Audrey of Farmerton

by M. Gregg Roe

  “So that makes Petra Ermizad’s cousin?” Audrey asked him.

  “Correct. We eventually escaped, and Zale, Petra, and Petra’s mother Sofia all ended up living at the Witch’s Castle. Ermizad was thrilled by the return of her uncle, and happy to have a new cousin.

  “Petra had a difficult time at first because she had lived underground in near-darkness all of her life. Her mother Sofia did as well.”

  Gabriel interrupted. “Sofia will be going to live in Hard Rock City with the other people we rescued. She was never really able to adjust to life above ground.”

  “That’s good to hear,” said Saxloc. “She will probably be much happier there.”

  “It is my turn now,” stated Gabriel. “Petra soon formed a strong friendship with my sister Marryn. I tried to be friendly as well and help her, but that turned out to be a mistake. Petra became obsessed with me. She began to follow me around. She ate with my family. She watched me as I practiced. I began to go outside frequently because I knew she probably would not follow me. Petra still will not go out when it is sunny.

  “Everyone tried to speak with her, including Ermizad, Zale, and my mother. None of it helped. I finally agreed to go on a date with her to try to calm her down, but that just made things worse. My father finally went to see Ermizad and told her that something had to be done.

  “Ermizad decided to move Zale out of the castle and to send Sofia to Hard Rock City. Petra is going to be sent to live with Branwyn and Milric in Rohoville.”

  They all drank a toast to Petra leaving and then spent some more time chatting before Gabriel headed home still smiling.

  33

  ‡ Simmering ‡

  “I haven’t seen you in quite a while, Audrey,” said Carlinda as Audrey arrived at the top of the temple’s stone stairs.

  Audrey lowered her head. “I know. I’m sorry, but things have been really busy and a lot has happened.” She had been feeling guilty for neglecting her regular donation to the temple. She quickly counted out five silver pieces and handed them to Carlinda. Then she pulled a bundle out of her satchel and said, “I want to donate this cloak too. It’s barely been used.”

  Carlinda looked it over and frowned. “What are these stains?”

  “Blood. I tried, but I couldn’t get them out. I thought maybe you could dye it a dark color and someone could use it.”

  “Whose blood?” she asked with a worried expression.

  “Wolf blood.”

  Carlinda stared at her with an expression of disbelief. “You were attacked by a wolf? Here? In the city?”

  Audrey waved her hands. “No! It was in the wilderness. There were a whole bunch of wolves and … and I really need to tell everything properly from the beginning, don’t I? I’m sorry.”

  “It’s fine,” she said gently. “You’re just a bit too excited at the moment. I have an idea. Why don’t you come to dinner tomorrow? My husband has said that he would like to meet you.”

  “Okay! I want to meet Captain Hagen too. I heard about him in some of Grasapa’s stories. I heard about you in some of the stories that Draymund has told.”

  “I will be interested to hear what Draymund had to say about me. I’ll see you tomorrow evening, Audrey. Thank you for the donations.”

  “Uh. Where do you live?”

  “It’s not far from where you live. I’ll give you directions.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Audrey was feeling somewhat depressed as she walked home after her visit with Carlinda and Hagen. It hadn’t gone the way she had expected. Captain Hagen seemed nothing like the brash young adventurer that Grasapa had described. Carlinda was totally different from the helpful woman that she always enjoyed talking to when she donated at the Temple of Arwon.

  The first shock had been their house. Audrey was nearly late because she kept walking around, assuming that she had made a mistake. She had expected the Captain of the Witch’s City Guard to live in a nice place, but the house she ended up at was barely larger than the one she had grown up in. The outside was poorly maintained, and the inside was even more disappointing, with old worn furniture and no decorations whatsoever.

  Hagen wasn’t at all what she had been expecting. Because Carlinda was so lovely, she had expected her husband to be handsome. But Hagen wasn’t at all good-looking. He was trim and fit, but he also looked old and tired. He was friendly and seemed generally optimistic, but she could detect an undertone of sadness.

  The meal that Carlinda served was incredibly bland. She simply boiled everything and hadn’t used any seasonings whatsoever. When Audrey helped her clean up afterward, she didn’t see any seasonings or spices in their tiny pantry. She also got the strong feeling that inviting people to dinner wasn’t something the two of them did very often.

  After dinner, she told the two of them about how she surprised Saxloc by breaking the engagement, and about her rather miserable first outing as an adventurer. They were very interested and congratulated her on her success in winning Saxloc’s affections. Hagen spoke about some of his adventures back on Kaldir, with Danj, Grasapa, Medea, and others. Audrey found his stories interesting, but she was distracted by his obvious nostalgia and longing for the old days.

  Back at the mansion, she joined the others who were sitting in the parlor talking and drinking rice wine. “How was your visit?” asked Almera.

  Audrey hesitated and pursed her lips. “It was kind of depressing,” she admitted. “Captain Hagen was a lot different that I had expected. Carlinda seemed different too. Things just seemed off. It’s like something is missing from their lives.”

  All three of them were now looking somewhat glum. Draymund said, “That’s a very astute observation. They have both been through a great deal of hardship. Perhaps we should have warned you in advance.”

  Almera went and retrieved a cup from the sideboard. She filled it with rice wine from a decanter and handed it to Audrey, who took it and nodded her thanks.

  “Carlinda and I grew up together,” began Draymund, “but we were never really friends. She was very talented when it came to using weapons. Branwyn, Celebern, and I all learned from her in our younger days. She was very beautiful, and Celebern and I were both enamored with her for a time.

  “After we all ended up here, Carlinda married a man named Elsig, who was the Captain of the Witch’s City Guard at that time. They had a daughter—a baby girl—but she didn’t live long. Carlinda was devastated. She left Elsig and fled the city. She ended up living with a woman named Ariana, a druid who lived in the wilderness. Then Josara—an Eye of Andoran—slew Ariana, severely injuring Carlinda in the process. Carlinda recovered and ended up working as a guard for Danj for a while. Meanwhile, Elsig was slain during an assault on the city, and he couldn’t be brought back.”

  Everyone looked sad now, and Audrey was trying to keep from crying. Saxloc got up and refilled all their cups.

  “Hagen had been working as a Witch’s City Guard,” Draymund continued. “He met a woman named Tilda who was originally from Zardis. They fell in love and married, and she soon gave birth to a daughter that they named Hanna. Several years later, she bore him a son that they named Danhelm. Hanna was close in age to Valwyn, Marryn, and Alinda, and the four of them were always running around together and making nuisances of themselves.

  “Then Hagen discovered that Tilda had been lying to him about her past. She had told him that she had been a barmaid, but she had actually been a thief. She was even a former member of the Zardis Thieves’ Guild. He also discovered that Tilda had been secretly teaching some of her skills to Hanna.

  “Hagen was furious and he refused to forgive her. By then, Carlinda was back in the Witch’s City, and the two of them ended up together. When Tilda found out about it, she divorced Hagen and moved to Rohoville with the children. Hagen rarely sees his children these days, and I know that he greatly misses them.”

  “That’s terrible,” said Audrey. “No wonder they both seem so sad.”

  “There’s
one other thing,” added Saxloc. “When we found out about how Tilda had lied, and that she had been training Hanna as a thief, I and the other children began to treat Hanna badly. Hanna was deeply affected and I regret it now. She used to be lively and outgoing, but now she is shy and withdrawn. I don’t think she has any friends anymore.”

  “Actually,” said Almera, “it’s not quite that bad. I do speak with Branwyn from time to time. Hanna was alone for a time, but Valwyn refused to give up on her. The two of them are still friends, and it sounds like Asria’s daughter Alinda is now friendly toward Hanna as well.”

  “Thank you for telling me all this,” said Audrey. “But I’m not going to say anything to Carlinda. I don’t want to risk bringing back any bad memories.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  The next time that Audrey went to the temple to make a donation, she handed Carlinda both a silver piece and a small paper bag.

  “What’s this?” she asked with a puzzled look.

  “It’s some of the spices that Almera grows. I thought you might like to use them when you are cooking. I included some recipes.”

  Carlinda gave her a dubious look. “Go ahead and say it, Audrey. Hagen never complains, but I know I’m a lousy cook.”

  “Well yes, you are. I could give you some lessons if you like.”

  “What brought this on? Draymund and Almera told you all about our pasts, didn’t they?” she asked with a look of suspicion.

  “Yes, they did. I feel terrible about the things you two went through. I just wanted to help.”

  Carlinda smiled gently. “That’s very kind of you. Our past is sad, but it’s not a secret. I think that I will take you up on your offer to teach me. I really don’t do anything other than volunteer here, so I can certainly spare the time. What did you have in mind?”

  “Uh … your kitchen’s kind of small, and you don’t have a lot of the things we would need. I was thinking that you could come over and I would teach you there.”

  “Audrey, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Draymund and I really don’t get along well these days. What if we do it here? The temple has a large kitchen, although for obvious reasons I seldom help to cook anything there. I’ll ask Preston about it and get back to you.”

  Audrey was delighted. “Okay! I’m looking forward to it.”

  That evening, she went to speak with Draymund. She told him about her plan, and how Carlinda had reacted to her suggestion to have the lessons at the mansion.

  “Actually,” he said, “I wouldn’t object to Carlinda coming over here. Almera wouldn’t either. She would probably even volunteer to help. The issue is with Carlinda. She finds ostentatious displays of wealth disgusting. She’s only ever been over here once, and she wasn’t happy.”

  “I didn’t know that. I’ll either teach her at the temple or at her house then.”

  Draymund nodded. “Good luck. I’m sure that she will appreciate it.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Things didn’t go as Audrey had hoped. She went to the temple the next day and found out that Preston had refused Carlinda’s request. “It was really the kitchen staff that objected,” she explained, looking embarrassed. “The last time I tried to help in the kitchen was somewhat of a disaster, and they don’t want me in there anymore. I appreciate the offer, but let’s just forget about it for now.”

  Audrey was very disappointed, and she resolved to find another way. The following day, she returned home from her class and dropped off her satchel in her room before going to see if Almera needed help with dinner. She walked into the kitchen and stopped in shock. Carlinda was standing in front of the stove wearing an apron and stirring a pot under Almera’s watchful eye.

  Almera looked up, grinned, and said, “Surprise!” Carlinda flashed Audrey a quick smile and then went back to stirring.

  “But …” said Audrey, now thoroughly confused.

  “Draymund and I had a long talk yesterday,” explained Almera. “We decided that we have been estranged from Carlinda and Hagen for far too long.”

  Audrey was still confused. “But Draymund said—”

  “That I would never set foot in this house,” finished Carlinda without looking up from her task. “But he was wrong. Draymund and Almera have always donated generously to the temples here, and I knew about his charity work because Preston told me about it. They spoke to me yesterday, and Almera volunteered to teach me to cook. I accepted, and here I am. You’ll probably be seeing me here from time to time.”

  “That’s … that’s really great, Carlinda. I’m happy for you. And that you’re all talking again.”

  “Audrey,” said Almera, “please set six places in the dining room. Captain Hagen will be joining us tonight in addition to his wife.”

  It was a pleasant dinner, and afterward, Audrey heard more of the old stories. But lying in bed that night, she found herself concerned. Hagen and Carlinda still seemed sad to her. Carlinda was still young enough to bear children, which meant that they had simply decided not to have any more. Hagen clearly missed his own children. It was just all very sad, and she wished that she could think of some way to help them.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  “Get back to bed! You are not going to school today!”

  Almera was angry, and Audrey was too. She had felt a little weak when she woke up, and she hadn’t felt like eating much breakfast, but she didn’t feel that bad. Draymund and Saxloc had already eaten and left, and she and Almera had just finished cleaning up.

  “Yes I am!” she retorted. “You are not my mother!”

  Almera put her hands on her hips, glaring with her face turning red. “One more word and I will send you back to your mother! For good!”

  Audrey lost all interest in arguing as she broke out in a cold sweat and her stomach suddenly churned. She lunged for the washbasin and began to vomit. Almera held her until she had finished, then cleaned her up and gave her some water.

  “Now do you believe me?” she asked with a smug look.

  Audrey held onto the nearby table for support; she felt incredibly weak. “Yes,” she replied in a hoarse whisper. She cleared her throat and drank more water. “Yes. I’m sick. Very sick. And you basically are my mother now. I’m sorry.”

  Almera smiled gently. “You’re forgiven, Audrey. You have a fever and aren’t thinking clearly. Come on. I’ll help you to your room.”

  “Okay. Thank you, Almera.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  It was sunny and nearly noon when Audrey was awakened by the sound of her door being opened. Cinda walked in carrying a tray with food on it. She was wearing her so-called peasant clothing, as she always did when going to school. She stopped at the room divider and gazed around it fearfully.

  Still pretending to be afraid, Cinda said, “Lady Almera hath commanded that I bring you sustenance, but I fear to be stricken with your vile malady should I approach too near.”

  Audrey sat up. She was feeling better and was hungry. She stared at her friend and ordered, “Bring that food here at once, or you will feel my fist, wench!”

  Cinda smiled as she walked over and placed the tray on the bed next to Audrey. It contained a bowl of rice porridge, a piece of dark bread, a cup of apple juice, and a small white ceramic vial with a cork stopper and a gold symbol of Dukane painted on it.

  Audrey picked up the vial, asking, “What’s this?”

  Cinda raised her arms up and gazed at the ceiling. “I beseeched Lord Dukane for your salvation. To my great elation, an avatar of Lord Dukane descended from the heavens wrapped in golden light and gifted me this marvelous philter of sovereign restoration.”

  “You really have been taking acting lessons, Cinda. Now tell me what it is. Is it a Recovery potion? I hadn’t thought about it, but I’ve already got one I could drink.”

  “No, Audrey, that would not cure your malady. This will. I purchased it at the Temple of Dukane after Lady Almera informed me of your illness.”

  “Thank you. How much did it cost?”

&
nbsp; Cinda frowned at her. “Must you always be like this? I am your friend and it is a gift.”

  “Okay. Thank you.”

  Audrey uncorked the vial and drank the silvery liquid inside with a single swallow. Warmth spread throughout her body and she felt a little light-headed. She looked at Cinda and said, “That’s strong! I almost feel drunk.”

  Cinda took the vial from her and replaced the stopper. “They asked that I return this. Please eat your meal and return to sleep. You should be well ere long. I shall return after my class. I shall also inform Lady Grasapa of your vile malady.”

  “Okay. I will see you later. Thank you, Cinda.”

  Cinda nodded. “Be well, Audrey.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  When Audrey woke late that afternoon, she felt much better. After cleaning up, she went down to the kitchen, noticing that Saxloc and Draymund were in the parlor talking. She sliced an apple onto a small plate, poured a cup of water, and then joined them in the parlor.

  “Are you feeling better now?” asked Saxloc.

  “Yes. That potion that Cinda got for me really helped. Do you know what it was?”

  Draymund nodded and explained, “It’s a form of Recovery potion that only clerics can make. It will cure almost any disease.”

  “Really? That’s impressive.”

  Draymund picked up a thin, leather-bound book from a side table and handed it to her. “Almera asked me to get this for you. It’s borrowed from the castle library.”

  Audrey looked it over. The cover and paper were both of high quality. The title on the front was written in bold black letters: “Arcanos the Magnificent’s Guide to Incantations and Conjurations for the Less Adept”.

  The title made her laugh. “In other words, this is a guide to magic for people who can’t perform magic. The author’s name has to be made up.”

  Draymund nodded. “Yes, but it should prove useful to you. Ask Saxloc or me if you have any questions. Or Daragrim. He knows more spells than the two of us combined.”