Alynon's Tear Page 5

  “For myself, My Lord?” Tillen asked, his eyebrows going up in surprise.

  “Yes, I have some questions about the house, and you seem the man to ask.”

  “Yes, My Lord. I’ll ask the staff to get the brandy and I will be right back.”

  A moment later Tillen returned to the room. Stiven indicated for him to take the seat across from him as it became obvious he intended to stand.

  “Tell me,” Lord Waith started. “Are you in charge of the household finances?”

  “I am, My Lord,” Said the uncomfortable looking Tillen.

  “I know this conversation is unusual,” Waith said with a smile, “but I am just trying to get a feel for how things are going.”

  “The estate is well,” He started. “The King generously left us the money needed to run the manor.”

  “And the village?” Waith prodded.

  “The village is not doing as well. Lord Hannen insisted that the farmers grow only wheat. Then he purchased it at almost no profit for the people.”

  “Why would he do that?” Barad asked.

  Tillen just shrugged, but it was Ryan that answered. “He’s making hardtack.”

  I snapped my fingers. “Of course! That’s where it’s been coming from.”

  Stiven looked concerned. “And are the people ok?”

  “It is a hard winter for them, My Lord.”

  “Well, we will have to do something about that,” Stiven mumbled thoughtfully.

  “Any aid to them would be gratefully appreciated,” Tillen said with a smile.

  One of the servants then came in with a tray of glasses and brandy. Tillen looked pale as he watched the brandy being served and started to get up, but Stiven insisted that Tillen join them for a drink. The brandy had a rich taste to it. Far better than the normal swill I had been served in pubs.

  “My other concern,” Stiven continued after a long sip. “Is this Miss Abigail I’ve been told about?”

  Tillen nodded. “Yes, My Lord. I thought you might ask about her. If I may be so bold?” he asked looking at Stiven, who nodded. “She’s a fine noble woman, not caught up in the evils of her uncle. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the two exchange a word.”

  “Yes, I got a similar sentiment from Mary,” Stiven said thoughtfully. “I take it she is popular with the staff.” Tillen just nodded. “Why was she exiled here?”

  “If you don’t mind, My Lord, I would prefer she tell you herself,” Tillen replied as he looked around uncomfortably.

  Stiven nodded. “Not a bad idea, but let’s save that until tomorrow. It’s been a long journey from Vennean, and between the pub’s wine and this brandy, I feel like I am being called to my bed. Can you have everyone shown to their rooms?”

  “Of course, my Lord. Please follow me.” Turning to the servant who brought the brandy. “Can you show the rest of our guests to their rooms?” She curtsied as Tillen showed Stiven from the room.

  Chapter 7

  (Abigail)

  I had lost track of how many times I had read “Barren’s Book of Poetry’, but it was the only thing of interest at the manor. This time I’m in the sunroom, I thought to myself, I haven’t read it in the sunroom yet.

  Sighing I closed the book. There was no need to bookmark the page. I had them all memorized. Instead, I decided to visit the stables. Caring for the horses was one of the few pleasurable things about staying at my uncle’s. A lot of good that did, he’s a traitor and I’m stuck here. I had written my family asking to come home before the new Lord showed up and had me hung. Of course they ignored me. They always did.

  I made my way first to the kitchen. The horses liked it when I came bearing carrots. “Hi Cookie,” I said as I entered the room. “Did Mary bring the carrots?”

  The cook looked angry. “No she has not. She hasn’t come back yet. How am I supposed to cook without food?”

  “Not back yet?” I asked looking out the window. “I hope she’s ok.” Mary was the only person on the staff that was around my age of eighteen, and my only real friend.

  “Well, until she’s back those nags of yours ain’t getting no more of my food,” She declared, waving a spoon at me. I smiled at her. Cookie always acted crabby, but she had a big heart.

  I left the kitchens empty handed and made my way down to the stables. Though it was late afternoon, the grass still crunched under my feet. The winter cold was really starting to set in. Once inside the relative warmth of the stables, I grabbed my brush and headed to Dreamer. She was my favorite of the horses.

  “Hey sweetie. How about a brushing?” I laughed as the mare stomped in excitement.

  Beginning at her neck, I started to brush away any dirt. I always lost track of time while grooming Dreamer. It was the sound of someone frantically running into the stables that broke my thoughts. “Abi! Abi!” Mary was yelling as she sprinted in.

  “I’m here,” I called as I walked out of Dreamer’s stall. “What’s wrong?”

  “The new Lord, he’s in the village!” She said as she ran up and hugged me.

  “The new Lord is here?” I asked in a whisper.

  She pulled back, still holding my shoulders. “Yes, but he seems really nice, not like your uncle at all.”

  Shocked, I had to sit on a hay bale. “What will I do? Whether he’s nice or not, I don’t belong in his house, and my uncle tried to kill the King!”

  “Maybe he’ll let you stay. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

  “And do what?” I asked. “Become his stable hand?”

  “Maybe you can help Cookie and me in the kitchens.”

  I shook my head. “I doubt any Lord would want the family of a traitor in his house. Come on, let’s go back to the manor and see what’s happening.” Mary and I ran back up the hill to the manor.

  I searched the house until I found Tillen. “Tillen, the new Lord is here?”

  “Easy girl, yes. That’s what everyone is saying. When he arrives, I’ll try to take a measure of the man. If we have to, we’ll sneak you out.”

  I nodded in understanding. It was the day I was dreading. Since my family sent me here, I have hated this place. Now I was terrified of leaving it.

  “Mary, take her upstairs and then come back here. We will have to present ourselves to the new Lord,” Tillen Instructed.

  “Yes sir,” Mary replied as she took my hand. We went upstairs, but instead of going to my room, I went to a bedroom facing the front of the house. I squatted low so I could just see over the windowsill.

  “Do you see anything?” Mary asked.

  “No, not yet. What were they doing when you left?”

  “They were at the pub. Lord Waith was asking about how the village was doing. He really seemed to care.”

  “It’s his job to care about the village. A job my uncle neglected.”

  Mary just nodded and made her way out the door, closing it behind her. I stayed at my post watching the road up to the manor. After some time, I lost focus and started to pick at a piece of loose paint as I wondered what I was going to do. It was then that I heard a clamor downstairs. Looking out, I saw everyone gathering outside the house. Mary secretly waved to me when no one was looking. Gazing down the road, I saw a wagon approaching with a number of guards. Why does the new Lord need so many guards? I wondered. Did he already know about me, and came with guards to arrest me?

  I felt even more dread when I saw he had two priests with him. What did that mean?

  The Lord himself was on the chubby side, with blackened hair combed over the top of his head. He had a line of gray showing where it had not been dyed in a while. He stopped and talked to one of his guards. That’s a big one, I thought. Better watch out for him.

  The Lord did seem kind to each one of the staff as he greeted them, but that didn’t mean he would be kind to me. After everyone was introduced they went inside the house. Leaving my window, I went to the top of the stairs.

  Straining, I couldn’t quite hear what they were saying. Suppressing my fear,
I took a few more steps downstairs.

  “The den, My Lord,” I overheard Tillen saying. I could hear the rustling of footstep as they left the foyer.

  Sneaking down the rest of the steps, I followed at a distance until I heard the den doorway close. A quick glance around the corner proved no one was standing outside the door. Slipping down the hall, I carefully approached the door, putting my ear to the keyhole.

  I nearly jumped out of my skin as Mary tapped my shoulder. “Do you hear anything?”

  “No!” I whispered sharply. As I glanced through the keyhole, I saw Tillen about to open the door. I jumped against the wall as the door swung open, almost hitting my nose.

  Tillen looked shocked to see Mary just standing there. “What…” he started to say. “Never mind. Just go get some brandy.” With that he shut the door again.

  “Whew!” I said to the terrified Mary. “That was close.”

  “Too close! He thinks I was the one spying!” Mary complained.

  “We will work it out later. I have an idea. Let’s go get the brandy.

  “What do you mean take off my clothes!?” Mary asked in the wine cellar.

  “I want to hear what they are saying, so I need your uniform!” I said as I pulled my dress over my head.

  Mary sighed. “Tillen is going to kill me.” Even so, she started taking her dress off.

  Mary’s dress hung loosely on me as I carried the brandy up the stairs. Mary is snacking a bit too much while working for Cookie, I thought to myself.

  Balancing the tray, I paused for a moment outside the den to stop panicking. Breathe, Abigail. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and stepped into the room.

  Walking in with the brandy, I started passing around glasses to everyone. I wasn’t sure if there was a protocol to doing this, but I just started with the angry looking redheaded girl. That seemed right.

  The next man I approached was strange. He was wearing his hood up, even though he was indoors. Offering him a brandy, he just shook his head. I gave him one last glance and moved on.

  Tillen finally spotted me and all colored drained from his face. He started to get up, but the new Lord insisted he sit back down.

  “Now, now. No reason to get up. We are all friends. Here,” he said as he took a glass off of my tray and handed it to Tillen. “Have some of the brandy. My new head butler told me it’s very good,” he said with a wink.

  “My other concern,” the Lord said, as he continued their conversation, “is this Miss Abigail I’ve been told about.”

  I nearly dropped the tray I was carrying. Again, Tillen glanced my way.

  Tillen nodded. “Yes, My Lord. I thought you might ask about her. If I may be bold?” Luckily, he stopped staring at me and returned his gaze to the Lord. “She’s a fine noble woman, not caught up in the evils of her uncle. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the two exchange a word.”

  “Yes, I got a similar sentiment from Mary,” The Lord responded. “I take it she is popular with the staff.” Tillen nodded at the Lord, but again he quickly glanced at me. Stop looking at me! I mentally screamed. You’ll give me away!

  “Why was she exiled here?” The Lord asked. I nearly fainted right there. Trying to keep my composure, I went and stood next to the wall, as I have seen some servants do.

  “If you don’t mind, My Lord, I would prefer she tell you herself.” Tillen started to turn to me, like he might give me away, but then the Lord spoke up.

  “Not a bad idea, but let’s save that until tomorrow. It’s been a long journey from Vennean, and between the pub’s wine and this brandy, I feel like I am being called to my bed. Can you have everyone shown to their rooms?”

  “Of course, my Lord. Please follow me.” Tillen turned and glared at me. “Can you show the rest of our guests to their rooms?” This must be some kind of punishment for sneaking in here, I thought to myself. I gave him a quick curtsy as he left the room.

  “Gentlemen and Lady, if you will follow me,” I said to the group.

  “There’s no Lady here,” the blond haired guard said, earning him a stiff punch in his arm from the woman. Serves him right, too.

  “Easy you two, we don’t want to tear down Stiven’s new house on his first day.” The big one ordered. He must be the head guard, but It was odd a guard calling his Lord by his first name. A bit of trivia to file away.

  I led them up the stairs and stopped at the first door, “Would her lady like this room?” I asked.

  “The Lady and I will be sharing a room,” The blond guard stated. I would NOT have guessed that, I thought to myself. He looked around the room. “Yes, this will do nicely, thank you.” The woman rolled her eyes and thanked me as she followed him into the room.

  The next room went to the young man. I wondered if he was an accountant. He had that look.

  The hooded one was spooky, so I found his room next. He just nodded and entered the room.

  “Father,” I said as I looked to the oldest priest. “This is our nicest guest room. Would you like it?”

  “Oh no,” the Father looked offended. “Lee,” He said looking at the head guard, “You should have this one.”

  The guard glanced at me. “No Father, you deserve this room, it is yours.”

  The priest looked to argue, but then glanced at me. “Yes, yes. This will be fine.” With that he went into his room. The next room went to the small, wiry guard.

  I gave the next priest the second best room. Then I placed the quiet guard that someone called Whilhoit in the next room. That left me with the big one named Lee. He looked the most dangerous of the bunch, seems he ought to be punished. I showed him to our smallest room.

  “I hope you don’t mind, it’s the last available room we have,” I lied. It didn’t matter. By the time he found out, I would be long gone.

  He just nodded politely and thanked me, disappearing into the room. I kind of felt guilty, since he took it so well, but it’s too late now.

  I made my way back down to the cellar where I left Mary. As I approached, I could hear Tillen talking to her.

  “And what sort of trouble will we all be in when they meet her tomorrow and realize she is the same girl that served them brandy tonight?”

  “It doesn’t matter, because I won’t be here,” I stated as I entered the room.

  “Eh, girl? What do you mean?” Tillen asked as he turned to me.

  “I’m leaving tonight,” I answered.

  Tillen sighed. “He seems like a good man, I don’t think you need to fear him.”

  “Then why is he traveling with all those guards?” I countered. “Why would he need so many?”

  “Well…” Tillen leaned back thinking about it.

  “Ah-ha! You can’t think of a reason. They are probably here to arrest me.”

  “Then why haven’t they done so?” He countered.

  I didn’t know how to answer that. “Still, the choice is mine, I’m leaving.”

  Tillen stepped up and hugged me. “I think it’s the wrong choice, but I won’t stop you. We will miss you, Abi.”

  I wiped away a tear, returning his hug. “I will miss you too.” Letting go I turned to Mary. “Come help me pack.” She nodded and followed me out.

  She was quiet until we reached my room. “Are you really leaving?”

  I nodded to her as I started grabbing clothes and stuffing them into a bag. “It’s too late now, they saw me serve brandy tonight. If they found out that it was me, then Tillen would be in trouble too.”

  “Then I am going with you,” Mary stated, stiffening her back.

  Sighing, I turned to face her. “And give up a good paying job for a life of sleeping in the bushes? I can’t let you do that. One of us has to have a good life.”

  She walked up and hugged me. “But it will be so lonely here without you.”

  “I know. I will miss you too. Now go to your room and go to sleep. If they ask you tomorrow, you can tell the truth that you were in your room when I left.” After one last hug, she
left the room.

  Chapter 8

  (Lee)

  I guess I deserve this, I thought to myself. After all those nights spoiled in the royal bedchamber, I suppose it was about time I was given the tiniest room. Shaking my head, I unstrapped my sword and leaned it in the corner of the room. The good thing was, no matter where in the room I put it, the sword would still be in arms reach. Taking off my shirt, the only place I found to hang it was on top of the sword. I had to shove my boots under the bed.

  Even so, it was nice to just have a room to myself again. We all doubled up in the inns we slept in. I shared with Whilhoit. As I lay down on the bed and stretched out, I noticed my feet stuck out the bottom of the bed. Perfect, I thought sarcastically.

  Deciding to make the most of it, I struggled to cover as much of myself with the short blankets as possible. Was this room designed for a dwarf? I wondered. Luckily, the wine and brandy helped, as after a while I drifted off to sleep.

  …Lee...LEE! I heard Ayisha’s voice in my dream. YOU MUST STOP HER! SHE NEEDS YOUR HELP! My mind protested her voice, trying to stay asleep. Groggily, I opened my eyes. Feeling the coin on my chest it was ice cold. I wished for once these warnings would just be a dream.

  Reaching out, I grabbed my shirt and sword. I knew those being in reach would come in handy. Stepping out into the hallway, there was no one in sight. I wish for once these warnings would be clear. At least this one didn’t sound dangerous. I was just supposed to help someone. The question was who?

  I walked through the house, listening intently. There didn’t seem to be anyone moving around. I went down the stairs and started to patrol the halls down there. If the message weren’t from a god, I would assume I had been sent on a wild goose chase. As I looked in the kitchen, I saw a flash of light through the window. Glancing out, I was just in time to see a glimpse of a candle going into the stables.

  As I walked out the door, the cold of the night struck me. I was really regretting leaving my boots in my room. I had just assumed whatever the issue was, it would be in the warmth of the manor.

  I snuck across the yard and glanced into the stables. The servant that had shown us to our rooms was now saddling a white mare. Risking another look, I couldn’t see anyone else inside. Taking a deep breath, I put up my shield and casually stepped out to block the doorway.