Tony arrived in the fishing village mid-afternoon, and went in search of Drannar, hoping he wasn’t on one of the boats he saw dotting the sea beyond the piers. He stopped a boy racing down the main street, asking where Drannar lived. The boy pointed to one of the larger homes before dashing away to join a group of children who seemed to be playing hide-and-seek.
“Oh, to be young again,” Tony said under his breath as he walked to the house and rapped on the door.
It was opened by a female with dark, silver-streaked hair that Tony immediately surmised must be Drannar’s wife. He asked to be certain and then introduced himself when she said she was, telling him her name was Merlara. Then he said, “Is he home, yet?”
“I am afraid not,” she replied. “He is on the boat with our eldest boys. They should be back before dark. Please, come in. I have tea ready and scones I’ve just finished baking.”
“I don’t want to be a bother.”
“My dear boy, it is no bother at all. I have barely sent my grandchildren home to their mothers and would relish some time with an adult who can talk instead chattering like a cowbird.”
Tony laughed and said he thought he could do that. The house consisted of five rooms, as he found out when she proudly showed him around. There was the large, main room with a fireplace along one wall, a smaller room for cooking, the bath, and two bedrooms. “The second is Ylandar’s as he is still unmarried,” she told him.
When they settled in the main room with mugs of tea and a platter of scones slathered with butter, she told him a bit about her family. “Two of our sons are married and have a boy and a girl each. I watch over the children while their fathers work on the boats and their mothers at the bakery and the inn.”
“You said Ylandar is single.”
“He is.” Merlara sighed. “He has no interest in any of the young women in the village that might make a good wife for him.”
“Setting his sights on a city girl instead?”
“Dear me, no.” She paused to take a sip of tea before looking directly at him. “He is like you and your husband King Cerdic.”
Tony wanted to pump his fist, but knew she’d wonder why he seemed excited by that fact. “This doesn’t bother you, I hope.”
She patted his knee. “Now why should it? The gods do not make mistakes, well, rarely anyways. Each of us was born how we are meant to be, thus we have no choice when it comes to whom we love. Now when it involves our being good or evil, it is another story, but the gods do not interfere. They leave it to men like you to deal with a problem when it arises.”
“As best we can, anyway.”
“No one can ask more,” she replied as the front door opened and Drannar entered.
“Good evening, my friend,” Drannar said when he saw Tony. “This is a surprise.”
“I was in the neighborhood and decided to drop in.”
Drannar chortled. “We are hardly in your neighborhood, or anyone else’s.” He kissed Merlara before saying he’d be right back once he’d changed into clothing that didn’t smell like fish and sweat.
He had barely left the room when the front door opened again and Ylandar appeared. He was halfway across the room before he realized Tony was there.
“Come to take me to task for how I spoke to Leofric?” he asked with a ghost of a smile. “If so, do not bother. Father has done so already.”
“Not at all. I was on my way home from Shalona and thought I’d pay your father a visit to see if he’s heard any more rumors we should be aware of.”
“If he had, he would have sent someone to let the King know. Probably me,” he added wryly. “I do seem to be his errand boy when he needs one. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to get a fresh shirt as I managed to spill lager on this one.” He hurried from the room, coming back at the same time as Drannar. He kissed his mother’s cheek, snagged a scone from the plate, and left, saying he would be home when the tavern closed.
Drannar must have seen something in Tony’s expression because he chuckled as he took the remaining chair. “Do not worry; he is not going there to drink. He is the barkeep.”
“Oh. Why did I think he’s a fisherman like the rest of your sons?”
“He does that on occasion when we are very busy, but I long ago realized it is not something he’s particularly good at, so when he told us he wanted to work at the tavern, I gave him my blessing.” Drannar took the mug of tea his wife handed him and picked up a scone. “What he truly desires is to leave here and make his way in the world, but so far he has not taken the first step to make it happen.”
“He says we need him here, and at times we do,” Merlara said. “Still, I think it is only an excuse because he’s uncertain what he would do if he did move away.”
“If he’s a good barkeeper I’m sure he could find work at an inn or tavern. There is certainly no shortage of them in Ishfalone, and Esholone has several as well.”
Drannar nodded. “As with many youngsters, it is the first step that is the hardest.”
Tony bit back a smile when he realized getting Ylandar to Ishfalone might be easier than he’d thought; which would be necessary for his matchmaking plan. “If you’re really all right with his moving away, I can see if there’s a tavern or inn in the city that could use someone of his caliber.”
Drannar and Merlara exchanged looks. Then she said, “We would miss him, but if you were to find somewhere that needs him, it would make him happy. Much happier than he is now, and to us that is the most important thing.”
“Then I’ll see what I can do.”
* * * *
Late the following morning, having ‘neglected’ to tell Cerdic what he was planning to do, Tony began visiting the city’s taverns and inns. He went south, away from the castle, visiting two of the closest taverns to no avail. Next was the Golden Oak Inn where Daniel worked. He had barely entered the dining room—which had a bar at one end and a large fireplace at the other—when Alex, Mayor Brion’s son, came dashing toward him.
“I am here like Father promised,” the boy said gleefully. “He is in the kitchen with Daniel. They told me to explore while they talked. Boring talk, so I am.”
Tony laughed, patting his head. “I think you’ll find most adult talk is boring. How do you like the city so far?”
Alex shrugged. “We came right here so I only saw a bit of it. It is big!”
“Compared to Rerenlion it is, but you’ll get used to it, I’m sure. Then you won’t want to go back home when the time comes.”
“Do not give him ideas,” Brion said, coming across the room to join them. “Alex, Daniel wants to show you the kitchen.”
The boy dashed away, getting amused looks from the elves seated at the tables and the bar.
“He’ll be fine,” Tony said, noting Brion’s concerned expression.
“I know. I can only hope he does not wear out his welcome before the day is out. That child has more energy than a baby goat.”
“I’m sure he won’t.” Tony gestured toward the bar. “Would you care to join me for a drink?”
“I would like to, but I should leave if I am going to get home before dark.” Brion hurried back to the kitchen—to say goodbye to Alex and tell him to behave, Tony was certain.
Tony saw Saveril, the innkeeper, seated at the end of the bar and went to join him. The man was obviously in a bad mood despite the fact the room was filled with lunchtime diners. Or because it was, Tony found out when the man pointed to the barkeep, grumbling, “He should be waiting on my customers but the fool who is supposed to be serving drinks has decided he wants to return home to Lelanore. He misses the mountains, he says.” The innkeeper shook his head in disgust.
Tony waved away the barkeep when he approached before saying, “I might have a solution for your problem if you can wait a day or two.”
“I would be forever in your debt if you do.”
Tony told him about Ylandar, saying when he finished, “I can’t promise he’ll be willing to move here, but I think it’s possible from what his parents said.”
“If it would help him to make up his mind, I can offer him a room as well. It is not fancy, but it should serve him until he can find a place of his own.”
“Great. I’ll tell him when I ask if he’s willing to take the job, which I can do within the hour.”
“He is here in the city?” Saveril asked and then shook his head. “A stupid question as I know you are a shifter and can teleport there.”
Tony chuckled. “Most everyone is aware of that, now. All right, I’ll see what I can do and let you know either way.”
He went into the kitchen, as he didn’t want to teleport away in front of everyone in the dining room. While almost everyone accepted what he was, he’d found it was better not to flaunt it unless it was an emergency, which this wasn’t. Brion was still there, admonishing Alex to behave and do whatever Daniel told him to, which the boy promised he would. They hugged, Brion said his goodbyes to Daniel and Tony, and then left.
“Coming to make sure I’m behaving as well,” Daniel asked with a grin.
“That would be a lost cause,” Tony retorted. “Or would have been before you married Elvina. Now I have no doubt you are.”
“Always. So why are you here?”
“To talk to Saveril, which I did so I’m off to see if a young man I know wants to come to work here as a barkeep.”
“Let’s hope so for Saveril’s sake. Okay, for everyone’s sake. He’s been a bear because one of them quit without any notice.”
“So he said. I’ll let him, and you, know if I’m successful.” With that, Tony stepped into the yard behind the inn and teleported to the fishing village.
* * * *
Tony found Ylandar behind the tavern’s bar, looking bored as he washed two mugs while keeping an eye on the only customer, an elderly elf wearing clothes that said he was probably one of the shopkeepers.
Ylandar shot him a surprised look when Tony took a seat at the bar. “What are you doing here, again?”
“Looking for you. To get straight to the point, my brother works at an inn in Ishfalone and they need another barkeep since one of them quit without any warning.”
Ylandar’s face lit up momentarily and then his shoulders slumped. “I cannot leave. I would be doing the same as him, as there is no one to replace me.”
Tony hadn’t thought about that, but he was damned if he’d let it throw a spanner in his plans. “Surely there’s someone like you who would rather work on shore than on the fishing boats.”
“Well…” Ylandar looked thoughtful, and then he almost smiled. “I do know of one whose wife would be more than happy if he would give up the hard life, but it would take all her diplomatic skills to convince him to do so.”
“When can you talk to her?”
“Now, I should think, as we are hardly busy.” He quickly walked to a door at the back of the room, returning a couple of minutes later with an older elf who he introduced as Elyon, the tavern’s owner. “He’ll tend bar until I return,” Ylandar told Tony. “You are welcome to come with me.”
Tony did, hoping Ylandar knew what he was talking about. They walked down the street, the young elf said, “I hope she is not so busy she cannot take the time to talk.” Tony figured she must work in one of the shops, so he was surprised when Ylandar took him directly to his home, leading him to the small yard behind it. Merlara was there, supervising four young children who seemed to be picking weeds from the garden.
“No, no, that is a vegetable,” she said, tapping one boy’s head.
When she saw Tony and Ylandar, she lifted an eyebrow in question.
“I need to talk with you,” Ylandar said.
She nodded, going to sit on a bench next to the house. “About?”
Tony sat when she patted the spot next to her, but Ylandar remained standing, pacing back and forth for a moment before dropping to one knee in front of her.
“Tony has told me of a job in the capital, but I cannot just walk away from the tavern without finding someone to replace me and I was hoping you might be able to convince Father he would be perfect because he would be, but it will take both of us to get him to do it and…” He wound down, looking hopefully at his mother.
“This might be exactly what it takes to get him to leave the fishing to younger, stronger menfolk,” she replied with a bright smile. “I will do all in my power to convince him he should, with your help.”
“Tonight?”
“Or sooner. He did not go out on the boat today because the mule needed to go to the blacksmith for new shoes.” She paused to call out, “No, that is a vegetable, too, as is that one,” when the boy she admonished a few moments ago reached for the tops of some carrots. Returning her attention to Ylandar, she said, “He should be home soon.”
Tony saw the boy try for the carrots again, despite Merlara’s rebuke and hurried over to him. “These are much more interesting.” He pointed to some weeds with tiny flowers. “If you pick them you can make a bouquet for you grandmother.”
The boy considered his words and smiled, quickly gathering up as many as he could find, with Tony’s help.
“Now why did I not think of that?” Merlara said to Tony when the boy presented her with the bouquet. “If all weeds were as pretty, the garden would be clear of them before I knew it.”
Suddenly, one of the boys shouted “Granpapa,” and the children raced around the side of the house. Moments later Drannar appeared, leading the mule. The boys and oldest girl were riding it, while the youngest was perched on Drannar’s shoulders. After putting her down and lifting the others off the mule, he came over to sit on the bench next to his wife.
“Visiting again, Tony? You are becoming something of regular at that.”
“I like it here. This time, however, I’m on a mission. The Golden Oak, where my brother works, is in need of a good barkeep. Someone trustworthy and stable. Of course I immediately thought of Ylandar, if he was willing, but as he pointed out he can’t just pick up and move to Ishfalone, because there’s no one here to take his place.”
“No one who knows what it takes to serve a good drink and keep the peace, anyway,” Ylandar added.
Merlara nodded. “He has a point, Drannar. All the young ones work on the boats, or have jobs in town that they cannot or will not give up.”
“Which definitely puts paid to my idea that Ylandar would be perfect for the Golden Oak’s newest barkeep,” Tony said, putting on a doleful expression. “I’m sorry, Ylandar.”
“It is all right. You did try.” Ylandar sighed. “It would have been wonderful, if only I could see a way to move there but I suppose it is not to be.”
Merlara tapped her lip, appearing thoughtful. “There may be a way, if your father were willing. Unfortunately I doubt he could be convinced to give up fishing to tend the bar, even though it would be perfect for him, and for the tavern. He is a stubborn old elf and set in his ways.”
“I would beg to differ. I am neither of those,” Drannar replied sounding defensive and a bit miffed that his wife would think so.
She smiled at him. “Then you would consider giving up the boats for a life here in the village? If you do, you can spend time with your friends, because you know they will come to the tavern every evening if you are there to pour them a decent draft of lager.”
“I…might be persuaded to; if I knew Ylandar would be happy in the city and would promise to come home to visit whenever he is able.”
“I promise! Every week, if it is possible.” Ylandar slanted a look at Tony. “That is if you can see your way to bringing me sometimes so that I do not have to spend hours on the road.”
“I think I can manage it.”
“Then I will be willing to take your place at the tavern,” Drannar said. He looked at his son and Tony, and then at his wife, and shook his head. “I have the feeling I have been well and truly manipulated, especially by you, my dear.” He gave her a kiss before standing. “Come, Ylandar. You have to finish out the day at the tavern, and I have to convince Elyon that I can do the job as well if not better than you.”
* * * *
It took two days for Ylandar to make the move to Ishfalone. Because Tony was in Shalona at the time, mediating the meeting between Folen and the mayor and merchants of the town, he’d arranged for Daniel to take the young elf in hand when he arrived.
“He seems a bit shy,” Daniel told Tony late that afternoon when he stopped by the Golden Oak before going home. “Still, I think he’ll be a good fit for us, once he gets used to things.” He chuckled. “Saveril greeted him like he was the answer to all his prayers, which threw the poor guy off. He’s upstairs at the moment, getting settled in, and he’ll start working behind the bar this evening.”
“I am being thrown to the bears,” Ylandar said with a small laugh when Tony went up to his room to greet him.
“You’ll do well enough. Just take it slow at first. No one will fault you if you’re not perfect on your first night here.”
“Tomorrow, though…” Ylandar rolled his eyes.
Tony patted his back. “Like I said, you’ll be fine, I promise. I wouldn’t have suggested you to Saveril if I didn’t think you could handle the job. Right now, you should go ask Daniel to fix you some supper before you start.”
“I get meals, too, as well as this room?”
Tony grinned. “Not sure if that’s part of the deal but my brother will make certain you don’t starve between now and when you get paid or I’ll disown him.”
That made Ylandar laugh, which was what Tony was going for. As the young elf was dressed for work, in black wool pants, a cream shirt, and a plain black vest—which set off his dark hair and blue eyes to perfection in Tony’s opinion—he was ready to work. With Tony by his side, they went down to the kitchen.
Daniel and his assistants were busy, since it was dinner hour. When Tony told him what he’d promised Ylandar, Daniel instantly agreed, telling the young elf, “We can’t have you passing out while you’re pouring drinks. It makes a mess.”
He filled a bowl with stew, one of the evening’s entrees, and told Ylandar to have a seat at the table where Alex was busily chopping vegetables. The last thing Tony saw before he left was the boy chattering away a mile-a-minute while Ylandar smiled and ate.
* * * *
“You…” Leofric pointed an accusing finger at Tony, who was currying the bay after having spent the day riding to and from another fishing village—one on a spit of land at the entrance to the Cobalt River that he hadn’t visited before.
“Yes?” Tony lifted an eyebrow in question as he looked over the bay’s back at his brother-in-law. He had a pretty good idea why Leofric seemed to be pissed at him but wasn’t about to admit it.
“I stopped at the Golden Oak for supper and who did I see behind the bar but the insufferable Ylandar.”
“And?”
“I spoke with him. He told me you are responsible for his working there. Is this true?”
“Why would he lie?”
Leofric snorted. “To lord it over me that he knows you well enough that you would do that for him.”
“Why? He barely knows you.” Tony ran the brush in one long stroke along the bay’s back then called it a job well done, untethered the horse, and opened the stable door to let it into the yard. When he turned back to Leofric, he thought he looked disconcerted by the question, although he quickly hid it with a scowl when he saw Tony watching him again.
Tony snapped his fingers, smiling. “He called you Lord Leofric, didn’t he?”
“Yes,” the mage replied sullenly. “I told him before I am not a lord, yet he persists in using that title.”
“Well, you are, actually, but if you asked him not to call you Lord…” Tony shrugged.
“He did it to piss me off, I know he did.”
“Worked too, didn’t it? I guess you’ll have to set him straight again.”
It was Leofric’s turn to raise an eyebrow as he retorted, “I believe that would be impossible. If I am not mistaken, and I rarely am, he is homosexual.”
Tony snorted out a laugh at his lame joke then sobered. “That would make him perfect for you when you think about it; if you can get past the fact he seems to enjoy annoying you.”
“Bite your tongue. Even if I was looking for a bed partner for at least the short term, and you know damned well I am not, he is the last man I would choose.”
“Because he’s not highborn?”
“Because he is a brat!”
“Snob.” Tony grinned as he walked out of the stable, heading through the gardens to the entrance to the castle.
Leofric came after him, placing a hand on Tony’s arm to stop him. “I am not!”
“Prove it. Make friends with him and see what happens.”
“A dare, Tony?”
“Most definitely.”
Leofric eyed him sourly. Then his expression changed to one of restrained amusement. “I know what you are trying to do and it will not work.”
“Me?” Tony said as he continued walking. “I’m not ‘trying’ anything, I promise.”
He was chuckling when he entered the hallway leading to the Great Hall, having heard Leofric’s whispered, “Liar.”
“What amuses you, now?” Cerdic asked, stepping out of the library.
“Your brother. He is one stubborn elf.”
“You should know all about that, my stubborn shifter.” Cerdic gave him a hug, suggesting they retire to their chambers to eat a late supper. “Then you can tell me why you think he is being stubborn this time.”
* * * *
“Remember I told you about the, umm, meeting for lack of a better word between Leofric and Drannar’s son, Ylandar?” Tony said a while later, after they’d begun eating.
“At the fire. Yes. And?”
“Ylandar is working at the Golden Oak, now, as a barkeep. It seems Leofric had another run-in with him a bit ago which he blames on me.”
Cerdic stopped mid-bite to ask, “Is he right?”
“Well, I did tell Ylandar that Saveril was in desperate need of a new barkeep because the old one left without even giving notice. After due consideration, Ylandar decided he was interested in getting out of the village for somewhere more cosmopolitan and here he is. Or there he is, I guess, much to your brother’s dismay.”
“Tony…” Cerdic shook his head. “You are playing matchmaker when you said you would not.”
“Leofric needs someone who more than a friend, and he has damned few of them from what I can tell. Friends, I mean.”
“By his own choice.”
“But only since Jandar screwed him around, right?”
“True,” Cerdic replied.
“So even if they only become friends and that’s it, it’s better than nothing, and who knows, they might really take to each other given it half a chance.”
“My love, you are an optimist and a dreamer. One of the reasons I love you.”
“We mesh well, since you’re sometimes a pessimist and definitely a realist. My plan will work, though. I have my heart set on it.”
Cerdic smiled. “Stranger things have happened, although I cannot recall quite when.”
* * * *
The following afternoon, Tony decided to see how Ylandar was faring at his new job. Or more, if he was going to be honest with himself, and he usually was, he really wanted to find out how the young elf had felt about his second meeting with Leofric. If it pissed him off, I’ll have to do something to sooth his ruffled feathers, too.
Ylandar was behind the bar, pouring drinks for a waiter to take to customers at one of the tables. Tony settled on a stool to wait until he was free. The moment Ylandar saw him he came over, leaning his hands on the bar top.
“I owe you a debt of gratitude. This job is perfect. Well, so far at least, because I know it is early on.”
“You don’t owe me anything. I was glad to help out.” Tony paused before asking slyly, “You’ve been getting along with everyone I take it?”
“On the whole, yes.”
“Meaning you had problems with someone?”
“Not a problem, but that insufferable mage, Leofric, was here last evening.”
Tony refrained from laughing as that was Leofric’s word for Ylandar. “Did he give you any trouble?”
Ylandar smirked. “I call him Lord and told him you were the reason I am working here. That did not sit well with him, I think.”
“Maybe drop the ‘Lord’ next time you see him?”
“But it is such fun to rile him.”
“I’m sure, but if you want to make friends with him that’s not the way to go about it.”
“Now why would I want to do that?”
“Seriously?” Tony replied. “Because he could use one.”
Ylandar frowned. “Surely, as well-known as he is, he had dozens of them.”
Playing what he hoped was his ace, Tony said, “He has lots of hangers-on, because that’s what happens when someone’s rich and famous. As far as I can tell that’s all they are and I should know, since I see a fair amount of him.”
“He is your friend?”
“I like to think so. He’s also my brother-in-law.”
“Your…? Ahh, yes, I heard that, I think.” Ylandar darted away when someone took a seat at the far end of the bar. It took a few minutes for him to return as one customer turned into three, plus one of the waiters needed drinks for his customers.
Eventually, he came back. “Is he as stuck-up with you as he seemed to be when he came in here, and when we met after the fire?”
Tony chuckled. “He has his moments but in general he’s pretty down-to-earth.”
Ylandar looked thoughtful as he drummed his fingers on the bar. “Perhaps I misjudged him.”
“Perhaps he misjudged you as well. He’s called you a brat on more than one occasion.”
“I am not!” Ylandar protested before the rest of what Tony said obviously sank in. “He has spoken of me?” He looked hopeful, or at least that’s what Tony thought his expression was conveying.
Tony nodded. “More than once. I think you’ve gotten under his skin.”
“Probably because I do not bow and scrape to him,” Ylandar replied with a grin.
“Oh, I’m sure that’s it.”
“Well, I am not going to, either, if I see him again.” Ylandar gave a sharp nod as if to emphasize his words.
“Good. It’s the last thing he needs. He gets more than enough of that from the lackeys trying to curry favor with him.”
“It almost makes me feel sorry for him.”
“I agree, but don’t let him know you do. Pity is not a good basis for starting a friendship.”
Ylandar rolled his eyes. “I am not stupid. Besides, who says I want to be his friend, or that he would want to be mine?”
Tony avoided the question, feeling he’d done as much as he should for the time being in planting the idea in Ylandar’s head. He gave a small shrug as he got up, saying, “I would love to stick around and have a drink, but Cerdic’s got something planned for the evening and I’d better go see what it is.”
“He did not tell you?”
“He loves surprising me.” Tony grinned. “And sometimes he pulls it off.”
* * * *
“Do you know what Tony is doing?” Leofric asked as he paced the castle library.
Cerdic watched him with more than a trace of amusement. “He said he was going to visit Daniel and Elvina to see how Alex is faring with them, or more to the point, how they are faring having a child living with them.”
“I did not mean at this moment. I meant…” Leofric blew out a breath. “Do you know what he is trying to do to me?”
“Find you a new friend?”
“A lover and it will not work! I do not want one and I definitely would not pick that…that child, Ylandar, if I did, which I do not.”
“That ‘child’ is nearly my age.”
Leofric snorted. “You would not think so if you knew him.”
Leaning back, Cerdic studied his brother, who had now flopped down in the chair beside him glaring up at the ceiling. “How long have you been acquainted with him that you can form an opinion as to what he is like?”
“I have met him twice, which is more than enough. He seems to enjoy trying to get my goat.”
“Trying?”
“All right, he does, much to my shame.”
“Perhaps, if you got to know him, you would find there is more to him than shows on the surface.” Cerdic mentally shook his head. When did I decide to join Tony in his matchmaking? Or, more to the point, why am I? He knew the answer. He wanted his brother to be happy again, the way he once was.
Leofric shot him a look of disgust. “His surface is him. He is young and inexperienced in the ways of the world. Why should I even consider trying to know him as more than the barkeep at the inn?”
“Because you might discover you are wrong about him, if you have the guts to find out,” Cerdic taunted.
“Bah. I will not waste my time on such an endeavor. I have better things to keep me occupied when I am at loose ends.” Leofric stood, looking down at Cerdic. “Tell Tony his mission has failed and he should find some other cause.” With that, he strode out of the library, slamming the door behind him.
* * * *
“Couldn’t resist in spite of yourself,” Tony said under his breath when he saw Leofric enter the Golden Oak.
He stepped back into the kitchen but kept the door open a crack so he could see what would happen. Daniel watched him with questioning expression. ::Who couldn’t resist what?::
::Leofric. He’s standing in the doorway to the dining room as if trying to decide whether he wants to eat, have a drink at the bar, or turn around and leave.::
::What’s so strange about that?::
::Ylandar’s tending bar. Before you ask, Cerdic and I have both pretty much dared Leofric to try to make friends with him.::
::Ah ha. You said they are like oil and water.:: Daniel came close enough to peer over Tony’s shoulder. ::Should we expect fireworks?::
::Maybe?:: Tony shrugged. ::The bar it is, and Ylandar’s seen him.::
::He looks a lot happier than Leofric.::
They watched as Leofric took a seat at the end of the bar closest to the kitchen, and well away from where the younger elf was pouring drinks for two customers. He looked at Ylandar with what Tony thought was more than a trace of interest, but he couldn’t tell if it was positive or not because he was half-turned away from him. ::At least I can hear what they’re saying.::
Daniel chuckled softly. ::Tell me, later. I have to get back to work before our customers decide they’re not going to be fed.::
Tony nodded, his concentration on eavesdropping.
“May I help you, my Lord?” Ylandar asked when he walked down to where Leofric was seated. “Oh, pardon me. I should not call you that. Perhaps, your Mageship would be better?”
“Do not start with me, youngster,” Leofric growled.
Ylandar smirked, asking, “What would be your pleasure, Sir?”
“A goblet of your best red wine.”
“As you wish, Sir.” Ylandar walked to where the bottles of wine were kept in a rack behind the bar, put his hands on his hips, and surveyed the choices. After a minute, and several quick glances at Leofric, he chose a bottle, uncorked it, and filled a goblet. Returning to Ylandar, he set it on the bar, bowing as he said, “Your wine, Sir. I hope you like it.”
“Damn it, boy, I have a name. Use it.”
“As do I, Leofric, and it is not ‘boy’ or ‘youngster’.”
For a moment Tony was certain Leofric would reply with some scathing comment. Instead he said, “I stand corrected, Ylandar.” He took a sip of the wine then nodded. “This was an excellent choice.”
“Thank you. I am learning which is which as we never had more that ale, lager, mead on occasion, and coarse wine at the tavern in my village.”
“Did you indulge?”
“Oh, no. I learned soon enough from watching those who did that it was best not to.”
Tony had the feeling, because Ylandar’s back was to him so he could only hear him, that the young elf’s expression was a dry as his words.
“A wise choice,” Leofric replied. “You might be more intelligent than I have given you credit for.”
“I would hope so. Not everyone who grew up away from the cities is a bumpkin you know, me included.”
“I am aware of that.”
“Ah, then it is only me you see that way.”
“No. I mean…Damn it, are you trying to rile me?”
Ylandar leaned against the bar, his back to the other customers. “I am trying to find the man under the stuffy, superior attitude you wear with such pride,” he said quietly.
“Good gods, is that how you see me?”
“Yes, at least so far. Am I wrong?”
“You are.” Leofric took a deep drink of his wine. “I…It is only that I cannot relax when I am in public because of who I am.”
“Brother to the King and a member of the Council. It must be tiring to always have to be on your guard lest someone fault you for being a man, not a god. Do you ever have a chance to be yourself, providing what I have seen so far is not the true you despite your words to the opposite?”
Leofric grimaced. “Rarely.”
“Prove it.”
Tony didn’t have a chance to hear Leofric’s reply as two waiters came into the kitchen to get the meals their customers had ordered, forcing him to step aside so they could carry them out. When he was able to look at the bar again his brother-in-law was nowhere in sight. He would dearly have loved to ask Ylandar what Leofric’s response had been but decided it wouldn’t be a good idea to let him know he’d been eavesdropping. Oh, well, I’m sure I’ll find out sooner or later.
* * * *
It took over a week for Tony to learn what came next between Leofric and Ylandar. In the interim he had visited the kingdom’s cities and towns on the Council’s behest to make certain that things were still going well for the merchants, now that travel and trade throughout Felhone had been greatly improved due to the newly paved roadways.
“Not that we don’t know things have gotten better,” Tony had said dryly to his husband when the council meeting was over and Cerdic had joined him in the Great Hall.
“True, but they want an official report with names and details, and since you are the one most in touch with all the merchants, and the one they trust, you got the job.” Cerdic hugged him and grinned. “Now you have an official title above and beyond ‘The King’s Consort’.”
“The Council’s ‘Mercantile Advisor’ does not have quite the same ring, but I guess I should be happy they recognize that all the work I’ve done has been worth it.”
“They always knew, but this is the Council. It sometimes takes forever for them to come to a consensus on whatever it is they are debating if it does not have to do with the protection of the kingdom per se.”
Tony chuckled. “Makes me glad I’ve only had to deal with you on official matters.”
“And ignored me when you saw fit.”
“That was back when I first met you. Since then I’ve been good.”
“In too many ways to mention.” Cerdic kissed him, in spite of the fact some of the council members were watching as they prepared to leave the castle.
One of them was Wulf, who looked at the couple with amusement. “It does not take too much imagination to know exactly what ‘ways’ you mean, Cerdic.”
“It happens, when you love someone.” Cerdic glanced at Leofric who was studiously ignoring the byplay.
“With luck he’ll find out…again,” Tony whispered, getting a smile and a nod from his husband.
* * * *
Mid-morning, a week after leaving on his mission for the Council, Tony was back home. He gave Seneschal Lord Randal the report he’d put together and then, exhausted from his trip, he went straight to bed for a nap.
He awakened late that afternoon to find Cerdic lying beside him, watching him intently. They kissed hungrily, after which few words were spoken, other than “I love you” and “I missed you,” as they proceeded on to more pressing matters that involved proving to each other how true those words were. By the time they finished it was dinnertime.
Cerdic suggested, with a teasing grin, “If you can stand dining somewhere other than in our rooms, perhaps we should go to the Golden Oak.”
It took Tony only a moment to understand why. “Leofric and Ylandar?”
“So it would seem, as my brother appears to spend almost all his time there when he is not needed elsewhere.”
“That was fast.”
“Oh, I am not saying they have progressed much beyond friendship, but from the way Leofric has been acting the last couple of days I would say it is in the cards. He is not nearly as sobersided and has actually smiled as if he meant it more than once.”
“Perhaps he’s learning it’s all right to trust his emotions, again. Now we have to hope Ylandar doesn’t do something to change that.”
“According to Daniel, Ylandar is, I believe he phrased it as ‘over the moon’ when he speaks to him about my brother. Thus I doubt he will do anything to destroy their growing relationship if he can help it.”
Tony nodded. “It’s the ‘if he can help it’ that might be a problem. One wrong word spoken without thinking could make Leofric start to wonder if Ylandar’s playing him the same way Jandar did.”
“Then let us hope…Does he know what happened between Leofric and Jandar?”
“That, I couldn’t say. I haven’t told him, obviously you haven’t, and somehow I doubt the few people who know the whole story would have as they probably don’t know him as more than a barkeep at the inn.”
“Perhaps one of us should, then, and I nominate you as you are his friend.”
“Gee, thanks.” Tony smiled then suggested if they were going to eat dinner at the inn they might want to get moving. “And love, wear something simple. We’re there to enjoy ourselves, not to have everyone fawn over you because you’re you.”
Cerdic took him at his word and dressed in deep blue pants and shirt, under a forest green sleeveless tunic with simple embroidery on the collar and hem. Tony opted for browns and beiges from his boots to his tunic, his hair held back in a simple leather clasp.
* * * *
The moment they entered the inn’s dining room Alex bounced over, pulling to a stop in front of them. Very formally, he asked, “Will you want a table or to be seated at the bar?”
“A table if you would, not too far from the bar,” Tony replied with equal formality. Then he grinned. “Since when have you become the host?”
“Daniel convinced Saveril it would do me good to learn all the parts of running an inn so I can be more help to Father when I go home.”
“He is doing well, too,” the innkeeper said, joining them. “Other than that he balks at cleaning the tables after guests have finished their meals.”
“I do it,” Alex protested. “I just do not like it when they haven’t eaten all the good food Daniel prepares so I want to wait to see if they will.”
Tony laughed. “That’s your story and you’re sticking to it.”
“It is true!” Alex nodded hard before taking them to their table, which gave them a good view of the bar.
Leofric was seated there, chatting with Elvina as well as keeping an eye on Ylandar while he did his job. Something Elvina said must have amused him because he laughed heartily before replying.
“Definitely a different man from when I saw him last week,” Tony said to Cerdic.
“Indeed.”
They paused when the waiter came over to tell them what was on the menu for the evening. Once they ordered, they went back to watching Leofric.
At that point, Ylandar was there as well, leaning against the bar, his gaze fixed firmly on Leofric while the three of them talked. He was obviously surprised but also pleased at something Leofric said, and more so when the mage took his hand while waiting for a reply. If Tony was reading his lips correctly, Ylandar said “Tomorrow morning,” his expression questioning. Leofric nodded; his answer unintelligible above the voices of the other diners—even to Tony’s keen hearing. The mage released Ylandar’s hand, stood, and after a quick word to Elvina that made her smile, he left the dining room.
“Am I correct? Are they becoming more than friends?” Cerdic asked.
“It sure looks like it. Since they’re getting together in the morning, I’d say it hasn’t progressed to the point of sharing a bed, but that could come in time. The problem is, your brother’s well known these days for playing the field. If that’s all this is, especially since we pushed him toward Ylandar to begin with…” Tony sighed.
“All the more reason for you to have a talk with Ylandar before it is too late.”
“I know.”
They went quiet when the waiter brought them their meals, taking time to enjoy the excellently prepared food. Tony chuckled when he saw Alex was watching them. Beckoning him closer, he said, “We’ll eat every bite, I promise.”
“Of course you will or I shall tell your brother.” Alex grinned before dashing away to a just-vacated table across the room.
By the time they finished eating it was late enough that the room was empty except for a few people at the bar or seated around the fireplace.
“I guess it’s now or never,” Tony said when he saw Ylandar was chatting in a desultory manner with a couple at one end of the bar.
Cerdic nodded. “Do you want me to come with you?”
“No. It could make him feel defensive which isn’t what we want.”
“Very true. All right, I will see you when you get home.” Cerdic gave him a kiss and took off.
Going to the bar, Tony found a seat away from the other customers. When Ylandar came over, he asked, “Do you have a moment to talk?”
“Yes, if I can get him—” Ylandar gestured toward one of the waiters standing at the side of the room, “—to watch the bar.”
“Please do. This is important.”
Ylandar gave him a worried look before hurrying away. He came back moments later with the waiter.
Tony suggested they sit at one of the empty tables, which they did. He began by saying, “I realize you’re an adult and I’m probably sticking my nose in where it doesn’t belong, but I think you and Leofric are becoming more than mere friends, if I read things correctly this evening.”
Ylandar smiled shyly. “I think we are. Why?”
“All right, don’t take this the wrong way, but there’s something you should know about him. Some time ago he was badly hurt by a man he thought loved him and—”
“I know all about it. He told me a day ago what happened and what the bastard did before your Cerdic killed him to save you.”
Tony blew out a relieved breath before continuing. “Good. I’m glad he trusted you enough to tell you, but that brings up something else.”
“I think I know what. He was open about his life; well, his personal life after that bastard was exiled. He admitted he has never committed to anyone for fear they might use him the way that…” He chuckled. “If I say ‘bastard’ again, but that is what he was. Anyway, he has been afraid of what could happen if he allowed himself to care for someone.” Ylandar looked directly at Tony. “I let him know I will not be yet another of his conquests that he can walk away from. I told him I am very attracted to him but I will not be toyed with. He said he had no intention of doing that, and I believe him.”
“I’m glad. He needs someone like you…No, he needs you if you truly care for him and are willing to put up with him, faults and all.”
Ylandar gave him a wide-eyed, patently feigned look of disbelief. “He has faults?”
Tony laughed. “I know it seems impossible but he does, just like anyone else.”
“I believe you, but it does not matter. As you said, we all have them and I can overlook them, or most probably let him know when he is being an idiot.”
“Oh, that’ll go over well.” Tony winked.
Ylandar seemed momentarily amused at his comment before he replied earnestly, “When two people truly care about each other they have to be honest about things. Surely you have found this is true between you and Cerdic.”
“Definitely, and it’s caused more than a few arguments, but we get past them. I’m sure you and Leofric will as well.”
“I will assuredly do my best to make certain we do, because he is that important to me. I believe he feels the same about me or as you said, he would not have trusted me with his story.”
“I agree. Not many people know the details behind what happened.”
Ylandar rested his elbows on the table, putting him closer to Tony, and said quietly, “He is so different from what I thought he was when I first met him.”
Tony lifted an eyebrow in amusement. “When you did your best to rile him?”
“It was what he needed. Someone who did not kowtow to him because of who he is.”
“I agree completely and I think you’ve shown him he has worth beyond his titles.”
Ylandar laughed. “His hates titles.”
“Well, he does like being thought of as the foremost mage in the kingdom.”
“As well he should. He has used his magic well on many occasions, or so Father told me.”
“Thankfully, or I might not be sitting here talking with you.”
“I am glad you are, but…” Ylandar glanced at the bar.
Tony chuckled. “It’s time for you to get back to work and it’s probably time for me to go home.”
As they stood, Ylandar said, grinning, “At least when I go home it’s only up a flight of stairs.”
“For now. Who knows how that might change when the time comes?”
Ylandar beamed. “I can only hope.”
I suspect it will. He needs your calming presence, now that he’s accepted you can give it to him without any strings attached. At least I pray he has, for both your sakes. Tony didn’t say that aloud, merely telling Ylandar good night before leaving the inn.
* * * *
“You look very pleased with yourself,” Cerdic said when Leofric appeared in the royal wing, several weeks after Tony’s talk with Ylandar.
Leofric sat; his long legs stretched out casually in front of him, and smiled. “I have reason to be. Soon I will not be living alone.”
Cerdic glanced at Tony, getting a knowing look in reply. Returning his attention to his brother, he asked, “Might I presume Ylandar will be sharing your house, as he is now sharing your bed from what I understand.”
“Indeed he is, on both counts. I am also trying, with little success so far, to convince him he should give up his job at the inn.”
“And do what?” Tony asked sharply.
“Nothing. I am quite capable of supporting him without his working.”
“I’m sure you are, but if you force him into that situation, it won’t be long until he begins to resent it, and you. He’s not a dilettante who took the job to stave off boredom. He was brought up knowing the importance of work and taking it away from him could, probably would break him.”
Leofric appeared pensive as he considered what Tony had said. “You have a good point, one I did not consider, having been brought up the way I was.” He smiled wryly. “Perhaps I should get a job as well, although it would have to be one where I would not be missed when I need to do something for the kingdom.”
Cerdic snorted. “Do not go off halfcocked, and do stop pressuring him to quit at the inn. He likes it there and they like him, which has much to recommend it.”
Chortling, Leofric replied, “Are you certain you are not the elder of us? You dispense wisdom as if you were.”
“And you listen as if you were the younger. To wit, not at all most times.”
“Perhaps this time I will listen, however. No. I shall because you are right…for once.”
“Never thought I’d hear him admit it,” Tony whispered.
“You. Shush.” Leofric pointed an admonishing finger at him.
“Yes, my Lord.”
“For that I should turn you into a toad.”
“Could you?” Tony hoped not, or that if he could, he wouldn’t prove it.
Leofric laughed heartily. “That is for me to know, and you to wonder. And with that, I have to leave. I will take your words to heart, both of yours.”
“That is all we ask, and all that Ylandar would too if he knew of our conversation,” Cerdic replied.
“Oh, he will know. We keep no secrets from each other.” Leofric smiled softly. “It is what will make what we have between us work.” With that said, he left.
When he was out of earshot, Cerdic heaved a sigh of relief. “I do believe my brother will be all right, now, much thanks to Ylandar.”
“He has what everyone should have, and too few do, I’m afraid. Someone to love who truly and openly loves him in return.”
“As do you and I, thanks to the gods.”
They kissed to reinforce their words and then, as it was that hour, they went down to the kitchen to see what the chef had prepared for their evening meal.
THE END