The Father of Withering

Chapter Six: Lord Anias

The three of them returned to the village and found it pitch black when they got to the inn. The lights in the main room were on, and the door was open. Within the common room, they found Estela and Reginald speaking. Reginald was sitting in a corner reading, his blonde hair tied behind his head. Relma didn't think this was a good place to read; it was a terrible place.

Books were worth a fortune. Why was Reginald doing this?

"You are both late," said Reginald, sounding a little annoyed. "Varsus and I have been waiting."

"I apologize, Reginald," said Aunt Pan. "Relma and I found ourselves with some unforeseen business. Still, I believe I have dealt with the spirits."

"And what about you, Fayn?" asked Reginald.

"I had to negotiate with some spirits of the land," muttered Fayn. "It was like ending the war, only less attractive.

"So, are we ready to go tomorrow?"

"Not yet," said Reginald. "Varsus is waiting for a letter."

"About what?" asked Aunt Pan.

"He's been in communication with Frederick and De Cathe," said Frederick. "The two of them have been watching the movements of the satyrs. And we still haven't seen any sign of Ajax."

"It's not like Ajax to be late," said Varsus. "At least not when it is not fashionable."

"He did say that he intended to speak with the satyr chieftains," said Estela.

"What do we do if he doesn't show up?" asked Fayn.

"We'll have to go all the way around," said Estela. "I'm not risking the Black Marshes without a guide."

"That is wise," said Aunt Pan. "Still, I will find our errant wolf. I have spoken with the birds. They will come to me with any news of Ajax."

"What do we do in the meantime?" asked Reginald.

"I leave what you do to Estela," said Aunt Pan. "For my part, I will ply my trade as a runeswoman." And she walked out.

Relma sat down next to Estela, who seemed brooding over something. She looked to Reginald, who paused. "Okay, Estela, what should we do?"

Estela took a drink and sighed bitterly. "We should present ourselves to the Lord. I should have done it before, but we ended up drinking heavily.

"You didn't use any of the money from your winnings, did you?" asked Relma.

"Of course not," said Estela. "It's sealed tight. I had Lady Pandora make it so it could only be opened within the castle of Carn Ganus—the capital.

"Someone tried to steal some of it in the bar. He got his hands burned."

"Where is he now?" asked Relma, wondering if she could help.

"In prison, I think," said Estela. "They were planning to hang him for theft. But I told them to let the matter pass. He was just a boy, about twelve or so.

"Nothing insidious."

"I think I'd like to heal him," said Relma.

"Do it if you want," said Estela. "You'll have to get permission to meet him from the Lord. Fortunately, we're heading that way, to begin with."

"The Lord is, um... I'll come to it," said Relma.

"Lord Anias Culhorn," said Varsus from one side as he turned a page. "He reigns over this village; we'll need his blessing." He glanced at his guards. "Officially, of course."