Rubies and Rumors

Chapter Two

            Baron Pange did not want to admit his heir might be turning into a bully but he could not dismiss his wife's unspoken plea. He needed more information before deciding what to do about his boys so after dinner he made his way to the gatehouse where his master-at-arms lived.

The stout man had a briskness that came from his years in the cavalry. "I expected I would be seeing you," he said as he filled a cup for each of them. "So, what do you want to know?"

"Why don't you start with how the boys training is going. Be straight with me about their talents and inclinations," he paused then continued in a soft voice, "even if you think I won't like it." The Baron thought he had braced himself but was still not ready for the news.

"Kye-Yeon works hard at his fighting skills and is a better than average marksman with his short-bow. Its just, well, it doesn't come naturally to him. Not like it does for In-Yeon. That youngster has a ton of talent and the heart to go with it. Its normal for brothers to knock-heads sometimes but I stopped letting them spar together months ago. Kye-Yeon is just too stiff and angry when he comes up against his brother. I think they both know it is only a matter of time before In-Yeon will best him."

The Baron raised an eyebrow and asked, "Even though In-Yeon is three years younger?"

"And more than ten kilograms lighter but I wouldn't offer even money on a fair match," the training master looked down then took a breath. "But I can't say Kye-Yeon would keep it fair. You know how he always looks for an advantage." He did not want to be any more direct but his employer pressed him so he reluctantly gave examples some of Kye-Yeon's dirty tricks.

Barron Pange got very still as he listened. He remembered a recent interaction between the boys he found a bit off. As he replayed it in his mind, he could see how his youngest went out of his way to avoid anything that might be interpreted as a challenge but his brother still managed to twist things into a grievance. He had dismissed it at the time but it now seemed to belong in a wider pattern. Even though his eldest should be assured of his position Kye-Yeon was always comparing, worrying someone else might be coming out ahead. There did not seem much he could say or do to change his eldest boy's attitude. The question remained what he should do for his younger son. "Did you see the twister?" He asked abruptly.

"Only when it danced through the gates. Not when it ran out of control."

"So, do you think In-Yeon might be able to learn to sing the winds? Should he go to the islands?"

"He might have the aptitude but first he needs to be better grounded. Ask your brother but I am pretty sure the wind-workers don't accept anyone before they have served time in the navy."

"That makes sense. Thank you." The Baron bowed slightly before leaving.

The master-at-arms watched his employer walk slowly up the track to the house. The Baroness met him partway and they turned into the orchard with their heads together.

"What did you learn?" She asked looking closely at her husband.

"Not sure it was learning, as much as admitting what should have been obvious. I'm sorry."

"I don't need an apology. We are in this together, remember?" She squeezed his arm.

"I am not sure what would suit In-Yeon better. The Temple or the Fleet. What do you think?"

"I think we should ask him. Of course, if he stays in school here, he can always go help out his uncle over the breaks and go to the fleet after exams."

He smiled and patted his wife's hand. He did not expect In-Yeon would want to stay but he knew it would be hard to let him go. Before he approached the boy, he wanted to find out more about wind-singers. His brother sometimes hired one if the fishing fleet headed out past the main islands so he resolved to go to the docks first thing.

"Hoy, brother. You nearly missed us. Are you coming out for the day?" Captain Pange grasped his brother's arm firmly and pulled him onto the boat.

"I don't really have the time but the sea might help clear my head." The Barron cracked a smile and settled into a wider stance as the boat rocked against its moorings.

His brother grinned then patted him on the back while he said, "Just let me get us underway." He then raised his arm and the crew jumped to work, tacking into the winds to bring the vessel around the eastern point on the harbor. The ship picked up speed as it headed toward the straights between the outer islands. The Captain scanned the skies then pointed to where a flock of seabirds were circling. The boat slowed and the crew set out the nets. He left the rest to his first-mate and joined his brother at the prow of the ship.

"So. are those dunder-heads on the provincial council making trouble?"

"Not more than usual. They are so landbound they don't seem to understand why we need to maintain the harbor patrols." The Barron sighed before going on. "No, it's matters closer to home." He then explained what happened the previous day and how it might be better to find a placement for In-Yeon away from the estate.

"He would make a fine crew member but I am not sure it is the right path for him. I know he is not a scholar like you but he should still try to matriculate. He can't go for a commission in the Navy without his basic levels."

"What can you tell me about the wind-singers?"

"For In-Yeon?" The captain asked then shook his head. "If he has the aptitude, they will seek him out. They keep watch in their own ways and if he survives the training he will live like a prince. At least until he goes crazy or gets swept away. I have never met a wind-singer who lasted more than a decade and a half in the trade."

"I had no idea." The baron said sadly.

"Yeah, well some families are all to eager for the riches a singer might bring home and the youngsters can get drunk on their own powers. So, if you think your boy has the inclination, and he very well might since he plays with twisters, you should send him inland. Give him a chance to grow into himself so he doesn't jump into something he can't get out of."

"But the temple?" The Baron shook his head remembering how his older brother had changed at the temple school, finally renouncing both family and position.

Captain Pange reached over to squeeze his brother's arm, saying, "Is probably still the best option. When he is ready, I will run your boy over to the main island and he can catch a ship up to the capital from there."