Trell - 4

Trell and gabe raced down the canyon pausing to rest their horses and splash in the river. When their horses tired they talked like old friends. Trell told him of life in the fey wood, about Nénuphar, and his choice to follow the path of the Pariah Volontaire, and what that meant. He told him of his trip through the desert, and Gabe named the cactus prickly pear and the barrel. He told Gabe of the ambush and then his adventure up to point where they met.

Gabe was full of questions about the fey wood, and especially about the fey creatures such as fairy dragons, nymphs, satyrs, nixies, pixies and the like. He wanted to go see the fey wood, but Trell would not even consider it. So eventually he began to tell Trell of his upbringing.

Gabe was born fourth of four boys. He parents ran a common blacksmith north of Trá Magnon near the Inn Between.

“The in-between?” asked Trell with a confused look on his face.

“Ya. It is an Inn about a mile north of Trá Magnon near the junction of the north and east roads” said Gabe. “Its full name is The Inn at the Center of the World, but somehow it got the nickname the Inn Between.”

“Anyway” he said. “My older brothers were trained as blacksmiths, and there just wasn’t room for me in the forge. I carried a lot of heavy rocks and metal bits, back and forth to the gnomes down in No Magnon, and I even did most of the sweltering of raw iron into molten metal, but I never got the chance to do the real shaping.”

He described his life as a general purpose porter carrying everything imaginable from the Inn Between to the city. He described some the travelers that met, and told Trell some crazy stories, some of which might be true. But it was when Gabe starting talking about Lady Karil and her two daughters they he really lit up.

“The Lady Karil is the nicest and most powerful woman in the world.” he said, “and she is so beautify. But her daughters are like the moon and stars. They light up the world like daisies and… well, they are so pretty it makes it hard to breath around them. Its almost like time stops, and the air is sucked right out of you lungs.”

He tried many more times to do justice to their beauty in words, but never could quite express what was in his heart. Eventually Trell moved his attention along to where Gabe left home.

“Oh yes” began Gabe, “Well it actually has to do with Sal, thats short for Salanthra; well since Heather went off and got married that Astin boy, she wasn’t around much. But I tried to talk to Sal any time I saw her, and she would often smile. Well one day, I was waiting to pick up a package, and she was hanging out with some other girls and guys, I was just sitting there enjoying my time watching her, when one of the guys came over. He talked like he would to a child. And, well he said that unless ran off and slayed a dragon or something there was no way she was going to ever go on a date with her. She was just not interested in simple porter.” By this time Gabe was talking so fast he began to stutter a bit, but he clearly needed to share this, and Trell was satisfied hearing the tale.

“Now I wasn’t hurting anyone, and I wasn’t even thinking to ask her on a date. I was just watching. And, well I would love to, but… but I don’t know why they had to such mean things. I played it cool like that was okay, but it wasn’t. It just wasn’t right that because I wasn’t rich or a mage that I couldn’t even be friends with her. So that night I found an old sword and decided to learn how to slay a dragon. And it was kind of strange because I really liked all the different weapons. It was like I never noticed how much I liked swinging swords and throwing spears. I killed a couple deer, and my mother was awful proud, but I couldn’t forget how rude they were, so one day I heard that Lord Tramere was hiring, I went. My mom seemed kind of sad, but both she and my pa said it would be good for me. And you know when I worked in the dungeon at Tramere Keep I played with all kinds of stuff. I even got good at stuff while wearing armor.”

Gabe finally stopped to take a few well deserved breaths. Trell just waited to if he was still going or had really talked himself out. They both noticed that they had come out of the canyon into the rolling hills. The road had left the river before it dipped into a narrow ravine, and it suddenly ran right into the east road and stopped. They turned west and down a slope to the river, then back up the other side. When they reached the top they stopped to take a look around. The land before them was dry, and it seems that only sage, cactus and a few other meager plants could survive. It was still couple hours to sunset, but they decided to camp by the river for the night, and make sure their water skins were full before they started out across the desert.

They spent some time skinny dipping in the shallow river, and swapped battle tips. Trell showed Gabe how to use the smaller curved blades to strike sensitive spots, and Gabe showed off his prowess by slaying a large cactus with a single blow of his huge two handed greatsword. They at some dinner, did stupid things with their fire. They burned everything they could lay their hands on, and stayed up well past dark. It was like two teenage friends out on a summer campout away from the adults for the first time. They both slipped deep that night and woke up pretty sore from the long ride the day before.

That day they just walked the horses, and chatted until it got too hot to talk. They frivolously drank most of their water, and finally camped in a dry wash.
In the morning Gabe told Trell that they should be able to reach the next river sometime that afternoon. It was another scorching hot day and they stopped about midday to try to eat some of a barrel cactus, but it was more sticky that wet, and tasted terrible. The dried fruits and meats in their packs helped get the taste out of their mouth, but they were very glad when they finally reach the river. It was no larger than than the last river, but it revived their spirits and filled their water skins. Gabe said that it was only a day and a half to Trá Magnon from there, and the last several miles were along another little river. They stayed up late again as Gabe tried to explain the crazy streets of No Magnon and the beautify gardens of Trá Magnon. It was impossible for Trell to comprehend piles of broken machines, and four story buildings, but he thought the gardens sounded nice.

The next day they again drained their water skins, but were able to reach the next river before sunset. The following day they passed the huge Astin Keep with its towers and stone walls, its multi-colored windows, and the strange lights and sounds that occasionally erupted from nowhere. They were drawing close to the feet of the mountains when the road abruptly ended into another well travelled and broad road that ran north and south.

Gabe talked Trell into going up to his families house to spend the night. It was dark by the time they arrived, but his mother acted like he had returned from the dead. She hugged him and kissed him, and commented on how much he had grown, and how strong he looked. When she saw Trell walk in, she gasped staring at his legs and hooves. Gabe explained that Trell was a Faun and had come from the fey wood to see the world. She welcomed him, and although she stayed at arms length, she was kind.

The dinner table was humble but well stocked with bread, meat, and vegetables which were shared with them generously. Gabe learned that his father and two of his brothers had taken sick the previous winter, and passed away. His oldest brother, Aaron, who now ran the forge, shared the meal with them as well. He had lost his wife to the illness as well. Trell helped lift the mood by telling them of life in the fey wood, and playing songs on his pipes, but it was the apple pie for dessert that really lightened the mood, and soon they were singing the songs while Trell played. They stayed up late again that night, but there were plenty of beds, and they were much better than the hard burning sands of the desert.

Gabe’s mother made them breakfast and a nice lunch of sandwiches and apples for their trip into town. Gabe’s brother walked with them to the crossroads on his way the Astin Keep to deliver some strange metal objects. He inquired about their plans, and offered to take them both as apprentices if they would stay around for a year. They both found the idea intriguing, and promised to think about it.

Leaving Gabe’s brother at the crossroads they raced south toward the river. The road weaved among hills and slowly descended until they climb one last rise where they could see the river below them and No Magnon beyond.

To Trell’s eyes this was an absolutely alien world. The near side of the river had some ordinary looking buildings like the one Gabe’s family lived it and a whole town of tents, but the far side immediately gave way to mounds and hills of metallic trash. There were large wheels broken or abandoned sticking out of a pile of metal the size of a horse. There were pits that looked like bomb craters, there were long linked wooden and metallic forms. As they wound their way through the piles of trash they also found many strange shapes partially built. They passed towers that that were a hundred feet high, and barely big enough to fit inside. There was a squash building that was made of a metal frame four stories high. The walls, where there were walls, were made of wood, metal, cloth, and bushes. The highest level seemed to still be under construction because it was barley more than occasional pillars of metal reaching toward the sky; some of them were connected at the top making rectangular frames, and some were lone fingers that seemed to sway in the breeze.

Among all of this seeming chaos were hordes of small, large nosed creatures, that Gabe called gnomes. They had high squeezing voices, and were always in a hurry. Many of them wore metal rings over their eyes or had metal dangling from their face and ears. Some wore robes, some wore pants, some wore rags, but all of them were brightly colored, and none of them seemed to match the colors of their one garment to another. It was the most unnatural, and unsettling place Trell could have ever imagined, and he was anxious move past it.

The road through No Magnon followed a small creek up a gently sloping value toward the mountains. About a half mile up the road the came to a great gate and wall that seemed to have a deep blue glowing haze over it. The gate itself was about fifteen feet high, and very well made. It was metal twisted and bent into the shape of vines over a grate of stronger metal bars. On either side of the gate were towers slightly taller than the gate. They were flat at the top about twenty feet in diameter and had a nice gazebo like roof. Each tower had a robed person sitting in the gazebo reading from a book.

There was also a gaggle of gnomes standing or sitting near the gate. Many of them hand arms full of brightly colored cloth, or strange metal devices, or magical floating or shining devices. Some were dressed in new clothes, others in rags, but all of them were being ignored by the watchmen on the towers.

As they approached, Gabe called out to the watchers, “Ho there. We have a message for Lady Karil. Open the gates.” The two watchers, a young girl and an older boy looked up from their books. The boy cast a spell toward the gate the blue haze pulled back and the gate began to swing inward.

All the gnomes were immediately on their feet calling to be let in as well. Some of them claiming to be with the horsemen, others promising gifts or money. They seemed hesitant to approach the gate as Trell and Gabe rode in, but couple of them got up courage and dashed past the horses. The watchers seem to have been ready for this, and each cast a spell causing the two gnomes to float into the air, and back out of the gates. Once Gabe and Trell where through the gates slowly closed and the haze returned sending loud snapping sparks and the gnomes that were too close.

The boy called down to Gabe telling him that Lady Karil would be at Mag le Estu, and asked if he knew where that was. Gabe answered in the affirmative and urged his horse on as both watchers stared in amazement at Trell.

Tramagnon was stark change from the chaos of No Magnon; it had well manicured hedges, and lawns, pathways wound through the lawns, and crossed the creek in beautify arching metal bridges. There were many kinds of trees, and up on the ridges on either side of the creek were beautiful delicate looking buildings. Some were large fancy homes, others instructional buildings, and others seemed to be dorms.

The paths and parks were mostly empty as they climbed up through the valley, but occasionally a student could be seen walking, reading, scurrying to class. They seldom noticed the two visitors, but those that did, stopped to stare at Trell.

Arriving at the Mag le estu main building they found a tall kind looking woman in a long red velvet dress. the sleeves extended all the way down her arms and covered much of the back of her hands. She had long brown hair, and freckles scattered across much of her nose and cheeks. Her expression was pleasant and warm as they approached and dismounted.

“Welcome Gabe.” she said with a small curtsy. “We have missed your visits these last three years. I hope all is well with you and your family.”

Gabe bowed and replied with a sad tone. “Thank you my lady. I have only just returned from an extended absence, but sadly my family is much diminished. My father and two brothers passed away last winter, but my mother and brother Aaron are well.”

“That is very sad.” said Lady Karil. “Please take my condolences to your mother.”

“I will my Lady, and how is your family?” asked Gabe.

“Thank you for asking.” said Lady Karil. “They are all well. My oldest daughter is now expecting her second child, but my sweet Heather is still unattached.” After a warm smile she added, “She teaches many of my classes now, but if I could persuade you stay for dinner I am sure she would be pleased to see you.”

Gabe blushed and stammered a brief, “Thank you. I hope we can.”

He then looked to Trell who smiled, but before he could reply, Gabe broke in a little embarrassed, “Oh wait! I am sorry, let me introduce you. Lady Karil, this is Trell of the fey wood. Trell this is Lady Karil, Wizardess of Zelaea, Master Mage of Trá Magnon, ….”

Lady Karil broke in suddenly, “Thats okay Gabe, Lady Karil is plenty.”

Trell bowed deeply and said, “My Lady, I am honored to meet you.”

“And I likewise.” Said Lady Karil, “It is so rare to receive visitors from the fey wood, I am anxious to hear news.” she curtsies to Trell and continued, “…but let us not get ahead of ourselves. You have come here with a purpose. So, what can I do for you?”

“My Lady Karil.” said Trell. “Gabe and I bring a message for you from Lord Tramere.” handing her the sealed letter.

“Well, lets see what Lord Tramere has to say” she said as she broke open the letter.

She read through the letter, and continued, “It seems that Lord Tramere wants to hold a party… and he wants me to bring lots of other people. Well, we shall have to think about this.”

“But in the meanwhile,” she continued. “I must hear all about you Trell. Would you walk with me to see Lord Selimnairus?”

Gabe and Trell both responded, “Sure.”

Lady Karil took the round about path through the valley so she could give them the full tour of the three schools. Needless to say they created quite a stir among the students, and as classes ended the students began to spread all kinds of rumors about the strange visitor that had come to the school. By the time they reached Mag le So to where Lord Selimnairus was teaching, they had a large entourage, and began to disturb the classes still in session.

Lord Selimnairus came out to meet them, thinking there was some kind disturbance on campus, he curious and surprised to see Lady Karil and her guests. She introduced Trell and Gabe, and let him read the invitation from Lord Tramere. The letter made him frown, but he quickly set it aside, and inquired about the large crowd milling about.

“Oh the students are just curious.” said Lady Karil.

“Undoubtedly you gave our guests a tour the ENTIRE campus?” he asked suspiciously.

“Of course” came Lady Karil’s cheerful answer.

“Well then,” continued Lord Selimnairus “what should we do about the large crowd that you have collected?”

“I was thinking that we might invite our guest to dinner, and beg him present a guest fireside where we could invite the students to hear the story of a Pariah Volontaire?” said Lady Karil batting her eyes expectantly at her husband.

“Well…” said Lord Selimnairus, “that seems like the right course of action. I too am curious to hear the tale.”

Then turning to Trell he asked, “Would you be willing to stay for dinner, and tell your story to the whole student body tonight at a fireside after?”

Trell turned to Gabe to see what he thought, and Lady Karil quickly added, “And Gabe I hope you know, it goes without saying that you are invited as well.” She then raised her hand as if to deflect objections that might come from either of them, and said, “We will of course send a messenger to invite your mother and brother as well.”

With no possible reason not to accept, Trell graciously accepted, and Gabe nodded his agreement.

Lord Selimnairus_ then turned to Lady Karil and asked, “Sweetheart, do you have and more classes today?”

“No.” she answered, “Heather has them all well in hand.”

“Then would you take the lead on planning the dinner and fireside?” said Lord Selimnairus, “I have a full day of classes.”

“Certainly.” she responded.

Then Lord Selimnairus turned to the crowd, that was trying hard not to act like they were hanging on every word of the conversation, and said, “Everyone can I have your attention?”

The students quieted and turned full attention to the head master.

“Students, Lady Karil is going to organize a fireside tonight and our distinguished guest has agreed to speak. So tell all the other students, but for now, get back to you studies.”

Lord Selimnairus waved his hand and the crowd dispersed a hundred different directions buzzing like a bunch of honey bees. He then returned to his class, and Lady Karil took the two visitor to lunch. It was a strange lunch of strawberry flavored mash and apples.

After lunch Trell gracious modeled for one of the anatomy and physiology classes begin taught by a very fat gnome, and then Trell and Gabe lounged in the gardens and chatted with some of the brave students that wandered past. For dinner Lady Karil guided them to her private residence where they ate with her family, including her son-in-law Thane Astin his very pregnant Salinthra and baby.

They talked a lot with Gabe and reminisced about old days, who married who, and the general goings on since Gabe had left. They also talked about some other happenings in the No Magnon where the gnomes continued to build larger and more ambitious projects, most of which failed or crashed, adding the to the piles of wrecked metal. There had been some effort to organize the paths through the junk into regular streets, but the failed machines and experiments where constantly blocking roads, and no one seemed interested in clearing them out unless they could use the pieces in their next grand creation. So, the streets quickly reverted to the random trails through the junk.