School in Hastelan, chapter 40. (Patreon)

Here we are. Please enjoy as once again, the plot thickens. 

The walk was pleasant, and my friends were full of noise and cheer as they marched in step beside me. The knights flanked our corners with wary eyes and hands not far from their swords. One even bore a bow and a full quiver of arrows, as if going to war.

Something had happened, yet any inquiry from me was met with smiles and soft words deflecting the answer I sought.

The people around us knew less than I, it seemed, yet the strain shown by our escorts seemed to bleed into them as well. Many were darting about, quick and furtive, seeking to avoid us even more than usual, at least to my mind.

We were on a quest. A quest to find the one many of us had seen, the supposed cute boy. The others had wished to spread out to all parts of the city, and so search, yet our superiors had grouped us together. According to Lady Matrona, we were undergoing a hardship of fewer knights to guard us all.

My attempt to ask why this was so had been ignored with a polite smile, a clear warning of knowledge above my station.

I could only hope we had not been attacked in some way.

Even so, we had been granted leave to enjoy a time outside, as had many others beside, and if our target existed at all (which of course he did, as I had seen him) we would find him.

While doing some shopping in the meantime, if my friends had their way. I needed naught. My companions and I entered one singular shop, our knights creating a discordant jangle as they clomped along with us, some entering first and the rest last.

No matter how much the new robes, and new paper, and ornaments might tempt me, I needed naught.

"You should get it, if you like it," Lady Nells commented idly, correctly following my gaze. She had a garment of her own in hand, a dress that she had ordered before to be used as an excuse for our current quest.

Lady Nells and Lady Metis planned as if generals from time to time. I had no idea what their other plan had been, but their first plan had been days in the making. In point of fact, it was highly suspect, as the rumors of the boy had only been among us for those few days. It was almost as if our current quest would have been entirely different. What purpose that could be was yet another mystery of the day. there were far too many of those, of late.

"I shall not. I do not need this robe, and so I shall not purchase it."

"Why not?" Lady Nells asked. "It would suit you, and you have the gold for it."

"My own robes are quite serviceable, and I have enough."

Lady Nells clucked her tongue and shook her head. "You never have enough, Lady 'Rine... if you learn nought else from me, learn that lesson alone."

Friends were those who would not hold your behavior against them, no matter how rude. "I am afraid I shall learn nothing from you then."

Friends might also inflict physical harm to one's arm, if driven to do so. "Rude of you, lady 'Rine. I shall have you know you will learn plenty from me! You will learn so much, you will not know what to do with all the wisdom!"

I could not even dignify such mouthings with a response, so shocked was I. Where had such a thing even come? Lady Nells had such an opinion of herself. Certainly, she had much for her, yet if we allowed, her head would become frighteningly large.

Lady Nells huffed at my non-response. "You are so mean to me, Lady."

"I am not, your humility merely left me speechless."

Lady Nells now pouted, as one who had been denied sweets. "I know what it is, you have been around the others too much. Fear not, for I shall corrupt you even so."

I clasped her on both shoulders: "I wish you the best of luck with your endeavor."

Walking away in as stately a manner as possible, I savored the slow blinks my antics prompted as I moved away just ahead of those who governed the shop.

They descended upon her like a small flock of birds, finding a delectable piece of carrion in a field. An unfortunate image I tried to banish as all three of the young ladies declared their desire to help my fellow summoner.

I joined lady Delia among the scented oils, as she idly perused the shelves.

She stayed silent as she picked up one and stared at the label, then did the same for the next.

The labels were pictures of the ingredients contained therein; the one lady Delia just replaced upon the shelf contained blueberries, of all things. Blueberries did have a smell, while faint, but would it be one someone would like to wear?

I doubted even more the seriousness of my friends' claims. I felt the true mission of this journey was to spend coin. "What do you think?"

"I think there are many things I'd rather smell like," lady Delia said firmly. "If one smells like a berry patch, one might get eaten."

A gruesome and yet fine point to make. I replaced the bottle myself and took note of the one in her hands - jasmine. I knew of the scent from recent experience in other shops, and had found it to my liking.

I would make do with soap, myself. That and the essence of roses which I had bought together. I moved on, leaving a deeply pondering lady Delia to her ruminations.

The window would show my own interest for the day - the people walking to and fro. Without our presence, the people were smiling and seemed far more open. Was there some reason for them to be grim around us? Did our nature and presence cause others distress?

Was there some other mystery going on?

I saw many cloaks of all colors and many shapes, yet none matched the cut and color I'd seen before. Looking around, I could tell that I had some time, and all the workers of the shop were occupied. The knights were standing sentry in the corners, well away from our ramblings... I was free to do as I wished. So long as I did not leave, of course.

There, a cloak, and over there, a cloak... I had one myself, even as the day had warmed the choice to wear one or not was common.

Even so, there seemed to be more about, on the backs of peasants, city workers, and nobles alike. Surely not so many could afford such garments, or would wear them if they could? I did not know cities or their style, yet it seemed too much for me.

Lady Istha joined me, and together we kept an eagle's eye on the crowds. The silence between us was a comfort, and easy to keep.

Wait, there. There was a cloak that looked as the one I had seen. It and it's owner had emerged from the alley there, which was in reality little more than a goat path, and then vanished back along the way it had come.

quizzical behavior indeed.

If my escorts were sir Conrad or sir Philos, my decision would be easy.  I decided to take the chance, and strode to my escort for the day. "Sir Jarlen."

The worthy knight, one I had not known or seen before today, bowed deeply in my direction at my approach. He was the one with a large war bow, and all his armor matched the brown of his hair. He was not so tall or broad as his comrades, nor did his armor shine with splendor in the sun. "Yes, lady Katerine?"

I saw someone in the alley across the store to the left just now, going to and fro in the same alley. I find that suspicious, and I would like you to investigate. If you do so, I can assure you we will stay here, as the streets seem somewhat tense today."

There, I had done it.

My knight escort shook his head, slowly. "I cannot do such a thing, my Lady. The condition of the streets make such an action even more risky. Assume I go, and find your footpad or worse. I may be set upon in that alley, and none would know. What then? Another would needs be sent to find me, and you could be ambushed with weakened protection. I dare not take that risk."

I... understood. I was a fool. Even now, there was some unease in the room, as if what I had so boldly stated had revealed some monster best left under the earth.

The man straightened and gave a ghost of a smile. "However, what I might do, is to fetch the guard and tell them of your concerns. The street is safe enough for that, so long as you all stay here."

There was little risk we would move, as lady Nells was trying on a dress and ladies Delia and Metis were still among the scents.

"That seems certain even without any words from me."

My knight nodded. "Even so," he whispered before declaring more loudly: "I shall return, and soon."

The other knights simply nodded as he strode away, choosing not to raise voice and further disturb the peace of the shop.

Only now did it occur to me, that none had entered this shop after we, and that the rush of service we had experienced may not simply be due to us being the only customers here - but something more.

There was naught to do but wait. Wait and watch of course, as sir Jarlen made his way among the crowd. Without us, the knight was able to move freely and be approached likewise. Everyone seemed to pay him no mind as he strode the street.

Sir Wors joined me at the next window, clearly watching himself. As well as keeping an eye on the door, which had yet to open for anyone save our party.

Our knight made the traverse, and came back to us. I could see the guards heading to the alley behind them, making their way amongst the crowd and having even less success than sir Jarlen had. Was there so little respect for the guard?

Even so, they had sent the patrol. Mayhap we had just stopped a crime, and without directly involving ourselves. If it was just the boy, he would of course be let go with little fanfare.

Even so, the sighting would be logged, and we would be allowed to peer at those logs with but a simple question directed at the captain in charge, should all our attempts to find the boy fail.

That would be an act to take last, as it would involve getting one of our instructors involved. We students did have the authority ourselves... and yet our superiors would hear of and question our use of it. It was best to get them to believe it was a good idea before we questioned the guardsmen.

Sir Jarlan drew up before me and saluted. "Your mission has been accomplished."

What did the man want? "Thank you, sir. You may carry on with your duties as before, and my apologies for the trouble."

Sir Jarlan leaned close and captured my hand. "Oh no my Lady, do not apologize. I am yours to command for the day, and though we may have a difference in how my duty is seen, you should never debase yourself for an order given. I am your hands and feet, as all of us are in the fullness of time."

Then my knight for the day kissed my hand as if this were a tale in a book, let go, and straightened up with a wink.

I could hear the chorus of low 'ooohs' as if from a great distance; my face heating was far more immediate.

Then he walked over to the corner he had taken before, even as sir Wors stepped aside and my friends closed in.

It seemed lady Delia was to be first: "What was all that about?"

"I saw someone who could be our target in the streets, and asked sir Jarlan to investigate. After some discussion on how that was best accomplished, he did so. We need only wait for the guardsman to explore, and then we may question them."

"That was not what I was asking about. I gathered that much before, as neither of you were exactly silent. What I meant to ask about was, why did sir Jarlan treat you so? Do you know each other?"

It was true that most knights given the school did not give the full measure of chivalry to us. It was a matter of convenience, only to be broken when those involved became closer, so I could fathom the question.

"We do not."

"Sir Jarlan does as he does," lady Serapis intoned plainly.

That statement certainly clarified matters.

"Shall we move on then? We may see to the guardsmen on our way back, and there are other shops I wish to peruse," Lady Nells said, drawing a surprising nod of agreement from both lady Istha and lady Metis both.

They had been corrupted, clearly, and my heart wept for the loss of two stalwart companions in frugality.

I refused to fall myself, however, and there must certainly be others like myself among our kind. I would find them and we would espouse the wonders of thrift together.

Sir Jarlan and sir Wors led us out, and we followed a moment after.

The street cleared as if by the power of the Goddess herself, the people scattering around us. It was... vexing, if I were to be honest.

The respectful behavior of those around us did make our walk easier; the next shop on the list was reached in but a few minutes. As we passed it, I took note of the small guardsman's pots set in the corner where the streets met. There would be another some three blocks away, in either direction one might choose.

The kingdom took justice most seriously.

In the countryside, there were fewer such symbols of the King's power, yet one could still say that crimes were dealt with justly. The lords were fair and honest.

What little I'd seen of the capital had not changed my notion of their character. Mayhap I should ask the others for their beliefs.

We arrived at the next shop it seemed. Lady Nells and sir Jarlan led the way into a furniture shop, of all things. Tables, chairs, desks, all on display and from the smell fresh from the back room where a carpenter must be hard at work, even now.

My father had more skill, I could tell at a glance, yet the waxed wood and smell of finishing rubs had me maudlin for a moment.

There was little here for me save my memories, yet my friends spread out among the wares with great interest.

I would help them, by choosing the best that could be found here.

Lady Metis was clearly searching for chairs, and lady Nells was inspecting a pen box, of all things. An ornate and delicate seeming example of the breed, yet even so I knew she had one.

She had no need of expertise with such a thing.

Lady Delia was taking a gander at metal... why was a small metal stove being sold here, in a house of wood? It made little sense.

Mayhap I should gain one of those for myself; there was a risk that my own chamber might become colder with the season. My mornings were already chilled, and so more banked embers might not go amiss.

Even so, to find such an item here disturbed my sensibilities somewhat. I was offended to find such heresy in my church of wood.

I had much brooding to do, in lonely silence, in the fullness of night.

Lady Istha flitted to and fro, to one item and then the next. I could not begin to guess what requirement she had from this place. Then at last, she settled on a bed; a large affair of rounded planks and carved pegs to join them.

The entire piece looked made to hold a large man... or mayhap a small phant. That was an amusing idea, a phant laying down in such a way. Even so, as large as lady Istha was, the bed was built for more than she. Even so, if she desired it, I could find no remonstration. Provided I was not the one required to carry it.

I made my way over to better judge the handiwork.

The carvings were of village life and working men, toiling to log in a forest.

"It would serve," I told my friend. she jumped and I suppressed a pang of guilt.

"The bed at the school seems too flimsy."

I could understand that. Lady Istha was not a small person, even at her young age. "I would not judge. However, if you are inquiring, I feel this bed is far too large for you. Certainly, one can use a bed that is much larger than they, but you shall be able to swim your way to sleep on that one."

Provided lady Istha knew the trick to swimming. She likely did, yet I had not asked.

Lady Istha smiled. "Thank you. I think I shall take it after all, but your words are a comfort."

What had I said? I did not understand - yet if she was happy about matters, who was I to charge forward on it? I would let the matter lie.

I felt for the workers who would be tasked with the delivery; they would have a rough time of things.

The price of the item was also quite large; almost as large as the bed itself. I would as soon build my own bed as buy this one.

Building my own was a thought, and if I wished I could include lady Istha in that and combine my own practice with the construction. Of course if I did such a thing, the things made would be even heavier than the piece before me, yet part of me ached to try.

"Are you aright?" Lady Istha asked.

"I just had a thought. Something to try later, away from any prying eyes." I could picture how others might view stone suddenly coming up from the ground and shaping itself. Even as respected as our kind were, there would be fear and alarm.

Lady Istha shook her head. "You should not ponder such things now. You ponder our charge far too often as of late, and even the Goddess does not demand complete devotion. Your dedication is too great for mere acolytes such as us."

I would beg to differ, yet it was not worth any harsh words. "I shall stop. There will be time enough later for such things, as you say. I am considering another ember pit myself. The nights are getting more cold."

"Such a thing would not go amiss for any of us. A pile of stone, even one as well made as the school, is oft chilled unduly by the winds, even in the sizzle of the hot season."

I knew that of course, I was no stranger to the cold, yet it seemed that I felt it more keenly than in cold seasons before.

I would do so, I decided. I would get the item, and some wood besides. So long as I did not layer smoke in my chambers or light anything on fire, I was certain none would mind such a minor infraction of the law.

It was at times like these I could admit some envy; a granted mastery of wind would allow for the removal of smoke from my presence, and a mastery of water would do much to prevent fire. Mastery of fire was the best for such a thing of course. What way could I ensure warmth with mastery over earth? By burying something, namely myself?

There had to be some way. A practical way.

No, I should contemplate other things - I had but one day before I returned to making things at the King's request. There would be time enough to contemplate the mandate the Goddess had given me, and what it entailed.

What was that? Something... some feeling, some thrum.

I turned to find a cloaked figure in the shop, shaking some dirt from a heavy boot before shutting the door. The knights were already moving, even before I recognized the cloak being like the one I had seen before, twice now. Same cut and color, I was certain.

"I must ask you to remove your hood. My apologies for my rude behavior." Sir Wors did not sound the least sorry for what he was asking, and yet I understood. This person bore misgivings with them, seeming almost to give an aura. Not one of constrained menace, such as knights or even bandits could give, but something else. I knew not what, yet I would swear that it was there and strong.

It seemed to surge as the figure slowly lowered their hood with both hands, paying no attention at all to Sir Wors, who was in front of him, and casting their eyes about at us.

He was not very tall, mayhap a tick or two above me, and his hair seemed to soak up the light. His eyes were also dark, and piercing as they swept across me... and then snapped back, meeting my own with a fire I could not place. He was a he, and a match for the other boy I had seen, save dark where the other was as the sun. His beauty was a match, at the least, down to the same stamp. No large youth of strapping muscles or booming voice, this one.

Instead there was something soft under the zeal I could see, something giving. Something I could not explain, but sense nonetheless.

Sir Wors did not relent: "Do you have any weapons on you?"

"I do not," the boy replied, his voice mellow and rich. This one, he meant us no harm. Whatever else I knew, I knew that in an instant.

Sir Wors still did not relent. "Show me, please."

The boy removed his cloak at least with a hint of annoyance. He revealed well made clothes with only a slight trace of dust upon them. The cut was unfamiliar, and it was clear he was not from the kingdom. I should have realized as much at once. The body revealed was somewhat on the small side as I had thought, yet had the lean muscle I recognized most squires or pages had. Mayhap this youth would grow to a towering giant, and simply had not as yet?

Even so, he bore the look of a noble, and not a commoner.

Sir Wors moved aside after finding nothing. Not so much as a dagger to grace the boy's belt, which was passing strange. All wore at least a small knife if one could be afforded, and a sharpened stick if one could not. The utility of such a tool was beyond question.

The boy wasted no time striding up to the bed... or rather to us. I had little doubt that despite his eyes being firmly locked onto the bed we had been discussing moments before, we were the real attraction here.

I would ask why this was so. "Good day to you, sir."

"Good day to you, Sorceress," the boy responded with a slight yet perfect bow and the right amount of decorum for two unknowns such as we to greet each other. His eyes stayed transfixed on the bed, however, a slight weakness I might exploit if I was of a mind.

Lady Istha had other concerns. "I shall have this," she informed us all. "If you desire one of your own, you will have to wait for the artisan to make another."

The boy turned to her, a wry look stealing over that beautiful face. Even lady Istha was affected visibly, for all that she steeled herself. "Do not worry, I am merely admiring the beauty inherent in the strangest of places. You need fear no competition from me, esteemed one."

Esteemed one? What an odd form of address. "It is a nice piece."

I had seen better of course, yet it was unkind to say so aloud.

The boy glanced away, toward my friends, who were closing upon us with speed. "I would agree, yet I prefer more supple woods than ironwood for my bedding. I prefer some give."

Oh? Did he know wood? He might.

Lady Delia came within range. "Good day, sir," she greeted with a languid curtsy. "Well met."

The boy continued without a beat missed, bowing smoothly yet again. "Good afternoon, sorceress."

Lady Delia continued, asking the question both of us should have. "You have me at a disadvantage sir; what is your name, if I may be so bold?"

"Ah," the boy responded, his shock feigned. "You may call me Tene. I am pleased to meet you, one and all."

My friends were crowding him now, yet if the situation was disagreeable to him, he showed no sign.

We all gave our names in turn... and I waited until last. Even as I gave it, his eyes refused to meet mine. Might I have offended somehow?

It irked me.

I let my friends take the lead: lady Nells obliged. She leaned forward slightly so there would be no dodging her. "So, what brings you here? We are simply seeing what we may, but you seem to have a purpose. A mission, even."

"I simply wished to see what I may find. I am new to the city, and in need of bedding and chairs. This place stood out among its peers, yet the goods seem too rich for me. I might simply give over and head back out to the shops along the wall."

I did not believe for a moment that this store was too rich for this boy. The shops along the wall were for the citizens at large. Yet... he had introduced himself with his first name only, and no title. He was clean and in rich clothing, so mayhap a rich merchant's son instead of a noble?

I did not buy it. There was something in his manner, at a glance, that cried out his nobility, his quality, to all present. Surely he could not...?

"Well met, all of you. I have long wished to meet such personages as yourselves. I may consider my short life complete.

Tene's bow was florid, and his light tone filled with merriment.

None of us took offense at his jest, which was good. His day could turn out much worse should it be so. Even now our knights were tightening hands around weapons, and stepping ever closer.

"The shops at the wall are adequate if you do not mind simplicity. I could recommend 'the knotted pine', near the East wall. It is some distance east of us of course, yet I can vouch for the quality."

I knew the owner of course, he was near where I had made my first homes for the city, and I knew of the man's work. As with most, he was not my father, yet he was good in his own way, and I had been able to tell with but a glance that he knew such little tricks which all who worked wood should know.

It had been my intent to go back to that little shop, meet the owner for true rather than just in passing, and find such secrets as I might there, yet I had lacked the time.

Tene met my gaze, and something... What was that? "High praise from one of you. Thank you, I shall try my luck there. I think that I should depart now, there seem to be many strong and restive men here."

His eyes moved, and I could breathe again. The faint mockery inscribed itself on my mind a moment later. The knights were already moving, yet Tene beat them all, weaving around one and retreating to the door in a flash, a smile gracing his lips as if at some grand joke.

"I shall see you again, pretty summoners. Until then!"

Sir Jarlan flung the door wide, meaning to go after him. "Stop."

With great surprise I realized the word was mine. Sir Jarlan turned back, showing us all his own surprise. I would forge ahead, however. "He has done nothing but jest. Surely you cannot mean to drag a boy to heel for a few words?"

Sir Jarlan winced and sighed. "Not if you do not wish it."

I looked to my friends. They all looked back, smiles on faces. It was clear they were more amused than offended. "I do not, and it seems as if none else do either."

"I do not," sir Wors replied readily, showing us all his own smile. It did little to help his face, yet spread among us nonetheless.

"Well!" Lady Delia exclaimed with a sharp clap and a wide smile. "I feel that it may be time to move on. What say you all?"

We all said aye, of course. After all, our hidden mission yet awaited.