At the stream, Arrjee and Onre stripped to get rid of the blood and grime from my damage and their wrestling. All I did was rinse my hands and removed my boots to wash my feet. They hurried though, with Arrjee anxious to get back. We dressed, and he started leading us to the road.
Having seen Arrjee and Onre nude for the second time, I mused about their differences. Their sameness, really. Aside from the fur, the claws, the small snout, and the fangs, there really is not much of a difference. It is easy to imagine our races interbreeding. Thinking of what I had heard of the Trichyans, well, not going to happen. They would definitely be a different species. Comparing Onre’s skin to the lighter tones of the Human guardsmen at the fort, I had to wonder about Earth.
That’s a racial difference?
“A world ignorant of reality.” Check.
Arrjee brought me out of my thoughts, and commented that I looked better and must have added my two free points to charisma. I hadn’t told anyone about my extra free point, and did not bother to correct him. But I did nod my head in agreement. I rubbed one hand across the fur of my other arm and was pretty sure it had somehow gotten less coarse. In fun and with a smile, he says, “Congratulations, Forrest. You have advanced from butt-ugly to plain.”
Onre glanced at me and managed to ask without disdain. “He was uglier?”
I laughed, which let Arrjee know I was not offended. And yes, I admitted to myself, I’m sure I was uglier. I still needed to see myself, though. I hadn’t thought to find a place in the stream to take a look.
Once we reached the road, Arrjee suggested just like last time we run the distance to Cottages. Onre’s backpack was not a burden, and he had no objection. Maybe having learned from his Mom (our Mom!), Arrjee said, “Forrest got his Running to Rank E just a few hours ago, his time. Let’s let him set the pace.” Onre accepted this suggestion without comment, and we ran all the way to the gate at what I thought was a quick but not all-out rate.
I was sweaty and breathing hard, but not near exhaustion like before. More efficient running combined with more endurance definitely mattered. Sir Rallee (Uncle Ralf) greeted us, “Hail young Arrjee. You bring two back this day. Are you starting a collection?”
With a grin, “”Well, Sir Rallee, one of them is already used. The other is, well, a gift to our village.” He stared at Onre, indicating he should introduce himself.
“Hail, Guardsman Rallee. I am Onre Litman, a disciple of the goddess Einvigi. She has suggested I become part of the village of Cottages, and I believe I would like to make it my home.”
Not expecting such an earnest introduction brimming with import, Uncle Ralf responded. “I do not know of the goddess, but her suggestion is welcome. As are you, young Onre Litman.”
Arrjee explained, “Sir Rallee does not work for the duchy’s guard. The village itself employs its own guards. It has been peaceful in this region for a long time and we have not needed a more formal presence.”
Onre replied to them both, “I had wondered at your lack of uniform, Sir Rallee. This is a very different place than I knew in the First Duchy.”
“I have been to the First Duchy, Onre Litman. I suspect a casual gate guard will not be the only difference you will experience. You may all enter.”
----------------------------------------
We did so, walking slowly so that Onre could get a look around. There were only a few young children about. This was Sixthday morning, and most kids were busy doing their grades. More adults were about, doing the business of their daily lives.
“Almost all the buildings are thatched huts,” Onre noted. “In general they are much better cared for than those where I grew up in Circles. Everything is amazingly clean.”
Arrjee responded, “Well, yesterday was Community Day. Everyone who is able works to clean and maintain the village as best we can. My job was to touch-up the clay in spots around the schoolhouse where it was starting to chip away. Today they let me out of school early so that I could go find Forrest.”
“Oh, I have heard that you Covargh had a Community Day. I could never really picture it. Seeing the results, it is hard to imagine why we would not do the same. Maybe everyone thinks they are too busy. The one thing I liked better was that our streets were laid out in concentric rings, with three main spokes providing access between the rings. It gave Circles a different feel to most villages and towns. Your streets are great, though. Wide and well maintained.”
Inwardly I was laughing to myself. There really is a village called Circles on the other side of the continent. Why could I have not told Arrjee that lie?
“I’d like to see Circles someday. I am sure it is a wonderful place.”
“It was. It got partially burned down over four years ago, but they have probably rebuilt it by now.”
Arjee asked, surprised, “What happened? ‘Got burned down’ sounds like something intentional.”
Onre’s face grew sad and angry, “Very intentional. We felt the overflow of a revived gang war from the city of Cycles. I may have been the bastards’ main target. … Can we discuss this later? Right now I would like to enjoy your beautiful, peaceful village and not have to remember.”
I thought, “Woah. This kid has been through some real shit.” Then I said, “Sure, man. If and when you want to talk about it, we’ll listen then. May I ask how old you are?”
“That is a better thought. I am 14, and in a little over a month I’ll get my Level 1.”
Arrjee chimed in, “I’ll get mine in just under 3 months now. We’re going to be awesome!”
We kept walking and kept the discussion light, with Arrjee pointing out various shops. When we got near the school, he noted what it was and that was where he was working yesterday. Eventually I noticed where we were probably headed. “Are we going to your house, Arrjee?”
“Yours too, dumbass. If Dad is home, we need to deliver Einvigi’s message. Well, even if he isn’t home. He works both there and at an office off the village center. But I think he’ll probably be home – for lunch if nothing else.”
“Why are we telling your Father?” Onre asked.
“He is the mayor. Einvigi’s proposal is really going to shake things up around here. With that adventurer’s school, I’m sure Cottages is going to have to adapt and grow.” He laughed. “I am sure there will be grousing. There are some people who just don’t like the idea of change, no matter how good it might be.”
I saw Arrjee’s statue and knew we were just about there. “Do you see that eagle statue up ahead?” Onre looked and acknowledged. “That is Eager Beaver, standing just outside our home.”
“Beaver?”
“I’ll tell you later,” responded Arrjee. “It is a family joke.”
I affirm with a smile, “Beaver.”
“Your family is weird.”
Arrjee and I looked at each other, then we both nodded at him in affirmation.
When we got inside, the only one home was Dad. He stood up. “Welcome back. You were gone for quite a while.” Looking at Onre with a welcome smile, then Arrjee, “If you keep picking up strays like this, you’ll never get anything done.” Then he reached out his hand, “Hello, young man. I am Barrie Silverstone, father by sex of Arrjee and father by choice of Forrest.” They shook, then he looked at me. “Later we need to go to the village center and get some forms filled out. Then I’ll be your father by paperwork.”
I introduced, “Dad, this is Onre Litman, from the First Duchy.”
Then Arrjee said, “Dad, we should sit down. Some important stuff happened. To start with, we didn’t just meet Onre. We also met a goddess.”
“Again?! What’s that, like three gods now? Or is there another I have not heard about yet?”
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
We sat.
“Just the three,” I answered, “but we never met Nature.”
Arrjee suggests, “Onre, let’s start this from the beginning. Please explain how and why you met Einvigi, and who she is.”
He explained his discipleship and meeting her. How her request for his assistance simultaneously scared, honored, and intrigued him. Then about suddenly appearing in a forest glade, waiting for me.
“I guess it is my turn now.” And I described my arrival back from the void, seeing them standing there. I went over my questions, the welcoming of Arrjee, and an overview of the tests she had us do. Dad laughed at the side effects of Ki Healer skills. I did not mention Onre’s attitude toward me.
Arrjee took over and told him about the boons she granted, and her appointment of all three of us as friends with each other. And that Onre is to become part of our village.
He paused for a moment. Dad took it, “That is all quite amazing and significant, boys. What a morning! And that alone is ‘important’, but from the way Arrjee said that word, I suspect there is more.”
Arrjee continued, “Yes Dad. The village is going to get a visitor this evening. I do not know who or exactly when. He is going to discuss the establishment of a school for young adventurers here in Cottages. It will be under Einvigi’s auspices. I think that means she’ll make sure it is paid for and basically organized in a way she wants. She expects there will eventually be about 40 students from all over the world.” Dad sat up straighter and his eyes grew very alert at that. “And our own masters will be able to teach there.”
He looked at Onre and me. “Did I remember everything?” We said that he covered it well, and we could not remember anything else.
Dad said, “This school will be a major upgrade for Cottages. For the whole Fifth Duchy. But, ‘from all over the world’? Were those her exact words?”
We looked at each other and came to an agreement that those were the words. I began realizing the larger implications, which had completely escaped me until that moment.
Dad had started to tap the claws of his right hand lightly against his armrest. I learned later he often did that while he was thinking.
“Exciting times, boys, in both good and bad ways. It seems Einvigi wants to establish a neutral ground where Covargh, Human, Trinchyan, and maybe even the Skolturi wraiths can meet and train together. And she wants to do that here. Not everyone is going to be happy. I expect the Duchess herself is going to get involved. Maybe the King. Minor gods!”
After thinking for a moment, “What I suggest for now is that we keep the subject of the upcoming meeting to ourselves. A goddess is sending a representative about a school – that is all anyone needs to hear. No sense ruffling fur until we know for sure what her plans are.”
“I am sorry, Father. For my entire life, the Continent of Covargh and Human has been the world. It did not occur to me to recognize her words for what they literally were. Yes, I agree to not speak of the potential students until we know more.”
“Nor had I recognized their import, Mayor. My silence is yours until you wish otherwise.”
Maybe it was time to elevate the mood. “Yep, right over my head. Won’t say a thing.”
“That’s because you are a dumbass,” Arrjee laughs.
“Hey, you didn’t know either, dumbass. We were all dumbasses.”
“I shall disagree. It is my elbows which are sometimes intellectually deprived.”
All four of us broke out laughing at Onre’s dry delivery.
When we grew silent, Dad told me, “Forrest, we have arranged for you to meet with some people this afternoon, to help plan for your days here. You will also start some training today. But before then, let us have some lunch, then visit your grandmother Rhonda. In thinking about this evening’s meeting, she is the one other person who should know the details. She has the respect of everyone in town and greater knowledge than I do about what the repercussions could be. We should clue your Mom in as well. Guess it will be a family secret.”
“Well, we don’t need to tell Carrie until after the meeting,” Arrjee said.
I informed Onre, “Carrie is our 12-year old sister.”
Arrjee added. “And she can’t keep a secret if her life depended on it.”
Dad got up. “I’ll make some sandwiches. Your Mom baked some bread last night, and I have been anxious to eat some of it.”
During lunch, Dad asked the Human, “A goddess has asked you to join us. But what does Onre Litman want? Would you rather be back in the First Duchy? You are welcome here, but where is your heart?”
He looked away for a moment, then thoughtfully in my Father’s eyes. “Here. Things happened so quickly at the end, when Einvigi told us to be friends and for me to go to Cottages. I was going along because I had nothing better. Having spent some time with Arrjee and even Forrest. Sorry, Arrjee and Forrest, I realize my life has lacked a real home and real friends. Now I am eating lunch at the Mayor’s house as if I had every right. My heart has more to learn, but it wants this. Here.”
Dad stood up and held out his hand once again to Onre. He stood and took it. They shook. “Welcome, citizen of Cottages. You may call me Barrie. The meetings we have arranged for ‘even Forrest’ should prove useful to you as well. What’s with that anyway? Are you still mad at him for attacking you?”
“N-No Sir.” Onre got a panicked look in his eyes, clearly not knowing what to say.
Dad must do that a lot. I broke in, just as Arrjee had done for me ‘last tuesday’. “Dad, he’s working on it. Growing up in the First Duchy, he picked up a certain attitude toward ‘half-breeds’. Einvigi, Arrjee, and I have all encouraged him to get past that, and as long as he is trying, I’m okay.”
“If you and Arrjee are working the issue, well enough.” Then, to Onre, “Let’s sit back down. They have likely told you this, but you will not fit in here if you continue to think negatively of people you do not know. I want Cottages to be your home, too." With emphasis, "Those biases will not fit.”
“Yes, sir. – Barrie. Please call me Onre.”
“Okay, Onre. Let’s all finish lunch and get on with our day.”
----------------------------------------
We finished and cleaned up. Dad suggested Onre leave his backpack at the house, and he sat it down by a wall. We took a pit stop first, then went to see if Rhonda was busy in her alchemist’s shop. On the way there, more and older kids were out playing, so they must have been done with their grades. Grandma was finishing up with the single customer in her shop and said she would be right with us, giving Onre a quick once-over glance. He acknowledged her glance respectfully and started attentively reviewing her goods.
He saw the deodorant and immediately grabbed two jars. Then he must have remembered he did not have any money on him, and put them back. The customer had left, and Grandma saw Onre’s actions. She said, “First-time customer discount. Take them.” He tried to argue saying he had money to pay, but just not on him, and he cannot carry them now anyway. She hands him a small pouch. “Three bronze next time you are here. For the pouch and both deodorants. The alchemist’s pouch will not let bottles break.” He smiled widely and agreed and stuck the two bottles in his pouch.
“Hey, Grandma,” I said, “I’d like the same deal!”
“For you, it’s the family discount. Five bronze.” I knew that was still a great price, seeing the shelf price at 3 bronze per jar. That was when I remembered I don’t have any money, and, embarrassed, told her. “Don’t be stupid. You have your share of the zebor money. I’m supposed to give you that anyway. Now I’ll just give you a little less.” She handed me another pouch, and I picked up two of the deodorant jars. I have things!
“Now other than coming in here and stealing me blind, what can I do for you fine people?”
Dad introduced Onre, then told her they had quite the story to tell. “If you have twenty minutes or so, I suggest closing the shop and going upstairs to talk. It is important.”
She put up an “On Break” sign, and we headed up and sat in her den. “What is this story?” Dad suggested to us we tell her in the same way we told him. When Arrjee got to near the end of his part and mentioned ‘all around the world’, she interrupted immediately. “The whole world? As in the whole planet?”
Dad answered, “We believe so, yes.”
“Oh, my.” She pondered for a moment. “This will be major. Who else knows?”
“Just those in this room. We plan on telling Rhetta when she gets home, and inviting some of the masters to come to the meeting. We’ll just tell them ‘goddess’, ‘school’, without mentioning the possibility of very foreign students. To be honest, we are not yet sure on that part ourselves. I’m expecting about ten of us there, plus whoever Einvigi sends.”
“Good thinking. Having people outside the family there from the beginning will dampen rumors that this is just a Silverstone boondoggle and/or disaster. I expect those rumors will happen anyway, but it is good to start in front of them.”
She inhaled, then stared at an uncomfortable Onre for a moment. “What is your story, young man? Your eyes reveal a mixture of disgust, confusion, and shame. Is it that you are in a room with hybrids? Don’t tell me. You don’t want to feel the way you do, but you do anyway. You are involved in something very important, and you do not belong. Part of you is bothered that you are starting to like Forrest and the other part very much wants him as a friend. Is that it?”
He stared back at her, amazed. “Are you an Empath? My foster father was, and you are doing exactly what he would do, reading me as if I were a book.”
“My classes are Alchemist and Perfumer. But in my lives I have been a merchant, a barmaid, and a teacher of orphans. I have learned to read people well. Think about this – if we were in a bar right now, and I offered you a much needed free beer, would you take it, or refuse it because I am a filthy half-breed?”
He thought for a second, “I’d take it. The hybrid had already sold me top-quality goods at far below-market prices. I would be a fool to be unwilling to adapt.”
“What if you just met the half-breed, and she had offered you the beer?”
Thinking, “This morning, I would have refused it with a degree of politeness. Now I would accept it with honest thanks, still with discomfort, though. I must say, I could not have imagined meeting a goddess and two hybrids who are also awakeneds in the same day. Obviously I am meant to change.”
Hmm, “a degree of politeness.” I remembered back to our testing with Einvigi. He told me that attacking him would not change his opinion of me. I interpreted it as a veiled insult, but it may have been the most polite way he could manage to let me know that he would not resent me for hurting him. Not the most polite, but he did try.
Arrjee corrects with a big smile, “Three hybrids who are also awakeneds. So change already.”
Onre stares at the three of us in turn, in almost disbelief. Then he drops his forehead onto the palms of both hands. We heard a whisper, “This is unreal.”
“It is very real, boy, and you are making progress. Now I must visit the privy and get back to work. Where are you folks headed next?”
Dad answered, “Village center. We need to make Forrest’s adoption official. Then Rhetta arranged for some people to meet with Forrest at the school. I’m sure Onre will benefit in meeting with them also. Two masters and Dorra Marson the teacher.”
“You might want to stop by the jewelsmith also. Forrest’s river stone would likely look a lot better outside that box hanging from his neck. Also, he can leave his alchemist's pouch here. How about we have Onre Litman meet you at the school. I could have him watch the shop for a few minutes. When I get back maybe he would like to talk for a bit one-on-one.”
I realized she had something specific on her mind, and everyone else probably did too. Dad replied, “As you wish. For us it will be the jewelsmith, village center, and the school in probably an hour.”
“Do I not get a say in this?” Onre asked.
“Yes. Would you assist me, Onre Litman, and then converse for a bit between customers? It cannot be more boring than standing around the village center as they get their paperwork done.”
“I shall assist and remain to speak. You may call me Onre.”
“And I am Rhonda. Now let us all head down and off to our respective destinations. If a customer comes in, Onre, simply tell them that I will be back momentarily.”