Albreda stood in the centre of the circle, with only Fitz standing beside her. “Are you sure you won’t change your mind?”
“I need to talk to Kraloch,” explained Aubrey. “I have some questions about Life Magic that I’m hoping he can answer.”
“And you two?” Albreda asked, turning to the younger Fitzwilliams.
“We’re going to stay a few days,” said Aldwin. “It’s been a stressful few months in the capital, and we’ve decided we need some rest.”
“Very well,” said the druid. “In that case, I’ll see you when you return to Wincaster.”
She cast the recall spell, bringing up a circle of light. From Aldwin’s point of view, the entire room was bathed in brilliant white, almost painful to the eyes. It lingered for a moment then dropped, revealing an empty circle.
“I don’t know if I can ever get used to that,” admitted Aldwin.
“It beats the flame,” said Beverly. “At least the recall doesn’t make you dizzy.”
“What are you two up to today?” asked Aubrey.
“The weather's nice,” said Aldwin, turning to his wife, “what do you say we go riding?”
“I’d like that,” Beverly replied. “I can show you where Aubrey and I used to race.”
“We can’t race,” objected Aldwin. “Lightning would far outpace any horse I’m likely to find.”
“Don’t worry,” she chuckled, “I have no intention of racing today. I’m looking forward to a nice leisurely pace.”
Aubrey smiled at her cousin. Without her armour, you would never know she was a warrior. She corrected herself as she noticed the hammer hanging from Lightning's saddle, no other lady of the realm would carry such a weapon on a leisurely ride.
“You two enjoy yourselves,” said Aubrey. “Will I see you at dinner time?”
“Of course,” answered Beverly, “we could hardly miss the legendary hospitality of the Brandon estate.”
“Not to mention the food,” added Aldwin.
Aubrey laughed as they turned and strode off towards the stables. It was good to see her cousin enjoying herself, free from the responsibilities of court. She waited till they were out of sight, then made off to find Kraloch.
The Orc shaman sat on a tree stump, watching a group of men put up the frame of a house. After bracing the upright timbers, they were ready to start the process of threading the thin branches between them, prior to the liberal application of mud and straw.
“Such strange methods of construction you have,” he said as Aubrey approached.
“How did you know it was me?” she asked. “I thought I was being quiet.”
“And so you were,” Kraloch replied, “but I could sense your power.”
“You can feel my magic?” she said. “I’ve never heard of that before.”
“It is rare,” the shaman revealed. “A gift from my ancestors.”
“Can others sense magic?” she asked, intrigued.
“None that I know of,” he said.
“Does that mean you could detect the power within an untrained mage?” she asked.
“Alas, no,” he confessed. “Though I wish it were so. It would be so much easier to pick an apprentice if it were true.”
“I didn’t know your people had apprentices,” said Aubrey.
“I merely use the term because it is familiar to you,” he replied. “We train all those that show potential.”
“And how do you know if someone has potential?”
“It can be difficult,” he said, “but for the elemental schools, it is simpler. A potential mage would reveal their affinity in different ways. An Earth Mage might find it easy to get along with animals, let’s say, or a Water Mage might be able to calm small waves.”
“And a Life Mage?” she asked.
“Much more difficult. They don’t show signs of healing, so it’s hard to gauge.”
“So how do you pick someone to train?”
“Trial and error,” said Kraloch.
“I suppose that would make for a lengthy process,” said Aubrey.
“Not as long as Humans,” he replied.
“Why is that?”
“You have the habit of teaching everything about magic that you can before teaching spells.”
“Of course,” defended Aubrey, “we have to prepare the candidate for the use of magic. How else would you train them?”
“We have a more practical method,” he continued. “Instead of teaching a student the entire magical alphabet, we start with only the runes needed to cast the first spell. In this way, we are optimizing our training while limiting the time spent in failure.”
“That makes a lot of sense,” said Aubrey, “though I can’t help but think it would be easier if a person’s affinity for magic could be discovered before training began.”
“I would have to agree,” said Kraloch, “and yet it is an option we do not possess.”
“That’s why I wanted to talk to you,” said Aubrey.
“Oh?” said the Orc. “I find that a remarkable coincidence, for there is something I wanted to talk to YOU about.”
“Me?” said Aubrey. “Now it’s my time to be surprised. What is it?”
“You have learned the spell of spirit walk, have you not?”
“I have,” she confirmed. “It was in my great grandmother's book of spells. Why?”
“The spirit world can be a dangerous place. I should know, I have travelled there many times. Most spiritualists summon a guide.”
“I didn’t know I could do such a thing,” said Aubrey, “but it sounds fascinating. Who acts as a guide?”
“An animal spirit,” Kraloch revealed. “We refer to them as 'Spirit Companions'.”
“And you can communicate with them?”
“Not in the physical sense,” said the Orc, “but they can understand you as much as a regular animal can. They form a bond with you when you first call them, so they can sense that they are to guide you and protect you as you travel the spirit world.”
“Although I’ve been to that realm, I know little about it,” confessed Aubrey. “What can you tell me?”
“It is home to the spirits of our ancestors," explained Kraloch, "but so much more, for it is also home to those that would feed off of your energy.”
“If the spirit realm is where dead people go, why is it not full?” she asked.
“Your own beliefs explain that, I suspect. Do all men and women go to your Afterlife?”
“Not if they show lack of strength,” she answered.
“Then, that being the case, where do they go?”
“The Underworld,” said Aubrey, “at least that’s the belief. I rather suspect the truth is much more complex.”
The Orc grinned, “You are clever to have such suspicions. Our own knowledge of the spirit world is not complete, but we know that not all who die will travel there. It is our belief that only those who linger remain there.”
“Meaning it is a conscious act?” she asked.
“Perhaps,” he continued, “but we really don’t know for sure. What we do know is that distance is a foreign concept there.”
“I’m not sure I understand,” said Aubrey. “I still have to move about in spirit form. Surely it is in parallel to the material world?”
“One would think so,” said Kraloch, “and yet our experience shows us otherwise.”
“I’m afraid you’ve lost me,” admitted Aubrey.
“Think of your spell of recall,” started the Orc. “When you cast that spell, you travel a set distance. The farther the distance travelled, the greater the strain on your magical power, correct?”
“Yes, I suppose so,” she confirmed.
“In the spirit realm, distance has little effect on such things.”
“So if I cast recall in the spirit realm, I can travel any distance?” she asked.
He chuckled, “No, not precisely. That particular spell would likely not work there. Let me put it this way, you’ve heard of us communicating over long distances, yes?”
“I have,” she replied, “though I’ve never understood how.”
“We contact other shamans using the spirit realm. For us, it is not the distance that limits our ability, rather it is our familiarity with those we attempt to contact.”
“So someone you know is easier to contact than someone you don’t!” she said excitedly.
“Exactly!” the Orc replied. "It has allowed us to stay in touch with many tribes spread throughout the world, from the Netherwood to the continent.”
“The Netherwood? Where’s that?”
“Your pardon,” said Kraloch, “I believe you Humans call it the Great Wood, that which forms the northern border of Weldwyn. Your race picks such simple names for things.”
“That’s how the Orcs near Norwatch had heard of Redblade,” mused Aubrey. “Beverly told me all about it.”
“It is,” the shaman confirmed.
“Tell me, Master Kraloch, when you’re in spirit form, have you ever noticed an aura around others?”
“Yes, sometimes,” he confirmed, “what of it?”
“I believe it can be used to determine magical potential. Have you seen any pattern to these auras, colour, for instance?”
“No,” said Kraloch, “but then again, perhaps Orcs don’t see the same as you do. Our eyes are more sensitive to light, so we see better in dim conditions, like night time.”
“Is it possible to see into the spirit realm without entering it?” she asked.
“Yes,” he said. “I, for example, can call ancient warriors to this world to fight for me.”
“I understand that,” said Aubrey, “but I was thinking there might be a way to see someone’s aura without having to enter the spirit realm.”
“An interesting prospect,” said Kraloch, “and one that hadn’t occurred to me. If that were true, you would be able to spot someone with magical potential before they begin their training.”
“Precisely,” said Aubrey, “but I have yet to learn how to read these auras.”
“I’m not sure I understand,” said the shaman.
“In the few trips I’ve made, I discovered that mages give off different hues around them. Life Mages give off a pale white aura, for example, while Enchanters show a pale green.”
“Fascinating,” he said, “we must explore this in more detail.”
“I was hoping you’d say that,” she said. “I’d like you to accompany me into the spirit realm.”
“An excellent idea,” said Kraloch, “and then I can show you how to call your spirit companion.”
“When would you like to start?” asked Aubrey.
“I see no reason for a delay,” said Kraloch. “Are you recovered from yesterday's ritual?”
“I am,” she said.
“Then let us begin,” he said, rising from the stump.
They moved to a clear spot, and then the Orc beckoned to two of his companions. “We will need them to guard our bodies,” he explained.
He waited until the Orc hunters were in place, then started his spell. Moments later, Aubrey heard a snap and then the familiar feel of the spirit realm.
“Am I glowing?” asked Kraloch.
“You are,” she replied, “the same pale white light that I exhibit. If my suspicions are correct, it’s due to your Life Magic.”
The Orc looked at her carefully, “It is difficult to see, but if I stare, I can just make out your aura.”
“As you said earlier, it’s likely because your vision is different.”
They both took a moment to cast their eyes about, letting them adjust to the muted colours of this strange world.
“I take it there are many different spells that will work in the spirit realm?” she pondered.
“There are,” he explained, “and some that will work in the material world as well, though with strange, secondary effects.”
“Such as?” she asked.
“In the material world, spells are powered by your magical energy, but here, in the spirit world, it is your body that powers it.”
“I’m not sure I understand,” she said.
“Have you ever cast a spell and spent so much energy that your nose bleeds?” he asked.
“Yes, that happens when your magical energy is depleted, why?”
“In this realm, everything is reversed. Here, you would consume your physical body first, before your energy.”
“Does that mean my body would take damage as I cast?”
“To a certain extent, yes. Those observing would see no physical change, no bruises or cuts, for example, but when you return, you will feel tired, even though you might have a full charge of magical energy.”
“I assume my body would take longer to recover than my energy would,” she said.
“Yes,” he agreed, “I can see you understand. You are a quick study.”
“Thank you,” she said. “This is most interesting. How long ago did you learn to do this?”
“Many years,” he revealed. “I was taught by the great shamaness Tarloch, who no longer walks this mortal land. Now, let me show you how to call your spirit companion.”
He began speaking the words of power. They were much like those in the mortal realm, but the sound here was different, reminding Aubrey of having her ears covered.
Moments later, Kraloch stood, his arms held out in front of him, palms upward.
Aubrey felt the movement before she spotted it, a form that glided through the strange colours of this realm. It took shape as it drew closer, revealing a white wolf with piercing green eyes.
“This is Greylig,” he explained, “she has been my companion for many years.”
“Are all companions wolves?” she asked.
“I cannot say for sure,” he replied, “I can only tell you that I have always had Greylig.”
“Have you heard of other companions?” she asked.
"I have heard tell of unusual ones. It is said that Kragon, one of my ancestors, called a bear for a spirit companion, but I have no proof.”
“And it’s always the same creature?”
“Yes,” he answered, “and much like an animal companion in the material world, you will learn their likes and dislikes, though there are some advantages to the spirit world.”
“Such as?” she asked, intrigued.
“You don’t need to feed them,” he half-laughed, “and, of course, if they don’t eat, they don’t leave spoor.”
“So they can’t be tracked,” said Aubrey.
“One would think so,” continued Kraloch, “and yet, they are somehow able to sense things. No doubt you hardly noticed Greylig’s approach, but she can sense others coming long before I see them.”
“This is all so fascinating,” said Aubrey. “Can you show me how you cast the spell?”
“Of course,” he replied, “let us go through the incantation.”
It only took a short while for Aubrey to learn the litany, though time here appeared to have little meaning. Soon, she was ready, confident the spell would work. She wondered what type of creature she might call, then put the matter aside, focusing instead on the task before her.
She stood still, her eyes closed, concentrating on calling out the magical letters. The words of power spilled from her lips in a cascade of sound, filling the immediate area with a slight echo.
Her spell complete, she waited, her hands held before her as she had seen Kraloch do. She sensed something approach before she saw it. The creature drawing near took the form of a wolf, softly padding towards her, its grey fur looking sharp and focused compared to the strange hues of this world.
“It’s a wolf,” she announced as it came closer. Halting just before her, it sat on its hind legs, its blue eyes staring at her. She moved forward, her hand outstretched. The wolf sniffed, then licked her fingers.
“He seems friendly,” she said.
The wolf stood, circling them. Aubrey took it all in. “He has a scar on his flank,” she said, “as if something attacked him.”
“Indeed,” said Kraloch, “though I doubt it was anything here. Bodies in this world do not behave like that.”
“So he bore these scars in life?” she asked.
“It would appear so, though I have never seen its like before, nor have I heard of such a thing.”
“He looks as though he was injured by some sort of claw,” she remarked.
“Quite possibly,” he agreed.
“Why is it he appears so clear to me? When I look at Greylig, she looks much like the background here, as if the colours had been washed out.”
“It is the bond you share,” explained the shaman. “To me, he appears ‘washed out’ as you describe it, though my own companion is clear to see.”
“What else can we do in the spirit realm?” asked Aubrey.
“There is much,” said Kraloch, “but you have learned sufficient for one day. It is time we returned.”
“What will happen to our companions?” she asked.
“They will remain here, of course, to be called on another trip if need be.”
“And if we cast a long way from here?”
“You need to release your preconceptions,” he said. “As I told you, distance has little meaning here. If you cast the spell again, he will be waiting, regardless of where you are.”
“So he follows me around?” she asked.
“No, but your spirits are linked. Call, and he will come.”
“And by call, you mean cast the spell, of course.”
“Naturally,” he agreed.
“One more thing, Master Kraloch. Since you brought us to this realm, are you the only one that can return us?”
“No, anyone who knows spirit walk can do so. You, yourself, could cast it here, sending you back to the physical world, but I will save you the effort. Are you ready to return?”
“Yes, I am,” she stated.
“Good, then I shall dispel my incantation.”
He called forth his magic powers once more, and Aubrey felt the familiar tugging sensation. Moments later, she opened her eyes to stare up at the sky.
“That was fascinating,” she remarked. “We’ll have to try this again sometime.”
“I am ever at your disposal,” said Kraloch, getting to his feet.
Aubrey followed suit, then blinked as her brain tried to adjust to the riot of colours. “I always find myself a little disoriented after leaving the spirit realm, don’t you?”
“I do,” said Kraloch, “though you’d think I’d be used to it by now.”
“You said you can talk to distant shamans?” she asked.
“I can,” he replied. “It's a skill that I can show you at some point in the future. Of course, to work properly, you must communicate with someone you know well, but perhaps we can talk to each other that way. It would save having to travel to Hawksburg all the time.”
“Is that only a Life Magic spell?” she asked.
“Alas, yes,” he said, “Life and none other.”
“Pity,” she said, “it would have had huge ramifications for the defence of our borders.”
“Indeed it would,” the shaman replied.
Beverly picked up a small loaf, dropping it onto her plate. She moved along to the next table and waited as Aldwin put yet more meat on his own platter.
“What did you call this style of eating?” she asked.
“I don’t know that it has a name,” said Aubrey, “but it’s efficient when you’re feeding a large number of workers.”
“I quite like it,” said Aldwin, “you take as much as you like.”
“He would say that,” said Beverly, smiling. “Sometimes I think that’s all he ever does.”
“Hey, now,” he said, “I have to keep my strength up. I work hard, you know.” He placed some meat on Beverly’s plate. “More?”
“No, that’s plenty, thank you.” They moved farther down the line.
“I’ll take some of that cheese,” she said, “as long as it’s not Hawksburg gold.”
Aldwin dutifully cut a chunk, placing it gingerly on her plate. “Is that enough?”
“Perfect, thank you,” the knight replied.
It was now Aubrey’s turn to examine the cheese, “Did you two get much riding in?”
“We did,” said Beverly, “but I think it’s time we were getting back to Wincaster.”
“You’re sure?” asked Aubrey. “You’re more than welcome to stay as long as you like.”
“She feels she needs to get back to work,” offered Aldwin, “thinks the army’s going to fall apart without her.”
“It IS good to have a purpose,” said Beverly.
They reached the end of the line, then started moving towards the bench seats.
Aubrey looked around the hall. “Over there,” she called out, “by Kraloch.”
Aldwin threaded his way through the room, finally arriving at the Orc’s location. “May we?” he asked, indicating the table.
“Of course,” replied the shaman.
They all sat down, arranging their plates.
“I hear you’ve been busy with my cousin,” said Beverly, looking at Kraloch.
“I have,” he admitted. “I’ve been educating her on the spirit world.”
“I thought it was spirit realm?” said Aldwin.
“Orcs prefer the term world,” said Kraloch, “but it is merely a turn of phrase. It matters little whether we call it a world or a realm; it is what it is.”
“That’s very profound,” said Beverly with a grin. “You should become a philosopher.”
“I already am,” admitted the Orc. “It is one of the shaman’s responsibilities for the tribe.”
“Do you miss your home?” asked Aldwin.
The Orc looked around at the gathered people before answering. “A little, I suppose, but it is exciting to be here as we rebuild the town. There’s a very real sense of accomplishment I’ve not felt in years.”
“I’ll agree with that,” added Aubrey. “What happened to Hawksburg during the war was terrible, but rebuilding it has certainly brought people together.”
“There’s a lot of Orcs here now,” mused Aldwin. “Do you think they’ll settle here once they are finished rebuilding?”
“They’re certainly welcome to,” said Aubrey. “What do you think, Kraloch? Will your people stay?”
“No doubt some of them will,” the Orc replied, “but as we are a race of hunters, I rather expect most will want to move on.”
“Is there going to be a permanent garrison here, then?” asked Aldwin.
This time it was Beverly that answered, “There is. Gerald wants units stationed here, farther back from the border. It allows us more flexibility to reinforce Wickfield or Mattingly if they’re attacked.”
“Any word on which units?” asked Aubrey.
“Not yet,” said Beverly, “but if I know our marshal, you can bet there’ll be a company or two of cavalry in addition to the foot.”
“They should post the Orc spears here,” mused Aldwin.
Beverly looked at him in surprise, “I didn’t take you for a strategist. I’m surprised you take an interest in such things.”
“Why wouldn’t I?” he said. “After all, you’re my wife, and you’re part of the army.”
“He’s got you there, cousin,” said Aubrey. “You can’t argue with logic like that.”
“Nor would I want to,” said Beverly. “But tell me, Aldwin, why Orcs? I’m curious as to the reason you’d suggest it.”
“They’re fast at marching,” answered Aldwin, warming to the task, “and disciplined fighters. They’d be able to reinforce the frontier quickly.”
“I’m impressed,” said Kraloch. “The smith shows great foresight.”
“I get it from my wife,” said Aldwin, grinning.
“What else should we put here, husband?”
“I suppose that would depend on what was available. I would think some archers would be preferable.”
“What about Orc archers?” asked Aubrey.
“Yes,” said Aldwin, “they’re good, but you need a Human contingent so that the villagers don’t feel overwhelmed. I’d leave them here, in Hawksburg. Eventually, they could man the walls, but they have to finish building them first.”
“Very astute of you,” said Beverly. “Tell me, who do you think should command this group of soldiers?”
“It would have to be someone experienced,” he said. “I’d say you, Beverly, but you’re needed in Wincaster. That being the case, you’d have to delegate someone. I know Lanaka is in charge at the moment, but you’d likely need to pick someone born a Mercerian, if only for political reasons. Sir Heward is likely the best man for the job.”
“You should stay in Wincaster more often,” said Beverly, “you can take over my job if you like.”
Aldwin shook his head, “No, I’d much rather spend my time at the smithy. I was thinking of setting one up in Wincaster.”
“Why would you do that?” asked Aubrey.
“To be closer to Beverly,” he replied. “We can’t keep travelling back and forth to Bodden all the time.”
“What part of the city would you set up in?” asked Aubrey.
“Likely in Artisan’s Alley, with the Dwarves.”
“There is no Artisan’s Alley,” corrected Beverly, “it’s called Gareth Street.”
“The smiths call it Artisan’s Alley,” defended Aldwin, “but you’re right, that’s not the real name.”
“Why with the Dwarves?” asked Aubrey.
“I still have much to learn about smithing,” said Aldwin. “I can learn a lot by working around them.”
“You made Nature’s Fury,” said Beverly, “not to mention my armour. What else is there to learn?”
“Lots,” he continued. “I’d like to learn how to fold steel. I’ve seen the blade on the queen's sword, that’s the type of thing I’d like to make.”
“But you don’t need to sell things in Wincaster,” said Beverly, “you’re a lord now.”
“I know,” he replied, “but I enjoy the work. As I’m not worried about making a living anymore, it frees me up to try so many other things. I’ve even heard Elves have their own secrets when it comes to the forge.”
“I didn’t know that,” said Aubrey, “but I suppose it makes sense. Someone has to make their weapons, after all.”
“They are not as skilled as you might think,” offered Kraloch.
“Why would you say that?” asked Beverly.
“Elves are a long-lived race. While it’s true they can make fine armour and weapons, it takes them years to do so. You would die of old age long before they had you complete anything.”
“I suppose I’ll take that off my list then,” said Aldwin. “What about your tribe, Kraloch? Do you have smiths?”
“We do,” the Orc replied, “though none as skilled as you. We make basic weapons, favouring spears and axes.”
“Doesn’t your chieftain, Urgon, use a sword?” asked Beverly.
Kraloch smiled, “He does indeed, but it was forged by Dwarves.”
“Is it magic?” asked Aubrey.
“Yes,” answered Beverly, “I’ve seen it in battle. It was enchanted by shamans, wasn’t it?”
“It was,” said Kraloch, “though the weapon predates my own time. It was handed down to Urgon from his ancestors, as is often the way with such things.”
“One day soon,” said Aubrey, “the queen will officially recognize the Artisan Hills as the domain of the Orcs.”
“How do you know that?” asked Beverly.
“She told me,” Aubrey revealed. “Of course, she’s been busy with other things right now, but I think it likely to happen just after her wedding this summer.”
“That would be nice,” said Beverly. “With the Artisan Hills as one of our provinces, we can officially integrate the Orcs into our army.”
“Yes,” added Aubrey, “along with the Dwarves and possibly even a few Elves.”
“I’m surprised,” said Aldwin, “I thought the Elves kept to themselves.”
“They generally do,” said Aubrey, “but some of the younger ones wish to change that. They want to be a part of this realm, and it promises a bright future for everyone.”
“And we’ll all be the richer for it,” said Aldwin. “Think of all the knowledge that could be shared between the races! It’ll be a new age of cooperation.”
“Yes,” said Beverly, “and a lasting peace, especially once the queen marries Alric.”
Aubrey looked at her cousin, “Do you remember when you first visited Hawksburg, all those years ago?”
“I do,” said Beverly. “I seem to remember a young cousin who kept pestering me.”
“That’s what I’m here for,” said Aubrey, “but did you ever think things would end up like this?”
“Not in my wildest dreams,” said Beverly, touching Aldwin’s hand, “but I’m so glad they did. You?”
“I wish my family had lived to see it,” said Aubrey, “but I know, in my heart, that this,” she spread her arms out to encompass the area, “all of this, is something they would have appreciated. They always were about serving the people.”
“My father is very big on that, too,” said Beverly. “He feels it is the obligation of the nobles to look after the commoners.”
“Exactly,” said Aubrey, “though I wonder who thought of it first, my father or yours?”
Beverly laughed, “I doubt it really matters anymore. The important thing is that we carry on the tradition.”
“Hear, hear,” said Aldwin, raising his goblet. He tapped Beverly’s cup, spilling a little wine. “Sorry about that.”
“You’re so unlike the other nobles, Aldwin,” said Aubrey. “I’ve never seen one apologize for spilling their wine.”
“Oh, shouldn’t I?” the smith asked.
“You keep doing what you’re doing,” insisted Beverly.
“Agreed,” said Aubrey. “It’s what I love about you. You and Beverly are my family now, and your father, of course.”
“I think you should include Albreda along with him,” said Aldwin, “they seem to spend a lot of time together.”
“Do you think your father will ever marry her?” asked Aubrey.
“I’m sure he wants to,” said Beverly, “but I don’t think Albreda is the marrying type.”
“You’ll have to be careful, cousin,” said Aubrey with a grin, “if Albreda has a child, you might find yourself out of a barony.”
“There’s no danger there,” said Beverly, “the queen has already changed the law, and I’m the oldest child. You couldn’t pry Bodden away from me with anything.”
“Glad to hear it,” said Aubrey.
“Hear, hear!” said Aldwin, once again holding his cup aloft. “To the next Baron of Bodden, or should I say Baroness?”
They all raised their arms, the Orc joining in.
“To Bodden!” they all cried, then downed their drinks.
“I quite like this wine,” said Kraloch. “What did you say it was called?”
“A Hawksburg Red,” said Aubrey.
“I shall have to trade for some,” the Orc replied.
“I shall be honoured to gift it to you,” said Aubrey.
“I couldn’t,” the Orc protested.
“Nonsense,” said Aubrey, “think of it as a reward for all the knowledge you’ve given me.”
“In that case, I would be pleased to accept the offer.”
Aubrey turned once more to Beverly, “When did you two wish to return to Wincaster?”
“Soon,” said Beverly, “I’ve still much work to do reorganizing the cavalry.”
“How about tomorrow morning?” Aubrey offered. “It gives us one more night at the manor house.”
“That would be wonderful,” said Beverly.