The Count of Castle Rock

Chapter XXIX- Jealousy

The new dining room is three times as large as the one in Hans's memory. Hans remembers eating on the floor as a child in order to give visitors space at the old table. One more thing that now exists only in his mind's eye. His family has more than enough space for Leesa and the Fieldmans to eat comfortably. Moa had prepared ample amounts of food and Mrs. Fieldman provided a small barrel of sweet ale. Quite a grand fair for a small farm, but to Hans, who has spent time in The Count's castle, it feels quaint.

With Heath and Klein the Older away on business, Moa and Mrs. Fieldman sit at the heads of the dining room table, a polished slab of wood bearing Heath's signature craftsmanship. Hans sits on his mother's right, between Leesa and Heather. On the other side sit Erica, Kelin the Younger, and his sister. The Fieldmans look so much alike, there is no question they are cut from the same mold. Another hallmark of their southern roots. While Klein wears an expression of mocking cockiness, his sister comes across as meek and soft spoken. Their mother has the mannerisms of a housewife used to being told what to do, those instructions usually reinforced with violence.

Mrs. Klein entreats the gods of The Five pillars to bless the table.

The families eat in the comfortable quiet of a good meal and welcomed companionship. Even Heather manages to be personable the few times she is spoken to. Leesa and Hans seem to find any excuse to touch hands as they enjoy his mother's cooking. Quickly, Hans notices that he no longer eats like his family. While they and the Fieldmans tear into the food with a lack of formality, Hans is constantly paying attention to the position of his utensils and napkins. Each time his elbows brush the table, he is reminded of Tavia Dayne's scathing admonishments. This amplifies his feelings of being an outsider.

As Mrs. Fieldman finishes her mutton chops, she wipes her mouth and directs her attention across the table at Hans.

"So what is it like up there in the haunted castle?" she asks.

All eyes turn to him, each face hungry for answers. Leesa pats his hand, being the only one to have actually visited Black Roost. After a moment of silence, Moa clears her throat.

"Hans, came here to visit, not to be interrogated," she chuckles.

"No worries, mother. I'm happy to answer a few questions."

She smiles, hinting at her own curiosity.

Hans answers Mrs. Fieldman's question, then the next, and the next. He cringes each time she calls him m'lord, but is glad to educate and inform. Any chance to bury the superstitions of the people is a chance to help them understand their Count a little bit better. As everyone else finishes their meals, they join in asking their own questions about the 'goings on' at Castle Black Roost and the activity of Count Methuen. Quickly, Hans is entertaining the entire room. Most of their questions pertain to silly misconceptions centered around a perceived blasphemy inherent to the use of magic. Leesa is the only one not to join in, though she listens with the same enthusiasm as everyone else.

Though daunting at first, Hans can almost see the shift in everyone's attitudes as he explains away the frightful myths about The Count. Unfortunately there are some things that can't be dismissed like Methuen's apparent longevity. If the rumors are to be believed, Methuen has been Count for more than three generations. Despite his secret digging, Hans has found nothing to disprove this or explain it away. In the end, he redirects the conversation to talk of the many wonderful subjects he's had an opportunity to read about.

Once he gets talking about architecture and agriculture, Hans catches his stride. He talks at length about his discovery that the modern farmer uses antiquated irrigation techniques, centuries behind the current technology. Most of what he says goes over everyone's head, but a light of interest illuminates the eyes of the Fieldman girl. As he expands on new uses for windmills being developed in places like Dalluve, Klein the Younger rudely interrupts.