The Maiden's Song (draft-editing)

Chapter 13 Visit

Chapter 13 Visit

Part I

It was three past noon and there was a big feast by Am's cottage for her birthday. There were people inside and outside the house singing, dancing and chatting merrily. It was a true celebration for Am and Jocelyn were admired and respected by the the rest of the villagers. They were generous people who shared with others the little they possessed. Furthermore, Am was some sort of a teacher for the children in her village. She taught the kids how to read and everyone loved her for that.

The loud noise made by an approaching group of carriages made the music stop. The chariots and the blazon was not recognizable by the locals who followed the path taken by the foreigners with reservation. In the way the luxurious carts neared, it was obvious that those belong to a nobleman as rich as the king. Maybe a prince, or a duke lost on their way to the king's castle. Everyone murmured, glaring curious stares to the recently arrived caravan.

Instinctively, Maik and stood next to Am and his sister. The hooves of the horses hauling the three chariots halted at the same time, making a thumping dry clacking on the gravel. Then it was silence and then the stallions labored breathing showing they've made a long journey, probably without a stop to rest. As if coordinated, the three riders dismounted the carriages in an elegant and synchronized manner, and the one in the middle opened the door of the blue and silver wagon. Lord Roderick stepped out of the carriage leaving a surprised Amalthea staring with her mouth open. The man approached to her, smiling, looking regal in a light brown and green tunic with high leather brown boots. Except for Maik, Amalthea and Jocelyn, the rest of the villagers had not a clue of who that nobleman was and what was he doing there.

Lord Roderick snapped his fingers and the servants moved quickly to take some wooden boxes and fine leather sacks out of the carriages. Those seemed to be fancy gifts... for Am of course. The red haired was still in shock. Lord Roderick had come to her house on her birthday... Surreal... that's the best word to describe when a group of musicians climbed down from a third carriage, playing harmoniously gilded instruments. Time seemed to stop and the duke was standing in front of her, kissing her hand. "My beautiful Lady Amalthea. It has being an eternity since we first met in the king's castle. My heart longed for the time when my eyes could see you again and admire your beauty.

Maik rolled his eyes and mocked in disgust. He almost choked when the duke kissed softly Am's fist. The duke continued talking. "I've heard today is your birthday. Congratulations. I came to celebrate with you. I hope you dont mind, my musicians that want to join yours in this party. Also I've brought some delicatessens, exquisite dishes prepared by the cooks in the duchy. Oh, and of course these presents are for your birthday, from this humble servant of yours, Lady Amalthea."

Am was flabbergasted. She didn't know what to say. It took some seconds before she composed herself and was able to speak. "Milord, you shouldn't troubled yourself with all these. I feel grateful... Oh Heavenly Father, I think this is too much. I don't deserve all these... Of course you can stay with us. We will be honored with your company today."

Maik's purple eyes were about to pop out off their sockets and Lord Roderick immediately noticed how distressed Am's best friend was. The duke thought it was proper to greet him as well although he knew Maik wasn't precisely happy to see him in the village. "Sir Maik, it is good to see you again. Of course I expected to find you here my friend, you are Amalthea's best friend, aren't you?"

Maik gave the man a stern look, but decided it was better to play his polite game. He was not going to appear as the jealous fool in front of everybody. And what else could be wrong? The duke was now in his territory and he still had the lead being the first one to kiss Amalthea.