“The first pair were cut off me, after the hunt. And today, I was forced to watch as the local bootmaker destroyed my second best pair, all the while telling me tall tales of how he and the blacksmith, who for some reason had to be present, were going to provide me with a walking boot.”
“That makes no sense.”
“That’s what I said. But they insisted they knew what they were doing. Taking measurements of my injured leg. Muttering things about struts, padding and metal bands all the while.”
“Sounds like you had a busy morning.”
“Oh, it didn’t end there. Then a master woodworker turned up to take measurements of his own. Had me waving my arms around and holding them above my head like a lunatic. Swore he shall provide me with crutches that will make it feel like I’m walking on air.”
“To be fair, a crutch might prove of some benefit to you.”
“Whose side are you on? Even Raschion has turned traitor. Bad enough handing over my boots, but he stopped by to inform me that several ladies had volunteered to alter some of my trousers so I might wear them over the boot.”
“Well that sounds help-… I mean horrendous, how dare they try to make you fit for travel and lessen the burden on you as you continue to heal from your broken leg.”
“You… you’re right, I’m being difficult and everyone is just trying to be helpful. But it doesn’t mean I have to like it. Don’t give me that look. I know I’m behaving… no different than you when you broke your ribs, and spent two weeks cursing everyone and everything, and being nothing but petulant anytime anyone enquired after your health.”
“So, when should I inform the men to be ready to travel?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Pardon?”
“You heard me. And a good thing too, we don’t know what conditions will be like on the roads or how crowded. Even with good luck, we shall only just make the first day of the end of summer festivities.”
“I… thought we might need to spend more time here than that… because of your injury.”
Interesting, Brandth eyed Talac carefully. His friend’s expression was no different than normal, except perhaps the sparkle in his eyes might have dimmed ever so slightly. Was Talac… could Talac have found something more here at Gloomenthrall than a mystery to solve?
“We’ve had little time to share confidences over the last few days. Tell me, what is the Beast of Gloomenthrall really like?”
“Alia?”
Alia, was it?
“It’s remarkable really, the entire set up here. And she manages it all. I’ve mentioned the many thriving businesses but not the people. She cultivates their skills and talents. And by doing so perpetuates the success of the Lair, whilst earning the undying loyalty of its inhabitants.”
“Smart. Savvy. A head for business, leadership, and a crack hand at hunting. But what about the woman, what’s she like? I have heard she’s a giant. Is she pretty?”
“She’s no giant.”
Interesting, Talac was a little defensive of his new… friend?
“She’s no taller than I. And I would not consider her pretty… that sounds too bland a descriptor. But nor is she classically beautiful. It might sound strange but she hums, not the sound, but with an energy, a vibrancy, that immediately makes her the focal point of any room.”
Brandth had been mulling over whether to issue a candidate invitation to Alia ever since Perri had made the request of him. At times amused, appalled, but mostly baffled by the very idea. And now he was doubly so. A woman such as Talac described did not long for the back stabbing politics and falseness of the Golden Palace. More importantly, she would not be looking for a Prince to cleave herself to. A husband who would rule over her decisions, and take charge of her wealth and property.
Why did the Beast of Gloomenthrall… and Perri, he couldn’t forget how determined she’d sounded when she insisted she would be accompanying Alia – why did the duo wish to visit Court? What… mission, yes, for some reason that struck Brandth as the right word, what mission lured them to the hallowed hallways of the Golden Palace?
Something… someone, was their target. But what or whom? Talac? Could Alia have fallen for his rough charms? Rough indeed. Besides, Brandth thought a woman of Alia’s independence and backbone would not choose a path of subterfuge if she wanted to win his friend’s heart.
Plus, if she truly sought to pursue Talac, then throwing her hat into the ring in a bid for the Prince’s hand in marriage in no way aided her.
No, that couldn’t be it.
Yet clearly something was going on between the twosome. The admiring spark in Talac’s eyes when he mentioned Alia could not be denied and now must be factored in to Brandth’s decision making.
Perhaps he was going to regret this. But Brandth always went with his gut. “Oh, and make sure the men give the carriage a good airing out before we travel. We shall be accompanied by a candidate and her chaperone.”
