Yes, thought Jayden. The races...all three of them. For the very first time he was beginning to see himself as being separate from other people. Even though his mother would beat the hide from him for suggesting such a thing, it was true nonetheless. Newbreeds were looked upon by many as a completely separate race – not a part of the accepted norms of society.
They continued talking for a time, and then Linis appeared in the garden. Despite his smile, Jayden could see the sorrow behind his eyes. This told him that Malstisos’s condition had not improved.
“Another newbreed?” asked Bren drunkenly, though there was only humor in his tone.
Linis laughed. “Dear fellow, I’m as much an elf as they come. A former seeker, in fact.”
“Is that right?” the gardener responded. “Then join with us and tell us tales of your adventures. We have been telling our own stories for so long, my ears are tired of hearing them.”
Linis glanced over to where Jayden was sitting close to Leanna and shot him a sly grin. His eyes then returned to Bren. “I would be pleased,” he said, spreading his hands. “But first, where is my wine? How can I tell tales with no wine?”
A full cup was quickly produced for him. After taking a long sip, Linis immediately began recounting his adventures, most of which centered on times before the war and were familiar to Jayden. In short order, the entire gathering was listening with keen interest, and a few minutes into the telling Jayden became aware of Leanna taking hold of his hand. When he looked over at her, she met his uncertain gaze with a flirtatious smile.
Even though he had never before lacked confidence around women, this time he felt himself blushing. She might be only a few years his senior, but she was definitely not one of the country girls he was used to speaking with. This was a real lady, one with poise and grace. At that moment, he felt very much the country bumpkin.
After a while, a few of the staff politely excused themselves, saying that they needed to rise early for work. As for Jayden, he was by no means tired. He had thought about offering to take Leanna on a stroll through the manor, but imagined this might be considered a little too forward, given it was their first meeting.
What would Mother tell me to do? he wondered. She had always been the one to advise him on the ways of women. And from the way she’d described his father during their courtship, she was the right one to do so. But then again, given what he had recently learned, how much of what she’d told him of this was actually true?
“Would you care to have lunch with me tomorrow?” he finally asked, after screwing up the courage.
She sighed. “I’m afraid I will be at the market for most of the day.”
He felt the sting of disappointment.
“But you could join me,” she added quickly. “That is, if you are permitted.”
He glanced over to Linis, who right at that moment was draining the last drops from his cup. The elf would want him to remain in the manor. That much was certain. But one look at Leanna’s smile and his decision was made. He was, after all, his own man now.
“I would be honored to go with you,” he told her.
“Honored, you say?” She tittered a light laugh. “I can assure you that shopping is not something you’re likely to enjoy.”
“In your company, I’m sure it will be wonderful.”
“Such a sweet thing you are. A true gentleman.”
She began to rise. Jayden was on his feet in an instant.
“You’re not leaving, are you?”
“It is late and the day will be long,” she answered. “Though I suspect it will feel shorter with you to keep me company.”
Reluctantly, he released her hand and bowed as formally as he could manage. “Until tomorrow, then.”
She curtsied with elegance and precision. “I rise at dawn and leave by the servant’s door in the kitchen shortly after.” After flashing him another smile, she glided from the garden.
Jayden watched her all the way until she had vanished from sight, then plopped back down on the bench. So full was his mind, he didn’t notice that Linis had joined him until he felt a touch on his shoulder.
“A fetching young girl,” the elf remarked. “It’s a pity we will not be here long.”
“Once I find Father and know that Mother is fully recovered, I intend to come back.”
“After just one meeting? She must be even more remarkable than I imagined.”
Catching the twitch of a smile on his lips, Jayden replied hotly: “I’m not saying that because of her. I’m not a lovestruck child, you know.”
“Not like your father then,” he said. “He was so awkward and clumsy around your mother in the beginning, it’s a miracle they ever bonded. Obviously he overcame his shyness in the end, though; otherwise you wouldn’t be here.”
Jayden frowned. “Do you mind not talking that way about my parents?”
Linis let out a hearty laugh. “Forgive my crudeness. Dina has often warned me against drinking too much wine. She says my tongue becomes far too loose. All the same, it is good to see you have confidence around women. You are a handsome young man, Jayden. Be careful, though. Hearts are fragile things.”
“She won’t break my heart,” he insisted. “I only just met her.”
“True. However, yours is not the only heart to consider. I hear that the maidens of Sharpstone are already clamoring for your attention.”
“So far, none have met with Mother’s approval.”
“Have any met with yours?”
Jayden shrugged. “They’re nice enough, I suppose. But I want…something more.” He turned his head to look directly at Linis. “Something like what you have with Dina. You don’t need to know very much about love to see how you feel when you look at her.”
Linis leaned back and clasped his hands behind his head. A faraway look crept into his eyes. “Yes, it’s true. She is the great love I spent so much of my life searching for. You should have seen her back then. Fierce and determined...defiant of all who would reject her. I think it’s safe to say that I loved her from the very first moment we met. Never did I imagine I could be happy as a farmer. Yet with Dina beside me, I could remain within the borders of Sharpstone for the rest of my days and still be contented.”
“I wonder if my parents felt the same way?” Jayden asked.
“Of course they did.” There was just a hint of chiding in his tone.
“How would I know? The story I’ve been told of how they met can’t be true.”
Linis nodded. “I understand how you feel. And it so happens that I know the true tale. If you are not too weary, I will tell it.”
By now only a few people were left in the garden, and even they were easing their way toward the exit. Jayden leaned forward eagerly. “Yes. I want to hear it.”
Linis went on to tell him how Kaylia had been captured by bandits, and of how Lee and Gewey had rescued her. “Though he always tells of Lee’s courage, your father was very brave as well,” he concluded. “Had he not been a god, he would have certainly been slain.”
“But the way they describe their bond,” said Jayden. “Is that really how it happened?”
“The bond? No, not at all. Actually, Kaylia nearly killed Dina the day your parents first bonded.”
Drawing a long breath, he went on to tell of how Kaylia had attacked Dina after discovering the truth about her lineage. “Had your father not intervened, Dina most certainly would have died,” he stated. “It was in that moment that your parents’ spirits bonded of their own accord. It was quite remarkable, really. They completed the bond sometime later, but the entire story would take far too long to tell in one sitting.” He furrowed his brow on noticing the despondent look covering Jayden’s face. “That is the truth of what happened. Is it not what you expected?”
“Sounds like it was all an accident to me.” Jayden shook his head, as if trying to remove a distressing thought. “And Mother…You’re telling me that she tried to kill Dina because she’s a newbreed?”
Jayden thought for a moment. “Once, when I was a child. Darshan’s great love. But I forget where I heard it, though I do remember that no one knew his love’s name.”
“Her name is Kaylia. And I too have heard the tale. But not from a bard...from those who were actually there. And it’s all true. Every word of it.”
Jayden looked at him incredulously. The story told of a love so strong that it shattered the gates of hell and cast down the power of the first god, Melek.
“Never doubt for a moment that your parents are intended to be together,” Linis continued. “Or that you are meant to be here.” He pushed himself to his feet. “Now, I really must go and sleep off some of this wine.”
“Thank you,” Jayden told him. He felt somehow better...as if at least some of the lies surrounding him had been dispersed. “I think I’ll sit here for a while longer.”
Linis gave him a fatherly smile before exiting the garden.
The others had departed a few moments earlier, leaving Jayden now completely alone. He looked skyward. Only a few stars were peeking out from behind the clouds, and the air was thick. It was entirely too warm for his taste – something he had not noticed in the least while in Leanna’s company. For a moment he questioned whether he should go ahead with their meeting in the morning. There was no doubt in his mind that he had not felt the same rush of attraction that Linis had described earlier. But had she? And if she had, would becoming close to a woman when you were intent on leaving very soon be cruel?
“You’re being stupid,” he scolded himself. She was only after some company, nothing more. As far as the flirtation went, he had known several girls who flirted without any deep meaning behind it. Besides, he had to stay focused on finding his father and saving his mother. This was no time to be clouding his mind with silly notions.
As he made his way to his room, a wave of anxiety struck him. Here he was, far away in Baltria, without any knowledge of his mother’s condition. He had to know that she was still managing to keep whatever plague was ailing her at bay.
After dwelling on this for a few moments, he decided that while he was out with Leanna in the city, he would find a place where he could send a fauna bird. The reply could be delivered to Malstisos’s house. Though of course by the time it arrived, he might no longer be there.
It was only a few hours before dawn. He tried to calm himself, but his anxiety persisted.
While lying in his bed, more than an hour passed before sleep finally came.
Chapter Six
On waking, Jayden’s mouth felt as if it had been stuffed full of cotton. He knew he had not drunk too much wine the night before, yet there was a thudding in his head that came with each beat of his heart. Of course, he was not accustomed to such late nights. Life on a farm demanded that you go to bed early or suffer the consequences.
The dim glow through the window assured him that he had not overslept. Even so, for a brief spell he gave serious thought to simply closing his eyes and forgetting about his outing with Leanna. A moment later, the memory of her holding his hand his entered his mind, and this idea was soon dismissed.
Struggling up into a seated position, he rubbed the back of his neck. He’d said that he would join her, and he would. Even if he did feel – and probably look – like death. Tossing back the blanket, he slid from the bed and stumbled blindly into the shower. The initial shock of bitterly cold water before it warmed up drew a loud yelp, but it was effective in reviving him.
With a towel wrapped around his waist, he made his way back into the bedchamber. There, to his surprise, he found Linis sitting at a small table, picking at a plate of fruit. A steaming bowl of porridge awaited Jayden.
“You had better hurry, or Leanna will be disappointed,” Linis told him.
He cocked his head. “I thought you wouldn’t want me leaving the manor.”
“I don’t. But you are a man. I cannot force you to do as I say.”
He must have overheard their conversation, Jayden realized. While rummaging around for a decent shirt and trousers, he asked, “If you’re not trying to stop me, why did you come?”
“To reprimand you,” he stated flatly. “You are a man now, so act like one. You were going to sneak out and wander the city without telling me where you were going to be. I’m not your father, Jayden. I’m your companion on this journey, and you must keep me informed. What if I had needed you? What if the people who tried to abduct you on the road attacked the manor? How would I even begin looking for you?”
The anger in Linis’s eyes was genuine. Jayden was unsure how to react. He had always thought of the elf as an uncle. An older, advisory figure in his life, not a comrade. But he was right. He was behaving like a child.
“I’m sorry. I should have told you,” he said.
Linis’ anger was diminished only slightly by the apology. “You have to change your way of thinking,” he responded. “The world is dangerous, particularly for you. That makes it even more dangerous for me. And I have no intention of my wife becoming a widow.” He pointed to the corner where Jayden’s sword and dagger lay. “Do not forget to arm yourself.”
With each scolding word, Jayden felt increasingly foolish. “Won’t that draw attention to me?” he asked.
“It might. But better that than being caught unprepared. As it is, I’ve observed several people walking the streets armed, so it shouldn’t attract too much notice.” The elf’s features then softened somewhat. “I don’t mean to be harsh. And I do understand this is all new to you. But like your father had to do before you, you must grow up fast.”
“I understand,” Jayden said. “And if you want, I will tell Leanna that I can’t go with her.”
Linis sighed. “No. You should go. If I expect you to behave as a man, I must be willing to treat you as one. You should be safe enough in the markets. And it’s a good opportunity to learn of local rumors and gossip. Keep your eyes and ears open for anything unusual.”
Jayden began putting on his clothes. “What will you do?”
“I’ll stay with Malstisos. I don’t think I can help him, but while I’m here I must at least try. And if by chance his mind does become clearer, he might yet be able to tell me something about what has happened.” He nodded to the bowl of porridge. “You should eat now. You don’t want to be late.”
After finishing his breakfast, Jayden fastened the sword and dagger to his belt, and they exited the room together. Once in the corridor, Linis regarded him for a long moment, a curiously tender expression on his face.
“I wish your father could see you now,” he said. “You look every bit the noble warrior.”
Jayden laughed. “I’m anything but that.”
“Actually, you are much more. If people knew that the son of Darshan walked among them, it would cause quite a stir.” He wagged his finger, grinning. “So don’t you go telling that lovely young girl just to impress her.”
“As if she’d believe me, even if I did.”
Linis nodded, chuckling. “A valid point. And now, one final thing before you go: enjoy yourself today. It may be your last chance to have fun for a while.”
“I will,” he promised, before hurrying away.
He found Leanna waiting for him just outside the kitchen. Her face brightened the moment she saw him.
“I was afraid you wouldn’t come,” she said. Her eyes drifted to his weapons. “Are you expecting trouble?”
He held out the crook of his arm. “No, but a gentleman must be prepared to protect his lady.”
“I see
.” She took his arm with a slight bow of her head. “Then let us hope that will not be required.”
They exited the manor and walked with casual strides in the direction of the market district. Leanna asked him several questions about his home and life as a farmer, listening with far more interest than he displayed in the telling.
“It sounds like a wonderful place,” she said.
He huffed a laugh. “Wonderful? Life in Sharpstone is as dull as dead grass. Nothing ever happens there.”
“Excitement is overrated,” she said. “We have plenty of it here. And frankly, I could do without it.”
It wasn’t long before Jayden felt large beads of sweat forming on his cheeks. Even the dawn hours here were hot; too late he realized that his clothes were ill-suited for the occasion. Equally as uncomfortable was the smell of mud and fish that now seemed to cling to everything, growing ever stronger and more oppressive the nearer they drew to the markets.
The shops were already open and the streets crowded when they finally arrived. Jayden tried to compare it to the market in Sharpstone with only limited success. Everything here was far larger and grander. As for the variety of goods available, it seemed almost infinite in scope.
Leanna stopped at a vegetable vendor to examine a basket of ripe tomatoes. He, meanwhile, felt a touch of disappointment that he was not able to see the city wharfs from where they were currently standing. Since the war, the docks here were reputed to have surpassed even those of Althetas, supposedly holding up to five hundred ships at any given time – though he assumed this to be a bit of an exaggeration. He watched as Leanna bartered with the vendor for a time, eventually talking him down to almost half the initial asking price before giving him instructions for delivery.
“You would make a fine merchant,” he commented approvingly, after the deal was concluded.
Leanna cast the vendor a sour look. “He tries the same thing with me every week. And every week I end up paying the same price. I think I would go mad engaging in such stupidity on a daily basis.”
The Godling Chronicles Page 8
