As well as the Yule parties. He found more invitations to parties, musicales, theater outings, and balls than he cared to attend—as well as more formal clothes appearing in his closet. Luckily there were only one or two robes he’d refused to wear. He guessed that his mother, Mitchella, and Sedwy were advising Pink on the clothes.
Then there were a couple of rituals he’d been asked to attend in GreatCircle Temple—New Twinmoons and FirstQuarters, but he wasn’t ready to meld his Flair with others’.
Mostly he studied the thick book and papyrus for the noble test, with pointers from Sedwy. Quiet time. Wonderful. Studying was something familiar, something he might have actually done in his former life. The den in his suite was now the most comfortable room in the compound for him. The walls were tinted a warm yellow with gold tones, the chairs were furrabeast leather of a bronze brown color, the rugs were thick and sturdy. They were made by a subcontractor of Clover Fine Furniture in the south, supervised by the branch there.
He loved the discussions he had with Sedwy about customs and traditions, FirstFamilies, Commoner, Clover. He learned more deeply about the history of the space travel—frightful—the founding and building of Druida—fabulous—and various unspoken secrets, such as First Grove, the hidden sanctuary that only admitted the desperate—fascinating.
Family dinners were great, the time where he felt more like his former self than any other. He didn’t sit at the head of the table, but at his own seat...with Sedwy beside him. Good food and conversations and keeping in touch with those of the Family who weren’t having problems. Lots of fun.And teleporting with Sedwy. Thank the Lady and Lord he had teleportation lessons with Sedwy. He wasn’t sure how he’d have managed all the other changes in his life without her. Everyone in the Family treated him differently.
Pink and his mother and his father—and, all right, Walker himself—were waiting to see if the Heliotropes, his birth mother’s Family, were going to do anything. Walker wasn’t sure what he wanted there, either. Acknowledgment? Welcome? He was ambivalent and disliked that he wondered about them at all. Of course they must have known that he’d been raised to the nobility by now; the newssheets had screamed headlines throughout the whole damn planet. And they’d have been officially notified.
Nothing.
So he concentrated on his new life.
The two weeks unrolled moment by engrossing moment for Sedwy. Walker was an excellent student, and mastered the written material regarding a GrandLord’s responsibilities quickly.
As for the Clover Family, even as Walker’s suite was built and decorated, so did the Family itself begin to change. Sedwy tried to document each modification.
The women of the household began dressing better, and some of the public rooms were redecorated to entertain visitors who might be interested in marrying into the Family. Time and again, Sedwy would see wide-eyed nobles touring the compound.
Barton Clover transformed from a security-conscious member of the Family to the actual Head of Security for a NobleHouse. He walked straighter; his gaze scanned the compound for any problems, particularly when outsiders were there. His eyes took on the gleam of ambition as he began singling out more youngsters for a household guard.
From overheard conversations, she thought the Family furniture business was booming.
There were more discussions that she was a part of—anything to do with the FirstFamilies, of course—alliance contracts, a couple of marriage proposals, an offer of financial investment or two. All her knowledge of the nobles was mined, and she consulted with her mother now and again for the Clovers.
Some topics were thrashed out loudly at dinner—the Coat of Arms, the noble colors. Walker had made the whole thing a competition, irritating Pink, with the colors and the motto voted on by the entire Family. He, Sedwy, Mitchella, Trif, and Ilex judged the Coat of Arms, which was a good three-leaf clover Celtic knot. The colors were dark green and silver, and the Family chose We Make Our Own Luck as the motto. Completely appropriate for the Family.
Walker was growing into his Flair. She could almost see his psi power increase daily. When he passed his test, he’d be informally admitted into the NobleCouncil. The council itself had recessed for Yule.
Walker was growing in stature, too. His manner was altering. He’d been a diffident man, downplaying his skills the day she’d met him. Now his gaze was straight and penetrating and his bearing that of a GrandLord. Mostly because of the way people treated him outside of the Residence.
He hadn’t been well known before, not as well known as Barton, who had met more people as a trainer at The Green Knight. The nobles’ lack of personal knowledge of Walker worked in his favor. He could step in as a confident, strong GrandLord.
And the more she was in his presence, the more there seemed to be a connection forming between them. She liked how he looked, enjoyed watching him transform into a GrandLord. The heated desire was still there, a sweet yearning tension between them that neither of them had acted upon. Yet.
Now and then she caught him looking at her, and time and again, he glanced up to catch her gaze on his hands, or shoulders, or chest. His muscles were firming deliciously as he trained with Barton.
The morning Walker had scheduled his test, he awoke heavy-eyed and with the laws of Celta throbbing in his brain. He didn’t think he’d had much sleep. That wouldn’t be a problem for the test... but for the reward. He smiled slowly as he drew on the sleeveless tunic—no answers hidden in overbloused material. He ached for his reward. Sedwy in his bed. Not, of course, that he’d told her.
He’d begun to think of his life in terms of goals and rewards. Three meetings with Pink and the Family elders and Walker allowed himself to take Sedwy to Trif’s music room for a septhour and listen to good tunes. It didn’t matter that he’d become a project for Trif, too. She’d been assigned to do a series of songs about the Clovers, and a processional march for his investiture as a noble in the NobleCouncil. When he was in Trif’s house, he could relax, even when her young son was around. As long as he didn’t bring Argut. The fox and Trif’s cat still didn’t get along.
After he’d finished drilling and a practice test on the first half of the manual, he’d allowed himself a day off with Argut and Sedwy. Walking the streets of Druida and showing her the several locations Clover Fine Furniture was contemplating for the new storefront. Lunch at a fancy restaurant and linking arms with her to watch Argut play with other foxes at a den on T’Ash’s estate—where Lucor met up with some of his siblings in the adoption rooms and also played. Where Walker got a septhour to talk to Nuin and wrestle with the boy.
But today was the big goal, and the big reward.
Ten
The day of Walker’s examination on Responsibilities of a Head of a GrandHouse, Laws, Rules, and Regulations Pertaining to the Nobility had arrived.
Sedwy felt more nervous than Walker seemed. They met at breakfast in the kitchen and he ate a meal prepared by his mother, drank mint tea, and joked with others who were there, eating before leaving for work. He’d set the test scandalously early at WorkBell.
The NobleCouncil and FirstFamilies Council began work at MidMorningBell. A lot of the negotiations and compromises were hammered out late at parties or social clubs the night before votes.
She wondered idly how much Walker would change the councils; she had no doubt that he would.
Of course Clerk Monkshood would administer the test, and Walker had asked T’Ash to witness on behalf of the FirstFamilies, something neither Monkshood nor she had anticipated. Monkshood usually invited a lord or lady of his choice from the FirstFamilies to monitor. Sedwy would be there to monitor, too. Both Walker and her mother had requested her. Walker for moral support, he said; her mother to make sure she got a full report that she could pass on as soon as the test was done.
So they congregated in Walker’s new den—a chamber that Sedwy could see hosting a Captain of All Councils. The walls were a pale green and the furnishings had discreet touche
s of gold.
Walker sat at an imposing desk that had been created especially for him, a workshop table and chair had been brought in for T’Ash, which he smiled at and settled into after a few words of welcome. Sedwy sat at another small desk and chair with her own work—notes on the changes of the Clover Family from Commoner to noble.
Monkshood arrived just as the elegant mantel timer chimed WorkBell, appearing cool in manner but a little wild around the eyes. From Walker’s smile as he rose and greeted the man, she thought the clerk had been brought to the main door of the compound and through the courtyard full of Clovers to Walker’s suite. Sedwy curtsied to the clerk. He nodded brusquely, with the hint of a sneer that she ignored.
“Let’s begin. Are you sure you are ready, GentleSir Clover?” Monkshood asked.
T’Ash looked away from a suede pocketed pouch that he’d unrolled on the table. “He’s a GrandLord; are you questioning my testing results, Monkshood?”
“Of course not.” Monkshood coughed. He looked back at Walker, who wasn’t as intimidating. “I have scheduled the full day for your test, until MidEveningBell. Does that suit you?” He set out a stack of papyrus and a special writestick.
Walker nodded agreeably. “Fine.”
“You know, Walker, you don’t have to do this,” T’Ash said. He wasn’t even looking at them, but fingering an emerald. “You can have three FirstFamily lords or ladies quiz you on the laws...say Straif T’Blackthorn, Holm Holly senior, and me.”
Monkshood snapped straight, glared at T’Ash.
“I’m fine with this, T’Ash, thank you for the offer,” Walker said. He smiled slowly at Monkshood, and Sedwy’s attention sharpened. She hadn’t seen that deliberate smile from him, must be a tool.
And it was effective. Monkshood relaxed, slipped the cuff of his outrageously bloused sleeve back to check his wrist timer. “Why don’t we go in five minutes, then?”
“Good for me,” Walker said and settled into the comfortchair that conformed to him. That piece of furniture wasn’t made by the Clovers, but was top of the pyramid, like everything else in the suite. Understated elegant quality.
A knock came at the door, and Sedwy opened it to Fen Clover, who glided in with a large tray with three carafes, several cups, and a plateful of baked goodies. “Snacks,” she said brightly. “Cocoa, tea, and caff.”
“I don’t think—” Monkshood started.
But Walker’s mother had poured out a large mug of black caff for T’Ash and set it on the worktable. The scent of the drink had Sedwy’s mouth watering. Monkshood weakened and Sedwy saw his gaze fix on a flatsweet with cocoa chips. Fen lifted the plate and offered it to him. He took the treat. “Thank you. Cocoa would be wonderful.”
“You told us you might be here all day,” Fen said. “There will be plenty of snacks, and, of course, you’ll join us for meals.”
From the corner of her eye, Sedwy saw Walker’s jaw tense. They’d had several practice tests and Walker had told Monkshood that he wouldn’t be here longer than MidAfternoonBell, which was much longer than any of their prep sessions.
“Food here is always great,” T’Ash said. There was a little zip of Flair as he applied a spell to the emerald. Then he stood and took most of the cocoa chip flatsweets.
Walker coughed.
Sedwy said, “Thank you, Fen.” Sedwy picked up the cocoa carafe and poured herself some. Monkshood’s nose twitched.
Zanth, T’Ash’s Fam, and Walker’s Fam, Argut, strolled in. Dust fell from their fur and vanished as the housekeeping spell acted on their dirt.
Walker raised his brows. “Welcome, Fams.”
Monkshood shifted from foot to foot, then took the caff carafe and filled a mug to the brim, took the mug and another flatsweet to a large chair with soft cushions and a table nearby. Sedwy was glad to see that he used a coaster for the mug.
Zanth smiled ingratiatingly. Me want cocoa!
“I actually think that fish would be better for you, Zanth,” Fen said. “We have some fresh in the kitchen.”
Zanth slid his eyes toward Walker. Me here for Walker.
“I appreciate that, Zanth, but would hate for you to go hungry for me. Perhaps you’d like to eat first.”
We had good wrestle, Argut said. I am here for my FamMan, too. But I will nap before I eat.
“Come along, Zanth, let’s leave these folk to their noble business,” Fen said.
Me noble, too, Zanth said.
“Of course you are,” T’Ash said absently as he worked.
I will nap on your feet, said Argut. I like the smell of your shoes.
Walker bent to rub a hand down his Fam, then scratch his head. “Thank you.” He glanced at Monkshood where he sat. “Tell me when to go.”
Walker arranged the test slightly, and picked up the writestick.
Fen left the tray on a low cupboard at the end of the room closest to T’Ash, then swept from the chamber, Zanth trotting behind her. The door closed softly after them.
“Go,” Monkshood said, tapping his timer.
T’Ash drew a polishing cloth from his pouch.
Sedwy sat and watched Walker begin to answer steadily, brows knit.
As the minutes ticked by, Sedwy became aware that only Walker was involved in his work. T’Ash did a few things with jewelry pieces but didn’t appear wholly occupied. She made desultory notes on papyrus with a writestick, not recorded spheres that she preferred, and kept track of Walker’s emotions through the bond that had grown between them. He was confident, no hint of panic. That let her take a few good breaths.
Argut snored. Zanth didn’t return; she sensed he was too busy being admired by Clovers.
And two septhours later, Walker finished checking his work and stood. “I’m done.”
Monkshood jolted, and Sedwy realized he’d fallen into a doze.
T’Ash snorted. “Good.” He stood and stretched, and his joints popped impressively. He stared at the mantel timer. “Should be able to get us some results by MidAfternoonBell.” He smiled at Monkshood and it wasn’t nice. “Who’ll judge the essays?”
“My mother, D’Grove,” Sedwy said, standing and moving to the middle of the room. She wanted to hug Walker. She felt his satisfaction. He thought he’d done well on the test; she was sure of it. “I’ll tell her to teleport to the Guildhall.”
“I had already requested T’Birch read the essays,” Monkshood said.
“Huh. I can do it,” T’Ash said. “Right now.”
Monkshood grabbed the papyrus and stuffed it in a case. A page fluttered to the ground. T’Ash picked it up, perused it. “Really? I didn’t know that about the line of succession. Seems obscure to me.” Instead of handing the sheet to Monkshood, he passed it to Sedwy. She skimmed the questions and the brief essays that Walker wrote in response. She and Walker had covered the material thoroughly, but T’Ash was right, the questions were about the intricacies of the law instead of general knowledge. T’Ash’s big forefinger tapped the item he’d commented on. Sedwy nodded, smiled at Walker. “That is correct.”
“Huh,” T’Ash said again. He went back to his table and tidied up. “I didn’t know that about what degrees of cuzes can inherit, but I bet Straif does. Think I’ll talk to him and Holm about it. Holm probably knows, too. Not that I have cuzes, but my grandchildren will.”
Now he looked at his wrist timer, nodded to Monkshood and Sedwy. “Think your mother can finish judging the test by MidAfternoonBell?”
“Surely.”
Monkshood said, “There are blocks of the examination of specific data questions that I will process.”
“Ah-hmm,” T’Ash mumbled.
“T’Ash, let the man get out of here and back to work,” Walker said. Sedwy heard him mentally call, Zanth!
“All right. But I want those exam results by MidAfternoonBell.” Another wide smile with teeth from T’Ash. “For my testing files.” He winked at Walker. “And for Walker’s employment file and my alliance files.”
Walker�
�s eyes had widened. Sedwy was certain that T’Ash had minimal files.
Me here, Zanth announced as the door swung open. He sniffed. Food is gone.
“That’s right,” Sedwy said, “and T’Ash is about to leave.”
“Right,” T’Ash said.
“Rrroow,” Argut said and trotted from around the desk. Greetyou, Zanth.
“I’ll be going, now, too.” Monkshood cast a disapproving glance at the Fams. He nodded to T’Ash and Walker. “Good luck,” he said grudgingly to Walker.
He should have said that before, but Walker bowed—slightly a bit more than Monkshood deserved. Not enough flattery to be obvious, not a deep enough bow for Monkshood to believe he didn’t understand proper status. That would have reflected on Sedwy.
Now that she thought about it, how Walker scored on the examination could reflect on Sedwy. She glanced at the small desk and her project.
Her work was more important to her career.
“Later, Monkshood,” T’Ash said. Zanth had leapt onto his shoulder and they vanished.
“Thank you for your time,” Walker said.
Monkshood nodded stiffly and teleported away.
Walker rolled his shoulders. “Should have given him another flatsweet or two to take with him.” He took a stride to Sedwy, placed his hands around her waist, and spun her like she was a girl. “We did it! I damn well passed that test, Sedwy!”
He plunked her down on her feet, and she was breathless more from his touch than the spin. She kept her hands on his arms. “I’m sure you did.”
One of his shoulders lifted and fell. “Oh, I might have missed a few questions.” His eyes narrowed in calculation. “Maybe four or five. Nothing like the fifty percent that would have me taking the thing again.”
Hearts and Swords: Four Original Stories of Celta Page 38
