Aaron chuckled. “The house is staffed and will be taken care of for you. It will be your house regardless of where you spend your time. I know these are good people and that’s why I’m entrusting them with the Governorship.” He turned to me. “Seth, I’d actually like to have you in Krose as soon as possible. I’ve heard no reports of trouble, but without someone at the tiller, things can go wrong. It’s been vacant for six months already, and by wagon it will take a little over a month to reach the city. Would you be able to leave today?”
I smiled and noted the bags that the ladies and I were carrying. I whispered to Tabitha, “Would you like to be in Krose and see what I’ve gotten us into this time? I think I can remote view it if I can find out the direction and description of the city.”
She grinned. “It would have to be nicer than sleeping in that inn. That would be fine with me, Seth.”
I looked back to Aaron. “Aaron, you saw how my family left here? My family and many others from Eredwynn are able to travel vast distances in the blink of an eye. If you’d like, I could transport my family to Krose now and save a month.”
He looked amazed but with a twinkle in his eye. “A wise man checks with his wife before making a big decision. I like that; if you can travel like that I’d be thrilled. The city is northwest of here, roughly a thousand miles away. It borders the mountain range. In fact, the mountains are in the back yard of the mansion and the city is laid out south of there. It is a beautiful place and I’m not just trying to sell it.”
I laughed and made sure my party was close to me. I nodded. “Then we will take our leave. We have the documents showing who we are and what we’re doing there so the guards don’t lock us up for invading. So, by your leave, my good man.”
Aaron nodded and we bowed or curtsied. Tabitha took my arm in case I got wobbly on my long cast for Krose. I closed my eyes and rushed for the mountains to the north. I followed them west until I located the city that matched what I was looking for. I found a good place to port to and dropped my viewing. I signaled for everyone to close up and I ported us to our new home.
I had placed us in an alley a block from what had to be the governor’s home. We walked hand in hand to the street that ran in front of the huge estate. The entire place was surrounded by a wrought iron fence ten feet tall. The main gate was supported by a beautiful stone and plaster arch with a stone guardhouse set alongside.
At the guardhouse we had a bit of difficulty, but it was the type that I’d grown accustomed to over the years. The guard met us. “You kids don’t need to be hanging around here unless your parents are on the maid staff.”
I stepped forward. “Good morning, sir. I’m Seth Stephenson; this is my wife Tabitha and daughter Tamia. This lovely young lady with us is Anne Tillot and these pages show why you should even care.” I passed him the pages that Aaron had given us. One of them announced that his uncle had been deposed and that he’d taken the throne. It also included my appointment and Anne’s title and grant of the land to the west of our new home.
The guard got quite excited as he looked through the pages. He waved another guard over. “Captain, you have to see this. It says that Prince Aaron finally took his rightful place on the throne. This one says this young man and his wife, who both look like kids, are to take over the mansion and the Governorship. And this young Lady is to take the staffed estate to the west.”
The Captain looked at us and at the young guard. “Then why are you making them stand outside the gate of their home? Sir, Ladies, please allow me to escort you and introduce you to the house steward.”
We followed the man up a long walkway toward the beautiful three-story home. Huge marble columns were set on either side of the stairs leading to the double doors. The Captain pulled a braided rope beside the door and we could hear bells ring off in the heart of the building. The door was quickly opened and the Captain talked to the man on the other side. Our pages were shown and we were ushered inside.
The man bowed slightly. “It is an honor to meet you, Sir. You’ve brought very good news for the city and the kingdom. I am the house Steward, Emory, and I’ll show you around your new home. First, let’s meet your staff.” He rang a bell that was sitting on a pedestal beside the door. Maids, servants and other household staff appeared so quickly it was almost frightening. We were introduced to the staff and turned over to the head maid.
She gave a friendly smile and curtsy. “I’m the head housekeeper, Evette. If you’d like your things brought to the house, I could get some of the servants to move it for you.”
We all smiled at each other and I answered, “It would seem that these bags are all that we own at the moment.”
Evette smiled at Anne and Tabitha. “The city of Krose is famous for its tailors. Once you’re settled in, I’d be honored to show you around and help with your wardrobe.”
Tabitha smiled. “Thank you very much, that would be appreciated. I’m sure that we could get a few items, but money may be tight for a while.”
Evette looked around as if looking for prying ears, “The household has been receiving the stipend that was to be paid to the governor every month. Since the man has been dead these past six months, the money has been placed in the vault. It seems that you may start this appointment quite well off.”
That news made me very happy. “That is good news, because I hope to help the Countess Anne with her home, too. I doubt she’ll be there often, but it should be nice for her when she does go.”
Evette smiled again. “I’m sure you’ll learn some good news about the western estate, too. Now if you’ll follow me.” She led us up to the top floor and the southern side. She opened doors that led to an enormous bedroom. There were doors at each end and a balcony that overlooked the courtyard and the city beyond. We were speechless, but Evette wasn’t done yet. She led Tabitha and Tamia over to the door on the far right side of the room. The room was set up for a young girl that couldn’t have been much older than Tamia. Everything was light colors and welcoming. Tabitha leaned over and whispered something, and Tamia squealed and ran for the bed. I smiled at Tabitha, knowing what we’d saved this child from.
I asked Evette, “Who else is staying in the house? I saw a dozen doors on the floor below us.”
She looked confused. “No one stays there. If you were to throw a party or something and your guests needed a place to stay, they could stay there, I suppose. Other than you three and I understand sometimes four, only the steward will be here. His room is near the kitchen area. You can ring him using that rope by the door. Maid staff will answer to the ropes on either side of the bed.”
“Are the maids and staff here paid well?”
“Yes sir, we are paid one gold coin a week and those are good wages, considering the cost of living.”
I shrugged. “I was just wondering, because if the maid staff is working here, wouldn’t it be easier on them if they were living here, too? It would save on rent and reduce their travel time. I know some have families and it wouldn’t be better for them. I’ll have to look into all the wasted space here. I want to make my staff as happy as possible.”
Evette grinned and took Anne and Tabitha to the room on the other side. I looked in behind them and saw a mirror image of the first side room. This one, I was sure, was used for visitors or close friends. Anne was very happy and laid claim to the room at once.
My mind was running everywhere at once. “Evette, I was wondering if Anne, Tabitha and perhaps Tamia would like to see Anne’s estate as well. Would it be possible to have a guard or someone official-looking walk them over? Tabitha and I know we just look like kids to most people and Anne, who’s the youngest, looks five years older. People have trouble believing we are who we say we are.”
Evette giggled. “I had noticed that you looked quite young but spoke like adults. I must be honest, I thought someone was playing a prank when I heard you two were married and had adopted Tamia. I’m sure a guard would walk with us and if you don’t need me, I’ll g
o too. Perhaps we could stop by a tailor while we’re out. I’m sure the governor’s house has good credit with the merchants.”
I went to Tabitha and passed her ten platinum coins and told her if we needed more, I could port it from Eredwynn. I gave Anne the parchment that stated the estate was hers and Tamia a hug. Tamia grinned, “Thank you, sir. You’re really nice!”
I laughed. “We’re going to have to think of something other than ‘sir’ for you to call me.”
Tamia hung her head and scuffed the ground with her toe. “Did I say something wrong?”
“Oh, no, sweetheart! It’s just that Tabitha and I have adopted you and are your parents. I know we can’t replace your real mom and dad and we wouldn’t want to try, but our job is the same. I just thought that more friendly names would be nice. Sir and Ma’am sound so stuffy.”
“So you are my new mom and dad?”
I nodded.
“Can I call you mom and dad?”
“If you would like to.”
She grinned from ear to ear. “Ok Dad, that’s what I’ll do!”
I hugged her, and Tabitha, tears flowing, joined the family hug. Even Evette and Anne got a minor case of the sniffles.
Evette sighed. “Well, if anyone doubted if you were adults or not, that would have changed their minds.”
I smiled. “You take care of my family for me.” I kissed Tabitha and Tamia then reached up, and with a little bending on her part, kissed Anne on the cheek. She blushed cutely and the ladies filed out.
I was finally alone for the first time in ages, but knew it couldn’t stay that way. I left our bedroom and went looking for Emory, the steward. The first maid I passed directed me to where I could find him. I came to an office near the kitchen and knocked on the door. A cheerful ‘come in’ greeted me.
I walked in and saw the man scribbling away in a ledger. “A steward’s work is never done, huh?”
He chuckled and looked up. “Oh, I’m sorry, sir! I assumed you’d be resting after your long trip.”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I know when you saw Tabitha and me you had trouble believing that we were really adults.” The man nodded and listened. “Now I’m going to tell you and show you some things that might be harder to believe. I’m a wizard, a user of magic. I come from a group of wizards that are just called ‘the sibs’ back home. The group consists of my brothers, sisters and me. Some of the things we can do you might not believe or understand. For instance, just a few hours ago I was standing in Omedo Castle talking to Aaron, the King.”
He looked understandably confused. “How could you have been there and now here in that brief a time?”
“We use a skill we call teleportation, or porting for short. It takes us from one place to another in the blink of an eye.”
He chuckled. “You were right; I can’t believe that.”
I smiled. “Perhaps you’ll believe this.” I raised a dagger from the shelf behind him. “Can you believe that the dagger is flying on its own or that I’m controlling it? Or what if…” I flew the dagger point first across the room and into my shielded chest. When it bounced, I let it fall. I picked it up and carried it to the desk of the stunned man. I sliced my palm, deep enough to bleed and sting quite a bit. Keeping his attention, I pointed to the cut and he watched as it healed almost instantly. “I’ll give you a minute to absorb that and I’ll ask you again if you believe I’m a wizard and can do magic.”
He shook his head. “I don’t need a minute, and I believe you now! But why are you showing all of this to me?”
“I’m new here and there may be times when I have to use magic to do things. I wanted someone that is known and trusted to let the staff know that it’s nothing to be afraid of.”
He chuckled nervously. “Until I get used to seeing it, could you give me some warning before you used it around me? And what could you use it for to help our city and district? I saw you heal that cut on your hand; could you heal other things? Larger things?”
I laughed. “Was that three questions? Yes, I’ll try to warn you before using it. We’ll have to wait and see what needs to be done to help me decide what I can do for the district and yes, I can heal some pretty major injuries.”
“The reason I ask, sir, is that a young scullery maid burned herself badly last night. She expressed that she couldn’t survive at home by herself. She’s in a room near the kitchen and they are keeping cool rags on her arms and face. I’m afraid she’ll scar horribly. It’s a shame, because she was a very lovely young lady.”
“Take me to her, but don’t promise anything. To date I’ve been able to heal everything I’ve run across, but if there was a first, I wouldn’t want hurt feelings.”
He nodded and led me around the corner and to the other side of the kitchen. He knocked softly and walked in. He smiled tenderly at the young lady. “I’ve brought the new governor to see you. He was concerned about your condition and wanted to see how bad it was.”
When the girl saw me, she became tearful. “I ain’t really in the mood for games, Emory.”
I walked close. “I am who he says I am and if you’d give me your hand, I’d like to show you something.”
She timidly, and with effort, offered me her hand. I gently held it and sent a flood of healing magic flowing through her. Her sigh as the pain lessened was instantaneous. Emory stood by the door with his mouth hanging slack, watching as the oozing burns healed and were covered over with healthy, whole skin. When I was done, I leaned forward and kissed her gently on the newly healed cheek.
She wrapped her arms around me. “Oh, thank you, sir. I didn’t know if I’d survive the pain. You’re such a wonderful man, even if you do look like a little boy. I’m forever in your debt.”
I chuckled. “You don’t owe me a thing, except to not strangle me.”
“I’m sorry, sir, I reckon I got caught up in the moment. I’ll keep my hands to myself.”
I winked at Emory and looked at the maid. “Well, I didn’t say you had to keep your hands to yourself. I’d just have to talk to my wife about it first.”
She giggled playfully and left the room and I told Emory, “I should wander the town for a while. When she goes to the kitchen and tells them what happened, the staff will all want to question me. Maybe if I give them time to settle down, it will go over more easily.” I heard the ohh’s and ahh’s coming from the kitchen as I made it to the front door.
Chapter Eight
I crossed the courtyard and nodded at the guards as I went past. I wandered the city trying to get a feel for my new home. I could have been walking in any large city in Eredwynn. The layout and feel of the streets, buildings and even the people were the same.
I wandered for a few hours and started making my way back home. I turned around the final corner and saw that I could go no farther! A line of people had the entire street in front of the governor’s mansion blocked! I stepped between a couple buildings, focused on my room and ported.
Tabitha jumped off the bed. “Seth, what is going on down there? Did we do something wrong already?” Anne heard her talking and came in from her bedroom with Tamia.
I shrugged. “I did something nice and I think it may be coming back to haunt me already. A maid had a severe burn and I healed her. If the word got out, the people out front might be hoping to get treatment too.”
This upset Tabitha. “Well, what are we going to do? We can’t just leave sick and injured people clamoring at the gate. Do you think you can help them?”
“Probably, but I’ll have to get with Emory and see if he has an idea for letting them in a few at a time. If I start running low on magic, I’ll have to rest.”
Tabitha walked over and pulled the braided rope by the door. “If you start getting tired, let me know. I’ll have the guards close the gate until you rest up. I’d hate to see you as sick as I have in the past.”
Anne spoke up, “Ya think that one of them maids would keep an eye on Tamia? I reckon y’all might need
a little help with all them folks down there.”
There was a knock on the door and Tabitha opened it. Emory walked in. “My Lady, what can I do for… Seth? How did you get back inside? The guards are keeping an eye out for you to escort you in safely. No, never mind, I don’t think I want to know how you got in. Have you seen the crowds out front?”
I nodded. “What happened?”
Emory sighed. “The young maid you healed told her family what had happened. They told their friends, who told… you know how it goes from there.”
“My wife and I feel that we can’t let the sick people out there suffer. We need to think of a way to escort them in and back out. I’ll help all that I can, but I’ve never tried to heal the number that I can see from the window.”
Emory nodded. “I’ll arrange it and have some chairs moved to the courtyard. The maid staff can assist, too.”
As he turned to leave, I added, “Could you send a responsible maid to look after Tamia for us? I’m sure there are things out there I’d prefer that she not see at her age. Anne is going to go down to help out, too.”
He nodded and disappeared out the door. We waited a few minutes, dreading what was to come. I was touched by the genuine concern that Tabitha and Anne showed toward me. They’d seen my magic drained and how ill it had made me and didn’t want a repeat of that. To break the tension, I reminded Tabitha, “I’m sure that in the year you spent around James, you heard things. Maybe you heard about the best way to replenish spirit magic? Our pixie friend Translucia told the family about it years ago.”
She blushed. “Is that real or just a way to talk me into your bed? Sir, you know you don’t need a line for that!”
I laughed, “It’s actually supposed to work. If my magic gets low, we’ll have to test the theory.”
Anne shook her head. “Y’all ain’t gonna make noise, are ya? It was bad enough on me in the camp, listening to that ever’ night and keepin’ to myself.”
Seth, A Naiad's Son (Generations of Eredwynn Book 3) Page 7
