“It was. The Berto bloodline was once an honorable and respected one. Warriors from this very House were the first to respond to the Goddess’ plea for assistance when the Lower God Daco stole her from her mate. Daco wanted to force her to Join with him and thus change his position among the Gods.”
“Like the way a Tornian male’s position will change when his female presents him with a female.” Abby said quietly. The sharp look she received from Ynyr told her he had never made that connection before.
“I… yes. For their assistance the Goddess promised that for each warrior born, she would provide him with a female created specifically for him, a mate. That she would Join with him and only him, completing the warrior as he completed her.” He felt Abby’s hand squeeze his arm. Looking down, he saw understanding in her eyes and he continued. “It was many centuries later, after we could travel to other worlds and the Tornian Empire encompassed more than just Tornian that Emperor Torin Berto decided the ‘Empire’ needed a House. So he had Torino built and moved House Berto there, renaming it House Torino. He then named his blood brother, King of House Berto and placed him in charge of ruling the Etruria Region.”
“Really?” Abby looked up fascinated with what Ynyr was telling her. She had always loved history. “So how did it become House Guttuso?”
“While the Berto bloodline was forever stripped of its power to rule the Empire, the new Emperor, Emperor Wyck Vasteri of House Vasteri of Luda decided that the Emperor’s brother had no part in the evil acts his brother had committed. He felt the stigma his family now carried was enough punishment. King Radek had always run the Etruria Region well and the Emperor believed him to be an honorable male so he allowed his family to remain ruling the region but changed his title to Lord. Lord Radek then changed the family name to Guttuso, the name of his Lady’s bloodline to distance himself from his brother.”
“He used his Lady’s name?”
“Yes. Emperor Wyck then proclaimed his blood brother King of Luda until his own male came of age.”
“Which is why Grim is now the King of Luda.”
“Yes.”
As they approached the end of the corridor Abby saw two males standing before a set of massive doors with a large ornate ‘G’ carved into them, half on each door. At their approach the males stiffened as their eyes nervously traveled over the group moving towards them and their hands moved to their swords.
“Felim. Darton. Stand down!” Korin ordered, stepping out from behind Ynyr. “This is your new Lord. Lord Ynyr.”
Both males immediately removed their hands from the hilt of their swords and bowed their heads.
“Open the doors.” Ynyr ordered impatiently. He wanted to get his Abby settled.
“I… we…” Darton raised panicked eyes to Ynyr as he spoke. “My Lord, we cannot.”
“What do you mean you cannot?!!” Ynyr demanded, his displeasure easily heard in his low growl.
“My Lord,” Korin spoke so the petrified Darton didn’t have too. “While guards are always assigned to these doors, Bertos would still make sure his Wing was locked when he was not present. He carried the only key with him. When he traveled he would lock and seal the door.” Korin gestured to the silver seal that Felim had stepped aside for, so Ynyr could see that the seal was still intact.
“He would lock his Wing even when he was in residence?” Ynyr questioned sure that he had misunderstood Korin. “When his Lady was inside?”
“Yes, my Lord.” Korin told him.
“So if he locked and sealed the doors, why would he assign guards?” Ynyr demanded.
“To ensure no one tried to enter his chambers, my Lord.” Felim stated as if it were obvious.
Ynyr just looked from one male to another. It was one thing to lock and seal a chamber in a Lord’s absence. Many did this, not his manno but Ynyr had heard of it, but to do so when he was in residence? It showed the total lack of trust Bertos had in his warriors, especially when he locked his female inside.
“Find something to break it down.” Ynyr ordered.
“That won’t be necessary my Lord, I have the key.” Korin spoke, reaching inside his jacket to pull out the key to show Ynyr.
“Where did you get that?” Ynyr demanded harshly. He still didn’t fully trust Korin.
“I retrieved it from Bertos’ body, my Lord. I knew that whoever would be named Lord would need it.”
After a moment Ynyr nodded. “Open the doors Korin.”
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
From listening to Korin’s words Abby wasn’t surprised by the stale, ‘closed up’ smell that struck her as the large doors of the Lord’s Wing were pushed open. What did surprise her as she walked in was the wall of floor to ceiling windows that ran along one side of the room. They let in the light of the morning sun and seemed to bring the golden warmth out of the walls and floors instead of the coolness of the silver.
Walking over to them, she discovered that several of them were actually doors that led out into a garden. Twisting the handles on one set she found they wouldn’t open. ‘Of course they wouldn’t be unlocked.’ Abby thought to herself. Bertos had locked and sealed the doors to the Wing before he had left for Torino. He would not have left the garden doors unlocked.
“The latch is here Abby.” Ynyr’s body pressed against her back as he reached high above her to release the hidden latch and he felt her lean back into him with a quiet sigh. “Try again,” he said, letting his hands come to rest on her shoulders. This time when she twisted the handles, they gave way.
Pushing the doors open Abby felt fresh air rushing passed her face dislodging several strands of her hair. It forced the old stale air out and replaced it with the sweet perfume of flowers.
“That is so much better.” Abby whispered, then stepped out onto the terrace and raised her face to the sun’s warmth. When she felt a light brush against her cheek, she assumed it was Ynyr. Instead, when she opened her eyes, she found a beautiful butterfly fluttering next to her and couldn’t help but smile.
Abby hadn’t realized that her whispered statement or the beauty of her upturned face had drawn the gaze of every male in the room but Ynyr had and he did not like it. Abby was his and his alone. He did not like other males looking at her. If he could, he would hide her away so she could never be harmed and then he would be the only male allowed to enjoy her beauty and her smiles.
Even as he thought it, Ynyr realized that if he did that it would destroy his Abby. He suddenly realized his Abby was like the colorful bolboreta that had lightly kissed her cheek. Both were tiny… yet colorful… and amazing to watch. Yet they were both fragile and, if not handled with care easily crushed. Yet that’s where their likeness ended for where the bolboreta traveled with the breeze, allowing it to choose its path, his Abby forced her own and would remain strong in the face of adversity.It was one of the first things he had learned about his Abby. While she had confessed her fear to him through that hedge she had not let it break her as a Tornian female would have. She had told him a great many things about what had happened to her in her life, but she had never told him about what happened when she had been taken from Earth. About what Luuken had tried to do to her.
What else had she not told him?
“Abby.” At Ynyr’s voice Abby turned back to him. “Would you like to see more of our Wing?” Reaching out he tucked the stray hair behind her ear.
“Very much.” She told him softly.
Ynyr guided her passed the furnishings that filled the room. While there were many couches and chairs along with some tables they all seemed to be haphazardly placed throughout the room with no rhythm or reason. They also weren’t the overwhelming black and silver that had been on the Ascension, here Bertos seemed to be trying to impress those that entered with the quantity of furnishings.
“This is the ‘common’ or ‘meeting’ area of the Wing. The second level is the Lord’s private level and the third is the Lady’s.” Nodding her understanding Abby allowed Ynyr to lead her
up the stairs.
Now this was more what Abby had come to expect from Bertos.
It was black.
It was silver.
It was tacky.
She would have to contact Lisa immediately and find out how to deal with it. Lisa had studied interior design back on Earth and would be able to guide Abby on what she needed to do to make her new House the show place Abby had heard Luanda now was.
Ynyr looked at the area he had brought his Abby to and barely contained his cringe. How could he have asked his Abby to stay in such a place? A place where someone as unfit and unworthy as Bertos had once resided?
“It will be fine Ynyr,” Abby said, stepping further into the room. “You have more important things to worry about than this.” She gestured to the room.
“You are too understanding Abby.” Reaching out he ran a gentle knuckle along her cheek. “Master Paganus!” Ynyr hollered over his shoulder and down the stairs. It's then that Abby realized none of the males had followed them up the stairs. “No male is allowed on this level or the next without express permission.” Ynyr informed her.
“Yes, my Lord?” Paganus asked, hustling up the steps.
“Go retrieve your weapon and return.”
“Yes, my Lord.” Bowing Paganus quickly left. He ignored the shocked looks he received from Darton and Felim as he passed. They had heard Ynyr’s words stating his new position, it was something even he still had a hard time believing
“Korin!” Ynyr bellowed again.
“My Lord?” Korin was immediately at his side.
“Have a meal sent up for my Lady.”
“Of course, my Lord.” Bowing Korin stepped back and activated his comm.
“I’m fine Ynyr. I can wait until you come back then I’ll eat with you.”
“I do not know when I will be able to return to you Abby.” Ynyr told her regretfully.
Korin lifted his head and waited to hear her response. Females were not known for their tolerance for being disappointed. Risa would also become very upset whenever Bertos disappointed her. He had seen that Lady Abby responded differently to many things but would she to this? To being left along in a strange new place?
“You don’t?” She asked in a slightly wobbly voice.
“No. There is much I need to see too.”
“Of course you do.” Abby firmed her voice, rubbing a reassuring hand on his chest. “There are males you need to meet with, decisions that you need make.”
“There are but not until Paganus has returned and Navon and Morio are stationed at the doors. Until then we can inspect our Wing, together. If that pleases you.”
“It does.” Abby smiled up at him and she slipped an arm around his waist, letting him lead her deeper into the second level.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Felim grabbed Paganus’ arm as he reentered the Lord’s Wing with his sword strapped to his side. “What is going on Paganus?” Felim demanded.
Paganus ripped his arm out of Felim’s grip. Felim had never been a very talented warrior that was why Bertos had him guarding a sealed room. But he had completed the Warrior’s program, something Paganus had been unable to do and Felim would never let Paganus forget it.
“It’s Master Paganus to you Warrior Felim.” Paganus spit out. He now outranked the bully of a warrior and he didn’t have to take his slurs any longer.
“Master!” Felim sneered. “Master of what?!!”
“Paganus is now Master of the Lord’s Wing and in the service of Lady Abby.” Korin said, walking down the stairs from the second level. “He was named to that position by Lord Ynyr himself and has his complete trust.” Korin walked up to Falim bumping the smaller warrior’s chest with his own. He had never liked Felim. “I am Lord Ynyr’s second in command and you Warrior Felim are very close to disrespecting both of us.” Korin watched Falim pale, for they both knew what that meant under Bertos’ reign. Korin could not let him think their new Lord was anything like Bertos.
“You are fortunate that Lord Ynyr now rules this House for he is nothing like Bertos and will not end you on only the word of a Captain.”
“Is there a problem here Captain?” Ynyr asked having quietly moved down the stairs. All the males spun around to face him.
“No my Lord.” Korin spoke first. “There is no problem. Warrior Felim was just requesting clarification on the change in Master Paganus’ status.”
“Warrior Felim.” Ynyr’s hand fisted the hilt of his sword as he let his eyes travel over the male. The Goddess had blessed Ynyr with a good memory and it did not fail him now. He had read Felim’s file and couldn’t believe Bertos had allowed the male to be named to Warrior status. Felim had failed three of his six warrior tests. In House Rigel of Betelgeuse a low score on any test would prevent a male from becoming a Warrior. “You feel you have the right to question who I name a Master?”
“I... no… of course not… Lord Ynyr.” Felim immediately dropped to his knees, his fingers digging into his thighs as he bowed his head, his entire body quivering as he waited for Ynyr to draw his sword and end his life.
Ynyr stared down at the male in shock. He had only meant to enforce his dominance over the male, establishing his position as Lord and sending the message that he was to be respected. Never had he thought Felim would think he would end his life for such a small thing. Looking to Korin and Paganus he saw that neither of them were surprised. They were both waiting for him to act and that shook Ynyr to his foundation. Yet he let none of it show on in his voice or expression.
“Rise Warrior Felim.” Ynyr ordered.
Slowly, as if he expected this reprieve to be a trick Felim rose and finally his eyes met Ynyr’s.
“While I will always respect a Warrior’s honest question I will not tolerate a Warrior’s abuse of his power. Is that understood Warrior Felim?”
“Yes, my Lord.” Felim quickly replied.
“So what was your question regarding Master Paganus?”
“I…”
“You had one Warrior Felim. So ask it now! Of me!”
“Lord Ynyr…. Paganus…”
“Master Paganus.” Ynyr interrupted.
“I… yes Lord Ynyr… Master Paganus never reached Warrior status... how can he possibly be made a Master?”
“There is more to actually being a fit and worthy male than just being named a ‘warrior’ Felim. It has to do with a male’s inner strength and his beliefs, in himself and in his Lord. Master Paganus has shown me by his words and deeds who he is and I believe him to be more than worthy of Master status.” Ynyr looked to Darton. “Every male within this House will have to reveal that to me, as Master Paganus has, if he wishes to remain. No male’s position is guaranteed just because of his history with Bertos. In fact, you must all rise above it if you wish to remain here.”
Ynyr’s statement was met by dead silence.
Chapter Thirteen
Abby froze just inside the doors of Bertos’ resting chamber and couldn’t stop the shiver of revulsion that traveled through her body. Ynyr had returned to the first level when he heard raised voices coming up the stairwell and Abby had continued to explore on her own.
The Lord’s level consisted of what seemed to be a long, wide living area that ran approximately two thirds of the room with several doors on either side. Looking into each one she discovered large rooms that were empty except for a bed. These were the rooms Abby assumed were meant for the Lord’s offspring just as her and her brother’s rooms had been down the hall from her parents. Yet she could tell no ‘offspring’ had lived in these rooms in a very long time, maybe centuries.
At the far end of the room were two large double doors that mimicked the pair at the Wing’s entrance, except that these had half of a large ‘B’ carved into them. Pushing them open had brought Abby to this point.
With just one step into the room, Abby could feel the evil that had been Bertos still permeating in the room. It pressed at her, causing her heart to beat faster. The male was dead,
yet it seemed as if the things he had left behind were waiting for his return.
“My Lady?” Paganus’ question had Abby crying out softly, as she spun around, her hand covering her racing heart. “My pardons my Lady.” Paganus immediately dropped to a knee and bowed his head. “I did not mean to frighten you.”
“Paganus… it’s you.” Abby tried to calm her rapidly beating heart. “Please… stop doing that.”
“Doing what my Lady?”
“Kneeling. There’s no reason for you to kneel to me.”
“Of course there is. You are my Lady.”
Abby shook her head and realized that this was done on Earth too, but she just wasn’t used to it. “Okay, but could you just bow your head and not kneel? Kneeling makes me uncomfortable.”
“If that’s what you wish my Lady.” Slowly Paganus rose.
“It is. Where is Ynyr?” Abby asked, looking behind him.
“Navon and Morio arrived to guard the door my Lady. Lord Ynyr sent me to assist you and asked that I tell you he would return as soon as he could.”
“Oh.” Abby tried to hide her disappointment, but wasn’t very successful.
Paganus didn’t like to see sadness in his Lady’s eyes, it didn’t belong there. “He also wanted me to let you know that he would return immediately if there was a problem. You only need to contact him.” He watched as Abby straightened her shoulders and fight back her sadness to grace him with a smile.
“I will be fine Paganus,” she told him, “I have you here to help me so I am sure there won’t be any problems and we will start in this room.” Spinning around Abby walked into what had once been Bertos’ resting chamber. It was time to vanquish the ghosts and start making this House hers and Ynyr’s.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Lady Abby was wrong. There were problems… lots of them… and they were all because of her! Paganus thought angrily. She needed to just stand there and tell him what she wanted done. Instead, she was trying to do it herself. Tornian females never did this. It was why he was so slow to react when his Lady shoved a chair next to a closed window. She stood on it, then stretched up on her toes and reached for the locking mechanism because even on the second story Bertos had them secured. Paganus barely reached her as she shoved the windows out and teetered on the chair. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he swung her to the floor.