Tales of Regventus : Adalwen
Chapter 14

Ansel woke up the next day well rested. He peeked out his window while he was dressing and saw that the clouds had blown away. The skies were clear, and the sun was rising, promising a bright sunny day. He would need to go downstairs and send a note to Delis House to inform Hector, the leader of the Ring of Nine, that he had returned with Max. He hoped the Ring would be able to meet by tomorrow. Ansel walked down to the main parlor to use the writing desk found there. He walked in to replace Griffa sitting on the sofa by the fire, drinking tea and reading a message of her own.

“Good morning, Griffa,” said Ansel going over to the desk. “Catching up on your correspondence?”

“Yes, there were just a few notes here from the time I was gone,” replied Griffa skimming over her letter. She laughed loudly and folded up her message.

Ansel looked at her with a questioning look.

“Talon wants to come visit for the Fall festival. He says it’s to see me, but I imagine the Valley council wants him to come meet Max,” she said looking up at Ansel.

Ansel fought the urge to roll his eyes. Talon Wendell was not one of Ansel’s favorite men in the kingdom. He was loud and seem to think everything as a joke. He always flirted constantly with Griffa. Ansel knew there was probably a history between them, but he tried not to think about it.

“What will you tell him?” asked Ansel.

“I’ll tell him to come. I’ll invite him to stay here at the manor for a few nights. He will want to spend some time with Max to report back to the council.”

Ansel almost audibly groaned, but instead he nodded at Griffa.

“Who are you going to write?” asked Griffa putting her letter away and picking up her cup of tea.

“Hector Delis, I need to let him know I am back with Max.”

“So soon? Maybe you should give the boy a couple days to rest.”

“No, I told Hector I would write as soon as I returned,” Ansel replied, taking out a piece of paper and a quill. “I also plan to start Max’s training today. I hope you have time to help?”

“You plan to start training today? Ansel, give the boy a day to get his bearings. He has been drug from the only home he has ever known and brought to a strange place he has never heard of. He needs time to adjust.”

Ansel felt they were building towards another one of their arguments.

“I won’t train the boy all day. He will have time this afternoon, but he must start reclaiming his magical ability. It will go more smoothly if you will help,” he said, trying to reestablish the peace.

“Fine, training this morning, but after lunch we let Max decide what he wants to do,” insisted Griffa going back to her note.

Ansel wrote his letter and addressed it. He called for Jonthon and asked him to see that it was sent as soon as possible. Max then came into the room looking a little sheepish.

“Oh, here you are. I’ve been looking for at least fifteen minutes. Your house is really big, Griffa.”

“Max, I’m sorry, I should have thought to have someone show you where we would be. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, very. My bed is really comfortable and very big. I’ve never seen anything like all of this,” said Max spinning around slowly, looking at the room.

“It’s the old family home. As I mentioned last night, it was built when the town was established, after the followers of the Ancients took over Aurumist. It took a while for the magical folk to organize safely, but when they did, they created two villages Abscon and the Valley. They were established as safe havens, places where all magical folk could live in peace and safety. Since then, there have been other magical villages that have sprung up, but none of them so big as Abscon or the Valley. This house was one of the first homes in Abscon.”

“It’s beautiful and really interesting,” said Max. “I don’t even know what half this stuff is.”

He was looking at the mantle and all the different contraptions that rested there.

“I can give you a tour later if you would like. We can even go walk around the village this afternoon.”

“I would like that,” said Max with a smile.

“This morning I would like to start some training with you. It won’t be too strenuous, not today, but we need to get you started,” said Ansel coming over closer to Max and Griffa.

“Can I have breakfast first?” asked Max, rubbing his stomach.

“Of course, you can,” said Griffa. “Come on, let’s all go to the dining room.

Ansel let them go ahead, watching Griffa escort Max. He thought she looked really lovely this morning in her light blue dress and her hair hanging loose down her back. He had thought a lot about Griffa since their conversation the other night. He knew he would need to clear his head for this morning. He needed to concentrate on helping Max. He hoped a good breakfast would be a good start.

Breakfast went by quickly. Max seemed to enjoy trying each of the many dishes Maybell had put out for their meal. Ansel stuck to some toast, meat, and a little fruit. Maybell tried to get him to eat more, but he resisted. He did everything in moderation. As soon as the meal was over, he led Max and Griffa out to the back lawn of the house. They went over to the large patch of grass to the right of the stables. Ansel saw that Max couldn’t help keep glancing at the stables. He was sure Max would be interested to see inside.

“You will get to see it all in a bit. I’m sure Wallis will be sure to show you all the horses, but for now I need you to focus on training,” said Ansel

Max nodded and seemed to be ready.

“Ok, I want you to have a seat on the ground, Max. Get a feel for the earth,” said Ansel.

Max looked a little perplexed but did as Ansel asked. Griffa took a seat on the ground next to Max spreading out her skirt around her.

“Feel the earth. Run your hands through the grass, and touch the dirt underneath,” said Ansel circling around Max and Griffa.

Max did as he instructed, Griffa too put her hands into the earth, gathering some dirt in her hands.

“Magic comes from all around us, Max,” said Griffa, her eyes closed. “Feel the dirt, the breeze, the sun on your face. Magic is in all of it.”

Ansel watched Max close his eyes and breath in deep.

“Magic is also in you. If you look hard enough you can feel it in your blood and in your breath, moving in you,” said Ansel.

“What does it feel like?” asked Max, his eyes still closed.

“Like a heartbeat in tune with your own, a fire in your veins, a breath that wells up within you. Another life living inside you next to your own,” said Griffa, her eyes now open looking at Max. “You can hear it singing to you quietly.”

“I know it sounds strange, but you will know it when you feel it,” said Ansel. “Just sit and be still for a moment.”

They were all three quiet, the only sound being the distant whinny of horses and the gentle breeze shaking a nearby tree. Ansel went and picked up a stick by the tree. He came back over and sat next to Max.

“Max, open your eyes and look at the stick in front of you,” said Ansel.

Max opened his eyes and looked down.

“We are going to work on levitating this stick,” explained Ansel. “Like this.”

Ansel raised his hand and the stick raised up off the ground and then gently landed back on the earth.

“What should I do?” asked Max.

“Close your eyes and put your hand over the stick. Envision it floating in the air and concentrate,” answered Griffa.

Max did as he was told, but nothing happened. He peeked after a while and looked at Ansel with a disappointed look on his face.

“It’s ok. It takes a while the first time. Try again, this time really concentrate on your breathing,” said Ansel.

For an hour they stayed in the yard as Max tried to levitate the stick, but nothing was happening. Ansel wasn’t too discouraged. He didn’t expect much. It would take time.

“I’m sorry. I really am trying,” said Max, his hand over the stick.

“It’s okay, Max,” said Griffa. “This will take time. Here let me help you and see if you can feel anything.”

She placed her hand over Max’s and levitated the stick. Max instinctively pulled his hand back, the stick falling to the ground.

“I felt something! It was like a pulse through my hand. It felt warm,” said Max excitedly.

“Yes! That’s it, Max,” said Griffa clapping. “Let’s try it again.”

She again put her hand on Max’s and levitated the stick. This time Max kept his hand under hers as she manipulated the stick to move up and down. Ansel thought this was good progress.

“Ok, Max, now Griffa’s going to move her hand away from yours. Try to keep the stick in the air.” said Ansel watching closely.

Griffa moved her hand away, and Max managed to keep the stick aloft for a few seconds.

He looked up at Ansel, smiling.

“That was good, now let’s do it again.”

They spent the rest of the morning doing this over and over. Max tried a few times on his own and could get the stick to twitch but not fully levitate, but Ansel thought it was a good start. At lunch time, Griffa had to make Max stop by throwing the stick away, because he was intent on continuing.

“You need a break, Max.” said Griffa. “This takes a lot of energy and you are going to wear yourself out. Let’s eat and see about the tour of the house. Maybe even take a stroll around the village.”

They went into the house and had lunch. As they were getting ready for a tour of the house a letter came for Ansel.

“You will have to excuse me this afternoon. I’ve been summoned by Hector to come to his house for a meeting,” said Ansel. “I will be back for dinner.”

“Very well,” said Griffa. “Young Max and I will have a grand time this afternoon.”

Ansel went to grab his hat and cloak, and Griffa followed him.

“What do you think Hector wants so urgently?” asked Griffa.

“Probably just to hear how the boy is, and what is planned over the next few days,” replied Ansel putting his hat on.

“At least they aren’t asking for Max yet, small mercies. We will see you this evening.”

Griffa walked Ansel to the door.

“Oh, and say hello to dear Desma for me. I’m sure she will be at the door to greet you,” Griffa said in a mocking tone. She opened the door to let Ansel out. Ansel shook his head at Griffa and went on his way.

Delis house was about a five-minute walk from Keene Manor. Along the way Ansel passed his own modest home. He took a moment to look at it. It was two stories made of the same stone as Keene Manor, built around the same time. Generations of protectors had lived there. It looked in good repair. He had a nice married couple who would come and tend to it while he was gone. He would check in with them in a few days.

Ansel wasn’t too fond of his home. He had spent so much time at Keene manor as a youth and young man that it felt much more like home than Ansel’s house. For a moment he let himself wonder what it would be like to permanently live in the manor with Griffa, staying in her room. A small smile came to his lips, but he quickly cleared his mind. This was not a time for daydreaming, not when he would be walking into Delis House and talking with Hector and probably Desmona as well.

Ansel arrived at the Delis House and knocked on the door. He expected the housekeeper or some other house worker to answer the door, but it was Desmona herself at the door.

“Ansel! I was so glad to hear you arrived in town safely. I hope you left the king and little Griffa well this afternoon. Come in, father will see you in just a moment, but I thought we could have a chat first.”

Ansel didn’t want to have a chat with Desmona, but he saw there was no choice. She brought him into their parlor. It was a fancy room that looked like it had been recently refurbished. He imagined Desmona’s mother had redone it recently. He removed his hat and placed it on a small table.

“Where is your mother today? I would like to give my regards,” said Ansel not wanting to be alone with Desmona.

“She is out visiting as usual. She has many admirers you know, and father does not mind. He knows who and what she is. You know us enchantresses can’t help our nature. It does not mean that we do not love,” said Desmona inviting Ansel to sit on the sofa.

He sat down and thought over her words. He knew exactly how enchantresses were as he had plenty of experience with Desma. She would make promises to him one night, and spend the next night in the arms of another. He wanted nothing to do with her ever again.

“I’ve been thinking perhaps it is time for me to settle down. If I could meet the right person who is not the jealous type, who would understand I can’t help who I am, and yet know he was the one I would always come home to, then I think I could be very happy. I would also make him incredibly happy as well,” said Desmona in a seductive tone.

“I wish you luck in replaceing someone then. Maybe at this year’s harvest festival. I hear it will be quite nice with plenty of visitors from the Valley. It might be good for you to meet someone who doesn’t know you,” said Ansel with indifference.

“Oh, Ansel you don’t have to play with me. I know you remember how we used to be. I know you can’t help but still think of me. We had such fun together. Can you imagine being like that for the rest of your lives?” she said putting her hand over his.

He quickly took his hand from under hers and stood up. He did remember what it was like when they were together. He remembered the passionate nights that would pass in a blur and the horrible days they spent together. He didn’t want to relive any of it.

“Desma, if you are considering me as a husband, I would think again.”

“You have a line to continue. You are of an age where you should think of a wife, Ansel, and who better than me? I will not hold you back. I know you have a job to do. Just promise you would not hold me back as well,” said Desmona looking up at him.

“No, Desma, I will not be your husband. You can’t stop thinking that right now.”

“Is there someone else then? Are you really pining for Gryphon? Do you think she will ever settle down, Ansel? She is as wild as a forest sprite, and she will never give you what you need.”

“And you think you know what I need?” asked Ansel.

He was getting angry, but he didn’t want to show that to Desmona.

“Yes, you need someone who knows how to navigate magical high society. Someone who can host parties and entertain. You will be protector to the king, and you will have a high station. You need someone to match that. Griffa may have the bloodlines and name, but she doesn’t have the manners or temperament. It must be her non-magical mother’s blood. Why her father fell for that little, simple woman I will never know.”

“Stop talking about Griffa and her family. She is more than you will ever know. What my plans may be are none of your concern. Just know you are not included in any of them,” said Ansel through clenched teeth.

He knew he was showing too much emotion, but he couldn’t help it.

“We will see, Ansel. I’m very persistent. You will see I am right,” said Desmona. She got up and stood in front of Ansel.

The door to the parlor opened and Hector Delis stepped in.

“Ansel,” he said, “how good it is to see you.”

He looked at Desmona and Ansel standing close together.

“I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything, or maybe I do,” he said with a laugh.

“We were just catching up as old friends, father,” said Desmona.

She gave Ansel a kiss on his cheek, and whispered in his ear.

“I’d look out for Griffa if I were you. The Ring does not approve of her and they will not like her playing hostess to the king.”

Louder she said, “It is so good to have you back in town, Ansel. I hope to see more of you very soon.”

Ansel nodded as she walked away and left the room. He didn’t like her warning about Griffa. Was she telling the truth or trying to get under his skin?

“Now, Ansel. Tell me about the young king. Is all as it should be?” asked Hector sitting down in a chair and inviting Ansel to do the same.

“He’s a good boy, I think. He seems clever. He proved to be kind and brave on our journey here. I think he is all we could expect at this point. He is still young and has lived his life until now as a stable boy. I think he will grow into who he needs to be.”

“So, you trust he will accept that he is king? The Ring won’t want a reluctant king. We will need someone sure of himself if this is going to work.”

“I think in time his confidence in his title will grow,” assured Ansel.

“Time is not something we have a lot of at the moment. How hard is it going to be for him to discover his magical abilities?”

“I think he will learn quickly. Griffa and I have already started training him this morning, and he showed great promise,” answer Ansel.

“You think it is wise to include Gryphon Keene in training the boy?” asked Hector leaning forward.

“Why wouldn’t it be? Griffa is a powerful sorceress. She has a better feel for magic than most folk. Max also enjoys having her around, and he already trusts her,” answered Ansel.

Hector took a moment and looked as though he was choosing his words carefully.

“Ansel, I know you are fond of Gryphon. I Have no real objection to her, but she is, well, a little different. Aren’t you afraid she could fill the young king’s head with things that won’t be helpful? We don’t need any complications.”

“Griffa cares about the boy, and she will do what she can to keep him safe. She might talk to him of choices more than you and me, but when Max chooses to become king, she will not stand in his way.”

“Are you sure the boy will choose it? Could others such as Gryphon or people he knows back in Clarton influence his decision?” asked Hector.

“The young king will choose what is right. He might be confused and unsure now, but that is to be expected. Once he learns more about our history and unlocks his own magical ability, he will become who he was meant to be,” said Ansel firmly.

“Very well, you will be expected before the Ring tomorrow after breakfast before the mid-morning bell rings. Bring the boy so we can meet him. We will want to review your training schedule and discuss his living arrangements.”

“Max and I will be staying at Keene Manor. He will be safe there and well looked after.”

Ansel caught his own voice raising and knew he was showing too much emotion.

“I have no doubt, Ansel. There is no need to get defensive; I am just stating what the Ring will want to talk about. I am not saying that the young king cannot stay at Keene Manor, only that the Ring will want to discuss it. You will bring the boy tomorrow?”

“Yes, we will be there directly after breakfast. Is there anything else?” asked Ansel standing up.

“No that will be all. You can of course stay awhile and take tea with Desmona if you would like. Maybe even stay for dinner?”

“I thank you, but no. I need to get back and start planning out the king’s training. Give my regards to your wife and Desma.”

“Of course, let me see you out,” said Hector as he stood up walking Ansel to the door. Ansel grabbed his hat off the little table as he passed.

“Ansel, I have nothing against the Keene girl. Her father was one of my best friends and a wonderful leader of the Ring, but you have to admit she is a little different. Take care with her around the young king.”

“Griffa would never do anything to hurt the plan for the kingdom. She wants peace and justice restored as much as anyone.”

“I’m sure,” said Hector opening the door, “but you may have a harder time convincing some others on the Ring of that. Good day, Ansel.”

Ansel bowed and walked out the door and onto the front lawn. He took a deep breath and put his hat on, willing himself to calm down. He knew Griffa had a reputation of sorts, but he still didn’t like it thrown in his face. He knew she wouldn’t care. She knew who she was, and he did as well. He didn’t want Griffa to change. Ansel just hopped it didn’t cause harm to come to her at some point.