Aubreigne Read online

  “I am. I gave up a few hours ago and just got up. I just got back from taking the last few pieces of my things to my new home,” Shane explained.

  “Is there more to do? I’d be happy to assist,” Simon offered.

  “Not at the moment. I think we’re all done, but if I think of something that needs more than me to move it, I’ll certainly let you know,” Shane answered.

  “Very good, then. Is your father awake this morning?” Simon asked.

  “I’m sure he is. Once the sky starts lightening with the dawn, he just can’t lie in bed any longer,” Shane said, smiling. “Would you like to come in?” Shane asked.

  “Oh, no. I don’t want to intrude so early in the day. I just have a bit of news to share with him. I’ll wait out here,” Simon answered.

  “Okay. Let me call him for you.”

  “Thank you,” Simon said.

  Shane closed the door and called out for Enthrall.

  “Dad! Simon is here!” Shane called as he walked back into the kitchen to finish his tea.

  Enthrall walked from the bedroom, still tucking in his shirt. “I’m coming,” he answered. Enthrall walked through the living room and looked at Shane in surprise. He was already covered in a fine sheen of sweat, and it wasn’t even hot outside. “Sweating already?” Enthrall asked.

  “Yes, sir. Couldn’t sleep. Woke up early and already took the last of my things to the new house this morning,” Shane answered.

  “I told you last night that I’d help if there was anything you’d forgotten,” Enthrall said.

  “It wasn’t much, just some clothes and a few little things from my room that I hadn’t moved before.”

  “Okay. Take a look around and if there’s anything else, we’ll take it over after breakfast,” Enthrall said.

  “I will, thanks,” Shane answered. “Simon offered the same thing. We’ll have lots of help if we need it.”

  Enthrall opened the front door and walked out onto his porch. “Good morning, Simon,” Enthrall greeted.

  “Good morning, Enthrall. How are you today?” Simon asked.

  “I’m well. It’s a big day!” Enthrall said, proudly.

  “It is indeed. We are happy to be included in the festivities. Serafina’s been looking forward to it for months.”

  “I’m looking forward to seeing the dress she and Aubreigne made for Deaumanique. I’m sure between the two of them it’s surely something special,” Enthrall said.

  “I’ve only seen pieces of it as Serafina makes the lace to edge it, but I’m sure I’ve not seen finer stitching yet,” Simon said.

  “Glad to hear it. She’s a special girl. She deserves to feel like a princess today,” Enthrall said.

  “They are both exceptional young people,” Simon agreed.

  “Well, you’re out early today,” Enthrall said, as an effort to get to the point of Simon’s visit.

  Simon nodded. “Yes, I am. Please excuse the intrusion, especially on today of all days, but I thought you should know. When I went to check my traps this morning, they were empty. I rushed back to the house suspecting it was worse than that, and I was right. Even the racks I use for drying venison behind the house had been stripped bare. On my way here, I came across two more who were grumbling about their catches being taken as well.”

  Enthrall shook his head. “Again?!” he asked, slapping his own leg emphatically. “Every time I think it’s ended, it starts up again!”

  “I thought this time it was finished as well. I thought the days of having to sit from sundown to sunup and watch over my traps and my curing racks was done. It’s been more than a year since my catch was stolen. That catch was meant for my family, not thieves.”

  “I know. And the part that is most confusing to me, is the fact that it’s not ongoing. It stops for months, and as you said, the last time was a year ago, just to start up again out of nowhere,” Enthrall said.

  “It is frustrating to say the least,” Simon agreed.

  “I wonder if the missing catch and the cured venison have ended up at Aubreigne’s home again?” Enthrall said.

  “I certainly hope not,” Simon said, a note of concern in his voice.

  “As do I. She feels responsible each time it happens,” Enthrall said. “I don’t want anything to mar her enjoyment of the day.”

  “Nor do I,” Simon agreed. “I think I’ll pay her a visit and see what I find outside her door.”

  “No need. I’ll go,” Enthrall offered.

  “No, you and Aubreigne both have a day of celebration ahead of you and your families. I’ll check. If it’s there, I’ll bring it home. If not, I’ll let you know that as well. But, either way, there is no reason for her to know of this. At least not yet,” Simon said.

  “I agree. And thank you for taking care of it. There are not enough hours in the day today,” Enthrall said. Then thinking about Simon’s family without his catch or the venison he’d hunted for them, he realized they may be short on supplies. “Does this theft place your family in need? Can I offer you a supplement, not charity — I know your stance on that, but a supplement until you are able to return the favor with your next catch?” Enthrall asked.

  Simon thought about it. He had enough for now, but if he was unable to successfully replace the food that had been stolen before the end of the week, it would definitely be a problem. “Not today. We are fine for today. If my catch is not with Aubreigne, I’ll let you know, but for today, we’re okay.”

  “Alright. Just let me know. Do not hesitate, Simon,” Enthrall said, knowing that Simon would never ask, he’d have to just show up at Simon’s door and hand him, or his wife, enough food to get them through the week. If they’d recovered from the theft of their food and supplies, they’d refuse, but if not, and they’d not been successful in their trapping and hunting, they would graciously accept with the understanding that they’d repay him with their next successful hunt.

  “Thank you, Enthrall,” Simon said, beginning to step away and return to his home.

  Enthrall reached out his hand to shake Simon’s.

  Simon still wasn’t accustomed to social graces. He’d been long ostracized, and the inhabitants’ of Whispers acceptance of him and his family still took him off guard sometimes. He awkwardly stepped forward to shake Enthrall’s hand when Enthrall held it out to him waiting for him to take it.

  Enthrall smiled and warmly took Simon’s hand in both of his, while looking him in the eye.

  After Simon took his leave, Enthrall closed the door and went to the kitchen to start the coffee. As he poured water into the percolator, and selected several fruits from the bowl on the table to prepare a fruit compote to place on top of the pancakes he planned to make for his family, Shane came back up the hall and into the kitchen.

  “What’d he say?” Shane asked.

  “Something stole his catch. His traps were emptied, and something or someone even took the venison he’d been curing.”

  “Again? I thought we were past all that!” Shane said exasperatedly.

  “Me, too. Just as soon as we think we’ve taken care of the problem, it happens again,” Enthrall said.

  “Did he see anything?” Shane asked.

  “No. Just checked his traps this morning to find them already sprung and empty. Then the curing racks out back of his home were stripped bare — not a single strip of venison left on the racks. He’s going to Aubreigne’s to see if they were left at her front door again.”

  “Do you think it’s him?” Shane asked.

  “I’m not sure anymore. At one time, I absolutely believed it was, but now… it’s been so long without a sighting, I’m not sure. One thing is for sure, though. We have to become more vigilant about protecting our harvests and livelihoods, again. Whether it’s Amilanu or someone or something else, it has to be stopped. If someone is hungry, I don’t begrudge them food, but come forward, join us, contribute — don’t steal from our people,” Enthrall said emphatically.

  “I agree,” Sha
ne said. “I’ll go over to Aubreigne's and see if…”

  “No, that’s not necessary. Simon is headed there now. If he finds what he’s looking for, he’ll simply remove it and return it to his own home. If it’s not there, he’ll go quietly away. Aubreigne will not know. This will not affect her day,” Enthrall said, rushing to stop Shane from thinking he needed to intervene.

  “Good. I don’t want her upset by it today. It’s not her fault,” Shane said.

  “No, it’s not. And most of our people know and understand that. The rest… they fear her anyway, so, they leave her alone no matter what they think,” Enthrall added.

  “They still treat her like it’s her doing. It’s not fair,” Shane said. “She’s lived here a long time and it’s not fair that she gets blamed for whatever it is stealing food from the rest of the inhabitants. She’s always made it a point to keep to herself, she bothers no one and no thing,” Shane said.

  “I make sure to let them know she’s as unhappy about it as they are, each time it happens,” Enthrall answered.

  “Thank you for that,” Shane said, watching his father beginning to make the pancake batter. “We need to step up security around her place again. If it is him, if he were ever to attack her…” Shane said.

  “As long as she’s got her voice, she’s fine. She can sing him to his knees anytime he shows his face. But, you’re right, additional security should be put in place for the whole of Whispers. Just roving patrols walking the paths at odd times just to try to reduce the opportunity of theft,” Enthrall said.

  “I’ll be happy to join in,” Shane said.

  “You're getting married today. I think you should have no focus other than your wife for a couple of weeks. After that, we’ll see,” Enthrall said.

  “Alright, then,” Shane answered, watching Enthrall start slicing up the fruit. “Need some help?” he asked.

  “No. Today is your day. It’s all about you and Deaumanique. Rest, celebrate, and be happy. That’s all you need to do today,” Enthrall said with a wide smile, a sparkle behind his eye telling Shane that he was about to cause a bit of trouble. “Until tonight…”

  “No! No, we are not going there. I may be a grown man, now, but you’re still my father, so, no!” Shane said, laughing.

  Enthrall chuckled. “We can have another talk if you like. In case the first wasn’t clear enough,” Enthrall teased. “It was some time ago that we had that talk, come to think of it. And if you need any pointers…”

  “Please no. I’ve got it. I promise,” Shane said, laughing as he left the kitchen.

  “Where are you going?” Enthrall called out. “I was just getting started!”

  “I know! That’s why I’m leaving. I’m going to wake up Ezekiel! Last time I’ll get to do that for a while.”

  ~~~

  Murder landed behind the small cottage that drew his attention this morning. He’d felt off most of the night, and believed there was more than enough reason to be concerned. He’d been here once during the night, but finding nothing amiss, had returned home. But now, he was back, and rounding the corner of the home, he saw he’d been right.

  “Simon,” Murder said quietly, trying to keep from alerting the inhabitants of the home that they were outside.

  Simon looked up at the sound of his name and nodded in greeting. “Thought that was you I heard walking around the house,” he said, his voice low.

  “You know my footsteps?” Murder asked.

  Simon shrugged. “A talent learned. I can tell most people as they approach by the rhythm of their footsteps.”

  Murder nodded and he watched Simon doing his best to gather up the dried venison and raw shell fish that had been heaped on Aubreigne’s front stoop. “He’s been at it again,” Murder commented.

  “Seems so. I’m trying to get it all cleared away and back to my place before Aubreigne sees it. Don’t want her day ruined,” Simon explained.

  “Let me help,” Murder said, walking toward Simon.

  “Much obliged,” Simon answered.

  Together he and Murder gathered everything that had been left for Aubreigne to find. It was enough food to feed a family for more than a week. Once they had it all in hand, they made their way back toward Simon’s home.

  “Do you need me to help you return this, or did this all come from your stock?” Murder asked, as he helped Simon carry it away from Aubreigne’s.

  “It all came from me,” Simon said. “Except for the pork. That was not mine,” he explained.

  “Any idea whose it was?” Murder asked.

  “Check with Brannaugh, he was searching for his missing foodstuffs as well this morning. I planned to keep it in my smoke house until after the wedding when I’d have a chance to get it back to him, but if you could return it to him now, it would be most appreciated,” Simon said.

  “Brannaugh?” Murder asked.

  “The dark fey who lives in the deepest parts of our swamp.”

  “I will. As soon as we get your food into your smokehouse, I’ll go to Brannaugh, then go back to Aubreigne’s to be sure there’s nothing to let her know stolen goods were left at her door again,” Murder explained.

  Chapter 3

  Carnage grumbled as he pulled on a pair of pressed breeches and forced his feet into boots.

  “It’s a fancy wedding, Carnage. We have to look nice,” Carolena said.

  “’Arnge nooo faancee,” he grumbled again.

  “Yes, you are. You’re very, very handsome, and you can be very fancy. And all the women will be jealous when they see you,” Carolena said, trying to make him want to go along with dressing up a bit.

  He picked up his shirt lying across the edge of the bed and held it out before shaking it and tossing it back to the bed. “Nooo s’irt,” he said defiantly.

  Carolena had just finished dressing. She was wearing a pale yellow skirt, loose and flowing about her legs, embroidered with tiny white flowers and green leaves on it. Her blouse was made of the same pale yellow material without the embroidery. It was fitted and she belted it at the waist with a wide sash tied snugly and left in a bow. She stood there for a moment facing Carnage, then decided to agree with him. “You know? I think you’re right.”

  Carnage nodded emphatically, turning to walk out of their bedroom.

  “I don’t think I feel like wearing a shirt either, today. So, no shirts,” she said, unbuttoning her blouse and tossing it on the bed with his shirt before walking out of their bedroom and heading down the hallway. “Lily? Boon? Are you both dressed?” she called out, completely dismissing Carnage from her mind.

  “Almost,” Lily called back.

  “Kinda,” Boon answered.

  Carnage stood in the hallway watching his Carolena walking into the kitchen and checking the gift she’d wrapped the night before, and preparing to leave the house, all the while calling to the kids — with no shirt on.

  “S’irt!” he said, coming up the hall toward her with a look of disbelief on his face.

  Carolena looked up from the bow she was fiddling with. “Hmm?” she asked.

  “S’irt!” Carnage repeated, gesturing at her breasts.

  “Oh, no. You were right. This is much more comfortable. I don’t think we should wear shirts either,” she answered. “I like this look,” she said, standing proudly, chest out.

  Carnage snarled and turned, stalking back into his bedroom and snatching both his shirt and Carolena’s blouse up off the bed before stomping back into the kitchen. He held her blouse out to her and she took it from him with her eyebrow raised, looking him in the eye.

  Carnage shook out the shirt he held in his hands, lifted it over his head and allowed the center of the back of it, specifically separated from the side seams to allow for his wings, to fall down between his wings, and the sleeves over his arms, then he straightened the collar. He looked at Carolena who still stood holding her blouse.

  Carnage sighed, knowing he’d fully lost this battle. His thick fingers began working at
the buttons of his shirt. Once he’d gotten it buttoned, he shoved the shirttails down into his breeches and turned to face Carolena with his hands on his hips.

  “You’re very handsome, Carnage. I’m a very, very lucky woman,” she said, slipping into her blouse and buttoning it again. “But, just to be clear, if you take that shirt off at the wedding, I’m taking mine off, too.”

  Carnage squinted his eyes at her, and she squinted back.

  “I’m ready, Momma,” Lily said, walking into the living room.

  Carolena smiled proudly, and Carnage turned around to see what his daughter had decided to wear. “Oh, Lily you look so beautiful! You could be a princess,” Carolena said.

  Carnage forgot all about having to wear an itchy shirt and walked over to his daughter, smiling at her as he went. He tapped his mouth while he shook his head. “Nooo wor’s,” he said, hugging her and kissing her head.

  “Your Papa’s right, there are no words to describe the way you look. You are so grown up,” Carolena said.

  “Thank you,” Lily said, hugging her Papa.

  “I forget sometimes just how grown you are when I see you running around in dungarees and cotton shirts all the time,” Carolena said.

  “I can dress like a lady when necessary,” Lily said, laughing lightly. She wore a sheath dress that was a pale purple, just about the same shade as her wisps. She’d belted it loosely with a silver sash, and wore a simple silver necklace and a bracelet that Lore had given her. At almost fifteen, she’d pretty much already acquired the figure she’d keep as a woman. She was slender, but clearly had a woman’s figure beneath the dress she wore. Her silver hair had been brushed to a shining, waving mass spilling down her back, and she’d swept the front of it to the side and caught it up in a silver clasp that her Papa had gifted her on her last birthday. Her slate blue eyes had lightened a bit as she matured, to more of a soft, grayish blue, and they sparkled as they were set off by the color of her dress.

  “I’m just going like this,” Boon said, walking out of his bedroom and into the living room, fiddling with the buttons on his shirt. “It doesn’t need to be buttoned up. I hate wearing clothes!” he complained. He had on a pair of brown breeches, his feet were in boots, and he had on a shirt with only the bottom two buttons fastened. He was, to his credit, clean. He’d taken his bath the night before and scrubbed his face and body. His face was a smaller imitation of Carnage’s. His forehead and jaw both strong and wide. His nose was more Romanesque, slender and just slightly flared courtesy of his mother’s genes, and his cheekbones high and sharp. His eyes were the same color as Carnage’s, they were a dark slate-grey, practically the same shade as his hair. His hair and lashes were a much darker silver than his sister’s, but still silver nonetheless. He was a very handsome young man, but couldn’t care less about his appearance most of the time. Like today — his dark, silver hair was hanging shaggily around his head as though he’d been wrestling.