The Wolf, the Butterfly, and the Kraken

Chapter 28

Joann
I was so tired of traveling when the lifter landed in Centris. We had not been allowed to have the windows open the last 30 minutes of the flight, so I hadn't seen anything. I had been on a boat, road, or lifter for the past two months, and wanted to see the city. When we were immediately ferried into a covered carriage I wanted to scream in frustration. However, I told myself that the journey was almost over.
My father, being part of the Host, was not allowed to ride in the carriage with us. He marched swiftly alongside. I felt awful for him. He didn't give off frustration or anger though. No, my father was curious and awed. What was he seeing? I wanted to see too.
Vam went unusually silent on the ride to the house. I knew he was hearing and smelling things that I couldn't. Oshie was taking his after lunch nap, and was out.
After a bit the carriage came to a stop. Bright sunlight illuminated the carriage, and then I saw it. The home of Lord Eureces in our capital city of Centris. There were fountains, and flowering gardens even though it was cold out. There were outbuildings, and a house larger than anything I had ever seen before. It was at least 50 or 60 feet high, and filled the entire block. It was opulent.
So opulent that Vam asked, "Which rooms do you suppose are belonging to Lord Eureces?"
Father said, "No, it's all his. All the way down to the next monstrous house. We passed a few before reaching this one, and they were larger. Come on, lets see where they want us to be while we are here."
Grand doors, every bit as tall as the ones that led to our simple Lycant den revealed a grand entryway. There were crystal chandeliers, paintings, and fine artwork spaced around a room with marble floors. Two staircases led off into separate areas. It all could have seemed very cold, but the furnishings were warm and inviting. They were made by master woodcasters no doubt.
A woman in a nice gown, and jeweled leather collar, greeted us. She was not happy we were there, and it showed with her crossed arms and pursed lips. Two men stood behind her. They were scared, and quite obviously servants of some sort.
She sniffled in displeasure trying to decide whether to speak to my father, a mere soldier, or me, a woman with very short hair, who was ragged, and had married a Lycant, who carried our child in his arms. She decided to speak to the ceiling instead. "Master Eureces has sent notice that you will be staying here for the next semester of the academy, and that your child is to be allotted funds for educational purposes. Rey and Tarlson will be the oneswho help you while you are here." She paused and looked me in the eye. "Do. Not. Come to me. Ever. Do not let your mutts pee anywhere they are not supposed to. Do not let them destroy furniture. Do not let them, or yourself be present, or sighted, during any gala or event."
I bit my tongue against the harsh words I wanted to say to this enslaved woman. Instead I smiled pleasantly, "My family and I thank you for graciously allowing us to stay in your home until we find a place of our own." I was fairly sure we wouldn't be here long. I didn't want to live in the same town as her, let alone house. Even if it was enormous.
She sniffed again in displeasure, then walked away, vaguely waving at Rey and Tarlson. They were nervous as they approached. That was when Oshie woke up and watched the man in the green vest as he spoke. "I am Rey. I am in charge of the grounds while Master Eureces is away."
Vam stepped towards him, shifting Oshie to the other arm, and offering Rey his grip. "I am Vam of the Red Moon Green Scythes clan. This is my wife, Joann, my son Oceanus, and my father in law, Kane Ristora. He is a very great and honored warrior of Venera. If you ever need help on the grounds I am a farmer where I come from, and would be happy to help you. I know a fair bit about plants. I have found, on my journey here, thatour countries both have goats and chickens. I am not familiar with your sheep, horses, or fluffers though. However, I am willing to learn, or help in any way."
Rey was shocked that he could speak Veneran, but smiled as he absorbed the words that Vam had said. He took a steadying breath, and returned Vam's grip. "I will consider your offer."
When Vam didn't rip off Reys arm Tarlson stepped forward. "I help to manage the house. All things to do with the house must be approved by me. I will help you find rooms, and appropriate furniture. I will be you go between with Clarissa in order to obtain funding for the child. How old is he? He doesn't look like he is 11."
Father said, "Oshie is just over a year old. He is still learning to properly walk."
Tarlson and Rey shared a look. Tarlson said, "Well I imagine you are exhausted from your travels. Please follow me to the rooms you may choose from. Could you provide a tour of the grounds tomorrow Rey?"
He nodded, and left. Tarlson took us up two flights of stairs to a long corridor. We passed a library, and a music room before Tarlson opened a door to lavish rooms full of light, delicate, breakable things. There was a sitting room, and a bedroom with a balcony that overlooked Centris. And there was even another, smaller bedroom that would fit Oshie, and afford Vam and I privacy.
But Oshie reached for a shiny decanter of liquid, and I knew this would never do. Not for us. I looked at Tarlson squarely while setting the decanter back where it was. "These are gorgeous rooms. There is room for us, and Oshie, and a view to kill for. Unfortunately this will never work for my family. There is too much light. And, if I am being honest with you, I could not stand the thought of some poor soul having to clean up dirt from the fine rugs and stairs from when my boys got them dirty. And they do get dirty. My husband does not shy from a hard days labor, and my son does not shy from any mud puddle. Also, there are too many breakable things here. May we see the servants quarters?" I imagined that those would not contain expensive rugs and shiny, untouchable things.
Tarlsons brow raised, but he was smiling. "As you wish. Please, follow me."
We exited through the front door and walked to the side of the house. A delivery was being unloaded. Upon seeing Vam items were dropped, and people started backing up with wide eyes.
Tarlson shouted, "It's okay! He's been sent here by Lord Eureces."
Oshie was sniffing the air. Vam rumbled out in Lycant, "What have you found my little hunter?" He set him down and Oshie pulled himself to standing using his sire's breeches. Then he toddled slowly towards the door. He was entranced, and didn't even look back to see if we were following.
I laughed, and followed him. He was peering at a countertop full of rolls. "Um ums," he said, reaching for one.
I pulled him away before he got one. A large woman said, "Get it away from the food. That's for dinner."
Oshie turned his big, blue eyes to her and asked, "Um ums?"
And she melted. "Just one, and only if your mommy says it's okay."
I thanked her, and handed him a still warm roll, which he started on immediately.
She was watching him carefully, "How old is your baby?"
"Nearly 15 months."
"He's got gorgeous eyes."
My dad said, "I know." Then met the chef's eyes.
She blushed furiously, realizing Oshie had the same eyes as his grandpa. Then she gathered her wits and asked, "Tarlson, why do I have visitors in my kitchen?"
"They were offered a second floor suite, but requested servants quarters on account of the type of work and play they do. Didn't want to dirty floors. I was thinking of Kelly and Dany's old quarters. How would you feel about new neighbors?"
Vam asked, "May we see if the rooms are suitable first?"