<html> <body> Part 4 of 4 Metamor Keep: Bidding Farewell by Charles Matthias May 25, 708 CR To his surprise, Charles actually slept well. He feared after telling Misha some of what had happened to him in the Hells the nightmares would be sure to come. Instead he slept without dreams and awoke refreshed and full of nervous energy. Kimberly was still in bed beside him and together they held each other for several minutes, neither speaking nor needing too. Even in the darkness with only a solitary witchlight to cast a twilight glow at every edge, their eyes spoke for them. Her snout pressed between his neck and shoulder, his nuzzling within her fur, they remained in each other's arms until Charles finally found words to say. “We'll be together.” Kimberly said nothing. They dressed, gathered what few things they had in a pair of trunks and carried them out to the door of their quarters. Kimberly then turned to the hearth and laid several sticks upon the old coals. Charles watched her in awe as she pressed her paws to the tips; for a moment she seemed to hold her breath. A trickle of smoke rose between her fingers; a moment later she coaxed it into flame. A fire built of her own magic, his wife took a small pot, filled it with water, and then hung it over the flame. Charles put a hand on her shoulder and nuzzled between her ears. “My love, what are you doing?” He found it entrancing to see her call up or quench flame. “One last cup of tea before we go. I need one last cup of tea.” He sighed and draped his arms over her chest, pulling her close. “Make it two cups.” ---------- Ever quiet, Kimberly arranged clothes for the children. Charles touched each between the ears with a kiss. “Time to wake up. We're going on an adventure.” ---------- Six rats and three heavy trunks of clothes, grooming equipment, and other essentials gathered in the main hall of Long House in the early hours of the morning. Charles and Kimberly carried their groggy children in their arms and settled down to wait for Julian. James and Baerle joined them only minutes later with a few more trunks filled with everything else the Matthias family would not bring on their journey from excess clothes to toys and precious keepsakes they were sure to lose on a sea voyage. While the rats headed south, the donkey and opossum would return these treasures north to the Glen. Some Charles had told his friend to give to other families as they had need. Others, such as the little wooden and glass figurines they'd been gifted at their wedding, were to be protected in hopes they would see them again one day. James scuffed his hooves on the stone floor as they waited, eyes narrowed, taking long, slow breaths. Charles took a few bites from a chewstick to calm himself before saying, “Is there something you want to say, James?” The donkey lifted his long ears and glanced at Baerle and then the rats. “Charles, I... are you sure you want us to stay here? The children have always had Baerle to help mind them, and you have had me as your servant and friend for over a year now. You do not know what dangers you and your family are going to face. We have proven your trust in us is well-deserved. Why do you send us away now?” Charles patted his wife's hand, and then scooped his two boys from his lap and nestled them down between two trunks. They opened their eyes, twitched their whiskers, and then cuddled together and fell back asleep. “James, take a walk with me. There are a few things I need to tell you.” Baerle moved to where Charles had sat to keep an eye on the boys while the donkey followed him. He said nothing to James until they had crossed half the length of Long House and then only in a whisper. “What I tell you now I have not uttered beyond the chamber of my heart. But first, I wish I could have you at my side on this adventure. I depend on you, James, for a great many things. Those days you are off scouting for the Glen... I feel as if I am riding with my right arm missing. I am going to miss you more than anyone else here at Metamor, James. “And you are right; I do trust you. I know you will never betray me or do anything which might bring harm to my family. This is why I need you to stay here in Metamor. This is why you are now Steward to my house. You have a very challenging task ahead of you but I would have no other but you do it.” James murmured, “What would you have me do?” “Baron Avery gave me the Narrows as my fief. Baron Barnhardt claims the Narrows are his lands. Glenners and Lakelanders have been squabbling over it for generations. I am Baron Avery's sworn vassal, and as such I am required to take his side in this conflict. If the Narrows did not belong to Baron Avery, then I have no fief at all! But I do not want to feud with the Lakelanders. I owe it to my Baron to foster friendly neighbors. As my Steward, in my absence, this task now falls to you.” James turned his ears fully to the rat. Charles leaned in closer, one arm around the donkey's back. “Right now George keeps patrols moving through the Narrows to break up fights between Glenner and Lakelander.” “Jessica and Weyden were there during the plague, I remember.” “Aye, they were. And I've asked George to keep them there for now. In another week or two our friends should return. As Steward, it will be your job to meet with them and learn all they know of the comings and goings on my land. Most of what they will do is break up fights and try to force Glenners and Lakelanders treat each other as good neighbors. “As Steward, you have authority to decide what is and is not done on my land. Baron Avery has certain rights over the Narrows which you must respect. He is not to be denied his share of game nor his rights to send scouts through the Narrows. But he is also Duke Thomas's vassal, and it is Duke Thomas's will for peace in the valley. I will this too. You are to welcome Lakelanders in the Narrows as guests and friends. The shepherd Silvas is to be given every courtesy and grazing rights on whatever land his flock wanders. Contested game should be divided evenly, though both Baron Avery and my rights need to be respected. You need to eat as well, my friend, and as my Steward, you are permitted my share. “I want my land to become profitable. You know my plans for a keep. Work with Gibson and Julian to lay the foundations. Both are men I trust to put the interests of my family first. Rely on our friends for help and advice. Jessica knows most of the mages at Metamor and is highly respected. Kayla works for Andwyn and knows more secrets than any of us! Misha will always come to the aid of his friends, and through me you have become one of them. Never forget how many friends we have! “One last thing. I am a knight and as a minor noble I have rights now which I did not possess a few months ago. Learn them well. As Steward to my house, you now can insist on those rights on behalf of my house. You should do so when it is necessary, but be charitable when it is not. In all things do whatever seems prudent to you. I trust you, my friend. You will do as I ask when I am right and you will not hesitate to tell me when I am wrong. You are my right arm, James. I know when I return I will find my house more prosperous and respected than I do today. I have no other instructions for you. Do you have any questions for me?” James took a deep breath, ears backed, tail flicking from side to side. The tuft made a little brushing sound against the back of his breeches. “Two years ago I was nothing more than a junior merchant in a shop selling cuts of meat. I hoped one day I'd be able to operate a shop of my own. Now you give me more responsibility than I ever wanted or dreamed. I don't know if I can live up to your expectations, but I will try.” He lifted one hand and placed it on the rat's shoulder. The awe in his voice gave way to worry. “But are you sure you can trust the Archduke and his mistress? He did deliver us back home to Metamor, but how well do you really know either of them? You are not paying him to lead you on this adventure; what will you owe him on your return? One way or another, you will be his servant, Charles. I fear you will owe him more than you can imagine. He may say you owe him nothing, but he is a crafty one, this Sutt. From all I have heard with these ears of mine his family was a devilish one bent on conquest. He will find a way to profit; I fear it may come at your expense. Have you considered this?” Charles nodded and sighed. “I have considered it. And in truth, I already owe Malger more than I care to admit. If I am to be his servant, so be it. From what I have seen, he affords his servants great latitude and respect. I do not fear what he may ask of me in the days ahead. And you should not either, my friend. For what we seek to do will make a better man out of him as well as I.” James grimaced but the urgency of fear left his countenance. “I still wish I could go with you.” The rat's whiskers twitched as a smile spread into his cheeks. “I wish you could. But there is one other advantage to remaining here. How fare you and Baerle?” A blush touched the donkey's eyes and he stammered in reply, “We... uh... well... she accepts my interest. I think she... I think... she enjoys my company.' “Then you have a much greater responsibility than I could give; you must win her heart, my friend. Both your happiness and her own are dear to me. Win her, James. It will be much easier with me a thousand leagues away.” The donkey cast a furtive glance at the opossum sitting with Lady Kimberly and his tail swished faster. “I had not thought... I... thank you, Charles. I will win her. I will!” “Good man!” Charles clapped him on the back and laughed. “Now, let us return to our lovely ladies and wait for our friends to tell us it is time.” And together they did, quietly reminiscing over their many days of friendship and their hopes for the future until the moment Julian arrived. ---------- Julian arranged three of his wagons to carry them and all of their belongings to Menth. Joining them was Hesgebaern the bison leading Malger's carriage so the Archduke could travel befitting his station. James helped Charles load his trunks into the middle wagon along with many of the supplies they would need to begin their journey. The rest of the foodstuffs occupied the final wagon in addition to Lindsey who was just small enough to fit; the young dragon reclined atop the crates like a lizard sunning himself. Lady Kimberly, Garigan, and the children would all ride in the first wagon to keep them safe. Charles would ride alongside. A clear-blue sky welcomed them with the early dawn sun peeking above the heights of the Barrier mountains in the southeast. The air was cool and damp with the morning dew. Everyone, even the children were quiet and did what was necessary with only a word here and there. Julian helped Kimberly into the wagon, and then both took the children as Charles and James hoisted them up in turn. Little snouts peered over the edge of the wagons, eyes wide and curious. Baerle brushed her fingers over each of their snouts, standing on her toes to give each of them one last kiss good-bye. Goldmark and Elliot checked the rigging for each wagon, while the bison and a pale Percheron Keeper fussed over the carriage. Of certain horses they asked if they were comfortable; two nodded their heads, but the third flicked his head back; sure enough the buckle around his middle was a little tight. There were twelve horses altogether, two for each wagon and six for the carriage. Charles asked Elliot why they had so many and his friend flashed him a bemused smile. “It was Versyd's suggestion.” Elliot bobbed his head toward the Percheron; Charles recognized him from the Glen. “We will return from Menth with neither passengers nor cargo, but we are still Keepers. Four of these horses are men like us, and there will be Versyd too. They will help protect us on the journey home.” The rat chuckled and nodded his head toward the last wagon in the train. “A bit of the cargo is their wardrobe and weapons, too. If they're to return on two hooves instead of four they thought it best to do so a tad less than skyclad.” Charles blinked and then laughed with his friend, having overlooked so small a detail. It was the most words any of them offered while the final preparations were made. Misha and Caroline arrived a few minutes later leading Charles's pony Malicon. His coat had been brushed and tack cleaned. Charles smiled to fox and otter before stroking the pony's head and giving him a gentle scratch between the ears. Malicon whickered and bumped the rat's arm, asking for more. Caroline left the rat and fox together to give Kimberly and the children one last greeting. Charles turned to his friend and the two hugged close. “At least this time,” the fox mused, “you aren't leaving to fight crazed ancient beings trying to end the world.” “Some consolation I suppose,” Charles admitted with a mirthless laugh. “How far will you come?” “I dare not,” Misha admitted with a sigh. “If I follow you even to the gates I will follow you all the way to Sondeshara. But you will be safe as long as you are in the Valley. The Longs will be watching. And so I will be watching.” “Then we will be safe,” Charles replied, forcing a smile to his cheeks. He cast a glance at Caroline who had climbed into the wagon and held Kimberly tight. “I had hoped to be there at your wedding, but it will please me more to return home to find you both working on playmates for my children.” The fox's one ear lifted up in surprise and then lowered in uncertainty. Charles had seen this fox face down nightmare terrors from the realm of the Daedra and hordes of Lutins and mages without the slightest hesitation; he hurled himself into the midst of melee with a snarl and a laugh. Yet in the face of a woman he had no courage to do what his heart desired. Charles could only keep smiling. “Well, I... I hope. I know she wants children. I just...” Misha shook his head and laughed. “You were once like this too!” “I know. Which is why I'm hopeful for you and my other friends.” “Thank you!” Misha said and paused for a moment. His snout tilted down as his fingers fumbled at the drawstring to a leather pouch at his side; curious, Charles said nothing. The fox managed the laces, pulled something out, and offered it to the rat. It was a simple unadorned amulet of copper whose only marking was an engraving of a hook shape; claw or talon perhaps. “This is for you and I insist you take it.” Charles studied the object, turning it over in his hands. “What is it?” “If you need help in a fight,” the fox explained. “Hold it in your hand and pronounce the command word Artellum. It will bring forth a Summoning to fight for you; for a short while only, but against most enemies nothing more would be needed.” “A Summoning?” “It's a thing of magic. Not truly alive.” Misha brought his hands together and wiggled his fingers for a moment. “It's difficult to describe. Its claws and teeth are sharp.” He gave a yip of laughter. “I can attest to how sharp they are! But be careful, it will only work once.” The rat closed his fingers over the amulet and smiled, whiskers drooping and then lifting. “I knew you would find a way to help. Thank you, my friend, my brother!” Charles grasped the fox's arm, and the two hugged. “Good bye, Misha. Eli willing I will see you again in a year or two.” “Eli go with you, Charles. May He bless your family all your days and bring you home.” They smiled, faces brave, and parted. Charles lead Malicon by the reins to the wagons. Caroline gave him a firm hug and then she too stepped aside, returning to where Misha watched near the gardens. James and Baerle followed. While his children reached out to pet the pony, Charles saw Malger and Misanthe emerging from the Keep. To the rat's surprise they walked alone; no servants and no fanfare to accompany them. The marten's attire was flamboyant with bands of colors angling across his doublet so he appeared more an ornamental heraldic emblem than a well-dressed Keeper. Yet nothing else in his manner drew attention to himself. If not for the bright colors, he would appear as nothing more than any other Keeper out for a morning stroll with a lady. Misanthe bore suitable clothes for travel with an err toward comfort rather than foppishness as Malger displayed. Even in simple, if somewhat elegant, servant's attire she was a fetching sight. All eyes turned to watch her. Even in his finery, Malger could not outshine the vixen. Versyd and Hesgebaern met them a dozen paces from the wagons and carriage. Malger gave the horse a reproving glance. “You are not properly dressed, Versyd!” “I thought you would prefer your carriage, your grace.” The marten's gaze did not waver, but their was a hint of delight in it. “For when I need sleep or if the sky opens and dumps rain to drench our fur to the bone. But on a day like this, I will ride and show off my magnificent steed!” The horse's ears lifted and his supple lips stretched proud. “Of course. I shall change immediately, your grace!” Hesgebaern rolled his eyes and his pipe between his thick lips before lumbering after the young stallion. Curious, Charles watched as the pair withdrew an ornate saddle and tack from the last wagon. They disappeared behind it, but he could see their legs beneath. At first, each stood on two hooves, and then the horse's lifted to remove his breeches. A moment later and another pair of hooves fell to the stone causeway. By the time Malger sauntered over to the rat, the bison emerged followed by a massive charger, saddled and almost dancing with regal step. “Are we all gathered then, Sir Matthias?” “I believe so.” He and Garigan helped Misanthe climb into the wagon with Kimberly and the children. The little rats greeted the vixen with excited squeaks. “Pharcellus and Jerome are waiting outside the city. I only do not know where the birds are.” “Lubec and Machais left for Menth yesterday with a message. Quoddy wished to find our dragon friends; I expect we will see him when we leave Euper. If there is nothing else then, we should be off. We have a long journey ahead of us.” Charles pulled his chewstick to his incisors for one last quick nibble before saying, “Then we can leave as soon as you are ready.” Versyd trotted to Malger's side and nudged him in the back. The marten laughed and stepped around to his side. “And soon. Versyd wants to show off his prance!” He laughed one last time as he climbed atop Malicon, Malger matching his motion as if choreographed, Versyd arching his neck and flagging his tail with a proud dance once the marten had settled. Charles smiled to Kimberly and down to his children. He waved back at Misha, Caroline, James, and Baerle. And last he turned to Julian in the lead wagon. “Let us be off.” Julian gave a verbal command, one echoed by Elliot and Goldmark in the other wagons. The once-human horses strained against the rigging until the normal horses caught on and started forward in tandem. The wagons jerked forward, jostling everyone aboard. Charles nudged Malicon's sides and the pony took up a comfortable gait, keeping alongside the first wagon. Versyd with Malger stomped past him to lead the procession. The Percheron almost danced on his hooves, each clattering against the stone with an asymmetrical yet rhythmic clop. Malger rode tall, statue still, a thrilled grin stretching his snout. Charles shook his head and sighed. ---------- Keeptowne slipped by with little more than a few friends waving as they passed. His children were still young enough to be impressed by the tall, close-packed buildings and the fountains in the market district. They pointed each of these out with delight, asking if they could climb the walls or splash in the fountain. Each unusual Keeper also inspired a question, and Charles did his best to recall their taxonomy. Often times his reply was, “Lizard”, “Bird”, or “I have no idea, sorry.” While they traversed the Killing Fields and the long slope down to Euper, Versyd relaxed his gait and plodded along much as Malicon did. The four Keepers helping to pull the wagons and carriage had long matched their pace to the normal horses so he no longer could tell which was which. Charles had resisted the urge to wave goodbye to the place she had known and loved since coming to Metamor almost nine years ago. But on the slope to Euper he twisted in the saddle to offer a single farewell. There was little in Euper Charles recognized; what few places he had known had been destroyed in Nasoj's Winter Assault, and even the course of the main road seemed different to him since then. He spoke with his wife and Misanthe, telling them some of the history of the town nestled at the Keep's feet. At the head of the procession, Versyd trotted with regal splendor and Malger soaked in the curious gaze of onlookers. Behind them his fellow rats kept the wagons in line with little words and the occasional tug on the reins; Lindsey waved from his perch, flapping his wings and making silly dragon faces at the Euper children. The sun finished climbing above the mountains by the time they passed through the gates of Euper. The road widened into a broad hard-packed boulevard of dirt rutted by wagon wheels and pitted by hooves. A branch led down to the small lake which was truly nothing more than an over-sized eddy in the river, while the main road led north and south along the western edge of the prominence on which the Keep perched. Where the road began south in earnest a large group of Keepers waited. On the opposite side of the road reclined a good-sized dragon and an oddly shaped man hunched beneath a wing. Charles blinked in surprise and delight when he recognized the Keepers. Jessica and Weyden stood before a giraffe and the human woman who was his wife, a ram with a long-stemmed pipe in his teeth, and a youth. Beside them were two knights, an elk and a rat, and an oryx squire, all mounted and ready for travel. “Sir Saulius!” Charles exclaimed, nudging Malicon forward. His fellow rat knight moved forward from the group, a wide grin twitching his whiskers. “Sir Matthias! Didst thee believe I wouldst let thee go without so much as a 'fare thee well'?” They hugged and Charles laughed in delight. “I am glad to see you! I thought you were on patrol up north?” The elk, Sir Egland, rode up alongside them with his squire not far behind. “We received orders two days ago to escort you to Menth and to guard all those returning to Metamor.” The elk bobbed his head toward the marten as he rode up alongside. His antlers were still growing for the season, but already they promised to be a pair the envy of any hunter. “I am proud to serve as your honor guard, your grace!” Malger chuffed but smiled. “I am pleased to know we have such good men as yourselves to protect us and our friends as they return home. We may only have a few days, but I am eager to hear of your adventures. And perhaps, if perchance you have your viola, we can join in song?” “Alas my viola remains at home, but musicians will always find a way to make lovely melody.” While elk and marten commiserated, Sir Saulius trotted over to the wagons and greeted Kimberly ad the children. He nuzzled their noses with his own, tickling them with his whiskers. He lifted his namesake from the wagon and set him on his pony's neck. Little Erick clutched at the saddle horn with excited squeaks. The other children immediately begged for a chance to ride too. Charles picked up his eldest boy and set him on Malicon's neck. “Bernadette, Baerle, you two will have your turns in a moment.” “Nay,” Egland intoned with a smooth baritone rumble, his heavy steed's hooves thudding up along the opposite side of the wagon. “Let them not feel second to those rapscallions.” Holding out an arm he carefully lifted Baerle onto his saddle while his squire, on an equally massive warhorse, accepted Bernadette onto his. The two girls squeaked merrily before the two gallant gentlemen as their prancing mounts moved forward to join the others. Jessica, Weyden, and the other members of their patrol team waited for the wagons to reach them and then fell in step beside them. Jessica hopped alongside Malicon and looked up at him. “You can thank Kayla. She pestered George to let your friends accompany you to Menth until the jackal gave in. I wish we could go further, but... for some of us it will be the first time we've left the valley since we came!” She cast a glance at every other member of her patrol. “With so many of us, I know we will be safe.” “I'm glad of it. Tell Kayla thank you and I owe her for this.” “Between friends you owe nothing.” Jessica assured him. Her eyes lit upon the dragon. Charles nodded and after depositing his son with his siblings, rode between the wagons and a little ahead. When he reached the pair reclining beside the road, he dismounted and approached. “Good morning, Sir Matthias. A beautiful day for journeys, is it not?” “Good morning, Pharcellus. Thank you for watching over my friend. And yes, it is a beautiful day. May Eli bless us with many more!” The dragon made the sign of the yew with one claw, and then peered over the rat's shoulder at the train of wagons. “We'll follow along behind; no need to spook the horses.” “Some of them are Keepers so you shouldn't, but for now it's probably wise. Thank you, Pharcellus.” He turned to Jerome. His fellow Sondeckis was mostly human in shape, though his legs were still deformed, ending in black paws. A tail dangled through a gap in his robe. His jaws protruded beneath cleft lips and a darkened, flat nose, while his ears stretched to fur-covered points. But at least his eyes were the same as they had been in youth. He met Charles and his lips formed a smile, fangs protruding where they parted. “I'm ready, Charles,” Jerome said, only a faint growl hiding beneath his words. “You needn't worry about me.” “It is a long journey, but we'll make it.” “To Sondeshara?” Charles smiled. “To our home.” ---------- THE END May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love, Charles Matthias </body> </html>