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In Search of a ClericNote from author: I forgot I gave names to the towns in this story when I named the cities on the map, I'll be going back to fix them. Tomas sat quietly while his mother fussed at him. He was use to it by now being the youngest of only four. Tomas had once heard his mother say to her friends, "I wish we had had more, there wasn't the time, what with the inn and everything". Her friends had clucked and said she was lucky to have such a small brood. Tomas' haversack sat on the floor by the front door and he was just finishing up the last of his breakfast. Like all Dyrlings having just reached adulthood, he was tall and rangy, his muscle bulk wouldn't come for another few years. His father came into the kitchen, his neatly washed green tunic spread smoothly over his thick arms. His father clasped him on the shoulder firmly and said, "Ready to go Tomas?". Tomas nodded, almost dancing in anticipation. The towns people had elected his father mayor the month prior. Though his father claimed it was no election but a conspiracy. However his father had taken it in good stride willing to do his duty. No one really wanted the job, but someone had to do it. And as the owner of the villages only inn, he was the obvious choice. Now, the town's cleric had died a week past of old age, and the towns people had clamored for a replacement to be found. But sending notice to the college wasn't good enough, they wanted someone to pick out "a good one". No one else could spare the time because of the planting, and finally Tomas has volunteered. He was young, but all knew him to be a person of good insight and judgment, so they agreed he should go. It would be the first time Tomas had been to the big city, and he was both nervous and excited. The roads between his village in the upper north was quite a distance from the city, and who knew what adventures would a fall him. Tomas had decided to go on foot, and not take one of the stable horses. Tomas thought he might not come back for a while and didn't want to leave his father short a mount. His father knew what the decision had meant and pressed more coins and a new bow into his hands when Tomas had told him. "You take your time and learn a bit while your out, but come back safe". His mother had made him memorize the names of all his relatives between here and the city, so he had packed lightly, sure of a place to stay each night. Putting his dishes in the sink he headed for the door, his parents following. Picking up his haversack they stepped as a family into the yard of the pretty two story Tudor inn. His mother looking around, noticing the hitching post stood empty and looked to her husband. "He's not taking one of the horses." Her eyes were filled with concern. His father responded firmly, "No Molly, he's not.". She swallowed and nodded, pulling her son in for a smothering hug, before turning and going inside. His father patted him firmly on the shoulder, noting Tomas' look, "She'll be fine son, you just get yourself going. Don't tarry, we need a cleric by harvest". Tomas nodded importantly, embraced his father, and walked past the gate and out of his home. It was a beautiful day and Tomas moved quickly on his lanky limbs. Hard work had been the primary focus of his young life, and walking down the shady road was the closest he had ever come to a vacation. The day passed quickly, he stopped at noon, eating some of the rolls and fruit which he carried, but quickly continued on. About dusk, the village of Choshire came into view. It was pretty and well tended like most of the Dyrling villages. Stone farm houses dotted the country side on either side of the lane. The town square was broad, lined by shops on one side and the inn on the other. A few older children stood around the well, talking or playing games. They stopped when Tomas appeared and walked over to him, their faces smiling and friendly. "'ello they called out, who you be?" Tomas replied, "I'm Tomas Oxwild from Little Corrington, where can I find Mistress Adele?" One younger blonde hair girl stepped forward. "That would be my mum, are you aunt Molly's son?" Tomas looked down at the pretty imp and hardly recognized her. It had been years since he had last seen his cousin and she had grown into a young woman. Tomas smiled warmly but slightly unsure as is the way of some young men. The girl had no such compunctions and quickly gave him a hug at his nod, taking his hand. "Mum will be please to see you and have news of her sister, my home is just at the end of the lane." Tomas followed, his hand gripped tightly in that of his cousins, and smiled a bit stupidly. He met the same warm welcome at the farm house, and was quickly seated at the table, fresh bread and hot tea before him. His aunt grilling him with question of home and his cousin sat listening. Other children came and went from the kitchen, and his uncle stuck his head in to say hello. Most of them were out in the fields planting, but dinner was a huge affair, 15 to dinner -- what with the children, farm hands, and all. Adele sent him on his way at day break, his haversack restocked for the day's trip. The next day was cooler and misty, but it burned away by noon and Tomas slung his cloak over one arm walking comfortably. The next village was a longer distance and he didn't expect to reach it until well after dark. The smell of smoke reached him before he sighted the village. Tomas quickened his pace, but slipped into the shadows along the side of the road. The smoke smelled wrong and surely something bad had happened, or was happening. He reached the outskirts of the town and heard the cacophony of the voices calling to each other. He stepped into the glow of the torch lights and found 4 drawn bows pointing at his head and chest. Tomas eyed the one who seemed to be in charge and dropped his backpack and bow quickly. The others lowered their arms and the leader said shortly, his face black with soot. "Who you be?". Tomas swallowed hard, the stench of burned flesh finally registering in his brain. "Tomas Oxwild, from Little Corrington". The big man nodded to the bow, "You know how to use that son?". Tomas nodded firmly and guessed what had happened ... trolls had attacked the town. Last winter had been particularly harsh, and the normally reclusive forest trolls had raided for food. The big man said shortly, "Go with Jamie here, one of the girls has gone missing." Another youth about Tomas' age stepped forward and motioned Tomas to follow. Picking up his bow, Tomas quickly caught up. Jamie was a talkative boy, and Tomas learned that the village had left food out, but it hadn't been much, and the trolls had not been satisfied. The pair slipped through the dark; checking stables, hay lofts and the forest edges. "We can't go any farther in then this my Dad said, too dangerous." Tomas couldn't help but think about the little girl. Jamie insisted they return to the main village and see if anyone else had found the girl, but something told Tomas she wouldn't be there. Tomas slipped away from Jamie and returned to the forest edge past the southernmost farm. The hair on his arms twitched and Tomas knew someone or something was out there. He slipped into the darkness of the woods, letting his eyes adjust. He pushed forward and a small clearing came into view. One of the man-sized forest trolls had a small girl, no more then 10 or so standing terrified in the center of the clearing. The troll was surely playing with her, the way a cat would with a mouse. Though not terribly strong or tough, the trolls were lightning fast, and quickly blocked any attempt she made to escape. Calming himself, Tomas knocked his bow and aimed for the trolls chest, not taking any chance he'd miss. It was a clean shot and the arrow passed into the shoulder of the troll who howled in pain. It quickly lopped off, obviously not interested in a fight. Tomas waited a few more minutes before stepping in to the clearing and caught the weeping girl in his arms. He spoke soothingly to her, his voice rumbling gently in his chest. She quieted and let him lead her out of the forest and back to the town square. As they stepped into the light and Tomas realized she was older then 10, already a young woman, just tiny and delicate. Tomas felt his chest constrict, unsure it was nerves or possession. One of the men he had seen earlier approached at a near run, pulling the girl into an embrace, relief crashing across his face. The girl still sobbed quietly but looked back at Tomas saying "He saved me". Her father paused and repeated, "Save you? Don't you mean found you?". Tomas straightened his shoulders, this was the way of things and the girl had made her claim. Her father looked Tomas over and said once, "You'll come home with us". Tomas collected his haversack and followed the man who was to be his father in law. The town had quieted as the villagers waited for the dawn to restore their village after the attack. His father's cousin had been called, and the two families sat at the great table and spoke. There was no talk of options, it was the way of their people, and the girl had made her claim, Tomas would do as expected, but more so, a small inkling of hope curled inside him. It was said that a marriage such as this was blessed by Athlendyr and the couple could expect a long and loving life. Tomas spoke his heritage, as far back as the first millennium, all the time watching the delicate face of his betrothed. She was still in some shock, but stood ready to follow through on her claim, repeating her own heritage, and the vow was sealed. He slept that night with her curled in his arms, their only intimacy the soft promise he made to return for her. He left the next morning, the girl watching him. He felt for the first time, like a man, and kissed her temple. He handed the letters he had written to his parents to her father, and shook the man's hand. "I will return no later then her 17th birthday, you have my oath." Her father nodded firmly, pleased that his young daughter would not be leaving for another three years. But he thought all in all, his daughter had chosen well, and prayed for Athlendyr's blessing. He met the knights on the road about noon. The one in the forefront was one of the king's men, his black and gold velvet tunic fit snugly over the fine chain mail. A bow and long sword strapped to the side of his steed, a tall rangy roan that was obviously prime horseflesh. The other man was dressed similarly in royal blue, but Tomas didn't recognize the coat of arms. They hailed him with a "Ho lad!" and quickly asked word of the village. It seemed they had seen the smoke and hurried to offer aid. Tomas told them off the attack, they thanked him and hurried off, the thunder of the hooves echoing far down the road. Tomas thought they had looked quite impressive and some thought of joining one of the orders crossed his mind. But he had a duty to fulfill first and quickly set his feet back on his journey. He approached the great walled city a few days later, and asking a guard for direction was quickly pointed to a large stone building just inside the gates -- The College of Paths. Tomas pulled open the heavy oak doors of the college and stepped into the entrance. The room was large, the stone walls hung with tapestries and the thick planking highly polished. A friar, one of the cleric's who lived in the collage looked up from behind a large thick legged table and smiled. He pushed back the book he had been writing in and stood and approached. "Welcome lad, I am Dane, what can I do for you". Tomas smiled at the older man and felt some of his apprehension dissipate. "I'm from Little Corrington, and our cleric Judith died a few weeks back and I've come for a replacement." Dane noted the flash of sorrow in Tomas' eyes and smiled sympathetically. "Aye we received your fathers letter, and our sister will be missed. I understand you are to pick the replacement." Dane chuckled amused at this but knew how important the cleric was to these little communities and understood their concern. "Some of the students graduate in the next month. Why don't we find you a room. You can join us for supper and meet them." Tomas nodded thankfully. He had had a vision of having to pick someone from a line up, and was relieved to know he would be able to talk to them casually instead. Tomas followed the friar and was shown to a small but comfortable room in the west wing. "Supper is in an hour, why don’t you relax a bit and I'll send someone to get you". The hall was huge, long tables filled the space, fresh rushes littered the floor. He sat with the students and listed to their talk. Some spoke solemnly, others teased and laughed. It seemed they were from all parts of the kingdom, noble and commoner alike mixing comfortably with each other. He told of his journey and listened to their stories, at the far end sat a young man, delicate and gentle. Tomas could see the boy watching him and looked over giving him his attention, the man finally spoke. "I am Rowath, and cousin to your new bride. I will take the post in Little Corrington." The other's nodded as if this was the right thing, assuring Tomas that Rowath was a favorite of the class, and well favored. Tomas continued to look into the eyes of the young man, and felt the familiar tingle of "rightness" flood into him. His people would like this quiet self assured cleric, and Tomas knew it was a good choice. His duty done, he turned his attention to the rest of the hall, noting the teachers at the head table, and a group of scribes along the far wall deep in some debate. But it was the men in the gold wool tunics that most captured his interest. The girl next to him leaned over and whispered, "the paladins". Tomas nodded noting their easy camaraderie and fluid yet controlled movements. Page and squire sat with the older members, but their behavior deferential and respectful. One of the scribes turned and called to them, asking about a bit of martial history. The paladin answered confidently, and the pages nodded to themselves soaking in the information. Tomas spoke with Rowath after dinner, making arrangement and talking of their families. Tomas learned much of his new bride and their family. Realizing, she deserved more then the simple kiss he had left her with, Tomas decided to go shopping in the morning. He would send something back with her cousin. He ventured out into the busy streets of the city, jugglers, carts, hawkers and horses all crowded the wide streets. Plaster and timber shops lined the sidewalks and Rowath lead him down to the first of a row of jewelry shops. The shop was clean and well tended. Tomas looked about, searching for something delicate. A young noble woman stood at the counter trying on various hair pieces. She set one down and it caught his eye, a delicate butterfly clip, wrought in silver and gold - imported and expensive. Stepping forward he asked the woman if he could look at it, she smiled and waved her hand. "Yes go ahead I have ones like that already." Tomas shook his head a bit and smiled. The lady asked to see another tray, her voice light and airy, she reminded Tomas of his mothers fairy tales. Her hair was pulled up in elaborate curls, small clips of birds nestled amount them. Her gown was light an embroidered with ivy leaves, her smooth arms bared. Tomas couldn't help but watch her try on other items, it was like watching a fire ... the change in the flames a never ending fascination. He jumped when Rowath poked him and laughed. "You'll get use to them soon enough." Hearing the words, the lady turned and smiled dreamily at them. It was said that some of the nobility had Sidhe blood in them. He like most of those in the far flung village discounted this as a wives tale, but now he wondered if there was perhaps some truth to it. Tomas shook his head and turned his attention to the clip. It was perfect and he quickly made arrangements for a bank draft, and left the shop with Rowath's promise to pick it up before he left for Little Corrington. They took their mid day meal at one of the outdoor stands. The meat pies fresh and piping hot. They sat along the broad boulevard and watch the people go by. "What will you do now?" asked Rowath. Tomas shook his head undecided, part of him wishing to return home and settle down with his new bride, the other part desperate to see some of the world. Rowath then asked in his casually quiet way, "You said you knew something was in the forest?". Tomas nodded and tried to explain this almost sixth sense he had and how it was strongest when closest to the trees. "You should seek the Pard then ... the rangers." Tomas turned to him, he had heard rumor of the Pard, a brotherhood of men who traveled the forest, quietly checking the kingdoms borders for threat. Only loosely associated with the Knights and Paladins, the Pard operated under its own direction, its only motivation protection of the kingdom. While the knights had other duties and obligations set down by their specific liege lord, and the paladins time dedicated to church and the greater threats to the kingdom, it was the Pard who controlled the small threats, and sent word of any trouble. It was they who slid through the dark forest ever vigilant, some say they had ties with the gypsies. They returned to the college for supper, only to find the main hall in an uproar. The heavy tables had been pushed aside and the paladins stood in a semi circle around their leader who held onto a girl. Tomas recognized her as one of the students from the day before, he had thought she very beautiful and had stared at her more then once. But she didn't look so beautiful now, her face was contorted in rage as she fought the thick arms holding her. The priests shook their heads in dismay. Tomas felt a wash of anger sweep over him at the how the girl was being treated. He stepped forward to intervene, but Rowath gripped him firmly. "She is Leune, your feelings are not your own. Let the Paladins handle it." Tomas knew what the Leune were. Sometimes one would be born with the ability to feed on the emotions of others, and when angered or scared to inflict their own emotions on others. He stepped back, regaining his composure and looked away from the girl. The paladins spoke amongst themselves, the leader deftly fighting off the blows of the girl. Finally they turned to the priests and said, "We will take her to Muire Wood". An argument broke out, one of the paladin's it seemed wanted to brand her first. But the leader shook his head no, "She is too young, she has committed no crime except that of her own nature." Tomas new that Leune who could not control their powers would be branded on the forehead, announcing to all who and what they were. Tomas was glad they would not brand her, that she would be given a chance to learn. The talk of branding seemed to terrify the girl who slumped in a faint. |
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