Audrey of Farmerton

by M. Gregg Roe

“Yes, they are,” he replied seriously. “The live ones are even more frightening, especially when they are trying to kill you.”

  “Uh … can I ask one other thing about this house?”

  “Yes,” Almera said. “What is it?”

  “One time I heard voices that seemed to be coming from below the ground floor. Is there something under there?”

  The two of them exchanged glances. Almera looked at Audrey and said, “Yes. Quite a lot. It extends under much of the house. There are a number of hidden entrances that allow access to it.”

  Draymund explained: “We use part of it for storage. Another area is for training and practicing combat. There are also weapons and food and water stored there because it is an emergency shelter in case we are ever attacked. There are three escape tunnels that have hidden exits within the grounds.

  “Audrey, since you are clearly going to be living here, you need to know about it. Let’s all go downstairs, and we will give you the full tour.”

  “Okay. Thank you.” She felt very relieved.

  “One more thing, Draymund,” said Almera, with a deceptively sweet smile.

  “Yes, Almera?” Audrey could actually hear the dread in his voice.

  “If you have an issue with Audrey, come to me first. If you yell at her again like that, then you will be the one moving out.”

  Draymund lowered his head. “Yes, dear. I understand.”

  “Good.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Audrey found herself once again sitting at a table in a restaurant. This time it was a place called “The Watch”, and Draymund was her dining companion. After touring the area below the house, Almera suggested that he take her out to lunch. Draymund had instantly agreed, clearly fearing to do anything that might further antagonize his wife.

  The walk to the restaurant had been embarrassing for her. The clothes from the second store she and Almera had visited had arrived that morning. Almera insisted she try on the gold dress and then wear it to lunch. They both told her she looked beautiful in it, but Audrey knew better. She was far from beautiful, and the dress didn’t cover the scars on her left leg at all. At least Saxloc hadn’t been around to see.

  Draymund gestured at the menu lying on the table in front of her and said, “Order whatever you like.”

  Audrey frowned and told him, “I can’t read.”

  He was taken aback. “Sorry. Almera did mention that, but I had forgotten. I will read it to you.”

  Draymund began reading aloud the meals listed, but she stopped him after the third one. “That one sounds good,” she said. “I’d like to try that.”

  “It is good. I have had it before here. What do you wish to drink?”

  Audrey pursed her lips. “Two goblets of rice wine nearly did me in my first day here. I think I’ll just have water.”

  Draymund chuckled. “That’s right. I remember you were somewhat drunk. I will have water as well.” The waitress soon returned, and he ordered for both of them.

  “I apologize again for yelling at you this morning,” he stated with a conciliatory look. “Almera is correct; you are smart. You need to be taught to read and write. That will open up many opportunities for you here.”

  “You don’t need to apologize. I should have asked permission first. I explored most of the mansion the first day, and I probably shouldn’t have.”

  “Perhaps, but it is not a problem.” He grinned. “But you didn’t find any of the secret entrances, did you?”

  She returned his grin. “No. I didn’t. They’re very cleverly hidden.” She hesitated before asking, “Do you really think someone might attack the mansion?”

  “It is a possibility, and I like to be prepared. The Witch's City has been attacked twice in the time that we have lived here—most recently about four years ago.”

  Audrey was very surprised. “I didn’t know that. I know this is a really stupid question, but what is a witch?”

  “That is not a stupid question, Audrey. This may be called the Witch’s City, but most people here have no idea of what a witch actually is.

  “Witches possess powers that most people would describe as magical, but they are different from what we call magic. A witch’s powers are innate; they don’t have to spend years studying and apprenticing. The power is passed from mother to daughter. There are no males with witch powers.

  “The specific powers and their strength seem to vary. Ermizad is quite powerful, but her mother had little ability. Her daughter Ermiana already displays remarkable abilities. I suspect that she will be even stronger than her mother one day.”

  “That’s very interesting.” Audrey sat and thought a moment before saying, “Ermizad is called the High Witch. What is her husband called?”

  Draymund’s face fell. “Ermizad never married the man who fathered her child, and he is dead now. If she had, he would simply have been referred to as her husband. There is no official title.”

  “Oh. I see.”

  The food and water arrived, and she began to eat. She had opted for the chicken and noodles, but she had never seen noodles that looked like that before—thick and with a yellow tinge. The white sauce was also unfamiliar, but it was all delicious. Draymund had ordered pork chops with rice, and he seemed to be enjoying his meal.

  When they had finished eating, He ordered something called “pudding” for both of them. While they waited, she decided to ask about something else that she was curious about.

  “I’m confused about magic,” she began. “I know that Saxloc, Siljan, and Hankin can all do magic, but how does that work? Is it something that anyone can learn? Or do you have to be born with it?”

  “The proper term for someone who can employ magic is spell-caster. I’m actually one myself, and so is Almera. Her father as well.”

  Audrey just stared with her mouth hanging open. “Really?”

  “Yes, but don’t get the wrong idea. Spell-casters are not that common. You do have to be born with an ability for it, and it then requires a great deal of study and practice to properly cast spells.”

  “How does someone know if they have the ability?” she asked, secretly hoping that she did.

  “It starts off with being able to sense the presence of magic,” he explained. “Spell-casters, enchantments, magic items—that kind of thing. Have you ever sensed anything? Perhaps from my sword and shield?”

  “No,” she replied, feeling deeply disappointed. “Not a thing. Thank you for explaining, Draymund.”

  “You are welcome. Ah! Here’s the pudding. I think you will like it.”

  Audrey looked at the small ceramic bowl full of some thick brown substance with trepidation. It really didn’t look appetizing, but he was already eating his and plainly enjoying it. She dug out a small portion with her spoon and sniffed it. It smelled wonderful, and she soon discovered that it tasted good as well. She ate it all and then licked the spoon clean.

  Draymund grinned at her. “Good, wasn’t it?”

  “Yes. I definitely want to have this again. I’d like to learn how to make it too.”

  “We have asked, but they will not divulge how it is made or what is in it.”

  She couldn’t hide her disappointment. “That’s too bad.”

  They left the restaurant after he paid for their meal. She thought the price very reasonable given how good the food and service had been. It was warm and cloudy outside, but it didn’t really look like rain.

  “Audrey, would you like to do some shopping?” he asked her as they strolled along. “Perhaps some jewelry to go with your dress? Almera and I will start giving you a monthly allowance so that you can purchase things.”

  She looked directly at him and said, “Please don’t do that. I don’t need jewelry. I didn’t want Almera to buy me this dress. I’d really just like to go back to the house and change. People keep staring at me because this dress is too short to cover my scars.”

  Draymund smirked. “Audrey, I’m fairly certain that most people are staring at your
chest, not at those scars on your leg.”

  Audrey glanced down at her cleavage and began to blush. “Well, maybe. I’ve never worn a dress like this before. It’s embarrassing.”

  His smile vanished. “I see. Those scars really bother you, don’t they?”

  “Yes,” she admitted. “I prefer to wear pants or a long dress or skirt. But I’m very grateful that I still have my leg. I can live with the scars.”

  He gave her a searching look as they continued walking. “Almera and I were both pleased when Saxloc told us that he had used his magic to heal a teenage girl in a small village that had an infected leg. And now here you are.”

  He looked directly at her and narrowed his eyes. “You really don’t want a monthly allowance?” he asked.

  Audrey shook her head. “No. You are already giving me a place to live and feeding me. If I need money, I’ll get a job somewhere.”

  “Are you certain that Anton and Marilee are your parents? Anton is the greediest man that I have ever met.”

  Audrey laughed delightedly. “Yes, Draymund, I am their daughter. You’re right about my father, but I’m not like that. My father’s greed has always bothered me.”

  Draymund shook his head and smiled. “I give up. Almera was right and I completely misjudged you. And Saxloc’s opinion of you obviously can’t be trusted.”

  “He’s still angry at me, and I can’t blame him for that. I don’t know if he’ll ever forgive me,” she concluded sadly.

  “I think he will once he realizes what kind of person you truly are. I think I am going to like having someone around who doesn’t already know everything. I haven’t had a dragon-slaying job in ages, and it has been rather dull around here of late. Please feel free to ask me questions. I might as well aid in your education.”

  “Thank you, Draymund. That’s very kind.” She thought for a moment. “Is it safe for me to walk around the city by myself?”

  “There are run-down areas that you should probably avoid, but you are actually referring to the legalized thieves, are you not?”

  “Yes.” It was a definite concern for her.

  “If you are approached by Novox employees, give them your name and tell them where you live. It has already been arranged.”

  “Novox?” It hadn’t occurred to her that the thieves would also work for Novox.

  “Yes. After Novox became successful, Celebern secretly took control of the Thieves’ Guild here. When Ermizad legalized them, they simply became part of Novox. Now they spend most of their time collecting insurance payments instead of committing robberies. I was dubious at first, but it seems to work quite well. It is certainly earning me a lot of money.”

  Audrey was lost in thought for a moment. “So if I went out without insurance and was robbed by Novox, some of the money would go to you?”

  Draymund laughed. “Yes. And some to Celebern. The government takes a portion as well.”

  “This is a very strange city,” she commented drily.

  “I won’t deny it, but we like it here.”

  “So do I so far. I have a suggestion: Why don’t you buy something for Almera instead of me?”

  Draymund suddenly stopped walking and smiled broadly. “That’s an excellent suggestion. And you are going to help me pick something out. Does she need anything for her gardening?”

  Audrey thought about it. “Now that I’m helping her, we do have to trade off using some of the garden tools.”

  “That’s perfect,” he said. “That will be a gift for both of you.”

  Audrey pretended to be disappointed. “You do know that gardening is work, don’t you?”

  He laughed. “Work for you, Audrey—a hobby for Almera. Let’s go shopping. I know just the place.”

  “Okay! Let’s!”

  The two of them had an enjoyable time shopping, and Almera was delighted with her new garden tools. During dinner that evening, Saxloc definitely noticed that his father’s attitude toward her had changed, and she could tell that he was disconcerted.

  Audrey slept much better that night.

  8

  ‡ Changes ‡

  Following breakfast, Saxloc and Draymund both departed the house, and Audrey asked Almera what she wanted her to do that day. Draymund had been friendly, but Saxloc had barely glanced her way, let alone spoken to her.

  “No work today,” Almera said with a secretive smile. “But it’s going to be a busy day. First, we are going to go to the parlor and have a little talk.”

  “Uh … okay.”

  “It’s nothing to be concerned about, Audrey. I’m just going to start your education. I’m pleased that you and Draymund are now getting along.”

  “Me too,” she replied happily.

  Once they were seated in the parlor, Almera began to speak. “I am a half-elf, as are Draymund and Saxloc. My father Daragrim is an elf, and my mother Theora was a human. Half-elves age slower than humans and full elves even slower. My father is nearly a century old, but looks much younger.”

  “Ah,” said Audrey. “I had been thinking that neither you or Draymund looked old enough to be Saxloc’s parents. That explains it.”

  “Yes, but think this through. If you were to marry Saxloc, he would likely outlive you by several decades. Half-elves typically live about half again as long as humans. He would be aging slower and still look young when you began to develop wrinkles and gray hair.”

  Audrey could feel herself starting to tear up. Something like that had never occurred to her. And yet Almera’s father had married a human knowing that.

  Almera seemed to be reading her mind. “My father was over sixty years old when he married my mother, but he looked like a human does at thirty-five. She was only twenty, and they thought that they would have at least forty or fifty years together, but it didn’t work out that way. My mother died when I was only six years old, of a bodily defect that neither alchemy nor magic could cure. But that was something no one could have foreseen.”

  “That’s very sad. Did your father ever remarry?”

  “No, he never did.” Almera looked very sad and wistful.

  They sat in silence for a while and then something occurred to Audrey that worried her. “How old is Saxloc? I know he’s older than me. How much older is he?”

  “How old are you?” she countered.

  “I’m seventeen.”

  “Saxloc is sixteen,” stated Almera, and Audrey was surprised. “But there’s something else I need to explain. Elves age slower than humans after they reach physical maturity. They actually reach maturity somewhat faster than humans do. So in a sense, Saxloc is older than you. He is physically mature.”

  “Oh, okay. I was afraid you were going to tell me that he was a lot older than I am.”

  “No, Audrey. But I would have to say that you seem far more emotionally mature than Saxloc.”

  Audrey felt a bit flustered. “Uh … thank you.”

  “Let me explain more of the differences between elves and humans. Elves are shorter. They usually have longer and more angular faces, and of course pointed ears. They see better in the dark, but less well in bright light. They are resistant to some types of magic. They tend to be physically weaker and less robust than humans. They are also generally less fertile. Half-elves are somewhere in between as one might expect.

  “The Witch’s City has a population of around three thousand. About one in twenty are elves, four in twenty are half-elves, and the remainder human. The city of Zardis has similar proportions. The area you come from is almost entirely human, while to the south of here are a number of woodland elf villages.

  “Here is something else important to think about: The offspring of humans and half-elves are almost always human. That means that Saxloc would likely outlive any children you two might have.

  “Audrey, this isn’t a warning. It’s just something that I want to make sure that you know about and have thought through. I actually have a close friend who is a half-elf married to a human. They have a human
daughter, and they are all quite happy.”

  Almera seemed to have finished, so Audrey said, “Thank you for telling me, Almera. Uh … I’m still confused about some things. You said that a human and a half-elf will have human children. Why is that? And what about an elf and a half-elf?”

  “An elf and half-elf result in an elf, but I couldn’t really tell you why. It always seemed to me that it should be a three-quarter elf, but that does sound pretty silly.”

  Audrey nodded and thought for a moment. “What about dwarves? Are there half-dwarves?”

  Almera laughed. “I’ve never heard of one. Dwarves tend to stick together and they generally live in their own cities and towns. The ones that you see here are visitors.”

  “Okay. Thank you. I definitely need to think about all this. I’m going to my room now.”

  “That’s fine, Audrey. Let me know if you have any more questions. We will be going out for lunch. I’ll come by and get you later.”

  “Oh. Okay.”

  Audrey thought hard about what Almera had told her as she walked back to her room. Something like that had never occurred to her, and it was definitely a concern. For that reason alone, Saxloc might prefer to marry another half-elf, and she would probably be better off with a human.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Shortly before noon, Audrey’s nap was interrupted by a knock on her door. She answered it and found Almera standing outside wearing one of her beautiful dresses. “It’s time to go, Audrey,” she said. “Put on a dress and then come downstairs.”

  “The new one?” she asked with a feeling of dread.

  “No. Nothing that fancy.” She walked over to the wardrobe and quickly looked through it. “This one.”

  “Uh … okay.” Almera was pointing to the light yellow summer dress that was too short to cover her scars, the one she had made for herself. Audrey only wore that dress when it was very hot outside. It was the only short one that she had brought with her.

  She quickly cleaned up, got dressed, and then went down to the parlor where Almera was waiting. The sky was clear as they departed, and it already felt hot. They walked to the main street and then headed toward the city wall. They turned right onto a broad curving street that was very busy. Then they took a left on another street that headed outward, finally arriving before a beautiful stone building with a large flight of stairs leading up to its pillared entrance.