<html> <body> Metamor Keep: Divine Travails of Rats by Charles Matthias and Ryx Pars I: Disipicio (f) Thursday, May 13, 724 CR Bryn snorted as he rubbed the last of the sleep from his eyes with his thick-feathered wrists, following Charlie out of the fort and through the gardens. The sun had not risen past the mountains to the east but the sky was brightening and only the brightest stars were still visible in the sky; a few minutes more and even they would be lost to the new day. With no clothes other than those they had brought with them, both noble horse and rat were dressed in rumpled tunics with fur neither had time to brush. “I thought we would at least linger long enough to break our fast,” Bryn said almost as if it were a suggestion. “Not if we want to have any chance of catching that hart,” Charlie replied as he stepped with a quick pace down the wide lane between the rows of flowers and vegetables. “Besides... I need to.” Bryn's grumpy expression turned soft and he nodded his large head. “Say no more. I sent my men to ready our steeds. They'll be waiting for us at the outer wall.” “Good. It will be good to be back in the saddle.” “Aye, it will!” They made half way to the inner wall before a squeaking voice cried for them to wait. Turning they could see Baroness Kimberly and his litter-mate Erick rushing out of the fort after them. Kimberly was wearing a simple dress in only one piece, likely something she had grabbed to be modest when word had reached her of their departure. Erick had on his linens and a mail shirt but that too seemed to have been hastily donned. Charlie chuckled under his breath and turned to wait for them. “I cannot stay longer,” he assured her, but she threw her arms around him and held him tight. “I know. But I wasn't going to let you leave without something! I brought you both some of last night's bread and cheese. I even had it warmed for you.” She reached over and handed them a small sack that smelled of hidden delights. Charlie felt his stomach growl as each scent tickled his nose. “I had some sent ahead to your men, as well. Last season's harvest was plentiful and we have more than enough to spare.” “Thank you, milady Kimberly,” Bryn took the sack and slung it over his shoulder. “You have been a gracious host. Tell your husband that we pray for his speedy recovery.” At the mention of the Baron one of Kimberly's hands wrapped about the purple stone dangling across her chest. Charlie narrowed his eyes and stilled the tremble in his tail. “Where is my sire? Will he be hobbling out the door any minute?” Kimberly favored him a reproving glance but lowered her eyes. “Your father did not sleep well last night. His injuries and the excitement were a little much for him. He is resting still. Would you like me to bring him a message? He will miss you when he wakes and learns that you are not here.” “Thank him for the lovely feast and that I look forward to hearing of his recovery.” Charlie did his best to smile and returned his mother's hug. “Thank you for having us on such short notice.” “Nonsense, we love having you visit. We love you and wish you could visit more. When can we hope to see you next?” He tensed but kept his smile in place. “I'm not sure, it depends on how negotiations in the Midlands and with Sathmore proceed. If things go badly it may be some time before I am able to break free from the Keep again. You can always visit sometime.” “There is so much still to do here,” Kimberly said with a tired expression. “But I know we will find a way. Now go and catch that hart. And when you return to Metamor give Peter and Timothy all our love. Thank you for coming, Charlie. It was so wonderful to see you again.” He smiled and hugged her one last time before breaking away. Bryn thanked her as well before they resumed their walk down the sloping grounds toward the outer wall. Erick followed them even as Kimberly watched from the edge of the gardens. “You don't need to escort us,” Charlie chided his brother. “I know, but it is the polite thing to do. Besides, I wish I could come with you. With father injured, I have to watch over the construction. You should come hunting here in the Narrows sometime. Then we could ride together.” “The game is better to the north,” Charlie pointed out, but he could not hold back a genuine smile for his brother. “Bryn and I will find some excuse to steal you away for a hunt one day. Won't we?” Bryn laughed, a hitching bray complimenting his voice. “Oh aye, we will bring you with us, Sir Erick. And your friend Sir Bertram as well if he wishes. You can help us tie that tree-rat Fallon to a horse's back!” Erick cocked his head to one side. “Fallon Avery? Has he even touched the ground? Ever?” The three of them laughed. They continued to talk of the foibles of the youngest Avery child and makeshift plans to take Erick hunting as they stepped through the inner wall, past the small village growing on the flanks of the Matthias fort, and down the steep rocks toward the outer wall. Just on the other side well out of the way of the makeshift crane and heavy stones ready to be hoisted waited their soldiers already mounted and Argamont leading Charlie's mare with her reins between his teeth. “Well,” Erick added with a sigh, “I suppose I should return, get dressed, and then come wake the workers for another day. It was very good seeing you, Charlie. And you, Lord Hassan. Until Eli crosses our paths again. Fare thee well!” He and Charlie hugged, their whiskers brushing each other, before the shorter, stockier rat began scampering back up the incline toward the fort. Charlie watched his brother's long tail bounce from side to side for a moment before turning back to the horses and their men. He nodded to Bryn's charger and said, “Thank you, Argamont,” as he took his mare's reins and vaulted into the saddle. He took a moment to position his paws in the stirrups and his tail in the crook behind him to keep it steady. By the time he was comfortable Bryn had mounted Argamont and was stretching his arms. “Take us back to the Glen; we've more hunting to do.” Argamont snorted a blast of air and then he, Charlie, and the soldiers began eastward along the road through a light morning mist. Bryn swung the sack around his shoulders and pulled the drawstring. “Let us see what the Baroness gifted us with. Ah, three loaves of bread and I see two large wedges of cheese.” He tore a morsel from one of the loaves and set it between his supple lips. A moment later it was gone and the horse's long ears flicked in pleasure. “Good and warm. Almost as delicious as it was last night. Would you care for some, Charlie?” The rat shook his head, his eyes on the trees and sky. “I'm not hungry. Have as much as you want.” Bryn frowned at him but said nothing more. He propped the sack on top of the saddle between his legs and ate his morsels slowly. Far to the south the sky brightened as the new day began. ---------- May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love, Charles Matthias </body> </html>