Hyphenated last names are a thing of the past. No House wants one individual to wield such say-so, having the power of two noble Family Names. It was rare in old times and a complete non-occurrence in this modern age. No one ever again will be blessed with such faith and celebrity with the people
---- from a scholarly paper recently published in Avindr
Birds were chirping outside while a gentle breeze was slipping through the open window. In the distance, the sound of machinery starting up for the day was echoing with the sound of steam being released from vents. It was to this glorious morning that Alexandra opened her eyes.
The sight of the small wooden room and three other people sleeping around her was the most welcoming sight she had ever seen. Guilt still present, she did feel a calmness in her soul. She could hear the soft breathing of her friends as they slept, even Zooey's occasional snorts and snores were a beautiful sound to her ears.
No shrill whistle, no demanding Arportia expecting her to wait on her, just the sound of town finally free waking up to greet the new day.
The smell of cooking meat and soup finally roused the others a short time later. At breakfast, as they all sat down to eat the delicious meal Haespethis had made, Berule returned through the front door. He was dirty, sweating, and smiling. Taking his place at the table, he took a big drink from his mug before speaking to his waiting audience.
"I've been up at the town hall," he began, "we've been working on getting the machines up there running again and moving down to the town where they can do some good against the infernal mud."
"Is it doing any good dear?" His wife poured him some more water.
"They say the mud's already receded at least two inches in the west fields since started to get everything running."
"That's fantastic!" Sophia was happy that the town was starting to return to normal. "Soon this town will be living again."
"We owe our thanks to you kids," One of the factory workers was standing now at the open door.
"David!" Luca greeted his friend, "how are you this morning? How is everyone?"
"Much better now that Lerwick belongs to its people again," he said proudly, "things are slowly going back to the way it was, the way it always should have been. Oh, Selene also sends her love. I passed her this morning on the way here, she was playing with her kids."
That warmed Alexandra and felt a smile on her face. "I'm glad she's okay. She is a wonderful woman."
"What about the Lederan?" Zooey was already half-finished with her meal and managed to ask between mouthfuls.
"Does anyone know anything about Arportia?" Alexandra despised her but still did not wish any great ill on her.
David's face tinged with regret.
"Well, the Lederan, looks like he escaped."
"Ah," Zooey shook her head, "I was looking forward to giving him his comeuppance."
"As for his daughter," David now turned to Alexandra, "you were made to be her maidservant right?"
"That's funny!" Zooey suddenly cracked up. "Made to be a maidservant? Get it?"
Everyone just stared at her blankly.
"Well I think it's funny."
She sheepishly took a drink.
"Arportia's gone too, probably escaped with her swine father," David was glad to see them both gone. "I know I'd rather work a thousand days in the factory then serve that little rotten apple for a day. I'm sorry Alexandra, I'm sure you wanted to teach her a lesson after being made to be her property like that."
"No," Alexandra admitted, "I did hate her, every second I hated her. But, well, when everything started exploding and I saw her on the ground, I saw her face. She was terrified, scared for her life. I don't know, all the hatred I had for her was gone and I just pitied her."
Alexandra looked down at her plate and said the last part silently, her guilt still weighing on her heart, "because I saw she was alone like me."
"We're going to hold elections for a new Lederan," David went on, "with all the equipment and money the old Lederan was hoarding, we'll be able to get Lerwick back up on its feet in no time."
Haespethis began gathering up any cleaned dishes. "I do hope you all can stay awhile, we'd love to have you here."
"I could stay." Zooey was looking for seconds already.
"I need to keep going," Alexandra suddenly looked up from her plate, "I have to get the Mountains. I think there's someone waiting for me there."
"I'm going to," Sophia said without a moment's pause.
"The same."
Luca had almost forgotten the journey they had started all the way back in Avindr, it seemed so long ago and he had been so preoccupied since they had come to this town.
"Someone's gotta go who actually knows how to fight. I'm still in."
Zooey pushed her plate away
"Please stay!" Burule did not want them to leave.
Haespethis was also of the opinion they should stay. "You are more than welcome, and you deserve some time to yourselves after what you've been through."
David presented Alexandra with a small leather pouch.
"You're heroes here, and the town of Lerwick always will welcome you. Please, accept this."
Upon opening it, she saw a handful of gold pieces! There must have been at least seven of them! It was more money than she had ever seen in one place!
She just stared at it for a moment, her friends clamoring to peer over her shoulder, their expressions equally shocked at the money before them. Alexandra did not know what to say, this was a fortune to them.
"It's not much," David was going on, "but this will help you on your travels. We can't let you leave here unprepared after all you've done for us, that would be dishonor on our town."
"But doesn't the town need this? There's so many starving and sick here." Alexandra offered the bag back.
"Don't give away money stupid!" Zooey flicked the top of her head with her finger.
David smiled as he pushed the bag back into Alexandra's hands.
"Don't worry, the Lederan left us enough to help everyone who is need of it, and that includes you. We're already opening the shops again and getting the city clean and we're drying the accursed mud. George even thinks he saw actual ground in one of the east fields this morning."
"Thank you, it means so much to us." Alexandra did not think she could properly thank him or the townspeople.
She had not set out the save a town, just her friends. Truth be told, she was still in disbelief that it had worked.
He bowed, "now if you'll excuse me, I need to go make sure the factory is back up and running all the way, we've got a lot of the Lederan's damage to undo."
"Thank you again, your kindness is very great."
"Well, let me pack you lot some food," Haespethis was already flying about the kitchen, "I'll also put together some proper supplies for you so you'll be okay while on the highway."
"Back to the road again." Zooey sighed, truth be told though, she could not wait to start moving again.
"You don't have to come," Alexandra was speaking to the group at large, "it's my mission, no one else needs to get hurt. This place sounds like it'll be nice. Why don't I go on to the mountains and meet you back here."
Sophia frowned.
"You're not going anywhere by yourself."
"I'd probably get bored here," Zooey chimed in right after.
"But everyone will be safe here," Alexandra knew that they would probably be able to hide in Lerwick indefinitely. "It's better if we don't all go. I can reach the mountains, see if there's anything there and then come right back. It's my father I'm going to find out about, you guys don't have any reason to risk it and go too."
"You're going," Sophia put a comforting hand on her shoulder, "that's the only reason there needs to be."
"Good enough for me," Luca concurred.
"Like I said, I'd get bored without you stirring up all kinds of trouble."
Zooey was not into all the touchy-feeling stuff as much, at least she would never let on to it.
"Thank you." Alexandra could not believe they wanted to continue traveling.
"I'll get everything else packed up," Zooey headed back upstairs, followed by Sophia.
"I'll help Haespethis with the food."
"I'll find George and David, just want to say good bye for we leave." Luca bounded out the door.
"Thanks."
Alexandra just hung her head in shame.
She was feeling better now she was back with her friends. But still, there was that nagging thought: the realization that her personal quest had brought them here and caused them suffering. It was almost more than she could bear. She was scared though that if she confessed what she was feeling, the others might take a closer look at their reasons for being there, then they might abandon her. She felt selfish for that thought, but she still resolved to push those feelings down and just try to continue. They were back together after all, and that did bring her some measure of peace.
Things were looking up actually all in all, at least for how they were before. She smiled, a little one got through: it was a new day and they were together and free once more. The open road and beautiful countryside awaited once more.
They made their final preparations for the journey ahead, but before they left though, Haespethis had proudly presented them with new traveling clothes to replace their raggedy ones they still had with them from the slums so long ago. The local shops and families had donated the clothing to them so their travels would be safer and certainly more comfortable.
The shoes were the best part, they now had brand new shoes! It felt so good as they put their feet in the never-used footwear, it was like walking on air! Alexandra opted to stay in the purple dress though, she liked how it felt, she liked how she looked. She realized it was not the best for traveling, but she could just not bear to take it off, not yet at least. She packed her other clothes snugly in her pack, saving them for when she could finally give the dress a rest.
"Anything with a cape?" Zooey inquired as she examined a new blouse she had been handed.
"A cape?" Haespethis was confused.
"Yeah, a dashing hero cape." Zooey made it sound perfectly normal. "I think I'd be able to pull it off."
"Only some of the rich nobles have capes," Sophia recalled her time in the Garden, "but those are only for the most important events, you never actually see them usually day-to-day."
Luca was trying to picture it. "You'd look like a prince from a fairy-tale or something, and Alexandra here in that dress would be your princess."
"Of course!" Zooey tried to do a deep voice, "I am the noble prince, here to save my love from the clutches of evil!"
Everyone was falling over with laughter; Alexandra pretended to faint, "oh my prince! You're so brave!"
"I know I am," Zooey continued, drawing her sword and holding it above her head. "I am the bravest of anyone in the history of ever. Prince Zooey Brave Winsalot!"
Zooey also fell over with laughter, joining her friends on the floor.
"You're quite the revolutionary girl," Alexandra gasped between giddy laughs.
They laughed and laughed until they cried. It was a good release of energy and anxiety that had built up during their time in the town, it was a sign that things were going back to normal.
Leaving Hausperg's home, they went down the streets, now active with life once more. The people who had emerged would stare, point, and whisper. It was not like in Avindr though, these were not whispers of mockery, stares of disgust, they were something entirely new to Alexandra: respect, joy, thankfulness.
It was a little unnerving to be considered something of a 'hero'; word had quickly spread about the central role Alexandra and the others played in the liberation of the town. The shops were just re-opening, people were out dusting their windows, sweeping the streets. Lerwick was coming alive once more. Haespethis' family walked with them back to bridge leading out of Lerwick. When they arrived at the stone walk out of town, George and David were waiting for them.
"This town can't thank you enough," George told them as they stood before him, "we're free. Free to be with our families, free to live, free to be proud of our once-glorious town again."
"Um, thank you," Alexandra was not sure how to handle the adulation, feeling more praise was over-doing it.
"It was nothing," Zooey had no trouble with the praise of others.
Luca ran forward and embraced the two men. "I'm gonna miss you guys!"
"And us you," David laughed, "such a stout heart for one so small."
"Not too small!"
Luca knew he was a bit on the short side.
"Of course not," George was laughing as well, "but the town will miss you. Lerwick is always a home for you all if you want."
"I hope we can come back this way," part of Alexandra would not have minded staying forever in Lerwick now that it was free to run itself again.
They said their goodbyes, Haespethis did not want to see them go. Finally managing to get away from all the hugs, they set off down the long stone road back towards the highway and the rest of Prydain.
Behind them, the town was waking up, machinery was activating and rumbling through town, the mud problem the next issue the town was facing. In the distance, in what was the eastern fields, they could see huge pumps already in action, beginning to dissipate the sludge. The greenery on the far end drew closer and closer until soon enough they found themselves on the dusty highway once more. It had seemed like ages since they were last on this road, before they were ensnared in Lerwick.
Setting off, the mountains were still very far away but felt a little closer with every step. An anticipation was building in Alexandra: the answers about her father, the ones so far that were so elusive, were also getting a little closer.
The party was in full-swing when Gerlander Benedikt arrived through the large gold-inlaid double doors. Everyone was dressed their finest, full jewelry and dress garments were on display. This was one of the famous parties at the city-estate of House Bradana.
Gerlander did not like these functions, he thought them a waste of time, but if his House did not make an appearance it would be the center of gossip the next morning. With a sigh of resignation and a smile he had to force, he entered the sea of people before him.
The wine was flowing freely from a gold fountain on the main table, the most exotic and expensive dishes from all over Prydain arranged around it. He sampled a meat pie, the recipe having been brought back all the way from the border of the Distansera.
He smiled and shook hands with the other family members from different Houses. He even cordially shook the hand of Ulfarr Cornelius, who was looking quite pleased with himself. Why should he not be? House Cornelius had even more legitimized the control they already had over Prydain. He was on top of the country, his House, led by his father Radulfus, was now really the power. The Landskyp of course still had all the pull it always had, but with House Cornelius assuming most of the nations traditionally-delegated military duties and the control it already had over economics, there was no challenging it.
Gerlander was sad, he realized most of the Landskyp was either blind or all too happy to follow Cornelius and take whatever scraps fell from their table. Many saw House Cornelius as a stable and long-lasting power, which in truth it was. They turned to it for certainty and guidance in an uncertain time. The others knew full-well somewhere in their minds that House Cornelius was already too powerful, but they received some of the bounty by supporting it. Besides them, there were the puppets as well, the Houses that were silently and invisibly controlled by Cornelius. Many years ago, through economics or sudden scandals, many Houses had been forced to turn to Cornelius for assistance, and as Gerlander knew, all those never truly had gained their independence again.
Gerlander crossed the hall and bowed before his host, his lordship Idelfio Bradana, the head of the ancient House. "Greetings, I thank you for your hospitable invitation to your estate and your suare."
"Of course," Idelfio shook his hand, "we welcome all of the Houses."
"You are too kind of course."
"A word though Gerlander," Idelfio took him aside, "I want to speak with you about the last Landskyp."
They moved to sit in an unoccupied vestibule.
"Yes, what is it?" Gerlander already knew what Idelfio wanted to say.
"All that protesting and rabble-rousing your House did. We live in dangerous times, never before have Watchers been attacked, it's unthinkable to the point of I fear falling down dead with shock. All this talk of conspiracies your House was doing does not do anyone any good."
House Bradana was content with its place, hosting parties and attending state functions. They did not want anything to rock the boat. Bradana had long ago lost its military and economic influence, it was now existed just to exist, to be visible and to not take a stand.
"My House is only concerned about so many changes to our traditions, I would think that such an old and wise House such as yours would also be concerned."
"Of course," Idelfio assured him with a hearty smile, "but we think that right now the stability of the Houses, I mean the nation, takes precedence."
"What about the discontent among the commoners about new taxes and travel restrictions? There is much resentment brewing." Gerlander was not exaggerating.
Idelfio snorted. "Commoners. They aren't happy unless they have something to complain about. Now, let us get back to the party, but just try to play nice."
"I take your wise counsel." Gerlander was definitely exaggerating there.
"Good, now, you simply must try one of these delightful meat pies. House Cornelius was kind enough to bring the recipe to my cooks for our events all the way from the villages near the Distansera."
"Oh, how fascinating, I must try one. What are they doing up there that they came across these new concoctions?" Gerlander tried to make the question sound as innocent as possible.
"Who cares," Idelfio was taking a bite out of one of the pies, "but the recipes they've brought us are delightful!"
"Of course," Gerlander nodded, deciding it was time to extricate himself from this pompous fool. "Once again, I am honored by your invitation."
Gerlander left Idelfio by the tables and wandered off to the rest of the party.
He hated it. He wanted to go back home.
There was much anxiety at his House because of the last Landskyp, there had been many secretive talks of ways to reduce Cornelius' power. There were others who felt the same, but would never say so openly. The enemies of House Cornelius had a certain way of having misfortune befalling them.
He was not watching where he was going and bumped into a woman near the wall.
"Oh! I am so sorry...," he looked at her as she turned around, "ah, Lady Divorna. My most humble apologies, I was clumsy."
"Do not bother yourself," Lady Divorna smiled, "you are a friend, Gerlander."
"Of course, it is good to see you Elita."
They let formality slip between them.
"I see you were cajoled in coming to this too."
"I do despise these parties," admitted Gerlander, "just a way for House Bradana to remind everyone they're here. All the food at this party could feed a small village, probably several."
"A Noble concerned about the Commoners?" She teased. "How different."
"It's what we're supposed to do," he remarked a little more quietly, "most of our fellow nobles have forgotten that."
"Indeed. Word has reached my House that one of our grain caravans was stopped to the northeast near Frael Denali by a National Patrol."
"Made up entirely of Cornelius soldiers I assume."
"Quite so," she lowered her voice even more, "they stopped the caravan and said they had imposed travel restrictions in the region and were searching all travelers. They searched the entire caravan and took more than half of the supplies as 'compensation' for taking up the Patrol's time."
Gerlander could not believe what he was being told. "That's outrageous! Did they say they were serving your House?"
"Indeed, but to that the captain of the Patrol just laughed and said it did not matter."
Gerlander's face was turning a slight shade of red.
"This is getting ridiculous, no House has ever interfered with another like this."
"But we all know that that very thing has been happening a lot more these past few years. Things have come off the rails without House Archdeacon haven't they, perhaps just how some wished."
That was a dangerous thought, even more dangerous to give voice to.
"I'm not sure what you mean." Gerlander was careful to not say anything incriminating.
"I'm sure you do," she pressed, "perhaps we could arrange a meeting, a social breakfast perhaps between our Houses."
He caught her meaning. "I think that could be arranged."
"Very good. Now, let us return to the party proper before people start talking."
Gerlander spent the rest of the party not socializing very much, making sure to do the bare minimum that noble decorum expected.
He wandered the main hall, looking at the decorations on display. House Bradana, despite having no real power or influence, was very old and its collection of antiquity certainly revealed that fact. There were shields from the time when Prydain was known as Brithwyr, before Willem Arkland united the land. There were early steam devices from the first golden age of steam, precious stones behind glass, stone reliefs mounted on the walls, and items from all over the large nation.
One thing did catch his eye as he passed by a glass case, a piece of worn parchment, the writing on it barely legible. It appeared very old, and was torn at the bottom. He pressed his face against the glass to try to read it. From what he could tell, it was an old letter, a correspondence sent by a National Patrol captain to the Landskyp many centuries ago.
"...searching, no sign of the village....forest everywhere, it's like....perhaps it never existed or the inhabitants moved....only foliage....repeat, no evidence of the village of Fru Alstad..."
He was surprised by the historical value of the item in the glass he was viewing. Of course everyone knew the stories of Fru Alstad, one of the great centers of invention centuries ago during the first steam age. An anti-machine movement had sprung up though, farmers and townspeople who felt their way of lives threatened. Many machines were wrecked and blueprints destroyed.
After that, Prydain stayed where it was, stagnant for years upon years, before finally the college in Avindr began to push the nation forward once more. Now, at the beginning of the new steam era, man was touching the sky and making incredible progress. Fru Alstad was one of those stories from the chaos that ended the first age of steam. Was it burned to the ground by the protesters? Did the inventors and villagers move, or perhaps went into hiding to ride out the bad times? If so, why did they not emerge once more once the country settled down again?
The most popular story was that the Great Woods, the endless forest to the west that Fru Alstad was said to sit next to swallowed the town whole in retribution for the triumph of the metal machines made there. That was of course nonsense, but certainly made for good gossip. If Fru Alstad ever existed it is long gone and the knowledge there lost forever. Many attempts had been made over the centuries to find some trace of the village and the advanced machines made there, but each had come back empty handed. This letter was from one such attempt.
The hour drew late and it was finally time for the party to be over. Gerlander was thankful and made it quickly to the doors, trying his best to not look like he was rushing. Stopping once again to thank his hosts and shake some hands, he finally was able to leave. The night air was refreshing as he crossed the Garden back to his own House's Estate. He had much to discuss with the family, his talk with Lady Divorna still very present in his thoughts.
Alexandra sat down with her back to the wall, her feet thankful that they were no longer being forced to walk. They had come upon a small abandoned cabin a little ways off of the highway and had decided to rest there for the night. Though it was better to travel at night, easier to hide from National Patrols and anyone else looking for them, but they had already been traveling since morning from Lerwick and could not go any farther without any proper rest. Her ankles throbbed, they were not used to so much walking since all the time she had spent in the 'comfort' of the Lederan's little palace.
There was little furnishing in the cabin, it appeared to have been deserted for some time. It was a small, one-room affair, only slightly bigger than where they had lived in the slums. There was some hay on the floor and remnants of furniture, but most of it had been long since been taken either by the original inhabitants or scavengers.
Luca was exhausted and had quickly set up a pillow with his backpack and curled up in the corner. He was asleep almost instantly, still worn out from his time of forced physical labor in the steam plant. Zooey had gone out to scout the area, she wanted to be certain no one was lurking about before she even thought about going to sleep. She had drawn her sword and headed out as soon as they had gotten to the cabin, with Alexandra's reminder to be careful.
"I'm the picture of careful," she had laughed as the rickety door has closed behind her.
Alexandra took her shoes off and closed her eyes, she had forgotten how tiring the highway was on foot. They had walked all day and nary seen another soul on the road.
The countryside was beautiful and it was a wonderful change from the drab browns that dominated the colour of Lerwick. She was glad to rest though and could not wait for the next day, another day closer to the Mountains and supposedly the answers she sought about her father.
Opening her eyes, she looked down at her sore ankles and realized she was still wearing her purple dress from Lerwick, she had completely forgotten she had kept it on.
She chuckled.
"What is it?" Sophia asked as she sorted through her backpack.
"The dress, I bet someone would think we're an odd looking group to begin with, but traveling with this elegant thing on, probably a little too unusual."
"Maybe a little."
Sophia laughed, they were rather an odd group to behold.
"It's the most beautiful clothing I've ever owned." She did truly love it despite it was her uniform before, "and it fits perfectly."
"Do you really like it?"
"Yeah, I don't want it to get dirty but I don't want to take it off, it's just so great."
"I made it." Sophia was looking away at her pack.
"What?" Alexandra thought she had heard her right.
"A few nights after we were trapped in Lerwick and I was with the other servants," Sophia said quietly, "Selene came down and said they needed a dress quickly for Arportia's new maidservant. I knew it was you, I volunteered to sew it together that night. I finished it right before the sun started coming up."
"It's absolutely perfect."
"Thank you," Sophia was embarrassed, she had been so afraid Alexandra would hate the dress because she had been forced to wear it as a prisoner.
"I love it." Alexandra told her directly, calming her fears.
Before Sophia's cheeks could turn even redder, the door suddenly burst open and Zooey tramping in from the darkness outside.
"Everything's clear out there," she announced, throwing her pack against the wall and sat down on it.
"Anything to see?" Sophia inquired, changing the subject.
"No," she yawned, "just fields, some trees, and a lot of nighttime. I feel great though, all the night air. Finally doesn't smell like mud."
"Zooey?" Alexandra had an important question and was not sure how to ask it.
It had been bothering her since they had escaped the Lederan's palace, nagging at the edges of her thoughts.
"Hmmm?"
"How are you okay?"
"Huh?" Zooey was not sure what she meant.
"I saw you, I saw the bruises you took from the Lederan's guards. Even so, the next time I would see you you'd be perfectly fine, no cuts or bruises at all."
"Oh yeah," Zooey could not believe she had not told them, "honestly it wasn't all that bad. We'd fight, first one to actually hit me got a small handful of coins and then I'd just be tossed back in a cell for the rest of the day."
"How can you say that?" Sophia did not believe it was 'not all that bad' as Zooey had stated.
"It's true, it hurt at the time, I got some pretty bad hits. But, let me tell you, I gave out just as many as I took, probably more! Anyways, once one of them did manage to hit me, they'd drag me inside and make me drink this weird-tasting water. But, there was something strange about the water, and not just the taste, it had a kind of white-glow to it. All I know is that after drinking it, all my bruises would be gone and the cuts would have healed, no scars at all. The best part was is how great I felt after! I had so much strength, I was ready to go back out and fight some more guards right away, teach them a lesson! Honestly, I kind of looked forward to the fights because afterward I'd be okay, and feel even better than before!"
"That's amazing," Sophia could not think of anything that had such strange properties as the water Zooey was describing.
"And you have no idea what it was?" Alexandra was equally curious and mystified by what Zooey was describing.
"No idea," Zooey held up her hands, "one of the guards one night must have had too much wine and was a little loose-lipped as he watched over me. He said it was a 'special water', something they had stolen from a traveler a ways-back when this traveler was passing by Lerwick. Apparently the traveler had a vial of glowing water. I guess they eventually figured out what it did: healed people. He said that any water that this special stuff touched would become just like it. That's all he'd say though. I guess it seemed convenient to keep their practice target alive and swinging."
Alexandra shook her head. "I can't believe no one else has heard of anything like that, it's just so weird. Something like that would change everything."
"Right?" Zooey nodded, "all I know is that it made me feel great! I'm sad we don't have any, I'd love to take a few more drinks of it. You guys would love it to, it makes you feel even more alive."
None of them had ever heard even old wives tales about such a thing.
"It's probably still at Lerwick," Sophia suggested.
"Nah," Zooey sounded disappointed, "everything was so chaotic when the pipes blew. I looked everywhere for the vial the guard mentioned but no luck."
"That's too bad," Alexandra wanted to see this strange water. "I'm sure someone else knows about it, I mean, the traveler they stole it from must have gotten it from somewhere."
Zooey let loose with a loud yawn, scooting on the floor until her head was resting her backpack. "I'm going to sleep. night night."
"I guess the conversation's over," laughed Alexandra.
Sophia now caught the yawning bug herself. "I think she has a good idea."
"I agree," Alexandra laid down on the floor, trying to get comfortable. "Wow, I didn't think I was this tired," she stretched herself out then curled up. "Good night Sophia."
"Sweet dreams Alexandra." Sophia had also turned her backpack into a makeshift pillow.
Alexandra waited for everyone else to go to sleep, Sophia's amber eyes finally closed. She was not sure why, but seeing everyone else at peace made Alexandra feel better. Maybe it was the quiet, the stillness of the moment, the closeness of her friends. She was not sure what, but she felt a great calm herself as she watched them sleep.
Content that all was right, Alexandra allowed her own eyes to close, the view of the rustic cabin fading away into the night.
With the coming sunrise, they reluctantly awoke and packed up. The urge to sleep in a little more was tempting and in everyone's mind, but every second they were not on the highway was just that much longer their journey would take. The party was quiet in the morning, too tired to talk or make light as they finished re-arranging their packs and headed back outside.
A short walk across the field to the highway and they were walking along the road again. Up above, the skies were clear with hardly a cloud to be seen in any direction. Alexandra had her hands on her dress, holding it up slightly so the bottom would not brush the ground as she walked. Zooey meanwhile was telling highly embellished stories of how she fought all the guards and won every time obivously with Luca and Sophia giving her their rapt attention.
That night, they sheltered under a large tree slightly off the highway. It was a warm night and they were simply able to just lie on the grass with the beautiful canopy of the tree and sky overhead.
They had made good time that day, stopping only for lunch around midday. It was probably the fact that they were together again, it had invigorated them, given them lots of energy. They had walked quickly but it had not seemed so. If the same pace was kept, they would near the Rotsen Mountains in merely a few weeks. With determination, Alexandra put one foot in front of the other and pushed any fatigue out of her mind. The new shoes made the walk much easier and faster, they were making good time. With the new clothes and the energy from their daring escape from Lerwick, they were moving much more quickly. It seemed a little bit easier than before. Things were going okay for the first time in a long time it seemed.
It had been a week since the party at House Bradana's city estate and Gerlander was now on his way to have a cordial luncheon with Lady Divorna to discuss 'trade agreements' between the Houses. Even as an official excuse, it was rather weak. House Cornelius now had to approve all economic agreements between Houses. This is because they assumed responsibility over the Counters Circle, the only official 'bank' of Prydain some time ago. It had sounded like a good idea at the time, but now they had a stranglehold on all economic transactions between the Houses, granting them even further-reaching influence on the other nobles where none should exist.
Following the sudden and tragic murder of House Archdeacon years prior, the economy faltered as basic faith in the structure of the country was weakened. Cornelius had stepped in and began regulating the coin flow and kept strict control over rates and large transactions. In exchange for forgiving debts of many businesses and even other Houses that were incurred when the economy dropped, they received other 'concessions'. What those were exactly were kept secret between the business or House and Cornelius. Whatever they were, House Cornelius became much richer and gained leverage over many other Houses and many of the larger businesses in the nation. The nation's economy had indeed been stabilized, but at what ultimate cost?
Being allowed through the gates by the Divorna Soldiers stationed there, Gerlander released his sword to the Captain of the estate guards as a ceremonial courtesy. He was led through the outer hall and into a walled side-garden next to the main building. It featured many trees that did not extend very far upwards but had large branching canopies. A short winding white-stone path led him to a set of a round wooden table and chairs.
Seated at the table was Lady Divorna, a cup of tea in front of her and one in front of an empty chair opposite. Gerlander bowed and took the empty seat.
"Thank you for the invitation to tea my lady."
"Thank you for coming," she gave a nod, "I think our interests are the same."
"Radulfus Cornelius?" Gerlander did not waste time on subtly.
"Why yes," she was surprised he had come right out with it, "our way of life is changing, and not for the better. Soon we will have a single House government. Perish the thought, but we may even have only one House before long: Cornelius."
Gerlander took a sip of the tea before diving in. He had a feeling that this was a conversation that would likely forever change both their Houses.
"Yes, they have managed to fill House Archdeacon's role as the lead House, but it's different. They have their finger in every pie it seems. It feels insidious."
"Is your House troubled by all the recent decisions taken by them? The rise in taxes, the changes to the National Patrol, the cordoning off of the Watchers? It's all highly irregular and highly troubling when viewed as one action."
"We are," Gerlander nodded, "my father, Byron Benedikt, has taken exception to these actions. He's been sending missives to many of the other Houses to try to get enough votes in the Landskyp to repeal a lot of these decisions but those that feel the same way and are brave enough to say so are few. The others either support Cornelius or are going along out of fear it seems."
"They probably are having their strings pulled."
"That's what we think," confirmed Gerlander. "My father tried to speak to Olek Benham about the matter but he would not say one thing about Cornelius. He refused to even discuss the matter in any way. We even offered to help with whatever Cornelius is holding over Benham, but he would take no further meetings."
Lady Divorna looked down at her teacup, regret mixed in on her face. "They long ago stopped being a House, they're just a mouthpiece for Cornelius now."
"And what of your husband? What does he intend for House Divorna to do?"
"We are not a large House, we are not one of the older one likes yours. But even so, we look for a way to break Cornelius' control, and we have a hope."
"I've heard. Your invitation implied as much with no details."
"I wanted to invite you to tea to let you know that if House Benedikt does decide to move, our House will support it."
Elita Divorna took another sip and shifted the conversation. "Have you heard the news coming in from the country? About the town, oh what was it, Lerwick?"
How could he not, news had even reached Avindr already even though it had only been a few days since he purported events.
"I have, it's been quite the talk among society circles and in the Market District I understand. What does House Cornelius say on it? From the messages our people are hearing from travelers coming in it makes it look like they were supporting a madman out there. Enslaving the townspeople. It's just madness."
"Cornelius has claimed they knew nothing about it and had no idea that the machines and money being sent there were being used for anything except the recovery of the town."
"All those mining and farming machines? All the money that was sent? No one was watching over it? Sounds fishy."
"Very much," Lady Divorna finished her tea, "it has definitely agitated them. It's nice to see House Cornelius scramble to save face for once, not that anyone could touch them anyway."
"The rumors have it that a red haired girl led the revolt against the corrupt Lederan. The way the stories are starting to tell it, she's a super-soldier mastermind and she liberated the entire town single-highhandedly."
"I've heard the stories as well," she flashed a smile.
Gerlander put down his own teacup and looked directly at her. This was what they had really come to discuss.
"Would that be your hope you spoke of?"
"I have no doubts."
"It couldn't be."
"Yet, we believe it to be so."
He rubbed his eyes, the entire concept difficult to fathom.
"It's impossible. Archdeacon is long gone and they cannot save us now from our own shortsightedness. We have to bail ourselves and the nation out of the hole we've allowed Cornelius to dig us into. Looking vainly at the paragons of the past will do us no good."
"I said it was a hope."
Gerlander leaned back in his chair, "Cornelius will triple their efforts to find them, especially as gossip spreads about Lerwick."
"House Cornelius does not rule the nation yet," her tone was demure as always but her eyes alight with fire. "We are Noble Houses are we not? Do we not have influence and power of our own? Or have you grown so scared by House Cornelius' shadow that we simply hide in gardens and talk?"
Gerlander snorted slightly at the provocation but let it pass.
"Helping fugitives would give Cornelius all the reason they need to bring both our Houses down. They'd turn public opinion against us and we would be rendered impotent."
"Speak to your father Byron, please. Tell him what we have discussed and what we hope. Do not play the innocent Gerlander, my husband and I are aware of the whispers of dissonance your House have been spreading, the resources you are quietly gathering at your country estate. We know you intend to fight, if it comes to that."
Gerlander shifted uncomfortably in his seat and took a deep breath. "My father will want confirmation."
Lady Divorna sat back in her chair. "If everything goes well, we'll have that soon. Miss Florence promised she would send her and the others with her the right way, to the Mountains."
"Dangerous territory, and I still think you're mad. But we have nothing else to hope in. I'll tell him as you request."
"Thank you Gerlander. You are a good friend."
He stood and bowed once more, "and you too Elita."
He retrieved his sword from the captain of the soldiers and strolled across the Garden back to his own House's city estate. While his walk appeared calm and carefree as always, his mind was raging with what Lady Divora had suggested and all the implications surrounding it.
As he walked, he was acutely aware of the many Cornelius soldiers now patrolling the Garden and standing guard around any of the structures where the Watchers were. They were everywhere and for the first time, Gerlander did not feel perfectly safe. He was relieved when he reached his own estate and passed through the large gate. House Benedikt was one of the older Houses and had a correspondingly-large city estate to match its age and respectability.
Upon reaching his quarters, he immediately began writing a detailed letter to his father, who was spending the rest of the season at the House's country estate. Gerlander wrote for several hours, he had many things to say after his meeting with Lady Divorna.