“What’s a playground?” Ester asked.
Serra explained about the playground at the castle. “While the guards were building it, Myron asked me to organize it, so I was busy with that last fall.”
Neither of Serra’s grandmothers looked happy. No one said anything for a couple of minutes. Then Kyra sighed. “I’d feel better if I thought you had a suitor. A woman needs to be married.”
Serra started to argue, then changed her mind. Why not give them what they wanted? It had worked pretty well with Leif. “Actually, there is a man I care for a lot.”
Ester perked up. “Who is he? What does he do?”
“His name is Darrell,” Serra answered. “He’s Captain of the Castle Guard.”
Ester’s eyebrows shot up. “Captain of the Guard? That’s one of the top positions, isn’t it?”
Serra smiled as she nodded. “He’s one of Myron’s closest friends and advisors.”
“How long have you known him, dear?” Ester asked.
“A little over a year, but we didn’t spend much time together until we were working on the playground.”
“Are the two of you betrothed?” Kyra asked.
Serra shook her head. “Not at this point. We’re still getting to know each other.”
“Wonder why Yani never mentioned it.” Kyra said. “Has she met him?”
“I’m not sure, but she doesn’t know I’m seeing him. No one does. The guard has a strict policy against guards seeing castle employees.”
“Then what are you going to do?” Ester asked.
“I’m not sure, but we’ll figure it out.”
“I’d like to meet him,” Ester said. “Do you think he could come with you next month? And maybe you could stay longer than one night so we’d have a chance to get to know him.”
“I doubt it. He doesn’t leave the castle much, but we’ll see.” Serra stood up and put her tea cup in the sink. “I hate to run, but Myron will be here before long and I need to be ready to go when he gets here.” Then she hugged each woman, thanked them again for the dress, told them goodbye, and left for Yani’s house.
~~~~
Tonnie was in the kitchen with Yani when Serra got back.
“Did you have fun?” Tonnie asked.
Serra nodded. “What have you been doing this morning?”
A big smile lit Tonnie’s face. “We made a cake. We’re going to cut it after lunch.”
Serra grinned. “What kind is it?”
Tonnie scrunched up her face. “I’m not sure.” Then she looked at Yani. “I know we put some strawberries in it. Is it a strawberry cake?”
“I guess that’s a good name for it.”
Tonnie nodded and turned back to Serra. “It’s a strawberry cake. Do you like strawberries?”
“They’re my favorite,” Serra said. Then she looked at Yani. “Do you need any help?”
“Not at the moment. Why?”
“I thought I’d go upstairs and get packed. Do you think it’ll be all right if I take the dress Ester and Kyra gave me back with me?”
“I’m sure that would be fine. You’ll have more chances to wear it there than you would here.”
“That’s what I was thinking,” Serra said. “I’ll be back down in a few minutes.”
Tonnie followed Serra upstairs and sat down on her bed as Serra began to pack. “Wish I could go with you.”
“Why? I thought you liked it here.”
“I do, but I miss Debra, and Korman, and Janine, and Randyl. I haven’t seen them since Christmas. Do you think they miss me?”
Serra sat down beside the child and put her arm around her. “I know they do. Mother asked me to tell you she thinks about you every day and hopes you’re happy here.”
Tonnie nodded. “I wish I could see her. I miss her.”
Serra thought for a moment and then made a decision. “Go pack an overnight bag.”
“Why?”
“You’re going to go visit Mother. Myron can bring you back tomorrow morning. Now run on and get packed.”
Tonnie’s eyes grew huge. “Really?”
“Really. Now go. He’ll be here soon and we don’t want to make him wait.”
Tonnie jumped up and ran out of Serra’s room. As Serra watched the child run down the hall, she shook her head. After the weekend she’d had, Myron owed her. The only reason she was there was to keep them off his back. The least he could do was let Tonnie visit Debra.
Chapter 10
Elsewhere
Chris walked into Kevin’s office Monday morning with two cups of coffee. He handed Kevin one and sat down with the other. “What’s on your agenda today?”
“Nothing this morning, but I’ll be bouncing back and forth between Rainbow Valley and Elsewhere this afternoon. Why?”
“Someone needs to take Tonnie home.”
“Debra said she’d have her here by one. I’ll take her then.”
“Why don’t I do it?”
“Why?”
“Because I won’t get held up with introductions and conversation. I can drop her off and leave. You’d have to be polite.”
Kevin laughed. “Yani’s not one of the wives who has women waiting in line to meet me.”
“So far, and today’s not the day for that to change. You’ve got too much to do.”
Kevin leaned back and sipped his coffee. “All right. I don’t guess it matters who takes her home. Is Serra going?”
Chris shook his head. “I asked her earlier. She said if she goes it’ll take half an hour minimum to leave. Not as bad as if you go, but bad enough.”
“Do you know where the house is?”
“No, but I’ve got a map, and I’m sure Tonnie knows her way around Ridgeville.”
Kevin nodded. “But I need both keys when I go to Rainbow Valley, so don’t get lost.”
~~~~
When Kevin went to Rainbow Valley that afternoon, he went straight to the dining room. The table was piled high with boxes and bags and more were stacked on the floor.
Warren was in the kitchen eating a cookie when Kevin walked in. Warren pointed to the platter and said, “Fresh out of the oven. Have one.”
Kevin picked one up and took a bite. “Thanks. Where’s Torrey?”
“Up at Ashni’s. They’ve been saying goodbye all day. You do know you’ll have to bring her back to visit, don’t you?”
Kevin nodded. “Want to take a load while she’s up there? Or do you want to wait for her?”
“Let’s take as much as we can before she gets back. It’ll be easier that way.”
Kevin took off the key to Terah and handed it to Warren. “You know where to go, don’t you?”
“The cave we always went to, right?”
Kevin nodded.
Warren used his outstretched hand to pick up a stack of boxes off the dining room table and turned the key. Kevin picked up the rest of the stuff on the dining room table and used the gate key to follow him. A few moments later, Kevin arrived at the entrance to the cave Warren and Torrey would be using, but Warren was nowhere in sight.
Kevin set the bags on the floor, picked up one of the glowstone torches, and walked into the cave. When he got to the room that would be the kitchen, he found Warren standing in the middle of the room still holding the boxes.
As light from the torch lit up the room, Warren set the boxes on the table. “This is all kitchen stuff so I thought I’d bring it straight here. Didn’t think about the glowstones being covered.”
Kevin laughed and stuck the torch in the holder he’d mounted on the cave wall. “Was everything on the dining room table kitchen stuff?”
Warren nodded.
“I’ll get the rest of it then. I left it at the entrance.”
“I’ll uncover the rest of the glowstones,” Warren said. “Meet you back in Rainbow Valley.”
A few minutes later, Kevin and Warren were back in Rainbow Valley. Kevin looked at the various stacks on the floor. He picked up one of them with his outst
retched hand. “Where does this stack go?”
Warren thought for a moment. “Bedroom.”
Kevin turned his key and left.
Warren picked up another load, turned his key, and left, too.
One more trip for each of them and everything was on the island, including the platter of cookies. As they stood in the kitchen area eating cookies, Kevin asked, “Do you want to start unpacking while I go get Landis and her stuff?”
Warren shook his head. “No matter where I put anything, it’ll be wrong. I’m waiting for Torrey to tell me where she wants stuff to go.”
“Then I guess it’s time to go get her,” Kevin said. “Where were you supposed to meet her?”
“As far as I know, she was coming back down.”
“Then let’s go back to Rainbow Valley.”
When they got back to the dining room, Ashni and Torrey were waiting for them. “Where are the cookies I had cooling?” Torrey asked.
Warren looked a little sheepish. “What’s left’s on the island.”
“What’s left? What does that mean?”
“Well, they’re mostly gone. Myron and I worked up an appetite moving all that stuff and the cookies were all we had to eat.”
Torrey looked at Ashni and rolled her eyes. “I’m sorry. Guess I didn’t make myself clear when I told my husband to leave them alone and let them cool.”
“I let them cool!” Warren looked at Kevin. “Didn’t I? Weren’t those cookies cool when you ate them?”
Kevin bit his lips to keep from laughing. “They were perfect, Torrey. Warren let them cool until they hit just the right temperature, and I can honestly say you outdid yourself with that batch. They were really good.”
“You’re as bad as he is! Those cookies were for Ashni and her family! They were my going away gift!”
“You didn’t tell me that or we’d have left them alone!” Warren burst out. He looked at Ashni and shrugged. “I’m sorry. She should have said something.”
“So it’s all my fault, huh?” Torrey asked, her hands on her hips.
“No, just a misunderstanding.” Warren put his arm around his wife. “If it makes you feel any better, I really enjoyed them, and I did save you a couple.”
“Great,” Torrey grumbled. Then she shook her head. “Never mind. I’ll bake something later and Myron can bring it back. Can’t you?” Torrey glared at Kevin.
“Yes, ma’am,” Kevin said, still trying not to laugh. “Now, is there anything else that needs to go?”
Torrey looked at the empty dining room. “No, that’s it. I left a couple of things here that I want to take back to Walnut Springs. Next time I go we’ll pick them up on the way.”
Kevin nodded. “While you tell Ashni goodbye, I’m going to look for Landis. Do you know where she is?”
“She went down to tell Glendymere goodbye after she ate lunch,” Ashni said. “I have not seen her since. She may still be in Willow Canyon.”
“I’ll check there first.” Kevin took his key out, looked at Warren, and said, “See you on the island.”
~~~~
The sun had barely cleared the mountaintops on the island when Kevin arrived with Landis. She hadn’t seen the cave he’d chosen for her, so he took her through it before they brought her stuff in. He wanted her to choose which of the two bedrooms she wanted. Then they went through each room and arranged the furniture the way she wanted it.
“Soon you’ll be able to move stuff around yourself,” Kevin said as they walked out into the sunlight, “but don’t try to move it by yourself now. If you want something moved, get Warren, Darwyn, Cpt. Garen, or some of the other men to do it.”
Landis frowned. “Who’s Darwyn?”
“The island sorcerer.”
“They have a sorcerer?”
Kevin nodded. “He handles whatever they need, like Marcus does in Milhaven. They built a communal kitchen and dining room in the valley. He helped clear the site and build it. Theresa and Taelor wanted a garden for their herbs. He cleared a spot for them. He helped some of Cpt. Garen’s men clear some space for a vegetable garden, and since we don’t have any horses here, he did the plowing. He catches fish. He does whatever he can to help out.”
“What about Warren? Can’t he do all that stuff?”
“He could, but he’s here to teach you. I don’t want him pulled away to clear tree stumps or clean up after a storm. That’s not his job. It’s Darwyn’s.”
“All right.” Landis looked around. “So, what do I do now?”
“Get unpacked. I want to check on Warren and Torrey and make sure everything’s all right over there, and then I need to check in with Chris. The people who live here are probably still asleep, but they’ll be getting up soon and heading down to the dining room. We’ll meet them there.”
“Do you want me to wait here for you? Or go on down?”
“Wait for me. I want to make the introductions.” When Landis nodded, Kevin said, “If you need anything before I get back, find Warren. You know which cave is his, right?”
“The one we used when I met with Robyn?”
Kevin nodded and pointed to a small trail. “That path goes straight to their cave.” He took out his key. “See you in a little while.”
~~~~
Landis had barely finished unpacking her clothes when she heard Taelor call her. She wound her way back through the cave to the entrance. After hugging him, she asked, “Have you seen my cave? Myron put all kinds of stuff in here.”
Taelor smiled. “Do you like it?”
“I do. I really do. I’ve never lived by myself before. This is going to be so much fun!” Landis grabbed his arm and pulled him into the kitchen. “I have a stove, and cabinets, and everything. It’s like the cave in Rainbow Valley, only smaller.”
“Did you notice the wood over here?” Taelor pointed to an alcove.
Landis walked around him to get a good look. Her eyes widened when she saw how much wood was stacked back there. “Did Myron bring that from Milhaven?”
“No, the wood’s from the island. He brought everything else in here though.”
Landis looked at Taelor. “Did you chop all that wood?”
Taelor laughed. “No, not me. Darwyn and Cpt. Garen are responsible for that. Be sure you tell them thank you.”
Landis nodded. “What about the sheets and blankets. Who do I thank for those?”
“Myron brought those, but did you notice the rug beside the bed?”
Landis nodded.
“The women made that for you. I think they’re making one for the parlor, too.”
“Which women?”
Taelor shrugged. “I think they all pitched in, all the ones from Trendon anyway. Theresa’s been busy getting set up, and since Callie’s cooking for everyone, she’s been too busy, too.”
“Everyone eats together?”
Taelor nodded. “And be glad we do. Callie’s a really good cook. She used to cook at the tavern in Milhaven.”
“Why do I need a kitchen then?”
“You may not, but if you want a cup of tea, you can fix it. And if you’re not in the mood for people, you can fix yourself something here. This way it’s your choice. We all have kitchens, complete with stoves, dishes, everything. And speaking of eating, it’s about time for breakfast. Why don’t you join us and I’ll introduce you around.”
“Myron told me to stay put until he gets back. I think he wants to introduce me.”
“That makes sense. You’re his apprentice. Do you know when he’ll be back?”
Landis shook her head. “But you go on and eat.”
Taelor hesitated, but hunger won out. “If you’re sure you don’t mind, I think I will. I’m hungry.”
Landis grinned. “I’m fine. I’m going to look around a little until he gets back. You go ahead.”
Landis walked back to the cave entrance with Taelor and watched as he went down the trail towards the valley. After he disappeared in the woods, she leaned back against the rock
wall of the mountain and watched the birds and squirrels go about their day.
While she was gazing into the distance, light shimmered beside her and Kevin stepped out of the energy flow. “All unpacked?” he asked as he put his key away.
Landis smiled. “Finished a little while ago. Taelor came by to check on me.”
“Where is he?”
“I sent him on to breakfast. I could hear his stomach growling.”
Kevin laughed. “Shall we join him?”
Landis nodded. “Which way?”
“If you were going straight down there, you’d take that trail,” Kevin pointed in the direction Taelor had gone, “but since I want Warren and Torrey to go with us, let’s go that way.” He pointed towards their cave.
Half an hour later, Kevin opened the door to the communal building and ushered Landis, Warren, and Torrey inside. As they walked in, conversations ceased as everyone looked at the new arrivals.
A small shudder swept over Landis as she looked at all the people seated around the tables. She hadn’t been around that many people in years. She’d known the men were bringing their families, but somehow it hadn’t registered that there would be children here. She did a quick count. Ten children, although two of them looked to be in their early teens.
One of the men stood up and walked towards her. The way he moved seemed familiar and when he smiled, a memory flashed. She knew who he was. “You’re Garen, aren’t you?”
Cpt. Garen’s smile widened as he nodded. “I’m surprised you remember me. It’s been a long time.”
Landis laughed. “You followed me everywhere I went.”
“It was my job. I was there to protect you, keep you safe.”
“And you want to protect me now?”
Cpt. Garen nodded. “We all do. We want to keep you safe so you can become the Seated Sorcerer of Brendolanth. It’s what your father wanted.”
Landis stared at him for a moment and then quietly asked, “Did he actually say that?”
“On more than one occasion, and I’m not the only one who heard him. It was common knowledge at the castle that he wanted you to be his heir. He didn’t want to make it official until you were trained though. He didn’t want anything to happen to you.”
The Rambling Spy Page 10
