<html> <body> Metamor Keep: Divine Travails of Rats by Charles Matthias and Ryx Pars VI: Acceptio (k) Wednesday, June 23, 724 CR, Evening “Speaking of which,” Charlie said, nodding toward riders slowly making their way along the main thoroughfare through Keeptowne, “I see all of ours.” The crowds parted as they knew they must for the Duke and his family. Duke and Duchess led the procession of nobles, while at their side rode King Pelaeth. Malger and Misanthe followed behind them as did Bryn, Suria, and the Steppelands princess. The other Hassan children rode in a carriage behind their parents under careful guard. Following were the lesser nobility and their families. A short distance from the front Lady Kimberly rode with Erick at her side as well as the Baron's pony waiting for its rider; his sisters followed behind on ponies with some of the older children also riding and the rest in a less ostentatious carriage than used by the Hassan family. Charles lifted his eyes and a smile crossed his features. “Duke Thomas invited all the nobility to celebrate the evening in the Great Hall. In truth I believe he merely wishes the children of his vassals to play together and become friends.” “It is what has happened the last few years,” Charlie agreed. “He is very wise.” “Aye. Your friend, Bryn, shows the same wisdom. You have been a great help to him, son.” “I am trying. He is my dearest friend, as much brother as he is friend.” They pressed out of the throng of onlookers and onto the main avenue, following the train of vassals. The train's pace was measured enough that it would not take long before they reached the Matthias clan. It was likely his last opportunity to ask his sire anything before the press of family and celebration kept them apart. “Father, about your tale... you cut off your time Beyond so abruptly. What did you see there at the end?” Tilting back his head, the Baron could only smile as if struck with awe. His eyes searched the bronze-limned clouds as if expecting them to part as they had in the garden atop the mountain of souls. “What I saw... oh, son, you cannot even imagine it. I saw she who said yes to Eli. I saw purity and goodness fully lived. I saw obedience and humility in all deeds. I saw devotion and the silence of prayer in hands clasped to the breast. I saw the tabernacle of the Most High. I saw the sorrow of a heart pierced through. I saw love in all its fullness, as full as any of us here could ever give though we all fall short. What I saw I am at a loss for words to describe any better than this!” Charlie knew enough of Ecclesia beliefs to grasp what his sire intimated. “Do you mean to say you saw the blessed Yanlin, mother of Yahshua?” His father turned his head, still gazing upward, to smile enigmatically at his son. “Do not doubt the reality of what the Ecclesia teaches, my son. I know Nocturna and all the Daedra are real. I know that the Aedra are also very much real and a power beyond compare in our world. You may not follow as I do, but do not doubt.” He grimaced and his whiskers flicked forward. “I... don't, father. I just... I...” He felt a paw on his shoulder and looked down into his father's eyes. “You do not need to explain yourself to me on matters of faith, son. I only ask you be more understanding of Erick the next time he...” He chuffed and nodded. “That I will.” Charles smiled again. “I have often wondered why I was granted such a boon. Just as I have wondered why Akkala told your mother that Ladero had to die in order to save me. Of the latter I have a few ideas; perhaps had Ladero survived I might have done some wrong to you and Erick. Or perhaps I would have resisted the journey to Sondeshara and then fell victim to Gmork when he crossed the valley later that summer; Jerome would not have had the strength to resist him then. But all I can do is speculate. “As to the boon, I believe it be a promise that I will one day see that place again. Do not speak of this, but I believe that it will be a very long time before I do.” “I do not understand what you mean.” Charles placed his hand on his chest and traced a line across it; the same line that Charlie had marked him with the day before on the tourney field. “There must be a reason for this. I do not believe anything occurs without reason, even if we will never know them this side of death.” His ears lifted and he half turned his head. “I fear that is all we can share, my son. You have a visitor.” Charlie turned and nearly smacked his muzzle into an equine snout. Attired in riding tack was a very familiar zebra. Attached to one of her ears was the oval-cut emerald he'd gifted her with that morning. She chuffed into his face and tossed her head back, gesturing to the saddle. “Maysin!” Charlie exclaimed, voice plaintive and surprised. “I thought I said I would not need you as mount today!” Maysin heard his words and then tossed her head back again. She then trotted to his side and lowered her forequarters so that he could easily climb. Charlie stared helplessly while his father laughed and patted him on the shoulder. “Honor your servant and friend, my son. I will see you in the Great Hall.” The rat gave a long exasperated sigh, shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. “All right, Maysin, you win! I suppose I shouldn't have insisted you spend all day with your beautiful stripes covered!” The zebra whickered in agreement even as he climbed into the saddle. She lifted him in the air and with a stamping trot cantered up along the parade of nobles, tossing her head and flashing her teeth and mane for all to see. “Show off,” Charlie chided, but his good humor had already returned. He waved to the Matthias clan as he rode past, and a moment later Maysin brought him alongside Bryn and his sister Suria. “Oh good, you found him!” Suria barked and wagged her tail. “Well done, Maysin!” “I was on my way to join you,” Charlie protested. “You've missed almost everything else,” Suria shot back with an arch stare inherited from their mother. Charlie patted Maysin on the neck and smiled to both his sister and Bryn who was trying not to laugh. Argamont, who carried Bryn, had no such inhibitions and whinnied with abandon. “Well, thanks to Maysin, I'm here now. So, Bryn, any word on the princess?” Bryn's ears fell back in chastened silence, while Suria shot her brother a dark glare. It was Charlie's turn to laugh. ---------- May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love, Charles Matthias </body> </html>