Wherever I Am

Chapter 13 - Part 2

I lay in my bed after lunch, taking advantage of their equivalent of siesta for some private time. Being the singular Lord of the Realm present was turning out to be rather time-consuming. The morning of Day One was mainly taken up by officially meeting all the lords and their families.

This was not the nod-and-bow format like we'd done on the road. I was to embrace all of the Lords and Sirs and their sons from age seven and kiss the hand of every Lady and Maid from that same age. How many whispered, "If I could have a private word with you later, Milord," went into my ear, I wasn't sure, but Lord Calin told me to expect these and to pass them off to him to schedule.

He'd also double-checked that I really wanted Adrian as my squire since he was only the son of a cavalier and typically not suitable for my rank. He smiled at my expected answer, then went to Stefan. "He's not suitable for carrying oral messages, which is one of his duties. The Lords are not as patient as you are to decipher such a message."

"He stays my page."

"I understand, Milord. You can have more than one page...one more presentable, and Master Stefan can handle your more personal needs. He is less than two years away from moving to squirehood, should he make that leap. A younger page would be better. Master Stefan hadn't had training before being assigned to you. Likewise, Master Adrian's training was cut short with the death of his first cavalier."

"The same is true of me, as I'm sure you understand." I held up my hand to stop his apology. "Sir Filip oversees both boys' training, but you are correct about Stefan. We're working on his stutter, but that is a long-term issue, so I'll be on the lookout for an additional young page who is glib of tongue. Understand that I will be looking for a boy I like and who will fit in rather than one of the finest standing."

That got a smile from Calin. "I would expect nothing less from you, Milord. While we're on the subject, Lady Sabina requested to be relieved of her duties as lady-in-waiting to Maid Elexus of the Realm. This way, she could return to Suata and ensure the proper operations of their manor and lands. Maid Elexus accepted her request. She also requested that Maid Doina also be relieved to return with her. Maid Elexus denied that request, to the apparent relief of Maid Doina. Maid Elexus was adamant about keeping the younger Maids and said she would select a replacement for Lady Sabina during this morning's procession. Is this acceptable to you?"

"It wouldn't matter if it wasn't," I replied with a grin. "It's what's going to happen. Any idea what age Ellie is looking for?"

"None whatsoever," Calin said, returning my grin. "My Lady would love it if you reined in Maid Elexus, but I didn't encourage that outcome."

"Wise man," I responded. I found myself like Lord Calin, even if I tried to heed Lauretti's words against trust.

I did select three boys to interview after siesta. They all looked around seven and seemed bright, articulate, and not entirely overwhelmed by speaking to a god. The treatment I received this morning made me feel like one, and I didn't like it.

I spoke to each person presented, mainly running through a list of questions in my head to learn more about the area. More than once, I had to tell the parents to let their son or daughter speak rather than answer for them. In response, I got everything from silent glowing faces to extended soliloquies which I listened to in whole, much to the embarrassment of their parents.

While I could say that I was trying to have fun with this duty, it also helped me to remember each of them. Ellie spoke more with the teenage girls than the rest, which answered the question about who she was looking for. She also talked more to the families who weren't resplendent in their garb but instead in worn and threadbare formal dress. And all this with Oana sitting on her lap, holding her hand out to be kissed. At least there was no embracing by the women, but low curtseying instead.