The Blacksmith’s Son

Chapter 2

The next evening arrived more quickly than I’d imagined and there was the coach, pulling up near our house. My father had actually been rather pleased by my news. He had a fair opinion of the Duke already, and I’m sure he saw this as an opportunity to acquire more favorable terms and business for the smithy. It certainly can’t hurt having your son be friends with the next Duke. Mother was a bit more anxious. She seemed certain I would commit some serious breach of etiquette and get myself and possibly the family into trouble. I tried my best to reassure her, but looking back I see now she was much wiser than I had ever given her credit for.

Stepping into the coach I was surprised to see Marc already within. He gave me a wide grin, “Hullo! Ready to start your adventures?”

I answered in a sour tone, “This isn’t some romance where we’re off to slay dragons and rescue damsels you know.”

“Says you, but I have a rather more optimistic view on these matters. Besides which, there will indeed be some fair damsels at Castle Lancaster over the next few days, some of whom may well need a rescue,” he replied.

“From what?”

“Not what, who!”

I sighed, my friend had developed a definite talent with women over the past year, or so I had heard. “You’d best be careful; tupping the town girls is a far cry from besmirching the honor of a nobleman’s daughter.”

He didn’t answer that, just grinned at me. We rode in silence for a while, till the bailey came into sight and the outer walls drew closer. I was staring out the coach window when something caught my eye. “Marc! Look at that.” I pointed out the window, toward the nearing archway.

Marc poked his head out the window to look in the direction I had pointed, “What?”

“The wall, what are those odd symbols? See them glowing like phosphor?” I was pointing again, trying to show him the glowing runes limning the archway ahead of us.

“I don’t see a thing,” he said as he sat back down, “describe them to me.” I did the best I could and by the time I was done we were through the gate and heading for the stables. “Oh! Of course!” he said.

“Of course what!? Don’t leave me wondering dammit.” The glowing runes had put me on edge.

“You saw the castle wards. Father told me about them, but apparently only people with the ‘sight’ can see them. I’m guessing that includes wizards,” he answered, rolling his eyes up and to the side, as if to indicate he didn’t know any wizards.

“I’m not a… Wait, they weren’t there last week when I came to town. Did your father hire some sorcerer to enspell the walls these past few days?”

Marc stared back at me, “No. The wards are old. They were placed decades ago by some wizard my grandfather employed for a short time.”

“Then why couldn’t I see them before now?”

“Well you didn’t used to possess livestock and walk on water either. Ah! I know! Did you just finish puberty? I noticed the other day you don’t look quite as girly any more…check your balls, are you getting fuzzy down there?” He ducked, laughing, as I threw my travel sack at him.

The coach stopped and a footman held the door for us to step down, so we tabled our discussion for later. Stepping into the courtyard I saw a familiar face. “Dorian!” I called out to a stalwart looking man crossing over to us. Dorian Thornbear was actually the same age as Marc and I. He was not quite as tall as me, standing about five foot ten inches, but he had quite a bit more muscle than either of us. He was the son of the Duke’s seneschal and because of his martial prowess he had already been accepted into the lord’s service as a man at arms. The stiff leathers he wore along with the spear in his hands were visible evidence of this.

“Ho! Master Marcus! Who let this ragamuffin in here?” Dorian said this with a light tone; we had all been friends since I had begun visiting the keep as a child.

Marc spoke, “I’ve invited Mort to spend the week.”

“You going to bunk with me again Mort?” Usually in the past I’d stay with Dorian’s family if I was sleeping at the keep. Technically his family was minor gentry, but they were a lot less intimidating than the Duke’s family. Plus our fathers were close friends.

I started to reply with a yes but Marc interrupted me with a hand on my shoulder, “Not this time Dorian, I’ve convinced him to let me put him up in one of the guest rooms.”

Dorian frowned, “Will there be enough room with all the visiting peers this week?”

“Certainly,” Marc replied.

“But…” I started to object.

“Shhh! Don’t argue, besides you need to be in the main keep if we’re to visit the library at night without creating a lot of questions among the castle guard,” Marc glanced at Dorian who’s eyebrows had gone up at this. “We’re on a secret mission!” he whispered in a conspiratorial tone.

“Really?” Dorian Thornbear was one of the bravest and most loyal friends I had ever known, but he had a certain lack of guile built into him. He was honest to a fault, perhaps that’s what made him a bit gullible. Not that the young lord of Lancaster was trying to fool him, it was just that Dorian tended to take such things over-seriously. We wound up standing in a sort of huddle near the back of the coach as Marc and I filled Dorian in on the events of the past few days. The three of us had always been as thick as thieves, but I had some concern that Dorian might give away my secret. Deception had never been his strong suit.

“Now what would you lads be conspiring at!?” The loud voice of Marc’s father, Lord James, the Duke of Lancaster came booming from behind us. He was a man of moderate build, with sandy brown hair and blue eyes. He laughed as Dorian whirled to look back at him.

“Nothing your grace!” Dorian ducked his head as he replied.

“You look well your grace. Thank you for the invitation.” I gave a formal bow; I have always had a knack for keeping a cool head.

“You are welcome, young Eldridge. Please give your father my best wishes when you see him again. I trust you will enjoy your stay with us.” The Duke was unusual among most of the peerage in that he treated all his vassals and even yeomen with courtesy and respect, though he had no requirement to do so. It was a fact that had made him extremely well liked among the people of Lancaster.

“Father! Why do you insist on scaring my friends?” Marc was a bit annoyed with the Duke.

“Hah!” The duke exclaimed, “It’s every man’s right to embarrass his son. Would you deny me the simple pleasures of life in my dotage?”

James Lancaster was still in his late thirties, and still quite hale, which his son was quick to point out, “When you’ve actually gone senile Father you’ll know it because we’ll have you put out to pasture.” They spoke for a bit more before the duke finally relented and left us to our own devices. Dorian had to report for duty, something he remembered rather quickly after the duke had surprised us, so he excused himself and we were on our own again.

“Let me show you the room I’ve got picked out. You’ll love it.” Marc led the way through the keep and up the stairs. I followed, curious despite myself, although I had visited many times over the years I had never been given a room inside the keep itself. When we finally came to a stop outside the door I realized we were extremely close to the Lancaster family quarter.

“Are you sure this is right? Isn’t this near your family’s rooms?” I asked.

“Indeed, my door is right over there,” Marc pointed across the hall. He opened the door and shoved me in before I could start objecting. The room itself was ostentatious, at least by my standards. It held a large four poster bed, dressing table, chair, a desk and some sort of odd couch-like piece. I had no idea what it was, but I discovered later it was called a ‘divan’.

“There’s no way you can put me in this room,” I said, looking over at my friend. “You’ve got nobility from all over the realm coming tomorrow and every one of them rates higher than me. If someone finds out you’ve put the smith’s son in this sort of room it’ll create all sorts of hell.”

“Bah, you’re right of course, but we have to place them in rooms according to their rank and status. Do you know who our most distinguished guest is going to be?”

“Not a clue, I’m common remember?”

“No you’re not, but the world hasn’t realized it yet. His lordship Devon Tremont, son and heir of the Duke of Tremont will be our most privileged guest. Protocol would dictate that he should have the best room we have to offer.”

“So let me stay with the Thornbears like I usually do.”

“Not possible,” he remarked, “Gregory Pern, son of Admiral Pern will be staying with them.”

“I’ll be fine in a broom closet then.” I was being sarcastic, but I actually meant what I said.

Marcus looked at me seriously, “Listen, Devon Tremont is the biggest prat I’ve ever met. I absolutely refuse to have that asshole sleeping across the hall from me. You on the other hand are my best friend, and infinitely more worthy, in my humble opinion.”

“You wouldn’t know humble if it walked up and kicked you in the shins. But thanks for the compliment. You still can’t put me in here, it’ll cause an incident.” I knew I was right, and surely he realized it as well.

“You’re right. It would. If anyone knew you were a complete nobody. As it stands you are unknown gentry, who happened to be staying here prior to their arrival. Your rank and status are unknown and you were already in residence when they arrived. It would be rude to relocate you unless you were some common lout with no standing.” He was smirking at me now.

“I am a common lout with no standing.”

“I know that, and you know that, but no one else does,” he answered.

“Most everyone living in this castle knows me!”

“I talked to Mother last night. She’s agreed that for this week you are Master Eldridge, a scholar and distant cousin. No one needs to know more than that, and she’ll make sure everyone plays along.”

“What about the servants?” I said.

“People of breeding do not talk to the servants,” he said this with an aristocratic tone and tilted his head back slightly. “Besides I already let them know as well, just to be sure.” He winked at me.

After that I gave up. I had known Marc long enough to realize there was no dissuading him from his wild schemes once he had made up his mind. I only hoped it didn’t turn out badly. We talked for a while longer and made plans to start searching the library that night after dinner. Once we had talked it all out he left and I had the room to myself, so I promptly lay down and took a nap. I had to admit, it was the most comfortable bed I’d ever slept upon.

Sometime later I woke; someone was standing at the bedside. I was slightly confused and it took me a moment to remember where I was. Looking around I realized there was a young woman looking at me with a slightly embarrassed expression. “Sir if you wouldn’t mind getting up, dinner will be served in half an hour.”

Still groggy I sat up and collected my wits as best I could. I glanced at the maid again. She was beautiful in a healthy and unpretentious way that few possess. Soft brown curls creeping down her slender neck framed a delicate face with faintly rosy cheeks. Then I felt stupid, I knew her! “Penny! What are you doing here?” Penelope was her name but in town we all knew her as Penny. She was the cooper’s daughter and one of the most sought after girls in Lancaster. Not that any of the boys had caught her eye yet; she was as discerning as she was beautiful.

“Pardon me sir; I just took service with the Duke’s household this past winter.” She lowered her eyes meekly. The Penny I knew was anything but meek, amiable yes, sweet-spirited certainly, kind usually but not always.

“That’s two ‘sirs’ now Penny, one more and I’ll tell the Lady Genevieve who was stealing her roses a few years back.” When we were eleven or so she and I had been playing in the garden behind the keep. Her grace, the Duchess of Lancaster, or Lady Ginny as we knew her then, kept a beautiful flower garden. Dorian had been with us and when Penny proposed we steal some roses for her I had thought he might die of fright. Dorian had been a big worrier even then. In the end I picked three roses, one for each of us, although Dorian was too nervous to keep his.

“I never! You took those roses!” she exclaimed.

“Well, you put me up to it,” I answered dryly.

“Mort they might fire me if you tell that story.” She looked nervous but I could see her natural spirit starting to reassert itself.

“Relax, I was just kidding. Now explain to me how you wound up as a retainer for the Lancasters.” Actually if I had paused to give it thought it wasn’t hard to figure out. The servants in the keep were generally well compensated and the work was usually better than what you could find in town. All things considered a job here was a stroke of luck for anyone that managed to get one. The pay was generous and whoever she married someday would be blessed with a second income.

“My Da’s business hasn’t been going well lately, he hurt his back last year and we were having trouble making enough to keep food on the table, much less pay the tax man. So when I heard the castle had a position come open, I put in for it. Anyway! Stop distracting me; you’ll get me in trouble for sure. And don’t you dare mention that story about the roses again!” She said this with a tone of annoyance, but her eyes held a smile in them. “I’m supposed to tell you that your clothes are laid out for you on the dressing table and you’d best get moving if you expect to be dressed in time for dinner.”

Now I was off balance again, “Clothes?” I said stupidly.

“You can’t be wearing those if you expect to rub elbows with the Duke’s family, much less the guests who’ll arrive tomorrow.” She wrinkled her nose as she indicated my simple attire. I had worn my best tunic which only had a few patched spots. Mother had even washed it for me this morning so there weren’t any stains.

“There’s nothing wrong with my clothes,” I replied grumpily.

“Not if you’re planning to muck out the stables,” she retorted, “but for Master Eldridge, scholar and gentleman they simple won’t do.” She indicated the clothes laid out for me with a sweep of her hand. There on the dressing table was a fine dark grey doublet and hose, accented with black lacing and ebony buttons. Soft cloth shoes completed the outfit.

Oh hell no, I thought to myself.

Penny was something of a mind reader it seems, or my face gave away my thoughts. She tried another tactic, “Please Master Eldridge! You simply must be properly dressed or else I’ll get in ever so much trouble.” She looked at me with large brown eyes that seemed about to brim over with tears. Had she always had such large eyes?

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I growled.

“Please Master Eldridge; I would be so grateful if you would just deign to wear these garments.” The Penny I knew never acted like this. In fact I remembered her being more of a tomboy. Glancing down I could see she had developed in more ways than one. I blushed a bit then.

“Fine dammit, just get out and let me get dressed.” I was angrier at my own reaction than I was at her.

Her face lit up happily in that annoying way women have when they get what they want. “I’ll just wait in the hall.”

“Damn right you will.” I muttered to myself. I stripped off my clothes and began struggling with the unfamiliar clothes. The hose and shoes I managed without a problem. The white under tunic was simple enough, but when I got to the doublet things got complicated. It had entirely too many buttons and laces and soon I was hopelessly lost.

“Penny,” I called, “are you still there? I think I need some help.”

“I’ve heard that before,” she teased as she peeked into the room. “I knew you’d be calling for help before too long. Here now, stand up straight! Face the mirror… no, not there, I need light from the window to see properly.” She took charge and began sorting out the mess I’d made of the doublet. Standing behind me she reached around me to draw up the laces holding the front together, looking over my shoulder to see her hands in the mirror.

I could feel her hair tickling my neck as she worked to tighten up the laces, something which caused me to develop all sorts of unwelcome thoughts. She didn’t seem to notice thankfully. “When did you get so tall Mordecai?” she said, her breath warm beside my ear. I was pretty sure the softness behind me was a product of the development I’d noticed in her before. My cheeks flushed. “What were you thinking?” she continued without waiting for me to answer, “You have to tuck the shirt in before you tie up the hose.” She slipped her hands in around my waist and deftly began tucking the shirt in. I yelped in an entirely manly manner and jumped away.

“I can do that!” I said, and then continued by putting my foot in my mouth. “I hope you don’t dress all the guests like that.”

“Of course not you dolt! That’s what valets are for!” She looked angry and perhaps a little embarrassed although I wasn’t sure.

“Well then why are you here?” My clever wit was in fine form this evening.

“Marcus thought you might like to see a friendly face rather than deal with a stranger! Honestly Mort, what do you think I am? Some sort of doxy?” Some men claim angry women are attractive but I’ve never been one of them. Penny was scowling at me as I tried to figure out how she had gotten from what I had said to the idea that she was some sort of prostitute.

“Wait Penny, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I was startled and I feel out of place here. I spoke out of turn.” At last my legendary charms were returning to save me. She glared at me for a second longer and then her features softened a bit.

“I guess I can understand that, this place can be intimidating.” She relaxed and then when I wasn’t expecting it she punched me on the shoulder. “There, we’re even now.” For a moment things felt like they did when we were kids, back when things were simpler. “What startled you though?” she asked.

Sometimes you can be too comfortable expressing yourself around your friends, “Well last time I saw you, you were just this big gap toothed tomboy and now you’re… well… you…” Yep I had done it again. Did I mention I’m a genius?

“Tomboy?” She was obviously sorting through and trying to figure out if I had insulted her again. “I guess I was, but what does that have to do with anything? I’m still the same for the most part. We’re both taller after all. Are you trying to say I look funny?”

“No, no… you look great! I mean really really great, beautiful in fact, so much so that I feel a bit awkward.” I turned red as my inner voice replayed what I had just said back to me. By now she understood what I was getting at, and I swear for an instant I saw her smile before she blushed and turned her back on me. I’m sure I imagined it.

“Apology accepted,” she replied, “and thank you for the compliment.” She walked to the door before looking back, “You’d best hurry or you’ll be late for dinner, Master Eldridge.” I snatched up a pillow and threw it at her, but she shut the door before it got there. I’ll never understand women, but I guess having one for a friend isn’t so bad.

I gave myself a last look over in the mirror. The change was astonishing. A tall dark haired man stared back at me, blue eyes standing out in stark contrast. I was still a bit lanky, but the doublet did a lot to address that and I had to admit the grey looked good on me. There was a knock at the door and I found a small boy outside the room.

“An it please you sir, it’s time for dinner, Master Marcus said you’d be wanting to know.” He was a scruffy young boy somewhere between eight and ten years old. One of his front teeth was missing, giving him an off-kilter grin.

“What’s your name boy?” I said, sounding so much like an adult I almost believed it myself.

His answer came with a faint lisp, “Timothy sir. t th

“Lead the way Timothy,” I replied, and gave him a deep bow. Sensing my mood Timothy put on airs himself and we strode down the corridors and hallways like great lords. At least until we encountered the Duchess along the way. We dropped our act then and I gave Timothy a wink as he left. I walked with her grace the rest of the way, in a much more somber mood.

Luckily I knew my way around the keep fairly well so I had no trouble finding the great hall. I would have seated myself at the servants table, where I obviously belonged, but Marc caught me as I entered and steered me to the high table. It felt like everyone in the room was staring at me as I sat down. The duke occupied the head of the table, with his lady wife sitting at the first seat on his right. Across from her Lord and Lady Thornbear were placed and I wound up seated next to her with Marcus to my left. The duke’s other children, Ariadne and Roland sat across from me and Father Tonnsdale, the castle chaplain sat at the foot of the table. This being the first time I had ever sat at the high table, I felt distinctly conspicuous.

The dinner conversation was quiet and revolved entirely around the arrival of their guests the next day. Thankfully no one expected me to give an opinion as I was quite out of my depth. I did keep my ears open and learned a bit however. It seemed the events of the coming week were primarily being staged in order to familiarize Marcus, and to a lesser degree his siblings with other notables around their age. Given that the estates of the landed nobility were separated by great distances each nobleman would host events such as this to allow the young to socialize with their peers. Hopefully this would help them form important friendships that would serve them in the politics of later life, not to mention the possibility of finding a marriage partner. None of this was stated directly of course, but I’m a quick learner and I managed to pick up on the undercurrents.

Things were going well, the soup course was done and I was mostly finished with the second course, a lovely fish and parsnips dish, when Father Tonnsdale leaned forward. He was pontificating on the lack of merit to be found in some of the heathen religions many noble houses still held to, when his silver star slipped out of his robes and came into view. Unlike the last time I had seen it, now it was glowing with a soft gold radiance. Surprised I choked and then coughed, getting some of the parsnips into my nose. They were seasoned with a bit of horseradish, so the resulting burn made my eyes water and I fought to keep from spitting out my food.

Marc thumped me on the back while I regained my composure. Father Tonnsdale addressed me, “Are you all right Master Eldridge?”

“Yes Father, I’m sorry, your necklace caught me off guard. I never noticed it glowing like that before.” As soon as the words left my mouth I knew I had said too much.

“How unusual! I have heard that certain individuals can see the light granted by our Lady, but it is a rare gift. Do you by chance have the sight Master Eldridge?” He was staring at me intently.

Ariadne, Marc’s younger sister spoke then, “Don’t be silly Father, we’ve known Mort for years and he’s never shown any sign of having the sight.” The duchess glared at her daughter for using my nickname at the table.

Marc interrupted, “Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask you about it Father Tonnsdale, this past week Mordecai has begun seeing things, like the castle wards.” Nice, he’d managed to tell everyone at the high table. At least he hadn’t mentioned the incident with the horse, but then I rather doubted he’d want his father knowing he had nearly lost his prize brood mare.

“How old are you Mordecai?” the priest asked me.

“Sixteen sir, I turn seventeen later this month.” I answered.

“Peculiar, in most cases the sight manifests itself around age twelve or thirteen at the latest, during the tempestuous period around puberty. It’s fairly rare in itself but of the few dozen cases I’ve heard of none were later than that.”

“I’m sure it’s just a temporary phase Father.” I was beginning to wish I could make myself invisible.

“I doubt that. You might consider a career in the Church. A gift such as yours is highly prized and its use in the service of our Lady is helpful to avoid accusations of witchcraft and sorcery later on.”

The duchess rescued me then, “Let the lad enjoy his dinner Father. You’re frightening him with talk of witchcraft. It is hardly a fit topic for the dinner table.” Lord Thornbear grunted in agreement with her and the dinner conversation gradually turned away from me and onto more comfortable venues.

Things went smoothly after that, dessert was a lemon syllabub, a sweet cream concoction I had never heard of before but of which I heartily approved. When they began to serve the after dinner drinks Marc signaled me quietly that it was time to leave so we made our excuses and rose from the table.

“Mordecai,” the Duke stopped me, “please call on me in the morning. I’d like to discuss some things with you before the guests arrive tomorrow.”

“Of course your grace,” I bowed and kept my features neutral. I managed to get the rest of the way from the great hall without having a heart attack.

“Don’t fret about it Mort, he just wants to make sure everything is clear concerning your identity this week,” my friend reassured me.

“Speak for yourself,” I replied, “he’s not my father, to me he’s the grand and powerful Duke of Lancaster." We made our way to the library.