©2002 Ian A. Ralph
Chapter
II:
Having new clothes meant something else too. She could get a job. If she cleaned up, and bought clean clothes, she could try to get a servant's position at a merchant's or maybe even a noble's house. She shivered with excitement. Finally a chance to get out of the gutter and become respectable. She remembered six years ago, when she ran away from home, from the abusive father that drank too much and hit his children too hard. Memories of seeing her father coming into the room where she and her sisters slept; the sounds that were made when he got into bed with her eldest sister frightened her. When her brother, who was twelve, was beaten for dropping a milk pitcher and died from his injuries, she fled the farm. The city wasn't too far away, and she ran to it, hoping to hide from the demon that was her father. No one would give an eight year old child a place to stay or work to do. She found herself digging through the garbage looking for food; hunger cramping her stomach so bad she couldn't stand up. Somehow, she survived, scrawny, dirty, smelly, hiding under a thick mat of grimy hair and muddy clothes. It was getting harder to avoid the gangs of youths though. She had even heard some rummaging though her warehouse, though they didn't find her hole. Now, with the money that the wonderful, tall, handsome guard gave her from the body of her would-be rapist, she realized she had a chance to change her life again. She was fourteen, old enough to get a job, and now she could make herself presentable enough to get one. She pulled her knees up to her chest and held them close in her arms, hugging herself. She could be free of this filthy stinking existence. She could get a job, a place to live, and be respectable for a change. Oh, how she wished she could hug him. She emerged from her hideout just before dawn. This was generally the safest time of day, for her to wander around. The gangs, thieves and murders were all heading to bed at this time, while the honest folk were rising to start another day of work. She headed down to the bay and along the beach that was to the east of the long boardwalk and the docks where ships arrived, dozens each day. She sometimes just watched them; dreaming about the places they traveled too, and wanting to travel too, but sailors were men. The only women she saw get onto and off boats were the whores that sailors bought, and rich ladies and nobles purchasing passage. She dived into the water, shivering in the freezing cold water, but determined to get the worst of the grime off her body and clothes. She undressed in the surf, bracing herself against the undertow, and rubbed sand in her hair and body to get the worst off, then rinsed the rags that passed as her clothing as much as possible. They still smelled, but not as bad as before. She dressed before she climbed out of the water, and while still sopping wet, headed to a tavern on the edge of the city where she knew the garbage was usually the best to scrounge in. The remnants were still delicious, and the innkeeper seemed nice, when he wasn't chasing her way. She squeezed as much water out of her clothes as she could as she walked to the tavern. The salt from the water was beginning to make her drying skin itch. This time when she got to the tavern, she didn't try to sneak around to the back. Pressing the bag of money hidden under her clothes to reassure herself it was still there and this wasn't some sort of cruel dream, she walked through the front entrance into the common room. The tavern was mostly empty, but delicious smells were already coming from the kitchen. Her stomach cramped with hunger as she smelled the aroma of cooking sausage and bacon. The owner, hearing the front door open, looked out to see her enter. It took a moment for him to recognize her and then he stormed out of the kitchen to confront her. "You!" He yelled, pointing a large cleaver at her. "You get outa my sight, you beggar, you thief." Angela trembled, but didn't run. "I am not a beggar or a thief!" She yelled back at him. "You little tramp. I seen you stealing from my garbage, hanging around the kitchen door looking for a handout!" He waved the cleaver threateningly at her. "I never. I took your garbage, yes, but you threw it out, so I stole nothing and I never begged at your door." "Get out, you dirty little urchin. I don't need you tracking your fleas inna here." "No! I want to buy breakfast." This reply caused the tavern owner to stare at her. "What you gotta buy breakfast with, you thief? You finally take up picking pockets?" "No. It was given to me. By a friend." The innkeeper looked her over from head to food. "Oh, I see. Well, we don't serve your kind here. Go to the west side with your immoral ways." "No! Not that either. It was a real gift. From a guard that saved me from a gang," she explained. The innkeeper frowned at her. "Why you come here then? When I chase you alla time away from the garbage?" "'Cus you have great food, and I want to buy some. Lots of it?" The innkeeper just stared at her. The innkeeper's portly wife looked out of the kitchen. "Papa, what is all the racket out there? Get back in here and get the rest of the meat chopped up." The innkeeper turned to look at her. "See who's here, Mama. That tramp that alla time is in our garbage. She wanna buy some now. Can you believe that?" Mama stepped out of the kitchen for a better look. "Of course she does, Papa. Can't you see she's all skin an bones?" She waved at Angela. "Come child. You get down here. I feed you." Angela pulled out the money pouch. "I can pay, really." Mama trundled up to her, and grabbed her by the arm and pulled her towards the kitchen. "You not worry about that, child. We need to put some meat on your bones." Papa followed behind, a confused expression on his face. Mama pushed Angela down into a chair sitting against the wall, and pushed a small table in front of her. A plate, covered in fresh cooked sausages was plunked down in front of her. "Eat, child, eat." Mama ordered her, when Angela stared up at her. After Angela finished off the plate, and drank almost an entire pitcher of milk, Mama looked over to her. "Tell me your story, child." Angela ended up telling her about running from home, living in the street, and finally about the money. "And now that I have some, I want to get new clothes, and get a job up in the Highlands." Papa snorted. "No girl like you getting a job. You need references, experience before they let you up there. They won't even talk to you unless you know someone up there." Mama looked at Papa. "You know someone up there, Papa. That steward, Johann." Angela looked up at Papa with hopeful eyes that caused him to squirm. "I just can't give her one, Mama. I don't know nuttin' about her other than she like our garbage better than anyone else's." Angela's eyes started to tear up. All her hopes were starting to fall apart. Mama still scowled at Papa. Finally, after fidgeting under Mama's gaze, and seeing Angela's tears, he sighed and relented. "Tell ya what, girl. You work fer me fer a while, an' I'll pay ya one cyprius a day an' room an' board, an' if you does a good enough job, well, we'll see. Johann is very fussy, very picky about the help he hires. He only wants the best. You show me you the best, I'll make you a recommendation. You like that?" Angela leaped up and gave Papa a big hug. "Thank you, sir, thank you." Papa's face turned red. "Call me Papa, girl, everyone calls me that." Mama took Angela by the arm again and led her out of the kitchen toward the stairs. "Come, child. I think I might have some old things that would fit you. I'll put some water on, and you get cleaned up good and dressed." Angela was choked up with happiness and could only beam a smile at Mama.
The Lord High Magus Malkar trudged down the road to the Palace. He hated to be up this early, leaving behind a warm bed and an even warmer companion, but a royal summons was not to be ignored. The guards snapped to attention and saluted him as he entered the palace, but he ignored them, continuing on his way to the King's private office. The elaborately dressed guards posted outside the office saluted Malkar. One turned to rap on the door twice sharply. A moment passed, then a gruff voice said, "Enter." The guard opened the door, and Malkar entered the King's presence. "Ah, Malkar, my friend. Pleasure to see you this morning. Something to eat?" King Rudolf motioned to the table covered in an assortment of delectable pastries and the large pot of tea. "Thank you, your Highness." Malkar placed three turnovers on a small plate, and poured himself some tea. They sat quietly together for a few minutes, both enjoying the quiet moments when no one was demanding any of their time. "Magi Kohana and Barika departed yesterday," said Malkar as he sipped on his tea. "So there are vampires in the Western hills, then?" asked Rudolf. "So it appears. They took a squad with them." "Will it be enough?" inquired Rudolf. "It should," Malkar said, nodding. "Kohana and Barika are experienced vampire hunters. Shouldn't take them too long to root the evil out." "Good. Hopefully we'll get a better harvest from that region this year. Last year's tithe was dreadfully small." Rudolf bit into another turnover. The two were quiet for a few minutes, then Rudolf spoke again. "I spoke with my daughter the other day." "Yes?" inquired Malkar, thinking of the lovely young apprentice he had left dosing in his bed. "Yes." Rudolf placed his cup gently down on the table and turned in his chair to face the wizard. "She has reported to me that she is having a wonderful time." "Ah." Malkar placed his cup down as well, and met the King's thoughtful gaze. King Rudolf was a middle-aged man, forced into the role of ruler of the city-state of Taselon by the untimely death of his father just ten years prior. "Good to hear that, your Highness," he answered cautiously, wondering if the King knew that it was Princess Shanasa that he left in his bed this morning. "Yes. She is quite taken with her instructors. Specifically, you. She went on and on about how much time you were spending with her, the close and personal instruction that was really helpful in getting her talent, meager as it is, to blossom." The King sighed. "I envy her in some ways. I hoped that I would have the talent, but no such luck. The examiners found no such talent with in me. I'm pleased that she was blessed, though it might have been kinder to her to not have any talent at all than to just have the small about she does have, and know what is possible, yet not have enough of the talent to do it." "We are doing everything we can, Your..." Rudolf held up his hand. "Please, Malkar. I hear that enough from everyone else. It's just us. You need not be so formal." Malkar bowed his head to the King. "Thank you. We are looking into other ways to help her develop her talent more. New training techniques are showing promise, and Shamir thinks that he has a potion that will help open up paths of latency." Rudolf nodded. "I know you have her best interests at heart," he stated, with a curious emphasis on the you. Malkar felt tiny beads of sweat starting to roll down his spine. "She is a good girl, and of course, as she is my only offspring, my heir. It fills my heart with joy that she has made such good friends at the Academy. She is so very precious to me, and to the Kingdom." "She is a hard worker and a dedicated student, and is respected by all at the Academy for that. That she is the heir gives us all hope and confidence in the future of the Kingdom." Rudolf smiled at the Magus. "Well said, my most appreciated advisor. I hope you fully understand the trust I place in the school, and in yourself, by allowing her to study there." "Most assuredly, your Highness." Malkar forced himself to swallow a lump that had appeared in his throat. "Good. It is important that she learn the ways and realities of politics as well as the ethereal realities of magic. I am pleased that she has also found you to be a most trusted... advisor." Rudolf gave him a knowing smile. Malkar swallowed again. "Your faith in the staff and myself is overwhelming." Rudolf waved his hand in a careless fashion. "Not at all. I approve. I cannot think of any one else I would wish my daughter to waste her affections on. It will simplify her life greatly." Rudolf gave a sigh and stared out of one of the tall windows that faced south towards the sea. "Political realities can force one to make unpleasant, yet necessary decisions. If those decisions can bring one pleasure in any small way, it is a blessing." Malkar realized that his Highness was referring to the very political marriage he was compelled to have, which gave him a single child before his bride passed away. Rudolf had not remarried, and as far as Malkar knew, the King had no intentions of seeking another bride. Rudolf turned back to Malkar. "That she has attached herself to you I find is a blessing, and I hope dearly that you feel at least some attachment for her as well. I have known of your past tendencies of, well, testing female apprentices, the prettier the better." Malkar pushed himself off the chair, and knelt in front of the King. "Your Highness, I speak truly when I say that your daughter is most important to me, and her happiness and success is always in the forefront of my thoughts." "Oh, get up and sit down already, Malkar." Rudolf gave a sharp laugh as the Wizard regained his seat. "I know you like her. Just... Don't do anything to make her unhappy with you. She will need your words of wisdom and support after I am gone, as much as I depend on them now." Malkar bowed his head again. "I understand, sire. Thank you for your confidence. I will guide her to the best of my abilities. And I truly hope it will be a very long time before she is required to fill the seat before me." "Hrrm. Yes. I as well. As much as the Crown wears heavily on my head, I do not relish giving it up, and depend on you and that school to make sure I stay in the best of health. Which brings me to the other reason I have asked you here this morning to break your fast with me." Malkar took that as a cue to pick up the tea pot and refill the King's cup and his own. "Yes? And that would be?" "That new Healer in town. The elf. I understand her last examination with the tribunal is over, and that the tribunal was to meet and determine her status last night. I'm curious to learn more. I have heard way too many conflicting stories already." "Ah, yes. The Healer Kaishia. She has been given full magus status, sire. She is exceptionally well-trained, though we have no records of her master in our records. Her talent is very strong, easily placing her among the most powerful of magi the Academy has ever hosted, and her control and focus are flawless. She is certainly one of the best Healers we have ever had." "I see," said Rudolf. "Good. Powerful Healers are rare. However, what concerns me is her loyalties. Where do they stand?" "She was raised by a human family, sire. She states, truthfully, that she has never encountered another elf, and sees herself as simply a human with pointed ears. She has no sympathies for the elves at all. She came to Taselon specifically to join the Academy, and to help out the inhabitants. She is planning on buying a house, and opening up a small shop." Rudolf nodded as he considered that information. "No possibility that she was being less than truthful?" Malkar shook his head. "No, sire. We were all watching for any signs of deception, and not even a full-blooded elf would have been able to pass a deception through us." "You can understand why I am so concerned, don't you?" "Aye, I do." "The last elf that joined the Academy vanished with a half-dozen apprentices and three magi, including the High Magus. I, and I'm sure you'll agree, do not want to have that happen again." "Yes, Sire. However, that was over fifty years ago, Sire. Kaishia wasn't even born then. She's very young, for an elf." "I hear she is pretty too. I have heard half my guardsmen mooning over her." Rudolf gave him a sly smile. "For an elf, sire, yes, she is quite attractive," Malkar replied, keeping his expression deadpan. "I see. And you don't care for elves, or even half-elves, I take it?" Malkar shook his head. "Not my preference, sire, even if I thought I might be at liberty to consider it." Rudolf snickered. "Of course. Well. I shall have to invite her here for a dinner some time, as a thank you for not depriving the city guard one of its most valuable officers." Malkar nodded. "That would be appreciated, sire. She is self-conscious enough about being half-elf, and recognition of her would help people accept her more and make her feel welcome." "And that would be good for Malkar, to have a powerful and happy Healer in his Academy, as well." Malkar nodded. "As well as a Healer motivated to produce the highest quality potions and balms to keep the Crown healthy." "Yes. Beneficial all around. Good. Let me know when she is settled in, and I shall arrange a dinner to welcome her to our fair city." Malkar bowed in acquiescence. "I will, sire."
Kaishia wiped the sweat out of her eyes. The house she found was tall, narrow and quite dirty. Three stories high, with a root cellar, pressed up against the ramparts in the northeastern corner of the Highland district and with every inch covered in a three-year accumulation of dust. It was an old townhouse that belonged to a merchant family that fell on hard times after the father died, and the son was unable to keep the family business running. The city had claimed it to defer old tax debts that had been run up by the family. Malkar had mentioned the availability of the house to her, and got her in touch with the appropriate city officials. She was rather surprised how quickly the transaction was completed. She was expecting to take much longer to find a place. It seemed almost as if the house was just waiting for her to come and claim it, and she fell in love with the old building as soon as she saw it. It was in good shape as well, with sturdy cut stone walls and the timbers supporting the floors and stairs were all in good shape. The top-most floor, with the master bedroom, was just high enough to peek over the city walls, giving her a view of the farmlands to the north, and a view of the lower city to the east. There was even a small garden plot next to the building, and Kaishia was pleased to see many herbs were still growing, though it did need a good weeding. She had all the windows open to air out the place, which had a slight musty smell. The prevailing breeze was southerly, coming in from the sea and over the Highlands, mixing the fresh, invigorating salt air with smells of fresh breads. There were three bakeries within view of the house. She reached into a trunk, and removed a slim sliver rod. She allowed herself to focus, and charged the rod with élan. Waving the rod low over the floors the dust leaped up off the floor, and stuck to the rod. She covered each room like that; taking the rod outside into the garden to shake the dust off each time she covered a sweep. A sudden shadow crossed her and then vanished. Startled, she glanced up, but saw no one. She looked outside, but didn't see anyone she recognized in the street amongst the pedestrians. She decided someone had just walked a little too close to the window, and went back to her cleaning.
Bearet had stood in Kaishia's doorway for several minutes, watching her wave her magic wand over the floors, cleaning them as she went. He was surprised that she had no servants. All the magi had servants to do the menial stuff for them. He was also rather amazed that he could stand in her doorway, not more than fifteen or twenty feet away from her, and have her be totally oblivious to his presence. She seemed really focused on her chores. He turned and walked away, briefly silhouetted in the sunlight through her windows. He was dressed plainly, as he was off duty and wasn't wearing his trademark swords. He walked along aimlessly, not paying any attention in where he was going, his thumbs shoved in his belt. It had been almost two weeks now since he had been healed by that elf, and for the life of him, he couldn't stop thinking about her. He tried to ignore it the first few days, then when he went back on active duty, he hoped that the distraction of work would help. Everywhere he went, however, every small woman with dark hair had triggered the memory of Kaishia, pulling him back from the brink of death. His memories of her were fuzzy, and he couldn't remember what she looked like exactly. Just her long, jet-black hair, her pointed ears, those large violet eyes, and her hands. Oh gods, those warm hands on him, pushing life back into him. He heard that she had bought the old Kornel place, and here he found himself, on his day off, looking in to see what she really looked like. He wished he hadn't. It didn't help. Not only was she still filling his mind, now he had a vivid picture of her appearance. In spite of her elfness, he had to admit that she was pretty. The prettiest woman he had ever seen, and she looked so young. That he was not expecting. Young, pretty, alone, yet a Magus, an elf, a new noble of the city. Of all the aristocrats that ran the city, he despised the magi the most. Magi were superior to commoners, and even other nobles, because of their abilities and talents, and they usually let one know it too. It was their arrogance that really pissed off Bearet. At least the other nobles and Lords earned their positions in some manner, by running the various parts of the city, but the magi got all those rights and privileges just by being born with their weird talent. He was comfortable with his hatred of them as well. They were easy to despise, and he wasn't high enough or important enough to them to warrant their attentions, which was probably just as well. Then she came along. She couldn't have minded her own business. The one time he really got hurt bad, it would be her that was there to heal him. That young guard Nevin was climbing the walls about her, saying how nice she was and easy to talk to, just like a normal person. Now he had seen her cleaning her new house all by herself, wearing an old dress, acting like a servant and not caring. It occurred to him that perhaps she wasn't very wealthy, yet she had enough to purchase her house. Perhaps she hadn't gotten around to hiring yet. He shook his head. No, she probably wasn't that wealthy, otherwise she would have brought servants with her. Now he couldn't dismiss the last image he had of her, kneeling on the floor in a simple brown dress that left her arms bare, her dark hair fastened into a sloppy ponytail that trailed down her back. He sighed again, and looked up to see where he was. Much to his surprise, he found himself on the eastern outskirts of the city, where there were large open staging areas where caravans were being loaded and marshaled for trips to cities and towns north. Judging by the height of the sun, he decided it was noon time and headed to a nearby tavern that had, in his not-so-humble opinion, the best food in the city, including all the high priced places in the Highland district. He entered the Traveler's Rest and looked for an open table. A large woman appeared and broke into a huge smile when she saw him. "We wondered if you were gonna return, Lieutenant. Come, come, sit. I made a stew today that you are gonna love. You wait. Papa will be out in a minute." "Thanks, Mama." He smiled at her in return. Mama and Papa were the funniest couple he had ever seen running a tavern. He didn't know their real names. He didn't think anyone did. They were just Mama and Papa, and they always made you feel at home. They ran the place and had an old stable hand named Jake that took care of the merchant's livestock while they were in town. He saw a flash of a young blonde girl on the stairs, her hair a very light shade of yellow, almost like white gold, looking at him before vanishing upwards to the second floor. He didn't think much of it, until Papa appeared, pulling the young woman by her upper arm in his direction. He smiled and waved at him. "Hi Papa. Who's this?" Papa pulled the young woman up next to him. The young woman kept her face down, staring at her feet, but he could see the ting of a blush on her pretty face. "You don't know her then, Bearet?" Bearet looked startled. "Uhm... should I?" Papa snorted. "I thought as much. You know what this young hussy told me? She comes in last week, right, with this most amazing story. Claims you saved her or something, and gave her..." "Right! Now I remember," interrupted Bearet. "Yes. I did. That'll be a day I won't ever forget. Yeah." He reached over to Angela's chin, and lifted her face to look at her. "Yes. You cleaned up right pretty, young lady. What's your name? I didn't get the chance to ask you at the time." "A... Angela, sir." She stared at him with relief and adoration in her soft gray eyes. "Angela. That's a pretty name." He smiled at her. He mind was still playing tricks on him though. For a second, he thought Angela had jet black hair and purple eyes. He gave his head a shake. "That was a day, Papa, let me tell you. I was walking down west Dockway, when I heard this gang of roughnecks rooting around in an alley. I hear something about them 'not letting her get away this time', so I decided to find out what they were up to. When I caught up to them, they had poor Angela here cornered. I decided it was time to interrupt their plans. Well, they was just kids, but there were four of 'em. I didn't have much choice. They weren't backing down. I had to kill them, but one of the bastards slid a knife pretty deep into me." By this time, there was a small audience listening. Others from nearby tables were paying attention, as well as Mama, who had brought Bearet a large bowl of stew, a small loaf of bread with a small pot of butter, and a pint of ale. Papa had let go of Angela, who relieved Mama of her burdens and put the food in front of Bearet, her eyes wide in astonishment at the rest of his story. "I gave Angela one of the rough's coats to cover herself with, and whatever money that was on them to get herself somewhere safe. I remember feeling kinda dizzy as I headed back to the guardhouse. I knew I needed to get to the Doc. I almost made it. Next thing I know, I'm eating dirt, and not caring. There was a lot of chattering going on, but I couldn't hear it. I was really starting to fade at that point. "Somehow, I was on a table in the guard house, and the Captain was telling me something about a magi elf Healer. I don't recall what I said, but the Captain was not happy, and told me to shut up. Next thing I know, everything is going all black and cold. So cold. I was freezing." "Then I felt something warm on my back. Not too hot, but warm, like when you get into a nice hot bath at just the right temperature. I feel as if I'm floating, and I see this face in front of me, calling my name. Black hair, purple eyes, and her ears sticking up through her hair. The warmth flows all through me, and I felt so... good." He shook his head. "That's about it. I think I fell asleep after that. The Captain said I slept for a whole day. And there was nothing left of my wound except for the tiniest thin scar." "So you were that guard that she healed. We heard about that," said Papa. He shook his head. "Oh, I am so sorry for you, my boy." "What do you mean?" asked Angela Papa turned to look at Angela. "The elvish touch. It is said that elves can ensorcell a man's mind just by touch, bind a man to them, body and soul. Once they decide they want you there is nothing you can do. They trap your mind and you become their willing slave." Angela's hands flew to cover her mouth. "Oh no!" Bearet laughed. "That's just superstition," he said, but Papa just shook his head. "Have you seen her since she healed you," asked Mama. Bearet shook his head. "Nope. I should though. I need to thank her for saving me. I owe her a lot." Bearet sampled his stew and then looked up again. "It's funny though, that the one time that I get hurt really bad, the one Healer that would even notice my existence would be right there. I still can't understand how I let that punk get past my guard to plant that knife in my back. I feel like the fates are laughing at me." Papa barked out a laugh. "Just their way to remind you not to be so cocky, boy. They taught you a lesson. It's clear that the fates have something in mind for you though, that they arranged to let you live with that lesson." Bearet nodded. "That's what I'm afraid of." The crowd dispersed around Bearet's table, and Papa shooed Angela off to continue her chores. Bearet pointed a fork at Angela's retreating back as he spoke to Papa. "I'm glad you took her in. Poor girl." Papa nodded. "Yup. Been chasing her for years from my garbage. She's a hard worker, and persistent. I thought she was a liar when she told her tale. I'm glad she wasn't. And I'm glad you are okay as well, m'boy." Papa patted Bearet's shoulder. "Now you listen to ol' Papa. You stay away from that elf, hear? She'll be nothing but trouble to you. Forget about her. Because if you let her get to you, she'll have your soul. Then not even the gods can help you." Bearet nodded, and bent to his lunch. Papa, satisfied that Bearet would heed his warning, gave him another pat on the shoulder, and headed off to the kitchen. However, Bearet thought that Papa's warning was probably too late.
Kaishia was on her hands and knees, washing her kitchen floor when she heard a voice behind her. "You know, that is like the last position I would expect to find a high Magus in." Kaishia twisted around to see the officer that she remembered as a patient standing in the doorway behind her. "Oh, hi. I didn't hear you come in." She stood up and dried her hands on the apron protecting the front of her dress. She looked up at him, noticing that he was at least a foot and a half taller than she was. "Lieutenant Bearet isn't it? You know, you're much taller standing up." Bearet cracked a smile. "So I've been told, Milady." "It's good to see you up. How are you feeling?" "In the best of health, Milady. To which I owe you my undying thanks." He snapped his heels together and bowed. "Wonderful. Please, have a seat." She motioned to a small table with two chairs up against the wall. "Would you like some tea?" She searched in her trunk and came up with a cup. "I made it a few minutes ago, it should still be hot." Bearet blinked. This Magus was certainly not acting like any High Lady he ever encountered, he thought as he watched her root around in the large trunk. He sat down in one of the chairs, feeling slightly nervous at the strained creaking it made as it took his weight. "Oh, aren't those chairs awful?" Kaishia chatted away as she poured and served the tea. "They were in the house when I bought it. I haven't unpacked yet, not that I have much to unpack. I'll have to get all new furniture. I suppose I should feel lucky that I got it with a roof, for the price I paid. It'll probably leak like a sieve during a storm though." Kaishia sat down gingerly on the chair opposite Bearet. "I'm glad you came, Lieutenant. I was wondering how you were doing. I've just been so busy with the guild. I spent the last week undergoing tests and examinations. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that they have judged my talent and skill sufficient to be permitted to heal others in the city." Kaishia pulled a wry face that caused Bearet to laugh. "I'm certainly pleased that you didn't wait until after to know if you would be allowed to heal me or not, Milady. I don't think the Captain would have appreciated me being dead for so long." It was Kaishia's turn to smile. Her warm smile shot through Bearet like an arrow right into his heart. Papa's warning floated through his mind. Way too late, papa, thought Bearet. He knew that he liked this Magus, this elf. He couldn't help it. She was so... real; down to earth, and had her nose in the dirt like any other commoner. Why couldn't the other magi be like that? "Please, Lieutenant, call me Kaishia. I get enough of that Milady stuff from Nevin and the others." "Certainly, Kaishia, if you promise to call me Bearet." "Deal. So what can I do for you, Bearet?" Hearing her say his name caused funny sensations in his tummy. "I came to thank you for my life, Kaishia. I owe my life to you. If there is anything I can do for you, anything you want that is within my power to give you, it is yours." Kaishia sat up and looked at him, her eyes narrowing. Bearet was sure she was looking right through him. Then her posture relaxed a little. "Well, thank you. That is a most generous offer, Bearet. Though I want to make it clear that I did not heal you with the intent to put you in my debt." Bearet nodded. "I realize that, Kaishia. Nonetheless, the debt exists, and I will honor it. Whatever you want. Anything." Her eyebrows arched gracefully across her forehead. "Offering a Magus anything they want is a very dangerous thing. We tend to have very large wants. Very expensive wants. What I want..." A sad expression crossed her face as her voice trailed off and she got to her feet. Bearet felt a cold chill chase down his back, and he shivered. The room was growing dim and cold. Kaishia turned to face Bearet. Her hair was alive, floating around her head, sparks flickering in her hair. Her eyes seemed to glow, and the dim light cast her skin with a bluish tinge. Bearet's heart was going a mile a minute. Was this how she looked when she healed me? He wondered. He shoved the chair against the wall and unconsciously reached for where he normally had a sword, but he was still out of uniform and unarmed. An intense fear came over him creating an intense desire to run, but he was determined to stay and honor his debt to her in any way that would satisfy her. With great effort, he forced himself to sit back down in his chair. She spoke, her voice sounding a million miles away, yet he heard them clearly within his mind. "I crave riches, power and henchmen bound to me by their souls. I desire a palace and servants loyal to me beyond death. I wish to reach out and have the world tremble at my power!" Suddenly the light returned and Bearet felt a warm breeze brush his cheek. Kaishia's hair settled down to her back and she stepped towards him with a smile. "However, what I want, and all that I will ask of you, and in the asking, discharge any debt you have to me is to consider allowing me to be your friend. Nothing else. Not even to actually be my friend. I know you don't care for magi or elves, but you are the first person I've met here in Taselon and I got to know you rather well as a side-effect of the healing process. You are honest, loyal, dependable, and have an easy-going personality. The sort of person I would like as a friend." Bearet felt himself blush a little. "Please forgive my comments of the other day, Kaishia. I was not feeling my best, and I truly do not wish you to think ill of me." Kaishia waved off the excuse. "Oh, that's okay. I've heard those comments since the day I was born. I can't help the way I look, though sometimes I wish I could. I've learned to deal with it, and know that those that have given themselves a chance to know me generally don't feel that way toward me." "I certainly don't feel that way now, Kaishia. I still regret saying anything that might cause you distress, regardless how insignificant." He swallowed a lump in his throat. "Please, I do consider you a friend, for you of all magi, cared enough to be concerned with one as insignificant as I am. My own friendship, as worthless as it is, I offer to you." "Nothing is worthless, if offered with sincerity, Bearet. Thank you. I accept, and treasure the gift of your friendship. I will look forward to hearing your many tales of the city, and especially of how you got that injury that the fates used to cross our paths. However," she waved at the half-cleaned kitchen. "I have a ton of work here to do, then I should seek out some dinner. My cupboards are still bare. Haven't had the chance to shop yet." "Don't you have any servants to do your cleaning and shopping?" Kaishia shook her head. "Nope. No servants, no apprentices, no one to do the work for me. I don't mind really. It's not like I haven't done it before, and there is a certain satisfaction of cleaning a house that you own. I feel that through the process of cleaning I make the house truly mine and fill it with my spirit, as it were, rather than live in a shell with someone else's aural impressions." Bearet wasn't sure if he understood that last bit. No, actually, he was positive he didn't understand. Must be a magian thing. He smiled and raised his forefinger. "Well then, as the first act of friendship, I shall go shopping for you, and then cook you up one of the finest dinners you have ever had." "So you are a chef as well." Kaishia started to fumble around for some money. "My treat, Milady. A sort of housewarming sort of treat. I promise you will not be disappointed." Kaishia treated him to a bow. "Thank you."
Kaishia placed her fork down finally. "Wow. That was wonderful, Bearet. Is there any more?" Bearet got up and checked the stewpot. "No, that was the last of it. And I thought I made enough for two days," he said with a sigh. Kaishia broke open another loaf of bread, and spread some butter and honey on it. "Sorry. I should have warned you. I have a large appetite." She quickly devoured half the loaf before she finally stopped eating. "Between all the examinations of the past few days, and the stress of getting the house and cleaning, I haven't been able to eat properly. Though I didn't realize I was quite that hungry. Tell you what. Tomorrow, you pick a good place and I'll buy us dinner there." Bearet hesitated a moment before answering. Kaishia noticed his reticence. "If tomorrow is good for you, that is," she added. "Otherwise we can make it another night." Bearet looked over at her. "Tomorrow is fine, Kaishia. I have no responsibilities other than helping you." "Aren't you a member of the city watch?" Bearet shook his head. "Not after this afternoon, Milady. You need me more than the city does. I resigned." "Resigned? Oh..." Kaishia stared at him, still standing over the empty pot in the kitchen fireplace. "I didn't mean for you to abandon everything, Bearet, I'm sorry." "You didn't ask me too, Kaishia. However, it quickly became obvious that you are in need of help, and a bodyguard available any time you need one, in the middle of the day or the dead of night. It is also unwise that you be here by yourself. The thieves in the city are notorious for preying on women, especially those that are wealthy and pretty. Therefore, I have appointed myself your head butler and head of security." Kaishia felt her cheeks blush. She hoped he would not notice in the candlelight. "Oh... I see. Uhm, I can't pay you a lot, at least not until the I get the shop started..." He held up his hand to interrupt her. "I do not expect to be paid. I do it for friendship. You are in need and I shall serve that need until such time as you can hire someone." "Oh. That's..." Kaishia wasn't sure what to say to him. She knew he was quite determined once his mind was made up. He really was doing it for friendship and besides; there was no one else she knew that she thought she could trust. "Thank you, Bearet. Having your assistance would be a wonderful help. I will pay you, however. It's only fair. And if you are going to be my full-time body guard, you probably should stay here." Kaishia had a thought that she would really like Bearet to spend the night in her bed, but she wasn't sure how he would take her advances and she didn't want to mess up the start of a wonderful friendship with something as trivial as sex. "There are a couple bedrooms on the second floor you are welcome to." "Thank you, Kai. I'll go get my things. I'll be back in a little bit. He put the pot down by the sink and started walking towards the front of the house. Kaishia got up and walked with him to the door. "Make sure you lock the door when I leave. I'll knock thrice, then twice so you know it's me. Don't open the door for anyone else, Okay?" Kaishia nodded, looking up at him with her wide purple eyes. As Bearet gazed down as her small, lithe form, he had the sudden urge to pick her up and crush her body against his and smother her with kisses. He resisted, unwilling to offend her with an unwanted advance, not withstanding that she would probably turn him into a toad if he tried. Though, as long as he was with her, it didn't seem to matter if he was a toad or not. He gave her a quick smile and then disappeared into the night.
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