“I quite enjoyed this evening.” Clariet remarked as he led Caste through the darkened manor house, holding a lamp before him. “What interesting companions you have, Cleric Caste.”
“They are certainly interesting.” Caste mused then frowned. “I’m surprised at how well dressed they were…perhaps Judd spent all the gold Sir Egrette gave him on clothing rather than boots.” He cringed, knowing just how close his weathered footwear were to tearing through.
“Oh, those were a gift from me.”
Caste shot Clariet a surprised glance. “You?” Clariet nodded. “But…why?”
“I could see Lord LeMewn was somewhat…disappointed by your companion’s mode of dress, especially when coupled with the revelation that Judd LaMogre was not a knight.”
“That was an unfortunate misunderstanding.” Caste reiterated. “For all his faults, and he has a multitude, Judd has never claimed to be a knight.”
“Exactly. So I took it upon myself to lift their general state of being.” Clariet escorted Caste down the corridor. “Lord LeMewn does not always know best though he is a stubborn man to sway and it has fallen to me, his deacon and spokesman for the Order of the Grail, to shift the ground a little beneath his feet, to keep him on his toes.”
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“Is that really wise?” Caste asked gingerly.
“He has learned to listen to me,” Clariet nodded, “and as such, we work well together. In fact, he appreciates my counsel to such a degree that this entire wing of the manor house is mine.”
“An entire wing?” Caste breathed, having seen the opulence of the house in brighter light than he was now attempting to see by. “Only Bishop Peele has grander accommodations.”
“As befits the station of the officer of the Order of the Grail.” Clariet bowed. “I am pleased to be able to offer you your own accommodations while you are here.”
“And I am very grateful for the loan of the tunic and cappa clausa.” It has been a great relief to Caste to be able to bathe properly and dress in appropriate attire for supper with Lord and Lady LeMewn.
“Think nothing of it.” Clariet paused in front of a door. “Here,” he said, handing Caste the lamp, “I bid you goodnight.”
Caste took the lamp and opened his door. “Will you not trip in the dark, Clariet?”
Clariet gave a small, somewhat sinister smile. “I have always been able to see in the dark.”
Caste swallowed, clutching the lamp rather than holding it, entered his room and shut the door firmly behind himself.