There was a light tap on the door and when I opened it, a couple maids brought in breakfast for five. They laid it out on the small table, I thanked them, they curtsied and left. I noticed there was silence in the room and turned to discover the girls staring either at the table or the door. When I asked what was wrong, Star replied everything was fine but she’d never been served breakfast or anything else, unless she was at an inn. I cracked up and divulged, “My Lady, you’ve got a lot of new experiences to get used to, now that you’re in my family.” The girls stood and gazed at each other for a moment, then finished packing.
Just as we were finishing breakfast, a roll of parchment popped in onto the floor. Knowing it was from my father, I picked it up and read it.
James,
I’d like to congratulate you again on Kethos Castle. I know you’ll have no problems and the Regent Jorin who’s there will assist you in any manner you request. I’ll be transferring one and a half million in platinum and half a million in gold to the empty vault there for personal expenses and improvements on the castle. Lia has already checked the location and will send it, with some assistance, this morning. Collect the vault key when you arrive.
Best of luck,
David Stephenson
I read the letter aloud to the girls, who were shocked by the amount of money at our disposal. There was a knock on the door; Star answered it and greeted Kemma with a hug. She was packed and dressed in her wizard uniform. Usually the girls came to training just with what they had on, and only wore the uniform after that. I was sure that her small bag contained only one or two more uniforms like the one she was wearing. I would take her to a tailor when we got settled in, but for now, she could play the part of bodyguard.
With everything packed and set in a pile and the girls all together, we were ready to go. Just before I started looking for the gate of Kethos Castle, there was a light tap on the door and Aunt Della walked in. She wagged a finger at me and scolded that she thought I’d try something like that again. She took my hand, boosting my energy immensely. I located where we wanted to be, wrapped up our goods and ported us there. Aunt Della instructed me to lean over and she kissed me on the cheek. She wished us luck and ported herself back home.
Chapter Fourteen
We stood looking at the outside of our new home. The place was a monstrosity that looked like it could withstand anything. The girls grabbed their bags and I took my chest, and we entered through the gates into the castle. The guard only glanced at us and that was because of Kemma. The ‘wizards in brown’ from Wizard’s Castle were legendary; even the novices were respected. We traveled the length of the courtyard to the Keep, climbed the stairs and walked inside. In the receiving chamber, a herald asked who should be announced. I introduced myself as James, and revealed that we’d been sent by the King to take noble control of Kethos Castle. He disappeared for a moment and then we heard the announcement for ‘James and company’. We filed in, still carrying our luggage, and approached Regent Jorin. Jorin was an angry-looking man who appeared to be in his early thirties. As we approached he began sarcastically, “Well, James, sent by the king to take control of the castle. Your family must be quite close to the royal family for them to send a boy. And you’ve brought quite the entourage, too, including a wizard bodyguard. I don’t know if it’s in the budget to support all of your lady friends.”
Star started to say something but I signaled for her to wait. I walked forward and handed Jorin the letter my father had sent me before we’d left. He read the letter twice, sighed and pulled a large key from his pocket. He handed it to me, declaring, “Our budget might not have been able to handle you all, but it would seem that yours is quite sufficient. Welcome to your new home, Lord James; let me show you to your room. All the rooms in the keep were vacated after the Lord died, so your friends will have their choice. I’m sure you’ll prefer the master bedroom for yourself.”
“Thank you very much, Jorin. I hope you won’t think it an imposition if I ask that you remain here and continue the work you’ve been doing. I’m sure I have a lot to learn from you about how a castle and province are supposed to be run.”
Jorin brightened at the prospects of keeping his job and the idea that maybe the boy wasn’t a know-it-all. “I’d be very happy to stay and assist you in any manner I’m able. Forgive my previous hostility and irritability. All I saw was a young boy surrounded by young girls. I thought you were just a teenager thinking only what teenagers think about. They are quite attractive young ladies.”
I introduced Salma, Matri, Ulia and Kemma as my consorts, and then I introduced Star as my wife. “Kemma is my newest consort and also a wizard. Her instructor is supposed to stop by a couple times a week to work on her training. I hope there is an area close by that will afford them room to work on her spells.”
“South of the keep is our archery range. Some suitable targets could be placed there, and I hope that would suffice. You don’t seem to talk about magic with the awe that most of the people in the kingdom do. Have you seen a lot of magic, and that’s why it doesn’t affect you that way?”
“I’ve seen more magic than everyone in this castle put together, and that includes my lovely novice. I fear I’ve been dishonest by omission, but didn’t want to come in here throwing titles around. My name is James Stephenson. I assume you’ve heard of me?”
Jorin bowed low. “Your Highness, I wasn’t aware you were the one who would be taking control of the castle. Again, forgive my foolish remarks.”
“Stand up. I’m not terribly fond of all that bowing and the like. Now that you know who I am, I’ll just float our bags and you can show us the way.”
Jorin led us up four floors and opened the double doors to the master bedroom. The room was beautiful and already boasted a double king bed. It reminded me exactly of the description my parents had given me of Roger and Sarah’s room in Valeview. It had the four closets and the same basic set-up. I was sure that both rooms were designed by the same architect. I asked Jorin if the closets led to empty apartments. He was surprised that I knew, but assented that they were. I thanked him and stated that we’d get settled in. He informed me that the castle did have a full maid, kitchen and guard staff, and that he’d have the suite guards back in their places shortly. I thanked him again and he closed the doors behind him.
With him gone, I had the girls’ line up, Star to Kemma. I went down the line kissing each girl as a way of welcoming them home. The closer I got to Kemma, the redder she became. When I drew near her she was almost glowing. I smiled at her and gently lifted her chin to tilt her head back, leaned down and lightly kissed her. Suddenly she wrapped her arms around me, crushing herself to me, and was kissing me passionately! When we broke apart I exclaimed, “Wow! That was unexpected, but not unpleasant. I’m sure there is a reason, other than the obvious, for a kiss like that?”
Kemma was so embarrassed by her reaction that she could hardly talk. Finally she admitted, “I’ve been dreaming of kissing you since I was eight years old. When it finally happened, I couldn’t control myself. I’m sorry if I was out of line.”
“Not at all. If you decide you want to lose control in other ways, be sure to let Star or me know. I’m sure we’ll be happy to accommodate you.”
Star boasted, “See, James, I do pick good consorts, even if I was a commoner not long ago.”
I replied, “Star, my angel, there has never been anything common about you in my eyes. But before we all start getting mushy, we need to decide on some things. Each of the closets opens to an apartment. We need to decide if we’re going to use them or if everyone will just stay in here. I’d love to have each of my girls with me all the time, but I know that personal space is important.”
The girls talked about it for a few minutes, and then decided that Salma and Matri would take the rooms on the west side with Ulia and Kemma on the east. I followed them each to their rooms, since they hadn’t been in use, and lit the candles and lamps for them with a wave. Kemm
a wanted to know what spell that was, and I explained that after she mastered spell magic, she might be able to learn it.
After everyone’s things were put away, I asked Kemma what clothes she’d brought. It was exactly as I’d thought, and her wardrobe consisted of three wizard’s uniforms. I asked the girls if they wanted to go look at the courtyard shops, and they were as thrilled as usual about shopping. On the way out, I asked Jorin what the neighboring village was like. He told me that they had a decent smith or two, but it was a very poor place, and not the kind of surroundings a prince should be in.
At the door of the keep, I asked a guard where I could find the tailor’s and was given directions. I accompanied the girls over and stayed out of the way while they examined different styles and colors. While clothing choices were being made that didn’t require her, I invited Kemma to join me. I asked, “What spells have you learned so far? I know you’re only a few weeks into training, but I also know my Aunt Alba. She isn’t exactly strict on the order spells are learned, as some of the other instructors are.”
“I’ve learned the basic ‘no wand’ spells, shield and telekinesis, heal and fly. I’ve learned to cast energy bolts, but not as well as I should. I got better after some recent instruction, but I know I have a way to go. I can also cast levitate, in case I have to help someone get around more quickly.”
“That’s fantastic because you really can be a bodyguard for the other girls if I’m not around. We’re new here and I have no idea what to expect, so if you could keep an eye on things while I look for a smith, I’d appreciate it.”
She nodded. “Anything for you, James.” She leaned forward and I kissed her, smiled at her blush and walked out of the tailor’s shop.
Chapter Fifteen
I looked around and saw the smoke I was looking for; forge smoke is quite distinctive and it drew me. I asked the smith if he had any idea how to make pipe. He’d never even heard of it, so I described what I wanted and how it could be made. He stated that he thought he could provide pipe, but it wouldn’t be cheap. I assured him that if he could start making ten foot lengths when he had time, I’d guarantee he was very well paid. He wanted to know how many lengths I’d want and I promised to notify him when I had enough. As I walked away, I was sure he mumbled something about insane nobles.
I proceeded to seek a woodworker and upon finding him, I convinced him that I was insane, too. I asked if he could build a barrel. He grinned and replied that of course he could, and would just have to get some rings from the smith. I told him that I wanted a large valve on the bottom of the barrel that had a one inch opening. He nodded and took notes. I finally told him that I wanted the barrel to hold at least five hundred gallons. He dropped his quill and looked at me like I’d lost my mind. He finally recovered his quill and declared that it would take more time, but if I was paying, he was building.
The girls were finishing up as I returned to the tailor’s. I informed them that the village against the north wall of the castle was supposed to have two more smiths that I’d like to talk to. They could go with me back to the room or wander the courtyard. They chose to go with me and we started walking. Going out through the gate on the west side, the guards acted as if they were going to stop us. Upon seeing Kemma, they nodded to her and stood aside. We walked through and Kemma said, “I knew that in my village everyone knew and respected the Wizard’s Castle wizards, but I didn’t know that grown men would move out of my way like that.”
I laughed. “They are afraid you’ll turn them into a toad if they stop you! Actually, most people have heard of at least some of the exploits of the wizards and respect the power they possess.”
We entered the village and began ambling down the tiny, dirty street that ran the length of the place. There appeared to be a couple crossroads, and that was it. It was a small and very poor place. I started thinking about ways I could turn things around for these people. The closest town or village to a castle will usually tell what kind of lord is in charge, and I didn’t want my people to think I didn’t care. I knew that my plumbing project would put some money into the villager’s hands, but I’d have to think of other things, also.
As we were coming to the first crossroad, there was a commotion. A small girl came running around the corner, being chased by two very angry men! With a chuckle I grabbed the girl with my mind and raised her a foot off the ground so Dad, I assumed, could catch up. As the men approached the girl, one of them raised a stick to strike her! I immediately floated her thirty yards to my side, caught her with one arm and stood her by my hip. The angry men approached us and Kemma took a defensive stance.
One of the men demanded, “Release the creature so she can be taught that stealing is wrong.”
“She took something so you’re going to beat her with a stick? That seems a bit extreme. What did she take, and what is its worth?”
The man growled, “She took a pair of fine leather children’s shoes that I would have gotten a silver coin for.”
I dug around in my pocket, located a gold coin and tossed it to the man. “Consider the matter closed, and you should learn that talking is better than hitting, any day. Now, if you could point me to the smith’s, I’m doing some upgrades to my castle and need to order some items.”
My reference to ‘my castle’ wasn’t lost on the man. He bowed and advised that I wanted to take the road ahead to the north, and both smiths were at the end of the road. I thanked the men and they went on their way, happy with the day’s profit.
I turned to our rescued little girl to find out where she lived and found myself looking into a very mature, attractive face of a young lady. She said, “Thank you, My Lord. I wouldn’t have taken the shoes, but children’s shoes are all that fit me and the cobbler won’t make shoes for us.”
I was confused. “Who are the ‘us’ that you’re referring to?”
“Halflings, My Lord! You mean you’ve never met a Halfling? We live all along the eastern coast of Eredwynn, but I believe you’re from the west.”
“I am from the west and you are the first of your race I’ve met. I’m James; this is my wife Star and my consorts. It is very nice to meet you Miss. When I first saw you running, I thought a child was running from her dad. I’m glad I got involved, now that I know what they would have done to you if they’d caught up to you!”
“Most people who pay attention know who you are, Your Highness. Those men are too caught up in everyday life to know that the sun shines. I realize I look like a child to you, because I’m much shorter than you. I know that you couldn’t know, but I’m quite tall for my people. I am three feet nine inches tall, after all. My name is Ivy Greenburr, and I’d like to speak with your beautiful wife, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind, just do it while we walk. I want to see if these smiths can get on the project I have in mind as soon as possible, and then we need to visit the tinker.”
We traveled down the street, following the man’s directions. I found both smiths in their shops and decided to kill two birds with one stone. While all the girls were gathered around their new friend, I gathered the smiths together. I explained my plan and that I needed one of them to make a pipe that was twice the size of the other, to use as a drain. I advised them that I was going to be giving the tinker some tasks and would appreciate it if they would work with him, too. They asked about payment and I instructed them to bring their bill to the castle, and note on it that it was for Prince James’ project. They laughed and supposed that there was no telling what kind of craziness royalty would dream up. They asked if I’d met the prince, just as Star called from the street, James, we need to talk when you’re done there.” I nodded to her and turned back to the smiths, who had gone pale. I laughed and agreed that they were right about royalty and I didn’t mind the comments. With a whooshing exhale of held breath, the very cooperative smiths stated they’d get right to work.
I left the smiths to their business and approached Ivy. I asked her if she knew where the
tinker was, and she replied she would show us the way. I offered her a silver coin as payment for her trouble, but she declined to take it. That’s when Star spoke up, “Ivy asked why we were following you around and how we could afford such lovely clothes. I told her that I was your wife and that the other girls were consorts. She wanted to know what a consort was…” I groaned, knowing that my stray-collecting wife was at it again. “… so I explained everything including vows, duties and all. She would like to join us if you’ll agree. She thinks you’re a wonderful man for saving her and her being a stranger. It’s up to you, of course.”
Up to me, she says, after asking in front of all the other hopeful-looking consorts and the pleading look in the Halfling’s big, brown eyes. “Star,” I said with a sigh, “you’ve about used up all your stray-collecting allowance. We can take Ivy if she knows what she’s getting herself into and is willing to help with whatever she’s assigned to, but from now on, we sit one-on-one and discuss these things before they’re sprung on me. Do we have a deal?”
James, The Crown Prince Page 10
