When Twins War: Book I

Chapter Thirteen

The Outlanders spent the rest of the day helping the village with the fire and trying their best to restore peace and confidence, while secretly trying to find out more information on the Earl. As twilight approached Ay returned to the village and told the Outlanders to follow him. They did so, through Raud and Hedgwook. Ay's estate was a light-brown stoned castle set at the water's edge of the lake. The castle had three circular towers with cylindrical roofs. Each tower stood at each end, and two of them faced the water to the east.

They entered through a small guardhouse and into the courtyard. On their left were meagre stables, but big enough to house all their horses, even if they were a bit cramped. A few steps led to two large double doors for the castle's entrance. A few servants and some of Ay's soldiers were bustling about. The castle was rather modest. Tarkanyon had certainly seen bigger estates belonging to lords and earls in Foré.

"There are not enough rooms to house all of you, so some of you shall share," Ay said to them, instructing his servants to help them. "We shall make it comfortable."

Ay's servants led them up the small stairs at the other end of the courtyard and through the double doors into the main hall. To their left was a tall flight of stairs, which they were led up to be shown their rooms and the washrooms.

The castle was furnished rather scantily and Tarkanyon took notice of this, paying special attention to the tapestries and paintings, to get an idea of Ay's background. He couldn't find any clues here, unfortunately. There appeared to be no family portraits. They washed and then enjoyed a dinner downstairs in the dining room. Not even his cutlery gave any indication of his lineage, which was all most unusual amongst nobles. It was a room big enough for them all, with a dark wooden table to match. Most of the furniture in the castle was rather dark and gloomy. Candlesticks lit the table while three archways led outside to the courtyard on the western side.

Capon with Orange and Lemon was served; a boiled chicken dish that also included prunes and dates. Cloves and peppercorns were covered with cheesecloth. A dry and mellow white wine was served to all while they discussed the last many weeks events amongst themselves. Tarkanyon reminded them that Ay could be listening or have a spy amongst his servants. In this way he directed the conversation in a way that he hoped would bring them favour.

Eventually, the conversation became a bit more jovial.

"So, Turrik," said Drius out loud, watching Turrik cutting an apple with his knife. "Any women-folk caught your eye here at the villages?"

The other Outlanders began to snicker.

Turrik paused. "There has been one woman whom I have been watching for some time, although not because I am attracted to her, moreso out of a curious interest, given the unwomanly way she behaves."

"Ah, and who might that be?" Drius asked with a smile.

"You."

They burst into laughter, slapping the backs of both of them. Drius quickly turned his attention to Tarkanyon to change the subject.

"That beard of yours is starting to look a little like Chrisolian's," he said, pointing at Chrisolian. Chrisolian sat back with a smirk.

Tarkanyon rubbed his beard. "Yes, I'm rather annoyed about it. I was just about to shave this morning when Altana interrupted me."

"You finding the rugged look there attractive, Drius?" Turrik piped up, with more laughter from them all.

"There was once an Outlander," Drius replied amidst the noise, "That used to say to me that a warrior always keeps himself clean."

Tarkanyon chuckled. "Yes, I still believe that."

"Chrisolian, what say you?" Drius asked.

"Well, I say that a warrior hasn't the time to worry about his looks, he is too busy being, well, a warrior."