Marin, Book 1 (The Xortha Chronicles)

Chapter 34: Reunion

Marin

Chapter 34: Reunion

It was the week of spring planting and in Tharg Calan it was tradition for people from the city to go out to surrounding farms and help prepare the fields for planting. Marin wanted to take part but military duty kept her at headquarters.

"Why so glum?" asked Abby. "The war is over and I heard a rumor that the Shintzu wizards will be going home soon."

"Yes, " said Marin, "but until we're released from duty, we're stuck here unable to go anywhere like taking part in the spring planting."

Abby sighed. "Well, King Janner wanted to make sure the Arganon's would stick to their cease fire. I was upset when they wouldn't approve leave time for us but there is nothing we can do; we're under contract and we'd get hanged for desertion if we left without permission!"

"If we are ever asked to serve in anyone's army again," said Marin angrily. She didn't finish her thought.

"Yeah, I don't think I'll do this again either." said Abby.

The bell for mid day meal rang and everyone flooded the mess hall and queued up for their meal. Marin could hear grumbling about military food and she couldn't help thinking about a bowl of Jilly's stew back at The Stormhammer Inn. Cooked meat with carrots, potatoes, and celery, and a cake of buttered cornbread with a pint of dwarven stout to wash it all down. Marin was handed her meal: a piece of meat that she couldn't identify what kind of animal it was, something mashed that might have been potatoes, and a brown liquid that Marin swore was nothing like real gravy.

Marin and Abby took seats and they both just stared at their meals.

"You're thinking about one of Jilly's meals again; aren't you?" asked Abby.

"Is it that obvious?" asked Marin.

A man came into the mess hall and announced: "All wizards from Shintzu, report to the practice grounds immediately. That is all." and he left.

"Probably more drills," said Marin.

All of the wizards filed out onto the practice grounds and lined up. King Janner was there, accompanied by Captain Johan, and the king spoke, "We of Tharg Calan would like to thank each one of you for your services to our kingdom. We would also like to express our thanks to The City of Shintzu for answering our call for aid. We fully intend to send an ambassador to Shintzu and offer a full military alliance between us. And now, we feel it is our duty to release you all from our service."

Taking his cue from the king, Captain Johan called out each wizard's name then handed them a letter and a coin purse with one hundred platinum eagles. "I, too would like to thank each one of you for your service. Shintzu really lives up to it's reputation of having the finest battle mages to be found anywhere. Great work, all of you. Now then, you are all no longer in the service of Tharg Calan and can now return to your homes. It has been and honor serving with all of you. Dismissed."

Everyone saluted and walked back to their barracks, then very nearly trampled each other trying to get their things packed so they could go home.

"Light but I'm glad this is finally over," said Abby. "The first thing I'm going to do when I get back to Shintzu is go to The Stormhammer for dinner."

"That sounds great," said Marin, "I want to bring Tad and Meryl with us too. I want to catch up with them and see how they're doing."

All was made ready and the wizards with their horses met in the practice grounds and Marin cast a portal to take everyone back to Shintzu.

Marin and Abby went straight to Tad and Meryl's house in South End and knocked. Natty answered the door.

Marin was stunned. She didn't know what to say. "Ma? Is everything OK?"

Natty put her arms around Marin and hugged her daughter, "Everything is fine, honey. Come inside." She lead Marin and Abby in and Jeb was there too, setting at the dining table.

"Pa? It's good to see you. You look well." Marin had no idea what to say to her Pa after their last meeting.

"Marin, I need to talk to you," said Jeb, "when you left we continued our lives just as we always had. But when Tad left, in his letter he said he didn't want the farm life anymore and he didn't like the way we treated you when you turned up with Abby. Now we had no one to take over the farm when we passed on so there was no reason for us to stay there. Me 'n Ma talked it out and decided to sell the farm and come here." Jeb sighed heavily, "Marin I want to apologize for the way I've treated you. I've been here a month and seen how much Meryl likes her life here with Tad. She has done nothing but praise you for all your help in setting them up and getting Tad started at the smithy. It's hard for me to say this, but I think I was wrong with the way I treated you. Now I wanna work to make things right between us. I'll be the first to say we accept Abby as our daughter and your wife. Have to admit that's strange but if you're happy then I can be happy for you."

After listening to her Pa, Marin began crying, "I love you, Pa!" she threw her arms around Jeb and hugged him.

Tears formed in Abby's eyes as well, "Marin, let's get my parents into town and we can all have dinner together! It will give everyone a chance to get acquainted."

Marin put an arm around her wife, "Make it happen, sweetie."

That evening, Abby portaled herself to Glenford and brought her parents to Shintzu and introduced everyone. Tad and Meryl's little house was filled to bursting so they went out to eat, "What would you all say to a dwarven meal? We can go over to The Stormhammer and eat. The chairs and tables are a little short but you won't find a better meal anywhere!" Abby was so excited that everyone was together; she was beside herself. Abby was used to having big family gatherings at feast times and this just made her smile from ear to ear.

They all arrived at The Stormhammer Inn and Jilly greeted them, "Well hallo! Haven' seen either o' ye since Harvest Feast." Jilly led them to her largest table, " 'ave a seat, Ah'll get yer meals." She went to the kitchen and came back with her husband; both of them carrying trays of food and drinks. It was mutton chops with peppers and onions and a skewer with roasted tomatoes and mushrooms and a pint of mead.

Marin gave Jilly an eagle and three falcons and everyone ate and visited. Then the piper showed up and started playing, and the dancing began. It was a great time had by all. At the end of the night, Abby took the Sadira's home and Marin invited Jeb and Natty over to her and Abby's house.

"It's a bit dusty here since Abby and I have been away," said Marin, then she waved her hand and cast a cleaning cantrip.

Jeb and Natty were amazed by the spell. "Is that magic?" asked Jeb.

Marin smiled, "Yes, and that's just a tiny sample of what I can do."

Jeb put his hand up, "Don't go throwin' magic around while I'm here. It's hard enough getting used to a big city."

Marin laughed. She took them to a spare bed chamber, "This will be your room for as long as you want it. Abby and I are usually gone so you will have the house to yourselves mostly."

Abby stepped in, "Mama and Papa are home now. They said they had a wonderful time and was glad to meet Jeb and Natty, oops I mean Ma and Pa," Abby giggled.

Next day, Marin and Abby went to city hall and Mr. Malor was in his office.

"Good to see you both; welcome home!" said Malor, "Governor Dimsin has been filling me in on all the reports Marin sent him. Oh, speaking of the governor," Mr. Malor opened a chest and took out two large pouches and handed one each to Marin and Abby. "As promised, your pay."

Marin and Abby chatted with Malor for an hour asking about work and things, then they went home. "I don't know about you," said Abby, "but I'm in no hurry to get back to work. Everything Malor comes up with involves going into the sewers! And besides; I'm tired. You're tired too; I can see it on your face. We need a long rest."