Obey Your Captain

Leaning to grasp the basket, he didn’t even look within, but excitedly called for his wife, “Hycis!” before going within.

***

“You shouldn’t have stopped me,” she announced after they turned the corner.

“As I said, I do not want for you to spend time in the cells. Insults are not a reason to draw a blade.”

She ground her teeth at the clear scold in his tone.

“I am a grown woman, if I want to do something that-”

“Kaliyah,” he began lowly, stopping her from walking any further. “I think much leniency has always been granted to you. Everyone that has been around you a mere day can see that you often act before you think. Whether this is due to your race or it is just you I cannot tell. But I will not stand by and watch you destroy any potential of you being arrested. We are not at sea now, Pouco. You must remember the expectations. I think you have forgotten how different land is.”

She opened her mouth to protest, be angered at his quite accurate observation of her. Alas, however, it was just that. Accurate. Closing her mouth, she deflated, “I’m sorry. I understand.”

He pressed his hand to the small of her back, resting a kiss to her temple. “It is not something I find fault in you. I just worry for the consequences.”

“He made me angry. Suggest I should be sewing and would be prettier in a dress.”

“Does his opinion matter?”

“No. It means very little.”

“Then it should not be something that riles you. You know, I think you are the most beautiful, perfect woman to ever come into my life. You have lit a fire I never thought would blaze in my heart. Never allow a maggot on your shoe to upset you so. His words are shit in the air.”

Her lips quirked in a smile before a giggle ripped from her belly.

“That’s better, Pouco.” He embraced her in a fleeting embrace before resuming their journey.

Baron caught a guard as he led her through the house, “The Lord has requested for Nillid to attend an audience with the Lord, can you find him to relay the message? He is to go straight to the Lord’s office.”

“Course, sir.”

He twisted through corridors before leading her down the staircase. “Where are we going?” she asked, glancing back the way they had come.

“Jeremiah.” His hand tightened around her wrist.

“I… maybe I was wrong. I mean… it sounded like him but maybe it wasn’t. The Advisor corroborated why he was there. I… I’m not sure.”

“I want to discuss this with Jeremiah, I need you to tell both of us what you heard.” Getting to the ground floor, he led her down a few corridors until they reached the correct door. Giving a single rap of his knuckle, he entered, pulling Kaliyah along behind him.

“Ah, Baron I was just about to call for you. I do have some news. Not exactly an answer, but news.”

“We have news also. Kaliyah just overheard an interesting conversation, I have requested Nillid to attend your office immediately.”

“Well, I think your news may be more pertinent, please.” He gestured for Kaliyah to speak. So she did, telling the Lord what she heard, then what she heard in the corridor. That she was sure it was the same voice.

“You have not had good history with Merchant Marybel.”

“No sir.”

“Did you think it was him when you head him in the library?”

“No, sir, but then I heard the same man in the corridor, and that was Merchant Marybel.”

“And this was before his name was stated?”

“Yes. I didn’t know who it was until the Advisor said his name. That’s when I walked around the corner.”

“I see. You are certain he said the name ‘Nillid’,”

“Beyond certain.”

“That’s good enough for me. I will ask that you leave me to discuss this with Nillid. I would like the High Mage here as soon as he is able. Would you fetch him?”

Kaliyah hesitated, she wanted to know what the Lord would say to the treasurer.

“And while you are at the Hall of Knowledge, maybe you could look for a dress for your union. I am looking forward to the coming ceremony.”

Her ears heated, a frustrated stab of betrayal gripped her stomach. “I… I don’t think I can think of clothing. I want to know what Marybel was talking about!” She glared at the Lord, “I feel you would not be saying this if it were a man before you. Would you tell Baron to go buy himself clothing at such an important time!” she seethed, her fists balled with her nails cutting into her palm.

“I did not mean offence, Miss Warren. I felt it may have been a good distraction to do something you needed to do anyway. Forgive me.”

“I will wear what I’m standing in over being ‘distracted’ like some child!”

“I apologise, it was not a well thought out distraction. Please go fetch the High Mage, Miss Warren. I need him with some urgency if I am to use his gift to look within a person’s memory.”

Grinding her teeth, she had to admit that that reason had merit. “Very well. I want to know what he tells you.”

“You will. I will be transparent with you, Miss Warren. If there is any wrongdoing or underhanded tactics, you will be the first I notify.”

“That is acceptable.” She bowed her head an inch before turning, unsure if Baron would follow or stay with the Lord.

Either way, she would make her journey as short as possible.

Making her way to the main entranceway, the door opened when she was a few feet away, a guard entered with her mother and sister behind him. “Mother?”

“Oh, I hoped you’d be here. This guard just said that the Captain required us here.”

“Yes, Lord Neverember has offered us rooms within the manor until the matter of father’s taxes and debts have been addressed. He’s also released Cormac.”

“He has?”“Yes. He’s not in the best shape, but I’ve ordered what he requires be taken to his room.”

“That was good of you. And it’s good of the Lord to undo the wrongs.”

“Yes. He seems willing to listen.”

“That is good. Will you show us where we will stay?”

“I don’t actually know which rooms and the Lord has sent me on an urgent errand.” Kaliyah looked around for the guard that had brought them in but he had disappeared. “I will take you up, see what we can find. Are you hungry?”

“No. Just a little tired.”

“I understand.” Kaliyah led them up the stairs, turning down the same corridor where Cormac was residing, finding the same maid from earlier exiting his room. “Do you happen to know where my mother and sister will stay?”

“Yes miss, this way.” She walked past them, going to a door they had just walked past. “Were you wishing to be in the same room or separate Mrs. Warren?”

“Together is acceptable,” Mrs. Warren replied, allowing Sierra to go ahead. “Kaliyah.” She stopped, turning to face her.

“Yes Mother?”

“You need a dress for your union.”

She sighed.

“Do not pull that face, no daughter of mine will go to her union in trousers.”

“I don’t enjoy looking for dresses… will you make one for me?”

Mrs. Warren looked taken aback a moment, “I… I cannot make a dress like the dressmakers in town.”

“Yes you can. You’re an amazing seamstress. Please? It would make me feel better for wearing a dress you made.”

“Very well, if you are sure.”

“I am, I am happy for you to pick the fabric and the style.”

“I cannot make anything complex-”“It matters not. Please.”

Mrs. Warren nodded, a small smile spreading on her lips. “I’d be honoured, did you have a errand to run?”

“Yes, I shall see you later, maybe for dinner?”

“That will be nice.” Her mother nodded before entering her room, leaving Kaliyah to fetch the Mage.