Page 41 of Apple Boy

“Has my uncle roused yet?” I asked to break the gloomy silence of the hall, but before Elliot could answer the door was thrust open, and Ivon stomped in. He was well-attired in grey britches and a lavender frock coat under which he wore another beautiful waistcoat, shirt, and lace jabot. But the pomp and finery could not disguise that he looked completely and utterly exhausted.

“Come, we cannot dally. The council is assembling early to meet with us.” He instructed sharply.

I was spreading Bayberry conserve on a slice of bread that was so fresh it was still warm to the touch, but I had not consumed even one bite. I turned to Adam who unconsciously rubbed his belly with satisfaction and grinned. At least he had eaten his fill.

“Will you not break your fast before we go? You look like you at least need coffee.” I suggested.

“No. My guts are all a judder with nerves. I wish to be on our way posthaste, come now!”

With that irascible order, Ivon turned, and I heard the tapping footsteps of servants scurrying to assist him. It appeared that food would have to wait!

CHAPTER

TWENTY-FIVE

REVENGE

As the carriage drew us downhill from The Gentries district into the city I could see all the way out into the Wide Sea. Two galleons were visible on the far horizon making their way to the Port of Serein.

“Is one of those ships yours, uncle?” My question pulled Ivon from his thoughts, and he leaned to the window and followed my gaze.

“I suppose it is possible, but we are too far away to see the colors that are flying. Spirea is reconnoitering west around the coast of Thorn, and the Great Council’s ship Trillium sails east as far as the Terrian coast.”

“Terria is renowned for piracy, is it not?” I commented.

“Aye, that coast is far too treacherous, but if Terrian Pirates have taken the Trojan Star, they know how to navigate those waters and that is where it would be found.” Ivon informed.

“Luca has stationed lookouts at the port. He will inform me when the ships return.”

It was just past the seventh bell, and the city was already alive with commerce. My guts churned with apprehension as I viewed the city skyline, the striking Great Council’s tower never leaving my peripheral vision.

Adam was silent once more, and I believed that he was a little intimidated by the presence of my uncle. The worry etched on Ivon’s face, and dark circles beneath his eyes told me he had not slept much, if at all. He was sitting with his head resting against the back of his seat, his eyes closed.

Adam’s leg jiggled nervously beside my thigh, and I placed my hand upon it to stop the annoying repetitive movement. I turned to him, and my brows rose in consternation. His cheeks flushed. “Sorry,” he mouthed. I knew he was nervous, possibly more nervous than I was. Meeting with the council that ruled the principal city of his province was daunting. I doubted that a soul from Mallowick was ever granted such an honor. I was gentry; therefore I was well-used to socializing in the higher echelons of society. I was schooled in etiquette and deportment, and of course, I understood that I was meeting with people who saw me as their better and therefore they would show me the respect I was due by my station. It was strange to wrap my head around that though. I could not forget the cold, malevolent stares I’d received from the inhabitants of Mallowick, who treated me worse than a dog.

I leaned a little closer to Adam. I had to keep my voice low as I did not want to wake uncle Ivon from his doze until we arrived at the tower.

“You’re nervous,” I said in a whisper, “Don’t fret my dear. All will be well. Just copy me. Bow when I bow, speak when you are addressed, and other than that say nothing, just watch and listen. Your role here is to support me—as a friend, therefore, it’s unlikely that they will even address you directly.”

“That’s what I was hoping you’d say. I mean, why would any o’ the Great Council want te talk to a Pasturelands farm boy?” He said self-depreciatingly. I gave his thigh a light slap.

“You are important, and don’t you forget it!” I whispered furiously. “You’re a witness. Without you, I would not have made it to Serein.” I reminded, then in a softer whisper I said, “And you are special to me.”

Adam turned and met my gaze. It was if he were searching my eyes for proof that my words were the truth of my feelings. He opened his mouth to reply, but the coach jerked violently and my uncle startled in alarm.

“Bahhhh. Are we there?” He barked, staring around the cabin with mad rolling eyes as if trying to place himself.

“No, we are still in the city, uncle.” I gentled, “It was just a rut on the roadway that pulled you from your slumber”.

“Ah, yes, yes. Very good, very good.” He blustered, trying to fix his expression. My uncle had locked himself away last night and so we had not yet discussed what would occur when we addressed the Great Council. I felt like I was going into their meeting chambers wearing a blindfold.

“Uncle, may I seek your counsel?”

“Oh, of course, mah boy.”

I was foolishly ignorant of the politics of this city. I felt completely out of my depth and inept. “Tell me of the Great Council?”

“Ah, yes!” He rubbed his large hands over his face to banish the sleepiness. “How dreadfully remiss of me.” Ivon worried his brow looking older than his forty summers. I wondered if overindulging in pleasure and lack of sleep had caught up with him at last.