<html> <body> Inchoate Carillion, Inconstant Cuckold By Charles Matthias Darkness fell as Charles and Saulius neared Lake Barnhardt, and with unspoken agreement they turned to the city by the lake. Neither spoke during the long ride, and it took all of Charles's frayed will to keep from losing himself in the unfeeling sanctuary of stone. They were admitted through the gates which clanged shut behind them without fanfare, and welcomed back by a bewildered giraffe. “I thought you were going to Metamor. Weyden saw you heading there this morning,” Larrsen said as strode beside them on their tired ponies. Even with them mounted, the giraffe was still a few feet taller than they. “Then thou hast not heard the news,” Saulius said grimly as he bit the end off his chewstick with a sharp crack. “Metamor doth fly the yellow flag. 'Tis forbidden to us all for a time.” “Yellow flag?” Larrsen asked in alarm, a shivering thrum echoing along his xanthous spotted hide. “A sickness?” “Plague we were told. Struck this morning ere we arrived.” Larrsen ground his teeth together and lowered his head. “We were due to return there in a few days.” Some silent pain passed through his eyes and then he looked back to them. “How long?” “None can say,” Saulius replied with sour exhaustion. “'Tis plague. 'Twill end when it ends. Until then we can do aught but protect our lands.” Larrsen nodded, expression still shocked. “I had better tell Captain Naomi. And Captain Dallar. I... come, let me take you to the barracks. You both look like you've ridden those ponies and yourselves to death.” Larrsen brought them first to the stables. Saulius bade Charles go on ahead to the barracks. He made no objection, but allowed Larrsen to guide him through the torchlight streets of Lake Barnhadt. The giraffe tried asking a few more questions, but at seeing the rat's complete and gloomy introspection, kept to silence himself. It wasn't until they found Jessica who was busying herself over her notes that the rat finally uttered a word. “Jessica!” He shouted, and ran into the black hawk's surprised embrace. He held to her, tears streaming down his cheeks as he pressed his head into her feathered chest. Jessica could only wrap her wings about the rat. Larrsen left them with a wordless grunt, and with a flick of her beak Jessica shut the door. She had never seen Charles like this and her heart ached to do something. He was bawling like a child. Perhaps if she made him a child for a time it would be easier for him. She could do it, but she dismissed it after only a few seconds. Charles might not appreciate the help. But the mind of a child would. Jessica admitted that there was truth to that and was about to craft the spell in her mind when the rat pushed his head back and began wiping the tears from his eyes. “I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. But it's happened again! They've taken them away from me!” Jessica let the spell unravel but did not take her wings off his back. “What happened, Charles? Did something happen to Kimberly and your children?” He nodded. “They went to Metamor yesterday to celebrate a friend's wedding. I received word too late. By the time we arrived at Metamor, the whole city was under quarantine! The plague, Jessica!” Her heart stopped for a moment as that single horrible word struck her. “Oh no!” “And they're trapped inside and I out! They might catch the plague and die and there's nothing I can do! Nothing!” “I'm sure Master Coe and Lothanasa Raven are doing all they can to stop the spread of the plague. Akkala will help in this.” Charles's face flashed with vicious anger. “Don't say her name to me! She wouldn't save my Ladero! She can rot in Hell for all I care!” Jessica squawked in sudden outrage. “Don't you ever speak such blasphemy to me again! I have never said aught about your Eli!” Charles's eyes narrowed, the anger still there. “You don't know what she said to Kimberly after Ladero died. She let him die, Jessica. She could have done something but she did nothing! Nothing!” “How did... I did not know. But do not speak evil of her again in my presence. I will make you a child if you act so childish again!” He blinked and pushed back through her wings. “You, what?” Jessica shook her head to dispel the notion of her giving a childish Charles a lashing. “I'm sorry. Just, Charles, come here. You need someone to talk to. You need a friend. Please let me be that friend tonight.” But the rat was dubious. “What do you mean you can turn me into a child?” “Later. I'll tell you later. Show you if you wish. Just come. Your heart is far too heavy. Share it with me. Please, Charles. We cannot face these things alone. That's what we learned with Lindsey and Kayla.” His whiskers twitched and ears lowered as the words finally penetrated. A slow nod overcame his head, and he rubbed the fur on his face for more tears one last time. “I'm sorry. I almost forgot I wasn't alone in this.” “Never alone,” she draped a wing over his shoulder, heart heavy but lightened some by his presence. Weyden would understand when he learned. Charles needed her right now. “Now, share with me. We have seen too much together, Charles, for you to hold back now. Just this one time, please.” The rat swallowed and nodded, his long tail curling around his legs as his eye began to rove for a place to sit. “I'll try. And I'll try not to get angry again.” “Thank you.” She guided him to a place to sit and listened to her friend and his anguish until all the candles were ready to go out. ---------- May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love, Charles Matthias !DSPAM:4e793ed849181804284693! </body> </html>