Tales of Asculum

  “I’m proud of you, Son,” he said. “Even though I know I’ll never see you again I’m happy for you. I know you’ve never been much of a follower. I’m glad you’re finally able to lead because that is what you were born to do.”

  “We place our hopes and futures in your hands,” Regis Kober said. “Rollan explained your mission. We know that it will be several generations before the circle becomes complete, but we have faith that it will when the time is right.”

  “I’ve known for a long time that you two belonged together,” Rollan said. “I see struggles that will strengthen you. Others have faith in you Fanchon but by the time you find your home that faith in your leadership will have been tested and proven. Your last male heir living in that home will face struggles that will threaten to destroy him, but know that he will be far stronger than he realizes. That strength will be critical to our people returning to their true home.”

  “When Sethan left we had a fight and he left this behind,” Mother said as she held out a bracelet that matched the one she always wore. “I want you to take it and wear it. If you find him.”

  “When,” Rollan interrupted.

  “When you find him this will convince him to come home,” Mother finished. “He will recognize it.”

  “I will do everything I can to convince him to come home,” Fanchon said as she put the bracelet on his arm. “I promise I will take my role as leader seriously. I know as leader I am responsible for the health and safety of every member of the group.”

  “Remember that you must take care to obey the laws of the nations you travel through,” Regina Lurinna said. “Try to remain as inconspicuous as possible and don’t let their battles become your own.”

  “I will communicate that to our entire group. We’ve been learning the language spoken outside Glynis,” Fanchon said as he nodded. “We should get Aloysia’s things packed and loaded.”

  “Afterwards come to the palace for supper tonight,” Regina Lurinna said.

  It took some time for them to pack Aloysia’s belongings. They went to several shops to supplement their supplies to account for Aloysia. They were on their way to the cave when they came across Jerron and his parents.

  “We’re glad you’re leading the group, Fanchon,” Jerron’s father said. “Try to keep Jerron in line.”

  “I will,” he replied.

  “Fanchon is as irritating as you are at times Father,” Jerron said. “But I know he’s always right. I thought you were all packed already.”

  “Aloysia is coming with us,” Fanchon said. “We got married.”

  “You’re joking,” Jerron said. “I know you’ve been crazy about each other for years, but I thought.”

  “It was Father’s idea and I couldn’t be happier,” Aloysia said. “Regina Lurinna herself married us.”

  “It’s what I’ve always wanted,” Fanchon said before giving her a quick kiss.

  “That explains the invitation we just got,” Jerron’s mother said as she held out a piece of paper.

  “You are invited to come to the palace for supper tonight,” Aloysia read.

  “We’ll see you there,” Fanchon said. “Let’s get these things loaded so we can get an early start.”

  It was a long walk to the cave with the heavy load. Everything barely fit into the carts.

  “I see you’ve prepared for a long journey,” Aloysia said. “I’m a little nervous and sad about leaving home.”

  “Now where you are is my home,” Fanchon said as he stroked her beautiful face. “I hope Jerron will be alright on the trip, but I don’t think he’s ready to settle down to one woman and get married yet.”

  She laughed and said, “All of my friends have spent time with him, but said the same thing.”

  They walked hand in hand back to Rollan’s house. He met them at the front walk with a bag over his shoulder.

  “I brought the wedding clothes for you to change back into,” he said.

  “I’m going to miss you Father,” Aloysia said as she hugged him. “Sarah asked about you again while we were at her shop. You know her husband died ten years ago.”

  “Maybe it’s time I get married again,” Rollan said. “The one thing I can’t see is my own future.”

  Chapter Four: Goodbye Dinner

  As Fanchon and Aloysia walked towards the palace with her father, Aloysia suddenly shouted, “Mara!”

  Fanchon found himself pulled along as she caught up to Mara.

  “Mara! I’ve got the most wonderful and sad news!” Aloysia exclaimed as she released his hand and hugged Mara.

  “What? Wonderful and sad?” Mara asked then saw him. “Fanchon?”

  “We’re married!” Aloysia exclaimed.

  “But we’re leaving first thing in the morning,” Fanchon finished for her.

  “For how long?” Mara asked as Rollan caught up to them.

  “We’re not coming back,” Aloysia said.

  “No, you must come back sometime,” Mara cried as she held on to Aloysia.

  “It’s what they are meant to do,” Rollan said. “It’s critical they leave and never return to Glynis.”

  “I’ll miss you Mara, but this is goodbye,” Aloysia said and hugged her again.

  “We don’t want to be late,” Fanchon said and took Aloysia’s hand in his.

  They left Mara and continued on to the palace. The guards let them in along with some other members of their group. They were led through the large courtyard where meetings were held and into a large dining room where some of the group already waited with their families. A servant greeted them and asked Fanchon and Aloysia to follow her. Rollan handed him the bag he had been carrying. She led them out of the dining room and down the hall.

  “Regina Lurinna said that you would want to change your clothes,” the woman said as she opened a door. “I’ll wait here to guide you back.”

  They went inside the room and shut the door. It appeared to be some sort of small sitting room. Fanchon set the bag on one of the chairs before pulling out the wedding clothes. He pulled off his shirt and his boots. He looked up to see Aloysia staring at him. She began to blush.

  “What?” he asked.

  Her hand trembled as she reached toward him. He stepped forward and her hand retreated.

  “I . . . I . . . your . . .” she stuttered.

  He smiled and gently put her hand on his chest.

  “So solid,” she whispered softly.

  “Let’s get changed. We’ll get back to this later when no one is waiting for us,” he said softly before kissing her.

  She nodded and began to undo her dress. He removed his pants and pulled on the white ones. He glanced up to catch a glimpse of her just before the white dress covered her up again. He was anxious to get through supper so they could be alone. They were soon dressed and he put their cloths in the bag.

  When they opened the door the servant led them to the dining room where everyone was already seated. The only two chairs left empty were at the head of the table.

  “These are your seats,” the servant said.

  Fanchon didn’t argue. He heard the questions concerning if he and Aloysia were married. Regis Kober and Regina Lurinna came in.

  “Thank you for coming,” Regina Lurinna said. “Our hope for the future lies in the hands of those leaving us tomorrow. Our gratitude is for those who remain knowing they’ll never see their loved ones again. Tonight you are here to celebrate and say goodbye. Lady Aloysia and her husband are responsible to lead and rule over any new settlement they establish.”

  “Earlier today Fanchon and Lady Aloysia were married. Although you are our honored guests we will allow you this time in privacy. Stay as long as you wish,” Regis Kober said.

  They left and servants began bringing in enough food to feed twice their number. There was a single plate for Fanchon and Aloysia to symbolize that as husband and wife they were now one. They fed each other and enjoyed the conversation. Mother, Father and Grandmother kept questioning the
m about what they were taking to make certain they had everything. Rollan chuckled as he listened. When the meal was at last done everyone came by to offer their congratulations before leaving. As they began to leave the servant approached them again.

  “A suite has been prepared for you to stay in tonight,” the woman said. “A carriage will take you to Rollan’s home in the morning to meet with the rest of your group.”

  They said goodbye to their family and followed the servant. They went down the same hall which came out into a covered path around a garden. There were doors along the path. The servant opened the door immediately left of the one they had come out of.

  “There is an attached bathing chamber. If you need anything pull the cord next to the door.”

  She then bowed and went back through the door they had just exited. They went inside and found a comfortable sitting room. There was an open door that led to the bedchamber that was beautifully decorated and lit by lamps and candles. Fanchon set the bag of clothes on a bench at the foot of the bed.

  “One last night in a soft bed,” Aloysia said.

  “Then we sleep in a tent or under the stars,” Fanchon added as he sat next to the bag and pulled off his boots.

  “Father had me learn the outside language, but I thought it a waste of time,” she said. “Now I know why he did. I still can’t believe this is all really happening.”

  “I feel the same way and it was my idea,” Fanchon said.

  “What made you decide to leave Glynis? Were you looking for adventure?” she asked.

  “No, I couldn’t seem to keep a job because I wanted to be in charge and well . . .”

  He hesitated.

  “What?”

  “I wanted to get closer to you, but didn’t dare because of your father,” he admitted as he stood up and faced her. “I think I’ve loved you for the last ten years, but figured it was hopeless to even try. Now here we are together with your father’s blessings. It’s beyond any future I dared imagine for myself. Yesterday I heard you talking to Mara. I was in the tree above you. It broke my heart to hear the hurt in your voice as you said you didn’t have a choice in who you married.”

  “But I did get the only one I ever wanted,” she said as she began to unbutton his shirt.

  He leaned down to kiss her softly as her hands found his bare skin. Her kiss became more passionate and demanding. His heart was pounding as his shirt dropped to the floor.

  Chapter Five: Building a Bridge

  Fanchon slowly woke from having the most wonderful dream about being married to Aloysia and making her his wife. Something soft moved against him and he was suddenly wide awake. He looked around the unfamiliar room as he realized he was not alone in the bed.

  “Fanchon?” Aloysia’s voice asked. “What’s the matter?”

  He looked at her as she sat up. The memories came flooding back filling him with joy.

  “Nothing,” he replied as he sat up. “Everything is perfectly right.”

  “Yes it is,” she replied before kissing him passionately. “We had best be getting ready to leave.”

  They bathed before getting dressed. Aloysia was braiding her hair and Fanchon was putting the wedding clothes into the bag as there was a knock on the outer door. Fanchon hurried to open the door.

  “Follow me, please,” the woman at the door said.

  She led them to a small dining room where the regis and regina waited. It was strange to eat breakfast with them before they rode in a carriage to Rollan’s house. Even though it was very early it seemed that most of the city was there. Teary goodbyes were exchanged before Fanchon and Aloysia led the group to the cave to collect the two wagons. It was hard work to pull the wagons up the road leading out of the valley.

  “I’ll be glad to find some horses to pull these wagons,” Jerron muttered between gritted teeth.

  Several others agreed. It took them five long days to reach the end of the snows and another three to find a road. Fanchon consulted the rough map he had complied from those who had returned from outside of Glynis.

  “East or west?” asked Tor, the oldest of the group.

  His wife Mari looked exhausted.

  “There’s Fleeshna to the east and Thalfor to the west, but really we need to head south to find the grasslands where the horses roam wild,” Fanchon replied using the language of the outside world. “There should be a fork in the road west of here if this map is accurate. We’ll travel west to the fork and south from there. Why don’t we rest and eat before continuing? It should be easier going on the road.”

  That seemed to cheer everyone up. Soon they were eating and talking among themselves. Fanchon realized that although they must conceal their language and abilities, there would be times when there was no other option. He knew that catching a wild horse would be impossible let alone four or more, but since Jerron could speak to animals he would be able to convince some horses to pull the wagons or be ridden. Most of the members of the group could shape metal and stone, but that was a very common talent. He had no idea what talent Aloysia had.

  “What are you thinking?” she asked softly as he felt her hand on his knee.

  “I can shape wood with a touch of my hand, but I just realized I don’t know what your talent is,” he replied as he met her eyes.

  “I never found my talent,” she answered as she looked away. “I guess it doesn’t matter anymore. I suppose that my cooking is the only talent that I have that matters.”

  “This is delicious,” Fanchon said and she looked up again. “We might have to sleep on the ground, but we’ll be well fed.”

  They continued their journey and found the fork in the road just before noon the following day. They had gotten strange looks from travelers who passed them. Some had cattle pulling their wagons instead of horses. Fanchon paid close attention to how the animals were connected to the wagons and carts. They came across a river and found some men building a bridge. Fanchon gathered the group together.

  “I’d much rather pull wagons across a bridge,” he said and saw everyone nod in agreement. “While the women cook a meal, let’s help get that bridge finished.”

  “I brought my bow,” Sarma said. “I’ll see if I can kill a deer. I’ll need help carrying it.”

  Fanchon nodded and signaled his friends to follow him to the riverside.

  “Would you like some help?” Fanchon asked the men who stopped when they approached. “Our wives are going to prepare a meal while we work.”

  The men stared at him and then looked at Tor.

  “Fanchon is our leader,” Tor said.

  “He’s much younger than you,” one of the men said.

  “Age doesn’t insure wisdom or ability to lead,” Fallon said. “Besides we’d much rather use a bridge than pull the wagons through the river.”

  “Why not have horses or cattle pull the wagons?” another man asked.

  “We felt the food and supplies would be far more valuable for now,” Fanchon replied. “In time we will have horses and cattle. I see you are nearly ready to put wood beams across to the other side. We could start cutting trees to make the beams.”

  “That would be a big help,” the oldest man said.

  Soon they had found some tall straight trees to make the beams from. It was tempting to use his talent, but Fanchon used an axe instead. By the time they had enough wood to finish the bridge, the food smelled delicious.

  Aloysia came over and said, “Take a break and come eat. Sarma killed a deer so there’s enough for everyone.”

  The members of his group started over to the fire, but the other men were still working.

  “Come eat,” Fanchon said.

  “You’re helping us build the bridge and feeding us?” the oldest man asked. “What do you want in return?”

  “Just to cross the bridge when it’s done,” Fanchon said. “To you it might seem a small price, but to us it is far better than risking our lives and belongings trying to cross the river.”

  The
man signaled to the others and they followed Fanchon over to the fire. The men were obviously hungry and grateful for the meal. They asked Fanchon questions about where they were going and why, but Fanchon just said they had been asked to start a village further south. He found out more about some of the lands to the south. One of the men had travelled through much of the west and was able to confirm where the map was accurate and fill in some of the blank areas. After the meal they got back to work on the bridge.

  Chapter Six: Are You a Wizard?

  It was near noon the following day when Fallon said, “Is this the last dowel?”

  He hit it one last time to set it level with the beam while Fanchon looked over the completed bridge.

  “I believe so,” Fanchon said and the oldest man nodded.

  “Thank you for your help,” the man said. “We would have been working for another four days without your help.”

  “And none of us cook nearly as well as your wife does,” another man commented as Aloysia approached.

  “Lunch is ready,” Aloysia said. “Is it finished?”

  “You can be the first to cross it,” the oldest man said with a smile.

  As the rest of the men started towards the camp the oldest man put his hand on Fanchon’s arm.

  “I had a question for you,” the man said quietly and Fanchon nodded. “When my father was a young boy he met a man named Sethan. Father said that Sethan glowed orange when he slept and told father that he came from a valley of wizards. When you were sleeping last night I noticed a faint orange glow around you just like he had when he slept. Are you a wizard?”

  “Yes, I am related to Sethan through his sister,” Fanchon said.

  “My parents told me anyone able to do magic was very dangerous,” the man said.

  “Our magic is a tool, not a weapon. Each can do a very specific thing with their magic. We are no more dangerous than you are,” Fanchon replied. “How long ago did he last see Sethan?”

  “About seventy five years ago,” the man said. “He’s probably dead by now.”

  “Still I would like to know what happened to him.”