Helga and Jerome
Helga pushed the door to Jerome’s office open and elegantly plopped down in the seat across from him. After a few seconds of staring at him, just to make him uncomfortable, she spoke, “She is calling the guards minions.” She paused to stare at Jerome again. To his credit, he did wince. Placing a finger on her chin, she continued, “I wonder who taught that?”
Throwing his hands up in resignation, Jerome replied, “If you think it will help, I’ll talk to Kathrine. You and I both know it won't help. Might even make her worse.”
“I know, dear, just venting. I’ll have the Counselor talk to both of them about why that’s bad. Other than that delightful revelation, things went surprisingly well. Something minor happened in the changing room at the dress shop, but I don’t know what. All the guards will say is, ‘We ain’t no snitches, My Lady’. After Kathrine explained she had asked the guards not to inform us of normal mischief, a policy that I now know about and agree with, I did not press for an answer.” Staring at Jerome again, she asked, “Why did you just wince?”
Leaning back out of easy choking range, Jerome answered, “Because I forgot to tell you about Kathrine informing me about that policy.”
Waving away his answer, she continued, “As planned, we went to a sweet shop that Megan recommended, and Alessandra and Kathrine had way too much sugar. I swear that woman uses her Life Magic to burn calories just so she can eat more.”
“She does,” Jerome interjected.
Ignoring the interruption, she continued, “We then walked the stalls and shops. After running off at the sight of that overpriced toy shop on Bartholmy Lane, Alessandra bought a few toys with her pocket money. I resisted throwing her new ball out the window on the way home, and you will not crush or 'lose' it.”
“That bad?” Jerome asked.
“Worse than you can imagine,” Helga replied with a shudder.
Jerome shrugged and asked, “I assume there was a reason, besides venting, that you are telling me all this?”
With a nod, Helga replied, “There is. I think Alessandra needs a friend. Today showed me she can interact with people outside the household well enough. If we choose carefully who she interacts with, it can be good for her.”
Rocking his chair back and forth, Jerome didn’t reply immediately. Helga got up and poured herself some sherry, and made a citrus gin for Jerome. He absentmindedly sipped at it while Helga took a seat.
“I don’t disagree, but I think we should wait. Before you argue or sic the Counselor on me, I want you to read this,” he said, pulling a letter out of the stack on his desk.
Helga took the letter and read it quickly.
Setting the letter down, Helga responded, “I see. Introducing her to a noble child, even one of our allies’ children, as a ward versus as our daughter would change things.”
“Introducing her to one of her future brothers first would also help us gauge her emotional stability better than a quick market trip. Also, the Queen invited you to tea in two days,” Jerome added casually handing her another letter, “so why don’t you see if Princess Klara and Alessandra could have tea at the same time?”
Snatching the invitation, Helga scowled at her husband, “Getting back at me for dropping that summons on you last week, are you? Just wait, mister,” Helga scanned the letter and sighed. “It is an invitation for her cousin, so I will suggest it. With her, we can also avoid any awkwardness about her status as a ward.”
Shrugging, Jerome said, “Maybe, Klara is still a child. You never know what nonsense will get in their heads.” Downing the last of his gin, he continued, “I want to meet Evan in town to make sure he’s up to speed on the goings on here. I am also hoping to curb his enthusiasm about having a sister. We both remember…”
“WE AGREED TO NEVER MENTION THAT!” Helga bellowed, spilling the last of her sherry.
“…that young lady he brought back from Green Vale last year.” Jerome continued as if Helga had not interrupted him. “I would never mention THAT. I love the lad dearly, but he can go overboard trying to protect people he feels responsible for.”
Wiping up the spilled drink, Helga replied, “He does. Meet him at that tavern near the Slums and take him into The Wet. Maybe seeing the horrid conditions that Alessandra lived in will help him understand that smothering her with affection is not the best thing for her.”
“It is an idea. May not be the right track with him, though. I think suggesting he search the Slums for talent might work better,” Jerome said after some thought.
“Not this time. I want it made perfectly clear that Alessandra is still fragile and why before he steps across the gate Jerome. We have just gotten her to accept that we do not want anything from her for our love and care. Evan trying to hug her might just scare her back into her shell,” Helga stated emphatically.
With a sigh of resignation, Jerome replied, “I’ll do my best. Do you think meeting Counselor Rathman would help?” Picking up Evan’s message, Jerome scanned it again. “I better leave soon if I’m going to catch him at the gate.”
****
Waiting on a bench on which he could see both the Noble and commoner gate, Jerome scanned the crowd entering the city for his son. He hadn’t been waiting long when he saw his son at the head of a small group entering through the commoner’s gate. They spotted each other at almost the same time.
Rushing over to Jerome, Evan embraced his father, “Father, I wasn’t expecting you to meet me at the gate. Is Mom here as well?”
Returning the embrace, Jerome answered, “No, she’s back at the townhouse.” Motioning to the group following Evan, “I figured you’d have a group with you and brought some guards to get them settled in at the townhouse. There have been some events at the Guild that make it inadvisable to send them straight there, so let’s get them on their way; we have a detour to make before we head back.”
After making introductions and reassuring the nervous group that no, Evan hadn’t tricked them into a life of servitude, and yes, he really had the authority to make the promises he had, and yes, they would be honored, the group headed off to the townhouse. Jerome then led his son and the much-reduced entourage of guards towards the Slums and The Wet.
“There have been some changes in your mother's and my life since we last saw each other, Evan. To understand how they came about and how they affect the family as a whole, there are some things you need to see,” holding up his hand to silence his son before he asked any questions, he continued, “Please, no interruptions or questions, just observe.”
“Yes, Father,” Evan worriedly replied.
Making their way through the checkpoint, which was thankfully being dismantled, into the Slums proper, Jerome noticed that there were more clergy about healing people and giving out food. He spotted a group of CPS and Life and Family Inquisitors leading a group of children toward the main city. Making his way over to them, he recognized the sergeant in charge from the townhouse; he called out to them, “Greetings Followers of Fluffy and Life, do you mind answering a few questions for myself and my son?”
“Not at all, My Lord Duke. These children are in need of our care, but there is no rush,” the lead CPS trooper replied.
“Thank you, sergeant,” motioning him to step away from the children, he asked, “Have you found many more children being forced into prostitution?”
“Thankfully not, My Lord. We have tracked down a few more pimps that were abusing children that way,” the sergeant replied. “Surprisingly, those that informed on them didn’t ask for rewards either, even though we have a standing offer. These children here, however, actually sought out our protection.”
“That is surprising considering how long you were kept from your duties. Is there any place we should avoid besides The Wet?” Jerome asked.
Stolen novel; please report.
“Avoid the southern quarter; the Bailiffs and Hiram’s Inquisitors are routing out a nasty bunch down there. Other than that, just the normal pickpockets and thugs are still out in force, My Lord,” the sergeant said.
“Thank you, I’ll take up no more of your time. Please accept these alms and get those children a treat,” Jerome said, passing over several gold coins.
“Of course, My Lord,” the sergeant said with a small bow.
Throughout the conversation, Evan had been looking around wide-eyed at both the half-starved children and the decrepit buildings. As the sergeant walked back to his charges, he opened his mouth to ask a question only to be cut by a chopped hand from Jerome.
“Silence! No questions. Just observe,” Jerome said.
Jerome led Evan deeper into the Slums to the fountain where he first saw Alessandra. There he had his guards pass out alms to whomever they saw, whether they asked for them or not. After a few minutes, he led the group north to where he knew conditions were even worse. After wandering around the area, passing out alms all the while, he headed towards The Wet.
Passing Evan a plague barrier, he said, “If it starts crying, just threaten to leave it behind if it doesn’t stop.” Ignoring the look of confusion mixed with horror Evan was giving him, Jerome drew his sword and motioned Evan to do the same; he called out, “Guards, weapons out, be on guard, any people in here are Outlaw with nothing to lose, and were are an unimaginably rich target.”
Hesitating before stepping into the disease vector, Evan asked, “Shouldn’t we have water-proofing barriers as well?”
“Useless; they simply wail and stop working after a few minutes,” Jerome replied. “And I said no questions. Now get in the disease before I drag you in.”
Jerome didn’t plan a long excursion in The Wet, just enough to give Evan an idea of how bad it was. Leading the way towards the area he had finally caught Alessandra he grimly marched on, ignoring the cries of anguish from the plague barriers. After about half an hour of slogging through the various disease pools and muck, he led his group out of The Wet and to the inn he had previously used. Upon arrival, he was met by Hector and another group of his guards.
Turning to his current group, he said, “There are baths, a change of clothes, and Death Mages inside. After the Mages are done with you, excluding Evan, you are released until the day after tomorrow. Enjoy the bonus the Mages will give you.” Turning to Evan, he said, “After you're cleared, meet Hector and me in the common room, we’ll answer some of your questions there.”
“Yes, Father,” Evan said in a subdued tone of voice.
----
Motioning Evan to a chair as he entered the empty common room, Jerome began his explanation.
“I know this isn’t the welcome to the city you expected, but your Mother and I felt it was necessary. So, I led you on that little tour to show you what conditions your future sister was living in until a few weeks ago.”
Dropping bonelessly into his seat, Evan stared at Jerome. He stared at his father some more and whispered, “Sister?”
“Yes, sister,” Jerome replied. “It’s a long story. The short version is I chased her through the Slums and The Wet upon arrival in the city, and your Mother and I are going to adopt her as soon as we are allowed to. Questions?”
Evan grabbed a mug of ale, quaffed it down, and stared at Jerome, and then Hector, directing his reply to Hector, asked, “How much is he leaving out?”
Laughing, Hector answered, “A lot. The battle at your gatehouse, the coup attempt at the Guild, the Cleansing of the Slums by the Fluffies and Hiramites, assassins in the garden. For your immediate information, not much.”
“I see…,” Evan said, redirecting his gaze to his father; he continued, “Why were you chasing her? I thought you were on vacation?”
With a snort of disgust, Jerome replied, “So did I. I’ll tell you why I was chasing her after you meet her. I'm not saying that to tease her, it's just better. if you come at her with no preconceptions as you'll be her instructor in basic magic control, and I know how you like to form your own first impression of your students. There are also reasons, that will become clear, why the adoption is being delayed by the Temple of Life and Family.” Taking a sip of ale, Jerome continued, “The reason your mother and I wanted to show you the conditions Alessandra, that’s your soon-to-be sister's name, by the way, lived in and where she was willing to run to avoid capture, was to hopefully help you curb your enthusiasm to shower her with affection. She was all alone in there; only a few whores and beggars cared enough to allow her to work for their scraps. Until recently, the City Guards severely limited what the Temples could do to help in the Slums. They wouldn’t even let the Fluffies in after they had executed a few notables for abusing children in brothels. They also took joy in terrorizing the citizenry, especially the children, with stories of what Life Mages do in the King’s dungeons. We have finally mostly convinced Alessandra that we want nothing from her for our love and care. We, and her Counselor, are still worried to show her too much affection as she might misinterpret that affection as us wanting something untoward from her.”
Hector piped in then, “When I was cleaning her arm to put on a suppression bracer, she thought I was a pervert wanting to touch her in bad ways. She also thought that the Priestess’ of Life, working as her Caretakers, wanted her to become a whore because they gave her an undershirt after a bath.”
“Those are some of the milder examples of her reactions to things you and I would consider normal,” Jerome added. “All your Mother and I ask is for you is to not overreact to her presence. Don’t smother her in gifts or hugs. If she hugs you, please reciprocate; if she doesn’t, don’t force one or take it as her rejecting you. You can give her small things like candy, but nothing big. Play with her, and start teaching her the basics of mana control. Gods know you're good at that. She will test you, say shocking things, or intentionally misunderstand things, but after a week or two, she’ll open up.”
“I see,” Evan said thoughtfully. “I’m aware that I tend to be overprotective of my family and others I see as my responsibility. Should I just stay away from the townhouse for a few days until you and Mother have a chance to prepare her for my…eccentricities? It would also give me time to talk to some Counselors about the best way to interact with her.”
With a snort, Jerome responded, “If you want your Mother to kill you, go ahead and stay in the city. Alessandra’s a smart girl; she’ll figure out your harmless after reporting you to the Fluffies a time or two.” Standing up, he motioned to the door, “Now, if you’re ready, it’s time to head to the townhouse. Hector, Helga asked if you and your family would join us for supper tomorrow, send a message if Megan agrees?”
“I think she’d like that; go ahead and plan for us to be there,” Hector replied. “I’ll let you know if Megan has other plans.”
****
Entering the playroom, Helga was surprised to see Counselor Rathman and Alessandra attacking the toy soldiers with Alessandra’s stuffed cat and raven. She thought she had timed her arrival for after the Counselor’s session was over. Helga turned to leave and vigorously question the Paladin and guard on duty about why they let her interrupt Alessandra’s therapy when the Counselor spoke up.
“Duchess, please don’t leave; I told the guards to allow you in. I wanted to speak to you,” she said while standing. Ruffling Alessandra’s hair, she told the girl, “Keep punishing the evil guards, sweetie.”
Raising an eyebrow, Helga moved to a corner of the room far away from little ears. From the look Alessandra gave them, she wasn’t happy to be left out of the conversation.
Joining her, the Counselor immediately started speaking, “I am concerned that Alessandra seems so unconcerned about her ability to kill people. I’ve tried to explain the concept of murder, but she just shrugs it off, saying, ‘People die; why does it matter if someone else does it?’ I want to take her to Death’s Temple and have her speak to His priests. If possible, I want to show her the consequence of someone being murdered as well.”
Unsurprised by this request, Helga had known something like this would come up eventually; she responded, “I can arrange that. It probably will not be until next week, though.” Looking at Alessandra “feeding” her stuffed cat a soldier, she asked, “You are not concerned about her hatred of guards?”
Following Helga’s gaze, the Counselor responded, “Actually, that’s one of the easier problems to deal with. By letting her act out her frustrations in a safe environment and giving her living examples of good guards, her distrust should turn into a simple, healthy skepticism in short order. If you can get her to stop calling her guard's minions, that would help.”
“We are working on that. I would appreciate it if you would explain to Countess Moor why teaching her to call the guards ‘minions’ was a bad idea,” Helga replied. “If that’s all, I would like to tell Alessandra that one of her brothers will be joining us for supper.”
"That's unexpected, I was told that one was wandering the Kingdom on a Search and that you have left the other behind to run your Duchy? Did you summon them here?"
"Nothing changed. Our youngest decided to surprise us and brought his charges here instead of directly to Halrond is all."
"In that case, I will take my leave. Please inform your son that I will need to have a chat with him soon about Alessandra."
Helga gave her a nod of acknowledgment, and the Counselor left. Helga went over to Alessandra and joined her on the floor, and started attacking the soldiers with the stuffed raven the girl handed her.
"Is Miss 'dine mad at me for not understanding why killing is bad?" the child asked after a few minutes, continuing to rampage through the soldiers with Bitey.
"Not at all, dear. She is concerned but not mad," Helga replied while strafing the soldiers with the raven. "That is not why I came to see you though. We got some surprising news today, and I wanted to share it with you."
Alessandra looked up from her rampage.
"Is it a good surprise?" she asked with a hopeful smile.
"Yes, it is. One of your brothers decided to surprise your Father and me with a visit. Your Father went to meet him, and they will be back in time for supper." Helga decided to take the smile Alessandra gave her as a good sign.