Читать книгу SYLVAN ELF CHRONICLES - Christianne Van Keuren - Страница 11

Chapter Five

TOBIAS was to spend the night in the guest quarters of the command post after being invited to dinner with the Major and his wife. The Major had treated Tobias with the respect the Major felt due his true station, not the one he was being subjected to with Nalas. Tobias was a little distrustful at first until he realized the Major was being sincere.

Dinner had been a pleasant affair and the Major just kept silent as he watched Tobias interact with his wife and children. Tobias stood, as did he, when his wife rose to clear the table. Tobias began to automatically stack his own dishes until she waved him back into his seat.

“Oh, please sit and relax with my husband Master Tobias. It isn’t often that he gets company other than those who deal with military matters. It will be good for him. My children are well versed at clearing a table.” Her gaze scanned the young faces staring at her. “Right?”

Minor groans arose as the children did.

“Hush and listen to your mother.”

A round of ‘Yes Sirs’ accompanied busy hands. The youngest reached for Tobias’ plate as he looked directly into his face, eyes wide with curiosity. Tobias smiled warmly at the child.

“Thank you most kindly young master.”

Bashfulness overrode curiosity as he ducked his head while removing the plate. “You’re welcome Sir.” The boy whispered as he beat a hasty retreat behind his mother and siblings. Tobias watched him, a wistful look on his face as he remembered his students and how much he missed teaching.

The Major continued to observe the scene unwinding before him. He saw the look on Tobias’ face. There was more to this man than the mere servant he professed to be. The look he gave the children was one that he had seen before. It was not one that made you fear for their safety, to the contrary, the Major felt he could trust Tobias. He had every intention of finding out exactly what the difference was. Speaking to Tobias, he rose.

“My wife is quite correct. I do need some conversation and company dealing with something other than the impending war.” The startled look on Tobias’ face told him he hit a sensitive point.

“Shall we retire to my study to discuss matters?” The Major placed one hand firmly on the back of Tobias’ elbow and extended the other towards a door of his study. Tobias had no choice, but to do as directed. “Right this way Master Tobias.”

“I thank you kindly, but I feel as if I have intruded enough on your time with your family…I…I should just go back to my room and get a good night’s sleep.”

“Oh, you needn’t worry Master Tobias, I’ll have plenty of time after you leave tomorrow to return to Nalas, but for now come join me for a brandy.”

The mention of Nalas’ name triggered a painful look to cross Tobias’ face and yet the offer of a brandy seemed to ease it. The prospect of a nice after dinner brandy was more than he dared hope for.

“Oh I haven’t,” but Tobias quickly snapped his mouth shut as he remembered that he was not what he used to be or could do any more, but sadly of what he was now. The Major saw the conflict and finished his sentence for him.

“Haven’t enjoyed some of the nicer amenities in a while as due your true station.”

Tobias wasn’t sure if he should just leave quickly or try and bluff his way out of the discussion. The softly spoken words of the Major assuage the fears that threatened to push his heart through his chest wall.

“Your secret is safe with me Sir. Now, let’s go enjoy some good brandy and for me some intelligent conversation.” His voice dropping down and taking on a conspiratory tone. “Something other than this self-serving war.”

Tobias shot him a look to see if he was trying to bait him into confessing his distaste for the war or to speak against Nalas, but saw nothing of the kind. No, what he saw was a bright, peaceful man in a hard position trying to scrape out a little civility amongst the cruelty. Tobias acquiesced.

“Yes, yes I will. And it will be rather pleasant to talk about something other than the impending heartaches.”

“Unfortunate, but true.” The Major said as they entered his study and he closed the door behind them.

They emerged two hours later relaxed, faces aglow from the brandy and cigars. Tobias had not felt this relaxed since; his thoughts caught deep in his throat almost choking him. The memories of his own wife and home flooded to the forefront of his mind. He was silent as they walked to the front door, the Major’s wife joining them. Pushing back the heartache he bowed deeply from the waist as he spoke to the Mrs.

“I wish to thank you most kindly for a pleasant evening and a most exceptional meal.”

She inclined her head at the compliment. “You are more than welcome, maybe…” She stopped herself knowing what she was going to suggest was highly unlikely to happen.

“Thank you for entertaining my husband for the evening.”

“Pleasure was all mine.”

The Major extended his hand, Tobias grasped it warmly, a lifeline to civility.

“It’s been a pleasure, Master Tobias. You are a gentleman and a scholar. I also appreciate you coming to me first instead of just spiriting my lieutenant away in the night.”

“There has been too much of that as of late, no courtesy or honor. And the pleasure was truly all mine, I assure you. And again good night.” Tobias turned to face the darkness, but looked back over his shoulder as he added, “I shall take my leave as the morning waits for no man and comes earlier at the present time.”

“Tomorrow morning, my office, bright and early.”

“Ummmm. Tomorrow.” Tobias said rather absentmindedly as he stepped off the porch into the darkness heading for his quarters. He tried not to let the knowledge of returning to Nalas’ fortress dampen his warmth from the brandy. He was halfway down the street before the Major mumbled softly, more to himself than anyone in particular.

“Yes, duty has a way of rearing its ugly head when we least wish it to.” He said as he carefully closed the door. His wife waited a moment before speaking.

“He’s not really a man servant, is he?”

“No.” He looked at her. “I’m the uniformed servant and I’m finding it increasingly more difficult to serve my master. Dinner was excellent, but this impending fiasco turns my stomach sour.”

His wife knew what he told her in confidence she kept strictly to herself. “Then let’s put it behind us for the time being and concentrate on what needs to be done now.” She changed the subject. “So, then calling him a scholar was not far from the mark was it?”

His smile as warm as the kiss he placed on her cheek. “No, it wasn’t”

Most had a somewhat pleasant night’s sleep. Mattea did not. Trevor held her as she explained the what, the why and wherefore of the mission. The difficult task was yet to come. Telling her children. She knew her son would be the difficult one, while her daughter was more pragmatic, like herself; even at the tender age of five.

“Do what you have to do Momma as long as you come back home.” Her small face set. She put her arm around her older brother’s shoulder reassuring him. “Right big brother?”

His nod as emphatic as his answer. “Right.”

Mattea knelt down in front of the two gathering them closely in her arms. She kissed them both before she spoke. “That’s my ultimate mission Sunshine.” She hugged them tighter as she looked up at her husband, “My ultimate mission.”

They spent the day getting her ready for her trip, making a game of it for the children as best as possible. Mattea spent a sleepless night with her husband, both fearing it might be their last. She heard and felt his stifled upset as he lay in the bed next to her. Softly laying her head on his shoulder, Neither speaking a single word they held each other fearing it might be their last.

The brandy Tobias shared with the Major helped ease the pain of having to split a family apart just to appease a self serving narcissist. It allowed him to slide between the sheets and drift off to dreamless sleep for the first time in what seemed like a lifetime. As meager as the quarters were they were a step up from what he was currently used to. The bed clothes were clean and the mattress a tad thicker and vermin free. Tobias actually snuggled down under the blanket, luxuriating in the comforting warmth. Just before he drifted off, Tobias spoke a silent prayer to the Graces to look out for this woman, her family and the others who opposed Nalas. All had a very unpleasant task set before them to fulfill. He wasn’t much of a believer before, but since his forced servitude he hoped someone was listening and he was right.

It seemed his head had just hit the pillow when the reveille bugle announced it was time to rise and shine to the dawn of a new day. He pulled the covers up and yanked the pillow over his head to try and block out the morning light and the impending awakening noises of the barracks. He waited anxiously for the rap on the door demanding his attention. After several long moments none came and he drifted back off to sleep. An hour slipped by before the jarring sharp tapping on his door startled him into wakefulness. Tobias bolted upright in the bed, sleep drunk from falling back to sleep, confused, waking so quickly in a strange bed. He cursed himself for the guilty pleasure of drifting back off.

“Yes?”

“Sir? Major Demarin sent me to wake you.” The voice sounded young.

“Yes, yes, wait just a moment.” Tobias answered scrambling out of the bed to the wash basin. Splashing cold water on his face he tried to chase away the remaining sleepy cobwebs fogging his brain.

“I’ll…I’ll be with you in a moment.” Tobias mumbled through a towel as he scrubbed it dry.

“No rush Sir.”

Tobias washed and dressed most of the way before reaching the door. His suspicions of the soldier’s age were confirmed as soon as he opened the door. He couldn’t have been more than eighteen or nineteen at best.

“Please come in while I finish.”

“Thank you Sir.” He replied as he stepped into the room and shut the door quickly.

“The Major took the liberty of ordering a tray for you in his office.”

“Then I shall thank him when I see him.” Tobias commented as he quickly ran a comb through his hair. He inspected his reflection in the polished mirror above the wash basin. He only wished he could have shaved properly to be presentable. The young soldier seemed to read his mind as he spoke, “I will personally make sure you have a razor and hot water to shave with afterwards. I apologize for not having brought it in before this.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll tell the Major I told you I wanted to rest.”

“Thank you Sir.”

“Well, I did fall back asleep and didn’t hear you the first time.”

“But I.”

“Respectfully didn’t knock loud enough to wake the dead the first time.”

The young soldier just smiled. “Yes Sir.” Extending his arm towards the door, he added. “If you please Sir.”

Tobias looked down at his clothes and tried to smooth the worst of the wrinkles out with his hands, fussing slightly at the more stubborn ones. Tobias caught a different look on the soldier’s face.

“If I may be so bold Sir, you don’t appear to be a…”

“I’m not.” Tobias cut him off before he could finish. “I was rather rudely recruited for my current position, but I guess I’ll have to deal with the hand I’m dealt and make the best of it.” He walked out the door in front of the soldier, stopping on the stoop as he waited for the young man, when he stood next to Tobias, Tobias spoke again. “I guess that’s the best any of us can do isn’t it?”

“Yes Sir.”

They had walked away before Tobias again engaged him in conversation. “So what do you like to do when not on duty?”

He gave Tobias an odd look. “I don’t understand Sir.”

“Do you have any hobbies, reading, fish, and hunting; when you’re not on guard duty, training or escorting visitors about?”

He wasn’t sure on how to answer Tobias. Flustered he stammered. “…I…umm.”

“Relax son, you’re not betraying a confidence, it’s just a general question. I personally like to read as it can let my mind rest and be other places. Fishing allows my mind idle time to clear and regroup. Everyone needs to be able to do that so they can do their best when it counts the most.”

They walked a short distance before he answered Tobias. “When I was younger I used to like reading and I was always good with figures, but I don’t have much time for either one.”

“Make time for yourself. Read. Write a letter, figure out new strategies. Keep your mind active and sharp by working it.”

“Good advice Sir.”

They had reached the main office and the soldier took his leave. “Thanks for the talk and I’ll make sure you have what you need for your trip back. I hope it’s a safe one.”

Tobias hand was on the doorknob as he looked back. “Your assistance and thoughtfulness are greatly appreciated.” A nod passed between the two as they parted company. As soon as Tobias walked in the desk sergeant stood. “He’s been expecting you. Please go right in.”

Tobias nodded, “Thanks.” And headed for the door, rapping lightly. It was answered promptly.

“Enter.”

Tobias did. The Major was behind the desk buried in paperwork as a female assistant stood nearby waiting for the papers he was signing. The aroma of fresh coffee and bacon tweaked at his nose, making his mouth water.

“To be carried out immediately.”

“Yes Sir.” She said as she gathered the papers. Saluting she left the room. Major Demarin waited until the door was shut behind her before he steered Tobias into a chair set in front of a table laden with food.

“I trust you slept well Master Tobias?”

“First time in a long time, Major.” Speaking as he pulled out a chair and sat down. “You will join me I hope?”

“Thanks, but my wife doesn’t allow me out of the house in the morning without eating. I will have some coffee with you.”

They sat and talked as Tobias ate. He was waiting for the Major to ask the question that had been laying very heavily on his mind. He finally broached the subject.

“So, do you know when Lord Nalas has decided to begin his campaign?”

“Of that sir I have not been privy, but I can say that he has been moving supplies and troops to Hecidia for some time now.”

“That hasn’t attracted attention of any kind?”

“No. He’s had them departing in small groups with livestock so as to appear as a family. He also has had them spaced out going in different directions before they circle back around the way they need to go.”

“Hmmm, yes. And no set pattern of departures?”

“No. There are camps already set up in different locations at the base of the mountain The only thing they are doing is leaving the mountain fortress under the cover of darkness and quickly getting to the campsite so they appear…”

“Appear to have been traveling already and breaking camp.”

“Which.”

“Which they already are.” The Major finished.

Tobias was silent for just a moment sipping at his coffee, a thoughtful look on his face. The Major looked at him trying to read his thoughts, sensing Tobias wanted to say more.

“What’s on your mind Master Tobias?”

“Oh, I was just thinking. Do you always finish what others are trying to say?”

The Major gave a small barking laugh before answering sheepishly. “My wife chides me for the exact same thing. I frequently finish her thoughts and…well let’s say she’s not always as diplomatic as you are right now. Downright peevish really.”

Tobias gave him a half smile. “Sounds familiar.” Then his eyes went distant as he thought about his own wife. He truly missed her now as never before. Major Demarin caught the look and felt bad for Tobias. He knew how he would feel if he had basically been kidnapped away from his family and pressed into service for someone he detested as Tobias obviously did. Changing the subject, the Major asked the one question he didn’t feel had been completely answered before.

“So what is the real reason for this request Master Tobias? It’s more than her dumping him on his face and standing up to him. Why her?”

Tobias was blunt. “A lot of it is just that Major. I also fear he is infatuated with her. She wasn’t frightened of him. The fact that she stood up to him ready to kill him in self defense just added to the fascination.”

“He could have any female he wants. So again, I ask. Why her?”

“She doesn’t fear him; or just wish to please him, win his favor. She wants nothing to do with him and I can’t say that I blame her.”

“What is he expecting she’ll do? Fall for him? Have his children?”

“Nalas does not desire offspring. He abhors new life and would take personal pleasure in killing the child at birth, before it has a chance to draw it’s first breath of life.” Tobias said matter-of-factly.

The look of horror on the Major’s face spoke volumes, his words coming out stilted in disbelief. “You mean…he’d…I can’t believe…”

“In a heartbeat Major, in a heartbeat.” Tobias interjected.

The Major stared at him slack-jawed for the moment as he tried to soak up what he had just learned. He remembered how he felt about each one of his own children’s births. How he would give his life to protect them. He finally managed to sputter out his thoughts.

“That’s…that’s inhuman, despicable…beyond cold.”

“And that’s the Grace Lord we serve. Why he was exiled.” Tobias answered letting it sink in for the Major.

Major Demarin blinked numerous times, his eyes dropping down not focusing on anything in particular. Tobias let his mind drift away to more pleasant thoughts. The Major knew a Lord and leader had to be hard; cold at times; but this callus. It was inconceivable that he would be cold enough to kill a newborn, not to mention his own flesh and blood. This was not what he had signed up for. Demarin did not wish to be bonded to serve such a monster. He also realized that he would only be allowed to remain alive as long as he served a purpose for Nalas. Life expectancy for him after that was fulfilled was tenuous.

Major Demarin looked back up at Tobias, his face blanched as this new knowledge sunk in. Tobias recognized the pallor and immediately raised his hand to stop the flow of words threatening to spill from the Major’s lips. Shushing him to remain silent.

“Shhhhh.” He said softly, “Don’t speak what we both feel if you wish to remain among the living as he has spies everywhere.”

Major Demarin nodded as he began chewing on his bottom lip. Tobias continued to eat his breakfast as he watched the Major mull over this new turn of events. Major Demarin was beginning to entertain a whole new set of feelings and ideas that would never have crossed his mind before this. The first and foremost was self-preservation for himself and his family.

“And Major?”

“Yes, Master Tobias?”

“Get Mattea’s family out of here and don’t let anyone know where they went.”

Major Demarin nodded, still thinking to himself, but he had heard Tobias. Tobias had a hard time trying to keep the small smile of satisfaction from pushing up the corners of his mouth as he watched the seeds of doubt he planted in the Major’s mind take firm root and begin to sprout. The Major’s mind, virgin and fertile, was now ready to begin thinking about himself for the first time.

A sharp rap on the door brought both of them swiftly back from their private thoughts.

“Yes?”

The door swung open slightly as the desk sergeant peered around it trying to locate them in the room.

“Sir. The Lieutenant wishes to know when they will be leaving.”

The Major looked at Tobias. “Your call Master Tobias.”

“If I had my druthers I would stay right here and send for my wife, but I, like the lieutenant, had no choice whatsoever.” With a huge sigh he added. “Please inform the lieutenant that we shall leave in about two hours so I can get myself together.”

“Very good Sir.” And the sergeant left.

Tobias begrudgingly finished his food and was lingering over his coffee. The Major didn’t push. Dabbing at his mouth, he drained the last dregs from his cup before setting the cup down for the last time sighing.

“Well…No point putting off the inevitable.” Tobias stood and pushed in the chair. “Major, I shall take my leave, with much regret. The trip back will be a long one. Your hospitality was most commendable and overwhelmingly appreciated.” He extended his hand and the Major accepted it. Tobias doing something he never dared do to Nalas, he looked directly into the Major’s eye. The look passing between the two spoke volumes. The Major finally spoke as he released Tobias’ hand.

“It was my pleasure Master Tobias. You have given me much to think about.” He scratched at his chin absent-mindedly as he repeated himself. “Much to think about.”

Tobias walked back to his quarters to find hot water, a razor and fresh towels waiting for him. Something he was used to from his wife, but not from his current predicament. In short order he was clean shaven, packed and unfortunately ready to go. He came out to find the Lieutenant heading for him leading her horse, son and daughter in the saddle, her husband walking beside her.

“Morning Lieutenant, morning Sir.” Tobias greeted them before looking up at the children. “And to you young Master and Miss.”

Mattea dropped the reins as she stepped forward with her husband. “Master.”

“Tobias, please just call me Tobias.”

“Well Tobias, this is my husband, Trevor and my children Tristan and Laura.”

“The pleasure is all mine. I only wish the circumstances were more pleasant.”

“As do I.” Trevor said, joining Tobias on the porch step. Both watched Mattea as she went back to take the children off the horse, hugging each one tightly before gently setting them on the ground. Trevor spoke to Tobias as quietly as possible so Mattea couldn’t hear.

“She’s my life, bring her back home to me Master Tobias. I need her, but not as much as those two do.”

“With my dying breath if necessary.” Tobias’ voice soft, but firm, his eyes never leaving Mattea and the children.

Trevor glanced over at him to see if Tobias was just telling him what he wanted to hear, but one look at Tobias’ face as he watched Mattea interact with their children and he knew better. Tobias’ facial expression was overwhelmingly sad, almost distressed. The expression turned from sad to serious as he faced Trevor, his voice low as well.

“I ask a boon from you as well.”

Trevor’s eyebrows raised as he spoke, “You’re taking my wife away and you ask a favor?”

“Yes, actually a request.”

“And just what might that be?” He asked suspiciously.

“I need…I am requesting that you go to my village and let my wife know I am still alive. That I, like your wife, have been pressed into service against our will to Lord Nalas.”

“You’re telling me?”

“My wife didn’t have the benefit of knowing where I went. She quite possibly thinks I’m dead, she deserves to know what happened. Please talk to the Major. You will also need to make plans to leave here. You and the children. Tell no one.” He nodded his head in the direction of the children. “For their safety and yours. Make it an adventure for them, one they need to keep quiet about as a surprise for their mother.”

“Understood and I will do as you request.”

Relief washed over Tobias’ face. “Thank you.” He told Trevor the town.

Trevor stepped off the porch and went to his wife and children. Tobias busied himself with his horse and gear as Mattea said goodbye to her family. She gave her husband one last kiss before turning towards her horse. She spoke just one word as she mounted, her eyes fixed on his. “Until.”

Trevor echoed her sentiment, “Until.” She didn’t look back as they rode away. Tobias didn’t have the heart to.