laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

The winter had been a mild one as Bernard familiarized himself with the city and royal family more. Taking the time had also endeared himself to the king and queen who admitted at first that the presence of an 'equal' to which they had no authority over was a bit unnerving. He understood their sentiment and relaxed his judicious use of his authority, allowing them knowledge of his actions when he could. Now, it was time to head to Carbost and see to the next two children whose entry into the world would be met with some complications, especially Kailee. As he packed, Amund and Dirk entered the room and quietly waited for his recognition. Their presence had also been a great help as was their knowledge of the city.

"Alright, then. I should be off," he turned, shouldering his pack.

"Your horse is ready as is ours, sir," Amund informed.

He hesitated. "This trip is about another matter. I need you two to remain here and keep an eye on the royals for me."

Both guards shook their heads. "Our duty is to your safety," Amund stated. "We'll be going along, sir."

Bernard eyed them both, realizing it would be hard to keep them from doing what they wished, irregardless of his wishes. "You can't go like that then. This is a private mission and we have to remain unknown."

With a touch of their fingers, both sets of armor morphed into common, leather clothes, boots and jackets before his eyes. The weapons were another matter however. "Impressive," he smiled. "I wasn't aware you could do that."

Smiling, Dirk opened the door. "After you, sir."

* * *

The ride west along the main highway was a long one and another that he hoped he could speed up somehow but, getting the familiarity with this part of the kingdom was an advantage that he could use later as references for gates. Carbost sat atop a sloping hill that stretched from the Black Mountains far to the north and down towards the small farming community of Thomson. Out of the forests, the baroness' father had carved out a strong, defensible position and a crossroads to the Frontier and Midlands beyond. He had seen a map in the chamberlain's office but, it was another matter entirely to see the territory firsthand. Once the trio entered the eastern gate, they made their way to the target residence. Kavayen and his wife, Elizabeth cared for their unwed daugher, Bianka who would be in labor soon. And unfortunately, he would have to also deal with their state when she died giving birth to her daughter, Kailee. He wasn't looking forward to that part as grieving parents were never easily consoled.

Stopping at the front door, another of a long line of homes broken up by gates to one side which led to stables and a small backyard, he heard sawing coming through the opened doorway. Dismounting, he stepped around to notice a well kept, hard packed yard and through the shadows in the stable, an older man working at a bench. "Hello," he called, waving as he stepped into the yard.

Looking up, Kavayen nodded and motioned for him to come in. "Good day, sir," the quiet voice greeted as he set his saw onto the long, broad board and wiped his hands. "What can I do for you," he asked and Bernard could sense that they may have arrived a day too late as he walked up and noticed the reddened eyes.

"Actually, I've come to speak with you on a private matter, sir. My name's Bernard," he held out his hand and accepted a caloused, strong one in return.

"Kavayen," he grinned and noticed the pair standing in the street beyond. "What's this about?"

"You and your family, actually. Is this a bad time?"

Grinning, the middle-aged man's eyes began to water. "Not sure how to answer that one. What is it you need?"

"I see that I'm too late. I'm sorry."

Kavayen nodded as his head dropped, tears streaming down his ruddy cheeks. "Forgive me."

"Not at all, I should come back another time."

Blue eyes rising, "No. It's alright. Can I get you anything?"

"I'm fine. We just had dinner actually. Thank you. Is the child well?"

"She is," he nodded, wiping his face and sniffing. "Beautiful little girl we named Kailee after my mother."

"Beautiful name. She's going to make you proud, sir. I have a good feeling about that."

"What business brings you here? How did you know about us?"

Bernard smiled. "I've been given a task that's going to require your assistance. She's important to the future of the kingdom and I'm going to do all I can to help you in the years to come. My main concern was that she was born healthy and in a good home."

"She is. How do you know these things aren't meant for someone else?"

"I have it on good authority that Kailee is the one I seek as well as many others that are about her age now, even unborn still, that will all come together and shape our future. You and your wife can speak of these things to no one else. Do I have your word?"

His brow furrowed. "Of course."

* * *

Leaving earlier than he had wished, they headed through the south gate and to the first large farm on the left which commanded fifty acres of land, now still partially covered by melting snow. Turning up the drive, he noticed the modest two-story home, large barn and growing oak tree to the right of the porch. As they slowed their mounts at the front of the home, he noticed the door open revealing a stout man, pipe in hand.

"Good day, sir," Bernard greeted as he dismounted.

"Good day," the guarded reply. "What can I do for you?"

"I'm Bernard. I was hoping to speak with you and your wife about Allaster, if I may."

"What about him?"

Smiling, he should get used to this reaction. "Perhaps if we could talk here," he motioned to the chairs on the porch. "I'll only take up a moment of your time."

He nodded, then turned to look back into the home. "Margaret, we have company. Why don't you come out." He turned and eyed the two silent companions suspiciously as his wife carried their young boy out onto the porch and closed the door. "What's this about?"

Bernard claimed the rightmost chair and sat down, resting from the saddle sores which he would tend to later. "I've been given a task that you and your wife will be key in helping with. Your son, Allaster is destined to help with the future of the kingdom and many other things. He's going to begin to gather a group of individuals who will remain closely knit for much of their lives and fight on many fronts. Taking up your mantle, to a degree," he motioned to Markus as both parents eyed him quizzically.

"Why him," Margaret asked, holding her child closer. "Who are you," she asked, glancing to her husband, then back.

"I'm sorry, my name's Bernard. I'm in service to a trust whom have given me the task of keeping an eye on Allaster and many of his future friends. Quite a task, to be sure," he grinned.

"As his mother I'm not that excited to know that my son is going to be led off to fight someone elses wars. He belongs here with his family."

"I know my timing isn't the best," he leaned forward, grinning apologetically. "There was another here in Carbost who is also a chosen one who was born without a mother now to care for her, dying in childbirth. You're the lucky one, Margaret. At least you'll be able to raise Allaster and see him become an adult."

She softened and finally took a seat beside Markus as a thousand questions raced through their minds.