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Adventures of a Merchant: Choices by Arcie Emm See Prior Adventures of a Merchant: 1. The Start 2. A Pause in Corels ...being continued... Greetings once more friends. At the end of my last tale I mentioned that it was time for me to spend some time in the now and I took my own advice. After a stay in Corels to visit family, I continued on to Elladoo Post for my first visit in a number of year. As it always does, the visit served to remind me of who I am, for people who knew you when you were young often continue to see you as you were, as opposed to who you have become. Though this can be annoying when making those first steps into adulthood, it is relaxing when you are comfortable in yourself. Comfortable as I have become in my skin, it was very relaxing. Allowing me to follow instead of leading, whether it was helping with paper work, assisting in inventory or even taking out a caravan to make the rounds of the nearby farmsteads. Still escape can only last so long, at some point responsibilities will call you back. For me, that call occurred just over five weeks after I left Glanlies. The responsibility, that called, was not one I cherished. The Commission, who besides extracting fees, also expects members to provide labour. This labour is compensated at the appropriate clerk rate, but usually involves work no contractor would perform at such a sum. You can refuse a task, but everyone knew that without a good excuse the next work offered would be even worse. Enough refusals and you could lose your membership, which usually led to bankruptcy. I did not have a good excuse, in fact with the project being at North Fort and my being at Elladoo Post it was completely logical for me to be assigned, no matter my dislike for the task. Thus I found myself travelling there to examine the books of the fort. And like every other time I have performed this task, I hated every minute of it. On the positive side, it made me quite ready to lock myself in a room away from everybody. And that made it easier to write this next episode of my life, in which I found myself in the City of Glanlies for the first time. Now the way that I talk about the place, it would be easy for you to assume that the City of Glanlies is some wondrous place. As beautiful as marbled Venwick, the capital of the Simolean Kingdom, and as majestic as far off Newlbourne in the Yasper Mountain range. Yet anybody who has ever been to the city knows that it is neither. Instead they will comment on how orderly it is or how clean or even regimented, meanwhile they will be thinking that the proper term is boring. At least that is what they will think if they are not of the peninsula, but to those of us who are it's children, the city is perfect. Yes it is all those things that others see, but that is the way we want it. The city itself is located in the middle of a plain where the vine and farming lands are intersected by numerous streams, though most of the water for the city comes from deep wells. It is built entirely of stone from a near-by quarry, which gives each building a solidness, but also a likeness to each other. In fact many of the buildings are the same, long, three story structures used either for offices or for apartments. The only buildings that stand out as unique are the temples of the Gods and the manses of the wealthy. At the centre of the city is Heart Park and spanning out from this centre are rings of buildings. The inner most ring holds the temples and churches of the eight gods and goddesses whose clergy had participated in my Chaining in Corels. These temples and the park existed long before the rest of the city, having first been built to service the land owners and farmers of the plain. However, those land owners did not stint, instead they poured great wealth into the creation of those temples and soon Glanlies became the spiritual hub of the peninsula, home to the major deity and seasonal festivals. These festivals soon became the meeting points for all the merchant families from across the peninsula and the four coastal centres who made up the Commission. This continued as the norm for over a century until the coastal city of Freenjie was raided by a force from Jewel, which resulted in the razing of the old Glanlies Trade Commission headquarters. After much politicking by the land owners, a decision was finally made to build not just a new headquarters, but a new, inland city to serve as the capital. And so about 200 years before the writing of this tale, a project was started to implement Chief Architect Reginald Banskine's vision of the perfect capital for the Glanlies Peninsula, more specifically the Glanlies Trade Commission. And after 14 years (14 years, 3 months and 22 days to be exact) the project was complete. Since then little has changed about the city, it had been built to serve a purpose and it does it very well. Therefore, what I saw when Mistress Elladoo had me step out of the carriage was little different than what I would have seen at any time since the birth of the city. ------------------------- "It is smaller than I thought," I murmured while looking out at the walls of no-longer distant Glanlies. "Aye Dra'e, smaller than any of the port cities, Glanlies has less than 20000 citizens. Nor does the Commission allow it to grow, for it was built with agreements that it would not be competition to towns that already existed. Instead it is a place of trade and administration." "But don't many of the goods we sell come from here? Like the crap Bandleau pots and pans?" "Aye Drake they do, but they are not made here. Instead they come from factories found in the towns and villages that dot these plains or from one of the other cities, even though they are distributed through Glanlies." "So, is that what keeps the population down? In order to follow most trades, you have to leave Glanlies and go elsewhere?" "Mostly. But some are drawn to adventure or change and move away on their own. Such as those who go out to establish outposts on the frontier." Mistress Elladoo added with a smile. "Then you don't miss Glanlies? You don't regret living out on the frontier?" I asked, with a familiarity that would have been unheard of not too long before. "There are aspects and people that I miss. But they are outweighed by my life at the Post, where I feel I make a difference. Honestly I prefer life as Mistress of Elladoo Post to the role of a Deglace lady," she answered with equal candor. "But when I am here, it is the second of those roles that I must play," she continued. "And I must warn you that being the dutiful daughter causes me some stress, so please forgive me if I am not myself. However, today I will spare you Esselde Deglace." "Milady?" I asked in confusion, showing Mary's influence was affecting more than my appearance.. "Yes, sadly it is back to milady for me. But let us ignore that for a moment while I tell you of my plan. And a plan is needed for I am unsure if my actions in Corels overstepped my authority. Therefore, I think it is best that I go alone to speak to my parents first." "But it was me who caused the trouble, shouldn't I be there to take the blame?" "Bah it was that horrid ensign and those dreadful Furigal people who were at fault. So don't worry about me, I am sure my family will be happy to see me and won't be overly harsh. I also think it would be good idea to let me fully tell your story before having you meet them; after all, it has been a rather unbelievable two months." "Has it been that long?" I murmured in surprise, thinking back to that fateful meeting with Sandrelessa. It seemed both shorter and longer than two months. Shorter, for I had tried to convince myself that my state was temporary and something temporary cannot last for months. But also longer, as I had become rather comfortable in my girlish form, no longer distracted by long hair draping across face or entangled by long skirts. Strange no longer seemed strange, instead it was my past that had begun to seem unreal. "Aye sweetie, it has been that long." Standing in momentary silence, we each reflected on what had passed and tried to see what would come with the future. Yet for me, like for most, that vision showed nothing. Therefore, I focused on the present to ask, "Excuse me milady, but what am I to do while you go to your family?" "The village of Fermere is on this side of the city's West gate. It has a number of inns used to house visitors to Glanlies, since such buildings are rare in the city and those that do exist are expensive beyond their worth. We will put you up in one of those, meanwhile I will head into the city and prepare my family." After further assurances from Mistress Elladoo that she would be able to smooth out anything requiring smoothing out, though with warnings that it may take a few days, we once more boarded the coach and proceeded to Fermere. There, I learned that one of the troopers had been sent ahead to book rooms at Turin's Scales, an inn that the Deglace regularly used to house business partners visiting the Glanlies area. Soon after our arrival I watched the carriage and its escort continue on the way, though I was not alone. The mistress had placed me in Mary's charge and under the protection of Jimi and Stork. I am not sure what the trooper had told the Barton the innkeeper, but he treated me with more an unexpected degree of respect, calling me damsel and treating the others as my retainers. Uncomfortable with his respect, I knew not how to respond. Luckily Mary found it normal and spoke for our party. In comparison, the other attention I received while passing through a nearly empty common room seemed almost normal. Nearly empty, the room contained four men at a single table whose attention was drawn in our direction, more specifically my direction. It was something that I had seen on the barge from Elladoo Post, at every inn in which we had spent a night during our trip from Corels and even from some of my captors in Corels. Still it was not yet something to which I had grown accustomed, even if I understood the cause. I was rather exotic in appearance, tow-headed and pale in a land of dark hair and olive skin. Tall and slender, where voluptuous was the norm. And at the risk of sounding vain, I had spent enough time looking in a mirror to recognize that others spoke truth when calling me pretty. All this was before my Chaining, before I was bedecked in silver and sapphire jewelry. It was a given that people noticed me, the degree of their notice depended upon the individual. These four men were the type who were brazen in their stares, despite the glowers from my three protectors. Prior to my misadventures in Corels, such attention would have caused me to shrink away from their gazes, bowing my head and averting my eyes. However, that experience, involving my early self-condemnation, followed by victory over my persecutors, had burned away much of my shame and self doubt. So I did not seek to hide nor deny what I had become. Not that I had turned into some brazen hussy, casting smoky glances in the direction of any man. It was just that I gave the appearance of not noticing their looks. Once through the common room, the innkeeper led us to a set of rooms. One would be shared by the two guardsmen, while Mary and I entered a suite, including an elegantly appointed sitting room, allowing the suite's inhabitants to host meetings or entertain their own guests. It seemed rather extravagant, combining this with the innkeeper's manners led me to worry that there must have been some mix up concerning my status. "How should the innkeeper have treated you Dra'e? A Deglace guardsman books the finest rooms in his inn for our company, which includes Stork and Jimi in their surcoats and myself so obviously a maidservant. And just as obvious, the three of us are serving as escort to you, who is young, beautiful and bedecked in a fortune of sapphires and silver. Of course he would see you as someone to treat with respect, which is what Mistress Deglace wanted." "It is?" "Aye. Better by far for people to see you in this light than to let their worries run ahead of their sense, as occurred in Corels." It was hard to argue with the reasoning behind that argument. Much rather would I find myself in a lovely suite than in a dingy cell. So I said, "That's makes sense, though I do not know if I will be able to play the proper role." "No problem Dra'e, that is why Mistress Elladoo asked me to serve as your governess. It will be my job to help you play your part, which will require new clothing." "What's wrong with my clothes?" Grinning a grin that scared the bejeebers out of me, she replied, "Oh what you are wearing is fine for travel, but everybody in the city will find it strange for a damsel wearing so much jewelry, not to be wearing newer and prettier dresses." Thus it was, that later in the day we found ourselves on the way to shop of a Mistress Fulert, Fermere's premier dressmaker. I found myself concerned about where this would lead, Mary did tend to treat me as her dress-up doll, and so asked, "Excuse me Mary, but why are we getting me a new dress? It will be a waste of money after I am returned to myself." "Well Dra'e, we do not know how long it will take for someone at the College to determine how to get you back to yourself. Therefore, Mistress Deglace feels you should have dresses so that you can better blend in, while you are in the city." "But doesn't it make more sense to go to a lesser quality dressmaker, one who will not charge Master prices for temporary garments?" "Oh I am sure it does," Mary answered, not fooled in the least by my sudden logic. "But the mistress decided to spoil you until the change." And that brought an end to the conversation, while proving that words are as malleable as a willow branch, both can be bent or shaped to form. What they become depends upon the crafter's skill, while what is seen or heard depends upon the audience. Neither Mary nor myself needed to be overly attentive to understand the words crafted by the other. Mary realized that I did not want to go to the dressmakers, while I surmised that my opinion did not matter. Mary would be true to her earlier words, she was going to get me into prettier dresses. It was with this understanding that the two of us found ourselves entering Mistress Fulert's shop, having left Jimi and Stork outside. Inside we were greeted by a young lady, most likely an apprentice, who let us know that her Mistress was just finishing with another customer. She then guided us to a small fitting room, where we were provided with tea for our wait. Not long after we had sat down the door once more opened to allow entry of the apprentice and an older lady, likely of an age with Mistress Elladoo. Based upon both her appearance and demeanor I guessed she was the mistress of the shop. This was proven true when she welcomed us, "Greeting gentlewomen, how may I assist you today?" Having been warned earlier to say little, I let Mary take the lead, "Greetings Mistress, my charge is newly come to Glanlies and in need of proper dress for a maiden of her stature." "Ah, by the sound of your voice, you are of Glanlies and yet you say your charge is not? What type of dress do you seek for her?" "Actually we have multiple requirements today. Damsel Dra'e will need three different outfits for her visit to Glanlies. One should be day dress, for normal wear. Secondly, she will need a visiting dress, one appropriate for a temple or College visit. Lastly she will need a gown appropriate for an evening presentation to the Lord and Lady of the Deglace." "The Deglaces," Mistress Fulert mused. "Aye, Dra'e is in the care of Esselde Deglace who is home visiting her parents." I saw that the name-dropping had the affect of placing the mistress in a better frame of mind about us, two scruffians from the North. It was my first witness of the magical balm that was an inner ring family's name, names able to soothe the ruffled feathers of any local. Mistress Fulert's smile immediately became more welcoming and her eyes more calculating. "Do you have a particular style in mind for your charge Goodwife?" "We will have to leave that to you Mistress Fulert, spending so much time in the North I cannot say what is appropriate. Though I do know that Dra'e would like something less drab than is appropriate on the frontier." "Very well, I am sure that we can come up with something to please you damsel. Now if you will disrobe, we can take your measurements." However, no sooner had the measurements begun then Mistress Fulert noticed the state of my boots. With my soft sole boots having been lost during my captivity in Corels and Mistress Elladoo's faire boots being reserved for special occasions, I once more wore my old boots. Comfortable and useful though they were, they were also ratty from use. With a grimace she stated, more than asked, "You will be after new footwear?" "Why yes we are; however, we will have to find a cobbler," Mary answered. "Fortunately Fermere has a number of skilled cobblers. If you wish, I can have one of my girls run out to see if one of them is available to assist you?" "Thank you. That would be excellent." With that, Mistress Fulert turned to her apprentice, "Liselle please ask Suzanne to run out and check with Master Lestage, since Nicholas knows what I like." Returning to her measurements she quickly finished. Then she and Mary began a discussion about a colours, cloth, and price. During this I was distracted from listening in as Liselle was having me try on a number of pre-made robes and slippers, which I would need in order to use the inn's bath house. At least in this selection I was allowed to make the decision, ending up with a floor length grey one of amazingly soft wool with matching slippers. After my choice, I was returned to my dress and we left the dressmaker with promises of a final fitting two mornings hence. Out on the street and feeling that my vow of silence was at an end I asked, "Mary, what am I going to end up wearing?" "Don't worry Dra'e, you will look beautiful." Well THAT was what I was worried about, yet no matter how much I whined or begged she would not give me any more information. Finally, as we were arriving at the small cobbler's shop, Mary reminded me that good girls should not question their elders. After all the my other indignities that I had experienced that day, I quit complaining and settled upon pouting. We found Master Lestage to be as small as his shop and just as fastidious. Nor was he as impressed by the Deglace name or Mary's determined efforts to describe the styles he was to make. Instead he appeared much more impressed by the fact that we came from Mistress Fulert's and put an end to Mary's questioning when he said, "I know what Mistress Fulert likes, that is what I make. If you don't want, you go elsewhere." With poor grace, Mary accepted. Though, on departure, she was much more willing to share her complaints than she had been to listen to mine. I, in turn, showed the proper way to deal with such complaints was commiseration, even if my lesson was lost on her. However, her complaints did end before we returned to the inn, for she left me in the care of our two guards while she went to perform some errands on her own. Meanwhile, with neither Jimi nor Stork willing to give into my pleas to explore, the three of us soon found ourselves back at the Scales where they deposited me in the sitting room of my suite. They then headed down to the common room while I was forced to find solace in one of the Annals, which were on a bookshelf. The rest of the day involving a wonderful meal, a luxurious bath and a deep, long night's sleep placed me in a rather good mood the next morning. During which I willingly sat while Mary experimented, upon me, with hair tongs heated with boiling water. The tongs' purchase had been one of her prior day's errands, resulting from the dressmaker recommending that my hair needed some curl. We were also joined by Stork and Jimi so that the three of them could tell me more of Glanlies and the members of the Deglace family. This task mainly fell upon Stork whose observations were tinged with humour and not nearly as blindingly loyal as Mary's. "Deglace is actually a Barony in South-Eastern Simolea, which has long been ruled by the family from whom our Deglaces sprung. The Glanlies branch was started by a fellow named Julion, the third son of the Baron who decided to seek his fame and fortune in the newly colonized port of Senlil. Now Julion was smarter than your average Simolean noble and was successful even though many considered the colony a failure. Therefore, while most returned home, he stayed and continued to prosper. He was also fortunate in the heirs he begat, so by the time Glanlies was built the family was a power on the peninsula, which continues to this very day. "Yet they have never been a large family, having been known for marrying children off to establish and solidify contacts in the Kingdom. Their numbers were even further diminished by plague during the mistress' Great-Grandfather's time. After that plague, the family consolidated their presence in three main areas; their centre is still to be found in Glanlies, but they also maintain a strong presence at their country estate and in Senlil, for it is wine and shipping that provides the foundation of their wealth. I tell you all this so you won't feel short changed when I describe and you meet only a small number of their herd." "Teodore Walcom, you will show proper respect towards your employers," Mary admonished. "Teodore?" I asked. "Shh Drake, Teddy doesn't like to be called that," Jimi laughed. "Shut your mouth James." "Be good all of you, Stork please continue with your description. However, you will do well to remember of whom you speak." "Aye Mary, sorry about that. I will try to hold my tongue in check." "See that you do." Stork then spent the next glass, with frequent interruptions from Mary and less frequent from Jimi, identifying the Deglaces who I may meet in Glanlies. Starting with the mistress' parents; Master Dilen who was the head of the family, having assumed the position three years previously when his father passed away, and Madame Celise who had been born a Halston, which was another of the inner ring families. Then there were Mistress Elladoo's siblings, of whom only Anna her father's heir and Julion the youngest would likely to be in the City. Georges, the second oldest was in charge of trading the family's wine, outside of the peninsula and Deanne who had married a business partner's son on the mainland were less often at home. Beyond the immediate family was Nilson, Dilen's younger brother and right hand man, and his family. There was also Torsen, Dilen and Nilson's uncle, though of an age between the two. Apparently Torsen was a bit of a black-sheep being more interested in adventure than trade, much to Mary's disapproval. Beyond these main players were a number of cousins, wives, children and chosen who were key to the overall operation of the family business. From discussions of the Deglaces we moved onto talking about the families of my three guardians, which lead to a significant amount of embarrassment on my part when I realized how little I knew about those who were my friends. I felt particularly bad to learn that Mary's children were still in Glanlies and that but for looking after me she would be visiting them. Finally it was necessary for her to ease my mind when she told me that they were all grown up and that she would see them soon enough. As for Stork and Jimi, they were both from the Deglace country estate. Stork came from a large family, while Jimi was an only child whose parents had died when he was young after which he had grown up in the general care of everyone, the Walcoms in particular. After that we discussed anything that could distract us from our worries that no word had come from Mistress Elladoo. All in all it turned out to be a very interesting day, linking us, one to the other more strongly than we had been before. Still, when we received a note later that afternoon from the mistress, saying that all was well, there was a general sense of relief. It allowed me to have a nice evening and another good sleep in preparation for what may happen on the morrow. ------------------------- After two full nights of wondrous sleep I had awoken with the belief that it would be the day when something happened, that the chapter where I returned to myself would begin. However, my morning seemed to push me even further in the direction my life had recently taken. First we returned to Master Lestage's shop to pick up my new boots and a pair of shoes. The boots were made from the softest leather I had ever felt and dyed a shiny black. Still it was the fit that showed they were made by a master-craftsman, for they gently hugged my foot and calf when the leather laces were tightened. Their grasp was almost magical, promising nary a blister. While the shoes were made of a white-with-blue- flower brocade that I guessed would match one of my new dresses. Both would have been perfect if not for having heels narrow and tall enough for me to almost wrap my hand around. My exasperation at the man was equal to Mary's two days previous, but so was his pigheadedness. And like with her, he prevailed against me. From there we moved onto Mistress Fulert's shop for final fittings. Quickly we found that the height of the heels were expected and so included in the length of the skirts. Therefore, after undressing from dress and shift I soon found myself once more putting on the boots, though over a pair of wondrous, new, silken, knee length stockings held up by lace covered garters. Once shod, the fittings started, as I tried on the three beautiful dresses. After a few final adjustments were made by Mistress Fulert, Mary chose the light grey day dress for me to wear out of the shop. The dress was mostly made of the same cloth from which his new robe had been made. Because of this and its bone stays it was rather form fitting, molding to my torso right up to a lace edged square cut neck and three quarters the way down my arms to end in similar lace. The tight fit even continued passed my hips, behind and upper thighs before the skirts widened to allow steps already shortened by my new boots. I was unsure about how much the dress showed off my figure, though when I voiced this concern Mistress Fulert proudly assured me that such was her goal when making the dress. Easy for her to say, she did not have to wear the dress or try and laugh off Jimi and Stork's expressions or the stares from others. Those stares made me doubt the mistress and Mary's plan to have me fit in, it also ensured my desire to explore, from two days previous, did not flare up again. No convincing was needed to get me back to the inn this time. It was as if the Deglaces had someone watching us, for not long after we returned, there was a knock on our door. At the time Mary had me walking about the room getting used to my new boots and skirts, even though they had not proved overly difficult on our walk back from the dressmaker's shop. Moving about my room it came to me that one thing I would miss when returned to myself, was how fit this body had proven to be. Even with garments that confined, I still felt lighter of foot than I had been while clomping about in my pants and shirts. Guessing the knock was one of the inn's staff, Mary gestured for me to continue as she moved to answer the door. Hearing an unrecognized voice and Mary's respectful welcome, I turned to see a young man in a Deglace surcoat. A messenger was my first thought, though my second glance measured the quality of his clothes and made me doubt my initial impression. Inviting the man in, Mary closed the door and gestured for me to approach, "Milord, may I present Dra'e of Elladoo Post. Dra'e, Lord Julion Deglace." Showing my training had paid off, I immediately sank into a curtsy, as deep as my new skirts allowed, with a murmured, "Milord." However, my reaction to his accent was purely instinct. It froze in my curtsy, not allowing to recognize the smile behind his words, when I said, "Nice choice Sister mine." Fortunately Mary came to my defense and in a voice holding exasperation, she admonished, "Master Julion!" "My apologies Mary, and to you Dra'e. Or do you prefer Drake?" Though Mary was my rock and I knew her preference, this was a moment in which to regain some of myself, "Drake Milord, I prefer Drake." "Very well, Drake it is. Now why don't the three of us take a seat so I can update on what has happened while you have vacationed here in Fermere." Seated, Julion began to speak, "Before your journey South, Esselde sent a letter briefly explaining what had happened during the attack by Darrel the Roamer. Good thing she did, for when Stork showed up with his fanciful story, he was not locked up with the crazy cousins. Therefore, Father willingly sent the troop and requested the assistance of Magister Bewlmon. That done we waited for further word, word that did not reach us until Esselde arrived two days ago. Now that was a mistake. Esselde really should have let us know when things had been resolved in Corels. Mother does not take kindly to worry and when she learned her worry had been needless, she became rather annoyed with Esselde." Having recently suffered similar rebuke from my mother, for much the same reasons, my sympathies definitely lay with Mistress Elladoo. So I tried to come to her defense, "But none of us thought to send such a message." "Well it was not for any of you to send the message. It was Esselde who was in charge and she is the one who knows Mother the best, after all they are basically the same person." At this Mary nodded her head, "Aye the madame and the mistress are as alike as two blades of grass." "The two of them are full of the Halston fire, which is difficult to deal with, for us plain old Deglaces. And when one sparks, the second often serves as tinder resulting in a fierce blaze. Two nights ago there was a fire to melt the walls, Mother demanding explanations for every step your party took and Esselde unwilling to offer them. Why I honestly expected their screeching to wake Grandfather Larmir from the dead." Hearing the glee in Julion's explanation resulted in my feeling a spirit of kinship with him. After all, I too found a significant, little brother pleasure from my own Mother's battles with my sister June, who were also as alike as two blades of grass. With this recognition, I began to feel less wary of Julion, even if he did sound like Darrel and Colonel Vannigan. "Well happily before either said something regrettable, something whose hurt could not easily be repaired, Father stepped in to end the fight. He has great skill at this, being a master of the compromise, at least once he determines upon what the compromise should be based. In this case, he determined that it was you Drake who was the point of conflict." "Me?" "Yes you. See everybody knew that Esselde would, rightfully, if I may say, spend the majority of her time ensuring that you are able to get back to being the you that you wish to be. My, wasn't that a pretty piece of wordplay?" "Umm...yes?" "Of course it was, though I can see by the look on your face that you find it of little interest. Understandable after being informed that you are the chaff between the grinding stones that are my mother and sister." "Please Master Julion," Mary interrupted. "Could you tell us of Master Dilen's compromise? Dra'e is nervous enough, without having to bear the additional burden you attribute to her." With a seated bow in Mary's direction, Julion apologized, "I am sorry Drake, I am easily distracted by my own voice and cleverness. 'Tis a fault that Father believes I must correct. But enough of that, let us return to the compromise of which I had begun to speak. Father quickly guessed that Mother was actually worried that she would get no time to spend with Esselde during this rare visit. Understanding this, Father convinced my sister to spend most of her time during her visit at home with the family." "That is understandable, if someone can offer me directions I can look after myself," I replied, though my bravado was as rickety as an abandoned barn. The truth was, though Mary provided most of my day to day support, it was Mistress Elladoo upon whom I had attached my hopes. "Drake, I would have thought you had more faith in my sister, what type of sad compromise would that be? No she made sure that you will not be on your own, that you would have a chaperon to guide and assist you. Now the obvious choice would be the estimable Mary, but that would be unfair as she too deserves a chance to spend time with her family. Therefore, they settled upon the next best choice. Drake of Elladoo Post, I would like to offer my services as that guide." The offer was accompanied by a manic grin that did little to instill me with confidence. Yet how could I not accept the help, without insulting my matron and the family by whom I wished to be chosen? I could not. Still that did not mean that it was not my duty to offer an out, "I appreciate your offer Milord, but I am sure you are busy enough without having to trouble yourself with me." In turn, it was Julion's duty to ignore that out, "Not to worry Drake, I am not bothered. Well at least I am no longer bothered, as I am sure that being seen in your lovely presence will do my ego an unmeasurable amount of good." Unsure how to deal with his flattery, I ignored it, except for a blush, and said, "Thank you Milord, I am honoured by your offer." "I also admit that I am extremely curious about the entire affair. I mean not to slight your situation, but it is rather amazing. So I would have been pleased to assist even if Father had not assigned me this task, he also bade me judge your worth to be a Deglace chosen." Thus I was reminded that care should be taken in measuring a person too quickly, since their actions or words may hide who they are. Such was the case with Julion, for despite his foolhardy air he was a scion of his family, which was as powerful as any on the peninsula. If he was as competent as his sister then he would be quite formidable and his next comments made that seem very possible. "Well this all happened on the day and night of Esselde's return, which likely makes you wonder why it is only today that I came to visit. It is not because we do not see you as a priority, let me assure you of that. No it is the result of me diligently taking yesterday to prepare for our task. First I needed to contact Hiram's cousin, Sharlese, at the College to ensure that she would be able to meet with you. She will, tomorrow morning. However, she also asked if she could discuss your case with Magister Bewlmon, which resulted in my setting up and hosting a dinner between the two of them. A fascinating night, even if I had no idea what they were talking about most of the time. Then there is the Militia." "The Militia," I exclaimed, not thrilled to hear that they still had an interest in my life. "Yes the Militia. Their investigative branch has been looking into Hiram's report about the attack on his Post. They are interested in what you overheard from Darrel, about him having a contact who was intercepting messages. They wish to ask you about this. Now we know that your experiences with the Militia in Corels was very negative; however, Father is rather concerned by this breach in the Commission's communications and would take it as a personal favour if you were to talk to them?" "I agree Milord. As someone who lives on the frontier and who has used that mode of communication, I am sold on its benefits. Therefore, I am willing to assist the Militia." "You are? Most excellent, Esselde did say that you would be quite reasonable in this request. In fact she convinced me to set up an appointment with the investigators tomorrow afternoon. So I guess that ends my update, do you have any questions?" Mary and I looked questioningly at each other, wondering who should pose the obvious query. When she made no move to do so, I asked, "Yes Milord, what are we to do today?" Laughing, he replied, "Of course, what other question could you ask? Well Esselde said that you would be seeking new frocks, as you had been forced into her hand-me-downs. Now unless her fashion sense outstrips that of the city, I would guess that you have been successful." "Yes, she has Milord," Mary answered. "I thought so. And let me say, you do look most delectable. However, since you have fulfilled your frock quest, do you have any other tasks keeping you in Fermere?" "No Milord, we are waiting upon Milady Deglace's orders." "Very well, then why don't you pack up and we will move Drake into the family house in town. It will also allow you to visit your family, Mary. Sound good?" "Yes Milord," the two of us chorused. "Okay, while you pack up I will go settle the bills. Who was the dressmaker?" "Misha Fulert, Dra'e also had new boots made by Master Lestage." "Ahh, did he get you into some of those stilts that are all the rage?" At my nod he smiled and continued, "Just another reason for me to stick close, as you will need someone to catch you if you fall. Well I should be back in a half-turn, then we can head into town and introduce you to the rest of the clan." With that he was out of the door. Rather stunned by the whole visit I looked questioningly towards Mary, who answered with a shrug, "That's Master Julion for you." ------------------------- True to his word, a short while later Julion had Mary and me in a carriage heading into Glanlies, he, Jimi and Stork riding beside us on their horses. I would like to tell you my thoughts as we passed through the gates into the city; however, everything was a blur, worried as I was about meeting the rest of the Deglaces. If I had my druthers, it would not occur so soon after learning that I was a point of conflict amongst them. Yet in the end my worries were for naught, as despite Julion's proposed introductions I did not meet any more of the Deglaces on that day. Instead, after being ensconced in rooms nice than those at the Scales, I was left alone. Even Mary saw this as an opportunity to escape to visit her sons and daughters. Meanwhile I looked forward to spending the afternoon truly alone, peacefully alone, something rare since my girlification. Now, you may say that I spent quite a bit of time alone in Corels, but I would respond that it definitely was not peaceful. However, my plan was not to be, for soon after Mary left there was a knock on my door signifying Julion's return. "Excuse me Drake while I was out a message arrived from Archmage Sharlese, she asked if we would be able to visit a friend of hers this afternoon?" "I suppose so Milord, I do not have anything else planned. Do I?" "Nothing of which I am aware." "Then I am free, who does she wish me to visit?" "It is the Priestess Alynn, she is a Physician of Sera. The Archmage would the physician to examine you, before she begins her own work. Luckily we have lots of time to pop over to the Sanctuary and see the priestess before eve. Shall we?" 'Luckily' was not how I would describe it, guessing that the exam may prove to be rather embarrassing. But if the Archmage requested it and she felt it necessary to return me to myself, I would just have to endure. "Of course Milord, I would be happy to visit the priestess." "That is excellent. But there is one other matter we must discuss before we go." Wondering at the seriousness of his tone, I cautiously queried, "What matter is that Milord?" "Well it's my name. You see it is Julion, not Milord." "But I couldn't call you that Milord, it wouldn't be right." "Don't worry about it Drake, none of my friends go by their titles. Titles are reserved for our parents. Really you must call me Julion, otherwise everybody will think I am putting on airs." "I don't know? I am a nobody." "Not looking the way you do." "Are you sure it is all right?" With a smiling leer on his face and with his eyes no longer looking me in the eyes, Julion intentionally mistook my question, "Oh you definitely look all right, much more than all right. In fact I was not nearly as effusive as I should have been when praising Mary for wrapping you in that wonderful frock." Unbothered by his flirting, having guessed that it was natural for Julion, I decided to give in to his request, "Okay, I will call you Julion." With a smile, he stated, "Excellent." He then offered me his arm. Surprising myself, I took it and allowed him to guide me outdoors where we found a cabriolet we could take to Sera's Sanctuary. Unlike earlier, during this ride I paid attention to my surroundings. What struck me the most was that it did not seem like we were in a city, at least nothing like my birthplace of Corels. Not that the inner ring or temple square and its park accurately reflected the city, no this was the showcase where visitors were awed by the wealth of the Commission. Streets and paths were of packed, white stone, which was carefully groomed and maintained to provide a ride smoother than the cobblestones we had traveled earlier in the day. And where there were no paths, there was grass or flower beds or benches, each as carefully maintained as the streets. All of this surrounded great mansions and even more spectacular temples and churches. It was exciting and Julion was wise enough not to encroach upon my wonder with idle chatter. Instead he periodically offered a smile to me as we moved passed the Chapel of Turin, then the Temple of the Allfather, before coming to a stop in front of Sera's Sanctuary. Leaving the cart with a caretaker in the robe of Sera we entered a great hall adorned with as much plant-life as any outdoor garden. Taken aback by the calming nature of, well, nature, I did not notice the approach of an under-priestess until Julion jostled my arm and said, "We are to follow." Follow we did, out of the main hall and down into a veritable maze leading finally to a door where the under-priestess stopped and knocked. Inside was an office full of books and with a desk behind which sat a full priestess of Sera, in the same straw gold robe as worn by she who had attended my Chaining. Nor was it just their robes that made them alike, each was of similar age, demeanor and appearance. Almost as if they were sisters of blood, not just of faith. However, the priestess in Corels had not emitted the power that I had come to associate with a magic users, this one did. The aura was of similar intensity to Magister Bewlmon's, but of a different feel. While the Allfather's power seemed to reflect knowledge, the Allmother's was one of soothing. Not that the demeanor of the priestess reflected this calming influence. Rising to offer greeting, she spoke to our guide, "Vera, please take Master Deglace back to the foyer, I would like to see the damsel alone." For someone whom I had just met, I was loathe to lose Julion's support. However, the priestess' reason for his banishment was explained when she commanded me to undress. With little hesitation, I was growing used to others seeing my body, I complied. Not that it would have been as quick if I had been aware of how Priestess Alynn would poke and prod me. It seemed she found my existence insulting, being beyond her ken, finding it hard to believe that I had once been a boy. She even described me by saying, "You are as healthy as a girl your age can be. Your maidenhead is intact and you should be bursting with fertility, yet it is as if you are fallow. How long have you been in this form." "Just over two months Priestess." "And have you bled?" "Pardon?" "Surely you know of a woman's bleeding?" I did, though my knowledge was cursory at best, "No Ma'am, I have not bled." "You should have bled by this time, your body begs for it. Why has it not happened?" Though not a question for which she expected an answer, I had a theory, "Excuse me Priestess, Magister Bewlmon believes that the defense spell that protected me during the demoness' attack continues to operate, though now he thinks it protects me from the passage of time. So maybe my body does not yet think it is time to bleed." "Magister Bewlmon you say? He always does have crazy ideas, though I admit I do not have a better explanation at this time. I will have to pray on it. Mayhap the Lady will offer me wisdom. But for now my examination is at an end, let me attach your anti-fertility charm and then you can get dressed?" "My what?" "Your anti-fertility charm. We don't want you getting pregnant." "But...I can't...and...I won't," I gasped. "Well I don't think you can either, not that I understand why. And what I don't understand, I don't trust; therefore, we will stick to what works. As for you not getting pregnant, you are a pretty young girl and I saw the way that young man looked at you. Honestly I don't trust you or any girl your age around such temptation, specially the sort that dress in a manner to please the Lady's silly daughter. No I know what is best for you." None of my pleas or reasonings budged her decision, no more than had similar words affected Master Lestage. I found myself thinking these Glanlies' folk were rather full of themselves as she pierced my navel with a gold ring from which dangled a small, golden charm in the shape of a sickle. When done, I could not escape from the woman fast enough, even though the throb from her piercing served as a steady reminder. Its presence and her words forced me to look rather differently at Julion, when I was returned to his side. Apparently sensing my hidden thoughts, he did not pry or question me on what occurred, nor did he offer me his arm as we returned to our cabriolet. Instead he provided silent companionship that I willingly accepted. Nor did he extend our visit or attempt introductions when we returned to his home, instead allowing me to seek my delayed solitude. Now needed even more after my visit to Sera's Sanctuary. Back in my room I tried to confront the feelings brought about by Priestess Alynn. I knew she saw me as female first, demon plagued second, whereas I thought the opposite. To the priestess I was a girl on the brink of womanhood. Ready to be pursued by men, wedded to one and bedded by him. She expected me to be catchable, assumed that I would want to be caught and so she had sought to protect me from myself. And hidden within her actions I read a belief, that she had not spoken, she fully expected me to stay a girl. This fed a niggling thought lurking in the back of my mind, 'If Magister Bewlmon, an expert in demon possession, did not understand what had happened to me, then how would know how to break it?' Rubbing a hand across my stomach I could barely feel the charm beneath my dress, yet its presence loomed large in my mind forcing me to asked myself what it mean to be a woman? It was a difficult question for a fifteen year old boy, even for one masquerading as a girl. Yet would it be easier for a fifteen year old girl? After all, I had not yet determined what it meant to be a man. Maybe a girl would not be as confused by this body, as she would flower out of childhood over years not in a single sleep. Possibly a girl's mother or sisters or friends would do a better job of explaining what in meant to be a woman than had my father and brother and friends in telling me about being a man. Actually I doubted that they could have done a worse job, for the only stories and lessons, mostly passed on by those with whom I shared the bachelor quarters at the Post, were recognizable as lies or exaggerations. As often as not they were warnings of what not to do hidden behind laughter or personal glorification. As for any wisdom they had about women, let me just say that it would take many drops upon my head for me to believe anything they had said. Yet the advice I had from women was non-existent, for the little contact I had with them had not involved teaching me what it meant to be a woman. Instead the lessons with Clara and the mistress had been on trade and math, the only knowledge of women I gained during those times was how unobtainable both of them were for one such as I. Although at least they had not ignored me like the rest of the womenfolk at the Post, specially those close to my age. Anything I knew of women was what I had learned in the last two months, surface things, little of substance. My knowledge was akin to having learned the curses, yet being expected to speak a language. There were so many questions to be asked and answers to be found that I fervently hoped my niggling thought would be proven false. As for the charm and what it implied, I vowed to prove to Priestess Alynn that it was unnecessary. Sure, I had found myself liking Julion, he seemed fun to be around and was someone worthy of emulation. But he did not set my heart aflutter as did Filice of the glossy black hair and fiery eyes, the daughter of a Roamer whose caravan often stopped to trade at Elladoo Post. When I was near her I was struck dumb and breathless. Neither Julion, nor any other man, affected me in such a way. Nor did I think that I would dream of him as I dreamed of her. Nor did I, instead my thoughts were of Sophie, the pretty maidservant who had assisted my preparations for bed, helping me out of my dress and into a new, lovely, muslin night-gown. She had left me tongue-tied with her gentle touch and flowery smell as she loosely braided my hair and stuffed it underneath a night cap. Thoughts of her were enough to fill my dreams with... ...actually I think I will keep them to myself. Instead let me share my last waking question, 'What would the magic that healed my wounds do to my new piercing?" ------------------------- The next morning once more found Sophie helping me, as I learned she had been assigned to look after me while Mary visited her family. She bustled into my room with good cheer not long after I had awoken and found that the Goddess' healing must have negated the need for my own magical healing, for the ring through my navel felt the same as it had the night before. Also unchanged was my reaction to Sophie, which allowed her to get away with petty tyrannies easier than would have Mary. Not that I am saying Mary would not get her way, she just would have had to put up with my complaining. For Sophie I remained silent and let her do to me what she would. It started with the jars of cosmetics that Mary had purchased in Corels, with which she was not at all impressed. Not that it stopped her from dipping in to use them, while mumbling under her breath a list of items she would have to find in the market that day. She was happier with our purchases from Fermere and was most entranced by my chains, the jewelry aspect of them. She felt that they were rather spectacular and should be on display, not hidden. Personally I had felt that this was already the case, but soon learned they could be put on even greater display. For a start Sophie had use a long ribbon, made from the blue, satin cloth of my new visiting dresses, to tie my hair into a pony tail which hung well down my back. As a result, my hair was pulled away from my face, allowing the sapphire at my brow and the silver filigree of the diadem to be fully seen. Strangely I was less bothered by this than the fancy bow and dangling ribbon tied in my hair. It just seemed extremely girlish. I may have said something, if not for Sophie praising the result. Gods, I was so weak. With the ribbon chosen, I was not surprised to see her choose the visiting dress for me to wear. It was not only the satin that made it a fancier dress than the grey one, there was all the lace. At the hems, on the boned bodice and providing additional, minimum protection for a rather low cut neckline, even the short sleeves Sophie tied to the dresses shoulder straps were completely made of lace. Looking in a long mirror at the end result caused me to feel a number of different emotions and not all of those were bad. From my room, I was led to a small dining room where I found Mistress Esselde and Julion breakfasting. After the mistress gushed over my appearance, made me spin in a circle and called me adorable. As I sat, my masculinity retreated even further into the dark recesses of my mind, ending up somewhere near memories of a cat named Socks, who had lived in the bakery when I was a little boy. Happily I was soon distracted by sharing news with the mistress. After telling my story from the last three days, the mistress passed on the news that she had received a missive from Master Elladoo. It told of his success in negotiating a deal with Chief Many Song and outlined a number of jobs to be completed by someone in the city. To the three of us, this news was exciting enough to keep us entertained throughout breakfast. Apparently Clara, whose wagon train of furs had made it to the city, was to be in charge of hiring the work crews to build a post somewhat smaller than Elladoo Post. She was also to set up contracts for merchandise to be sold at what was to become, Many Song Post. I hoped that I would be given the chance to assist her, it would be an excellent training. Our enjoyable conversation was brought to an end when Julion said we needed to head out to our meetings. Again we used the cabriolet, this time to head into the city and towards the College of Mages to the Southwest. This trip Julion found me both less awed and less pensive, allowing him to entertain me with stories about the city and his friends, most of which ended with me laughing. It was fun and I did not even mind where his eyes would dart during my laughter, as I would have been no different, well except for the stretch required to see me with a girl wearing the type of dress I was wearing and being able to make her laugh. The College, beyond its size and location, did not particularly stand out amongst the other buildings, as it was made from stone, out of the same quarries, that had been used to build most of the city. It was a twin, according to Julion, to the Commission and Militia headquarters. However, once inside I found it was not like any other building. Not because of the tasteful decor, but because of the people, the mages. They were all over the place and each emitted power, great or small, of different feels or textures or smells or sounds. It was like walking into my parent's bakery and having the wonderful aroma encompass me. Yet what I experienced in the College's lobby affected every one of my senses, nor was all that assailed me wonderful. In its entirety it was overwhelming and it stopped me, frozen in my tracks. Julion, noticing something, turned to me to ask what was wrong. And though I saw his lips move, the sound came as if from far away or drowned beneath a rushing river crashing over a falls. How long we stood there, I do not know. Probably it was not long, for others began to notice and turned their gazes in our direction. Some looked on with idle curiosity, wondering what was wrong with the pretty girl and her well dressed companion. Others, more learned, saw what rested on my forehead and understood that I was more unique than in just my appearance. Some shrank away, but most looked on with curiosity, for most of them would be familiar with the demon world and demon kind. They saw me as an interesting bauble and some began to cast spells of inquiry that quested towards me, like numerous curious snakes. This was much too much. I wanted too flee or hide, yet my feet were unwilling to take me anywhere. Instead, like a child, I scrunched my eyes closed and clapped hands over my ears. Not that it helped. Only when Julion scooped me up and carried me from the College to a stone bench, at the bottom of the College's steps, was I able to gain relief from the assault. Thankfully the curious stayed inside and let me regain my wits as I sat crouched over, rocking back and forth, glorying in the regular sounds, sights and smells of the street. I barely noticed Julion rubbing my back and murmuring words of encouragement, though I drew strength and comfort from both. Beginning to feel normal, I became aware of approaching footsteps and saw the hem of a burgundy coloured robe enter into my view. From the direction of the approach I could tell that the figure had approached from the College, the gleam of power glowing the same colour as the wearer's robe confirmed that the person was one of its members. Still one person, or a handful of people who had the power, even great power, was manageable. Therefore, I raised my tear-stained face to see an older lady looking at me with a curiosity similar to many of her colleagues. Seeing she had my attention, she introduced herself, "I assume you are the Drake of whom I have heard, both from my cousin Hiram and your companion, Master Deglace. I am the Archmage Sharlese." "Aye Archmage, I am Drake. I thank you for seeing me, though I apologize for making you come outside for that to happen." "It is alright Drake. I was looking forward to your visit and am now even more intrigued. You really must tell me what happened." "I am not sure how to explain it Archmage, it is..." "Wait Drake, the street is not the best location for such a conversation." "Oh please Ma'am, please. I cannot go inside. Please no." "Relax child, I do not ask you to go inside. Instead let us go around back, where we can find privacy in the gardens." With this assurance,I allowed Julion to be help me to my feet and then with each upon a side, as I still was not that steady, we circled behind the building to find the garden. One not of plants and flowers as expected, but of stones and statues. Moving to a pair of benches beneath a canvas cover the three of us took a seat, she then asked, "If you are willing, I would involve one of my colleagues in our discussion. He is Overmage Tison and has done much study of the Carthanan demons." I saw no reason not to grant the request, so I nodded my head at which point I noticed her concentrate for a moment and then flare brightly for an instant, like the aftermath of a lightning bolt strike. I guessed she had cast a communication spell of some sort and thus was not surprised with the arrival of a man in his thirties wearing a robe of umber, the same colour as the power that surrounded him. A handsome man, who looked like he had spent more time on his appearance than I had been forced to endure that morning. This thought made me think of Magister Bewlmon, though it was a comparison the man lost. After introducing the man as Overmage Tison, the Archmage began her interview, "Please ignore my prior question about what happened in the foyer. Instead tell me everything from the start. I have heard some from Magister Bewlmon and Priestess Alynn, but would hear of it from you, personally." It was becoming easier to tell, having told it so many times already. Plus Archmage Sharlese was a good listener and did not make me focus on my time in the bandit camp, saying it would provide little value as I was not in control at the time. Instead she focused on my experience with the mob in Corels and how I held been able to channel, yet keep, Sandrelessa at bay. With my story told she reacted like everyone else and settled back into thought. "And you believe that these two times are the only periods when the demoness has made her presence felt?" "As far as I know, Archmage." "Has your personality changed in any way?" "I do not believe so, though of course everything is different, what with my being changed into a girl." "Yes I guess that would change things rather much. However, please forgive me for saying, if I did not know the truth, I would never guess that you had recently been a boy." I struggled to be insulted by this statement, but was unable to kindle any anger. Things were becoming too normal, expected, rather than surprising. "I am not insulted Ma'am, even though I feel I should be. But what has happened to my body has never been as bad as what lurks inside of it. It may even have kept people close. Because, if I had been turned into some horrid monster, my friends may have turned upon me, maybe I would never have even woken from that first sleep." "So how you no look bothers less than the possession?" "Most definitely. It is like when someone has their nose broken, you see." "Actually I don't." "Oh sorry. Well you know how when your nose broken you also get black eyes. Yeah the black eyes are annoying and all, but the broken nose is worse. And by the time the nose is healed, so are the eyes." "So being turned into a woman is the black eye to the broken nose of demon possession?" she asked, rather incredulously. Even while nodding my head, I understood the tone of her question, for it was an explanation that barely passed muster for my fifteen year old mind. I am now willing to admit that it was crap and she had every right to be incredulous, but at the time it just popped into my head and burst out of my mouth. Deciding to ignore my explanation, she returned to what had led to it. "Still it is surprising that you are so natural." "It's likely because of Mary, Mistress Elladoo's maidservant. She has been looking after and teaching me things." Looking towards my companion at the end of my explanation, the Archmage asked, "Why do you shake your head Master Deglace?" "Sorry Drake, but I am sure that Mary did not teach you to move as you do. Now don't take this as a complaint against a valued family retainer, but she has been with Esselde for years and my sister still stomps around like a dockworker. Not you, you glide, even in those boots I know you are wearing. Any mother would be thrilled to have a daughter move with your grace. No actually, you sway in a fashion more appealing to us menfolk than to a mother. Now that I give it more thought, you walk like a dancer." "Thank you for your expert opinion Master Deglace," Archmage Sharlese answered in a tone that implied, that if needed, she would side with the mothers of the world against the Julions of the world. Unabashed by the tone, Julion turned a leer in my direction and said, "Glad to offer it Archmage Sharlese. And don't worry I will maintain a close study on Drake to see what else I can notice." Showing how quickly I had gotten used to Julion, moving him from respected member of a powerful family to friend, I rolled my eyes at him. Smiling at this he taunted in a completely non-insulting way, "You are such a girl." Ignoring our byplay Overmage Tison spoke for the first time, "Actually Master Deglace, you may be on to something." "Really?" Julion asked, seemingly shocked by the very idea. "Aye. See Sandrelessa is not unknown to the College, she has been one of the few Carthanans to regularly come to the call of our members. Much has been written about her, most that she has spoken is thought to be lies, but there have been some speculation about her. One such thought is that she is so interested in our world, because she has so very little power in her own. A worthy guess, for we have learned that amongst the Carthanans their women are treated as chattel. This fits with tales of her being a concubine and then consort to a fallen prince amongst her kind. After his fall, it is believed she was taken slave by the victor, ever since she has been known as Sandrelessa the Lithe. Maybe she was a dancer, it may explain why Drake moves in the fashion Master Deglace noticed." "Wait. Are you saying that Sandrelessa is controlling me? That's horrible, what else is she making me do?" "No I do not say that. I just surmise a possible explanation to Master Deglace's observation. It may just be that you or your new body have inherent grace. But I cannot s