The Ingathering

by Liam Carrack

  He stood up straight, puffed his chest out, and nodded gravely toward me. My tiny soldier. Perhaps I should think of him as my squire rather than my valet, they fulfilled many of the same job requirements as a valet while a knight is out on campaign, and they are training to be knights themselves. It was definitely a more appropriate title, but I think I would keep that to myself for the time being. Wait until his interest in this game was flagging, then pull it out as enticement. I smiled inwardly, but outwardly I became more serious.

  “You will not be sleeping in that bed tonight.” I pointed over his shoulder to the luxurious feather filled affair that I was salivating over even now. His shoulders slumped, and he opened his mouth to speak. “Your bed is over here.” I walked to the entrance of the sleeping chamber and slid back a panel between the doors revealing the valet’s bed. It had been made up. “It may not be what that monstrosity in there is, but I doubt you’ve ever had better my boy.” I was wearing a most droll facial expression and pointed toward the bed.

  “Why is it there? That seems like a really weird place for a bed. Do I have to sleep with that panel closed?” He shuddered at his last thought. I wanted to hoot with laughter.

  “It’s there so that you can be an intermediary between me and anyone trying to gain access into my room. No one can get past without you knowing, see. And, no, you don’t have to sleep with the panel closed. That would defeat the whole purpose. Now, if you would, tell me what you think of our situation.” He sat down on the little wall bed, testing it out no doubt, then yawned.

  “I think that the Lady of the house is really great. I think that those babies upstairs are twins. I’ve seen twins before, and they look like twins. I think you shouldn’t blow your cover if you can help it. I think that those street kids the Sage brought in with him show that these people really do want to help us, but they don’t really know how. I think I’m gonna like it here no matter…” he yawned widely again, “how long we stay, especially if I get to sleep in a soft warm bed all the time.”

  “They must really have had you running about to have you this sleepy this early.”

  “They fed me real good too. You always said that makes ya sleepy, that’s why we only take scraps when we’re out, right?”

  “Before you drop off to sleep, change into these,” I held up a pair of night clothes that had been left at the foot of the little hidden bed, “and tell me what babies, and what kids.” I was riveted. For once his inability to keep anything to himself was proving useful. He was a wealth of odd and intriguing information.

  “The Heir, and another baby, same age I’d swear, and they look like twins, upstairs in her nursey, or nursery, whatever. The two street kids are up there too. They look a lot better after the bath she gave ‘em.” He yawned a third time, then caught my hand and made eye contact. “Can you believe that fine Phiraien Lady bathed two dirty Dynaly kids right in off the street? That Sage of hers brought them home with him. They’re charmed he says, and he says he wants to teach ‘em. The Lady’s gonna let him too.”

  He was rapidly pulling himself out of his “valet” livery, and scrambling into the nightclothes that had been so graciously left for him. They, like the livery, were finer than anything the boy had probably ever known. “I still have work to do this evening, so you get a good night’s rest. I’ll try to let you in on our future tomorrow.”

  “You sure?” He was nearly falling asleep as he sat there. Who ever heard of a man putting his valet to sleep?

  “I’m sure. I’ll be back soon.” I mussed the hair on his head and I as I closed the door I think I heard him snore. This situation with the Sage was perplexing though. I thought they never taught in groups. The charmed of Dynal were lucky to receive any training other than how to mask themselves…

  Hurn,

  I thought you’d have arrived back here long ago. I thought something horrible might have happened to you when the boy comes in and tells me you’ve run off and joined an old colleague. I hope you know what you are doing.

  A friend will be taking on what you were planning for this evening’s event. Such soirees only happen every so often, and we can’t pass up the chance. As for our other dealings they will be postponed as you asked, though I worry that any delay may cause problems.

  The Lady you left with may have some standing in the community, but be warned she doesn’t carry as much weight as she may think. Keep that in mind. I will have everything in order for your departure if that journey you spoke of is necessary. Please be careful. There are many of us who may lose income if you are gone too soon or too long. If I learn anything pertinent I will send it along.

  I will listen for what fruit your labors bear. Be careful in these troubling times. You never know what can befall a man in the streets these days.

  Send word when you can,

  Meni

  Llanalla

  As Aahurn left the room I was still digesting all the information Tobbyrn had so recently laid before us. “They are really trying to ban Dynaly from working?” I turned to face him fully. “What an incredible idea. Complain because they aren’t working then ban them from doing so?” I couldn’t follow the logic.

  “It’s worse than I let on. Any person employing Dynaly must go down to their Guild and report who, and how many, as well as how much they are being paid so that their Guild can tax them for each Dynaly. There are high penalties for not disclosing Dynaly workers as well. So you can imagine how likely it is for anyone to hire a Dynaly regardless of how long they have been living in town or not, and you don’t even want to know the strictures being placed on Dynaly who own and operate a business of their own. Most guilds are denouncing any Dynaly members regardless of skill or standing. Its truly horrible Llanalla.”

  “Well, I can’t do anything about that. What I planned to propose was more of a charitable works program. What has the temple been saying about all this?”

  “They have done a pretty good job of staying out of all of this until recently. I think they are rather divided as well though. Most will help if, and only if, the Dynaly in question has converted. If not, they stand mute.”

  “How can that fit with scriptures? I will need to see one of the more sympathetic, and as high ranking a priest as I can, and tomorrow, if possible. Do you know High Celebrant Leiddan’s views?”

  “He unfortunately is not a fan of the Dynaly. He never was child.” Horice startled me, and instead of turning my back on Tobbyrn I backed away from the table so that I could see them both at once.

  “I’m so sorry Horice, its just, you have been so quiet all through dinner… I almost forgot you were there. Forgive me.”

  “Tut tut child. No harm done.” He patted my hand and smiled. “If Celebrant Bremmer is still alive he might be a good one to ask. He was always one for touting the charity line with the Rich and Powerful of this city.”

  “He would be a good one to ask, but I doubt he is in town. He went on a mission to the capitol. I think he’s the main reason those laws haven’t yet passed honestly, but maybe we could meet with one of his supporters in the temple. I could stop by and ask him to meet with you early tomorrow morning. The man I have in mind is named Raddwylyn.”

  “Huh! To think that old fuddy-duddy Bremmer is still around. I’ll make myself scarce tomorrow morning then. We never did get along. Last thing you need is for him, or any in his camp, to decide not help out of spite for me. Speaking of which, I think I’ll toddle off to bed now if you don’t mind. I’ll wait to hear all your mighty plans tomorrow once they’re finished being baked.”

  I may have been a bystander in that exchange, but if they had a plan worked out then why get in the way? Dalla and Yesmena were busily cleaning away all evidence that anything had gone on in the seldom used dining room, and I turned to ask Tobbyrn if he would join me in the front office only to be fronted with his outstretched hand.

  “Shall we adjourn my Lady?” he stood straight backed and tall, not at all the figure I had first taken him for in
the Guild Hall. The Guild Hall, damn! I still hadn’t told Horice about that glowing incident. Tomorrow. Everything was tomorrow. I took his hand and allowed him to lead me out of the dining room, then stopped.

  “Do you have any wish to see this Heir?”

  He looked at me quizzically then slowly shook his head. “The child must surely be asleep and my grandmother always told me to leave a sleeping baby sleeping.”

  “What a wise grandmother you have.” I smiled at him, and led him toward my front office. “Will you stay a while, and hear my plans or wait ‘til tomorrow when it will be the sensation of the city?” I was poking fun at the situation. It was the only sane thing I could do. If my gamble didn’t pay off, if Lord Fistall behaved badly, if, if, if; I had to think in the positive or I would find myself gibbering in a corner.

  “If you would allow me, I would appreciate it. Besides, I take the least risk of anyone. No one need ever know I was here this evening, nor have any knowledge of the goings on of this household. As a matter of fact, I doubt many would believe me if I said I ate an amiable meal here with you this evening.”

  We had made it to the office, and he held the door for me as I slipped in. I busied myself lighting every wall sconce and candle I could lay hands to. My father had died in this room, and though he had died quickly, and peaceably, I always had trouble in here after dark.

  “You’re shaking. Here, let me.” He seemed honestly concerned for my well-fare and

  I was touched. “Are you nervous?”

  My hands were shaking as I lit one of the candles. I laughed a little. “Not about what you’re thinking though. Its just, this is where we found… where I found Papa. I just get a little jumpy in here after dark is all.”

  “With good reason it seems. Why did you choose this room then?”

  “It was the most sensible room to use really.” I shrugged my shoulders, and smiled at him again. He smiled back, and somehow the room felt a little less frightening.

  “So, what is this plan of yours? Are you going to start employing Dynaly all over Phiriel to make hat pins or something?” He pulled at the knees of his pants, and seated himself in one of the overstuffed leather chairs that the office afforded.

  “No, nothing like that, and from what you have said that wouldn’t be an economically sound decision right now anyway. What I was thinking was something along the lines of an orphanage for the refugee children, run by refugee women. I met a woman in the street this morning who would probably take on the job, but your insights may make finding a suitable location difficult. I think it would play to the sympathies of many of our people. Why blame the child for the perceived sins of the parent? Beyond that, perhaps the wealthy citizens might feel that they can make social reform possible with the younger generation. That is not my aim, but anyway to help the overcrowding in our streets without weakening my political standing is useful, and serves a purpose.

  As I understand it, the women of Phiriel take issue with the barbaric notions of Dynaly men and the timidity of Dynaly women. This plan does nothing for the men, to my mind this is unfortunate, but it would not be so for our fellow sophisticates. Instead it puts their women in a position of authority. If I can show the council a strong willed Dynaly woman willing to take on this role they might just back it out of pique. Or… What do you think? Is any of this viable in today’s political climate?” I had been pacing up and down the room, and watching the floor as I spoke. I had wanted to get it all out before I became discouraged by any look he might have.

  His brow furrowed and he appeared to be chewing his lower lip. Now I could really see the boy in the man. He had had that look when we were children. We used to try stumping each other with ridiculous riddles, and anytime he was deep in thought he had made the self same face. I nearly doubled over laughing, but I caught myself in time, and covered my mouth with my hand instead. This was a serious matter. I needed his thoughts, and laughing at a man was not known for its persuasive powers.

  “Well. I really don’t know. You raise some very good points, but there are some major obstacles as well. Firstly, where would you propose to have this orphanage? You couldn’t have it here.” His hands spread to encompass Gelissarn.

  I let my hands fall from my face, and dropped unceremoniously into the chair across from him. “No, no of course not, but where would be appropriate? It can’t be in a normal neighborhood or even too close to one of the orphanages for Phiraien children as that would cause too much debate.”

  “You’ll have to have all this decided before you present it, or it will get lost in debate for weeks, months even.” He leaned forward in his chair. My mission has become his. I could see it in his eyes, the line of his back, and the fervor in his voice. “What holdings do you have that could be put to such use, if any? I have almost no holdings what with my disgrace, and my parents still living.” His face suddenly blanched and his eyes widened. “Not that I want them anything but healthy. I mean…”

  I caught his hand and smiled. “I know what you mean. Don’t worry. Besides, you didn’t want to get embroiled in all this unless absolutely necessary, remember?”

  “That doesn’t leave you in the best of positions though.”

  “Don’t worry about that either. What’s done is done. Perhaps this is a good thing anyway. Look, if I can convince Lord Fistall to take any and every able-bodied man with him to wherever we find a suitable location for his training grounds, the Council will have to recognize that that leaves only helpless children… and women. If we can convince them that housing them won’t cost much, and will clean up the streets, then everybody wins right?”

  “Yes, but you’re still passing over the most difficult part of the equation. Where do we propose to house these children, and where do we send Lord Fistall? Without answering those two questions, none of this will work.” He threw himself back into the chair dejectedly only to be surrounded by a small cloud of dust. We both began laughing. It lifted the tension, but didn’t change the situation. He was right.

  “This is the office my Aunt used. All of my holdings are listed on some rosters in here… somewhere.” I was out of my seat, and rifling through one of the desk drawers before I finished the statement. “Oh, damn. They’re up in my offices upstairs, well most of them are anyway. Here,” I held a map of the city out to him, and another larger map of Phiriel and some of its surrounding territory, “spread them out on the floor or something. We’ll figure this thing out tonight. I hope you aren’t expected in at the start of business tomorrow, or you may find yourself without sleep.” Once again, I didn’t give him a chance at refusal. I was slipping out the door and heading upstairs. If he wasn’t there when I got back then I guess it meant it was too late for him, but as I climbed the stairs I heard the bumps and scratches of moving furniture, and I assumed that meant he was in for the long haul.

  Tobbyrn

  Her father had died in here? Vyn had said his father’s death had been a nasty little assassination with a stiletto dagger in his heart, the family had covered it up. No wonder she was a little jumpy in here especially if she had found the body. I wouldn’t wonder that she never came in her at all. I wouldn’t if this is where I had found my father’s murdered corpse.

  “Why did you choose this room then?”

  “It was the most sensible room to use really.” She shrugged her shoulders and smiled at me with another of her amazing grins, and I couldn’t help smiling back, not that I wouldn’t want to. Why did she make me feel so free, so much myself? I hadn’t felt like this in so long. I had almost forgotten what it was like to see possibilities instead of limitations.

  “So, what is this plan of yours? Are you going to start employing Dynaly all over Phiriel to make hat pins or something?” My sense of humor was back, and I prayed I wasn’t being offensive, and yet. I wasn’t worried around her for some reason. Gods, what a relief it is not to be worried even for just a few hours. This woman would either be the world’s most effective bureaucrat or the worst polit
ician ever. I couldn’t tell, all I knew was that she was thrilling.

  As I listened to her ideas I felt a chill run through me. This could work. There were flaws surely. Where would we find a safe enough location that wasn’t also a place that the “good citizens” of this city wouldn’t challenge? Could we have one ready? Was she really up to all the scrutiny that would come? Did she have any idea how beautiful she was? Get a hold of your self!

  We would have to have a specific location already picked out for this before she goes before the council. No one would sell her land overnight, and no one would sell it to her once they knew what she wanted it for, so she would have to own it already. As for a strong willed Dynaly woman I had never met one, and I had lived in their villages, even slept in their homes. I didn’t like the idea of her meeting anyone “in the streets” either, but I wasn’t going to challenge her on this point.

  She had been pacing as she spoke, which was strangely hypnotic, and rather arousing at the same time, so I closed my eyes and dropped my head so that I could focus on what she was saying. When she finally asked my opinion I had to clear my head of some rather inappropriate visions of her before I could answer.

  “Well. I really don’t know.” I continued on as I realized she was covering her mouth, and her eyes were dancing. I fancied I’d done something roguish to catch her fancy, but I think she was just holding her breath for my answer. Not that the one was any less conceited than the other, but as she dropped her hands, and flopped into a chair it occurred to me that I had fallen into the role of childhood friend. My heart twinged for a moment. How could she ever love you Byrn? A day ago you would have bet your father’s finest accounts that she hated you. You can’t be heartbroken now just because she isn’t falling over herself for you!