Across the ocean Book 1: On the run

Chapter Five: Spencer's Gift

All left the church and ran all over the place to help set up the banquet. Tables were brought and were followed by chairs. A big cauldron, potatoes, all which was required to start cooking. Mayen knew it would take quite a while before the meal would be ready. Maybe now was the good time to pay that knight a visit. But how long would it take? The officer hadn't specified a time, surely waiting after the banquet would be okay. "No, no, no", he thought, "I should never make someone of status wait after me". He spontaneously cracked a smile at the mere thought of visiting a knight. Before he could go to the inn, Mayen had to tell his parents. He wished Eldorich was there. His parents would not accuse him of lying of course, but they would doubt his words.

-"Well, my son and good friend Mayen!"

-"Oh, Father Avaron! Thank you for the wedding ceremony."

-"Always a pleasure. Practicing before really was useful for you and I am glad you performed with perfection." He cleared his throat. "Ah, how the ceremony has dried my throat. Want to join me back inside as I go fetch some water?"

-"Sorry, but I have a meeting at the inn!" Mayen began to brush his blue tunic. "Turns out I am invited by one of the new guests at the inn to speak with him. Have you seen them?" He lifted his head to meet the priest's eyes. "They were seven, of which four were fully clad in armour and mounted on Tuskiols."

-"Well..." Avaron searched for a reply but found words to be as lacking as hair on the middle of his bald head. "You must be here for the banquet."

Mayen grinned and nodded. As he walked a few meters away, the priest shouted his name. The boy sighed and returned to Father Avaron.

-"Who told you that you could meet those new guests?" His voice was not too happy. "I can think of only few reasons why a man from the nobility of valour, let alone a military officer, would summon a child from Gimvault."

-"The innkeeper himself!" He grinned. "Seems like you doubt my words. I bet my mother will have a panic attack when she hears it."

-"Or losing her hair worrying? Do you have any ideas why? This not a request: get back inside. I will come with your parents, and we will talk about this."

Avaron looked at the sky and his lips moved without letting any words out. Even when speaking silently, his face showed many expressions such as the frowning of eyebrows and the movement of the eye lids.

-"If it can ease your worries, Father, Eldorich said it was my lucky day and he meant it. I swear you have nothing to worry about."

The priest did not even look at the boy, but simply ordered him to go back inside with an outstretched arm. Mayen knew better than to disobey: one does not disregard the priestly alb without severe admonishment.

***

Spencer scrubbed the inside of his left greave, removing the dried stains of grit and sweat. Alone in his room, he could escape the worries and matters which had been addressed within the council room. He wore only the undershirt with the underpants to avoid staining his good clothing on the bed while he oiled the plates after being scrubbed. Having a poet's heart, it was easy to travel around the whole Empire by mere thoughts, thinking of possibly lyrics for a song unfinished.

His room was small, but he did not suffer any discomfort. Many peasants thought nobles required luxury to remain comfortable, as if every single one of them had to indulge in needless spending. It was indeed true for some, but they were a minority. Slumber of the Woods was a good, it offered the basics such as a bed, a closet, a quite useful shelf, a night table and a table. Of course, there was a chair, though Spencer had brought one more from downstairs for his upcoming meeting with the wayside peasant Mayen.