<html> <body> Part 3 of 4 Metamor Keep: Bidding Farewell by Charles Matthias May 24, 708 CR Jessica and Weyden were the first to arrive at Long House for the gathering of friends. They had the privilege of witnessing fox and rat fighting with weapons ill-suited to both. Misha wielded a practice trident whose three points were blunted and whose shaft was so long it was clear it had been intended for a Keeper of much greater height. Charles had a pole and net which while a good size for tripping up Lutins, could never hold anyone of the fox's size. The rat easily dodged the fox's awkward jabs, and the fox deftly avoided the rat's swirling snares. The battle, which was welcomed with raucous laughing and cheers from the Longs and their other friends, came to an end when Charles caught the trident in the net and yanked it out of the fox's grasp. The heavy shaft struck the rat in the middle and knocked him off his paws. Both fox and rat spent the next minute laying on the ground laughing. “Well,” James said as he collected trident and net, “it looks like you both need more practice.” “I don't think anyone has ever used these weapons before,” Laura noted as she took the net form the donkey Meredith claimed the trident and turned it over a few times in his heavy hands. The weapon was a good fit for the bear's size. “Hmmm, I'll have try this myself.” Weyden hopped to the bear's side and extended a wing-arm. “There's much you can do with a trident. This might be a bit heavy for me now, but let me show you.” Meredith handed the trident to the hawk. Weyden, despite not having proper hands, was able to grip the shaft with the wing claws he did have. He turned it over a few times before demonstrating some jabs and parries for the curious bear. Jessica bent down to peer at the laughing rat. Her golden eyes twitched in avian precision as they followed the rat rolling back and forth. Eventually Charles came to a stop and waved up at her. “Jessica! What did you think of the fight?” “You and Misha had a very good time.” She squawked and stretched out a wing to help him up. Charles let her pull him up to his haunches and then he let go. “I'm sorry we haven't had a chance to visit you since it all ended. We were sent on patrol down south; nothing happened but its our duty. I'm very glad to see you and your family doing so well.” “Thank you. How are you and Weyden doing?” “Very well. He misses being captain of his men, but I know in time he'll earn a new command of his own. I have picked back up my notes to see if there is anything I can do with the Curses again; with Yajakali gone for good now, they're finally safe to look at again.” “Does Maud still want to be a giraffe?” “Well, Larssen would like her to be at least!” “Do you think you can do what you once did, without a hyacinth?” Jessica tilted her head to one side and tightened her eyes. “I don't know. The corruption gave me knowledge I never would have seen on my own. I wrote some of it down, but even the little I have seems cryptic to me now. Perhaps some of the other mages can help decipher it.” “Maybe they can.” Charles glanced at Weyden, on whom were most eyes in the Long House. The trident was still too long for the hawk, but it didn't seem so in his grip. He darted the tip in and out, spun it on its axis, and explained each action as he did so. Padraic and Meredith both found themselves disarmed after one volley, each rubbing their smarting hands after the sword was twisted from their grip. The rat smiled to the black-feathered hawk. “But what about you and Weyden? How are you doing?” Jessica cawed a laugh and her eyes, darkened by uncertainty over the Curses, now filled with joy. “Oh, we dearly love each other, Charles. We hope you will get to meet the first of many little hawk children on your return in a year.” “I wish you both all the best and for many healthy chicks.” The crowd roared with laughter. Both Charles and Jessica turned to see Weyden gaping at his empty claws and then at Misha. The fox held the pole with the net; the net was tangled in the trident's blunt points which now lay inoffensive on the floor. Weyden shook his head and offered the fox a salute. ---------- The gathering of friends was mostly cheerful. Many would take their turn sampling unusual weapons and battling anybody who dared. All of the Longs participated as well as most of their guests. There were a good number of bruises and a couple small cuts but nothing more; as much as they could everyone restrained their blows. Some would gather to watch and cheer on their friends, while the rest would mingle and chat, catching up on the joys of life. The children romped freely as they had all day long, stopping only to beg of the refreshments, each eager for the sweetest to be had. Misha had purchased a large number of pastries from the baker, though neither he nor many of the Longs ever had a chance to taste one as they disappeared down young mouths faster than their mothers could reprove them. Kayla arrived not long after the first food delivery was made, and after giving Charles and Kimberly firm hugs, asked if there was anything she could do to help. “If you have any of those detailed maps we could borrow, aye,” Charles replied. “Not of the Southlands, no. Will it even be safe to journey near Marzac again?” Charles shrugged. “I can only hope it will be. If not we'll be forced to circumnavigate Kitchlande and I'll be delayed another year; and who knows if Jerome can hold out so long. The other choice is to attempt a land crossing through Boreaux in northern Kitchlande, and with a group as beastly as we are, such a crossing would be very dangerous. Where's Rick?” Kayla laughed and twirled her long, striped tail. “Oh, off killing things like he wanted.” In a quieter voice she added, “If all goes well, he may be away for the entire Summer. There's a chance he could help the free men of Arabarb reclaim control of the pass into the Giantdowns. After being kept an invalid so long, he sprung at the chance.” “Truly? I suppose they need it but... don't you miss him?” Kayla nodded and her eyes took a far off cast. “I do. But he needs this. He may think he's a rogue, but even Rickkter needs to be the hero!” Charles tipped back his head and laughed long and hard. Not long after the skunk arrived the final companion on their journey to Marzac arrived. Lindsey had not yet learned how to take a human form, and so the new dragon landed on one of the balconies to the screams of several ladies who had gathered to enjoy the afternoon sun. The screams turned to cautious laughter after Lindsey announced himself and apologized. He even shared a sip of tea with them before continuing down to main hall where his friends awaited. “Oh, Lindsey, you look so handsome as a dragon!” Jessica crowed as she hopped around him, bright eyes admiring his vermilion-touched scales. Kayla gave him a firm hug around his neck, mindful of the pair of ivory-white horns sticking out the back of his head. He leaned back on his haunches to return the skunk's hug, and then gave one to the excited hawk. “Thank you, Jessica, Kayla. I am so glad to see you both well, and to see you again! Who would have ever thought I would actually be a dragon!” “It suits you well,” Kayla assured him. “Your eyes are still you.” Jessica looked him up and down and then seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. “I don't see the child spell I cast on you anymore. I was afraid it might have become permanent!” Lindsey busied himself giving both Charles and James a firm hug when the rat and donkey came to see their friend, before turning back to the hawk and tilting his crocodilian jaws to one side. “I did have a sudden growth spurt a few weeks ago, but my brother tells me I am the proper size for a dragon of my age. Whether your spell or no, I have another childhood to live through, and a much longer one too!” “How long?” Lindsey pulled his long tail in around his feet. “Another thirty years I fear. I have a dragon's life now. My brother tells me a time will come when I will learn how to make friends with those whose lives are a blink of a dragon's eye. I will see your families blossom and flourish for many generations. I don't know how I should feel about it yet. Just thinking of it makes me sad.” Kayla and Jessica both hugged the dragon tight, while James and Charles grimaced. The donkey, in a low voice, murmured, “Well, I suppose you can tell all of our grandchildren and their grandchildren about us.” “And I know,” Charles added, “I will feel better knowing one of my dearest friends will always be there to watch over my descendants. Somebody will need to keep them from straying!” Lindsey nuzzled skunk and hawk before offering rat and donkey an anxious glance. “I'm not sure I am up to so great a challenge, but it is something. Phar did say to befriend families.” Charles cast a glance at the entrance to Long House and smiled anew. “Speaking of which, here is another friend to our family who comes to our aid once more.” All of their heads turned and they saw a familiar marten accompanied by a beautifully dressed vixen make their entrance. Despite his reputation as a showman and a fop, his attire, while still extravagant with gold brocade trimming at the cuffs and collar and clashing scarlet doublet and green tunic, felt restrained. Charles saw in it a simple message; Malger was a noble and expected to be treated as such, but one who knew he was only a guest of another man more highly regarded than he. And of the latter, Malger did not appear to mind. The rat wasted no time in going to greet him. His Marzac friends came, each of them also owing a debt of gratitude to the Archduke. “Your grace, welcome to Long House,” Charles called, offering a sweep of one arm toward the hall, and then open arms to embrace the man he owed more than he dared admit. Malger smiled, and gave the rat a polite but genuine hug before leaning back and nodding his approval. “The Keep has created quite a fortress within itself! I have heard the tale of the defense mounted from within these walls against Nasoj's wintry assault. I am grateful to see even this part of it tonight. It is even better to see each of you again. It seems so short a time ago we crossed the seas from a doomed land to return home. Of course, you know Misanthe.” The vixen, garbed in a gown of vermilion to match Malger's raiment which complemented her russet fur, curtsied with a blush of her backed ears. Charles inclined his head toward the vixen. “You look beautiful. Thank you for all you will be doing to help us on our way.” Misanthe seemed a little uncomfortable being treated above what was once her station. Raised as a servant little better than a slave in her home country now to be treated as a nobleman's lady left her terribly self-conscious. “I am glad I can help, Sir Matthias.” “Lady Kimberly was hoping to speak with you when you arrived. I think she is going to ask you to help keep watch over our children.” Misanthe's ears twitched, whiskers drooping as she frowned and cast her eyes down. “It has been many years since I have had the care of children, sire.” Her small hands turned to wave across her body. “Not since becoming... this, at all.” Charles nodded his head, understanding her reservations. “Malger trusts you, milady, and we trust him. He speaks quite well of you, almost to the point of exasperation at times.” He smiled and reached out to touch her arm lightly with the tips of his fingers. “You will also be the only other woman on our voyage. My wife does not wish to be alone in a sea of men.” Kayla extended an arm to the vixen. The skunk's tail brushed against the fox's and her jowls lifted to reveal little white fangs. “Come now, Misanthe. Trust me, these four are the sweetest little children you will ever meet. And Lady Kimberly a dear friend you'll never wish to lose.” The vixen nodded slowly with a timorous lift at the corners of her muzzle. “I am not uncomfortable around children, no. The least years at the crèche are spent caring for and training the youngest, it is not a task difficult to me. But, ahh, I am a fox and they... well...?” She cast a glance toward Malger and then over to Charles. “You would trust me with your children, sir rat, and your Lady?” Charles actually laughed warmly and nodded. “While some are taken by the instinctive desires of their new selves, they are few. And Malger tells me you have conquered it even so, being able to speak while in your smaller form. So aye, I am willing to trust you with my children on his grace's assurance. My lady wife will be much comforted to have another woman along, for company if nothing more.” “The Lady Kimberly is here, if you would like to meet her, as are the children.” Kayla waved a hand toward the far end of the hall. Misanthe smiled to the skunk, following the motion of her hand and said, “I have met them once before; briefly.” Taking a short breath she glanced at Malger who offered a gracious nod and slight motion of one hand, releasing her. The vixen let the skunk lead her to the other end of the hall where the children were at play and their mothers and some of the other Longs were watching them. Charles smiled after them before turning back to the marten. “And how are you faring, Malger? Is all ready for our departure?” Malger clasped his hands behind his back and watched as Misanthe was introduced to the children and Lady Kimberly across the hall. “As much as any such things can be ready for a journey.” He offered with a slow now, whiskers lifting as he smiled. One of the young rats, whose name he did not yet know, unabashedly asked to be picked up by the fox while another of darker hue and in a girl's dress immediately latched onto the vixen's tail. He turned his sober gaze on the rat beside him. “The Duke was quite interested in our itinerary and well pleased we are expanding outward despite the limitations of our rather unorthodox appearances. It will be our greatest challenge, I think, as well our greatest asset.” “Asset?” Charles asked with a lift of one brow, his round ears pricking forward. “Indeed. We will be remarkable. Indeed, beyond remarkable. The curious will listen to us as they might ignore others passing through. Even without the weight of nobility I will bring we would find ourselves treating with the most powerful personages in the cities we pass through, for the simple sake of curiosity.” His whiskers twitched with a momentary tightening of his lips. “And fear will also dog our paws. Fears of the different, we dread skin-changers of Metamor. Fear exploited for advantage. Politics, always.” Charles chuckled ruefully as he turned his own gaze toward his children. Little Charles stood before Misanthe, who held Erick in her arms while letting Bernadette explore the comparison of her fox tail versus rat tail with the patience of a saint. His eldest child asked Misanthe something with an expression of bland seriousness which made the fox's ears twitch forward before she glanced at Kimberly who was similarly surprised. At the vixen's nod Charles assumed it was something about the trip, or some other unexpected question she could answer affirmatively while Kimberly looked on with a slight look of self-conscious discomfiture. “Thomas asked me to convey some diplomatic overtures here and there on our journeys, in those cities we expect to resupply at. Thalberg has already arranged supplies for us while leaving Metamor, and if his boasting is to be believed, generous prices in several cities along the way. ” “Politics I leave to you, sir minstrel.” Charles offered with a sardonic glance and a shrug. The machinations and maneuvering of the royals was something he had been trained to be familiar with, as he had to understand them to be able to infiltrate their circles on various missions for the Sondeckis, but it was still something he had little stomach for all the same. Malger had been raised to it and would by far be the better diplomat. Malger went on with a momentary twitch of his whiskers at Charles' droll rejoinder. “I will be hiring on at least one or two more flying escorts, hopefully larger ones in the event anyone needs to be transported swiftly. Two dragons will suit us very well simply by being seen, to keep would-be pirates at bay, but another one or two would be useful. If any can be found they'll meet us at the port with our ship.” “I might carry a child, but not a full grown man,” Lindsey objected. Malger blinked as he turned to see the young dragon reclining just behind them. Peripherally he had been aware of the company, but he had not realized who the reclining reptile was. “Ha! You are smaller than I expected. After meeting your brother I expected you to be larger as well. It is a good thing I elected to hire another flyer or two. No offense intended to you, Master Lindsey.” “None taken, your grace. I am still new to being a dragon.” “And what of Jerome?” Charles asked. “He could be a challenge, I fear. He is fearsome of countenance and I am unsure how well he would be accepted, even after the shipmaster and his crew is presented with us at it is.” What he would not say was his fear of how Jerome would accept the cramped confines of a sea vessel. “Is not Lindsey's brother capable of carrying him?” “Pharcellus?” Charles tilted his head at the question. “I imagine so. He flew Jerome down to the Glen, after all.” “A week's journey,” Lindsey pointed out. “And Phar has spent most of his time since resting.” Malger nodded to both rat and dragon. “Perhaps, at least until the crew is used to us, he might stay aloft during the day.” It was not a question but an option, one Charles would have to consider. It would be easier than trying to conceal Jerome in the hold or whatever the ship had for cabins. He made a mental note to ask Pharcellus about it when he saw the dragon again. “If whomever else we manage to hire are amenable, many of the smaller travelers can fly as well. It will put more eyes aloft where they would be useful, and ease some of the crowding on the ship.” Charles pondered and then laughed with a shake of his head. “Whom among us would desire it, sir? You? I would have no issues with it, but I daresay neither my wife nor children can offer much for eyes, even should she allow it.” “A dragon's back in the sky would be far safer than a ship in a storm, I daresay.” Malger countered with a smile, rocking lazily on his booted paws. “But I understand. Misanthe is smart, very adaptable, and rather amazingly brave, but I have not thought to ask her what she thinks of being so far off the ground.” With a tilt of his head he glanced at Charles. “She actually attacked an assassin who had caught me exposed and unable to react, did I not mention? Tore her throat out with her own teeth and saved my skin, and took a blade for it. Before I had even come to realize what had just happened, she bit the hand of another who sought my death.” The marten rubbed the left side of his chest at the memory. “In the span of less than a score of breaths she saved my life twice. So, never fear, my friend. She will defend yours as fiercely as any parent.” “Two?” Charles' brows shut up and he threw a glance at the petite fox surrounded and partially buried by several children. “With her teeth?” “Well, she did have a stiletto, but... for the most part, yes.” While the female and children got to know each other Malger told the lengthy story of Misanthe's apparent death and reappearance in the moments before Malger would have died at the hands of an implacable foe. Charles, Lindsey, and James listened with rapt attention. ---------- The gathering continued for many hours. Stories were shared and old adventures relived. Food in a variety of breads, cheeses, meats, and fruits were sampled with great delight. Both ale and wine disappeared from the larders. The children scarfed sweet pastries with their meat and cheese and washed them down with fresh milk. Charles moved between his friends, making sure he spent some time with each. He also spent a little time playing with his children and helping them play with Lindsey. As much as he enjoyed spending one last evening with his friends, he felt the hour keenly. In another day's time he would not even be able to see the towers of Metamor anymore, and would not again for at least a year. He thought he'd managed to say goodbye to everything yesterday, but the Keep itself remained. He caught himself touching the walls as he passed and trailing his claws across the stone. He'd already said goodbye to his beloved home in Glen Avery. Why was leaving the Keep so much harder? He found himself walking the balcony with Misha, a goblet of wine in one hand, while the rest of his friends commiserated below. The fox offered him a gentle smile. “Do you remember when we found this place?” “Aye. I will never forget it. You nearly caught me several times.” “It was almost two years ago. Two years ago we went on our first mission together.” “To Glen Avery. We were to make a show of ourselves, and yet end up stopping an incursion of Lutins!” Misha nodded. “By the loathsome Calephas.” He spat on the ground. “May he rot in hell.” Charles shuddered and gasped. “He is, Misha.” “What?” “Calephas is rotting in hell. He is tormented by his sins and the sins of others under in Ba'al's domain. I saw him. I smashed him to pieces.” Charles shook his head, his words gasped. He'd already confessed the sins to Father Felsah who had welcomed them nonplussed. “Misha, after seeing it all, I could not wish it on anyone else, not even Nasoj himself. There's something else...” Misha put a paw on the rat's shoulder. “You told me a little of what you saw. My friend Drift... you don't need to tell me more, my friend. I know how it must haunt you. I know you didn't get any sleep last night.” “Or many nights,” Charles admitted. “But this is something you should know. I saw... I saw him, Misha.” The fox blinked, his one ear lifting. “Him who?” “Would you forgive me for mentioning his name in these halls?” Misha's gray eyes pondered the rat's words for a moment, before they opened wide and a tremble touched his whiskers. “You... you... did...” His tongue clove to the roof of his mouth for several seconds as he tried to force the name from his throat. He did not succeed. “Him.” Charles sighed and nodded. “All he ever wanted was to have a command among the Longs as he'd once had before Three Gates. Bitterness poisoned him. Even in death all he wanted was to prove himself to you. If not for his aid, I would not have survived.” Charles looked the fox full in his face. “He repented at the end, Misha. I know it. And so should you.” Misha stammered again, his arms and legs shaking. He gripped the rat's shoulder tight, his frame buckling for a moment. Charles feared the fox would collapse to the ground; instead he fell against the rat's chest, narrow snout barely crossing over the rat's shoulder. His voice wavered but did not sob. “Charles, tell me everything; everything he said. I must... I must know.” The rat held his friend tight and replied, “I will. I am sorry I did not tell you sooner.” Misha pushed himself back up and steeled his face. “Now is the time we have. Tell me what he said and did. He was... a brother. And I love him still.” Charles patted the fox on the shoulder and in a quiet whisper no other could hear, he described the machine in which he'd found the traitor to the Long Scouts, Baldwin the condor, and what he had done and said in the interminable moments after. Misha listened quietly while his friend spoke. He held his body still as a statue. The only trace of movement was his slow, steady breathing. His eyes were locked onto Charles and seemed to bore through the rodent. Eventually Charles fell silent as his tale came to an end. Misha didn't speak, but seemed to stare into nothing for a long time. “I... I...” He stuttered for a moment, fell silent again, and only after a long breath found his voice. “I'm grateful to you for telling me. I'm glad to finally understand why.” Misha closed his eyes and sighed loudly. After a moment he turned to Charles and looked at him. When he spoke there was pain in his voice, and in his face and eyes. “I am relieved to see he has finally gained peace.” Misha hugged his friend. “Thank you.” Charles did not have time to return the embrace as the fox spun around and raced off to be alone with his thoughts. Charles watched the empty space where his friend had stood for long moments. Then, he too moved, turning and downing the last of his wine. ---------- Malger enjoyed the gathering and did his best not to be the center of attention. After regaling Charles and his friends with Misanthe's tale, he mingled with the Long Scouts, broke out his flute and played a few songs, and otherwise enjoyed himself and made sure others found pleasure in his company rather than the discomfiture of dealing with his noble statue. He enjoyed a liberal helping of wine and sampled every morsel offered. By the time evening arrived he felt quite contented and knew he would have a long sleep. And as evening bore down he noticed the families one by one sending their children off to bed. Misanthe was still watching over the little rats with Lady Kimberly and her opossum handmaid. Malger saw the fox's ease and the spark of delight in her eyes as she worked with those scampering balls of energy. It warmed his heart and for a time he did aught but watch her. But evening would not wait. As Lady Kimberly began to stir, Malger approached bending down as he walked at an angle no human could manage and not fall over. All four little rats seemed to notice him at once and scampered up to him, eager to grapple and prove to their mother how awake they were and how they didn't need sleep after all! Malger laughed as four sets of paws gripped his tunic and tugged him down to the ground. They cavorted over his back and squeaked their victory over the big bad marten! Kimberly and Misanthe looked aghast, but Malger shook his head and when it was safe, rolled over onto his back. He jabbed his fingers at one of the girls who squeaked and wriggled out of his grasp and rushed back to her mother. The two boys teamed up and attempted to tickle his sides, but their little claws were no match for his doublet. He gave both a playful hiss. The younger boy declared, “I'm not scared!” “Me either!” Said little Charles, and then tried to tickle Malger again. Malger gave in and laughed some more. He then felt something soft and wet on the top of his head. He tilted back his head and saw the other little girl there smiling at him. “I gave you a kiss!” she declared. Malger laughed again. Kimberly picked up her other daughter and hugged her tight. “How very sweet of you, Baerle. Charles. Erick. It's time for you two to join your sisters in bed. Leave Master Malger alone.” The two boys tried to jab Malger again but at their mother's clicking tongue, stopped and tried to scamper off. Malger put his arm down and caught the elder around his waist. The little boy squeaked and then stared at the marten, as if seeing him for the first time. Malger remembered how the boy had gazed at him when they'd first met, his eyes never leaving the marten the entire time. He saw the same look again. “Hello little Charlie. Are you going to go to sleep now?” “Uh huh. Are you?” “Aye, soon. And I want you to know something. If you see me when you are sleeping, it's all right to come say hi to me, and any with whom you may find me. You can ask your mother and father and they'll say the same.” The boy blinked once, flicked his ears forward and back, wiggled his whiskers, and then squeaked. “Oh. Okay. Good night!” He turned, climbed over Malger's arm, and rushed to where his mother and handmaid waited for him. The opossum scooped the boy into her arms and carried them toward a set of double doors. Misanthe followed them, carrying the other squirming boy in her arms. Malger watched them go, eyes ever on the vixen's lush tail. Only when they were gone and the doors shut behind them did he realize he was still laying on the floor. ---------- May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love, Charles Matthias </body> </html>