“No, and not that I know of. You should at least give a hint that you’re interested. Maybe she’s just as interested, but doesn’t know how to broach the subject. Maybe invite her to the party, since Mageeyes is giving the gift she made. It gives you a valid reason to invite her. It’ll also let you have a chance to flirt a bit.”
Fredrick frowned at Sean before looking out the window. “That is a persuasive idea, Sean. I’ll have to ask her tonight. I know that women need time to arrange for parties of this caliber. New dress, jewelry... I’m sure you know how it is?”
“I have the general idea,” Sean agreed. “I have never seen it in action myself.”
“My mother used to love to attend the few parties House Brightlight held. She was always buying a new dress or working on a new piece of jewelry to wear.”
They kept up small talk until the carriage was brought to a stop before a guarded gate. The driver spoke to the guards, and a minute later one of the gates opened. Sean was surprised to see the garden they drove through, the road the carriage followed defined by blooming flowers.
“That’s beautiful,” Sean murmured.
“The garden here shifts depending on which Queen is in power at the time. Right now it’s predominantly white, blue, purple, and black flowers in bloom,” Fredrick answered. “The other half of the cycle, it’s red, orange, yellow, and other warm colors. Between the two, it’s a mix. Over there, you can see the last of the red fading. Looks like winter is asserting herself strongly this cycle. The blizzard hinted at that, though.”
“Yes, that blizzard was unpleasant,” Sean agreed.
“You were traveling then?”
“We held up in Flento. Ran into a man named Cedran there.”
“Oh, him,” Fredrick snorted. “He’s one of the merchants that procures for Lord Sharpeyes.”
“I was told as much,” Sean said, wondering if that was going to bite him in the ass at some point.
“He’s still an odious toad,” Fredrick said. “Loves to use that position to bully others.”
“I noticed,” Sean chuckled. “I wonder if he made the gold back yet?”
“I hear a story there,” Fredrick said.
“Yeah—” Sean cut off when the carriage came to a halt. “Maybe later, though.”
“Hmph,” Fredrick snorted.
“We have arrived, sir,” the footman announced, opening the door for them.
“Thank you,” Fredrick replied and exited the carriage. “Ah, it is good to see you again, Huntress. Let me introduce my guest and business associate, Sean MacDougal. MacDougal, this is Aria Huntress. She has been the hunt mistress for the Lords and Ladies of Hearthglen for some time.”
Sean exited the carriage and saw Fredrick talking to a tall, striking woman. The short white hair on her head was not hair, but small feathers giving the appearance of hair until one got close enough to see the individual feathers. Bright red eyes met his as introductions were made, and her darkly tanned skin spoke of long days outside.
“A pleasure,” Sean said.
“MacDougal? I’ve heard this name recently,” Aria said, her voice light and flowing, adding to the bird imagery Sean had of her. “You make the new hair clips?”
“I do, though Gertihs here makes them of gold or better, and Silvertouch makes the silver ones. I only handle the clips of baser metals.”
Her head turned to the side, but her eyes stayed locked on him, and Sean suddenly noticed that her eyes were slightly larger than normal. “I see.”
Sean’s lips trembled. He did his best to hold back laughter, unsure if the pun had been intentional. Aria gave him a small knowing nod, the corners of her mouth turning up slightly.
“I’m to give you a tour of the bestiary,” Aria said, glossing over the moment. “Please follow. If you stray too far while we are amongst the animals, they might get aggressive. I would rather not explain to Lord Sharpeyes why a guest was injured.”
Chapter Fifteen
Aria led them down a path away from the main manor. The garden shifted, with more hedges and fewer flowers the farther they got from the main house. Sean realized that the dense plants were to help tone down the noise produced by the animals.
They reached the wall separating the gardens from the bestiary, and Sean was surprised by the large area the hounds had for themselves. One entire corner of the grounds appeared to be given over to them. The large dogs were massive not only in height, but in breadth. Irish wolfhounds on steroids, maybe? Sean thought as Aria opened the gate and stepped into the kennel area.
“What keeps them inside the fence?” Sean asked as he followed her. The dogs looked like they could just about walk over the fence if they wanted to.
“Training,” Aria replied. “They are one line of defense for the manor if needed. If the bells are struck in earnest, they will come to help defend.”
Sean was struck by the intelligent eyes of the hounds as they watched the three of them enter. The second thing he noticed was how all the dogs suddenly focused on him. “Err, do they normally fixate?” Sean asked as levelly as he could.
Aria frowned and stared at the hounds, which were ignoring her. “No, they normally look to me after they have had a moment with the visitors. Curious... Fredrick said you wished to see the favorites. The one with the torn ear there is Cuander, the Lord’s favorite. Cuander once brought down a Canine Moonbound by himself.”
“Good boy,” Sean said softly, and twenty tails began to wag.
Fredrick’s eyes got large, “Maybe we should move on?”
The hound closest to Fredrick nosed him and sneezed on him before turning its attention back to Sean. Fredrick let out a dismayed sound and wiped at his face with a handkerchief to get the spray off.
“Yes, it might be best. I do not know what they might do at this point,” Aria said, looking concerned. “Follow.”
Aria had been heading for the far gate, so Fredrick and Sean followed her. As Sean moved, the hounds moved with him. Sean reached out and patted one of them on the head. The hound next to that one shoved it aside to get its head under his hand. Hounds farther away started pushing in an attempt to get closer to Sean.
Funny that I don’t fear them. If anything, it’s comforting to have them nearby, Sean thought as the hounds shoved at each other to get petted next. “Stop,” Sean whispered, “just be good boys.”
The hounds stopped jostling each other and lay down, a few even rolling over to show their bellies. Sean smiled at them as he followed Aria and Fredrick. When he looked forward again, he caught Aria watching him. Exiting the far side of the kennel, Sean looked back to see all twenty hounds looking sad that he was leaving.
“Next are the smaller hounds for pleasure hunts,” Aria said.
The smaller hounds turned out to be a mix of terrier and dachshund. The little dogs did not react like the bigger hounds had; they stalked Fredrick and Sean, darting in to sniff as they followed Aria. Aria looked a bit mollified that the smaller hounds were acting normally. She pointed out the two that Sharpeyes favored when he took them out to hunt.
“What did you think of the hounds?” Aria asked as they left the canines behind and followed the wall.
“The cuons always make me nervous,” Fredrick said. “Their heads are above mine most of the time. I swear that one sneezed on me intentionally.”
“They seemed intelligent and loyal,” Sean said. “It was my first time being near them. The smaller ones seemed like most dogs of that size to me.”
“The small ones make excellent ratters,” Fredrick said. “If we worked with other materials, you might well have one to keep the pests down.”
“It is said that the cuons are descended from hounds brought over during the migration,” Aria told them. “They have been kept as close to pure as possible. We will be visiting the mews next.”
As they walked, Sean focused on the small copper ingots he had placed in his pouch earlier in the day. He Shaped the smaller hounds and Cuander, his hand lightly re
sting on the exterior of the pouch.
The corner of the yard that had the mews was almost as large as the kennels had been. Most of the area was split into ten-foot by ten-foot squares, each separately enclosed to hold a single bird. Sean stared at the hawks and falcons; they were similar, but slightly different than birds he knew. Each mew contained a shelter for the bird, as well as open space for the bird to hop and flutter, to allow them to get some exercise.
“We will only be stepping in with two of them. Jessel and Hessel can both be temperamental, but they have never attacked a person before.”
“I’ll stay outside the cage,” Fredrick said. “I remember the last time I was here a bit too well.”
Aria laughed, a light trill that pierced the air and caused most of the birds to respond. “That was Jessel’s forebear. Do you still hold a grudge?”
“It pecked my neck,” Fredrick grumbled.
“A love bite,” Aria replied.
“I bled,” Fredrick groused.
“It was feeling peckish,” Sean could not resist commenting, keeping his face straight with effort.
Aria laughed again and stepped up to one of the cages. The falcon inside called back happily and came out into its yard. Fredrick glared at Sean, shaking his head as he stepped away from the enclosure.
“Have fun inside with it,” Fredrick muttered.
Aria cried back to the bird, which returned to its enclosure. Opening the door, she stepped in and waited for Sean to enter before closing it. “Just be calm and don’t make big movements,” she told him, giving another cry for Jessel to come back out.
The falcon eyed Sean before hopping toward them. Stopping a few feet away, it cried out and twisted its head to the side. Aria called back softly and held out her left arm, covered by a thick leather glove she had donned without Sean noticing. Jessel flapped up to her arm and turned its head back to Sean, staring at him curiously.
“Jessel, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Sean said honestly, a big smile on his face. “You’re a beauty.”
The bird trilled and brushed its head against Aria. Aria blinked at that, making soft sounds back at the bird. Jessel screamed and leapt from her arm. It flew up to the roof, flapping in place for a moment before it landed on her arm again.
“What happened?” Sean asked.
“Nothing,” Aria said.
Sean knew what had transpired, just like he did when the Alpha Canine howled while he had been on the river with Myna and Fiona. There was no way he was going to admit he knew that Jessel was suggesting that Aria was a beauty worthy of Sean’s attention.
“She’s a talkative one, is she?” Sean asked.
“Jessel is normally very reserved,” Aria said, not looking at Sean. “We should see Hessel now.”
Jessel screeched angrily and pecked at Aria’s gloved hand. Sean moved to the door, not wanting to get involved in the argument. Aria cried back at Jessel and shook her arm. Flying free, Jessel screamed again before going to her enclosure.
Sean was glad Aria followed him when he left the enclosure. “Something surely had her riled up today. I do hope she’ll be okay.”
“She’ll be fine,” Aria said firmly, leading them down to another cage. “This is Hessel’s cage. You should wait out here with Fredrick since the animals are being difficult today. I wouldn’t want you to get injured.”
“I will heed your wisdom,” Sean replied.
Hessel was larger, but that was expected, because she was a hawk and not a falcon. Coming out of her enclosure once Aria entered, the hawk stared at Sean and Fredrick, but was silent. Aria made a small sound at the hawk, but it just shook its head and went back into its enclosure. Aria frowned but left the cage.
“That was Hessel,” Aria said. “Normally she would preen and show herself off.”
“Hessel, thank you for your time,” Sean said. “You are a majestic hunter.”
Hessel cried out but stayed in her enclosure. Aria looked back with a raised eyebrow. “That concludes the animals you asked to see, Gertihs.”
Sean’s hand dropped to the pouch on his waist again as he began to Shape the birds. “Both of them were beautiful hunters. I don’t know anything about hunting, but Jessel is the faster of the two, right?”
“Yes, she is employed when the Lord wishes to hunt other birds,” Aria nodded with a smile. “Jessel comes from the founding line of the city.”
“Hessel hunts the small game, then. Does she hunt with the hounds?” Sean asked.
“No, that is very different. When Lord Sharpeyes goes out with the birds, we don’t take the hounds at all,” Aria said and began explaining the difference in hunting styles as they walked back toward the carriage.
When they passed the front of the manor, an arrogant voice called out, “Aria, I’ve been looking for you.”
The three of them came to a stop as Aria turned to face a pair of young men. They came striding toward them like the world was their plaything. Both Aria and Fredrick lowered their heads, and Sean followed suit, though he got a good look at them before he did. The one trailing looked like a young Denmur, meaning he was Klein Denmur, so the speaker was Evan Sharpeyes, the Lord’s son.
“I’m sorry. I was discharging the duties Lady Sharpeyes gave me,” Aria said. “What can I do for you, Knight Sharpeyes?”
“I wish to take the hounds out hunting tomorrow. Klein will be accompanying me. Plan for an overnight expedition,” Evan said, something in his voice making Sean’s hair stand up.
“I will make the arrangements,” Aria replied, her voice tight but still respectful.
“Good bird,” Evan laughed. “Come on, Klein, we need to make sure we’re ready for tomorrow.”
“Hmm, another trip to the magistrate it is,” Klein laughed as he followed Evan.
Sean felt Klein’s eyes on him even when the pair moved away from the group. After a moment, Aria let out a soft shrill sound and shook her head. “I’m sorry for the delay. I need to return you to your carriage and see about arranging the hunt for them.”
“Funny, they don’t seem the type to enjoy a hunt,” Sean said.
Aria muttered under her breath, “Not a normal hunt.” Letting out a deep breath, she spoke loud enough to be heard, “I’m sure they will find something to interest them.”
“Nothing normal,” Fredrick muttered.
Aria inhaled sharply before looking around, “Gertihs, that is dangerous talk at the best of times,” Aria chided him softly. “I would ask you not to say it around me, please. I don’t want to end up in the same inquiry.”
Fredrick looked abashed, “I apologize, Huntress. My tongue got away from me.”
“Do you always lead the hunts?” Sean asked.
“If it is the Lord, the Lady, or the Knight of the house, yes. It is my duty,” Aria said tightly. “It was a pleasure to meet you, MacDougal, and I would gladly converse with you again if we have the opportunity. Do you know if any of your clips would work for me?”
“I’m not certain,” Sean apologized. “If you come by my shop, I can see what I can do for you. I’d be honored to craft something for you.”
Aria’s feather hair fluttered, and her dark skin darkened a little more. “I will stop by when I am able, MacDougal.”
Fredrick raised an eyebrow, shaking his head as they approached the carriage. “Thank you again, Huntress. Please let the Lady know I am grateful to her.”
“I will. She wanted me to ask if you are attending the party this tenday.”
“That is my intent,” Fredrick assured her.
“Very well. May the road rise up to meet you,” Aria said, stepping back from the carriage as the footman opened the door.
“And you, too,” Fredrick replied.
“May the sun shine warm upon your face,” Sean told her.
Aria blinked, standing there with a bemused expression as the footman closed the door and climbed onto the back. When the driver got them moving away, Aria continued to watch the carriage until it was lost to
sight. “MacDougal... interesting, indeed.”
Chapter Sixteen
After he made it back to the shop, Sean busied himself working on his next enchantment. Ryann and Ida went to help with the bathhouse, while Myna and Fiona manned the counter in the shop. When he stopped for dinner, Sean enjoyed every bite of the barley and roast chicken that Andrea had seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
Sean showed them the copper figures he was copying in silver for Fredrick. He explained what had happened during the trip, prompting Myna to ask if he knew why the cuons reacted as they did. Sean could only shrug. When he finished telling them about the bestiary, he asked if the farewell Aria used was common.
Forged Bonds (Binding Words Book 4) Page 15
