by Liam Carrack
Copyright © 2004 Liam Carrack
Copyright © 2013 Carrack Books
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Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to any actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
The Ingathering
By Liam Carrack
The Funeral Pyre of Gemswoman Trefalla, Varsydd’s Wife
Year 482, Phase of the 2nd, The Pure and Decayed, 43rd day
I should be better at this by now. I’ve only had to do this four times. Well, I guess this is the first one I had to do by myself, but even that isn’t fair to say. Scinna has certainly been there through them all. I don’t know how I would have cobbled this one together without her,.. “What? Oh yes, a terrible loss for the family. I don’t know how I will get along without her. She has been such a help and guide since Mother passed.”
Why can’t they just let me alone? If I’m supposed to be hiding myself away in mourning for another two years they could at least stop harassing me with idiotic questions. School your face girl! What is wrong with me? This is no time to be flustered, and getting angry with them won’t serve any purpose. What am I supposed to do now? I’m too old for anything but a state marriage and I have no interest in spending my life tied to some household I care nothing for, or giving up Gellissarn Hall to some up-and-comer. Isn’t that exactly what Garvyn was trying to avoid when he had everything put in my name before he left?
“Llanalla, I’m sorry we had to meet under such circumstances once again. You poor child, you seem destined to loss. Know that the Guild hall is always open to you, and we will do everything in our power to keep you safe and well cared for.”
She whined all this while petting my hand as if I were one of her pathetic little rat lap dogs. Gemswoman Retidda is always able to make me feel uncomfortable. She is so duplicitous to my mind. Why mention those things other than to remind me that she thought I lived on her charity and not on the inheritance left me by my hard working and economical parents? It’s hardly my fault that society says I must hide away for ANOTHER two years. Well, she was my aunt, and the mourning is not as strict, so maybe … or not. So does she think the two years is good or bad? At least I have two more years before I have to make any hard decisions. Damnit she knows I have The Gift, so it’s not like I would be doing the normal apprenticeship stuff. Or wait, what if she is angling for Gellissarn Hall again? Hadn’t Aunt Trefalla said something about that when Garvyn died?
“My son Jespyrn has been named Guild Head of Hamandriel . I’m sure you know all about that, though. It was such big news, his being so young and all. Oh, there he is.. Oh, Jespyrn darling, over here.”
Oh dear Gods. She wasn’t just trying to get into Gellissarn Hall, she was angling for a marriage to her bony, slimy, suck-up of a son! Aunt Trefalla hated the little up-start. She couldn’t understand how he had managed to weasel his way into the running, let alone into such a seat of power - especially at such a young age. He was barely 5 years my senior at 33. It was probably his meddling and, unfortunately, influential mother. To suggest such a pairing even in the most subtle of ways and this is beyond crass and obvious - is indecent at such a time as this - Gods, I am just entering mourning - and AT THE PYRE no less!
“Oh, Jespyrn, this is Llanalla. But you know each other. You played together as children. Promise me Jespyrn, that you will look out for her, and do all that you can to see that her change in familial fortune will not affect her economic fortune detrimentally,” pronouncing her words in that slightly nasal whine that makes me cringe. Her iron grip on my arm kept me immobile. At least I had a veil between my face and hers.
Did she think I was completely helpless? I hadn’t grown up in one of the wealthiest, most well respected merchant families in the realm and learned nothing. I can haggle with the best in the marketplace, probably better than the best if I ignored the law and used The Gift to my advantage. I wouldn’t do that, but . . . maybe I could use it now to help her find some discretion. Surely that wouldn’t be a bad thing. I lifted the veil to gain eye contact as the cleric suddenly began the eulogy.
“Thank you for joining us at this most solemn of occasions. The loss of a great member of our gathering is truly a time of mourning for us all, and not only the immediate family. That you have all made this a priority this day shows true character. Well met. Now I ask for an hour of Intonement and Reflection as I light the pyre to send Trefalla the late Varsydd’s wife, Lady of Hamandriel and Guild-family member of the Gemsman of the Phiriean people. We shall miss her sorely,” his deep sonorous voice soothing my inner tension.
At this I began the solemn hymn of mourning, a sort of chanted sobbing wail that went on for at least an hour, and longer if one truly wished to keep it up. It is more than tradition that no one speak to, or in anyway interrupt, someone partaking in this, except in the most dire of situations. So Jespyrn’s next act, grasping my shoulder and twisting my slightly so that he was now in my direct line of sight, had me completely off guard and I was hard pressed to ignore him and not falter, a truly bad omen.
“As you must be aware, I have deep feelings of affection for you, and wish that you remain living in the happy manner you are accustomed.” Was he for real? I was trying to keep eye contact on my aunt’s flaming pyre though he had me twisted to half face him. “I wish to impress upon you my wish to see you well cared for in the future.” What a pompous. . .“Allow me the honor of coming to see you regardless of the mourning period, you once again find yourself in, that I might do my best to alleviate your loneliness in the coming years.” Arrogant “I wish you only the best, and perhaps there might be a truly joyous ending to this mourning of yours.” Ass! I was completely outraged and could do nothing to retort, rebuff, or fend off his unwanted advances as even a single dropped note in the Hour of Intonement could mean ill for me, and my household, in the coming years! What a prig. He knew it. This assault was calculated and premeditated. I could not say him nay and sing. Now he would, by custom, be allowed in my presence throughout the mourning period. Did he think this trick would endear him to me? Surely not! But apparently my pale skin now flushed with anger gave him sign of hope as he smiled and patted my arm in affection! Gods what a thick . . . uhhh! At least he had released his grip and was now taking his leave. Between he and his punctilious mother I am going to have bruises on my arms for weeks I’m sure of it.
His abrupt leave taking was an act of blatant disrespect as well. Did he think to treat my Aunt, and therefore my family, thus and not feel the reprisals? Did he think himself so far above us? Ass! I would never, NEVER marry him. On my honor Aunt Trefalla, Garvyn, Mother, and Father I will NOT marry him. I would rather die penniless in the streets! At least I will have my dignity.
Llanalla the Gifted, Daddyn’s daughter
Year 482, Phase of the 2nd, Pure and Decayed, 44th day
“Scinna, are you sure I’m going to have to go down there? That paperwork is all filled out, and I could get a runner to take it down.”
“No dear, you must go down yourself or it will be a sign of disrespect towards the Guild, and besides that you need to get out and about. You’ve been cooped up in this house, and tucked away in your scholarly pursuits, too long.”
My shock at this statement took me a step backwards. Wasn’t it Scinna ever telling me I must be patient and stay out of sight in these years of mourning? Wasn’t it she who was constantly reminding me of my duties and propriety. To hear her tell me
I must go out, without an escort, was, well, shocking.
“Now, now, I meant no ridicule toward your chosen vocation up to this time. You have had little other alternative, and it suits your intelligence. You have been content, but now you must seek happiness, and that is difficult with only myself, the staff, and an old tutor for company.” She was circling me slowly, smoothing out lace here, and tugging at my hem there. “You are of an age that you must take up your responsibilities. You have not had to do so until now as you have always had a guardian to look after you. Mistress Trefalla was ever a controller. No disrespect mind, but she liked to run it all herself, and she left you to your own devises. That is not possible now. You must look out for your own interests, and ours.” In a much quieter voice she reminded “We are all your responsibility now dear. Think of Horice, Dalla, Cook, Jesemn, Yesmena, and I. All save Dalla and Yesmena are too old to find work elsewhere now,” picking up her former confidence she ended with, “but that will not matter. You have certainly proven your abilities. The speed with which you completed that pile of paperwork, so graciously sent over by the Guild, shows that. And what a pile of paperwork! That fool now heading the Guild certainly did you no favors there.”
Was she questioning the Guild Head’s motives as I had already begun to? “After his disrespect at Aunt Trefalla’s Pyre I expect no less than scheming and intrigue from that quarter Scinna. I think he was trying to catch me unawares or force me to come to him in need, perhaps with a mind to trick me into relinquishing control of our wealth somehow.”
“Disrespect at the Pyre? Did he disrespect you?” She had a look of such disbelief that I had to accept that she had seen nothing. How was that possible? She had stood so near me!
“His disrespect was for Aunt Trefalla, me, and the family. First his mother all but beginning nuptial proceedings, then his accosting me during the Intonement, it was all I could do not to drop a note, and then he left. He just left the proceedings without a backward glance not ten minutes into the Hour. You stood so near me. How could you have missed all that?”
“Gemswoman Retidda certainly was a bit shrill and more obvious that usual, but I didn’t see him near you during the Intonement, and many left earlier than usual…”
“If the Guild Head leaves early surely there is nothing to keep lesser members to their posts!” Oh that was too vehement. None of this was Scinna’s fault. “I wish never to set eyes on that pompous ass again, but that is not to be, as he asked admittance while I sang the Intonement and I could not say him nay without failing in that sacred duty”
“Llanalla calm yourself! You shame yourself with such course words. If you were any younger than you are I might wash your mouth for you. He may be the up-start lackey your Aunt named him, but to talk so could land you in hot water.” She paused to survey me from head to toe once more stilling her circling. I was about to pontificate further but “There!” burst from her lips, an exclamation evidently pronouncing me ready to leave the compound.
Twisting to look her straight in the eyes, “Unescorted?” I was at a loss. I felt my stomach hit the floor and bounce to a skidding halt over by the settle in the hall.
Her response was confident, but heartbreaking. “Who is there to escort you dear? Your brother Garvyn has long since passed.” She uttered with sadness tainting her voice. “Your Aunt traveled unescorted to her business dealings even with all the riffraff filling the streets these days,” came after with more conviction in her voice as she tugged once again at my veil.
“But my aunt was a widow… with defense training.” I was whining, and I knew it the moment the words passed my lips. I turned on my heel and stalked out the side entrance. I hoped I would find Jesemn ready and willing to give me a carriage ride to the Guild Hall and its well lit if dingy feeling offices. It was not to be.
Jesemn already had two of the pretty ponies I no longer rode, harnessed to a fashionable jig that I could handle myself. One look at the frippery-covered thing sent me careening out the gate onto the street on my own two feet. Why anyone would need such pretentious adornment for so basic a journey I will never understand. That popinjay of a Guild Head would probably think it plain. Ruminating on that subject would not bring me to my destination with a clear head for business though, so, I must endeavor to alight upon another subject for consideration.
Looking around me I realized how right Scinna was, the streets were definitely filled with more people these days. But, wasn’t that the usual result of war in a neighboring realm? Surely these were all just the serfs and peasants that washed up at the edges of such foolhardy things as war. My mind reeled back to an old track deeply etched in my mind. Why had Garvyn left us to go to war? Didn’t he see how pointless and foolish it all was? How could he have just left us like that? His life certainly hadn’t helped any of this rabble, now had it?
Again I have fixated on a subject that will only leave me ill-equipped to deal with the likes of Jespyrn, and others of his ilk at the Guild. Think of your studies and Horice you silly girl. Solving that riddle he’d given you earlier about what the serfs have that the wealthy didn’t could serve to lighten your mood. Somehow, looking around at all these piled in the streets begging and bemoaning their situation left me even more drained and unhappy than I was already. These people have nothing. Oh, I see, nothing, nothing is the answer isn’t it. I would have laughed at such a thought if I weren’t seeing the overwhelming proof of that before my very eyes.
So many children. So many broken families. These littles scampered about scraping by with dirty hands and bloody feet, and only their meager lives to show for it. The refugees from Jorvik and Jarrow had had better. They had been able to find work and make new lives for themselves. By the time this flood had come the people of Hamandriel had been tired of dirty faces and outstretched hands. There was no charity left in this city it seemed.
And abruptly, I found myself before the crystal festooned doors of the Gemtrader’s Guild Hall. There was talk, when I was young, of setting real stones in these doors, but then the trickle of refugees had come and all the Guilds had girded themselves for an increase in crime that only ebbed upward years later, and only because of the desperation felt by the swarm of refugees now choking the city streets. It was all petty theft, aimed mostly at keeping bellies full, and children alive long enough to scrape by to adulthood. Therefore, it threatened mostly the Baker’s, Grower’s, and Brewer’s Guilds, so, I hadn’t heard about much of it.
Of a sudden, Gemsman Gorsynn was at my elbow with blandishments about my recent loss. He was comparing it to the loss of two of his five sons to the waves. His was not a Gifted family but both Raynydd and Chazerry had been blessed with a touch of the Gift (called the Talent), it was just enough to increase their value as merchants as both were Seers. They both had enough of the Talent that there was no need to higher Seers on voyages with them, they could do both the job of merchant and Seer, but now they were gone. Presumed drowned in some storm. If something more violent had happened surely a Sending would have reached those Seers on constant watch here at the port.
This slowly increasing attrition of our people, ships, and therefore trade, was beginning to wear on the city. Too many of us had experienced great loss of family in the recent years. I felt for Gorsynn, he had been a great friend to my Father and truly helpful to my family at His loss, and at my Mother’s. If only Garvyn had listened to him and not gone to war. I might still have a brother to help me now. I suppose his loss was the greater though. One expects to lose ones parents, and the return of a soldier from war is a tenuous thing. However, to lose one’s children to routine trading missions was a blow. And one on top of another without explanation was tragic.
I made all the right nods and mumbled at all the proper times as he lead me through those well lit, yet still dingy, hallways and . . .no! I didn’t want to go into the Ass’ offices! I was hoping to avoid them at all costs! Gorsynn was walking away, and I had no way of retreating without awkwardness. I was about to risk i
t and leave anyway only to come face to face with the pompous moron himself.
“Oh, I see you are eager to continue our discussion of yesterday. I had not thought to see you for a few more days. I assumed you would stay in hiding, out of respect to your Aunt of course. I’ll push things aside for you, though my diary is a bit full today.”
Hmmm. Yes well, aren’t we the self-important bureaucrat. Did he think himself endearing? Why was I following him? Why hadn’t I excused myself and walked away? Because that would be rude girl, and the last thing you need is this busybody for an enemy! “Oh, yes, well, I really only came down to bring these papers …” As I glanced around the room I could see many of the self aggrandizing features this weasely little man had added to this office. It certainly had much larger charts of the various gems and their possible cuts adorning the walls, not to mention his overly pretentious robes. Which were edged in costly furs and in a perfectly hideous shade of violet velvet, with matching satin linings of course.
He looked sickened in them, a pale shade of green tinting his skin. His jewel encrusted fingers had rings with massive globs of gold encasing gaudy oversized gems that only serve to highlight how bony and spotted his hands are. I couldn’t help but see all this as he was motioning me to an equally revolting chair fronting a massive desk that he seated himself behind. He looked even smaller for its great bulk.
“I thought you might need some help sorting through them all. It’s all right to admit confusion to me. All of this must seem overwhelming my dear.” My DEAR? His voice was dripping condescension. I had a vision of him patting my head as one might a child when they do something amusing.
Uhh! So that was his angle. Arrogant little …
“Actually, they are all completed. I would have sent them by runner, but they cannot always be trusted with such delicate matters. I’ll just …”
