The Rambling Spy

by Mackenzie Morgan

  “No, ma’am,” Elin said, “and as far as I know he’s not courting anyone either, which is a shame because he’s really nice.”

  Kyra nodded. “He looks it.”

  “You mentioned tea,” Elin said. “I can bring some up from the kitchen if you like.”

  “I hate for you to wait on us,” Ester said. “Would it be all right if we had our tea downstairs?”

  Elin nodded. “Are you ready to go now? Or would you like to unpack first?”

  “It won’t take five minutes to unpack. We can do that later. Let’s go now,” Kyra answered.

  When they got downstairs, Kyra noticed the tables on the patio. “Could we have our tea outside? It’s not that cold.”

  “Sure, if you want to,” Elin answered.

  After Elin got them settled with a pot of tea, a plate of pastries, and joined them for a quick cup of tea, she headed back to the office. Kyra and Ester continued sipping their tea as they watched the guards, especially Darrell.

  “He is a good looking one,” Kyra whispered.

  Ester nodded. “No wonder she wasn’t interested in any of the men we set her up with. They didn’t have a chance.”

  Kyra chuckled as she leaned forward and rested her arms on the table. “No, they didn’t, but if she lands this one, imagine what their babies will look like!”

  Ester playfully slapped her arm. “Kyra! You shouldn’t say things like that.”

  “Why not? You were thinking it, too.”

  “Well, I may have been thinking it, but I knew better than say it.”

  The two ladies spent the next hour sipping tea, nibbling on pastries, and enjoying the view. The training session was ending when Serra joined them.

  “Tonnie all settled?” Kyra asked.

  Serra laughed. “Settled with milk and chocolate cake. She’s a happy girl right now.”

  “Good.” Ester tilted her head towards the practice field. “We were watching your young man work out. Quite nice.”

  Serra could feel the heat flood her cheeks. “I wouldn’t call him my young man, Grandmother. We’re friends who enjoy spending a little time together. Anything else would be against the rules.”

  “All right, dear, we’ll go along with that, for now,” Ester said with a sigh, “but you are planning to introduce us to your handsome captain, aren’t you? After all, he’s the reason we’re here.”

  Kyra’s eyes popped wide open. “Ester!”

  “What? She already knew that, didn’t you?”

  Serra took a deep breath. “Well, I’m not sure I’d say I knew it, but I thought that might have something to do with your sudden desire to see the castle of Milhaven. The only way I can introduce you is to take you on a tour of the castle and introduce you to the heads of all the departments.”

  “That’s fine,” Kyra said as she stood up. “They’re heading inside now. If we hurry, we can catch him before he gets busy with something else.”

  By the time Serra and the grandmothers got to Darrell’s office, he’d cleaned up and changed clothes. He was at his desk working on the schedule when Kort knocked on his door and said he had company. “Good. That gives me the perfect excuse to hand this over to you and ask if you could finish it up.” Darrell handed the half-finished schedule to Kort.

  “Be glad to, sir.”

  Darrell stood up to greet his guests, and after a brief introduction, said, “I’ve got a class in an hour and I need to eat lunch. Would you ladies like to join me?”

  “We’d be delighted,” Kyra said with a wide smile.

  Ester nodded. “Always a pleasure to dine with a handsome young man.” Then she wrapped her arm around Darrell’s. “Just lead the way.”

  Serra, who was standing behind the older women, rolled her eyes and turned to lead the way out of his office.

  While they were eating, Darrell told Ester and Kyra how much everyone loved Serra and appreciated the work she and Cryslyn did to make their lives easier. “They’re amazing,” Darrell said as he gave Serra a particularly warm smile.

  Ester elbowed Kyra and nodded in Darrell’s direction. Kyra gave a slight nod without taking her eyes off of him.

  Then Darrell turned back towards the grandmothers. “Has she shown you the playground?”

  “Not yet,” Kyra answered.

  “We’re all proud of it, and it would never have happened without Serra.”

  Serra shook her head vigorously. “Don’t believe that. It was his idea. He’s the one who drew up the plans and worked to get it built.”

  “No, I may have been the one who drew the sketches, but she was the moving force behind it. She was the one who organized it. All we did was build what she wanted. The children love it, and the ministers and their wives have been so impressed with it that it’s being copied all over Camden. You should definitely see it.”

  “We look forward to it.” Ester looked at Serra. “Maybe we can see it after lunch?”

  Serra’s face had gone pink at Darrell’s praise. “It’s out back. We’ll go out there after we eat.”

  “So, what are your plans for this evening?” Darrell asked.

  “As far as we know, we have none.” Kyra glanced at Serra. “Do we?”

  Serra shook her head.

  “Then would you like to join me at Fenway’s for some scog, say around seven?”

  “We’d love to,” Ester said, glowing. “Wouldn’t we, dear?” she asked Serra.

  “Of course,” Serra said, turning even redder.

  “Good. I’ll have a buggy out front at seven,” Darrell said as he stood up. “Time for me to head over to the practice field. See you ladies this evening.”

  ~~~~

  Chris didn’t mention Wanda’s daughter until they were in Kevin’s room that night. “We need to find out something about this girl without letting on that we’re looking for a new page.”

  “For Cameryn?”

  Chris nodded. “And Ariel.”

  Kevin shook his head. “Petri’s going to take Ariel’s place.”

  “Have you talked to him?”

  “I’ve got to talk to Joan first, which reminds me. Ariel had a suggestion for a replacement for Petri.”

  “Who?”

  “Elin.”

  Chris frowned. “Why?”

  “She’s already trained and Joan knows her. It’ll make things easier when I tell Joan I’m taking Petri if I give her Elin in exchange.”

  “You’re assuming she wants her. Like you said, Joan knows her. She knows Elin still has some rough edges, like when she lost her temper and blew up at Rhianna. Joan may not want her.”

  “I hadn’t thought about that. I assumed since they knew each other it would be an easy fit.” Kevin shook his head. “I’ll make the offer and let Joan decide if she wants to take Elin or train someone else.”

  “But either way, we need two new pages.”

  “Three, if you count Isak. I think we’ll be able to keep him for another year or so, but he’ll want to apprentice before long.”

  “Think he’ll go with Shadron?”

  “Probably. Isak hasn’t said anything to Shadron, but a couple of weeks ago he asked Brandt if he thought Shadron would take him as an apprentice when he left the castle.”

  “What did Brandt say?”

  “He said Isak needed to talk to Shadron. Isak said he would, but he hasn’t so far.”

  “Want me to ask Isak about it?”

  Kevin shook his head. “I think we need to stay out of it and let Isak handle it himself.”

  “So, what do you want to do about Wanda’s girl?”

  “Isn’t Wanda the one with all the kids?”

  Chris nodded.

  “Theresa and Hayley both know the family. I’ll see if they remember her. What was the girl’s name?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t think Darrell said.”

  “See if Serra knows. Or better yet, ask Darrell to find out. Then I’ll see what they think. But in the meantime keep your eye out for likely candi
dates. And since you’re the one who has to work with them, I’m leaving that up to you. Now, anything else we need to talk about tonight?”

  Chris shook his head and then said, “Oh, one more thing. Which one of us is going to talk to Joan about Petri?”

  “I will.”

  “When are you planning to do that? I only ask because she’ll be getting those reports in about the clinics soon. It might be best to have everyone in place by then so they won’t have to backtrack.”

  “I’ll try to get with her this week.”

  “Don’t forget Christmas is Thursday. I imagine Joan has something special planned for Caitlyn and Corey. If you’re going to talk to her this week, you might want to do it Monday or Tuesday.”

  Kevin nodded. “Oh, and don’t forget Marcus is going to be gone all week. I’m taking him to his sister’s tomorrow morning.”

  “Do you know if things are any better up there?”

  Kevin shook his head. “Theresa more or less told me to stay out of it so I am. Guess we’ll know when he gets back.”

  “You’re going to ask him?”

  “Won’t need to. If that girl’s still causing trouble, there’s no way Marcus will leave Hayley up there to deal with it by herself. He’ll either refuse to leave or bring Hayley and Sherri back with him. But either way, I’ll know when I pick him up.”

  ~~~~

  Much to her surprise, Serra actually enjoyed her Sunday. After a leisurely breakfast with Darrell, she and her grandmothers went to Debra’s for lunch. While Serra helped her mother in the kitchen, Tonnie showed Kyra and Ester the livery stable and blacksmith shop. Then, after lunch, Tonnie insisted on showing them the town and introducing them to her friends, which included practically everyone in town. By the time they got back to Debra’s, it was time for afternoon tea.

  While they were sitting at the table, Kyra said, “Debra, we owe you more than we can ever repay for taking Serra under your wing and raising her. Very few women would have been so gracious under those circumstances. Saddling yourself with a child while your own life was in jeopardy took bravery beyond words.” As Debra’s face started turning pink, Kyra shook her head. “We’re not saying this to embarrass you. We just want you to know that we recognize the sacrifice you made and will be forever grateful to you for doing it. And that’s all we wanted to say.”

  Debra placed a hand on Serra’s arm. “I’m the one who was lucky that day. Serra has been a blessing and I couldn’t love her more if I’d given birth to her. She’s a wonderful young lady, one your son and daughter would be proud of, one you can be proud of, too.”

  Ester smiled as Serra’s face turned red. “Now that we’ve completely embarrassed everyone, let’s change the subject. Debra, I was admiring the herb planter in your kitchen. What a wonderful idea. Did Korman build that for you?”

  By the time Serra and her grandmothers left, Debra had agreed to ask Doreen how much she would charge for three more indoor planters.

  Sunday evening, Darrell escorted them back to Fenway’s, and, same as Saturday evening, was as attentive to Kyra and Ester as he was to Serra. By the time they went back to the castle, the older ladies were half in love with him and thrilled with the idea that he might be their grandson-in-law.

  Monday morning Darrell picked Tonnie up while Serra had breakfast with her grandmothers. Then, promptly at nine, they joined Chris in Kevin’s office. Serra hugged them, said she’d see them next month, and made sure they each had a hand on Chris’s arms. Then, as Chris turned the key, the energy field opened and they left for home.

  Darrell put his arm around Serra’s shoulder and whispered, “See? Everything went fine. Your grandmothers love me and like the idea of the two of us together.”

  Serra closed her eyes for a moment and sighed. “Too much if you ask me. They all but had us married by the time you brought us home last night.”

  “That was my plan.” Then Darrell stepped away. “Guess it’s time to head outside. I thought I’d check the playground this evening, make sure everything’s still in good working order. Want to join me?”

  Serra hesitated and then nodded. “I’ll make a list of the repairs you think we should make.”

  Darrell smiled. “See you then.”

  Chapter 38

  News from South Port

  Shortly after lunch Monday, a falcon arrived with a message for Kevin from Crinsor Run. When he opened it, a second letter fell out, an official letter stamped with the seal of the Council of Elders and addressed to Rhianna. Duane asked Kevin to see that Rhianna got it as soon as possible.

  While they’d been eating lunch, Rhianna had said she’d be working with Laryn and Marshall in the meadow behind Laryn’s house, so Kevin took the sealed letter out there.

  As he approached, Laryn tilted her head in his direction. “I have a feeling today’s session’s over. Wonder which one of us he’s looking for.”

  When Rhianna saw the look on Kevin’s face, she had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. As soon as she saw the seal on the note he handed her, it turned into nausea. She fingered the edges, hesitant to open it. No matter what it said, it wouldn’t be good news.

  Laryn saw the dread in Rhianna’s eyes, so she put her arm around Marshall’s shoulders and said, “I’m ready for a break. How about a cup of tea?” and herded him towards her house.

  After they left, Rhianna slowly broke the seal and opened the letter.

  Rhianna,

  It is my privilege to inform you that in honor of your service to North Amden in regards to the men sent here by the Sorcerer of Brendolanth, you have been appointed an instructor for the incoming warrior elf candidates.

  As you know, it is a two-year program which begins on March 1. You will need to be on site by February 1 to observe the qualifying trials for the incoming candidates. Please let us know if you need any help with preparations for your arrival.

  We look forward to seeing you on February 1.

  With warmest wishes and congratulations,

  Weldon

  Chairman, Council of Elders

  Rhianna read the letter twice before handing it to Kevin. He read it, frowned, and read it again. “Does this mean what I think it does? That you’ve got to go back to North Amden?”

  Rhianna nodded as tears filled her eyes. “For two years.”

  “Do you have to accept it?”

  Rhianna brushed at the tears coursing down her cheeks. “Being an instructor is one of the highest honors granted to a warrior elf. For every twenty or so elves who pass the test and become warriors, maybe one gets appointed an instructor. I’ve never heard of anyone turning it down, and with the way this is worded it would be an insult to the elders to refuse it.” She shook her head and tried to smile. “Father was an instructor before he married Mother, and Duane’s been an instructor several times.” Rhianna took a deep breath. “Two years ago, I’d have been thrilled. I’d have been celebrating, dancing around, showing this letter to everyone I could find, but now…” She shook her head as more tears gathered.

  Kevin forced a smile. “Then celebrate we will. We’ll get Blair to bake a cake, Joan to decorate it, and we’ll invite the whole town to the party.”

  When Rhianna frowned, Kevin shook his head and put his hands on her shoulders. When she met his eyes, he said, “You’re being honored. That’s the important thing here. I know you don’t want to go and I don’t want you to, but this is the chance of a lifetime and it won’t be forever. You said it yourself, it’s only for two years. And if you turn it down, you’ll regret it, and in the end, you’ll resent it, and probably resent me, so we’re going to protect our future by making sure there are no regrets, at least not for this. So, we’ll celebrate the fact that they’re recognizing how wonderful you are.” He slipped his arms around her and held her tight as she embraced him and cried.

  After a few minutes, Rhianna pulled back and wiped her eyes. “People are going to see us.”

  “So let them.” Kevin smiled. “If th
ey ask, we’ll say you were overcome with happiness because one of your dreams has come true, you’ve been asked to serve as a mentor to the next crop of warrior elves.”

  Rhianna rolled her eyes and tried to smile. “I guess that’s one way to look at it.”

  “The only way. Now, I have a question.”

  “What?”

  “When do you get breaks? When can you slip away? After all, I have a key and no intention of going two years without seeing you. I can pick you up for a week, a weekend, a day, or an hour. All I need to know is when and where. Do you have any idea what your schedule will look like?

  Rhianna laughed. “Not yet, but I know Duane came home while he was an instructor, not for long, but fairly often, probably once every couple of months, but I’m not sure the elders would approve of the Master Sorcerer showing up at the training camp.”

  “How did Duane get home?”

  “Xantha picked him up.”

  Kevin shrugged. “Then we’ll use Xantha. He and I have a link. He can let me know when and where to meet him. Then we can come back here, go to Rainbow Valley, Elsewhere, or anywhere else you want to go, and when it’s time for you to go back to camp, we’ll meet Xantha and he can fly you back.”

  Rhianna’s smile was a bit more natural. “Sounds like fun.”

  “Playing hooky always is. Now, my schedule’s pretty clear this afternoon, and your students have taken off, so who would you like to tell first? Your family or Landis?”

  ~~~~

  Kevin and Rhianna spent the afternoon in Crinsor Run. Then they had dinner at Fenway’s and left for the island. After Rhianna told Landis and they spent a little time catching up, Kevin and Rhianna went back to the castle, picked up Nikki, and headed out for a long walk.

  When it came time to say goodnight, Kevin put his arms around her and held her close. “I’m going to miss this,” he whispered. “More than you know.”

  Rhianna ran her fingers through his hair. “No more than I will.”

  As they melted into a slow kiss, they heard a giggle. Without breaking the kiss, Kevin used his seeing eye to find the source. Shelley was standing on the porch in her nightgown grinning for all she was worth. Without moving his head, he broke away from Rhianna enough to whisper, “We have an audience.”