Sons (Book 2)

by Scott V. Duff

  “Are you looking for a new style, Lord?” Gibson asked.

  “No, just a trim. Maybe once everything has settled down I’ll consider a change,” I answered. “For now just take off a half-inch or so. That’s if we aren’t messing up Guitar’s breakfast. It can wait until tomorrow.”

  “You have all the time you like, Seth,” Gibson said cheerfully, putting the cup down again for the razor. “Besides, following the same lines as Master Shrank, a trim will only take a few minutes.” He lifted the lather from my face again with a quickness. With a light tap of the towel, I heard the brownie running along the railing just before the chair started moving gently. Gibson was on the counter when I opened my eyes and leaned into the mirror.

  “Gibson, you have a very light touch. Thank you,” I said rubbing my smooth jawline. “And I probably won’t need another shave until midafternoon tomorrow.” Gibson’s smile beamed at the praise as he scurried off to get some scissors. I dunked my head under the tap while his head was in a drawer. Mentally grabbing a towel from a far rack, I plopped back in the chair drying the excess away. Gibson hopped back on the arm then stepped on more buttons that caused the scaffolding to lift into place again.

  Suddenly Gibson was in my face. I jerked back, startled, banging my head, then sputtering a laugh at the bewildered Gibson and myself. “Sorry, bud, I wasn’t watching and, boom, there you were.”

  “I will do better, Lord,” Gibson assured me. I wasn’t certain how he could get better about me paying attention, but that was the right attitude and I didn’t want to discourage it so I didn’t say anything. He started the task of trimming my hair with a pair of scissors and a comb that looked positively huge in his hands but tiny in comparison to me. He started slowly at first, flipping each cut-away snippet of hair to the floor and away from my still naked body, working more swiftly with each cut until he reached cartoon speed a quarter way round. In less than two minutes, he had my hair trimmed and combed perfectly and was eyeing the mirror and me critically before asking my opinion.

  “Should we cut our hair equally as short, Lord?” Gibson asked. Both Gibson and Guitar wore their hair, nearly ash in color, just off their shoulders.

  “No reason to on my account,” I said. “I think you both look very handsome as you are, but I’d prefer to leave those kinds of decisions up to the individual. Why? Do the Queens have rules for appearance? Is this something I need to be worried about?”

  “Yes, indeed, Lord, they have rules for everything,” Gibson answered grimly. “But this is your domain and your will applies, not theirs. I just wanted to make certain that we were correctly following your wishes. The men and women of the Guard endeavored to keep their hair quite short. We did not know if this was a human habit or one of class distinction.”

  I was starting to get hungry now and my butt was sticking to the seat, so it was time to get moving again. “The Guard is a military unit. The Ransé won’t always be just the Guard, especially since all the women are pregnant, but I’m letting the Commanders set the standards there. Otherwise I don’t really care how anyone chooses to look, though I hope that everyone has the self-esteem to try to look good.” Gibson released me from the scaffolding cage with a tap of his foot. “Remind me to put a towel or something down next time,” I said, easing my butt off the leather seat. “Thank you, Gibson, you did very well. It looks good.”

  Grabbing my toothbrush, I went to the second sink away from the chair and brushed my teeth, leaving the towel draped over the arm while Gibson put away his tools, happily singing to himself. The word ‘adorable’ came to mind again as I rinsed. Heading for the shower, I heard the water start before I got there. When I stuck my head in, there was Gibson, standing in a soap dish and adjusting the water temperature. I couldn’t see how he got up there, much less past me and into the shower. I slipped into the streams merging together, almost purring at the deliciousness of the warm water.

  I took an instant love to my shower, three independently controlled jets that range from a light rainstorm to hurricane force storms. The showerheads detached to put the power in my hands to put in difficult places. The indirect lighting gave the non-slip tile a cool yet inviting look and was still bright enough to highlight the benches and insets. There were a few other hidden faucets I haven’t tried yet. I didn’t really want to know everything too quickly.

  Gibson, already soaking wet in his tuxedo, held out a washcloth with a dollop of soap for me. Stepping out of the shower streams, I slapped the washcloth to my chest and started building up a rich lather, spreading it over me until it was falling away from its own weight. I stepped back into the water, blind as I washed my face. Three jets made fast work of the foam and rinsing the cloth at the convergence of the jets was quick and easy too. Gibson followed me to the front of the shower where I exchanged the washcloth for a huge, soft towel from the rod. When I stood before my mirror, I was blotted completely dry, while poor Gibson was still dripping. With the brownie fast on my heels, I had the mirror leave the water from his clothes behind when we moved to my closet.

  Admittedly, when he slammed into my calf, he was just as surprised as I was. He’d been gaping at the warehouse that was my closet and was now lighter on his feet. Grinning down at him, I said, “It’s huge, isn’t it? Most of it is the same in different colors and shades, but there are some pretty odd things in here I can’t imagine wearing. A lot is formal wear anyway, so for the time being I’m sticking with my base color and a simple cut.”

  “Certainly, sir,” Gibson said, stepping back and paying more attention to the immediate area. “Where exactly are we, Lord Daybreak?”

  “’Seth’,” I reminded him gently. “My closet sits behind the conference rooms on the second floor on the south side. I believe the mirror is the only access point from downstairs, though. You guys feel free to explore any part of my room really. There are only a few areas you shouldn’t go without me, like my armory, but I don’t think you’ll be able to open the doors to those places anyway.” I was throwing clothes at the three-way mirror behind me while we talked. Gibson watched without comment as each piece disappeared without a trace. “And seeing as I’ve already slept late, I guess I’m at least taking a slow day. Nobody seems to be clamoring for my attention, so I’m going casual to my few appointments. It’ll confuse one or two who’ll expect me to come in spittin’ nails.”

  I went to the three-way and looked at my reflection with Gibson at my heels. “Whatcha think?”

  “Casual, Seth, but your comfort would depend on your destination,” Gibson said. “This is too light for Gilán beyond the Palace and the United States is moving into autumn. Perhaps a lightweight jacket would be in order.”

  “I was planning on the dark gray overcoat, anyway,” I murmured and stepped into my reflection, coming out dressed and holding the damp towel. “How ‘bout the gray flannel? Will that make you feel better?”

  “Yes, Seth, I think that will be warmer, just in case,” Gibson agreed and darted down the aisle. I met him after a moment of adjusting my belt. He slipped the flannel shirt off the hangar, replacing the hangar with the hooked pole from the bottom ledge. It looked terribly cumbersome for him.

  After putting on the shirt and gathering the towel and overcoat, I said, “Let’s go see how Guitar’s doing. I don’t want him thinking we got lost.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Gibson led me to the table Guitar laid out then ran off to help him. Tossing my coat on the back of another chair, I sat down at the head of the table and eyed the spread. I picked a piece of toast and spread something resembling apricot marmalade on it. The tartness of the oranges was sweetened nicely by the apricots. These were fruits of Gilán then, since oranges of Earth have long ago been bred out that tartness. It was a nice start, but I needed more substance for breakfast. Those melons looked nice and ripe, piled in the center of the table along with some mango and other fruits and berries.

  Gibson and Guitar wheeled a trolley loaded with covered plates and carafes
to add to the already tremendous spread of food on the table. The duo immediately began spreading out the selection, emptying the cart shelf by shelf. I just leaned back and watched in amazement, first that Guitar had the time to make all of this, and second, that he thought I could eat it all.

  Once they’d finished and were standing on the table at the left and right, waiting expectantly. Waiting for appraisal, I guess. Unfortunately I did have a complaint. “May I have some coffee?” I asked, leaning back to the table after voicing it, then tried to offset it with a compliment. “The marmalade is very good.” Gibson looked positively stricken as he looked at the cart realizing he forgot to get the coffeepot. Guitar was already climbing the steps on the trolley before Gibson moved to get the pot, being more acutely aware of everything than his ‘cousin.’

  “Here you are, Seth, as close to Chene Ellorn’s recipe as I could come,” Guitar said, pouring the steaming liquid in my cup. I set about filling my plate while it cooled some.

  “The table and food look very good, Guitar. When do the other eight men get here?” I asked, teasing him.

  “Master Ellorn said you had a hearty appetite and when you chose to eat that we should feed you well,” Guitar said diplomatically.

  “Really?” I asked chewing a piece of bacon. I know, bacon, my love affair with it was probably doing deadly things to my heart, even at seventeen.

  “Well,” Gibson admitted conspiratorially, “his actual words were ‘I want him fat and happy and in the Palace where I can see him.’ Lord.” I choked, swallowing my bacon and laughing at Gibson at the same time. Guitar was furious with Gibson at his lack of tact and for the distress it caused me. He lost his anger in confusion when I finally swallowed then laughed.

  “Yeah, that would make him happier,” I agreed, chortling, shoving a fork of hashed potatoes in my mouth. “First, too, but he wouldn’t admit it. So, what did y’all do to draw such a ghastly duty as nursemaid to me? There’s certainly more exciting things to do in the Palace.”

  “’Ghastly’, Seth?” Guitar asked, still in confusion over me not being upset at Ellorn’s demand. “This is the most coveted assignment in the Palace. We are proud to be in direct service to our Lord and Master, in any capacity.”

  “As long as you’re happy with it,” I said, shrugging, unconvinced even though they weren’t lying. “It just seems like a lot of work for the two of you and most of it uncomfortable. Just don’t forget you have a lot of help at your beck and call.”

  We continued a light banter as I ate, sampling and asking questions regarding the items I didn’t know. They both delighted in talking with me, though they both felt it tremendously strange to spend so much time with me. Ellorn must have manipulated their “awe factor” for the day, being as this was their first day. They were still bounding around the table like hopped up mice around a viper by the time I was through eating.

  “You can tell Ellorn you’re well on your way to fattening me up,” I said, stretching as I stood from the table. “You’ve done very well on your first day, boys. I’m off, now, to… somewhere.”

  “Have a good day, Seth,” they chimed in unison as I grabbed the overcoat and headed toward the Road. I went to my office to drop the coat off where I could get to it. Nil stood beside my desk waiting patiently.

  “Good morning, Nil,” I said cheerfully. “How long have you been waiting?”

  “Good morning, Lord Daybreak,” Nil said just as cheerfully. “Just since a little before dawn, sir, but I did sit when Master Ellorn informed me you were sleeping later than usual.”

  “Over four hours?” I asked incredulous. “Well, what can I do for you, then?”

  “Allow me to serve, Lord,” Nil said cheerfully. “As Zero served last night, I am next on the duty roster.”

  Chuckling, I said, “Well, you can tag along but I don’t expect anything to happen. And if violence does start, you’re to scram back to here immediately. I knew what to expect last night.”

  “As Zero said last night, Lord,” Nil said smiling, “We’re here to learn how to interact properly with your other world. I am not timid and can protect myself before turning to retreat.”

  I sighed heavily and sat on the corner of the desk, deciding what to do. Who was I kidding? I knew what I had to do. I slammed into Nil’s mind and quietly said, “Don’t make me repeat myself.”

  Nil fell to his knees instantly, his head down, and his eyes on the floor, every drop of his previous arrogance and pride drained away from him. “No, Lord Daybreak, as you command.” Releasing him, I pulled my passport wallet and phone out of the desk, deciding to go to Earth for a diversion at some point. I had to hit the Pentagon anyway, at least for a few minutes, but I really didn’t want to do much else. The druids were to step down, but I’d check on that later.

  Glancing over at Nil, I saw him still kneeling on the floor. “Nil, it was a mild rebuke for arguing with me. Now, come on, I’ve got things to do.” I turned to the door with Nil scrambling to follow me.

  “You… aren’t dismissing me, Lord Daybreak?” he asked cautiously.

  “Why would I do that?” I asked turning around to see him following three steps behind me. “And if you’re going to talk, get up here beside me. I’m not going to look for you.”

  “But, Lord…” he started, but I turned back and glared between slitted lids and he scurried up beside me. “Yes, sir.”

  “Better, at least I know who I’m talking to,” I mumbled, starting to open my bedroom. “Just to let you know what we’re doing, first we’re going to check in with Ellorn and find out what’s going on, then make plans from there.”

  “Certainly, Lord,” Nil demurred politely.

  “Did Ellorn tell you anything?” I asked thinking he might be locked behind some faery guilt trip or something.

  “Yes, Lord,” he answered, looking over hopefully. I nodded, smiling. “Master Ellorn said to inform you that you should enjoy your day off. The Palace is progressing well and the transition of the huri and the ransé, especially with your suggestions of yesterday, is progressing much more smoothly. Master Peter and Master Michael are in New York rearranging finances with your attorneys. Master Peter has assured Master Ellorn that this is only a measure to make more money and there is nothing to worry about. Master Ellorn suspects a sudden increase in the paymaster’s available cash to be the culprit—” I had to interrupt before he went too much further.

  “Hold on a sec, Nil,” I said, stopping just before the door. “Would you mind leaving out the honorifics for now? I know you’re showing proper respect but when every other word is a title it’s a little boring. This isn’t a rebuke; I’m asking.”

  “I’ll try…”

  “Seth,” I suggested.

  “I will try, Seth,” he said, smiling brightly and relaxing a hair’s breadth. “The Armorer is currently overseeing the development of a gymnasium specific to the physical talents of the huri in the Second Garrison. Your other assistants, David and Steven, are supervising delivery of supplies and goods while the supply master and the paymaster coordinate billing and payment with Peter and Michael. Kieran would like to have supper with you tonight to discuss your father. And finally, First has several hundred brownies and huri out past the southern lake until afternoon.”

  And Ethan was no doubt with Kieran taking care of Mom and Dad. “So not only are all my playmates gone but they took the sandbox with them?”

  Nil’s face blanked, his dark blue eyes matching his dark blue hair. “I don’t understand the analogy, Seth.”

  Chuckling, I took him by the shoulders amicably and headed across the corridor for the Chene’s office. “Don’t worry ‘bout it, Nil. It’s an old saying I bastardized. I really don’t know how it goes. It involves a playing in a sandbox, friends, and sharing your toys.” The Chene’s office looked abandoned from this side but the noise from Ellorn’s auditorium-like office told us where to go without having to search. We came into the end of several lines that snaked through the large
room. Each line was headed by a department supervisor who attempted to answer their questions before turning them to Ellorn. Their success rate was nonexistent from what I could see.

  A brownie burst from behind a column as we walked to the higher position, set to chastise and challenge Nil. Until he saw me hanging off the huri’s shoulders.

  “Good morning, Lord Daybreak!” Anson the brownie chirped pleasantly, stopping to the right of our path and smiling at our navels. The silence that followed the swish of fabric in the room was nearly deafening. I bent down quickly to meet Anson’s eyes, grinning.

  “Good morning, Anson,” I said cheerfully. When shoes appeared beside the brownie, I stood up and let Anson run off excitedly. “Good morning, Ellorn.”

  “Good morning, Lord Daybreak,” Ellorn answered, his rich baritone still new to me. His eyes were still glazed with power as he released functions from conscious control to attend to me. Glancing around the men and women around the room waiting, I decided to let him. “I still have something wrong, I think. Any suggestions?”

  “Not if you’re running a DMV, I suppose,” I joked. It fell flat. “Well, I suspect you’ll figure it out in a few hours anyway. Any hint will likely only slow you down, but I’ll supply a few. Or I could just cut to the chase and you can be having lunch around lunchtime.”

  Ellorn tilted his head causing his hair to fall to the right. He managed to gain control of his hair growth overnight and was currently sporting a thick mane through the middle, thinner on the sides. Too Ziggy Stardust for my tastes, but I didn’t want to stop him from experimenting. “I think I’d prefer the hints, Lord Daybreak,” Ellorn said. “I’m finding the tasks you set rather exhilarating.”

  “As am I,” I said with raised eyebrows, trying my best not to show the sarcasm.

  “I need them quickly and who better to learn from?” Ellorn answered behind an innocent smile. He caught that I was referring to Zero and Nil, so there must have been some communication between them through the geas.