Across the ocean Book 1: On the run

Chapter Twenty : Repaying Debts

Mayen's eyes met his father's as he was being left behind. Rowen would follow Molvendraft to the castle and meet the local lord of Mildoyest. He knew his father could read his thoughts just then, just as he could read his. There were no lies, no false promises so often done by those wishing only to have for a last time a smile of a beloved. Betrayal and fear. An invitation for a shared meal which only half answered. The uncertainty became for a heartbeat lighter, for the reluctance of seeing his father go could no longer hold when the door finally closed, but then it came back heavier as if the roof was falling upon him: would he be returning to Gimvault alone? Standing forlorn despite the five people watching him, his first movement was to bring his right hand to his collarbone and have his left grab the wrist. An awkward gesture for he had no pendants or necklace to grasp; nonetheless, it just felt like the most natural thing to do.

Three maids were there, including Olicia who had not the heart to hold a grudge any longer against the wayside peasant. Eliadoriss was there, of course, as well as one of her daughters, Parielle. Only the round maid had the guts required to bring Mayen back to the land of reality, so astray his mind had brought him.

-"Come now, no one will hurt him. Just go take a bath and let me wash that kirtle of yours. Will do you no good to be tired and dirty at the table. We will have a delicious meat pie with carrots and lettuce." Her mouth did a pout. "If only Father Thoragamon were here, his faith and sanctification would definitely bring us good favour."

Slowly, Mayen turned his head towards her and gave a sad smile. It was soon time for supper. Seven hours or so had passed since Mayen returned with his father from the orphan's home. It felt like a whole day though, with all that had happened. At first, Amaley had come to celebrate her distant cousin's success at already having three maidens offering him to speak with their parents. Then, later in the afternoon, Soren had walked through the door with the breath of a drunkard and the mood which had come with it. A rather severe dispute between husband and wife had followed and what came out of it were but troubling news. Something had apparently happened during the day and therefore the gates had to be closed for everyone but the military and the farmers. The city was in partial lockdown. As if it had not been enough, Eliadoriss had begun asking questions regarding the sudden spending of Rowen's last kerith for dried meat and food which could last some days. There began another dispute which, although much more civile this time, brought even more tension into the household. Then, again, another dispute broke off as Eliadoriss and Soren butted against each other vehemently. Insults had been hurled. Through all those conflicts came one positive note for Mayen and Rowen, a well needed one: Eliadoriss would side with them. She had. So yes, Mayen would be able to eat tonight without having his stomach strangled by fears. Unlike Soren, Eliadoriss would die for him, if need be, and her maids would do the same for her. Tonight, he was to eat surrounded by friends rather than enemies at the castle.

In the short time Rowen and Mayen had had to explain the situation to Eliadoriss, only the parts about the vision and the prophecy had been omitted. Upon knowing of a Norvinduntrahïm roaming and troubling the lands, the hostess had been struggling to piece together what they were telling her with some other details of her own which she had disclosed. There had been a tragedy twenty years ago within the local lord's family and since then things had begun to change. Alvindraft had refused to be addressed as lord. It had also been then that the peculiar inequality of genders in the deliveries was first noticed.

-"Sweetheart," said Eliadoriss with her beautiful blue eyes, "I promise you will be returning safely home. You and your father. My husband cannot change my decision in this."

-"Thanks..."

He went up to stairs after replying with words which, albeit true, were barely felt: exhaustion had drained his heart. So up the stairs he went as an empty shell. Once in his bedroom, with door closed behind him and wardrobe open, he had to think for a moment. What was he feeling, how was he feeling, what feelings one would have in his shoes... Stories told one how to feel for the main character, but who could tell him now, and for himself? Emotions, like cold, had numbed him. Mayen wanted to cry and yet he could not bring himself to; he was tempted to fall on his knees but could not find the motivation to do it. Looking at his merlot kirtle, he barely felt the pride of having such a colourful garment. His heart hat the time to beat a few times before he could massage hid mind out of stiffness. Mayen took some garments which would be more pleasant to the touch on his skin and went to take a bath.