Page 17 of Apple Boy

Adam turned, his expression pained, his eyes beseeching me to do something. I did not want him to fail, and I did not want us to spend the night in the stable so stepped to his side.

“Is there a problem here, Sewell?” I said in my most clipped Thornian accent.

“Sorry, my lord. It seems we’re out of luck.”

“WHAT?” I snapped. “That will not do. Landlord, yes, you, man!” I blustered as he met my gaze. “I need a soft bed, a bath, and good hot food in my belly. Your name, my good man?” I demanded.

“Muh… muh Master Rawlings, muh… my Lord.” The landlord’s spoke as if the words had been dragged from his mouth. His eyes widened with surprise that he had said them. He took a confused step back and doffed an invisible cap. The action amused me.

“I know that Sewell, and I are rather… dressed down.” I said in a regretful tone. “We happened upon some bad business upon the road.” I explained, and then, seeing his countenance had changed from the tight-lipped disdain he’d held for Adam to the keen attention of a hound, I leaned to him, and in a conspiratorial whisper I said, “Bandits—took everything. If it weren’t for my faithful Sewell here I’d be standing in rags, or… dead!”

“Oh my Lord!” Rawlings gasped, exasperated. “The roads be terrible bad these days—tales I’ve heard, you wouldn’t believe—”

“Oh, I think I would”, I said theatrically.

“Forgive any misunderstanding, my Lord,” Rawlings simpered. “You shall have the best room I got, nu… nu… no charge.” He stuttered, once again as if the words were pulled from his mouth. He appeared confused and torn by what he had just said.

I saw Adam’s jaw drop. I was rather surprised myself by the sudden turn-about in his manner, but free bed and board, that was far too generous. We had the coin to pay for our accommodations, and I did not expect to stay for free.

“Freda!” Rawlings called to a waifish maid who had been serving travelers in the tap room.

“Go find Wren and get him to move Mr. Laurel from the Captain’s chamber into room six. Remake the Captain’s chamber for Count… Lord Skraedig here.”

“Noh, Rawlings!” I batted his statement away. “There’s no need to evict anyone from their chamber. All I need is a featherbed and a palette for my man.” I insisted.

“Are you sure? Nothing’s too much to ask for you—my Lord.” The man’s eyes fixed on me in a most uncomfortable, mesmerized way and anxiety crawled beneath my skin. Then, a realization hit me, and blood chilled my veins with understanding of what was happening. My right hand was in the pocket of my britches, and I clutched the Star-fall. I’d been unwittingly using the power to persuade Rawlings to think well of me. I had no idea how the gemstone worked, but I was quite disgusted with myself. I fought with my feelings and wondered that if I let go of the stone now, would the landlord change his mind and make us sleep in the stable? I could not risk that. I wanted to look after Adam and thank him for his kindness. If this was how I could get him the best room, I would grip this gemstone until we were safely stowed in our chamber.

I toyed with the morals of using the Star-fall. Was it wrong to use the stone or just to use it for manipulative deeds? I’d done no harm, just made the landlord think well of me. This gem was incised with my family’s thorn insignia; therefore, the power it held was mine by birthright. So, I supposed I was meant to use it—born to use it. And how I made use of it depended on the kind of man I was and wanted to be. Col Sewell had used it to control and bully those he deemed weaker, but I was nothing like Adam’s father. After the bad luck that had befallen me since setting sail from the Osian capital of Altea, nearly a month ago, I needed all the good fortune I could get. I nodded graciously to Rawlings and followed the young maid through the common room and up solid timber stairs.

After some little fuss, the chambermaid showed us to the best room at the back of the inn. It was quieter than the rooms overlooking the City Road, with the comings and goings of carriages and travelers on foot continuing long after the sun had set. Considering that I’d slept on the bare earth or straw for nearly three weeks, the room appeared luxurious. It had a large, deep feather bed for two and a palette on the floor at the foot of the bed for a servant. The maid stood pensively beside Adam as I perused the accommodation.

“Is there indoor pipework at this establishment?” I asked my clipped, aristocratic accent on display.

“Oh, no sir. Nearest you’ll find that’s in Serein. I can arrange for hot water for bathing if it pleases you.”

“Indeed. Draw a bath. Run along and make arrangements, and I want a jug of wine, and platters of meats, fruit, bread, and cheeses.” The maid turned to Adam and offered him a beseeching look. Adam turned in confusion and met my gaze. I nodded to remind him of his role.

“Oh, right! Sorry”, he jumped to attention, and then he rifled in his purse for a copper which he gave to the maid. She nodded her thanks and left the room.

Adam stood in the doorway, “I forgot I was your valet,” he winced apologetically, then carried our bags into the room and closed the door. As soon as the door closed, he gave me a mischievous grin, dropped our bags, then ran and threw himself onto the large featherbed.

“I don’t know how you did that!” He scoffed as he lay splayed across the bed, disheveled, and delightfully attractive. “But am I ever happy you did. This bed is bloody glorious!” he laughed. I wished I could bring myself to join him, but I was worried that the servant would return all too soon and discover us.

“Are you okay with sharing the room?” I asked,

“Sure, I couldn’t leave my master te fend for himself.” The look he gave me was indecent and made me shiver with longing.

“Wouldn’t it just be delightful to laze in a hot bath, drinking fine wine and enjoying excellent company?” He said mocking my accent.

“Oh, are we expecting company?”

We considered one another fondly for a moment and then we both erupted with guffaws of laughter. I stepped to the side of the bed and offered him my hands.

“Come, let’s go to the taproom for an ale while the bath is readied,” I suggested. “It’s been a long time since I’ve tasted anything but cider.”

Adam pushed up to lean on his elbows then took a hold of my hands. “Very well, but we need to talk—serious talk, you understand?” Adam reminded.

There was so much I wanted to tell him of my life, and why I was on a mission to get to Serein. Part of me thought that traveling to the city with Adam was pure madness, but I was selfishly growing all too fond of his company. I was lonely, and not just since I’d become stranded in Mallowick. In the past few days, I realized that I’d been lonely all of my life. The color, freedom, men, and parties I was familiar with in Skraedig left me hollowed out. It was why I’d asked my father to let me visit the provinces for my Bloomsday gift rather than have yet another boring party on reaching my majority. I was searching for something that would make my heart—and not just my prick swell!