by Mari Collier
“True, but I thought he was going to beat the crap out of me.”
Da stared at him in disbelief.
“He didn't, but I deserved it.” Lorenz remembered the night he pointed a rifle at Llewellyn's gut and barely had sense enough not to pull the trigger. A few minutes later he was beating on the boards of the wagon and Papa was holding him close to stem the violence.
He set Da down. “Y'all are getting heavy, lug.”
“Tis that my name?” Da felt a keen disappointment as it was nay a long name as befitted the Laird's laddie.
“No,” Lorenz put his hands on Da's shoulders. “Your name tis Daniel. It was my brother's name and he was a very brave man; a warrior by Thalia's standards.
Da protested. “But tis nay a Don name.”
“It's a name from my family. If ye are my laddie, ye must have one of my names.”
And then he remembered the other ritual that both Papa and Grandmère performed. He took his right index finger and traced Da's eyebrows, ran the finger down the nose and across the lips while intoning, “Ye are in my House and in my heart forever.” Daniel stared transfixed and then did the same.
“Now it's time for bed and don't ye dare wake Pi. I'll name him in the morning.” He took Daniel's hand and walked him to the boys' bedroom.
Chapter 20: The Sea Ab
Bi docked his boat at the Ab quay and looked around, his dark eyes scanning the empty streets. Where were the Abs that usually greeted him? In some ways it was best that none were here, but there should be someone, anyone, vying to find out what goods he carried this time. And where in the Darkness was Ki? She was to meet him instead of signing this year. Was she trying to make him admit he depended on her for more than a bedding?
Irritation showed on his face as he went ashore and headed for the Ab Quarters. Where had the Abs gone? Bi was certain that Martin would oversee the last of the food ere departing to whatever House the Council had directed they be sent until the winter return of the working Abs, and wherever Martin lodged there would be the Handmaiden.
The walk to the Ab Quarter caused even more concern. There were several Tris at their fishing boats emptying their catch. It seemed to Bi that they had caught far more than what would feed their families. Had Ishner quit supplying Don? Was Don so broke it could nay pay Ishner?
As Bi fretted over the strangeness of Tris supplying Don's fish, he found the rest of the walk vastly more puzzling. Normally the Ab brew halls would be filled with Abs. One hall remained opened and there seemed to be but one or two Abs in there. The rest of the halls were shuttered as though all Abs had departed. This was too early. The ones who signed would be gone, but the dalliers, Martin's guard, the wee ones, the ones not chosen at the signing, where were they? He found himself nearly running the last seg to the Ab Quarter.
No one blocked his entry and he walked towards the room he knew was assigned to the Handmaiden. The curtain was secured. He removed his sailor's hat before speaking.
“Handmaiden, tis Bi. I have some wooden toys that ye may wish to purchase for the wee ones left in your care. Do I have permission to enter?” It was not entirely a lie. He did have some jointed, wooden toys that she might select, but the words were also a code.
“Enter, ye are welcomed here.”
Her voice, thought Bi, was weary as he waited for her to loosen the tags. Once the curtain was released, he stepped inside. The Handmaiden's greeting was brief and then she walked back to the table. Bi noticed that boxes lined the walls, but the cot was still in place.
“Handmaiden, did all the Abs sign? There are few to be seen, and I canna find Ki.”
“That slut has gone with the blind-eyed Laird.” Her voice was vicious. She seated herself across from him and looked up.
The implication did not register and Bi tried again with lowered voice. “If I canna find her, mayhap ye can tell me where to find Da.”
The Handmaiden stared at him and slowly closed her eyes. Then she used both hands to cover her face. Bi stared helplessly. Was Da dead? He was afraid to ask when finally the Handmaiden lowered her hands and spoke in an even tone.
“Da has gone to the one his mither bid him to find when she died.”
“The blind-eyed Laird?” Bi whispered the words. “But he was to come with the Maca and Don would be restored. Tis a dead waterfront out there.”
“Aye, but the Kreppies and Justines are gone from Thalia.” Her voice was bitter. “The Sisters would love to emasculate the Maca of Don, but he will nay bow to them. Instead they tried to isolate him. He has ordered all Abs and Sisters out of Donnick, and the Council of the Realm tis shaken. Medicine canna operate unless Don collects its fee and allows the transports to land. Medicine has nay enough credits to move their facilities. Don tis off bounds to any that the Maca refuses. Rurhran has refused to deliver our food as Don will nay permit them to deliver to us. It must come through his House. If we dinna work, there tis nay food. We are to go to Ishner as assigned else we will be dumped with the land Abs of Don and starve.”
Bi lowered himself into the other chair at the table. “Will I be detained for sailing into port?”
“I dinna.” She gave a brief smile. “Ye'll have to ask the Maca. Now go away. I have work to do. We leave this afternoon.”
Both stood and Bi tried again to elicit information. “I have trade goods. Tis Linan still Keeper of the Second Center? He tis a fair man and kens when there tis a possibility of a sale.”
“Nay, Levin now runs the Second Center with a different Keeper.”
Bi swallowed. “Did the Sisters dispose Linan?”
For a moment the Handmaiden appeared baffled by the question and then gave a bitter laugh. “I'm sure they wish they would have. Nay, the Maca has made Linan Director of the First Center. Ye will find him there.”
“Ye have nay for me ere I leave?”
“Why? Wee Da tis with the Laird. Now go.”
Bi nodded and left. The Handmaiden had dismissed him and he saw nay reason to cause a disturbance over Ab material and another crystal for another toy when he returned. He still had to find a way to talk with Ki and Da, but how? Where was this blind-eyed Laird? His seaman's legs gained balance as he walked to the First Center.
The First Center was one of Don's maintained, larger buildings with places for retail, an inside and outside pool, an exercise room provided with all types of weights, and often a trainer for movements, strength, and strategies. There was an electronics area for people to practice at the learned arts, but under the Sisters it had been little used. Tris were forbidden to enter and the Sisters usually stayed away from Don. Bi noted the street that ran from the Maca's Tower to the First Center had been cleaned. There were other buildings around the Center that were in the process of being cleaned. The main educational building set on the same campus had Tris going in and out carrying buckets and brushes. Puzzling, thought Bi. Nay Tri child was to be tutored, yet the Tris were acting as if the school would open. Mayhap Linan would be more forthcoming. Bi touched the opening panel for the double glass doors and entered after they slid open.
The merchandise was spread thinly on the counters, and Bi could see there were stalls inside fitted out for dispensing brew or pina tea. Linan was behind one of the displays talking into a screen. He looked up as Bi entered and waved him over.
“Ye have been long absent.”
Bi was startled to see Linan wearing the blue of House, but at least Linan still talked with him, nay at him. The desire for Ki and information gave him courage. “Nay but a season, Director. Tis a bit changed here. Most of the Abs are gone and I have goods to trade; both toys and food stuffs. Would ye be interested?”
Linan pursed his lips. “I doubt if the toys would sell. What are they?”
“Cleverly jointed wooden toys of animals and beings. Some are clothed in Ab clothes and some of the animals are dyed or have the fur of the beasties on them.”
“I'd have to see a sample. Right now there tis nay much demand for toys as t
he wee ones are few. The Maca may be interested in the food. What have ye on your ship?”
“Nay much,” Bi admitted. “There tis some kernel meal that the Abs like for their special breads. I also have some dried fish from the shores and rivers of Betron.” He pulled out a small sample enclosed in a leather pouch.
“Tis favored by the House of Betron if they can find the time to fish or purchase from their land Abs.”
“Tis good, but a bit strong smelling. How long does it last?”
“Six months, but if ye use the cooling machines tis longer.” Bi smiled. “Do ye have Ab cloth to exchange for it?”
“Nay, I have but Don credits, and a box of Ab clothing that needs sorted. Things have changed. Mayhap, I'll have brown cloth again if one of the House members disposes of their holdings.”
“What would I do with credits? I canna swap them with land Abs. Tis the cloth the lassies are wanting for new clothes come Beltayne.”
“Beltayne is but three weeks away. They would need to sew rapidly.” Linan eyed the man.
“Why the meal? That tis nay anything that I have seen. Tis the meal a flour or a thickening agent of some kind?”
“Tis like a grainy flour.”
“Ye'd best negotiate with the Maca.”
Bi turned red. “A Maca does nay speak with Abs.”
“This one will.” Linan noted the stubborn jaw and the man's disbelief. “However, if ye rather, the Laird tis serving as a Director and offers the Maca counsel. Ye'll find him at the Laird's and Lady's Station.”
Bi's face cleared. That could be his reason for approaching the Laird. Now if he could locate Ki. “Do ye ken an Ab lass named Ki?”
Linan nodded. “She tis the Ab that usually has credits enough to buy the Ab cloth or clothes when available. Both she and her younger are working at the Laird's Station.”
“I will see if the Laird will trade. If there are Abs there, mayhap they will wish the meal or the toys.”
Bi doffed his sailor's hat and hurried back to his ship. This was nay turning out as he had planned. He found his two crewmen in the Ab brew hall nearest the pier busily downing brews. He cuffed both of them on the back and ordered them to the ship. They took one look and decided not to refuse. They had already heard about the sorry aspects of an Ab finding a decent meal in Don without hard labor.
Bi ignored the soft spring air, the small birds chirping from their nests and let his foul mood continue. He bellowed for full sails as soon as he swung over the ship's rail. At least the wind held steady. He guided the two mast vessel between the smaller fishing boats until they were out of the harbor.
“Take over,” he commanded one of the crew and went below for a brew.
Chapter 21: The Toy
Bi pulled into the small cove at the Laird and Lady's Station of Don and tied off at the pier. It was late afternoon of the next day. They'd been delayed by a squall, and his mood was still black. He wanted Ki and he was sure the Laird was bedding her. He started over the side when he saw a slender, wide shoulder man step out of the shade of the boathouse, a weapon causally held in one hand; at least Bi assumed it was a weapon though it bore little resemblance to the sleek ones of the Kreppies. This man wore Don's blue, a kineman's hat, and hard looking boots.
Bi decided to wait before disembarking. “Hallo the shore. Am I bid welcome or refused port?”
“Now that depends on your intentions.”
The voice was a high baritone, mild, but the body looked ready to go into action if it were necessary.
“I was sent here by Linan. I have some flour that the Abs consider vital for Beltayne celebrating, also, some dried fish, and cleverly crafted wooden toys.”
Lorenz narrowed his eyes. “Let's see the flour. Y'all are welcome to step off the boat, but I'd rather your crew stay put.”
Bi nodded. “Bide a moment, I'll bring ye a sample.” He hurriedly opened one of the barrels on deck and scooped a handful into his hat, and stepped onto the dock. It took him a moment to adjust to land and his Thalian roll in walking increased. He planted both feet and held out the cap to the man.
The man jabbed in a finger and brought up a taste to his mouth. “Hell, it's cornmeal. Man, y'all are a life saver. Do y'all have whole grain corn? If so, how many bushels?”
The man's enthusiasm was almost as disconcerting as the fact that Bi found himself looking into a pair of grey eyes that saw. How could House be excited over Ab food?
“Nay ken bushels, Laird, but there are ten barrels of ground if ye have the Abs that wish them.”
The man grinned, revealing even white teeth. “The Abs won't get full credits until the end of the season, but I want the meal if it isn't wormy. Then I want to know where in Thalia this grows. I'm sure we can work out some sort of deal on credits.”
“I dinna deal with credits. Tis trade goods or nay.”
“And what would y'all consider trade goods?”
“The brown Ab cloth that Linan claims there tis nay.”
Lorenz considered. “What would y'all say to the Ab cloth already made into Ab clothing?”
“If I may see them first, Laird, and then nay matter how I decide there tis an Ab lassie here I wish to visit, with your permission.”
Lorenz was amused. The man was a full-blown trader one moment and the next servile. He nodded. “The Ab clothes are this way. They've been stored for years. Once we're back in full operation, we won't need much in the way of Ab labor.”
Lorenz turned and yelled at a figure peeking out from behind the portage building. “Daniel, go find Pillar and tell him to meet us at the warevault.”
“Aye, Fither, but may I bid Bi welcome first?”
Bi fought to keep his mouth closed as the one he kenned as Wee Da came running up, gave him a hug, and was about to run off when the grey-eyed one grabbed his arm.
“Y'all know—ken this man?”
“Aye, Fither, tis Bi. He always brings me a special toy. Of course, I am too big for wee toys now.”
“Mayhap ye would like a small cart,” Bi suggested, and he pulled out a wooden cart with tongue, wheels, and banded with colored glass. “The Handmaiden has traded for this,” he assured the Laird.
The Laird was now studying him. “And do y'all always bring special ones for my son?”
Bi didn't ken son, but he kenned the suspicion. “Tis nay special, other than the Handmaiden sent it.”
Lorenz put out his hand and took the toy, turning it over and running his index finger over the surface. He carefully eyed every portion of it.
“By the way, who is the 'lassie' y'all are looking for?”
Bi swallowed. “Tis the one called Ki. She may have her younger with her.”
Lorenz looked at him. “And what is her connection to your toys?
“There tis nay.” Bi was honestly confused, and the Laird must have sensed it.
“Daniel, go get Pillar. Bi, the warevault is this way.”
Lorenz didn't relinquish the toy, but tucked it in his waist pack. He led the way towards the main house with Bi walking awkwardly behind him. By the time they reached the warevault Bi's legs were once again operating on land and the one he knew as Pi drove up in a lander with Da as a passenger.
Seeing Pi clothed in Tri colors left Bi speechless. Dear Gar, what was the Laird doing? Turning every young Ab into House or Tri for beddings? Without a word he followed Lorenz and Pillar through the double door into the interior.
Chapter 22: Frustration
By the time Bi reached the dwelling of Ki, his legs ached and sweat was pouring through every outlet in his body. After he had selected the Ab clothes he would take in trade for the meal, Pillar had driven him back to his sailing craft where the restored Laten and Dolo greeted him. He erred in jesting about her new name and acquired Tri clothes.
When the ground meal had been placed on the pier, Laten had merely pointed at a house in the distant field and said, “Ye'll find Ki there near the time of sundown.”
Bi flopped down at t
he door after pounding on it. He patted the leather bag at his side filled with six containers of Ki's favorite brew and a new bracelet before he closed his eyes.
He woke to Ki shaking him and laughing, “Bi, tis glad I am to see ye.”
Bi looked up into her face reddened by Don's sun and wind and found her magnificent.
“Darling lassie, tis grand ye are. Give me a hug.” With that he pulled her down onto his lap and proceeded to investigate her with his tongue and his hands.
Laughter brimmed in her throat as she responded. Suddenly everything changed. Ki rolled away and stood, her breath coming in and out in rapid sequence.
“Nay, I canna. Ka tis putting away the crawler and I must prepare the evening meal. Ye are welcome if ye have brought the brew. The Laird tis a bit stingy on that point.”
Bi stood and hid his annoyance. “Aye, I've brought the brew, plus some mealie. Why prepare the meal now? Ye just came in from the fields?”
“Ka tis due at the Laird's for his schooling.”
“Schooling?” Bi followed Ki inside. At least she was still wearing Ab clothes and her dark brownish hair swung in a long braid, nay cut in the House style that Tri's imitated. “Abs dinna have schooling and why are ye both driving mechanicals? Tis a Tri thing.”
Ki snorted. “Bah, ye ken full well Abs working at Rurhran use the mechanicals. They dinna pay well if ye refuse. As for Ka, the Laird calls him Kahli and says he tis a natural artist with an excellent mind. Why object to Ka learning? Ye read and write quite well when it suits ye.”
Bi swallowed. She kenned him too well. Besides if Ka went to the Laird's home, mayhap Ki would drive him to the boat. Right now he wanted Ki and then food, but realized he would have them in reverse order.
He watched with real disappointment when Ka drove off on the crawler. He hoped the laddie was back in time for Ki to drive him. Bi finished his brew and stood. His voice was husky.
“Ki, I have missed ye.”
Something in his voice must have amused Ki for she smiled and opened her arms.
