat."
"They grew up together." The voice startled them.
It was a young woman with red hair and freckles holding a plate of food. She knelt to put it next to the two animals as they backed away to leave room for her in the alley. She had also brought a saucer of water and watched the animals eat for a moment before turning to face them.
"Yes, it's two females and they take care of each other – and each other's offspring. I can't tell you how many puppies that cat has protected and how many kittens that dog has kept safe."
"That's so wonderful!" Rithvik brightened. "Two females taking care of each other even though their species should be at odds!"
The young woman giggled. "Well, sometimes it happens with humans too," she said, looking away. "I mean, like me and my sister-in-law..." Then she frowned and shut her mouth. "Sorry, I talk too much."
But her words had lit a light in Kerrien's mind. Britta and Brenda. This young woman and her sister-in-law. Aedwyr's suggestion. The fact that Rithvik and himself would be safer in a town where Manusia would be stopped as soon as he tried to possess Rithvik's body again. And they were looking for a place to settle and build or buy a house.
"My name is Kerrien," he said, offering his hand. "And this is Rithvik. May we come to speak with you and your sister-in-law?"
"About what?" she asked, puzzled.
"Uh... marriage?"
"Kerrien, are out of your mind?" Rithvik protested.
The redhead stared at both, hesitating for a moment.
"My name is Judy," she said at last. "Come. I doubt you can convince Candy to marry anyone. You know, she's the strongest woman that ever lived. They tried to abduct her, to force her, but she wouldn't have it. She never married. And when her brother died, she took care of me..."
Kerrien could recognize love in Judy's brown eyes. She was the sweet one of the couple, like Brenda had been. Candy must be as fiery as Britta, the warrior woman from Ker Tiasul.
Judy led them around the corner and back into the narrow street. Her house was one street away from the tavern. Rithvik kept poking Kerrien who only managed to signal him to keep quiet and trust him. He didn't have time to explain right now.
Candy was blonde and pretty. She had a long braid on her shoulder and wore a long gown, which meant she wasn't a warrior woman. But she looked fierce and stared warily at Kerrien when he introduced himself. She pushed Judy behind her, ready to protect her wi
th a big kitchen knife.
"What do you want?" she demanded as they faced each other inside the house.
No witnesses besides the two women. Kerrien focused on Candy, ignoring his surroundings. He had no idea if the house was big enough for four, but he didn't care right now.
He smiled briefly, then took Rithvik in his arms and took his breath away with a kiss. He heard the women gasp. He let go of Rithvik who almost collapsed, panting, and kept him on his feet.
"I'm Kerrien and this is Rithvik, the love of my life," he said, watching the two women's expressions closely. Candy frowned, but Judy looked pleasantly surprised. "I have a proposition. We set up a fake wedding and find a house to live all together. We keep our room, you keep yours. If this house is big enough for two couples, we can stay here, if not, we'll find a bigger place. To the city, we'll be regular husband and wife couples. What happens within our walls is nobody's business. Right?"
He heard Rithvik exhale in relief.
"Why didn't you say so immediately?" Rithvik whispered.
"I'm improvising, Rithvik," he answered, squeezing his fingers.
Candy put down the kitchen knife and came forward, narrowing her eyes.
"And I should marry you while Judy walks to the altar with your boyfriend?" she asked, putting her fists on her hips and cocking her head to the side.
"That's the idea. And unless you want kids, we don't have to ever see each other naked."
"Really?" Candy scoffed and crossed her arms above her generous bosom. "Would you be able to give us kids if we wanted to?"
"Of course, if you really really really wanted to."
"Not me," Rithvik muttered, staring at his feet.
"Yes, you too," Kerrien chided. "I'll help."
"Are you suggesting an orgy, Kerrien?" Candy mocked.
"Only if the ladies are up to it. Like I said, I'm content with my Rithvik and I don't need any woman to feel complete."
"Good, because I don't need any man," Candy retorted. She glanced at Judy. "What do you think?"
Judy nodded with a shy smile.
"We'll let you think about it tonight," Kerrien said, seeing Candy was thoughtful. "I'm afraid my boyfriend will need some coaxing too. May we knock on your door tomorrow to learn your decision?"
Fairy Tales Revisited on Silvery Earth Page 28
