Chapter 44 - the Searching III
Wulfgar had been quiet through all the deception and commotion. When Shan and Gullina came out of the bathhouse, he waved and raised his tea to them. He motioned for Shan to come over and sit with him.
"You know who I am then, do you not?"
"You are Wulfgar."
"That is my name, yes. Yet… if not who, then what I do."
"You are the North Star's own Wolf. You, are Heyermannen, to the Heyermannen."
"Among other things I do, yes."
"Are you pleased?"
Wulfgar nodded.
"I am."
"Then… I am a Kingsman now. The women do not have sport with me."
"You are. Var? Is one of my better lifelong students. If her and her pack are happy? Then so am I."
"Is there anything else I must do?"
"Oh. If we were up north… new men are usually found by existing Kingsmen. They all wear a coin, with the sign of their greathouse. A Kingsman Heyermannen, can give his coin out to a new man, if he thinks he has found a man of quality. They wear it for a time, until a decision is made. A decision of the man's quality. I take the coin from the man, and I decide. I might wait, leaving him in coin, to wait and see. I might give it back to him for him to keep. If the man was coined poorly? I might even keep the coin he was given, and destroy it. The Kingsman that made such a poor choice? Is no longer a Kingsman."
"I wore no coin."
"No, you didn't. You were raised down here, in the south-lands. There was no real need. You weren't dealing with any other Kingsmen, besides your brothers. I see you wear your woman's coin now. She must be pleased with you as well."
"Do I get a coin? To keep, I mean."
"Yes, you do. Your father. He wears Lord Mjolnir's coin now, yet, he was an Oxen once. Your father? Will give you his old Ox sign coin. It will be yours. It's the same as the ones your older brothers wear. You know they are Oxen as well. There's just the matter of your oath."
"My oath?"
"Yes. We will go outside. We will practice a little, then I will take your oath. We have witnesses."
Everyone went outside, and Wulfgar practiced for a while with Shan. He seemed happy, then he stopped it. He backed up ten paces and held his sword on Shan. Fixed him with his famous snake eyes, and took his oath. He embraced him when they were done.
"Now? There's just the matter of your armor then. It won't arrive in time for your festival, yet, that's hardly important."
Wulfgar tossed a small sack of gold to Gareen, who caught it.
"Would you boys see that this man has the king's armor commissioned for himself? He will need fitted, and I am told there are a number of capable smiths that do the fine work needed down here."
Shan and both his brothers tapped their chest, and dipped their heads to him.
Gareen thanked him. Wulfgar shook his head.
"No… I thank both of you boys. For this geft. You have all, made me very happy. Shan?"
"Yes."
"Walk with me. We will talk…"
"I would be honored, Wulfgar."
"Oh, no need to be so formal with me. I will be Wulfgar, naturally… if we are in public around people that know. But, in private? Call me simply Wolf."
"I would be honored, Wolf. Where shall we walk to?"
"Oh. I hadn't thought that far ahead. Where would you like to go?"
"Wherever you wish, Wolf."
"Hmm. I knew your father, when younger. I now know you, still young. Perhaps some morsels."
Shan smiled, almost guiltily.
"Mother remarks, that I can always shove something between my teeth."
"Well, we'll walk to your tavern then. I favor the tavern-keeper's tea and service. You, seem to favor their food and drink. Would you like to bring your woman along?"
They both looked over. Gullina was with Var and the other Ladies, and Eira and Ryeamund were sitting watching them. The women were gently working on Gullina's sword-arm.
"My Lady has something to do, it would seem. Gareen? We're going to walk to the tavern, and talk. Would you tell Gullina I am not off and ignoring her, if she asks."
Gareen smiled.
"Aye, brother."
They began to walk towards the trail to town, and Shan asked that since they now had a destination, what would they talk about.
"Nothing. Everything. Few things. Or many. I find tea and words a pleasant thing. You? Are like your father. You seem to find morsels and talk pleasant. What more reason do we need."
As they walked, two Ravin hunters fell in with them. Their two had peeled off of the group, and the others drifted back nearer to Lady Gullina and the women, practicing.
"Hmm. And I had hoped to sneak off without you men following me. You men are too loud and boastful, for me to enjoy your time…"
The Ravins smiled.
"These Ravens. They are not just master hunters for the trip. They are your guards."
"They are. They are more than that as well. I have known these men a long time. They are family."
"Are they close relations?"
"I am RavinLunden. There are two matters to being Ravin. One? That some Ravin blood flows through your veins. The other? That you are raised as a Ravin."
"I am but a foundling. Yet, Mother was a red line raven, and Father was from a blonde line."
"Shan? You were raised as a Ravin. Surely you have now seen, that your practice armor your brothers gave you? Is leather Ravin armor. It's lighter than what the Big-men wear. It's also no accident, that your brothers taught you to hunt, and to scout in the hills."
"Aye."
"Men? Do you see Ravin blood? Or… just some foundling taught to hunt…"
The Ravin walking next to Shan, put his arm around his shoulder and gave gentle pressure. As one of his brothers would. The man smiled.
"One look at you, Shan. It's plain to see, that Ravin blood flows through your veins, and little if anything else. From the moment these men met you, they knew what you were. You only have to speak a few words, and it's obvious you were raised and gartened well."
"The Wolf flatters me."
"It's not flattery, if one is merely speaking the truth. Shan, your oath."
"Yes?"
"It is easy to find tall and thick men, up in the high north. It is harder to find a man of reckoning, and of high character. I would rather put men of high character and reckoning, into the king's armor… then teach them to swing a sword. Much more than I would enjoy a tall thick man who can wield a sword well, that is a fool. Truthfully? I can teach a man to use a sword well… yet, I cannot change that which is or is not, already in his helmet. Or? In his heart."
"I am pleased, if my father would seem pleased with me. Now, if my father's own Heyermannen would seem pleased as well? I am much more so."
"Do you know what VinterBluden is?"
"Aye. Father jokes it is his curse."
"Hmm. He would. What does Little Rye say of it?"
"That it would seem a geft for battle, and yet… a curse when trying to enjoy time on his farm."
"Aye. When a man is young? It would seem a great geft. To stand there with the battle going on around you. The other men around you? They cheer it. What have your brothers told you of it?"
"That it is not good, and not bad. That it simply is."
"Then… you know you have it."
Shan was quiet.
"Aye."
"The winterblood, is a trait of the Ravins. Just like being tall and fair skinned, as your mother. Or tan and blonde, like Var or your father. Having more wits, as they both do. The cold blood? Is but another trait."
"I have been told this."
"And. Just as a man might be more or less tall? A man can have colder or warmer blood. It varies."
"It would reckon out, I suppose."
"Myself? I seem to have missed out on much in life, Shan. Things I didn't know I would miss, until it was too late."
"But… you are a great-man. You… are the high king's own wolf. I would have thought you wanted for nothing."
"What is it, that young men wish for, Shan? Tell me."
"Men… wish for gold, most of them. They wish to be dangerous men, and for people to speak of it. Men seek to be rewarded for their gefts. They also seek positions people deem important."
"Do men not seek women?"
"Oh, that. Aye. That as well. To have gold, to be dangerous, to appear important. These things attract women. As food attracts flies, to hear my brothers speak of it."
"I have known women. Spent time with them. I enjoyed that time, yet… nothing that lasted."
"Why?"
"Oh. As your father calls the geft a curse? My geft was too great, I imagine. Perhaps it is a curse, at that. Many would believe my blood is too cold."
"You seem a fine fellow, Wolf. My father does not speak highly of men without just cause. He speaks so of you. Therefore, I am sure of it."
"I am old enough now, I can only enjoy other people's children. I was your mother's guardian, I am sure you know. That was as close to being a father, as I ever knew."
"Hmm. You never found a woman of quality?"
"I did. The women… did not see lasting quality in me. My blood is too cold, Shan."
"Really?"
"Aye. I suppose I don't understand what love is, at least not properly enough for that."
"What is love to you, Wulfgar."
"I was never sure. I lived my life by a code, you see. As a man favors one dog above others? So too, does a man favor time spent with one woman, over others. That sense of loyalty, I would reward it. In an animal, or in a person. To speak of that plain? Would seem to keep my women from staying with me. And so, I have no children of my very own. My line? Will end with me."
"You forged the kingdom itself, man. With the North Star himself. You two see that the kingdom is run right. Is that not more important? Many men might have children. Few men could do what you men did. You dedicated your lives to the benefit of the kingdom, and made it into what it is, and indeed, what it will yet become."
"Perhaps, it is a small sacrifice, that so many others benefit from it. Now then, your Gullina. Do you love her?"
"Aye. I'm sure I do. As you say, she warms my blood."
"She does?"
"Aye, and not just when we steal away to make eyes. Gullina favored me when no others did so. And I was the same to her. I can't buy that feeling. Nor can I buy such quality. I feel most fortunate for it."
"Sounds as if I need not worry your blood is too cold then, young man."
"I should think not."
"Well, we are almost now to the edge of town. Would you mind, if I see something?"
"See what you will, then."
"If I tell you to stand fast, will you?"
"Aye."
Wulfgar backed off a pace, and regarded Shan. He drew and whisked his sword what seemed not a few hairs width from Shan's neck.
"Shall I avoid you? I often enough play this game with my brothers."
Wulfgar sheathed his sword and smiled.
"No, we are at town. I was just curious about something."
"What were you curious of?"
"Can I see your hand, that you hold it out?"
Shan shrugged and held his hand out.
"You would seem to know what love is, though. Tell me, if you would… what does it feel like?"
"It… feels a fine thing. A warmth, I would say. And not a warmth that comes from being near a fire on a cold night. Some other kind."
"And what does it feel like, to be away from Gullina."
"I am always happy to get to see her, naturally. Even when little, and there was nothing else to it. But, as I got older? If I am away from her for any time. I would say, that it feels as if… I am slightly hungry. In my stomach. Yet, eating does not make it go away."
"Then, when you see her?"
"That warmth again."
"Yes, that is what words many people describe it with."
"Wulfgar?"
"Yes."
"You… don't feel such things?"
"I wish I did. I might have had a woman and children if it were so. I'm glad you seem to have it. And tell me, what do you wish for?"
"In what way."
"In any way. What would you have. For you, for Gullina. What life?"
"Oh, neither of us wants for much. We are both high reckoners. Simply any merchant would enjoy our presence, if it came to it. We could easily find enough coin to get some dirt and have a few animals. I will not lie to you, I am keen on closing the teeth of the village boys on a few matters. I am not well pleased with how the village boys speak of Gullina. Nor to myself."
"Does this trouble you?"
"It used to. Then? I grew used to it. Now? It is a small matter. One soon tended to. Then? It will be no matter any further."
"You seek this thing."
Shan shrugged.
"I was taught not to seek it. Now that the opportunity presents itself? No sense in avoiding it further."
"That's good, Shan. It is every bit as important, that you stay your hand when ordered. As important a matter that you raise your hand when commanded to do so."
"My parents would rather see me dead, then see me take an oath in vain. Did I not just swear, a short time ago… that the North Star's friends, are to be my friends? That his enemies, are to be my enemies? I am sure, that all of the North Star's friends, I might not personally approve of them. I am equally sure, that some of his enemies, I might not have any ill feelings towards them. Yet… that is for the North Star to decide. Not me. I am to serve him. As I serve my father. As my father serves his High Lord. Anything else? Is chaos. We now have a proper kingdom, that the pickles can be proud of. I would not see it return to the former chaos, if I can help it."
The talk went to less weighty matters after that. Shan asked why the Raven hunters were so quiet, and Wulfgar casually explained that they cut their tongues out, so they can better stay quiet in the woods, for hunting and scouting. Wulfgar and the two hunters had a short period of sport with him about it, then they all laughed. The two men spoke to him for a bit, to assure him it was a jest.
The tavern-keeper was happy to see Shan, and his two daughters hugged him and greeted him warmly. The one daughter started boiling water for the "tea man", as she had come to call Wulfgar. One of the hunters went to go with Shan into the back, and Wulfgar brought him back silently, with a hand motion. Shan saw to reckoning back the pebbles in the jars, since Gullina wasn't in the tavern for a while.
They ate, they drank juice with their meal. They talked easily with the tavern-keeper and his two daughters with him. Shan and the daughter played some music to entertain everyone a bit. An old man found his way into the tavern, and was the only other customer. He had a few small copper coins and had himself an ale, that he spent time over quietly.
Shan came out of the back, to find Wulfgar talking with the old man. Shan approached, and stood quietly and patiently to be recognized. When the old man looked up to see Shan standing there, he smiled and pulled his hood back.
"Aye, I thought it was you. How are you, old man. I was beginning to think, I might never see you again. Are you well?"
"Well enough, young man. I am flattered, that you remember me."
"How might I forget you. I had so few friends as a child. Are you busy? Or, can you stay a bit."
"I am not so busy today. I have other places to be, yet… not at any specific time, you see. When I get there? Is when I get there. I'll not rush such things. Now, let us have a look at you. A fine figure of a man you've grown into, I would say. How went your gartening?"
"My parents are pleased. The instructors would seem pleased. So? I would be then pleased as well. Will you stay and eat with us? We've had but morsels, and the main dish is about to come. Please, stay. I'm quite happy to see you again."
"Well, if you would insist upon it, how could I say no."
"Wonderful."
Wulfgar smiled at the man.
"You know Shan, I see."
"Oh, I do. I met him when he was young. When I pass through? I make it a point to stop and see him."
The old man asked for another ale, and the daughter reminded him he had already paid twice for his first one.
"Oh, that. Young woman, a long time ago? It's been some winters now. I once was given an ale, when I had no coins on me that day. And such happened here. I would see that coin go to it's rightful owner, if you would. For today? I have some coins."
The tavern keeper smiled.
"I remember you, old man. You… you are my ale man. Are you not?"
"Am I?"
"Aye. How goes your crick in your back."
"Well enough today. How have you and your family been?"
"We do fine. You know, I still have good ale, and I make more coin than a man needs off of it."
"Are you sure, that you aren't mistaken? I am no ale merchant, you know. I do little at my age, apart from repeating what wisdom I was ever given in my life."
"No, it's you. I would bet my life on it. If you do not take offense, I remember your white eye."
The keeper went on to push ale and morsels on the old man, and related the story of the ale drought and the plenty that followed.
"I see, that you and your family. You cared for my young friend now back there seeing to the food."
"How could I not? After meeting you that day, and I was about to be ruined. Then? My fortunes changed, and I prospered. I tell you, as I tell all… it was enough to almost make a man believe in the gods, I tell you."
"Then? I am pleased at your good fortune, keeper. I was once at another tavern here in this village, a few winters ago. I hear you have your own high reckoner, and that the other merchants are jealous of you."
"Oh, that's another story of my good fortune."
The keeper went on to relate that tale as well.
"And as you might imagine… a low merchant in a small village? Might never even meet a high reckoner, let alone come to have the services of one. I now have a second one. I tell you, it's enough to make a man believe in such tales."
Wulfgar continued to speak to the man when they were alone again.
"You follow the old ways, I see."
"Aye, I do. If no harm comes from it, and only good things spring from it, why not then. Tell me, do you believe in the gods?"
"Oh. It is not in me to lie, and I would rather not give you offense, old man."
"It is well. You are well spoken, I would say you are a reckoner as well. A high one, perhaps?"
"Aye."
The old man nodded.
"Well enough. What was once accomplished by the people believing in the gods? Is now accomplished by men learning to reckon high. I am not offended, if you do not believe in the gods."
"I am glad you have such manners about it. I meant it, I wish you no offense on the matter."
"No offense taken, man. Did you say your name was Wolf?"
"Yes."
"Wolf… I have heard it said. That even if men do not believe in the gods any more? That the gods still believe in the men. And? That such is enough. By that I mean to say, that if a man lives his life well enough, is it any matter that it comes from belief in the gods, or from high reckoning? If the end result is good, then all is well."
Wulfgar smiled.
"You sound like a friend I have up north. I'm sure you would enjoy his company."
"I'm sure I would, Wolf. By as many winters as I have seen, and that's more winters than I care to count, mind you… I fancy myself a fair judge of a man. You, would seem to be a good man. So? I am sure your friend is a good man as well."
Shan was back.
"Would you not stay a while? I haven't seen you in a long time, and I might not see you again for a long time. I would have you stay a bit, if I could."
"Perhaps. Yet, you have many things going on now for you. I wouldn't want to trouble you, young man. You have a life to get to."
"I have my whole life for that. Do you remember the girl I was always with?"
"Hmm. I remember… there was a tall girl."
"Yes, that's her. You should see her now. Your pork pies? Must have had an amazing effect on her. She is as tall and strong a girl as anything. I would have you meet my parents as well, old man. Will you?"
"Oh, I don't know as I require all of that. I am sure that your parents are busy with their own affairs, I would not keep them from that."
"To be honest, I would do nearly anything I might, to persuade you."
"Do… you have some purpose for this?"
Shan looked suddenly like a young child in his face, and looked down then back up.
"You always did advise me never to begin lying, or I might never stop. I suppose I should not choose right now to start. Aye, there be some purpose to it."
"What, then."
"My mother. She somehow got the strange idea, that you were… oh, how to say it. Plain is best. Mother thought I had imagined you. I mean, how silly is that, eh?"
"How would she get that idea?"
"I do not know. And by chance? My girl, Gullina. I would imagine she gets this now from my mother. I would be very happy indeed, to show you off some. You always did give me good advice, when we spent time together."
"If it would make you happy, then, I suppose I could. I can't stay for very long, but, a short time wouldn't hurt, I reckon."
Shan hugged the old man gently.
"Thank you. And? It's not my only purpose. I have missed you. For as short as our time spent together ever was, I always enjoyed the benefit of your advice. Your help? Was short, yet great."
"Ah. The benefit of wisdom, young man. As old as I am? I have seen many things come to pass. We can't help, but to learn from it."
Wulfgar when up and about, spoke quietly to one of his hunters accompanying him. The man smiled and nodded, and stole silently off, another hunter with him as well. They reappeared a short time later with no fanfare. When everyone was done eating then drinking, and finally tea and more conversation, they made to leave. Shan was surprised to see five horses hitched out front, horses he knew. He looked at Wulfgar, who smiled.
"Your friend. He is not young. I thought he would enjoy if we rode back, instead of walked."
Two hunters helped the old man gently into the light saddle. One let the old man use him for a step stool, by kneeling on all fours. The other laced his fingers together to make an even higher step to make the old man gaining the horse easier for him. They all walked their horses slowly back.
When they were done walking the horses back to the barn, Shan ran off to announce his guest to his mother, and to Gullina as well.
"Well, you two. You? Are both in for it now."
"What have we done, then?"
Gullina furrowed her brow at him.
"I, have by all chance? Brought my imaginary friend to meet you both. You can both see for yourselves, how real he is. I shall enjoy your apologies later. Even the keeper? Remembers him. He's a most pleasant old man, and he always gave me simply the best of advice."
Gullina eyed Eira up. Eira eyed Ryeamund up.
Gullina asked it.
"Lady Eira?"
"Yes, Gullina."
"What of this?"
"I'll let you know shortly, dear. Husband?"
"Yes?"
"Do you not find this… strange?"
"I reckon as a farmer, Eira. I have found nothing yet. I would see. Would you not?"
"I suppose. I have a question or two, for the old man."
"Will you be gentle and polite, wife? He is our guest. If you look, you can easily see he is a friend to our Shan, if nothing else. See how he helps him walking?"
"Aye. Do my eyes deceive me, or is the Wolf helping him at his other arm."
"He is. Be gentle with your examination, Eira. Our son, and your own guardian? Are friendly enough to him."
"I had wondered what the horses were for. I had thought, Wulfgar wanted to ride back. I see now, I was mistaken."
"So it would seem, Eira. So it would seem."
"Mother… Father… Gullina? I should like to present… Old Patch. He was coming through, and we met him at the tavern. I haven't seen him in a number of winters. I've missed him. He said he can stay a short while, I thought to bring him out. Is all well with that?"
"It's fine, dear. Nice to meet you, Patch."
"Oh, the pleasure? All mine, I would think. You would be the Lady Eira, am I correct?"
"Yes…"
"And this would be Ryeamund then, the Steward. I would like to compliment you, on raising such a fine young man up so well. I was quite taken with him, when he was young."
Ryeamund just nodded.
"And this… simply must be Gullina. How beautiful you have grown up to be, little one. And, a Lady now, they tell me."
"It's nice to meet you, Patch."
The old man removed his cloak's hood, and smiled.
"I must apologize, dear. I have no pork pies for you today. I spent my coins? On a few ales… yet, by the looks of you now? You've been eating well, it would seem. So tall and strong a girl you've become. Oh… if I close my eyes? I can remember you running around in burlap with the children. Where do the winters go, eh? They do go somewhere, and they never return."
Eira smiled.
"Would you like anything?"
"Oh, meeting you all is enough for now. I've already had about as much food and drink as an old man such as myself should have already. May I sit with you all? I see you are being entertained by the women, in the armor. Such a sight as that. May I?"
"Oh, please."
They all sat and talked idle, at their ease. They watched Gullina practicing with the women. The oxen all seemed to enjoy the old man's company as well. He was friendly and polite.
"Now, Shan. I almost forgot, young man. Do you remember the little fire-stone I once gave you when I was coming through the village? It was a long time ago."
"Oh. Certainly, Patch. How could I forget that bit of sport, eh?"
They laughed together.
"Mother, do you remember perhaps the only mischief I ever got into, as a wee one, at the Garten?"
"I remember you setting fire to some of the boy's cloaks, at the garten, yes."
Theyer piped up.
"Oh, I love good tales, and this sounds as one of them. I must hear of this, then… go on."
"All right. I was very young. Now, I have told you all already, I didn't always enjoy the village boys growing up here. Far from it. Well, they were having a bit more sport with me, than was normal that day. I was sitting by myself at garten's lunch, and I suppose pouting a bit. I was very young."
"Go on."
"Then? Patch is there. I talk about it with him, and he asks me. Would I like to have a bit of sport back at them, eh? I ask him how such a thing can happen. He tells me, what if I were to proclaim I was reading alchemy scrolls, and, that I could set them on fire."
"Now. I said that would be a fine thing, yet, it would be even finer a thing, were I to set them on fire, you see. Patch then, shows me this little fire-stone. It is about the same thing as a seeing stone? Yet smaller, and not much use for reading a scroll, or seeing an ant up close. It was autumn, and there are dry leaves blowing around. He shows me, to put the fire-stone… between the sun and the leaf… and… it catches fire. Quite the wonder, and I'm very young. So it's naturally much more of a wonder, to a small boy."
"You didn't…"
"I did. Patch made sure I knew how the little fire-stone worked all that lunch. He tells me, it will be best, if I am to proclaim a great story. Alchemy and making fire. I tell them, and they laugh. Then… after lunch? When the sun comes through the west windows… poof! The boy sitting in front of me, his cloak goes to fire."
Theyer and the oxen were positively in stitches.
"Oh yes. This? It goes on every day, after lunch. Well, after a few days, the instructors are not empty helmets, you know. They reckon, it's always a boy sitting right in front of me, that this happens to. The one instructor, he takes me aside, and asks me for the fire-stone. He knew what one was, though the boys didn't know of such things. I gave it to him, and he gave it to my mother."
"And did you get into much for it?"
"The instructor was quite polite about it, and insisted he understood my motivation for doing it."
"And… your parents?"
"I remember father, laughing about it. I remember mother? Being somewhat less amused. And? I did not get my fire-stone back, for several winters after that. I still have it. A young boy has his favorite things when he is little, and that was one of them. I still have it in a little pouch."
"It would make an old man happy, if the parents were not vexed at me, for getting the wee boy into mischief. I do hate seeing boys having too much sport with one another. I mean to say. How are they to work together when older, and not against one another, if they act like this when young."
Eira smiled and laughed, and said it was fine and funny now. Ryeamund was quiet, but he smiled and nodded politely.
"Glad you enjoyed the sport, young man. Which does remind me. I had thought you were getting old enough, that your gartening would end one day. I can see now, I reckoned correctly. I have a small geft for you, if you would have it."
"Patch. Seeing you again, is enough of a geft, trust me."
"Ah, I would see you have it. Now then, did you not once tell me, how much fun you had with your older brother's seeing stone? I remember you telling me how you enjoyed looking at little ants and such."
"Oh, I remember that. My brother brought it back, when off traveling a bit."
"Well. If you are done at the garten, then, you will be a man for scrolls, eh? A high reckoner and all that."
"I will."
"And are not the words often quite small, on these scrolls? They do seek to put as much as they can onto them, yes?"
"Quite small. The older reckoners do complain of it, but nothing can be done about it. Scrolls are rare, and need to be made the most use of. Hence, the often quite small words."
"Well, then you will be better able to make use of this then I ever could. I would like you to have it."
The smiling old man reached into an inner pocket as cloaks will have, and brought out something that more than filled his hand up, wrapped in soft burlap.
"Here. May it serve you well, and keep your eyes as winters pass on you."
Shan unwrapped the soft cloth, and was amazed to see a seeing stone. It was a large one, polished quite even and smooth. A tiny pouch had little legs that fit into holes, and the old man showed him.
"You see, rather than hold the thing, just so… these little legs, hold it about perfect for reading. So, one can concentrate on the reckoning, rather than be bothered by the holding."
Shan's excitement was great, but he stopped.
"Old patch? It is too much. I know what coin this costs, and how hard it is to find, if one even has such coin. Please. Make your own days go easier."
"Pah. I would have you enjoy it, young man. Worry not. I do not often gamble, yet, I was on fire with dice and some other old men one night when traveling. The old men? All thought it just a large fire-stone. You? A reckoner and a high one? You, can use it for it's true purpose. I have but one eye left, and even that one grows tired on me most days. I would see it put to use. I insist."
"I… don't know what to say."
"Then? Say nothing, and let an old man be happy."
"Thank you, Patch."
Shan hugged the old man gently, and he patted his shoulder back.
"Mother… can I look at one of the scrolls with it?"
"Yes dear. You're a high reckoner, that's the whole point of it, isn't it. Go on."
"Old patch, really. You shouldn't have. That stone…"
"Ah. Enjoy it with him, Lady Eira. I am an old man for wisdom, but reckoning? Was never my strong point. I have a tiny fire-stone that serves me all I need with such a thing. Your son, can make proper use of it."
"Well, we thank you. It is quite a geft."
"Oh, what comes easily? Should be given as easily."
"As you wish, then."
Ryeamund waited a bit, and when he finally had his chance for a quiet word to old man Patch? Asked if he could show him the great-house. The old man smiled and accepted the little tour. Ryeamund walked him slowly around, and they ended up in his own room he shared with Eira.
"A fine sleeping room, young man. You have done well for you and your family. And… are we here simply that I might marvel at where you and your lovely wife sleep? I noticed, you did shut the door behind us."
Ryeamund raised his palms and held them up.
"Old man, I mean you no harm, believe me."
Patch smiled. He was always smiling, it seemed.
"I do not fear you, nor do I fear your intentions. I assumed, you wanted quiet words with me. Is that so?"
Ryeamund seated himself in a wooden chair, and looked down at the floor. He spoke quite quietly to the floor stones.
"Aye."
"What do you wish to speak of, then."
"Am I going mad?"
"You don't seem mad, to me."
"Who are you?"
"My name? Everyone calls me simply Old Man Patch."
Ryeamund would not look up. He seemed… frightened, even. He quivered slightly.
"I am going mad. I am sure of it."
The old man walked over to him, and put his hand on his head. Mussed his hair.
"You are not mad, son. I am sure of it."
"How could you be sure. I am not sure…"
"Son. Look up at me. All is well."
Ryeamund looked up, and he looked as if he were about to cry. His lips quivered.
"My helmet is gone…"
"No, it is not. Come now. Gather yourself. We have a little time, but not much."
"But… how…"
Patch touched his cheek with the back of his hand, lightly. Ryeamund arose slowly, and embraced the old man, and drew him in to hug him gently. His face down into the old man's neck.
"It's you. I can even smell you. How…"
"Little Rye. How many times did you ever declare. I wish my father were still here, that he might see all of this. My father, would have enjoyed a hot bath, I am sure of it. Well… I am here. Yet, only for a little while."
"I wish I could cry. I can't. I never have been able to."
"I know. Son… I am very pleased. A man could not wish for a better son than you have become. Take what short time you need. To gather yourself. We should not waste this short time we have."
Ryeamund looked up, amazed.
"But… how?"
"Does it really matter? It just is. Let us simply enjoy this short time, shall we?"
"Aye…"
"You? Are not mad. Your son? A fine young man, if ever there was one. Now you know that he's not mad. I couldn't be more proud of you. You seek? Neither gold, nor praise."
Ryeamund got himself under control.
"How long do we have?"
"A little while. Let us enjoy it."
"I know not how, but yes. I will enjoy it."
"As will I. We should keep this a secret. I would not have everyone declare us madmen."
"I love you."
"I know. I always loved you as well. Are you well enough now?"
Ryeamund took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly.
"Perhaps."
"Good. Go on out first. I'll be along."
Ryeamund walked out quietly, and went out the front to rejoin everyone else. Old man Patch paused at the door, and stood next to Arroch.
"Arroch, isn't it?"
"Yes."
"You? Are a good man."
"Thank you. Even if you hardly know me."
Patch smiled.
"We have spoken many times, Arroch. For many winters now. Is this not so?"
Arroch froze as still as a statue. The icy fingers danced up and down his spine, and he shook.
"When you speak, your next words will likely be, how unworthy you are. Arroch, were you not worthy… how could all this be."
Arroch whispered in a hiss.
"You can't be…"
"Do you require proof, Arroch?"
"No."
"I'll give it anyways. You and your Oxen? Are here to simply be entertained and do nothing."
Arroch heaved in a great breath and tried to remain calm.
"When I say I am Ryeamund's father, you know of whom I truly speak."
Arroch nodded quickly.
"Be at peace, Arroch. You have done well. My plan, is almost complete."
"Can… I tell…"
"I would not, beyond the Oxen. I just wanted to thank you in person. For all you have done for me. You have done things for me, that I could not do for myself. You have my blessings."
Arroch nodded again.
Patch patted him gently on his tall shoulder.
"As I said, be at peace. All is well. My kingdom? Will soon be secure."
"I thought, we were secure these past winters. For some time now."
"We are. A few bandits? Are as nothing. I speak of the future. When the North Star passes on."
"What…"
Patch smiled.
"What is it that I require, Arroch. A man of the sword, and a man of the scroll. A warrior, and a high reckoner."
"Aye. The North Star… and the wise steward…"
"And when one is gone? They are both gone, Arroch. Now tell me, what then."
"We all try not to think about it."
"I do not have that luxury. The North Star? Needs an heir. Does he not?"
"Aye… Ryeamund."
"No, Arroch. I have asked all that I can from him. Arroch, think back. To before Ryeamund and Eira left the north. What… small matter, was at hand? Eh?"
"Oh. You didn't…"
Patch smiled.
"No. I did not. Yet… people whisper. Rumors go into ears, over ale and mead and wine, do they not?"
"They did."
"Yes. You of all people, know that the kingdom has many secrets. What's one more, then."
"I thought you told me once, that high reckoners? Will not hear you."
"They don't. I would not be able to speak to him, as I speak to you, Arroch. But… as an old man, that gives advice? What could be easier. I have been trying to get this right, for a very long time, Arroch. I think, I am finally about there."
"Hmm. You wish to go hunting again. You have told me."
"Yes. I wish to leave these matters in capable hands."
"May I ask something?"
"What would you know, Arroch."
"Wulfgar."
"What of him?"
"You once told me. That… a vessel… the man that is the vessel, can not bear children."
"No. They can't."
"And the vessel, they do not know."
"They don't."
"Is Wulfgar…"
"You have become great friends with the man you feared so greatly as a child, have you not?"
"Yes. I have."
"What makes you ask this, Arroch?"
"You always spoke, of wishing to go hunting. The North Star… and Wulfgar… hunted as young men. Wulfgar often speaks, of going hunting again with him."
"Yes, Arroch. You are friends with a god, all this time, and never knew it. You could even tell him, and he would declare you a madman."
"Who… is he?"
Patch smiled.
"He is Uller. The hunting god. The one who came before me."
"May I ask something of Rye?"
"Ask."
"Now, Ryeamund is…"
"You know this already."
"Yet, he is a vessel. How did he…"
Patch smiled.
"Ah. I wondered if you would ever ask that. Did I not tell you, that Eira, is his true wife?"
"Oh…"
"So yes. That is their child. There was no deception."
"One more thing…"
"Arroch, you are full of questions this day."
"I have no children. Neither do Theyer or Sooth… does that mean…"
Patch smiled.
"No, Arroch. You Oxen? Are not vessels."
"How can it be, that we all have no children, then."
Patch smiled broadly.
"Did you ever once stop to wonder, if it were not your women?"
Arroch furrowed his brow.
"Think on it, Arroch. It would explain much… would it not?"
"Aye. I suppose it would."
"Eira's mother?"
"Passed in child birth… just as… Ryeamund's mother did…"
"And Eira's ladies in waiting?"
"The… they were the same."
The old man smiled.
"Did I not once tell you, Arroch… that all the gods were here, to set things right this time? That we were all tired of having our legs pissed upon."
"Aye."
"All of you Oxen, have done very well, with your foundlings. Sons and daughters. Brought up to respect the old ways, and you saw them well gartened."
"Knowing what I know… what all us Oxen know… how could we do anything else."
"It was enough, Arroch. You became great men, all of you. Men look up to you, women look up to your wives. They will follow the examples you men and your women have set for them. They will seek to follow the examples set by the children you all raised. It will echo down through the generations. It will keep my people on the right path."
"Thank you."
"Now, with Arroch's blessings, I might return to spend pleasant time with my son. Aye?"
"Does he…"
"Does he know? Of course not. All he knows, and that much taxed his helmet… is that his father has returned for a short time to him. That? Is enough. You have done me great service, Arroch. I will be forever in your debt. Thank you."
"Enjoy your time with your son."
"Oh, I will. And? My grandson. My joy knows no bounds, Arroch. My joy knows no bounds… I am as any proud father and grandfather, on this day, know that. Now… go, and do nothing, and be entertained. All is well, and in motion."
Arroch stood in wonder, then shook his head and chuckled. He looked over, and saw his wife. She smiled and made eyes at him, then waved. He waved back. How fortunate, could a man even be in this world.