WAP 54
My beta is on her honeymoon right now. Before she got married she left me some notes on things to make clearer which I hopefully did but if not please let me know and I'll fix them. Also if there's something you want me expand on let me know and I'll see if I can work them into future chapters.
Special thanks to littleni and good wishes on her honeymoon.
Neisk has thought five weeks of Johar bathing and dressing him while Gorlyn (who was looking more and more like Arnell) was humiliating. However having Gorlyn bath and dress him while Johar watched was even worse. Johar said he was only there for ritual observance. He proclaimed Gorlyn to be completely trained and ready to take on his duties. Secretly Neisk thought Johar was just so used to being there that he didn’t know what else to do with himself. Either way it was two hours of pure hell. The only bright spot was the look on Johar’s face when Gorlyn picked out clothing in red and burnt orange instead of either of the color choices Johar preferred. The older man tried to hide his look of utter dismay but Neisk saw right through the facade. The fact that he didn’t correct Gorlyn in the slightest made Neisk realise that Johar really had given over to Gorlyn. Somehow he had pictured the final day much more of an ordeal. Neisk never expected Johar to just roll over and take being replaced so calmly. Well it meant one less headache in the long run.
During the grand pageantry that was breakfast Neisk was relaxed enough to check up on Gorlyn. He opened his end of the mental channel and was surprised to find Gorlyn’s end already open.
How may I serve you master? Gorlyn’s mental voice was so beautiful. It had been nearly five full weeks since Neisk had last heard it. He deeply regretted how busy he had been. He silently vowed to make up for the loss.
Before he could answer Gorlyn’s question he received notice that Finne wanted to speak with him. He open the channel between himself and the chef.
Leave the boy alone. He’s working his ass off to impress both you and sour face over there. Finne’s voice carried the strain of someone carrying on two mental conversations at once. It was a strain Neisk had never felt himself but he knew that Finne’s would have a hard time with two.
Sorry He answered Finne.
You are already serving me perfectly, Gorlyn. I just wanted to hear your mental voice. Neisk responded to Gorlyn.
You like my voice, master? Gorlyn asked sounding surprised.
Neisk leave him alone! He’s mixing up the channels and damn if I don’t like hearing him call me master! Finne’s voice rang through the channel. Neisk had forgotten he had left Finne’s open.
Yes, I do Gorlyn. But we can talk later. Pay attention to Finne now. Neisk made his mental voice as gentle as he could and closed the channel after he finished. He wondered what Gorlyn and Finne were talking about that was so important and why would it impress him?
You don’t think your food just shows up by magic do you? Gorlyn and I are working together to make sure each course blends seamlessly into the next. Something you obviously take for granted. Finne’s voice was accompanied by a mental snort and then Finne closed his end of the channel.
Neisk realized that he never did pay attention to the servants or how the plates came during a meal. He took a few moments to look now. After he caused a few of the servants to flinch in surprise when he looked at them he gave up and turned his attention to Johar.
“Just so we have things straight between us. I am going to go with you to the docks Johar and make sure you have no troubles boarding your ship before I go on to the Embassy today.” Neisk spoke to his former valet.
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Gorlyn couldn’t believe the words he heard Johar-ashe say when his master woke up.
“I am proud to present to you, Lord Neisk of Northern House, your newly trained and highly qualified valet, Gorlyn.” Johar-ashe had held his arm out to indicate to Gorlyn.
The shock had having his name and the word proud be linked together was almost so great he forgot what to do next but his instincts kicked in and he performed the half bow that Johar-ashe had spent hours drilling into him.
“Thank you, Johar.” His master nodded to Johar-ashe and then smiled at him. Not a polite smile either and genuine happy smile. “Welcome, to my household Gorlyn.”
Johar-ashe had explained that the term household was only used when hiring servants. Gorlyn was neither hired nor as respectable as a servant but at the moment he didn’t care. Johar-ashe was proud of him and his master was happy with him and it seemed as if nothing in the world could go wrong.
At least it had for a while. Gorlyn couldn’t help but notice his master’s whole body tense every time Gorlyn touched him. It made no difference if it was the sponge or Gorlyn’s hands. Obviously Gorlyn was doing something wrong but no one was yelling at him or foretelling a beating. Instead both Johar-ashe and his master were silent and avoiding eye contact. Gorlyn tried to be gentler perhaps he was simply scrubbing too hard. Since no one told him to do differently he kept going until his master was completely clean and dry.
He didn’t have as much time as he had last time to pick out his master’s clothing. All the times he had practiced dressing Johar-ashe there had been no choice of clothing it was always Johar-ashe’s uniform. Johar-ashe had taught him all about Yndsian styles and which types of clothing were appropriate for which kind of events. He had also explained the importance of wearing one’s house colors and the added importance of wearing his nation’s colors as well.
Still his master had approved the last time Gorlyn had picked colors that looked good on him and unless this was all some kind of test, he was no longer Johar-ashe’s pupil and he needed to make his master perfect not Johar-ashe. Taking a deep breath he chose to test whether his training was over or not and picked a lovely deep red and burnt orange color combination.
When he received a compliment from his master and not a word from Johar-ashe Gorlyn thought he had made the right choice. Even if later Johar-ashe was back in command and gave him a beating it would be worth it for the compliment.
Breakfast was amazing. Working with Finne-ashe was so easy and he could have sworn he caught a look of approval on Johar-ashe’s face when Johar-ashe thought no one was looking. And then something happened that nearly left Gorlyn unable to breathe.
His master spoke to his mind. A feeling of warm soft light surrounding him came with his master’s voice. It was a feeling he had once before but never with the sound of his master’s voice. He thought he gave the proper greeting and he hoped he had remembered to respond to Finne as well. Both men were talking to him at the same time. And yet it felt like two different times or maybe two events happening worlds apart but at the same time and somehow he was in both events.
I just wanted to hear your mental voice. His master liked his voice? He had to or else would he talk to him just to hear it? Leisa had said his voice was only good for screaming in pain and Johar-ashe’s lessons all implied he should be seen and not heard. But his master liked his voice....well more specific his mental voice. But that was perfect because he could let his master hear his mental voice even when he was screaming in pain or when he should be seen and not heard so he could stay true to both training and make his master happy! This was the best news all day.
You like my voice, master? He didn’t dare presume something so audacious as that, without getting clarification.
Yes, I do Gorlyn. But we can talk later. Pay attention to Finne now. Damn it he was already failing on his first day. His master closed the channel and Gorlyn focused his attention on Finne-ashe until the servants cleared off the last course and his master started to talk to Johar-ashe.
“Just so we have things straight between us. I will be going with you to the docks Johar and make sure you have no troubles boarding your ship before I go on to the Embassy today.” His master spoke to Johar-ashe.
“Very kind of you, your lordship.” Johar-ashe responded.
“You have of course given my schedule to Gorlyn?” His master asked Johar-ashe.
“No, your lordship I gave it to your secretary it made no sense to give it to Gorlyn.” replied Johar-ashe.
“No sense? He is my valet now, Johar.” His master scolded Johar-ashe.
“Yes, your lordship, but it is not like you are going to take him with you to the Embassy so why does he need a schedule? I have given him a rough idea of when to expect you home since you are never punctual.” Johar-ashe remarked drolly.
“And just why would I not take him with me? I took you every day.” His master responded with a tone that was just barely quiet enough to be still considered talking and not shouting.
“Yes, but I was not also a slave. Perhaps you have forgotten slaves are forbidden to step foot in the Embassy.” Johar-ashe responded smugly.
Suddenly his master turned his face and looked directly at Gorlyn. “I am sorry Gorlyn. I had planned work for you to do at the Embassy but I am afraid I have nothing for you to do here. Can you find a way to amuse yourself?”
Amuse himself? Had his master gone insane? Gorlyn was relieved all the other servants had left the dining room so no one heard that he had no work and was going to be amusing himself. He didn’t even know what to say to that? He wasn’t even sure he would know how to amuse himself. But before he could answer he was saved by Johar-ashe.
“Perhaps he could spend the day moving his belongings into my old quarters.” Johar-ashe commented as if speaking to himself.
No Johar-ashe didn’t save him he just opened the snake pit wider to allow room for the lions. Gorlyn had to stop this before he ended up way over his head.
“Please, master.” He dove to his knees slid across the floor and under the table to place his forehead on his master’s feet.
“Gorlyn, what is wrong?” Nothing but concern was in his master’s voice.
“Please don’t make me stay in Johar-ashe’s quarters.” Gorlyn begged.
“Why not? You deserve them.” His master sounded completely confused. Now came the hard part how did he convince his master that it was the right thing to do without upsetting and without lying.
“Johar-ashe’s rooms are so far away. What if you need me in the middle of the night. I should be close to you, master.” It was the truth he was supposed to sleep on the floor of his master’s bedroom so that he could be at hand at all times and honestly he didn’t want to give up being so close to his master. It was so comforting knowing his master was just on the other side of the door.
“Hmmm.....Johar’s rooms are clear on the other side of manor.” His master mused.
“By your choice, your lordship.” Johar-ashe commented bitterly.
“If it is that important to you Gorlyn then you can stay in your current room.” His master decided.
“He will need his own office, your lordship.” Johar-ashe chimed in.
“Yes, and I suppose it should be close to mine.” His master paused for a moment. “Gorlyn while I am gone you will get some servants to help you move Johar’s desk into my office and then arrange his desk to suit you. I want things organized in a way that seems logical to you and will be easy for you to find.” His master ordered.
Gorlyn swallowed hard. He had really hoped not to have to ever look at that desk again. Well he knew better than to hope. “Yes, master.”
“There now that is settled let us be on our way.” His master spoke and Gorlyn barely had enough time to get off the floor and behind his master to pull out the chair.
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I should be excited. Neisk thought to himself while riding in the carriage to the docks. I am finally going to be free of Johar. This time for good. Neisk had waited for this moment nearly all his life. The last time he and Johar had parted it had felt more like Neisk was running away and hiding behind Arnell. But this time he was sending Johar running or more like sailing. He thought he would take great pleasure in watching the old man get on the ship and even more pleasure watching it fade away on the horizon. But he couldn’t find pleasure he couldn’t find anything on the surface.
Neisk let himself delve deep into his mind and soul to pull up some kind of feeling, any emotional attachment to the departure of Johar. What he found shocked him. Deep down all he felt was fear. The last vestiges of of his childhood were falling away as the ship pulled away from the shore. When he had entered the adult world as the responsible one, ‘tween himself and Arnell he was still a child thrown into the world of man. Now he felt like it was happening all over again. Only this time his responsibility went far behind Arnell’s lack of good hygiene and protecting him from the fathers of recently ‘deflowered’ daughters.
His responsibility to Gorlyn was like a mountain compared to the small rock of responsibility he carried for Arnell. Was he man enough to carry it? Was he really mature enough to see this through? He didn’t know if he was, almost certain he wasn’t, but he didn’t really have a choice and so it was time to at the very least face it like a man.
When the ship was no longer in view Neisk returned to his carriage and requested a channel to Oriel.
Yes, your grace? Oriel’s eager greeting mirrored Gorlyn’s slightly and Neisk was reminded of yet another person he was responsible for. Why had he ever wanted to grow up?
You remember when I first arrived all the political fighting I did to keep slaves out of the embassy? Oriel was old enough to join him in manhood and it was about time he started to let the young man tackle bigger problems then filing, note taking and transcription. Besides Oriel was brilliant! Between the two of them a solution would be found.
Yes, your grace. Oriel’s mental voice seemed to say ‘thank the gods that’s over’.
Well I need to find a diplomatic way to reverse it and not appear hypocritical nor offend my native countrymen while pleasing our foreign hosts all at the same time. Neisk sighed how had it seemed simple before?
But why? Oriel sounded somewhat bewildered.
So that Gorlyn can come in place of Johar. Neisk answered. Now Neisk felt selfish.
I will bring all the pertinent books to your office, your grace. And I will start looking before you get here. Your schedule is cleared for the day already. We can have Lyn here by next week! Oriel’s enthusiastic optimism made Neisk smile.
You call him Lyn, too? Neisk asked curiously.
He said I could and Tocus does it too! Oriel responded defensively, sounding like a child.
If Gorlyn approves then so do I. Neisk reassured him. Maybe he wasn’t being selfish. Maybe someone else at the Embassy would benefit from having Gorlyn around.
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Gorlyn pondered what to do after his master and Johar-ashe left the house. He was supposed to get some servants to help him move the desk. But how in the world could expect servants to help him? He didn’t think he even had enough nerve to ask. He felt Finne request to open a channel and he opened it grateful for the diversion.
Come back to the kitchen and I will make you breakfast, lad. Finne spoke. Gorlyn’s heart sank.
Johar-ashe already allowed me my breakfast this morning, ashe. Gorlyn answered. There was no way he was going to sneak in an extra meal when he was already getting two meals more than he deserved.
And what did Johar feed you? Finne sounded cross about something and Gorlyn nervously repeated the meal Johar-ashe laid out for him.
You mean you shared it with him? Now Finne sounded confused.
No ashe, he insisted I eat the whole thing. Gorlyn answered his heart racing what had he done wrong?
That is the exact meal I sent up for him at his request. Finne seemed to be thinking to himself more then to Gorlyn. It sounds like he gave you his breakfast. If it was anyone but you telling me Gorlyn I wouldn’t have believed it.
I swear I’m not lying, ashe. Gorlyn pleaded.
Oh lad, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you. Promise me that you will come to me when you are ready for lunch, alright? Finne sounded like his normal happy self again. Gorlyn started to relax.
Yes, ashe. Gorlyn answered feeling relieved. He walked back to Johar-ashe’s rooms and stared at the desk willing it to move with his mind.
Hey Lyn Tocus’ mental voice popped into Gorlyn’s head. Tocus didn’t need to mess with a channel he just threw his thoughts into someone’s head. It was a little harder to talk back, since it involved actually picturing Tocus and focusing on what you wanted him to hear you say. I saw them pack Johar’s things in a wagon. He gone for good now?
Yes, ashe. Gorlyn answered.
Great then will you join me for lunch? Tocus asked.
I already promised I would meet Finne-ashe. Gorlyn answered. It was surreal to have two people want him to eat let alone want to eat with him.
Oh well then he can make us all lunch, then! Tocus sounded excited.
I don’t want to impose on him, ashe. Gorlyn protested as best he could.
Trust me Finne loves to cook for people having two guests for lunch will make him twice as happy. Tocus’ voice carried a bit of laughter in it.
As you say, ashe. Gorlyn knew better then to argue with his betters.
Great I will see you in two hours then. Tocus decided. And just to make you feel better I’ll let Finne know I’m coming too.
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Johar huddled in his bunk on the ship praying it would be a short journey. He had skipped breakfast mostly in anticipation of Gorlyn caning him. Now he was very grateful for the foresight. He had forgotten how easily he got seasick. The ship hadn’t left port yet and he had already half filled his chamber pot with vomit.
He was honestly not sorry to be leaving Ghuryni. He hated the damn country with it’s weird traditions, stupid rituals and horrible fashion. His hatred had tripled when he watched the poor boy writhe on the floor in pain. Such brutal punishment for a mere thought. He couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened if Gorlyn had actually picked up the cane.
This lead to an even darker thought. Was it loyalty to his master, that made Gorlyn choose the paddle every day instead of answering Johar’s question? Or was it fear of what the kaspern would do to him if he betrayed his master. It was obvious now that the brat had forbidden Gorlyn to speak of his magic. And Johar had to grudgingly admit it was the only smart thing the brat had ever done.
Still to be faced with two painful options and having to pick the lesser of the two every day. Johar had passed his own loyalty test because he would rather face the pain then have to watch his close friend endure it. It was his only selfless act and when he had found out it was all a test he had vowed to always look after his own welfare first.
No he was glad to be leaving Ghuryni but not so eager to return home either. There was not much of a welcome waiting for him. He had failed Lord Nidian.
“This is your last chance Johar. You make sure my son keeps his head on his shoulders. Keep him from making friends with anymore psychopaths and above all I want to see grandchildren before you die.”
Lord Nidian’s parting orders rang through Johar’s memory like death knell. There were no grandchildren he couldn’t even tell the man that his son was courting anyone. Unless he mentioned that little pissant secretary of his and there would be no grandchildren from that union. Still Johar had to admit he was leaving Lord Nidian’s youngest son in better company than that last time they parted. Gorlyn would be a far better companion than that ,disgrace to humanity, Arnell.
Johar smiled at the thoughts of Gorlyn. He rather felt like the young man was his protege rather then his replacement. He may have failed miserably with the brat but it was to his credit that he took a slave and turned him into a proper valet. Sadly he realized he would miss the young man. He had put the address to his personal box in the boy’s pocket along with the address to the academy. He had told Gorlyn as much as they walked the halls to Neisk’s bedroom.
Johar had told Gorlyn that he could write anytime he wanted and Johar promised to write back answers to any questions Gorlyn. He really hoped Gorlyn wrote to him. And not just so he could collect gossip that he could report to Lord Nidian. In fact he vowed to keep secret anything Gorlyn revealed, he just wanted to know how the boy was doing.
Special thanks to littleni and good wishes on her honeymoon.
Neisk has thought five weeks of Johar bathing and dressing him while Gorlyn (who was looking more and more like Arnell) was humiliating. However having Gorlyn bath and dress him while Johar watched was even worse. Johar said he was only there for ritual observance. He proclaimed Gorlyn to be completely trained and ready to take on his duties. Secretly Neisk thought Johar was just so used to being there that he didn’t know what else to do with himself. Either way it was two hours of pure hell. The only bright spot was the look on Johar’s face when Gorlyn picked out clothing in red and burnt orange instead of either of the color choices Johar preferred. The older man tried to hide his look of utter dismay but Neisk saw right through the facade. The fact that he didn’t correct Gorlyn in the slightest made Neisk realise that Johar really had given over to Gorlyn. Somehow he had pictured the final day much more of an ordeal. Neisk never expected Johar to just roll over and take being replaced so calmly. Well it meant one less headache in the long run.
During the grand pageantry that was breakfast Neisk was relaxed enough to check up on Gorlyn. He opened his end of the mental channel and was surprised to find Gorlyn’s end already open.
How may I serve you master? Gorlyn’s mental voice was so beautiful. It had been nearly five full weeks since Neisk had last heard it. He deeply regretted how busy he had been. He silently vowed to make up for the loss.
Before he could answer Gorlyn’s question he received notice that Finne wanted to speak with him. He open the channel between himself and the chef.
Leave the boy alone. He’s working his ass off to impress both you and sour face over there. Finne’s voice carried the strain of someone carrying on two mental conversations at once. It was a strain Neisk had never felt himself but he knew that Finne’s would have a hard time with two.
Sorry He answered Finne.
You are already serving me perfectly, Gorlyn. I just wanted to hear your mental voice. Neisk responded to Gorlyn.
You like my voice, master? Gorlyn asked sounding surprised.
Neisk leave him alone! He’s mixing up the channels and damn if I don’t like hearing him call me master! Finne’s voice rang through the channel. Neisk had forgotten he had left Finne’s open.
Yes, I do Gorlyn. But we can talk later. Pay attention to Finne now. Neisk made his mental voice as gentle as he could and closed the channel after he finished. He wondered what Gorlyn and Finne were talking about that was so important and why would it impress him?
You don’t think your food just shows up by magic do you? Gorlyn and I are working together to make sure each course blends seamlessly into the next. Something you obviously take for granted. Finne’s voice was accompanied by a mental snort and then Finne closed his end of the channel.
Neisk realized that he never did pay attention to the servants or how the plates came during a meal. He took a few moments to look now. After he caused a few of the servants to flinch in surprise when he looked at them he gave up and turned his attention to Johar.
“Just so we have things straight between us. I am going to go with you to the docks Johar and make sure you have no troubles boarding your ship before I go on to the Embassy today.” Neisk spoke to his former valet.
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Gorlyn couldn’t believe the words he heard Johar-ashe say when his master woke up.
“I am proud to present to you, Lord Neisk of Northern House, your newly trained and highly qualified valet, Gorlyn.” Johar-ashe had held his arm out to indicate to Gorlyn.
The shock had having his name and the word proud be linked together was almost so great he forgot what to do next but his instincts kicked in and he performed the half bow that Johar-ashe had spent hours drilling into him.
“Thank you, Johar.” His master nodded to Johar-ashe and then smiled at him. Not a polite smile either and genuine happy smile. “Welcome, to my household Gorlyn.”
Johar-ashe had explained that the term household was only used when hiring servants. Gorlyn was neither hired nor as respectable as a servant but at the moment he didn’t care. Johar-ashe was proud of him and his master was happy with him and it seemed as if nothing in the world could go wrong.
At least it had for a while. Gorlyn couldn’t help but notice his master’s whole body tense every time Gorlyn touched him. It made no difference if it was the sponge or Gorlyn’s hands. Obviously Gorlyn was doing something wrong but no one was yelling at him or foretelling a beating. Instead both Johar-ashe and his master were silent and avoiding eye contact. Gorlyn tried to be gentler perhaps he was simply scrubbing too hard. Since no one told him to do differently he kept going until his master was completely clean and dry.
He didn’t have as much time as he had last time to pick out his master’s clothing. All the times he had practiced dressing Johar-ashe there had been no choice of clothing it was always Johar-ashe’s uniform. Johar-ashe had taught him all about Yndsian styles and which types of clothing were appropriate for which kind of events. He had also explained the importance of wearing one’s house colors and the added importance of wearing his nation’s colors as well.
Still his master had approved the last time Gorlyn had picked colors that looked good on him and unless this was all some kind of test, he was no longer Johar-ashe’s pupil and he needed to make his master perfect not Johar-ashe. Taking a deep breath he chose to test whether his training was over or not and picked a lovely deep red and burnt orange color combination.
When he received a compliment from his master and not a word from Johar-ashe Gorlyn thought he had made the right choice. Even if later Johar-ashe was back in command and gave him a beating it would be worth it for the compliment.
Breakfast was amazing. Working with Finne-ashe was so easy and he could have sworn he caught a look of approval on Johar-ashe’s face when Johar-ashe thought no one was looking. And then something happened that nearly left Gorlyn unable to breathe.
His master spoke to his mind. A feeling of warm soft light surrounding him came with his master’s voice. It was a feeling he had once before but never with the sound of his master’s voice. He thought he gave the proper greeting and he hoped he had remembered to respond to Finne as well. Both men were talking to him at the same time. And yet it felt like two different times or maybe two events happening worlds apart but at the same time and somehow he was in both events.
I just wanted to hear your mental voice. His master liked his voice? He had to or else would he talk to him just to hear it? Leisa had said his voice was only good for screaming in pain and Johar-ashe’s lessons all implied he should be seen and not heard. But his master liked his voice....well more specific his mental voice. But that was perfect because he could let his master hear his mental voice even when he was screaming in pain or when he should be seen and not heard so he could stay true to both training and make his master happy! This was the best news all day.
You like my voice, master? He didn’t dare presume something so audacious as that, without getting clarification.
Yes, I do Gorlyn. But we can talk later. Pay attention to Finne now. Damn it he was already failing on his first day. His master closed the channel and Gorlyn focused his attention on Finne-ashe until the servants cleared off the last course and his master started to talk to Johar-ashe.
“Just so we have things straight between us. I will be going with you to the docks Johar and make sure you have no troubles boarding your ship before I go on to the Embassy today.” His master spoke to Johar-ashe.
“Very kind of you, your lordship.” Johar-ashe responded.
“You have of course given my schedule to Gorlyn?” His master asked Johar-ashe.
“No, your lordship I gave it to your secretary it made no sense to give it to Gorlyn.” replied Johar-ashe.
“No sense? He is my valet now, Johar.” His master scolded Johar-ashe.
“Yes, your lordship, but it is not like you are going to take him with you to the Embassy so why does he need a schedule? I have given him a rough idea of when to expect you home since you are never punctual.” Johar-ashe remarked drolly.
“And just why would I not take him with me? I took you every day.” His master responded with a tone that was just barely quiet enough to be still considered talking and not shouting.
“Yes, but I was not also a slave. Perhaps you have forgotten slaves are forbidden to step foot in the Embassy.” Johar-ashe responded smugly.
Suddenly his master turned his face and looked directly at Gorlyn. “I am sorry Gorlyn. I had planned work for you to do at the Embassy but I am afraid I have nothing for you to do here. Can you find a way to amuse yourself?”
Amuse himself? Had his master gone insane? Gorlyn was relieved all the other servants had left the dining room so no one heard that he had no work and was going to be amusing himself. He didn’t even know what to say to that? He wasn’t even sure he would know how to amuse himself. But before he could answer he was saved by Johar-ashe.
“Perhaps he could spend the day moving his belongings into my old quarters.” Johar-ashe commented as if speaking to himself.
No Johar-ashe didn’t save him he just opened the snake pit wider to allow room for the lions. Gorlyn had to stop this before he ended up way over his head.
“Please, master.” He dove to his knees slid across the floor and under the table to place his forehead on his master’s feet.
“Gorlyn, what is wrong?” Nothing but concern was in his master’s voice.
“Please don’t make me stay in Johar-ashe’s quarters.” Gorlyn begged.
“Why not? You deserve them.” His master sounded completely confused. Now came the hard part how did he convince his master that it was the right thing to do without upsetting and without lying.
“Johar-ashe’s rooms are so far away. What if you need me in the middle of the night. I should be close to you, master.” It was the truth he was supposed to sleep on the floor of his master’s bedroom so that he could be at hand at all times and honestly he didn’t want to give up being so close to his master. It was so comforting knowing his master was just on the other side of the door.
“Hmmm.....Johar’s rooms are clear on the other side of manor.” His master mused.
“By your choice, your lordship.” Johar-ashe commented bitterly.
“If it is that important to you Gorlyn then you can stay in your current room.” His master decided.
“He will need his own office, your lordship.” Johar-ashe chimed in.
“Yes, and I suppose it should be close to mine.” His master paused for a moment. “Gorlyn while I am gone you will get some servants to help you move Johar’s desk into my office and then arrange his desk to suit you. I want things organized in a way that seems logical to you and will be easy for you to find.” His master ordered.
Gorlyn swallowed hard. He had really hoped not to have to ever look at that desk again. Well he knew better than to hope. “Yes, master.”
“There now that is settled let us be on our way.” His master spoke and Gorlyn barely had enough time to get off the floor and behind his master to pull out the chair.
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I should be excited. Neisk thought to himself while riding in the carriage to the docks. I am finally going to be free of Johar. This time for good. Neisk had waited for this moment nearly all his life. The last time he and Johar had parted it had felt more like Neisk was running away and hiding behind Arnell. But this time he was sending Johar running or more like sailing. He thought he would take great pleasure in watching the old man get on the ship and even more pleasure watching it fade away on the horizon. But he couldn’t find pleasure he couldn’t find anything on the surface.
Neisk let himself delve deep into his mind and soul to pull up some kind of feeling, any emotional attachment to the departure of Johar. What he found shocked him. Deep down all he felt was fear. The last vestiges of of his childhood were falling away as the ship pulled away from the shore. When he had entered the adult world as the responsible one, ‘tween himself and Arnell he was still a child thrown into the world of man. Now he felt like it was happening all over again. Only this time his responsibility went far behind Arnell’s lack of good hygiene and protecting him from the fathers of recently ‘deflowered’ daughters.
His responsibility to Gorlyn was like a mountain compared to the small rock of responsibility he carried for Arnell. Was he man enough to carry it? Was he really mature enough to see this through? He didn’t know if he was, almost certain he wasn’t, but he didn’t really have a choice and so it was time to at the very least face it like a man.
When the ship was no longer in view Neisk returned to his carriage and requested a channel to Oriel.
Yes, your grace? Oriel’s eager greeting mirrored Gorlyn’s slightly and Neisk was reminded of yet another person he was responsible for. Why had he ever wanted to grow up?
You remember when I first arrived all the political fighting I did to keep slaves out of the embassy? Oriel was old enough to join him in manhood and it was about time he started to let the young man tackle bigger problems then filing, note taking and transcription. Besides Oriel was brilliant! Between the two of them a solution would be found.
Yes, your grace. Oriel’s mental voice seemed to say ‘thank the gods that’s over’.
Well I need to find a diplomatic way to reverse it and not appear hypocritical nor offend my native countrymen while pleasing our foreign hosts all at the same time. Neisk sighed how had it seemed simple before?
But why? Oriel sounded somewhat bewildered.
So that Gorlyn can come in place of Johar. Neisk answered. Now Neisk felt selfish.
I will bring all the pertinent books to your office, your grace. And I will start looking before you get here. Your schedule is cleared for the day already. We can have Lyn here by next week! Oriel’s enthusiastic optimism made Neisk smile.
You call him Lyn, too? Neisk asked curiously.
He said I could and Tocus does it too! Oriel responded defensively, sounding like a child.
If Gorlyn approves then so do I. Neisk reassured him. Maybe he wasn’t being selfish. Maybe someone else at the Embassy would benefit from having Gorlyn around.
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Gorlyn pondered what to do after his master and Johar-ashe left the house. He was supposed to get some servants to help him move the desk. But how in the world could expect servants to help him? He didn’t think he even had enough nerve to ask. He felt Finne request to open a channel and he opened it grateful for the diversion.
Come back to the kitchen and I will make you breakfast, lad. Finne spoke. Gorlyn’s heart sank.
Johar-ashe already allowed me my breakfast this morning, ashe. Gorlyn answered. There was no way he was going to sneak in an extra meal when he was already getting two meals more than he deserved.
And what did Johar feed you? Finne sounded cross about something and Gorlyn nervously repeated the meal Johar-ashe laid out for him.
You mean you shared it with him? Now Finne sounded confused.
No ashe, he insisted I eat the whole thing. Gorlyn answered his heart racing what had he done wrong?
That is the exact meal I sent up for him at his request. Finne seemed to be thinking to himself more then to Gorlyn. It sounds like he gave you his breakfast. If it was anyone but you telling me Gorlyn I wouldn’t have believed it.
I swear I’m not lying, ashe. Gorlyn pleaded.
Oh lad, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you. Promise me that you will come to me when you are ready for lunch, alright? Finne sounded like his normal happy self again. Gorlyn started to relax.
Yes, ashe. Gorlyn answered feeling relieved. He walked back to Johar-ashe’s rooms and stared at the desk willing it to move with his mind.
Hey Lyn Tocus’ mental voice popped into Gorlyn’s head. Tocus didn’t need to mess with a channel he just threw his thoughts into someone’s head. It was a little harder to talk back, since it involved actually picturing Tocus and focusing on what you wanted him to hear you say. I saw them pack Johar’s things in a wagon. He gone for good now?
Yes, ashe. Gorlyn answered.
Great then will you join me for lunch? Tocus asked.
I already promised I would meet Finne-ashe. Gorlyn answered. It was surreal to have two people want him to eat let alone want to eat with him.
Oh well then he can make us all lunch, then! Tocus sounded excited.
I don’t want to impose on him, ashe. Gorlyn protested as best he could.
Trust me Finne loves to cook for people having two guests for lunch will make him twice as happy. Tocus’ voice carried a bit of laughter in it.
As you say, ashe. Gorlyn knew better then to argue with his betters.
Great I will see you in two hours then. Tocus decided. And just to make you feel better I’ll let Finne know I’m coming too.
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Johar huddled in his bunk on the ship praying it would be a short journey. He had skipped breakfast mostly in anticipation of Gorlyn caning him. Now he was very grateful for the foresight. He had forgotten how easily he got seasick. The ship hadn’t left port yet and he had already half filled his chamber pot with vomit.
He was honestly not sorry to be leaving Ghuryni. He hated the damn country with it’s weird traditions, stupid rituals and horrible fashion. His hatred had tripled when he watched the poor boy writhe on the floor in pain. Such brutal punishment for a mere thought. He couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened if Gorlyn had actually picked up the cane.
This lead to an even darker thought. Was it loyalty to his master, that made Gorlyn choose the paddle every day instead of answering Johar’s question? Or was it fear of what the kaspern would do to him if he betrayed his master. It was obvious now that the brat had forbidden Gorlyn to speak of his magic. And Johar had to grudgingly admit it was the only smart thing the brat had ever done.
Still to be faced with two painful options and having to pick the lesser of the two every day. Johar had passed his own loyalty test because he would rather face the pain then have to watch his close friend endure it. It was his only selfless act and when he had found out it was all a test he had vowed to always look after his own welfare first.
No he was glad to be leaving Ghuryni but not so eager to return home either. There was not much of a welcome waiting for him. He had failed Lord Nidian.
“This is your last chance Johar. You make sure my son keeps his head on his shoulders. Keep him from making friends with anymore psychopaths and above all I want to see grandchildren before you die.”
Lord Nidian’s parting orders rang through Johar’s memory like death knell. There were no grandchildren he couldn’t even tell the man that his son was courting anyone. Unless he mentioned that little pissant secretary of his and there would be no grandchildren from that union. Still Johar had to admit he was leaving Lord Nidian’s youngest son in better company than that last time they parted. Gorlyn would be a far better companion than that ,disgrace to humanity, Arnell.
Johar smiled at the thoughts of Gorlyn. He rather felt like the young man was his protege rather then his replacement. He may have failed miserably with the brat but it was to his credit that he took a slave and turned him into a proper valet. Sadly he realized he would miss the young man. He had put the address to his personal box in the boy’s pocket along with the address to the academy. He had told Gorlyn as much as they walked the halls to Neisk’s bedroom.
Johar had told Gorlyn that he could write anytime he wanted and Johar promised to write back answers to any questions Gorlyn. He really hoped Gorlyn wrote to him. And not just so he could collect gossip that he could report to Lord Nidian. In fact he vowed to keep secret anything Gorlyn revealed, he just wanted to know how the boy was doing.