The Wolf, the Butterfly, and the Kraken

Chapter 40

To my wonderful readers, thank you for reading to Chapter 40. I realized something the other day while trying to explain this story to my mother. This is honestly a 2, or possibly 3 book story. I'm not ready to separate it out though. So you get it chapter by chapter, and don't have to go looking for the next book in the series.

Also, I have been very busy writing on this story. My goal is to finish it up so I can post more stories that need to be finished. Yeah, I might have a problem, but my overactive imagination has been in full swing.  I've written 5 chapters. I would post them immediately, but I refuse to post something unedited. So you just gotta wait a bit more.
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                             Vam
  Rey met us on the landing pad with a warm, dry coach. We thanked the exhausted aircasters and loaded a sleeping Oshie into the coach. As Rey closed the door behind us he said, “I have been asked by Tarlson to take you to the main entrance.”
  This was curious. The last time I had been through the main entrance of the mansion was when we had first arrived. After that we had always used service exits and doors. We had done our best to stay out of Clarissas way. “What do you think is going on?” I asked Joann.
  She shrugged, but I could see worry in her eyes. The coach rolled through the streets, and reached the familiar scents of Lord Eureces mansion. It stopped rolling and the coach door opened.
  Tarlson stood right there, and glanced quickly behind him before climbing in with us, and shutting the door again. Joann scooched over for him to have a place to sit. He smiled. “Greetings! I can't say how good it is to see you both again.”
  I asked, “Tarlson, is everything okay?”
  “Why would you ask that?” he asked nervously. Then he chuckled and shook his head, “No, I suppose they are not. Not entirely anyway. So for my part I am in a small quandary. I need to fill two positions for the staff in the next month or so. They will need the rooms you currently reside in.”
  My stomach sank. We were on the verge of being homeless. Yet I wouldn't put Tarlson in a bad place. “I do not want to be an imposition on you my friend. We will try harder to find a place.”
  Tarlson held up a hand, “Now hold on. I would never toss you out. We will have room in the servants quarters until I have to bring in the seasonal gardeners. They come every Spring, and leave every Fall. Also I was speaking with Romero Giani the other day-”
  “The Romero Giani, of Giani leathers?” Joann was astonished.
  Tarlson nodded, “Yes, him. He's a close friend to Clarrisa. They are almost family. He's in a bind, and needs help remodeling an old store. He hasn't quite decided what he's going to do with it yet, but it has a large basement. I recalled your housing situation, and asked him if he would be willing to let the basement be turned into an apartment. He wants to meet you.
  “Clarissa loves Romero, and wants to help him out of the bind he's in. She's not really good at asking for help. Just know that any offer you accept from her is truly a deep personal favor. Romero has been like a father to her since-” he took a deep breath, recalling things we weren't supposed to know. “We will just say for a long time. He arrived at the mansion not too long ago. They are having tea by the fireplace in the den. She's expecting you. He wants to meet the family who could potentially live in the basement, and is also looking to see if you would be able to fix it up. Rey has told me about all the things you have done on your farm. I only ask that you listen, and consider the deal. If it doesn't work for you I will personally search every inch of Centris to find your family a home.”
  I was not a watercaster, but knew Tarlson to be an honest man. “We will listen, and consider this offer. Thank you for keeping our needs in mind.”
  He smiled and got out of the coach, helping Joann out, and holding Oshie while I got out. My back protested at the fully standing position. “Oh Mother Moon! My back is still not completely over that day Joann.”
  She rolled her eyes, “Now that we aren't in Finton will you let me work on you?”
  I chuffed an agreement.
  After having been in the Southern battle camps and Finton the mansion seemed surreal. It was so clean. So calm and quiet. So warm. Tarlson led us to the den beside a roaring fire where Clarissa and an old man sat. He turned to see us curiously, then glanced at Clarissa.
  I decided to make introductions. “Good evening. I apologize for our late hour, and rough appearance. We just arrived from the South. I am Vam of the Red Moon Green Scythes clan. This is my wife, Joann, and our son, Oshie.” I offered him a handshake and he cautiously took it. I gently shook this old artisans hand.
  Clarrisa indicated the couch across from them, “Won't you please take a seat? Would you like something to eat or drink?”
  Joann said, “That would be very nice, thank you.” We sat, and waited in uncomfortable silence.
  The old man shook his head, “So, what sort of work do you do down South?”
  “We help with translations, and also Finton.”
  Joann could tell the old man didn't understand something there. “Finton is the wintering spot for 300 Lyngaran warriors who had earned the right to go home, but the boats couldn't cross due to the kraken mating season. A few raiders are there as well, and are kept under control by the warriors. I mainly take messages to the Lycant camp and heal sick warriors in Finton.”
  The old man frowned, eyeing her scars. “That must be frightful.”
  So was Clarissa. “I don't recall you having all of those scars before. Are you being safe Joann?”
  Joann smiled, “In the Lycant culture scars are considered honorary, and beautiful. I have been gifted with a certain pattern. One scar for each time I have visited the Lyngaran camp. It is a pattern that only a high ranked officer can give. I apologize if it offends you in any way. I have been unable to change into clothing that would cover them.”
  Clarissa tilted her head curiously, “I told you they had an interesting culture, Uncle Romero.” She stopped herself as she realized something. “I am sorry. I didn't get to introduce you. Vam, Joann, this is Romero Giani. I have known him my whole life. You may have heard of his leather craftsmanship and products.”
  Joann nodded. “It is such an honor to meet you.”
  Tarlson set tea, bread, and soup before us. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until my first sip of tea slid down and echoed in my empty belly. It took much control to not ignore the company and just eat.
  Romero asked, “So are you a warrior, Vam?”
  I almost gagged on my tea, but got it down, and cleared my throat. “I am not a warrior. I come from a family of warriors, but I am a lesser son. I am a farmer. My uncle gave me the farm when my cousin became a warrior. I was so happy on the farm.”
  The old man was curious. “What did you have on your farm?”
  “We do not have fluffers in Lyngara, or sheep, or horses. I had a couple of gren. They are like an ox, only bigger. I also had about 20 goats. At one time I had pigs, but found i disliked taking care of them. I have some fowl. My fields had much grow in them. Beans, gerg, which you call potatoes, grains. Berry bushes lined a stream. Joann and I had plans to make a small orchard, fruit and herb garden on one side of the barn.” I could almost smell the wood of my barn and feel tilled soil under my feet. I ached for home.
  The old man brought me back. “And what brings a Lyngaran farmer to Centris?”
  I looked at Oshie sleeping quietly. “Him. A great spirit is attached to him, and Ambassador Dura said we couldn't return until he had it under control.”
  Romero blinked. “Ambassador Dura himself spoke to a family of lowly farmers? I doubt that.”
  I was offended. Did I want one such as he as a landlord?
  Clarissa cleared her throat. “Actually that has been confirmed. Oshie does have a great spirit attached to him, and apparently it destroyed many holy men before he was even born. They are in Centris so he can learn at the Academy.”
  The old man eyed 2 year old Oshie. “He's a bit young for that, isn't he?”
  “We will soon see how he fares in a school setting. He hasn't failed his tutors yet.” I was tired, Joann was tired, and the only one of us getting any actual rest was Oshie. I wanted to get this meeting over with. “It is nice to meet you, but why are we meeting?”
  The old man smiled, "Thank you for getting to the point young man.”
  I almost laughed at that. I was at least three or four times older than he was. But he did not need to know that.
  Romero spoke, “Well, I do very well on my Market Street business now. However, when I first came to Centris I struggled, and started in a smaller shop on Earthen Avenue. I have neglected that business and property since I moved my business. I still have to pay taxes on the property though, and sometimes I get fees from the city for having weeds growing. My old neighbors complain about the vermin, and we are still friends. But I run a business, and don’t have time to take care of two properties. I have the income to fix it up, but not the time. I have been urged by friends and old neighbors to reopen the shop and sell a few of my products along with other curiosities. It has a rather large basement. If you and your family repair it and keep the property up then you may live there, and possibly even sell some curiosities there. If you are interested.”
  Clarissa broke in. “You should deeply consider this offer as your time in my home is limited.”
  I took a drink of tea. “I am good at repairing buildings. I have maintained an ancestral home much of my life. I also helped my best friend build his shop in Harbortown. Can we view this property tomorrow?”
  Romero nodded, “But first, how old is this ancestral home of yours? None of the structures in Centris are new.”
  I chewed at my lip in thought. “I am shaky on the math, but it belonged to the founder of the Red Moon Green Scythes clan, Asha, when it was just the Green Sythes clan, during the clan wars. Those occurred over 8,000 years ago. Now, the Green Scythes clan had farmed the land going back all the way to the days of Yrto, who gave up his fishing career after having been cursed not to catch a fish for three generations by a priest named Shryker. That was at least 2500, if not 3000 years before the clan wars. I am honestly not sure if it has been the same home since then, but definitely since Asha and the clan wars. The family is recorded on the door.”
  Joann stared at me, “You never told me it was the same farm that Asha was from. How could you stand to leave Vam?”
  I held her hand, “Asha did not make his way by staying on the farm. He left, and changed the entire country. We also left. Hopefully it will be for the best for both of our countries.”
  Romero stood up. “Meet me at my shop on Merchant Street tomorrow. I will take you there. If you can maintain a thousands year old home I have no doubt you can fix this. If you are interested after seeing it let me know, and I will start ordering supplies.”
  Clarissa hugged him and he went to the exit with Tarlson. We watched him exit, and Clarissa came back once he was out of sight. Her eyes fell on Oshie, and I sensed a deep sadness in her, and knew she had lost a child at some point. She said, “I got word that he was very sick. Has he made a full recovery?”
  I nodded, “Yes, he has. Thank you for asking. He would not be here without the intervention of Lord Eureces.”
  Her head tilted curiously, “But he only heals minor things. How?”
  Joann said, “We will let him tell you someday. How was the mansion for the holiday?”
  Clarissa smiled sadly, “Ask Lady Elyse. She usually rates it based off of how many people leave a party to come to hers.” She was subconciously rubbing her collar. This was something connected to trauma for her. She had lost a child, she wore a slaves collar. His person he cared about had been a watercaster, and the stream had died, but she lived on.
  I understood then. She had been looking for a reason to leave the mansion, and get away from the woman who had killed her child and ruined her life. Finding us a home would have been the perfect reason to escape. I shrugged, “Well I have never thrown parties in order to lure people away from other parties, but if I am able to fix the shop you will always be welcome to come over on any occasion Clarissa.”
  I had stunned her. She nodded and escorted us from the room, lightly touching Oshie’s head as I carried him past.
  Back at our quarters I told Joann what I knew in my heart to be true. She listened and agreed with me. “That would make so much sense. Why she is so guarded. Why she doesn’t like children in the house. She’s sad.” She smiled softly, “I also sensed that she holds a great amount of fondness for Oshie, and her intentions were not selfish or cruel at all. She might actually be a nice person under that cold facade.”
  “What about Romero?” If he were to be our landlord I wanted to know what I could.
  “He was shocked at first, slightly intimidated by you, and our family. By the end though he seemed to really like us, especially you. I think if we can fix up the shop, and be able to live in the basement it will be a great deal.”
  I agreed. “But I want to see it first. It has to be able to hold all three of us. And do not forget that Oshie may be taller than I am before this is over.”
  The next day I left work at the docks a bit early to meet Joann and Romero on Market Street. I had never been here before. All of the shops sold very expensive looking goods. There were diamond necklaces in one window, and armor that looked fit for ceremonial wear in another. There was a dress that had many poofy layers that would hide the lovely shape of a woman’s legs and ass, but tighten up the top half to the neck in a most uncomfortable looking fashion. Why would anyone wear that? Who would wear that? Just then three women wearing a similar fashion walked out of another shop, heads held high.
  No one wanted to acknowledge my presence here. Perhaps they couldn’t believe that a lycant was here. Or maybe it was because I smelled like fish barrels. I shrugged it off. I didn’t feel much like socializing with these types anyway.
  Giani’s had a window with leather bags, boots, and gloves in the window. Like everything else on this street they were jeweled, or had some embellishment. However, the embellishments were subtle, and the jewels placed in a place of function, like the button of the purse. It was very tasteful. The long soft leather gloves looked lovely. I wondered what Joann would look like in such a thing.
  But I didn’t get to wonder too long. Joann exited the shop with Romero Giani, and we were off. Romero had a slightly stiff gait. I slowed down to accomodate him. He asked me what I did for work here in Centris. “I work at the docks, loading fish barrels.”
  He nodded, “That explains the smell.”
  I smiled, “Yes, it gave me half the street all to myself.”
  Romero looked up at me, then laughed. “You say so. Where’s your son today?”
  “He’s on a grand adventure with his grandpa getting school supplies.”
  Romero smiled at that. I wondered how many grandchildren he had.
  He guided us to a street that ended in front of a dilapidated building. He smiled and pointed to a door that I would have trouble fitting through, “This is it. Please be careful. The timbers may be rotten. I am not sure how many critters are currently here. I will wait while you look.” He handed me a lantern, and I asked Joann to wait a moment or two.
  Inside, the wood creaked under my weight, but it held. I heard something skitter into a corner. I was able to stand at my full height inside the shop, and there was room to go above too, which meant I could change out the door. I saw a small hallway with a couple of doors.  One opened into a larger area with boarded up windows, and warping timbers. The other led down, into the basement. I carefully set my feet on each step. They were small stairs, intended for Veneran feet, and I had to hunch to get down them. In the basement I knew I could work with it. There were a couple of windows higher up, allowing light from the street. I could put a cookstove there for Joann. There was plenty of room for the three of us, even Kane, if he wanted to stay. I held the lantern up and inspected timbers two feet above my head. Many were only standing because of pole supports. They would need to be replaced. Mortar was chipping in the walls, and would need patching, but the rocks were still there. I left.
  “What do you think?” Romero asked.
  “It will be a lot of work, but the area would work for my family. I can fix it, but it will be expensive. There might be one good timber supporting the entire shop floor. The others are rotten. I have not seen the roof, but based on the water damage I have seen I am sure it will need work. To make the basement livable as an apartment we will need to put in some amenities.”
  Romero nodded, “Make a supply list, and give it to me. I have a few friends in town that can get me good deals on anything from tables and cabinets to stoves. I know guys at a lumbermill. Just get me a list.”
I nodded, “Do you mind if we keep your lantern for a bit?”
He waved it off. “Keep it here. I gotta get back to work.”