The Wolf, the Butterfly, and the Kraken

Chapter 25

Joann
The fishing shack was just that, a place a group of boys might camp out in for a fishing trip. It was old and rickety, but kept out most of the elements. I was still worried that drunk villagers would come after us. I was tired though, and so was the baby.
Father waited until the boy who had brought us left. His eyes were downcast as he said, "It was kind of that boy to bring us this far, but I don't think we should stay here. Further, I think we should avoid the road. At least for a couple days. We need to make good time and get ahead of spreading rumors. A good first impression is very important."
Vam seemed defeated, "What did I do wrong that we are fleeing?"
"Nothing, if people knew a peaceful Lycant was coming, and if we hadn't been entering town in the middle of a wedding where people were going to be drunk. I think in the next town you need to let me do the introductions."
He blinked, "People are not shamed when they drink like that in public?" he was shocked.
Father said, "Not always. Sometimes they do shameful things, but if there are others also doing bad things with them they tell themselves it is acceptable."
I knew Vam meant more than that and added, "It takes a lot of shameful acts, or one that is really bad to make everyone not speak to or deal with a person. Also, just because one person does something wrong it does not place shame on an entire family."
He considered this a moment. This seems like a good thing that can lead to undisciplined behavior."
I shrugged, "Well, tonight it could lead to us being in very real danger. Let's go." We left the shack and any immediate chance to rest up for a bit, skirting the edge of the lake as best we could. When darkness fell we were on the opposite shore of the shack, and could see lights moving towards it. The night wasn't terribly cold, but I felt a shiver creep over me.
No one spoke. No one had to. We walked all night, Vam occasionally guiding us around dangerous obstacles with his better vision, or holding branches back for easier passage.
Day broke to the smell of woodsmoke and bread. My stomach rumbled and Oshie stirred sleepily. There was a small inn near the stream we had been following.
Vam's pride was hurt as he looked to me to introduce our family. He took Oshie as I approached the inn. It probably only let out 3 or 4 rooms, but an older lady greeted me with a smile as I entered.
"Well, good morning! And what can I get for you?"
"My family and I could do with a warm meal, and quick wash."
She eyed me up and down, "Sure you couldn't do with 40 winks?"
I laughed, "Oh, I could do more than 40, but we are in a hurry to get my father, husband, and son to Centris."
She blinked. "Centris is quite a ways off. You really should sleep between here and there. And where are the boys?" she peered behind me.
"First I need you to know something. My father is Kane Ristora." As expected the woman knew the name. "Secondly, I am the daughter that was taken. While I was over there I fell in love with, and married, a farmer. We have a son, named Oceanus. My husband and I came here so our son could learn watercasting, something he is already showing signs of as a baby. My husband is no threat. Our baby is no threat. May we please have a meal, and quick wash up?"
The woman blinked, "You sound loony. Can I have Aisley test you true?"
I nodded. Aisley turned out to be a red haired young lady who had been washing pots. She listened in awe and horror while I retold my story. Then she nodded at the lady of the house.
She thought a long, hard minute before saying, "You may."
Aisley looked horrified and ran away. She hid behind a door as I went out to get Vam and father. Father was holding Oshies hand and helping him to toddle around. I waved them in. Vam remained silent and was trying to make himself as small as possible, which was hard.
The innkeeper gulped, but then steeled herself. She took us in, then yelled to the room where Aisley had disappeared to, "Girl! Prep a couple washbasins and towels." Then she stood next to my father, "I have bread that will be out in 10 minutes, sausages, and potatoes. If you give me a few extra minutes we can collect some eggs."
Vam's eyes lit up at the mention of potatoes, but he said nothing. Oshie was hungry. We all were. My father said, "That would be wonderful."
Once she had gone back to the kitchen Vam said, "I am quite excited to try the Veneran gerg. My uncle once traveled to a place in Northern Lyngara that served purple gerg, and he said they tasted a little different than our variety in the Southern region. I have always wondered what another gerg would taste like."
Father smiled curiously, "I've never thought of it that way. What foods are similar? What are completely different?"
I smiled, and told him about some of the foods. He was astounded when I told him that mint was rare, and that there were sweet berries which were different from our variety.
Aisley poked her head out a door. She held two pitchers, and set them down on the counter. Then she placed one washbasin after another down, followed by a stack of towels. This was not normal. Normally we would wash up in a room, not the dining room. However, we seemed to be the only customers. I washed my face, neck, arms, and hands. It felt so good. I knew the road grime would be back soon, but for now it was nice.
I signaled for Oshie to come to me, "Come to Momma."
His eyes lit up, and he toddled two steps all on his own before sinking down to all fours, and crawling to me. I lifted him and washed his face, hands, and arms. He wanted to play in the water, but i stopped him, "No no, if you splash the water then there won't be any left for daddy and grampa.
By the time we were all washed up as well as we could get in the dining room the inn keeper was bringing food. Food brightened all of us up, especially Oshie. He babbled and clapped excitedly, and reached for more soft bread than I could eat, and ate it all, cooing when he was done.
Aisley was nervous, but steeled herself, and brought a fresh pitcher of milk to our table. "With a smile she said, "Your baby is very sweet. I wish you the best in Centris."
"Thank you."
Vam was slowly rolling the potatoes around in his mouth, carefully considering the flavor. Aisley asked, "I-is the food to your liking?"
"Your gerg is much like mine, from home, but mine sits in the ground longer, I think."
Aisley smiled hugely, "I tell her she pulls them too early, but she doesn't listen to me." Soon they were talking gardens and animals. Her fear of Vam dissipated.
Oshie fell asleep in my arms and I could have fallen asleep at the table, along with Vam and dad. The lady of the house approached us. "Aisley will be going to my brother's plantation with a delivery of goods today. If you would like a ride I think there is enough room for all of you and the goods in the haycart. It's a good 5 hour ride North, and you will be warmly received. Aisley will make sure of that."
Aisley blinked curiously, but nodded, a grin slipping onto her face, and warmth into her being. "I just need to grab something before we leave." She bounced into the back with a light step.
The innkeeper smiled, "There's a young man she fancies there. I think the boy is a bit daft, but he makes her smile. Sometimes you can't ask for more than that."
"Do you need help loading the cart?" Vam asked.
She waved off his offer. "No, I already have it ready. It's just a supply of baked goods for a party, and gift for my sister in law. I've placed some blankets in the back so you can rest up some."
I didn't know her, but was so grateful to her that I went and gave her a hug, "Thank you!"
The haycart moved slowly, but steadily North. The rest was very nice. Not nearly long enough, but nice.