Celina and I were both so giddy we could barely walk. We sat beside the small man and he took our hands. My world disappeared into an aquatic dreamland. Images, thoughts and experiences merged into the wonderful melodiousness of knowledge. Through it all, I could feel Celina and Grandfather in, around and through me. He guided us through the jumble and helped us make sense of everything. In our minds he spoke, ‘The things I’m teaching are not for the humans. Raven is the only other with human blood that knows this, and I felt her mind’s purity before I taught her. She’s made mistakes, like we all have, but never out of maliciousness. Your mother will be angry that you know this; send her to me if she wants to learn. It’s time we made up anyway. Be careful and remember that everything has consequences.’
He broke the connection and we both hugged him. Our minds were so full of new knowledge that we felt as though we’d burst. We turned back toward the castle and Lia was standing there, staring at us.
Grandfather grinned. “Hello, Lia; do you want to tell him or shall I?”
Lia just stood there, looking confused. Grandfather said, “She’s come to fetch you, Grandson. Congratulations; it’s a boy!”
I hugged him, and then Cel hugged him. He waved to Lia and stepped off into the river, disappearing without a splash. We both hugged Lia, who finally found her tongue. “Who in the world were you linked with? It seemed that you were mind to mind for half an hour. I know how much can be shared in a minute, so you must know everything now!”
We laughed and I answered, “That was our Grandfather. We’ve met him twice, now, and we had a lot to talk about. I’m sure we only know a fraction of what he could tell us, but I feel like our brains could explode!”
Celina giggled. “Well, at least his would. Females are much better at learning new things than males.”
Lia laughed. “That is so true, and he was right. You have a son and I’m sure your wife would be very happy to see you now.”
I grinned and ported us to just outside the apartment door. I knocked softly and we went inside. Tabitha had moved to the big bed and was holding a bundle to her chest. Lia and Celina slipped behind our Aunt Chloe and quietly disappeared into Cel’s bedroom.
Aunt Chloe moved aside when I got close, but stayed within arm’s reach. It calmed me, knowing she was so close, and I wondered how other people in the country survived without the world’s greatest healer. She was who I had aspired to be before things had gone awry in Krose. Perhaps she would be willing to mentor me, some day.
I looked into the happy but tired face of my tiny Halfling lady and smiled. She smiled back and pulled back the miniature blanket covering the face of my son. At that moment, my world changed. Gormesol and Krose, robes of different colors, even the giant castle that was in my care, all vanished like a puff of smoke. This was what life meant and it was simple. It was all about love. It was about the kind of love that would forgive, and be there regardless of misdeeds or anger. I loved Tabitha, and I loved Tamia. I loved all my brothers, sisters, mother and father. But all of that paled in the face of this minute, person-shaped being.
I realized that Aunt Chloe was hugging me. Her soft heart had seen the emotion and her eyes had seen my tears. She released me with a smile and I kissed my son’s forehead. “Tabitha, have you thought of a name for our boy?”
“I was thinking that we should call him David, after his Grandfather. You know that a Grandfather plays a large part in Halfling culture.”
“That would be just fine with me, but we should ask Father. I’m certain that he’ll be pleased.”
Using my new and improved ‘distance vision’, I looked in the courtyard and saw Father and Davie still chatting. I contacted Davie’s mind using a newfound skill. “Davie; yes, you are going crazy and hearing voices. Would you bring Father up to my room? Tabitha has something she’d like to ask him.”
“Umm… all right, we’ll be right there; and maybe you’ll explain how you’re talking to me from that far away. Only Niruth has been able to do that.”
A very confused brother and an equally confused King entered my apartment. Tabitha greeted them with a smile and waved Father over. “Your Majesty, Father, that is, Seth and I would like your permission and blessing in naming our son David, after his grandfather.”
Father stood from beside the bed, took a deep breath, hesitated and then managed to speak. “I would be honored and proud to have your son take my name. I hope as he grows, you’ll allow him to come to visit his old grandpa. I might teach him some things and I’m sure he’ll teach me some, too. That is, if you can teach an old dog new tricks.” He took another breath and then with a slight bow, exited the room quickly. With a wave and a nod in my direction, Davie followed him out.
Aunt Chloe smiled. “You two really got to that old softie with that gesture! Now, I think that Tabitha could use some rest. Karly, would you please take David to the nursery, and the rest of you could… whatever.”
Raven spoke up, “I think that I’ll stay up here with Tabitha, in case she needs anything.”
Anne mumbled, loudly enough to be heard, “Like ya ain’t been spendin’ more time than all of us with the man of the house. Now ya gotta weasel in on the missus’ good graces, too!”
Raven bristled. “Seth, Celina and I have been working on magic. I think I know what you’re implying, but it isn’t so. When it comes to other activities, we have all been getting equal attention!”
Feyna snorted. “Yeah, go on believin’ that if ya will. But it ain’t Raven that’s been lurin’ in all the plowin’. I reckon it may be the blonde that’s been walkin’ a tad off the las’ week or so! ‘ey, Tina, was you an only child? ‘cause ya outta learn to share!”
I stared at everyone in confusion! This kind of thing didn’t happen in a Stephenson household and I didn’t know what to do. Diana moved quickly and quietly to a position behind Aunt Chloe, afraid that she’d be someone’s target next.
Aunt Chloe spoke in her soft but authoritative voice, “Seth, Ladies, I think that there may have been too much stress today. Childbirth can make people who assist tired and cranky. Now, I suggest that you go outside and walk in the courtyard or by the river. Clear your heads and hold your tongues until you can all be move civil.
Responding instantly to a tone that no one in the room, other than me, had heard from the healer before, the ladies curtsied smartly and left the room. I smiled apologetically at my aunt, bowed and exited also. I met up with the girls in the courtyard and invited them to walk. “Would you lovely ladies please go to the river with me? Throwing rocks in the water is a good way to blow off steam. I should know, because I’ve been doing it for years. If we dam it up, I’m sure my grandfather will give me a lecture. Then, if and when everyone is calmer, we can determine if there is a problem. If there is, then we need a solution, not just backbiting.
At the river bank, the rocks flew as the girls dealt with their frustration and irritation the only way that was left open to them. They wouldn’t fight with each other, because a legend had told them they couldn’t. Even though many of them didn’t grow up here, they’d heard often enough about the exploits of certain wizards that they revered them as we did.
I sat on the ground and watched. Tina and Raven saw me sitting and I could tell that they both wanted to come sit with me. They had both been targets of accusations that I didn’t think were valid. If they were, then I should have been the target, not them. The very bold and very strong Anne was the first to walk from the river and sit by me.
“Ya know I dinna mean that ‘bout Raven, don’ ya? Its jus’ sometimes I get ta feelin’ like ya like the short an’ scrawny girls better.”
I smiled. “Then don’t you think that you should have been griping about Feyna? They don’t get any shorter than her.”
“Naw, she’s my roomie an’ we’s talked ‘bout it some. But when I got ta thinkin’ ‘bout it, we’s all gittin’ ‘bout the same time.”
“Anne, I want an honest answer. Do you think that I
’m not able to take care of all of you emotionally? Do you think that I’ve broken a family rule when it comes to consorts? I should only have as many as I can take care of, mentally, emotionally and physically.”
Anne shrugged. “That can’t be my call alone. We oughta be together and find out. Will you ask the others to come over? I would, but I was quite the bitch to Raven.”
I got the girls’ attention and waved them over. I watched their faces and saw some very unfriendly looks traded. It broke my heart that my family was at each other’s’ throats. “Ladies, we can’t be fighting like this. It hurts me, so I have to find out if I made a mistake. I have six consorts and my wife, all of whom I love dearly. I wasn’t even aware that anyone was unhappy until today. If I’m that out of touch with my family, I need advice. What am I doing wrong?”
Anne spoke up, “It’s ain’t that yer doin’ anythin’ wrong, but ya did have a lot on your plate, Hun. Firs’ ya had the people ya trusted fool ya into bein’ the leader of an evil group. Then ya had your magic, that ya were born with, yanked out of ya. An’ now ya got a baby boy to look after. That’s a bunch all at once.”
Feyna cleared her throat. “I reckon I gotta say this, but I don’ wan’ y’all to think ill of me. Tina is small and a looker, too. Them’s two thing’s that’s been gittin’ to me. I s’pose that I ain’t cut out to be no consort after all, Seth. I wanna know if y’all will let me outta that vow. If not, I understand, but I got this stars-awful jealous streak. Tina, sorry I snapped at ya, Hun. I jus’ wanna be a farmer.”
I was fighting tears when Diana spoke softly, “Please don’t cry, Seth, because I want to say this. If you cry, I won’t make it. I feel almost the same way that Feyna does. With me, it started when it was just Tina in Krose, but I thought I could get used to it. I don’t want to go back to Gormesol, but I will, if you insist. I was hoping that I could get a job as a maid at one of the other castles. I love you, Seth, but I am not able to share everything the way a consort must.”
Swallowing emotion, I looked at Anne, Raven and Tina with a question in my eye. I couldn’t trust my voice, so I stood up and nodded at all the girls, closed my eyes and tried to center.
Raven spoke, interrupting my calming technique. “Umm, Seth I think you should look south. That is one huge fireball!”
That got my attention and I dome-shielded everyone before my eyes were open. I looked to the south and high above the ground was an enormous shooting star, tracking slightly northwest. By its speed and trajectory, I could tell that it was either going to burn up or crash in the country of Itus. Just as the flaming projectile from space was nearly overhead, we saw a flash and moments later a huge explosion! The object shattered, spreading out over the sky, with the bulk continuing on into Itus. As high and as fast as the smaller pieces were going, they’d land miles away in the swampland. It was a spectacular event and I was glad to have witnessed it. For one, it was beautiful and for another, it temporarily took my mind off of what was going on.
Feyna shook her head. “Okay, I ain’t gonna try to get outta that vow if them stars are gonna fall on me!”
I laughed. “My love, I have to verify it with Tabitha, but I will allow you to rescind your vow. I’ll also grant you some land near the new Halfling colony, if you’d like. I’ll always love you and if you ever need anything, please ask.”
She hugged me and accepted a final kiss, then I released her. “Diana, you can choose from any of five other castles where you’d be taken in at my request. The one that would most likely be looking for help would be Valeview, above Wizard’s Castle. I can send you to whichever you want. And, like I told Feyna, I’ll always love you, too. If there’s ever anything…” And my voice gave up on me. She came to me with a hug and kiss and a whispered, “Thank you for understanding.”
I didn’t understand, and I couldn’t understand because I didn’t want to understand. So I nodded, steeled myself and turned to Tina, Raven and Anne. “Would any or all of you three like to be freed from your vows as consorts? If so, please tell me now, so I can get over this feeling all at once.” They shook their heads and came to me as one, hugging and comforting me.
We all returned to the castle. Anne volunteered to assist Feyna and there was sadness in my castle on my son’s birthday. Tomorrow would be a better day, I don’t know why…
I didn’t even get to tomorrow before things got more interesting. I heard the guards on the stairs say, “Little girl, where do you think you’re going? You can’t be up here.” And Noam’s booming voice, “Oh, yes, she can! I suggest you stand out of the way, if ya know what’s good for ya!”
I was laughing before I made it to the door. “Come on in, Mother. I’m glad you got the message. After you see Tabitha and the baby, I could use some motherly advice myself.”
She patted me on the cheek. “I’ll be with you shortly, my favorite son.” She went to the bed and sat gently next to Tabitha. I gave them some space and went to the nursery. I tapped lightly on the door, and then opened it. Karly was pacing with David. Not because he was fussing, but because she enjoyed holding him.
I smiled at them and spoke softly, “My mother is here and will want to see him, if you can part with him for a moment. Tamia, Grandma is here, but be quiet, because Mom is tired.” Karly smiled and nodded, and then I had to jump out of the doorway as Tamia went to tackle Grandma. I held Karly at the door. “I want to talk to you, in private, after you pass off the baby.” She looked concerned, but nodded.
Tamia was sitting by her grandmother by the time Karly arrived with the baby. Tears started streaming down my mother’s face the instant she saw him. Karly came back to the door and I led her to the nursery.
I closed the door behind us. “A couple of the girls have asked to be released from their vows and I’ve decided to honor their request. They feel that they can’t be consorts, because they have to share everything, including me. If you feel that way, then now is the time to let me know. I’ll keep you on as the children’s governess, if you’d like.” I took a deep breath and waited.
“Seth, I was the governess before I became a concubine and then a consort. I knew that we’d all be living together and sharing everything. And I knew we’d share the man that we loved, too. I never want to leave you, and hearing that we’re going to lose family members hurts me, too. I’m so sorry that you have to go through this, especially today.”
“Thank you, Karly. You know, that may have been the most I’ve ever heard you say at one time. Either you’re getting used to talking to me or you felt very strongly about what you were saying. Feyna and Diana are both leaving. It looks like you and Anne will both be getting rooms to yourself. I’m pretty sure that it will stay that way, because I obviously can’t take care of any more young ladies.”
“Seth, you have plenty of love without any more young ladies. I know that if you want your physical needs taken care of, Raven and Tina are always more than willing. Anne, Tabitha and I will always be there for emotional support, and we all enjoy bedroom games, too. I know it hurts you to lose those two, and it hurts me too. They are family, after all.”
I hugged her and she leaned down a bit so I could kiss her. We made our way back into my apartment so Karly could recover the children and I could chat with my mother.
When we finally pried the children away from my mother, and Karly made her escape with them, I pulled my mother to the side. “Mother, I was wondering if there is anything special that I need to do to release consorts from their vows. Since the wife usually handles all the vows and work assignments, I’m kinda in the dark.”
“Which one is it and was she unfaithful? If she was unfaithful, it’s really easy to release them from their vows, and I’ll handle it for you. Death is the most commonly chosen punishment.”
I shuddered. “No, they weren’t unfaithful, but they can’t deal with some aspects of being a consort.”
“Having to share a man they love. I can relate, but I knew going in to it how it was. I’d accepte
d it long before I took my vows to your father. If you and Tabitha both agree, you can just let them go. They’re still family until they marry, so you’ll be responsible for them financially. I doubt that will be a problem. Which ones want to leave and where do they want to go?”
“Diana and Feyna are both asking to be released. I’ve accepted their reasons and given my permission. I’m sure that Tabitha will agree, but I don’t want to bother her with this right now. The timing is horrible. I think Feyna is going to go to the Halfling community and Diana wants a maid position. I was thinking about sending her to Valeview.”
Mother smiled sadly. “I’ll arrange for construction crews to start on a home for Feyna. We’ve actually had a couple maids marry and move away from Wizard’s. I’m sure that Isabel will give her a job. I’ll take both of them with me when I leave, and Feyna can stay at Wizard’s until her house is ready. Having them stay here will just prolong the pain of loss.”
I hugged her. “Thank you for understanding. One more thing and I’ll let you track down the girls. I learned a lot of new magic recently, and the man who taught me has offered to teach you, too. He said that it was time for the two of you to make up. Your father sends his love and would like to see you. When you get back to the castle, go to the river. Put your hands in the water and he’ll know you want to see him.”
Mother took a deep breath and sighed. “I suppose you’re right. We should make amends, especially because my childish rebellion is what caused it all. I love you, Seth, and you’ve given me a beautiful grandson. Keep smiling and things will get better.” She turned and walked to Feyna’s room.
Chapter Twenty-One
Two weeks later things had started to settle back down. It was a difficult adjustment for me, not having Diana around. It seemed like she’d always been there and, in all honesty, she had. Ever since I’d taken my position in Gormesol she had been there. I hadn’t had much of a chance to get as attached to Feyna, but I missed her also. I allowed myself to be immersed in the joys of fatherhood and that made the loss much easier to bear.
Seth, A Naiad's Son (Generations of Eredwynn Book 3) Page 21
